#they knew exactly what they were doing naming it this
Note
hiii!!<3 if you’re thinking abt writing for joost, can u pls write some thing abt an established relationship fic based off the song birds of a feather by billie eilish if u can! love ur writing!
Hi anon! thank you sm for the request <33 this song is so sweeeet omg!!! also... technically an established relationship, but i do recap how reader and joost met :-)
Birds of a Feather | Joost Klein
description: gn!reader reflects on all the special moments in your and Joost's relationship following an unexpected proposal.
content: so insanely cheesey! sorry! pure fluff! + lots of crying (mostly happy tears) literally the most tiny smallest sexual reference
word count: 2426 (this was supposed to be under 1k words but i got soooo carried away)
/I don't know what I'm crying for / I don't think I could love you more/
Shaky fingers fiddle with the cold metal looped around your ring finger. Your hand flexes outward, watching as the light from your window reflects onto the small stone. Something warm rolls down your cheek- a solitary teardrop, caressing the skin of your face. Your hand reaches up to wipe away the tear, but it's too late, you can feel more welling up near your waterline, any sudden movement now would send tears streaming down your face. You look up, your eyelids brink rapidly in an attempt to prevent the inevitable waterworks.
You hadn't seen an engagement coming- in all the years you'd been together, it still seemed like a milestone that had felt so far away. Until Yesterday.
You and Joost had been nearly inseparable since just about the moment you had met- A nervous 20-year-old studying abroad in the Netherlands for your second to last semester of university. You sat on the stairs outside of the apartment building that stood as your temporary housing for the semester, on the brink of tears, your randomly assigned roommate had been a real piece of work. You were on your third argument that week alone, and, saying you were fed up was an understatement. You contemplated at that moment packing your things and just going back home.
"Gaat het?" (Are you ok?) A voice calls out, a goofy-looking blonde standing at the bottom of the stairs. He looks vaguely familiar, you think you may have seen him in the elevator of your apartment once or twice.
You furrow your eyebrows at him, "Ik spreek niet veel Nederlands," Using one of the few Dutch phrases you knew to tell him you don't speak Dutch. You shake your head, kind of hoping he would get lost, not wanting to be bothered.
"Ah," He nods, "Do you speak English?"
You stare at him for a moment, unsure if you should lie, after all he was a stranger but something is telling you to tell him the truth.
"Yeah," You sniffle, attempting to remove any emotion from your face.
"Are you okay?" He asks again, this time you understand.
"I'm fine," You weren't exactly searching for a deep conversation about your current struggles in someone you didn't know.
"People who are fine don't usually sit outside their apartment building crying."
You bite your lip, contemplating engaging the kind stranger in what was ailing you at the moment. You sigh, having a feeling he would probably keep pestering you if you continued to insist you were feeling in a way you actually weren't.
"It's just my roommate-"
Two months after your first encounter with the blonde man at the bottom of the stairs, you were standing in front of a mirror, doing a final check of your outfit before going on your first date. You had learned his name was Joost, he was 21, and lived in an apartment two floors above you.
He was unimaginably kind, with a wit unparalleled by anyone you'd ever met before, and truthfully, he was very cute- so when he had initially asked you out, you couldn't get a "yes" out fast enough.
It seemed a little inconvenient, given that you only had one more month left in the Netherlands- but he knew this, and didn't necessarily seem like he had been looking for anything too serious. Besides, it would be nice for you to have a good connection with someone outside of the people you saw in your classes.
There's a knock at the door, and your feet are quick to start shuffling under you, you're practically running to go open it.
You stop for a moment as you get to the door, letting a deep breath fill your lungs to capacity, before letting it out, whipping the door open as you do so.
Joost is standing behind it, a smile plastered on his face, hands behind his back. He's dressed up, now that you thought about it, you never really saw him in anything other than a sweatshirt or t-shirt and some jeans. It was a pleasant change- a white button-up shirt and some dress pants even if both articles of clothing had been obviously wrinkled.
"Hey," He greets, removing his hands from where they rest behind him, revealing a bouquet of flowers in an outstretched arm, "These are for you- I didn't know what kind of flowers you liked so I sort of just guessed." He's unsure of himself, in an entirely endearing way. He was trying.
"For me?" You grin, "Aww, Joost!" You take the flowers from his hands, "Let me go find something to put these in."
A month later you're sitting on Joost's couch after what you assumed would be your last date together. Your study abroad program was ending in three days, and you'd be returning back home.
There is an air of sadness that surrounds you, one that you hadn't expected to feel- you'd only known the man for three months, yet somehow it felt like you were leaving someone you had known your whole life.
Gentle fingers grab onto your jaw, Joost is turning your head to force you to look at him.
"You know," He starts, "I've really been enjoying our time together."
"Me too," You agree, a small smile peaking onto your face, you try not to give way to the sadness you were feeling.
"And," He says, "Y/n, I really like you, and I think if I don't ask you now, I'm never going to get the chance to ever again."
"What?" You perk up, your heart suddenly beating much faster, your breathing quickens, unsure of what he's going to say next.
"Well- I- what I'm trying to say is, do you want to go out with me? Like- officially- like dating." His voice is trembling, you'd never seen him so anxious before.
"Joost I-" You sigh, the reality of your situation crashing into you harder than it had before, "I'm leaving soon- we'll be hours away, when am I going to see y-"
You're cut off by Joost's lips crashing into yours, your thoughts suddenly disappearing the second your lips connect. You're entirely overwhelmed with emotion, every wire in your brain is fried, this move was an utter surprise, up until this point your relationship had been entirely chaste; the furthest you'd gone was sharing a hug at the end of your dates. Still, you kiss him back, your hand finding its way to his shoulder, tugging at it, begging him to come closer to you.
It had been seven and a half months since you had last seen Joost, but the two of you had talked at length each and every day during that time. By now, you had finished your degree in University and were ready to really start your life.
You could remember the cheer of excitement on the other end of the phone when you told Joost after a month of job hunting you had secured a job in the Netherlands.
"Does that mean you're coming back here?"
"Yeah, the job starts at the end of next month ."
A month and a half didn't necessarily give you much time to plan things out to the extent you would have liked, but Joost was more than ready and willing to help you out.
He had posited moving into his apartment- but the suggestion while sweet- was quickly thrown out. It wouldn't have been an ideal commute to your new job.
So the two of you got on to looking elsewhere, he had been kind enough to take the time out of his days to go to apartment showings for you near where you'd be taking your job, keeping you on Facetime as he viewed the places.
Eventually, you had found one you absolutely fell in love with, in perfect distance from the job. The problem had been- it was quite a ways out of your budget. You were heartbroken, it had basically been your dream apartment.
Joost, always swift with solving problems, suggested that the two of you move into the apartment together, that way he could cover the rest of the rent that you couldn't afford. And while you were over the moon about his offer- you worried about what living together would do to your relationship, the two of you had known each other for less than a year- would living together be such a great idea?
But as you're standing in the doorway of your bedroom on the first night being in your new apartment, staring up at Joost, who's leaning against the door frame- you just know you made the right decision.
A careful hand glides across your cheek, resting at the back of your neck,
"Thank you for coming back," Joost muses, gently massaging the spot where his hand resides. You lean into his touch,
"There was no other option" There's an undeniable twinkle in your eyes, admiring the man who stood above you, tired and messy from a long day of moving.
"I've been waiting to tell you this in person," His grip on your neck suddenly becomes still, rigid, "And- even if you don't feel the same yet, I just wanted to say that I love you." He's talking fast, simpering after he finishes his short words before resuming the gentle massaging motion of his thumb against your neck.
The breath is almost entirely knocked out of you- he loves you.
The words just about run out of your mouth, "I love you too,"
"You do?" His pupils are blown wide, "You love me too?"
You nod fervently, never having meant a statement so immensely in your life.
Joost is leaning down now, his head tilted so his lips can perfectly interlock with yours. It is possibly the hungriest kiss the two of you had ever shared, with the obvious implication of love now behind it. If Joost hadn't snaked his free arm around your back, you probably would have fallen straight to the ground, your legs tingling with excitement.
He pulls away, looking into your mostly empty bedroom, a smirk appearing on his face,
"What do you say we christen that bed I spent all day putting together?"
Five years later you're still living in that same apartment, the once-empty space now fully decorated with beautiful memories.
And now, the most crystal-clear memory sparkled in your brain, almost as bright as the ring itself. You'd been crying in intervals since then- since it happened since - You replayed it in your head.
"Do you remember when we first met?" Joost's fingers interlock with yours as the two of you walk down a familiar street- You were unsure of why Joost had insisted on taking you here, to the town where you both had lived when you met.
"How could I ever forget?" You grin, "Feels like just yesterday I was crying to some strange Dutch boy about my roommate issues."
"And how you told me, you never wanted to see the Netherlands again?" His words are slow as he looks deeply into your eyes, glimmers of adoration shining from every feature on his face.
"God, I was so dramatic- wasn't I?" You look away from him, scoffing as you look down at the pavement, thinking about your old self, looking back on it- it was a stupid decision to let one person ruin almost two months of your life, but back then it seemed like the biggest deal in the world. "Funny" You shrug, "The decision I made to talk to you on the day I was most certain I was just going to pack up and leave forever led me to making the Netherlands my home." You shake your head, "I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't met you on that day, but I don't think there's a reality that exists where we aren't together."
"Don't make me cry," He chuckles.
"I mean- I don't mean to be all sappy, but it's true- if soulmates are real, I can guarantee you're mine."
He's grinning now, you'd been so lost in your thoughts you barely noticed where the two of you had ended up, back at your old apartment, right in front of those very steps the two of you had met on.
He's pulling you up the stairs, and needless to say you're confused about this trip down memory lane.
"I think it's only appropriate that I do this here," His voice is low, and he's blinking more rapidly than usual. His hand slips from yours, and falls into his pocket- you watch anxiously for his next move. There's something in his hand now, and he's slowly bending down onto one knee.
The tears start nearly immediately, before he says a single word, you're cupping your mouth with your hand
"Y/n," He looks up at you, through the lenses of his glasses you can see there are tears in his eyes too, "Wil je met me trouwen?" (will you marry me)
"Joost," You choke out a sob- "Yes, Yes!" Your whole body is full of a tingling sensation, and your heart feels like it occupies more space in your chest than it did before, swelling with an overwhelming amount of love.
Joost grabs your trembling hand, caressing it tenderly with his thumb before slipping on the ring. You let him hold your hand for a moment more before you're pulling it away, desperate to see. You outstretch your hand in front of you, looking at the glimmering stone that sits on your finger. A visual confirmation of what had just happened.
He's barely stood all the way up before you're reaching for him, knocking into him with an embrace so energetically that it nearly knocks him over. As he catches his balance he wraps his arms right back around you, pulling you into him.
If you were to have gotten any closer, the atoms that make up each of your bodies may have actually fused together. Though you wish you could, despite how you fully braced Joost's body it doesn't feel like enough you want him closer to you.
Still, you're so warm in his tight embrace, letting out choked tears of joy against his chest.
A gentle kiss falls on the top of your head, followed by your favorite words to hear out of Joost's mouth, "Ik hou van jou." (I love you)
You shut your eyes, basking in the moment, you could absolutely get used to hearing those words every day for the rest of your life.
/I'll love you 'til the day that I die / 'Til the light leaves my eyes/
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an: I had this thought and it wouldn’t leave me so please enjoy the filth of my brain 😌 short but sweet…
pairing: Nanami Kento x female reader
warnings: suggestive, dirty talk, public setting, reader is very embarrassed by their situation
Frozen in place in the midst of the grocery store, you dared not to move. A slow trickle escaped your body and you firmly clenched your thighs together in the hopes of preventing anything further from leaking out. This was mortifying, this would be the thing that turned you into dust to blow across the wind for the rest of time.
A large hand found the small of your back, warm and familiar, followed by a concerned voice by your ear. “Something wrong, honey?”
You whipped around to him, face growing impossibly warm and sweaty at the immediate imagery of honey dripping from its pot. The slow sensual pour of sticky nectar prickled down your spine, and you wondered if he already knew of your current plight. Kento’s eyebrows rose towards his neat hairline, completely oblivious, despite your worries to the contrary, but he did sense your discomfort.
“Don’t you honey me,” you whisper yelled, poking a sharp finger into the centre of his chest. “Why did I let you talk me into this?”
“Talk you into… grocery shopping? We both need to eat, sweetheart,” he answered with a poorly disguised chuckle.
Kento turned to examine the fresh produce, squeezing mangoes to find one nearing ripeness, and you damn near dropped to the floor at the sight. His impossibly large hand encased the whole fruit, fingers flexed around the fleshy skin and all you could think of was how that was exactly how he would squeeze and grope at your breasts.
You took a step closer—drip.
“Kento…” you whined pathetically, tugging on the sleeve of his shirt and doing your damnedest not to dance on the spot like a child in need of the nearest bathroom.
With a sigh, he placed the basket hooked over his other hand on the floor and brought you into the shelter of his body. His chin rested on your head whilst your arms encircled his waist, holding him gently and only for a moment before pulling away.
“I’m leaking.”
Kento paused, perplexed. “You’re what?”
This was so embarrassing and he was going to make you spell it out for him. “What did we do before grocery shopping?”
“We showered, you cooked breakfast and I—oh.”
The penny finally dropped and you could kick him for the shit eating grin that spread across his face. You weren’t accustomed to such obvious delight etched over his features and at your expense too!
Before you could think to follow through with kicking his shin or huffing and puffing, he pulled you into his side and lowered his mouth to your ear. The warm fan of his breath sent goosebumps rippling up and down your arms and your pulse quickened.
“Am I right in saying that my seed is leaking out of you?” He asked coolly, as if he was asking you an everyday question like what type of cheese should we buy this week.
You nodded, afraid of your own voice right now.
Kento hummed. “Then I clearly didn’t fuck it deep enough. We’ll have to remedy that. How does it feel? I’ll bet it’s all warm from your hot little pussy.”
“Kento!”
“That’s right, my love. That’s how you screamed my name when I had your ankles by your ears. Mm, my sweet honeypot.”
If you weren’t melting already, you certainly were now. Your body betrayed you wilfully, the walls of your cunt pulsing to push more of the creamy cum into the seat of your underwear. Kento laced his fingers with yours and began to guide you down the aisle, but you walked on stiff legs, so afraid of what might leak down your thigh if you moved normally.
“I’m stuck! What if I make a mess? I can’t stand here all day,” you squeaked much to Kento’s amusement. He was enjoying your predicament far too much, the wicked man that he was.
“Shall I find you a cart to sit inside?”
“You’re not funny mister…”
“Oh, but I’m not laughing, darling. You’ve let my gift escape, which I find rather rude. I intend to finish this shop fast and replace what you’ve lost.”
You blinked, lashes fluttering in rapid succession. The weight of molten heat dropped into the pit of your stomach. He couldn’t be serious.
Gently, he hooked your arm through his and patted your hand. His face was unreadable once more, eyes scanning the produce and placing items into his retrieved basket. So handsome, so calm, yet beneath the mask lay a man capable of ruining you with words alone.
“Come along, dear. I’ve just remembered we’re all out of honey… not that we don’t have ample supply of our own,” he whispered the last part beneath his breath.
“You’ll always be sweeter than honey to me.”
#delirious writes#nanami kento#nanami smut#nanami x reader#nanami kento smut#nanami kento x reader#jjk smut#jujutsu kaisen smut#jjk x reader
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bad habit ✮⋆˙ joost klein
SMUT 18+ MDNI
warnings: smoking, alcohol consumption, w33d (just a little), lots of teasing omg it's ridiculous, making out, oral!fem receiving because joost is a MUNCH, unprotected p in v, choking kind of?, orgasm denial and overstimulation
i am so sorry
Du weißt, dass das eine schlechte Angewohnheit ist, oder? - You know that's a bad habit right?
Hast du Feuer - Got a lighter?
Inside the venue, the music was ridiculously loud. Your friend had dragged you to a show (Ski Aggu? You had no idea, you were just there to support) and it was a good show and pretty solid music, but not exactly what you would listen to on a daily basis. In the end you ended up enjoying it, loving the antics onstage. Your favorite was that one song, probably his most recognizable because you’d heard it out before, where a tall blond guy wearing a full-on dress shirt with a tie and some funky-looking glasses.
The show was good, and since your friend had run into some acquaintances, you accepted your fate for the night and gestured to her that you were going out for a smoke. You’d had a few drinks already and just wanted to take a break from that and the overly loud music inside. Stepping outside, you took in the Berlin night cold and cursed yourself for only wearing a thin slip dress, at least covered by the oversized leather jacket with a million pockets. Curiously, somebody stepped out of the bar as well and you recognized him as the blond who was onstage earlier for that one song.
“Du weißt, dass das eine schlechte Angewohnheit ist, oder?” He spoke, teasingly referring to the box of cigarettes in your hand as you rummaged through your pockets for a lighter.
“Hast du Feuer?”
“Yeah, I’ve got one.” he says, reaching in his pocket.
You scoffed, shaking your head at yourself. “Is my german actually that bad?”
The man laughs, exposing a set of very charming dimples and a crinkle in his eye hidden by his wide-rim tinted glasses. “No it’s not, you’re just drunk and very clearly not from here.” He reaches out his hand with the lighter in it, and as you go to grab it he snatches it back, smirking and giving you a challenging look. “And what do I get in return?”
You roll your eyes, reaching into your pocket. “Here, you can bum one off me.” The blond nods appreciatively as he grabs a cigarette from you and proceeds to light his own first. He then reaches out with the lighter to yours, holding it up to light your cigarette and you can feel his gaze on you. There was a significant height difference, so you had to crane your neck up quite a bit to speak to him.
“Thank you…?” you say, prompting him to share his name, playing dumb because you already knew it.
“Joost” he replies, exhaling smoke and looking down at you, very obviously devouring you with his eyes. Oh so that’s what he’s playing at. “And you are…?”
Immediately your demeanor changed because, hell, he’s quite hot and seemed pretty fun from what you’d seen of him on stage. Might as well. You told him your name and teasingly started inquiring about his stage presence.
“So you’re friends with Aggu or something right?”
“Yeah,” he says, taking a drag and leaning his shoulder against the wall, towering over you. “We’ve been pretty tight since we were openers together once.” You nod understandingly, raising your eyebrows in the most subtly patronizing way to keep teasing him. He catches on. “Why, you listen to him?”
“No, not at all actually. My friends dragged me to this show.” you say, matter-of-factly “Lowkey I thought it would be kind of bad but I am pleasantly surprised.”
“Good,” He’s kind of shocked by your bluntness, but clearly intrigued. “What was your favorite song?”
“The one you sang with him.” You reply, finishing off your cigarette and dropping it to the ground and putting it off with your boot. “I’m going back in, you coming?”
Hurriedly, Joost takes a few last drags and follows you inside, lightly putting his hand on the small of your back as you led the way back to your friends.
“There you are, babe!” your friend replies, dropping the conversation she was having with an acquaintance. She leans closer to you, speaking into your ear over the loud music. “I see why you were gone and I’m not gonna get mad because he’s cute.”
You brushed her off with a wink and a laugh and casually turned back to Joost, “This is Joost, Joost this is my friend Lina that dragged me here.”
She waves, “Big fan.” and turns back to her other conversation. Silently you thanked her to yourself for getting the hint. You turn back to Joost, looking up at him and pointing accusingly.
“You owe me a drink for giving you one of my cigs.” you say, teasingly looking up at him with a smirk. You had to play his game, and at this point you felt like he was catching on too.
“Oh do I?” Joost replies, looking down at you challengingly through half lidded eyes and lightly licking his bottom lip. “You’d still have to owe me one back.”
“I can give you a kiss and we’ll be even.”
He nods, biting his cheek and turning to the bartender and signalling for two more of what he was drinking. Your drinks get served and you stand on your tippy toes, hand on his chest to lean into his ear to say ‘thank you’, and as you pull back he leans in but you quickly dodge him with a playful smirk. He’s very clearly into it and going in for the long run, so he followed you when you grabbed his hand and gestured towards the dancefloor. Even if Aggu’s show was over, the venue was still thumping with music.
Swaying your body rhythmically with the beat, Joost’s hands found themselves comfortably settled on your waist, slowly reaching towards your ass and pulling you closer like that. You kept going though, turning around and staying close to his body, making a point of teasingly moving your hips against him, feeling the light graze of his crotch against you.
This set him off the edge and he kept one of his hands firmly on your hip and reached the other to splay his arm across your shoulders in a light headlock to pull you closer. “And when can we get even?” He says into your ear, his voice an almost growl dripping with desire.
You turn around and look him wantonly in the eyes before reaching to give him a kiss. Joost kisses back firmly, leaning down a little to match you and reaching up his hand to cup your jaw. Immediately in that drunken kiss, you tangle your hand into his hair, complimenting the clashing of teeth and the slow roll of Joost’s tongue in your mouth. You continue to kiss, sloppily grabbing at each other, his hand snaking to grab at your neck and you reaching up to snake your arms around his shoulders as he pulled you closer. He suddenly stopped.
“Liefde, I have to take you home.” Joost pants, cheeks red and flustered from your passionate kiss. “You’re driving me insane.”
You give him a teasing look. “Look at you, all direct. Don’t seem like the type.”
He scoffs, leaning down towards your ear— “If I weren’t direct I wouldn’t be able to tell you that the though of you makes me hard and I want my head between your legs as soon as possible.”
This comment shuts you up completely, shooting a bolt of electricity down your spine and the mere idea of Joost between your legs makes you squirm pleasurably. You nod, looking up to him still slightly in shock.
“Let’s go to mine, I’m two blocks away and I’ve got weed.”
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
The walk back home for the two of you was excruciatingly long because you couldn’t keep your hands off of each other. You walked with your hand slipped in the back pocket of Joost’s jeans, and he kept looking down at you as you took another drag from your cigarette. He couldn’t help himself, really, and he pressed you against the nearest wall and gave you a long, deep kiss. You both grabbed at each other as you passionately made out against the wall of some random building on the way to your house. Romantic, huh?
Somehow, you made to your apartment and you discarded your leather jacket at the entrance. This left you in a very thin, almost transparent silk slip that gave Joost a perfect view of the outline of your body behind you, the dress almost translucent because of the light.
You plopped onto your couch, reaching for the bong on your coffee table as Joost sat next to you. Taking one or two hits, you passed it onto him as you analyzed his face in a different light than where you were before. His eyes were a dashing color blue and his blonde hair was the just right amount of tousled, falling onto his defined face perfectly.
He didn’t finish putting the bong down on your coffee table before you straddled him, looking onto his eyes, almost level to you because of his height, and gave him a profound kiss. His large hands settled on your ass, encouraging you to move your hips backwards and forwards, prompting him to grind back up into you. You continued like this for a while, tongues clashing and hands grabbing at each other, clouded by the substances running through your systems. You worked on loosening his tie and unbuttoning his shirt as you continued your kiss, pushing it down and off his body. Joost thought you looked positively angelic as you pulled away, connected still to him with a string of saliva and focusing on rubbing your tangibly wet pussy on his hard crotch.
Suddenly Joost grabs you from above him and turns you around to lay you on the couch, immediately putting his weight on you and passionately continued your kiss. You felt his bulge on you, hard from all the anticipation and teasing you even more as he continued to slip his tongue in your mouth. He snakes his hand down your side, rreaching down to your thigh and grabbing all over it, clearly enjoying the plush of your soft skin. Slowly, he begins reaching up towards your slip, moving it up slightly so you are more exposed.
“No underwear?” He asks through your kisses, snickering as you whine slightly because of the subjection he’s putting you in. Joost continues, smoothly and teasingly moving his hand on your waist, moving down to your leg, wrapped around him, and reaching up to your ass and giving it a slap. This sends a jolt through your body, extremely turned on but surprised at his harshness. You let out a moan and pulled him even closer.
“You liked that?” You moan in approval as he begins moving his hand between your thighs and breaks the kiss to start kissing your neck. Joost was literally leaving you speechles with his touches, making you a writhing, whining mess under him. He brings you up towards him to slip the straps of your dress down your shoulders and begins kissing down your chest, making you whine as he starts going lower and lower. Bringing his hand towards your pussy, he slowly traces his fingers up your slick folds until he gets to your clit. He starts to draw small circles with his thumb on the bundle of nerves, sending shocks through your body and making your back arch, bringing you closer to him.
As he continues to teasingly and painfully slowly move lower, you tangle your hands in his messy blonde hair. He finally reaches your throbbing pussy, but not even making a single movement that would indicate he would do anything yet with it, focusing on kissing your thighs.
“Fuck Joost, please do something” you moan, arching your back and expecting him to do something, but he just stops his kisses and puts more pressure on your clit. At this rate, you felt like you were coming closer and closer without him doing that much purely from the teasing.
“What was that, baby? I couldn’t hear you.”
“Please eat me out Joost, stop being such a fucking tease.” You reply through another moan, pulling at his hair to get closer.
“Ask nicely and I’ll do it.” He replies, menacingly pressing his thumb even more and looking up at you expectantly. “I want you to beg.”
That alone sent you into a moaning mess, immediately submitting to his touch. “Joost please please eat me out, I need you. Please do something, I can’t stand it.”
He instantly puts his lips to your pussy, lapping at your clit and putting one, two fingers in, hitting just the right spot, making you whimper out when combined with the feeling on your clit. Joost was clearly enjoying himself down there, running his tongue in all the right places and pumping his fingers in and out of you at a rough but pleasurable pace. You felt the familiar build of pressure in you, heightening your sensitivity to every touch and lick.
“Fuck Joost keep going please” You moan, pulling at his hair and trying to keep your legs from shaking. “I’m gonna come.”
He immediately takes his mouth off of your pussy and climbs back up to your level, leaving you confused and overstimulated from the lack of touch. He brings his hand up to your neck and grabs you by your jaw to look directly at him.
“You don’t cum until I say so.”
Joost quickly reaches down to unbuckle his belt as he continues kissing you. He was impossibly hard, and you helped him unbutton his jeans and reaching down to palm him through his underwear. He immediately let out a moan of relief at the loss of pressure when he pushed off his jeans, grinding into your hand as you both moaned at the buildup of anticipation. You were still put off from your orgasm and he was ready to shamelessly start fucking you, so you were both clearly on the same page when you reached down to pull down his underwear and release his hard cock. He was huge, you could feel it from making out earlier but seeing it at it’s full length you felt scared but also extremely turned on.
Through moans and clawing at each other, he grabbed his cock and quickly found his way towards your entrance, nudging the head of his cock and rubbing it against your hole.
“Tell me if you can’t take it,” he pants, and you were flattered by the concern but you knew better.
“Just put it in Joost, I need you inside of me.”
This set him off. He instantly started pushing himself inside you with a groan, bottoming out easily because of how wet you are. Joost looked at you to see if you were okay, and continued once you let out a moan and looked up at him. He moved at a painfully slow but strong pace in the beginning as you adjusted to his size, and once you started bringing him closer, he sped up his pace.
Both of you a mess of moans and groans, you continued to angle yourself towards his pounding thrusts, making him groan more as you started clawing at his back. You felt a mix of pain and pleasure as you felt his length inside you, building up the pressure in your belly once more, this time more intensely. He was bottoming out completely with each thrust now, letting out garbled curses in Dutch and pounding into you as you moaned out.
“Joost, please can I come.”
“Yes you can schatje, come for me.”
Instantly, you gushed all over his cock, arching your back and seeing stars. You stayed in that state for a minute, relieved from the overstimulation, but he didn’t stop his thrusts.
“I want you to come again, baby. C’mon get on top” he says, bringing you up as he sat up on the couch. Although you were blissed out from your orgasm, you still couldn’t help but be entranced by his orders, so you gave him a kiss as you straddled him, sinking onto his cock with a whimper. He was the one that continued the pace, hands on your ass, moving your hips back and forth and getting himself off with you.
You were a mess at this point-- your hair was all tangled and you were a flustered mess full of scratches and one or two hickeys, just like him. He placed a firm slap on your ass, which made your dripping cunt clench around him and made him let out a loud groan as he thrust up against you again.
“Fuck schatje you feel so good on me.” he groans, continuing to bounce you up and down. Joost loved the way you looked on top of him, a flustered, moaning mess that did everything to reach that second orgasm that he felt was close for you. That pleasurable pressure was growing in you again, and your overstimulation was driving you crazy. You loved the feeling of Joost’s cock inside of you, and in this position it was just hitting the right spot every time.
Joost eventually got sloppier, and started moaning harder, groaning your name hotly in your ear, which combined with his hands on you drove you closer and closer towards your orgasm.
“Can I come inside you?” he asks, “I’m close liefde, fuck.” You moan at the mere thought.
“Please come inside me Joost I’m so close.” You moan, intensifying your movements for a moment, Joost moving your hips harder, which set you off into a mess of gasps and whimpers, leaving you without air as you felt the flash of your second orgasm.
Your orgasm set off Joost too, coming at the feeling of your pussy clenching around him, and with a deep groan of your name, spilled inside of you. The both of you stayed there for a moment, panting as he leant his head against the back of the couch looking up at you. You looked divine, a blushing, blissed out mess and he was sure he wanted to have that view again. You leant against him, slumping back and putting your head on your shoulder.
Peppering kisses along your shoulder, he sighed. “Fuck smoking, I don’t know how I’m going to quit you now. ”
˗ˏˋ ★ ˎˊ˗
a/n: thank you for coming to my tedtalk. i needed to get that out of my system. i'm like speechless at myself because of how horny this is.
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Mommy do you think you can make a drabble or oneshot on idol!yunhwa just fucking me into bliss?
So here are my bunnies' favourites lately. Hwa and Yunho, this is something new. Don't you think?
But I have a feeling it will be fun, especially since dinners with Ateez always have a very unexpected ending.
It was very rare that you could have dinner with all the boys at the same time. Their crazy schedules, your irregular working hours and Hongjoong's desire to die in his studio in the name of art simply did not allow you to sit around the same table. One of them would definitely be absent, and you didn't want to point the finger at the rather sleepy and utterly charming captain, who, after a sleepless night, was now trying to immerse himself in San's inspired story with all his attention.
Yunho's arm is gently wrapped around your waist, pulling you closer to his tall, slender body as he heatedly discusses something with Wooyoung, who is sitting on the other side of the table. Wooyoung laughs loudly and slaps poor Hongjoong's shoulder, making the blonde squirm on his spot. You sincerely feel sorry for him, because after last time, you never wanted to be the one sitting between Woosan again.
Usually your dinners together are like real chaos, and the only thing holding it back is Seonghwa's gentle hand and Yeosang's soft nature. Speaking of Seonghwa, the long-haired brunette was pressed close to you on the other side of Yunho as he carefully arranged the food on the plates of the other members. God, Seonghwa's really a real mommy.
This time, dinner went surprisingly easy and relaxed, and you were completely engrossed in talking to Mingi and Hongjoong about their upcoming album when you felt Yunho's big, warm hand sliding under your skirt. For a second, your breath caught in your throat and your eyes widened in shock, but you quickly pulled yourself together, not wanting to attract the attention of the members with the sudden tension.
You knew exactly what he was doing. You and Yunho had played this game before, but never with all the boys together. Especially not with the gorgeous Park Seonghwa pressed against your side.
You know very well that it's better not to try to push his hand away from you. The last time you did that, you couldn't sit on your ass properly for a week, and although it was an amazing experience, especially with the way that Yunho fucked you into the mattress afterwards, but your tender ass needs a little rest.
Yunho's long, thin fingers begin to slowly caress your pussy through your underwear—or rather, a pitiful semblance of underwear—as the small piece of lace could not hide from him at all the amount of moisture that was flowing out of your hole.
#ateez smut#kpop smut#atz smut#ateez hard hours#ateez unholy hours#smut#ateez scenarios#ateez au#ateez x reader#ateez imagines#ateez fanfic#yunho smut#jeong yunho smut#yunho x reader#jeong yunho x reader#park seonghwa smut#seonghwa x reader#seonghwa smut#ateez seonghwa
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Yin & Yang (Steddie X You)
A/N: This post got me feeling some kind of way🫠 .
Warnings: Older Daddy Eddie (Late 30s)/ Older Dom Mr. Harrington (Late 30s) & Younger Fem Sub Y/N (mid 20s)
SMUT, LOTS of dirty talk, male masturbation, fingering, talks of sharing (duh), slight innocence kink (if you squint; she's new to the dynamic), ANGST, reader deals with a rude customer and Eddie saves the day. A fight between Eddie and Y/N are mentioned.
Word Count: 4838
Donate to my Ko-Fi <3
Everyone always said Edward Munson was a rude, pretentious asshole. News outlets, websites, social media; everyone who met him briefly or not at all expressed a particular distain for him that you always found amusing when the topic came up.
Visually, he did seem a bit aloof whenever the businessman did any kind of interview or was asked any kind of question. It was always a bit odd seeing a music producer get so much attention especially one who focused on the heavy metal scene but everyone who hated him also tended to agree that he was a genius at the craft.
The bands he signed and prompted always hit high numbers on their respective charts making him and them a ton of extra money in the process.
Anything you read or heard you skimmed past mostly because that wasn’t exactly your scene nor did you know anything when it came to what goes on the background of the music industry. Working at a coffee shop wasn’t extravagant or lucrative but it got you through till you could figure what actually was your scene and go from there.
That’s how you met him.
On a particularly rough shift, a man was screaming at you about an order that you supposedly got wrong as you tried to control the tears from spilling down your face.
“How stupid are you?! It’s coffee not a fucking math equation. You just put the right liquid in the right cup and fucking hand it to me! It’s not that hard! Fucking moron.”
“Excuse me.” The man turned just as the handsome gentleman who addressed him hung up his phone and shoved it into his coat pocket. “I understand you’re a bit stressed but I’m going to have to ask you to stop harassing the young lady. It’s not her fault and she’s doing her best.”
“Pfft. Fuck off, douchebag. This doesn’t concern you.”
“It actually does because you couldn’t handle this situation in a quiet calm manner. You’re ruining everyone’s morning including mine. Now…either take the coffee she’s giving you or wait for her to make a new one patiently.”
The man’s fist flew but the gentleman moved out of the way, grabbing his wrist, and twisting it as he forced the man to kneel before him.
“Ok. If this is the way you want to do this, that’s fine. Sweetheart…” When he addressed you, you immediately stood at attention ready to die for this man if he asked after what he had just done. “Can you hand me that cup there? Thank you.”, he praises, flashing you a small smile that makes you giddy. “Now, apologize to the young lady.”
“Ow, I’m sorry!”, the man cringes when his wrist is twisted a bit more.
“Good. Take this coffee and get the fuck out of my sight. If I see you here again I won’t be so nice.”
Disregarding the Styrofoam in the gentleman’s hand, the rude customer quickly gets to his feet before running out of the store. Sighing, your hero places the coffee in front of you.
“Thank you…for defending me… He was being such an asshole.”
“Yeah, he was. It’s not your fault he didn’t order the correct thing. I can be an asshole myself but I know when and where to use it.” When you giggled, his beautiful eyes scan you over as if trying to get a read on you with the little information in front of him.
“Are you, um, are you Edward?”, you ask as you slide him the coffee with the name scrawled across.
Again, he glances you over and later on you would learn he was looking for recognition. Everyone he interacted with knew his name and who he was. You were the first person in years who seemed to regard him as just another stranger which fascinated him.
“I am but you can call me Eddie. That’s what my friends call me.”
“Oh. Um, we’re friends?”
“For now, but I’d like to be more whenever you’re open to it.”
Another smile stretched across his face when he noticed your own turn bright red as you blushed.
“You don’t even know my name.”
Coyly, he leans his elbows on to your counter as his eyes stare at your chest. At first you feel self-conscious before you realize he’s looking at your name tag and you let out a tiny laugh to break the tension.
“I’m sorry, I just—”
“Do I make you nervous?”
“A little.”
“Honest. I like that. How about this. I can pick you up after your shift today and we can start with dinner and go from there.”
“I don’t have any clothes to change into.”
“That’s ok. I think you look perfect as is and I promise when I come get you I won’t be dressed as formal.”
“O-Ok, Eddie.”
“Good. Good girl. I’ll see you tonight.”
That evening, he showed up right as the shop was about to close and when you told him it would be a few more minutes, he nodded as he patiently waited by the front door. You occasionally snuck glances at him as he browsed his phone. True to his word, he wore jeans and sneakers with a nice white button up shirt that he had rolled up to his elbows. With how he looked this morning, you imagined for him this was dressed pretty down. While his hair was slicked back when you last saw him, now his waves seemed to have a mind of their own making him seem less intimidating and quite adorable.
