#i paused nct u for this.
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CALL D
Felix x reader
He can't even bother looking at you because of those stupid video games.
Contains: Thigh riding, degradation, reader is desperate and Felix doesn't give her attention, fingering.
Word count: 1.1k.
It had been at least a week since you'd been intimate with Felix and it frustrated you.
He was always sitting in front of his computer, playing some random game with Seungmin and Jeongin because there was this "championship" going on and they had to participate, of course.
At first, it was alright with you. You liked watching him play and his reactions when something happened in the game never failed to make you laugh in adoration. But, now you were just excited for him to stop playing and to give you the attention you craved.
You had just come out of the bathroom to try and satisfy yourself alone, but it hadn't worked, so now you were even more frustrated than before. That's why you stormed into your shared bedroom with only his shirt on and you silently walked over to him.
"Lixie," you called his name in a teasing manner as you placed your hands on his shoulders which immediately relaxed to your touch.
"Need anything?" He asked, not taking his eyes off his game. He was fighting some monsters and you did not want to understand what was going on inside the screen.
"Need you," you pouted as if he could see you, your hands sliding down his biceps and he told his friends he would mute his mic a few seconds, making you smile in victory. However, he didn't turn to look at you even once.
"Can it wait after my game? It's pretty important.
- It's been important since last week," you complained, clearly not agreeing to his request.
Felix sighed and tapped his thigh, an invitation for you to sit on it. You happily took the opportunity and sat comfortably on one of his thighs, moving a little to make sure he knew you weren't wearing anything under the shirt you had thrown on.
"Use my thigh if you're that desperate, but don't disturb me," he warned and gave you a quick peck on the cheek before he turned his mic back on.
It disappointed you how unfazed he seemed by you, but you still knew it was because he was way too concentrated on his championship. At least, now you had him with you and only knowing he let you have his thigh to use for your own pleasure made you roll your hips against him.
Now that you were sitting on him and riding his thigh, you realized how good it felt when he would flex his thigh because of something sudden that would happen in his game. Whenever he was surprised, all of his body would tense up and it provided more pleasure to your pussy that started leaving a wet spot on Felix's gray sweatpants.
"Lix," you whined against his neck before nibbling on the skin. He grunted as he spammed a button on his keyboard and you whined a little more when you grinded up his thigh and it felt just right against your clit
"Wait, no, I gotta help you guys," Felix seemed to be insisting on something with his friends and you felt his throat vibrating against your lips. Even when he wasn't talking to you, his voice turned you on even more and you put your hands on his shoulder, lightly squeezing as you picked up your pace.
"You sure?" Silence. "Alright, alright. I'Il come back later,” Felix turned his mic off as well as he took his headphones off. He seemed to have paused his game because he finally rolled the chair back a little, making you look back at him and stop in your movements.
"Go on, I never told you to stop. Do what you wanted to do," his stare was hard on you, but now that you had him looking at you, you didn't hesitate to rub yourself on him even harder than before, moaning his name out as his hands slid up your shirt to pinch your nipples. You whined in pleasurable pain, squeezing your own thighs against him and feeling something familiar when you'd be close to orgasming.
“You were in too much need to wait for me, huh? Can't control yourself for a few more hours like a good girl," he commented, watching as your eyes squeezed shut. His hands trailed down your waist and stopped at your hips, forcing you to stop grinding on him.
"You got two choices, baby. Either I let you come on my thigh or you do it on my dick. Sluts like you don't get to come twice," his voice was way deeper than usual, it made you feel warm.
"You better hurry up and choose, or I'll do it for you," he harshly guided your hips against his thigh as he flexed it, making you whimper and squeeze him again.
"Wait, no, I'll cum," you said, already feeling you were close and you needed his dick so badly.
“Yeah? You'll cum just like the needy bitch you are? With my thigh? What would happen if I did this?" He gently pushed your back against his desk and waited for a reaction from you as he brought his fingers to your clit and lightly rubbed circles on it. His fingers were like feathers against your sensitive skin, but it was enough to make you shake and almost go over the edge.
"Please, no, need your dick," you were on the verge of crying out of frustration, Felix was the best at overly teasing you and as much as you usually loved it, you hated him for it right now.
“And if I did that, then?" It was easy for his fingers to enter you. You were so wet that a bit of the inside of your thighs were covered in it too. He only had to curl his fingers up to find your g-spot and that's when you clenched around him, moaning excessively loud as your orgasm hit you hard.
"Fuck, no," you sobbed as he kept fingering you through your orgasm, a shit-eating smirk tugging at the corner of his lips.
“That's what you deserve for interrupting my game with my friends.
- Please, 'm sorry," your thighs closed around his hand and he pulled his fingers out of you before picking you up and throwing you on the bed.
He was fast at taking your and his shirt off, as well as taking one of your boobs in his mouth. Your back arched and he softly bit on your nipple, his hand finding its way back to your pussy and brushing against your clit again, making your body shake in overstimulation.
“You're lucky you got me horny as fuck,” pulling away from your boob made a popping sound and he took the rest of his clothes off.
#Spotify#skz#stray kids#skz scenarios#stray kids x reader#skz imagines#skz smut#stray kids smut#stray kids fanfic#stray kids fanfiction#skz fanfic#lee felix#lee felix smut#felix x reader#felix smut#felix
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OFF THE RECORD ▷ PART ONE (EP1-8)
nonidol!ji changmin x fem!reader
everyone thinks changmin is cute and harmless, but you know that's not who he really is.
▷ genre, part warnings. e2l, childhood friends gone bad, (extra) slow burn, fluff, angst, mentions of childhood trauma and parental manipulation, arguing, bittersweet galore, nct ten is there for the sole purpose of being nosy like the rest of us or for being a 2nd male lead who knows!, swearing, hurt/comfort, ji changmin dancing. (need i go on), symptoms of panic/anxiety, a lot of non-tbz moments sorry i meant it when i said extra slow burn, pining haha...ha (very subtle)
▷ PART ONE WC. 18.5k
this is the third installment of the love in unity series! this can be read as a standalone, but i encourage u to read jacob and eric's storylines too! all prev and future yns will be referred to as _!yn ;) / otr part two
a/n: this was going to be a very quirky author's note, but it's not anymore bc i'm really mad at tumblr. pls enjoy :')
EPISODE ONE (PILOT): OFF THE CLOCK
"NIGHT, Yn!"
"Good night, Yn-ie."
"Make sure you get some rest, Yn-ah! Good luck with the report."
The door out of the laboratory building shuttered closed after your last coworkers and peers swept out to leave you to the white noise of the lights above your head and the cooling units. You were probably the only person crazy enough to still be chained to your lab workbench on a Friday night, especially when it was already six o'clock. Your stomach growled its complaints as you tucked a pen behind your ear with a sigh. There was probably a bag of shrimp chips in the break room snack stash, and you pushed your stool beneath the workbench to head into the break room.
Now that the laboratory was practically barren except for you, it wouldn't be a bad idea to take the reign of Kun's speaker…
The sound of your phone ringtone blared out loud from your pocket, and you scrambled to grab it with your other hand not occupied with shrimp chip crumb dust (after having washed your hands, of course). You put the call on speaker then deposited your phone onto the countertop so both hands could be used for eating. "Yo."
"You've been hanging around Mark too much," Yeri answered from the other end.
You snorted, covering your mouth for a moment, then replying, "Well good evening to you, too, my beloved. What's up?"
You could hear the muffled sounds of your friends from the other side of the phone. A car door slammed shut. "Hey-yo, is that Yn? Yn, what's up, my dude?"
"Mark, can you speak like a regular human?" That was Seungkwan. "Hi Yn-ie! We miss you, mwah!"
"Look, man. Me and Yn are homies, and this is literally just how I talk—"
The car door opened and Yeri must have taken initiative to get out of the car herself at this point. You laughed at her audible eye roll. "Okay, now that you've heard what I have to deal with, will you tell me that you're coming to the dance draft show tonight?"
Your mood soured.
It wasn't that you didn't want to go for Yeri's sanity's sake, you just didn't want to go, period. What the performing arts called a rehearsal, they referred to as a "draft" stage, where they planned rough runs of acts for the showcase. It just so happened that the dance department was holding their draft show for people to sit-in to watch tonight; their final showcase would be held on the Friday night of finals week, which was only in a few weeks now.
(Why did they call it a "draft" stage instead of simply a "rehearsal"? Well, you had no clue, and you didn't have any plans to ask anyone who would know the answer.)
When you didn't immediately answer, you heard Yeri's grumble. "Don't nerd out on me, Miss Yn Ln."
You gasped. "Nerd out on you? I'm being responsible—"
"You're being a workaholic!"
You pursed your lips together and quickly rinsed your fingers of shrimp chip crumbs. "Fair. But I'm sorry, I'm not going."
A brief pause. Then, the sigh. "Okay. That's okay," she said. "Wanna meet us for dinner afterwards at least?"
Your stomach grumbled, right on cue. It wasn't loud enough for Yeri to hear on the other end, but the timing made you laugh to yourself. "Definitely."
There was a smile in your friend's voice. "Cool! I'll text you details once we figure out what's happening. In the mean—" her voice was interrupted by the sound of muffled yelling on the other side, and Yeri pulled her mouth away from the phone so she could screech at Seungkwan, Mark, and now, Kim Jungwoo, to be quiet and put their seatbelts on. You heard vaguely about Jungwoo being late for his call time, and you were not at all surprised. She returned to the phone with a grumble. "You're really leaving me with the kids, Yn?"
You giggled. "Sorry, Yeri. I'll pay for your dinner."
"Deal. See you soon, babe."
"See ya, love!"
When the phone call ended, you realized just how thick the silence fell around you. It settled like a blanket over your senses, and it all became a bit overwhelming, especially after such a loud phone call.
You sighed, putting the shrimp chips back in the snack stash. You might as well go find where Kun hid his speaker to fill the silence then.
— ✶
People were yelling. And tripping. And crying.
In retrospect, this constituted as a normal backstage environment for something like a finals showcase draft rehearsal. It was hardly even a rehearsal, but more so a sneak peek showcase. There were people in the audience, after all.
Ji Changmin would know. This would be his third winter draft show out of his three years here in university. There were always showcases at the end of each quarter, but the winter show wielded the title of most anticipated. With the cold and rainy weather keeping most people indoors, it allowed for a larger crowd to come flocking toward said indoor modes of entertainment. Thus, the winter showcase and all of its hype.
Changmin lingered in his little corner of the backstage area, calmly stretching out his lanky limbs while chaos erupted all around him. He had two acts this time around—a duet with Lee Juyeon, as well as a solo performance. It had been enough to keep him busy for the quarter, among his other classes.
"—Jungwoo, you're late!"
He raised his head at the sound of Lee Minho’s voice from across the room, the dirty blond sending a deadpanned glare at the man in question. Kim Jungwoo’s eyes were wide with doe-like innocence as he made his way toward his friend, his posse following behind and taking in the chaos with amused awe. Changmin could easily recognize those present—Kim Yeri, Mark Lee, and Boo Seungkwan.
He turned his head away; it wasn’t his business, and he had much bigger things to worry about.
He raised his hands to his neck to put his headphones over his ears, but paused when he caught a few more echoes of their conversation.
“ — sorry Minho, but you know I can’t resist getting a free carpool ride,” Jungwoo said while setting his duffle bag in the corner and swiftly joining Minho in stretches. If Changmin was a hard ass when it came to dance and schedules, Minho was much worse. But Changmin respected him a lot, especially in a craft like dance and performance—he saw him as an equal.
A sigh from Minho. “Yeah, yeah. Poor Yeri.”
Yeri huffed, her hands shooting up into the air. “Thank you!”
Minho folded his arms over his chest as he stood up straight to stand next to Yeri as the two of them absentmindedly watched Jungwoo fold himself in two to stretch his long legs out. “Huh, no Yn tonight?”
Changmin didn’t know why he was still listening. He slowly lowered his headphones back to their position around his neck, then resumed stretching out his hamstrings. He could wait a couple more minutes before getting into his choreography…
“You know you’re not gonna see her anywhere near this place,” Yeri said with a pointed look. Changmin held back a retort, or even a snort. “Wanna get dinner with us tonight? She’s coming to meet us after the show.”
“Ah, I’d love to, but I promised Jisung I’d swing by the studio afterwards. Hey, have you met Ten yet? You should ask…”
Changmin decided that this was an appropriate moment to tune out. He swiftly donned his headphones and reached for his phone hidden in the pile of his duffle bag and jackets in the corner. He didn’t even know why he listened in when your friends brought you up. Why were you even still connected to the dance and performing arts department people anyway? He huffed, rolling his eyes with a small shake of his head. It wasn’t like you wanted to be connected to dance anyway. So why give him a constant reminder of your existence and the past you shared—
“Changminnie!” Juyeon appeared in front of him, waving to him with that goofy smile to get his attention.
Changmin broke into a smile as he shifted one side of his headphones from his ear. “Hey. Wanna go over some of the routine?”
Juyeon nodded. “Yeah, I’m ready. I was trying to get your attention, but I think you were just occupied.”
Whoops. Changmin flicked his wrist as he followed Juyeon down the hallway to a more private place to practice with his friend. “Yeah, sorry. I was just thinking of something.”
“Oh, okay,” Juyeon ducked his head into an empty dressing room in the back hallway, beckoning Changmin to follow him in. “Nothing to worry about though? You can talk to me; no judgment.”
Changmin chuckled and closed the door behind him. “Nah, nothing important. Let’s just focus on the performance.” Anything involving you? Definitely not important anymore.
— ✶
Late February brought the cold, bitter winds of night to the university, so the trek all the way across campus from the laboratory buildings to the performing arts hall was a hellish one. You kept your head tucked into the puffy collar of your puffer jacket, hands stuffed into your pockets, a happy tune blasting in your ears to keep you going all the way up the road. It was around nine o’clock by the time you made it to the front of the performing arts hall, and you could already see the sea of people meandering outside its doors post-draft show.
You shivered and pulled your phone out from your pocket to see where your friends were waiting for you.
“Yn-ie!”
Your head lifted and you grinned, waving your hand at Seungkwan who was making his way over to you. “Hi Kwannie,” you greeted and wrapped your arms around him in a warm embrace.
When you’d pulled away, Seungkwan made a face as he shuddered. “Jesus, it’s cold. I should have brought a scarf or something. Did you walk here?”
You began to nod, but he tsked. “Aish, Yn. You should’ve called! No one should have to walk in this torturous cold.”
You laughed. “It’s no big deal. We’re about to go get some hot food, so it’s cool.”
“We might have to wait for a little longer.” Both you and Seungkwan turned toward Yeri, Mark, and Jungwoo who were walking over. Jungwoo had a sweatband holding his bangs out of his face and his duffle slung over his shoulder. He had his jacket draped over his arm; he was probably warm from the showcase. “We’re waiting on Ten to finish up.”
“Hi Jungwoo,” you greeted him, and the man returned the expression with a side hug. You furrowed your brows. “Who’s Ten?’’
Mark replied with a sniffle from the cold, “Oh, he’s a new exchange student! Well, he was originally admitted here, but he went abroad for a year. He's with the NCT frat. Super cool, super funny. He’s great at dance though.”
“I think you’ll vibe with him, Yn,” Yeri chimed in. “He’s asking a couple people for their opinion on a few parts of his routine, so I think he’ll be out soon.”
You nodded in understanding. You didn’t mind waiting, but you hoped what Yeri said about him was true. Hopefully you did get along with him, because you were honestly far too tired to forcefully play nice. You were hoping for a chill night anyway. Then again, as long as you could avoid a certain someone tonight, this would turn out to be a chill night in general.
You and your friends chatted for a few minutes only before Jungwoo caught someone’s eyes from behind you, Yeri, and Mark. He brightened. “Ten! Ten, over here!”
You all swiveled.
Ten was just as lean and lithe as Jungwoo was, but with black bangs, a pair of round spectacles hanging from the collar of his white T-shirt, and a cute smile on his face. You and he made brief eye contact before Jungwoo was hopping on the balls of his feet to greet him.
Jungwoo slung an arm around Ten’s shoulders as he brought him over to the group. “Yn, this is Ten Lee. Ten, this is Yn-ie—the friend we mentioned earlier.”
Your eyes widened slightly. “Why was I mentioned?” You laughed nervously.
Ten flashed you a boyish kind of smile. “Oh, it was nothing; don’t worry. It’s nice to meet you though.”
Your heart didn't slow at his assurance. “Ah, okay then. Uh, nice to meet you, too!”
“Did you get your routine settled?” Seungkwan asked as the lot of you began to move in one, loose blob toward Yeri’s car. (How all of you would manage to fit, that was something you mentally were trying to figure out. In Yeri’s tiny sedan, you might have to squish four people into the back seat.)
Ten nodded enthusiastically. “Yup, it’s all sorted. Minho and Changmin were really helpful with their comments.”
You felt the people around you freeze at the mention of Changmin’s name. You stiffened as well, but tried to force the strange feeling to go away. Your friends knew the drill, too, but you saw the way they glanced at you from their periphery.
Ten was smart, you realized, when his head tilted at all of your reactions.
Time for damage control. “That’s—that’s good!” Mark’s voice cracked and coughed to clear it. “I mean, Minho’s always been really attentive to details and stuff. I think he was almost recruited to become an idol or something like that…”
Ten pursed his lips, as if silently saying, ‘I’m not buying this bull’. You decided to just… do it. “Changmin’s a great dancer, too,” you said, and everyone shot disbelieving glances your way, but you could already see how Ten was grasping onto everything you were saying. You forced a neutral tone into the way you spoke, forced yourself not to let the bitterness seep through. No one deserved to fall victim to the feelings that were only meant for one Ji Changmin. “I’m glad he helped you out. He’s really good at sharp movements and isolations.”
“Oh, do you dance, Yn?” Ten piped up with a twinkle in his eyes.
“Ruh roh,” you heard Seungkwan murmur, and he shuffled away from you to go to the other side of Yeri’s car.
Maybe you purposefully let him see right through you. “Not really. It was a long time ago.”
You and Ten held eye contact, the silent tension like communication passed between the two of you—this was personal, but Ten could figure out that there was more to the story. It was odd though; the way he didn’t fear prodding just a little bit. You didn’t know why you were letting yourself feed him more bait, but Yeri was hollering for the two of you to squeeze into the backseat, and you snapped out of it.
Weird…
Ten held the backseat door open for you. “Looking forward to getting to know you, Yn,” he said pleasantly.
Your eyes narrowed slightly as you slipped into the backseat. “Same to you…”
EPISODE TWO: OFF THE TABLE
YOUR curiosity won you out.
In fact, it won you over so much that you agreed to get coffee with Ten Saturday afternoon—with Mark and Yeri, of course. The four of you had coordinated stopping by one of the coffee shops in the shopping mall just down the hill from the university to hang out and destress a little from the incoming second wave of STEM midterms. Well, you needed to destress. Mark was in communications, Yeri in psychology, and Ten was… what was Ten’s major again?
“Foreign affairs,” he answered before lifting the straw of his iced americano to his lips. “Lots of foreign language classes and politics and history. Politics and capitalism classes are not my favorite, but all the cultural courses on campus are really great.”
You bobbed your head, propping your chin onto your palm. You sat across from him at one of high tables in the cafe; Mark and Yeri’s stools were barren, save for the belongings they left for you and Ten to watch, while they literally sprinted across the mall to the grocery store because they forgot they were supposed to bring booze to the NCT-RVE joint alumni homecoming tonight. You probably weren’t going to go just because social energy came in short supply these days, but you promised to send a card for your friends in RVE.
“I can imagine,” you commented. “I took a really neat course on African tribes and culture in freshman year, and I miss my professor a lot. I sometimes wonder what would have happened had I joined his study abroad program in Ghana instead of staying here.”
Ten’s head did the tilt thing again, the one you recognized from last night as something he did when he was intrigued. “That does sound really cool. What made you stay?”
Where do I even begin? “My major,” you replied simply. It wasn’t really a lie—not entirely a lie. You sipped on your latte, a faraway look in your eyes. “I was so set on a plan that I guess I got nervous about the unknown should I have gone on that trip.”
“Mm, I understand.” He had taken on a softer look now, something more akin to empathy. “It is a little scary, but while I was in Indonesia, I realized I wouldn’t have traded such an experience for anything else."
You set your cup down. "Have you always wanted to dabble in global affairs?"
"Uh, I'm not sure," he said, head tilted upward with a scrunch in his nose. He nudged his glasses up the smooth slope of his sculpted nose. "I was kind of put in a situation where I had to learn a lot of new languages, and I luckily turned out to be pretty good at picking up on them."
"Wow, that's really cool," you chuckled. A talent you definitely envied. And it seemed like Ten had made the decision to pursue this future of his on his own. You wished you could say the same.
From the counter of the café, you heard one of the workers call out your order number for cinnamon rolls, fresh from the oven.
You began to slip off your stool, and Ten spoke up, "Oh, I can totally go get those."
"It's no problem," you chirped, "I'm already down anyway." You were swift to scurry over to the counter and pick up your table's tray of cinnamon rolls with a smile at the worker in deep gratitude. The thick, warm sweetness wafted into your nose, and you inhaled the delights with a blissful grin.
However, as you turned to head back to the table, you halted abruptly, nearly knocking the plates on the tray into each other.
There, standing next to your table and chatting with Ten, were Ji Changmin and Choi Chanhee.
Great.
The sweet dessert smell soured and tasted like acid on your tongue. Bitter, like the taste of hot coffee straight from the pot. You schooled your face into neutrality, but there was no way all of the uncomfortableness could stay away.
You made your way over; the tray was getting heavy.
"—actually here with Yn, Mark, and Yeri—" Ten was pointing your way and you had to control your urge to hide.
Changmin and Chanhee's heads turned in sync, but only Changmin's eyes narrowed at the sight of you. You returned the expression wholeheartedly.
Chanhee held his breath, muttering a "Yikes" under his breath, while Ten observed the interaction with slightly parted lips. Huh.
"Ji."
"Ln."
You deposited the tray onto the table and your biceps sighed in relief. Those four cinnamon rolls truly were quite hefty on their own.
You could still feel Changmin’s eyes on you as you slid onto the stool across from Ten. “Something you’d like to say to me?” You addressed him with ill-suppressed snark.
Changmin’s eyes narrowed. “Nothing that you’ll take into importance anyway. Just didn’t think you would ever hang out with someone from the dance department.”
“Ten’s got a life outside of dance, Changmin,” you replied. You flashed him a thin-lipped smile. “He gets it.”
