#and I was going to work on it instead because I knew hs/college au would be too depressing | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

wincore · 3 years

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field day | jung sungchan

pairing: sungchan x fem!reader

synopsis: when you, as cheer captain, are best friends with the pride and joy of the soccer team, rumors are bound to fly around.

genre: high school au, soccer au, bff2l, fluff

words: 7.5k

warnings: language, jung “the risk i took was calculated but man am i bad at math” sungchan

request: sungchan + ball + “ everyone is looking at us. is that a good or a bad thing? ” (from the first option) ^__^

song recs: after school - weeekly / pleaser - wallows / some - bol4 / sweet talk - saint motel / love so sweet - cherry bullet

a/n: i tried recalling some hs memories for this and im hoping i wasnt the only one that went through the “shipped with a random dude” ordeal LOL. i haven’t written shorter fics in a while so i’m glad i got to. tq for requesting, lovepie <33

In high school, peer pressure tends to come in different forms. For you, it’s taken the shape of this.

“Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!”

You look around your classmates, scanning each and every face chanting with glee like you’re a star player scoring the winning point. The tall figure shifts beside you, glancing at you like a blinking idiot. You’re not even on the losing team but it feels just as frustrating.

You glare at the boy beside you. The trouble is Jung Sungchan. The trouble has always been Jung Sungchan.

“Come on!” Chenle calls with a teasing grin from the buzzing crowd. The little shit. It’s getting hotter with each minute you spend by the green soccer field and its dusty chalked lines, just at the tip of the bleachers. You didn’t even get enough time to breathe before you were surrounded, the soccer team pushing a stumbling Sungchan onto you. It’s too sunny for this today.

“The star soccer player gets a kiss from the lead cheerleader after a winning game! That’s the rule.” Chenle announces.

Sungchan looks at you and you turn to him, the both of you looking at each other like fish out of water. Even though you’ve clarified at least a hundred times that you’re just friends, your peers don’t seem to be satisfied. (“Famous last words,” they say.)

“No,” you say, firmly.

“No,” Sungchan agrees, nodding his head wisely.

“Don’t copy me,” you say, smacking his chest, and a quiet ‘oof’ escapes his mouth.

The fact that you’ve been best friends since Sungchan offered you a light green crayon in elementary school just fuels the idea that you have to date. There’s this difference between elementary school kids teasing and high school kids teasing—it was so much easier back when boys were afraid of cooties from girls. It was innocent too. Now, it’s more of nudges and sly grins, teasing with unnecessary innuendo. (What else do you expect from teenagers experiencing puberty?) It doesn’t stop you from being best friends though. Sungchan still visits on Fridays to get on your mom’s nerves and help you with homework (or try to). You still have all the little trinkets he’s gifted you over the years and the lock to his phone is still your birthday. You’re best friends and strictly that.

When you got into the same middle school though is when it started going downhill. Holding his hand was awkward, touching him in any way was awkward and god forbid you compliment him on something. The kids around you would run across the halls saying “(name) likes Sungchan!” or the other way around sometimes. Heathens, the lot of them. But at the very least, he wasn’t too fazed and you wonder how he could be that even-tempered. If it was just you feeling that way, then maybe you did like him more than he did you.

You shake it off.

Sungchan’s much more grown now and at least a foot taller since his awkward adolescent years; he looks handsomer too but you wouldn’t be caught dead saying it out loud. After all, it’s only going to spark another debate on the anonymous school forum. (“(name) finds Jung Sungchan attractive, they’re totally dating.” “I knew it. A boy and a girl can’t be friends, especially if they’re both good looking.”) If you’re being honest, you hate the rumours so much—it’s one of the reasons, apart from puberty, stopping you from being as close as before. However, you do understand that this is how the passage of time works. You’re not going to be spending all of your time with each other, yes, but you still regard him as important. Your life is too busy now, with exams and practice—and you’d think a busy bee would get some honey as reward.

Sungchan’s curls stick to his forehead, unruly after he wiped at them with a towel. The sunlight plays with his eyes when he looks at you intently and you shrug. The smell of sweat is starting to make you nauseous. You remember that you too need to take a shower.

“I’ll see you tomorrow,” you mumble.

“Not today?” He asks.

You shake your head. “The girls have a plan.”

It’s not just the sweat. Or the crowds. You don’t like being here at all. There’s one more problem with this place.

You hate soccer.

And by hate, you mean you despise it. Like you’ll throw up at the sight of it. What’s so riveting about a bunch of smelly, sweaty guys excited about chasing a patterned ball? You’ve tried to understand it but every time your dad explains the rules, you find yourself zoning out of whatever alien language he speaks.

Sungchan has been the closest to getting you to understand the game and even then, you refused to learn. It’s not like you’re society’s definition of girly—but you’re not a tomboy either. The school has granted you the “ice queen with a warm interior” stereotype so you’ll just go with that. To be honest, you’re just a little more awkward at open affection than your friends. (And Sungchan has the “friendly beagle” stereotype which you’ll agree is partly true. He’s more of a retriever though, with that size.) It’s just funny how you can never seem to know who you are but other people see so clearly.

You hurry up to the locker rooms and hope for a better evening than this afternoon.

The sky burns blue and you wipe the sweat off your brow once you step out of the changing room. Cooling off from your shower has gone to waste. Adjusting your school skirt, you take your usual strides to the school gates.

Ryujin seems to be showing Yuna a very flamboyant dance move while the latter hypes her up. Ryujin is in her gym uniform because she has no care for her reputation apparently, but she makes it work. Yuna’s about to show her own move when she notices you and waves at you vigorously enough to make you jog towards her and stop embarrassing herself in front of the after school crowd. But then again, she’s too cute for that.

“We got bored waiting for you,” Yuna explains, voice hoarse from her cold. Poor thing wasn’t let into performing because of it. “Do you wanna see our cool new move? Ryujin came up with it!”

Ryujin rolls her eyes. “You’re trying to advertise me to (name) so she can recruit me into cheerleading, aren’t you?”

You smile and cross your arms, facing Yuna who’s been caught mid-act. She smiles sheepishly and pats your shoulder like she just said a funny joke.

“Actually…” You begin and Ryujin holds up her arms in a cross.

“No. Never. I’m already part of the hip-hop dance club.”

“I was going to say that I’ll join you instead.”

Yuna gasps in betrayal, big eyes widening, and Ryujin grins before sticking her tongue out and potentially ruining her image with that expression. She doesn’t care, however.

“Anyway, I can’t wait to get to college and join a dance club.” Ryujin looks at the two of you excitedly. “I keep getting snaps from Yeji and feel so jealous.”

Yuna pouts. “Don’t be so happy about leaving me.”

“Aw, is the baby afraid of not getting any more sisterly doting?” Ryujin teases and you laugh at the disgruntled expression on Yuna’s face.

“Don’t worry,” Ryujin continues with a sly grin. “Taehyun’s here to keep you company for another year.”

Yuna turns red in the face, a high pitched complaint emitting from her throat. “I told you to keep quiet about that!”

“Oh, what’s this?” You wiggle your eyebrows. “We’re starting boy talk early today.”

Yuna huffs. “At least, mine’s just a crush. I don’t know what relationship status: complicated you have going on with Mr. Soccer Captain.”

You flush hotly. “There’s no relationship status to be complicated about! Seriously, why does everyone think we’re a thing?”

“You’re cheer captain and he’s soccer captain,” Ryujin answers logically. “Plus, you’re best friends.”

“You have a lot of sexual tension,” Yuna answers honestly.

You make a face, slipping your arms into theirs and pulling them along the sidewalk. You better get something to drink before the sky starts to turn purple from pink tinged blue.

“Ooh, another desperate attempt from (name) to not get teased,” Ryujin leans back to whisper to Yuna.

You stop walking. “Wait. Where are we going?”

Yuna shakes her head. “I’ll lead the way.”

Skipping over the concrete sidewalk, you laugh at your friends and their stories (read: Ryujin gushing over Yeji’s college dance club and Yuna’s newfound crush on Taehyun). The blue sky has tinged orange by now but it’s the sort of colour that sits in between more significant timeframes, like night and evening. Passing by a city square, you eye the people with wonder. A girl in a pink skirt skateboards smoothly over the concrete, her boyfriend filming her with a loving smile.

“We’re here!” Yuna announces.

You look around the large open plaza, with people of all ages and in different attires trying out skateboarding and rollerblading over the grey concrete. It’s been getting popular lately, with idol pop stars taking to it too but you never knew there was this big a community. There seems to be a few stalls renting out skateboards too. The wind caresses your hair, evening cool settling in nicely on your skin. The sky is purple but it’s lit up with the city buildings and street lamps flickering on. It’s not a bad day at all.

Someone catches your attention. A boy that sticks out like a sore thumb everywhere he goes.

“Sungchan?!”

Your eyes somehow always settle on his figure, tall and standing out in the crowd of teenagers. He clutches his blue bag, the one he’s had since third grade, close to his chest and looks more like a tourist in this place than a frequent visitor. He’s not the only one in school uniform now that you’re here.

“(name)!”

You hate how you love the way his face lights up when he sees you. You’re not actually into him. It’s your friends brainwashing you.

“I was going to invite you,” Sungchan says, a sorry smile on his face.

Ryujin and Yuna frown at each other but you can’t exactly ask the reason for it.

“Isn’t it great we had the same plans?” he beams at the three of you.

Yuna suppresses a smile and you wonder why. It’s not like your friends would know he’d be here—you’d know first as best friend.

"How did you guys come across this place?" He asks, eyes round with curiosity.

"Somi's Tiktok," Yuna answers, smiling. "We thought she works here but if she really was, guys would be swarming this place."

Ryujin raises her eyebrows. "Speaking of which, I can clearly see why there are so many girls here."

Sungchan beams, turning to you for affirmation and when you don't give him any, he drops his grin to a more polite smile.

“I don’t work at the stalls though,” he answers. “I’ve just been here a few times.”

“You’re trying to learn, aren’t you?” Ryujin asks, raising an eyebrow.

He nods. However, you furrow your eyebrows at her. How does she know? Eyes widening, you realize it must be the school forum. You remember reading a post about a student wanting to learn skateboarding and the wording felt familiar but you didn’t think much. How they figured it out, you will never know.

“Oh! Oh, I think my nose is bleeding. Oh god.” Yuna sniffs vehemently, her finger at her nose. “I think I’m going to need Ryujin to get me to a clinic.”

Linking her arm through Ryujin’s, Yuna makes an apologetic expression and runs off into a particularly crowded area.

You blink. The realization dawns.

"They just left me," you tell him, exasperated. "How could they just leave me?"

He shrugs. "My team left me at a rival school's field once."

Great. Your last outing before midterms and your friends have abandoned you. If this is the case, you wonder why they complain about you spending so much time with Sungchan and allegedly ignoring them.

You regain a sense of your surroundings and turn to him. "Wait. They really left you?"

He nods diligently, eyes trained upwards as he tries to recall the memory. "I told you, didn’t I? On the plus side though, I made friends with the opposite team."

"That's so… cute."

Your cheeks heat up at saying it out loud. If Sungchan is affected by it in any way, he doesn't show it. Instead, he has his usual smile on.

“Do you wanna try?” he asks. “Skateboarding. Or rollerblading but I personally don’t recommend that.”

He curls his lips, shaking his head slightly. You laugh. Of course this beanpole has trouble balancing on skates.

"I- I figured you'd be good at skateboarding. Since, you know, you're so balanced and all."

You raise an eyebrow. "You wanna add skateboarding to your resume or something?"

"Yeah, that and the ability to imitate dog sounds. Wanna see?"

"No, thanks. I’ll pray this weekend to cure your furry behaviour."

Before he can respond, you’re interrupted by a whirlwind of colours and excited calls. A few girls run up to the two of you, younger and probably in middle school, flocking to Sungchan like bees to honey. Never in your life have you felt so ignored as in this singular moment.

You blink, turning to Sungchan who looks like a rather helpless, flustered eye of the hurricane. The winds don't seem to be stopping any time soon.

You clear your throat trying to get their attention.

"Wow, you brought your girlfriend?" One of the girls exclaims, sounding disappointed.

The other girls make similar whines of disappointment and you have half the heart to whack them over the head and tell them to focus on their academics instead of boys.

"You're so lucky to have him as your boyfriend," a girl comments, round eyes brimming with jealousy.

“He’s not my boyfriend,” you declare sharply.

Sungchan looks at you with his doe eyes, blinking cartoonishly. You nudge him with your elbow.

“Yeah!” He agrees, with far too much gusto to be believable. “I’m not (name)’s boyfriend. I have no idea why everyone keeps saying that.”

“Let’s go, babe,” you say, resisting the urge to stick your tongue out at the girls. They’re younger than you and you have high school dignity, you remind yourself.

Slipping your hand into his, you take a few long strides away from them before you realize what you said.

“I- I did- I didn’t mean to call you babe,” you sputter, pulling your hand from his to look at him with wide eyes.

“It’s okay though?”

Sungchan raises an eyebrow and slips his hand back into yours, smiling.

“I don’t mind the rumours, you know?” He says honestly but his smile feels all too teasing. “Maybe we should go out for real.”

You huff, separating yourself from him again. “Maybe you just love attention. Disgusting.”

You point an accusatory finger at him and he bites at it playfully.

“While you're here, wanna see a cool trick I learned?" He straightens only having to tilt his head to look at you.

"If it's you falling on your face, then yes."

"I mean, hey, I could totally do that. Done that several times actually."

You smile despite trying your hardest not to. You like this about him—that he’s easygoing enough to make you look at life less seriously. If it’s with him, you could quit everything that makes you unhappy and start everything you love.

“So where is your skateboard?” you ask, walking side by side with him, who has finally learned to match your pace.

“It’s with one of my friends,” he answers, and points to a tall girl with long brown hair, wearing a pair of tomboyish shorts and T-shirt. Another girl with short hair and a bucket hat accompanies her, wearing a long hoodie and shorts, but she leaves before you reach them. They must be from a different school because you’ve never seen them before. The first thing that pops into your head is that they’d be good replacements for your cheerleading position if you were ever to leave. You shake your head. Now is not the time.

“That’s Jimin!” he introduces, and you wonder how he’s this way—how he makes friends so easily.

Jimin waves at Sungchan and then proceeds to ask if you’re his girlfriend with a big smile, like a script being followed everywhere you go.

She seems a little disappointed at the answer. “Well, I was going to suggest one of the couples skateboards.”

You flash her an awkward smile.

“But those are pretty difficult! I’ve been here for a month and my idea of skateboarding is still sitting on it while Soeun pushes me around. That’s my friend, by the way.”

“Ah.” You nod. “This is my first time skateboarding, actually. The only ‘sport’ I’ve ever done is cheerleading.”

Jimin furrows her eyebrows before her eyes widen. “Wait a minute. You’re the cheerleader best friend that Sungchan wouldn’t shut up about!”

Sungchan flusters, in the subtle way he usually does, and waves his hands robotically trying to explain. “I was just saying- that- that you’d be good at skateboarding. Because of the cheerleading.”

A boxy grin accompanies his explanation.

“Right.” Jimin covers her face and sends an obvious wink your way. “Anyway, you can have my skateboard for the day.”

She hands over a smooth black skateboard with white wheels, but on closer inspection you find that they’re light-up wheels instead. It’s oddly fitting for someone like Jimin even if you’ve known her the entirety of ten minutes. Sungchan is good at finding friends, rather. Soon enough, she runs off after making Sungchan promise he’ll deliver the skateboard home.

The trick Sungchan wanted to show you was a failed kickflip. At the very least, it made you laugh so hard you almost spit out the strawberry milk he’d bought you. Sipping his own banana milk, he sulked for a moment or two, telling you to try it out and see how difficult it is.

On the contrary, Sungchan was right. You are good at balancing on skateboards. But that’s where it ends. You don’t think you’ll be naturally good at kickflips, though being able to glide through the plaza while Sungchan runs after you with the drinks puts a big smile on your face. It’s the most fun you’ve had in a while.

Accompanied by Sungchan’s panicked “oh no”s and “oh we messed up”s, the two of you try the couple skateboarding move too; no one’s watching you here. It’s fun to see him stress over a skateboard because frankly, you’ve never met anyone as easy-going as Sungchan. (“I’ll figure it out along the way,” he says when you ask if he’s studying for finals, and proceeds to get a decent enough score). Suddenly the wandering gap is closed again. You’re not going to worry about stupid rumours from now on.

But for some reason, ‘you like him as a friend’ doesn’t sound right either. Despite having said it so many times, you might not believe in it. You shake off the thought. This evening, at least, you’re going to enjoy with Sungchan without thinking of teenage drama and hormones.

"You still don't think you and Sungchan make the perfect pair?" Yuna pouts.

You narrow your eyes. "I don't take opinions from traitors."

Chaeryoung leans back on her chair, and whispers to you asking if you’re okay. At least someone is concerned about you.

“It hurts to be left by my own friends but—”

“No, I meant, are you okay? Why aren’t you dating Sungchan already? You’re so cute together! And you’re best friends—Netflix writers literally daydream of this.”

You groan, throwing up your hands in defeat.

“And,” Yuna adds, knocking her chair closer. “Who’s really the traitor here? Us who ditched you with the love of your life—or you, who runs off every time she gets a call from her boyfriend?”

“Sungchan is not my boyfriend.” You cross your arms.

“She even shares her lunch with him more,” Ryujin complains from the side. “And they’re not even in the same class. Unlike me, by the way. Class 1 Shin Ryujin. Same class as you, (name).”

You slump, resting your forehead against the desk. At this point, you wish the teacher would walk in and start the class already. Unfortunately, lunch break isn’t over for another ten minutes and lady luck clearly isn’t smiling upon you.

“Speak of the devil!” Ryujin announces monotonously, leaning against her desk.

Sungchan and a few of his friends from the soccer team wave at you and the girls from the classroom door. Noticing Taehyun, Yuna quickly fixes her hair and you would tease her if Sungchan hadn’t casually strolled up to your desk and sat down on the chair in front of you. Long legs barely contained in the space, he adjusts himself by resting his arm on the headrest and his chin upon it. It’s all normal. However, when he leans down to match your eye level, you hear the sudden pit-a-pat of your pulse in your ear. At this proximity, you can even see the mole on his lip that he’s pointed out before. The sunlight from the open windows is pulling golden strings over his eyelashes and his lips aren’t dry as a desert like you expected. You know he uses the watermelon flavoured lip balm.