Eddie asked you so many different questions about yourself, silently listening as you both ate at the restaurant he took you to. You learned fairly quickly, while he seemed like a man of few words, his body language spoke loudly. His chocolate eyes never left yours as he hung on each and every word you spoke. When you said something he found even remotely funny, his lips would flicker into a slight smirk before returning to their proper alignment. When your drink ran low, his finger would raise and a waiter would promptly run your way with a refill and as the night progressed you found his leg leaning against yours with a little sigh escaping his chest when you didn’t shy away.
“I feel kind of selfish. I’ve been talking about myself a lot but I feel like I don’t know anything about you.”
“Honestly, sweetheart, it’s a nice reprieve. Everyone I run into knows me and my perceived reputation so to finally meet someone who doesn’t know me is a breath of fresh air.”
“Reputation…”, you repeated the word apprehensively.
“Um, I’m kind of known as being a jerk.”
“You don’t seem like that to me.”
Eddie smiled so wide this time that his teeth came into view and you knew at that moment you’d do whatever it took to see him smile like that as much as possible.
“Thank you for that. I can be when I need to be. In my line of work people tend to take advantage pretty early on and I wanted this industry to know I’m not someone to fuck with.”
“Do you make movies or?”
“Music. I’m a music producer for some heavy metal bands.”
“Oh wow! That’s so amazing. I would love to know more! Did you use to play?”
When he finally began to open up, hours passed like minutes and you were so entranced that you didn’t even realize the restaurant was getting ready to close.
Eddie told you at one point he was in a band but hated the way they were cast aside for being “to generic” and “stuck in the past” so he took matters into his own hands. He bought a building and turned it into a label where he could help produce his friend’s music. He learned everything he could about production and managing, getting everything together, and essentially put Corroded Coffin on the map.
He found that he actually loved working behind the scenes and stuck with it from that point forward. Now he’s a well-respected name in his field earning triple what he would have made as a guitarist.
“What’s the name of the label you first opened?”
“Franklin Production; my mother’s maiden name. It seemed right because her money bought the building and she always loved music. She died when I was young.”
When his head hung, your heart broke.
“Oh my God, Eddie. I’m so sorry.”
His mood changed in the blink of an eye as he breathily chuckled and glanced at his watch.
“Shit, Y/N, it’s almost 1am. You have to be exhausted after your long shift today. Let me pay for our meal here and then I can take you home.”
“We’ve ordered so much food and drinks. Please let me help pay.” He paused at your comment then as his eyes met your now confused ones. “What?”
“I’ve only met one person who ever offered something like you just did and that man is my best friend.”
“I mean…it’s rude…isn’t it? It’s not fair for me to expect you to pay for everything.”
“Fuck me, baby.” Your eyelids visibly flutter at the term of endearment; coming out of his mouth with a sultry husk that made you swoon. “You’re really something special. I appreciate the offer but when you’re with me, honey, I can take care of you. It’s my pleasure quite honestly.”
You watched him pay the waiter and leave him way more than 15% before Eddie grabs your hand, leading you back to his car.
That night he dropped you off at your apartment continuing to be the perfect gentleman as he walked you to your door and kept his hands behind his back as you slowly turned your key. Before you entered, however, you paused and hastily turned to plant a small kiss on his lips. Without waiting for a retort, you want inside and shut your door with a little giggle, watching through the peephole to see what he’d do.
Eddie’s fingers softly brushed against his mouth as he grinned the way you enjoyed at the restaurant.
***
You had been together now for a few months and you loved him with every fiber of your being. Eddie was extremely protective over you insisting you quit your job and move in with him.
“Sweetheart, I don’t want you being somewhere where some fucker can belittle you and make you feel like trash. I can take care of you till you find a new job that makes you happy and people treat you with the respect you deserve.”
“Eddie, I can’t ask you to do that.”
“You’re not asking; I’m offering.”, he cooed as his hands cupped your cheeks. “You know how much Daddy loves looking after his pretty girl.”
The first time he called himself Daddy, you blushed and hid behind your hands making him smile as he chuckled low in his throat.
“Have you ever called a man Daddy before?” When you giggle and curl tighter into your body, he climbed into the bed beside you and pulled you to his side. “It’s ok, sweetheart. Nothing to be embarrassed about with me. Can I show you something?”
Eddie grins when you drop your palms and show him your beautiful face.
“Good girl.”, he praises as he takes ahold of your hand and kisses the back of it. With his eyes locked on yours, he gradually places it on the bulge in his slacks. “You feel that? Do you feel how hard I am just from being around you as is? You don’t have to do or say anything you don’t want to, princess. I’ll still be here and I’ll still want to fuck you till you can barely move.”
A smile twitched on his lips when your breathing stuttered.
“I-I-I’ve never called anyone Daddy before or done anything that’s not…”
“Vanilla?”, he helped when your sentence stalled. “Vanilla’s ok to. Definitely a delicious flavor that can’t be disregarded. Can I tell you a secret?”
“Of course.”
Eddie leans in till his mouth is just hovering over the shell of your ear.
“The fact that you’re so nervous and innocent to all this really fucking turns me on.”
When his cock strains a bit more against the fabric and pushes back against your hand, you can’t help but release a little whine as you push your thighs together.
“What’s wrong, baby? Got a bit of an ache between your legs?”
“Yes.”, you breath out heavily as his palm ghosts up your thigh and his lips tenderly peck along your neck.
“I can help with that if you want.”
“Y-Yes, Daddy, please.”
Now, you were more than comfortable especially since he was always so patient with you when it came to almost everything. Unlike your past relationships, you were genuinely surprised at how little the two of you fought if at all. Eddie was a force in his business but when you two were together he was always as accommodating as possible. The one time you ever saw his anger directed towards you was when you forgot your phone when you went on a girl’s night out with your friends.
When you came home at 2 in the morning, he was waiting in the living room and pacing with a glass of whiskey in his hand.
“It’s 2 in the morning, Y/N! I’ve been worried sick! You forgot your phone. What if something happened to you and you couldn’t reach me!?”
“Eddie, it’s ok! I just forgot it. I promise I’ll do better next time—”
“That’s not the point! What if there hadn’t been a next time!? I’m responsible for you!”
“I don’t know what you want me to say!! I’m sorry!!”
“You watch that fucking tone with me, little girl!”
“Oh yeah. Or what?!”
When the glass in his hand shattered into the wall behind you everything became abruptly silent. Tears stung your eyes as you grabbed the little trashcan nearby and scooted towards the mess, sinking to your knees as you collect the pieces.
“Y/N, baby. No. No, no. Let me clean this, please.”, Eddie begged, his tone much softer than before as he kneeled beside you.
When he tried to take the sharp items from your grasp, you angrily pulled away from him.
“I didn’t mean to forget my phone. It was an honest mistake and you had no right screaming at me like you just did!”
“I know. You’re right, sweetheart. You are absolutely right. I just… fuck… I’m so sorry, Y/N. I love you so much and the idea of something happening to you or you getting hurt just terrifies me. I shouldn’t have reacted this way.”
Blinking up at him, your hand reaches for his own.
“You love me?”
“Yeah, Y/N, of course. Since I met you behind that coffee counter.”
After tackling him excitedly, you beamed as you kissed his lips.
“I love you to.”
People on the outside didn’t seem to understand why you were with him but they didn’t know him the way you did. Eddie was sweet, funny, and incredibly kind despite his hardened outer exterior. According to the man himself, the only other person who understood him the same way you did was a man you had yet to meet.
#############
Steven Harrington was a name you knew solely due to his reputation in media.
He was always portrayed as just another trust fund baby who was utilizing daddy’s money to do whatever he wanted. He got in trouble constantly but brushed it off with a sexy smile and a calm demeanor that made even the biggest skeptic want to trust him.
The first time Eddie mentioned him by name was after you noticed him watching one of Steve’s interviews.
“Fucking idiot.”, he chuckled light-heartedly, turning the screen of his phone so you could watch to when you climbed into bed beside him. “This is the guy I was telling you about. Steve Harrington has been my best friend for years.”
“This is your best friend?”
When he nods, you focus on the interview in front of you.
“No, no. Trust me, that company would be crazy to sell right now in this economy. Once things bounce back it will be worth way more than it is now. Then again…if they sell I could buy it and turn it into a hotel or some s***. Go ahead than! Sell that f***er!”, he laughs making you giggle as well when his nose scrunches adorably.
“Steve is actually a very clever business guy. People constantly underestimate him because he acts like a playboy.”
“So…he’s the yin to your yang?”
Eddie smirks down at you before kissing your forehead.
“You could say that.”
The more your boyfriend told you about him the more you wanted to meet him. Eddie seemed to genuinely care about this person and as his girlfriend you wanted him to get to know him as well. The first time you spoke to him was after you moved in with Ed and he called to congratulate you both.
“Hey! Are you Y/N?”
“I am.”, you grin.
“Oh good. I don’t know what I would have done if you said no. ‘EDDIE! Some random pretty girl is in your place!’”, Steve laughed.
“Pft. How do you know I’m pretty?”
“Because a sexy voice like yours must be inside a beautiful woman. I’m kind of jealous.”
He said it so smoothly that if you weren’t already sitting you’re sure his words would have knocked you off your feet. Your eyes glanced towards Eddie who was watching you from his spot on the couch.
“Uh oh. Did I lose you, honey? Sorry. Sometimes I come on a bit too strong.”
“No, no. It’s ok. You just… you remind me of him.”, you exhale as you get up and walk towards your boyfriend.
“Of who? Of Eddie? I take that as a compliment. He’s a good man.”
“Yeah he is but that’s not exactly what I meant.”
“Oh? Well then use your words, pretty girl. Who do I remind you of? I’m DYING to know.”
Eddie softly smirks as he watches your breathing stagger the same way it does when you’re intimidated by something. His ring covered fingers gently trace down your arm making you shiver.
“Tell me.”
The two words that followed came out as a strong command that told you to obey. The contradiction of how he spoke now to how he had before made you dizzy and you desperately wanted more.
“Daddy.”
After tossing the phone next to Eddie, you covered your face with your palms and ran up the stairs. A few moments later, the man you loved climbed into bed beside you and collected you into his arms.
“Talk to me, baby. Remember, no matter what there’s nothing to be embaressed about, ok?” He smiled when he felt you nod against his chest. “I know Steve can be a bit much at first but he’s a good person who’s been through a lot of bullshit.”
As you sniffle, you tilt back so you could see his face.
“I feel bad.”
“About what, sweetheart?”
“I liked the way he spoke to me. It turned me on the same way you do.”
“Ok…why does that make you feel bad?”
You shrug. “I love you.”
That makes him genuinely smile.
“I love you to, Y/N, so much. That’s why I trust you, babe. I, um, I have a confession to make.” When you sit up to give him your full attention, he does the same. “I’ve known Steve for a long time and I trust that man with my life. I’ve told him things I’ve never told anyone and he’s done the same. You said, sweetheart, he’s the yin to my yang and you’re right. Fuck… how do I say this…”
“You want to share me?”
The innocent way you asked your question drove him insane but he pushed down the need to fuck you for the time being.
“Kind of, yes. I…I wanted to see how you two got along and if it worked out, maybe, we could fly to go meet him and… you’d still be mine but he’d—”
“Use me.”
“Fuck, baby, you have to stop saying things like that the way you are.”, Eddie panted excitedly as he adjusted the growing bulge in his pants.
“May I ask why? Why you would want to share me like that?”
“Of course, Y/N, you can always ask me anything. You hold the power here especially when it comes to this. I just… he’s my best friend and I want him to be happy to. In these past few months, you’ve changed my world and I just want to give him some of that. I, um, I also think…”
“Tell me, Daddy. Please.”, you beg in your tiny voice that has his eyes closing as he tries to control himself.
“Fuck… I think it would be incredibly hot to watch you fuck him.”
You had told him you were open but apprehensive because it was all new territory for you. Both men came up with an idea to help you get acclimated to the idea.
“Hey all. Wow, Jesus Christ Munson, you undersold your girlfriend’s beauty. Hot damn.”
You giggled as Eddie rolled his eyes at his friend who was laughing himself from his side of the computer screen. It looked like Steve had the device he was using for this facetime visit resting on his lower stomach as he leaned against the headboard of his bed looking incredibly sexy with his ruffled hair and tank top just barely covering the chest hair that littered his skin.
Eddie had you sitting in between his own legs as he rested his head against your shoulder and his arms hugged you to him.
“I hope I’m not making you uncomfortable. If I do at any point please just let me know and I’ll respect your boundaries.”
“You don’t make me uncomfortable but, uh, you kind of intimidate me a bit…more than Eddie did.”
“Is it because I start at 10 and go from there? Yeah, casualties of growing up in chaotic household and then starting a business where your biggest competitor is your father.”
“What DO you do? Ed said you’re an investor?”
“Kind of. I invested in a friend’s tech company many years ago and that paid off in a big way. They make medical supplies that are high quality for a cheaper price. I’m trying to expand so we can invest in more—Pfft! Listen to me talking about all that bullshit. Let’s talk about something else.”
“No, hey! That’s amazing that you do that. My father needed supplies like that but it was so hard for him to afford stuff. You’ve probably helped so many people. What supplies has your company helped make?”
Steve blinked, sitting up straighter.
“Huh.”
“I told you.”, Eddie sings as he places a delicate kiss along your skin.
“D-Did I do something wrong? Am I not allowed to ask him questions?”, you asked genuinely worried you crossed a line.
“Most people, let alone women, don’t care enough to ask us things like you just did.”
“Maybe you two are spending time around the wrong people.”
“Maybe… Damn, Eddie. She’s perfect. Where did you find her because obviously I’ve been looking in the wrong places.”
“Hm. I found her in a coffee shop being yelled at by some asshole. Fucker.”, he growled before you tilted back and kissed his cheek. “It’s not just her personality either. Her body fucking drives me crazy. Even just watching her walk from the bed to the bathroom makes me so fucking hard.”
“Yeah? Your Daddy says you have sexy body. Can you show it to me?”
“Only if you’re comfortable, princess.”, Eddie whispers in your ear.
“Can you help me, Daddy?”
Nodding, he removes each item of your clothing till you were naked for the man on the screen in front of you.
“Fuck me. I’m not just saying this, Y/N, but you’re so gorgeous.”
“Thank you.”, you groan as you lick your lips. “May I see you?”
“Well, since you asked so nicely.”, he smirks.
Your whole body tingled as you watched him undress until you sucked in a sharp intake of air when his cock sprang free from his cotton confinement.
“He’s so big.”, you murmur against Eddie’s cheek as his eyes remain downcast to focus on you. “How will it fit?”
“We’ll make fit, pretty girl. Steve and I can take care of you.”
“Everything alright?”
“Yeah. Little one is worried about your splitting her in half. “
“Don’t worry, honey, I’m a gentleman to. I’m not going to just shove my dick inside of you. Even if it takes hours, we can eat and finger your little pussy till she’s ready.”
“Fuck, Daddy, please.”
Aggressively, Eddie opens your legs wide putting you on display and making Steve groan.
“Wet already and no one’s even touched you yet.”, he responded mockingly before leaning over his cock to spit on his tip and stroke himself. “How tight is she, Munson?”
You moaned loudly as Eddie inserted two of his thick fingers into your cunt and your head leaned back against him.
“So fucking tight, Harrington, and greedy. Her pussy just sucks me in and chokes my dick when she cums. Add in her sexy little noises and the way her face scrunches…”
“Open your eyes, Y/N.” Steve smiles when you do what he asks. “Good girl. She listens to. Fuck, baby, don’t take those eyes off me. God, I’m—mmm—I’m dying to feel those pretty lips around my cock.”
“You’re really good at sucking cock, aren’t you, sweetheart?”
“Y-Yes, Daddy. I’m…M’close.”
“I know, pretty girl. I can feel it. Why don’t you tell Stevie how bad you want his cum.”
You mewl as Eddie moves at a faster pace with the sound of your slick echoing around the room.
“Please, Mr. Harrington, Sir. I-I-I want your cum so much. I want to feel you—ahhhh—feel your cock in my mouth till you spill down my throat.”
“Jesus Christ.”, he grunted and you both watched as his release hit his thigh.
“You did so good, sweetheart. Cum for Daddy now, baby.”, Eddie praised as your back pushed against his chest and you panted as you came. “That’s my girl. Good girl. Ride it out on my fingers till you come back to me. That’s it.”
“Fucking hell. That was amazing, honey.” Steve watch with fascination as you turned your body and wrapped an arm around Eddie’s chest as you curled into his warm chest. “Everything ok?”
“She’s fine. It’s something baby girl does when she cums hard like that. She’ll squeeze me like a fucking Teddy bear and fall asleep. Sometimes it’s for a few minutes or a few hours. At first I thought it was the headspace but I don’t know. Either way I love it.”
“Yeah, man. If she had a good time and is open to it I have that party coming up in a month. You two can fly down and we can hang out. Of course, nothing has to happen. I can always just show you guys around and get to know her more.”
“I’ll let you know when she wakes up and we talk about it.”
“No problem. No problem. Hey, maybe at most, you and I can fuck around.”, Steve replies as he coyly raises his eyebrows making his friend laugh.
“Ok, calm down over there.”
“Oh, come on. Not like it would be the first time—”
“Good night, asshole.”, Eddie teases as he cuts him off and closes the laptop.
#################
“Are you alright, sweetheart?”, Eddie asks as he watches you fidget with your hands as you stare at your reflection in the metal of the elevator.
“Yeah. I’m just a little nervous. This is your best friend and I know how much he means to you. I don’t want to…I don’t know…fuck anything up.”
“Fuck, I still think it’s hot when you get all jittery like this.”, he chuckles as he takes your palm in his. “You have absolutely nothing to worry about. I love you so I know for a fact he will. Just keep being your unique self, baby, and no matter what I’ll be here if you need anything.”
When he flashes you that big toothy grin, you can’t help but smile back as you lean up on your toes to kiss his lips. The doors abruptly swing open and your boyfriend’s demeanor instantly hardens at the sound of loud party guests in the room you both step into.
Your eyes swing around the area with no sign of the host himself.
Tugging on Eddie’s bicep, you lead him to the drink station where you desperately chug down some liquid courage as you pray that tonight goes as smoothly as possible.
#steddie#steddie x reader#steddie x you#steddie x y/n#eddie munson#daddy eddie#eddie munson smut#eddie munson angst#eddie munson fluff#steve harrington#steve harrington smut#steve harrington fluff#steve harrington angst#stranger things#joe keery#joseph quinn#fan fiction#stranger things fic#stranger things fanfiction#eddie fanfic#steve fanfic
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干満 — ♡ GOLDEN HOUR.
៚ wc: 31k (idk what happened)
៚ fluff, barista!seonghwa x florist!reader, slowburn, friends to lovers, mutual pining, woo is your bff, copl joong cameo
៚ You’ve always had a knack for finding beauty in the most ordinary of things, a trait that serves you well in your work as a florist at your grandmother’s flower shop. Every petal, every stem, holds a world of wonder in your eyes. It’s this appreciation for the exquisite that draws you to the quaint café just a stone’s throw away from your apartment. The cozy ambiance and friendly staff have made it a home away from home, but even so, it’s the long-haired boy who works behind the scenes in the kitchen who truly catches your eye. You long to unravel his being like a delicate bloom waiting to unfurl its petals, but you do so in silence, never being brave enough to make a move. Yet fate has decided it has had enough of you being a coward. As Valentine's Day approaches, your world is thrown into chaos when your grandmother’s flower shop is tasked with providing flowers for a special event at a café, which just happens to be the one where Mr. Pretty Boy™️ works at.
The intoxicating aroma engulfing the interior of the coffee shop gave you a warm welcome, the scent immediately finding itself brushing past your nose as the bells hung from above the door clink against each other, signaling a new arrival to the employees, making them look up from what they’re doing to briefly greet you before going back to work. Upon recognizing you immediately, the smiles on their faces when they greeted you were far different from the ones they gave to other customers—this is something that you never fail to notice, and you believe that perhaps it’s because you’re one of their most loyal customers, having been visiting the place since the first day they opened.
The coffee they brew and the pastries they bake are already good by themselves, so the fact that they’re located near where you live is just all but a bonus factor. You think that even if you were to live from a farther distance from the café, you’d still end up visiting the place just as often as you do now. Your eyes scanned all over the place, looking for an empty seat to occupy—ones that are near the window, preferably.
Finally spotting a vacant seat at the very back of the café, you hurried over, not wanting anyone to occupy it before you did. Only after you placed your bag on the sofa and sunk yourself on the cushion did you realize that this seat wasn’t exactly going to be able to provide you a… proper view for what, or who, rather, you actually came for.
He rarely ever comes out from where he works inside the back kitchen, and if he does, usually, it would be whenever one of his co-workers would request for his presence, most of the time the reason being them needing help with either cleaning, taking out the trash, so on and so forth. He’s never been tasked to take up the job of taking customers’ orders, let alone deliver it to their tables, and you’d know, since you’ve been visiting their café before he even started working here. All you knew about him was his name, thanks to the name tag attached to his uniform.
Park Seonghwa.
The first time you saw him was about five months ago, and his hair wasn’t as long as it is now. You were able to tell him apart from everyone else as a new employee with the way the older ones were guiding him with all the basics, and also because you know you’ve never seen such a face like his amongst the other workers before. It felt like you were in a western romance movie from the 90’s locking eyes with your love interest for the first time while he was shown in every angle as you sat there with comically widened eyes and a mouth left agape, the world around both of you coming down to a stop.
You didn’t see him often anymore after that, and you actually believed he already got fired at some point, but it wasn’t until you saw him closing the shop one evening when you passed by it on the other side of the road on your way home from your grandmother’s flower shop where you worked.
It’s safe to say that you’ve been captivated ever since then. It was just too bad he was given a position that doesn’t require him to head out and socialize with customers, but you figured things would be better the way they were meant to be. He doesn’t seem like someone who’s much of a talker, and neither were you.
He’s meant to stay in the back kitchen, and you’re meant to stay sitting by the tables. It wouldn’t be hard for one to tell that future interactions between both of you would be impossible, but perhaps you like things better that way. He gets to be paid by doing his job, and you get to make your days better by admiring him from afar silently.
Just then, one of the café’s workers approached your table with a familiar smile.
“The usual for Saturdays?” she asks, already aware of your preferences. You nod with a smile, appreciative of how well the staff knew your routine. They have gotten to know you so well over the months that they’ve even memorized your orders depending on the day of the week. “Yes, please.”
As she walks away to relay your order to the coworkers behind the counter, you watch her figure become descending with each step. Your mind wanders as you pull out your phone and begin typing a message to your best friend, Wooyoung, who always enjoys hearing about your experiences at the café.
ㅤㅤㅤWooyoung: Going to assume you haven’t seen Mr. Pretty Boy yet?
You recall the day Wooyoung had dubbed Seonghwa with the nickname. It was the first time Wooyoung had seen him when you tagged him along to the café, and you both watched Seonghwa step out from the back kitchen to temporarily take over his co-worker’s duties at the counter. He nudged your shoulder, looking at you with a teasing smile, saying, “Didn’t know you had a thing for pretty boys.”
Wooyoung's playful comment had taken you by surprise, but as you thought about it, you realized how true it was—Seonghwa was undeniably a pretty boy with his soft features, elegant demeanor, and long, smooth hair. With the way he carries himself, it wouldn’t take much for one to notice he takes self-care seriously.
ㅤ��ㅤㅤYou: How am I supposed to know when I can’t even see the counter from where my seat is?
After sending the message, you look up, scanning the café once more in case Seonghwa was around. Realizing he wasn’t after looking around the place for about three times straight, you sigh and plop your elbow down on the table, placing your hand on your chin as you look to your left, busying yourself with watching people walk by, going by their different routines and plans for the day.
ㅤㅤㅤWooyoung: How tragic. Must suck to be you.
You couldn’t help but roll your eyes at Wooyoung’s playful remark, already picturing the mischievous grin on his face as he typed the message. Sometimes, you find yourself questioning how you ended up being friends with someone who seems to enjoy teasing you so much.
ㅤㅤㅤYou: At least I’m
Before you could finish typing your response, your gaze drifts up from your phone to see the boy you’ve been hoping to see ever since you first stepped inside the café, eyes widening in realization when you see the direction he is headed to. Getting your nerves tangled with each other, you weren’t sure what to do, accidentally sending the unfinished response to Wooyoung.
ㅤㅤㅤWooyoung: You’re what?
His apron was tightly knit on his back, accentuating his lean figure while his hair was tied neatly in a half bun, a few stray strands of his hair hanging off the sides of his face. He was as beautiful as ever. Your breath catches in your throat, feeling a mixture of nervousness and excitement, and you quickly look down, pretending to focus on your phone even though you were literally just scrolling back and forth on the weather app.
ㅤㅤㅤYou: OhmygODWOO
“Here’s your order,” he offers you a polite smile, and his voice sounded as soft as the calm waves of the morning sea. He looks even more breathtaking up-close, you thought. You were quick to put your phone face down on the table, ignoring the notification of Wooyoung’s message you saw before turning it off.
ㅤㅤㅤWooyoung: WHAT?
You look, feigning surprise as if you hadn’t noticed him until that moment. “Oh, thank you,” you reply, your words coming out rushed.
He politely nods while smiling, his eyes holding a hint of curiosity as he observed you—but you failed to notice it, as your eyes were fighting to look anywhere but at the boy standing right in front of your table. “Enjoy your meal,” he says before turning to walk away.
“Thank you, you too-” Fortunately, he was already a distance away when you spoke, and you thanked the heavens for not letting him hear you express your stupidity through words.
ㅤㅤㅤYou: YOU’RE SO NOT GONNA BELIEVE WHAT JUST HAPPENED.
ㅤㅤㅤI’M SO STUPID OH MY GOD.
ㅤㅤㅤI’m gonna need you to bury me 6ft under, please.
The contrast between the three messages you sent within five seconds surprised you, whereas it made Wooyoung laugh from the other side of the screen.
ㅤㅤㅤWooyoung: Now why are you letting all of your personalities take over at once?
ㅤㅤㅤJudging by the way you’re talking, I think this is something that requires a face-to-face discussion.
A few minutes later, Wooyoung was now sitting across the table, eating the cinnamon roll in his hands while listening to you ramble about what just happened before he arrived.
“-He told me to enjoy my meal, and I said, ‘Thanks, you too’! Like, I’m not even kidding! The only saving grace I had was the fact that he was already walking away when I muttered that out… But I can’t help but overthink that maybe he did hear it and just ignored me to save me from embarrassment, you know? I mean, come on,” you talk endlessly without taking a breath, careful not to speak too loud in case one of the employees, or worse, Seonghwa himself, were to walk by and overhear your conversation.
Wooyoung chokes after taking another bite of his cinnamon roll, covering his mouth with his hands so his loud laugh wouldn’t disturb the other customers. He disappears from your line of sight momentarily, head underneath the table as he struggled with containing his laughter. “Now you’re just overreacting. It’s really not that funny,” you deadpan, arms crossed as you looked at him, your annoyed face a huge contrast to his close-eyed smile.
“It is that funny!” Wooyoung sputters out in the middle of his laughs, hands on his stomach as he laid his head down on the table. Clearly, telling him about it was a very regrettable decision. You were certain he wasn’t going to let go of this anytime sooner. “God, no! It’s embarrassing! I was so nervous earlier I ended up pressing buttons on the weather app pretending I was on my phone, you know?” You sigh, taking a sip of your coffee that has now slightly gone cold.
Wooyoung finally stops laughing, sighing as he dramatically wipes a stray tear on the corner of his eye. “If I were him and I heard you say that, I would’ve been so weirded out I’d never think of leaving the back kitchen again,” he teases, earning a hard kick from your feet underneath the table.
“Ow!” Wooyoung grimaces, looking down to massage his leg that now had a sore spot, thanks to you. “Okay, now that was unnecessary,” he whines, glaring at you. “So is fueling up my embarrassment even further, but I can’t bring that up, can I?”
“Alright, alright! I’m sorry,” he grumbles under his breath, downing the last cinnamon roll on his plate. “I mean, I’m not, but I’ll let you hear what you want to hear since I’m such a good friend.”
“I wouldn’t call a boy who visits me during my working hours at the flower shop just to sweet-talk my grandmother into treating him to lunch while leaving her granddaughter all alone to handle the shop a good friend, but whatever you say,” you shrug, snickering after seeing the annoyed look on his face.
“Now you’re just twisting the story! Mind you, she’s the one who offers to treat me to lunch whenever I visit you, not the other way around…” Wooyoung whines once more, nearly making you laugh at his childish antics.
“You know, since she clearly cares for you more than she does for me, why not take over my shifts for the upcoming week? I could really use some rest,” you suggest, leaning forward as if forcing him to consider the idea. But Wooyoung only shoos you away, turning his head to the side while avoiding your gaze. “No can do, I’ve got dance lessons with Yeosang for the whole week. Schedule’s packed,” he deadpans, leaning his back against his seat.
“And you call yourself a good friend,” you jokingly sigh, shaking your head in disapproval. “You should totally join us sometime, though. I think you’ll like it there,” Wooyoung smiles at you, and the way it surprisingly looks genuine was what now had an eyebrow of yours arched. “What do you mean?”
“What I mean is that you’re really horrible at dancing and the heavens are begging for you to sneak dance lessons in your schedule.” Seeing the annoyed look on your face, Wooyoung huffs in triumph.
You stand up, slinging your bag on your shoulder while looking down at Wooyoung. “Don’t even dare to show up at the flower shop again starting from today,” you say, making a beeline to the doors without even looking back at Wooyoung, who was now scurrying over to catch up to you. “I was joking!”
Just as you opened the doors to step outside of the café, you nearly bump into a tall man who was heading inside. Looking back to apologize to the said person, you were met with the sight of Wooyoung briefly greeting the said man, making you wonder if they knew each other.
Wooyoung was struggling to find out whether he was supposed to push or pull, making you snicker as you yell from where you stood, “Catch up and I’ll forgive you!”
Two people from inside the cafe watch the scene unfold in amusement by the counter, one being an employee and the other being his friend who stopped by to visit. “Are your customers usually this chaotic?”
To which the man only laughs at, saying, “The girl is usually quiet when she comes here by herself, but whenever she tags her friend along with her, all hell always breaks loose.”
“You’ve got one hell of a job, Seonghwa.”
****
The flower shop is quiet in the evening, the only sounds to be heard being the faint sounds of your favorite song playing on your phone. Your grandmother had already headed home hours ago, and as Wooyoung said last weekend, his schedule for this week is entirely packed with dance lessons with Yeosang, which is why he can’t accompany you tonight, leaving you alone to tend to the shop for the rest of the night. It’s peaceful here, a sanctuary amid the day’s chaos, and you savor the tranquility as you wander through the aisles of blooming arrangements.
Closing time isn’t until 10 p.m., but it’s only 9 now, meaning you have some time to kill. The floral scents fill the air, each bouquet and arrangement contributing its own delicate fragrance. Half of them are your creations, while the others were lovingly crafted by your grandmother. You pause at the sight of a bouquet of gypsophila nestled at the very back of the shop, a recent addition, perhaps.
The sight of gypsophila brings back memories of your mother. Your grandmother once told you it had been her favorite flower, and her love for flowers was what pushed your grandmother into opening up this shop a year after her passing.
Your mother would always speak of how she wanted to build her own flower shop when she was young, a story that would never fail to bring tears to your eyes, despite the fact that you’ve been told of it multiple times already.
She had fallen ill when you were just seven years old, facing a battle with a disease that couldn’t be cured. Your financial situation had been tough, and your grandmother juggled multiple jobs to keep her daughter alive. Despite the hardships, your mother’s spirit remained bright, and she imparted her love of flowers to you. You remember her last words, spoken with tenderness.
“Continue my dream, my lily. Fill the world with the beauty of flowers, just like these. And remember, even when I’m not with you, my spirit will be there, like the soft touch of gypsophila in the air.”
Those words resonate deeply with you even up to this date, guiding your life choices and strengthening your passion for floristry. Your mother often compared you to a lily, symbolic of purity and beauty, and you hold on to that connection to her as you nurture the shop.
Your phone's notification ring echoes around the empty flower shop, pulling you away from your thoughts. You walk over to the counter and glance at the notification on your lock screen. It was a message from Wooyoung.
ㅤㅤㅤWooyoung: Dance lessons finished earlier than usual. Are you still at the flower shop? I'll be on my way if you are.
You check the wall clock above the counter. It was 9:24 p.m., giving you enough time to hang out with your best friend before you had to close the shop for the night. Looking back down at your phone, you quickly type out a response.
ㅤㅤㅤYou: Still here :)
After sending the message, you turn off your phone and let out a soft yawn. You couldn’t wait to get the day over with. Whenever Wooyoung stopped by the shop, he always brought your favorite food with him. It was an unspoken gesture that you always appreciated. Knowing he would arrive soon with food in hand, you return to your spot behind the counter and began tapping your finger lightly on the surface, patiently waiting for your friend to show up.
On the other side of the city was a boy who is in the same situation as yours. He was mopping the floor of the café, humming along with the song playing through the speakers when he heard the familiar jingle of the bells hanging above the door. He looks up with a smile as he saw who had entered.
“I thought your dance lessons usually end at 11 p.m.?” he asks, setting the mop aside for a moment. The boy sighs as he plops himself down on one of the café's couches. “They decided to call it a day earlier than usual. I’m not sure why, though,” he shrugs.
“You know what, Seonghwa? You should definitely tag along with me there sometimes,” he speaks up again, resting his elbow on the table with his chin in his palm.
Seonghwa chuckles. “Enough with that, Yunho. You know it’s been years since I last danced,” he says, lightly groaning as he stretches his back, which had been sore from mopping the floor for quite some time. His coworkers had already left, leaving him to finish up.
“That’s the point! You’re there to re-learn the basics, not to impress everyone with amazing dancing skills right off the bat,” Yunho replies matter-of-factly.
Seonghwa sighs, shaking his head. “Still not interested. Plus, our café will be holding an event soon. My schedule will be even busier than usual—you know I can’t sneak dance lessons into my routine.”
Yunho perks up at the mention of an occasion. “An event? What’s it for?”
“Valentine's Day,” Seonghwa explains. “We’ll all have to work overtime starting next week to prepare the decorations for the shop. We’re facing a bit of a challenge, though.”
"Why? What's the problem?" Yunho tilts his head, curious. Seonghwa sighs again. “We need to decorate the shop with flowers, but we don't know where to buy them in bulk.” Yunho remains silent for a few seconds, but the moment he finally spoke up, he did so with enthusiasm. “And if I tell you that I know where you can find them?”
Seonghwa eyes Yunho suspiciously. “Something tells me there’s a catch to this offer.” Yunho raises his hands in defense, a wide-eyed look on his face. “What? No! No catch at all.”
“You’re not going to make me attend your dance lessons in exchange for you telling me where I can buy flowers for our café’s upcoming event, are you?” Seonghwa raises an eyebrow, but Yunho only shook his head in response. “I wasn’t even thinking of anything! But, now that you mentioned it-”
“Don’t even dare.” Yunho raises his hands yet again, lips pursed as he nodded. “Got it, got it. How does giving me a 99% discount for everything I’ll purchase from your café for a whole week sound?” Yunho smiles, tilting his head as he leans closer, as if trying to convince Seonghwa to agree to his proposal.
“Saying you want a 99% discount is basically demanding to be given your orders with no charges,” was all Seonghwa said in response. “If you think about it, that’s kinda like the point.” Yunho shrugs. “So… are you in for it?”
Truth be told, covering for Yunho’s purchases does sound better than attending dance lessons Seonghwa was certain he really does not need. So, being left with no choice, all he could do was nod. “I hate how you always know how to play your cards right.”
Yunho grins in triumph, standing up. “You’ll always let yourself fall victim to it no matter what, anyway. That’s on you,” he looks at the wall clock of the café, noticing that it was now past 10 in the evening and Seonghwa’s shift was finally over.
“No I don’t-”
“-think you can get away with this!”
You were nearly out of breath, chasing Wooyoung in circles at the park nearby the flower shop. You’ve been doing this for about five minutes now, nearly forgetting the reason behind it in the first place.
When he first showed up in front of the shop’s transparent window doors with a box of donuts in his hand and a can of your favorite soda in the other, you were more than excited to let him in, a smile gracing both yours and his lips. You hung out inside as he sat on the surface of the counter, feet hanging off as they swung back and forth while he told you all about how his day went. It was how you both preferred to hang out, him doing all the talking while you sat back and listened attentively.