“And you’re so much better than me for having a so-called life,” he rolled his eyes. “You know, some people are just really passionate about dance—something you seem to still not understand.”
“I really don’t think you want me to bring up the trove of things you don’t understand—”
Chanhee subtly moved over to Ten’s side as the two of them observed the sparring match between you and Changmin. A sigh fell from his lips, and his eyebrows raised up all the way to his pink-dyed hairline.
Ten had taken one of the plates of cinnamon buns in front of him, silently offering Chanhee some. The latter refused, and Ten began to peel away one of the sultry, sweet dough layers. “Is this… normal?” He asked Chanhee under his breath, motioning to the still-bickering couple across from them.
Chanhee snorted. “It’s their mating call.”
It seemed he had said those four words loud enough to catch yours and Changmin’s attention. A miracle, indeed.
“Ew,” both you and Changmin immediately grimaced at Chanhee. Then you looked at one another with a greater degree of disgust. “Stop copying me!”
…Or, less so a miracle, but rather, a tragedy.
Chanhee let out a haggard sigh, eyes sullen to a deadpan. “One of the few things the two of you will ever agree on.”
“The last thing we’ll ever agree on,” Changmin grumbled as he shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. “C’mon Chanhee. We should probably order before JC!Yn and Kei finish loading up the car.”
Changmin was already making his way over to the cashier when Ten managed to get in a final question, “Are you guys coming to the NCT-RVE homecoming tonight?”
“Sure—”
“No.”
Chanhee sent Ten an apologetic look for Changmin’s brusque answer. “Sorry about him. We were thinking of it, but he might be practicing with Juyeon tonight. See you later, Ten—and Yn!” He chased after Changmin, ambushing his friend by practically leaping onto his back and then smacking his shoulder.
Now that Changmin was away from you, the red in your vision had begun to clear away, and you finally remembered the set of delicious cinnamon rolls waiting for you.
Ten propped his cheek against his fist. “So… you and Changmin…”
You made a sour face as you cut off a slice of your cinnamon roll. “What about the gremlin?” You asked. As soon as the buttery, sweet delight hit your tongue, you felt your body lighten and you did a little happy dance in your seat.
Ten chuckled at your behavior. “Lovers gone wrong?”
You choked on the bite.
Your new friend’s eyes widened comically to the size of saucers as he literally pounced across the table to pat your back. “Shit—sorry, Yn. I probably should’ve waited for you to finish swallowing, huh?” He winced when you’d managed to breathe correctly and washed the bite of food down with a sip of coffee. He returned to his perch, letting you recover while he talked through his thoughts. “I don’t mean to pry—actually—” he paused, reconsidering, “—I do mean to pry. Sorry, I’m kind of a sucker for this kind of stuff.”
One of your eyes squinted at him as you massaged your throat. “Yeah, I kind of figured.”
He beamed at you boyishly, the kind of expression that almost had your defenses slipping. Almost. Ten was one slippery fellow. For some reason, you kind of respected him for being upfront about the nosiness, and if you were being honest, if this drama wasn’t yours, you would also be curious about the whole thing.
“Can’t help myself sometimes,” he confessed with a mere shrug. “You don’t owe an explanation or backstory, of course.”
You sucked in a breath, opting to hold back on eating your pastry until you and Ten were done with this topic. “I’m just going to say that Changmin and I were not ‘lovers gone wrong’,” you said, body shuddering.
“Mm,” he hummed. His eyes wandered behind you and over your head, swiftly followed by the action of waving to Changmin and Chanhee on their way out of the cafe. “It’s just interesting to me. Didn’t you just advocate for him the other night at the draft show?”
That rang a bell, unfortunately. “It’s complicated.”
Ten pressed his mouth into a saccharine smile. “I can imagine.”
EPISODE THREE: OFF THE PHONE
THERE was an avid knocking at the laboratory door, usually done by those who didn’t actually work at this specific lab. This lab area was usually reserved for upperclassmen and graduate students and their work.
“Yn-ie, could you get the door, please?” You heard Kun called out to you from his office. It wasn’t just the two of you tonight, but rather, just a few others you didn’t know as well as you did Kun. He often worked late hours like you did, always overworking himself even more as a fresh grad student. You, on the other hand, were trying to finish up this one research paper resulting from last quarter’s research project. If you were lucky, you would be able to send it off to be peer reviewed soon.
You slipped out from behind your workbench and maneuvered the maze of workbenches to head out into the corridor. Exhaustion wore at your bones from having such a long day, but you really did need to get some productive work done so you could focus specifically on your midterms approaching at the end of this week and the beginning of the following week.
However, as you turned the corner into the corridor, you nearly missed your footing. At the end of the hallway where the glass door to the outside was, you found yourself identifying one Ji Changmin and his friend, someone you didn’t recognize. The latter wore a gray hoodie beneath a black puffer vest, and he reacted the opposite to how Changmin did when they caught sight of you.
“Hey! Could you open the door, please?” Not-Changmin hollered through the glass, furiously shaking his sweater-pawed hand down at the door handle.
You didn’t want to. God, you really didn’t want to.
Changmin stared you down, as if daring you to come closer.
You opened the door, and let the cool gust of late February air and two outsiders into the safety and warmth of the laboratory building.
Hoodie Guy shuddered violently to get the cold out of his system. “Jesus, it’s cold outside. Thanks,” he said to you. Then he nudged Changmin with his elbow, as if jolting the man into reality.
“What are you doing here?” You asked, words directed toward Changmin in particular.
His dark bangs were tucked beneath a black beanie with his pair of black headphones hanging around his neck. “You think I want to be here?”
His friend sent him a look, his eyes flickering between you and Changmin furiously until the pieces clicked into his mind. “Well, uh oh…” he muttered while turning away slightly to scratch his head. He gathered his wits then. “Uh, Yn, right?”
You perked up. “Yes.”
“Uh,” he drawled. “We’re actually here for Jacob Bae. You see, we told him we’d come pick him up to take him over to—”
“Is he here?” Changmin asked.
Your eyebrow shot upward. At least they were here for a proper reason. You crossed your arms over your chest, glancing back toward the main laboratory floor way down the hall. Man, the safe zone felt so far away. “He actually just left like, ten minutes ago. Sorry.” The apology was said to Changmin’s friend, the one who seemed to have been able to figure out who exactly you were to Changmin. Not that you were anything to him. And did Changmin just talk about you to all his friends or something—?
“Oh.”
Changmin tapped his friend with the back of his hand. “C’mon Sunwoo. We’ll just meet him over there.”
Sunwoo wrinkled his nose. “I just think it’s weird that he didn’t text us to let us know before we came over here.”
There was a pause and you could practically see the gears in Changmin’s head turning. You would have left them to their own company, but you technically weren’t allowed to leave unauthorized students alone.
It was strange seeing Changmin break into something akin to sheepishness. You saw the dimples appear in the apples of his cheeks as he cupped the back of his neck. “I might not have told him we were coming…”
Sunwoo’s eyes and mouth widened and he whacked his friend with the length of his hoodie sleeve. Changmin let out one of those hyena laughs that set off triggers in your mind. It’d been awhile since you heard that… “Hyung! You’re so unreliable sometimes, oh my god. Even Eric would have remembered to tell him!”
Changmin made a noise of dismissal, slinging an arm around his friend. “Ah, it’s fine. We’ll just meet him there—as you said.”
“Worst texter award goes to,” Sunwoo rolled his eyes.
“I guess some things never change.” The words slipped out of your mouth before you could stop yourself, and both Sunwoo and Changmin suddenly remembered that you were in the hallway with them. Sunwoo had perked up as if he were surprised you would even comment on their situation, but Changmin cut an unreadable expression your way. You didn’t want to read into it.
“You literally forgot to answer a text I sent for three days,” Changmin quipped.
Well, if he was going to play the back and forth game. “That was once out of how many other times,” you scoffed. “You refused to answer anyone’s texts in the mornings anyway, so don't get on my case about that.”
“He did that to you, too?!” Sunwoo cut in with fire behind his words.
You could’ve sworn you saw the slightest bit of blush grace Changmin’s cheekbones as you hid a laugh behind your hand. “He did that to everyone—”
“Hey, I’m better over call; you know that!” Changmin argued. “Sunwoo, you can’t even talk about being a bad texter. I have to hunt for you on discord sometimes to get a straight answer.”
Sunwoo groaned, “Yah! Whatever. It’s still better than your average three-business-day reply speed.”
Changmin stammered, “It is not an average of three business days.” If your ears were not deceiving you, Ji Changmin was whining. “It’s a couple hours at least.”
“A couple hours means half a day,” you said to Sunwoo.
Changmin whipped his attention back to you, finger jabbed accusingly in your direction. “Hey, missy! You always fell asleep on-call, even when you promised that you would stay up to help me study.”
You shook your head. “Not my fault! You know that I always fell asleep around midnight back then.”
“Well, back then—”
“Is everything okay out here?”
Everything in the corridor came to a stand still, and Changmin closed his mouth, mid-sentence. Kun had his head poking out of the door to the main floor, a crease pressed between his brows and right above the rim of his thin spectacles. He eyed the two non-laboratory students with a slight grimace. Of course, Kun was aware of who Changmin was. He could recognize him because of his famed performer reputation on campus, but he knew his history with you because you had spent far too many late nights here at the lab with things plaguing your mind. You and Kun both had a problem with trouble sleeping and being workaholics.
You turned slightly to Kun. “Yeah, everything’s okay, Kun-ge.”
He sent you an unimpressed look.
“We,” Changmin piped up as he urged Sunwoo to the door, “were just leaving.” The mirth and fire from the bickering just a few seconds ago had faded, and you could feel him slipping away.
Kun drummed his fingers along the doorframe, eyebrows shooting up for a second. “Oh-kay… Yn-ie, Ten says he’s right around the corner and asks if you want some company walking home.”
The door to the laboratory behind you was held open, and the night breeze brushed through your hair. When you looked back, you saw that Changmin had stalled in the door for a second. But, it had only been that second before he and his friend were gone.
“Oh.” You made your way over to Kun. “That’s really cool of him. I’d love that.” Some company on a late-night walk back to your apartment did not sound bad at all. You’d done plenty of trips on your own, but sometimes having even one person with you would have been nice.
Kun nodded, pursing his lips, as the two of you walked into the main lab together and toward his office off to the side. “Okay, I’ll let him know. You’re for sure okay though? That must have been… not nice, seeing Changmin here.”
You gave a stiff shrug, your hip leaning against the door of his office while Kun settled back at his desk. “It’s fine,” you said. To be honest, you weren’t even sure if that was a lie or not. You’d heard Changmin laugh for the first time in years. You’d seen the dimples in his cheeks, the sheepishness in his expression—you swallowed.
Once upon a time, you associated all of those things with something like happiness. Your happiness.
Kun fixed you with a pointed look. “If you need to talk.”
You gave a firm nod. “I know where to find you.”
He clicked his tongue, shooting you a finger gun, then shooed you off to finish your work and pack your things. Ten was just around the corner, after all.
EPISODE FOUR: OFF THE RECORD
CHANGMIN liked to think that he became nosy, and that he wasn't born this way. But ever since he overheard that Kun guy asking about Ten wanting to walk you home, he couldn't help but wonder…
He shook his head, brushing his hair out of his eyes and off his forehead, before those same bangs flopped back into their place. He walked back onto the main stage of the performing arts hall to the soundtrack of a hype playlist blasting from the ears of his headphones. As he made his way past groups and individuals doing their own thing, he absentmindedly searched for one person in particular.
Conveniently, he found Ten setting himself up right by Changmin's things. He was shouldering off his black puffer jacket, rolling the material up into a manageable ball to shove into his duffle bag.
"Hey," Changmin greeted, bending down slightly to grab his water bottle.
Ten straightened and flashed him a smile. "Hey."
It wouldn't be awkward would it? Probably not. Just be cool about it, Changmin. He smiled slightly, the dimples in his cheeks disarming his acquaintance. "I didn't know you and Yn were close."
Your name felt so… foreign, yet familiar, on his tongue. It was like tasting déjà vu, like eating a treat from childhood that had been associated with good feelings, but he couldn't decide if it was still as good as he remembered or a trick of his mind.
The mention of your name brought a jolt of energy to Ten's body and Changmin saw the man lean into the conversation. Curious… "Oh? Well, I mean—" he gave a shrug, "—she's really cool. She just seems like a good person to get to know, y'know? Why do you ask?"
Changmin couldn't tell how much he trusted the slight narrowing of Ten's feline eyes. There was no way you hadn't mentioned him to Ten at some point or another. To be honest, he didn't like the feeling of you still lingering in his head if he didn't linger in yours. It meant a myriad of things that he loathed to admit.
He let the feeling slide away, let his mouth tilt upward like his eyes to the spotlights in the ceiling. "Just be…" He shook his head. "Nothing. It's nothing." He flicked his wrist, as he spun his water bottle cap on tight. "You can forget about it."
Ten sent him a look that Changmin pointedly ignored.
Somewhere within the depths of the performing arts center, Changmin could hear the howling laughter of his friend Hyunjae as he most likely bugged his best friend out of her mind, both to her chagrin and her delight. That was another can of worms entirely.
Ten piped up as he settled onto the backstage floor while Changmin mentally went through some of the problem sets he had to review today. "If you don't mind me asking, why are you and Yn on such… uneven ground with each other?"
There it was. Changmin snorted. "Uneven ground? I don't even know if we're on the same ground."
"You're both really friendly people," Ten added, "so it just doesn't make sense to me."
Changmin pursed his lips. He never felt the need to divulge this stuff to anyone but his friends, but he didn't know what Ten already knew. He didn't know what you told him, but based on the fact that Ten wasn't looking at him the same way you did… Changmin scratched the back of his head and leaned his side against the wall to face him. "Something happened a long time ago. I guess we just both hold a grudge well."
Ten huffed a laugh in response. "Remind me never to get on your bad side then," he joked.
— ✶
There was a buzz about the university newspaper room. The Daily had only a handful of crew members onboard, mainly because it was so selective. Over the past few years that you had been apart of the staff, you and a few others had gradually loosened the reputation of the Daily's elitist interview process—there was still some level of intimidation that ensured the publication took on the hard workers and not those simply looking for an extracurricular to put on their resume though.
So when there was talk of a new staff member, everyone knew about it.
You let yourself in the door with a sigh, brushing the hair from your eyes held up with a random, blue claw clip you found on your bathroom sink. The bus had been late this morning because it broke down, but you luckily were able to make it to your lecture on time. You had run over here for a quick meeting that Kim Doyoung had summoned you for, no doubt about the new hire.
"Hey guys," you said as you passed by clusters of desks piled with copyedits and heads buried in monitor screens. The sounds of typing stopped briefly with each head you walked past:
"Yn!"
"Hi Yn!"
"Sup Yn—HEY! I just did my hair this morning!" Mark yelped, hands smoothing down the braids in his hair.
You giggled as you patted his head. "Your hair needs a break, Mark."
As you disappeared around the corner, you heard him shout back, "So do you, but you never hear me complaining!"
You rolled your eyes with an ill-concealed smile. The door to Doyoung's little editor in chief office was right down the hall next to the office for the sponsoring professor. As much as you and the others teased him about getting the "Boss man" office, he always complained to you about being on edge with the professor's office next door. You didn't quite understand since Professor Woo was almost never in his office anyway, but you supposed you could see.
Doyoung's door was open, and the fourth year's head perked up at the sound of your voice and nearing footsteps. He didn't even wait for you to knock or say hi, before beckoning you inside. "Yn, thank god you know how to hustle. Close the door on your way in. Thanks."
Your eyebrows shot up at the terseness in his tone, but didn't question him until you'd closed the door and settled into the chair opposite him. His desk, much like those outside, was covered in a sea of paper, with his laptop being the only land in sight. "What's up? You sound stressed."
He shot you a look over the rims of his thin glasses. "When am I not stressed?"
"Valid."
"Okay," he began with a sigh that made your concern rise just a bit more, "you know the situation with our performing arts review section, right?"
You nodded. "Of course."
The situation with the performing arts review section of the paper was inherently a mess. For a handful of years, the performing arts section was written under a pseudonym (lovingly dubbed Opera Glasses)—the identity of the reviewer was anonymous—which was a product of an incident a few years ago where a performer was unhappy with a review left by someone on the paper and came to ask, very unkindly, for a rewrite. Since then, the paper had been swallowed up by so much that finding a permanent writer or reviewer for the section became less and less of a priority.
When you joined the publishing team, it had been in the middle of freshman year when you were also putting your application out for research projects. Joining had felt like the right thing to do, as much as it was an act of rebellion against your mother and your childhood. They had asked if you knew anything about dance of all things.
And well, you did know.
You'd written one piece—one piece that was entirely you. It had been for one of the dancers just debuting at his first winter showcase. Since then, you couldn't stomach writing another one or watching another one.
You ghost wrote, you edited, you advised—but you stuck to putting your energy into covering the STEM-related sections of the paper now.
So Doyoung already knew your relationship with the performing arts review section. "Well," he cleared his throat, making a vague flourish with his hand, "I'm sure you already know that I just interviewed a new prospective recruit. I was wondering if you would be willing to take them under your wing and to show them the ropes."
Oh. That wasn't exactly what you expected him to say. Your heart kicked up for an entirely new reason, however. You'd always wanted to be someone's mentor. To be someone's older sister. "I mean, yeah. I'd love to," you stammered, a smile slowly curling onto your lips. "That would be really cool."
Doyoung sighed, his shoulders sinking in relief. "Thank you."
"But wait." You cocked your head to the side as you asked, "What does Opera Glasses have to do with this?"
"I want her to eventually take over for it," he explained. "She knows quite a bit about theater and music—little less about dance, though. I know that you have your issues with the dance department, but out of everyone here, you probably understand dance stuff the most. I just ask that you help her out a little with that, and maybe even introduce her to some of the people there so we can ease her in with interviews—"
You opened your mouth to interrupt him, but he sent you a pointed look. He continued, "Just hear me out, okay? If you're uncomfortable at all, you can back out. And you don't even have to back out right now or completely; maybe you could have Mark introduce her to Jungwoo for interviews, and you can just stick to the behind-the-scenes stuff."
Doyoung exhaled. "Okay, so what are your thoughts?"
You worried your bottom lip between your teeth. What did you think… What did you think?
Even the thought of stepping foot into a practice room made the yelling and screams echo in the caverns of your mind. But you'd missed them—missed the polished wood floors, the floor-to-ceiling mirrors, the people. God, you couldn't even stay away from the people if you tried, no matter how much you tried convincing yourself you could.
You weren't fooling anyone.
You swallowed. You'd always wanted to be a big sister.
What was the harm in giving this a try?
(Changmin. You'd probably run into Changmin a lot more often than if you didn't accept. But you could see him from that one night: the sheepishness, the dimples, the laugh. Why couldn't you get over that interaction?)
You mustered up your courage and straightened in your seat. "I'll still do it. When do we start?"
EPISODE FIVE: OFF THE MARK
IT turned out that Doyoung intended for you and your new recruit, Bae Sumin, to get started right away. With the winter showcase only a couple weeks away, it was imperative that the two of you dived right in.
"—so what made you interested in joining the team?" You asked, shoving your hands into your jacket pockets to hide signs of nervousness from your underclassman peer. The two of you were walking from the Daily's newsroom and over to the performing arts center. It was about a ten minute walk, but you figured that it would give you two the opportunity to get to know one another.
Sumin was a multimedia major, as you had been told earlier when the two of you just met for the first time in the entryway of the Daily newsroom. She was cute and well-dressed—she wore a pleated skirt and sweater with a white collar peeking through. Her smile was dazzling, and reminded you of someone who would do well on stage. No wonder she had theater and performing experience.
"Oh!" She shot you one of those dazzling smiles, her hand shooting up to shift the white, fluffy earmuffs seated over her head. "I actually had a cousin who came here and shared with me some of the Daily's earlier issues. She always said it was kind of competitive to get in, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to try."
You bobbed your head. "That's really cool." A small laugh fell from your lips, "I'm glad you did try! Lots of people just assume they're gonna get turned away and they don't try at all, you know?"
Sumin hummed in understanding.
Something had settled nicely in your chest throughout this walk. Even if your past anxieties were beginning to bubble up to the surface at the sight of the nearing performing arts buildings, Sumin's easy conversation calmed you. It was one less thing to worry about.
Yesterday, when Doyoung had proposed this job for you, you had asked Mark to accompany you and Sumin to the arts buildings. He couldn't walk with you two, but he promised to meet you there. Now, you were kind of glad you got to have this bit of bonding time with her.
“I think Doyoung said that I should introduce you to a few people in particular,” you said offhandedly and pulled your phone out to check yours and Doyoung’s text thread.
Sumin did the same, most likely taking out any notes she had taken from Doyoung’s instructions. “Yeah, something like Lee Minho, Kim Jungwoo… the Hwang?—the Hwang siblings, uhm and Ji Changmin…?”
Your footing faltered for a second, and Sumin asked if you were all right, but you recovered quickly. You let out an embarrassed laugh, feeling heat crawl up your neck. Why in the world did his name catch you off guard like that? Maybe it was because you assumed Doyoung would just let you avoid Changmin, but realistically, if Sumin was going to do an interview with the dance department’s most prominent members, then there was no avoiding Changmin.
You just had to suck it up and be an adult about it.
It was three years ago… What was the big deal?
But as you moved to open the door to the backstage area for Sumin with your ID card, you felt your throat tighten in on itself. You forced a smile to your face as you let Sumin go in before you so you could turn your head out to inhale a large lungful of fresh air. Then, you ducked in after her.
The backstage corridors were as hustle n' bustle as you expected them to be. The lights were dim-looking from the black walls and floors marred with scuff marks from years upon years of use. It was an overwhelming tidal wave of sensory details—what, with the clashing sounds of chatter and music, the smell of some kind of polish (or maybe that was resin?), the warmth of energy in the air and all around you.
The hairs on the back of your neck stood like you could sense someone was coming this way.
You gestured down the opposite direction to Sumin. “Come on; I’m pretty sure they’re down this way.”
It was a curious thing, memory. You could recall late nights of catching the bus to these very practice rooms and backstage rooms from when you were in high school. Performing on the stage was a whole other experience in itself, and though part of you missed it, there were other feelings that dominated the hints of nostalgia now.
You could hear the chatter even clearer now, even if their words were muddled.
The door to one of the larger practice rooms were left ajar, and though you only peered in, you felt the warmth hit you like a wave. Your throat was closing up again—breathe—
“Hey,” you said into the room, catching quite a few eyes. From an initial scan, you determined that Changmin wasn’t amongst the crush of people socializing in here, and you couldn’t identify the feeling manifesting in the pit of your stomach.
