⇢ Synopsis: They’ve always just been your best friends. But Covid quarantine is making you all way too horny. ⇢ Pairing: Yunho & Mingi x reader ⇢ Genre: smut,fluff. ⇢ Warnings: extremely cute best friends to lovers, mutual pining, love, oral (f receiving), sex without protection, Big Dick Boys, threesome, hand job, fingering, thigh riding, semi-sub Mingi, dom Yunho, sleepy sex, mentions of covid, multiple orgasms, overstimulation, cock warming, spitting, pet name “Tiny”, Mingi is “pretty boy”, Yunho fucks her STUPID, etc… ⇢ Word Count: 8.9k ⇢ Tropes/AU’s: Best friends to lovers, mutual pining, slow burn, uni!Ateez, frat boy ateez, covid-19 ateez, non-idol au, uni au,
It’s cold outside, and you can’t believe you have to be the one trekking through the weather when they’re the ones with a car. Well, you suppose calling Mingi’s shit hand me down 2001 Honda Civic a “car” is a little too nice. But here you are, walking up the steps to their apartment building, cold, and bundled in a jacket, simply because Yunho declared three weeks ago while drunk that he would no longer ‘lower himself to the level of that shit piece of crap Honda fucking Civic’.
His words had made Mingi cry a little, and you’d had to fight Yunho about it afterwards. He’d won of course, easily pinning you down, but your struggle had been enough to cheer Mingi up. You’d tried at least.
You don’t even have to hit the button to call up to their apartment, the door clicks, signalling the unlock. You bet Mingi’s been watching the street from the window again. You head up to the third floor where Mingi and Yunho have an apartment. Mingi throws the door open before you even knock, a huge grin on his face.
He’s dressed in an oversized light pink crew neck and some grey sweatpants that still have your high school crest on them. You’re wearing your matching ones. Movie night is sacred, and you all have to look the part. His glasses are round, and they show off his dazzling eyes, which always seem to sparkle in wonder at the world around him.
He pulls you into a warm Mingi hug, lifting you off the ground to bring you inside. His shirt smells like lavender, and you’re shocked the two of them have finally started using the detergent Mingi’s mom had dropped off months ago when he’d first moved. The lavender is nice, and it makes you smile as you burry your face against the soft fabric, breathing in the warmth and aura of your best friend.
“You’re cold!” Mingi says when he lets you go, looking at you with wide eyes.
“It’s cold outside.” you note.
“Itlooks cold.” Mingi agrees, nodding and his lip pouting out a little in sympathy. He hates being cold, and is always bundled up in more than is evernecessary.
warnings: dirty talk, spit kink, dom! wooyoung, sub! reader, swearing, choking, rough/angry sex, hand kink, brat taming, bratty! reader, mommy kink, sir kink, praise kink, degrading kink, mentions of yunho.
a/n: repost bc my acc was deleted <33 also if anyone even sees this please send requests of any ateez smuts bc im super super bored and i enjoy writing a lot! :D please include any kinks you’d like me to add to the story and even threesomes, bxb or poly relationships! im honestly open to anything! love all of u guys <33 - melon
Summary: Spending quality time with the Hongjoong in the studio can be boring when he’s busy. Thankfully he knows how to keep you content and entertained.
Warnings:18+ minors DNI due to adult content. Unprotected sex, cock warming, exhibitionism, some dom/sub themes, and degradation.
Word Count: 3,200 and some change.
Author’s Note: I wrote this because I need more of this pairing. So totally indulgent on my part.
ATEEZ Reactions: Meeting their mate. (Vampire!Ateez)
Seonghwa:
You had just arrived in a small town, searching for your next prey. No one was on the streets as it was an hour past midnight. Still, you walked around, hoping someone would come out as you didn’t want to break into anyone’s house.
When you walked towards the largest house at the end of the street, you could smell a bunch of vampire scents; one of them was extremely strong, causing you to stop in your tracks. You sniffed the air, the scent of that particular vampire driving you insane.
“Do I really smell that good?” you whipped around, eyes instantly meeting with beautiful, sparkling red ones.
The extremely handsome vampire approached you, cupping your cheek with his hand while he smirked. “I’m Seonghwa, your mate,” he leaned in, placing a kiss on your neck, making you feel ecstatic. “And you smell just as irresistible.”
Hongjoong:
“Even I can wear red contact lenses and call myself a vampire,” you said, crossing your arms over your chest while you glared at the red-haired man standing in front of you.
“Why did my mate have to be a human of all creatures?” Hongjoong groaned, running his hand through his hair in frustration. “How should I prove it to you?”
You shrugged. “I don’t know, bite me? Suck my blood?” you chuckled.
Hongjoong’s red eyes glowed slightly at the thought of sinking his teeth into your skin, making you take a step back in shock. You blinked a couple of times, wondering if you were hallucinating.
“Y-Your eyes are glowing,” you murmured, eyes growing wide.
Hongjoong chuckled. “Are they? Oh, I wonder why,” he said with a smirk. “Do you believe me now, my mate?”
Yunho:
Yunho was lying down on the grass in a meadow, underneath the shade of a large tree. He let out a small sigh while he stared at the moving clouds in the sky, wondering when his loneliness would end.
Yunho could hear soft footsteps, but he paid no attention to it, assuming it was an animal. But when the footsteps got closer, he could smell something incredibly amazing that caused him to quickly sit up, glancing around until he spotted you picking some wild flowers.
Within a second, he was standing right in front of you, scanning you from head to toe.
“You must be my mate,” he said with a large smile, giggling when he heard your heart beating faster. “Or are vampire hybrids supposed to smell this… tempting?”
You chuckled. “No, you’re right, I am your mate.”
Yunho happily took your hands in his. “You have no idea how long I’ve waited for you.”
Yeosang:
The last thing Yeosang expected was to find his mate in a nightclub, making out with some other guy. It was already bad enough that you were a human—his kind’s prey.
Yeosang pushed the guy away from you before taking your hand, dragging you outside the club despite your protests.
He let go of your hand. “What the fuck were you doing?!”
“Excuse me? Me making out is none of your b—”
“Of course it is! You’re my mate!” he took a step towards you, making you take a step behind, your back pressing against the wall. He placed his hands on the wall on either side of your head. “I know you don’t know me… who and what I am… and you probably can’t feel what I feel…” he leaned closer to you, his lips stopping just a few millimeters away from yours, “but it’s my duty to love and protect you, and keep you by my side forever.”
San:
San sneaked into a hospital at 3AM, heading for the blood bank room to get him and his friend some blood bags. He could smell something heavenly, but he brushed it off, assuming he was just really thirsty.
When San got to the room, he was stunned to find you sitting on one of the chairs, drinking from a blood bag. You pulled away, giving him a smile once you realized who he is. “Didn’t expect to find my mate here,” you said with a chuckle, handing him the half empty blood bag. “Here, you’re clearly hungry.” you eyed him from head to toe while he drank from the bag, his red eyes never leaving yours.
Once he finished drinking, you couldn’t help but lean in, licking the stray drop of blood on his lips. San smirked, red eyes glowing, before he captured your lips with his own, enjoying the heavenly combination of your taste mixed with traces of blood.
Mingi:
Mingi walked into a vampire-themed café, mentally laughing at the coffin tables and the spider web decorations. He thought it would be funny to get some food from a vampire café.
You noticed Mingi take a seat at one of the tables and you approached him to take his order. “Good evening, sir! What would—” you gasped the moment your eyes met his, an ecstatic feeling immediately spreading through your body. Mingi could feel it, too.
“You’re a vampire,” you stated.
“And you’re a human.”
You chuckled, shaking your head. “I’m a vampire hybrid.”
Mingi’s eyes widened. “You look very… human. I can’t even smell the vampire side of you.”
“That’s probably cause of my diet. I can have blood, but I prefer human food,” you said with a smile. “Would you like to have some?” you teased.
Mingi smirked. “No, but I’d certainly like to have you.”
Wooyoung:
Wooyoung was walking beside a lake when something hard crashed into him, sending him flying in the air and into the water.
“Oh fuck!” you squeaked, mentally cursing your speed. “I’m so sorry!”
He got out of the water, glaring at you… until he noticed your unique scent. Of course, he knew who you were now.
“I’m so sorry… I just became a vampire a few days ago and I’m still figuring out how to control my speed,” you explained, trying your best to ignore his irresistible scent.
Wooyoung took a few steps towards you. “Did you know we vampires have mates?”
“No…” your eyes flickered between Wooyoung’s eyes and his lips.
Wooyoung leaned in, placing his lips on your neck, quickly marking you. “Well, you’re officially mine.”
Jongho:
Jongho had given up on searching for you years ago. He was convinced that he didn’t have a mate since he was the only mate-less one amongst his friends.
“I heard there’s a new vampire in town,” Seonghwa said. “My girl’s bringing her over right now.” Jongho didn’t really care and continued reading the book in his hands.
A delicious scent filled the air, causing Jongho’s to take a deep inhale. “Hyung, do you smell that?”