He loved being able to ramble on for hours on end, and you loved not having to talk as much, only having to listen quietly while throwing in short reactions in the middle of him telling stories every once in a while. You were both content with each other’s presence, and the atmosphere in the shop was nothing short of peaceful. It wasn’t until he absentmindedly reached for the last piece of donut inside the box, only realizing it was the one you loved the most the moment you gasped out of shock and the pastry was already far down his throat.
“I didn’t mean to! Cut me some slack, I can barely even feel my legs anymore!” Wooyoung yells, looking behind every now and then to check if the distance between both of you was growing wider or if you were drawing closer.
“Not until you say sorry!” you say in response. Wooyoung looks back once again, supposedly about to stop in his tracks and just allow you to catch up to him because he swears his legs will literally detach themselves from his body if he were to continue running for the next few seconds.
But he was met with the sight of an annoyed look on your face, and things took a turn for worse—for you, and for better—for him, as he pushes himself enough to quicken his pace even more. “Catch up and I’ll apologize!” he echoes your words from the day he chased you out of the café. The sound of him mischievously giggling while you struggled to match his pace made you even more annoyed, and at this point, you didn’t even want to catch up to him anymore. You just wanted to throw him off a cliff.
Suddenly, Wooyoung stopped in his tracks, making you do so as well. He was now facing you, catching his breath as he held his arms up in defeat. “Okay, okay! I give up-”
Wooyoung cut himself off, earning a confused glance from you as he looked behind you. “Hey, isn’t that your Mr. Pretty Boy over there? And that’s—Yunho?” he squinted, leaning his head forward. “Cut it out, Wooyoung. I’m not falling for your tricks,” you said, crossing your arms. “But I’m not! Look behind you!” he whisper-shouted, stealing a few glances at the two men behind you who were now inching closer as they walked side by side. “No way in hell-”
“Oh, Wooyoung?”
Looking behind to see who the person who just greeted your best friend was, you found yourself at a loss for words with your eyes comically widened over the sight you were met with.
It was Seonghwa, along with the man you almost bumped into earlier—the one Wooyoung greeted in the middle of struggling with opening the café’s doors.
You immediately turned your head back to Wooyoung, who was now looking at you with an ‘I told you so’ gaze. Your best friend’s attention was now taken away by the two men drawing closer to where you both stood.
As Seonghwa and Yunho approached, you couldn’t help but feel a rush of nervous energy coursing through you. You shifted slightly, feeling nervous. The last thing you expected was to cross paths with your crush in the middle of chasing your bestfriend for eating the last piece of donut you saved for last on purpose because it was your favorite.
Wooyoung and Yunho seem to have been talking about something, and you heard the words ‘dance lessons’ being thrown around here and there. You eventually figured out that Yunho goes to the same dance workshop Wooyoung attends, their brief interaction at the café last weekend now making perfect sense.
But you couldn’t find it in you to pay attention, their conversation going in one ear and out the other—not when the boy you’ve been crushing on hard for five months now was standing in the same space you were. The only thing you could focus on was trying to keep your composure and not make a fool out of yourself.
Yet all attempts to do so immediately crumbled down when he smiled briefly in your direction, catching you off guard. And for a moment, time seemed to slow as you locked eyes with him. His smile was warm, genuine, and it sent a flutter through your chest. You managed to return the smile, although you did so a bit awkwardly, before quickly averting your gaze, cheeks flushed in embarrassment.
As the conversation between Yunho and Wooyoung continued, you found yourself stealing glances at Seonghwa whenever you thought he wasn't looking. There was something captivating about him, something that drew you in despite your efforts to remain composed.
He wasn’t clad in the uniform he usually wore for work—this was something you noticed soon after taking note of how pretty he looked with his hair down. He wore a white dress shirt with its first two buttons undone, layered with a sleeveless dirty white knitted sweater on top. His pants were loose and in the same color as the apron that came along his uniform—chestnut brown. To top it all off, he wore white converse shoes, perfectly completing his look.
And here you were, thinking he couldn’t look even more beautiful than he already does.
When it was time for Yunho and Wooyoung to part ways, Seonghwa looked at you once more, giving you a small, polite wave. It was a simple gesture, but it sent a surge of warmth through you. You hesitated for a moment before raising your hand to return the wave, a shy smile creeping up on your lips. As Seonghwa turned to walk away with Yunho, you couldn't help but feel a sense of longing wash over you. The brief interaction had left you wanting more, craving the chance to get to know him better. But for now, all you could do was watch him go, still trying to process what on Earth just happened.
“You’re not slick,” Wooyoung snickering out of the blue dragged you out of your thoughts, and the first thing you see after snapping back to reality is your best friend wiggling his eyebrows while giving you a knowing look. “I saw that very, very clear, just so you know.”
“W-what?” Even though you knew what he was referring to, you couldn’t find it in you to come to terms with the fact that what happened was actually real and not just a fragment of your imagination—the living proof being Wooyoung and his teasing smile.
Wooyoung rolled his eyes, “You were looking at him like you were planning your wedding in your head! You were like,” he shifted, mimicking the way you were standing still with your hands intertwined in front of you, staring at him with stars in your eyes when he wasn’t looking, “and then when he waved at you, you were like,” he raised his hand, waving awkwardly with a shy smile on his face. “You couldn’t have been any more obvious!”
“I was not acting like that!” You placed your hand on your chest, a look of disbelief on your face. “Tell me you’re exaggerating right now. You’re lying, right? Like, I didn’t actually act like… that, right?”
“I’m not gonna tell you the false truth you wanna hear,” he said with a teasing grin, crossing his arms. “All you can do now is to hope he wasn’t being attentive earlier.”
“Oh God…” you sighed, dramatically crouching down on the ground with your hands covering your face. “This is the second time you’ve embarrassed yourself in front of him, you know. Remember when he told you to enjoy your order and you said-”
“Just stop!”
****
As the clock struck past closing time, the atmosphere in the café shifted from lively to quiet as the last lingering customers bid their farewells and the staff began their post-closing routines. Chairs were stacked, floors were swept, and the air was filled with the anticipation of the impending meeting. An hour later, the café was transformed into a makeshift conference room, with the tables pushed together to form a large communal workspace. The employees, along with their manager, gathered around, ready to discuss their plans for the upcoming Valentine’s Day event.
"Alright, everyone," she began, her voice commanding attention as everyone fell silent. “Valentine’s Day is fast approaching—we only have a month left to prepare, and we need to ensure that our café is ready to enchant our customers with romance. I know some of you may be thinking preparations seem far too advanced, but I’d rather start working early on than to rush things and end up making us look like we aren’t capable of doing any better. Any ideas for what we can do in order to achieve our goal?”
“How about we switch things up and focus on creating a cozy atmosphere?” suggested one of the employees. “We could set up small seating areas with plush cushions and warm lighting, perfect for couples looking for a quiet spot to enjoy their coffee. Maybe even hang up fairy lights or something.”
“I like that idea! We could also offer special dessert pairings, like chocolate fondue or dessert platters,” another chimed in, their voice filled with excitement. “It’ll give our customers a chance to indulge in some sweet treats while they soak in the romantic ambiance.”
“We could also set up a photo booth corner with props and backdrops," one employee said, leaning forward as they began to explain their idea further. “It’ll give our customers a fun way to capture memories and share them on social media—which could also be a way to promote our café, if you catch my drift.”
“And to add a personal touch, why don’t we encourage customers to write notes to each other as the last part of the event?" another employee proposed. “We could provide stationery and pens, and then display the notes around the café. It’ll spread love and positivity throughout the space.”
“I’ll make sure to keep your ideas in mind. Now, as we discussed in our group chat last week,” the manager said, looking up from the notepad she wrote everyone’s ideas on, “we want to incorporate flowers into our décor to enhance the romantic atmosphere. Have any of you been able to find a supplier?”
With the sudden opening of the discussion regarding the manager’s idea to decorate the café with flowers, everyone fell silent—a clear indicator that the answer was clearly a no. Despite the manager’s earlier directive, no one had been successful in finding a supplier for the flowers they needed. Just as the manager was about to let out a disappointed sigh, their youngest employee, who hadn’t muttered out a single word so far, raised his hand, making everyone look towards where he sat.
“I, um, I have, but…” he wasn’t even finished talking yet, but a smile was already gracing the manager’s lips. “Is that so, Seonghwa? Tell us about it! We’re all ears,” she grinned, and the other employees glanced at him with a hopeful smile, as he was their only saving grace that could prevent their manager from firing them all.
“My friend told me about it a week ago, but he said I’d have to cover his expenses for everything he’ll be purchasing here for an entire week before he gives me the location. It’s only Wednesday today, so he won’t fulfill his end of the deal until Saturday…” he trailed off, giving his manager an apologetic smile. “Oh, why didn’t you say so sooner! Do you think it’s possible for him to give away the location now if you tell him his expenses will be covered by us—you as an exception, for the rest of the year?” she smiled, but Seonghwa’s eyes were quick to widen at the suggestion. “A-A whole year? I don’t think that’s…”
But one of his co-workers immediately agreed with their manager’s suggestion, not wanting to lose their job that paid them well enough to survive a day just yet. “Yeah! We’ll, uh… we’ll pay for all of his orders for as long as he wants!” they regretted saying those words as soon as it slipped out of their mouth, but they didn’t have it in them to take it back now.
“See? Even your co-workers agree. Now, why don’t you try ringing up this friend of yours?” Seonghwa believes the idea of paying for Yunho’s orders for an entire year sounds absolutely absurd, but he couldn’t bring himself to disagree when everyone gathered around the table was looking at him with hopeful gazes. Seonghwa’s phone rang for about a few seconds while everyone waited patiently, and after dialing Yunho for the third time, he finally answered the call. “Seonghwa? What’s up?”
He wasted no time in getting to the point, wanting everyone to take their eyes off of him as soon as possible. “Would you be willing to fulfill your end of the deal right now if I tell you all your purchases from the café will be covered by my manager and co-workers for the rest of the year?” Yunho went silent for a few seconds, as if trying to process Seonghwa’s proposal. “Okay, now, hold on—where is this coming from? Are you being held at gunpoint?” Technically, yes.
“What? No, just answer the question, please.”
“I’m starting to doubt if you really know me because first of all, why should you even be asking me that? You know I’ll never turn such a good offer down. I mean, a whole year? Come on, that’s like heaven on Earth!” With the positive response from Yunho, everyone let themselves loose, letting out a breath they had no idea they were holding.
“I’ll take that as a yes, then,” Seonghwa replied. “I’ll text you the location. Does that sound good?” Yunho asked, and Seonghwa didn’t even take the time to respond, immediately hanging up on him. “The deal is sealed,” Seonghwa playfully saluted, as everyone started praising him for saving their jobs without even realizing it. “Great! Just forward the location to me once you receive it from him. You can all go home now,” she smiled at everyone, who stood up one by one, returning the chairs to their respective places, packing their things afterwards.
As Seonghwa made his way home, the weight of the day’s events hung heavy on his mind. The responsibility of securing the flower supplier for the café’s event had unexpectedly fallen on his shoulders, but he couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride knowing he had come through for his team. Lost in his thoughts, Seonghwa was startled when his phone buzzed in his pocket. Pulling it out, he saw a couple of notifications from Yunho.
ㅤㅤㅤYunho: The flower shop’s located at 1117 Paradigm Street.
The first message was the address Seonghwa had been eagerly waiting for. Upon reading the next messages Yunho sent within the same minute, a soft smile crept up on Seonghwa’s lips.
ㅤㅤㅤYunho: Dance lessons for the day will last way past 11. It’s by choice, though, so don’t worry.
ㅤㅤㅤWanna stop by and wait for me? We can hang out at my apartment afterwards.
It had been a long day for Seonghwa, so the idea of spending time with his friend to unwind and release all the stress he had bottled up for the whole day brought him a sense of comfort.
ㅤㅤㅤSeonghwa: Sure :)
Minutes later, he was now standing in front of the building where the dance lessons Yunho attends were held. He stuffed his hands inside the pockets of his dark brown coat, lightly shivering due to the cold air of the evening. The building had a sign that says “KQ Fellaz” atop the doors, the lights of the first letter slightly flickering. Tapping his foot on the ground, he looked around, patiently waiting for Yunho. Visitors were prohibited from entering the building alone, hence why he had to remain frozen where he stood until Yunho would fetch him.
The doors in front of him opened, revealing Yunho, who was nearly soaked in his own sweat. Do they not take breaks in the middle of their lessons? “You’re a little earlier than I expected,” he managed to let out, although he did so with huffs in between. Clearly, he was still trying to catch his breath.
“Jesus, are you alright? You look like you just ran five laps in a row,” Seonghwa chuckled, not used to seeing Yunho in such a state because he’s the one who’d always visit Seonghwa at the café after his dance lessons, and not the other way around. “Think of it as having to interact with customers by the counter continuously for a whole day,” he shrugged. “Oh. It’s that bad, huh?” Seonghwa replied, to which Yunho only sighed. “See? Now you get me.”
Stepping aside to let Seonghwa in, Yunho closed the doors behind both of them once Seonghwa had entered the building. “So…”
“So?” Seonghwa tilted his head, taking his hands out of his pockets to put his hair up with the tie on his wrist. “Were you being for real earlier? Like, you know, the whole thing about covering for my purchases for a whole year?”
“You heard it loud and clear earlier already, Yunho. My manager was dead serious—she doesn’t play around when it comes to her business, so I guess it makes perfect sense for her to just air out such a proposal so casually just so you’d give me the location of the flower shop you were talking about a few days ago.” Seonghwa shrugged, the sound of his and Yunho’s footsteps echoing through the empty hall of the building.
The atmosphere surrounding them was peaceful, yet the building’s practice room, which was now only a few steps away from where they were at, was the complete opposite. Even from a fair distance away, they could hear the distinct yelling and laughter from inside the room.
“What?! What do you mean ‘Modern Seoul Gracias’? What are you even talking about?!” Wooyoung yelled, not even being able to hear his own voice regardless of how loud it was due to the song playing through the headphones he was wearing that Yeosang set on full volume.
“No, no! Pay attention, you dummy! This is a place people often visit during weekends!” you yelled back even louder, saying each word slowly so Wooyoung could read your lips. From behind him, Yeosang held up a piece of paper with the words ‘amusement park’ written on it. You and Wooyoung had been stuck on this round for a while now, and what’s worse is he had to guess 5 words within 5 minutes—you only had a minute left.
“My… what? What does that even mean?! What on Earth is the keyword for you to be describing it like that?!” The look of frustration on both your faces was evident, making Yeosang burst into a fit of laughter.
Your grandmother decided to let you off your duties for the day, hence why you decided to tag along with Wooyoung on his dance lessons. Fortunately for you, a few familiar faces other than your best friend’s were around, namely Yeosang and the guy named Yunho who happens to be a mutual friend of Wooyoung and Seonghwa, making you feel a little less awkward inside the crowded space.
The field wasn’t really something of your expertise, so all you did for the day was record their practice performances for them and head in and out every now and then to buy them some snacks so you could at least offer a little bit of help. The rest left the building earlier at 10 in the evening already, but Wooyoung, Yunho, and Yeosang chose to stay overtime—you don’t know why, but you promised Wooyoung you’ll spend the whole day with him today to make up for not being able to hang out with him for a short while, so you had no choice but to stay longer as well.
At first, the three of them were just practicing some of their choreographies while you sat on the floor at the very back as you browsed the internet, but one thing led to another, and Wooyoung ended up suggesting the idea of playing the infamous Whisper Game. He, of course, chose to pair up with you, while the opposing team consisted of Yunho and Yeosang.
Yunho and Yeosang were kind enough to let you and Wooyoung play first, but their willingness to step down and offer a gesture of kindness has been proved to be completely useless, seeing how your team has barely even made any progress. “Pass, pass! I can’t do this one anymore!” he yelled, stomping his foot on the ground twice in frustration. “We’re not allowed to pass! You proposed that rule earlier before we started playing, remember?” Wooyoung, however, thought you were still trying to describe your given keyword to him, making him shake his head quickly with his brows furrowed.
“Get it over with! I can’t-”
The door swung open all of a sudden, and even though neither you or Wooyoung heard it, the door was near enough where you were for you to be able to see it in your peripheral vision. However, what you weren’t expecting was your eyes to lay upon Yunho with another person trailing behind him.
The world—for you, at least, came to a stop, and suddenly, the loud music from the headphones you wore no longer rang in your ears. You found yourself in a temporary state of shock, the day seeming to have done a 180 out of nowhere. Behind him was none other than Seonghwa, and God did he look even more ethereal than you can last recall.
The long coat he wore was shrugged off his shoulders, revealing the fitted black turtleneck he wore underneath. His pants were of the same color, and the reflection of the lights on the practice room’s roof shone perfectly on his shoes.
“You still haven’t gone past that word?” Yunho said, though it was more of a statement than a question—the answer was already laid out in front of him, anyway. Yeosang knew both you and Wooyoung couldn’t hear him, so he took it upon himself to speak on your behalf. “I’d say it’s Wooyoung’s fault. He’s been reading her lips incorrectly the whole time,” he said, laughing afterwards.
“By the way, time’s up! Congratulations for scoring zero points,” he followed, taking off Wooyoung’s headphones for him, while you remained in a trance, blanked out while staring into the depths of nowhere. Wooyoung stood up, walking towards you while waving his hands in front of your face. “Hello? Earth to my best friend?” he said, having to repeat it a couple more times before he got tired and straight up flicked your forehead, making you flinch as you hurriedly took the headphones off your head, hanging them on your neck. “Ow! What the hell?!”
“Game’s over! We scored zero points,” he said casually, as if the prize on the line for the winners wasn’t a whole pack of what just happened to be your favorite food. Soon enough, a frown has already made its way to your face. Being all too familiar with the expression you held, Wooyoung was quick to throw his hands up in the air, an apologetic look on his face. “I’m sorry, okay?! I genuinely had no idea what you were saying!
“Then maybe you should’ve considered suggesting a different game—one you aren’t absolutely horrible at.” Yunho and Yeosang watched in amusement, while Seonghwa remained curious, trying to figure out whether you two were actually arguing or if this is simply how your friendship goes.
“Do they normally…?”
“Yeah.”
Meanwhile, Wooyoung was still trying to find a way to receive your forgiveness. “I’ll just stop by the convenience store near my apartment and I’ll buy you a whole pack—two, even! Just forgive me and don’t get rid of my free food privileges at your grandmother’s shop!”
“No can do, Woo. You promised me you’d win the prize for us! That’s so, so different from buying it from some convenience store down the street, you know?” Wooyoung knew you were just messing around, yet he failed to notice you were doing it on purpose to get him to play the game all over again just so you didn’t have to head home early and miss the opportunity to be in the same space as Seonghwa.
“Okay, look, I’ll just,” Wooyoung turned around, facing the three men who were watching you two bicker just now, locking his eyes with Seonghwa, who stared back at him with brows slightly raised in curiosity. “Seonghwa, right? Do you know how to play the Whisper Game?”
What?
“Me? Oh, yeah, I’m pretty decent at it, I guess,” he responded, nodding. You, however, watched the scene unfold with widened eyes. Your plan did work, but at what cost? Was Wooyoung going to ask him to-
“Can you take my place for tonight? I mean, if you haven’t already noticed from my bestfriend’s glares, I’m really, really terrible at it, and clearly, she values the prize more than she does with me,” he explained, making Seonghwa chuckle lightly at the last part. You, however, were quick to interject with Wooyoung’s idea, knowing there was no way you’d be able to focus on the goal of winning if Seonghwa were to be your partner for the game. “What? No, that’s… that’s not necessary. Woo, we could just try again-”
“Sure thing,” Seonghwa slid between your words with a soft smile on his face, immediately shutting you up. Even though Wooyoung was facing away from you, you could still feel the sinister smile on his face begging to be released.
Wooyoung took the headphones off his neck, giving it to Seonghwa as he stepped aside so he could sit down on the chair facing you from a fair distance across the room. Trying your best not to melt down to the ground right there and then, you held back the urge to glare daggers right into where Wooyoung was standing, replacing it with a sarcastic smile instead, making your bestfriend lightly flinch—he was not going to get away with this.
“Are you ready?” Seonghwa asked, looking at your face to search for any signs of discomfort as he patiently waited for your response while holding a soft grip on the headphones hanging off his neck. It was most likely due to the fact that you always have your heart-shaped glasses on whenever he’s in the same space as you are—you were well aware of that, but part of you hopes you weren’t just being delusional over thinking his voice softening ever so slightly when he spoke to you was intentional.
“Yeah, um, I’m good,” you slipped a small chuckle in the middle of your words, the sound of it coming off awkward being completely unintentional—to be fair, anyone would be nervous as well if they were to be put in your shoes, so who’s to say it wouldn’t have happened with other people?
“Why don’t we switch it up this time? I’ll give Seonghwa the keyword instead,” Yeosang chimed in, walking around the room to stand behind where you sat. “Is that alright with you guys?” To which you all agreed.
There was never any specific category you all agreed to follow before playing, so Yeosang let his mind wander as freely as possible while thinking of a word to scribble on the blank paper he held in his hands. Wooyoung, Yunho, and Seonghwa watched him in both curiosity and anticipation as he started writing on the paper, while all you could do was stare down on the ground and fiddle with the hem of your sweater. It’s not like you could look behind you, anyway, and neither do you have enough courage to stare right into Seonghwa’s eyes.
“Okay, here we go,” Yeosang announced, holding the paper up for everyone except you to see. The word, scribbled in Yeosang’s handwriting, was “The Gingerbread Man.”
Wooyoung's jaw dropped, crouching down while the sounds of his hysterical laughter and his claps echoed all over the room. “No way!” Yunho chuckled, shaking his head in amusement. “This is going to be one hell of a round,” he said, his laughter joining Wooyoung’s in a chorus of amusement.
Seonghwa, however, had his eyes widened in disbelief as he scanned the word. “You’ve… got to be kidding me,” he muttered under his breath, running his hands through his hair. “How on Earth am I going to describe this?” he muttered, more to himself than anyone else. His brow furrowed in concentration, trying to come up with a plan.
“Hey, it’s a word that’s pretty easy to guess,” Yunho offered him some encouragement, patting him on his shoulder, “it’s just hard to describe. Well, not really, but you get what I mean.”
Meanwhile, you watched the scene unfold with growing nerves, your heart pounding in your chest as you anticipated what was to come. You weren’t sure how to feel about the variety of reactions. From Seonghwa’s reaction alone, you could already tell the word given to him was a difficult one. As he began to describe the word, you quickly realized just how difficult this was going to be. Seonghwa stumbled over his words, struggling to find a way to explain the complex term without making it too easy or too hard. His brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to come up with the perfect description.
“It’s like... something you often see during Christmas,” Seonghwa started, his voice hesitant as he searched for the right words. He glanced at you briefly, his eyes filled with uncertainty, before continuing with his description. “A see-through crisis… What?” you replied, brows furrowed in confusion while you tried to read his lips. “No, no! It’s often seen during Christmas,” he repeated, this time speaking more slowly than before. “It’s, like… ah, how do I…” he sighed, staring above the ceiling while trying to come up with an effective description.
Wooyoung couldn’t contain his laughter, rolling on the ground as he clutched his stomach. “This is gold!” he exclaimed between breaths, his laughter echoing through the room. He wiped tears of laughter from his eyes, struggling to catch his breath as he continued to laugh uncontrollably.
“A see-through crisis? What does that even mean?” Yunho said, his laughter contagious as he joined Wooyoung down on the floor. He placed his hands down on the surface for support, his laughter mingling with Wooyoung’s as they both struggled to catch their breaths. Seonghwa sighed in frustration as he struggled to find the right words. “I have no idea how to describe this,” he admitted, his voice tinged with defeat. But even his frustration couldn’t dampen the mood, and soon enough, everyone was laughing along with him.
“No, no, come on, you’ve got this! Just come up with whatever you can, and I’ll try my best to make a word out of it!”
Maybe it was because you were getting too lost in the moment, or perhaps it was because you really wanted to win the prize. Eitherway, you failed to notice the fact that you were no longer acting so awkward and bashful around Seonghwa like you usually would.
Wooyoung didn’t, though. And maybe that’s why he was no longer laughing, instead just focused on both you and Seonghwa trying your best to guess the keyword correctly with amusement filling his eyes, grinning while doing so—he was definitely never going to let you hear the end of it after this.
Seonghwa took a deep breath, determined to give it one more shot. “Okay, let’s try this again,” he said, his voice more determined this time. He squared his shoulders, steeling himself for the challenge ahead as he prepared to make one final attempt.
“He’s leaning forward now!” Yeosang pointed out, slapping his knees while laughing. “He’s like those dads leaning forward with their elbows on their knees the moment the basketball game they’re watching on the television comes near the final stretch,” Yunho followed his commentary, leaning to the side after Wooyoung slapped his shoulder playfully over his remark.
“Okay, okay, it’s like... it’s edible, and it can be made through baking. Edible, can be baked.” Seonghwa's brows furrowed in concentration as he tried to articulate his thoughts, but his vague descriptions only left you more confused. “Edited by a candidate…?” you whispered, turning to the others for help. But their faces only mirrored your confusion, refusing to lend you a hand, leaving you feeling even more lost.
Yunho chuckled, shaking his head. “I think he’s just as lost as she is,” he joked, earning a laugh from Wooyoung and Yeosang. Seonghwa sighed in frustration, running a hand through his hair as he tried to regroup. “Okay, okay, let me try again. He’s a little guy who’s edible.” he tried, his voice faltering as he struggled to find the right words.
But as you tried to decipher his words, you found yourself completely off track, misinterpreting his descriptions in the most absurd ways possible. “A little time for enigma?” you guessed, earning a round of laughter from the others. Seonghwa blinked in confusion, his lips quirking up in a small smile despite his frustration. “Uh, no, that’s not quite it,” he chuckled, shaking his head.
As the game progressed, Seonghwa's descriptions became more refined, each one inching closer to helping you unravel the mystery of the keyword. With each new attempt, you found yourself getting closer to understanding, the pieces slowly falling into place.
"It's like, okay, it’s edible, often seen during Christmas, and takes up the form of a little guy,” Seonghwa’s voice was more confident now, his eyes alight with determination as he tried to guide you towards the answer. Well, realistically speaking, he’s only been giving you the same description for the whole time—the only thing that differs each of them from one another being the arrangement of words. You furrowed your brows, mulling over his words carefully. “Christmas, edible, little guy…” you murmured to yourself, trying to make sense of it all.
And then, it clicked.
“Oh my God. Please don’t tell me it’s The Gingerbread Man,” you deadpan. Seonghwa’s eyes lit up with joy, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Yes! That’s it!” he cheered, his voice filled with pride as he nodded enthusiastically. With a rush of adrenaline, you tore off your headphones and stood up, turning around to see Yeosang holding up the paper with the word “The Gingerbread Man” written on it. The sight only fueled your excitement further, and you couldn’t help but let out a triumphant laugh.
“Whoa, they actually got it!” Wooyoung exclaimed, his eyes wide with disbelief as he exchanged stunned looks with Yunho and Yeosang. The room erupted into cheers and applause, everyone celebrating the unexpected victory. As the cheers and laughter filled the room, Seonghwa’s eyes sparkled with joy. Caught up in the excitement of victory, he turned to you with a beaming smile, his hand raised for a congratulatory high five.
Without a second thought, you mirrored his gesture, reaching out to meet his hand with yours. But as you were too lost in the moment, already thinking of eating the prize once you get home, your fingers intertwined with his, the touch sending a jolt of electricity through your veins. Seonghwa’s expression softened, a hint of surprise flickering in his eyes at the unexpected connection. Yet, instead of pulling away, he gently tightened his grip, intertwining his fingers with yours. Seeing others happy had always been his personal source of joy.
For a fleeting moment, time seemed to stand still as you both stood there, excitedly shaking both your hands while they remained within one another’s grasp. It wasn’t until you caught a glimpse of Wooyoung’s teasing glance in the blurry background of your vision.
A warm flush crept up your cheeks as you finally became aware of the intimate gesture, wasting no time to let his hands go. But before you could muster a response, Seonghwa's smile widened, his eyes crinkling at the corners with genuine warmth. “Great job! I didn’t think you’d actually get it, since, I was, like, really bad at coming up with descriptions, you know,” Seonghwa chuckled, rubbing his nape sheepishly.
“What? No, I, it was probably on me—I mean, I literally misread your lips so many times. Great, now I feel bad for yelling at Wooyoung when he made the exact same mistake earlier…” you trailed off as your gaze found its way to your best friend, who was still looking at you and Seonghwa teasingly, this time with both his eyebrows wriggling.
Seonghwa laughed, the sound echoing in your ears, leaving you in a trance for a fleeting moment. How come even his laugh is so beautiful? At this point, you were certain the heavens above took their time with him.
You and Seonghwa looked around, noticing that Wooyoung and Yunho were now the ones seated on the chairs facing each other. It seems like their turn to play the game has finally arrived, and instead of a word, they had to guess a proverb.
As you both turned your gaze to Yeosang who was standing behind Yunho, you waited in anticipation for what he was going to write—bursting in a fit of laughter the moment he held the paper up, the words “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” written on it. Normally, it would be easy to describe it for anyone else, but you knew your best friend well enough to be sure he was not going to be able to describe it correctly to Yunho. This time, you both chose to let them have a moment of their own, being kind enough not to distract them unlike how they did with you earlier.
“You know, I was supposed to ask you this question earlier, but I was unexpectedly caught up in the whirlwind of your game, so I couldn’t…” Seonghwa spoke up all of a sudden, leaving you hanging off his words in curiosity. “Oh? What is it?”
“I might be mistaken, but… you’re the girl my co-workers claim as our café’s most loyal customer, right?” he asked, head tilting to the side slightly as a strand of his long hair got carried along, framing the middle of his face. God, must he really have a face people would go to war for?
Your eyes widened slightly at the mention of the nickname, finding it unexpected. “That’s what they call me?” you asked, a smile finding its way to your lips, with Seonghwa mirroring it with one of his own after hearing your answer. “Oh, so it is you.”
“Anyway, to answer your question, it’s a yes. My duty lies in the back kitchen, so I’m not really updated on who visits our café the most and who doesn’t, but they talk about you a lot, especially during the after-hours of work,” he replied.
“Oh, really?”
You weren’t exactly good at everything, and there’s a fair amount of things you were absolutely horrible at. If you were to be asked to list them all down, lying would definitely hog the first spot. Not only did your attempt to sound like you had no idea he works in the back kitchen as if you haven’t had your eyes on him for months on end now come off as you only pretending to be interested, your blank facial expression—which, in your defense, is an attempt to act clueless of the “newfound” knowledge beforehand, also ended up not being able to offer any help.
Afraid to rub off the wrong impression on Seonghwa, you were quick to steer away and focus on another thing that’s remotely related to the topic at hand. Opting to start talking about the café itself instead and neither the workers nor the customers, you picked back up on your words, the sound of Wooyoung’s laughter blending in the background.
“You know, the reason why I visit the café often is because it’s only a few steps away from my apartment. Not only that, everything you guys offer in the menu just never seems to miss, too,” you smiled, searching his gaze for any signs of whether you had successfully driven his attention away from your terrible response earlier or not. Seeing the way his eyes started to look like they were sparkling, you sneakily let out a breath of relief. “Really? That must be nice… There aren’t really any cafés near where I live—in fact, the one where I’m working is the closest a café can get for me,” Seonghwa jokingly put on an angry expression, making you laugh.
He didn’t have to know you did so not because he looked funny, yet rather because you found it adorable how the front of his eyebrows had risen ever so slightly with his cheeks puffed along with his nose scrunching.
“But you don’t really have to live near a café when you already work at one, don’t you? Makes me wonder if you’ve ever taken wrong orders with you on your way home,” you teased, although a bit hesitant—afraid he’d get the wrong impression and assume you were being passive aggressive somehow. Much to your fortune, he laughed at your comment, holding up both his hands in the air. “Guilty as charged,” he joked, playing along with your antics.
Mulling over the topic at hand, a question suddenly appeared in your mind. And as if Seonghwa noticed it immediately with the way your eyes widened ever so slightly, he tilted his head to the side, asking, “Something on your mind?”
“Were there ever times you got your customers’ orders wrong on purpose just so you could indirectly make yourself a drink without having to pay for it?” you asked, hoping it didn’t sound like you were making accusations. Yet, to your surprise, you were met with the sight of Seonghwa in a state of disbelief. “How’d you know?” he said, making you mirror his expression. “No way! You’ve actually done it before?”
“Done it before? Please, I do it all the time,” he said with a smug look on his face, yet was quick to take it back, “I mean, well, I mean, not all the time, because, like, that’s kind of evil, you know, but like-” Seonghwa gave up in explaining himself, putting his hands up in defeat once more. “Okay, fine, maybe I do. But in my defense-”
“I’ve got it! I’ve got it! I’ve got it!”
The sound of Wooyoung chanting like his life depends on it and proceeding to throw away his chair across the other side of the room along with Yunho yelling in victory cut your conversation short, both you and Seonghwa immediately turning your heads to Yeosang, who looked at you with an expression just as bewildered as yours.
“Don’t ask me, I don’t know either,” he mouthed, letting out a sound of surprise when Wooyoung and Yunho suddenly lifted him up and started throwing him in the air back and forth. Exchanging concerned glances with Seonghwa, both of you were certain that from this point onwards, it was going to take you two a lot more time to calm your bestfriends’ energies down. Can the night take any longer to go away?
****
You were shocked, to say the least.
Well, in much more… realistic terms, it’d be better to use the term ‘annoyed’. It all started earlier in the morning, when your grandmother called you just when you were about to take a 5 minute nap after your alarm woke you up, telling you that you were going to have to work overtime for the following weeks. It would’ve been the trigger for your sour mood long ago, but at this point, you were already used to being greeted by such announcements.
You were certain it was most likely because she was planning on taking a break from work and letting you handle everything for a while as she gets her well-deserved rest, so you didn’t really mind it at first, immediately telling her “alright, got it,” before she could even finish speaking.
What you weren’t expecting was the bomb she had dropped down on you just now as you both indulge in a conversation regarding your work by the counter.
“You mean I need to make how much of what in how many days because it’s due when exactly?” you bombarded her with questions, leaning forward from outside the counter as you rested your shoulders on its surface while staring at your grandmother who stood inside the counter in disbelief, your expression growing more frustrated after each inquiry spoken. Great—just when you thought the gods will be nice enough to grant you a peaceful week for once.
Your grandmother held your hand laying down on the surface, looking at you with an apologetic gaze. “I’m sorry, dear, but I really wasn’t expecting it either. She only came in last night during your rest day and told me everything about what she wanted to happen and wanted us to do a minute before the shop was supposed to close, and she seemed to have been in a rush just as I was to close the shop. It seemed like it’s an urgent matter, so I couldn’t turn her down…”
Snapping back to reality and realizing that perhaps you were being a little too dramatic, you were quick to shake your head, placing your other hand down on hers. “No, no, grandma, I’m not upset at you, you don’t have to apologize. It’s just… who exactly is this person, and why did they only visit our shop now that the deadline for whatever they need our services for is nearing and not when they could’ve done so in advance?”
Your grandmother furrowed her brows, a puzzled expression crossing her face as she tried to recall the details of her conversation with the manager from the previous night. "Hmm, let me think... She mentioned something about being the manager of a café, but I'm afraid I can't quite remember the name of the place. My memory's not what it used to be, you know.”
With the mention of a café, your mind instinctively drifted off to Seonghwa—perhaps it was because you haven’t seen him for quite a while now.
For the past few weeks, you couldn’t exactly say you were in a good state. The reason why your grandmother has been taking care of the shop all by herself lately is because she refuses to let you work—not when you were severely ill. Each day felt longer to you than it usually would, as the only things that have been keeping you entertained within the confines of your apartment were your phone and Wooyoung himself.
Not a day during the time you were sick felt enjoyable to you, especially since Wooyoung was the one who had been taking care of you through it all. Sure, you appreciate the gesture more than he believes, but you couldn’t exactly say his countless amounts of teasing you for being ‘born with a respiratory system that wouldn’t survive a horror house’ weren’t annoying. It didn’t help that you couldn’t see Seonghwa for three weeks straight, either. Ever since you got sick, all you could think of was every interaction that happened between both of you that night when you chose to accompany Wooyoung with his dance lessons. You couldn’t get him off your mind.
From the way his brows were furrowed ever so slightly while trying to describe the keyword given to him to you, to the way his hands squeezed yours for about two times at most when you were both celebrating your victory—all of it.
Snapping back to reality after hearing the shop’s door open, you were quick to compose yourself and greet the customer who came in, before turning your attention back to your grandmother. “That’s okay, Grandma. Do you remember anything else she said?”