Jungwoo was the first to bound over toward you, swiftly followed by Minho and Hyunjin, one of the Hwang siblings. “Yn-ie! I can’t believe you actually came. I thought Doyoung was joking.”
A smile made its way onto your lips and you accepted Jungwoo’s side hug. “Yeah, well Doyoung doesn’t joke around.”
“He really doesn’t,” Hyunjin said with a grimace. “He’s kind of scary, that one.”
“If you can survive Minho,” you said to him, “then you can survive Doyoung.”
Minho made a face at you. “What have I ever done to you, Yn?”
Nothing; this is just me trying to pretend I’m not seconds away from quivering like a leaf in the wind. You laughed. “Nothing yet. Guys, I'd like you to meet Sumin. She’s our new recruit at the Daily, and she’s gonna be the one conducting interviews for the winter showcase this year.”
Sumin didn’t need much prompting to smile and wave at your friends in that same charming way. “Hi, nice to meet you!”
The three dancers before you replied in kind. Jungwoo offered to introduce her to some of the others in the room, and before you knew it, she was swept away.
Hyunjin made a comment about needing to go check up on a friend of his, leaving you and Minho chatting to the side of the room.
“Wow,” Minho said offhandedly as the two of you watched Jungwoo and Sumin work their way around the room, “she’s a natural at this. Where’d Kim find this one?”
“She saw some of our older issues,” you replied. You watched as Sumin ignited a sort of brightness in every conversation she started. You struggled to swallow; now that you didn’t feel obligated to keep up appearances, especially in front of Sumin, your jitteriness was beginning to come on just a little stronger. You absentmindedly massaged your throat, willing it to loosen up.
Minho glanced over at you, his eyes catching your anxious actions. “Must have a lot of confidence in her if he’s throwing her straight into taking charge of interviews. How’re you holding up?” The latter was said lowly and under his breath in case someone just happened to be close enough to catch onto your conversation.
Minho didn’t know your history with the dance department as thoroughly as your close friends did, but it didn’t take a genius to see that you weren’t at your absolute best right now. You gave a stiff shrug. “I’m alright,” you managed to say.
He nodded, though it was probably more for your sake than him saying he believed you. “It’s funny,” he drawled, “one might think that by sending you here on behalf of the paper, that you were behind Opera Glasses.”
Now that, you could let out a genuine chuckle at.
Minho gauged your reaction but smiled to himself. He wasn’t one to really care for the drama and gossip side that came privy to the performing arts review section, but you couldn’t blame him if he was curious.
“That would be really stupid if that was the case,” you mused.
“It would be,” he agreed. “Is this a sign that this will be the end of Opera Glasses then? Finally a face to the name?”
You pursed your lips. “Actually, I’m not too sure what Doyoung will end up doing. I’m sure he’ll call for a board meeting to decide what the review’s fate will be, but it’s not exactly our top priority—”
Your voice and words trailed off as your eyes met a pair coming into the practice room. You and Changmin froze at the sight of one another, two deer caught in headlights, and you felt your heart palpitate violently in your chest. Your breath left your lungs—his expression was filled with surprise, until it morphed into something you couldn’t read.
“What are you doing here?” He deadpanned.
Minho’s eyebrows shot up. “You didn’t know Yn was stopping by? We all got the email from Director Lee, man.”
Changmin pressed his mouth together and it made the dimple in his cheek deepen. He looked you up and down, and he opened his mouth to say something else, but paused when you unconsciously brushed your thumb against the hollow of your throat. (Dear god, why couldn’t you breathe? Breathe, breathe, breathe—)
He seemed to lose whatever he was going to say. You swore the sharpness in his gaze softened.
But then his jaw tightened; you didn’t know why. “I didn’t think you’d actually show,” he muttered under his breath.
Ouch.
The words from his mouth pricked uncomfortably at the back of your mind. You found your voice again. “I’ll be gone before you know it,” you replied tersely.
Your response touched a nerve for him, too. He cut his attention to the rest of the practice room. “Where’s your new girl?”
“Over there,” you said, inclining your head across the room where Sumin and Hwang Yeji were currently swapping contact information. Something soared in your chest at the sight, but you couldn’t tell if it was pride or envy.
Without any additional prompting, you watched Changmin make his way toward Sumin and away from you. You didn’t realize you were holding in a breath until you finally exhaled—
“Yn! Sorry I’m late.” Mark bumbled into the practice room, wiping a drop of sweat from his forehead as he quite literally crashed against the wall next to you and Minho. He was panting and gasping for breath, and you and Minho couldn’t help but express your amusement.
“It’s all cool, dude,” you assured while patting his head.
“I should probably get back to it,” Minho said as he began walking away from you and Mark. “Nice to see you, Mark. Feel free to take a water bottle from the green room.”
Mark thumped his head against the wall with his eyes closed. “Thanks, man,” he huffed.
With a snicker under his breath, Minho went his separate way.
You gave Mark a moment to catch a breath or two, and you slid down next to him against the practice room wall. Folding your knees up against your chest, you copied Mark’s position with his head tilted back as you both inhaled through your nostrils and breathed out through slightly parted lips. While Mark might have been trying to get a moment of rest from (no doubt) running here from the bus stop, you were trying to steady yourself.
The anxiety was starting to make your hands feel numb cold.
“You don’t have to stay, y’know,” came Mark’s voice, followed by the back of his hand gently nudging your arm. When your eyes fluttered open, you found him already looking at you. “You asked for my help; you can go take a breather outside and come back in—or maybe don’t—whatever you’re comfortable with. This can’t be easy.”
You were struggling to swallow again. One of your hands drummed messily against your kneecap. “It’s—” you shook your head, “—I’ll be okay. Thanks for coming though.”
“Yeah, dude. Of course.”
Something prodded at the side of your head, like someone was staring at you, but when you turned to see, it was just Changmin talking to Sumin. They were both smiling and making good conversation, it seemed.
You let out a sigh and closed your eyes again. Wishful thinking.
— ✶
Mark stayed behind to “vibe” with the remaining dancers still at the performing arts building while you and Sumin pushed out into the crisp, cool evening. Even after walking all the way to the bus station, your hands were still numb, and the cold definitely wasn’t helping.
“How do you feel about the dance interviews now?” You found yourself asking Sumin as the two of you sat on the bench at the station waiting for the bus to come pick the two of you up.
Sumin beamed. “I definitely feel a bit more secure about conducting them. I’ll definitely need some help with dance terminology and editing and stuff though.”
You nodded. “No problem at all.”
“The people are all really so chill and nice…” Your eyes definitely weren’t tricking you when you saw the bashfulness that her expression took on, and the little giggle you heard could not have been the wind. “Especially Changmin.”
Ha. What.
A weight fell to the pit of your stomach. Maybe you were hearing things… “Sorry?”
She blinked, and the blush on her cheekbones darkened. “Oh, haha, it’s nothing! I just… he was really sweet, and he has a really pretty smile and stuff—do you—uh, do you know if his previous dance showcase performances are online?”
(Something about that detail—he has a really pretty smile—rang a bell for you.)
It was really an innocent question, but you knew if Sumin went searching online for Changmin, and if she went deep enough, she’d find you there, too. You sucked in a breath. “I can—” you winced inwardly, “—send you some of his performances, if you want?”
You couldn’t deny the warm and fuzzy feeling in your chest when Sumin practically lit up at your suggestion. “Would you? I would really appreciate it, Yn! You’re the best.”
From your periphery, you saw the bus approach from down the street, and you gestured for the both of you to stand up and get your ID cards ready to board. You sent her a small smile—at least it felt good to help her out. You could pretend for a second that this was just a little crush or infatuation on some other colleague of yours that Sumin had. “Yeah, no worries.” No worries at all.
EPISODE SIX: OFF THE [TOP OF YOUR] HEAD
FRIDAY night brought you, Seungkwan, and Doyoung to the hotpot place located in the university district. The three of you were the unconventional combination of your friends, but Kun and Ten were supposedly on their way over as of five minutes ago. Thus, with the last of your party nearing, the three of you deigned to begin ordering almost everything off the menu—just to whet your appetites, of course.
Doyoung slumped down in his seat across from you and Seungkwan as soon as the waiter left to input your table's hefty order. "Ugggggggh."
Seungkwan snorted. "Ah, my favorite sound."
Doyoung passed him a dirty look over his lenses. "Is that sarcasm I hear, Boo Seungkwan?"
"I have no idea what you mean," he said with feigned innocence as he looked away and scratched the side of his head.
You chuckled to yourself, drawing your phone out from the inner pocket of your puffer jacket when you heard the series of buzzes. Your screen lit up with notifications from Sumin, all of them thanking you profusely for the spam of links you'd sent her way. These were on top of the videos you had dug up from your secret locked folder in your phone—and here you were, wondering why in the world you were doing this to yourself and for her?
"I can't decide if I dread Doyoung's noises of discontent or your expressions of pain more," Seungkwan commented, effectively pulling your focus away from your phone.
Both of your friends were now looking at you, patiently awaiting your answer to what ailed you tonight. Where should you begin?
"I'm not in pain," you scoffed. You set your phone facedown on the table next to you to avoid looking at the notifications. Huh. "Did I look like I was in pain?"
Doyoung's smile was wide like his eyes as he nodded. "Yup," he chirped in that sweet sarcasm of his. "Like you'd just watched a video of someone stubbing their toe against a doorframe."
Seungkwan blinked. "That's so—specific."
"You do not want to know what my For You Page looks like—"
You recreated the look of pain from earlier, holding your palm up. "Respectfully, Doie? I don't."
Seungkwan let out another snort of delight and had to hold a hand in front of his mouth.
Doyoung leveled a half-hearted scowl at you. "You're lucky I'm not your boss right now."
"As opposed to every other moment in time?"
"You have a mouth on you tonight."
"I do like to use it every so often," you quipped, the corner of your mouth lifting in an amused smirk.
Doyoung sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "I don't get paid enough for this."
"You're literally not getting paid at all—" Your words were sliced off at their end when you gasped—it was all a blur: a mass of reddish-brown hair, your phone snatched from right in front of you— "SEUNGKWAN!"
Seungkwan held his breath with an impish grin as he turned his back to you and shielded your phone from your attempts to get it back. "I just wanna see!" He said with a cackle. "Every time you've looked at your phone today, you looked like you wanted to fall into an abyss."
You glared at him, pulling away to cross your arms firmly over your chest. "You can't just steal my phone, dude!"
"What's so important on your phone anyway, Yn-ie?" Doyoung asked good naturedly, reaching for his glass of ice water. "You're usually not so attached to that thing."
Your lips snapped shut and you wondered if the heat creeping up to your face was obvious.
"You've been sending Changmin videos to Sumin?!" Seungkwan bursted out, his eyes so wide that you could see your reflection in his pupils. As you'd feared, Seungkwan still had his fingerprint registered into your phone from before (long story; don't ask), and had cracked the device open, as well as your most recently opened application—yours and Sumin's text messages.
You did nothing but stare at the table like you were getting war flashbacks, while Doyoung had even gotten up out of his seat to take a peek at your phone, too.
"I haven't even seen this video before," Seungkwan hissed as if you weren't right there.
You fixed them both with a stink eye, but at the same time, maybe this was for your benefit. They could help you without you actually asking for help—
Doyoung's face contorted into a laughable expression of shock (eyes wide, mouth wider, eyebrows pinched, nose wrinkled) as he viewed what Seungkwan had selected. "Oh my god. He's a child in this!"
"Actually he was a senior in high school—" You slapped a hand over your mouth. Whoops.
Both of their heads whipped over toward you. "I thought you deleted all your high school shit!" They chorused together. If it had been any other situation or context, you might have laughed at the hilarity if it all.
Instead, you averted your gaze, making a show of looking for the waiter or maybe even Kun or Ten. What was taking them so long anyway?
"Yn," Seungkwan addressed with a tone akin to that of a parent on the verge of lecturing their child, "what in the name of god are you sending Sumin and why?"
Helpless, you held both your palms up in a sheepish shrug. "The kid has a crush on him, and being the best mentor figure ever, I… did some compiling for her." You paused, "Now that I say it out loud, it does sound pretty stupid."
Doyoung returned to his seat. "Ya think?"
You wrinkled your nose at him. "Hey! Sometimes, some of us have bad nights and we wanna feel something." Out of context, this was a really suspicious conversation.
"Isn't this just you torturing yourself?"
Seungkwan slapped his hand against the table, and both you and Doyoung startled. "That's it! I'm calling for an intervention."
Your mouth parted open. "Right now?"
He deadpanned at you. "No, when Kun and Ten get here—of course, right now!"
You returned his deadpan expression. The adrenaline from all this back and forth was slowly fading, and what you were left with was something that felt like emptiness. So… now they knew.
Doyoung and Seungkwan exchanged looks with another from across the table, but it was the former who spoke first. "Why do you still have videos from back then, Yn-ie? I thought you told us you deleted them all?"
"I mean, we're not trying to be judgmental or anything," Seungkwan added firmly, but not unkindly, "they're your videos and photos, your past and memories, but… based on everything you've already told us before, wouldn't it be best to delete them?"
You didn't like the emptiness. The adrenaline had stripped you of energy and confidence when it faded. "I," you stammered, "I just… I couldn't bring myself to delete them." Your voice was quiet, almost inaudible compared to the liveliness of the hotpot shop around you and your friends. "I mean, how could I? Sometimes, I want to watch them and try to find the courage to say that I'm sorry first."
Yeah, you wanted to feel something. That "something" was actually a lot of things—courage, happiness, nostalgia, anger, melancholy, love, passion, pride. A life and childhood you had lost; who's fault was it but your own? You felt nothing short of pathetic.
Seungkwan frowned deeply, his eyes softening. He leaned forward and drew you into his embrace, his hold warm and comforting. "Oh, Yn. I'm sorry; I shouldn't have pried like that."
You wrapped your arms around him, eyes shuddering closed. "Yeah, you shouldn't have."
He grunted into your shoulder, a noise of defiance and attitude.
Doyoung had a similar expression of sympathy present on his face. You didn't often see something like that from him, but after years of friendship and working together, you'd begun to see a lot more of him. "I'm sorry too, Yn. It probably still hurts, and I know I was probably really insensitive when I asked you to introduce Sumin to the dance department—"
"Hey guys! Sorry we're late."
Everyone jolted at the sight of Kun and Ten arriving at your table. Kun sent Ten a sharp look along with a sharp jab with his elbow for interrupting. Kun shot you an apologetic look. "Sorry, we didn't interrupt anything, did we?"
You shook your head as Seungkwan pulled away. Doyoung and Seungkwan were both looking to you to make the decision of whether or not you would let Kun and Ten in on the prior conversation.
No, you didn't want to put a damper on dinner any longer. "Ah, no worries. We were just… discussing a couple work things. What took you guys so long?"
Luckily, no one (namely Ten) called you out and the two newcomers slid into their respective seats. Dinner would arrive soon, and you could fill your belly with something other than negative thoughts for once.
— ✶
boss bunny: hey, i didn't get a chance to say this earlier, but i'm so sorry for expecting u to introduce sumin to the dance dept
boss bunny: i didn't think at all abt how that might trigger u, and i still want u to know that u can back out whenever u feel uncomfortable. seriously.
your phone: it's okay, doyoung. i get it, i really do. and i promise that it didn't feel like u were forcing me or assuming that i would do it either
your phone: i knew it would probably trigger me like this too, but i kind of really wanted to be someone's mentor yk? it just… called to me ig
your phone: sounds kind of sad lol
boss bunny: nonono! not at all :( i understand that too
boss bunny: i admire ur strength, yn
your phone: DOIE 🥺
boss bunny: …okay love u and all, but let's not use that emoji yeah? T-T
your phone: okay wtv 🤧 now stop texting cuz ten is starting to realize ur not slick at this
boss bunny: AM TOO. >:(
— ✶
"He kept looking at his phone and then at you, like, every five seconds," Ten giggled, his shoulder absentmindedly brushing against yours as the two of you strolled side by side through the numbing cold night. Dinner had concluded just about half an hour ago, and while Kun ferried Doyoung and Seungkwan home, you and Ten decided to head down a few blocks to get milk tea and hang out.
You clapped your hands together in delight, your laughter lighting up the night. “That’s what I’m saying! He just wasn’t subtle about it and he kept arguing with me that he was.” You shook your head, tongue darting out to lick your lips, “It’s okay though. I think Dad Doyoung’s antics are charming.”
Ten grinned. “Dad Doyoung? I think he’s more of an uncle; ‘Dad’ is Kun’s title.”
“Fair enough.”
“Ayo, Ten!”
Both yours and Ten’s heads whipped upward at the sound of his name being called. You didn’t actually recognize the voice, but when you saw the lineup of four young men coming toward you from the opposite end of the street, you didn’t need to recognize it. Because, well, you recognized their faces.
Huh, you had been running into Changmin and his like a lot more often recently.
Heading straight for you was Changmin, Chanhee, Juyeon, and—you thought his name was Kevin. Kevin was the one who had called out to Ten, and he waved excitedly over to your friend. Based on Changmin’s not-so-subtle frown at Kevin, you could assume that this was not expected. Maybe he was going to advocate crossing the whole street to avoid you.
“Oh, hey Kev!” Ten greeted back cheerily, glancing at you beside him. “Do you know Kevin and Juyeon?”
You bobbed your head. “Briefly,” you replied. The two of your groups met in the middle, two blockades in the smack middle of the sidewalk. Impromptu meetups like this always seemed to end up clogging up the sidewalk for some reason.
After a swift greeting, Chanhee was already gesturing to the direction his group had already been headed in. “Hey, I’ll probably run up the street and get us a table. Haknyeonie says the tables fill up fast after eight o’clock.”
Juyeon perked up. “Oh, I’ll come with!”
Chanhee made eye contact with Changmin from across the group, and a silent form of communication passed between them. You watched this happen quietly, standing to the side with your hands tucked into your pockets while Ten and Kevin caught up from the last time they saw each other (apparently, it was a drawing and painting course from last quarter). However, instead of leaving with Chanhee and Juyeon, Changmin lingered with the three of you.
He naturally came to stand semi-close to you since he wasn’t exactly a part of the “drawing and painting” conversation. The frown from earlier had disappeared, though, and you didn’t know if you could call that a win or not.
Perhaps to you, the tension between the two of you was palpable. There were… far too many things up in the air at this moment, and it was nearly impossible for you to figure out just one thing to start with.
Plus, now was no time to get into all of that baggage. You needed to finish that intervention with Doyoung and Seungkwan before you could handle that kind of conversation—at least, that was what you would have preferred.
But for now, you found yourself clearing your throat and sparing him a glance. “Hey.”
Changmin’s eyes darted over to yours in ill-concealed surprise. “Hey.”
And that was that.
Luckily, Ten nor Kevin dragged on their conversation longer than it needed to be, and soon, you and Ten were passing by Kevin and Changmin as both parties went their separate ways. (You were going to pretend that you hadn’t looked back to watch Changmin walk away. Definitely not.)
“All good?” Ten asked, though, his voice was quieter than it had been before.
You could meet his eyes and nod. “Yeah.”
Ten followed up with an idle sort of humming noise, like he was one of those really loud computer fans (what in the world led you to think of that—?), “A few days ago, I kind of asked Changmin what the deal between the two of you was.”
“Oh?” Nervousness bubbled up the column of your throat. “What’d he say?”
He gave a shrug. “Something like a long-standing grudge.”
You let out a laugh that didn’t exactly sound like a laugh. “Well, I guess that’s one way to put it.” Was that how you would put it? In a way, that was what it was, but there was so much more to that, wasn’t there? Did Changmin think so little of what transpired between the two of you or was he just trying to deflect Ten’s interrogation?
The two of you had arrived at the tea shop by now, and Ten opened the door for you. The shop’s insides were warm and bright, and the tables were already filled up with fellow students who decided to hang out with friends on their Friday evening. You and Ten shifted over to the self-order kiosks to the side of the room and continued your conversation in low volumes.
“How would you put it then?” He asked. When you looked over at him, you realized that there was something scarily disarming about his eyes. “No pressure, of course. I mean, you can call me out on being nosy whenever; I figured it wouldn’t hurt to ask.”
You pursed your lips as you turned back to the screen to absentmindedly swipe down the page to find your preferred order. On the inside, you fought for the right words. “Changmin and I were best friends since we were kids,” you started, inputting your preferred level of sugar and ice like clockwork, “and we met through dance.”
Ten nodded to signal he was still listening, and the two of you swapped places so he could input his order.
You cracked your knuckles and rubbed your palms together to generate some kind of heat between them. “I didn’t really like dance at first. It was just one of those things my parents put me in to occupy my time after school and while they were working. But… well, you know how Changmin is with dance—it was and is his livelihood.”
“Even then?”
A nod. “Even then.”
When your orders were paid for, the two of you moved to a quiet corner of the shop to wait for your number to be called from the counter. You leaned your side against the wall next to Ten, your eyes staring blankly at a crack in the floor. “He was actually the reason I grew to love dancing,” you confessed. “As we got older and went into high school, sneaking out to practice together and performing together on stage became as easy as breathing air and as normal as…” You shook your head. “It was just a lot easier I think, back then.”
Ten tilted his chin toward you. “What happened between you two, Yn?”
You swallowed roughly. “In my first year of high school, my parents got divorced. I always suspected it would happen, but my mom kind of changed after that.” Your eyebrows crinkled as you recalled the memories of your early teenage years and tried to grapple with an adequate way to express them aloud. “And, to be fair, the more I danced, the more I didn’t want to focus on school work, but my mom became really hard on me about all that and I started to crack down on that stuff.
“Eventually, she got tired of taking me to dance practices and shows, and she blew up at me about how useless dance was going to be if I was going to become a doctor or something like that.”
Ten heard your number being called and nudged you to follow after him. He handed you your drink, and the two of you pushed back out into the chilly night. You didn’t really know where you were trying to go, but you didn’t really care. You both ended up in one of the small parking lots squeezed between two fast food restaurants, and you sat yourself down on the curb.
You continued, “And so, she would purposely forget to come home in time to take me to competitions and rehearsals. By the time I realized she wasn’t coming, I was already late every time. I would start walking myself there and taking the bus instead. Changmin started noticing that I was slacking, but I…”
“He didn’t know?”
“No.” You didn’t want him to know. Maybe it was your stupid pride that was preventing you from admitting that aloud. Maybe you were ashamed that your mom wasn't as accepting of dance as his parents were. You let out a shuddering breath and watched it come out in a visible puff in front of your face. “She made me grow spiteful toward dance,” you said stiffly. “I would be trying to stretch or practice movement in my bedroom while studying for exams, and she would come in and berate me.”