“Too close,” you croak. Embarrassed at your own voice, you rise sharply and glare at him.

“Is your heart fluttering?” Sungchan asks, smiling as he looks up at you.

You roll your eyes.

You can hear Yuna’s giggling and before you can shoot her a glare, Sungchan calls.

"Do you have any bandaids?"

He points to a rough scratch at the base of his palm, fingers slender and less calloused than what you'd pictured. Then again, soccer players don't use their hands much, do they?

You blink. "You came all the way here for bandaids?"

"Well… I remembered you keep band-aids in your phone case. And the nurse hates me."

You giggle.

Yujin mouths from behind Sungchan, “He just wanted to see her.”

You would feel flattered if you didn't know these people and their shenanigans. They'd do anything for some drama (and to get two innocent people into the dating trap).

“Why would I waste my cute band aids on you?” you mutter under your breath. “They’re limited edition, you know?”

No way are you sticking Ice Bear on your urban hazard of a best friend. A tall, cute, surprisingly polite hazard but he still annoys you nonetheless.

However, Sungchan's pleading smile has grown on you.

You reluctantly take the band-aid out of your clear phone case, the pink panda doll attached to it swaying with the movement. Proceeding, you take Sungchan's hand and lay it on your desk. With careful focus, you place the band-aid, admiring the size difference of your hands before snapping to reality.

Enough with the pink cloud of thoughts, you scold yourself.

When you look up, the proximity makes your heart skip a beat despite the logical part of you saying you shouldn't. Your faces are too close and this time, you don't even have the energy to croak it out.

"Thanks, (name)," Sungchan smiles at you.

Right then, the sound of a chair sliding harshly against the floor makes the two of you jolt away from each other. All of your friends and his friends seem to be sporting Cheshire cat grins and you don't like it one bit. You don't like not being in on the gag.

"Anybody up for gaming after this? My treat." Chenle looks around. “Sungchan is banned from the arcade soccer game though.”

"'Ey," Sungchan complains.

"Hey, Jisung and Ryujin are banned from DDR too but that's because they almost broke the handles off last time."

The memory makes you smile. Sungchan was there too, and you don’t know why you’re only just recalling all the memories with him in it, carefully and in detail. Every one of them seems to have been amplified, the little interactions suddenly coming to mind.

“(name)? You’re coming?”

You take one look at Sungchan and give up. Even if this is another childish ploy by your peers, you don't mind spending some more time at the arcade with infuriatingly addictive games. A tiny part of you is even willing to go along with them and see if it turns out the way they want it to.

“I’ll go,” you mumble, and the rest of the group cheers.

“But I have cleaning duty today.”

The group groans.

“Just get someone else to do it. Like a junior.”

“Isn’t that bullying?” You ask, frowning.

“Ask nicely. Anyone would be willing to do your bidding, (name).”

“Chenle, will you do it?” You give him a sickly sweet smile. “You’re class president after all.”

Chenle wrinkles his nose. “You’re getting stupider every day, (name).”

You sigh. “Fine. I’ll ask one of Yuna’s classmates then.”

“By the way,” Chenle announces. “Only twelfth graders are invited—”

A bunch of groans interrupt him.

“Quit whining.” He crosses his arms, glaring at them. “What do you even have to worry about? We’re preparing for the exam of our lives. Oh, and Jisung is an exception.”

“We’re only two years apart,” Yuna mutters under her breath.

“Oh, and from class 5, only Sungchan is invited.”

Another round of complaints pass and Chenle breaks into laughter. “Just kidding.”

Your friends are and will always be an odd bunch. Sungchan has previously proved to be the weirdest (several times) and it makes him the most lovable too. But then again, you don’t have free space in your timetable to put in teenage crushes, much less falling for your best friend. What you do have time for this afternoon, however, is relaxing at the arcade.

“Let’s go! I am so good at this. Think I’d impress your Steve Curry?” Ryujun gloats, after having scored three hoops in a row at the arcade basketball game.

“It’s Stephen Curry,” Chenle corrects. “And no, let’s focus here. Our goals are—”

He points to the two figures by the DDR machine, looking like a real couple. He’s been acting as damage control for the rumours and making sure you don’t drift apart because of it. They really don’t make guys like him anymore, Chenle sighs. He should get a friendship award or something.

“—those two.”

Really, Sungchan better be thanking him by the end of this. He’s never met anyone quite like Jung Sungchan, especially because Chenle cannot picture himself liking the same person since elementary school.

“Man, now I wish I had a girlfriend,” Chenle mutters.

Ryujin snorts. “Who’s going to date you?”

“You don’t have a boyfriend either,” Chenle reminds and gets a basketball to the shoulder.

“Why are you playing that when you don’t even know how to use it?” Your voice rings through to them.

“I said I’ll figure it out!” Sungchan reasons.

Chenle and Ryujin stare at the two of you blankly, as you bicker over a claw machine game and they share a look.

“Do they need our help?” Ryujin whispers.

Chenle shakes his head. “I think they’ll figure it out from here.”

Soon enough, you were laughing at Sungchan’s failed attempts and trying to outplay him. Your friends have already given you the shove. Chenle and Ryujin share a high five and that’s where the new story begins.

You finally know the thrill of a teenage crush. It makes you so damn infuriated that it had to be Jung Sungchan.

Now every time he waves at you from the field or hands you a bottle of strawberry milk or explains the calc notes you missed or does the bare minimum, you need to deal with the quickening of your pulse and a few butterflies loose from their cage in your stomach. It doesn’t help that you’re almost always together.

The two of you currently sit by the school field, Sungchan tying his shoelaces while you cool off with the water bottle he offered you. Practice ended a while ago for you and the girls have receded into the air conditioned indoor gym. The indoor gym is apparently occupied by the gymnast club and you couldn’t be more disappointed that you didn’t join them instead.

If anything, however, you’d rather leave this whole thing and focus on your academics. Hobbies shouldn’t be draining you—they should feel like skateboarding on a lilac evening with the wind in your hair.

With a friend you like very, very much.

“Sungchan,” you call quietly.

“Hm?”

When he looks up, you can’t hold in the urge to fix the hair out of his eyes. You’ve never been very physically affectionate so it might have come off strange. Sungchan looks at you quietly, stars in his eyes and you clear your throat.

“How long have you been playing soccer? It was before we met, right?”

He hums, eyes traveling up and then back to you when he remembers. “Since I was six. You were there at my first soccer match actually.”

“I was? Oh my god, was it the one you lost horribly and the whole team started crying?”

“Yes. Yes, it was.”

You giggle. “Six year old you would be so in awe now.”

Sungchan beams at that.

“Who knows?” he smiles, looking into your eyes with firm determination. “Maybe I’ll be the next Son Heungmin.”

“Even I know who that is so… no.”

Sungchan pouts and you make a face in disgust. “Don’t act cute, it gives me hives.”

“Okay, maybe not Son Heungmin. I could definitely be the next Park Jisung—and I don’t mean him.”

Sungchan points to a boy passed out on the benches, his exhaustion typical of any high schooler while another boy sits beside him, fanning him with a bunch of assignment papers. Jisung and Chenle really are more entertaining than any game on this field.

You turn to look at Sungchan, who’s moving his head around trying to catch their attention. When he finally does, he waves at them and gets big grins in response. He’s not all that bad, you think. In fact, he’s quite possibly the most amiable boy in senior year.

“Just be Jung Sungchan,” you mutter. “Not Son Heungmin or Park Jisung.”

Sungchan turns to you, smiling wide. “Advice taken.”

You scoff. “Whatever.”

Maybe it’s just you but Sungchan has been glancing at your lips very frequently today and mentally thank Chaeryoung for letting you borrow her lip tint. You didn’t know something so subtle could get you this giddy.

“Are you… going to give the CSAT?” You ask, glancing at him nervously. Part of you is sad you only developed your first high school crush in the very last semester. Or if it’s comforting, you could believe you’ve liked him all this time.

“Nah. Sports scholarship,” he says nonchalantly. “I was going to tell you but… I’ve been scouted already.”

You gasp. “That’s… great. Your future’s all settled.”

Sungchan seems to dislike the idea, lips pursing. “I don’t think anything’s settled except for the next step.”

You nod, somewhat understanding.

“What about you?” He asks. “Any university in mind? SKY? I’ve seen you study extra hours at the library.”

You look away, not feeling ready for the conversation.

“I don’t know,” you say quietly. “I don’t know what I like and what I want. I don’t even like cheer anymore.”

Sungchan gazes at you wordlessly but it’s the most comfortable you’ve felt talking about this.

“Maybe I should quit,” you mumble.

You don’t want to commit to something you no longer have passion for. But then again, you’ve spent so much time on it that it’s hard to leave.

“You should,” he responds, honest.

You scoff, shaking yourself from that moment of vulnerability. “But why would I quit something I’m good at?”

“If you don’t like it. If it hurts to leave but isn’t any better when you stay, you should leave.”

You roll your eyes. “You’re quite the philosopher.”

“I’m smart, right?”

You smile.

“Oy, you two!” Chenle calls, making his way to you two with Jisung trailing behind. “I don’t mean to interrupt your flirting but you got a spare water bottle?”

“Are you two going out now?” Jisung asks as a follow-up, and you feel a hot flush for some reason, unlike the previous times you’ve been asked this question.

“No,” you answer. You don’t mind the idea though now.

“Don’t lie,” Chenle complains. “I saw that picture of Sungchan teaching you how to kick a ball. You? And soccer? Something’s up.”

You throw up your hands in exasperation. “Seriously, who keeps up posting to the school page? And where do they get the time?”

"Two people with this much compatibility will always be a hot topic."

"We're not compatible," you retort quickly.

"Wait," Jisung says. "I know how to resolve this."

You raise an eyebrow.

"How do you have your cereal?" He asks, looking from you to Sungchan.

"Cereal first, obviously," you answer.

Sungchan looks up, finger below his chin as he thinks. "I drink the milk first, then eat the cereal and then breakdance to mix it all together."

You pinch your nose. "I swear I question your sanity all the time."

"Hah! That means you're thinking about me all the time."

You look away, rolling your eyes. He responds with an open-mouthed smile and finger guns.

"See?" Jisung grins. "Compatible."

The gruff voice of Coach Lee startles the four of you and Sungchan leaves with a sigh and a promise of meeting after practice. Jisung leaves with Sungchan and Chenle gives you one last teasing smirk before sitting down and going through the assignment papers he was using as a fan previously. You will never understand his miraculous ways of performing his presidential duties.

You don’t have a good feeling about the next match. The only reason you’re even sticking around anymore—as embarrassing as it—is to spend more time with Sungchan. Being with him puts you at ease, even if the school tries to wrap the two of you in a rope of uneasiness. This is your very last practice, for the next match is the final one of this year and then you’ll be back to spending even longer hours at the library with a stack of textbooks. It’s supposed to be a carefree age. At least, adults say that. Your high school life seems to be riddled with worries, and with that thought, you head into the air conditioned room to take a breather off your anxieties.

Only one more match, you remind yourself.

The pre-match buzz is driving you to the edge.

Your form is off, you can feel it already and Coach Kim isn’t as sunshine-as-rainbows as she usually is, courtesy to it being the last match of your life. She’ll never know though, how much you don’t want to do this.

Sungchan waves at you as he usually does before a match, disappointing a third of his fangirls, but it helps you ease. One last time, (name).

Watching the crowd of people, parents and siblings and friends, all excited and talking makes you take a deep breath. You practiced but it wasn’t good enough. You can never do well at something you don’t like anymore. This time, you feel guilty for committing to things half-heartedly. You want to start that fresh new college chapter already, with all of this behind.

There’s ten minutes left. You go back to the empty hall outside the lockers only to pace. This isn’t helping.

“(name)!”

You turn around abruptly to find Sungchan’s tall figure, and you must be looking miserable because his smile falls.

He doesn’t even ask what’s wrong, only takes careful steps towards you. “Do you need water? Medicine?”

His hands hover over your shoulder but he doesn’t burden you with them. You put your face in your palms and sigh, sinking down to the floor in a crouch.

“I want to quit,” you whisper. Your voice comes off more brittle than you’d like, and you realize that Sungchan hasn’t seen you cry since seventh grade when you failed a math test. You didn’t tell him then but you appreciated him studying extra hours for math just to teach you.

“You don’t have to go out there if you don’t want to,” he says quietly, dropping to the floor beside you. “I’ll stay with you.”

You stare at him dumbfounded. “Don’t be ridiculous! They’ll lose without you—you’re the ace, Sungchan!”

“There will always be an ace,” he retorts. “Maybe Jisung will finally get to shine. Or anyone else. I don’t mind spending an hour with you alone.”

You feel a hot flush spread over your cheeks. Looking away to the side, you mumble an ‘alright’ and only glance from the corner of your eye to see him smiling. Jung Sungchan is the most unreasonable boy you’ve ever met. Perhaps it makes him somewhat loveable too.

“It’s your last match,” you whisper helplessly.

“I’ll join the college soccer club and get to play more matches.”

You sigh, giving in. If he’s so adamant, you think that perhaps there is something in you worth sacrificing his game over. It makes an oddly warm feeling bloom in your chest. Sungchan is so damn convincing with his words. You wonder if it’s really okay.

With shoulders touching, an awkward silence takes over in the next second. You turn to him and open your mouth, watch him do the same and close it at the same time he does.

“You know,” he begins, “I was kind of lying about not worrying because I get the feeling coach will evaporate me tomorrow but—I can handle it. Mostly.”

You stare at him with wide, worried eyes. “You don’t have to do this, Sungchan. I’m the one running away.”

You slouch, pulling your knees closer to your chest and burying your face in them. The urge to scream is boiling within you but you can’t get caught. Not now.

“Sometimes to run is the brave thing,” he responds, insightful. “If you’re not up for it, it’s better to quit early than to regret it in the long run.”

You don’t know if it’s the fact that he just quoted Taylor Swift or spoke like your old school counselor—but you find yourself laughing. He makes sense. Sungchan, in his weird, oddball ways, always makes sense. And in that same way, he feels like home.

“You’re so good to me,” you say, looking up at him and at a proximity you’ve never been before.

It’s his turn to fluster, though he doesn’t do so as visibly as you do. He clears his throat, shifting his eyes around before meeting yours. “I- This is bad timing but… I like you. I really do. Since third grade when you drew that birthday card for me. I have it in my bedside drawer, by the way.”

He looks away and makes a face, probably wondering why he said that out loud.

You press your lips tight to prevent the smile that tugs at them. He looks at you with a wobbly smile, trying his hardest to resume his usual dignity—but he’s just a boy, after all.

“My type is dumb and pretty, though?” You tease, the smile escaping. “You said it yourself.”

He blinks. “Well, I am pretty but if you want me to be stu—”

You shake your head. “I like you too. You don’t have to act cute.”

He pauses, thinking. “I have never acted cute in my life ever. I was born cu—”

You hold his face between your thumb and forefinger. “You do that again and you die.”

He breaks into a smile.

“I’ve never met someone quite like you,” you whisper, embarrassed of your own feelings bubbling up from the bottle you had kept them in.

He laughs, open-mouthed and pretty.

“Actually, hey, I didn’t like you all this time from fifth. I liked you and then I didn’t like you and then I liked you again—”

“Okay, I get it.”

His shoulders relax and he smiles at you. You look up at the clock on the wall by the entrance to the field and bite your lip. You don’t love performing anymore but you know all the girls do, even the stand-bys. Jisung might not have to take over Sungchan’s position but you bet one of those tenth graders would love to take yours, the same way you did back then. They’ve practiced harder than you too and it’s only a matter of deserving.

You take a deep breath and get up, pulling up Sungchan by the hand. He raises an eyebrow, inquisitive eyes scanning over your face and you smile at him, strengthening your resolve. You should have done this way sooner.

Sungchan plays. You don’t let him sit it out with you.

Halfway through, you cheer the hardest you ever have, plastic decorative gemstones stuck by your eyes borrowed from the other girls cheering. It’s much more fun, you think. You’ve never experienced soccer like this. You’d love to sit at stadiums and join in victory chants. There’s enough weight off your chest to yell your lungs out.

Sungchan scores a goal almost immediately after and sends a thumbs up over to you. You laugh. This is the best break you’ve ever taken from cheerleading.

“Ooh, is this perhaps the (name) effect?” Chenle’s voice rings through the speakers and you feel yourself shrink slightly under the eyes. Out of the corner of your eye, you can see your homeroom teacher signal very angrily to the commentator box. You shake yourself off it. So what if everyone’s looking?

Sungchan places his hands on his hips, chest heaving and sends another signal to you before beelining for a straight goal. You whoop and the girl with a notebook beside you is visibly annoyed at this point but you don’t care.

Without doubt, your school wins and you watch as Sungchan runs to his team, a big smile on his face. The second he’s done getting pet by the team, however, he rushes to the bleachers, skipping over the steps to you, panting when he stops. The risk he took was definitely not calculated. He holds up one finger while he heaves.

“My cheering worked best this time, it seems,” you say to him, laughing.

His face is flushed from the exertion but he laughs heartily. “You could be yelling profanity at me and it’d still encourage me.”

You shake your head at the cheesy line. He takes a step forward, well inside your space but you don’t mind. He leans in.

“Everyone is looking at us,” he says under his breath. “Is that a good or a bad thing?”

You look behind him to find the whole team, along with your girls sharing furtive glances and giggling at the sight of the two of you. A few of the junior girls slap each other’s arms, bouncing on the balls of their feet in excitement. You’re not a celebrity. But everyone wants to cheer things on once in a while, don’t they?

“Good,” you answer, before pulling him by the shirt into a chaste kiss. When you pull apart, Sungchan’s face is so struck with awe that you want to look away but instead you bite back an obvious smile. It’s about damn time, someone from the soccer team yells.

“Woah. I think I scored a goal either way,” he says, an offbeat smile on his face.

“Oh come on, we didn’t even get to chant ‘Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!’ yet—oh shit, the mic’s on.”