“Smell what? Oh, the lavenders?”
“No, no,” Jongho shook his head. “I don’t know how to des—”
The front door opened and you walked in with Seonghwa’s mate. Jongho loudly gasped at the sight of you, his red eyes immediately glowing like yours; he felt insanely happy.
“Looks like you’ve finally found your mate,” Seonghwa chuckled, patting the younger vampire’s back who was still in awe.
Warnings for all parts combined: Mafia themes such as torture, abuse, violence, human auctions, murder, drugs, guns. Mentions of rape, human trafficking, sex slavery, organ trafficking, unprotected sex, pulling out, facesitting.
Three weeks later, you could pretty much call yourself a member of a mafia gang. Well, that’s what you were now even if you were in slight denial.
You spent a lot of time with Ateez. Hongjoong taught you how to shoot like a pro, Jongho taught you how to defend yourself if you don’t have a weapon, and Yeosang and Seonghwa taught you medical related stuff such as removing a bullet from a body and treating a gunshot wound. Yeosang also taught you the basics of hacking, but you sucked at it. San, Wooyoung, and Aeji taught you how to seduce a target, and you nearly died of embarrassment when you had to practice with Wooyoung as the target. Jiwoo pretty much gave you some of her bubbliness while she and Yeoreum taught you a bit about illegal international business deals. The three girls also told you a hell lot about their sex lives when you all had a girls’ night a few days ago. On the other hand, Yunho and Mingi were just playing ‘tossing Kiah’ (as they call it), which was literally just them throwing and catching you like as if you were a ball. The giants found it extremely fascinating that you were an entire foot shorter than them. Sometimes, they would use the top of your head as an armrest.
Hongjoong bought you a phone, but unfortunately, you couldn’t log into any of your social media accounts, or even your email as your cousin and uncle were searching for you and the culprits who made your cousin unconscious the night he was going to sell you.
“Kiah, do want some orange juice?” Mingi asked you from the kitchen while he poured himself a glass. You nod your head and he poured some for you too. Yeosang was there as well, busy eating fried chicken.
“Hey, Kiah?” Mingi called out, making you look up at him. “You never really told us about your parents.” He handed you your juice.
“My mother died when I was a newborn,” you replied, sipping on your juice. “My father… well, I rarely saw him after he made me live with my uncle. Now no one has seen him in months.” Both the boys noticed how sad you were when you spoke about your father. You really wanted to see him; you didn’t even know whether he was dead or alive.
“What’s your father’s name and age?” Yeosang questioned. “I could track him or at least find out if he’s all right.”
“Moon Dongwoo and he’s 49 years old,” you answered with a small smile. “Thank you, Yeosang."
~
After about three hours, Yeosang approached you while you were talking to Aeji and some of the boys. He sat on the couch adjacent to you after briefly greeting everyone.
"So I tried to track your father, Kiah,” Yeosang stated nonchalantly. “And I found absolutely nothing.”
Your eyebrows furrowed. “Huh? What do you mean?”
“There are zero records of him,” Yeosang explained, “Like no bank or property details… To put it in simple words, it’s like as if he doesn’t exist.”
You frowned. “So he's… d-dead?”
“Don’t know,” Yeosang shrugged. “There are no death records either. There were a couple of men with the same name as him, but no one was 49 years old.”
You pondered about it for a while. Why would your dad erase all traces of his existence? Even if he didn’t, someone else did. But why?
“Wait,” you blurted out. “Did you check with the police station? My dad is a cop.”
San, who was listening to the conversation, nearly chokes on the sprite that he was drinking. “Your dad is a cop and you’re here, living in a mafia gang’s house?!”
“I know right?!” Yunho said from beside him and you only shrug in response.
“I checked the police station as well,” Yeosang remarked. “Still no records.”
Your eyebrows furrowed. “That’s just strange. He’s a cop, there has to be at least something about him at the police station.”
“Hey, don’t worry about it, Kiah,” Yeosang said in a soft tone, giving you a reassuring smile. “We’ll find him.”
-
The next day after you woke up, you found everyone seated in the living room, lost in deep thought. You quietly sat beside Jiwoo, wondering whether you should ask why everyone is so quiet.
“That’s not a bad idea, actually,” Wooyoung said after glancing at you while you stared at him in confusion. What idea was he talking about?
“Yeah, it’s a terrible idea,” Hongjoong retorted, glancing at you as well.
“Kiah,” Mingi starts, grabbing your attention. “What do you think about attending a masquerade party?”
“You mean a mafia masquerade party?” you emphasized.
“Of course,” he replied.
“Ah, it’s cool, I guess?” you said nonchalantly; you were getting used to the mafia life, and you’d be lying if you said that you didn’t like it.
“It’s settled then,” San stated, getting up from the couch and stretching his arms. “Kiah is Hongjoong’s date for the party.”
“Knew it,” Jongho murmured.
“No,” Hongjoong protested. “A lot of people saw her face at the auction. It’s a terrible idea.”
“Well, it’s a masquerade party hosted by our ally,” Seonghwa remarked. “No one will try shit even if they recognize her.”
“Plus, we’re all going to be there. We can’t leave Kiah alone here,” Yeoreum added and Jiwoo nodded her head in agreement.
Hongjoong sighed. “Fine.”
~
“You look gorgeous, Kiah!” Aeji squealed after doing your makeup. Yeoreum just finished doing Jiwoo’s hair and started doing your hair.
“Hongjoong won’t be able to keep his hands to himself,” Yeoreum remarked with a smirk, making you blush.
“I’m surprised he hasn’t made a move yet,” Aeji said.
“We all know he wants to,” Jiwoo mumbled while taking a mirror selfie.
You chuckled. “Nothing has happened yet.”
“Yet?” Yeoreum teased you, curling a strand of your hair with the curling iron. “So you want something to happen, huh?”
“I—”
“You obviously do.”
You playfully rolled your eyes at her. “Don’t accidentally burn my hair, Yeoreum!” The girls laughed at the sight of you getting flustered
“Kiah, what are you planning on wearing?” Aeji asked.
“The black cocktail dress.”
“No, you’re not wearing that,” she protests. “Wear the red dress Jiwoo got you last week.”
You raised an eyebrow. “Why?”
“You’ll see,” she smirked.
~
After all of you got ready and slipped into your respective outfits, you went downstairs where the boys were waiting.
As soon as Hongjoong saw you, his lips parted slightly as he scanned you from head to toe. You were wearing a short, strapless red dress that fit your body perfectly, hugging your curves and exposing your highlighted collarbones. You wore silver wedges that matched the silver necklace around your neck. Your long hair was curled and your makeup was simple yet elegant.
“Hongjoong’s favorite color is red, by the way. Thank me later,” Aeji whispered to you, giving you a wink before she ran into Seonghwa’s arms. So that’s why she forced you to wear a red dress. You snorted at Aeji’s words before your eyes landed on Hongjoong. He looked absolutely ethereal in his black ripped jeans and white t-shirt underneath the leather jacket he was wearing. You expected to see the guys in suits, considering it was a masquerade event, but it looked like you all were going to a club instead. Oh well, maybe this is how the mafia rolls.
You heard someone clear their throat. “Um, if you’re both done eye-fucking each other, can we leave? We’re getting late,” San commented and Jiwoo laughed loudly at her boyfriend’s words. The other eight already left and you wondered how you didn’t even notice.
Hongjoong doesn’t utter a word; he only approaches you and takes your hand in his, leading you to the garage. You, Hongjoong, Jiwoo, and San were riding in the same car.
San begun driving and the car was filled with Jiwoo gushing about how she loved going for Stray Kids’ parties. San told you about how Wooyoung introduced Ateez to his friend, Changbin, and that’s how Ateez met the rest of Stray Kids.
After a while, you reached Stray Kids’ mansion. The exterior was lit up with blue and yellow lights.
Jiwoo handed you a pretty silver eye-mask and you put it on; Hongjoong wore a red mask, Jiwoo wore black, and San wore gold.
“Alright, let’s party!” Jiwoo squealed, pulling San along with her, practically running inside.
Hongjoong wrapped an arm around your waist as he led you inside Stray Kids’ mansion, scanning the crowd to see if he could find any of his allies.
“Ah, Hongjoong!” you heard someone say, catching your attention. Hongjoong’s arm leaves your waist to hug that person.
“Chan! It’s been so long, yeah?”
“Very,” he agreed before glancing at you. “I see you’ve got yourself a girl.”
Hongjoong chuckled. “This is Moon Kiah. Kiah, this is Bang Chan, the leader of Stray Kids.” Chan stretched his hand out and you shake it.
While Hongjoong spoke to Chan, Jiwoo dragged you away to get a drink. You wondered how hyper she would be when drunk, considering the fact that she was already pretty hyper when sober.
Jiwoo got a couple of tequila shots and you only downed three. "Only three?“ she asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah,” you answered with a small giggle. “I have very bad alcohol tolerance.”