The yelling echoed in your mind, all too vividly. Your mother never physically hurt you, but there were still scars. “She’d discourage me from rehearsals or signing up for competitions by telling me I was nowhere near good enough, that dancing wasn’t going to put food on the table, and that I was—” A complete disappointment. You could pick those exact words out of a line up.
Ten’s eyes glistened with silver in the amber glow of the streetlight above you. “Jesus, Yn. I’m so sorry; that’s—that’s awful.”
You didn’t know how to accept the sympathy, even after having received so much from your other friends already. No matter how many times you retold your story, it was never quite right or in the way your brain wanted to portray it. You didn’t want to portray anyone as the villain; you figured that maybe you could have done something back then to prevent this. (You couldn’t have, actually, and that was the most difficult part to accept.)
“Yeah,” you murmured, setting your drink on the ground as you curled in on yourself slightly. “Anyway, by senior year, Changmin was obviously really into dance and was probably really stressed about auditions and end-of-the-year competitions. We basically… we basically took out our anger on each other. He said some things, I said some things. The rest is history.”
It was quiet for a moment as you let the words sink into the open air. Your chest loosened a bit after being able to tell another person about it, but for the most part, your hands still trembled. You reached for your drink again to take a sip and to force some kind of liquid down your throat.
After a while, Ten piped up, “Yn… I hope you know that you are not whoever your mother was trying to make you believe you were. You’ve probably realized that already—or maybe you’re still working on it—but please know that you’re probably one of the strongest people I know. It must have been really hard for you and I…” He exhaled, “Sorry, I’ve never been great at this.”
You sent him a small smile in return. “It’s okay; I still appreciate it.” After a beat, you added, “I know I act like I hate him, but I still want to see him succeed. I can’t think that ill of him, especially when he wasn’t the only one at fault.”
“Ah, that’s why ‘it’s complicated’, huh? I get that.”
“Yeah.” Your hands—god, if they could just stop shaking—
Ten reached over and covered your hands with one of his, and you let the heat of his palm warm yours. “You’re doing great, Yn. You know that, right?”
You couldn’t choke out an answer to that. You could only really say, “I just miss him sometimes.”
A sad smile. “I know. Maybe he does, too.”
You wanted to laugh, or maybe cry, at that. Anyone who got in the way of Changmin’s passions was no one to him. You would know exactly how that felt.
EPISODE SEVEN: [ROLLS RIGHT] OFF THE TONGUE
WHENEVER Changmin was feeling unsure of himself, he would retreat to his safe space: the practice rooms. Even if it was some time in the ungodly morning, like 2am as it was now, he would make the trek beneath molten gold streetlights and barren cobbled streets. It was the one place where he could focus his energy solely on dance, and forget about everything else.
Once upon a time, it had been your safe space just as much as it was his.
Changmin huffed a sigh as he hiked up the remaining flight of stone stairs that led up to the backdoor area of the performing arts building. It was a handful of hours since he and Chanhee parted ways with Kevin and Juyeon after enjoying dinner together. Chanhee was probably dead asleep by now—he was probably going to wake up and continue studying for his exams anyway.
As he turned to his right, his breath hitched as he caught sight of someone standing right outside the door. Usually, he had no trouble getting in and security wasn’t exactly strict in this area of campus. In fact, he almost never bumped into anyone, as strange as it sounded. Maybe he should have counted his blessings.
But then he recognized your jacket from earlier this evening, the very same one you were wearing while walking next to Ten—practically squished up against each other, two peas in a pod. He didn’t like how irked he was by that detail. He still couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that you had said “hey” first.
You weren’t looking at him, rather, your body was completely turned toward the door as if you were trying to decide whether or not you should go in. You were as still as a statue, frozen in time.
The moment, however, faded as quickly as it had come. You must have sensed his presence, and your head whipped around to face him.
There.
His heart leapt into his throat—dear god, why did you look so afraid? And then he noticed that you weren’t frozen still, but rather, channeling all your energy into keeping your body from trembling. Were you cold? What were you doing here so late? Why weren’t you with Ten?
He watched your throat move as you gulped. And then you were walking toward him—no, past him—wait, come back— “So that’s it?”
The grip he had on his duffle bag strap tightened when you stopped next to him just as you were going to walk past him toward the stairs. Your gazes clashed like a pair of twin lightning bolts slicing through the night sky. There had always been a sort of energy between the two of you, and when you were young, he had been so very attracted to that kind of power, one so similar to his… he didn’t think he was mistaken back then.
“What’s that supposed to mean?” You said, still there. Your voice was low, but he could detect the edge.
He didn’t know what it was supposed to mean; he just didn’t want you to leave without knowing why you were here. Were you looking for him? “You’re not gonna say anything to me? Why are you here?”
(He swore it wasn’t supposed to come out that brusque-sounding, but he also didn’t know what it was supposed to come out sounding like…? He felt like he didn’t know you anymore.)
There was a narrowing of your eyes, and you both angled your bodies to face one another like a standoff. “No one said I had anything to say to you. And I—” You tripped over your words, “—I don’t know why I’m here. That’s why I was leaving.”
Oh.
Why was he disappointed by that answer?
“So you’re not here with Ten or something?” He asked, unsure what else he could say to keep you here, even for just a couple seconds longer.
Your mouth curled. "Clearly not. Why are you so pressed about me and Ten?"
Changmin pressed his lips together. "I'm not." Okay. Very believable.
The face you made said the same thing. "Okay, yeah. I didn't expect you to care so much anyway."
For a reason he loathed to admit, anger spiked in his blood and he felt the distinct need to defend himself. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"
"I don't know," you replied sarcastically, your volume rising, "maybe it's that you've never really cared that much about things that concerned me in the first place?"
"Now that's rich coming from you."
Your glare pierced his. "Oh, please. As soon as I started slacking—god, it took so little for you to just abandon me."
His jaw fell slack. Where the fuck did this conversation just turn to? "Abandon you? You abandoned me!" He exclaimed, finger flicking between the two of you as if he could impale both of your chests with the sharp edge of his accusations.
"How could I have possibly been the one to abandon you?" Your face contorted with so much more emotion than Changmin had ever seen from you over the past three years. Suddenly, he could see the underlying desperation and devastation hidden beneath the lines of bitterness and anger. His heart sank, but his blood still boiled and pumped. He couldn't get the distinctly awful hole in his chest to stop aching. He could remember exactly when you just stopped coming to practice with him. He could remember exactly the day he gave up hope.
"You—" you stammered, your hand flying to your throat. It was the same action he had seen from you just a few days ago while you were in the practice room. He recognized it as a habit of yours for when you were anxious or overwhelmed because your throat closed in on itself. If that wasn't enough to make him want to lay down his sword… "—you stopped caring. When did you stop caring? I just want to know."
Everything went silent for him, just for a split second. You thought… you thought he stopped caring? How could he ever stop caring about you? Wasn't that why he was so upset in the first place?
And when the world zapped back into play, he was sure his skin was ashen. His throat bobbed. "How could you think so little of me?"
Your forehead creased. "Little? Changmin, you were everything to me."
Dear heart—
You were shaking your head and taking a step away from him then. "You couldn't possibly understand."
Just like that, there was fire in his veins again. "That's because you never gave me a chance to understand!"
You threw a look back at him and again, he could read everything there like an open book, so much unlike the wall he had been met with all this time. "And I can say the exact same thing about you. If you think I kept things from you, Ji Changmin—" you said with the undertone of a snarl, so fierce that, as you turned on your foot to face him again, your breath came out like that of a dragon's smoke, "—then how much have you kept from me?"
His nostrils flared and his hands gestured wildly, vaguely—he pressed his palms to his eyes with a haggard sigh. "Why are you here, Yn?" He asked again, finally. He lowered his hands and took a step toward you. "Are you here just to pick a fight with me?"
You paused.
He watched you open your mouth, then close it.
You pursed your lips, finally murmuring, "No. I didn't come here for you."
For some reason, that hurt even more.
— ✶
The practice room was colder than it usually was.
Changmin kept the lights dim for the sake of his stinging eyes, and he dumped his duffle bag in the corner of the room before making a beeline for the aux cord for the speaker system. He hooked up his phone and opened up his music files, his forehead pressing against the cool mirror wall.
For a moment, he simply let his eyes flutter shut and his lungs to breathe.
You were long gone by now, and Changmin considered just going back to his apartment, but he knew he would just lie in bed awake for hours if he did.
When he opened his eyes, he swiped out of his music and instead went to a file kept deep down in the depths of his storage. He had purposely named it so it would remain at the absolute bottom of the list when alphabetized, and the pass code on it was supposed to dissuade him from accessing it.
Supposed to.
He punched in the four digits of your birthday and the lock clicked open to reveal a hefty file of video after video. There were photos of you, too, somewhere, but the videos were all at the top of the file because of their size. He didn't know what he was gonna do when his phone ran out of storage; he figured that when that day came, it would either be when you and he finally figured shit out, or he got closure and could delete them all.
He sighed.
His thumb hovered over one of the video files near the top, one where he could see your face in the thumbnail.
When he opened it, his younger face filled the screen. His tongue poked out from his lips as he carefully settled his phone against the wall next to yours as both of your phones recorded the run-through that was about to happen.
"Changminnie! Come on, I'm starting the song!" Your voice echoed against the practice room walls, and his laughter soon followed as he scurried into place next to you.
Changmin watched his younger self transform his expression into something more serious, while you had looked at him through the mirror and burst out laughing.
Younger Changmin broke his facade, the dimples in his cheeks deep, his smile bright. "What?"
You grinned back at him. "Sorry, sorry! Nothing; it's just interesting how you can just shift your facial expression like that."
"You have to practice like you perform though!"
"I know, I know. I just like your smile better, y'know?"
Changmin could see the hearts in his younger self's eyes. Jesus, had he really blushed that hard? Younger Changmin cupped the back of his neck bashfully. "Really?"
You punched his arm playfully. "Yeah. It's really pretty, Changmin. I thought I told you this before."
"Well yeah, but it doesn't hurt to hear it again—yah! Hey, I can bite back, you know—!"
Changmin's eyes shuddered as the familiar melody of the song flowed into his ears. He abruptly slammed his thumb down onto the pause button.
No, he couldn't stomach hearing it. Not when he could recall every move from memory and not when he had no partner to complement those moves. It just reminded him of the gaping hole in his chest and the emptiness of this room.
"Let's get to work, Changmin," he muttered to himself as he swiped out of the folder and back to his music files. He had an actual to-do list in mind, after all, and it did not include a dive into the forbidden folder. (No matter how much he needed to hear your voice again, for once, not arguing with him.)
EPISODE EIGHT: OFF THE HOOK
"HE'S been pissy all morning—"
Changmin suppressed a groan of frustration as he heard his friend's voices nearing the dressing room he was in. All morning, the performing arts building had been a madhouse, even worse than the night of the draft showcase. Everyone just decided to be here today, whether they were his fellow dancers trying to score a practice room, one of the prospective actors auditioning for a part in Hyunjae's best friend's thesis play, or one of the tech members trying to make sure everything worked behind the scenes.
Changmin had gone from room to room in an attempt to find an empty one where he could have some peace in working on his own. He would have just gone home at this point, but Chanhee was stressing over his own exams, so Changmin was stuck here.
So taking all of that into account, including the rough encounter he'd had with you a couple days ago, plus a lack of sleep and coffee—not the happiest squirrel on campus.
(How could you just drop a bomb like "You were everything to me, Changmin" in his lap and expect him not to think of anything else for days on end?)
The door to the dressing room he was hiding in cracked open, and all of the cacophony from the outside flooded in, as well as a crush of his friends.
"Don't you guys have class?" Changmin moaned, his hand coming up to rub his sleep-deprived eyes.
"Well, yeah, but this is much more fun," came Younghoon's teasing chuckle as he walked over to Changmin and clasped a hand on his shoulder.
Changmin made a face. "I just wanted some peace and quiet."
Sunwoo scoffed. "Peace and quiet? You've come to the wrong place, hyung."
"Yeah," Hyunjae added on, "might as well take a break for once and come watch auditions with us! HJ!Yn needs help judging people anyway."
Changmin cocked a brow at the blond. "You should call Chanhee for that then. Shouldn't you be out there, Younghoon?" He nodded toward the tall, lanky drama major present.
Younghoon shook his head, bouncing on the balls of his feet. How did he have so much energy? "Nope. I'm auditioning for a part, so she's gatekeeping me from watching."
Changmin turned from his friends slightly as he reached down for his phone that he had situated on top of the small bluetooth speaker he had the good sense to bring. Then again, maybe he should have just stuck to earbuds… whatever. He was too tired to care. Part of him wanted to add to the chaos anyway.
"What's her thesis play about again?" He asked no one in particular. Sunwoo waddled over to him and stole his phone right from his hands and began browsing through the music selection.
"It's a modern take of one of Shakespeare's plays: Much Ado About Nothing," answered Younghoon. "It was really funny actually, like the original play. Lots of matchmaking, lots of stupidity. I think they dump someone in a lake..."
Hyunjae perked up. "Oh yeah! That was probably my favorite part of the whole script."
Changmin chuckled. "I was expecting you to say something like 'the whole thing's my favorite because my best friend wrote it'."
"Oh, no, that still applies."
Changmin, Sunwoo, and Younghoon all exchanged knowing looks with one another. Mhm… so they thought. There were a few too many in their friend group who had interesting relationships with their other friends. Exhibit A: whatever the fuck was happening with Hyunjae and his.
Hyunjae caught their silent communication and furrowed his eyebrows. "What?"
Sunwoo snorted, but Younghoon was the one to drawl, "It's absolutely nothing."
Changmin pressed his lips into a cheeky smile, brushing the bangs from out of his vision. Hyunjae's lips quirked to the side in a frown, but didn't make any comment on it. It wasn't a new reaction from the group, by any means, but… oh well. That would be a tale for another time.
With that being said, Changmin followed the three of them out of the relative privacy of the dressing room and out into the hustle-bustle of the main backstage corridor. As soon as that dressing room was vacated, however, somebody was swift to occupy it. Changmin cursed inwardly; guess he wouldn't be able to come back to that room later.
With the switching of theater leadership over the past year (a changing of the guard, if you would, but with professors and sponsors), the management of the entire performing arts department was a mess and a half. There were a few stand-out graduate students and undergraduates who were keeping everything in check for all of the events happening over this year—like Hyunjae’s best friend, Lee Jihoon (a graduate student specializing in sound and music production), and Moon Taeil (a graduate who was a soloist in the chamber choir).
As the four young men made their way closer to the immediate backstage, the sound miraculously dulled down. The lights were a lot dimmer here, as the spotlights were turned toward the main stage. Changmin spotted a few people scattered throughout the backstage area with phones or folded script packets in their hands as they recited their lines to themselves, with some even making exaggerated facial expressions and grand hand gestures.
Hyunjae’s best friend was one of the up and coming director-screenwriter “prodigies” that the drama department championed. She was a year older than Changmin was, and he didn’t need to be a genius to know that there were a crowd of people vying for a role in her graduating thesis play. It must have been stressful as fuck, but he knew that she had a good head on her shoulders—
“—I’m gonna stop you right there.”
HJ!Yn’s voice resounded from the other side of the hefty velvet curtains separating the backstage from the main stage. Hyunjae made a show of pressing his index finger to his lips to signal his friends to be quiet—Sunwoo thus made a show of rolling his eyes (“Duh, we’re gonna be quiet.”). They all huddled to the side of the curtain and poked their heads out to see what was going on.
The university performing arts hall was likely one of the most magnificent places on campus. It featured a vast array of floor seating, while also boasting three levels of balcony seats. Changmin remembered once briefly learning the anatomy of the theater seating: the floor or nosebleeds, the slightly lofted box seats, the grand circle, loge circle, and upper circle—the gods. It was all very antiquarian, but it was a place Changmin had become quite familiar with over the years.
The director herself sat in the dimmed nosebleeds section, in the smack middle. Someone had dragged out one of those plastic, foldable tables for her to set her paperwork and a small, battery-operated lamp on top of.
Curiously, sitting next to her was none other than Bae Sumin, your new recruit.
Changmin straightened, accidentally bumping into Younghoon’s shoulder as he did. “Sorry,” he whispered.
Younghoon shook his head to say that it was all good, his hand lifted in acknowledgement.
“Did you know Sumin was here?” He asked his friend.
Younghoon’s expression was thoughtful. “I think so? I left to go find you when I thought I heard someone say they saw her come in. Why? Did she not tell you when the dance department interviews were gonna be held?”
Changmin recalled receiving no notice. “No. I—I figured Yn would be here, too, then. Right?” Was he ready to face you again so soon? Would you even acknowledge him this time—?
Younghoon passed him an amused glance with a small smile fitted over his face. “That would make sense,” he murmured with his arms crossed over his chest. One of his hands reached up to idly massage his jaw. “I’d imagine she would be with her friends, somewhere around here. Though, it would also make sense that she would be sitting with Sumin, too. Then again—”
“You are… no help,” Changmin deadpanned.
His friend chuckled lowly, eyes upturned into slim crescents.
“Uh Jihoon-ah?”
Changmin and Younghoon’s attention flitted over towards the far side of the backstage and they watched as a girl chased after the resident sound producer graduate student. He was, perhaps, smaller than one might anticipate from the intimidating man, but he still harbored so much scary energy and talent within his body. Like all of the staff on the technical team, the pair were clad in all black.
Jihoon glanced up from his clipboard and at the girl. “Hm?”
The girl nodded toward the curtains. “Director is calling for a break and is asking if the house lights can be turned on.”
“Ah okay, come on then. Follow me.”
As the two of them strode across the length of the backstage, the girl’s eyes found Changmin and Younghoon, and… She was looking past him now at someone else. She lifted her hand in a small wave, paired with a smile, “Hi, Sunwoo.”
Changmin whipped his head around, only to realize that Hyunjae had disappeared, but Sunwoo was now standing on Changmin’s other side. He watched in utter delight as his younger friend flushed, even in the dim lighting, at the girl’s greeting. His eyes were wide as he squeaked out a quick, “Hey!” in return.
When Jihoon and his charge had gone out of view, Changmin turned on Sunwoo with a hyena cackle. “Oh my god! Who was that, Kim Sunwoo?”
Sunwoo seemed to shrink into the collar of his hoodie. “No one.”
Changmin’s laughter lit up the room just as the house lights thunk-thunk-thunk’d to life. Younghoon had slipped away, most likely to meet Hyunjae in the nosebleeds, which left only the two of them there alone. “Do you have a crush on her?”
“Yah! You’re such a menace,” Sunwoo groaned, whacking Changmin with the extra length of his sweater paw. “You can’t even talk, dude! You’re in love with a girl who can barely stand to be in the same room—” Sunwoo realized his slip up and slapped a palm over his mouth.
Ouch. The truth hurt, didn’t it? Changmin chuckled, though it was noticeably quieter now. “Well, you’re not wrong—” He shook his head, eyebrows creased together, “—wait, no. Wait, I’m not in love with her!”
Sunwoo rolled his eyes so hard he must have seen his brain up there. “Oh, please. The last time you were drunk and emotional, you showed us that secret little folder in your phone.” He jabbed his finger accusingly at the phone in Changmin’s hand.
Changmin scowled, pressing his phone to his chest as if to protect it in case Sunwoo decided to have wandering hands. “That was told to you in confidence!”
“No, it was told to me in a drunken stupor—” The two of them began to make their way back toward the edge of the curtain, ducking out from its shadow and onto the main stage. Hyunjae and Younghoon were indeed in the nosebleeds now, but Sumin was nowhere to be seen. Maybe she had only been here to observe the audition process. “And you guys say I’m the lightweight.”
“That’s because you are the lightweight.”
Just as the two of them hopped down from the stage and onto the ground floor of seats, Juyeon came in from the doors located at the back of the seats. He raised a hand in greeting to all present, cheerfully waving with that golden retriever-esque grin. “Hey guys! Oh, Changminnie, I was just looking for you.”
Changmin’s eyebrows flew up. “Oh? What’s up, Juyeon?”
Sunwoo retreated into the rows up where Hyunjae and Younghoon were, while Changmin met up with Juyeon in the rightmost aisle.
Juyeon threw a thumb behind him toward the direction he had just come from. “Sumin was asking if you would be willing to do your interview right now.”
His eyes widened slightly. “Right now?”
“That’s what I just said, wasn’t it?”
Changmin pressed his lips together, before nodding. “Uh, for sure. Yeah, lead the way.”
The two dancers hiked their way back up to the back of the area and through the door Juyeon had originally entered through. The main lobby was much less crowded—it was practically barren, which made it the perfect environment to conduct an interview in. Sumin was setting herself up at one of the couches, setting her laptop, phone, and coffee cup on the coffee table opposite to her.
She raised her head when she heard the door open and close, and a bright smile graced her features. “Oh, you found him! Thanks, Juyeonie.”
“Yeah, no problem,” he chirped. “I’ve got a couple things to handle first, but just ask someone to come find me once you and Changmin are done.”
With Juyeon swiftly taking his leave, Changmin was left to take a seat on the other end of the couch that Sumin was sitting at. “Hey, nice to see you again, Sumin,” he said, crossing one ankle over the other and resting his arm along the back of the couch.
The corners of her smile widened. “Nice to see you, too, Changmin! Sorry this was so sudden; I figured that I could get started on some of the interviews while I was here.”
“Oh, yeah, no worries,” he chuckled.
She reached for her phone, fidgeting as she swiped to a simple recording application. “I hope you don’t mind me recording this…?” At his consent, she nodded. “Okay, cool. I did wanna say something before we started.”
He sat up just a bit. “What is it?”
There was a sort of twinkle in her eyes, and if he wasn’t mistaken, her manner became a lot more bashful all of a sudden. “I have to confess that I asked my mentor, Yn, if she could send me some of your dance performance videos and I’m literally in awe of your talent. Like, I wanted to tell you how starstruck I am just being able to tell you this right now, but I just wanted to say this before we started.”
He broke into a boyish grin at this, his dimples becoming craters of joy in the apples of his cheeks. “Ah, thank you—that really means a lot,” he smiled.
Sumin added on, one of her palms pressing against the couch cushion as she leaned toward him slightly, “I mean, I don’t even know how Yn was able to find videos of you from high school, but I’m so glad she did, because—”
Wait what. Changmin was watching Sumin’s mouth move as she talked but he wasn’t truly hearing what she said. His humble, albeit a bit dumbfounded, smile remained, but her words from just before resonated in his head. There were definitely a few of his dance performance videos online from his high school days, but did you keep links to them? Did you keep the recordings on your phone?