Chenle is definitely getting an earful from your teacher after this. The two of you wave at him at the box and end up laughing at him trying to hide behind the desk.

As expected, the whole crowd surrounds the two of you in less than a minute’s worth of time, with several congratulations and “good score” offered to the two of you. The boys mess up Sungchan’s hair while the girls compliment you on how cute a couple you are. There’s also the question of when you started dating that pauses the buzz and makes everyone look to the two of you for an answer. Sungchan turns to you and you turn to him, and there’s no way you’ll tell half the school that your confession came in a private hallway outside the field—teenage imaginations run wild.

Instead, you slip your hand into Sungchan’s and run down the bleachers and towards the exit, laughter spilling from your lips. There’s only one place you can think of going to spend a cool blue late afternoon with.

“Skate plaza?” He asks.

“Skate plaza,” you answer.

#cznnet #neowritingsnet #nct x reader #sungchan x reader #nct fluff #sungchan fluff #nct imagines #nct scenarios #sungchan imagines #sungchan scenarios #nct x you #sungchan x you #nct sungchan #jung sungchan #nct oneshot #sungchan oneshot #nct fanfic #sungchan fanfic #moonwrites

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tbzhours · 3 years

Text

crush points

jacob x you, college au, basketball player au, fluff

[summary] imagine falling for jacob aka your roommate’s hs friend… couldn’t be you, right? [words] 2.4k [a/n] i had so much fun writing this, i hope you like it ♡

Juyeon came running into your shared dorm while you were studying in your room, shouting your name as if you were twenty feet away. He has been your roommate since your first year together and you were never bothered by the loud noises he makes, especially when he’s watching his sports games. Rolling into your third year together, you were already used to him that when he opened your bedroom door, he sighed in disappointment.

“Seriously?” He said when he saw your back facing him. You didn’t have any classes on Fridays that you would always choose to study instead of resting. He shook his head when you turned your head back from reading your textbook. “Why are you still studying?”

“What do you want?” You asked nonchalantly, a pen still in your hand.

“Remember how I always tell you about taking breaks?” Juyeon sighed, pointing a finger at you. He sounded very demanding when he answered, “Well, you need to take a break, like right now.”

“Why?” You asked as soon as he started to walk toward you.

He still looked disappointed but he smiled, looking at your confused look before he took your hand and pulled you out of your room. “I know just a place.”

It was a basketball game that Juyeon dragged you out for. You knew he was always gone to watch your university’s games on most nights but you weren’t really the one to join him. It wasn’t just your thing but the thrill of walking into the arena suddenly tugged at your chest that you might change your mind.

The crowd was big and your eyes were still widened at the new sight. Juyeon almost lost you when he turned back and found you standing still in place. He chuckled and patted your shoulder to follow him.

You both found your seats and he started to tell you about how a basketball works. All you knew was that you had to throw the ball at the opposite end to make a point… or two. There was so much to take in from his talking that you held up your drink that you bought when you both got in, and pushed the straw into his mouth.

“There, that’s better.” You commented, a smirk following.

Juyeon took a sip and chuckled in excitement. “Isn’t this better than staying in your room studying like there’s no tomorrow?”

“I got a exam next week.”

“You can’t spare two hours for a game?” He pouted but he quickly changed the subject and went back to smiling. That was because he’s enjoying this. He loves watching sports games that you could read it all over his face. “Besides, all of my other friends didn’t have time to come watch Jacob play today so you were the last resort.”

“So I’m basically on standby, for you, just in case, huh?” You exaggerated, pausing at some of your words.

Juyeon was still smiling when pointed his chin at you. “I think you’ll like this.”

You groaned, crossing your arms and leaned back onto your seat. The crowd was getting bigger that you had to lean close to him to ask, “Besides, who’s Jacob?”

“He’s one of my best friends from high school. I mentioned him before but he plays for our school. Check him out, he’s number 30.” Juyeon turned to the court where both basketball teams were stretching and getting ready to play.

You followed where his eyes went and you spotted Jacob in a red headband. One of his teammates passed him the ball and he smiled into a grin. He said something to his teammate then he started to dribble the ball into a hesitant technique. The way he moved felt playful as you watched, not listening to a thing Juyeon was saying about what happened in gym class back in high school with Jacob.

Jacob was laughing after he stopped and held onto the ball with his arm to his side. His teammate patted his back and walked away to rest at their team’s bench area behind him as Jacob turned your way. That was when you both met eyes. You blushed as if you just got caught staring. His eyes were slightly widened. You could almost see the sparkles in them when he smiled and waved with his arm in the air. That was when you realized Juyeon had been standing up with his long arms in the air too, waving back at Jacob with that stupid grin on his face.

Before the game started, you had the chance to look around the room, watching how people cheer for their teams. You thought it was nice to see the teams wave at their supporters and cheer back with them. Maybe you could try it next time since you hadn’t gone to a game in such a long time. You’d probably make an excuse that you forgot how to cheer if anyone ever asked.

You kept that thought in your mind as the game started. You couldn’t keep your eyes off of Jacob because he played so well. He was good at passing the ball to a teammate that you thought he was doing matrix. It was even crazier to you when he threw the ball at the three-point line. How was that even possible? Is he an angel or something? His hair kept bouncing too and you thought he looked cool on the court.

As the game went on, you became more comfortable in cheering with Juyeon beside you. He kept standing up to cheer and for a few times, he turned to you with his excited face whenever Jacob’s team made a score. You rolled your eyes but you couldn’t help to feel the thrill running through your body with everyone else.

When the game ended, Juyeon made you wait near the door by the court with him. He wanted to see Jacob before you both go back. Jacob finally came by and they both did their handshake and bumped shoulders like bros.

“Man, Jacob, you really killed it on the court. How is it even possible to score more than half of the score?” Juyeon shook his head in surprise. “You must be a pro.”

“I told you it takes years of practice.” Jacob shrugged.

“You might as well join the NBA.” Juyeon suggested though he was just playing around.

“Nice one.” Jacob laughed and patted his back, then his eyes turned to you. He smiled and asked, “Who could this be?”

“Oh, this is my roommate, (Y/N). They needed a break so I thought a game would be good.” Juyeon chuckled, ignoring your invisible glare. “Hey, (Y/N), this is Jacob.”

Jacob was still looking at you that your face began to heat up again. You shyly smiled back at him before he greeted, “It’s nice to meet you.”

“It’s nice to meet you too. Juyeon talks about you a lot but it’s funny that I don’t see you around campus.” You commented, giving a look at Juyeon before a tiny laugh slipped from your lips. “Your game was amazing by the way.”

“Thanks. I hope to see you at my games more.”

Your heart was beating faster at his words. Suddenly, he had to leave so he quickly bidded his goodbyes to you both and walked away. You could almost promise him his hope when Juyeon finally got your attention to go back to your shared dorm.

A few days went by and you hadn’t seen Jacob since. You knew because you checked your school’s sports schedules and he didn’t have any games scheduled for the following week.

As you ate cereal in the morning, checking the schedule again, Juyeon walked by. He was wearing some sweats and an opened sweater over his plain shirt. He greeted you good morning like the usual and took out a bowl from the cabinet to join you.

“Where are you going?” You asked then you made a guess. “Play basketball with a friend?”

“Yep. It’s Jacob.” He filled in as he set the cereal box behind you where he found it.

You remembered him always going out in the morning to play basketball before his afternoon classes but it just crossed your mind that ‘that friend’ had been Jacob all this time.

You choked on your cereal and Juyeon quickly patted your back, trying not to laugh.

“Are you okay?” He asked, hiding his smile with his other hand. You nodded then he took a bite of his breakfast when you stopped coughing.

“Can I join you?” You suddenly asked then it was Juyeon’s turn to choke on his cereal.

You decided to join the two while studying. Juyeon thought it was weird for you to be doing that while watching them play. You convinced him that you liked his idea of going out for breaks but he thought it was funny because taking a break means no studying.

As you studied, the two played basketball. Jacob had asked Juyeon why you’re here if you’re not going to play. You didn’t hear him but you did feel a little awkward sitting on the ground at the side of court with your notebook on your lap. You kept your eyes down until Jacob walked over.

He contemplated over and over about asking you directly but since he was standing in front of you already, he might as well ask. Juyeon practiced by himself as Jacob beamed his lips at you.

“Why are you here and not playing?” He asked. His lips were pouting a little and your eyes just had to look at them.

You sighed, eyes looking around to find the words. You smiled and lied quickly, “I’m waiting for Juyeon. I’m just waiting for him to finish because he has to get me something.”

“Oh, really?” Jacob was confused but he nodded. “What is it?”

That was when Juyeon walked over too, because he heard his name.

“Well, uhh, it’s just-”

“Hey, Jacob. You still playing?” Juyeon interrupted. He flashed an innocent smile at you. “Or is there something going on here?”

“N-nothing is going on here, except you still own me some slushies at the campus cafe. Right, Juyeon?” You smiled awkwardly at the two, in panic mode. You tilted your head and blinked a few times at Juyeon to play along.

Juyeon, of course, could read your face. Instead of agreeing with you, he grinned widely and pointed at you with nothing coming out of his mouth. He shook his head to the side, holding in his laugh because of how obvious you looked.

Jacob giggled, looking at you both with his head turning going back and forth, then he asked, “A slushie sounds good right now.”

You went to watch Jacob’s games again, all with Juyeon as always but this time you went alone because Juyeon had to meet with a few classmates for a group project for one of his classes. You’d like to believe him but Juyeon did tell you that this could be your chance to tell Jacob.

“Tell him what?” You had asked.

“You already know.” Juyeon had teased before he left your dorm.

You got to know Jacob a little more each time you came out to watch him or join some of Juyeon’s outing adventures but you shook your head. You sighed then you looked at the court where all of the basketball players were getting ready for the game. Jacob had noticed you getting lost in your thoughts and wondered what’s making you think so much. He was nervous all of sudden and he hoped you’d look at him so he could do well in today’s game.

When you finally caught his eyes, Jacob smiled and waved at you from the bench. You didn’t hesitate to wave back.

When the game was over and his team won again, you were excited to tell him all about how amazing he was on the court, but once you saw him waiting for you by the door where you’d always meet after the game, you felt awkward walking up to him. Maybe it was because Juyeon wasn’t there and it was just you both but your heart was telling you otherwise.

You both were walking side-by-side as you both headed out. You were complimenting him between what you saw on the court. He was smiling but he wasn’t saying much when it got quiet.

“Anyway,” You started, trying to change the subject. “Why didn’t you join your team for an eat out celebration?”

When you turned to look at him, he was already looking at you. His eyes didn’t leave yours at all that you could almost see the moon blooming in them. You couldn’t tell what they were trying to say at all but you hoped it would lead to you confessing to him.

Jacob’s lips slowly curved into a soft smile. You could tell he must be thinking a lot too because it was still quiet and he wasn’t answering your question. He took a small sigh and finally replied, “Because I wanted to be with you.”

You gasped and looked forward quickly. “Did Juyeon tell you?”

“Tell me what?” Jacob laughed, surprised at your response. “That you like me?”

You nodded. “Yeah, wait-” You shook your head at him, trying not to make it so obvious. “I mean no- what?”

“I really like seeing you at my games and I get excited whenever Juyeon mentions you.” You both stopped in your own tracks and he sighed, hiding his hands in his pockets. “I’ve been meaning to ask this too. Do you want to play some basketball with me? I can teach you too if you’d like.”

You were lost in his eyes and smiled as you gave him your answer.

Once you both got to your dorm, Juyeon didn’t know Jacob would be over.

Juyeon didn’t realize you came back with him and asked, “Hey, Jacob. You still want to play ball tomorrow morning?”

“No, I can’t. I have a date there tomorrow so you can’t come.” Jacob shrugged with a sweet smile.

You walked into the kitchen for some water when Juyeon glanced at you. He shook his head and groaned in surprise though there was a huge grin on his face. You and Jacob shared glances as he set his index finger over his lips.

#the boyz #the boyz scenarios #the boyz imagines #tbznetwork #deobiwritersnet #jacob #tbz #tbz scenarios #tbz imagines #bae jacob #bae joonyoung #college au #basketball au #fluff #juyeon

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florenceandthemachine · 4 years

Text

cutting down the family tree

@buckleydiazs said:

High school au where Buck’s the sad lonely kid with the shit family and Eddie’s the popular captain of the wrestling team who makes it his personal mission to make Buck an honorary Diaz and convince him that he deserves nice things I am just saying

WOW this got a lot longer than I thought, so I abandoned the ask and put everything all up in here. Only barely edited, SORRY LMAO.

8.5k, Buddie HS AU. underage-ish if you squint I guess? tw for abuse.

Buck was good at going unseen.

It was a defense mechanism—his parent’s couldn’t get upset with what they didn’t realize was there—and it had only amped up once Maddie graduated. Once she went off to college, Buck had no reason to be a distraction anymore, to try and pull attention off of anyone; so he just got better at it. He could pick things up and set them down without a sound. He constantly walked on the balls of his feet. He even kept his breathing even, slow and low, whenever he wasn’t alone.

At home, Buck had gotten really good at—nay, he had perfected—the art of becoming invisible. So it only made sense that it translated to his school life, as well.

He got good grades—straight A’s—but only high enough to keep his grades at a 4.0, not high enough to earn Valedictorian, no AP classes, no crying over tests. Enough to ensure he would have opportunities after high school, but not enough to bring any student or teacher attention his way.

He worked out every day, and had for years, years of defending himself or defending Maddie meant he had to be in the best shape he could be in—but while his body was packed with lean muscle and quick reflexes, he drowned himself in clothes that were a size too big, making him look smaller, unassuming. He kept his posture slouched whenever he wasn’t standing to take a few inches off of his height, to the point that he could get lost in a crowd while you were still looking at him.

He didn’t participate in after school activities. He didn’t run for school president. He didn’t have a flashy car, a high status girlfriend, he didn’t show any interests that might make him friends or enemies.

Buck was invisible to absolutely everyone.

Well... everyone except Eddie Diaz.

Eddie Diaz, who was a senior, like Buck was, but was new to Pennsylvania, moving over the summer — who was 18, a year older than Buck, because he was held back in the third grade for fighting — Eddie Diaz, who had joined the wrestling team and made captain in an embarrassingly short amount of time (well, embarrassing for the rest of the team).

Why did Buck know all of this?

Because this was also Eddie Diaz, who, on the first day of Senior Year, locked on to Buck with laser-like focus, ignored all of Buck’s defenses, and apparently decided to take him on as a new friend pet project.

And much to Buck’s annoyance, he just couldn’t. Shake. Eddie. Off.

He definitely tried. He changed his walkways, he changed the bathrooms he used, he changed where he parked, he did everything except change his schedule—and Eddie was still there, keeping up mostly one sided conversations. The only time he had to himself any more was his free period, the time he spent in the school weight room, and never before had be been so thankful for that regular moment of peace.

Buck finally hit his limit one lunch period, spent huddling in the library, when Eddie sat down across from him. "Eddie, isn’t there someone who actually wants to have lunch with you? Some of your friends, or teammates, or someone who isn’t me?” Buck had asked, barely looking up from the text book he had been reading—he wasn’t a fan of the ‘mean’ route, but he was at his wits end. When Eddie paused, Buck actually felt hope rise up in his chest, that he would be alone again.

But Eddie had just leaned forward, made eye contact, and said “Nope.” with the biggest, shit eating grin Buck had ever seen.

Fine. It was less than a year. Buck could handle Eddie being around him for less than a year.

Buck could not handle less than a year.

Because Eddie, Eddie was nice. To him. To Buck, who had never said more than ten words to any other student since the day he started high school. Eddie was nice to him, and it was going to kill him.

It was going to kill Buck because he found himself wanting to be nice back.

Not that Buck was a mean person, because he wasn’t, but niceness was followed by friendship, and friendship was followed by attachment, and that was simply unacceptable as far as Buck was concerned.

... not that he hadn’t wondered, of course. He had always wondered what it would be like, to be able to hang out with friends, to have people come over to his house for his birthday, to have more contacts in his cell phone than the front desk of the gym near his house, his parents, and Maddie.

He had wondered, sure, but he had never missed it. He had never craved it. He knew it was more important for him to be on his own, at least for the time being—an attachment would make it that much harder to get as far from the east coast as possible when time came for college, and that was unacceptable.

But...

As he pulled in the parking lot, to a familiar spot near the back of the school, and saw Eddie waiting there for him so they could walk in to class together...

Alright, so he wanted it. So sue him.

“Buckaroo!”

Well, that was a good way to make him want it a little less, at least.

“Eddie, I’ve told you,” Buck said with an exasperated sigh, locking his car behind him. “It’s just Buck.”

(Eddie had called him Evan once. Just once. Once the blind panic had subsided, Buck had put a stop to that, real quick.)

“And I’ve told you,” Eddie said in a sing-song voice, “it’s a nickname. Nicknames are what friends do, remember?”

“Your words, not mine.”

Friends. Is that what they were? He rolled his eyes and shouldered his bag instead of thinking about it too deeply, but he couldn’t deny the spike of anxiety that rippled through him as Eddie started to ramble, falling back into the easy habit of talking for the both of them. He didn’t want friends. He just wanted to get out.

“...and so I told him...”

Besides, it wasn’t like Eddie actually considered him a friend. They had barely spoken—well, Buck had barely spoken anyway. There was no way in hell that Eddie actually cared about him, right? He had to have some secondary motive.

"and after that, she...”

But that was frustrating in and of itself. Buck had been so sure that Eddie was up to something, or had some ulterior motive, or but damn it if Buck hadn’t been able to determine what it was. None of Eddie’s little douchebaggy wrestling friends had approached them, Eddie hadn’t even tried to get Buck out of his comfort zone yet, he hadn't done anything, and somehow, that was even more frustrating.

“...just because Ms. Syzmaski’s a wrinkled old bitch.”

Buck let out a laugh, in spite of himself, as Eddie rambled on, shaking his head. Ms. Syzmaski wasn’t that bad, and—oh.

He covered his mouth as soon as he realized what he had done. He didn’t think he had laughed at all since Maddie left, and to have one pulled out of him so suddenly was a little surprising, to say the least—but as he turned to Eddie, beet red, he could tell that he wasn’t the only one surprised.

