#pentagon hongseok | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

jae-bummer · 9 months

Text

My Idol 3: Part Seven

My Idol From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

My Idol is a South Korean competitive reality dating game show. It currently airs on Saturday nights on Jae-bummer’s blog. First broadcast in 2016, the show offers the opportunity for a lucky fan to go on seven blind dates with seven idols. The idol plans the date with the show throwing in a specific mission to complete during the day. At the end of the initial dates, the show opens up an audience vote to decide what four idols will move on to the second date.

My Idol 3: The Series

Looking up moodily at your night shift body guard, you waited in silence for him to open your room.

"No hello?" Insu teased, tilting his head. "How was your day? I've missed you terribly?"

"Hello, Insu," you grumbled, crossing your arms. "How was your day? I have missed you terribly."

"Well," he clucked. "It doesn't sound genuine when I have to prompt you."

"Can I please just go inside?" you whined, rubbing your forehead to ease the oncoming headache.

"Sure," he nodded. Letting the tension ease from your shoulders, you took a deep breath in an attempt to calm your nerves. "But it'll cost you."

"I have a sneaking suspicion that you're not talking about money," you groaned.

"Not at all," he smiled easily. "Money's worthless. You're time, however, is valuable."

"What do you want?"

"Grab your ice bucket," he said gently. "Let's go for a walk."

"I don't want to go for a walk," you pouted. "I've walked enough today. And ridden a bike. And fallen off that bike. And then thought my date died."

Insu nodded politely. "I think you need to decompress."

"I'm perfectly capable of decompressing in the comfort of my bed," you muttered.

"Where you can thought spiral through every hypothetical way you could have reacted on your date?" he smirked. "Perfect idea. Have a great night!"

"You're a little too perceptive for your own good," you grumbled. "Has anyone ever told you that before?"

"I read people for a living, Y/N," sighed. "You're just one of the lucky ones I like."

"I don't see why," you lamented, not proud of yourself, but searching for solace nonetheless. "I'm a walking disaster."

"Hardly," he said, tapping your room key against the door. Shouldering it open, he waited for you to pass him and go in. "Now come on. I'll even give you five minutes for a bathroom break before I expect to see you back out here."

Sliding into your room, you glanced at him over your shoulder. "How charitable."

After spending at least ten minutes sat on the sink, totally not thought spiraling, Insu's fourth round of knocking finally pushed you to hop off the counter. Snagging the ice bucket from beside you, you shuffled back toward the door and yanked it open. Chewing on your lip, you narrowed your eyes at the dastardly man.

"That was much longer than five minutes."

"Should've come in after me," you sighed, breezing past him. "What if I had passed out on the toilet? Some body guard you are."

"I'm here to protect you from other people," he chuckled. "Not from yourself."

"Comforting," you deadpanned. "I'll remember that the next time I feel faint."

The two of you walked down the hallway in companionable silence for a moment, giving you time to let your eyes wander from door to door. You were curious who was hidden where and if they were all comfortable with the current arrangements. Now you had three men, three celebrities, locked up for what could be weeks. They'd be missing crucial schedules, studio time, and dance practices...all because of you.

"You have no control over what fans do," Insu said quietly, seeming to have read your mind.

"Get out of my head," you huffed, glaring over your shoulder at him.

"I don't have to be in your head to know you're going through it," he hummed. "I can tell by your body language."

"Please, enlighten me," you sighed, coming to a halt and spinning toward him. "What is my body saying?"

You tried to ignore the up and down assessment he gave you.

"Your shoulders are tense," he noted. "You're either chewing on your lip or the inside of your cheek at any give time. Your arms are wrapped so tightly around the ice bucket, you-"

"Okay, okay," you accepted. "Apparently my body is talkative. I get it."

Turning back around, you started your trek again.

"I'm here to listen," Insu prompted from behind you. "If you want to talk about it."

"There's nothing to talk about," you alleged. "Plus I'm sure Hyuk gave you the full report."

"I did have to set three of his fingers," Insu confessed. "But he didn't get into specifics."

Whirling around again, your eyes were wide. "He didn't go to the hospital?"

"Not if he can avoid it," he smirked. "It's kind of the nature of the business."

"Great," you gasped, throwing your hands in the air, ice bucket included. "So I've been the cause for two people's physical injuries, my apartment being torn apart, AND everyone being held up in hotel rooms like some kind of fancy prison."

"Hey," Insu said quietly, taking slow steps to close the distance between the two of you. You hadn't noticed it previously, but you were breathing heavily and tears may or may not have started to escape your eyes.

Placing his hands lightly on your shoulders, he slid his fingers carefully down to your elbows and then back up again. "You're not responsible for any of that."

"I am," you whined. You were on the brink of becoming a blubbering mess. "I'm the unlikable one. Fans don't like me. That's why all of this is happening. I'm supposed to be better. I'm supposed to be more deserving."

"Come here," Insu said gruffly, pulling you against him. Wrapping his arms around your shoulders, he placed a hand gently on the back of your head. "With the fan-bases these guys have, no one will ever be good enough. It's not personal."

"They made it personal," you squeaked into his suit. While you weren't proud of your breakdown, you were enjoying the unexpected safety Insu provided. "They took away everything."

"They didn't," he insisted. "They can't take away how you react to the situation, and you've been doing well. Better than anyone can expect, really."

Pulling away from him, you caught Insu's eyes. "Why are you being so sweet?"

"I can't comfort a friend in need?" he smiled, patting your head absently before stepping back.

"We're friends?" you chirped, quietly pleased by this development.

"I guess we are," Insu hummed, seeming surprised by his own words.

You smiled softly at him, allowing this new, bubbly feeling to float through you. If not watched carefully, you knew it could be dangerous, and you already had enough boy-related problems on your hands.

"Y/N?" a familiar voice questioned from behind you.

Turning around, you couldn't help but feel the moment between you and Insu had been snuffed out. You were only mildly horrified with yourself as you felt a slight disappointment at another person joining the conversation until you realized who it was.

"Jungkook!" you grinned. It took everything in you not to greet him with a big hug.

He seemed to have no qualms though.

"Y/N!" he breathed, an easy smile filling his face. Crossing the hallway, he pulled you in for a hug. Wrapping his arms around your waist, he tucked you into his frame, enveloping you in warmth.

"It's so good to see you," he whispered into your hair.

"It's good to see you too," you sighed, leaning back to get a better look at him, but remaining in his arms. He looked as handsome as ever.

Clearing his throat behind you, Insu made his presence abundantly clear.

Stepping away from Jungkook, you felt heat creep up your neck. You glanced behind Jungkook, his won bodyguard giving an awkward wave.

"Sorry," Jungkook winced, nodding briefly to Insu. Focusing on you again, he grinned. "How are you?"

"I've been better," you admitted. "I'm hoping they filled you in when they moved you here?"

"A little bit," he grimaced. "Y/N, I am so sorry. I can't believe anyone would do that, let alone someone who would call themselves a fan of any of us."

"They killed my fish," you blurted, not realizing how much that thought burdened you.

"What?" he gasped, his eyes growing wide. He pulled you in for another hug. "You've been through so much."