Your grandmother tapped her chin thoughtfully, her eyes scanning the ceiling as she searched her memory. “Well, she barely gave me a chance to ask any questions before she started laying out her plans for the Valentine’s Day event they’re hosting. Apparently, they want to go all out with the decorations this year, and she thought our shop would be the perfect fit to sponsor the flowers.”
“And did she mention anything about why she waited until the eleventh hour to ask for our help?” you asked, both your curiosity and annoyance getting the better of you. Your grandmother frowned, her brow furrowing in thought. “Not really,” she admitted. “She was so focused on getting everything organized that she didn’t offer much in the way of explanation. But I got the sense that she’s under a lot of pressure to make their event a success.”
You sighed, massaging your temple. You had just recovered from your illness, yet it already feels like it’s crawling its way back to your senses. “Alright, um…” you trailed off, trying to think of how to proceed with the situation at hand.
Suddenly, your grandmother’s face brightened as a memory surfaced in her mind. “Ah, I almost forgot! She did leave me something before she rushed out.” With a sense of urgency, she rummaged through a drawer under the counter, finally pulling out a crumpled piece of paper. She smoothed it out carefully before placing it on the counter for you to see. “This is what she left me,” she explained, pointing to the phone number scrawled on the paper. “She said she was in a hurry and couldn’t specify which café she manages or where the event would be held. So, she asked me to call her today so we could discuss the details properly.”
“Huh…” you hummed, lost in thought as you looked at what was written on the crumpled paper. “Well, why don’t we call her now? The sooner we start, the sooner we can get this whole thing over with.”
“No, no, I’ll do it myself, dear. I’ll just let you know of all the details later. For the meantime, help out that customer over there,” she said, pointing to a man with split-dyed hair wearing a black leather jacket who was scanning the rows and columns of various bouquets sprawled out in front of him, “he looks like he needs a little assistance.”
You smiled, pushing yourself off the counter. “Got it,” you said, playfully saluting before heading towards the aforementioned man at the corner of the shop. “Would you like some assistance, sir?” you asked politely to grab his attention as he turned his head behind to look at you. “Oh, uh, yeah… Do you have any suggestions on which bouquet in this section would be best to give to my girlfriend for Valentine’s Day? They all look beautiful, but I don’t know which one to choose…”
Ah, that’s right.
Valentine’s Day, the sweet old event held annually every February 14th you never had a chance to participate in. With all the heavy workload and life burdens you’ve been carrying on your shoulder lately, you didn’t even realize the said day was fast approaching. Just a day ago, when you were taking a stroll around the city, couples were all over the place—not too much of a rare occurrence, yet it was strange all the same—you thought you were going crazy and were just seeing different versions of the same couple everywhere. Now, it makes perfect sense.
You wonder if Seonghwa has a date planned with someone for Valentine’s day, too. It would be funny if he were to suddenly enter the flower shop asking you the same question Mr. Cruella De Vil had asked just now—the humorous effect of it would definitely wear off later in the evening if it were to actually happen and you’ll most likely end up curled up in your blanket with tears in your eyes, but hey, it would definitely be a fun story to tell Wooyoung about.
“Well, let’s see…” you trailed off, scanning the bouquet flowers presented in front of you. “I think it would be pretty basic if you were to just pick one of these. I mean, think about it. What are the odds that another girl or guy out there already has this in their room?” you said, pointing to some random bouquet.
“Like, 7.5/10?” the man answered, his face looking as if he was actually thinking your little subtle marketing strategy through. “Exactly. That’s more than 5, which means you definitely shouldn’t be opting for any bouquets displayed here in this aisle.”
“Don’t you think it’d be better if you, perhaps,” you spread your arm to gesture to the little synthetic decorations of varying flowers by the counter, “search up different flowers and their meanings and choose the ones with a description that matches your partner’s vibe the most? And then onward, I’ll take care of the rest and make sure I’ll be able to compile them and turn them into a beautiful bouquet as soon as possible.”
He seemed to have been lost in thought for at least a few seconds, making you second-guess whether you were promoting your business correctly or if all you were actually doing was blowing his socks off out of pure fear, yet all your worries fell silent the moment a smile started to form itself on the corners of his lips, “I’d like that. That sounds like something she would definitely appreciate.”
****
The wall clock on top of the counter has once again hit the after-hours of work. The bells hung on top of the café’s doors keep clashing with each other each moment another fellow employee of Seonghwa calls it a day and heads out, their need for a rest as clear as day with the way their voices would sound as if they’ve just finished carrying the weight of the whole world on their shoulders. Face buried in his palms with his hair all disheveled, Seonghwa left the counter and dragged his feet against his will to one of the couches, laying on his back on its soft surface, initiating eye contact with the warm fairy lights hung by the ceiling.
He found himself lost in thought, trying to decipher why exactly the past few days have felt so flavorless and dull for him. He doesn’t even know when or how it started—one minute, he was just playing video games on Yunho’s PC, then the next thing he knew was suddenly he needed a thousand years of rest, away from everything. He knows it’s normal for people to feel down out of nowhere for no reason at all, but it wasn’t the same case for him, not when he doesn’t usually find himself struggling with such a feeling. Out of all the times he could’ve felt it, like when he once had to balance 4 jobs at once just so he wouldn’t find his things in a trash bag outside his door with a note from his landlord way before he started working at the café, why now?
“Seonghwa? Why are you still here?”
The familiar voice of his manager woke him up from his daydream, making him immediately sit up straight. “Oh, uh, they said I was on duty for closing up the café tonight…” a lie. “But they told me you haven’t gone home yet, so I thought of waiting for you to leave before I’d start cleaning up,” another lie. “I was just laying down because I figured I should charge up my energy before working on tonight’s duties,” why is he lying when it isn’t even necessary at all?
“Is that so?” she asked, raising an eyebrow as if she’s not buying his excuses—well, to be fair, who in their right mind would? “You know you can just tell me you’re tired, Seonghwa. Admitting to that wouldn’t be a crime at all,” she gave him a reassuring smile, walking towards the couch from across the one Seonghwa was sitting on, placing her phone down on the table in between them. “I mean, I don’t even know what to call what I’ve been feeling for the past few days,” Seonghwa sighed, shrugging as he leaned back against the couch. “When did it start?” his manager asked, as if trying to help him out with piecing two and two together.
“That’s… I honestly don’t know either. All I know is I feel like everything has been so dull and gloomy lately, like something in my life I never knew existed has disappeared behind the scenes,” he said, stopping in between a few parts as if he’s not sure if what he’s saying even makes sense. “Well, uh,” she pondered, tapping her index finger on her cheek while her eyes examined the roof absentmindedly, “I don’t know much about you and what goes on in your life, so forgive me if this is a ridiculous theory, but.. perhaps what you’ve been feeling lately is caused by a person?”
“A person?” Seonghwa echoed her words, as if even he himself is unsure if a person is actually capable of making him feel strange emotions–without him noticing until the effects of it have finally taken place, too, if anything. “I’m not sure, I… don’t know how that could happen.” His manager was quick to wave her arms off in front of him, retracting her theory. “Well, I’m not sure! After all, it’s just a theory. Maybe it’s true, maybe it isn’t. I’m only throwing that assumption out there because I know that feeling very well, but hey, things are different for each of us,” she smiled, attempting to drive him away from stressing himself out further.
“Yeah, yeah, I agree. Let’s just… maybe not talk about it for now?” Seonghwa politely requested, to which she happily followed. “Of course! Which reminds me, I forgot to tell you about this earlier in the morning, but I went to that flower shop your friend recommended yesterday.” “How’d it go?”
“Well,” she clasped her hands together, smiling so wide Seonghwa swore the distance between her eyes and the corners of her lips was little to none, “I’ve got it sorted out! I may or may not have felt really bad after leaving the shop, though…” she trailed off, frowning. “Why?”
“I thought the owner would be a pretty girl around our age because well, you know, every girl dreams of opening up a flower shop at some point in their lives, or a sassy bald man with glasses who dresses like Edna from The Incredibles, but it was neither.” Seonghwa tilted his head, “What was the owner like, then?” “A sweet old lady who looked like she wanted to turn me down yet didn’t do so because she probably has a heart of gold and I’m pretty sure it’s also because I gave off the impression that I might just die then and there if she didn’t accept my proposal,” she said.
“Oh, really?” Seonghwa looked genuinely surprised. “I’m sure Yunho wouldn’t have thought of recommending that shop to us at all if that was the case, though… Maybe she has someone who’s helping her out? Like, a grandchild of hers or something?”
“I don’t know, I was in too much of a rush when I went there so the thought didn’t really cross my mind. I really hope that’s the case,” she sighed, looking over to her phone on the table. “I’m still waiting for her to ring me up, though. I told her to call me yesterday, but I haven’t received anything at all.”
“Maybe she’s taking her time thinking about it? It’s a pretty huge proposal, anyway,” Seonghwa guessed. “Yeah, maybe that’s it. I’m hoping she’ll dial my number by tonight, though… Valentine’s Day is fast approaching, and I really can’t afford having any last-minute issues with our plans-”
The manager’s phone suddenly rang, cutting her and Seonghwa’s conversation short. She quickly picked it up, glancing at the screen. “Oh, it’s the flower shop! Talk about perfect timing,” she smiled, tapping the answer button as she set the phone call on speaker so Seonghwa could listen in on the conversation as well. “Hello? This is the manager of the café you visited yesterday.”
“Good evening, dear! Apologies for the delayed call, I’ve been pretty busy here,” your grandmother’s voice came through clearly, her tone both polite and professional. “I just wanted to discuss the details of your request for the Valentine’s Day event, if that’s alright with you?”
“Ah, yes! Thank you so much for getting back to me,” the manager said, her tone as bright as day. “I’m really excited about this collaboration. We want to go all out for this event and make it really special for our customers.”
“Of course, I understand. Could you remind me of the name of your café again? I want to make sure I have all the details right,” your grandmother asked. The manager hesitated for a moment, “Actually, I didn’t get the chance to tell you yesterday, my apologies. The café is called ‘Heavenly Brews’. We’re located just a few blocks away from your shop.”
“Ah, I see. Thank you for letting me know. Now, regarding the flower decorations, could you tell me more about what exactly you’re looking for?” your grandmother asked, pulling out a notepad to jot down details. “We’re thinking of something that really captures the essence of Valentine’s Day,” she began. “We’d like a color scheme that gives off those classic Valentine vibes—reds, pinks, whites. Perhaps some heart-shaped arrangements or something that really stands out and adds to the romantic atmosphere.
“That sounds lovely. I can definitely work with those colors and themes,” your grandmother said, scribbling down notes. “Do you have any specific types of flowers in mind?”
“Well, we were thinking of using roses primarily, but we’re open to suggestions. Maybe some baby’s breath or lilies to complement them? Something that looks elegant and sophisticated, but also warm and inviting,” the manager replied. “I can certainly arrange that. Would you prefer more traditional arrangements, or are you looking for something more modern and creative?” your grandmother inquired, her mind already running like a train off the rails with ideas.
“A mix of both would be great. We want the café to have a cozy, welcoming feel, but also something that catches the eye and feels special. It’s a big day for us, and we want our customers to feel that love and effort,” the manager explained. “Understood. I’ll start working on some designs and get back to you with a few options. When would you like to see the samples?” your grandmother asked, feeling more confident now that she had a clearer idea of what was needed.
“If possible, could I visit your shop tomorrow? It would be great to discuss things and see the process in person,” the manager requested, tone so bright your grandmother swore she could practically hear her smiling from the other end of the line. “Of course! That sounds like a good plan. What time would work best for you?” your grandmother asked, flipping to a fresh page in her notepad to note the appointment.
“How about around noon? That’s usually a quieter time for us, so we can discuss everything without too many interruptions,” the manager offered. “Noon works perfectly for me. I’ll see you then,” your grandmother confirmed. “Great! Thank you so much for working with us on this. We’re really looking forward to seeing your designs,” the manager said, her relief evident in her voice.
“It’s my pleasure. I look forward to working with you as well,” your grandmother replied warmly before the call ended. The manager looked over at Seonghwa, who had been listening intently. “Looks like things are starting to come together, huh?” she said with a smile on her face. “That’s great news. I’m sure the event will turn out amazing,” Seonghwa said, mirroring her smile with one of his own. “I hope so. It’s going to be a lot of work, but I think it’ll be worth it,” she replied, her enthusiasm evident in her voice. “Thank you for sticking around, Seonghwa. You should probably head home and get some rest now.”
****
The night had long since then passed, and Seonghwa was now already on his way to work, tapping his foot on the ground while waiting for the stoplights to turn green so he could cross the street. He pushed the long strands of his hair that were framing his face back, fingers getting slightly wet since his hair was still quite soaked. Why, must you ask? His decision of staying overtime at the café last night was made on a whim, because he wasn’t really thinking straight yesterday due to his strange emotions taking a toll on him. Had the manager not been met with the sight of him looking absolutely disheveled laying down on the couch, he probably might’ve even considered staying the night.
He was too busy trying to untangle his feelings to even remember that he hadn’t gotten any sleep the night before—and so, as a result, Seonghwa ended up oversleeping yesterday. Yet one thing about him was that he was either gonna show up fashionably late, or not show up at all. Despite knowing he should’ve resigned from wearing a stylish fit and making an effort to fix himself up at least just for today, Seonghwa does not want his customers to say in their thoughts, “He looks like he just came back from a war.”
Today, he chose to wear an oversized checkered brown and white cardigan on top of a plain white shirt, paired with black pants with converse shoes in the same color as the brown hue of his cardigan. He didn’t have much time left for fixing his face up—everyone believes this is totally unnecessary for a face as beautiful as his, but he insists—so he decided to just wear a pair of glasses with a brown frame, remembering what Yunho used to say about glasses perfectly suiting him.
The stoplights had finally turned green, and he wasted no time in practically running towards the coffee shop he works at. He knew his hair would end up looking like a flock of birds had just nested on it by the time he’d reach the café’s front doors, but at this point, he was too late to care. Stopping in his tracks by the time he saw the large signage of the café he works at, Seonghwa decided to take a break from running and started walking slowly towards it, heavy breaths getting released with each step. The familiar ringing of the bells echoed in his ear the moment he opened the doors, the warm scent of various brews making its way to his nose.
“Oh, hey, Seonghwa!” a coworker of his called for him by a table, motioning for him to come over. “Our manager left a note for you by the counter. She said it was about something urgent, so you might wanna take a look at it,” he said, pointing to a small folded piece of paper pinned by the corkboard. Seonghwa nodded, immediately making his way to the corkboard by the counter. Taking the piece of paper off the corkboard, he carefully unfolded it, reading the words that seem to have been hurriedly written on it:
“Seonghwa, before anything else, I deeply apologize for the late notice. Remember when the sweet old lady from the flower shop asked me to stop by today so we could discuss our plans for the event further? Well, the thing is, something urgent came up and I can’t visit her today. If it won’t be too much trouble for you, could you please be the one to visit her this afternoon instead? You’re free to have the rest of the day off after doing so for compensation. I’ll make it up to you once I get things sorted out.”
For at least a few seconds, all he could do was stare at the scribbled words on the paper blankly. Part of him wonders what came up for his manager to have to skip work for the day, but then he eventually realizes that it’s probably something regarding her personal issues, so he shouldn’t really meddle about it. A detour to the flower shop in the middle of the day sure does sound a little hectic for him, especially since it’s a last-minute request, but being given permission not to continue working at the café afterwards and just spend the rest of his day to his liking does sound like a good deal to make it up for him, too.
You, however, were not exactly feeling the best of the best.
Unfortunately, your grandmother couldn’t go to work today due to having a fever you swear she got from not listening to your consistent reminders to take her medications regularly, so it was all up to you to manage the shop all by yourself. It didn’t help that your duties for the day were of a higher amount than the usual, either. Earlier in the morning, your grandmother called you to inform you about the phone call she had the night before with the manager of the café whose Valentine’s event your shop will be sponsoring, informing you that the manager had already told her about specific designs and patterns she thought would fit the theme of their event.
Their requests were highly specific, too, which only ended up making things harder for you—as now, you’re still stuck on completing the first set of decorations. It wouldn’t be an issue at all, had you not been working on it since the brink of dawn, and had the manager not been supposed to stop by later around 1, which is currently half an hour away from now. So, as a result, you decided to close the shop for the day and solely focus on getting the decorations done. Of course, you made sure to leave a little note by the front doors for the manager, telling her to disregard the “CLOSED” signage and just barge in as she wishes.
The first set of decorations consisted of a series of small floral arrangements designed to be hung from the ceiling. You were envisioning these hanging arrangements as delicate bursts of color that would gently sway above the heads of the café’s customers, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Each decoration was to be composed of a variety of flowers, with a strong emphasis on pink and white hues to match both the manager’s requests and the event’s theme. You had chosen to use a mix of roses, peonies, and baby's breath, carefully arranging them into small, rounded bouquets. Each bouquet was tied with a length of white ribbon that would be used to hang them from the ceiling. After finally finishing the first batch of decorations, you gathered them all together on the ground, carefully examining it as you can’t shake the feeling that something’s missing—it exceeds beauty yet lacks character. As you were thinking of what to add, the sky suddenly turned gloomy, with droplets slowly starting to stain your shop’s glass door. The weather forecast for today said today would be a sunny day, so this was completely unexpected.
You absolutely dread days like this. If there was one thing you hate more than the feeling of wet socks on your skin, it would be none other than rainy days. You just don’t have any good memories tied with it, is all. And it seems as if the world hates to be in your favor, as it’s been raining for weeks now. From your view inside the shop, citizens were either hurrying to the nearest area of shelter, while others were normally continuing their strolls, only having to take their umbrellas out of their bags. You wonder if the manager brought an umbrella with her.
Suddenly snapping out of your thoughts due to thinking about her, you immediately looked up to the wall clock by the counter, only to find out that there are approximately a few minutes left until she arrives. You then hurriedly get back on track, thinking of what additional decoration to add to the small bouquets.You wanted to add a unique touch, and after some thought, you decided to incorporate tiny heart-shaped ornaments, each one nestled among the flowers. These ornaments were delicate and glittery, catching the light in a way that would add a touch of magic to the decorations.
You were carefully adding them onto each bouquet, making sure that the flowers were perfectly arranged and that the ribbons were tied securely. The process was moving slowly yet surely, and you found yourself frequently glancing at the clock, anxious about the manager’s arrival. As you were carefully attaching a heart-shaped ornament to one of the bouquets, the bell above the shop door rang, signaling the arrival of someone. You looked up, expecting to see the manager, but instead, you saw a young man with soaked hair and a stylish yet slightly hurried appearance, dark spots on his cardigan which you could only assume were from the pouring droplets outside. He looked around the shop, his eyes eventually landing on you.
Your breath caught in your throat. There, standing in the entrance of the flower shop, was Seonghwa. You hadn’t seen him since the day you accompanied Wooyoung to his dance lessons, and now, here he was, looking as effortlessly stunning as ever despite being soaked by the rain. His presence was so unexpected that you felt like time had stopped for a moment. The world outside seemed to blur, and all you could focus on was him. Seonghwa, the guy you had been crushing on for what felt like forever, was standing in your flower shop. The same Seonghwa who worked at the café you loved to visit, the café you had no idea was the one your shop was sponsoring for Valentine’s Day—at least not until now. This wasn’t what you had prepared for. You were expecting to see the manager, not the man of your dreams.
“You know, I’m so close to fully believing we’re destined to know each other—with how many times I’ve unexpectedly crossed paths with you,” Seonghwa said while shrugging his hair out of his face, his tone clarifying that he was clearly just throwing in a harmless joke to ease your nerves.
Yet despite this, you find your brain short-circuiting as the only thing you heard clearly was him saying you were destined to know one another.
“If that’s the case, I hope you remember me as the girl who did well on a whisper game round with you and not as whatever else God knows you witnessed me doing,” you replied with a laugh, trying to appear as if you weren’t going absolutely insane deep inside. “Well, unfortunately, I do know you as the girl who said “thanks, you too,” when I placed her order on her table-”
“I don’t even know who you are.”
He suddenly starts laughing, and for a moment, you ponder if this is what lone souls headed to heaven hear on their way there. You find yourself joining his fit of laughter, dropping the act of being annoyed by him—an act not even one person would’ve bought anyway, because even if you were rolling your eyes at him, it was still painfully obvious you were trying your very best not to smile. “The weather forecast is an absolute liar for stating it’ll finally be sunny today,” Seonghwa said while placing his things on the counter. You couldn’t agree more.
“I’ll get you a towel you can dry yourself with real quick,” you hurriedly said as if it’s a line you’ve been practicing and preparing to say for the past few seconds, placing the bouquet you’re holding down on the floor to look for a towel in the somewhat clean storage room. As you entered the area, you were quick to close the door behind you and lean your back against it, dramatically sliding down with your hands covering your mouth. Searching your pockets for your phone so you can message Wooyoung about it, your eyes widened as you suddenly remembered that you left it by the counter.
Sighing, you stood up, silently squealing while burying your hands in your hair. At this point, you were so close to just kneeling down and begging the ground to eat you alive. The fact that Seonghwa has this much of an effect on you leaves you appalled. Finally getting it together after what seemed like a pretty long while—at least to you, your eyes started searching the room for a clean towel to give Seonghwa as if you weren’t just going insane over him a few seconds ago.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the door, Seonghwa was walking through the shop, admiring every creation of both yours and your grandmother’s settled down by the aisles. Spotting a bouquet of gypsophila in the middle of his stroll, Seonghwa immediately stopped in his tracks. Somehow, he feels like this bouquet in particular holds a meaning more special than the other ones he has seen. It holds a beauty other bouquets don’t seem to have in them, too.
“Seonghwa? Where are- oh...”
Seonghwa’s head then turns back, only to find you standing by the end of the aisle with a towel hung by your shoulder and a hair comb within the grasp of your hand.
“Oh, hey, I was just checking out the place. I hope that’s alright with you…?” Seonghwa trailed off, unsure whether he should be where he is right now, given the look on your face. Upon this, you were quick to wave him off, shaking your head with a small laugh. “What? no, no, I don’t see why it wouldn’t be at all,” you said, walking towards him. “Do you like this one?” you asked, pointing to the bouquet of gypsophila you saw him staring at earlier. “Yeah, it’s really pretty. It has this ring of uniqueness in it that the others don’t seem to have,” he replied, smiling at you.
Silence then engulfs the room, and the only thing you could hear were the muffled sounds of raindrops harshly falling down to the ground from outside. The humming buzz of the shop’s air-conditioner was another thing, too. While Seonghwa was busy looking at the other sets of flowers in front of him, you were busy contemplating on whether you should overshare a piece of information regarding the bouquet of gypsophila your conversation with Seonghwa would still be perfectly fine without.
Well, it’s either one step forward or three steps back.
“My mother’s favorite flower was gypsophila. She always wanted to build a flower shop of her own, too,” you spoke up, breaking the chains of silence binding itself around you and Seonghwa. It takes him a few seconds to put two and two together, and once he finally did, it was as if you already saw the look of pity on his face coming ahead.
Yet much to your surprise, you were proven wrong, as the moment he turned his face towards you, a soft smile was gracing his lips. Seonghwa glanced at the bouquet of gypsophila again, then turned back to you, his expression gentle. “You know,” he began, “the reason this bouquet holds a different vibe is probably because your mother’s soul has chosen to reside in it. Maybe she did so to ensure that, even as a soul now, she can still watch over you.”
His words made your heart skip a beat, and you felt a different type of warmth spread through your chest—something you haven’t felt in quite a long while. You weren’t sure if it was the sentiment behind his words or the sincerity in his eyes that moved you so deeply. Perhaps it was both.
“I… I never thought of it that way,” you replied softly, feeling a lump forming in your throat as memories of your mother suddenly began to resurface in your mind. “It’s a beautiful thought, though.” Seonghwa smiled, his gaze still as soft as ever. “Sometimes, I think the people we’ve lost find small ways to let us know they’re still with us. Your mother must have had an incredible spirit to leave such a beautiful mark behind.” You looked at the bouquet, blinking away the tears that threatened to spill. “She did,” you said, your voice barely battling with the muffled sounds of raindrops outside. “She really did.”
For a moment, the two of you stood there in silence, the soft glow of the warm lights of the flower shop casting a comforting hue over everything. It was oddly peaceful—an almost sacred moment.
Seonghwa gently placed a finger on the bouquet, his touch as light as a feather falling down the ground. “I’m sure she’d be proud of everything you’ve done here,” he said with a smile. “This shop, these flowers, they’re a testament to her legacy and to your hard work.” You nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of your lips. He returned your smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. No words needed to be spoken at all. After a moment, you remembered the towel you were holding and handed it to him. “Oh, uh, here, you should dry off before you catch a cold,” you said, hurriedly wiping a stray tear the moment he took it from your hands.
Seonghwa took the towel with a grateful nod. "Thanks," he said, starting to pat his hair dry. As he did, he glanced around the shop again, his curiosity piqued. “So, what’s the plan for the decorations?” You perked up at his question, eager to shift the conversation to something a bit more practical. “Well, the manager had some specific requests for the event. I’ve been working on a set of decorations that’ll be hanging from the ceiling. They’re meant to create a sort of canopy effect with flowers and lights.”
"Oh, right, I saw those. They’re the ones on the floor by the counter, right?” Seonghwa asked, genuinely intrigued. "What kind of flowers are you using?”
“A mix of roses, lilies, this and that,” you replied, gesturing to a nearby arrangement outside the aisle. “They all complement each other well and give off a really romantic vibe, which is perfect for Valentine’s Day.” Seonghwa nodded, his eyes lighting up with interest so much the lights above were even reflecting on his eyes—as if his gaze held the night sky within them. “Do you need any help with them? I’ve got the rest of the day off after this, so I’d be happy to lend a hand.”
The offer took you by surprise, and you felt your cheeks turn warm again. “A-are you sure? I mean, wouldn’t you want to use your free time to yourself?” you asked, feeling hesitant to accept his offer because 1. He’s not even supposed to be here in the first place, and 2. You don’t think you can last a few more hours in the same space as him without fainting somewhere in the middle of it.
“Don’t worry about it! I don’t have anything else I want to do, anyway, and what you’re doing genuinely seems fun—minus the stressful part of having to come up with ideas, of course,” Seonghwa said with a grin, making you laugh and nod in agreement. “Anyway, I insist. Plus, these decorations are for the café I’m working at, anyway, so why shouldn’t I help you out?” he said, tilting his head. After a few more seconds of him trying to convince you to accept his offer, you finally caved in. “Alright, fine.”
You led him to the workspace where you had been preparing the decorations. You decided to start with demonstrating the process, and as you were doing so, you found yourself stealing a few glances at him, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. It was surreal to have him here, helping you with something so important, and you couldn’t help but feel a little flutter in your chest every time he smiled at you or complimented your work.
The conversation you’re about to have with Wooyoung later in the evening will definitely last for hours on end.
“Wow, you’re really good at this. Did you always have a knack for flower arranging?” Seonghwa asked, his voice filled with genuine admiration as he watched you skillfully weave the flowers together. “Oh, uh, thanks,” you replied with a sheepish laugh, trying not to make it obvious that a simple compliment for him is enough to drive you on edge.
“I guess it runs in the family. My grandmother taught me everything I know," you replied with a smile, your hands moving deftly among the blossoms. Seonghwa observed you closely, his eyes tracing the movements of your fingers as you arranged the flowers with such ease. “She must be really proud of you, then. This shop is amazing,” he said, glancing around at the various floral displays that adorned the room. “I’ve never seen someone handle flowers with so much grace. It’s like you’re conducting an orchestra,” Seonghwa says as he turns back to you with a lighthearted laugh, making you smile. “I can’t say I’ve heard such a compliment before.”
Finally down to the last touch, you finished making the bouquet after adding the little heart-shaped ornament on it. “And, there you go! All done,” you said, handing it to Seonghwa for him to observe while you busied yourself with stretching your arms. Seonghwa observes the bouquet, turning it gently in his hands to take in every detail. The arrangement is perfect, each flower meticulously placed, and the heart-shaped ornament adds a charming touch. “This looks amazing,” he said, genuinely impressed. “It’s pretty and definitely matches the Valentine’s vibe we’re aiming for at the café.” You felt a swell of pride at his words, your cheeks warming slightly. “I’m glad you think so. Now, it’s your turn.”
Seonghwa blinked, taken aback. “My turn?”
“Yep, your turn, Seonghwa.” you replied with a playful grin. “You saw what I did. Now, you get to try making one of the decorations on your own. Don’t look so nervous now, I’ll guide you through it. And then, after you’re done, we’ll start working together.” He looked a bit apprehensive but nodded, rolling up the sleeves of his cardigan as if preparing for a challenge. “Alright, let’s do this.”
You handed him a bundle of flowers and some tools, stepping beside him to offer guidance. “First, you need to choose a few flowers that complement each other. Think about the colors and how they’ll look together.” Seonghwa carefully selected a few blooms, his brow furrowed in concentration. “Like this?”
“Perfect,” you encouraged, your fingers brushing against his as you helped him arrange the flowers. Seonghwa took a deep breath and began the process of making the bouquet, following your instructions step by step. You watched him closely, offering guidance when needed.
“Start with the largest flower in the center,” you said, handing him a beautiful red rose from the set of flowers he picked. Seonghwa carefully placed the rose in the center, arranging smaller flowers around it. He was surprisingly focused, his brow furrowed in concentration as he tried to replicate your earlier demonstration. His hands were a bit clumsy at first, but he gradually got the hang of it. “This is harder than it looks,” he muttered, a lighthearted frustration in his voice. You laughed softly. “It takes practice, but you’re doing great. Just be patient with yourself.”
“Now, add some greenery to fill in the gaps,” you instructed, handing him a few sprigs of baby’s breath. He nodded, his hands moving more confidently as he worked. Just as he was placing a delicate spray of baby’s breath, he winced, jerking his hand back. “Ouch!” he hissed, looking at his finger. You quickly moved closer, concern etched on your face. "What happened?”
“I think I pricked my finger on a thorn,” he said, holding up his hand to show a small drop of blood forming on his fingertip. “Here, let me see,” you said, gently taking his hand in yours. Your touch was light, but it sent a jolt through you, your heart racing. You tried to focus on dabbing at the small wound with a tissue you found by the counter, all while trying not to think of how close you were to him. Seonghwa watched you, his gaze fixed on your face. He noticed the way your brows knitted together in concentration, the gentle way you handled his hand. He found himself unable to look away, somewhat mesmerized.
“You’ve got to be careful,” you said softly, finally looking up at him. “Roses are beautiful but tricky to work with.” Seonghwa cleared his throat, snapping out of his trance. “Yeah, I’ll keep that in mind. Thanks.” You smiled, giving his hand a final pat before letting go. “Alright, back to work. Just a few more touches and you’ll be done.” He nodded, still a bit confused by the strange flutter in his chest. He resumed his task, this time more mindful of the thorns.
After a while, Seonghwa was now nearing the final stretch, now getting down to the step of binding the bouquet with a ribbon. He took a deep breath and tried to tie a neat bow, but somehow ended up with a tangled mess. He looked at you silently, his eyes pleading for help. You couldn't help but laugh gently, “I think you just invented a new kind of knot, Seonghwa.” He chuckled, slightly embarrassed. “Yeah, tying bows was never my strong suit.”
“Let me show you again,” you said, moving closer to him. You demonstrated the technique, your fingers deftly working the ribbon into a perfect bow. “You see? It's all about making a simple loop and pulling it through.” Seonghwa nodded, but when it was his turn to try again, he still ended up with another tangled mess. Seeing his frustration, you decided to guide him more closely. “Here, let me help you,” you said softly, positioning yourself behind him. Kneeling down, you leaned forward slightly, so your face was level with his from behind. You reached forward, your hands gently covering his.
“Okay, just follow my lead,” you instructed, guiding his hands with yours. Your proximity made your heart race, but you focused on the task at hand. “Make a loop with this end,” you said, your hands moving his fingers to create the loop. “Now, take the other end and pull it through here.” He followed your movements, feeling the smooth texture of the ribbon under your combined touch. “See? Just like that,” you whispered, the bow finally taking shape. As Seonghwa turned his head slightly, he suddenly realized just how close you were. In that brief moment, he swore he felt your breath on his skin, and for an instant, it seemed like your lips were almost touching.
Quickly, he turned his head back to the front, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. He cleared his throat, trying to push aside the sudden rush of emotions that had flooded him like a waterfall in that moment. “Uh, thanks again,” he managed to say, his voice in a slightly lower octave than usual. You nodded, trying to appear unbothered. “No problem,” you replied. For a moment, neither of you spoke, the air heavy with unspoken tension. Then, with a shaky laugh, you stepped back, breaking the spell. “We should probably finish up this bouquet,” you said, your voice slightly higher than usual. Seonghwa nodded, grateful for the change in topic. “Yeah, we should.”
A few hours have passed, and as the last bouquet was finished, neither of you realized just how much time had passed. When you finally glanced outside, you were surprised to see that it had already gone dark. Turning to check the wall clock, you noted that it was now 6 in the evening. Leaning back to admire your handiwork, you and Seonghwa exchanged a satisfied glance.
Then, almost as if in unison, you both high-fived each other, a sense of accomplishment filling the air. As you sat beside each other on the floor, a comfortable silence settled between you. Gazing at the tiny bouquets neatly sprawled on the floor, you couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. “Wow, they're beautiful, aren't they?” you remarked, your voice filled with awe. Seonghwa's eyes softened as he looked at you, a gentle smile playing on his lips.
“Yeah, beautiful.”
You turned your head to look at him, only to find him staring at a bouquet he’s holding. “So, have you got any ideas for what other decorations you can make yet?” he asked, laying down on the floor. You decided to mimic his actions, laying down in the opposite direction yet still remaining at face level with him. You sighed. “No, my mind’s at a dead end right now,” you said, staring at the lights hung at the ceiling above. “Any suggestions?”
“Well…” Seonghwa trailed off, raising his hand to look at his wounded finger you gently wrapped with a daisy patterned baby blue bandage earlier. “How about heart-shaped window displays?” he suggests. “You could make them from a mix of red and pink roses, with ribbons and laces for that extra touch of romance.”
“That sounds perfect,” you say, trying to sound enthusiastic. “But... I’m not sure how I’ll finish everything in time for Valentine’s Day. There’s still so much to do.” A flicker of uncertainty crosses Seonghwa's features as if he’s unsure whether to say what’s in his mind or not before he offers you a smile, tilting his head to the side to look at you. “Well, I’m here now, aren’t I?” he says, with a voice as soft as water running through a river in the morning. “I can always lend you a hand if you need help. All you need to do is ask.”
“Seonghwa, you have to go to work, too,” you said in a matter-of-fact tone, tilting your head towards him—and suddenly, you’re reminded of the moment your lips nearly touched when you were teaching him how to tie a knot earlier. “Don’t worry about it. It won’t be hard to talk my manager through letting me get off the hook of which I call my working hours a little earlier than usual, trust me,” he said with a smile.
You sighed, finding yourself caving in to his plans once more. “Okay, okay, fine. You know, I’m starting to think you’re casting a spell upon me that makes me unable to say no to you in all aspects,” you joked, earning a laugh from him. “Maybe, maybe not,” he plays along, sitting up after glancing at the wall clock hung on the wall by the counter. “So then, if you don’t mind, may I have your number?”
The world stops all of a sudden, and not even the buzz of the air-conditioner was able to help with making your surroundings a little less silent. “I mean, just so we could keep in touch in case you need my help, of course,” he said, faster than the speed of light to clear himself up after realizing what impression his last words just gave off.
“Oh, yeah, uh, sure,” you stumbled upon your words, sitting up from the ground to reach for your phone so you could exchange phone numbers with him. Opening your phone for what feels like the first time today, you were bombarded by countless message notifications from Wooyoung all piled on top of each other in your lockscreen. You’d have to tell him to come over once you get home.
“Seonghwa, it's getting late. You should probably head home. And take this,” you add, handing him your umbrella, “just in case it starts raining again on your way home.”
Seonghwa's eyes widen slightly in surprise as he tries to refuse, “Oh, no, I couldn't possibly-”
“I insist. Besides, I have plenty at home. You might need it more than I do,” you said, inching the umbrella closer to him.
You did not have plenty at home at all, and the umbrella you were holding in your grasp was literally the last one of its kind in your possession, but hey, we all have our moments, don’t we?
"Well,” he started as if there was an idea brewing inside his head, “your shop's closed for the day, anyway, isn't it? I can just help you with cleaning things up here, then I'll walk you home afterwards."