The look that Eddie was giving him, however, was the closest thing to “starry eyed” that Buck had ever seen.

“I, uh, I have to get to class. Bye Eddie.” Buck blurted as he turned and booked it down the hall, not quiet quick enough to miss the smile and the incredibly soft “Bye, Buck” that followed him.

Things only got worse as more time went on.

Better?

No, worse. Definitely worse.

Because Eddie could make him laugh, and the more time he spent with him, and the more he actually listened, the more likely those moments were. He was nice, too nice, on the rare occasion that Buck actually had lunch in the lunch room instead of hiding in a stairwell or the library, Eddie said goodbye to his friends and joined him kind of nice. The kind of nice that worked its way past Buck’s defenses, instead of breaking them down.

The kind of nice that made Buck actually want to open up, which, as he would never forget, was a dangerous kind of nice.

It was also, as he learned too late, the kind of nice that made him fucking cave in way too easily to Eddie’s whining.

“Come on, Buck,” he had begged. “I’m going to be failing Chemistry if I don’t get a B on the midterm, and if I fail chemistry, I get booted from the team. You have to help me.”

And like a sap, Buck had sighed in agreement, giving up a Friday night doing nothing to help the intellectually infirm (“Hey!”).

Wincing as he touched up the concealer on his cheek, Buck dragged his backpack out of the passengers seat of his car, giving an appreciative look up to the small, ranch style house that spread out before him. It probably said a lot about his own expectations if he already felt more comfortable in front of a row of little ranch houses than he would in front of his own house, but… well, that was just it. His house was a big, gaudy house in a neighborhood full of big, gaudy houses. But everything about where he was now—the sound of a dog barking, the smell of someone cooking on the grill, the fact that you didn’t need to ask anyone to buzz you in to a front yard—screamed home.

He didn’t think anything could spoil how light he felt—and that was certainly proven true as Eddie opened the door before Buck even had a chance to knock.

“Hey Buck, thanks again, you… uh, wow. You look, uh, great.”

It was a small surprise, but a nice one. He had ditched his regular, baggy, hiding-in-plain-sight clothes for a simple pair of jeans and a polo shirt, casual but comfortable, and he tried to ignore the smile tugging at his lips even as his face heated up.

“I mean, it’s nothing special, it’s just jeans and a—“

“Eddie! Bring your friend inside and close the door!”

It didn’t matter how he had tried to prepare himself, there was something about a parent yelling that would probably always cause Buck to tense up, and tense up he did. If Eddie noticed, he didn’t say anything, thankfully, just hooked his elbow in Buck’ as he yelled right back. “His name is Buck, Mama, I told you that!”

He tried to get his heart to calm down as he felt Eddie tug him to the doorway, his free hand clinging to his backpack strap for dear life, bracing himself as he walked into…

…something that could not have been more polar opposite of his own life if it tried.

Eddie’s house was smaller, sure, but it was homey in a way that Buck had only imagined or seen in Hallmark movies. He was all smiles as Eddie introduced him to both of his parents (he knew how important first impressions were, had had that beaten in to him from a very young age), but he found that it wasn’t fake—he was genuinely glad to be there. Even if it still threw him for a loop when Eddie’s mother had insisted on being called Helena, had shoved a tray of snacks into Eddie’s arms, and sent them to Eddie’s room to study.

“Go on, we’ll let you know when dinner is ready. Get your studying done.”

“Thanks, Mama.”

“And leave the door open!”

“Mama!”

Buck was only mildly placated by the fact that Eddie was blushing as brightly as he was.

Any concerns that Eddie wouldn’t be taking this seriously, or was just looking for a reason to hang out and fuck around, were quickly put to rest as Eddie pulled out his chemistry book. It was comforting to know that Eddie was just as serious about his grades as he acted, and it made things a lot easier—when Buck didn’t have to spend half of his time telling Eddie to pay attention or to focus, as he had feared, things moved at a pace he hadn’t anticipated.

Eddie was incredibly smart. That much was obvious from the get go. Chemistry just didn’t click with him, but that was easy enough to rectify—he just had to help Eddie see things from a different angle, to focus more on the process than the end result, and “seriously Eddie, would it kill you to take a legible note for once in your life?”

Buck had set to work on transcribing some of Eddie’s rushed notes into a legible format while Eddie continued to work on a few practice problems, and before Buck knew it several hours had gone by and they were both being called down for dinner, and… look, Buck had a live in cook for most of his life, but damn if Helena’s enchiladas didn’t blow them out of the water.

He found himself drawn into the family dynamics easily—Eddie had introduced him to his sister, Sophia, explaining that Adriana was out for the night, and they talked, bickered, poked fun, everything that Buck had figured was out of his reach for the longest time. He spoke when he was asked questions, and let himself engage in a few conversations, but more than anything, he just sat and ate and soaked up the delicious atmosphere.

Was this what a family really felt like? He didn’t think he had ever felt like this at home, even before Maddie had graduated, even before his father had started drinking. He felt something white hot burn in his chest as the night dragged on—not jealousy, or envy, something more dangerous, want. It seemed like a cruel joke, that someone so close to him got to have it all, while he had… nothing, but as he looked over at Eddie, his head thrown back in laughter at one of his mothers jokes until Sophia flicked a piece of corn into his open mouth and he sputtered, he wouldn’t wish the reverse on even his worst enemy.

The good part about Pennsylvania was that it didn’t matter what time of the year it was, it was usually cold. Cold meant long sleeves and sweaters to cover the arms, and long pants to cover the legs, especially as the sticky feeling of Summer turned to foggy breaths and dew, and Buck could breathe a little easier.

Just a little easier, though, because when you were tugging your hoodie down over your head to cover a black eye, you couldn’t relax. Not really.

He was usually so careful. He was usually so good about covering his bruises (hell, he was usually good at getting bruises anywhere other than his face), but the last time he had touched himself up, he had forgotten to cap the concealer and the entire tube had run dry. He was sloppy. He had been reckless and stupid and sloppy and now he was paying the price; because as confident as he would have been a semester ago about getting through the day with a shiner and no one noticing, the day now included Eddie.

He didn’t know if he could avoid Eddie for an entire day. What was worse, he didn’t know if he wanted to.

The day had started off pretty well. He took the train to school instead of driving so Eddie wouldn’t see his car. He was barely on time to each and every class to avoid Eddie in the halls. He ignored every text that came in—though he did allow himself a grin when Eddie sent him a picture message of his Chemistry test, a big 91 circled on the front of it. He even managed to find a new place to eat his lunch, one he was sure that Eddie wouldn’t know about.

And then everything had gone to shit.

He had finished his History midterm early, turned it in with his head down, and walked out of the classroom. His next period was his free one, so he decided to head to the gym early, taking a quick stop in the locker room to change into a baggy, long sleeved shirt, chucking his hoodie and his backpack in a locker before getting to the gym. There was only one other person in the room, back turned to Buck as he walked in—it was as good as it could get, and he sent a silent prayer up to anyone who was listening in thanks.

It was going to be a cardio day, Buck could tell—his right wrist was a little sore, and his shoulder too, and while thankfully neither of them felt dislocated it definitely wouldn’t be a good idea to try to lift weights. He could feel the tension bleed out of his shoulders as he started to stretch out his hips and legs, nearly ignoring the telltale buzz he felt at the base of his skull until it was too late.

“Buck! There you are!”

Buck bolted upright at the same moment as a hand clapped onto his shoulder, squeezing in the friendly way Buck had become so accustomed to—but now, instead of a familiar warmth in his stomach, it sent a bolt of pain through his body. He sucked in a gasp and jerked his body away from the pain, fists halfway up as he turned around, his body sagging when he saw Eddie standing opposite to him.

Eddie, who he had been avoiding all day, who’s multiple messages he had left on read, who now looked like he was face to face with a ghost. If he could imagine how he looked right now, he might have laughed—black eye, slumped shoulder, pale, panicked face. It was probably hilarious, even if Eddie didn’t seem to think so.

“Buck?”

“Hey, Eddie.”

“Buck, what... what happened to you? Is this why you’ve been avoiding me all day?”

The biting comment was on the tip of Buck’s tongue, to tell Eddie to fuck off, to get lost, but Eddie sounded so small and scared he couldn’t bring himself to snap. Instead, he offered a weak smile, shrugging his good shoulder. “Nothing I can’t handle. You should see the other guy, right?”

It probably was in poor taste to go for a joke, and Eddie’s dark expression only confirmed that fact, but what was Buck supposed to say? ‘Hey, no worries, my mom broke a picture frame so it was either let her get the shit beat out of her or take the heat?’ Yeah, no.

Suddenly, his face was in Eddie’s hands, and oh wow that was nice, and he had to work to keep from sighing as Eddie’s fingers went feather light over his skin.

“Buck, this wasn’t just a little love tap.” Hah, no, there was no love in it at all. “You know, I could teach you how to block a few hits. Some self defense.”

Buck laughed, humorlessly, shaking his head. “No, that’s okay. Not a lot of good there, I don’t think.” he shrugged, shaking his head, even as Eddie opened his mouth to protest.

“But I can—”

“Stop. Don’t worry about it, seriously.”

“Buck, I am serious. I’m really worried about you, have been all day.”

Buck had to swallow at that, his heart sinking, and he looked down as he weighed his options. Neither were good. But if one kept Eddie from worrying...

“...fine. On one condition.” Buck said, his voice a little thick as he looked back up to Eddie, who... well, he looked like he would do anything Buck asked at that moment, and wasn’t that an interesting swarm of butterflies in his stomach?

“You stop asking about how I got them.”

Eddie’s face did a funny kind of flip flop, but eventually, he nodded. “Fine. First lesson starts now.”

Buck sighed again as he thumbed the hem of his shirt, debating for only a moment before he pulled it off. The tank top he was wearing beneath didn’t hide a whole lot, but he figured Eddie had already seen one bruise, and had promised not to ask about the rest, so he didn’t think much could come from getting rid of the heavy, hot garment.

What would come of it, apparently, was Eddie gaping at him, eyes nearly bugging out of his head. Buck felt a sense of shame pool in his stomach, ready to put the shirt back on in another second—he didn’t think the bruises were so bad, but maybe—

“Buck, you’re—you’re ripped.”

What?

“How are you not on the wrestling team with me? Or the lacrosse team, or football, or... something?”

Buck blinked for a moment before he felt blood rush to his face. Oh. Oh. Eddie wasn’t staring because he was disgusted, or horrified, but because he apparently... liked what he saw. From a sportsman perspective. That had to be it. Right. He cleared his throat, willing the pink to die down on his cheeks. “Eddie, are you gonna teach me or what?”

Eddie’s eyes snapped up, wide as dinner plates, voice an active higher as he spoke. “Right!” He cleared his throat, shaking his head as he stepped closer to Buck. “Okay, so, if someone is going to come at you from the front, if they try and throw a punch, you just move the outside of your arm to knock the arm back, and—good.”

Buck didn’t even wait for Eddie to finish speaking, as soon as the hand was up he batted it away with perhaps a bit more force than needed, a thoroughly unimpressed look on his face.

“Okay, but then you need to follow through with a hit when they’re open. See—”

Eddie moved to throw a punch again, slow and painfully obvious, and Buck followed his instructions, pushing it away, and then... not doing anything. Eddie scowled, raising his hand again, and just like before, Buck knocked it away with the inside of his fore arm, trying to focus on the best point to hit to knock the hand away.

“Buck, you have to follow through. Blocking is great but you have to use the opening to hit back.”

Punch- block. Punch- block. Punch- block. Eddie started picking up the tempo, moving around Buck,

“I’m not hitting back, Eddie.”

Yeah, right. Buck hit back, and he’d probably get beaten beyond recognition. Pass.

“I can see that, but you have to. If someone is going to try and hurt you, you have to strike whenever you’re open. One good hit and you can run like hell.”

Punch- block. Punch- block. Where exactly was he supposed to run to? The living room? The kitchen?

“No.”

Eddie gave a quicker shot—still weak, but Buck ducked, pushing the hand away from him. This was actually proving to be pretty useful.

“Look, I get not wanting to hit someone, but you just need to daze them if you’re going to get away.”

“Eddie, I don’t hit back. That’s now how this works.”

“Well why the fuck not—”

“Because it doesn’t fucking matter!” Buck yelled, his tone taking himself by surprise, as did the heat that suddenly burned through his face. “It doesn’t matter if I land a hit or not, it doesn’t matter if I get hurt, as long as he doesn’t hurt anyone else!”

“He?”

The words hung in the air, heavy and dark, and Buck almost swallowed his tongue when he realized what he had said.

“Buck, who did this to you?”

“I have to get to class.”

It was too much. Buck swallowed as he turned around, abandoning his belongings in the locker room as he fled through the gym doors. He didn’t have to run far—thankfully he had his phone and wallet with him, which meant he had a train ticket—and only when he managed to throw himself between the closing doors of the Thorndale line did he manage to breathe again.

He pulled his phone out when the train took off, shooting a quick message to Maddie, asking her to call him out for the rest of his day.

Then he turned off his phone, put his head in his hands, and started to cry.

When Buck came to school the next day, he had his concealer on, and as far as he was concerned, the day before had never happened. He parked in his regular area, locked the doors, and tried not to sigh too heavily when he saw Eddie waiting from him.

He didn’t have it in him for a fight, but Eddie had both his hands up, and that was enough to keep Buck from running again.

For now.

“Look, Buck, I won’t ask details, but.... just tell me, are you okay?” Eddie asked, his voice slow and unsure, and Buck felt a frown creeping over his face in spite of himself.

He tilted his head as he looked Eddie over, brow furrowed. “You really care about me.” A statement, not a question, but Eddie nodded all the same. “Why?”

If the question caught Eddie off guard, he didn’t show it. Instead, he looked away, seemingly chewing over his words as he tried to answer.

"Because you’re worth being cared about, Buck.”

Buck hummed as he considered the answer, acting like it didn’t just rock him to his very core, and sighed as he opened his arms and pulled Eddie into a hug—Eddie seemed surprised, but pleased, and Buck didn’t have to wait long before Eddie was hugging him back, so gently and mindful of Buck’s body that he thought he might start crying again.

“So, it’s not just these rugged good looks?” he mumbled into Eddie’s hair, and Eddie groaned, shaking his head.

“Buck, please.”

“My charming personality?”

“Buck, please.”

Somehow, nothing changed, and everything did.

Eddie didn’t bring up the bruises anymore, possibly because they weren’t visible anymore, but he held himself differently around Buck—instead of grand claps on the back, he tugged at Buck’s elbow, instead of a teasing elbow to the ribs, it was a playful shoulder bump—all, Buck knew, things that Eddie could do without risking aggravating an unseen injury.

Any doubt in his mind that Eddie knew what was going on was dashed almost immediately, when Eddie intentionally steered the conversation in their little friend group (which was mostly the wrestling team, who had decided beyond all reason that Buck was okay) away from family matters. It didn’t take a genius to put two and two together, and Buck was sure it was at least a little obvious when you got to know him where the bruises came from, but that was why Buck had been so hesitant to get to know anyone in the first place.

What was new, though, was the hand holding. It started off as Buck being led around, but then Eddie never really let go of his hand. Buck didn’t mind it, even though he felt he should—he was more or less dying for any physical contact that didn’t hurt, an itch he didn’t even know he needed scratched until Eddie showed up. But it was still... weird.

It wasn’t until later on, as Thanksgiving break loomed around the corner, when Eddie let his hand trail over his shoulders while dropping a burrito and chips from the Qdoba off campus did Buck start connecting dots.

Eddie was always a touchy feely guy, and it had only increased as of late.

Eddie had blushed when Buck took off his shirt—and for good reasons, apparently.

And now, Eddie was treating him to lunch.

They were all fine things on their own, but once was an accident, twice a coincidence, and three times, a pattern.

He swallowed his bite of burrito—the perfect order, even though he was sure Eddie had only asked him what he liked once, weeks ago—and derailed whatever train of thought Eddie had going in one fell swoop.

“...but if you look at the—”

“Eddie, are we dating?”

He wasn’t sure what he was expecting. A denial, maybe? Or another blush and topic change?

What he wasn’t expecting was for Eddie to nod his head, his smile a little wider, and then just continue on.

“Anyway, as I was saying—”

“No, hang on. We’re dating? This is like, a lunch date? You bought me lunch, because we’re on a lunch date?”

Eddie’s smile was so soft that Buck instantly felt at ease, even though he knew he was probably asking the dumbest questions of all time. “Yeah Buck, this is a lunch date. I didn’t want you to freak about it, but I knew you’d come to the conclusion eventually.”

Buck hummed as he reached over, stealing one of Eddie’s chips, chewing it thoughtfully before he rose his brow. “Well, this is a pretty nice first date, then.”

He tried not to be offended when Eddie snorted, raising his brow as he met the challenge.

“Buck, this is at least our second or third date. Our last date was me bringing you home to meet my parents.” Eddie said with a smirk, but Buck frowned, shaking his head.

“Wait, Eddie, that was forever ago. What was our first date then?” Buck asked, confusion written all over his face.

Eddie actually blushed—okay, Buck was officially never getting tired of seeing that—as he looked up, humming in a way that was probably meant to be nonchalant but definitely wasn’t. “Oh, uh, well I consider our first date to be the first lunch we had. Um, the one where I made the joke about Ms. Syzmaski’s wrinkly old ass?”

Buck was honestly lucky he had swallowed before Eddie spoke, because that would have been a spittake for sure. “What the fuck about that joke made you think of that as a date?”

Eddie was pink again and Buck had to physically bite his tongue not to goad him about it, but he was steadily getting redder as Buck waited. Finally, Eddie threw up his arms, sighing in defeat as he buried his head in his hands.

“It was... it was the first time I made you laugh, okay? That’s why it was so nice.”

Oh, that was cute. Fuck, that was so cute. Buck could actually feel his resolve start to give way, which was unacceptable on more than one level, and he took a breath as he steadied himself. “I’m not staying.”

Eddie look like he had been punched. “What?”

“I mean it. I’m not staying. As soon as I graduate I’m getting out of this state, hell, this time zone if I can.”