"Y/N," Insu grunted behind you. "It's best we get going."

"Right," you nodded, stepping away from Jungkook. If the producers saw the two of you fraternizing in the hallway, it likely wouldn't go over well.

"I'm glad I saw you," Jungkook nodded, eyes bright. "Even if it was only for a minute."

You smirked before glancing to your feet. "I didn't get to ask, but you're doing okay?"

"I'm doing great," he chimed. "I've gotten more sleep than I have in years. And three meals a day! Can you even imagine?"

You let out an unexpected laugh. "That's a relief to hear. I'm glad you're resting well."

"So are the other guys," he nodded, somehow knowing that would comfort you. "Just to clarify. We're all taking this in stride."

"You've talked to them?" you asked, tilting your head.

"Hongseok and I get meals together downstairs sometimes," he said, an idea lighting up his expression. "You should meet with us!"

"Y/N," Insu cautioned. His quiet reminder that you've dallied too long.

"We should," you agreed before squeezing his bicep lightly. "I'll see you soon, okay?"

"Okay," Jungkook hummed, giving the cutest nose scrunch.

Taking a deep breath, you continued down the hallway past him, willing yourself not to look back. You hadn't realized how reassuring his presence would be. He was the only one who hadn't really been privy to the nightmare this experience had become, so it was such a relief to touch base. Plus he confirmed that he and Hongseok were doing just fine. You hoped he would begin including San in their shared meals as well.

Walking into the ice room in a bit of a daze, it took you a moment to realize how quiet Insu was being.

Turning to look at him as you filled your bucket, you were surprised when he didn't make eye contact. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing," he said shortly.

"Apparently not," you chuckled nervously, feeling his mood change rolling off him in waves.

"We wasted too much time," he muttered. "We could've both gotten in trouble."

"It was just a quick conversation," you reasoned. "It wasn't really a big deal."

"Every minute you are outside of the safety of your room is a big deal," he said, glaring.

"Whoa," you winced, tucking your now full ice bucket back under your arm. "Down, tiger."

"I'm not going to endanger you just so some celebrity can get in his five minutes," he grumbled, looking anywhere but at you. "I'm sure that little stunt added quite the points in his favor."

"Insu," you whispered, recoiling from him as if you had been slapped. "Jungkook isn't like that."

"Right," he scoffed, turning around and leading you back into the hall.

Normally you walked in front of your body guard, but this time, he was stomping in front of you.

What was his issue?

Was he...jealous?

"Someone got really grumpy, rather quickly," you muttered, arriving at your door. Stepping in your way, Insu glared down at you.

"Just watch yourself, okay?" he said sternly. "These guys sell a fantasy every day. They're good at it."

"Heaven forbid someone genuinely likes me," you huffed.

"I didn't say they couldn't," he shot back. "All I'm saying is-"

"Yeah, yeah," you groaned. "Poor little Y/N, manipulated by the heart throb. I get it."

"Y/N," he sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "That's not what I'm saying at all."

"Then come out with it!" you gasped. This day had been far too long and complicated for your liking. You were ready to hide under your blankets and never come out.

"I care about your well being!" he burst, his hands curling into fists as he let them drop to his sides. "I don't want to see you hurt!"

You chewed on his comment for a moment, watching as he continued to stare at you, frustration painted across his handsome face. "Why, Insu?"

"I told you earlier, I like you, Y/N," he struggled. "You don't want to see people you favor falling into situations where they're not watching out for themselves."

"You said you couldn't protect me from myself," you said quietly. "Remember?"

Insu let out a small grunt. "Stubborn."

"Exhausted," you corrected. "Thoroughly done. Burned out. Let me into my room."

Smacking your room's key card against the keypad, Insu backed into door. Keeping it open wide as you walked past, you could feel his eyes boring into you from behind.

"Goodnight," you huffed.

Without saying a word, he stepped into the hallway, closing the door softly behind him.

Your next date wasn't until the following evening, giving you plenty of time to stew in your disaster of a date, the situation with Insu, and the small rendezvous with Jungkook. Saying you were confused and irritable was an understatement.

You were already in the thick of things with three different idols and had four more to go. You couldn't go throwing Insu into the situation when your heart and mind were completely disoriented. You had never navigated anything quite this intense in your life.

Jungkook had pure intentions, of that you were sure. That's why Insu's outburst had shaken you so much. He didn't know anything about these guys, and it was clear in the way he was acting. That being said, you couldn't help that it had sewed the smallest seed of doubt in your mind. He was right, idols were well-versed in giving the illusion of attainability. Surely they weren't putting on an act just to win the competition...were they? The cameras weren't even around when you had bumped into Jungkook. He had no reason to be so caring if that were the case.

"Damnit, Insu," you hissed, knowing this would dwell in the back of your head. How dare he open that door when you were already feeling like you were going crazy.

Lost in thought, you yanked open the door of your hotel room right after you heard a knock. Hyuk had dropped you off for makeup and hair not long ago with the promise of your date starting soon. It was going to be a formal evening, so you were dressed exceptionally well (at least to your own standards). Shimmying out your shoulders, you tried to focus on the task at hand. You would have fun tonight, even if it killed you.

Glancing up from your uncomfortable shoes, you were taking aback at seeing Insu again so quickly.

"What are you doing here?" you croaked, unintentionally sounding annoyed by his mere presence.

Insu's eyebrows shot up. "This is an evening date. Am I not your night shift bodyguard?"

Right. Somehow it had completely evaded you that he would be the one escorting you this evening.

"Perfect," you muttered, shaking your head. This was just great.

Barging your way around him, you started down the hall, trying to calm your anxiety. It was hard enough jumping into another blind date, let alone with your moody body guard in tow.

Stepping into the elevator, you scooted as far away from him as you could. Maybe it was a bit immature, but you were emotionally frazzled before you had even blown up at each other last night. It was to be expected that you were still a little bit raw.

Punching at the button for the lobby, Insu became a statue beside you. Remaining quiet, it wasn't until the end of the elevator ride that he finally spoke up. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," you managed, not allowing for his kind words to melt the ice that had frozen around you.

"Y/N," he sighed, turning slightly toward you. "Surely you can understand where I was coming from-"

"Doubling down is not the optimal move here," you grumbled, holding up a hand in the air between you. "I'm trying to get into a good mental space to handle this date. I really don't want to talk about last night."

"Can we talk later?" he asked, tilting his head.

"No."

"Y/N-"

"I'll think about it," you groaned. "Okay? Just give me some space for tonight."

Giving a curt nod, Insu stepped back into his position beside you.

It wasn't long before the elevator doors slid open, exposing you to the commotion that was the hotel lobby. Taking a deep breath, you stepped from the small space. Furrowing your brows, you were surprised to see a handsome man, dressed in a full suit in front of you. The cameras were on and waiting for your arrival.

"Wow," his surprisingly gravely voice purred. Reaching out to take your hand, he smiled. "You must be Y/N."

"I am," you said cautiously.

"I'm Got7's Jackson," he smiled. "And you are absolutely gorgeous."

You tried to ignore the sharp intake of breath from behind you.

Tonight was going to be interesting.