Your heart skips a beat at his unexpected offer, and you can feel a blush creeping up your cheeks. “Oh, Seonghwa, you really don’t have to do that. I can manage on my own.”
But he mirrors your earlier insistence, his voice gentle yet firm in a way that indirectly implies to you that there’s no room left for saying no. “I insist. Like you said earlier, it’s getting late.”
As you and Seonghwa stroll along the quiet streets, the evening air crisp and cool, you find yourself engaged in conversation, the words flowing easily between you.
"So, where do you live?" you ask, curiosity bubbling up as you realize you don’t really know much about Seonghwa's personal life. He gestures towards a direction, “I live a bit further from here, actually.”
You nod, a hint of surprise clouding your features. “Oh, really? Now I feel bad for agreeing to your offer of walking me home,” you said genuinely, but all Seonghwa could do was let out a soft laugh. “Don’t stress it out. It’s no trouble at all.”
As you continue your conversation, you eventually bring up his best friend, Yunho. “So, tell me about Yunho. How do you two know each other?”
Seonghwa's expression lights up with fondness as he reminisces. “Yunho and I go way back in high school. I was the president of the high school dance club named Dilettante, and it was a small group at first, just a few of us who shared a passion for dance. Yunho joined us early on, and from the moment he stepped into the studio, I knew he was something special—that’s when we started getting to know each other.”
You can't help but be surprised by this revelation. “Wait, you used to be a dancer?”
He chuckles softly, shaking his head. “I know, I don’t exactly fit the stereotype. But yeah, I was. Although I stopped dancing after entering college. Just lost interest, I guess.”
You furrow your brows in curiosity. “But Yunho still dances?”
Seonghwa nods. “Yeah, he’s still really into it. Funny how things turn out, huh?” he said, making you nod in agreement. Silence then fell between both of you for a short while, but it wasn’t until Seonghwa picked the conversation back up.
“What about you and Wooyoung?” he asked, “you both seem to have quite the friendship.”
You chuckle, nodding in agreement. “Yeah, we’ve been through it all together. We actually go way back, too, but instead of high school, we’ve been friends since childhood. He’s the son of a family friend, so we practically grew up together.”
Seonghwa laughs at the image painted by your words. “Sounds like quite the dynamic duo to me.”
You nod, smiling. “You have no idea. Our childhood friendship mainly consisted of arguing and making each other cry over toys, candies, and who gets how many turns on playground rides, though…”
Seonghwa chuckles, shaking his head in amusement. “Well, it appears some things never change. Remember when Yunho and I walked in on both of you yelling at each other on top of your lungs while playing the whisper game?”
“Unfortunately, I do.”
You both then burst into a fit of laughter, and for a second, you wish time would just stop running so this moment could last longer than it’s meant to be.
Finally reaching your apartment, you turn to face Seonghwa. “Thank you for walking me home and for everything else you helped with today. I appreciate it a lot.”
Seonghwa offers a warm smile, shaking his head slightly. “It’s nothing, really. I’m glad I could help.”
Then, unexpectedly, he adds, “And I don’t mind doing it again. Even every day, if you’d like.”
His words catch you off guard, and for a moment, your heart skips a beat as butterflies spread all over your body like wildfire. Could he be implying...? No, you chide yourself, not wanting to let your assumptions run wild.
But it wouldn’t hurt to try and push a few buttons to see where it’ll lead you, right? So, you laugh lightly, trying to brush off the sudden flutter in your chest. “Um… see you again soon, then?” you said, hoping he catches your drift.
Seonghwa’s smile only widens, his gaze softening. “See you again soon.”
****
You wake up to the symphony of birds chirping outside your window, the gentle gap between your curtain binds allowing the sun’s rays to spill into your room, casting a warm, golden glow. A smile graces your lips; what better way to greet the day than with the embrace of a sunny morning? This has always been your favorite kind of weather.
Sitting up, you lean against the headboard, hugging your pillow, reluctant to leave the cocoon of your bed. Your gaze falls upon the flower vase on your nightstand, and your thoughts, as if by instinct, drift to Seonghwa and the time you both spent together yesterday.
It feels surreal. Just months ago, he was merely the pretty boy working at your favorite café, someone you admired from afar—nothing more, nothing less. You always believed your lives were like parallel lines—close, yet never meant to intersect.
And now, that same pretty boy had walked you home last night. The series of not-so-coincidental events and the threads that wove yesterday into being seemed almost dreamlike.
It’s amusing, really. Since the last time you saw him, rainy days have been relentless. But after last night, the sun shines as brightly as a daisy.
Your phone then suddenly rings, jolting you from your thoughts. The name on the screen makes your eyes widen—Wooyoung. You suddenly remember the flood of messages he sent you yesterday, messages you had promised yourself you'd respond to once you got home. But after a whirlwind of a day and feeling utterly exhausted, you had gone straight to bed.
You quickly answer the call, trying to sound as awake as possible. “Woo, hey!”
“Why on earth haven’t you been picking up or answering my messages?” Wooyoung’s voice emerges from the other end of the line, a mix of annoyance and concern.
You sigh, feeling a pang of guilt. “I’m so sorry, Woo. I was super busy yesterday working on decorations for a café’s Valentine’s Day event—the one I told you about, remember? I saw your messages but didn’t have a chance to reply.”
“Oh, right,” he said, his tone eventually softening as he remembered. “What café is it, anyway?”
Fully awake now, you suddenly recall you haven’t told him about the big twist. “Oh my gosh, Woo, I haven’t even told you the craziest part yet.”
“Wait, what? Tell me!” His curiosity is piqued, and you can practically hear the eagerness in his voice.
You take a deep breath as if to drive Wooyoung on edge and dive in. “Okay, so, the thing is… the café I'm doing the decorations for is the one Seonghwa works at.”
There’s a brief pause before Wooyoung exclaims, “Wait… Seonghwa? Like, the Seonghwa from your favorite café? The one you’ve been crushing on for ages?!”
“Yes!” you laugh, feeling the excitement bubbling up again. “It was so surreal. He came to the shop because his manager wanted to check the progress of the decorations, and my grandmother was supposed to handle it, but she was sick, so I was there instead.”
Wooyoung then cuts you off. “Wait, wait, wait! This is too good to just talk about over the phone. This is a gossip conversation we need to have in person.”
You laugh, amused by his enthusiasm. “Seriously, Woo?”
“Seriously! Hold on, I'll be there in a few,” he said, and you could hear the sound of his bedsheets rustling in the background. “Don’t say another word about it until I get there.”
A few minutes pass, and you and Wooyoung are now sitting on the sofa, munching on snacks he bought on his way to your apartment. The cozy familiarity of his presence fills the room, and you feel the excitement bubbling up again.
“Okay, spill,” Wooyoung says, leaning forward eagerly. “Continue your story from where you left off.”
You sit up straight, ready to tell him all about it. "Alright, so I was just working on the hanging ornaments when he suddenly showed up in the shop. And, oh my gosh, Woo, his hair and part of his clothes were all drenched from the rain.”
“It’s like what they all say,” he says, “you can take Seonghwa out of the K-drama male lead, but you can never take the K-drama male lead out of Seonghwa.”
You nod, laughing. “That doesn’t make any sense at all, but it’s exactly like that. And he looked so beautiful, I swear I nearly died yesterday.”
Wooyoung lets out a low whistle. “Man, if that’s not straight out of a drama, then I don’t know what is. What happened next?”
“So,” you start, “I went to the storage room to fetch him a towel. I was in there for, like, a minute or two? Because I couldn’t regain composure and was just straight up walking back and forth without even daring to look for a towel. And when I came back, I saw him admiring a bouquet of gypsophila that my grandmother made.”
Wooyoung’s eyebrows shoot up. “Gypsophila? Isn't that...?”
You nod, the memory making your heart ache. “Yeah, it was my mom’s favorite flower. I got a little emotional when he said something sentimental about it.” Wooyoung leans in, his eyes glistening with curiosity. “Wait, what did he say?”
You then recall the moment vividly. “I told him it was my mom’s favorite flower and how she always wanted to build a flower shop. And instead of looking at me with pity, he just smiled and said, ‘You know, the reason this bouquet holds a different vibe is probably because your mother’s soul has chosen to reside in it. Maybe she did so to ensure that, even as a soul now, she can still watch over you.’”
Wooyoung's mouth drops open. “Wow, that’s beautiful—definitely one way to look at things. Now I get what Yunho means by calling Seonghwa a token sweet boy. So, what happened next?” he asks.
“I told him I never thought of it that way, but it was a beautiful thought. And he said, ‘Sometimes, I think the people we’ve lost find small ways to let us know they’re still with us. Your mother must have had an incredible spirit to leave such a beautiful mark behind.’”
Wooyoung leans back, seemingly impressed with Seonghwa’s mindset. “That’s pretty profound. How is this guy real? Seriously.” You smile, feeling the warmth of the memory. “I know, right? It was such a beautiful moment.”
Wooyoung nods thoughtfully. “Okay, what happened next?”
“He offered to help me with the decorations,” you continue. “I showed him how to make them, and then told him it was his turn. But he kept messing up.” Wooyoung snickers. “Messing up? Like, how bad are we talking?”
“Pretty bad,” you laugh. “And then, he accidentally cut his finger on a rose thorn.” Wooyoung gasps, eyes wide with a mix of shock and amusement. “Ouch. What did you do, then?” he asks in a teasing tone.
“Well, I bandaged his finger up,” you say, your cheeks warming at the memory. “We were so close, I could barely even look up at him! It felt so surreal, Woo. I can’t believe it all actually happened.” Wooyoung nods vigorously, still buzzing with excitement. “This is the best thing I’ve heard in ages! You have to tell me everything else that happened.”
So then, you recount the moment when you were teaching Seonghwa how to tie a knot on the bouquets. “So, I demonstrated it to him first, but he couldn’t quite get it right,” you say, a fond smile finding its way to your lips. Wooyoung leans in, his eyes wide with anticipation. "So what did you do, then?”
“Well,” you continue, "I positioned myself behind him, kneeling down and, like, leaning forward slightly so my face was level with his from behind—if you get the image I’m trying to paint. I reached forward, my hands gently covering his, guiding him through making the knot.” Wooyoung's eyebrows shoot up. "No way, you were that close to him? Wow, you never striked me as the type to be brave enough to pull that kinda move.”
You roll your eyes at his comment, yet still feeling the heat rise to your cheeks. “Yeah, and then, you’re so not gonna believe this, but then Seonghwa suddenly tilted his head, and then our lips almost touched-”
“Shut up! Are you serious?!” “Dead serious, Woo!” you confirm, your heart still racing at the memory. “It was so awkward, you know. Like, I wasn’t expecting him to look behind at all so I didn’t bother much about keeping a distance between our faces, and there was this tension and silence before we both cleared our throats and went back to work, trying to act like nothing happened!”
Wooyoung bursts into laughter, doubling over with amusement. “Oh my god, you and Seonghwa are literally the embodiment of a slowburn trope, you know?” You join in his laughter, feeling lighter than you have in a long time. "Yeah, tell me about it. It's been quite the rollercoaster.”
“So, what else?”
“It was already getting late that time, so I told him he should probably head home. Since the weather was acting up yesterday, I offered him my umbrella in case it would rain, but he refused,” you start, continuing after getting a hum from Wooyoung, “I kept insisting, and he suddenly came up with something.”
“Something?” Wooyoung tilts his head.
“He said that since the shop was closed for the day last night anyway, he can just help me with cleaning up, and then he’ll walk me home afterwards,” you said, a warm rush creeping up to your cheeks once more. “Please tell me you said yes,” Wooyoung pleads, leaning forward with widened eyes. You sheepishly chuckled, earning a raised eyebrow from him.
“I mean, I was kinda hesitant at first, but he kept insisting, tossing my words back to me and saying it’s already getting late and it wouldn’t be safe for me to head home alone.” Wooyoung then nods thoughtfully. “He’s right.”
You smile in return, being reminded of how it’s what Wooyoung would always tell you whenever he insists on walking you home during the times you’d head home a little later than usual. “So, did you accept it?” You nod in confirmation. “Yeah, I did. And as we were walking, we started talking about all sorts of things, this and that. I asked him about Yunho, and it turns out they go way back in high school. Seonghwa used to be the president of a dance club named Dilettante, and Yunho was its first member.”
Wooyoung's eyebrows shoot up. “Wait, Seonghwa used to be a dancer?”
“Yeah, I know, it surprised me too. He stopped dancing after college, but Yunho still dances,” you said, shrugging. “That’s new. How come I never heard anything about this from Yunho?” Wooyoung furrows his brows slightly.
You shrugged, “It was totally unexpected on my end, too. He doesn’t really strike me as the type of guy who’d be interested in such a hobby, but he did say he stopped dancing after entering college due to losing interest. People just change over time, I guess.”
Wooyoung smiles, his eyes sparkling with excitement. “Sounds like he’s doing a great job at keeping your spirits up, huh?” he says, glad you seem like you’re finally starting to find the light inside you again.
Seeing you so happy over your interactions with Seonghwa fills Wooyoung with a profound sense of joy. He’s known you since childhood, when you were a bright, bubbly spirit untouched by sorrow. After your mother’s passing, he watched that light within you begin to fade. Though you remained optimistic, something essential seemed to have dimmed. Over the days since you first saw Seonghwa at the café and developed a crush on him, Wooyoung noticed a subtle yet beautiful transformation. You began to heal, bit by bit. Now, as you recount your moments with Seonghwa—the way you smile, your laughter ringing through the room—it all reminds Wooyoung of the carefree child you once were.
He realizes that, without knowing it, Seonghwa is helping to rekindle the light inside you. Watching you return to that vibrant, joyful person is more than enough for Wooyoung. Your happiness is his own, and seeing your spirit lift once more is a gift he treasures deeply.
Wooyoung’s smile widens as he speaks up once more. “So, did anything else happen?” You nod, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks again—you swear you’re about to explode any minute now. “Uh, actually, yeah. When we reached my apartment, I thanked him for helping me with the decorations and even offering to walk me home, and…”
“And? Now’s not the time to keep me waiting,” Wooyoung playfully says, impatiently tapping his finger on his thigh. “He said he didn't mind walking me home again. Even offered to do it every day,” you say, sheepishly rubbing the back of your neck. Wooyoung’s eyes light up with mischief. “Don’t play with me right now! Oh, I’m telling you, that man definitely has a thing for you.”
You wave your hand dismissively. “I don’t want to assume anything, Woo. I mean, maybe he’s just being nice.” He gives you a skeptical look. “Nice? Yeah, sure,” he deadpans, rolling his eyes in disbelief. “But hey, you should've asked for his number or something.” You laugh, feeling a bit flustered. “I mean, actually, he asked for mine back at the café.”
Wooyoung’s eyebrows shoot up. “Really? Then why not send him a message and see where you’re both headed?”
You open your phone, searching for Seonghwa’s contact number, feeling Wooyoung’s curious eyes on you. Finally, you find it and click on his name, typing out a simple “Hi,” but then immediately delete it. Shoving the phone into Wooyoung's chest, you exclaim, “I can’t do this!” as you stand up and start walking around.
Wooyoung eyes you with a raised brow as you pace around the living room, wringing your hands. “Would you stop pacing around and just sit down? Just send Seonghwa a ‘hi’ already.” You glance at him, biting your lip.
“But what if he’s busy doing something? What if he only asked for my number for matters related to their café’s Valentine’s Day event? What if he only asked for my number to be polite and didn’t actually want me to hit him up?”
Wooyoung rolls his eyes, exasperated but amused. “Seriously? You’re overthinking this. Remember, he literally said he doesn’t mind walking you home again. Even every day, if you want. Tell me, does that sound like someone who's just being polite?”
You stop pacing, feeling the butterflies in your stomach go wild. “I mean… I know, but what if things don’t go well?” Wooyoung stands up, placing a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “If things don’t go well, I’ll be here for you. But you won’t know until you try. So just sit down, open up your phone, and send that message already,” he says while handing you your phone. You take a deep breath, nodding. “Okay, okay. I’ll do it.”
With shaking hands, you take your phone back from Wooyoung and start typing out a simple message: “Hi, Seonghwa! It’s me. Just wanted to thank you for helping me out with the ornaments and walking me home last night :)”
Before you can overthink it again, you hit send and look up at Wooyoung, who gives you a thumbs-up with a toothy grin. “There, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” You laugh nervously. “No, but now we wait.”
Wooyoung grins, settling back on the sofa. “And while we wait, let's talk about something else to distract you. Got any good gossip?”
A few minutes pass, and while you and Wooyoung are talking about the latest town gossip, your phone on the table suddenly lights up with a message notification. Both of you sit up straight, eyes wide with anticipation. “Check it out!” Wooyoung urges, almost bouncing in his seat.
You grab the phone with trembling hands, reading the notification on your lock screen. The moment you see Seonghwa’s name, you throw your phone at Wooyoung’s chest, hiding your face in your hands while kicking your feet back and forth in a mix of excitement and anxiety. Wooyoung catches the phone, surprised. “What did he say?” he asks, but upon seeing your state, he decides to check the message himself. As he reads it, his eyes widen and his mouth falls open in astonishment.
ㅤㅤㅤSeonghwa: Anytime :) How have you been?
Wooyoung gasps, looking at you with a mix of disbelief and glee, “Shut up right now. He asked how you’ve been! That’s a good sign!” Peeking through your fingers, you finally lower your hands, a grin breaking out on your face despite your nerves. “Wait… really?” “Yes, really!” Wooyoung says, excitement lacing his voice as he hurriedly hands you your phone. “Now, what are you going to reply?”
You and Wooyoung then go on a debriefing session, debating intensely on what to reply to Seonghwa. You squeal like a teenage girl, barely able to contain your excitement, while Wooyoung rolls his eyes, urging you to snap out of it. “Come on, we need to keep the conversation going!”
After much back-and-forth, you finally settle on a reply. Wooyoung insists on something that implies you’re free for the day, hoping to hint at an opportunity for Seonghwa to make a move. “Tell him you’re feeling well but a little bored because you don’t have work today and have nothing else to do,” Wooyoung suggests, his eyes glimmering with mischief. “If he follows the script in my head, he’ll ask you out.” With a mixture of both nerves and excitement, you type out the message and hit send.
ㅤㅤㅤYou: I’ve been feeling well, but I’m a little bored since I don’t have work today. There’s nothing else to do…
You and Wooyoung hold your breaths, watching the screen intently. A few moments later, Seonghwa's reply lights up your phone.
ㅤㅤㅤSeonghwa: I know how you feel. My schedule isn’t packed today, either. Wanna go out and do something fun together?
The two of you burst into squeals, jumping up and down with hands intertwined like teenage girls. “He followed the script!” Wooyoung exclaims, eyes wide with excitement. You can't stop grinning, the butterflies in your stomach turning into a full-on swarm. “I can’t believe it, Woo, oh God. He actually asked me out!”
Wooyoung laughs, giving you a playful shove. “Well, don’t keep him waiting. Say yes!” You quickly type out your response, heart pounding in your chest. You made sure not to sound too excited, afraid you’d be too obvious.
ㅤㅤㅤYou: Oh, I’d love to :D
Seonghwa replies almost instantly, setting both the time and place for your meet-up.
Seonghwa: Great! How about we meet at 2PM at the park near the café? There’s a festival happening there today.
You can't help but smile at his initiative. Don’t we all love a man who plans everything out?
You: Sure. See you later!
Wooyoung claps his hands together, already in full planning mode. “Alright, go take a shower. I’ll pick out your outfit and even find a matching hairstyle for you. We've got to make you look stunning!” You laugh, feeling a wave of gratitude for having such a supportive friend. “Thank you, Woo.”
“Anything for my best friend,” he says, pushing you towards the bathroom. “Now go!”
After a refreshing shower, you step out of the bathroom, a towel wrapped around you. Opening the door, you're met with the sight of a perfectly coordinated outfit laid out on your bed—cute but comfortable, perfect for a day out at the festival. The outfit Wooyoung chose for you is a mix of sweet and stylish. It includes a crisp white ruffled blouse paired with a soft yellow cardigan for a touch of warmth. You’ll be comfortable and chic in a flowing brown maxi skirt, complemented by white ankle ruffle socks peeking out of a pair of brown doll shoes. To tie it all together, there’s a cute crochet beige crossbody bag to be slung over your shoulder and a brown beret to match with your skirt. It’s definitely the perfect blend of casual and cute for your day out with Seonghwa. As always, you could never go wrong with trusting Wooyoung to pick your outfits for you.
Wooyoung looks up from his phone with a grin, gesturing towards the outfit. “Well, what do you think? Am I qualified to be the next Yves Saint Laurent?” You chuckle, admiring the outfit he's put together. “Definitely! I couldn't have picked a better outfit myself.
He beams with pride, crossing his arms. “I knew it! Now, let’s get you ready. We have a date to prepare for!”
After Wooyoung leaves the room, you quickly slip into the outfit he's chosen, feeling a surge of confidence as you catch a glimpse of yourself in the mirror. Heading to the living room, you find Wooyoung sitting on the sofa while scrolling on his phone. Upon hearing your voice, his head shoots up, a wide grin immediately finding its way to his lips. “What do you think?” you beam, doing a little twirl as your skirt flows gently around you.
“Oh, you’re definitely gonna blow his socks off.”
He then proceeds to style your hair, showing you a few different options he found online. After settling on a hairstyle that completes your look, Wooyoung takes a step back, appraising his handiwork. “You look amazing,” he says with a grin. “Seonghwa won’t know what hit him.”
You smile gratefully, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness spreading through you. “Thanks, Woo. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” He waves off your gratitude with a grin. “It’s so weird hearing you say nice things to me. Now, go knock Seonghwa off his feet—and make sure to tell me all about it once you head back home!”
Just as you’re about to twist the doorknob open, you turn your head back, flashing him a huge smile. “You bet I will, Woo. And you better not gobble up my whole fridge while I’m away!”
“I can’t promise you anything!”
****
You’re on your way to the park, the anticipation buzzing in your chest like a swarm of butterflies. The sky above is a patchwork of gray clouds, partially obscuring the sun’s warm rays. You hope it won’t start raining all of a sudden like what happened yesterday. With each step, your mind races, rehearsing what to say when you see him. Waiting for the stoplight to turn green, you then find yourself in an internal monologue battle with yourself.
“Okay, so... casual greeting or something more enthusiastic?” you ponder, your thoughts echoing in the confines of your mind. “Laid-back might hide my excitement, but would it come off as disinterested? What if I appear to be too enthusiastic and scare him off?” You shake your head, dismissing the first idea. “No, too casual. I want him to know I’m excited to see him, but not like... overly eager,” you mutter to yourself, a faint frown creasing your brow.
A gust of wind ruffles your hair as the light turns green, signaling it’s time to move forward. Hurriedly crossing the street, you make your way to the park beside the café where Seonghwa works. With each step, your heart pounds against your ribcage, a mix of nerves and anticipation swirling within you. Reaching the park, you find the area filled with lively decorations and a varying amount of stalls, swarmed with people who look like they're having the time of their lives. You’re glad this is the occasion Seonghwa chose to invite you to; you could really use a festive celebration to brighten up your mood. Your eyes search the place, looking for him.
As if on cue, the moment he entered your line of sight, the clouds part, and a radiant beam of sunlight breaks through the gray expanse. There he is, sitting on a bench, his figure illuminated by the soft glow of the newfound sunlight. Your breath catches in your throat as your eyes lock with his, and a smile graces his lips as he stands up and walks towards you.
“Hey,” he says, his voice warm and inviting, and suddenly, all the words you had meticulously crafted in your mind evaporate into thin air. “Hi,” you reply, your voice coming out softer than intended, your nerves palpable. You mentally berate yourself for completely forgetting your practiced dialogue.
Seonghwa’s eyes sweep over you, and a genuine smile lights up his face as he takes in your appearance. “You look lovely,” he says, the words slipping from his lips with such ease, as if he's just making casual conversation with an old friend. Your heart skips a beat at his compliment, and you struggle to maintain your composure, trying to contain the whirlwind of emotions threatening to burst forth. His nonchalant delivery of such a heartfelt compliment only serves as the cherry on top.
“Thank you,” you manage to reply, a blush creeping into your cheeks despite your efforts to appear composed. Inside, you’re anything but calm, your heart racing with a mixture of excitement and nervousness.
It’s unfair, you think to yourself, how effortlessly he can make you feel like you’re walking on air while he remains so composed and unruffled. But then again, maybe that’s just part of his charm.
You take your time to look at him, unsurprised that he’s dressed fashionably—yet at the same time, his beauty always feels so new to you. Seonghwa is clad in a clean white dress shirt, topped with a cozy yellow sweater vest. On top of it is a brown leather jacket with a matching bow tie for style—it’s cute, you think. His attire is completed with brown trousers, black docs, and a simple beanie of the same color for a casual touch. He’s wearing his glasses from yesterday, too.
“You look great,” you say, offering him a genuine smile.Seonghwa chuckles, glancing down at his outfit. “Thanks. Funny how we unintentionally ended up matching, huh?”
You laugh along with him, feeling a sense of warmth spreading through you at his playful demeanor. “I guess great minds think alike,” you play along with him, hoping it would suffice to hide the butterflies swarming in your stomach. Looking around your surroundings, you can't help but feel impressed by the park’s lively atmosphere. “This festival is amazing,” you remark, turning to Seonghwa with admiration. “You’re pretty good at picking the best occasions to attend.”
Seonghwa’s smile widens at your words. “I’ve been coming to this festival for a few years now,” he admits. “But this is actually the first time I’ve attended with someone.”
You raise an eyebrow in surprise. “Really? What about Yunho?”
Seonghwa shakes his head. “Yunho’s always busy with his schedule during the festival,” he explains. “So I usually end up coming alone. I’m excited to finally share this experience with someone, though. I promise you this’ll be worth your time.”
“Any time with you is worth my time,” was what you wanted to say, “I’ll trust your word, then,” was all that escaped from your mouth.
Seonghwa starts with leading you through the bustling festival, making your way through the crowd until you reach a row of vibrant food stalls. The air is thick with mouth watering aromas of mixes of grilled meats, sweet pastries, and exotic spices. Each stall is brightly decorated, and vendors call out to passersby, showcasing their culinary delights. “Wow,” you say, your eyes wide with excitement. “I don’t even know where to start.”
Seonghwa grins, clearly enjoying your enthusiasm. “How about we try some tteokbokki first? It's one of my favorites.” He points to a stall with a cheerful sign advertising spicy rice cakes. You nod eagerly. “Sounds perfect.”
You both join the line, and as you wait, Seonghwa explains the different foods on offer. When it's your turn, Seonghwa orders a generous portion. The vendor scoops the tteokbokki into a paper bowl, the vibrant red sauce glistening under the festival lights. Seonghwa hands it to you with a pair of wooden chopsticks.
“Here, try it,” he says, his eyes twinkling with anticipation.
You take a small bite of the chewy rice cake coated in spicy sauce. The flavors explode in your mouth, a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. “Oh my gosh, this is straight up heaven on Earth!” you exclaim, your eyes lighting up with delight. Seonghwa chuckles, clearly pleased with your reaction. “I knew you’d like it. Want to try some hotteok next? It's a sweet pancake filled with brown sugar, honey, and nuts.” You nod eagerly, already hooked on the culinary adventure.
You move to the next stall, where the vendor expertly flips hotteok on a griddle. The sweet, nutty aroma is irresistible. Seonghwa orders two, and you watch as the vendor wraps the golden pancakes in paper, handing them over with a smile. You take a bite, and the warm, gooey filling melts in your mouth like honey. “This is incredible,” you say, savoring the rich flavors.
Seonghwa takes a bite of his own, nodding in agreement. “It really is. I love the mix of textures—the crispy outside and the soft, sweet inside.”
As you continue to explore the food stalls, you come across a vendor selling fresh fruit skewers. The colorful display of strawberries, pineapple, and melon catches your eye. “These look so refreshing,” you say, pointing to the skewers. “I’ll get us some, then,” Seonghwa responds almost immediately. He buys a couple of skewers, and you both take a bite, the juicy fruit a perfect palate cleanser after the rich, spicy food.
You stroll through the festival, sampling different dishes and sharing bites of everything. Seonghwa tells you stories about his favorite festival foods and the memories they bring back. You share your own experiences, bonding over the simple pleasure of good food and company. At one point, you come across a stall selling unusual snacks like fried insects and durian. You wrinkle your nose at the smell of durian, and Seonghwa laughs. “Not a fan?”
You shake your head, grinning. “Eh, not really. But I’ll try anything once.”
He raises an eyebrow, impressed. “Brave. Maybe next time.”
As you and Seonghwa continue to walk through the festival, you come across a section filled with colorful carnival games. The area is alive with the sounds of laughter, ringing bells, and playful shouts. Brightly colored booths line the path, each offering a different challenge or prize. The enticing smells of popcorn and cotton candy fill the air, adding to the festive atmosphere. Seonghwa’s eyes light up like stars in the night sky when he spots a ring toss game. “Hey, let’s try this one,” he says, gently tugging you towards the booth.
You glance at the game, noticing the bottles arranged in neat rows, each waiting for a ring to be tossed around its neck. “Sure, why not?” you reply, matching his enthusiasm.
The booth attendant, a friendly woman with a wide smile, hands Seonghwa a few rings. “Good luck!” she says cheerfully. Seonghwa takes a ring, carefully aiming at one of the bottles. His first toss misses, bouncing off the edge and landing on the ground. “Ah, so close,” he mutters.
You try your best not to laugh, but Seonghwa was quick to notice, playfully shooting you a look of disbelief. “Second time’s the charm, maybe?” you try to lift his spirit up, although not without snickering in the middle of your words. You watch him try again, this time with a bit more focus. The second ring lands perfectly around a bottle, and you both cheer in unison. “You did it! See what I meant by second time’s the charm?” you exclaim, clapping your hands.
“Beginner’s luck,” he says modestly, but you can clearly see the pride in his eyes. He hands you a ring. “Your turn.”
You take the ring, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. “Alright, let’s see if I can match your skills,” you say, positioning yourself in front of the bottles. Your first toss goes wide, completely missing the target. You laugh, shaking your head. “Please tell me no one saw that.” Seonghwa steps behind you, placing his hands gently on your shoulders. “Try aiming a bit lower,” he advises, his breath warm against your ear. His proximity sends a pleasant shiver down your spine, and for a moment, you completely forget about the game you’re currently playing.
Following his advice, you adjust your aim and toss the ring. It flies through the air and lands around a bottle with a satisfying clink. “I did it!” you shout, turning to face him with a triumphant smile. “Nice job! Second time’s the charm indeed,” he says, giving you a high-five.
The booth attendant claps her hands together. “Congratulations! You both get to pick a prize.”
You look at the array of stuffed animals, keychains, and toys hanging above the booth. Your eyes land on a small, pink bunny plushie. “I’ll take that one,” you say, pointing at it. Seonghwa chooses a cute plush squirrel. “I think this little guy will keep me company,” he says, showing it to you with a grin.
Walking through the rest of the carnival games, you try your luck at various booths, from shooting water guns to popping balloons with darts. Each game is an adventure, filled with laughter and playful teasing. Seonghwa’s competitive side comes out, but he never lets the fun turn too serious. He’s always there with an encouraging word or a lighthearted joke whenever you miss a shot or drop a ring.
At one point, you find yourselves at a booth where you have to knock down stacked cans with a ball. Seonghwa lines up his shot, eyes narrowing in concentration. He throws the ball, and the cans topple with a satisfying crash. “Yes!” he exclaims, turning to you with a toothy grin.
“You’re on a roll today,” you tease, giving him a playful nudge. He laughs, a sound that blends seamlessly with the joyful noise around you. “Just lucky, I guess.”
As the evening progresses, you both accumulate a small collection of prizes: a rubber duck, a keychain, and a tiny toy car. Each one feels like a memento, a small token of the wonderful time you’re sharing.
Finally, you come across a photo booth, decorated with twinkling lights and festive banners. “We have to take a picture,” Seonghwa insists, pulling you towards it. You step inside the booth, squeezing together on the small bench. The screen flashes a countdown, and you both make silly faces for the camera. The machine whirs and clicks, producing a strip of photos that capture your laughter and joy.
Seonghwa looks at the photos, smiling fondly. “We look good together,” he says, handing you the strip.
For a moment, you had to do a double take and make sure you heard him correctly.
“Don’t we?”
You did.
You take the photos without a word, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. You decide not to bring it up for now, as you’re certain that if you do, you might very well start showing signs of being qualified enough to be put in a psych ward. As you move from one attraction to another, the crowd seems to grow thicker. The once exhilarating hustle and bustle starts to feel overwhelming. Seonghwa immediately notices the shift in your demeanor. He gently places a hand on your arm, leaning in to ask, “Are you alright? We can find a quieter spot if you need a break.”
You appreciate his concern, shaking your head. “I’m fine, don’t worry. I want to push myself to get used to these kinds of experiences. Besides, I’m having a great time with you,” you say, giving him a reassuring smile. Seonghwa hesitates for a moment, clearly worried, but nods in understanding. “Alright, but remember, we can always step away if it gets too much.”
Seonghwa guides you through the festival crowd, his hand hovering near your elbow to ensure you don’t get separated. You find yourselves in front of a small stage where performers, dressed in vibrant hanbok, are preparing for a traditional dance. The area is buzzing with anticipation, and a soft hum of excitement fills the air.
“Let’s sit over there,” Seonghwa suggests, pointing to a spot near the front but off to the side where the crowd is slightly thinner. You both make your way over and settle down on a blanket spread out for spectators. The moment you sit, you feel a bit more relaxed, grateful for the brief respite from the overwhelming throng of festival-goers. The performers take their places, and the music begins. The rhythmic beats of the janggu and the soothing melodies of the daegeum fill the air. The dancers move gracefully, their sleeves flowing like water with each elegant gesture. You can’t help but be mesmerized by the beauty and precision of their movements.
“This is amazing,” you whisper, leaning slightly towards Seonghwa so he can hear you over the music. “Have you ever done anything like this?” you ask. Seonghwa’s eyes are fixed on the stage, but he turns to you with a soft smile. “Not traditional dances like this, but I did dance in high school—like I told you yesterday. I leaned onto modern styles more, though.”
“I’d really love to see you dance sometime,” you muse as your eyes fixate on the dancers.
A blush creeps up Seonghwa’s cheeks, and he chuckles softly. “Now, that’s one thing I can’t promise you.”
The performance continues, each movement more captivating than the last. You’re drawn into the story the dancers are telling, feeling the emotions conveyed through their expressions and steps. Seonghwa seems equally entranced, his gaze following the dancers with admiration. At one point, a dancer spins close to the edge of the stage, and the flow of her hanbok sends a breeze in your direction. The cool air is a welcome relief from the warmth of the crowd, and you take a deep breath, savoring the moment.
Seonghwa leans closer, his shoulder brushing against yours ever so slightly. “Do you come to festivals like this often?” he asks, his voice gentle. You shake your head. “Not really. I’m not great with crowds, to be honest. I’ve been having a lot of fun so far, though.”
There’s a comfortable silence between you as you both watch the dancers. You can feel the heat from Seonghwa’s body next to yours, and the subtle brush of his shoulder against yours sends a pleasant shiver down your spine. You sneak a glance at him, and catch him doing the same. Both of you quickly look away, a small, awkward laugh escaping your lips.
The performance reaches its climax, the music growing louder and more intense. The dancers move with even greater fervor, their expressions fierce and passionate. The audience claps along, the energy infectious. You join in, feeling a sense of unity with the people around you, despite the usual discomfort crowds bring. When the performance finally ends, the dancers take a bow, and the audience erupts in applause. You clap enthusiastically, genuinely moved by the beauty and skill of the performance. Seonghwa joins in, his smile broad and genuine.
“That was incredible,” you say, turning to Seonghwa once the applause dies down. “Thank you for bringing me here.”
He looks at you, his eyes warm and earnest. “I’m glad you enjoyed it. I always find these performances inspiring. They remind me of the passion and dedication that goes into art.” You nod, feeling a deep appreciation for the experience. “It’s amazing how something so traditional can still feel so powerful and relevant today.”
After the performance, Seonghwa suggests visiting a section of the festival dedicated to local history. “How about we check out the historical exhibits? It’s usually less crowded and quite interesting,” he proposes. You nod eagerly, welcoming the idea of a quieter area. “That sounds perfect. Lead the way.”
The transition from the lively stage area to the more subdued history section is like entering a different world. The noise of the crowd fades into the background, replaced by a calm atmosphere filled with the soft murmur of people quietly reading plaques and admiring exhibits. The path leads you through a series of well-curated displays. Old photographs of the town, artifacts from bygone eras, and detailed descriptions of significant events line the way. The lighting is dimmer here, casting a warm, almost nostalgic glow over everything.