“Buck—“

“I mean it, Eddie, I can’t—can’t stay here. And I like, you, I really like you, but if you’re staying in state, you have to know that I won’t. Not for anything, so if that’s a dealbreaker for you, you should just…”

His lungs ran out of his air as he forgot to breathe, but it was probably for the best, Eddie taking the moment to jump in before Buck could continue freaking out. “Buck, what makes you think I’m staying?”

Buck swallowed, his thoughts completely derailed. “What? You just moved here, why would you be leaving again?”

“The only reason we’re here this year is for my dads work. He has a year long contract, then we’d probably be moving back to Texas, but even then, who knows? No offense, but I have zero urge to stay in this snooty, Ivy-League bullshit state.”

Buck spoke slowly as his brain tried to catch up with what Eddie had said, brow wrinkling in a way that Eddie was definitely going to remember to call cute later on. “So… you’re not planning on staying. And you don’t care if I leave either.”

“No, Jesus. All I want is for you to be happy.”

It probably said a lot about how much that simple statement shocked him, but at this point in his life, he wasn’t sure anything would sit as “normal” for a long time.

“Oh. Well, then, care to explain how we’ve apparently gone on three dates and you haven’t kissed me yet?”

Eddie lit up like a Christmas tree as he scooted forward on the bench, his eyes bright. “Are you sure you’re okay with it? I didn’t want to scare you off or anything—“

“Eddie, if you don’t kiss me right now, I swear I’ll—“

He didn’t get to finish his threat—which was mildly annoying—but the warm pressure of Eddie’s lips against his own drowned out any other objection he thought he may have.

He was almost late to class, his lips bruised in a way he absolutely loved, and he regretted absolutely nothing.

The day before they were due back in school from Winter Break, Buck had been planning on spending the entire day in bed, recuperating from the incessant display of familial togetherness that the holidays usually had brought. Eddie had been his one saving grace—near constant phone calls, texts, and snapchats had been the only thing keeping Buck’s temper low enough to avoid a few new bruises.

And, if the sight of Eddie wearing the simple leather corded necklace that Buck had gotten him for Christmas made his heart beat a little faster whenever he saw it, that was between him and God.

The past three months had been… alarmingly good, if Buck was being honest. If his home life had taught him anything, it was that the other shoe always dropped—so as much as he loved spending time with Eddie, as much as he loved their kisses, and rare dates, and holding hands in the hallway, as much as he honestly, truly thought he could see a life beyond high school with him, he was constantly, constantly waiting for that other shoe to drop.

Which was why, when Eddie called him at one o’clock on a Sunday, Buck let it ring a few times before he gathered himself to answer the phone.

“Hey, are you busy tonight? I want you to come over and meet everyone.”

“What do you mean, meet everyone? I’m pretty sure all of your family knows me by now.” That much was definitely true—Buck had been spending more time at Eddies than his own whenever he could help it, and while there was always someone out on an errand or at work or doing something else, he had participated in enough dinners, family calls, and video chats that he knew more of Eddie’s family than he did his own. “What, you have another set of siblings you’re hiding away from me?”

Eddie’s resounding laugh was a little too loud, a little too tense, just enough to spike Buck’s curiosity without making him fear the worst. He agreed easily after that, asking if he needed to bring anything, and made plans for a few hours later.

When he pulled up to Eddie’s house, though, it was almost unrecognizable. There were streamers tossed through the tree in the front yard, balloons tied to nearly every horizontal surface Eddie could see, and there were enough cars parked out front that Buck had to squeeze in behind a truck and a fire hydrant (and hope that he wouldn’t get a ticket).

As usual, Eddie met him at the door (Buck had teased him once about waiting by the window, and when Eddie blushed and didn’t deny it, Buck had gone in to full hysterical laughter), the obvious nerves he was displaying not enough to dissuade Buck from punching him in the shoulder. “Eddie, what the fuck! Is this a party? You told me not to bring anything, I could have—“

“Oh whatever, I’ll sign your name on my card, calm down.” Eddie said, like he wasn’t the bundle of nerves himself, leaning forward to press a kiss to Buck’s lips (which he accepted, of course, he wasn’t a monster even if he was annoyed). He easily succumbed to the whirlwind of introductions—aunties and uncles and people who were clearly of the Diaz family, and damn, Eddie wasn’t kidding when he told Buck he wanted him to meet everyone. Eddie’s nerves started to hitch back up as they made their way to the backyard, and Buck was about to call him out on whatever it was that was going on when Eddie beat him to the punch.

“Alright, you ready to meet the man of the hour?”

“Only if you’re ready for me to.” Buck said with a hum, smiling as Eddie’s face did some impressive expressive gymnastics. “Eddie, you’re wound like a damn spring. If you don’t want me to meet this person, or any of these people, I don’t want you to feel like you have to. I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, yeah?” He said, bringing his other hand up to link with Eddie’s as well.

Eddie, to his credit, looked like the weight of the world had been lifted off of his chest, and he beamed as he leaned in to kiss Buck agin. “God, you’re perfect. Have I ever told you that? Well, probably not enough, but it will have to wait, because…” Eddie pushed through the back door and towed Buck along with him, where a circle of chairs were set up around a table stacked high with drinks, snacks, party games, and in the middle of it all—

“…because here’s the birthday boy!”

—was a high chair, fully equipped with a tray table, a soppy cup, and a baby.

A baby.

Buck felt every nerve, every tense minute, every rational thought melt in his body and turn into a warm puddle of goo at the very core of his soul, and his face must have reflected that fact because Buck was vaguely aware of two of Eddie’s sisters laughing at him, but who cared there was a baby and it was the most adorable, pudgy, perfect baby Buck had ever seen.

The baby quickly let out a high pitched squeal as his attention landed on Eddie, smacking his hands against the table in front of him, and Buck could not be held accountable for the noise that he made when Eddie swooped forward and undid the tray, pulling him out of the high chair easily, tucking him into an arm like he was a seasoned pro.

“Buck, this is Chris.”

And now Eddie was walking toward him with the baby, the baby who’s name was Chris, and Buck only waited for the barest hint of a confirmation from Eddie before he moved closer, cooing toward the excited little bean in Eddie’s arms.

“Today is Chris’ first birthday.”

Which, that made sense, he was still so small and pudgy but still so energetic, and Buck nodded along with the rapid fire babbling as he squeezed Chris’ little foot playfully, feeling more proud of anything at the peal of laughter Chris let out at that.

“Chris is my son.”

Well, that made sense, Chris had the same complexion as Buck did, and he was just as quick to smile, and even though his hair was lighter in color it was still thick and wavy, and—

Wait.

His brain caught up with his ears and yanked him out of his baby haze as he looked back up to Eddie, and oh, yeah, there was that nervousness that Buck had felt radiating off of him all afternoon. It seemed to echo around the yard, where there was conversation and laughter just a moment ago, everyone seemed quieter now, hushed, or maybe that was just the rushing in Buck’s ears. Things started fitting into place as Buck thought about it—how he had met all of Eddie’s immediate family, but not at the same time, probably because someone had probably taken Chris out whenever Buck came over. How Eddie so obviously loved his family, but still got a little awkward talking about them at times. Why Eddie had only rarely badgered him about going out after school, because he was spending most of the time himself with his son.

“This is your baby.”

“Yes.”

Oh.

“You’re his father.”

“Yeah.”

Oh.

“Eddie, he’s beautiful.”

Eddie sagged like a puppet with its strings cut, the tension bleeding out of his body, and the smile he shot to Buck was more open and honest than he had ever seen before. He could feel a collective sigh breathed around him as the voices picked back up, apparently approving of Buck’s reaction. “He really is, isn’t he? When he was born last year, his mom wanted to give him up, but… I couldn’t even imagine that. My parents stepped up and really helped me out, we took him home, and it was just… perfect. Like it was meant to be.”

Buck looked up with a smile as Eddie spoke, utterly entrapped in how soft he looked as he held his son, his voice low and slow as to not startle the curious kid safe in his arms. “When my dad took a contract up here, I thought it would be the perfect chance to start over, you know? I wouldn’t give Chris up for anything, but I could tell teachers were going easier on me, boosting my grades, and I didn’t know if it was pity or… whatever. This was the chance for me to prove I could do it. You, uh, you’re the only one outside of my family who even knows.” Eddie said, and Buck had to physically bite his tongue to prevent himself from gushing.

“He’s perfect, Eds. You’re perfect. I’m… I’m really honored you told me.” Buck said easily, leaning forward for another kiss, mindful of the giggling body between them. “But if you think I’m going to let you forget that you told me not to bring anything to your baby sons first birthday, you have another thing coming, I can’t believe you didn’t let me get a gift or something—no, seriously!“

Eddie let out a groan as he leaned forward into Buck’s bickering, the sudden lull in the party long since forgotten as the night carried on.

The other shoe always dropped, though, and Buck 100% blamed himself for not seeing it coming. Hell, he 100% blamed himself for letting it happen. He had become complacent, he had let his guard down, Eddie had wormed his way into Buck’s heart and showed him how good things could be, and Buck had dared to believe him.

Buck had had hope, as stupid as it was, and now, here he was, standing at Eddie’s door, knocking at the wooden frame, begging, pleading for him to open the door—he didn’t realize how much he loved Eddie always meeting him at the threshold until it didn’t happen, until he wasn’t sure if Eddie was going to open the door at all, until he didn’t know what else he could do.

As it was, Eddie wasn’t the one who opened the door. It was Helena, who he had just spent the day with, and the sound she had made when Buck came into view was unholy.

The day had started off so well, too—Eddie and Buck had both been accepted to Texas A&M (while Buck’s pre-acceptance letter had come almost a month ago, he still waited until Eddie received his to even open the envelope), and Eddie’s parents had been so thrilled with him—with both of them—that they had insisted on treating everyone to breakfast before cheering Eddie on at what was likely the last wrestling match of the season (because as great as Eddie was, the team as a whole sucked).

Helena had forced him into a “Team Diaz” shirt, and Buck looked at himself probably a little too long in the mirror, tracing the name over his chest—if anyone noticed, no one said anything, though the smile on Helena’s face told Buck all he needed to know. Eddie, on the other hand, had absolutely lit up when he saw them all in the stands, his gaze lingering a little too long on the word Diaz splayed across Buck’s chest, and the look he gave Buck when they locked eyes again was nothing short of sinful (Buck was glad that he had been put on Chris duty—holding a baby was probably the only way he was able to distract himself from the sight of Eddie in spandex).

So, it didn’t come to a huge surprise when Helena opened the door and let out a sound that would have pushed him over the edge, had Buck not already been crying.

Well… halfway crying. He was only really tearing up in one eye, the other was too swollen to do anything more than squint.

His front was covered in blood, the “Team Diaz” stained red, his lip split and swollen and his cheek covered in bruises. It was probably for the best that his left eye was swollen shut, because blood was leaking around it from a split in his eyebrow, so he probably wouldn’t have been able to see anyway. Beyond the lip and the eye, though, the biggest concern was his nose—he didn’t think it was broken, but it was still sluggishly bleeding, and it just wouldn’t stop.

Helena pulled him into the house and immediately started barking orders (“Adriana, bring Christopher to the nursery and put him in his playpen. Sophia, tell Edmundo to get home right now, his Buck has been hurt. Ramon, give me the first aid kit.”), steering Buck easily to the back yard as the rest of the family scurried around.

By the time Eddie got home, Buck had been mostly cleaned up—or, at least, his nose had stopped bleeding long enough to mop up most of the blood on his face, and Helena had taped the gash on his brow closed with butterfly bandages, and had a cold compress pressed against his face. Eddie looked wild, his eyes wide and face unforgiving as he kneeled next to Buck, and if Buck had any tears left in his body he probably would have started crying again as Eddie cupped the uninjured side of his face.

Buck knew that Eddie was trying to find words, but he also knew there were a hundred wrong things to say at that moment, so he took the step for both of them.

“My dad found out about us.” There was no sense in sugar coating it, no sense in leaving the bandaid on too long, he just had to rip it off so they could move on. “Apparently he didn’t much like the idea of his son not carrying on the family name, he… didn’t take it well.”

Eddie let out a sound that could only be described as someone breaking, and Buck blindly reached for his hand, feeling something burn through his chest, deciding then and there that he wouldn’t let another ounce of his father hurt Eddie the way it had hurt him. “But you were right. One block, one hit, all I needed to get away.” His tone had soured into something dark and sticky, good eye burning as he remembered Eddie’s little self defense lesson, all those months ago. He could tell the moment that Eddie’s mind reached the same conclusion, and he scrambled to look at Buck’s hands—there were some bruising around his right knuckles, but that was it.

One punch, that was all he needed.

One punch, and just like that, he had left everything behind—his phone, his car, his father bleeding from what Buck could only hope was a broken nose, coughing and sputtering on the entryway floor. The only thing he had on him was his wallet and his hoodie, and even the latter was tossed into the trashcan as he got off the train, too thoroughly wet with blood to be of any good at keeping him warm.

Instinctively, he had gotten off the train and trusted his feet to take him somewhere he knew he would be safe. He had finally realized that that place would never be with his family, would never be his house. His house would never be his home.

“Eddie…” Buck started, his voice thick with emotion. “Eddie, I… I don’t want to go back. I never want to see them, ever again. I’ll call up Maddie, I’ll… I’ll do something, but I can’t go back there, ever.”

Eddie looked like his heart was breaking; but before he could open his mouth and tell Buck off for considering going anywhere else, Helena spoke again.

“You will do no such thing.”

Her voice soft but hard as steel, leaving no room for argument, and Buck looked at her with pleading eyes (well, eye) as she shook her head.

“You will not be going back there. I have half a mind to drive over there right now and—no. I will do everything I can to make sure you never have to see them again.”

Buck could feel himself sag in relief, a breath he didn’t know he had been holding coming out ragged and raw, even as Helena continued.

“And Buck, I don’t know Maddie, and I’m sure she would be happy to help you out however she could, but. I would never let another Diaz out onto the street. Never in my life.” She said, and Buck had to swallow when he realized who she was talking about.

They considered him a Diaz?

“So if you would really be happier, or safer, we can get in the car and I’ll bring you to your sister tonight, but it’s just a few months until you and Edmundo leave for college anyway, and—“

“Please stay. Please. God, Buck, please, at least stay with us until you heal up a little. Please.” Eddie had apparently had enough of his mothers talking in circles, his voice shaking as he spoke, and Buck’s shock must have shown on his face because Eddie looked like he was going to start crying again.

They really considered him a Diaz.

He wanted to question it, to object, to do anything to prevent himself from being in their hair, but just like it was the first time they had lunch together, Eddie had worked his way too far past Buck’s defenses, and apparently, he had brought his whole family with him.

Buck barely had to nod before Eddie had him wrapped up in his arms, tight, and Buck returned the favor easily, seamlessly, his head buried in Eddie’s neck like he belonged there.

The thought resonated as Helena went back inside, letting the two of them have their moment; though, just a moment, announcing that it would be a lovely night to have dinner outside on the patio. It bounced around his head as Eddie kissed his cheek when they passed each other with plates and glasses, setting the table beneath the string lights in the yard, the spot on his cheek tingling long after the contact had broken. It took root when Buck found himself laughing, sitting easier in his own skin than he had ever done before as Eddie tried to justify whatever foolish thing he had done in Ramon’s story, failing miserably, his hand laced tightly with Buck’s beneath the table.

Maybe this was where he belonged.

For the first time in years, Buck saw something that was worth holding on for, that was worth keeping and protecting and letting grow.

For the first time, he had hope.

#evan buckley #eddie diaz #buddie #911 #buddiefic #911fic #highschool au #christopher diaz #tw: abuse #flospeaks #8k #fic #god this got long #I don't know if I like it but I needed it to be out of my brain so #there you go #mutually assured devotion

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junhoontrash · 4 years

Note

jun ships as fanfiction tropes? :D

JunCheol: Mafia/Gang AU where SC is a newly appointed boss of the most notorious group within the district, meanwhile JN just started police academy and is having second thoughts on his career choice, the two have an accidental meeting on a park bench where SC cheers JN up by listening to his troubles and empathizing with him. Years later, JN (now a detective) is assigned to track down SC, and the real story starts from there. I also like the semi-scandalous employer vs employee trope for these two.

JunHan: Bartender AU where JH works at a bar JN visits almost every weekend, the latter would always complain to JH about how he never has any luck in love, and the bartender would listen to him whine for hours but never really giving any response. After all, JH was the one responsible for JN’s “lack” of suitors, but he doesn’t need to know that. A lot of pining, secret admirer elements.

JunShua: JS is the senior with the pretty eyes and laugh that JN has a secret crush on but has never even spoken a word to, though not from lack of trying on their mutual friends’ part. It’s just that JN always ends up panicking and running away. One morning after a party, JN finds himself waking up in JS’s apartment and the older acts completely nonchalant while making eggs for breakfast. Mutual pining/crushing; the cool senpai isn’t actually cool; dorks in love; college to LDR to domestic AU.

SoonHui: GROWING UP TOGETHER AU. Or, reunited childhood friends AU. Kid crushes blooming into first love. The two are childhood neighbors and attended the same school all throughout kindergarten-middle school years, but then JN moves away. They never lost contact though, and JN reveals that he applied and got into the same university as HS. Thrilled, HS goes pick up JN at the airport and they have a “how tf did he get even prettier” moment. Aren’t even dating but act like a married couple; denial of feelings because “we’ve known each other since forever, I’ve seen him pee his pants ffs” “ewww that’s like dating my own brother haha. ha.” -> “see?! he doesn’t even feel the same way so what’s the point”; their friends are very done and so is the writer; some minor angst from the two drifting apart at some point, whether it be from the previously stated misunderstanding or the actual distance playing its part.

WonHui: Probably an overstated AU for these two but cat cafe :’D Or, “I’ve been feeding this stray for a while but turns out it was your cat all along and now I demand partial custody” AU. Minor enemies to lovers; gasp and they were roommates; domestic fluff. I don’t know why, but fake marriage AU also seems fitting for them.