#my idol season 3 #jackson wang #got7 jackson #got7 #jackson fic #jackson fanfic #wang jackson #jackson fluff #jackson angst #jackson x reader #got7 x reader #got7 fanfic #got7 fluff #ateez san #jungkook #bts #pentagon hongseok

31 notes · View notes

kpop-bbg · 4 months

Text

#pentagon hongseok #yang hongseok #kpop idols #male idol #ptg #vans #shorts #pentagon #hongseok #cute guys

10 notes · View notes

maracllea · 9 months

Text

WRAPPED 2022 videography | 24/101 | PENTAGON Call my name

24 notes · View notes

jeskoholic · 1 year

Text

A Little Piece of You Chapter 10: Sizzling Hot

This is a chapter from an ongoing series. If you missed out on the previous entries, you can check my masterlist.

Previous Chapter: Fuel to the Fire

Word count: 5,505

Tags: aespa Ningning x M OC, slight violence, college

Enjoy!

---

It was awkward.

That was about how Jae-in would summarize the trip back to his apartment.

Soyeon’s insistence of accompanying him back made it a lot more awkward than it initially was. Somehow even the wild and free attitude of Jeon Soyeon managed to tone down right after that unexpectedly heated and seemingly sexual confrontation. Everything seemed to have passed like a messy blur because of the alcohol’s swing, including the time that was inevitably left unchecked.

A couple of minutes before five in the morning were the time at the clock when a cab pulled over in front of Jae-in and Joohyun’s apartment. Like before, Soyeon insisted on taking care of the cab fare as it was her idea to get out in the first place and it unintentionally placed another check in the long list of debts that he owned her.

“Hey, you’re okay, right?” Soyeon asked from inside the cab’s window as soon as Jae-in was out. She had to ask. After all, Jae-in was quiet ever since they left the place. “We… about what happened back there…”

“Don’t worry about it, Soyeon-ssi. I’m not really awkward because of that. It’s just… I think that the alcohol’s getting to me and… I’m really tired. I’m sorry for being silent and I might have given you the wrong idea.”

“Are you sure you’re going to be fine?”

“I’ll be. I have a couple of hours to sleep before class, and I’ll be fine by then. I promise you.”

I really should have told her that I got class at 7, holy shit.

“Alright then; thank you for going out with me, Jae-in! I look forward to another one with you!”

Without any sort of sensible response ready, Jae-in merely nodded in reply and turned towards the cab driver.

“Please take her home safely, sir.”

The driver nodded and quipped: “Will do that, sir. Have a good night… or morning, for that matter.”

That was the final stretches of farewell that both Jae-in and Soyeon gave each other before the cab finally drove off and vanished into a corner. It was also perhaps the only time that Jae-in’s exhaustion truly sank into himself; apparently he was awake for hours more than he anticipated. Now, he only has an hour at most to get all the sleep he needed before heading to school. Certainly, being absent is not an option for a person such as Yoon Jae-in, even if it would equate to him operating on almost 30% of what he normally could do.

Luckily, Jae-in managed to sneak up towards the seemingly-empty apartment early in the morning. Somehow there was no one at the lobby of the apartment; perhaps another sliver of luck presenting itself to a guy who needed to go back to bed as soon as he could. He didn’t even bother to open the lights on their apartment’s floor and gently he moved to open the door heading straight to the room beyond.

And that was where his luck faded off.

Right as he entered the clean and quiet room, the figure of his step-sister Joohyun emerged from the hallway that separated their doors, oozing a corporate demeanour with a pair of black blazers and dress pants over a tight white shirt. Joohyun had her hair held back with a clam and her face in a small hint of make-up; albeit it was clear to Jae-in that she barely needed it because of how beautiful she was already. Whatever was the reason, she seemed to be ready to go out at any given time.

“N-noona, good morning,” he blurted out as he closed the door, praying to the heavens that Joohyun would not smell the remnants of alcohol in him. “Y-you’re early today.”

Joohyun raised an eyebrow.

“I thought you were asleep. Did you go somewhere? I didn’t seem to notice that you’ve left.”

“I… uhh…”

Crap, Jae-in thought to himself as he internally panicked. There’s no way I would tell noona that I went off drinking in the morning. That’ll get me in trouble.

“I went for a jog. Yeah, that’s what I did… I…. I-I woke up early and since I c-can’t sleep I just went out and went for a jog. Jogging is healthy, right?”

Even though he really did not look the part, Jae-in was sure he was passable as someone ought to go for a morning jog anyway. It was weird to go out in that cold weather not wearing any jacket of sorts but it was the best excuse he could make up on the spot. The fact that he was sweating perhaps was a small prop.

“I see,” Joohyun replied. “No wonder you’re sweating, but that’s good in the mornings. By the way, you have a class at 7 am, right? That schedule falls on today, right?”

Oh good, she bought my reason. Oh my god

“Y-yeah, noona; it’s still a couple of hours away so I figured—“

“Have you eaten breakfast yet? I assume you didn’t because you went out so early,” she said nonchalantly while checking on the contents of her bag located at the couch. “Well, since you’re here and awake and I think I could spare a couple of minutes, I’ll just wait for you to finish showering and we can have breakfast together. There are things I could prepare quickly without having to cook. Then I can drive you to school so that you won’t have to worry about boarding a bus and risk getting late.”

“Oh about that noona I actually—“

BA BANANA BA BA-BANANANANABA BANANA~

“Excuse me, Jae-in, I need to take this call. I’m actually expecting this since this morning. Please go ahead; shower and change to your school clothes. I’ll be waiting for you.”

Jae-in, with utmost courtesy, wanted to decline the generous offer of his older sister yet before he could even say a word, Joohyun was immediately occupied on a phone call from work. And so, most reluctantly, Jae-in slowly walked towards the bathroom with regret all over his head; his additional planned sleep vanished into thin air thanks to the love of Bae Joohyun.

---TWO HOURS LATER---

I am a hypocrite if I won’t even admit that I enjoyed that little midnight adventure I had with Soyeon but damn did it exert a huge toll against me. Not getting even a sliver of additional sleep was already more than enough to throw my momentum off, but having to endure a headache in the middle of the day was something else. If only I was not cut by Joohyun-noona when I came home earlier, I would have at least given myself some form of rest before I even head to school. I would not mind going in late if it meant that I would function properly; right now I feel like I’m just a shell of my former self.

But I know I can’t blame her for offering that. Everything was my fault for not being stern enough.

Had Joohyun-noona timed this on a normal day, I would have loved being brought to school by her. The timing is just so unfortunate.

My 7 am class was Language and it was a class I shared with Shinwon as well. However, about half an hour passed since then and he was a no-show, which is self-explanatory considering he really despised early morning classes. I envy him, though; at this time of the day he is probably having the time of his life sleeping while I’m here, begging to the heavens that the small cup of coffee ought to help me up for another hour before the vacant hour right after. I don’t know if it could combat the exhaustion from about 2-3 hours of sleep, walking around the middle of the night with Soyeon, as well as drinking in the middle of everything that was going on. I doubt, which is why I should give myself even a couple of minutes to sleep at the cafeteria.