The fact that Sumin asked you meant that she probably had no clue about your past, only that you were the person Sumin could rely on if she had any questions.
What did it mean? What did it mean?
His heart pounded in his chest at the thought that maybe he could possibly have an excuse to get you to talk to him, even if it was one, truly dumbass excuse.
“—ready?”
Changmin snapped out of his dazed state. “Sorry?”
Sumin blushed slightly, clearing her throat. At some point, she had pulled her laptop onto her lap and prepped her phone by placing it in between the two of them to record the following conversation. “Are you ready to start?”
He coughed, straightening and adjusting his position. “Oh, yeah—uh, sorry. Yeah, whenever you’re ready.”
Sumin gauged his reaction carefully, but instead of pressing the record button, she hit the power button. “If I may, you seem a little distracted. I don’t really want this to feel like a burden if you’ve got a lot on your plate.”
Shit. “No, I mean,” he shook his head, “I’m sorry. I guess my mind just wanders really easily when…” He huffed a sigh, dragging a hand down his face. “I’m a little tired, that’s all.”
“I totally get that,” she sympathized. “You’ve probably been practicing non-stop lately for the winter showcase. We don’t have to do this today if you’re not in the right headspace.”
He sighed and couldn’t help but feel just a little relieved. He needed to talk to Chanhee about this, math exam or dance practice be damned. But there was a part of him that definitely felt awful about having to cut off her interview even before it began. He gestured to her phone. “How about we reschedule? We could meet up sometime else during the week to redo this and I promise I’ll be all yours.”
He didn’t know what he did, but the pink on her cheeks deepened to a cherry red. “Oh, uh, sure!” She giggled, taking her phone and passing it over to him. “You can just put your phone number in there and I’ll text you to ask when you wanna meet up.”
Changmin nodded his agreement and swiftly inputted his contact information into the given slots. “Definitely,” he said before handing her phone back to her. The phone fumbled between the two of them, but Changmin was already standing up with the goal to go retrieve his bag (wherever it was), and to go consult Chanhee and the man’s infinitesimal opinions. “Really sorry again, Sumin.”
“Yeah, don’t worry about it!” She dismissed his worries with a flick of her wrist. “Would you mind finding Juyeon, though?”
Changmin sent her a thumb’s up over his shoulder on his way to the door. “Yeah, for sure.”
She returned the gesture, watching as he disappeared out of the main lobby. It was only when he was definitely gone, she covered her mouth with her hand and stared at his saved contact in her phone. Then, with a silent scream of happiness, she ran to her text chain with you to tell you all about it.
a/n: PLS STILL REBLOG THIS PART EVEN THO ITS NOT THE FULL THING PLS PLS PLS IM BEGGING
read part two here (also linked at top)
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take my breath.
summary | lee donghyuck did not believe in ‘love at first sight.’ key word: did. he does now, but only because you happened to fall into his arms on the icy road in the narrow streets. you’re going to render him breathless from the countless times your smile takes his breath away.
characters | lee donghyuck x reader(f).
genres | fluff, romance, slice of life, strangers-to-lovers, meet-cute au, high school au, non-idol au.
warnings | profanity, me projecting my distaste for skinny jeans sorry hyuck ily, mentions of religion (hyuck is my fav church boy), he calls reader ‘princess’ :o like once tho lol, second-hand embarrassment,, mentions of jisung liking ive’s gaeul, not proofread so it’s probs all over the place sorry :P
word count | 5.5k.
37.5MHz | take my breath by nct dream ⋆ first love by sondia ⋆ lucky by exo.
it was time i had a more shy mc in my fics 💪💪 also this is me just projecting my dream meet-cute scenario that i always wish would happen during the damned winter lol!! ty all sm for waiting for this ep, i hope u enjoy ^^ ep.03 of my candy! miniseries, but it can be read on its own!
SATURDAYS ARE FOR THE BOYS, AND WHEN THE BOYS get together, Lee Donghyuck’s entire video game setup comes out.
Today is the second day of January, and in celebration of the New Year, Donghyuck has invited some of his closest friends over for an entire day of video games. Huang Renjun, Lee Jeno, Liu Yangyang, and Osaki Shotaro have their hands on a controller. Zhong Chenle is busy calling his girlfriend whereas Na Jaemin is immersed in a podcast about bunnies. To his left, Mark Lee is stressing over university course selections, and to his right, Park Jisung is scrolling through an unknown girl’s Instagram.
Donghyuck, being the Donghyuck he is, scooches over to Jisung with a mischievous smile.
“Who’s that?” he asks, startling the younger boy. “Your girlfriend?”
Jisung’s face turns red and Donghyuck wishes he had his phone right now to capture the scene. “N—No! She’s not my girlfriend—just a classmate, that’s all.”
That’s what Jisung says, but Donghyuck can tell that something is amiss. He nudges Jisung and wiggles his eyebrows. “Then is she a crush?”
Jisung resembles a beet.
“She is?” the older one coos, pinching the first year’s mochi-like cheek. “What do you like about”—he pauses to read the name—“Kim Gaeul?”
“I don’t know,” Jisung honestly responds, looking down at his unlocked phone. “She’s really pretty and good at dancing.”
“It was love at first sight,” Chenle budges in with a dreamy sigh. In his eyes, the joy of teasing sparkles. “He’s been stalking her Instagram ever since November.”
Donghyuck scrunches his nose at Chenle’s words. “Love at first sight? You’re kidding, right?”
Jisung shakes his head. “Why would I be kidding?”
Because ‘love at first sight’ is fake, Donghyuck wants to scoff, but he decides to keep that to himself. Jisung is obviously smitten with this girl, and as his older brother figure, the last thing Donghyuck wants to do is smash his innocent feelings. He instead opts to say, “You should at least follow her Instagram.” To that, Jisung vehemently shakes his head, and the topic is dropped at once.
Donghyuck doesn’t believe in love at first sight. To him, love is something that occurs over time, not seconds. How can someone claim they love another when all they know is what they look like and their name? There’s no depth to love at first sight, no authenticity. Perhaps he’s being antagonistic, or maybe he’s just realistic. Either way, there is no such thing as ‘love at first sight’ in Donghyuck’s dictionary, and it will be like that for the next one hundred years.
That was him yesterday, and whoever he was yesterday is not who he is today.
Lee Donghyuck thinks he’s fallen in love at first sight.
The road to the local CU is short but icy, an unfortunate outcome of the repeated snowfall throughout the past few weeks. The boys had slept over after last night’s truth or dare session seeped into the early hours of today. Even now, six of them are sprawled all across his living room while Renjun is tucked into Donghyuck’s sister’s bed. Mark walks beside him, the Canadian boy lounging in a sweater and a pair of basketball shorts despite the cold weather. Compared to him, Donghyuck is donning a thick winter jacket and a wool scarf for good measure.
“You look funny,” comments Mark, his hands finding solace in his sweater pockets.
Donghyuck shoots him a glare. “In Korea, someone like you is more likely to be stared at than me.”
The two make their way down the sidewalk to where CU is, finding themselves lost in a heated debate on whether Overwatch or League of Legends is a better game. (Donghyuck is a firm believer in Overwatch supremacy.) Mark exasperatedly shakes his head at Donghyuck’s stance, hands gesturing all over the place as he asserts why the younger one is completely and blatantly wrong. Donghyuck, in turn, groans in vexation, his chest muddled with frustration.
Donghyuck turns the corner. “Mark, you don’t underst—”
One moment, he’s breathing like a regular person. Half a second later, Donghyuck feels as if the air has been knocked out of his lungs. Oh great, he thinks as a body crashes into him and his arms instinctively wrap around them, what a wonderful way to start the day.
“Oh my God,” a small voice squeaks, clearly mortified at the predicament. His focus is hazy from the impact, blinking to clear his blurring gaze. “I am so, so sorry!”
Donghyuck glances at the figure in his arms and his eyes double in size. “Woah…” he mumbles, zoning out of his surroundings.
You pull away from his embrace, pink cheeks displaying your embarrassment. You profusely bow, avoiding eye contact with the boy. “I’m so sorry about this! Uh,” you crouch to pick up the bus card you’d dropped, “sorry! And thank you for catching me. Have a great day!”
One moment, you’re standing in front of Donghyuck and Mark. Half a second later, you’re turning the corner with great urgency.
Mark blinks. His lips are parted in confusion but no sound leaves his mouth. It takes him a minute to absorb the fast-paced situation. Finally, he says, “What the fuck was that?”
Donghyuck grazes a hand over his pounding heart, feeling the irregular beat through the several layers of thick winter clothes. Suddenly, he’s hotter than the sun despite the freezing weather. His ears are no longer tinted pink from the cold, but rather, a shade of crimson from the encounter. There’s an exhilarating feeling in his stomach, butterflies swarming his gut. He can vaguely hear Mark call his name in the background, the older guy tapping his shoulder.
Is this what Jisung felt like?
Did Donghyuck just fall in love at first sight?
“Melk,” he whispers—Mark makes a face at the nickname—one hand still over his heart, “I think I’m in love.”
Mark coughs. “I’m sorry, what?”
“So, let me get the facts straight,” says Renjun, hands folded as he digests the contents of Mark’s retelling. “You caught some girl from falling onto the ice by basically hugging her and now you’re in love with this girl who’s name you don’t even know?”
Donghyuck dreamily sighs. “Yeah.”
Jaemin flops onto the ground. “I think you’re insane.”
Donghyuck dreamily nods. “Yeah.”
The group of boys simultaneously shake their heads at Donghyuck’s lovestruck expression, (understandably) ridiculed at how smitten he is with a random girl he met on the streets. Donghyuck, on the other hand, can’t stop thinking about your flustered frame from earlier. He’s never before seen a girl as cute as you. If he was in a K-Drama, he’s certain CGI flowers would have decorated the screen.
“Did you get a good look at her face?” asks Shotaro, invested in Donghyuck’s love life.
The male lead smiles. “She’s so pretty.”
Yangyang whistles. “Recognise her from anywhere, maybe?”
Donghyuck’s smile falls. His head hangs low. “No. She doesn’t look like a student at our school—I would definitely remember her face if she was. She did seem to be around our age, though.”
“If she was in our area,” says Jeno, patting his friend’s gloomy back, “there’s a chance you’ll see her again. Could be from a different block of complexes.”
“Yeah,” Chenle chimes in, briefly looking up from his Nintendo Switch. “If she was running the opposite way, she might’ve been going to the bus stop.”
Donghyuck perks up at that thought. “Maybe,” he excitedly murmurs. The seed of hope has begun to grow in his heart. Jeno and Chenle are right; why else would you be in this neighbourhood if you didn’t live nearby? As his friends scoot back to their respective activities, Donghyuck bites his lower lip in anticipation.
Perhaps, he will run into you sooner than expected.
Fate must hold a special spot in her heart for Donghyuck.
Roughly thirty-three hours after his meet-cute with you, Donghyuck decides to go for an ice cream run with Yangyang at seven in the evening. (Renjun was going to join, but Donghyuck’s sister insisted on cuddling and being the sweet boyfriend but terrible best friend he is, Renjun happily agreed. Donghyuck is not on good terms with his younger sister anymore.)
Yangyang rummages through the ice cream bars, searching for his go-to Seolleim. Donghyuck grabs a Nugabar and a Screwbar—he contemplates on giving one to Renjun, but ultimately decides on eating both of them instead.
His money, Renjun’s loss.
“Hello,” Donghyuck absentmindedly greets the cashier, placing the ice cream bars on the counter for scanning. He fishes out his card to pay, sticking the slim plastic into the machine. When the payment is complete, Donghyuck grabs his snacks and glances up to say his thanks.
Your pretty yet exhausted smile greets him back.
“You—!” His words are caught in his throat, taken aback at the scene before him. He tilts his ball cap from obscuring the top of his view. “The girl from yesterday!”
Your eyebrows crinkle, adorning a puzzled expression. Then, after studying his face for a second, your eyes widen in remembrance. “Ah! The guy from yesterday!”
(Yangyang watches from the sidelines.)
The fatigue has now been replaced by sheer embarrassment and adrenaline from yesterday’s events, your ears burning red. “I’m so sorry about yesterday.” you apologise again, bowing for the nth time. “I hope you weren’t hurt anywhere!”
Donghyuck rapidly shakes his head, sticking his hands up in denial. “No! No, I wasn’t hurt. Were you?”
“Oh, no, I wasn’t, thanks to you.” you softly reply, tucking a loose strand of hair behind your ears. “I’d like to make up for my clumsy mistake, if that’s alright. Please, take something from the store for free.”
(Yangyang snatches a bag of shrimp crackers.)
Donghyuck refuses. “No, it’s okay. It wasn’t that big of a deal anyway.”
(Yangyang slowly returns the bag of shrimp crackers.)
“Are you sure?” you ask, lips pouting.
Donghyuck finds you irresistibly cute. He can’t believe he’s never seen you around before, with your lovely lips and charming eyes. Hell, he’s never written poetry before, but with the way his mind won’t stop illustrating your beauty, he’s bound to replace history’s best poet with ease. Lee Donghyuck is attracted to you. He wants to see you again, and again, and again. The gears in his mind spin as a fantastic idea generates in his head.
“Maybe,” he slowly starts, scanning your face, “if you really want to make up for it, you can give me your name instead.”
(Yangyang suppresses a shriek.)
The red spreads from your ears and neck to your cheeks and Donghyuck thinks you’re a gift sent from God. His parents didn’t get him the PC set he’s been wanting for ages, so as retribution, the heavens sent you right into his arms. Literally.
You tug at your sweater, averting your gaze. “Y/N,” you speak timidly. “My name is Y/N.”
“Nice to meet you, Y/N,” Donghyuck gently grins, his heart rate accelerating at the progress he’s made. “I’m Donghyuck.”
When you softly smile at him, Donghyuck believes he saved the world in his previous life.
“Maybe,” Yangyang mimics to the boys, “you can make up for it by giving me your name instead.”
The crowd hollers, hounding a proud Donghyuck with pats on his back and slaps to his shoulders.
It’s been four days since Donghyuck got your name, and he’s returned to the convenience store every evening in hopes of seeing you again. Unfortunately for him, your shifts did not align with his visits, and Donghyuck is starting to wonder if he hallucinated the entire encounter. (No, he couldn’t have; not when Yangyang continues to reenact the entire scene during their lunch breaks.) He steels himself with a slap to his left cheek. Today is Saturday, exactly one week since Donghyuck’s breath was taken away. Once again, he’s going to pop by CU around seven in the evening––this time, with Renjun, who he managed to convince as the younger Lee’s attending a student council dinner party. With Renjun shuffling behind, Donghyuck enters CU with high hopes.
The Y/N drought instantly vanishes when he sees your figure at the cashier. You’re scanning a basket of snacks for a group of kids, laughing at their animated antics. Donghyuck is very, very close to becoming addicted to your smile.
“Renjun,” he excitedly taps the older guy, “that’s her.” He points at your figure.
“Oh, I’ve seen her before,” says Renjun, glancing your way. “She seems to be a student at that prestigious all-girls school near ours.”
Ah, the joy Donghyuck drowns in whenever he learns more about you (in, you know, a non-stalkerish way). “Really? How’d you know?”
Renjun browses the instant ramyun packages. “Saw her a few weeks ago with a calculus textbook on the countertop. You know, the ones specifically made by that school?”
Donghyuck does not know because he never really cared about the prestigious all-girls high school before––which was extremely disrespectful on his part for disregarding such a wonderful school with such a beautiful student. He’s jealous of the girls that attend your school, and how they’re most likely graced with your presence every day. Donghyuck would kill to see you every single day.
His hands grab a package of Neoguri ramyun whereas Renjun picks out the classic Shin. The two of them head towards the now-empty cashier, the kids having filed out a few minutes prior.
“Oh, hello.” you grin. “Donghyuck, right?”
He passes you the package and beams. “Yeah! Nice to see you again, Y/N.”
(While Donghyuck is preoccupied with staring at your lovely face, Renjun slips his package onto the counter and you scan it as well. Donghyuck pays for both of the ramyun, but he’s too distracted to realise the extra dollar leaving his wallet.)
“Has it been busy at all?” asks Donghyuck, pulling his card out of the machine. He’s desperately searching for an excuse to linger just a little longer. Renjun finds a sudden interest for the alcoholic drinks located at the opposite side of the store.
You shake your head. “Just a few customers here and there. It’s cold outside, so I guess everyone is staying indoors.”
“Understandable,” the boy hums.
The convenience store falls silent, Renjun attempting to engross himself in the ingredients of soju, Donghyuck digging through his brain for another topic, you looking down at your phone for the time. It’s awkward––so awkward––that Donghyuck thinks you might never want to talk to him again. So, pulling on his big boy pants, he pops the big question. “Do you have a lover?”
Renjun chokes on his spit. Donghyuck bites down on his tongue. Your eyes widen at the unexpected inquiry. “Uh—no,” you sputter, cheeks red. “I don’t have a lover.”
“Then…” He licks his parted lips. “Can I ask you out on a date?”
The convenience store falls silent. Renjun contemplates grabbing his friend and making a run for it. Donghyuck prays to every single deity out there for a positive response. You digest his words, letting each and every syllable sink in.
You nibble on your lower lip. “But…you don’t even know me.”
Donghyuck’s heart falls (so does Renjun’s), but he gathers hope when he catches your curious gaze. “You’re right,” he confidently states, “so I want to get to know you. I’ll be honest with you, Y/N. I think you’re really cute. Like really, really cute. I kinda fell for you when you—you know—fell into my arms. Sorta like love at first sight?” He’s rambling at this point, unveiling how desperate he is to have one chance with you. Love sure does silly things. “I mean, no pressure, though.”
Pink paints your face. You’re about to answer when a voice squeaks from behind. “Dude, move.” Annoyed, Donghyuck turns around with a glare but falters at the sight of four middle school girls. Oh. Donghyuck once lived with a middle school girl, so he knows better than to test their patience. Like a child that’s been disciplined, he obeys, scooting over to let the girls purchase their snacks. A hand grasps his wrist, tugging him away from the counter and towards the exit.
“Hey! Renjun!” hisses Donghyuck, struggling to release himself. “What are you doing?”
Renjun steps into the cold atmosphere. “Saving you from further embarrassment. Seriously, Hyuck, what were you doing? Confessing your undying love for her on the third meeting? You don’t even know her full name!” The Chinese boy abruptly stops and Donghyuck stumbles to a halt. Renjun prods the younger’s chest. “Look, you’re being too rash. She’s clearly on the shy side, so approach her, don’t overwhelm her, okay? Don’t start panicking and blurt out random shit.”
Donghyuck purses his lips. He wants to refute but he can’t; Renjun is right. He hangs his head low, feeling a little (re: really) pathetic at how careless he had been. Impressions are important, and right now, he fears he’s left a terrible one on you.
Renjun, obviously noticing Donghyuck’s sulky mood, adds, “You’ve still got a chance, though! From what I’ve observed, she seems to be interested in you, just extremely timid. I think, if you head back in with your thoughts organised—”
“Donghyuck!”
It takes him a second to register your voice. Donghyuck spins around, shocked to see you jogging towards him, still clad in your CU uniform. And like déjá vu, you slip on the ice, falling into his warm embrace.
(Donghyuck could get used to this.)
“Y/N,” he breathes, getting a whiff of your sweet scent. “Are you okay?”
Like always, your ears are tinted red. “Uh—yes! Yes, thank you.” You balance yourself on the slippery surface. “I just wanted to give you something,” you quietly say, lifting a slip of paper. Your handwriting is scrawled on it, which Donghyuck finds effortlessly cute. “It’s my number. For, uh, you know, the date.” Your voice grows smaller at the last sentence, awkwardly avoiding his eyes.
If Donghyuck is a dynamite, you are his lighter.
“The—date?” he stammers, unable to believe his ears. “You’re—You—Yes to the date?”
You gently laugh. “Yes to the date.”
Donghyuck is on—no, above cloud nine. He plucks the piece of paper from your hands, grasping it as if it’d fly away. He cocks an eyebrow and tosses you a smirk. “I’ll text you later, princess.”
You avoid his eyes but a grin tugs at your lips. “I’ll be waiting.” With that, you give him a small wave and retreat back to the convenience store. Donghyuck watches you disappear, his heart rate breaking records.
Renjun has one hell of a story to tell the others the next time the boys get together.
Sunday morning, Donghyuck lays in bed as he stares at your contact in his phone. It’s been a little over twelve hours since you gave him your number, and because he’s a nervous wreck, he has yet to text you about the date.
He ponders what sort of date would be the best. A picnic date? No, it’s too cold. A museum date? No, Donghyuck isn’t really into museums. An arcade date? No, he isn’t willing to unleash his no-showering-only-gaming side to you (yet).
A movie date seems to be the most ideal first date, from both an objective and subjective perspective. He opens Naver, curious about the current selection of movies in theatres. Donghyuck scrolls through the list, spotting several movies he’s seen advertisements for. A particular one catches his eye—Candy, a romance-comedy movie featuring four high school boys and their entertaining love lives. He clicks on the description, intrigued by the premise. (Don’t let anyone know, but Donghyuck is a diehard romance fan.) A small smile settles on his lips.
Donghyuck, with a vague itinerary in mind, sends you a message.
donghyuck: hi y/n, it’s donghyuck :)
You respond almost immediately.
you: donghyuck!! hi ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
He might overdose on your cuteness.
donghyuck: so i was thinking of our date
donghyuck: and i was wondering if ur up for a movie at the nearby lotte mall??
you: i’d love to watch a movie! which one ?
donghyuck: how does candy sound?
you: i’ve been wanting to watch that one for soo long!!
Donghyuck proudly grins.
donghyuck: i know it’s a little sudden, but is today at 3pm ok?? i’ll buy the tickets and everything, so just bring yourself
you: you don’t have to! i can buy the snacks
donghyuck: maybe you can pay next time ^^
Smooth, he thinks to himself.
you: if u say so haha
you: i’ll see you at three!!
Oh, Donghyuck beams, roses blooming on his cheeks. I definitely saved the world in my previous life.
Today’s look consists of a striped crewneck tucked into wide-legged slacks and a pair of black Converses. Donghyuck’s hair is neatly combed, his bangs parted to reveal a portion of his forehead. The outfit is topped off with a puffer jacket and a spritz of his father’s Dior perfume. Normally, Donghyuck would just wear a leather jacket in an all-black fashion. But Renjun, ever the style guru, emphasised the importance of looking nice on the first date.