Jiwoo took her own shots before Wooyoung dragged the two of you to introduce you to the other members of Stray Kids. You were seriously shocked by how young and polite these men were, despite being in the mafia.
“So whose girl is she gonna be now?” Changbin asked.
“She’s Hongjoong’s girl,” Wooyoung answered, and you giggle at that, already a little drunk.
“Mhmm, yeah, I’m Hongjoong’s girl, hi!” you squealed before realizing that Jiwoo suddenly wasn’t there anymore. “Where’s Jiwoo?” you pouted
“Probably would’ve found someone to talk to or she’s in some room with San,” Wooyoung replied. “Anyway, let’s get you to Hongjoong, little one.”
“I’m here,” you heard a familiar voice say behind you, making you jump a little before you turned around. “Kim Hongjoong, you…” you trailed off, admiring his face even though half of it was covered with the mask. "You’re so fucking hot, like what the actual fuck?!" Wooyoung and Changbin laughed loudly before they walked away, leaving you alone with a slightly stunned Hongjoong.
"How much did you drink, hmm?” Hongjoong asked, looking down at you with soft eyes. You gave him a loving smile while your arms moved to wrap around his neck.
“Three tequila,” you mumbled before you suddenly squealed. The DJ started playing one of your favorite songs. “Dance with me,” you whispered in Hongjoong’s ear, pulling his body closer to yours.
Hongjoong danced with you for a little while, holding you close to his body so that you wouldn’t trip and fall in your 5-inch heels. After the song ended, he pulled you to a less crowded area to sit on the sofas. Your heartbeat sped up when Hongjoong made you sit on his lap instead of the free space beside him. You wrapped an arm around his neck while your other hand ran through his soft hair.
“What’s wrong with that guy?” you whispered in Hongjoong’s ear, glancing at a green-masked guy who was sitting near you, all alone on the floor, staring at the ceiling with a huge smile.
“Probably took LSD,” Hongjoong remarked after taking a quick glance at the man.
“Oh,” you murmured. “He’s a really bad boy. You shouldn’t take drugs. Okay, pretty boy?” Hongjoong raised an eyebrow, amused by the tipsy side of you. He chuckled prettily in your ear, pulling you even closer to him.
“I don’t do drugs, love.” He places his cold hand on the skin right above your knee. “I’m a good boy,” he whispered in a low tone. Hongjoong could clearly see how much he affected you.
“Liar,” you whispered in his ear. You place a kiss right below his ear before trailing kisses along his jawline. You stopped at his chin and pulled away. When his eyes met yours, you leaned in, finally pressing your lips against his. He responded immediately, kissing you back like as if there was no tomorrow. You’ve never been kissed with such intensity before. Hongjoong’s hand that was just above your knee, began to move upwards. You weren’t drunk, just tipsy, so you knew what was happening; you were starting to feel really excited as his hand went higher and higher.
You heard someone clear their throat. “Kim Hongjoong?”
Hongjoong halted his actions and pulled away from you to look up at the woman who interrupted him. She had orange colored hair and was wearing a dark blue eye mask.
“Oh? Royeon?” he got up from his seat, making you stand up along with him. He sounded a little excited, and that made you feel a little jealous. Who was she?
Royeon smirked. “New girl, huh?”
Hongjoong ignored her comment. “Kiah, this is my friend, Royeon.”
She snorted. “Friend? I’m quite offended by that title, Joongie.” she pouts a little before turning to you. “I’m his first love.”
You kept a pokerface on. “That’s nice. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” you said nonchalantly, trying not to sound bothered about the fact that Hongjoong’s first love was standing right in front of your face. She was giving you a bad vibe and you absolutely hated how she was undressing Hongjoong with her eyes. You couldn’t deny that you had strong feelings for Kim Hongjoong and you were planning on telling him pretty soon.
You turned to Hongjoong with a small smile on your face. “I’m gonna go get a drink,” you said, purposely giving him a kiss that lasted a little longer than it should before you left him alone with his previous lover.
You didn’t get a drink. Instead, you went outside, exploring the lit up garden in Stray Kids’ mansion. The mansion was a little smaller than Ateez’s mansion, but was extremely beautiful nonetheless.
You walked to one of the trees that was lit up with blue lights, taking out your phone to take a few pictures of yourself.
“So Yang Daeyoung hasn’t been spotted anywhere?” you heard someone say.
“No,” another person replied. “He probably escaped to another country or died.”
"What about his child?” the first person asked.
“No one knows what he or she looks like. Anyway, we have to find Yang Daeyoung and his child before another gang does. I heard many gangs are still searching for him… especially Ateez and CIX. We need to get all that information before them.”
You were suddenly really interested in whatever the two people were talking about. You mentally reminded yourself to ask one of the Ateez members about this Yang Daeyoung guy later.
“What’s a pretty girl like you doing all alone here?” you heard someone say behind you, words slurred.
You turned to face the man who was in a green eye-mask. “Taking pictures as you can clearly see,” you answered the clearly drunk man.
He smirked. “I’m Jinseop,” he introduced. “And your attitude is really fucking turning me on, babygirl.”
“I didn’t ask,” you stated, rolling your eyes.
He took a step towards you and you didn’t move an inch. “You know,” he starts, placing a hand on your shoulder while he towered over you. “I heard Stray Kids have a few spare rooms here. How about we go upstairs and—”
“Get your fucking hands off her.”
Jinseop rolled his eyes, not even glancing at the person.
“Now,” the person growled. He froze when he finally realized who was talking to him.
“O-Oh, I’m sorry,” he apologized and quickly walked away, leaving you quite stunned.
“Wow, Kim Hongjoong,” you remark in amusement after a few seconds. “You scared someone.”
Hongjoong doesn’t say anything. He only walked towards you, and you involuntarily took a step back, making your back press against the cold surface of a wall. Hongjoong towered over your short height and you could tell he loved how small you looked next to him.
He cupped your cheek with one hand and places his lips against yours, gently kissing you before trailing kisses down to your neck. Your hands immediately went up to grab his hair while he started to suck and kiss the skin of your neck, making you moan softly. He smirked against your skin, absolutely loving how he was the one who was making you feel good. He brought his lips back to yours, kissing you a little harder than before while his hands moved down to your ass, grabbing it through the fabric of your dress. You gasped at his actions and he takes that opportunity to slide his tongue in your mouth. He pulled away after a few seconds.
“You’re all mine, Moon Kiah.”
-
Hongjoong led you back inside and you immediately spot his ex-girlfriend who was trying to hit on an unbothered Yunho.
“Yunho,” Hongjoong called out and the man looked at him. Royeon’s attention was also now on the two of you. “Where are the rest? We have to leave soon.”
“I have no clue,” Yunho answered. "Yeoreum just took Mingi to the bathroom. The man drank way too much.“
You noticed Royeon glaring at you, her eyes flickering between your neck and Hongjoong’s messed up hair; you realized that he probably left a nice mark on your neck. You smirked, loving her annoyed reaction. You wrapped your arms around Hongjoong’s waist and he smiled at you, draping an arm around your shoulders. Yunho controlled the urge to laugh once he realized what you just did.
Royeon cleared her throat. "So Hongjoong, did you get any news on Yang Daeyoung?” You felt Hongjoong stiffen a little.
“No,” Hongjoong simply replied.
She chuckled. “Oh well. That must really suck for you since all… that happened, huh?” You could tell Hongjoong was going to lose his temper. You were extremely curious about this person, considering the fact that you’ve heard about him twice in less than an hour. “I bet you’re dying to capture him. You would’ve planned so much to—”
“That’s none of your business, Royeon,” Yunho stated in a cold tone, cutting her off.
She raised her hands up defensively. “What I’m trying to say is I’d like to help.”
“We don’t need your help,” Hongjoong spat through gritted teeth and Royeon was taken aback. You wondered why she looked shocked; was Hongjoong a complete sweetheart to her or something when they were together?
She cleared her throat, clearly offended. “Alright… come over to my place whenever you want me, Hongjoong,” she said with a smirk before she walked away. You scoffed at her words and tightened your hold around Hongjoong who was quite amused by your reaction.
He put a finger under your chin to make you look up at him. “Maybe I should take up her offer, hmm?”
You scowled. “Don’t even think about it, Kim Hongjoong. You’re mine.”
“Say that again, baby.”
“You’re mine.”
Hongjoong crashed his lips onto yours and you kiss him back immediately, loving the feeling of his soft lips moving with yours.
“Oh, they’re finally doing something,” you heard Jongho say.
“Yeah, I was so tired of hearing Hongjoong whine everyday about how badly he wanted to kiss her,” Seonghwa remarked, and you smile against Hongjoong’s lips. You pulled away from the kiss, smiling widely at a blushing Hongjoong.
You turned your head to look at Seonghwa. “He was whining about that?” you asked in amusement.
“Oh, yeah, all the time,” he answered with a chuckle.