Seonghwa stops in front of a large mural depicting the town’s founding. “Did you know our town was established over a hundred years ago?” he asks, his voice low and reverent as if he’s afraid to disturb the solemnity of the place. You shake your head, genuinely intrigued. “Really? Tell me more.”
He gestures to the mural. “It started as a small trading post. The river nearby made it a key location for trade and transport. Over time, it grew into the town we know today.” As he speaks, you find yourself drawn not just to the history but to the way Seonghwa talks about it. His passion and knowledge are evident, and it’s clear this is something he cares about deeply.
“Wow,” you say, genuinely impressed. “You know so much about this place. It’s fascinating.” He smiles, a little bashful. “I guess I’ve always had a thing for history. There’s something about understanding where we come from that makes me appreciate the present more.”
You both move to the next exhibit, a collection of personal items donated by long-time residents. There are old letters, pieces of clothing, and even some tools that were used in the early days of the town. Each item has a story, and Seonghwa takes his time explaining the significance of some of the more interesting pieces.
“This letter,” he says, pointing to a yellowed piece of paper under glass, “was written by one of the first schoolteachers here. She talks about the challenges of teaching in a one-room schoolhouse and how the children were so eager to learn despite having so little resources and space.”
You lean in closer to read, feeling a strange connection to the past through this small window into someone’s life. “It’s amazing to think about how much things have changed, yet some things stay the same. Like how the desire to learn and grow is still here.” Seonghwa nods thoughtfully. “Exactly. That’s what I love about history. It shows us that despite all the changes, there are fundamental things about being human that never change.”
As you continue to explore, you reach a display about traditional festivals and celebrations in the town’s history. There are photos of past festivals, similar to the one you’re attending, with people in traditional clothing, dancing, and celebrating. “Look at this,” Seonghwa says, pointing to a black-and-white photograph of a festival from the 1950s. “It’s amazing how festive and vibrant these events have always been.”
You smile at the picture, noticing the joyful expressions on the people’s faces. “It’s nice to see that some traditions continue. It kinda makes you feel connected to those who came before us.” There’s a comfortable silence between you as you both absorb the stories and artifacts around you. The air is filled with a sense of nostalgia, and for a moment, it feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
“This is proving to be worth the while. I’ve lived here all my life, but I’ve never taken the time to really learn about the town’s history,” you say softly, turning to Seonghwa. His eyes soften as he looks at you. “I’m glad you’re enjoying it. It’s nice to share something I care about with someone who appreciates it.”
There’s a brief moment where your eyes meet, and you feel a flutter in your chest. The connection you felt earlier seems to deepen, and you’re suddenly very aware of the closeness between you. It’s not quite romantic, but it’s undeniably charged with the possibility of something more. You clear your throat, breaking the moment. “Shall we move on to the next exhibit?” you suggest, trying to steady your voice.
Seonghwa nods, his own composure returning. “Oh, uh, right.”
As the sun begins to set, casting a warm, golden hue over the festival, Seonghwa leads you towards the towering Ferris wheel. The giant, illuminated structure stands as a beacon against the twilight sky, its lights twinkling invitingly. Seonghwa turns to you, his eyes reflecting the soft glow of the evening. “How about a ride on the Ferris wheel? The view from the top is spectacular.”
You nod, your excitement evident. “Sure, that sounds amazing.”
You both join the line, which is surprisingly short at this hour. The anticipation builds as you inch closer to the front. Seonghwa's presence beside you is comforting, and you find yourself stealing glances at him, appreciating how the soft light accentuates his features. Finally, it’s your turn. The operator opens the gate, and you step into one of the small, enclosed cabins. Seonghwa follows, and as he sits down opposite you, the cabin gently rocks, adding to the thrill.
The door closes, and with a slight jolt, the Ferris wheel begins its ascent. You lean back, watching the ground slowly fall away, replaced by a breathtaking panorama of the festival below. The lights, the music, and the laughter all blend into a vibrant mixture of color and sound. “Wow,” you breathe, eyes wide with wonder. “This really is incredible.”Seonghwa smiles, his gaze fixed on you more than the view outside. “I’m glad you like it. I thought this would be a perfect way to end the day.”
You share a quiet moment, the only sounds being the soft hum of the Ferris wheel and the distant murmur of the festival. The higher you climb, the more the world below transforms into a magical scene. You can see the entire festival sprawled out beneath you, every booth and ride lit up like stars in the night. The soft rays of the golden hour color your face as you lean towards the window to look at the scenery painted in front of your very own eyes. “It’s beautiful,” you say softly.
Seonghwa’s gaze radiates fondness, and he leans slightly forward, his eyes focused on you.
“Yeah… it really is.”
The cabin reaches the top, and for a moment, it pauses. You both take in the breathtaking view. The horizon stretches out, painted in shades of purple and gold, while the festival below looks like a miniature wonderland. The quietness of the moment feels almost sacred. As you sit there, suspended high above the ground, the gentle swaying of the cabin creates an intimate bubble. There’s a comfortable silence between you, filled with unspoken thoughts and shared glances. Seonghwa shifts slightly, his knee brushing against yours. The brief contact sends a jolt through you, and you feel a blush rising to your cheeks. You catch Seonghwa’s eyes again, and for a moment, the world seems to hold its breath.
“Today felt… different, somehow,” Seonghwa says, breaking the silence. “I’ve been to this festival so many times, but this is the first time I’ve truly enjoyed it. You know, I think it’s because of you.” His words catch you off guard, and you feel your heart skip a beat. "Oh… really?” you pause, unsure what to say next. If only you could telepathically send Wooyoung a cry for help.
You then decide it’s time to stop holding back and just express what your heart yearns to express. “Well, if that’s the case, then I’m glad I could be here with you.”
The Ferris wheel starts its descent, but the moment feels far from over. You both sit in comfortable silence, absorbing the experience. As the cabin slowly lowers, you find yourself wishing the ride could last just a little longer. When you reach the ground, the operator opens the door, and you step out, the cool evening air a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the cabin.
You clutch the bunny plushie in your hands, turning to look at Seonghwa with a bright smile on your face. “Well, that really was a perfect way to end the day.”
“Glad you think so as well,” he says, looking around the place. “Thanks for playing a huge part in making my day better.”
Seriously, when was he going to stop with the unexpected heart-stopping comments?
As the night deepens, Seonghwa keeps his promise and walks you home, both of you reminiscing about the day’s highlights. The conversation flows easily, filled with laughter and shared memories. You recount the funny moments at the shooting gallery, the unexpected camaraderie at the food stalls, and the magical experience on the Ferris wheel. Each memory cements the bond growing between you.
Finally, you reach your apartment building. You turn to Seonghwa, feeling slightly nervous. Gathering your courage, you say, “I wouldn’t mind hanging out with you again.”
Your confidence wavers slightly, but then Seonghwa’s smile brightens, and he replies warmly, “Neither would I.”
You do your best to hold back your excitement until you reach your apartment door. Opening it, you’re greeted by the sight of Wooyoung lounging on your sofa, engrossed in a movie. The moment he notices you, he quickly sits up, his eyes brimming with curiosity.
“Well?” he demands, unable to contain his excitement. “Tell me everything!”
Boy, was he in for a ride.
****
The next few days pass by in a blur. Seonghwa stops by every day to help with the decorations, his presence becoming a comforting constant. Sometimes Yunho and Wooyoung join in, turning the task into a fun, collaborative effort. With each passing day, your bond with Seonghwa deepens. His kindness, his humor, and everything else about him you’ve grown to be fond of makes you realize something profound: you’re not just harboring a crush anymore.
You are head over heels in love.
Valentine’s Day finally arrives, and you can hardly contain your excitement to see how they’ve placed the decorations. Seonghwa mentioned a special occasion at the café that evening, piquing your curiosity, but he remained tight-lipped about the details. All you know is that you’re in for a surprise.
As the afternoon progresses, you call Wooyoung over to help you decide what to wear. “Alright, let’s see what we’ve got,” Wooyoung says, rifling through your closet with a critical eye. He pulls out a few options, laying them out on your bed. “What’s the vibe tonight? Romantic, casual, or somewhere in between?” You bite your lip, considering. “I’m not really sure what to expect. Seonghwa didn’t give me any hints about the event. He just said it’s special.”
Wooyoung smirks, raising an eyebrow. “Special, huh? Sounds like he’s planning something big. You might want to go with something that says ‘effortlessly stunning.’”
He picks out a chic, knee-length dress that balances elegance with a touch of casual charm. “This,” he declares, holding it up. “And maybe those heels to go with it. What do you think?” You nod, a smile spreading across your face. “Perfect. Thanks, Woo.”
As you start getting ready, Wooyoung searches the internet for a matching hairstyle. “How about this?” he suggests, showing you an image on his phone. “It’ll complement the dress without looking too overdone.”
After showering, you open the bathroom door to find Wooyoung meticulously laying out the outfit on your bed. He turns to you with a playful grin. “Fashion designers should be glad I chose to be a dancer.”
You laugh, shaking your head. “You’ve definitely got an eye for fashion. Maybe you missed your calling, Edna Mode.”
You take a deep breath, feeling a mixture of excitement and nerves. “I hope it goes well.”
“It will,” Wooyoung assures you. “Seonghwa wouldn’t go through all this trouble if it didn’t mean something to him. Now go knock ‘em dead.”
Before you leave, you sit on the bed and sigh exasperatedly. Wooyoung, noticing your sudden change in demeanor, asks, “What’s the matter?” You take a deep breath, the words tumbling out before you can stop them. “I’m feeling so nervous.” Wooyoung furrows his brow. “Nervous? Why?”
You bite your lip, torn between keeping your plan a secret and confiding in your best friend. But then again, you could never keep your mouth shut—especially not around Wooyoung. Finally, you blurt out, “I’m planning on finally sealing the nail in the coffin and confessing my feelings to Seonghwa.”
“Well, it was about time, anyway,” he says, shrugging. “If anything, I’m pretty sure he already knows. Do you even know how painfully obvious you are?”
You land a harsh hit on his shoulder, making him wince in pain. “Ow! Okay, okay, sorry! But seriously, you’ll be fine. If things don’t go as planned, I’ll be here for you.” You let out a heavy sigh, shaking your head. “I really don’t think I can do it, Woo. I mean, what if it’s all in my head? Like, what if every moment we’ve spent together is all but a walk in the park for him—what if it all holds no meaning to him? I don’t want to embarrass myself, but if I don’t confess my feelings sooner, I swear I’ll go insane.”
“Wow, you really are head over heels.”
“That’s all you have to say?!”
“No, but seriously,” he adjusts his sitting position on the bed turning to face you, “I really don’t think you should let your concerns get the best of you—not tonight. Think of it as a now or never moment. Just let go of all these worries you’re carrying with you, okay? We might not know what his answer may be for sure, but whatever happens, I promise you it’s always better to express your feelings rather than to bottle it up.”
You sigh, staring up at the ceiling. Then, all of a sudden, a light bulb appears above your head. “Hey, Woo,” you start, turning your head towards him, “maybe you could just come with me there?”
“Are you saying you want me to be your emotional support for the night?” he asks, tilting his head.
“Well, yeah, kinda.”
“I mean,” he shrugs, “The outfit I’m wearing is too stylish to just be wasted on rotting in your apartment, anyway.”
“Is that a yes?” you beam, eyes lighting up with a smile just as wide.
“Yeah. I’ll be sitting at a different table, though—just so you can have your moments with Seonghwa.”
****
You both arrive at the café, and it is nothing short of beautiful. The decorations you and Seonghwa painstakingly crafted are perfectly placed throughout the space—you really should give yourself a pat on the back. From the outside, you notice a flurry of activities. Notes are plastered all over the windows, and you can faintly see a photobooth backdrop at the very back. “Woo, we totally have to take pictures there before the event ends,” you say excitedly.
“Absolutely,” Wooyoung grins. “Let’s make sure we get some good ones.”
You both step inside, and Wooyoung keeps his promise, separating from you. “Catch you later,” he says, spotting Yunho sitting at one of the tables and immediately heading towards him. Left alone, you feel a wave of anxiety as you scan the room for a vacant seat, suddenly self-conscious about your appearance. You take a deep breath, smoothing your outfit and hoping you look as good as you feel. Just as you’re about to continue your search, you hear someone call your name from the counter.
You turn your head towards the sound, and your breath catches in your throat. Seonghwa stands there, framed by the warm, ambient light of the café. His dark hair is perfectly styled, soft strands falling just right to accentuate his sharp features that gives him the kind of face people would go to war for if combined altogether. He’s wearing a tailored shirt that fits him like a glove, highlighting his broad shoulders and lean frame. The soft smile on his lips, combined with the sparkle in his eyes, makes your heart skip a beat. For a moment, everything else fades away into the background, and you’re completely entranced by his beauty. The way he effortlessly exudes both charm and warmth leaves you momentarily speechless, and you can’t help but feel a rush swelling within you.
He starts walking towards you, and for a moment, you debate on whether you should shamefully leave and make a run for it or shoot your shot. But then, Wooyoung enters your line of sight, his gaze immediately setting your priorities straight—it’s the latter or nothing.
“You look beautiful,” is the first thing Seonghwa says, and you swear your knees almost give up on you. You manage to compliment him as well, and he leads you to a table. Not just any table—you recognize it as the one you were sitting at that time he gave you your order and you awkwardly said, “thanks, you too.” You joke about how he probably chose the table on purpose.
What you didn’t expect was for him to actually confirm your joke. “I did,” he says with a smile. “I reserved this seat just for us.” For a moment, it feels like you’re both a couple on their nth date and not two people navigating the waters of a budding romance. As you sit down, you compliment the way they incorporated your decorations into the café. “The interior looks amazing,” you say, glancing around. “You guys did a great job.”
Seonghwa smiles appreciatively. “Thank you for your effort. This event wouldn’t have been possible without you.”
It’s funny, because he has no idea he’s the sole reason behind your unwavering determination to finish all the decorations without procrastinating at times in between.
You place your order, and Seonghwa jokes, “It feels weird not serving you and instead actually sitting across from you. I’m not used to this.” You raise an eyebrow. “Not used to what exactly?”
He clears his throat, brushing off the question. “Just... not used to this kind of setting.”
From a distance, you catch sight of Wooyoung and Yunho engrossed in a conversation at a faraway table. Wooyoung suddenly wriggles his eyebrows while looking at you, making you blush and clear your throat. Seonghwa notices and asks, “What’s the matter?”
For a moment, you feel your worries get the best of you, but you immediately brush them off, deciding to follow Wooyoung’s advice to let your feelings show. “I just feel a bit nervous,” you admit, looking down at your hands. Seonghwa immediately becomes concerned, flashing you a look of worry. “Why?”
Just as you’re about to answer and confess your feelings, his manager calls for him from the back kitchen. “I’m so sorry,” Seonghwa says, standing up quickly. “I’ll be back in just a minute.”
While he’s away, you shift closer to the window, drawn to the heart-shaped notes stuck on it. As you read them, you notice each note begins with a capitalized letter written in red, while the rest of the words are in black. You begin reading them one by one:
Sometimes, my heart beats faster just thinking of you.
Every moment with you feels like a precious gift.
Over time, I’ve come to cherish you more than I can say.
Never have I felt so alive as when I’m with you.
Glimpses of your smile light up my world.
Holding onto these feelings, I hope you feel the same.
With you, I see a future filled with happiness.
And every day, I fall in love with you even more.
As you finish reading, you feel a surge of courage. You glance back over the notes, this time paying attention to the red letters. Slowly, it dawns on you. The capitalized red letters spell out: SEONGHWA.
Seonghwa returns just as you connect the dots, and you turn away from the notes on the window to look at him. He sits across from you, and for a moment, neither of you say anything. The air feels charged with an overflowing tension.
“Seonghwa, is this...?” you start, your voice showing hints of hesitance.8Seonghwa takes a deep breath, his eyes locking onto yours. “Yes, it is,” he says softly, a shy smile evident on his lips. “I’ve… been wanting to tell you this for a while.”
He pauses, gathering his thoughts before continuing. “You know, it all started when we played the whisper game with Yunho, Wooyoung, and Yeosang. I remember watching you laugh, your eyes lighting up when you realized the keyword was the Gingerbread Man, and something about that moment stuck with me. I couldn’t get it out of my mind. After that, I just found myself unconsciously looking forward to seeing you around, noticing the little things that make you who you are. Like, you know, the way you scrunch your nose when you're focused, or how your eyes sparkle when you talk about something you love.”
Seonghwa’s voice grows more tender, his emotions clearly surfacing. “And before I even realized it, I was falling head over heels. Every interaction, every smile, every word you spoke, it all just… drew me in deeper. I was in a tough battle with my feelings, unsure of how to approach you, worried about ruining the friendship we were building, worried about making you feel uncomfortable.”
“But during the festival,” Seonghwa continues, “when we rode the Ferris wheel and you were looking out the window with that beautiful smile on your face as the golden hues of the sunset painted you... that’s when I knew. I knew I was really in love. I saw you bathed in that light, so serene and happy, and it hit me like a speeding truck just how deeply I felt for you.”
He leans forward slightly, his gaze softer than the calm waves of the sea. “You’ve made my life so much more colorful, and I don’t think you even realize it. Your presence brings a kind of warmth and joy that I hadn’t felt in a long time. Every day, I find myself looking forward to the moments I get to spend with you, even if it’s just for a little while. You have this incredible ability to make everything better, just by being, well, you.”
Seonghwa sighs, running a hand through his wavy hair. “I couldn’t keep battling with my feelings any longer. I’m into you, like seriously, really into you. I’m in love with you, and I really, really want to be yours.”
You both stare at each other, unsure what to do next. You couldn’t believe what you just heard.
“Can you step on my feet below the table with your heel, please? Just so I know that I’m not making this all up in my head,” you say, and Seonghwa laughs.
“You’re not,” he starts, and for a moment, you nearly assume he was actually going to step on your feet. Instead, he reaches for your hand laying down on the table. “See? This is as real as it can be.”
His touch is warm and reassuring, and it washes all your worries away completely. You take a deep breath, feeling a wave of courage wash over you. “If this is what we’re doing, then I have something to tell you, too.”
His gaze focuses on you, ready to listen to whatever you have to say. Nervousness was written all over his face—what would your answer be?
“I’ve… I’ve actually liked you all along. Well, at first, it was just a silly little crush. You know, admiring you from afar and thinking you were just really handsome and kind.” You see his eyes widen slightly in surprise, but he doesn’t let go of your hand, his thumb gently stroking the back of it.
“But then,” you continue, “I started talking to you, getting to know you, and it became so much more. I started to fall deeper and deeper, and before I knew it, I was in love. Every time I see you, it’s like the day just brightens up. Your presence makes everything better, and I can’t imagine my life without you in it.”
“I’ve been in a pretty bad place for quite a while,” you admit, your voice softening. “Losing my mom... it left me feeling so lost and hopeless. I used to wake up feeling like there was a gray cloud over me, like the world had lost its color. But then, you came along. Your presence brought a warmth and brightness that I didn’t even realize I was missing. With you, the world started to seem vibrant again. Your smile is like sunshine breaking through the clouds, your laughter like music that drowns out the silence of my sadness. Every moment with you adds a splash of color to my life, turning my grayscale days into something beautiful and vivid.”
Seonghwa’s eyes glisten with emotion as he takes in your words. He squeezes your hand gently, his smile radiating warmth and affection. “I had no idea,” he whispers, and you wonder just how oblivious exactly he is, because you swear you’ve accidentally aired yourself out more than you’ve successfully hid your feelings for him.
“But hearing this from you... it makes me so happy. I’m glad I could bring some light into your life because you’ve done the same for me.”
For a moment, the world seems to stand still as you share the moment, both of you still in shock over the fact that your feelings are mutual. The air around you feels charged with unspoken promises and perhaps even the beginning of something beautiful. Seonghwa smiles, a mixture of happiness and anticipation in his eyes.
“So, where do we go from here?” he asks, a hint of playful curiosity in his voice. You think it’s cute how he sounds so excited.
You smile back, looking forward to the future just as much as he does—perhaps even more. “Wherever this journey takes us,” you say. “Together.”
“Together,” he echoes.
As you both bask in the moment, you glance over Seonghwa’s shoulder and catch sight of Wooyoung and Yunho across the café. They’re watching you with proud smiles and teasing looks plastered on their faces. You can’t help but snicker, causing Seonghwa to turn and see what’s up. He sighs in amusement upon seeing Wooyoung and Yunho’s expressions.
“You know,” you say, turning back to Seonghwa, “I think I finally get why Valentine’s Day is such a crowd favorite.”
He laughs softly, his eyes never leaving yours. “Yeah, I think I do too.”
And in that moment, surrounded by the warm ambiance of the café, the festive decorations you both worked so hard on, and the comforting presence of Seonghwa, you feel like you’re exactly where you’re meant to be.
🪞 — lividstar.
#౨ৎ﹒ノ﹒lividstar．#park seonghwa#park seonghwa x reader#seonghwa fluff#ateez x reader#ateez fluff#jung wooyoung#jeong yunho#kang yeosang#kim hongjoong#atz x reader#ateez fic
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hi! Can you do a Spencer x fem reader where it's her birthday and he promised her he would be there for the party even if there was a case and he calls her right as the party starts and she's so excited and asks him if he's on his way but he says no and he's sorry but there's an important case and he can't make it and she is absolutely CRUSHED but tells him it's ok and she has to go. She can't really focus or be happy during her party and when it's over she's crying in their bed and then her best friend calls Spencer and yells at him bc reader thinks he will always love his job more than her and that the BAU is his priority and he just feels so awful. He comes home early and apologizes and gives her his gifts he got for her and pampers her and makes her feel so loved.
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birthday blues (part one)- s.reid
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a/n: i absolutely adore this idea! thank you so much for requesting and sorry that we didn't get to the happy ending yet... but we will eventually!
summary: spencer makes a choice that leaves you alone on an important day and causes something in your relationship breaks.
pairing: spencer reid x fem reader
warnings: birthday blues, spencer's an ass, your best friend calls spencer a lot of names and curse words, talks of breaking up, no happy ending :(
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Your phone rang and you knew what it was. There you were surrounded by your friends in your apartment, getting ready for your birthday party, and your stupid boyfriend had to ruin it all.
You picked up. “Hey Spencer,” you sighed, but attempted to mask it with a smile.
You could hear the deep inhale on his end and it solidified what you already knew. “You can’t come, right?” You said it for him.
“I’m so sorry,” he sighed. “It’s just-“
“Another case. I get it Spencer, it’s fine,” you lied.
The line was quiet for a moment.
“Happy birthday,” he said sheepishly. “I love you.”
You scoffed. For a profiler, he wasn’t exactly good at noticing things. Like the subtle shake in your voice, or the small hiccups of tears you tried (and failed) to suppress when you hung up the phone without saying you loved him.
You turned to your best friend Rebecca, a sad look on your face. “He’s not coming.”
She rolled her eyes. “He’s such a fucking asshole. When is he ever going to just show up for you? It’s your birthday for god’s sake. He missed when you got promoted, he missed your gallery opening, he missed your anniversary and he’s missing your birthday? Why are you even with him?”
You felt the pressure build up in your throat and she pulled you into your bathroom and held you as you sobbed. She sent everyone home, saying you were sick and she called the restaurant and cancelled the reservation. You got out of the dress Spencer had bought you, a beautiful wine colour that complimented you in all the right places. You sat in your bed and cried for hours as Rebecca comforted you with old Disney movies you two watched as kids and your favourite ice cream and some salty popcorn.
“I just feel like he values his job over me… like I don’t even make top 4 in his list of priorities,” you sighed, your eyes glued to ‘Tangled’ as it played. “Like… look at him! He’s so in love with her!” You pointed at the screen and Rebecca had to surprise a laugh over you being jealous of Flynn Rider and Rapunzel, two fictional characters. “Don’t laugh at me!” You scoffed at her, shoving her in the arm as she started giggling.
“I’m not!” She said through laughter. She alighted made you laugh, and you two were stuck like that for a few minutes, laughing so hard you could hardly breathe. “Ok! Ok! Look, to be serious, you deserve so much better than Spencer. You need someone who cares about you more than his job, someone who can actually be here when you need him.”
You nodded along, the weight of her words heavy on your mind.
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When you finally cried yourself to sleep Rebecca took your phone from your bedside table and dialled his number.
“Hey love, are you alright?-“ he started but she cut him off.
“I’m so glad I’m finally meeting you, even if it’s just over the phone because now I know what a fucking asshole sounds like. You idiotic bitch. Stop calling Y/n and let her be with someone who cares enough to be there for important things in her life. Who cares enough to meet her friends. Who cares about her in the slightest!” She argued over the line. “She spent her entire birthday night in her bed crying over you, when she should’ve been out with her family and friends. You’re such a dick!” She seethed. “So yeah, stop calling this number.”
The line went dead and Spencer felt his heart drop. You’d spent your special night crying over him.
He was an asshole.
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He’d booked the first flight out of Denver and told Hotch it was important, he understood and allowed him to go.
He showed up outside your apartment bright and early, 5am in the morning. Rebecca opened the door and promptly shut it in his face, something he knew he deserved but it still hurt nonetheless.
“Please can I just talk to her?” He begged from his side of the door.
“She’s asleep,” she scoffed. “Why are you here?”
“I need to see her,” he pleaded, and Rebecca cracked the door. “Please Rebecca.”
“Give me a good reason,” she said as you walked out of the bedroom.
“Who’s at the door?” you yawned and Rebecca sighed as Spencer started begging you to open the door.
“Is that you baby? C-can you open the door? I’m so sorry baby I didn’t mean to-”
“Rebecca open the door.”
She sighed but obliged and stepped out as Spencer stepped in. Immediately, you were in his arms as he kissed you softly, apologies rolling off his tongue in between kisses. As much as you enjoyed him being in your arms, it still felt superficial and wrong. His face fell when you pushed him off of you. His eyes followed your figure as you walked to the kitchen and put on the white kettle that sat beside the coffee machine he’d gotten you last year.
“What are you doing here?” you sniffled, posture and body language guarded as you waited for the water to boil.
“It’s your birthday,” he shrugged with a sad smile. “I wanted to be with you.”
“You were perfectly happy leaving me alone 11 hours ago. What changed?”
“I realised I messed up, and some choice words from Rebecca helped me along,” he sighed. How was he supposed to fix this?
Guilt started to settle in your stomach. Were you really right to be upset right now? Even since you were a child you were told to ‘be grateful’. You were told to ‘be grateful’ when you stopped getting presents when you were 11, when you stopped getting cards when you were 14, when you watched your dad shower his other children from his new marriage with gifts while he didn’t even notice you in his house. You should be grateful that Spencer was even wishing you a happy birthday earlier, how could you be so ungrateful?
“You should be on the case, I’ll order you a taxi back to the airport and I’ll pay you back for the ticket-” you rushed out, reaching for your phone but Spencer’s hand stopped you.
“I want to be here,” he pleaded. “Please don’t make me go away.”
You looked up at him through teary eyes and his hand came up to cup your cheek, wiping the tears away.
“I’m so sorry I ever thought it was ok to miss your birthday. You are the single most important thing in my life and I’m sorry that I’m not here as much as I’d like to be,” he smiled softly, but you could tell he was serious. You allowed yourself to be lost in the fantasy for a moment, being the most important thing in Spencer’s life.
But, as always, reality sunk in and it left a sour taste in your mouth, leading to another change in body language which Spencer picked up on immediately. “What? What’s wrong?”
“Spencer, your job always takes priority over us- over me. Which is fine. I know my place. Just please don’t make promises you can’t keep from now on, okay? My parents were dying to meet you, and now I had to cancel the entire dinner. I just… I know you can’t be here all the time, but I do expect you to show up for things like this. I don’t care when you miss anniversaries or my promotions-”
Spencer’s heart dropped. “Y-you got promoted… and you never told me?”
“You were in New York,” you shrugged. “On a case with no end in sight. Why should I make your life harder?”
“You’d never make my life harder. You make my life worth it, worth all the shit I do. I want you to tell me everything baby, always-”
“Spencer, it’s okay to say that you’re inconvenienced by our relationship,” you said in a watery chuckle. “I understand, and I’d get it if you’re too busy for this.”
Spencer’s breath caught in his throat. Were you really suggesting breaking-up?
“I think we should talk another time Spencer, I’ll drive you to your apartment,” you sighed, grabbing your keys. Spencer was much too exhausted and in shock to put up a fight, so he followed you to your car.
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The drive was silent, but full of an awkward silence. Silences with Spencer had never been awkward, always pleasant, or comforting. Never awkward.
When you dropped him off outside his apartment, he leaned over to kiss you, but you dodged him with a hug. You felt as a small, internal sob racked his body but tried to convince yourself that it was just a hiccup.
What were you going to do?
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criminal minds masterlist :)
navigation for my blog :) (criminal minds, marvel, top gun, challengers, the bear, the hunger games, obx+)
#criminal minds#criminal minds imagine#criminal minds fandom#criminal minds fic#criminal minds x reader#bau team#spencer reid#doctor spencer reid#spencer reid criminal minds#spencer reid x fem!reader#spencer reid x reader#spencer reid x you#spencer reid x y/n#spencer reid x self insert
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Truth or Drink
actor!Eddie x actress!reader
summary: you and Eddie play a game of truth or drink for an interview
cw: mention of alcohol
You and Eddie had been hesitant to do an interview as a couple but as soon as you were offered an opportunity to play truth or drink, you knew you had to take it. Answering questions with alcohol would have definitely made it easier. Especially because you were unsure of what was going to be asked.
You sat across from each other at a table on the set where the segment was filmed and you both got comfortable while everything was being set up. You and Eddie had watched a couple of episodes the night before so you knew exactly what to expect. All you had to do was answer the questions truthfully and if you couldn’t, you had to take a shot.
The camera was all set and there was a countdown before the camera started rolling. You and Eddie put on your smiles that you had perfected over the years and turned to face the camera to introduce yourselves. The guy behind it counted down from three then pointed, signaling that it was your time to shine.
“I’m Eddie Munson.”
“And I’m y/n l/n and this is truth or drink.”
The camera cut and they brought in the cards that held the questions. For once, you weren’t nervous. And that was usual for you because you always were when it came to interviews. Eddie looked at you and reached across the table for your hand and you gave it to him to which he gave it a squeeze.
Eddie wasn’t nervous in the slightest. In fact, he was excited. Doing an interview with his girl and getting free booze? It was a win-win in his mind. And he was interested to see what kind of questions were going to be asked. He was an open book. Nothing was off limits.
“Do you want to start or should I?” You asked as you looked down at the card in front of you.
“Ladies first,” he gave your hand another squeeze before letting it go.
“Okay,” you nodded then cleared your throat. “This one’s starting off strong. Out of all of your exes, who’s your favorite?”
“Easy,” he shrugged and you panicked. “None. You’re my favorite, babe.”
“I don’t think that counts,” you shook your head. “I think you’re gonna have to drink.” You looked at the crew behind the camera and they all nodded in agreement. “Drink up, Eds.”
Eddie downed the shot and felt it burn all the way down. He slammed down the glass then picked up his own cards, letting out a laugh at the question he had just read.
“Oh, this one is good,” he laughed. “Fuck, marry, kill my most popular characters: Cal Burns, Mason Brooks, and Theodore Lee.”
“God, that is a good one,” you nodded. “Fuck Cal, obviously.”
“That was quick,” Eddie scoffed, but he did want you to say Cal. He really liked playing that character and the depth that he had to him.
“I like cowboys, sue me.” He didn’t blame you at all. He totally saw the appeal.
“Marry Mason because he was in the movie where we fell in love.” That warmed Eddie’s heart and made him feel like he never had before.
“You’re such a sap,” he teased, but he loved that about you. It was one of his favorite qualities about you.
“And you love it,” you winked, making him go weak in the knees and he was so glad he was sitting.
“I do,” he nodded with a smile.
“And I guess kill Theo. He’s an ass.”
“True,” he shrugged.
“My turn again. Name someone who you didn’t like working with.” Oh, he couldn’t answer that. He was thinking of someone, but even he knew it wasn’t right to say.
“Got me again, angel.” Eddie downed yet another shot and nodded in approval at the question on his card. This one was so good and definitely going to make you drink.
“What’s so funny, Edward?”
“Name someone who has slid into your DMs.” You thought about it, but didn’t think it was a good idea to say. You didn’t think it was right to make something so personal public. So, with that, you downed the shot, making a face as it burned your throat.
The game went on and on until Eddie finished all of his shots and you only had two empty glasses. Even though it wasn’t a competition, Eddie had crowned you the winner. Normally, you were the one who was closed off, but this time, you were an open book and he admired that you had answered almost every single question. There was so much growth from you since you had gotten together and he couldn’t have been more proud of you.
#stranger things#eddie munson#eddie munson x reader#eddie x y/n#eddie munson x you#eddie munson smut#eddie munson x fem!reader#eddie munson fluff#actor!eddie#actress!reader#actor!eddie x actress!reader
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🎐 𓂃 ࣪˖ ִֶָ𐀔
⤷katsuki's favourite camgirl; fem! reader
🎐— after a tiring day at work the only thing he ever wanted was to watch your streams. how you'd greet them ever so softly, you starting to knead your breasts through your thin shirt.
🎐— it all made him crazy, your whimpers were like music to his ears. watching how you'd unbutton your dress shirt, revealing a sheer lilac bra. him stroking his cock softly, watching you play with yourself on screen.
🎐— watching how you're fucking yourself on a silicone dildo, squeezing his tip, hoping that one day he could get to fuck your sopping pussy like this.
🎐— he came on the screen way too early, you still riding the dildo, he continued stroking his cock, watching how easily the toy slipped in and out of you.
🎐— he looked at the side of his screen, in the bottom of your stream was written that you made personal videos for the highest tipper.
🎐— he sighed, contemplating if he should do it, he looked at the person who tipped highest and it was almost $300, he groaned, will he actually spend this much money on a stranger?
🎐— but in the end he gave in, being way too horny to even think straight, in the end he does have the money. he tipped her around $600, now he's struggling to type in a message that wouldn't sound too corny.
🎐— but when he heard you moan and cry as you fucked yourself, he knew exactly what he'd type in.
🎐— "i'd love to see you in a dynamight shirt." he wrote in the donation, and sent it to her. waiting to see her reaction.
🎐— she rubbed her clit in circular motions, then the sound of the donation came in and she saw the tip, she gasped softly in pleasure. "woah, thank.. you for the tip.." she moaned out in surprise.
🎐— she continued riding the dildo, "i'll.. make the video after.. the stream.. hahh.." she sighed out in pleasure.
🎐— after the stream was done, she dm'ed him, asking katsuki for the name she should say in the video. he gulped, hesitating if he should write in his real name, then she might immediately know who he is if she puts one and one together.
🎐— he looked down at his leaking cock, it would make him cum immediately if she said his real name, though.. he texted her his first name.
🎐— then after around 30 minutes he received the video, she looked gorgeous.. and she had the shirt on..
🎐— "hey katsuki! thank you so much for the tip, i appreciate it so much!" she started the video, "you're such a loyal viewer of mine, subbed to me for already 10 months! i don't know how i'd ever repay you.. well except with my videos.." she giggled and ended the video, biting her lip sensually.
🎐— katsuki groaned in embarrassment, his whole semen spilling over the screen, he wanted to fuck her so bad. it wasn't even funny anymore.
🎐— then she sent another text, "have fun with the video, dynamight ;)" and he sighed at that, now she knew who he was. shit.
#bnha x female reader#female reader#mha x female reader#bakugou katsuki#bakugou x reader#bnha x fem!reader#fem!reader#mha x reader#bnha smut#my hero academia#boku no hero academia#bakugou katsuki x reader#katsuki bakugou x reader
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Can you please do a one shot of like the abbot crew going out to a gay bar. Melissa and Y/N are secretly dating, and a girl from a different group approaches Melissa but doesn’t no how to take no for an answer. Leading to Y/N stepping in and a bar fight breaks out between the two and the groups they came with. Ending the night with Melissa and Barbara bailing Y/N and the rest of the abbot crew out and Melissa falling in even more love with Y/N for defending her. Maybe some smut if your feeling up to it…I had a dream about it…please and thank youuu😋🫶🏽
Sorry this took so long!
I didnt do it exactly how you asked but I hope you like it still!!