I figured I should be prepared for the worst as well; this throbbing headache as well as the minimal amount of sleep ought to make my mood really disastrous. I don’t know how else I could explain to my friends that it was a mood swing caused by being too tired. If this reaches Soyeon, it could mean trouble. Personally, I find it hard to control my short fuse when I’m at this mood even though I was completely aware of it.

It would have been easy if I had the courage to absent myself. However, I can’t.

It was a misplaced sense of self-righteousness but Joohyun-noona is working her ass off to bring me to school, and to me it’s an obligation to go there despite being tired. I know that there are times that she’s tired, but I never saw her give up.

Well, it was obvious from the get-go that I am not particularly immersed in such small sleep practices and so it was very uncomfortable for me to try and catch some rest at the cafeteria. I merely ended up waiting an hour long, wasting my energy trying to sleep as I was torn on being too frustrated to not sleep, and being too uncomfortable with my position in the table.

Luckily, the following class of Differential and Integral Calculus was dismissed early and so at least that was one less hour to endure for my vaguely irritated self. The classroom was emptied of my classmates as well as the professor, and so I was able to rest myself even for a couple of minutes. This time, I did not even attempt to sleep but rather just keep my eyes shut to take in the solid, rested atmosphere. I spent a couple more minutes there when a familiar voice greeted me coming from the direction of the door.

“What’s up with you staying all alone in this room, Jae-in?” I heard Hongseok’s voice greet as he approached. “Normally you’re supposed to be at Naevis at this time of the day. Why are you here?”

I raised my head just in time to see him occupy the empty chair beside me. Flocks of students flooded the outer corridor of the hallway, which explains the sudden surge in commotion. No wonder things started to get a bit chaotic.

“I… I’m just too tired to head to Naevis, man. I figured I’d stay here for a while before the next class comes in, which I think would happen in an hour so I have a lot of time.”

“You don’t have plans this noon? You’re not eating with Kino, Shinwon, or Dawn for that matter? You’re not even going with Soyeon?”

I shook my head.

“I don’t think I’d be doing that now. Shinwon did not show up on our 7 AM class so I doubt he’s going to show up soon as well. Kino has an important errand to run, and Dawn’s pretty much MIA unless it’s weekends, so the answer is ‘no’. I’ll probably doze off at the campus library for a bit and maybe get lunch late… Soyeon… I don’t really know. I have no plans, in short.”

Hongseok nodded in silence, and then he proceeded to pat my shoulder with his hand; an act that surprised me.

“Well, if that’s the case then why don’t you just head on out with us and grab lunch together? It’s certainly better than just having to eat alone you know. We’re friends, after all.”

“Who’s ‘us’?”

“Hmm… I asked Ningning and normally she’s available. Maybe Kyungsoo would show up out of the blue, but it’s unlikely. I just figured maybe you’d be comfortable if you know that I asked him as well. What do you say? Do you want to grab lunch with us?”

I hesitated for a bit, wondering if I could handle the short-fused self I have right now, and then maybe the presence of other people ought to help me out of this instead of just keeping everything to myself.

“Why not; sure, let’s get lunch later. That would be wonderful.”

“Great! I can’t wait to tell Ningning. She’ll be happy to know that you’re joining us. I’ll be finished with my morning classes in two hours, so maybe we can meet at Naevis at around 11 or so. In the meantime, you’re cool with waiting, right?”

“I really don’t mind. It’s convenient because I could get some rest as well.”

“I see. Are you okay, Jae-in? There’s something really different with you. You look really exhausted. Did something happen? You studied after-hours?”

“Oh no, it’s nothing, man. Thanks for your concern but I can manage. I just woke up on the wrong side of the bed maybe; that’s why I’m acting like this. I’ll just give myself some sleep for maybe on the two hours that I am waiting for you and I’m good to go. I just need a reset.”

“Alright then; I’ll count you on that. So, do you plan to stay here and wait for the next class? Two hours here seemed so uncomfortable if you’re planning to stay for two hours.”

“You know what… let’s just walk. You’re class is not in this building anyway right, Hongseok? I could use some sunshine time and maybe shake me off of this annoyingly exhausted demeanour.”

“Well, I couldn’t argue that that is a good call. Suit yourself, Jae-in. Let’s go.”

---A FEW HOURS LATER---

Of all the people Jae-in would think might accompany them, the lunch unfolded exactly as how Hongseok told him previously. Apparently it was only Ningning who ended up joining them both, with Soyeon not even bothering to answer the small invite because she was not actually online. Jae-in has never been to this specific eatery that he had heard a couple of people talk about, and that is despite the location being not that far from the usual eatery he went to. Now, thanks to the convincing powers of Hongseok and Ningning combined, the anticipation of the place’s food somehow eased him off of his lack of sleep.

It was the middle of the day and the sun was clearly up on top of the sky, yet the three of them could still feel the small aftermath of the cold wind approaching them. The place that they never quit on recommending to Jae-in was apparently called Saesong Grill and Sizzling Restaurant, colloquially known amongst the students as ‘Sizzler’s’, and the small stall was located just on the side of a residential area with its façade appealing to look more like a small eatery than an actual restaurant. Upon approach, however, Jae-in and company could already smell the aroma of the variously cooked food from the inside, inciting excitement between them three.

“I’ll get the order,” Hongseok said as soon as he scanned the small eating space, which was fortunately lacking of students at that time of the day. “I’ll also pay for your drinks so you get to choose that. And by the way, I’ll be the one to order for you, Jae-in. It’s your first time here so you better taste the best the shop has to offer.”

“I don’t mind. Saves me time to choose; thanks Hongseok-ah.”

I’m too exhausted to think anyway.

“Right, just make sure that you and Ning choose a good spot for us, okay?”

“I got that covered up for you,” said Ningning. She then proceeded to pull Jae-in by his hand again before speaking to Hongseok once more. “I’ll get a Dol-bi and mango shake to even out the taste. How about you, Jae-in…?”

“I’d get a mango one too, if you don’t mind.”

“We’re good then. Please go and choose a seat for us. Thanks!” added Hongseok.

Ningning and Jae-in eventually resorted to eat on a table closest to wall, right on the furthest corner of the eatery. Her reasoning was for the smoke from the food to not get too saturated on them and that the smell would not stick. Jae-in did not really mind, whatsoever, as his primary concern that moment was to eat and enjoy the company without any of his high school friends. The young Chinese student sat beside him while leaving the chair opposite Jae-in vacant for Hongseok. Moments later, the couple were eventually joined by Hongseok right after placing their orders.

“God, the place does smell good,” Jae-in quipped as soon as Hongseok managed to take a chair. “I guess I can see why people talk about this place often. I’ve never been here.”

“I thought that you were joking when you said that at first. Almost every person in the Uni has come here at some point in time. In fact, Soyeon loves to go here. I just don’t know what’s gotten onto her that she’s not replying to me in any sort of manner, be it on the group or on my private messages,” responded Hongseok.

I guess Soyeon’s asleep after what happened earlier this morning.

How much I envy her for having that privilege. If only I had the guts to actually not go to school today. I’d rather endure not having enough sleep than get spanked in some form by noona for not heading to school.

“This is seriously one of the best eateries near the school,” Ningning seconded. “Once our orders arrive, you’re going to know fucking why.”