A drunk Wooyoung laughed loudly. “That’s not all! Hyung was also complaining about how Hongjoong junior was aching for—” Hongjoong smacked his palm over Wooyoung’s mouth, stopping him from exposing him.
“Hey, let him complete,” you stated, amused by the whole situation. Hongjoong shook his head in disagreement.
“We have to leave,” Hongjoong changed the topic. “Yunho, go get Mingi and Yeoreum. Seonghwa, call San and Yeosang.”
“Yeosang’s getting some upstairs after so long,” Yunho revealed. “He’ll be shit pissed if you guys interrupt him.”
Wooyoung chuckled. “After so long? He got pussy last week! And he’s with the same blonde chick upstairs.”
“No wonder he was the most excited to come here,” Jongho mumbled.
Hongjoong rolled his eyes. “Well, I want to leave now. Anyone else wants to come?”
“Hyung, you and Aeji can go,” Yunho said to Seonghwa. “Aeji’s really tired. I’ll come with the rest.”
Seonghwa nodded and the four of you leave first, walking to one of three cars. Seonghwa had to drive after losing a game of rock-paper-scissors to Hongjoong.
After he began driving, you wanted to ask who this Yang Daeyoung guy was, but you thought now didn’t seem like an appropriate time; you didn’t want to interrupt the peaceful silence in the car.
You were feeling quite drained out, so you rested your head on Hongjoong’s shoulder, trying your best to not fall asleep.
“Sleep, Kiah,” he mumbled, bringing your body closer to his. “I’ll wake you up when we reach,” he said, although he had no plans of doing that.
“Okay…” you closed your eyes, sleep taking over your body within a few minutes.
Hongjoong placed a soft kiss on your head. “I love you…”
5 months later.
As soon as Hongjoong came back home from his mission and stepped into your bedroom, you ran into his arms. “I missed you so much!” you mumbled against your boyfriend’s chest while he embraced you.
You started dating Hongjoong around three months ago when he finally got the courage to confess that he fell in love with you. To his relief, you were just as head over heels in love with him. The boys sometimes refer to you as ‘the one who tamed his temper’ as Hongjoong didn’t get annoyed very often anymore. You had also grown used to the mafia life, and you often found yourself enjoying it more than you should. You knew almost everything about the boys and the world you were now a part of. They even let you go on missions, sometimes letting you go solo. Hongjoong was always a little hesitant as he was scared something would happen to you, but he was getting used to it.
“I was only gone for a week, love,” Hongjoong chuckled and you sighed.
“It felt like years.” You pulled away from his chest to look at him. You pecked his lips before moving to sit on your bed, your boyfriend mirroring your actions.
“I got you a lot of chocolates,” he said, reaching out to grab your hand, intertwining it with his own. “I’ve kept them in the fridge.”
You smiled, lying down while you played with Hongjoong’s hand. “It’ll get over in two days,” you stated, knowing the boys would finish it before you could even grab a piece.
“Then I’ll go back and get you more.”
“I’d rather you stay here with me,” you mumbled, arms reaching out to hug your boyfriend. Hongjoong settled in your embrace, burying his face in the crook of your neck. Your hand moved to his hair, playing with his strands. Hongjoong couldn’t help but place a kiss on your sensitive neck, causing a chill to run down your spine. He began placing more kisses on your neck, smirking when he felt you grab a fistful of his hair. He trailed kisses from your neck to your jaw and finally to your lips.
“I love you,” he murmured, moving to hover above you. Cupping your cheek, Hongjoong gazed at you with nothing but love and adoration, making your heart race.
You grinned at his words, wrapping your arms around his neck. “I love you too.” You pulled him into a kiss which he eagerly responded to. Lips moving with yours, Hongjoong took your bottom lip between his teeth, gently sucking on it before licking your lip as a way of asking for permission. You parted your lips wider, letting him slide his tongue inside your mouth. Your tongues danced in a slow rhythm while Hongjoong rolled his hips against yours, making you moan. You gently pushed him away, making him look at you with a worried gaze, thinking he went too far. But you pushed him further, making him lie down on his back before you straddled his hips. Your hands pulled your t-shirt over your head, tossing it onto the floor. Hongjoong’s eyes moved to your bra clad chest. You reached behind your back to unclasp your bra, letting it fall from your chest.
“Can I touch you?” he asked. You took his hands, placing them on your chest in response. Hongjoong gently squeezed your boobs, thumbs running over your hardened nipples. He sat up a little so that his face could reach your chest. He placed kisses on your sternum before taking one of your nipples in his mouth, gently sucking on it, licking the small bud. He mirrored his actions for your other nipple, and your back arched in pleasure. When he pulled away, you immediately crashed your lips onto his in a hungry kiss. You involuntarily grinded down on his hard-on, a groan leaving his throat. Hongjoong’s hands moved to your hips, helping you move faster on his bulge.
“I want you, Joong,” you moaned out, making him get harder.
“Are you sure, baby?” he asked.
“Yeah. I want you to fuck me. Please,” you begged. You weren’t a virgin, but this was going to be your first time with Hongjoong.
He only smiled, halting your movements on his bulge. “Let me prep you, baby. Sit on my face.” You got off his lap to take your jeans off along with your panties. Hongjoong also stripped out his clothes, leaving himself bare in front of you for the first time. You involuntarily bit your lip, taking in the sight of his thick, hard cock. He looked absolutely irresistible.
Hongjoong climbed back onto the bed, lying down while he waited for you to straddle his face.
“Are you sure about this?” you asked, a little hesitant to put your weight on his face.
“Don’t worry, baby,” he chuckled. “Sit comfortably.”
You lowered yourself onto his face, making sure you didn’t put all of your weight on him. Hongjoong’s hands gripped your ass, pulling you closer to his mouth. He wasted no time in lapping at your slit, collecting your wetness on his tongue. He moaned at your sweet taste, tongue dipping into your hole, his nose pressing onto your clit. He moved his mouth to latch onto your clit, giving your nub a few sucks before moving back to your hole. “Fuck!” you moaned, hands reaching down to grasp his hair while he fucked you with his tongue. You felt the familiar knot forming and you warned Hongjoong that you were close. He licked up and down your slit, lapping at your clit, pushing you to your high. You moaned out his name while you came on his face and he wasted no time in licking up your juices, a drop rolling down from his lips. When you moved your pussy away from his face, you got wetter at the sight of his lips glistening with your juices.
You moved down his body to return the favor, but he stopped you. “I’ll let you do that another time, babe. But now I really need to be inside of you.” Hongjoong sat up, piling pillows behind him before leaning back on it. “Are you on the pill?” he asked while pumping his cock.
“No…”
He groaned. “I don’t have condoms on me right now. They’re in my room.”
“It’s okay, you can just pull out,” you stated.
“Are you sure, my love?”
“Mhmm.” You moved to straddle his lap, aligning his cock with your entrance. You sank down on his length, the stretch making you whimper. Once Hongjoong was fully inside of you, you placed your hands on his abs, slowly moving yourself up and down on his cock, coating it with your arousal. Hongjoong bucked his hips up to meet yours half-way. You leaned down to kiss him while you rolled your hips against his. You pulled away and smiled at him before you increased the pace. Your hands reached back to grab his thighs while you rode him. Hongjoong watched your boobs bounce along with you, the sight making him groan. When Hongjoong felt himself getting close, he switched positions, slipping out of you, making you whine. He only giggled, leaning down to peck your lips before he gripped your waist. Without any warning, he slammed his cock into you, making you gasp, your walls clenching violently around him while he fucked you hard and raw.
You gripped the bedsheets beneath you, feeling the knot forming in your lower area. “J-Joong… I—”
“I know, baby, I’m close too,” he groaned out, his thrusts getting sloppy. “You’re taking me so well, fuck.”
Hongjoong moved one hand down to your clit, his fingers rubbing your nub in circular motions. You screamed his name when your second orgasm washed over you. Hongjoong pulled out immediately, spilling onto your stomach. You reached out to pump his cock, milking him dry. Hongjoong collapsed beside you, body coated in a thin layer of sweat, hair sticking to his forehead. He pulled you into a sweet kiss a few seconds later.
“That was amazing,” he murmured against your lips. You smiled, placing a soft kiss on the tip of his nose. “Let’s clean up, hmm? Shower with me?” You nodded, letting him carry you to the bathroom.
Author’s note: I had a sexy dream about Yunho last night and have just been thirsting desolately over him for the entire day… so here you go, a quick fic about how Ateez masturbates.