(Frankly, Renjun just wanted to play stylist so Donghyuck became his K-Pop idol to dress.)
Donghyuck received a fair amount of compliments at church earlier this morning, many of his peers applauding the new look. He clearly remembers how impressed Uchinaga Aeri was, nearly shedding a tear at his lack of skinny jeans.
(Sorry, Aeri, but Donghyuck still likes his skinny jeans and he won’t change his opinions for anyone. Not even you.)
(…Okay, maybe for you.)
(Can you tell he’s hopelessly in love?)
Despite the below zero weather, Donghyuck’s hands are sweaty and his nape is hot. It’s ten before three p.m., and he’s standing outside of the cinema, waiting for your familiar figure. With every minute that ticks by, his heartbeat jumps faster and faster. He recalls Renjun’s words. Approach her, don’t overwhelm her.
Donghyuck, to put it simply, is terrible with his crushes. He’s always had the tendency of getting ahead of himself, ultimately scaring away the girls he’d been interested in. He never means to overwhelm them, but when his own feelings are swallowing him whole, he can’t help but express his love through words and actions all at once. Donghyuck hopes you’re different; he hopes you won’t be chased away by the flood he may be.
Three on the dot, you’re walking towards him with a bashful smile.
“Hi, Y/N,” he gleams, absolutely elated. “You look really pretty today.”
Your smile may be shadowed by your timidity but it still outshines the sun. “Thank you, Donghyuck. You look good as well.”
He giggles. Donghyuck giggles. “Thanks, Y/N.” Then, “I’ve bought the tickets and everything, we just need to grab some snacks. What’s your favourite popcorn?”
“Mm,” you hum, scanning the options. “I’m fine with anything.”
Right. Donghyuck forgot about your introverted tendencies. You’re on the shy side like Renjun had said, so he’s got to be the assertive one without, well, overwhelming you. The boy clears his throat. “How about caramel?”
You nod. “Sounds great.”
Fifteen minutes later, Donghyuck and you are seated side-by-side in the theatre, positioned near the centre of the large room. To his left are couples. To his right are couples. Behind and front? Also couples. Donghyuck catches a pair sharing a kiss and awkwardly looks away.
He would like to kiss you right now.
Stupid Donghyuck. Baby steps, baby steps.
He would still like to kiss you right now.
Donghyuck lightly slaps his cheek. He’s here to woo you, not scare you away. His priority is to have you reciprocate his overflowing feelings with the same volume of love and then getting a kiss.
The lights dim as the opening advertisements come to an end. You excitedly whisper, “The movie’s starting!” Donghyuck glances over at you, his heart stopping at how breathtaking you are. Not even the theatre could overshadow your beauty.
The opening scene of Candy begins and he reluctantly averts his gaze back to the large screen. Your presence is difficult to ignore, but Donghyuck is not about to get caught staring like a creep. He chews on a handful of popcorn in an attempt to drown in the movie.
Two hours later, Donghyuck is waiting in front of the restrooms, holding your bag in his hands. If anyone were to come up to him and demand an explanation for the plot of Candy from start to finish, he would simply laugh and redirect them to Namuwiki. Donghyuck doesn’t remember a single thing about the rom-com—save for the character ‘Haechan’—because he’d been too busy sneaking glimpses of your side profile. He might as well live on a ventilator from how often he loses his breath around you.
You walk out with your hands damp, shaking them to rid the residual water. The two of you walk towards the exit and Donghyuck continues to hold your bag. He asks, “How was the movie?”
Your eyes glimmer. “It was amazing,” you sigh, dreamy. “I loved the different dynamics between the four couples and Haechan—he reminded me so much of you!” You glance at him and beam, “Haechan was…my favourite character throughout the entire film.”
Oh. Donghyuck gulps. He’ll need to rewatch the movie.
The time reads five twenty-two p.m., and Donghyuck’s stomach resonates with hunger. He purses his lips, browsing through his memories for a decent yet inexpensive restaurant nearby. You must’ve noticed his dilemma as you say, “Why don’t we grab ramyun at the convenience store?” You elaborate, “I forgot my calculus textbook there. Also, we’d get free food.”
Free food? No sane person would ever pass up the opportunity to eat free food.
And so, around six in the evening, Donghyuck is sitting at the local CU with a cup of Neoguri ramyun steaming in front of him. You’ve disappeared, presumably grabbing your calculus textbook and greeting the employee of the hour. His stomach continues to perform all sorts of acrobatics, his nerves gnawing at his heart. Donghyuck has never experienced so many different emotions all at once; it’s like a tsunami has erupted within him.
“Sorry for taking so long.” You appear with a thick textbook in your arms. With a flustered tone, you say, “My manager—she wouldn’t stop asking about you.”
Donghyuck doesn’t hide his cheeky smile. “Really? What did she ask?”
Your eyelashes flutter. “If—you know—if you’re my boyfriend.” You whisper the last part, barely audible enough for Donghyuck to catch. Somehow, the corners of his lips lift even more, a pair of rose-tinted glasses perched on his nose. The way you’re shyly moving about, stirring your cup ramyun, cheeks hot with rouge. Donghyuck thinks that, if a meteor were to hit the earth at this moment, he would be content living the last seconds of his life with you by his side. (Sorry to Lee Donghyuck’s family and friends, but he’s got priorities!) He’s so, so infatuated, so head-over-heels in love with a girl he’s known for less than a month. There’s a plethora of things he doesn’t know about you, but he’s willing to learn every little detail of your life. Donghyuck wants to stay in your world for as long as time permits.
You tap his shoulder. “Donghyuck? Are you okay?” Your cup ramyun is now empty of noodles, only a small amount of soup left. “You spaced out.”
The boy blinks. “Did I?” He ruffles his bangs, accidentally ruining his neatly-combed hair. “Sorry, Y/N. I was thinking about how I’d be happy even if the world ended right now because I’m with you.” He blinks again. He abruptly stands up, neck flushed red as he grabs the garbage strewn before him. “Sorry! Ignore what I just said.” Donghyuck nervously avoids your gaze, scurrying over to the ramyun disposal to throw out the soup and recycle the cups. When he returns to where you’re seated, he fidgets with his fingers, unable to look you straight in the eyes. “It’s, uh, getting late now. I’ll walk you home, if that’s okay?”
Donghyuck misses the way you softly grin. “Sure. Thank you.”
The sun has already set, a dark navy coating the night sky. Several stars pierce through the atmosphere and Donghyuck can vaguely make out the Big Dipper. His gaze naturally shifts to you who’s brighter than the stars. Even under the faded moonlight, he can clearly see the outline of your pretty features.
Donghyuck has no clue where he’s going. He’s blindly following you, walking this cold path with you until your apartment comes into view. You haven’t said anything, which he finds a little nerve-wracking. Donghyuck, being the Donghyuck he is, decides to blurt out, “I’m sorry.”
You continue to walk but confusion taints your face. You tilt your head, lower lip jutted out. “For what? I really enjoyed today, even if it was impromptu.”
He shakes his head. “Not because of the sudden date. Well, I mean, I guess a little, but not really. I’m just…” he inhales sharply, “really sorry about before. How I approached you and overwhelmed you every single time. I didn’t mean to—you know—impose myself on you—”
“You didn’t!” you exclaim, breaking his ramble. In a dulcet tone, you continue, “You never overwhelmed me. I was just surprised to know that a guy was genuinely interested in me, so I wasn’t really sure how to react.” You cross a parking lot. Donghyuck follows. “I’m also terrible with human interactions but you…with you, I feel so comfortable. Don’t ask me why. I have no scientific evidence for that. But just…” You glance at him and he’s unable to tear his eyes away from your face. “I want to get to know you better.”
Donghyuck is glad you’re on the same page. “Me too,” he whispers, elated. “Every time I’m with you, I feel like my heart’s going to explode. In a good way, of course. I really, really like being around you.” I fell in love at first sight.
You stop in front of Building 301 and turn to face him. “Thank you for today, Donghyuck.” you say, voice tender. “I truly enjoyed it.”
His breath catches in his throat. “Me too.”
Something in you must’ve snapped as you bravely lean forwards to press a sweet kiss on his cheek. As you retreat to your spot a few inches away from him, Donghyuck’s jaw slacks in shock. You giggle at his lovestruck expression.
“Good night, Donghyuck.”
It takes everything within him to not squeal.
“Good night, Y/N.”
He watches your figure slip into the apartment building, giving a small wave before disappearing behind the elevator doors. Donghyuck stands rooted to his spot, hand cupping his kissed cheek while his heart runs wild.
You kissed his cheek.
You kissed his cheek.
Donghyuck didn’t believe in love at first sight. It was a stupid conception, because how was someone supposed to develop feelings for a person they had no knowledge about? Donghyuck didn’t understand, and frankly, he still doesn’t. He’s not sure as to why he fell in love with you at a single glance during a chance encounter. But one thing he is sure about?
Lee Donghyuck is confident that you’ll take his breath away every single time until he’s left unable to breathe without your presence.
you: donghyuck!!
Donghyuck pulls out his phone at the notification, a smile immediately spreading at the sender’s name.
you: go home alr! it’s cold outside, i don’t want you to freeze :(
donghyuck: how did you know i’m still out here?
you: i can see you from the sixteenth floor
Donghyuck looks up. The sixteenth floor is far up, but when he squints, he can see your hand shooing him away.
donghyuck: that’s not nice, telling your date to go away
you: if u get sick rn, you can’t be my date anymore so go home and take a long hot shower!!
Donghyuck chuckles.
donghyuck: so, more dates?
You leave him on read for one minute.
you: only if you go home rn and warm up
Donghyuck has never looked forward to living as much as now.
donghyuck: noted. good night, y/n :))
you: good night, donghyuck <3
Donghyuck believes in love at first sight and you are his proof.
bonus: the aftermath.
Approximately one hundred days have passed since you and Donghyuck decided to start dating, and instead of spending the special day outside, you’re snuggled up against your boyfriend at his place, watching Hunter × Hunter on TV. Neither of his parents are home and his younger sister kindly offered to hangout with their neighbour next door. It’s quiet, save for the anime and Donghyuck’s rhythmic breathing.
You lay your head flat against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. Donghyuck strokes your head but his eyes don’t stray from the screen.
Frankly, you’re a little jealous.
“Hyuck,” you whine, poking his nose. He looks down at you with a puzzled face. “Give me a kiss.”
Your boyfriend laughs. “Needy, huh?”
You huff. “I want attention, so give me a kiss.”
Donghyuck chuckles, but he complies nonetheless, adjusting his position so his lips can graze yours. You hum into the kiss, your thumb drawing circles on his cheek.
It’s amazing how easily he takes your breath away.
© NABI (2023); ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
taglist | @matchahyuck @lovehowdream @niinjo @jeonnyread @pckeia @dandelionxgal @huangstape @lemarkjun @mosviqu @neosdaisy @hayven-cov @toothfa-1-ry
#neowritingsnet#kpop#nct#nct u#nct dream#nct 127#lee donghyuck#donghyuck#lee haechan#haechan#donghyuck x reader#haechan x reader#fanfic#ff#fluff#scenarios#oneshot#au#imagines#romance
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Tasty (S) (A)
Cw:basketball player!winwin x bádminton player!reader,oral sex,slightly rough sex mainly soft,lots of I love u’s,Small argument,makeup sex,lovey-dovey shit,back scratching,kick back era sicheng 😵💫
Based off this from twt/X :link (NSFW)
A/N: yum yum (im abt to write an nct 127 angst fic after this)
WC: 800-ish
The start to your day was already shit but if badminton practice wasn’t worse you wouldn’t know what was your coach yelled at you for being a minute late and also missing multiple times as you got back home you dropped your practice bag and flopped down on the couch in your shared apartment with your boyfriend Sicheng, he currently wasn’t home since he had basketball practice until 7 so you texted him and dropped your phone down on the couch.As you now just lay there you being to tear up trying to cry but that was a futile attempt as you started to heave tears fall down your face but you quickly wiped your tears hearing the door unlock you see sicheng enter clearly distraught and angry as you bid your hellos to him he ignores you and walks off to the room slamming the door and locking it.You get up and walk to the room door to ask if hes okay as you do all you hear him say from the other side is a annoyed “go away” as you walk back to the living room you sit there sad knowing your one source of comfort is upset but you surpass this and grab the remote to turn on the tv you flip through numerous channels as sicheng exits the room with new clothes dawning a white T-shirt and basketball shorts he glances at you still pretty upset and looks back at the tv ypu turn to him and say hi again but he continues to ignore you and all you say is “Why are you ignoring me?” And that only seemed to make him more angry he looked to you absolutely livid only saying “Just shut the fuck up” as you paused you say “I just asked why you upset I wasn’t trying to make you mad” sounding sadder then ever “Well you did,great now im in an even worse mood” he says with such annoyance and distain in his voice you look away from him and down at the floor you feel yourself tear up again trying to hide your tears from him in hopes that he wont get more upset you curl up on the couch.you glance over at him again now he looks somewhat more calm but as if he feels bad for what he said to you.you wipe your tears but they still fall as you sniffle letting out a small sob,He looks at you turning his neck fast and he quickly cups you cheek in his hand looking at you sorrily “No baby im sorry I didn’t mean to get mad at you like that” no completely sobbing and covering your eyes in your palms wiping off your eyes you look back at him eyes slightly red as you shakily say “no its my fault I shouldn’t have pressed you like that” as he quiets you he softly smiles asking about why your sad and you explain everything to him he kisses your cheek and holds you telling you its okay and he ask if there is anything he can do to make up to you and you hesitantly say you want him as he quickly understands what you mean he lifts you up from the couch and carries you to the room he plops you on the bed and starts to kiss you asks if its okay.
to remove your skort and you nod as you remove your shirt leave you only in your underwear and bra as get up to remove those two articles of clothing he begins to remove his cloths as both of you are now naked he lifts up for legs and holds them back as he faces your cunt he licks your clit you whine in pleasure he continues to eat you out for a couple of minutes you start to moan in upmost pleasure you begin to spew out praise “Fuck chengie im gonna cum” as he lifts his face from your cunt you whine at the loss of stimulation sicheng get up from his position on the bed and drags to the end of the bed as he places your legs around his waist,you wrap your arms around his neck he lifts you up from the bed and inserts his cock into your cunt as he bounces you on his cock hard and fast until you tell him to slow down a little.
and he listens to you as he thrusts into you lovingly you began to scratch his back with your nails due to the pleasure it makes you feel warm inside as you start to random say “I love you” in between moans as he continued to thrust up into your for a few minutes all he could say was “I love you” “your made for me” “your the best thing that could happen to me” “ your my love” “I love you babe” as you moaned in pleasure
As his thrust became sloppy,he cums inside of you filling you up with his cum
As you thank him for pleasing you he replies with “Anything for you baby”
As both of you came at the same sichengs thrust became sloppy as he came to a stop. You both breathe heavily as you drop down to the bed with sichengs cock still inside of you he leaned down to kiss you again.
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[22:23]
pairing: bad boy bf!hyuck x (implied fem!) reader
genre: fluff, slight angst, party!AU, bad boy!AU, established relationship!AU, college!AU
warnings: alcohol consumption, reader gets drunk and throws up, hyuck has family problems + mentions of family feuds
word count: 610 words
a/n: AHAHA lets pretend i didnt dip for a month and that this was totally planned writing and not made on a whim in the bathroom GREAT anw . i think i'll be pretty inactive for the next few months bc school has been A BITCH and my mental health completely deteriorated aha. ANW ENJOY
networks/taglist: @neoturtles @knet-bakery @kflixnet @nct-writers @k-radio + @soobin-chois @markhyuckselca @jaehunnyy @justalildumpling <3
The alcohol in your system is too much.
bad boy!donghyuck can tell as well, just at a glance of how your eyes droop sleepily, and how you sway slightly with a grimace. It's thrown you over the edge in just a second, as your stomach churns and you throw a hand over your mouth.
Donghyuck instantly follows you as your feet stumble across the room, bumping into all the dancing people in the party, hopefully leading you to the nearest bathroom. He knows what's about to happen next, and is definitely ready. He makes sure he's ready by throwing his cigarette away, shifting closer towards you.
Alas, you have found your way into a bathroom, throwing the door open as you stumble onto your knees next to the toilet bowl. You don't even seem to notice how Donghyuck closes the door, before kneeling next to you to aid you through your experience.
The next thing you know, you're throwing up. Your fingers grip at the toilet bowl and your face scrunches up at the extremely u comfortable feeling, coughing a few times.
However, what comes next isn't so uncomfortable, if anything, it's so very comforting, as Donghyuck has one hand gliding up and down your back, his other sweeping your hair from your face.
His gentle coos follow as you once again start throwing up into the bowl, mumbling words of encouragement into your ear. "That's it, let it all out," He whispers, "I've got you, pretty girl,"
After about 4 and a half minutes of sitting by the bowl, trying to focus with your mind spinning like crazy, you seem to sober up a lot more, wiping at your mouth as you slump against the wall.
"Sorry you had to go through-" you pause, gesturing to yourself up and down, "-all this. I know how excited you were for this party."
The sour scrunch of your eyebrows loosen when Donghyuck runs his thumbs gently over them, shaking his head with a small smile. "Don't apologize, baby, I was excited because you were coming along with me,"
And suddenly, you have the immense urge to cry. It seems too late for you to stop that, as tears start to form at the corner of your eyes, and you seem to gravitate towards your lover with a pout.
Donghyuck instantly catches you in his arms, cradling your head into his shoulder. "Hey, hey, don't cry! You're gonna get dehydrated!"
You nod instead of answering with words, burying yourself deeper into his embrace as he coaxes you into relaxing and breathing steadily. You unconsciously sync your breathing with the strokes of his hand on your back, kissing your skin in between such loving phrases.
"You're really good at this," You comment, after noticing how your headache had almost instantly disappeared.
Donghyuck smiles at your words, his hold tightening around you gently. "I learned from my father while my mom was pregnant with my sister, and then I had to do it when my mom as a drunk,"
You grimace at the thought of resurfacing his broken memories of his troubled family, immediately retracting from his hold. "Shit, I'm sorry for-"
"I just said don't apologize!" Donghyuck hollers out before you could finish. "I swear baby, all I care about right now is you, okay?"
He can finally smile once you nod, taking your face into his hold. Donghyuck's fingers are warm as they glide across your cheeks, leaving trails of warmth full of comfort and love, as his lips follow right after.
"Now, let's say our goodbyes to our friends, before going home to sleep early. How does that sound, pretty?"
#daegall's timestamps!#lee donghyuck#lee donghyuck imagines#nct imagines#nct dream imagines#neoturtles#knet bakery#kflixnet#ficscafe#neozonenet#lee donghyuck scenarios#lee donghyuck fluff#lee donghyuck angst#lee donghyuck x reader#lee donghyuck drabbles#lee donghyuck blurbs#haechan#haechan imagines#nct#nct scenarios#nct fluff#nct angst#nct x reader#nct drabbles#nct blurbs#nct dream#nct dream fluff#nct dream x reader#nct 127 imagines#nct 127 scenarios
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hi mina, happy new year! starting off 2023 good through sending u a request!! i dunno if you have done this but can i request idol!jaehyun x actress!reader? but rather than reader who's fangirling over him, it's the other way around. like jh has been watching reader's works, praised her acting n recommends few of her works n stuff on live. so when they get paired tgt for a drama, they make such a cute couple both off and on screen, constantly giving compliments to e/o, etc., the rest is yours to tell!! thank you!!
(this is my manifestation of actor jaehyun to make a comeback in 2023, hopefully 🥲)
Pairing: idol!Jaehyun x actress!reader
Genre: fluff
Word Count: 1k
A/N: HNY, dear! Let's manifest actor!Jaehyun in a romantic role that makes us all swoon 😍
“You did well - J.”
You twisted the card in your hands, inspecting the front and the back, but not much else information had been sent along with the flowers that had waited for you in the dressing room on your last day of shooting.
It was normal for actors to get flowers and gifts once they finished filming, but you usually knew who sent them - staff, crew, friends, family members. There wasn’t a person in your narrow circle of acquaintances starting with the letter ‘J’ and not having written their full name on the cards except for the mysterious sender of the pink peonies.
Out of all flowers, they were your favorite ones, that much they knew.
“Do you know who sent them?” you asked your assistant, but she also only shrugged.
“They got brought in with all the other gifts.” She paused and then widened her eyes as though she got hit by a sudden realization. “I bet it’s Jaehyun! How funny would that be?”
You blinked still in confusion. “Who?”
“Jaehyun from NCT. The one you’re shooting your next drama with? The lead? Hello?”
“Ah, you mean Jeong Yuno. I don’t perceive him as the idol he is. Under his real name, he’s only my co-actor.”
You were only a casual listener to k-pop, but of course you knew NCT. When you had first gotten casted for this new coming of age drama, you were so happy to finally do something that wasn’t targeted to teens only that you didn’t care much about who the lead was, that was how much you trusted the respectful director. When it was announced that Jaehyun from NCT would do his second drama alongside you in this challenging project, you had been initially doubtful. He was an idol, not an actor, and idol dramas had quite the reputation you didn’t want to live up to. You hoped he too.
“I saw his Instagram live yesterday.” Your assistant was a certified fan with her bias being Doyoung. “He recommended your newest release and encouraged his fans to look forward to this one. He’s certainly such a fanboy of yours.”
“... he did?” You looked at the flowers and the card again. “He certainly got a lot of praise for his first drama.”
“I told you so!”
You allowed yourself to smile, getting caught up in a wishful thought that your assistant could be right and the flowers came from him, although you hadn’t even met personally yet. He was indeed very handsome, and from what you had seen, kind and respectful too, certainly a nice lead to act alongside with.
“Are we getting flattered, y/n?” she teased.
“No way!” you defended yourself. “Could be anyone else too. Quite a few celebs recommend my works, it probably has nothing to do with him.”
“Whatever you say, but that’s my guess.”
____
“Jaehyun, how was your experience working alongside y/n for your newest drama? She’s praised as the greatest actress of this generation.”
Jaehyun looked at the interviewer. He had been booked today for a photoshoot and an article with this magazine, of course questions about his latest work were inevitable.
“She certainly is,” he answered. “She’s been in the industry since she was a child, so she has a lot of experience and could teach me many things since this is my second drama only. We practiced our scenes together a lot, so that the director would be satisfied and not many re-shoots were needed. She’s a capable and helpful co-actress.”
“What was an incident that stuck with you while filming?”