JunHoon: WZ is writing a musical and goes into a slump, chances upon some angelic singing accompanied by beautiful piano playing and BAM there’s his muse. But after finishing the whole thing, no one from auditions catches his eye for the piano angel role and he knew that there was only one thing to do- he had to find the original piano angel. Even after finding JN though, the latter refuses to take the role out of shyness, but WZ is insistent on letting the whole school hear and see how wonderful his newfound muse was. WZ accidentally says some embarrassing things (ex: praising JN’s singing and literally calling it angelic in front of their whole friend group; “I don’t want just anyone, I want you”) but JN’s the one getting shy while WZ’s oblivious; JN is an acting major but isn’t confident with singing in public; musicals are stressful omg; love between two oblivious fools that drive all their friends crazy; Cinderella elements.

JunHao: Romance between an assassin and bodyguard; established relationship, but neither knows about the other’s “side job” until they meet in action. “We are having a serious talk when we get home- will you stop trying to stab me?” “I would if you’d just let me get to that guy behind you” “oh so now it’s my fault?” “Is this about the dishes again” “It was clearly your turn-”; questionable domestic content; romeo and juliet elements; lovers to enemies but also still lovers.

JunGyu: Love-at-first-bite; MG is the owner of a small place JN likes to order takeout from, and JN always jokes about how he’d only date someone if they could replicate his favorite dish from their menu to stop his friends from trying to set him up. One day, a mutual friend has a housewarming party and MG brings homemade food, which JN immediately recognizes and proposes right on the spot, yes, in the middle of their friend’s house, in front of everyone. MG turns him down, but JN starts actually eating at his place instead of ordering takeout, and MG just treats him as background noise for a while but then starts to secretly fall for his small cute quirks. Some jealousy ensues when JN eventually gives in and lets his friend set up a blind date, having accepted that MG wasn’t interested. They decided to meet at MG’s place because JN had grown a bit too attached to his food, and MG gets, well, extremely distracted.

SeokHui: Coffee shop AU where JN goes to a coffee shop every morning just to catch that one cute server’s shift. One day, he saw that the place was hiring and immediately jumped at the opportunity... except the spot that opened was DK’s. Luckily for him, his first customer turned out to be none other than the former server himself, and their routine continued with their roles reversed. At some point, DK confesses through dedicating a love song to JN during an open mic at the coffee shop, and JN finally confesses... that he was actually more of a tea person jk.

JunKwan: SK is JN’s personal Cupid who is incredibly concerned over the fact that JN seems to show no interest in pursuing romance, which is an issue because if JN never finds love, SK would be stuck on this assignment forever. Well, it’s not like JN is doing it on purpose to keep him here... right?

JunSol: “We promised to marry each other as kids and now that we’re all grown you’ve probably forgotten but I’m still waiting for that ring”; after hearing the news that his childhood friend, JN, was engaged, VN had to force himself to accept the fact that the older would never see him as more than a younger brother; “but Hansol, aren’t you my fiancé?”

ChanHui: DN is a matchmaker known for his 100% success rate, so when his friend from college, JN, asked for his help, he shouldn’t be any less confident about it. But for whatever reason, he just feels this overwhelming urge to set JN up with the worst match possible and ruin his record, and it totally wasn’t because he’s had a crush on him since sophomore year, no way, he was over that. Or at least he should be. Lots of misunderstandings in which JN actually got along with his date but both agreed they’d be better off as friends; DN didn’t know the second part and was shocked to hear that they’d be going on a “second date”; the moral of the story is- DN couldn’t be bad at his job even if he tried.

#personal #juncheol #junhan #junshua #soonhui #wonhui #junhoon #junhao #jungyu #seokhui #junkwan #junsol #chanhui

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spideyeuphoria · 4 years

Text

somebody she loved // chapter one

Pairing: Peter Parker X Reader (Soulmate AU)

My first one-shot! I’ve been thinking about this soulmate concept for awhile, it’s certainly different from traditional soulmate AU’s, but I hope you’ll like it! Quite the lengthy story, so prepare for multiple parts!

Summary: One soulmate. Like everybody else, you only get one soulmate your whole life. Soulmates were there forever, if cherished and loved carefully. But when it came to you and your soulmate, the universe was cruel and unfair. It was almost as if things were never meant to work out in the first place.

Warnings: Mentions of kidnapping

Flashbacks in italics!

—————————————————————————

Fifty days.

Fifty days for you to lose it all.

Fifty days was all it took for you to lose him.

Was it for good reason? Only the dying specks of colors that danced across your eyelids could say.

When you were old enough, your parents taught you at the beginning why the world you lived in was always monochrome, always in black and white.

Black and white?

Terms you could not familiarize not know the meaning, but your parents said that you would soon understand enough. You would soon understand the world’s greatest enlightenment: love.

“It’s all fairly simple, Y/N. Just like you, your dad and I saw life without color. That’s just how it’s always been. But once I met your father, things changed.” Your mom beamed at you, almost reminiscing their youthful and bashful memories.

Your father nodded, asking you, “Honey, do you know what a soulmate is?”

Dumbfounded, you shake your head. You desperately wanted to know what this ‘color’ and ‘soulmate’ all meant, and how it would ever apply to you.

“Your soulmate is your person. Your soulmate brings out the very best in you. Someone you think about the first thing you wake up in the morning and the last thing you think of before you sleep. Your soulmate loves you unconditionally, as you do them, and fight through every obstacle life throws at you together.” Your dad described, filling you with awe.

You cocked your head to the side, “How did you know Mom was your soulmate?”

“I can’t remember if it was at the coffee shop or-“

“Honey, where else could it have been?” Your mom cut your dad off, sounding mock-offended.

You giggled at your parents’ banter as your dad grinned from ear to ear.

“I’m just kidding, sweetheart. Of course I remember,” Your dad turned to you again. “Your mom was the most beautiful woman I ever laid my eyes on at the coffee shop. The way her hair effortlessly framed her face, to the glimmer in her eyes. And when she handed me my coffee-“

“His hand touched mine,” Your mother finished. “And the world became clear. The world was filled with new sensations and visions that we had both never seen before. My world-our worlds- were and still beautiful. And one day, you will find your soulmate, Y/N. The day you find them, you’ll understand what it means to see the world for what it truly is. You’ll understand what love feels like.”

Your parents’ description of this ‘love’ sparked not only curiosity, but great amounts of excitement spilling from your being.

And from that day forward, you waited for your soulmate. You wondered what they’d look like. How you would meet them. What you both would say.

At times, the concept of love would fall short on you. You would overhear talk of many of your friends already finding their soulmates before you and see moments in public where strangers would come together as soulmates for the very first time.

While it made you happy, seeing so many people in ‘love’, insecurity spewed from your aching heart. You craved to know how it all felt like.

“His name is Dean,” your best friend Lucy exclaimed, who couldn’t hide her lovesick expression from her features. “He’s sweet, kind..he’s extremely funny. Like really, really funny. I’ve never met someone who makes me laugh so hard like he does!”

You had no choice but to force a smile, trying your best not to show any jealousy to your friend as you sheepishly nod your head. Lucy breathed in, realizing she was sounding inconsiderate of your feelings.

“Oh Y/N, I’m sorry. I-I didn’t mean to-“

“It’s fine, Lucy. Really.” You interjected her apology, rubbing the nape of your neck.

Lucy showed some sympathy for you, taking ahold of your hand and squeezing it lovingly. “Don’t worry, Y/N. Your soulmate’s coming, I know they are! The day you’ll meet them will certainly be one of the best feelings in the whole world! I promise.”

You wondered if you truly did have a soulmate. As time passed, your patience grew thin as well your beliefs that your soulmate was even real.

By the time your junior year had come around, the thought of soulmates began to slip your mind. College applications served as a productive distraction, doing your best to balance extracurriculars and community service.

Little did you know what was yet to come.

Late Friday afternoon, you were walking to the subway station from the downtown library because your study session with your peers had already ended. The sun was starting to set, so you knew you had to make your paces if you wanted to catch the last train.

As the night breeze grew stronger, chills ran down your spine with every step you took. You clutched onto the straps of your backpack hesitantly, looking around. There were barely any people on the streets at this time of hour, and if that didn’t let the fright sink beneath your skin, the scattered footsteps you suddenly heard behind you certainly would.

You were bold enough to turn your head, fixating on a hooded figure loosely following your trail. Swallowing the lump in your throat, you turned back around and proceeded to be hastier with your movements, taking larger strides.

As soon as your heard the figure’s footsteps grow closer to you, you began to bolt for your life.

Your footsteps grew heavier, sending jolts of pain from your ankles to your knees. The evening air shocked your throat as you inhaled deeper, faster.

You yelped as you felt a large hand covering your mouth while the other tugged at your waist, trying to lift you from the ground.

Tears filled your eyes, your muffled cries turning into growls while you kicked and struggled for dear life. Your life was flashing right before your eyes.

Everything that has led up to this moment, and you wouldn’t be able to see your family or friends ever again. You were extremely fearful for the fate that was laid for you.

You shut your eyes, feeling the stranger drop you onto the concrete floor, but you were too afraid to open them. The sounds of erratic movements had caused fear to utterly paralyze you.

Then suddenly, it grew overwhelmingly quiet. The silence that looked over you was unbearable. You felt another hand grab your arm, but you desperately cried you, “Please! Don’t hurt me!”

“Hey, hey, hey! I’m not gonna hurt you! The other guy’s gone. Hey, open your eyes.”

The mellow, soft male voice caught your attention. You decided to trust this new figure and slowly opened your eyes.

And you saw the world for what it truly was.

It was like you were taken back to when you were little, remembering your parents’ speech about the ‘colors’ and how it would change your life.

It was stunning.

The bright hues of the sky illuminated your savior, someone you have familiarized from the news and you were sure that even he heard your heart pounding out of your chest.

Despite hiding behind a mask, you could tell he was just as surprised looking at you too.

Hs extends a hand, to which you gladly accept, getting yourself back in your feet. You stare at him for what felt like eternities, was only a few minutes.

You turn to the wonderful mixture of colors that was beginning to set on the skyline, then return your attention back to him.

“Y-You see this, right?” You stuttered, almost at a loss for words.

He frantically nodded, “Yeah! I-I do. I see it. And I..I see you.”

A shy blush crept up to your cheeks, half smiling. You couldn’t believe it.

You had finally found your soulmate.

And who knew it would be the masked vigilante, Spider-Man?

It all felt too surreal. He was what you were thinking of, dreaming of for forever. And he was finally in front of your very eyes.

To your surprise, the superhero willingly removed his mask, revealing his identity to you. You figured he couldn’t hide his secret from his soulmate, given how fate had brought you two together.

You still couldn’t describe the colors of his hair or his eyes, but you definitely felt yourself getting mesmorized by his freckles and the similar glimmer in his eyes that your father said he also found in your mother’s.

“I guess..you’re my soulmate. I’m Peter. Parker.” He finally introduced himself. He stuck his hand out again.

But instead of shaking his hand, you threw yourself over him, enveloping him into a deep embrace. At that moment, you weren’t sure if you were going to cry tears of sadness or joy. Peter was taken aback, but immediately reciprocated into the hug.

You still have your arms around his neck, pulling your head back to meet him eye to eye. “Y/N. Y/N L/N.”

You both mirror each other’s smiles and tilt your heads up to the skies. Silence goes by again, but it’s comfortable silence.

“I wish I knew what color it was.” You sighed aloud to Peter.

Peter half smiled. “My aunt told me it’s orange? Kind of a weird color, if you ask me.”

“Orange, huh?” You nodded in agreement. “I like it.”

Peter admired the adoration that you wore proudly on your face. He couldn’t believe had finally had you. The wait was finally worth it. And you were both each other’s wholes.

But what the future held for you and Peter was not a fulfilling nor colorful one.

#peter parker #peter parker x reader #peter parker imagine #spiderman #marvel #marvel imagine #spiderman homecoming #spiderman far from mcu

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warmau · 6 years

Text

{Special} College!AU Kun

*tw: there is a lot of mention of alcohol in this one find college!nct (here) + hs!au dream (here)

major: aviation engineering

minor: n/a

sports: almost took a yoga class once, does that count?

clubs: was part of cooking club which shocked just about everyone - especially the culinary majors because why was an engineering major cooking better than them - people who actually wanted to be chefs so unfortunately he got banned,,,,,,,joined photography club instead

on the outside, kun is probably the most unremarkable college student on campus

he attends his classes, does his work, hangs out with his friends, and never really causes any kind of drama or ruckus

in a lot of ways he just ,,,,,,, sort of exists

and people only take notice when he’s in the background of things - like that time his roommate lucas broke the shared showers

and lucas, sopping wet in just his towel, was explaining to campus police that he “didnt break anything” the water just magically started overflowing

and kun had to step in, handing lucas a much needed pair of pants and tell the officer that the drains had been busted for weeks. it was only a matter of time till this happened

or when mark confessed he really had no idea how to write a resume and kun was like

“here, take my word document template including a bunch of fake things i embellished about you, but not really because you are a great person!”

mark with tears in his eyes: th-thanks bro

basically, kun is the unsung hero of his friends

he’s always got their back - and he’s always there to support him

but he’s never like in the limelight

on the outside only of course

the reality is, kun works outside of taking classes.

to everyone on campus it’s a night shift stocking a local store in the college town downtown

but in reality, kun works as a bartender

when he was a freshmen, he had found a online video of a bartender mixing drinks - but adding a magical flare to it

whether it was setting the drinks on fire

building pyramids out of glasses

or pouring drinks that swirled around and changed color

the video had fascinated kun, and he decided to see if he’d be any good at the job

turns out - he was

he had always liked being in the kitchen, working with food - working with drinks was pretty similar

each had its home ingredients, and each took its time to prepare

and with his job at the bar - he could be somebody else

he wasn’t just the college kid in the background

he could entertain, he could laugh, he could have fun and stop cleaning up his friends problems

instead he could make other young strangers happy with his drinks and his magic

the only problem was this kun,,,,,,,,,,was far removed from regular kun

and keeping the secret did make kun feel bad

from his friends to his fellow engineering peers

everyone just thought “oh he’s going to his job at the store! he’ll probably study there and get into no trouble - it’ll be bland!”

when in reality he was doing just the opposite

but at the same time,,,,kun felt like there was no way to connect the two. no one would believe he had this other,,,,,vibrant side

plus - he was juggling school and this job pretty well

his dream had always been to fly and fix planes when he was older

so he took up engineering

it came naturally and unlike a lot of people he did enjoy studying

but there was time for geeking out about plane parts in his classes

but also still putting on his bartenders vest and striking smile for his nightime shifts

to everyone around him, kun was always there to be that encouraging buddy

that person who had the answers when you needed them

because he himself never got into trouble

ten would always clap kun on the back and go, “you need to party more! let loose! but not too loose - remember what happened to johnny last saturday?”

and kun would just laugh and agree

all the while thinking that his friends just didn’t know

the closest anyone ever came to suspecting was when kun had a menu pulled up on his laptop of new drinks from the bar

and taeyong had went “what’s that?”

kun had broken into a cold sweat, trying to think up an excuse

only to sigh of relief when taeyong switched the tab aimlessly to a youtube video kun had been watching about pilot safety tips

you ,,,,,, only knew kun as the bartender from your favorite place to drink after a tough test or a shitty day on campus

that’s because you went to college in the part of the city that kun worked in

so to you - kun was an enigma

he was the striking smile and the crazy magic tricks

and the smooth talking, sociable bartender who every person literally fell in love with for their first hour at the bar

you didn’t know about the kun who was quiet and plain

and to be honest, if someone told you kun was the last person to be noticed at his campus

you’d think they were lying - or being plain rude

because no matter how many times you’d been to the bar, no matter how many other boys have been around you

have talked to you

tried to wind you out from your bad mood

the only person who ever made you feel better, aside from the drink in your hand was kun

and to be honest you didn’t even go there to drink anymore

you went there for the small talk with kun

even five minutes of just college kid banter with him was enough to make you forget your shitty professors and your three essays all due in the same week

but,,,,,,,,you’re pretty sure it’s the same for everyone else

kun’s job means he has to be nice to you

he has to be charming, inviting, and ever so handsome

that warm feeling you get in the pit of your stomach whenever he smiles or his hand brushes against yours

you’re sure he’s got that spell cast over everybody

afterall - how could anyone ignore someone like kun?

and what makes it all worse is the fact that your little fascination with him absolutely grows into a crush

when you’re seated at the bar, looking at the beer you ordered - thinking about how intro to nuclear biology turned out to be the WORSE choice for an elective

when someone slides in to the seat beside you

smug look on their face and all

“how are you doing tonight? you’re far too gorgeous to be looking so gloomy.”

the pick up line makes you almost roll your eyes

but you look up at the person and shake your head instead

“i like being gloomy, college was made for that.”

instead of warning them off - the person seems to think your sarcasm is an invite to stay and chat

then they think its an invite to order you a drink

even when you tell them your bottle is half full

kun comes over when the stranger waves their hand

he looks picturesque in his little satin vest, the bow-tie and big glimmering eyes

“a drink for this beautiful angel to my left~”

the say and you reach out before kun can turn around

“i,,,,,dont want it. thank you.”

kun’s expression doesn’t falter, he just nods and glides his way over to another customer

for a second,,,,you feel a little bit hurt

when you’d stopped him - you were hoping kun would read the pleading look in your eye

begging to somehow be saved from the awkward advances of a total random straner

but kun had a job to do, it’s not like he was going to be the knight in shining armor you wished he would be

“why’d you say no to a free drink?”

you look up at the stranger

“i know why you’re buying it for me, and im flattered - but im not interested.”

the once cheap kindness on their face twists into hurt pride

suddenly you’re not just annoyed,,,you’re a little worried as they lean in closer

but before they can whisper whatever it is that they’re thinking they pull back

yelping in pain, they look over to where a smiling kun on the otherside of the bar

has slammed a glass hard onto their hand

“ow! why they fuck did you put that shit on my hand!”

the stranger winces, pulling his red hand up to his chest protectively as kun lifts up the glass

kun’s smile never even changes

but his eyes are darker than usual, sparking with some kind of emotion you’ve never seen from him

“oh, oops. i must have not seen your hand. you should go to the bathroom and ice that.”

the stranger grumbles, throws some more curses you and kun’s way and then disappears into the crowd

you turn and kun tilts his head as you stare at him in shock

“you - you didn’t have to do th-”

kun shrugs

“what? it was a genuine mistake.”