Hongjoong:your body, one, two
cooped up in his studio, some precious alone time apart from the boys
his mind drifts from music to the latest interaction he’s had with you
he likes to think of himself as a gentleman, wants to refrain from thinking of you sexually, but all the thoughts he’s held back pile up in this moment
he locks the door, sits back down and puts his hand on himself
he’s more on edge than he consciously realized; when he closes his eyes and sees you in his mind, he goes from zero to one hundred like that
comes quickly, panting quietly and trying to wring the most out of it as he pictures you
Seonghwa:different mood
why are you so different from the other staff? he can’t figure it out
can’t figure out why he gets restless when you’re near, why he gets hot and het up
in the shower, he thinks of you and suddenly realizes he’s erect
oh… he’s… attracted to you
hesitantly he touches himself, really only because his problem doesn’t seem to be going away any time soon
but oh, it feels good
he speeds up before he knows it, finishes with a grunt and thanks the heavens for the shower
Yunho:say wow
he overhears a dirty joke you tell another staff member
realizes just how long it’s been since he’s had some release
when he locks the bedroom door, he tells himself he’s not jerking off to the thought of you
it’s just the intrigue of hearing the dirty joke coming from your mouth
his hand works steadily as he tries to empty his mind
but he’s not getting anywhere just rubbing himself while staring at the ceiling
so he tentatively thinks of you again, and up goes his temperature
even stroking as unhurriedly as he can, he comes before he wants to
…now he can’t stop thinking about you in that way, or just thinking about you, period
Yeosang:hot hot
you’re one of the very few staff members he doesn’t get along with
the small everyday tensions between you two are scattered firework candles waiting to be lit
a strained argument leads to the two of you staring down each other in the small confines of a changing room, breathless from trying to stay polite
you stare into each other’s eyes, and you both realize: this? is chemistry
he gets out of there before he does something stupid, holds himself together for the rest of the day’s activities
then locks himself in the dorm bathroom at night
stares down at his erection in disbelief
“are you sure? are you sure we like her?”
San:get crazy
he’s not obsessed with you. he just likes you, a lot
and maybe he’s never felt this way before, never gotten this hot over someone else before
but that’s because he doesn’t have much experience, right?
that’s why it’s all backwards, that’s why your cuteness makes his dick hard and your sexiness makes his heart sigh
that’s why he can rub one out in five minutes just lying in his bed, doing nothing but thinking of you
not even imagining you sexually, just thinking about you in love with him like the way he’s in love with you
(…shit)
Mingi:hit repeat
he jerks off regularly because he needs to, because it’s a normal bodily function that feels good
embarrassed about it but also tries not to be
his worst nightmare is you walking in on him doing it
doesn’t understand why it’d be so much worse if you walked in than any other staff or member, just knows he’d rather die
so he does it late at night at the dorm, under the covers, stealthily slow, keeping his breathing even
tissues at hand, garbage can under the bed, prepared
Wooyoung:in my element
another one who does it regularly because it feels good
also makes him feel more like a man (which he knows is dumb tbh)
he’s a little intimidated by you, and a little more intimidated by the things he wants to do with you
that’s why he keeps to himself, keeps his hands to himself, just sneaks glances at you and saves your various expressions and looks in his mind
when he has downtime alone, he mentally flips through his memories, turning pages carefully
shivers running down his spine as he touches himself
Jongho:follow my lead
likes to think he has self-control, only masturbates when he really wants to, not just because he’s feeling a bit horny
problem is, around you he seems to want to a lot more
and he doesn’t like that. he doesn’t want to feel like you’re the only one affecting him like this
so he acts up a little around you, acts unlike himself, gets in your space, shows off his strength
when he manages to get even a hint of a flustered reaction out of you, he’s so quietly satisfied he could fly to the moon
strokes himself that night feeling on top of the world, like he deserves it, like he’s won
keeps picturing you the way you responded, the delicious moment of your reaction to his pushing
savours the feeling of how the dynamics between you shifted almost as much as the feeling of his climax
Summary: You meet Jongho of Ateez at the gym when your friend nearly hits on him before realizing how old he is. She’s not interested in younger men. You aren’t either. …Are you?
Words: 6k
Warnings: slight jealousy, coming out as queer
Author’s note: I’ve finally finished this beast of a fic, ugh. Literally all I wanted to write was Jongho falling in love with an older reader, but because of his personality it turned into 14k words… RIP. There will probably be an epilogue of fluff if there’s interest!
***
You:Hello, this is Y/N
Jongho:Hello Y/N-noona! Thank you for texting me.
Jongho:By the way, I’ll be at the gym this Friday after 6.
*
That Friday, you walk up to the gym to find Jongho and Suhyeok in deep discussion on the doorstep.
“Your judgement is officially off, hyeong.”
“What? Why? Did Y/N-noona tell you about her date with Dongun?”
“You said he was picky. He wasn’t picky at all, he was straight-up clingy.”
“Eh? What do you mean?”
“He literally held onto her hands like this and said, ‘Looking forward to our next date’.”
You clear your throat. “Hey, guys.”
Both of them startle and look around.
“Oh, hi, noona!” Suhyeok greets you.
“Hello.” Jongho drops Suhyeok’s hands and tucks his own in his pockets.
“Why are you re-enacting my date with Dongun?” you ask, amused.
Jongho presses his lips together and doesn’t say anything.
Suhyeok fills in for him: “He’s saying Dongun was… clingy? Is that what you were saying, Jongho-yah?”
“He didn’t act picky,” Jongho corrects.
“Well, I think that’s because he’s into Y/N-noona,” Suhyeok says enthusiastically. “What did you think of him, noona?”
You shrug. “It was a short meeting. I don’t have an opinion yet.”
“But you liked him enough to agree to a second date, at least.”
Jongho frowns. “That’s not liking someone, that’s just… not disliking someone.”
“What are you talking about?” Suhyeok chuckles. “Anyway, glad to hear! Let me know when I’ve redeemed myself for last time, okay?”
“Are you going to keep finding me men to date if I turn down Dongun?” you joke.
“No,” Jongho says.
“It might take me some time, but I’ll work on it,” Suhyeok replies brightly.
“I’m kidding, please don’t work on it.”
“Don’t,” Jongho repeats.
“Are you sure? Well, you can always let me know if you change your mind, okay?”
“She said don’t!” Jongho snaps.
Suhyeok blinks at him. “Why are you yelling?”
Jongho purses his lips. “…You’re ignoring me. And you’re not listening to what noona’s saying.”
“Eh? I am listening. I’m just letting her know she can change her mind, that’s all.”
But Jongho continues to frown, and Suhyeok’s smile is fading as he stares back, so you quickly intervene. “So!” You clap your hands. “Are we working out today, or no? Suhyeok, are you meeting Yeona?”
“Ah. Right!” Suhyeok brightens and heads into the gym.
You glance at Jongho. “Coming?”
“…Yes.” He gives a short nod and follows you in.
You catch up with Suhyeok at the front counter, where he’s waving to Yeona as she talks to Geonhui, another staff member.
“Noona!” he calls. “Hello, hyeongnim!”
Yeona bids farewell to Geonhui and comes out from behind the counter. “Hey, Suhyeok-ah, Y/N-ah, Jongho-ssi.”
“Thank you for taking care of noona, hyeongnim!” Suhyeok shouts to Geonhui as Yeona ushers him away from the counter.
“You’re loud,” she comments.
“Since when does Geonhui-oppa take care of you?” you ask her, chortling.
She grins and gives you a hug. “He doesn’t, Suhyeok just decided that by himself.”
“You said I could make friends with them so I wouldn’t get jealous.” Suhyeok begins to pout.
“Yes, yes.” She reaches up to pat his neck while you snicker. “Good job, okay?”
He beams instantly and leans down to give her a peck. Yeona dodges by ducking behind you, and Suhyeok’s kiss lands on your temple instead.
“Hey!”
All of you look around at Jongho’s voice. He’s standing a few metres away, looking left out.
“Yes, Jongho-ssi?” Yeona asks him.
His jaw works. “Hyeong—kiss your own girlfriend.”
“Eh?” Suhyeok blinks. “Uh, yeah, I was trying to.”
“No, you kissed Y/N-noona.”
“Not on purpose, it was an accident.”
“I said no skinship at the gym,” Yeona scolds him.
He pouts again. “I missed you so much, though.”
Yeona turns to you. “Y/N-ah, are you by chance looking for a clingy boyfriend?”
“No,” you reply.
“No,” Jongho says at the same time.
“Noona…” Suhyeok’s pout grows as he sidles up to Yeona. “Don’t say things like that.”
She laughs and reaches up to pinch his cheek. “You know I’m kidding.”
You’re startled when Jongho reaches out and grips your elbow to tug you toward him. “Hey? What is it?”
“Give them space.” He drags you almost effortlessly to his side, arm muscles flexing. “You don’t want to be accidentally kissed again, right?”
Uh, you don’t really care, but you can humour him. “I guess you really hate kissing, eh?” you remark as you watch Yeona tease Suhyeok.
Jongho looks at you. “What?”
“Hm? On those idol shows, didn’t you say you hate kisses?”
“Oh, er, yeah.”
“You better warn your future girlfriends,” you joke.
“Well, it’s not that I hate all kisses,” he quickly says. “They just—have to be on my terms.”
“Sure, boundaries.” You give him an encouraging smile. “It’s good to know your own.”
“It’s not that I don’t like them at all,” he repeats.
“Got it.”