Cat Fight - Melissa Schemmenti x Reader
Word count: 5k
Warnings: bar fight, dubcon, all around smut, sex on the kitchen counter without wiping it down first
Summary: basically the ask but no jail time is served lol
Every time you went out with Melissa you always had a blast, you would drink, dance, and talk deep into the night about endless things, and then go home with her. It was one of your favorite weekend activities. This outing was different though because you were being joined by Janine, Jacob, Barbara, and Gregory-- quite the bunch to be tagging along to one of the more popular but casual LGBT bars downtown. You don't even know how it happened but here you were, sitting at the bar squeezed between Jacob and Gregory, sneaking glances at Melissa from two seats down. It's not like you were having a bad time, conversation was fun with the group, and you loved hanging out with them, but weekends were sacred. These short two days were reserved for Melissa since you couldn't express affection all week at school, and rarely spent the night together during the week. But alas, you were cracking jokes to pass the time, and admiring your beautiful girlfriend from afar.
“I just think its funny that Gregory has been hit on more times tonight by other guys than Jacob has.” Barbara says as she stirs her drink. This causes a laugh from the group but an eye roll from Jacob, and Gregory can be seen shaking his head.
“Well that's what happens when you buy a drink for a guy.” You said smiling and taking a sip.
“Ok for the last time, I didn't know it was a guy, he had very pretty hair.” he laughed and everyone started to giggle along. You could hear Melissas laugh above all the rest and it warmed your heart. You turned to face the bartender to order a shot, hoping it would keep your mind off her. You had been hiding your relationship for months so you weren't sure why tonight was becoming so difficult and mentally draining. Maybe it was the bar, the place you two always went to and got to be yourselves, or maybe it was just because she wasn't looking at you as much as you were her. Melissa wasn't oblivious to the glances you were sending her way, but she knew better than to allow her eyes to linger a little too long on yours with Barbara and Jacob sitting right there. She was using every ounce of her will power to remain cool and casual.
“I'm getting another. Does anyone want one?” You ask looking around and everyone but Janine and Melissa, who were driving, nodded in agreement.
“Great. Another round please sweetheart!” you say with a smile to the woman behind the bar and she nods, grabbing the shot glasses. You can feel Melissa's eyes on you and you know it's because of your over-kindness and endearing name you gave to the bartender, but you don't look in her direction and instead try to distract yourself by making conversation with Jacob.
The shots are lined up in front of you and you all say cheers before downing them, you make eye contact with Melissa when you are setting your glass back down and you feel your heart hurt. It's definitely the liquor mixed with general missing her, but you feel another wave of dread come over you. You look to the bartender and tap the shot glass to signal for her to pour another. You can feel Melissa giving you a concerned look but you ignore it. Jacob, Janine, and Gregory get up to go dance and you decide to join them, taking your shot and setting it down, glancing at Melissa and heading to follow them. Melissa watches as you walk to the dance floor with a slight sway in your step and lets out a small sigh. She knows how hard it is for both of you to keep this up sometimes, but it still slightly frustrates her how much you let it affect you on nights like these, when you do things like this in front of her knowing she can't step in to stop you. But she knows you're a grown woman and can handle yourself, so she just watches from the bar, listening to Barb rant about something.
You are tipsy enough to dance confidently but without embarrassing yourself, you still have a mixed drink in hand so you are conscious of not spilling that, and you don't want to look too trashy with your dancing. You also know Melissa has to be watching you now, so you sway your hips and pull out all the moves that you can do casually but you know will be keeping her eyes glued to you. You make light conversation over the music with the others when suddenly you hear a gasp from Jacob.
“Oh my god guys look, Ms. Schemmenti has a womanly caller.” he snides and everyone looks over with a grin, you turn to look as well and sure enough a skanky looking woman has walked over to Melissa and is standing very close talking to her.
“I didn't even know she had game like that.” Gregory claims after the woman starts laughing at something Melissa says. You roll your eyes but the group, being nosey as always, casually dances closer to the bar.
“I mean she's hot but I didn't know she could pull women in a place like this.” Jacob says and they all nod. The group knew you were queer, but Melissa’s previous marriage and overall life confidence kept them from questioning her own sexuality. This fact aided in hiding your relationship and Melissa didn't seem to mind. You can't take your eyes off the scene. The woman is dressed in a body con bright blue dress with cutouts. She should be at a rave in an outfit like that, you think as you take a sip of your drink with a bitter glare.
“So how about you let me buy you a drink?” the woman says with a smile as she twirls her hair.
“Thanks, but I'm still working on mine.” Melissa smiles politely as she gestures to her beer in hand.
“Haha you’re funny! Okay what about shots? On me of course!” the woman tries again and you feel your cheeks grow hot at the way the woman is shamelessly checking Melissa out, taking her in from head to toe. She then reaches up to play with Melissa's hair and you feel yourself stumble a bit as you zone out on her fingers touching Melissa's red hair. Hair that should only have fingers tangled in it if they were your own. You refrained from crushing the cup in your hand as you felt your skin get warm. It was no secret you were an incredibly jealous person, you two had even had this conversation when watching Moulin Rouge one night. You had told Melissa that the representation of love and jealousy in that movie was the perfect example of how you feel in deep relationships. You knew she could feel your gaze burning holes through the blonde that stood next to her
“Look I appreciate the offer, but really I'm okay.” Melissa declined once more and you watched as you finished the rest of your drink and walked back to the bar to get another. Melissa saw you and watched as you talked to the bartender. Barbara stood between you and Melissa and you avoided looking over at her until you had another shot in you at least. You then heard the woman speak up again in her agitating valley accent and rolled your eyes, deciding if you walked away it may have more of an effect on Melissa than if you stood around seething. You walked back to the others and kept dancing but made sure you could still see Melissa. Barbara left the bar to go to the bathroom and you felt a slight instinct to keep a stronger eye on Melissa in case that woman tried anything. You and Melissa made eye contact as you danced and your heart began to race as you couldn't help a small smile form when seeing her sparkling eyes look into yours. She grinned and then looked back over to the woman.
“How about a dance then?” the woman smirks.
“I don't think my girlfriend will like that very much.” she says and this catches your attention, it was loud enough for you to hear, but the music and singing crowd allowed it to go unheard by the others. You don't stop swaying your hips gently to the music, but you focus in on their conversation again.
“Haha and who is your girlfriend?” the woman says with a cocky tone.
Melissa gestures to you with a smile, and you look the woman up and down with a glare, looking at Melissa and then back to the other woman.
“Well I don't see much, I can handle her.” she hums and you stop dancing and straighten up as she turns to face you.
“I wouldn't do that if I were you.” Melissa scoffs at the woman.
“Awe, why? Are you worried you might end up enjoying a night with me far more than whatever this loose little girl could ever offer you?” she quips and you feel your fists clench as you make your way over. Melissa straightens up and crosses her arms prepared to defend you when you chime in first.
“Are you dense? She's clearly not interested.” you mutter to the woman who laughs and Melissa smiles.
“No, Y/n it's fine she was just leaving.” Melissa says trying to keep the conversation from escalating.
“Actually, if your girlfriend here really liked you why wouldn't she be out there dancing with you instead of sitting here talking to me?” the woman said with a grin and you shook your head. You knew you couldn't say much and draw the attention of the others but this woman was really getting under your skin for some reason. You saw Barbara coming back from the bathroom and bit your tongue, rolling your eyes and letting out a sigh.
“Look, just do yourself a favor and walk away.” Melissa said to the woman and she shook her head.
“No not after an ugly bitch like her called me stupid!”
The group on the dance floor heard that and all came over to observe, drawing more attention to your friends and now the woman's own friends came to see what was happening.
“Lex what's going on?” one of her friends asked and she scoffed.
“This whore just called me stupid.” Lex said, clearly very drunk as she slurred her words, and probably under the influence of a little more than alcohol.
“Woah woah woah lets not over react, this isn't the place for this ladies how about you walk away and we all just enjoy our nights.” Gregory spoke up.
“Nah mind your own business asshole! This is between me and this fucking bitch.” Lex slurred out while doing loud hand gestures.
You sighed and could feel your face growing flushed and you ran a hand through your hair as you tried to just ignore the woman. It was one thing to call you names, you could be the bigger person and walk away with that, but people being a dick to your friends is not something you care about maintaining decorum for. Still you took a deep breath and turned to get a drink, but you felt a hand shove your shoulder.
“Yeah walk away like a pussy, leave your girlfriend to a real woman.” Lex mocked and you let out a sigh before realizing you were now drunk enough to use that as an excuse for the following action. Disregarding the comment that left the group slightly confused you turned, grabbing Melissa's beer from her hand, and tossing it on the girls hideous blue dress.
“Oh shit.” You heard Jacob and Janine remark from behind you.
“Y/n, hon come on, I think it's time we go guys.” Melissa said, reaching to grab your arm to lead you out but the woman reaches up to slap you but you reach out and grab her hair instead. In a blink of an eye the whole bar is now staring at the both of you as exclamations can be heard from both groups and Melissa is yelling every swear she can conjure up as her and Gregory are trying to get you off the other woman. You had her by the hair still and went to throw another punch until you felt a large pair of arms grab you around the stomach and pull you back, another large man grabs the other woman and you realize it's the bar's security guys. You hear your friends all yell at security to put you down, and he yells back and tells them they all have to leave or they are gonna call the cops. Barbara is the first one to pay off the tab and lead everyone out.
“Have some decorum and just get outside!” She orders the group and they gather their things and listen. You don't put up a fight, but security still has a firm grip on your arms and is practically dragging you outside.
“Okay Jesus I dont think this is necessary she's listening!” Melissa yells at the large man who just ignores her. He roughly lets go of you once you're outside and Melissa stabilizes you with gentle hands on your arm and hip. Eventually you are all waiting on the sidewalk as Janine goes to pull up her car.
“Ok so that was wild.” Jacob mutters after an awkward silence. You lean against the wall of the building and sigh, Melissa looking over at you then back to the others.
“Yeah what happened exactly? And why did that crazy lady call you her girlfriend?” Gregory asked and you didn't have the energy to say anything, or even look up at any of them.
“Um. That lady wasn't taking a hint, so Y/n came to tell her to back off, and I guess she got the wrong idea, and things just escalated.” Melissa muttered as a cover. Since you had been so good at hiding things up until this point they all nodded without a doubt. Janine pulled up and Gregory and Jacob got in. You didn't move from your place on the wall and Melissa looked over at you then back to the others.
“Barb you go ahead with them, I'll drive Y/n home tonight since it’s on my way.” Melissa said with a concerned voice and Barbara smiled.
“Okay, I will see you ladies at school on Monday.” Barbara said before getting in. the rest of the group waved and Janine drove away. Leaving you and Melissa on the sidewalk. You still hadn't looked up or said a word. Your legs were getting tired from standing against the wall, and your cheeks felt slightly numb from the chilly air. You could feel your lip was bleeding but was pretty sure that was the only damage besides a slightly bruised ego. Melissa came to stand next to you, poking at your arm.
“Are you ready to go, hon?” she said softly and you didn’t say anything. You finally looked up at her and she saw the blood dripping from your pouted lips and a faint red mark on your face that was slowly disappearing.
“Baby your lip-” she went to wipe the blood but you cut her off.
“I'm sorry.” you muttered simply.
Taken aback she shook her head with furrowed brows, “For what?”
“For making a scene, getting us kicked out-- almost having the group find out… all because of my fragile ego.” you scoffed hearing yourself and looked down to play with your fingers.
“Sweetheart, don't be sorry for any of that! I have never had someone, that wasn't family, literally fight a person for me.” She said playfully, using her hand to gently lift your chin. “I mean you did that because you care about me and your friends, not because you're fragile.”
You shook your head in response and opened your mouth to mutter another comment, but she stopped you with a kiss. She cupped your face with her hands gently, and softly kissed your lips with an underlying passion, being cautious of your busted lip, and stroking your cheek with her thumb. She pulled away with sparkling eyes and a grin which you met with a larger smile before reaching for her jacket to pull her into you again. You kissed her deeply ignoring the slight pain it caused, and ran your hand up her body to cup her cheek. Your breathing grew heavy as Melissa pushed you into the wall with her hips and you opened your mouth slightly allowing her to take over. Her tongue ran over your lip, she could taste the blood from your cut and the liquor on your breath, but she still deepened the kiss by letting her tongue enter your mouth and dance around your own. You eventually pulled away to catch your breath and you rested your forehead against hers as you shut your eyes and played with her hair. You had almost forgotten how much you had to drink until you stumbled slightly and she instinctively grabbed your waist.
“I love you Y/n, and tonight only proved to me just how much I do” she spoke softly in her velvety voice and you smiled innocently with a red stained lip. She brushed over it with her thumb, and then stood up straight.
“I love you too.” You said simply before feeling your eyes get tired.
“Cmon, we are getting you home.” She said with a laugh and you nodded, allowing her to take your hand and walk you to her car.
You knocked out the whole drive back, Melissa's hand placed on your thigh the whole way. She tapped it gently when you arrived and you opened your eyes to see you were at her house and you looked at her with a smile.
“What? You didn't think I was just going to leave you alone at your place did you?” she mocked you with love and you laughed, getting out of the car and following her inside.
“I think the nap in the car was exactly what I needed because I feel much better now.” You said smiling at her as you hopped up on the kitchen counter.
“Oh really? Well drink this whole glass of water and then we will see.” She said handing you a cup she filled from the fridge. She kept her eyes on yours as you drank it and she took off your shoes for you, placing them on the floor before kicking off her own. You finished the glass and placed it down as she turned to face you again. You grabbed her by her waist and pulled her to you, running your hands through her hair and admiring her beauty.
“Don't look at me like that baby.” She said in a deep tone, her eyes full of a serious yet lustful gleam as she moved her hands to rest on the counter on either side of you.
“Like what?” you smiled, not moving your hands from her, tangling in her hair, running over her shoulders and arms, and then back to tuck her hair behind her ears.
“Like you want to fuck me.” she said firmly with a grin. You were surprised she didn't hesitate to call you out and this sent a chill down your spine.
“Well, what's so wrong with that?” you teased, leaning in closer so you were inches from her face, your eyes darting between her dark green ones.
“The issue is how sexy it is but I'm not one for coercion.” She replies, moving to push herself away, but you grabbed her by the belt loops of her jeans and pulled her closer so her torso was between your legs and against the counter. You draped your arms over her shoulders and hovered your lips over hers, teasing her with a gentle peck to the lips. You pulled back slightly with a grin and she stared at you lovingly.
“Its not coercion if I want it and i'm barely even tipsy.” you say with a smile.
“Please Melissa, I just risked my life for you and I need to feel you.” You said with dramatics and a hint of sarcasm.
“Ha, now who is doing the coercing!” She laughed and you shook your head.
“Not coercion, I’m begging you,” you whined before pushing her away slightly so you could slink off the counter and onto your knees on the cold kitchen tile. “I'm literally on my knees for you… mommy.” You said with a grin, looking up at her with shining eyes. She smiled and let out a scoff. Your hands slid up the side of her legs, slowly over her thighs until you got to the button of her pants, causing her to suck in a breath before looking into your eyes again. You could see the internal battle she had and before you could unbutton her pants, she grabbed your hands and pulled you up to her. She pulled you in by your waist and kissed you deeply, letting out the breath she’d been holding in as she ran her hands down your waist to grab your ass. You moaned into the kiss and pressed your torso against hers. When you pulled away to catch your breath she smirked at you and sucked in her lip.
“Okay but no taking care of me tonight, it's all about you baby.” She said, finding a compromise for her decision and you grinned, slightly upset you wouldn't be able to make her feel good.
“Anything you say.” You nodded desperately and she let out a beautiful laugh before backing away and grabbing your hips to push you up against the counter. She kissed you again and your hands found her cheeks as you deepened the kiss with force. She ran her hands down your back and grabbed under your thighs to lift you onto the counter, not breaking the kiss. You groaned from the smooth execution and she smiled into the kiss. She pulled away and looked you in the eyes as she pushed your skirt up to your waist and pulled your panties off. You played with her hair as she did so and then felt your thighs squeeze together at the cold air and the way she was looking you up and down.
“God you're stunning Melissa.” You said with a shaky breath as her hand pushed between your thighs and brushed your core with slow motions.
“I could say the same thing about you hon, now be a good girl and lay back.” She said in a deep and sensual tone. You quickly nodded, leaning in for another deep kiss, pushing your chest against hers, cupping her cheek with your hand. You allowed your tongue to enter her mouth and kissed her with passion. She smiled into the kiss at your eagerness and she pulled away, raising her eyebrow at you and you placed another peck to her lips before doing as you were told. You pushed your hair out from under you to be laid out on the counter and allowed yourself to relax slightly. You felt her hands bend your knees and place your feet on the edge of the counter to give her better access. The cold air caused your skin to prickle with small goosebumps and you felt your heart speed up as you awaited her touch. She traced her hands gently up and down your thighs before placing kisses along the inside of them. Her cold fingers came up to rub your clit and your body twitched, sensitive from being deprived for so long. You slightly leaned into her touch but the limited space on the counter kept you from doing so.
“Just relax baby, I want you to be able to remember how good I treated you when you wake up tomorrow.” she said with a cocky grin that you could practically feel. She leaned in and licked a stripe up your folds without hesitation. Collecting your slick on her tongue before lightly sucking on your bud. You let out a moan and she gripped your thighs tighter to keep them in place as she continued to suck on your clit, licking circles around it. She moved a hand from your thigh to her mouth, placing two fingers in her mouth before rubbing your clit and then inserting them into you. You let out a hoarse gasp and she gently curled her fingers inside you, moving her head back down to continue torturing your clit. You arched your back off the counter and moaned at the new angle and she hummed into you causing you to moan again.
“Fuck, Melissa!” You exclaimed, letting your hand come to her hair, brushing it from her face. She felt you clench around her fingers and held back a grin at how ready you were for her already. She thrusted her fingers harder, stroking inside of you and hitting your sensitive spot. Never taking her lips off your core, her tongue running over your clit before she continued to suck on it. You let out another loud moan and your free hand came to your mouth so you could bite on your knuckles, your eyes closing shut tight.
“No baby move your hand I wanna hear you scream as you cum for me.” she said, not stopping her thrusts.
“Ah, ok- yes mommy.” you gasped out, tugging on her hair slightly, earning a deep groan from Melissa that you could feel. Your juices covered her face and hand now and you felt yourself clenching around her. You arched off the counter again and she brought her other hand off your thigh to rub your clit so she could talk you through your release.
“That’s it my love, you're doing so good, cum for me hon.” She said, smiling down at you with dark eyes. You felt your release wash over you at the praise and your body shook as your orgasm flooded through you and you clenched around her fingers. Your mind went dark as you moaned loudly, fire spreading through your veins. As you caught your breath you opened your eyes. Melissa pulled her fingers from you and you used the little strength you had to try and sit up. She snaked her hand around your back to pull you up to her and you met her with a smile and flushed cheeks. She lifted her fingers to your mouth and you took them in without hesitation, tasting yourself on her.
“You did so good for me baby.” She muttered in her deep, raspy voice, pulling her fingers from your mouth and back down to your center to sooth your sensitive clit.
“I love you.” You said with a smile.
“I love you too.” She said simply and you leaned in to kiss her gently, looking in her eyes as you placed a peck to her lips. She took your lower lip between her teeth and you winced. She pulled away with a sarcastic grin and furrowed brows.
“Oh i'm sorry sweetheart, did I hurt your lip?” she brushed her thumb over the cut that was now bleeding slightly again.
“A little. But its okay,” you said not taking your eyes from hers as you moved her hand to rub circles on your core slowly. “I liked it.” you added and she raised a brow. Moving to kiss her again she moved her head back slightly and thrusted her fingers back inside you without warning, she watched with a grin as your face contorted in pleasure. Your brows furrowed and your lip pouted.
“Give me one more.” she ordered and you nodded, leaning to kiss her again but she pulled back, teasing you once more as her fingers moved inside you. The angle allowed her to curl into you deeply and you let out a gasp, her thumb brushed your clit in circles and you felt your second orgasm approaching rapidly.
“Yes, mommy please don't stop.” you muttered breathlessly and she smirked, moving her fingers faster. You clenched around her and felt heat pool in your core as your orgasm approached.
“Look at me baby.” She said and you met her gaze, furrowed brows and your mouth open in an ‘o’ shape as you moaned. Your legs shook slightly and you felt your thighs move to clench together and she didn't stop you. You sat up straight which allowed her fingers to reach deeper inside you and you gasped. Her eyes were full of lust and mischief as she looked into your pleading ones. Your eyes shifted to her puffy pink lips and you looked back in her eyes, silently begging.
“Please kiss me Melissa.” you begged, your release approaching. She gave in and kissed you deeply, watching as your eyes closed and you moaned into the kiss. Her fingers sped up and she deepened the kiss, her tongue roaming around your mouth with passion and control. Your eyes squeezed tight as you felt the wave of relief crash over you and you moaned into the kiss, your hands moving to wrap around her face, cupping her jaw so there wasn't a chance she could pull away. She allowed her fingers to slow and you grinded against them as you rode out you high. Her other hand came to grip your waist, her thumb pushing into your hip. You finally pulled away and your foreheads met as you both caught your breath.
“I'm so proud of you hon.” she said with a smile and you gently nodded.
“I'm definitely going to remember this.” you quipped and she let out a laugh before pulling you off the counter, your legs wrapping around her and her hands holding you by your thighs as she carried you.
“Let's get you cleaned up and into bed.” she said sweetly into your ear and you allowed your glorious lover to carry you up the stairs and to her bedroom.
xx
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Which of yours fics are your fav? Because I can say with absolute certainty that FES is mine. Savior was okay. And confessions has a lot of potential. I need to read the one with Geto / reader visit Japan and link up with Gojo.
This is so hard to answer, because each fic I write holds a piece of my heart. However, after careful deliberation, I sorted through my 43 fics and selected those I'm fondest of, in no particular order. For anyone interested, I included the links, and their bio :)
The Exchange Student Series (Suguru/Reader. Incomplete)
Take the role of a foreign exchange student who had the misfortune of catching Geto Suguru's attention.
Honey, I'm Home! (Satoru/Reader. Will be expanded)
After being trapped in the prison realm for so long, Gojo is in dire need of release. What better way to do that than paying a visit to his favorite girl?
The Sacrifice (Sukuna/Reader. Will be Expanded)
After stealing, the village priests select you to be sacrificed to an elusive forest beast to avoid his wrath.
Surprise! (SatoSugu/Reader. Complete, but I may do another chapter)
Your boyfriend of a year decided a trip to Tokyo would be the perfect anniversary present. He missed his hometown, and you always wanted to visit. However, he failed to mention that the two of you would be staying with his stunning best friend. He also failed to mention that the two of them liked to share.
Hide & Go Get It (SatoSugu/Reader. Complete)
Satoru and Suguru show you how to play hide and go get it, taking your virginity in the process
Orange Juice and Milk (Francis Mosses/Reader. Incomplete)
You're a lonely housewife, neglected by your workaholic husband, and you're 90% sure he's cheating. As your frustration builds and you grow disillusioned with your marriage, you come up with a way for some relief; Francis Mosses, the neighborhood milkman.
Oh no, he's hot! (Nanami/Reader. Complete)
After Haruta Shigemo was killed, you should've been terrified of the blond giant who set his sights on you. But instead, all you could focus on was how hot he was.
Pretty Young Thing (Gojo/Nanami/Ijichi/Reader. Complete)
Gojo forces Nanami to go to a hostess club with him and quickly becomes captivated by a particularly pretty young thing. Unfortunately, Gojo also has his sights on her. Who will she choose? You decide!
Castaway (Gyutaro/Reader. Complete)
When you become stranded in the middle of the ocean, a merman by the name of Gyutaro takes a liking to you.
Shower Time Comfort (Shoko/Reader. Complete)
After Gojo is cut down, you and Shoko seek comfort within each other.
Mr. Steal Yo' Girl (Dark!Gojo/Reader. Complete)
After beating Sukuna into submission, Gojo decided to rub salt into the wound by claiming the ‘King of Curses’ woman.
Tattoos and Tenderness (Sukuna/Reader. Complete)
While taking you to Pound Town, Sukuna evaluates his feelings for you.
Bunnies and Vices (Bunny!Izuku/Reader. Incomplete)
When you stumble across an injured green rabbit, you just thought you had a little too much to drink and took it home with you. But when the rabbit remains green, you realize you might’ve bit off more than you could chew. And when the rabbit turned into a man, you knew that you were way in over your head.
But, hey, at least he’s cute.
A Little Demonstration (Lucifer Morningstar/Reader. Will be Expanded)
When you ask Lucifer how he exactly took both of Adam's wives, he decides to give you a little demonstration
Blood and Breeding (Doppelganger!Francis Mosses/Reader. Complete, but it may be expanded)
When a Francis appears covered in 'scarlet milk,' you're unsure if you should be scared or horny. He makes that choice for you.
Update Edging (Nanami/Reader. Complete)
While his computer updates, Nanami calls you into his office for a little fun.
#jujutsu kaisen#that's not my neighbor#my hero acedamia#hazbin hotel#jjk geto#jjk gojo#satosugu#francis mosses#milkman#lucifer morningstar#hazbin lucifer#jjk nanami#bunny izuku#asks#my fics#fics#favorites#geto x reader#gojo x reader#milkman/reader#Lucifer Morningstar x Reader#nanami x reader#jjk sukuna#sukuna x reader#izuku x reader#aged up characters#jjk shoko#shoko x reader#jjk ijichi#ijichi x reader
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alright think about this jealous sex with arlecchino. Maybe she’s been hanging out with columbina too much.
☆ — DEMO TRACK: sub!Arlecchino x dom!Reader
☆ — TYPE: NSFW
☆ — CONTENT WARNINGS: Thr briefest mention of petplay, rough sex ig, that's basically it 🤷♀️
Ohhhhmygod the way Arlecchino talks of her so very fondly too like it's VERY easy to be jealous I think. Like I'm not really a jealous or a possessive person but even then I'd give like a slight side eye
The Knave was just spending a BIT too much time with Columbina for your tastes. You ask if you could hang out w her, she tells you she has a prior engagement with the other Harbinger. You go to talk to her, she's already talking with Damselette. Frankly, she's acc taking the piss❗️❗️❗️
It just. Drives you up the FUCKING WALL but yk. "Do unto others what you want done to you" or smth like that idk the saying
"I-- I'm going to--"
"You are not doing anything unless I tell you to."
You feel her hands grip onto your hair as you practically abused her cunt with your fingers. If you weren't pinning her to the wall and holding her up, you were sure that as formidable as she was, her legs would've buckled down from the overwhelming stimulation and the lack of release whenever she reached her very peak.
(With the strength of her grip, youu also thanked archons above that despite everything, she was careful enough to not claw at your scalp. That wasn't the most important thing right now, though.)
"You know," you idly mused—taunted, even—as you curled your digits within her, "we could've been doing something better. We could've been having tea, tending to your children, having so much more fun than this. And yet what do you do?"
You pulled your fingers away, slick glistening and forming a faintly connecting line before snapping, and you hear a desperate whimper that you pointedly ignore, "You pass all that up for your fellow Harbinger."
"But she can't make you feel good like I do, can she?" You slapped her thigh harshly, to which you ignore her surprised gasp too—you knew she could handle much more anyway, "Nobody else can have you all pliant and breathless like this. Not her, not anyone."
Arlecchino actually makes a move to nod instead of standing there all dumb, "Only.. Only for you.. my love, I--"
"Only for me?"
"Yes..!"
Answering like an over-eager dog. Actually hilarious.
You stand up and press your fingers harshly inside of her, and just when she feels utter delight in tbe thought of you finally granting mercy on a sinner such as her?
"Move."
"..What?"
"You heard me, my love," the affectionate pet name overshadowed by your mocking tone, "if you want to get off, then move. Surely you can manage such a simple task, right?"
It's unsaid that you want her to move on her own to show her dedication to you...
But either she caught on or she was desperate for the feeling of you inside her, for she leaned her head and started to grind her pussy onto your offered hand.
Only you were allowed to command her like this.
Need to constantly alternate between edging her and overstimming her, both to such UNBEARABLE levels bc SURELY she can handle it 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
Absolutely use her in ANY way you could think of; by this point she's a hole for you to use and vent your jealousy to, all while repeating some kinda mantra about how Columbina could never do the things you do to her
Remind her that only YOU could make her feel the things she does, remind her that only YOU could have her bend to your will, both literally and metaphorically. Doesn't matter to you how powerful she is!! Could be an eldrich horror and you don't gaf
At the end of the day, you have utterly corrupted her—trained her—in the ways that she (or anyone) had never imagined. You've absolutely ruined her for everyone else
You just. Need to remind her with a LOT of torture 🥰 break this supposed monster all over again, make her remember just who, exactly, tamed her 🥰🥰🥰
Whether it's by stuffing her with so many toys all in the lowest settings or absolutely filling her up over and over and over and OVER until all traces of the angel-like Harbinger is completely fucked out of her mind 🫶🫶🫶🫶
#hazy demos!#hazy explicits!#arlecchino x reader#arlecchino smut#sub arlecchino#genshin impact x reader#genshin impact imagines#genshin impact smut#sub genshin impact#genshin x reader#genshin imagines#genshin smut#sub genshin#genshin women x reader#genshin women imagines#genshin women smut#sub genshin women
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Paper Hearts Part 5
I have no restraint. I have NO restraint. I HAVE NO RESTRAINT!!! So guess who starting writing a SEQUEL to this because she was feeling too sad to write Sweet Home Indiana? Yup! I would apologize, but this story is too cute for words.
We have a mild panic attack about the ending of the chapter from Steve, Eddie's plan, and Steve accepting an offer that made mostly in jest, but also in deep earnest.
Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4
TAG LIST IS CLOSED!!!
But if the people on my list that haven't interacted on my stuff lately don't reply by Sunday slots may open up. So don't despair just yet if you want to be on the list and can't.
****
Steve banged his head on his locker in frustration. Why did he do that? Why did he tell Eddie he was interested in boys, too? Why did he trust the other boy to have his back? Especially when no one else seemed to.
He sighed.
He wrenched open his locker and a little pink heart fluttered to the floor. He frowned as he picked it up.
They weren’t going to hand out the hearts until Valentine’s Day so what was this then?
-Stevie
I like the way you’re kind even when it doesn’t benefit you.
Kas
Steve blinked down at the little heart in confusion. It wasn’t the exactly the same color as the hearts they were going to give out for the holiday. But it was close. He rubbed his thumb over the sender’s name.
Kas.
He knew it wasn’t a real name, having recently poured over the yearbook. So it had to be a reference to something, but what he didn’t know. He stuck it in his jacket pocket and grabbed what he needed for his next class, vowing to worry about it later.
As he sat in his chemistry class waiting for it to start he pulled it out of his pocket to look at it again. The pen was red ink and bold. Steve found himself smiling at the strange little pink heart.
Suddenly it was ripped out of his hand.
His head snapped up to see Tommy H. standing there with it in his hand. “Someone is sending Harrington Valentine’s hearts?”
“Give it back, Tommy,” Steve growled. “It’s none of your business. Not anymore.”
Tommy looked him in the eye before tossing it to the ground and walking off. “Whatever.”
Steve bent over to pick it up.
“Some girl named Kassy or whatever,” Tommy was telling Nicole. “Could be anyone from the younger grades.”
“I suppose so,” she said, tossing her red hair over her shoulder. “But anyone with sense would know he’s the plague now.”
Tina rolled her eyes. “Just because he refuses to suck either of you two off doesn’t mean he’s still not the hottest guy in school.”
Tommy rounded on her and called her a bitch.
She just scoffed and swung back around just as the teacher walked into the room. The tardy bell rang and he called the class to order, effectively squashing all gossip.
Steve ducked his head to hide his smile. He might feel a bit bitter that it was her party that Nancy threw their relationship in his face at, but it wasn’t her fault his girlfriend had gotten so pissed drunk that she lost her ironclad control. And right now he was feeling especially grateful to her for that comment.
He managed to get through his class just from riding that high alone.
His last class was algebra and it really should have been made illegal by now. The way the numbers and letters seemed to float off of the page as he struggled to parse their meaning. He just had to pass one quarter of this shit and he could graduate.
So he put his head down to learn and just suffer through it.
After school, he got to his locker and knelt down to open it.
Again a pink heart fluttered out of it. But this time it had a couple of friends. Steve stuck them in his jacket pocket again and exchanged books. He grabbed his English and history homework so that he could get them done for tomorrow.
He opened the back door of his car and threw in his backpack. He went to open his door when Eddie was suddenly at his side.
He leaned up against the door, preventing Steve from opening it.
“So the king swings for both teams?” he asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
Steve looked around, but they were alone for the most part, so he just shrugged. “Some guys are hot and for some reason I can’t fathom, I trust you not have it all over the school by lunch tomorrow.”
Eddie chuckled and crossed his legs at the ankles. “I wouldn’t do that to ya.”
“Yeah and why would that be?” Steve asked turning around and sticking his hands in his front pockets.
“That would be because it would be hypocritical of me to go spreading around the school someone likes guys,” he said, bumping their shoulders together.
Steve looked at him for a long time before he nodded. “You know by now I don’t put much stock into rumors. I did that once and got my shit rocked for it. Lesson learned, man.”
“I heard about the infamous Byers left hook,” Eddie agreed. “That was some pretty major shit rocking.”
The jock rolled his eyes. “I’m pretty sure he was my first concussion.”
The older boy looked up at the sky as he thought about it and then nodded. “Billy Hargrove would be round two, I’m assuming?”
Steve nodded and then threw his head back. “This year has gone from bad to worse and I’m barely keeping my head above water.”
Eddie hummed his agreement. It really has seemed like Steve couldn’t catch a break. “I feel that. I’m really struggling this year. Last year I didn’t graduate because I so focused on getting out of here, making it with my music that I forgot the promise I made to my mom that I would. Graduate I mean. But this year is just hell.”
“That sucks, Eds,” he agreed.
“You think you’re going to graduate?”
“God, I hope so,” Steve murmured, collapsing against the side of his car. “I just want to get out of this town.”
Eddie chuckled and shook his head. “Where would you even go, man?”
“I’d pick a direction and just drive for as long as I could,” he admitted softly. “I just need to be as far away from this place as I can.”
The metalhead nodded. “If we both graduate we should hop into my van and just run for the coast.”
Steve smiled fondly. “I think I’d like that.”
Eddie pushed himself off the car and then waved Steve goodbye.
The younger boy got into his car with a sigh of relief. Not only did Eddie promise not to out him, he came out to Steve, too. Now it was mutually assured destruction.
Steve smiled and started the car for home. Maybe this year was starting to get a little better.
****
Eddie shoved his hands in his back pockets as he made his way to his van. He didn’t know what possessed him to ask Steve to runaway with him or what possessed Steve to agree but it left a warm fuzzy feeling in his chest.
He hauled himself into the van and sat there for a moment just thinking about it. Of course that meant graduating himself, so he would have to focus on that. His van roared to life and he drove off.
It took him a couple of tries but he finally found the construction paper he needed. He had even found some black construction paper that he was going to use to make little paper bats to tape on the inside of his locker to make it less miserable.
Especially as he was told he couldn’t have his metal band posters up in there. They were too “evil” and “Satanic” and he should be more “Christ like” as if they were epitome of Christian virtue with all the hate they had for anyone not like them.
But Eddie got down to work and started making as many pink hearts as he could. He had thought briefly about adding a couple of red hearts in the mix, but he thought that was a step too far. He didn’t want to get Steve’s hopes up that he had multiple crushes on him if that wasn’t true.
He still planned on giving Steve his one red heart that he had bought. That wasn’t in question. He had already filled it out and returned it to the great big baskets that had been in the main hall.
It simply read:
Stevie,
You make being in this town worth living in,
Love,
Kas
He let out a slow shuddering breath. That was one of the scariest things he had to do since choosing to live with an uncle he had only met twice his entire life over being in the system. He knew his life was infinitely greater being with Uncle Wayne and he hoped this would yield a similar result.
Because he had made a promise and with all signs pointing toward Steve at least being receptive to a date, he had to shoot his shot and hope for the best.
He had made roughly fifty or so of the pink hearts and set about dividing them into four piles. With Jeff, Gareth, and Brian offering to help with the friendship hearts he wanted to make sure everyone got a few of them. Plus it made it easier to come up with things. Because even if they came up with similar ideas, they at least would be phrased slightly different so Steve wouldn’t figure it out.
He also had the idea of using pseudonyms so that it wasn’t all anonymous and initials, though there would some of those too.
But it was time for band practice, so he gathered up his things and the hearts and trotted off to his van, a wave and goodbye to Wayne on his way out.
****
Steve finally opened the other three hearts. Two were anonymous but the third surprisingly was from Tina.