“I honestly thought that maybe Soyeon would have invited you here at some point. I’m surprised nothing of the sort happened yet,” Hongseok said before pausing. He gulped and fixed the table’s condiments before tilting his head back to Jae-in again. “That reminds me; didn’t Soyeon tell you where she is or anything? It’s weird for her to not be online at this time. I know that she has her class in the afternoon.”

He knew why, yet it was not something he wanted to disclose. And so, Yoon Jae-in merely shrugged, with Hongseok and Ningning exchanging glances.

Hongseok opened his mouth to protest but he was distracted with the sound of sizzling plates of food making their way towards the three of them. Ningning, Jae-in and Hongseok immediately cleared their table to make way for the food, in turn thanking the waiter as soon as he finished unloading the dishes on the table. Jae-in could only marvel at the amazing sight before him; his nostrils were immediately flooded with the soothing aroma that accompanied the soft popping sound right in front of him.

He could not even describe what the food was. Certainly, there might be some sort of idea in him with regards to what’s really presented, although with how complicated it was arranged, he could not identify if the food was even remotely Korean or not.

“Holy shit, it smells really good!”

“I told you so. I made sure to order the best for you,” Hongseok said, smiling. “I won’t be surprised if you’d repeatedly come back to this place given how good their food is. It’s pricey, sure, but you’re definitely getting the bang for your buck.”

“I would like that idea, but all these oily meat and this sizzle ought to take its heavy toll on me once done too much, although it does look really inviting. I’ll definitely come back here.”

“Wow,” Ningning said as she took a bite ahead. “I wish all of the guys are watching what their eating and not mindlessly lulling themselves over fat and alcohol, right Hongseok? Did you just hear what Jae-in said?”

“Yah, Ningning-ah, please don’t give Jae-in the wrong idea. If anything, Shinwon’s a lot more into these kinds of stuff. I’m just way too subtle, you know?”

“Bullshit… all of the North Line knows you’re a fuckboy,” Ningning supplied, serving Hongseok with a malicious grin. “Oh excuse me… a really rich fuckboy.”

“Hey that’s pretty much uncalled for! Plus, it’s not my fault that people swoon over my body. I’m just being friendly, and I’m giving them precisely what they want. It’s not my fault that I’m good looking.”

“Oh my god, there he goes again.”

“Since when did this become about me, huh? We’re here for Jae-in, right? Please don’t make him take in unnecessary things. We’re here to enjoy each other’s’ company.”

Jae-in raised his head up and moved his attention to Hongseok, just as he was freshly chewing a mouthful of meat coming from his chopsticks. “Oh don’t mind me; I’m enjoying the food. It really tastes good; exactly how you told me it would taste like.”

“How about I turn this conversation to the person who duly needs some question, huh? How about that? Jae-in, look, I know that we don’t get around too often compared to when you go out with Kyungsoo and the others… so I’ll drop my balls to the ground and ask you this. What is really going on between you and Soyeon? What are the two of you, exactly?”

Thankfully it was not a drink that Jae-in was consuming that time otherwise he would have easily spewed it right in front of Hongseok. That’s not exactly the one impression he wanted to convey for a time such as that one. He then let his gaze roll as he was in mid-chew, scanning the look of Ningning beside who merely supplied him with a curt smile.

It was bound to be asked at some point. Even if he wanted to delay it, there’s no changing the fact that…

“We’re nothing. There’s nothing going on between me and Soyeon.”

“I’ve been holding this in as well,” Ningning interfered as she finally spoke her mind. “Jae-in, it’s hard to believe that because the two of you went out of the Penthouse all clingy and intimate together. I think maybe at some point you’ve talked about it already, right? Curiosity got the best of me; I’m sorry.”

The three of them fell silent as both Ningning and Hongseok waited for his reply. Jae-in ran his eyes from Hongseok to Ningning once again, captivated by the latter’s look of utmost concern towards him. Intimidated, he eventually broke apart and finally spoke.

“I… I actually haven’t told this to anyone. I’ve been actively avoiding it because… I don’t know. It feels weird to talk about it…. Well, you two are friends with Soyeon so I figured…. That night at Skylight, Soyeon actually confessed that she likes me.”

His statement was met by soft oohs coming from the pair. Their expressions were different as they showed a face more of confirmation rather than surprise.

“We… we figured that’s what happened,” said Hongseok.

“Wait, you guys knew?”

“Jae-in, you said it yourself; we know Soyeon more than you do. We figured that it would happen at some point.”

Does Soyeon often do this to guys she just met?

“Bottom line is… Do you like her back?”

“Umm… honestly, it’s very complicated…”

Hongseok nodded.

“So it’s a ‘no’ then, otherwise you would have said so already.”

“No, please listen first. You see, things have gotten to me ever since that night in Skylight. Looking back at what transpired throughout that only showed how fast we were taking this… situation. I do admire how Soyeon felt really determined to prove of her feelings of me; and I’m not telling this to you because I don’t appreciate her. It’s just… this entire thing, even with the premise of her confessing to me when she was drunk… I think every normal person would agree that pursuing it would be a bad idea. I’m pretty sure that I’m not the only one who’s thinking like that.”

He paused for a bit and drank a mouthful to regain ground, and then resumed talking once again.

“I can see how Soyeon would turn out in case I reciprocate her feelings and formally date her, but then again I still have a lot to know about her. It’s crazy to think that you knew her better than me; and I guess that’s not ideal for someone that you like to date. At least, that’s not how I like it to turn out. Call me old-fashioned, but it’s just the way I think it’s supposed to go.

“One can perhaps blame me for my lack of romance since my high school days for how I’m feeling right now… leaving me to think that Soyeon’s being too much towards me in ways I don’t even want to disclose. I don’t want to just co-exist with her because that would be really unfair to her feelings for me. I just don’t want to feel obliged to do anything for her when yet I’m not even sure if I actually like her back. I’m slowly feeling the pressure that I should do something for her in return. I know it’s just me, but I can’t help but feel it.”

Hongseok nodded in silence while Ningning watched. The former then moved to ask a follow-up.

“Can be honest with you, Jae-in?”

“Go ahead.”

“I’m actually surprised that Soyeon even took a liking onto you. You’re the least type of person I think Soyeon would be interested on. No offense.”

I kinda expected that.

“Don’t worry man… I totally understand it. That’s part of the reason why I’m unsure of what to feel as well… I mean, why would she even like me?”

Hongseok shrugged his shoulders.

“I don’t know… maybe she’s trying something different? I don’t know how Soyeon thinks these days. The thing is, with the years of our friendship, I could already tell what kind of person she likes. Tall, athletic, brooding… I’m sorry to say but you already lack two of those. I’m not saying that you’re ugly, Jae-in. God knows that you’re a good-looking man, it’s just you’re not fitting into the standard that I thought Soyeon held up. You came as a huge surprise to me.”

“I guess so…”

“Hey,” Ningning interfered. “But it’s not like you can’t change your preference when you’re interested with someone. Maybe that’s what Soyeonnie’s feeling right now. Girls do that.”