“Y/N-ah, listen,” Yeona says, bringing your attention back to her. “Want to join me and Suhyeok for drama night this weekend? He’s insisting we watch Pretty Noona Who Buys Me Food.”
You chuckle. “Isn’t that one of those noona romances where everything goes wrong?”
“It’s a happy ending!” Suhyeok protests. “And I think it’s pretty realistic.”
“Debatable,” Yeona says dryly. “Anyway, please don’t make me suffer through it by myself.”
“You won’t be by yourself,” you point out, “Suhyeok’s watching it with you.”
“I need another ajumma there to help me crush his starry-eyed dreams,” she says, skipping over to link your arm with hers. “Please? I never see you outside of the gym anymore, Y/N-ah.”
“Aish.” You smile as she swings your arms back and forth. “Fine. You’re lucky I don’t mind being the third wheel.”
“Hey, what do you think about inviting Dongun?” Suhyeok comes over to join you. “Is it too early?”
Jongho edges forward. “Isn’t it way too early?”
“Yeah, it is,” you agree. “That’ll be awkward, Suhyeok-ah.”
“Okay.” He nods. “I just didn’t want you to feel left out, noona.”
You reach up and ruffle his hair. “I think I’ll be too busy crushing your starry-eyed dreams, kid.”
“Yesss.” Yeona holds her hand out to you for a high-five. “Suhyeok-ah, send her your address.”
Suhyeok pulls out his phone. “Saturday evening works for you, right, Y/N-noona?”
“Yep.” You take out your own phone to see his text.
Jongho, who’s still hovering at your side, speaks up. “Noona. Why didn’t you reply to my text?”
You look up. “Hm?”
“After I told you I’d be here on Friday, you didn’t reply.” He whips out his phone and shows you the conversation from his side.
“Oh, that—” You pause. “Well, I don’t know, I just thought maybe you’d get in trouble with your manager if I said I’d meet you.”
He exhales. “Noona, I told you. I’m not going to get in trouble.”
“Look, I know the K-pop industry is really controlling, okay? I heard you’re not even allowed cell phones until you get your first win on a music show program.”
Jongho huffs out another breath, then grabs your hand. “Come with me.”
“Eh???” You stumble after him as he pulls you back toward the front door. “Hey, no need to drag me, I can walk.”
He pauses to adjust his grip and intertwine his fingers with yours, and then proceeds to tug you with just as much force as before.
“Yah, just because we’re holding hands now doesn’t mean you’re not dragging me.” You follow him out the door and into the small parking lot wedged next to the gym.
Jongho heads for a minivan parked at the very back and knocks on the window of the driver door. You stand back at arm’s length, unsure what to expect.
The window rolls down and a man pokes his head out, looking bleary-eyed from sleep. “Oh, Jongho-yah. What’s up?”
“Hyeong, please meet Y/N-noona.” Jongho tugs you forward, and the man’s sleepy gaze lands on you. “Remember I told you about her? She’s a regular at the gym here, she’s Suhyeok-hyeong’s friend.”
“Oh—hello.” The man quickly pops the door open and gets out to give you a polite bow. “Nice to meet you, I’m Jongho’s manager.”
You return the bow. “Ah, nice to meet you, Manager-nim.” Wow, he’s a lot younger than you’d imagined an idol manager to be; he looks to be about your age, in fact.
“Hyeong, tell her she’s allowed to text me,” Jongho insists. “She thinks I’ll get in trouble if I use my phone like a normal person.” He gives your hand an emphatic squeeze, which makes you realize he’s still holding it, yikes. You quickly yank free.
Jongho’s manager looks between the two of you. “What do you mean?”
“I’m not going to be in trouble for texting with her, right?” Jongho waves his phone around.
“No, why would you?”
Jongho turns to you. “See?”
“I mean… don’t idols need to be careful about who they interact with?” you ask cautiously.
Manager nods. “Yes. But are you someone who’ll hurt Jongho or Ateez?”
“No, of course not.”
“Then.” He nods again.
Jongho grins. “See?” he repeats. “Our managers are cool with it. So don’t avoid talking to me anymore by using the excuse of not getting me in trouble, okay, noona?”
“All right,” you agree reluctantly. “But did you get your manager to drive you out here just so you could prove this to me?”
“Hm? Ah, no, Manager-hyeong always drives me whenever I visit the gym.”
Your eyes widen as you look back to Manager. “Always? And you wait for Jongho, the whole time in the van?”
“Yes,” he says.
“He naps,” Jongho inserts.
“When do you get off work, then?” you ask.
“As soon as I see Jongho back to the dorm. So it differs, depending on the day.”
Wow. “That sounds like a demanding job.”
“It can be,” Manager acknowledges. “But it’s a meaningful job, so I enjoy doing it.”
“I see… that’s very impressive.”
He ducks his head, a gesture you recognize from Jongho when he gets embarrassed. “Ah, well. Thank you.”
“Anyway, that’s it, hyeong,” Jongho interjects. “Come on, noona.” He takes your hand in his again and turns back toward the gym.
“Hey—” You twist your hand free.
He frowns over his shoulder at you. “What? You heard Manager-hyeong, it’s fine.”
Manager clucks his tongue. “Jongho, manners.”
Jongho subsides at the scolding tone and tucks his hands behind his back. “…Right. I apologize.”
“Oh, that’s okay.” You whip out a hasty smile.
“If Jongho causes you any trouble, please feel free to contact me at any time.” Manager takes out a business card and hands it to you.
Slightly confused, you accept it. “Uh… thank you.”
“Hyeong,” Jongho says, in a tone that’s almost a whine.
“Yes?”
“Are you asking her to tattle on me?”
“Not if you don’t do anything worth tattling about,” Manager replies mildly.
Ooh, there’s the control. You cringe a little on the inside, watching Jongho stiffen as he and his manager share a look, and search for something to say to lighten the mood.
“Ah, so I shouldn’t use your number to ask you on a date?” You keep your tone light and a pleasant smile aimed at Manager.
They both snap their heads around.
“A—date?” Manager repeats, sternness gone from his voice. He blinks rapidly at you.
“What?” says Jongho.
“Oh, wait, are you not allowed to date, as part of an entertainment agency?” you realize belatedly. Whoops, dumb choice of distraction.
“No, no—that is, the kids can’t date, of course,” Manager clarifies, “but there’s no rule for the staff or crew.”
“I see. Okay. Well, never mind.” You dip your head and turn to Jongho, who’s staring at you like you’ve gone nuts, to make your strategic retreat back to the gym.
“Uh, it’s not that I wasn’t interested,” Manager says.
What?
You turn back. “Pardon?”
“That is… I am single right now.” His ears are turning red, and he can’t hold your gaze for longer than a second. “And, well…”
As he trails off, his meaning dawns on you: he’s saying he’sinterested.
Yikes, you did not expect him to take you seriously. You work up a smile again and flail for words. “Ah, all right. Then… uh, I’ll be in touch.”
“Okay.” Manager ducks his head again, revealing his flushed neck. “Nice meeting you, Y/N-ssi.”
You barely get the chance to bow back before Jongho’s taking your hand again and pulling you firmly away. This time you don’t fight him, glad to have an excuse to flee the scene.
Once you’re back inside the gym, Jongho rounds on you. “Yah, noona. What was that?”
“Eh?” You pull your hand free. “What was what?”
“Why did you ask my manager out on a date?” He’s frowning hard.
“Oh, I was just trying to lighten the mood,” you explain. “He gave me his card and then you asked if I was going to tattle on you, so—”
“That doesn’t mean you can ask my manager on a date. You already have Suhyeok’s colleague lined up.”
“Hey, I’m not actually going to ask your manager out. I only wanted to convey that I’m not going to call him about you, that’s it.”
“But you got Manager-hyeong interested in you.”
Is he accusing you? “I wasn’t trying to lead on your manager-hyeong, okay? Besides, his heart isn’t going to break after just one meeting, I’m not that attractive.”
“Yes, you are,” Jongho argues.
“No, I’m not.”
“Yes, you are, noona! That Dongun guy was desperate for a second date!”
You let out an exasperated laugh. “Jongho, that’s a sample size of one. Look, if you’re that worried about your manager-hyeong, I’ll send him a message and let him know I’m not actually interested that way. Happy?”
“No,” Jongho states baldly.
“Then what do you want??”
“I—” He cuts himself off, clamping his mouth shut.
You put your hands on your hips. “What?”
But he presses his lips together and looks away.
You sigh and drop your hands. “All right, well, I’m not going to contact your manager unless you ask me to. Got it?”
Still tight-lipped, Jongho manages a nod.
“Okay. Then, if we’re done with this argument, I’m going to work out.” You turn and head into the gym.
He follows on your heels. “Wait, noona. Where are you going? Let’s do weights first.”
You pause and look back at him. “You still want to work out together?”
“Yes,” he says, like it’s a no-brainer.
Well, why not. “Okay,” you agree, and follow him back into the weights section.
*
Dongun:Hello Y/N-ssi. Are you free for brunch on Sunday? Did you get the list of cafés I sent you?