It read it in the tiniest print that was still legible:
Steve,
I know we’re supposed to turn these in or whatever,
But I just wanted to say you’re still A-OK in my book.
-Tina
He blushed. That was nice of her and after she stuck up for him in chemistry, he was feeling a little better about himself.
The other two were just as sweet if a tad unusual in their delivery. The first one said:
Steve,
I’m sorry you lost your crown,
you kept the bullies from being their worst selves.
And the other read:
Steve,
You are a good dude.
Sorry people are shit right now.
Steve shook his head. They were well-tended, he had no doubt but they were odd. Like they were trying to find something nice to say and didn’t know how to word it.
Which, fair.
He knew he had a hard time coming up with complements for the twenty girls he’d picked out for his little project. He had to make sure the message wasn’t creepy or would come across as stalker-y.
He smiled down at the messages. He pulled out a little notebook that he had used to collect all the little things that the kids had given him over the past couple years and put the hearts on their own little page. He carefully put the book back, hidden between two textbooks from his freshman year.
“Steven!” his mom called. “We’re home!”
“Coming, Mom!” he cried, hurrying down the stairs.
****
Tag List: Closed
@mira-jadeamethyst @rozzieroos @itsall-taken @redfreckledwolf @emly03
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Summer Rain
AO3 link!
~~~
There’s nothing quite like falling ten feet to the ground and landing flat on one’s back to bring a person back into reality. When he came to, Mario’s first reaction was relief. Rest, finally. Everything burned. His throat, his lungs, his muscles, his stomach. His ears rang and his head spun and his vision created doubles of every last block and obstacle overhead, and at long last, he was free to simply lay in the grass and observe passively.
As with all good things, it didn't last.
Get up.
The all-too-familiar voice, maybe his own and maybe some divine call from the universe, repeated these words in his head, but he couldn’t make his muscles obey. He could hardly breathe; air returned to him in unsteady gasps, and with each one, his short-lived relief melted further and further into frustration.
Get up. Something gurgled in his throat that was neither air nor bile, and the taste of copper coated his tongue. Get up. How had he slipped? He’d run this training gauntlet hundreds of times, if not thousands, in the past weeks. Had he grown complacent? Get up. This was no time for complacency. No time for failure. Get up, get up, get up.
“Mario!” He registered the cry of his name the same way he registered the pain in his spine or the ache in his limbs or the muted yet near-constant growling of his gut: with little more than passing acknowledgement. He knew he was hurt. He knew he was hungry. He knew someone was calling out to him. He didn’t care. His only concern was get up, get up, get up, sit up, stand up, get back to training.
Get back to her.
“Mario?”
Just as soon as he’d pulled himself to his knees, dizziness overtook Mario, and he barely caught himself on his hands, his arms shaking from the effort to support his weight. Her voice. All it took was the ghost of her voice to sap his fight, drain the furor that fueled him, until he was empty, empty, empty.
She wasn’t— he knew she wasn’t— and yet she— she sounded so near—
“Oh, Mario,” Peach sighed, pressing a gloved hand to her cheek, “what am I going to do? If I have to sit through one more unproductive commission on import tax rates, I think I’m going to scream.”
Mario chuckled sympathetically. “So I’m guessing third time wasn’t the charm after all?”
“I thought surely the senators would be just as sick of all the arguing as I am by now. Sadly, I’m fairly certain they enjoy it.” Another sigh. “So a fourth commission has been scheduled for Thursday.”
Thursday. Mario wracked his head for upcoming happenings, possible excuses, any circumstance he could twist in her favor, and he found it in short order.
“Hmm… it sure is a shame you won’t be there for that meeting, Princess.”
Peach halted in her tracks, and Mario stopped alongside her, meeting her confusion with pointed nonchalance.
“I… won’t be?”
“You didn’t forget, did you? That play in Mushroom City you were invited to? That’s Thursday night, yeah?”
Peach shook her head. “Mario, I’d hardly call a letter written in crayon by a child begging me to attend their Kindergarten theatre production an ‘invitation.’ More of a… um…” A pause. The realization clicked into place, her bright eyes glowing ever brighter in the twilight, and she graced Mario with a sly, cheerful smile. “Well, how many children have the courage to write to the castle directly? It would be rude to turn such a thoughtful invitation down.”
“My thoughts exactly!” He nudged her side, winking up at her. “Now, I know you’d rather sit and listen to grouchy old Toads shout over each other all day, but we all have to make sacrifices sometimes, yeah?”
“Heavy is the head that wears the crown.” A very un-regal giggle slipped her lips, juvenile in its conniving yet ethereal all the same, and Mario couldn’t help but feel especially proud of himself. “So we’ll meet at the carriage hold Thursday at dawn, then? Plenty enough time to escape before Toadsworth catches on.”
Her proposal didn’t surprise him; it had become customary, after all, to act as her guard any time she ventured beyond the palace walls. This made her invitation no less sacred to him. “You can count on me, Princess.”
Peach took a moment to breathe in the fresh spring evening, exhale her worries, and as their walk resumed, her hand found his, small and light but present and real and warm. “Oh, Mario,” she laughed, “you’re my hero!”
You’re my hero…
Another rush of oxygen hit his brain, and she was gone once more. Memories of golden hair in the waning light of sunset were washed out in smudges of green and brown and red — his fingers digging into the earth, damp from a recent summer rain, a trickle of blood dripping from his bottom lip onto the backs of his hands.
Some hero he was.
A familiar pressure welled within his chest, and he huffed in relief. Anger. It made his heart pump harder and brought his surroundings back into focus and flooded him with unbearable energy, and he was finally able to clamor to his feet, spitting blood so he could breathe properly. Turning towards the gauntlet’s nearest springboard, he wiped his sleeve over his mouth and let that rage consume him once more, let himself believe again that it wasn’t rage at all, but hope. Hope in its rawest, most painful form.
She was counting on him. He would bring her home. He would have pleasant evening walks in the gardens with her again, he would laugh with her over tea and cakes, he would ensure no similar misfortune ever befell her again. Maybe he would even tell her that he loved her, just so he could say he no longer held any secrets from her. And until that day came, he would train and train and train until no force, earthly or cosmic, could stand in his way.
How could you let this happen?
That fragile illusion of hope burst into flames, its fire coursing through Mario’s veins, but now that he was on his feet again, he made no further effort to fool himself. With a final, sharp breath, he lunged forward—
“Basta così!”
Something caught his left wrist, and the unexpected intrusion snuffed Mario’s fire, like water tossed on a blazing bed of coals. He clenched his jaw and smoldered uselessly for a moment, quivering with unspent energy, giving his captor a chance to free him without provocation. The grasp ensnaring him only tightened.
“Lasciami andare, Lu.” He kept his voice as steady as possible, deathly quiet and low, because he knew it would shake if he raised it any louder, and he couldn’t afford to be perceived as weak.
“No.” Luigi’s voice was equally unwavering. “I’ve let this go on long enough. You’re coming home.”
Mario scoffed. Oh, now his timid little brother was choosing to stand his ground. Now, of all times, for all purposes—! He lurched forward to free himself. He didn’t have time for such games.
Luigi moved with him easily, and before Mario could reestablish his footing, he was yanked backwards by the arm so hard that his vision went blurry and his legs briefly gave out beneath him.
But he didn’t have time to collapse. Luigi powered ahead, and Mario was forced to twist his body in the same direction and stumble along behind him, and by the time his surroundings stopped shifting they were well past the athletic center’s gate and into the streets of Toad Town.
What in the Eight Realms was going on? His brother was strong, but he was stronger. It should have been easy to pull free or at least anchor himself and force an impasse, but he wouldn’t slow down.
“Let me go, Luigi,” he repeated in their mother tongue, half so the dozens of Toads craning their stubby necks as he was dragged past couldn’t eavesdrop and half because his grasp on the English language was one of the first things to go when he was upset.
“You really think I’m that useless?” Luigi didn’t even look over his shoulder as he responded in the same tongue, yet his voice pierced through the ambiance of the streets. “I don’t need a missing friend and a dead brother.”
Another white-hot burst of fury flared within Mario, and he tried once again to break free (once again, to no avail). Useless? A “missing friend”? A princess — their Princess! — was abducted by a notoriously homicidal warlord who promised to kill her and seize her kingdom by force unless he was met with unconditional surrender, and all his brother cared about was how he was perceived? How these events affected him?
Mario was the only living person with any chance of bringing her home safely, or at least alive. He’d devoted himself to that cause wholeheartedly and without hesitation. Fought and trained and redefined himself over the past two months while waiting for royal spies to figure out where she was actually being held. He’d never thought Luigi to be so selfish, that he’d stand in his way. That he’d sooner trade Peach’s life for his. Did she really mean that little to him? The very thought nauseated him. Or maybe those were hunger pangs.
They arrived at their shared cottage in short order, and Mario spit one last mouthful of blood into the grass before he could be dragged onto the porch and through the door. This wasn’t just selfish. This was betrayal of the highest order.
Luigi all but tossed him inside, and only then did he let go. Mario seethed at his green-and-blue-clad back as he shut and locked the door, rubbing his wrist absentmindedly, stimulating the once-restricted blood flow. Betrayed by the last person he would ever have suspected. The one person who should have been supporting him, who he’d thought already was supporting him before today. He held his internal fire close at bay, ready to make his disappointment and disapproval clear, and with a heavy sigh, Luigi turned to face him—
“This isn’t your fault, Mario.”
Mario’s belligerence fizzled out. Where there was once fire, there was now ice, still and cold.
“...What?”
“This isn’t your fault.” Luigi enunciated each word carefully as he approached his older brother. “N-no one blames you for this except for you. So you’re not proving anything to anyone by torturing yourself, bro, okay?”
For a long moment, all Mario could do was gape in bewilderment. Not once since the Princess’ abduction had a word been uttered about blame. There was no need, he'd just as quickly assumed: anyone with two functioning brain cells knew exactly who was to blame, and verbalizing accusations wouldn’t get her home any faster, so he bore his cross with a heavy heart and his head held high.
Even Luigi had never spoken up on the matter. Mario just assumed that meant he agreed. Why bother kicking someone that’s already down?
“I-I…” Mario swallowed. No. No, he was lying. Reality was sinking in and he was lying in a last-ditch effort to defend what hadn’t already been lost. He knew just as well as Mario that… and yet he…
Selfish. Selfish, selfish, selfish.
“I’m her guard, Luigi,” he finally answered, and unpleasant but ever-familiar heat rose once more within him, making his face and ears tingle. “It’s my job to protect her! Literally my job!”
“Yeah, during the day! But you’re acting like she was nabbed under your watch! You’re acting like everyone expects you to be on guard twenty-four-seven!” He drew closer to lay a hand on Mario’s left shoulder; what should have been comfortable and familiar instead felt foreign and cumbersome. “The truth is, you were exactly where you were supposed to be when it happened: in bed, conked out.”
A strike of lightning couldn’t have hit as hard as those words.
Mario jerked away from his brother’s touch, nostrils flared, breath coming to him far too quickly now. If he grit his teeth any tighter, he was certain they’d crack. Yes, he’d been asleep that night. He’d protected his Princess like always during the day and left her to fend for herself at sundown and he’d never forgive himself for it. So much for not kicking someone while they’re down.
“Thanks,” he huffed. “Very helpful reminder.”
“Mario, that’s not what—” Luigi sagged backwards, his eyes rolling to the ceiling in exasperation, as if he was the one who’d been slighted, and he cursed beneath his breath before refocusing. “She was never your sole responsibility. Everyone knows that but you. And no one wants to see you run yourself into the ground like this. Th-they trust you! They love you! Seeing how much guilt you're drowning in, seeing how badly you’re hurting, that hurts them, and—”
A deep, shaking breath. Mario tapped his foot impatiently, his fists clenched.
“A-and it hurts me too!" Luigi finally confessed. "Mario, you’re not the only victim here! How do you think I’ve been handling all of this?”
“Forget about that!” Mario fired back. “Just imagine what she’s going through! Can you think about something other than yourself for once and look at the bigger picture?!”
Alarms sounded deep in the recesses of his brain, warning signals, crying a mantra of Too far, too far, too far. He didn’t care. He couldn’t afford to care.
“She wouldn’t want this either! If she was here—”
That was the final straw. Putting words in the Princess’ mouth— what little patience or composure Mario still held, already stretched thin, snapped.
“Well she’s not!” He stamped his foot like a child throwing a tantrum, grasping Luigi’s arm and forcing him to look directly into his eyes. “Don’t— don’t you dare tell me what she’d say or what she’d do! You don’t have that right! Because you’re not her, and she’s not…”
Mario blinked. Had… had Luigi always looked this tired? His eyes, normally so cheerful and blue, appeared dull and gray, wide with regret and brimming with unshed tears. And there were bags under those eyes too, and overgrown flyaways poking through his normally well-groomed mustache, and…
“...here.” All of his bravado, all of his energy, left him as he whispered that final word.
How long had it been since he’d fulfilled his role as the older brother? Peach was Luigi’s friend too. He was every bit as much Mario's responsibility as Peach was.
“I don’t need a missing friend and a dead brother.”
Only in the ensuing stillness did Mario realize how terribly he shook. He felt both weightless and impossibly leaden, cold and clammy, trembling not in outrage or determination, but something far meeker, far more pathetic: fear.
He was no hero. He was an idiot who’d failed someone he claimed to love and was desperate to make things right, no matter the personal cost. He was a useless brother that dealt with his own inadequacies by lashing out at those who cared for him most. He was nothing.
“Weegee…”
Luigi swallowed, taking a deep, slow breath before responding. “Martyring yourself isn’t the answer. I mean, think for a minute here. You can’t save her if you get yourself killed first.”
It overtook Mario again, a wave of unwelcome emotion, and his knees wobbled beneath him, threatening to buckle.
“Then… then what do you suggest I do? Huh? Clearly you have more answers than I do! So tell me what to do!” He let go of Luigi’s arms to grasp his overall straps and pull him down, searching his face for those fabled answers. There was no spite in his words or his actions. He shouted at and jostled his brother not in anger, but in pure helplessness. “Tell me what to do!”
The uncertainty etched into Luigi’s face didn’t go away completely, but he buried it beneath something harder, more determined. He braced his gloved hands against Mario’s shoulders, grounding and steady.
“I’ll tell you exactly what you’re going to do,” he said, his voice low yet firm. “You’re going to sit right there on that couch, or on the floor, or wherever you feel like, and you’re gonna cry and scream and get all of this pent-up anger out of your system. And then — look at me, Mario, listen!” He jostled the elder brother back, shaking his shoulders. “Then you’re going to eat something. Okay?” He smiled then, the strain of it contorting his face into some pitiful mimicry of humor. “We can’t have you wasting away when the Princess sees you again, yeah? What would she say?”
Mario’s breath hitched in his throat, suddenly swollen shut.
What would she say? Maybe she would rush forward and cup his cheeks, demanding to know what happened and if he was alright, as if he was the one who had been swept away in the dead of night. Maybe she would be so exhausted and so weakened that she didn’t notice; maybe she would only have the strength to smile as he took her battered body into his arms, her face pale but her eyes vibrant. Maybe her gaze would be glassy and there would be nothing left to hold but an empty shell that had once been his best friend, her fate sealed the moment she’d chosen to place her trust in him.
Or maybe he would die long before he reached her. If only he could trust anyone else to save her, he would have been perfectly fine with that outcome. It was the least he deserved. But that would be far too easy, wouldn’t it? What would become of her then? What would become of Luigi?
He would be free of his suffering, and it would fall directly onto their shoulders instead.
How could you let this happen?
The breath trapped in his throat forced its way back out, some mix between a cough and a hiccup, and finally his knees gave out. He held on tighter and sunk his face into his twin’s shirt collar, and he tried to apologize, he tried to beg forgiveness, but the only sound he could produce was a breathless, almost primal whine.
“Ecco.” Luigi’s voice cracked yet remained soft as he sank to the ground with him, cradling his head close. “Sfogati. Ti sono vicino, fratello.”
Mario’s intended response came out once more as a whine. Ti voglio bene. Ho paura. Aiutami. Ti prego aiutami. Each effort to speak proved increasingly futile until he gave up entirely, surrendering to the wordless screams and sobs and tears his overworked, underfed body forced from him. And Luigi just held him, his fingers brushing through his hair as he fell apart.
Thunder rumbled distantly outside, heralding another summer rain.
~~~
“I’m sorry.”
By the time Mario was able to speak, he still didn’t have much to show for it; his voice was too hoarse to do anything but whisper, and the pounding ache in his head prevented him from doing even that very well.
Luigi shushed him, readjusting his head in his lap. “Just relax.”
“I don’t think you’re selfish,” he continued anyway, curling into himself tighter, soaking in as much of his brother’s body heat as he could. “Or useless.”
“I know you don’t.”
“I didn’t have any right to go off on you like that.”
“In your shoes, I doubt I’d be handling things much better.”
“I’m sorry.”
“And I forgive you. Now we’re even.”
This remark wasn’t quite enough to make Mario smile, but it did make him feel lighter, if only a bit. From his spot on the floor, he watched the rain patter against the living room window, dark and dreary and soothing. With the rain outside and Luigi’s fingers still combing through his curls, he felt properly sleepy for the first time in ages, a feeling far more pleasant than the exhaustion that had plagued him for eight, coming up on nine weeks.
Come to think of it, when was the last time he’d slept in his own bed? Most nights he’d find the nearest wall to slump against or a decent patch of grass to crash in when he couldn’t make his body cooperate any longer. And when was the last time he’d had a proper meal? Luigi had forced him to sit down and eat a packet of crackers a day or two ago, Toad brought him soup sometime last week and refused to leave until he downed at least half of it, but…
“Weegee?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m hungry.”
The hand in his hair stilled, and the response came after a few seconds of comfortable silence.
“Well duh. Of course you are.” His voice wavered, yet Mario could tell he was smiling. “What’d’ya want? We’ve got plenty enough to make anything. Don’t hold back.”
Mario hummed, closing his eyes. Making that choice on his own was a mental process he didn’t have the resources for. “Surprise me.”
Luigi vocalized his approval, but he didn’t move to stand quite yet. Instead, the hand in Mario’s hair found his own hand, and he gladly took it, permitting himself that comfort at least.
“Hey Mario? Can you… promise me something first?”
Mario nodded, a small and rapid movement of his head. He knew what was coming: Promise me you’ll eat everything I put in front of you. Promise me you’ll take a bath. Promise me you’ll get into clean clothes and sleep on a bed tonight. He was all too ready to agree. It was the least he owed his long-suffering brother.
“When you save the Princess… promise me you’ll come home too. Okay?”
Mario’s eyes snapped back open. The rain still fell against the window before him, steady and unending.
Easy enough to promise, at least in theory. He didn’t want to die. He wanted to make more pleasant memories with his friends, with his love, with his brother especially. There were so many adventures he still wanted to go on. So many things he wanted to see and do. But if worst came to worst, and he had to lay his life down to save Peach’s… he’d already made up his mind.
“This isn’t your fault.”
He took in a deep breath through his nostrils, exhaled it slowly through his lips. Luigi was strong and selfless. He’d had the strength to lie just so he could ease Mario’s woes. The least Mario could do was offer up a comforting lie of his own.
“Yeah.” He nodded again, and if maybe he held Luigi’s hand a bit too tightly, that was okay. “Yeah, I think I can promise that.”
#tw blood#alternate title:#'mario can be a real dick when he's stressed and luigi has the patience of a g*ddamn saint'#sorry this turned out longer than anticipated 😅#this ties into untarnished but it can be a Realistic Kidnapping au standalone too!#super mario bros#smb#mario#luigi#mario x peach#mareach#peaches' fancy fics
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Macchiato from Frank Castle with a vulnerable Reader (recently escaped abusive relationship or is hiding from such an ex / targeted by the Villain of the Week after being in the wrong place at the wrong time). I'll leave it up to the barista whether or not to put it over ice.
Thanks again, for letting me submit some requests.
you're so very welcome! thanks for stopping by the cafe! 🖤
headcannon below the cut
frank castle makes sure you feel safe
frank could tell that you had a troubled past when he met you. he could see it, & sometimes he could feel it. he didn't pry, figuring you would open up when you were ready, just like he did when he revealed his own traumatic history
when you finally told him about the abusive relationship you escaped with your ex, a lot of things finally clicked. the things he'd noticed & picked up on suddenly made sense. the way you physically tensed whenever there was a loud noise, how you apologized profusely for the most trivial things, your overly cautious nature & hesitancy when it came to intimacy
it broke his heart knowing what you had been through, but more than anything it pissed him off that some asshole had been the one to do it. frank was furious when you told him, a look of pure rage in his eyes & his jaw set in a harsh line. the anger was practically rolling off him in waves & he was insistent on you giving him a name
but the second he saw a flash of fear in your eyes at his reaction, he quickly recomposed himself. he never wanted to scare you. he didn't want to be just another angry man in your house. even though you knew exactly who he was & what he'd done, you felt safe with frank, & he never wanted to ruin that
you were insistent about leaving it alone, not wanting to spend another moment in the past. you just wanted to move forward. frank respected that. but he also tracked that motherfucker down & sent him on a 3 month long vacation to the icu, not that you needed to know that
while frank did everything he could to make sure you felt comfortable, he knew there were certain things he'd have to be patient with you about. you were still healing from a lot of trauma, but he was determined to help you in any way that he could
at least once a month for the first four months of your relationship, frank reminded you that you were safe. sometimes you'd wake up in the middle of the night sobbing from a horrible nightmare, your dreams transporting you back to that dark place, & frank would hold you for as long as you needed, gently rocking you back & forth while stroking your hair, whispering softly in your ear
"shh shh shh, s'alright, baby. you're safe, yeah? I got you. you're alright. deep breaths, baby. no one's ever gonna hurt you again, I promise. you're safe with me, sweetheart."
as hard as frank tries to be mindful, he's human. he has his own trauma that he's still working through. while your issues manifest with fear, his manifest with anger. the first time he loses his temper & raises his voice, the look on your face physically pains him like a knife to the heart
he sees the way your eyes go wide, how you start to slightly tremble, notices that your breathing is more shallow & harsh. the way your eyes become glossy nearly brings him to his knees, & he quickly lifts his hands in a show of peace & takes a step back
"hey...hey, i'm sorry. i'm sorry, sweetheart. I shouldn'ta raised my voice like that. I didn't mean to. i'm not mad at you, alright? you didn't do nothin' wrong. I just...got frustrated. i'm sorry, baby. what...what do ya need? need me to leave? I can step out if you need a minute. just...tell me what you need."
frank doesn't mind that you're hesitant when it comes to intimacy. he lets you take things as slow as you want. he doesn't push you, doesn't try to guilt trip you, just lets you control the pace & follows your lead. whenever you try to apologize about it, he quickly cuts you off with reassurance
"hey, you don't owe me nothin'. i'm just happy to be here, yeah? I got you here with me, that's all I need. don't worry 'bout me, sweetheart. i'm not goin' anywhere."
frank goes to extra lengths to make sure you have peace of mind. he installs a full security system at your place complete with cameras. he makes sure you have pepper spray & a taser with you at all times. he's taken you to the shooting range a few times just to show you how to shoot just in case you ever have to. he's taught you a few self defense moves that you can protect yourself with. he doesn't just want you to feel safe, he wants you to feel strong
frank makes sure you understand that anyone that ever tried to get to you would have to go through him. whenever you're out in public, he's got his arm around you, or he's holding your hand. he's got his eye on you at all times. if he even thinks you look uncomfortable for any reason, he's at your side in a flash
frank is a fierce protector, & there's no one he protects more relentlessly than the people he loves & cares about. he'd wage war on anyone without a second thought just to keep you safe
#court's 4k followers celebration#court's 4k friends celebration#court's cafe#frank castle#frank castle x you#frank castle x reader#frank castle headcannon#frank castle request#the punisher#the punisher headcannon#the punisher request
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Joey B Imagines: Oh! Darling*
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Summary: You and Joe make it to his house. Well, to his garage.
(Part two to - Part 1)
Warnings: Smut (Thigh riding, finishing in pants and untouched, and PIV sex)
Pairing: Joe Burrow x reader
Imagine Universe: Everlasting Love
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*Complete continuation of part one*
Once Joe and I arrived at his place, he used the button on his sun visor to open his garage door.
After pulling in, Joe shut the garage door behind us and turned the car off before looking over at me.
Joe’s gaze was heated, a loaded look on his face that started the throbbing between my legs again.
“Come here.” - Joe
I looked at him, wanting him to reiterate himself because I wasn't exactly sure what he wanted.
“On my lap.” - Joe
Continuing to look at him, Joe lept forward and scooped me up by my thighs before pulling me on top of him.
“You look so pretty above me.” - Joe
I reached out and held the side of his face, cradling his cheek.
“You look pretty good bellow me.” - you
A huge grin broke out on Joe’s face as he pulled me in, placing sloppy kisses around my mouth before he finally landed on it.
I lowered my hips down onto him, grinning when I felt him already hard.
“Ya feel me, don't you?” - Joe
Joe grabbed my hips and gently moved me against him. I couldn’t help but moan into his mouth at the feel of his hard length. His sweat shorts and my jean shorts were the only things separating us.
“Feel what you do to me, baby? Fuckin’ make me so hard.” - Joe moaned
I continued rocking against him, the seam of my jean shorts inadvertently rubbing against my clit, pleasing me as well.
Joe spread wet, opened-mouth kisses down my neck, his hands gripping my hips tight.
Eventually, Joe wrapped his hands around my thighs and pushed me up to where I was hovering over him. He unbuttoned my shorts and pushed them down my legs. Since I was still straddling him, they couldn't go farther than my knees, so Joe picked me up by my waist with one arm and moved my shorts down the rest of my legs.
I was giggling the entire time because his hurriedness was amusing.
“You needed them off that severely?” - you laughed
“Yes, ma'am. You'll see why here in just a second.” - Joe
Now I was just in my panties, and Joe wasn't about to do that process all over again, so he grabbed at them, and the next thing I knew, I heard a loud ripping sound.
“Joseph Lee! I liked those panties!” - you
I playfully slapped his chest, and Joe rolled his eyes before tossing the ball of ripped-up fabric in his backseat.
“You’re not gonna care here in just about ten seconds.” - Joe
I watched Joe yank up one of the legs of his shorts, but I didn't know why yet.
Before I could ask, Joe moved me around before pushing me down to where I was straddling his thigh.
My heat was pressed right to the same thigh I was staring at not too long ago.
“You don't think I saw you staring at my lap earlier, baby? I can make you feel good with it. Just trust me.” - Joe
Joe grasped my hips again and gently started moving my hips back and forth. The feeling was overwhelming. He was letting me use his thigh for my pleasure and my pleasure only.
“Good girl.” - Joe groaned
My upper body fell into his chest, and Joe wrapped his arms around my waist.
“Keep going. Just like that.” - Joe
In all honesty, Joe had come to terms with the fact that he was going to end up cumming by the end of this too. The feel of his girlfriend’s soaking wet pussy dragging across his thigh, getting him off without any friction on his cock.
My movements were getting more frantic, using Joe’s thigh to my advantage as I ground on him, moaning his name throughout the entire process.
“Joey, baby… shit.” - you whimpered
“Keep movin’. You’re doing so well for me.” - Joe
I opened my eyes for the first time since I settled down on Joe, and I moaned out at the sight.
Joe had his head thrown back, his top teeth sunk into his bottom lip, eyes closed, face scrunched, and he was sweaty everywhere.
“So close.” - you moaned
“Me too…” - Joe groaned
I couldn't tell if I imagined Joe saying that or if he did, but before I could ask him, the feeling pooling in my stomach gained my attention.
“Fuuuuck!!” - you moaned
Joe’s grip on me got impossibly tighter as the strokes of my hips got faster, and when my knee accidentally bumped into Joe’s crotch, he let out a loud moan of my name, followed by a grunted curse.
My eyes were closed, and the ringing in my ears from the overwhelming pleasure was keeping me from acknowledging what Joe had just done.
I fell over the edge not long after that, moaning loudly and falling deeper into Joe’s chest as I came on Joe’s thigh.
It was minutes later that my breathing was returning to normal. Joe was sitting with his head back against the headrest with his eyes closed and his chest heaving.
“Are you okay?” - you
“Mhm… I just…” - Joe trailed off
My gaze flicked from his face down to his lap, the wet spot on the crotch of his sweat shorts giving him away.
“Did you…” - you gasped
Joe nods his head, still not opening his eyes. In all honesty, he's a little embarrassed.
“That’s…” - you
My voice trailed off, and Joe continued my sentence at the same time I tried to. It was baffling how different our words were, with him saying, “Embarrassing?” While I said, “So fucking hot.”
We both laughed, and I went to crawl off of Joe’s lap and open the door, but he stopped me.
“You think this is over?” - Joe
“I don't know… we both finished, and we’re home.” - you shrugged
A cocky grin formed on Joe’s lips, and he leaned forward to nestle his mouth just hovering over my ear.
“Oh darling… this isn't over till my cock is buried deep inside your pussy.” - Joe whispered
All at once, Joe’s words set off every pulse point in my body.
I pull my head away from Joe’s face and grin down at him, running one of my hands through his hair.
“You wanna burrow yourself inside me? Is that right, baby?” - you
Joe smiled at the slightly dominant tone in my voice. He was always in charge during sex, but maybe he'd switch roles just this once.
“Yes, ma'am. That's right.” - Joe grinned
“Lose the shorts for me.” - you
I winked at Joe as I moved to sit on my thighs between his spread thighs, giving him the ability to lift his hips and pull his shorts down.
He put his shorts in my outstretched hand, and I sent him a bratty grin.
“You made a mess in these. You're lucky that I love you enough to scrub them later.” - you
“It's your fault it happened.” - Joe shrugged
I rolled my eyes playfully and moved to straddle his lap.
Joe’s cock was fully erect and dripping at the tip as it lay against his stomach. My eyes couldn't stray away from it. From him.
“Want you so bad…” - Joe
He was playing along. Joe was actually going to switch roles and be the submissive partner for once.
I reached down and wrapped my hand around his cock, pumping his length slowly as I rose higher on my knees.
Joe’s eyes were fixed below us, watching how the tip of his dick was inches away from the heaven he believed was my pussy.
“Please… want in you so bad.” - Joe
He groaned when I lowered slowly, the tip of his erection barely grazing my clit but making me moan at the contact nonetheless.
I leaned forward and smashed my lips to Joe’s hungrily, my hands reaching for his hair as I fully settled onto his length.
Joe groaned into my mouth as his cock was immediately buried to the hilt.
“This what you wanted, huh?” - you
Every teasing word was whispered between kisses, Joe’s tongue tangling with mine, and every time I pulled away even a little bit, his mouth chased mine.
“Yes. Please move.” - Joe moaned
I realized that I was basically cockwarming him when he said that, and began rocking my hips against his at a slow pace.
Joe was now panting into the kiss, his hands on my waist telling me he wanted more but still letting me do my thing.
“Faster.” - Joe
The fact that he was on the verge of begging satisfied me, and before I knew it, I was bouncing on Joe’s lap. Joe’s cock was perfect. He made me feel so full as his thick length stretched me in the best way possible.
“Fuck, Joey.” - you moaned
As a minute passed, my thighs were starting to get tired, and I was close to climaxing.
Joe didn't like the fact that I was slowing down at all, and it didn't help that I was getting distracted by my pleasure instead of taking care of him.
“Baby, please. So close.” - Joe
I couldn't pick the pace back up, and Joe snapped out of the submissive character in a matter of seconds. Joe was holding my body tight to his chest, seemingly holding me in the air as he started thrusting up into me.
“You’re fuckin’ soaked. Feel how easy I can slip in and out of you?” - Joe
His pace and thrusts were relentless, taking back over to show me that he truly was the one in control here.
I leaned in close, nestling my lips right under one of his ears and whimpering his name.
“Oh shit.” - Joe pants
Joe reached down between our bodies and pinched my clit with just enough force to tip me over the edge, my orgasm ripping through my body as I moaned Joe’s name.
A moment and two extra hard thrusts later, I felt Joe’s cock spit and sputter before he buried himself as deep as he could get and came. My name was on his lips as he fell over the edge, and there was nothing hotter than watching his face contort with pleasure.
“Fuck… fuck… fuck.” - Joe panted
Joe’s head fell onto my shoulder as my still-spasming walls continued to milk him dry for every drop his release offered.
For minutes the only noises audible were of Joe and I trying to catch our breath, a soundtrack so unique to us.
“I fuckin’ love you.” - Joe
He wrapped his arms around my waist and squeezed me tight, helping me off of his lap a few seconds later.
I opened his car door and slipped out of it, my legs feeling like jelly and my knees buckling.
“Great, now I'm walking weird.” - you
Joe got out of the car a second later and gently spread a big hand on the small of my back.
“That means I did my job right and that you have a stud of a boyfriend.” - Joe grinned
“I knew and could continue to know both of those things without the limp.” - you laughed
I watched Joe roll his eyes with a playful smile on his face as he directed me to the other side of the garage, my luggage in his hands.
“Wait did you not grab your shorts?” - you
“No way I'm puttin’ those back on.” - Joe laughed
I laughed with him for a second before he spoke up again.
“Did you want your panties?” - Joe
“You mean what's left of them?!” - you
We laughed together again before Joe unlocked the door that went from the garage to the mud room.
“You can take a bath if you want. I was gonna fix dinner up real quick while you freshened up… only if you want too, of course.” - Joe
Looking up at his blushed cheeks, I couldn't help but giggle at the way he got bashful all of a sudden.
“Why are you getting shy after you just rearranged my guts.” - you chuckled
I held his hands in mine and giggled at the way Joe wouldn't look up at me while he had a little smile on his face.
“Answer my question!” - you laughed
“I don't know! You have this crazy effect on me. That's the only way I can describe it.” - Joe
Pulling him into a hug, the smile was never wiped off of my face as I pressed kisses all over his.
“How about this? We take a shower together, then I can help you make dinner, we eat, and go to bed.” - you
“It’ll be like five the time we’re done eating. Why are we going to sleep so early?” - Joe
I left his arms and walked up a couple of steps to the doorway that entered the kitchen, turning around before and looking at Joe.
“I didn't say anything about sleep, Joey.” - you
“That's my girl.” - Joe grinned
—
I walked out of the bathroom after changing and grinned at the sight of Joe lying in the bed, shirtless and sprawled out. It was later in the day. We’d eaten showered already, and even watched a movie before climbing the stairs to Joe’s room.
Joe looked over when he heard the bathroom door shut and smiled at the sight of me wearing nothing but one of his shirts and a pair of panties.
“Hi, beautiful.” - Joe smiled
“Hi, baby.” - you
I smiled at him for a brief second before continuing my task of putting my dirty clothes in the hamper and laying out an outfit for tomorrow.
Joe had turned his phone off and put it on his nightstand, his full attention on me. My back was to Joe as I bent over to grab something out of my suitcase, inadvertently making my shirt ride up to where my ass and panties were on complete display.
I threw a look over my shoulder when Joe let out a low whistle, yanking my shirt back over my behind and grinning at Joe’s whines of disapproval.
After laying my outfit out, I crawled into bed next to Joe and snuggled into his side. Joe was still lying on his back, and I was on my side, smashing my face into his bare shoulder.
“I know you probably want to fool around some more, but I'm exhausted.” - you
“I was about to say the same thing.” - Joe laughed
I laughed with him for a few more seconds before Joe moved his arm, wrapping it around my shoulders and pulling me into him. My head was now lying on my favorite pillow, Joe’s built chest.
“So you'll settle for cuddling tonight?” - you
“Settle?! I love having you in my arms.” - Joe
“Good thing I love being in them.” - you
Joe squeezed me tighter, tangling his legs with mine under the sheets.
“I can't wait till this is every night, and your clothes are in the empty half of the closet instead of in a suitcase.” - Joe
“One step closer to forever.” - you grinned
Butterflies went off in Joe’s stomach after I said that. He referenced earlier the fact that he had been thinking a lot about being the best boyfriend possible, and a part of that was because after a conversation he had with his dad, he realized he wanted to marry you.
Joe contently lay there, his soft blue eyes scanning my tired face and half-closed eyes.
“I love you so much.” - Joe
“I love you too.” - you
You had no idea he was talking to his jeweler about custom-designing the engagement ring he was going to propose to you with before you walked out of the bathroom.
Joe was determined for you to be his forever.
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Authors note: It’s not going to be that easy, though!! 😙
Requests for this fic;
Hope you enjoyed!! 💕
#joe burrow#bengals#joe burrow imagine#joe burrow x reader#joey b#cincinnati bengals#joe burrow fan fic#everlasting love#joe burrow smut
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