“Jae-in,” Hongseok said once again. “Have you even considered giving it a shot? Have you ever thought that… what if, just for a day, you tried to act like Soyeon’s your girlfriend and feel what it’s like to have Soyeon with you and maybe think your decision after that?”

“And if I didn’t like how that turned out and I’d reject her, wouldn’t that feel unfair for her because I made her believe in something false? I just gave her hope. In the moment that I’d take it away, it would not be pretty.”

“How are you supposed to find out if you’re not going to try?”

Jae-in had his answer formulated in his mind, but with the combined irritation from Hongseok’s persistence as well as his seemingly heated mood because of his lack of sleep, everything in his head just wanted him to shut up and listen. However, he also did not want to be rude and so all he could do was control him and try to think properly of what he wanted to convey. Ningning, on the other hand, looked back against Hongseok with a look of disgust.

“Hongseok… what the fuck… I agree with Jae-in here,” the young girl seconded. “I feel like it would be unfair for him to do that to her.”

“Exactly… it would feel like I’m the one who’s taking advantage of her situation just because I know that she has feelings for me. She might interpret it with me reciprocating things for her.”

“I get your point, but you won’t solve anything between you two unless you find out if you like her or not. Are you sure that you want to let Jeon Soyeon, a multi-talented, beautiful woman who has boys fall head over heels for her presence because of her amazing body, and admitted having feelings for you, just go because you can’t figure out if you like her or not? Other guys would like to kill just to be in your position man. Do you even realize what you have on your platter, Jae-in?”

I don’t honestly understand why he is playing devil’s advocate against himself. I don’t fucking get what he is trying to point out for me to understand. All the points that he’s throwing at the table feels like it’s just contradicting each other. It’s getting so fucking annoying already that I want to make him shut up.

What is the point of this conversation?

Was he supposed to convince me to be with Soyeon or not? Which side is he on?

Is he just getting stupid answers from me?

“I know that, which is why I want to be absolutely sure if she just confessed to me because she knows there’s a huge chance of me liking her back or there’s something else on play. Sure, let’s remove the fact that she was drunk when she confessed to me, but things are getting a bit too fast that I can’t even think. On top of all that, I’m doubting of even acknowledging my feelings for her because I’m also considering the fact that she might be using me to move on, or even just be her past-time while she has no boyfriend yet. What happens if she managed to find one better than me, huh? Where would I end up once that happens? I have my traumas as well, Hongseok, which is why I wanted to be absolutely sure. I am in no position to gamble and play games. We’re way past that.”

“Jae-in, that’s overthinking too much. All I’m saying is… why don’t you try to give a feel into things first and try to return some of her feelings? It’s not like you’re the best guy in the campus. Like you said, she could easily replace you if she wanted to, now with a better guy—“

That was it.

That was the tipping point.

Every emotion in Jae-in’s body broke like a fuse; anger and emotion surging through his entire body as his blood rushed into his head, amplified by the terrible mood swings brought in by his lack of sleep. The memory of his trauma brought back painful memories upon Hongseok’s mention of a better guy, and everything in his sight seemingly went black.

He immediately stood up from where he was seated; furious by the statement that Hongseok released, and moved to clutch the man’s collar with his hands. Jae-in, with utmost overflow of emotions, had his entire rationale flushed out the window as he pulled Hongseok up by his shirt and glared at him, earning a panicked reaction from Ningning. Soft clatters of the half-empty dishes were heard on the table as the rest of the restaurant’s patrons shifted their attention to Yoon Jae-in and Hongseok.

“Hey, hey, calm down!” Ningning’s voice hissed as she too joined the two men. She brought her hands between them and moved to gently hold Jae-in’s arms to shake him back. “You took it too far, Hongseok. I think Jae-in gets your point. You don’t need to tell him things he already knew.”

“Okay, I’m sorry man,” Hongseok said amidst the deep glare of Jae-in in front of him. “It’s my fault… I should have stopped talking. Can we calm down now? We don’t need to talk about her. I’m really sorry.”

“Jae-in… please let him go. You’re causing a scene. It’s alright,” Ningning’s voice came, soothing the angry Jae-in. The young man then finally caught up to what was going on and scanned the area. He saw how everyone was looking at them, and the sight eventually caused his grip on Hongseok to slacken and eventually let him go.

“I’m… I’m sorry…” he said.

“It’s okay. Don’t worry about it,” said Hongseok as he patted Jae-in’s shoulder. “Calm down. Drink some shake. You just need to chill.”

Hongseok then turned towards the busy onlookers, waved his hand, and then supplied them with a wide smile.

“Sorry about that! I said something wrong. Please continue eating. We’ll sort this out. Thank you!” and then bowed.

And just like that, the two guys eventually sorted their emotions and sat down. Jae-in could barely even keep his head up now that he had caused such a scandalous scene in his first time at the place. He could only do so much as ball his fist, frustrated for losing control of him as well as relieving the harkening memories of his past relationship.

It was fortunate that Ningning was there to be the mediator between them both. As Jae-in and Hongseok were both busy reflecting on their actions and words that lead to such a terrible result, Ningning was the first person to introduce a new topic between the three of them, completely unrelated to Soyeon or even the friend group, as they finally finished their lunch in the empty, smoke filled eatery.

#ning yizhuo #aespa ningning #pentagon hongseok #gidle soyeon #kpop fluff

78 notes · View notes

minimultiestfandoms · 2 months

Text

Pentagon reaction to you asking to tie a bow around it pt.1

requested: no

wanted to start doing fake texts as they are easier to do then writing full fledged fanfics and i’ve been busy with uni and work so please note fake texts are only open for now! i might open small headcanons later on when i get more used to my schedule!

— sunnie

——————————————————————————

Hui

Jinho

Hongseok

——————————————————————————

taglist; @bigkpopstan, @baka-writings, @haechansfbuddy, @jeonronwoo, @jiminslostjam, @bluejaem, @jisungismymom, @hyuckography, @i-luvsang, @neocrush, @moonshineboyz, @chewryy, @sugarcherriess, @neochan, @jinkoh, @shinwolo, @hazyhae, @mrkis, @dollyji, @tddyhyck, @mrkjaems

#minimultiestfandoms #admin sunnie #kpop #made by admin unnie #kpop fake texts #pentagon #pentagon imagines #pentagon scenarios #pentagon x reader #pentagon smut #pentagon fake texts #pentagon hui #pentagon jinho #pentagon hongseok

3 notes · View notes

lovvlovveee · 11 days

Text

Pentagon❤️

#icons #pentagon jinho #pentagon yanan #pentagon hongseok #pentagon imagines #pentagon icons #pentagon #pentagon hui #pentagon kino #pentagon yuto #pentagon jr #hongseok #lee hoetaek #pentagon wooseok

2 notes · View notes

mojamchim · 8 months

Text

#yang hongseok #hongseok #pentagon #pentagon hongseok #kpop fandom #kpopidol #kpop

9 notes · View notes

pastelwalks · 2 years

Note

Ptg Kino or Hongseok icon pls

Hongseok icons <3 click here for kino icons :)

Like/rb if you save or use

83 notes · View notes

club-cheongyang · 5 months

Text

#pentagon hongseok #yang hongseok #kpop idols #male idol #shirtless #male abs #cropped jacket #ptg #korean actor #born 1994 #velvet

2 notes · View notes

gothic-cherry-girl · 2 years

Text

gays going to brunch

#pentagon #hui #jinho #hongseok #shinwon #yeo one #yuto #kino #wooseok #i hope no one has done this before #kpop meme #pentagon hui #pentagon jinho #pentagon hongseok #pentagon shinwon #pentagon yeo one #pentagon yuto #pentagon kino #pentagon wooseok

35 notes · View notes

jae-bummer · 10 months

Text

My Idol 3: Part Four

My Idol From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

My Idol 3: The Series

You smiled shyly at the man who was now seated next to you at a small, cloth covered table. Catching you looking at him, he quickly smiled in return before you lost your nerve and looked away.