You:Hi, yes, I think the second one looks fine. How about 11 on Sunday?
Dongun:Perfect, I’ll see you there ^^
*
On Saturday evening, you knock on Suhyeok’s apartment door.
“Hi, noona!” Suhyeok swings open the door. His face brightens when he sees the large bag of popcorn in your hand. “Oh, you brought snacks! Awesome, I was just about to run out and grab some.”
“You didn’t have any in advance?” You tsk as you enter and kick off your shoes. “I guess you don’t know yet that Yeona’s a snack fiend.”
“I do know!” Suhyeok insists. “I just forgot to restock from last week.”
“Can you believe this kid doesn’t keep snacks in his cupboards on the regular?” Yeona calls from inside. “What kind of college grad is he, honestly.”
“It’s been two years since I graduated college, noona,” Suhyeok replies as he follows you into the living room.
“Y/N-ah, my saviour!” Yeona leaps up from the sofa and embraces you (and the bag of popcorn). “Suhyeok-ah, go get a bowl, will you?”
Obediently, Suhyeok turns and heads back into the kitchen.
You chuckle and extract yourself from Yeona’s hug. “Two years since college. How old does that make him, twenty-four?”
“He’s twenty-three, he graduated early, the nerd. Sit down, I’ll get the TV set up.”
“Well, damn.” You sit down at the end of the sofa.
“Hey, I heard Dongun’s similar, you know. It’s their company, it attracts nerds.” Yeona returns with the remote and plops down next to you. “Did you set up the second date yet?”
“Yeah, we’re going for brunch tomorrow. Pray for me.”
Yeona laughs. “Should I pray for things to go well, or should I pray in case things don’t go well?”
You consider. “I’ll settle for praying that things don’t get awkward.”
“Oh, that’s true, Jongho said Dongun was super into you. It’s awkward when someone’s more into you than the other way around.”
“You would definitely know,” you say affectionately. “Queen of the unrequited crushes.”
Yeona rolls her eyes and elbows you. “That’s old news now with Suhyeok.”
“True.”
“Speaking of, where is he with that bowl?”
Suhyeok reappears at that moment with bowl in hand. “What’s old news?”
“Oh, Yeona used to be queen of the unrequited crushes,” you say casually.
“Be quiet,” Yeona says to you. “Suhyeok-ah, bowl.”
“Ah, here.” Suhyeok hurries over to hand her the bowl.
You look up, past him, and do a double take—there’s Jongho hovering just inside the doorway to the living room. “Uh, Jongho???” Where the heck did he come from?
“Hello, Y/N-noona, Yeona-seonsaengnim.” Jongho bows to you and Yeona.
“Oh, Jongho,” Yeona says with surprise, “what’re you doing here?”
“Suhyeok-hyung invited me.” Jongho edges further inside, eyes darting around. “I hope I’m not intruding.”
“Oh, no, that’s all right. I mean, I invited Y/N-ah, so you’re like Suhyeok’s plus-one,” Yeona reassures him.
“No, noona, I’m your plus-one,” Suhyeok says, sitting down on Yeona’s other side.
“Please, Y/N and I have been each other’s plus-ones way before you entered the scene,” Yeona says blithely.
“She means platonically, Suhyeok-ah, don’t worry,” you reassure him.
His eyes grow round. “W-wait… noona. Do you… are you attracted to women, too?”
“Which noona?” you ask, fighting a smile.
“Both of you. Either of you.”
Yeona sends you a look. “Should we say or nah?”
“You’re really going to leave Suhyeok in suspense like that?” you chortle.
“I mean, Jongho’s here, too. Maybe we shouldn’t offend his idol sensibilities.”
“You can ignore me,” Jongho says quickly, sidling in along the edge of the room with small shuffling steps.
“Yeona-noona…” Suhyeok’s looking between you and Yeona.
“If I tell you, are you going to start being jealous of all the women I interact with?” Yeona teases him.
He starts to pout, beseeching eyes aimed at her. “Noona…”
“Aish, stop it, you’re too cute.” Yeona breaks into a wide smile and reaches out to embrace him. “Yes, Suhyeok-ah, I’m attracted to women, too.”
“Whaaaat? Noona…!”
You laugh as Suhyeok throws himself on her, buries his head into her neck and starts whining. “All right, Jongho, let’s give them some space.” You stand from the couch and lead a wide-eyed Jongho back into the kitchen.
“Um, noona.” He enters after you, looking slightly dazed. “Yeona-seonsaengnim is…?”
“Bisexual, yes. Me, too,” you add.
His eyes go even wider. “You, too…?”
“Yeah.” You tilt your head. “But we’ve never dated each other. In case you’re wondering.”
“Oh, no, I wasn’t,” he says hastily, lifting his hands.
“Okay.” You shrug and turn to grab a glass of water.
When you turn back around, Jongho quickly averts his gaze, but you see the shell-shocked expression on his face. Yeona was right; his idol sensibilities are definitely ruffled, if not offended.
You decide to change the subject. “You have time these days to attend drama nights?” you ask with a light smile.
“Ah—yes. Because we just finished promoting for a comeback,” he says, words stilted. “So we have some time to rest and recover.”
“Wait.” Something occurs to you. “Don’t tell me—is your manager-hyeong waiting outside the building in the van??”
“No, no,” he says quickly. “I took a taxi here.”
“Okay, good. Otherwise I think we’d have to invite him in,” you joke.
“Why?”
“Why? You realize that each drama episode is an hour long, right? He might as well watch with us instead of waiting by himself.”
He darts a glance at you. “Have you… contacted him?”
You frown. “No. Didn’t I tell you I wouldn’t?”
“Right.” He drops his eyes, but lifts it right away. “Then… have you seen Suhyeok’s friend again?”
“We’re meeting tomorrow morning. Why?”
“Nothing.”
You narrow your stare at him. Jongho only manages to return your gaze for a few seconds before blinking and looking away.
Sigh. Well, whatever. You pick up another glass and fill it for him. “Here. I’ll go check if Yeona and Suhyeok are done making out.” Placing the glass in front of him, you exit the kitchen and tiptoe toward the living room.
Aaand nope, they’re still all over each other on the couch. You can hear Yeona trying to get words out, while Suhyeok just seems focused on kissing her all over. Better leave them to it.
You return to the kitchen with a wry smile on your face. “Let’s give them five more minutes,” you tell Jongho.
“They’re…?”
“Making out, yeah.” You chuckle. “I bet Yeona didn’t expect that reaction to her coming out.”
Whoops, you brought it up again. But Jongho doesn’t stiffen up as much this time, at least.
“Noona.” He fiddles with his glass as he looks at you.
“Yeah?”
“I’m—I don’t care if you’re… bisexual, or not. I’m okay with it.”
Wow, talk about unexpected. Despite his awkward delivery, you have to smile. “You don’t have to say that, but thank you. I appreciate it.”
“It’s true,” he insists, still looking directly at you. “It doesn’t matter to me, in the end. I was just surprised.”
“That’s a normal reaction,” you acknowledge.
“It doesn’t matter,” he repeats, straightening. “I still feel the same.”
You nod. “I guess you are a 2000s kid, right? Modern and all that.”
He frowns. “Noona.”
“Yeah?”
“…I’m not a kid.”
“Ah, right. Sorry.” Guess that’s a sore spot for him.
Jongho puts down his glass and rounds the kitchen table toward you. You blink at him, taking a step back into the counter. Damn, you didn’t exactly realize before, but he’s quite a bit taller than you.
“Noona.”
“That’s the third time you’ve said that,” you say lightly. “What is it?”
“I… still feel the same,” he says quietly.
“What?”
“Since I first saw you two months ago—since we first met…” He swallows. “I felt this way then. And I feel this way now.”
“You—” You try to think his words through. He feels…?
Wait. Wait.
Your hands clutch at the counter behind you.
Is he saying—?
“Y/N-ah!”
Yeona bursts into the kitchen just then, slightly out of breath. “Come on, let’s get started, I finally got Suhyeok to calm his ass down. Oh—”
She pulls up short at the sight of you and Jongho.
“Am I interrupting?” she asks.
You look at Jongho. He looks back at you, lets out a breath and pulls away.
“…No,” you reply belatedly. “Let’s watch.”
Yeona looks between you and Jongho, but he just picks up his glass of water and hightails it into the living room. You do the same, leaving Yeona no opportunity to ask what the heck just happened.
Honestly, you’re not even sure you know.
In the living room, the problem of seating arrangements distracts everyone.
“Suhyeok-ah… your couch is too small.”
“Sorry! It’s because I live alone,” Suhyeok apologizes to you and Jongho. “Um, let me grab the kitchen chairs, Yeona-noona and I can sit on those. You two take the couch.”
“No, no,” you insist, waving him back down. “It’s your drama night. I’ll just sit on your rug.”
“Y/N-noona, no—”
“Pass me a cushion,” you command, and he complies automatically. Grinning, you plop down on the ground and nestle the cushion under your bum. “There, I’m good to go.”