but he winks an then goes back to taking orders

and you sit there, feeling the warmth in your stomach that you usually get around kun turn into a blossoming blush on the insides of your heart

it’s that incident that makes you fall head over heels

you think it’s a little juvenile, in love with the handsome bartender

but you’re in college you’re allowed to be a little juvenile - after all these are the last four years till you’re living in the adult world

but even still - you know kun just sees you as another regular

another college student with your woes, and you’re sure he has some of his own

you daydream that he must be some kind of cool major like music or philosophy

or something prestigious like pre-law or pre-med

how he must walk around on campus with an entire entourage of smitten students wanting him to notice them

how he probably dresses super stylish

how everyone only looks at him and is super duper jealous or in love -

that must be how kun is like at school

because that’s what he’s like here

can you imagine the shock when you end up on kun’s college campus - visiting with your club to give a presentation in the science dept

only to see kun

wearing plain black pants,,,,a button up flannel,,,,,a messenger bag you’re sure he’s had since middle school

and glasses

sitting in the corner of the quad - quietly

reading an,,,,,,,engineering textbook

surrounded by absolutely no one

passed by like he,,,,like he isn’t even there

you nearly triple take just to make sure it’s really really him

and one of your club members jokingly tells you to stop or you’ll swivel your head right off

i mean there’s no way right,,,there’s no way the bartender i know,,,,,is that boy sitting over there? so,,,,so unnoticeable,,,

after you leave - the only thing in your head is the image of kun hunched over his book like that

you keep trying to figure out an explanation

and as you’re sitting in your room you just think - why am i broading about it? i should just ask him.

the thought makes your heart stop,,,,but you decide that if anything ,,,, this all makes kun more approachable

more attainable

but you shake that thought off and when you find yourself on a friday evening at the bar again

watching kun pour shots that turn from a clear white into a misty, fragrant pink

you wonder how someone can just do a 180 and become someone completely new

you’re jealous - it must be a talent

kun’s shift comes to an end at three

and even though you think it’s a little corny that you waited - even a little creepy actually

you just can’t help but want to know

and when kun sees you, he doesn’t seem at all concerned or annoyed

instead he smiles and waves

“it’s so late, it’s dangerous going home now.”

he warns and you feel your stomach do a flip

his first sentence out of his mouth isn’t why are you here? what do you want? it’s the need to show worry and empathy,,,,like is he seriously just the best person on earth?

you smile weakly, “kun - can i ask you something?”

he nods slowly, looking at you with what seems the most pure gaze in the world

“i,,i saw you - a couple of days ago. you were reading a engineering textbook. is that your major?”

everything seems to drain right out of kun’s face

his smile vanishes like melting wax off a candle

and you instantly feel like this is it - that you could die of embarrassment and shame in this moment

when in a quiet voice he goes , “yes”

you don’t know what else to say - so you blurt out what you’re thinking

“do you not like it? you sound so sad,,,,,”

kun pulls suddenly at the bow-tie around his neck

“i like it alot. it’s just,,,,”

he stares dejectedly at the ground in the darkness of the night

“it’s just it doesn’t fit who i am here - right? it’s boring.”

you gape, unsure of what he really means

“you know me as the bartender here, as the happy and outgoing magician of drinks or whatever but in reality,,,that’s an illusion”

he shrugs

“im very plain. i like engineering. i like planes. and i dont really like to stand out. isn’t that funny?”

before your mind can tell you to pause, you reach out and grab kun’s cold hand

his wide eyes meet yours as you shake your head

“it’s not funny, and it’s not an illusion. this job is one part of you - but the other part of you is too. engineering is so interesting, it’s unexpected - but it’s cool and one day i would really like if you -”

your voice trembles - you’ve never really confessed to anyone before this

“i would really like if you told me more about it!”

kun doesn’t say anything for a bit

so much so that you panic, letting go of his hand and whispering a feeble apology

but then he steps closer to you

and you don’t know what he’s going to do next until he puts his hand slightly over your head

confused, you look up - noticing finally that it has started to rain

and kun is shielding you from it

“im fine you don’t ha-”

“it’s late, it’s raining, the right thing is to make sure you stay dry and take you home.”

you feel your entire body burn up in a blaze when kun says that

and you feel even more hot when he pulls you gently into his side as you walk down the street, you nervously giving him directions to your dorm

and when you finaly get there

the RA simply looks up from her phone with a shrug

and you turn to thank kun again

“i dont work wednesdays. would that be an ok day for you?”

he says and you blink

“wh-what do you mean?”

he grins, “you said you wanted me to tell you more, could i take you out on wednesday?”

you do meet kun that following wednesday

you sit in an obscure little cafe for lunch as kun pulls his textbook out of that beat up old messenger back

and opens it up to a page of a diagram and tells you

“it may bore you, but this is my favorite model for planes. there’s a lot of technical stuff, but it’s my fathers favorite too.”

you know kun is keeping everything short - always limiting himself from saying to much

in some weird way you can feel that he thinks he’ll only annoy you with it

but you lean in, holding your cup of tea excitedly with both hands and urge him with a smile to never skip over the technical stuff - you want to know everything

and kun isn’t used to all this attention on him

the suave and experienced bartender playboy you thought he was is nothing close to the reality

he still plays little magic tricks

pulling coins from behind your ear and making a napkin on the table float

but they’re nothing flashy, they’re nothing crazy

they’re,,,,,,,more natural - just like kun

and it’s the little things that you learn about him that make you realize that you might have had a crush on bartender kun

but you could really fall in love with the real kun

the way he moves so he walks closest to the road when he’s with you

how he puts your hand in his pocket as you’re on the way back and the ac in the bus is a little too high

how he swiftly catches the side of your hip when you almost trip on the stairs

and how he does it all without even thinking about it

helping and taking care of others is so,,,,,,,,in kun’s nature

and he does it without any expectation of recognition or praise

he’s the real definition of humbleness

so much so that

when you stare at him, eyes flicking between his lips - up and down for nearly a minute straight on your third little date

he has to ask, literal permission

“is it ok if i kiss you?”

“i thought the staring at your lips would give away the answer to that one.”

for a while you still cant believe you’re actually dating kun

but you start to put together that you’re not dating the kun you daydreamed about

although you still think he’s literally irresistible in his bartender uniform

and he looks more than charming at his night time job still

you’re dating the slightly wallflower-ish kun who much more than ever makes your heart dance and not just your stomach feel warm

but every last part of your being

you’ll still drop by, watch him do his job perfectly, watch everyone in the room fall in love just like you did

but kun never takes it beyond the bar

the only person whose hand he holds, the only person who he calls his wonder in his native min, the only person who gets to see him shed off all this dazzle and become comfortable

is you

and kun tells you that he remembers watching you get hit on by that stranger whose hand he almost nailed to the bar top

and how he’d sensed from the beginning that something was off and if he’d been more daring he would have dragged the dude out the door himself

which surprises you because,,,,,you thought that that moment was just kun being kun

that he’d done it for millions of other people in unwarranted situations and although kun admits that he’s casually saved a couple of people from awkward converstion

you had been the first person he,,,,,,had slammed a glass down on someones hand for

“no one else has ever really evoked that out of me,,” he says one afternoon as you’re sitting between him and a pile of books he’s dragged out of the library

you giggle and kun looks at you all cute and confused

while you tell him that it’s nothing, he’s just - full of surprises

kun and you dating does surprise the rest of nct

notably lucas whose like “bro you are my roommate,,,,how did i not know you were getting spicy with someone”

you: “did he just say spicy?”

kun, deadpan: “that’s just lucas.”

doyoung grabbing lucas by the year: “apologize to them for calling their young beautiful love spicy right now.”

sicheng in mandarin to kun: “but ,,,,, are you two spicy,,,,you know-”

jkjkjkjk

but after the initial shock wears off,,,,you become a natural part of the group

you sort of stay in the sidelines watching nct get up to no good

with kun at your side, shrugging it off and telling you that when you’re both needed to save someone - you’ll be there

but secretly, for kun, it’s finally such a relief to have someone there with him

even if he’d always been content with being the quiet, always comes to the rescue at the last minute kind of friend

there had still been times when he hadn’t even been able to bring his own problems to the table

but now, with you, he can do that

and you’re probably the only one in the world to ever see kun get stressed

so much so that when you tell taeyong you’re thinking of maybe getting kun something to distract him from all his worries

taeyong chokes on his rice and goes, “he-he’s worried about something?!!?”

(moral of the story is you teaching nct to pay attention to kun’s pains sometimes - mark apologizes profusely for almost an hour about not doing so)

but no really, finally for kun there’s someone who not to be a total cornball

but someone who puts him first - just like he puts everyone else

and to be honest it’s nice to be taken care of

also you’re cute. you’re cute when you’re taking care of him. or when you’re not taking care of him. or when you’re right in front of him. or when he’s getting distracted looking at your photo which he made his phone background in class. basically you’re very cute

kun tells everyone you’re very cute

there are many ways to say cute in different languages and kun might just learn all of them just so he can call you cute

also, aside from telling his friends about your relationship - you also end up taking them to the bar

to see kun in action

and although it kind of makes kun a little shy, all of nct nearly fall off their chairs when they see him get into the groove

johnny even claims, in a bit of a tipsy manner, that kun really is the coolest of all of them huh - taeyong you may have your perfect face but kun is really winning oh shit im going to fall dow-

ten, the designated driver thanking you and kun when you have to drag taeil down from atop the bar stage after the tenth time of singing “what is love?”

but anyway back to your relationship with kun

he really is such an attentive person, it’s just part of him to pick up on the little things

he knows your habits, he knows your likes and dislikes

you dont even have to tell him where to put his hand around you - he knows that you prefer your waist over your shoulders

he knows that you hate milk in your coffee

he knows that you’d much rather wear his green hoodie than the red button down jungwoo got him for christmas

he knows when you’re mad before you can even say anything, he knows you’re about to cry before the tears even fall

and you’re so amazed he soaks up all this information and remembers it about you

because it makes you feel completely and utterly loved

people who otherwise don’t know much about kun like to assume he’s kind of closed up

that he doesnt pay attention, that he’s off in his own world

but that’s not true - not at all

and even though kun always pulls you into his arms, nose settled in the crook of your neck

murmuring that there’s nothing in the world he wants then to be here alone with you

you sometimes want to pull him up and have the world realize who he is

how great he is

and how much you love him

also can i just say that he’s so sweet that when you first end up staying the night kun’s hand trembling on the buttons of your jeans

he looks up, eyes blown out and his hair a mess from making out just to go

“stop me now, i dont want to keep going because if i do i think i might really become addicted to you.”

LIKE HE LITERALLY SAYS THAT

and had it not been for you just really wanting him - you might have burst out into tears and hugged him close because he’s so cute

(you know after he was all shy like,,,was it ok,,,i haven’t done this much,,,,,if i can i will impro- *you shut him up with a lot of kisses*)

sometimes you’ll still swing by the bar for a drink on a bad day, but instead of it you swing by

and kun signals to the manager for his break

only to meet up with you out back

and ask you whats wrong, even though he knows what you actually want

which is to kiss his face

and he lets you

(has had to fix his bowtie a LOT more since he started dating you)

(also had to start carrying a comb with him because gosh darn it you keep messing up his hair)

you know that kun is good at making drinks, but when he cooks some of his home favorite meals

you take one bite

get up

and go over to smother him in more kisses

“you are husband material, you know this right?”

kun tilting his head with his chopsticks in his mouth: “i dont think i am.”

you getting up again to give him even more kisses: “god i love you”

kun doesn’t talk much when you guys hang out with his friends which is like totally normal

and you’re ok just cuddling into his side, watching the rest of nct make a fool of themselves

at the movies or at the park or wherever

but one day kun is like “guys wanna see my new magic trick?”

and everyone is like hell yeah

and youre like ? wonder what it is, he didn’t show me this one yet either

and then kun just goes

“right now ill show you guys my ENTIRE universe. wanna see it?”

and all of nct is like huh

and doyoung is like snorting like there’s no way to shrink the universe down or something like what are you going to pull out a tiny globe keychain out of your pocket-

kun pointing directly to you

“there it is. my entire universe.”

nct: dead:

you: literally going to faint

kun: thank you. no need for a standing ovation.

#i listened to what is love the whole time i was writing this and i dont know why? like it has nothing to do with the plot?#take on me by aha came on and i was like crying in the pitch blackness of my room going I DONT KNOW WHAT I HAVE TO SAY KUN ILL SAY IT ANYWAY #nct scenarios #nct u scenarios #kun scenarios #nct imagine #nct u imagine #kun imagines #kun #nct #kun au #nct au #nct u au #qian kun

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auburnfamilynews · 5 years

Link

John Reed-USA TODAY Sports

A true whoopin’.

Auburn 56

Mississippi State 23

How did we feel about that one? Well, it was awesome.

SNAP JUDGMENTS

HhHahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaaha

Breath

Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahaahahahahahahaha

I just finished my bar exam

-Son of Crow

Last year, I went to the Auburn-Miss State game and our offense was brutal to watch. Tonight, Auburn was up 21-0 before Miss State knew what hit them. Bo Nix had 386 total yards and hit several deep balls that fans have been longing for. The fumbles were an issue but overall, a lot of good things tonight. Now they look at the showdown next week in Gainesville! Can’t wait!

-Will McLaughlin

Lee

Shit

I mean just look at that line. #10 carved em up. The defense created havoc. Boobee scored 3 times. I’m so damn proud of this team. 5-0 and let’s ride for Gainesville.

-James Jones

Auburn fully set Bo Nix loose tonight & we all saw why he won the starting job. He for the first time all season looked fully in control of this offense and it was beautiful to watch. The defense got gashed some by a few of the same concepts as last year but overall were dominant once again. Auburn proved tonight that they are without a doubt a top 10 team. Now it’s time to go to the Swamp and prove they aren’t. WAR DAMN EAGLE.

-AU Nerd

That was a whole lotta fun. Bo Nix is no longer a true freshman. He’s grown into his role nearly fully. The offensive line showed that maybe they have a higher ceiling than previously thought. It feels good to get the win despite some mistakes. Now on to another huge test in Gainesville. I think these guys are ready. War Eagle!

-AU Chief

It’s embarrassing. Losing to Mississippi State on any given year is embarrassing. At Auburn, you have to beat the Mississippis, Arkansas, and A&M before you can start to consider having a successful season. And when you get embarrassed, you sure as hell better remember it the next year. And oh boy did we.

So, I was at a wedding this past weekend. I don’t think I’ve missed an SEC game in Jordan-Hare Stadium since I was forced to going to my HS Homecoming dance in 2003 and missed the win over Tennessee. The wedding was fine. Groom’s cake trumped the bride’s, as always. Wore a tux since I was a groomsman. It was outside. I was hot.

YouTube TV is really worth the money, because that along with a Mophie battery case can do a lot for your life if stuck in a similar situation. I’ve seen the first half, I’m just now back home and starting the 2nd, and I am extremely disappointed that I couldn’t be in Auburn to leave when the clock struck 0:00 to head home. I wouldn’t have rolled Toomer’s because at my age rolling Toomer’s happens when you beat someone that matters to you.

This was a dominant win and one that you could feel in Tuesday’s press conference. What a job by the coaching staff keeping these guys playing at a high level and not letting a shred of success get to their heads. This team has been thoroughly enjoyable to watch for the most part this year, and I am so proud of the effort they’re giving. No place is this better seen than the offensive line, who overwhelmed this State defense in the first half.

Let’s go down to Gainesville and see if there’s some more magic from a quarterback named Nix wearing #10. War Eagle!

-Josh Black

This was better than anything I could have dreamed up. Malzahn wasn’t kidding around when he spoke about how last year’s lost really stuck with the team. Auburn kicked the ball off, held Mississippi State to that first 3 and out, and never looked back. This is the kind of offensive production we all thought Nix and Co. were capable of.

And hey, maybe work on fumbling.

-Josh Dub

This game was over before it even started. Auburn got the ball on the State 30 after forcing a 3 and out, and never looked back, putting up 21 points in 6 minutes without breaking a sweat. Pretty much everyone had a good game in this one sans running backs fumbling the ball. Bo Nix had as good a game as any Auburn quarterback in a while. The defense was great again, and most of the second half points/yards came as our backups started filtering in against State’s starters. As far as players that stood out to me, KJ Britt is a dang monster at linebacker, and Sal Cannella continued to build on a REALLY strong 2019. He’s developing a solid repertoire with Bo, and he’s also been one of the better blockers on the outside.

Oh, and it was kind of a huge weekend for basketball. Shariffe Cooper commit, team (and Barkley) got their rings, and I heard the band play We’ve Got Jared on tv. No big deal.

-Ryan Sterritt

This pleases me. Offense looked good. Defense looked good. And still things to work on. On offense, holding on to the ball (even when you take out the first ‘fumble’). While on defense, we need to go over the RPO assignments for the linebackers and also how to cover a running quarterback. But receivers looked good, offensive line blocked well and Nix delivered a confident ball down field. Loved almost everything about this win, especially payback for last year (and for Omaha...).

-Drew Mac

Wow. We heard all week how focused this team was after last year’s Starkvillian nightmare, but I didn’t think it would be like that. Auburn 100% dominated that game from start to finish, and I’m even glad that MSU put up some points and had a little success on offense at times. It gives Gus the opportunity to keep drilling into these guys instead of letting them get the big head. Bo Nix was outstanding, and he did something that hasn’t been done since Cam, and then Campbell before him. 300 yards passing and 50 yards rushing, and the deep passes were on target. It looks like he’s in rhythm with Williams and Schwartz now, and even Sal Cannella had some huge moments including a rowdy third down snag.

On defense, it’s hard to get even more excited about what we offer there, and the depth is getting chances to develop. We thought we were a little thin after the first string, but even the backups were blowing up Bulldogs all night long.

As far as concerns go, I’m not even really worried about the fumbles as much as I might need to be. Bo’s fumble was a freshman mistake after he broke open for a huge run, Seth Williams’ fumble wasn’t really one, and only Boobee’s was really one that worries me. He has to learn to hold on to the ball. Later in the game when the backups put the ball on the ground, we likely won’t have those guys doing that in real time unless we keep blowing people out.