“One day, I came in sick, but we really needed to close this certain scene at the venue. Y/n waited for me with a thick blanket in which she wrapped me once I finished filming so that I wouldn’t be too cold. Aside from being a great actress, y/n is a great person too, always looking out for others.”
Jaehyun knew the last sentence was probably pushing it, but he got a kick out of it, wondering how much of it could make it through the editing process since he had read through the internet as well. Most of his fans were head over heels for such facts that supported their fictional ship. Truth to be told, he hadn’t expected such a positive reception, especially since they had quite a few kissing scenes too.
“Okay…” The interviewer raised his brow over Jaehyun’s open attitude. “You once admitted you were a fan of y/n or better say her works, even before shooting the drama. While filming, it was quite obvious that you got along well, not only during your scenes together, but also privately as you constantly talked and joked around. Would you say the fondness you had developed for each other on screen transferred to off screen? Fans would certainly be delighted. They even refer to you as the next Song couple.”
“This is not an appropriate question,” the manager interrupted. “I would ask you to stick to the questions approved beforehand.”
“Yes, but only this additional one… y/n recently got spotted wearing a shirt you once wore as well that wasn’t even produced by the designer anymore and was a bit too large for her. How can you explain this?”
“Please stick to the approved questions,” the manager chided again, obviously ready to throw hands.
“With an occupation in the entertainment industry, not as an idol but now also as an actor, I wouldn’t have so much time for a relationship,” Jaehyun cleared up. “In the future, I would like to continue concentrating on drama roles while simultaneously giving my best to contribute to the group. Please look forward to NCT’s comeback next month.”
“Thank you, Jaehyun.”
____
When Jaehyun had finished his last schedule for the day, he got into the car. It was already dark outside, but he still pulled out his phone to dial a certain number. She picked up right after the first ring.
“Listen…” he began and sighed, “I know you like wearing my clothes. But can you please not pick out one from years ago that people might recognize? They are sharp-eyed.”
She giggled at the other end of the phone. “I’m sorry, it looked so cozy. Are you already on your way?”
“Yes. See you in a few. I brought a gift.”
On the seat next to him, there was a bouquet of pink peonies.
#jaehyun#jeong jaehyun#jaehyun imagines#jaehyun scenarios#jaehyun x you#jaehyun x reader#nct imagines#nct scenarios#nct x you#nct x reader#kpop imagines#kpop scenarios#kpop x you#kpop x reader#requests
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Don’t test my patience.
Post Date: 19th May 2022
Content: Smut/Angst - NCT Dream & U Jeno x Reader
WC: 1639
TW?: Hard Dom Jeno/ Possessiveness/ Greed/ Minor fight/ DDLG / Dry-humping/ Fuck doll/ choking/ overstimulation
Request?: Yes
Masterlist Prompt list
Prompts:
33 - “Make me”
37 - “You’re mine”
51 - “Touch them (pronouns), and we’re going to have problems”
You’ve never known Jeno to be the jealous type, he’d have his moments but those would be very rare; when he’s not feeling very well and wanting your attention for example. But he’s never jealous, or even possessive for that matter. He didn’t feel the need to constantly remind everyone that you’re his, he trusts you and everyone else to keep their paws off you. Though since you’ve been hanging out with him and some of the boys a lot more, this slowly starts to become a thing.
Quite often, he’d pull you onto his lap, and kiss your cheek in front of the others, or if you’re out, he’d have his arm around you, or holding your hand, giving it little pecks to make you smile - making sure that everyone else saw it. You didn’t understand where this was starting to come from but you welcomed it, not everyday you had an affectionate Jeno in front of people.
Until one day, he loses his shit.
You’re in the dance studio with Jeno, Taeyong, Jaehyun, Yuta, Jaemin and Johnny, on one of their days off so they decided to have fun, using the studio to practice and/or play around. It was expected that you were in Jeno’s lap once he manages to take a seat on the floor next to you, smiling at you sweetly, and admiring you like he’s never seen anyone or anything as pretty as you. He couldn’t help but get jealous or protective of you today, you were wearing a nice top with a skirt, you looked incredible.
The laughter form the boys fills the room as you sweetly smile at Jeno, kissing his lips gently with a peck before getting up off him to dance yourself. Everyone is always impressed with how quick you picked up dancing, especially since you learned a few of their choreographies really quickly, basically absorbing all the movement in one go before trying it out yourself. Jeno admires you moving your body to the beat of the song, loving the fact you knew how to move your body, winking at him when you catch him heart eyed.
Quickly, the heart eyes turn into rage, with steam coming out of his years when Yuta thought it’ll be funny to dance right up against you, as Trouble Maker comes on, it was yours and Jeno’s duo song but he was just ejoying you dance he didn’t want to move, but once he saw Yuta put a hand on your waist, he picks himself up off the floor and grabs you to pull you away from him.
The laughter in the room turns into silence as the music is paused, “What do you think you’re doing?!” Jeno bites, getting up into Yuta’s face, pushing him as Jaehyun and Johnny watch closely, ready to intervene if things get out of hand. “Answer me!” he bites again as the Yuta’s smile drops, shaking his hand and his hands towards his friend, “I was just dancing with Y/N, I meant nothing by it. I promise.” he attempts to reassure Jeno but he wouldn’t have any of it, but tries to cool himself down as he then comes face-to-face with Johnny, blocking his view of Yuta before he gets himself into some major trouble. “Touch her again, we’re going to have problems” Jeno growls, storming off, grabbing his bag and taking hold of your hand, escaping the studio to your flat.
Before you could even get through the front door, Jeno is pushing you up against the wall, pinning your hands above your head as he aggressively initiates the kisses, tongue fighting for dominance, coming out for a breath before driving in again. Your arms drop to your side as he decides to run his fingers along your thighs, running them up under the skirt you were wearing, reaching around to grab your ass.
After moments of heavily making out, getting you all hot and bothered, he pulls away, smirking as he walks off, you following like a lost puppy behind him, struggling to pull a sentence together at his sudden out burst, “Babe, what’s wrong?” you question softly, your index finger running over your bruised lip from him biting it whilst making out. All you recieved as an anwer was a hum and a shrug of the shoulders. He’s standing in the middle of the living room, facing away from you as he claps his hands together, not knowing how to feel, but he knew he shouldn’t have lashed out at Yuta like that, but you’re his, you’re only his. He didn’t want other men near you, touching you, enjoying you. You weren’t even doing anything wrong but he wanted all of that for himself. He hated the fact that he knew the others found you attractive too, though he knew you were all for him, he just wanted the boys to know that.
You repeat the question as you slowly walk up behind him, running your hands up his back to his shoulders, attempting to turn him around to face you. He looks at you with a raised eyebrow, head lowered, and with piercing eyes, like a hunter finding it’s prey. “Jeno?” you softly whisper, going to put your hand up to cup his cheek but he grabs it, smirking as he flips you around, pulling your arm behind you, and pulling you towards his body, his member through his jogging bottoms poking your ass. “You’re mine, only mine, no one elses. I hate the way they all look at you, admiring you. You’re only for me to... admire” he growls lowly in your ear as a whine falls from your lips.
His possessiveness over you made your spine shiver, something you wouldn’t usually want but this was welcomed, not often would he get like this and you were so happy it’s come to this. However, you didn’t understand what was in store for you.
With a swift movement, you’re on his lap on the couch as he positions you over his clothed tip. He growls as he pulls your head down so he could bite your neck, the pinches of the bites sends vibrations through you as you moan in his hear, causing his hands to roam your body, “You’re my baby girl, my princess... my fuck doll,” he hisses, as you grind up against his erection. You hum in response, your mind going blank from the mixture of his tongue against your neck through his kisses, as well as the friction caused from grinding on him.
He stops the kisses as he grabs a handful of your hair into his fist, jerking your head to look at him, his eyes piercing through your as he lets a smirk crawl onto his face before it dropping into a face of hunger. “Get your underwear off, now!” he barks, ordering you as he pushes you off him, as you stumble onto your feet. You’re tempted to play with fire as you stood there, legs and arms crossed, “Make me”.
You gulp hard when his eyes turn again, pulling you towards him and with a swift movement, your underwear was off, “We’re going to do this my way, or we’re going to have a problem. Understood?” he grabs your throat, as you nod, trying to catch your breath. You’re back on his lap again, as he pulls his trousers down a little to expose his tall erection.
Hovering over his tip, your soaking core tenses around nothing as that mischevious smirk crawls back on his face. As you try to lower yourself, he pulls you back up just before the tip could even enter, “Someone’s eager for it today, beg and you shall recieve”. You tense and shiver, realising that you would never have the ball in your park, you had to play by his rules, so you do. You beg and whine, as he scoffs, realising how he makes you. With a swift movement, he fills you up with his cock, making you wince at the size and feeling of it reach all the way up instead.
His head throws back in satisfaction as you bite into his shoulders from the pleasure taking over your body, causing you to be unable to even concentrate on riding him hard, as he slams you down on him. Both getting hot and sweaty, the sounds of skin slapping fills the room alongisde the grunts and moans that leave your mouths.
“Cum for me princess, just for me, only for me!” he grunts through gritted teeth as you slowly come to your climax, wanting him to be rougher with you to do so. Before you could reach your high, he lays you down on the couch, and slams into you hard with quick and aggressive thrusts, pinning you down by your throat, “Cum!” he demands, as the knot in your stomach builds up. “Daddy! I’m going to cum!” you cry, tears falling down your cheeks as you try to catch your breath, he smirks as he fucks you hard until you’re frantically shaking under him.
Keeping you pinned down through your high, he continues to keep going to reach his own climax, “Daddy please, I can’t take no more!” you cry again, but he bites, practically spitting, “I’ll stop when I want to stop, take it like a good little fuck doll”. You nod at his orders, crying through moans from the overwhelming pleasure as your core burns up again. Within minutes, his cock jerks inside of you as he fills you up to the brim with his cum, followed by another one of your climaxes as his thrusts become choppy, and he tries to steady his breathing.
He removed his hand form around your throat, letting you cough to get your breath back, as you whine when he slowly pulls out his cock, his warm cum oozing out of you as he happily scoffs at the sight, biting his lip. He hovers himself over you, as you stare into his eyes, “You’re mine! you get that?” he asks, in a softer tone than he’s been giving you, “Always and forever”.
#kpop#kpop blog#kpop reactions#kpop scenarios#kpop imagines#kpop fanfic#kpop stuff#nct#nct dream#nct u#nct jeno#lee jeno#jeno#jeno smut#jeno imagine#jeno scenario#jeno x you#jeno x reader#nct x reader#nct x you
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*. ⋆ ( 808 ) ONE FAVOR! — yjw x f!reader ★
| 01. caught
“hey shawty,” jaemin said as he welcomed the girl in their break room.
“dont ever call me shawty again.” yn said as she sat down next to haechan. the other nct members were used to yn by this point, she was always with jaemin and haechan.
haechan looked around the room and shrugged, “hes been gone for a good 20 minutes now.” that response caused yn to raise her brow, she got up and left the room without saying much.
yn was searching for jisung like a mother at this point. he wasnt responding to her texts. where could he be?
yn walked by a door and heard two voices, naturally yn became curious. In any situation like this, she would’ve minded her own business but the voice sounded awfully like jisungs.
yn opened the door to see her boyfriend full on making out with yuna. yn stiffened from the sight as jisung quickly let go of the other girl.
“yn— i can explain,” the boy panicked as he ran up to his girlfriend. he paused, not knowing what to say. he knew he was fucked and there was no way he could excuse his behavior.
“im sorry.” jisung blurted out, he put his hands on the sides of yn’s arms. she was silent, she didnt know what to say. they’ve been dating almost a year now. why would he do this?
yn saw yuna laughing in the back while on her phone, she clearly didnt care that she was a homewrecker. this pushed yn over the edge, she was angry, frustrated and sad.
“yn? im sorry, do u hear me?!” jisung said as he lightly shook the girl.
“jisung stop,” yn pushed jisung as she turned to walk away. she was holding her tears while looking down at her feet as she walked to where ever her feet took her.
luck wasn’t on her side since she bumped into someone.
“yn? what are you doing here,” the boy questioned as he leaned down to look at the girls face. he was caught off guard, her face was practically soaked from her tears.
“yn what happened?” the girl looked up at the boy, tears seemed to fall on their own. she wasn’t trying to cry even more, especially in front of her best friend.
“jungwon, jisung cheated on me.” yn cried out.
m.list next
ONE FAVOR that yang jungwon owed sato yn. one favor he had to obey by no matter what. jungwon and yn are childhood friends that grew up in front of the media due to their famous parents. luckily for them, they were both talented singers so, they naturally became idols. but, one day jungwon embarrassed yn real bad on live television when they were younger, he owed her big time—no questions asked.
#enhypen smau#jungwon smau#enhypen#jungwon ff#jungwon x reader#enhypen ff#jungwonsmau#jungwon#jungwon x y/n#enhypen x female reader#jungwon one favor!#jungwon enhypen#jungwon fluff#jungwon scenarios#jungwon imagines#jungwon au#jungwon x you#jungwon x idol reader#enhypen x oc#enha smau#enhypen x y/n#enhypen x reader#enhypen x you#enhypenff#enha x you#enha x reader#enhypen x idol reader#jungwon angst#jungwon social media au#ifearjwn’s hideout
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Round & Round | n.jm
Part of ‘START UP’ series
↳ "Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?"
↳ Round & Round - NCT U
↳ Strangers to lovers, crack, fluff, cheesy af.
↳ You and Jaemin met in the collage library while reaching for the same novel little did you know somewhere along the line he gets close enough to share a kiss but doesn't yet this isn't the only Jaemin does to make your heart go round & round.
↳ shinko's note: I remembered how close it is to September and how much I wanted to upload an enemies to lovers drabble for this series so I persevered to finish this and I hope it doesn't seem that rushed or British.
The warmth emitting from the sun accompanies you on your walk to the collage library. Despite being a resident of the campus dorms, the walk is still long enough for you to harvest a layer of sweat on you forehead. Not only that but you think your insides are slowly becoming raisins by the minute.
Eventually after 3 minutes of walking in the scorching sun, you reached the library. The air conditioning boosted by the large number of fans was pure relief but you eventually had you put it to an end because you came here for reading a novel, not basking in cold air.
You made your way to the isle where the whole book series was but as you reached for the book you're on you felt another arm brush against your own. You turned to look at the person who's arm touched yours but before you could apologize you completely froze.
The boy you were about to apologize to 1, was wearing a long woolly cardigan, 2 was incredibly handsome.
Bear in mind you had no idea if he was older or younger but one thing you did know is that he shouldn't have a cardigan in if it's hot outside.
"Umm...Hello" At his words you snapped you of your little daydream.
"Sorry. Do you want the book?" You asked him internally crying at the fact he knew you were staring.
"Did you want it too?" He paused for a bit and looked up, presumably thinking "Should we read the book together?"
"Sure." A few seconds after you spoke he was dragging you across the library, book in hand, with eyes shaped like crescents and a Cheshire cat's grin plastered on his face.
"What's your name by the way?" You ask the two of you slowing down as you near your destination.
"Na Jaemin. And yours?"
"L/N Y/N"
"Have you read the book before?" He asks motioning for you to sit next to him on one of the library chairs. You hesitantly sat down next to him as he moved closer to you to hold the book so both of you could see it.
Half an hour in, you feel something brush against your neck you moved your attention from the book to Jaemin who has somehow gotten closer to you in the short duration of time. You were about to shrug it off and get into the book again but you soon realised that Jaemin's elbow had found a home near your knee to hold the book up.
You could feel heat climbing up your neck but ignored it. You just met Jaemin, how could you already be this flustered by something so small? You decide to turn your head the slightest bit to get a better look at Jaemin and almost all signs of him being innocent have just flown away. Maybe he was just concentrating on the book.
"Is something wrong, Y/N?" He asks and you flinch slightly at both his proximity and his voice. Gentle yet not, a whisper but it's clear. You can feel heat settling in your cheeks tainting them a peachy red, scratch that you were identical to a tomato.
"Umm... How did we get so close so quick" you ask noticing Jaemin's cheek turn slightly pink but he chose to ignore it.
"You didn't move a muscle. I just positioned myself on you. So that we could both see the book." He said moving closer to your face stopping when you two are basically breathing in eachother's air.
The atmosphere in that part of the library was thick enough that you could cut it with a knife.
You were holding yourself back from completely melting so you decided on going along with his game and tease him.
"Is my knee that good of a table? Do you usually wear prescribed glasses?"
"Yes and Yes" he answered back moving in even closer that your noses brush but just for a second until he completely pulls back. For a second you were disappointed. You got comfortable with him that close to you.
"Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?" He asked, one eyebrow perking up and a smug smirk on his face. You couldn't tell if he was being serious or he was just joking but it took you a second to process what he said and answer back.
"No, but it hurt when I scratched my knees climbing out of hell." For a second he was shook but his expression changed back to the smug one the frat boys have when they're hitting on a girl at a party but they're drunk.
"No wonder you're so hot" He said as he abruptly put his face in front of yours where it was before. You thought about what you could say back to him but he had other plans.
Other plans meant closing the thin gap between you two with a quick peck.
"So will you go on a date with me?" He asked slowly putting away his smug smile.
"I haven't backed away yet so I guess you got your answer." You said smiling at his sudden wave of shyness.
"Here's my number. We can meet at the new cafe just across the front entrance of campus. Call me." He said as he winked and walked away. In the distance you could hear him say a little yes to himself which means he may have been planning this for a while.
#fluff#nct#nct au#nct fluff#nct dream#nctzen#nct x reader#nct dream fluff#nct dream drabble#nct dream x reader#Jaemin x reader#Jaemin x female reader#Jaemin fluff#nct strangers to lovers au#nct dream oneshots#nct Jaemin oneshots#Jaemin oneshots#na Jaemin#ficscafe#Shinko’s start up series
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hi mah bebii, ik that you have been busy with school and personal life and i am missing you so much buttt here i am, and i wanna make a request.
I have been watching nct contents nowadays and fckkk park jisung's been wrecking me so hard 🙈
so, can i please have a fluffy jisung imagine where he tried so hard to learn cooking just so he can give you a sweet date night at your home?
Thank you so much and luv u mah yeosang~ 🥹💗
Pairing: Park Jisung x gn!reader
Genre: fluff, crack(?)
Warnings: none I could think of
Wc: (idk honestly) words
a/n: HI HII MY WOOYOUNG sorry this took long but I tried my best<333 its so cheesy lmao help-
☽·Masterlist·☾
“That’s not how you do it!” a high pitched shriek came from the boy who stood behind Jisung, who had been preparing for a date, a surprise one. He told his best friend Chenle that he was planning to cook something special for you for dinner, it was not the most special but the most Jisung could offer.
And of course his friend was bound to be worried (although he showed it in a questionable way), especially since he had to be watched if he had burnt down their dorms even just when he made ramen, so Chenle volunteered to help.
“I- then how-” Jisung asked confused, “Just- go wash these” Chenle told him continuing the work that he gave to Jisung, Jisung simply nods and takes the vegetables, bringing them to the sink.
He pauses for a while though, standing there like a statue, just then Chenle looked back at him, “What’s wrong?” he asks his friend who just froze, “Am I supposed to wash this with dishwasher or...”
Chenle’s eyes widened in a ‘You’ve gotta be kidding me’ expression, and the boy just smiled awkwardly, just as Chenle was about to speak another voice interrupted them.
“Jisungie! I’m home!” it was your voice which startled both the boys, they both walked to the door, seeing you take off your jacket, they just stood there.
“What’re you guys up to?” you asked, they looked at each other than back at you, causing you to raise a brow. “Uh we uh...” Jisung started speaking looking around even though it wasn’t like they were doing anything sketchy.
“I gotta go, bye Y/N! Happy one year anniversary together,” Chenle said rushed, you didn’t bother calling him cause you know he’ll ignore you anyways.
“Hey,” Jisung flashed you a smile which you mirrored, you slowly walked towards him, wrapping your arms around his waist as you snuggled onto his chest, “You’re home early,” Jisung says in his deep voice, which you loved, it gave you some kind of unexplainable peace and warmth.
“Yeah, boss let me go early,” you say and he hums, wrapping his arms around you as well, his nimble fingers raking your hair, “I missed you,” you said and you could hear a small yet low giggle from your boyfriend.
“I missed you too,” he replies and you smile, “What were you doing anyways?” you asked looking up at Jisung whose cheeks were getting pink after the question, “Well I wanted to do something for our special day and-”
Jisung stopped speaking mid-sentence when you started sniffing, “It smells like something is burning,” you say and the tall boy’s eyes widen, “The food!” he shouts breaking the hug, dashing towards the kitchen with you tailing behind him, after turning off the stove he groans, holding his head at disbelief that he forgot about it.
“Babe? What’s wrong- oh-” you said once you saw the cooking disaster, “Don’t tell me you almost just burnt our apartment down,” he slowly turns towards you with an expression that shows awkwardness.
”W-well you see- I just so happened to try to uh...” he starts saying and stops, looking at you, seeing you listen carefully, signalling him to go on.
“Well it’s our one year anniversary of being together and, I wanted to do something special,” he says quietly and sheepishly, avoiding eye contact. After finishing his sentence, there was silence and when he looked up he notices you smiling at him sweetly, as you always have, the tall and shy boy has always been so sweet, tries his best although it may not turn out to be the prettiest.
“Atleast say something?” he looks away, feeling shy under your loving stare, he will never get used to it, the way you look at him as if he is the most special person to exist with so much adoration is something he knows he’ll never get used to yet never get enough of.
You didn’t respond, not verbally, you quietly wrapped your arms around the tall boy’s waist, engulfing him into a warm and tight hug, inhaling his welcoming scent.
“I love you Park Jisung.”
His heart skipped a beat the moment those words came out your mouth, looking up at him, you smiled again, seeing the poor boy red like a tomato, you could even feel his heartbeat beat faster.
“I- I love you too,” he replies facing away to make sure you don’t see the blush on his cheeks, although that had already failed.
“You’re cute,” you giggled, loosening your arms around him, “I appreciate it though Ji, it’s the thought that counts,” you said and he smiles, glad that he met someone so understanding and sweet like you.
“Well now,” you walked away from him, going to the mess in the kitchen, clapping your hands together, “Let’s clean this up, then we can eat ramen and watch a movie okay?” you suggested.
He nods with a smile, walking towards you and looking at you, pulling you into another hug, one which made you the flustered one this time round.
“Thank you Y/N,” he rakes the locks of your hair, his soothing voice filling you with a deep sense of calm.
“I appreciate you so much,” he does and he always will, for always supporting him, always being so open-minded and understanding, and for always being so patient with him.