"What?" he whispered, knocking his shoulder lightly into yours. "I like the attention."

Slowly exhaling you looked at him again. It was honestly like trying to keep eye contact with the sun. When you were with Jungkook, things had fit. He felt familiar to you, even though you had no prior run-ins with him. This person, Hongseok (of Pentagon, you had learned), made you nervous.

Jokes about serial killers aside, he gave you one of the heaviest cases of butterflies you thought you had ever had. Your stomach whirled in circles, trying to adjust to the feeling of constantly falling. He didn't quite click, but in this case, it made things more exciting. He seemed the type to put off a playful and witty exterior, only to treasure things when no one was looking. He wanted to be confident with you, but you were almost positive that he was mentally stamping every moment into a scrapbook that he could look back on. You were surprised he hadn't brought his phone out again.

"Do you?" you finally managed to respond. "Maybe I shouldn't give it then."

"Whyyy," he whined, a small line appearing between his brows. "I like it when you look at me."

"I think you like it when anyone looks at you," you teased.

"A little appreciation never hurt," he grinned. Leaning toward you again, his lips tickled the shell of your ear. "You should let me appreciate you too."

Your mouth popped open while it waited for your mind to manufacture some response. Leaning away again, Hongseok's eyes danced with mischief. Just as you were attempting to make any sound, a shop worker sat down across from the two of you.

"Hello sir," Hongseok nodded politely. "We're here for-"

Stopping his sentence completely, you peeled your eyes from him to focus on the newcomer. Cringing, you looked back to Hongseok. "It's everyone's favorite part of My Idol."

"If by "everyone," you mean Jeon Jungkook and Jeon Jungkook alone, then yes, I'm sure it's everyone's favorite," he laughed.

"Hey," you gasped, naturally protective of your first date. "At least it's more fun when someone is happy to participate."

Hongseok's eyebrows shot up as he smirked, amused he had hit a nerve. "I'm more than happy to participate, but let's correct the rest of it. You," he tapped your shoulder lightly. "Are my favorite part of My Idol."

"Nice save," you laughed nervously, facing the shop worker again. You hadn't realized a harmless joke would illicit that reaction from you, but you made a mental note to put some space between you and the memories of your first date. While Jungkook was easily at the top of your mind, you couldn't let it effect you as you moved forward.

Taking the envelope carefully from the older man who was now smiling sadly at you, you couldn't help but let out a sigh.

"Not so enthusiastic now, are you?" Hongseok poked.

Immediately handing the envelope to him instead, you looked up with furrowed brows. "Yeah, I don't look forward to this part at all."

Taking it from you, he nodded. Any further wisecracks had died on his lips as he noticed how uncomfortable you were. "I'll do the dirty work then."

Sliding a long finger beneath the envelope's seal, he chewed on his plush bottom lip as he slid out the card stock.

"Make a match: Guess your date's ring size in just one try or face a penalty. "

"One try!" you groaned, rearing around to the producers. "That's impossible."

"That's the point," one of the PD's laughed. You remained stoic, obviously not in on his idea of a joke.

"It'll be fine," Hongseok chimed, directing your attention back towards him. "You know how much jewelry I have pulled on and off every day? We can figure it out!"

Looking from his hands to yours, you shook your head. "Can't you just hint to what yours is? Like a number between 13 and 15 perhaps?"

(**Note: Korean ring sizes are different from US/UK/EU)

"No assisting," one of the PD's responded quickly.

"Well, that wasn't on the card, now was it?" Hongseok chided, looking down his nose at the production crew. You felt an instant smile paint your lips.

"We will check using our ring sizer," the shop worker said helpfully, holding up a key ring that held what appeared to be two dozen small circles.

"Okay," Hongseok hesitated, wiping his palms on his shorts before extending his hand. "Come here."

Scooting more closely to him, you placed your fingers in his, allowing him to maneuver your palm around until it was ridiculously close to his face. "Interesting," he hummed.

"What is?" you asked, looking around your intertwined hands.

"Your skin is very soft," he asserted, his tone contemplative. "And even your fingers are adorable."

"Hongseok!" you laughed, trying to pull yourself from him. This only caused him to smile and hold on more tightly.

"Y/N!" he gasped in a tone similar to yours. Swiveling your hand again, he gave a small nod. "17."

You looked closely at your own hand before narrowing your eyes at him. Admittedly you hadn't sized yourself in awhile, but his guess didn't seem out of the realm of possibility.

Holding up his hand expectantly, Hongseok smiled. "Your turn."

Nodding, you asked him to spread his fingers apart. He happily obliged, continuing to watch you as you were lost in thought.

"Maybe," he said quietly. "It would help if you held my hand."

"Oh, would it?" you laughed.

"I think so," he encouraged, his tone trying to be convincing. "You never know what kind of idea it could spark."

"Fine," you smirked, choosing to humor him. Sliding your fingers between his, you examined them. They were long and thin, much like him. You knew the ring would have to be bigger than where it would naturally sit on his finger, considering it would have to go over his knuckles. Tilting your joined hands back and forth, you wracked your brain for the possible answer.

"We're talking just the ring finger here, right?" you asked, looking over your shoulder at the producers. You weren't going to be caught on a technicality.

A smattering of "yes" and "mmm," answered your question begrudgingly.

"16," you nodded not so confidently.

Hongseok instantly smiled, his face beaming with pride. You knew you had to have gotten it.

Smiling back, your heart tugged again. You didn't realize it at the time, but his jokes and flirting helped you not to think too deeply into what you were trying to do. Sure, Hongseok didn't have the most robust sense of humor you had ever encountered, but he had unlocked the small ways to make you laugh.

"Let's check," he said cheerfully. Picking the key ring up first, he sorted through the options until he found the one marked as 17.

Extending your hand in his direction once again, he looked at you meaningfully. "Do you promise to love and cherish, through sickness and in health-"

You groaned, flopping your head backwards. "Hongseok, please."

"Okay, okay," he laughed, sliding the size 17 easily down your finger. "There! Happy?"

You looked down in shock. Glancing to the producers who were now shaking their heads, you could only grin. "Yeah, actually, I am."

Trying the sizer on Hongseok's hand went much the same, sans the cringe attempt at wedding vows. You felt like you were floating, absolutely drunk with joy. My Idol: 0, Y/N: 2.

"Shall we get to the real date now, gentlemen?" Hongseok asked, his posture much straighter and chest puffed out. "As we have successfully completed our mission?"