Man, next week is going to be nostalgic with a Nix wearing #10 in the Swamp in a huge game. If Bo plays as well as his father did in that stadium, we walk out easy winners. He’s turning into an absolute star. And I think I like how Gus is managing things right now. He’s sassy, and completely fueled by Waffle House right now. Just keep the hashbrowns coming. War Eagle!

-Jack Condon

from College and Magnolia - All Posts https://www.collegeandmagnolia.com/2019/9/29/20889875/snap-judgments-7-auburn-56-mississippi-state-23

#IFTTT #Blogger #auburn #auburn fast #wareagle #AuburnFamilyNews #war eagle #sec #football news #aubu

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warmau · 7 years

Text

Highschool!AU Jeno

find college!nct (here) & hs!haechan (here)

favorite subject: art

least favorite subject: pre-calculus

voted most likely to: win a noble prize

jeno is,,,,quite far removed from the detached art student trope that like everyone in his highschool thinks he 100% totally is

secretly, he loves laughter and corny jokes. he likes playing video games with haechan and jisung, betting on basketball games in the gym, and doing what any other highschooler likes to do

unfortunately, probably due to his almost always stoic expression and the sketch book under his arm - people get the wrong idea

and don’t get me wrong, he isn’t bullied for it or anything - people just think he’s unapproachable ,,,,,,,

handsome looks at such a young age, so much artistic talent, it’s hard to approach someone who just seems more mature

“mature my butt, jeno can’t even make fried rice.” haechan snorts once when another classman asks him about jeno

aside from spending countless hours sketching, wrappers from snacks and half empty cans of coffee littering around him, jeno likes sitting in the art room after school is over

the lightening pours in through the big windows and it’s quiet, jeno sometimes listens to music or just enjoys the silence

apparently people made up a rumor that countless people have come to him and tried to confess - but he cooly shrugged off their letters and presents with a cold glare

this rumor of course,,,,isn’t true,,the only person who even knows that he’s in there is the art teacher and jisung who puts his nose in just about anyone’s business

plus if someone did confess to jeno, he’d become a stuttering shy mess - seriously he wished more people knew he was a down to earth guy

he’d even confided this to jaemin, when he and the others visited him in a different town

“why don’t more people want to be my friend?”

jaemin had weakly smiled “are those idiots not enough?” he was referring to haechan who had gotten pen marks all over chenle’s arm and was lying that renjun had done it instead. in the corner, jisung was chatting to mark - puppy eyes to the eldest in the room (probably asking him embarrassing questions about college)

jeno had shook his head, “they’re more than enough - but apparently i come of,,,,”

jaemin smiled and it made jeno’s heart feel a little warmer when he said “you’re not cold jeno. you’re just reserved, you protect yourself. nothing wrong with that.”

but yes, jeno is a real angel!! like he’s always helping the art teacher carry supplies and clean up spilt paint

he isn’t very good at math, but goes to tutoring when he can - the senior who helps him is absolutely in awe of how cutesy jeno can be

with a half-moon smile, little chuckles, and moments of cluelessness which makes them go “you must be popular with the ladies?”

jeno just sinks down in his seat,,,,,,,mumbling that he’s far from it

he likes history too, especially korean history even though most of the class is him kicking jisung under the desk to wake up

his uniform is always neat and he looks well-put together

someone had made a nickname for him,,,,cold hearted prince from a manhwa ,,,,,,,

haechan had thought that name was a RIOT and did not let jeno live it down - not until it all changed,,,,,,because of you

you had just transferred to the school, you weren’t aware of jeno until you realized your elective class was art

and the, obviously best artist there, was jeno

who on the first day, you couldn’t help but walk by his canvas - you were all supposed to be doing portraits of animals

and the face of an almost perfectly realistic kitten stared back at you on his half-done canvas

you had stared at it for god knows how long till jeno looked over his shoulder

“yes?”

you snapped out of it, almost dropping the paint in your hand

“oh, um i ,,,,,,, i came over to ask if i can use your brush?”

shakily you pointed to the large brush that rested on his easel

jeno blinked, but handed it too you before he could think to ask why

you bowed your head, and rushed away with a thank you trying to save face and not look like a fool

as the bell rang for the next period, you scurried up to the person who had been working beside you

“hey, who is he?”

you asked, one hand on your backpack strap, the person looked over to see you were talking about jeno

they gave you a sad smile

“lee jeno, cold hearted shoujo? no wait, manhwa prince.”

your eyebrows knitted at the sound of the weird nickname

the person just shrugged “he sticks only to his friends and apparently doesn’t even react when people confess so - don’t get your hopes up.”

you nodded, but still from the corner of your eye watched him

he had hung back and was talking to the teacher,,,,,

he didn’t look cold at all

your first month passed rather boringly, you’d made friends and all of them were keen on jeno being next to unapproachable

but you didn’t get it,,,,maybe because you hadn’t grown up around these parts like everyone else

but were you the only one seeing his cute little smiles while talking with the art teachers, the way his laugh sounded light when he hung out with his own group of friends, how he seemed really passionate about drawing

one afternoon you had walked past the art room on your way to make it to the book club you signed up for

when you saw jeno,,,,

he was hunched over a large drawing pad, his bangs falling over his forehead and the light making his figure look like it was outlined by a soft glow

he seemed to be humming to himself, very low and sweet

again you found yourself staring - it was hard not

you heard someone call out his name somewhere else in the room, and quickly you hurried to hide behind a set of lockers close by

a minute or two passed and jeno walked down the hall, probably to get supplies for the teacher

cautiously, you made your way into the room. the teacher was in the connected office and wouldn’t be able to see you

so while jeno was gone, you were practically alone

you didn’t dare touch the drawing pad, but you did look at what he had been working on

to your surprise, it was a sketch of a vintage car - a mustang maybe? something that looked like it came straight out of the 70s

to your surprise, the details of the drawing were neat and spot-on

it looked like it had been traced from a magazine

“do you need to borrow brushes again?”

you jerked at the sound of the voice, reddening cheeks when you saw jeno standing at the door

you thought for a moment he was mocking you, that you’d look into his eyes and they’d be iced over with something mean

but they weren’t

they were a warm chocolate brown, his mouth was up in a small smile. he was,,,,,joking around with you

“o-oh i just,,,,i just,,,,,”

you didn’t have a quick excuse so you pointed to the sketch of the car “is this yours?”

he laughed “the drawing is, not the car. i wish it was the other way around.”

he came over and pulled out the chair where he had been sitting, he got comfy and picked up his pencil again

you watched in amazement as he easily filled in more details almost effortlessly,,,,,,, “are you a robot?” you mumbled thinking he wouldn’t hear it but he did and he laughed again

you couldn’t believe that the boy in front of you was supposedly ‘cold’ ,,,, he was nothing but cheerful

“it took a lot of practice, i still have more to go.”

you wanted to say something like i think you’re perfect right now,,,but decided against it,,,,afterall this was your first real conversation with him

you realized only ten minutes after watching him work some more that book club was basically over - jeno was also finishing, packing up his pencils and getting up

“do you take the train?”

he suddenly asked and you shyly nodded

he called out a goodbye to the teacher and motioned for you to follow him

“i take it too, want to go together?”

you couldn’t believe it,,,you were walking out of the schools gates with lee jeno

LEE JENO

and he was making easy conversation, with jokes, the handsome features on his face less serious and more relaxed

you were sure no one in school would believe you if you told them - the students who were still there and spotted you two looked shocked beyond belief

“i actually just remembered, i have to stop by the store before i get on the train!” jeno grimaced, smacking his hand against his head as if he’d forgotten something extremely important

“why?”

“ive gotta get some stuff for my halloween costume, jisung wants us to do the scooby doo gang,,,,,”

your eyes widen “,,,,who are you supposed to be?”

jeno gives you a slightly sad look “haechan is going to be fred, jisung wanted velma, chenle daphine, renjun said shaggy before i could so -”

you put your hand over your mouth,,,,,,,, “you’re going as scooby???”

jeno made a pouting face, so cute it almost made your stomach turn, but you were too busy trying not to burst out into laughter

the cold prince of your high school,,,,,,,,,,dressed up as sooby-doo,,,,,,,,

jeno tried to tell you it wasn’t THAT funny,,,,but you couldn’t lie - it was

before you even knew it, you had silently agreed you were coming along and once you walked through the doors of one of those pop-up costume shops you pointed to the set of brown dog ears that hung on display

“i think you’ve met your match,,,,,”

jeno cringed, but took the ears off the shelf and put them on

“woof!” he exclaimed, then hid his face in his hands as you stifled a giggle

“it’s ok,,,it’s very cute!!” you tried to cheer up jeno but it was beyond hard to keep from laughing

you two spent a good hour in there, picking out silly costumes, trying on fake vampire teeth and wigs, just having a good time in each others company

and at some point, with you shifting through funny looking outfits on one of the racks, jeno noticed for the first time that he was getting along with someone so easily

someone that was outside of his immediate friend group

and you looked,,,,,adorable,,,,,your uniform slightly messy from all the costumes you’d tried on, your backpack had a swinging charm from of it that jeno hadn’t noticed before, and your small smile - the one you had just for yourself

jeno was sure his heart had made an extra loud thud in his chest,,,

“maybe you should convince jisung that you guys can go like,,,,pac men,,,,,or,,,,,,vampires?”

you said suddenly and jeno snapped into reality with a faint smile “ah,,,maybe”

you noticed the change of tone and check your time “it’s getting late, we should get to the train.”

jeno agreed and you two left the store, the guy at the entrance shot you a glare - probably angry about you two spending a good hour in there with nothing to show for it

but you and jeno just giggled to one and other

the train was even more crowded with people coming home from work, so you and jeno found yourselves closer than before

practically smushed against the pole you were holding onto,,,,,you each gave each other nervous glances and then chuckled

“do you want to go into art?”

you asked curiously, to try and ease the embarrassment of standing so close

“maybe,,,,,what about you?”

you told jeno of some of you dreams, noting how diligently he listened

again - you didn’t know how people thought he was detached, unapproachable ,,,, it just didn’t make sense

so you asked,,,, “why is your nickname cold manhwa prince?”

jeno blushed at the nickname, but also rolled his eyes “did jisung tell you that? ,,,, i don’t even know myself. i think im just,,,,”

he thought back to jaemin’s words “reserved?”

you made an oh sound and nodded, thinking about it till you heard that your stop would be the next

“well,,,i had fun with you today. i don’t think you’re cold at all,,,,” you said, the last part a little bit quietly

jeno felt that loud thump in his chest again

you were so close so he could hear you, but he could also smell the scent of your hair, feel your elbow against his

“i had fun too,,” he added and the door signaled that they were opening

you pushed past the crowd and heard faintly that jeno said goodbye

when you were out on the platform, you couldn’t see him through the sea of people but you waved anyway

the warm feeling of his arm pressed against yours followed you the whole way home

the next day in school you had art again, and unlike usual you set up your spot near jeno

he seemed both shocked and happy that you did,,, the rest of the class just exchanged whispers and wide eyes

but you didn’t care, you and jeno talked easily

he made a comment about how he’s never had someone in art class to chat with and you just gave him a silly thumbs up “im that person then!”

over the course of the week, you and jeno grew closer and you’d even had lunch with him and his friends

jisung had looped an arm around you and went “jeno has never made a friend on his own - you are a REAL gem”

haechan had chewed his food slowly and leaned over to jeno “a friend? or is it something more?”

jeno bit back his tongue and the table turned to face him,,,,you almost dropped your chopsticks

sensing the tension, renjun coughed “pass me your leftover rice chenle you ate too much already.”

but even with the distraction,,,the thought crossed your mind,,,,what did you think of jeno? and what did he think of you?

the night of halloween,,,,you found out

because instead of going to a party being thrown at some students house with his friends, jeno had asked to meet you in the city

you were waiting outside of the train when someone tapped your shoulder and you turned to see jeno,,,,

but instead of his uniform he was wearing a cheap gold crown and a cape of red velvet

“im the cold hearted manhwa prince” he said with a straight face and then burst into laughter

you joined him only to stop and point to the fake horns on your head “a demon,,,,,,,,,the pre-calculs demon if you would” you joked, knowing jeno hated that subject

he made a fake gagging noise and you asked finally why you were here

“i want to go to the party, i want you to come to.”

you blinked,,,,you’d love to go by why hadn’t he just asked over text

jeno seemed to stutter a moment and then added “i want you to come,,,,,as my date,,,,if that’s ok?”

you felt the world freeze for a second,,,,date,,,jeno’s,,,date?

but before you could think of what to say your head was nodding - because of course,,,,,of course you liked jeno,,,

how could you not like him? not after seeing him in that art room, a glow like an angels halo around him

not after laughing with him in the halloween store

not after watching the boy everyone said you couldn’t even be friends with open himself up in front of you

your hand felt nothing but perfect when it held onto jeno’s

and at the party you were greeted with other students staring at you two in awe while haechan slid down the handle of the stairway, messy blood painted over his collar and fake fangs crooked in his mouth, “i called it! i knew they’d fall in love! congratulations to your first day~~ a halloween anniversary!!” he laughed and vanished into the crowd

the rest of jeno’s friends reacted more or less without surprise, renjun said he knew jeno was in love. he was smiling more.

dating jeno,,,,was like opening a new chapter in a book because there is so much more to him than what you see

the love of art, the cute laughter, the serious work ethic, the easily flushed red embarrassment,,,,all of that was just the icing on the cake

the actual jeno was even a little clumsy, a complete nerd who housed one piece figures over his desk, could play guitar and had the voice of an angel

better yet, you found out about his chocolate sweet tooth and highscore on literally every mobile game you ever knew off

“i didn’t know i was dating a gamer,,,” you joked seeing him beat yet another level of some game on his phone

he stuck his tongue out and asked if you were going to finish your chocolate shake

you laughed and held the straw out for him “here you go, cold manhwa prince”

he scrunched up his nose “not you too,,,,jisung never lets me live already,,,,,”

your first official date after the halloween party ,,,, which btw you would have kissed at if chenle hadn’t walked in on you two,, was sitting in the library bookshelves afterschool watching ‘howls moving castle’ on a borrowed laptop

you had been shocked that jeno never watched it seeing as he liked animated movies, but then you’d leaned against his shoulder and woke up to your head in his lap while jeno sketched some doodles on his notebook

you’d sat up, completely embarrassed but jeno just showed you the little doodle

it was of you snoozing, a big air bubble coming out of your nose

you playfully pouted and he’d ruffled your hair - it was nice,,,,it was warm

sometimes you watch jeno sketch,,,,you might do it between studying or listening to music,,,,,but seeing him at work is so relaxing

he looks serious - but not cold,,,,,,,just hardworking and admirable

jeno has sketched you,,,,but you don’t know because he’s too shy to show you

(of course haechan knows about this and pesters jeno about possibly gifting them to you one day,,,,,but jeno keeps saying he has no idea what haechan is talking about)

but also you know when to let jeno have space,,,you don’t hover and you let him be alone with just paint and paper,,,,jeno is so thankful for that

you guys both are kind of new to dating ,,, so when jisung asks to see your couple shirts or rings or phonecases you just stare at him

and he orders you to to go down to the shopping distract and pick something out that matches

you end up getting charms of jeno’s favorite anime character,,,,,it’s corny but,,,,,,,jisung accepts it

but texts jeno like ‘get them an actual present next time!’

sometimes you and him meet up to go to the museum and jeno tells you which artists he’s grown to like,,,,sometimes - like most highschoolers - you end up spending more time in the gift shop than the museum

you start saving up to buy jeno some fancy brushes which when you gift him makes him a stuttering mess and he apologizes for the price and you’re like no no it’s ok

you learn he likes cats,,,even with an allergy,,,,,so you guys just coo at them from petshop windows

jeno wants to kiss you one night,,,as you’re taking the subway home and it’s just you two in the corner seats

but you get up too fast and he misses, falling first into the seat were you were just sitting

“are you ok??” you asked, hurrying toward the door. he waves it off and then spends the rest of the ride telling himself he’s got to get it together

when he does kiss you ,,,,, for the first time,,,, it’s because you’re both are trying to take a cute couple photo for jeno’s instagram

it’s near the big christmas tree they have up at the mall

and as he has his hand out with the camera, you try to focus on it and smile but then right before you know it - he leans in

and with his free hand cupping your cheek he kisses you,,,,

the sound of the camera click breaks you out of your dream like state and when you pull back you touch your lips

“did,,,,,did you just?”

he grins sheepishly and looks at the camera preview,,,,,, “it’s blurry should we do it agai-”

you beat him to it, putting both hands on his face and kissing him agai

he tastes a little minty,,,,,it’s nice and you feel like you could kiss him forever

jeno feels the same way about you

the amount of times you’ve had talk jeno out of wanting to get a pokemon tattooed on him later in life is: too many

when jeno throws away a sketch he did in frustration, you always get really sad - sometimes you pick them up and you have some hanging on your wall

which jeno tells you you don’t have to do,,,he’ll give you some of his better ones but you say that these are just as good

when jeno calls jaemin to tell him about you,,,,he can almost hear jaemin smiling on the other line

“see, you’re not cold. you’re just reserved, but it sounds like you let th right person in.”

jeno lets you wear his sweaters 100% and then he grins to himself when the sleeves are too long on you

people in school still can’t believe it’s true, not until you and jeno are walking hand in hand out the gate and even though he tried to hide it

his kiss on your forehead basically made everyone in your grade swoon

you guys don’t do a lot of pda,,,,,,but jisung still makes faces when you drop by jeno’s class to give him a snack or just tlak

and jisung is like “ugh,,,i can feel the love and it’s crawling all over my uniform!!” ,,,,, you and jeno ignore him and chenle just goes “its cuz you’re jealous bro”

jeno once tells you his favorite season is winter, when you ask why he lists off a couple of basic things: the pretty snow, the holiday cheer, the sweaters

but then he looks at you and smiles mysteriously, you ask what it is

“i think i might change my favorite season to fall though,,,,”

“why?”

“because that’s when i met you.”

#im like.....actually proud of this one just a little bit!!!!#jeno scenarios #jeno imagines #nct dream scenarios #nct dream imagines #nct scenarios #nct imagines #jeno au #nct dream au #highschool!au #lee jeno #nct dream #sfw

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