He sighs out before finishing his entire sentence.
“I love you, and I don’t think I will ever stop.”
Taglist: @amangooo, @yeo-hehet, @zen626, @hwanchaesong, @yungisstar1117 (lemme know if you wanna be added, removed or if I forgot to add you :3)
©hyuckilstan. All rights reserved. Please do not plagiarize my works.
#nct ff#nct fanfic#nct fluff#nct x reader#nct dream ff#nct dream fanfic#nct dream fluff#nct dream x reader#jisung ff#jisung imagines#jisung fluff#jisung x reader#jisung park ff#jisung park fanfic#jisung park imagines#jisung park fluff#jisung park x reader
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HONESTLY?? I liked it but for some reason (and this is meant to be funny) but it kinda sounds like a wedding march (song?) graduation march to me but like… neofied LMAOOO WHICH IS GOOD DONT GET ME WRONG and i have coffee with me but every time a member shows up on screen (the rappers specifically, doing their thing) i just have to put my mug down and freak out a little like Mark opening that almost sent me to the next dimension 😭😭
ISIDJDJDJDJDJD WAIT ITS ALL OF NCT 2023 OMG WHY TF DID I THINK IT WAS A NCT U SONG IM SUCH A FAKE FAN LMAOSNDJDJRJR
bro it feels like such a small amount of members WTF????
HAHAHAHAHHAHA NO I TOTALLY GET U THIS WOULD BE SUCH A NEP WEDDIGN MARCH SONG
BUT FR AJDJJRJRJR I WAS NOT EXPECTING MARK’S/THE RAPPER’S BEAT DROP PART AT ALL😭😭😭😭 i had to pause the vid and process it for a sec
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I mean, I can see where does the "he's korean?" Is coming from but when you check him out he's so Daegu coded is so 🫠 Cheol, one chance, please
Lee Jihoon, i love you but I will fight you fr. The God of music and the fucking catastrophes. I also think that I was listening to svt or nct when I fainted on the street hut I truly don't remember. But based on this it could have been. When I catch you Jihoon 🫵🏻
OKAY VALID BUT ALSO the way some carats are coming forward saying they also didn't think he was korean at first as well slkfjsdlkf (like same i thought he was east asian at first)
pause.
you can't just drop the nct fainting thing without elaborating.
bestie i think u need to stay indoors... without music
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The Shark
Here's a look behind the curtain when Moxy was selected for NCT. Enjoy!! ~ Author Izzy
Legend ~ June of 2016
“This is it then. The final line up for NCT?”
“Yes sir. All fifteen members.” The group around Lee Sooman watched tensely as their boss eyed the pictures of fifteen boys who would make up his next boy group. They were on pins and needles waiting for any critiques the man had.
“It’s good. But not enough.” A ripple of disappointment swept through the room.”This group….they’ve been good. I want them to be better. I want them to be the best. I want them to stand out.” Lee Sooman took a pause once again looking at the line up trying to see something that wasn’t there.
“What if we add a girl?”
It’s like a lightbulb turned on and match lit the room on fire.
“You can’t be serious!”
“A girl!”
“They’ll be a laughing stock!”
“You want to make your next debuting boy group co-ed?”
“Did I say anything about making them co-ed?” The question silences all the adults in the room, “No it didn’t. NCT will be presented as a boy group. Each group, both present and future, will have a female member.” Taking some tape, Sooman walks over to the white board and places a young girl's photo next to the line of seven boys.
“We’ll start by adding Aurora to Dream. She trained with all the boys, was on the Mickey Mouse Club with them. I think the eight of them are a great fit.”
“But Lee-seongsaengnim, we still need a girl to be added to 127.” A nervous voice popped up from across the room.
“All of you have experience in the training rooms. Give me best trainees that are around Mark’s age.” Quickly everyone around the room pulled out faces and just as quick they were shot down. It seems none of them had the qualities Lee Sooman was looking for.
“Are we sure that’s it? There’s nobody else?” A dance instructor at the far end of the table tried to to stand up but was stopped.
“Jiyeong? Do you have someone?”
Jiyeong shook the hand off, standing up and handing his suggestion down the line until it reached SM creator.
“Jin Migyeong? Stage name, Moxy.”
“Seongsaengnim, if you would hear me out. I know Migyeong-ah has only been training for two years. But I think……No, I know she’s good. Hell I’m willing to bet she’s already on Mark and Taeyong’s level.” Scoffs were heard around the room at Jiyeongs bold statement. “That girl is so incredibly talented. It would be a waste not to put her in this group. Migyeong has swag dripping from her fingers. I guarantee if she wasn’t training she’d be on Broadway right now. She performs like she’s in front of millions of people even when nobody's there.” Jiyeong took a moment to breath giving Sooman time to interrupt.
“And what makes her different from any other female trainee I could add to NCT.”
“She’s bored.” The group of managers and teachers around the room were puzzled by his choice of words. Isn’t being bored a bad thing?
“Here's a clip of Migyeong dancing to Holler by TTS at her third monthly evaluation.” Jiyeong cued up the clip and the group watched as Migyeong hit every move with practiced ease. Almost too much ease.
“Now here’s a clip of Migyeong dancing to Holler once again but with my modified harder choreography.” When he hit play, the managers, teachers and producers got to see what Jiueong’s seen for months now.
A Beast.
Migyeong was suddenly a different animal. Every move was attacked like a lion pouncing on its prey. She wasn’t just dancing, she was performing. For no one. But it felt like everyone. Looking around the room, faces that were once skeptical were finally seeing what he saw. The same thing they all saw when he put Taeyongs name forward for the first NCT U lineup
Immeasurable talent.
Jiyeong lastly checked Lee Sooman’s face. That’s when he knew SM’s creator was on board. It’s the same look he has for all the trainees that reach debut. Two words, talent and dollar signs.
“Migyeong-ah is a shark. Sharks love a challenge. They don’t stop until they’ve bested it.”
All was quiet once again until Sooman walked over, moving Haechan’s name over to place Moxy’s picture between the two maknaes of 127.
“This news doesn’t reach anyone. Moxy’s name will only appear on internal documents. I don’t want them or her to find out before they should.”
“But seongsaengnim, they don’t know each other.”
“They’ll get to know one another. Do any of these trainees know each other before coming here? No they don’t. They get to know the trainees around them and then they choose. They choose who they want to be with for the rest of their lives. They become packs, hellbent on making it together.” Sooman takes a look at the NCT line up with Migyeong’s picture added and makes his decision.
“We’ll debut her with Johnny and Doyoung for Limitless. They’ll get to know her and hopefully they’ll choose her. Let's see if she makes it that far.” And with that Lee Sooman was whisked from the room for another meeting leaving the group to sit in silence digesting his words.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Taglist: @alixnsuperstxr / @1-800-call-ria / @sophrodite / @sunflower-0180
#NCT AG#NCT AG.Writing#NCT AG.Moxy#nct female oc#nct female addition#nct female member#kpop!oc#kpop female member#kpop addition#kpop!au#kpop!addition
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ocean; yuta x reader
request: i had a dream about yuta and it said u write for nct too so hopefully u can fulfill my dreams 😭 anyway so my dream was obviously not that coherent but i did get in a relationship with him (specifically with red hair yuta bc omfg that's my favorite hair color) and it was very sweet u know and we were planning to go to the beach BUT I WOKE UP BEFORE WE COULD EVEN GO (we were gonna travel by train btw) and so hopefully you can do something with that... thank you!!! (i use she/her pronouns but you can make the reader gender neutral if that's more comfortable!)
synopsis: yuta takes you to the open sea on your first date
a/n: i hope this will suffice in place of your wonderful dream
cw: the sea
genre: fluff, first date
◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◈◆◈◆◈◆◈◆◈
the streets were dark, only lit up by the occasional lamp along the road you were currently walking on. you looked out over the river running in front of you you and sighed.
"i want to go see the ocean sometime soon.", you said, "just imagine the sea breeze, the warm sand... everything."
yuta let out a short cackle at your dreamy state. he wasn't one to take you seriously, mostly because your friendship was built on a lot of laughs. you just smiled at him, too tired to nag about him teasing you. he looked back at you with a suddenly changed expression.
"what?", you asked.
he had this weird look on his face; nervousness, happiness... maybe even adoration. after turning away, avoiding eye contact with you, he leaned against the railing in front of him. you asked him if he was okay, he nodded. there was a pause, and the silence was deafening. usually when the two of you would stay in silence, it'd be a pretty nice experience. now, even with the beautiful river making noise as the water collapsed against the rocks on it's sides, the quiet made you want to vomit.
"dude, what's going on with you?", you said with a small, nervous, laugh.
"sorry..", he took a deep breath, "there's a thing i want to tell you, but it's a bit hard to talk about."
"you can tell me anything.", you assured him, "we've been friends since forever, so just spit it out!"
he looked back at you. his gaze reminded you of the river. deep, dark, and the keeper of secrets which will never be revealed.
"y/n, i like you.", he admitted.
yuta spoke softly, he always did when he was being serious with you, but for some reason you thought it might just be a joke. the man that you've had a huge crush on since the two of you were teenagers couldn't be confessing his love for you right now. it was supposed to be unrequited, it always had been before.
"... do you mean as friends?"
"no..", he turned back to face the river, "i know it's a bit fucked of me to just come and say this to you right now, after years of being friends... i promise you i didn't mean for this to happen."
you looked at him intensely, waiting for him to look back at you. you couldn't believe your ears, so you stayed silent. you feared that if you were to speak another word then maybe it could break this moment.
"i think i'm in love with you", he looked back at you, "and i wanted you to know. i don't want my feelings to ruin our friendship, but i honestly can't go on pretending like i feel nothing for you."
you put your hand on top of his. yuta was trying his best to keep his composure, but slightly flinched at the touch of your hand. when he got used to your touch, he turned his hand to intertwine your fingers with his. slowly, and carefully, he looked you in the eye. instead of the pity that he was expecting, he could only see relief in your eyes.
"we could try.", you said, "i don't want our friendship to be ruined either, but maybe we could work it out anyway."
yuta turned his body to face you, to which you responded by doing the same. your hands were still holding each other, now hanging in front of you.
"could i take you out on a date tomorrow, then? would that be okay?", he asked, there was no trace of uncertainty in his voice - only confidence and vulnerability.
"that'd be more than okay.", you smiled.
"let me walk you home in that case", he said, "i want to make sure you're well rested for it."
◈◆◈◆◈◆◈
it was late in the morning, a few before noon. the air was chilly, but complimented the warm sun shining down on you in a wonderful way. you were standing on the balcony of your small apartment, taking in the morning view of the city. it was loud, and the air wasn't particularly fresh, but it was as close as you could get to a peaceful moment in the outside world.
despite it being the morning of your day off, you were fully dressed. yuta was going to come over to your apartment in any second and take you out. you had no idea where he was taking you, but you could guess that it'd be fun.
there was a knock at the front door, but yuta had a key so it couldn't have been him. curiously, you quickly stepped off the balcony and closed the door behind you. after undoing the lock on the front door you opened it, to see a bouquet of flowers - red roses and baby's breath perfectly put together.
"good morning, sunshine.", yuta smiled from behind the bouquet.
"did you lose your key to my place again?", you laughed and took the bouquet carefully in your hands.
"no, i have them right here.", he pulled out his keys from his pockets, "but i've never walked into a first date's apartment unannounced."
you rolled your eyes at him before turning your focus back to the bouquet. it really was beautiful, and you could tell that he had tried his best to assemble it and remove any excess leaves or thorns.
"do you give flowers to all of your dates?", you ask and look back up at him.
"only the very special ones.", he grinned, "do you like them? i know roses are a bit cliché."
"i think it's cute... i don't think i've ever gotten flowers from a date before.", you smiled, "let me go put them in some water before we leave."
yuta watched as you carefully put the flowers in a vase. he had never gotten a date flowers before, he wasn't that type of guy. but seeing you so happy over a bouquet of roses made him feel almost proud, and so he started questioning if he should've given more people flowers before. would it even feel the same if it wasn't for you?
"what are your favorite flowers?", he said, without even realizing it.
his subconscious was already planning on what flowers he should give to you next time.
"well, i do like roses - but i think most people do.", you thought for a bit before continuing, "i like gardenias. lilacs and tulips are cute too... and i have some orchids in my window at the moment!"
yuta looked over at your windowsill, where a potted orchid plant was sat. it seemed to be growing well, you must've found the right spot to put it in.
"i see...", yuta nodded and turned his gaze back to you, "pretty."
"they really are.", you finished off the bouquet you had in front of you, "do you like flowers? should i get you some?"
"ah... i don't know, i don't think that i'm good at taking care of them.", he said, "... but maybe i wouldn't mind getting a rose bouquet too."
◈◆◈◆◈◆◈
the two of you left the apartment shortly after. you had held his hand before, but now it was different. as he led you down the crowded streets he kept your hand tightly in his. from time to time, he'd look back at you to make sure that you were okay.
yuta led you to the train station, where you got on a train that was much like the streets: very crowded. there were no seats available so you ended up standing close together. one of your hands gripped a handle to keep you steady, while the other one was still holding yuta's. somehow, he was able to act so cool and collected - even if he was melting on the inside.
the train ride was quick, and when there was only one stop left until where you would be getting off yuta leaned down to your ear.
"we'll get off at the next stop.", he whispered, sending shivers down your spine.
you nodded to him, fearing that if you were to whisper back your voice might break.
the train station you got off at was much less crowded. you caught yuta glancing down at your hands, still intertwined.
"sorry, i didn't ask if it was okay for me to hold your hand.", he said.
"you've never asked to hold my hand before.", you giggled.
"that's because it's different now.", he shrugged, "when we were nothing but childhood friends we could do stuff like that... now that our relationship has changed i need to know you in a different way - including your boundaries. so please don't feel pressured to do anything just because we could do it before."
his sudden serious tone caught you off guard, and he was right. it did feel different, but you didn't dislike it. you squeezed his hand in yours.
"i like it.", you smiled to him, "so, where are we going?"
the two of you ended up taking another bus. much like the train, it was pretty crowded. however, this time you managed to find a seat. yuta let you sit down while he stood right beside you. as you looked out the window you took note of the very different scenery. there were barely any buildings to be seen, and you enjoyed looking at the beautiful nature that you usually didn't get to see. yuta was only looking at you. he had let go of your hand when you had sat down, but now he almost missed it.
as soon as you got out of the bus you let out a gasp. the bus had stopped right in front of the beach.
"the ocean!", you exclaimed happily, making yuta laugh.
you were almost frozen with happiness, you couldn't move a muscle. as soon as yuta had calmed down from laughing, he grabbed your hand again and started walking towards the water.
"there's a small restaurant if we keep walking over there, and then i was thinking we could just spend some time here, by the water.", he explained, "i didn't plan much so that you could pick what we should do."
"yuta, this is wonderful!", you smiled so bright that your cheeks hurt, "thank you!"
"there's no need to thank me.", he looked away from you, clearly flustered.
"let's go to the restaurant.", you said, "then we could take a walk maybe."
yuta nodded, and the two of you started walking in the directions of the restaurant.
◈◆◈◆◈◆◈
the sun was setting, painting the sky and ocean in warm colors. it looked like a red and orange flower garden that had just been welcomed with spring, blooming with the most ardent of colors. you were standing with your bare feet in the ocean, pant legs rolled up to the middle of your calf.
"you should really try this, the water's so warm!", you turned around to look at yuta.
he was standing right by the edge of the water, his and your shoes laying right behind him. he looked tired from spending an entire day at the beach, but he still smiled so warmly at you.
"no thanks, i'm good.", he chuckled, "i don't want to get all wet."
you got a sudden idea, which must've been evident in your eyes as yuta quickly looked a bit scared. you took a few steps towards him, bent down, and splashed water at him. not enough for him to be drenched, but enough for him to want revenge. he quickly rolled up his pants and got in the water, getting ready to splash you back. both of you laughed loudly, screaming at times as the other one hit you with more water. yuta got closer to you, and you held up your hands in defeat.
"truce?", he asked as he took ahold of your hands.
"truce.", you stifled a laugh.
you realized just how close he was. it startled you, making you stumble. yuta quickly let go of your hands and grabbed your waist to steady you, as your arms wrapped around his neck.
"you're so close.", you whispered with a small laugh.
neither of you moved away, despite your comment. yuta's hands carefully caressed your lower back.
"y/n...", he said softly, "... could i kiss you?"
you nodded, to which he leaned down. his eyes looking in yours, you were even closer than before. yuta was looking in your eyes for the least amount of regret. he took too long for your liking. you closed your eyes and closed the gap between you. as your lips met it felt as if fireworks were set off in your stomach. yuta brought you closer to him, but in the act of doing so, you both lost your balance. you pulled away from the kiss, just as yuta fell backwards - you falling on top of him. the water wasn't deep, and didn't cover much of yuta's body.
"sorry.", he whispered with a small laugh.
after laughing you pressed your lips to his again, still smiling. you were so happy - the fact that this day ever came was unreal.
"you made me so happy today.", you said after breaking the kiss.
"good.", he answered, "and that's how it'll be every day now."
you let out another laugh before pecking his cheek and getting up from the water. your clothes were drenched, and when you helped up yuta you could see that his was too.
"what do we do now? it's gonna get cold when it's dark.", you sighed.
yuta walked toward the beach, where your shoes were still lying in the sand along with his jacket. you followed close behind.
"here.", yuta gave you his jacket after dusting it off, "we should start getting back home, which means being a bit wet on the bus."
"but your clothes are more drenched than mine-"
"and i'm still giving you my jacket.", he put his hands over yours that was holding his jacket, "please, keep it."
you nodded and put it on, it smelled like him and it felt as if he were giving you a big hug. yuta took your hand once again, and both of you started walking home.
#nakamoto yuta#kpop#kpop fanfic#kpop fanfiction#kpop writer#fanfic#yuta#yuta imagines#yuta x reader#yuta fluff#yuta x y/n#yuta x you#nct yuta nakamoto#yuta nakamoto scenarios#nct#nct yuta#nct fanfic#nct fluff#nct scenarios#nctzen#nct fanfiction
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i’m back 😈 may i get a personalized playlist? i’m so curious to know what songs you’d think of when seeing my blog!! thank you! 🫶🏼
join the sleepover!
of course! one playlist coming up :D
vibe: mark motherfucking lee, earthy tones, moon, comfort.
yestoday - nct u
one of my top favorite comfort songs. doyoung's voice in this song is a literal description of the way you've set up your blog.
home - seventeen
what i imagine would start playing if ur blog was a myspace page with a song auto-playing with no way of pausing it.
teddy bear - nct dream
self explanatory
golden hour - mark lee
you deserve to have this here. ur whole blog is literally our man.
mirotic - tvxq
listen, if ur reading my fics, ur probably a lil freak behind all this softness im seeing
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day 25/365 of haechan (if you can't tell i now have a record in my phone to track it now and the only thing i need to do is update after each day!)
my favourite moments of our fullsun and the dreamies <3 i lied, the dreamies are his karma. there may also be a stray 'renmin' because my notes on my laptop hasn't picked up on the fact that i am not saying 'renmin' or 'rennin'.
(No Mark for this since I’ve already done him <3 but I think I’ve established they’re one of my favourite pairs and I can’t imagine one without the other OHH but the video that’s titled ‘top 21 markhyuck moments of 2021’ has some of my favourite moments as a little extra.)
renjun - like I know haechan is in love with renjun and I really don’t blame him. But renjun lights up around haechan and is always interested in what he has to say. And haechan is the first to tease him and he’s always a slither away from death by renjun. I also like how renjun turns to red hot fury and tries to beat haechan up - I find it hilarious. Also the ‘he’s the cutest when he’s angry’ comment about renjun and the way haechan rarks renjun up reminds me of me and my mum. when we hug we put everything into it to make it so uncomfortable for the other person it’s funny. That ridin’ clip for sure. Changed my life. Makes me laugh no matter how many times I watch it.
jeno - I’m getting a lot fonder of this pair lately. A relationship that lies on jokes but you can tell the other really cares for them but it’s covered by a lot of humour and roasting the shit out of each other at any given point. But my favourite clip - it’s very recent is when mark accidentally hits him with a ball and haechan, chenle and mark all flock to him to hug him. Honestly surprised jeno hasn’t turned to violence like renjun has. I feel it’s a very tsundere type of love on both sides and I love that for them. the whole ‘who is the hung between u two?’ And both of them having different answers. god. And the whole ‘supposed to call me after his schedule and HE STILL HASN’T CALLED ME’
jaemin - look, haechan the absolute cHEEK he has to call someone else weird but jaemin is very weird and they’re both very weird. But oddly together they’re quite normal? And idk why it’s only a reflection I’ve made just now. I love the two together. When they teamed up in Weekly Idol and whenever they laugh at each other’s jokes I feel very warm. Like I know this isn’t like a ‘jaemin hyuck exclusive moment’ but when renjun and haechan are mucking around and jaemin can’t focus because of it and he just…rolls his eyes and pauses and that gets me. It gets me good. AHH how could I forget the little smooch hahaha <3 bless.
chenle - okay out of chenji, it’s obvious at first glance that chenle is the enabler and when haechan and chenle team up? Ooooh class. I love when Chenle and Haechan are near crying when they laugh - especially together and they set each other off often. But Chenle laughs the loudest during haechan’s jokes and you know how there’s the whole nct dream are split between team chenle and jisung? haechan is on chenle’s for sure. I think they just naturally gravitate towards each other and the whole 7illin trip <3 aww. But my favourite is when they played table tennis together on Weekly Idol.
jisung - and out of chenji and nct dream as a whole we have our nagger <3 You can tell that Jisung believes that Haechan needs some tough love, it’s making me giggle just thinking about it. Haechan teasing Jisung isn’t anything new - especially when it comes to Jisung crying <3 and I really like it when jisung enjoys haechan’s antics. His whole ‘rooftop fight’ and the ‘inauguration ceremony’ are masterpieces. Moments I like as well is when Jisung cannot not be bothered with the live in Tokyo and Haechan passive aggressively hugs him with a ‘hyung loves you’ AND the whole ‘you showed off well’ moment in Boom and hugs him excessively and jisung just takes it.
aw but i saw a clip of all the fansigns and it just made me tear up a little.
This >>>>>>>>>>>
#this made me giggle kicking my feet like I ain’t got no business 😭#niwa my little sunflower 🥹#lilac’s moots 🥳#sunflower friend 🌻🫶#hyuckbrainrot 🧟♀️🧠#Jaemin and hyuck warm me they’re so cute and so UNPREDICTABLE
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