After some double checking to confirm the two of you weren't conspiring to fake your ring sizes, the production staff finally allowed you to continue. Now that you had your appropriate numbers, the shop worker, who you learned was named Jae, quickly handed over two pairs of aprons. It was an odd reckoning, finding someone more attractive once they donned an apron, but somehow, that's what happened when you had tied the strings behind Hongseok's back. He quickly pivoted around, insisting on tying yours, and then taking a selfie to commemorate your cute outfits. If only he knew the things the simple piece of fabric was doing to you.

Two photos and one boomerang later, Jae patiently walked you through the process. As these were meant to be couple rings, he insisted you would have to design each other's. Without missing a beat, Hongseok suggested at least five completely terrible things he was planning to put on yours before you were both given a piece of metal to design. It took you some time, but you had finally landed on something you thought was solid. It was easy when you realized.

"Memory," Hongseok hummed happily, looking over the tiny anvil you were using as a rest for the ring you were stamping. "Aren't you the cutest thing to walk on two feet?"

"I thought it fit," you smiled, looking down at the simple lettering you had pounded out.

It didn't take much time for both of you to finish your designs. The next step led you to filing down the ends of the rings, which Jae then melted together. The last and longest stage would involve hammering the rings into shape and correct size. You were both given small, cylindrical tools to do this and began your forging.

The silence you shared was comfortable as you both focused on your work. You didn't feel particularly inclined to start small talk, not until you thought of something you really wanted to learn about him. Of course there were dozens of things you wanted to know. Hundreds, maybe, but this moment felt special. Just two people doing something small in the universe for one another.

"What are you thinking about?" Hongseok finally asked after the sound of tiny hammers had become a little less grating.

"About how even if you don't make it to the next round, I expect you to wear this ring forever," you looked up with a grin.

"A harsh request, but not an impossible one," he laughed.

"Of course I'm joking," you sighed. "I wouldn't want to ruin your game."

"Game?" he smiled. "You're assuming I have any."

"I have spent multiple hours with you now," you conceded. "Apparently I think you have some. I know, crazy."

"What a compliment."

"What does your dating history look like?" you asked now that you were thinking of his attract-ability. "What led you here?"

"Dating history," he groaned, glancing back instinctively at the cameras. "Well, I know my way around a scandal or two."

"Is that right?"

"It doesn't sound as exciting as you think," he continued. "I went out for lunch with a friend once and apparently we were harboring a secret relationship."

"A secret relationship sounds like a lot of work."

"It is," he nodded. "But coming into this I thought, who would be crazy enough to put themselves into chaos like that? To date multiple idols at once?"

"Gee, thanks," you laughed, trying to remain lighthearted. He wasn't wrong.

"You're welcome," he smiled up at you. "But you're not very crazy at all. Frankly, it's disappointing."

"I could hurl my tiny hammer at someone," you said quietly, looking around the room. "Is that crazy enough?"

"I don't think I have enough money for bail," he said dryly. "We should save that for the second date."

"I get it though," you admitted, picking up on the previous line of conversation. "Why would someone want to put themselves out there like that?"

"I just hate the idea of someone I care about getting caught in the crossfire of my profession," he sighed. "So I thought that maybe if I could date someone who knew exactly what they were getting in to, it might not be so bad."

"I'm not sure I really do know what I'm getting into," you shrugged. You had seen plenty of celebrity scandals in your day and they were never painted in a positive light. When you started this adventure, it was an easy realization that you would be getting some level of hate. You had to admit though, you were surprised by just how much. At this point, you avoided almost all forms of social media, chalking it up to a member of BTS being your first date. That was destined to piss off plenty of people.

"I'm protective," he continued. "Dating a non-celebrity...if this works, I have every intention of being careful with you. Not that you need me to treat you like you're something fragile." He paused. "I feel like I'm not saying this how I want to."

"Then try again."

Nodding to himself, he did just that. "I know the attention dating a foreigner would get me in a normal circumstance. I would never deny knowing you or being close with you, but it's about being incredibly conscious at all times. I thought that maybe this show would cut through some of that red tape. I just want to be happy with someone I can make happy."

"You definitely have the ability to do that," you said slowly, watching him from your peripherals.

For a moment, he paused his hammering to look at you before getting back to his work. "You think so?"

"Mmm," you answered, still not looking up, but smiling nonetheless. You had no doubt.

"Did you have fun?" Hongseok asked, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. To capture just a little more time together, you had agreed for him to walk you the few blocks back home.

You looked down to what was your half of a matching set of couple rings. It was difficult not to smile at the small H engraved next to a heart. "You know, I really did."

"And why do you sound so surprised?" he laughed, pulling you to a stop. Unfortunately, you had arrived at your apartment building much sooner than you would have liked.

"I have to go into these things at least a little guarded," you smirked. "Can't go getting my heart broken all over the place, now can I?"

"I realize you had no idea who your date would be when you woke up this morning," he cooed, reaching up to tuck a lock of hair behind your ear. "But I have no intentions of breaking your heart."

"Yeah, well, we'll see what Korea has to say about that," you grumbled, glancing into the lobby of your building.

Catching your attention for a brief moment, someone dressed in all black had just hurried down the stairs and toward the back exit of the building. Tilting your head, you turned back to Hongseok. "That was weird."

"Hm?" he asked, turning to look inside the lobby as well.

"Someone..." you began, but shook your head. "Nothing."

"What was it?" he asked, his brows furrowed in concern.

"Just got a weird feeling," you muttered. "It's okay though."

"Why don't I walk you up to your place?" he asked, instantly catching on to your sudden change of mood. "If that's okay?"

"You don't have to," you said, the natural reply. It was your goal in life to be as small of an inconvenience to those around you as possible.

"I know I don't have to," he implored, smiling encouragingly. "But if you want me to, I'll do it twelve times over."

"But no more than that?" you teased, attempting to shake off the odd feeling again.

"Nope," he laughed. "You ask for the thirteenth and I'm gone."

"If you really don't mind," you said quietly, already feeling ridiculous.

"Of course not," he nodded. "Buzz us in."

Using your key card, the two of you made your way into the building and up the two flights of stairs to your apartment. The elevator was often broken in your complex, but even if it wasn't, you felt too restless to wait for it to arrive.

Finally making your way down the hall, you paused. Surely that couldn't be right.

"Which one's yours?" Hongseok asked, eying the different apartment numbers. He came to a stop beside you, going quiet when his eyes landed on what you were seeing.

"Hongseok, I-" you began, your feet stumbling forward. Your apartment door was cracked open. But why?

"Stay behind me," he rushed out, nudging you behind him. You glanced over your shoulder to Wu and Woo who were finally huffing up the stairs.

"Did I forget to lock it?" you breathed, tiptoeing behind Hongseok as he slowly approached your door.

"The lock's busted," he muttered, shaking his head. Turning around, he pulled you back into the direction you had first came. "We need to call the police."

#yang hongseok #pentagon #hongseok #pentagon hongseok #pentagon x reader #hongseok x reader #pentagon fanfic #hongseok fanfic #my idol season 3 #bts #stray kids #skz #monsta x #seventeen #svt #got7 #ateez

29 notes · View notes