Jongho sits down next to you, ignoring Suhyeok’s protests, and states, “I’m good, too.”
“Take a cushion, at least, Jongho-yah.” Suhyeok hands him a cushion. “Man, I can’t believe I’m making my girlfriend’s best friend and a K-pop idol sit on my floor.”
“Idols can sit on floors, too,” Yeona says flippantly, settling back into the couch. “Remember, Jongho, it’s good to remain humble.”
You chuckle. “Don’t take it personally, Jongho. She’s just jaded about K-pop.”
“Here we go,” Suhyeok says, and starts the first episode.
You settle back and focus your attention on the TV. It’s been a while since you’ve watched dramas together with your friends, and you’re happy to fall into the familiar cadence of commenting on the story together.
“Romance dramas always start with a break-up, I swear,” Yeona says in between loud mouthfuls of popcorn.
“You’ve got to show the heroine at her lowest point.”
“Honestly, if a guy broke up with me using those lines, I’d just say ‘okay, thanks, bye’.”
You chuckle and reach back for your own handful of popcorn. “Same. There’s nothing to mourn.”
“But the familial pressure makes it hard to just let go of the relationship,” Suhyeok argues. “I think that’s what this first episode is trying to say.”
You glance back at him in time to see Yeona giving him an equally skeptical look.
“I don’t know, I think Y/N and I are two good examples that being thirty doesn’t mean you have to succumb to familial pressure and get married.”
“I didn’t mean it that way,” Suhyeok says quickly. “But if you still live with your parents, if you see them every day, it’s hard to escape from those expectations. Right?”
Yeona cocks her head and exchanges glances with you. “Y/N-ah?”
“I threw off those expectations during college,” you say.
“Yep, me too,” Yeona says.
Suhyeok’s eyes widen. “So—are you estranged from your parents?”
“No, not at all.” You laugh. “I just don’t care that much about societal expectations, and that includes those that manifest through our parents.”
“I believe my parents want me to be happy,” Yeona says confidently. “It’s just society that makes them think that I’ll only be happy with a secure job and a wealthy husband. As long as they see that I’m happy otherwise, they’ll change their minds.”
“You should be glad we don’t care about expectations, Suhyeok-ah,” you say with a smile. “Otherwise Yeona wouldn’t be dating you.”
His eyes grow even rounder. “Ahh. Right.”
“My poor baby dongsaeng, did you only just realize that?” Yeona elbows him playfully.
“Don’t worry, Suhyeok-ah, you’re still young,” you say. “Lots of time to figure out what pressures and expectations you’ll accept or reject.”
As you turn around and face the TV again, Jongho’s profile catches your eye. He hasn’t said anything, just glanced back and forth occasionally as the three of you talked. You suppose it’s a different world for him—the expectations he faces aren’t anywhere near the same.
You’re halfway through the episode when Yeona lets out a gasp.
“We’re out of popcorn!”
“Already??” You twist around to see her tilting the bowl above her head to empty the last bits of popcorn directly into her mouth.
“All right, I’ll go buy more.” She sets the bowl down and stands. “Sit tight, everyone.”
“Noona, wait. It’s getting dark out,” Suhyeok says, standing with her. “Let me go.”
“No, I need to get the proper snacks,” Yeona says firmly.
“Just go together,” you advise. “Don’t take too long, or Jongho’s going to have to go back to the dorm before we get to finish the first episode.”
“Okay, we’ll be quick!” Yeona waves and heads out the door, Suhyeok scrambling after her.
In the sudden silence of the apartment, you glance at Jongho. He’s staring straight ahead at the paused drama episode, contemplating Son Yejin’s face.
“Noona,” he says suddenly.
“Hm?”
He looks at you. “Do you know the group Topp Dogg? And their former member, Hansol-seoonbaenim?”
“Yes, I do,” you say. “What about him?”
“He… came out as asexual and aromantic a few years ago.”
“Mm, that’s right.” Your curiousity’s piqued.
“He said he didn’t feel destined to be married. I… that resonated with me, a little.” He tilts his head and looks away. “I don’t think I see marriage or dating as a necessity.”
“It’s not an inevitability,” you add.
“Yes, exactly.” He nods. “It’s not exactly the same, but when you and Yeona-ssaem were talking about throwing off expectations… I think I get that.”
“I see.” Good for him.
“But—I’m not asexual, or aromantic.” He looks back at you. “I figured that out.”
“You did?” you repeat, because you’re not sure what else to say.
“Yes.” He looks into your eyes, and you can’t look away long enough to figure out if he’s leaning in or not. “When I—when I’m…” He takes a breath. “When I’m with you, noona…”
Oh.
“I feel this way,” he says, softly. He lifts a hand, touches it to his own chest. “It’s been two months, but I can’t help it, I—I still feel this way.”
Your mouth opens, but you don’t know what to say. He looks… reluctant, reticent, restrained. It’s almost like he’s in pain. You want to reach out and hold the hand he’s pressing to his heart.
His eyes search yours, like he’s looking for an answer. “Do you feel it?” he whispers.
The words dive deep, strike you deep.
You can’t stop yourself, you can’t not take his hand in yours. Not with his eyes looking into yours, asking for the truth.
“Jongho.”
Carefully, tremblingly, he turns his hand over in yours and slides his fingers in between yours.
In the hushed dark of the apartment, you look at him. He looks back at you.
What is this? What are you feeling?
“Jongho,” you say again.
“Yes, noona.”
“Are you… sure?”
He blinks slowly at you, and you realize just how close he is.
“…Yes.”
Maybe that wasn’t the right question. “You… you’re an idol.”
His hand tightens around yours. “I know.”
“And I’m thirty—”
“And you’re ten years older than me,” he says. “I know.”
You gulp. Why is he so self-assured about this?
“I know that,” he repeats, with a little more urgency. “I’ve known from the beginning, noona. But… this is still the way I feel.”
“Jongho,” you can’t help asking one more time, “are you sure—”
“Noona, I want to see you outside the gym like this. I want to tell my manager-hyung to back off and stop being interested in you. I want to spend time alone with you. I want to—” He stops himself with a huff.
Okay. Now you’re blushing.
“Please, tell me.” He leans closer, peering into your face. “I know I’m an idol, I know you’re older, I know there are so many other things out there, but—can you tell me if you feel it, too?”
You swallow.
“…I do.”
His breath catches.
“You do? You… like me too?”
“Did you say you like me?” you shoot back, feeling your face flush even more.
“I like you, noona,” he blurts, and smiles like a sunbeam.
“Oh my God.” How can he suddenly be so straightforward? You lift your free hand and shield your eyes from the sheer joy in his smile. “I’m too old for this.”
Jongho grabs your hand and pulls it away so he can beam into your face. “No. You’re just right.”
“Yah, take it easy.” You can’t help laughing at his sudden enthusiasm. “Yeona and Suhyeok are going to be back any minute.”
“It’s okay if we tell them, right?” He sits back but keeps both your hands in his.
“Tell them what?”
“That we’re… together.”
“Are we together?”
His smile fades a little. “Aren’t we?”
“Uh, I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far yet.”
“…I have.” He ducks his head.
“What do you mean?”
“Um, well, I want to d-date you,” he says, with a slight stutter that’s honestly adorable. “And, if it’s okay with you… I’d like to tell my managers and members.”
You blink. “Is that going to be okay?”
“I don’t know, but… noona, I want you in my life,” he says, like another confession. “Please.”
God, you just want to melt. “Okay.”
“Okay?”
You squeeze his hands. “Go talk to your managers and members, and let me know what they say. Then we can decide how to proceed.”
His face lights up. “Okay. O-okay, I’ll talk to them. Thank you, noona.”
“Don’t thank me,” you say with a small laugh. “This is going to be hard, you know.”
“It’s fine,” he says firmly, edging closer to you. “You said you don’t care about societal expectations, right?”
“Yeah, but my expectations and yours are different, Jongho-yah.”
“Don’t worry about that. I’ll handle my side.” He sidles closer; at this point he’s almost in your lap. “I won’t burden you, noona, I promise.”
All you can do is look at his earnest face, his shining eyes, his sweet smile, and smile back. You’d never have expected this for yourself, but, oh, does it feel wonderful.
“We’re back—! Oh.”
Yeona comes to a screeching halt at the living room doorway, plastic bags swinging from her hands. Suhyeok stops behind her, looking over her head at you and Jongho curiously.
You jerk back from Jongho, and both of you turn to face them.
“…Okay, this time, I’m definitely interrupting something,” Yeona says suspiciously.
You look at Jongho. He looks back, then reaches out and takes your hand again.
“We’re dating,” he blurts.
“Jongho—!” you sputter.
He looks back at you. “We can’t tell them?”
“It’s not that.” You can feel heat flushing up your face.
“No way!” Yeona cheers, drops the bags and rushes forward to toss her arms around the two of you. “Congratulations!”
“Uh,” says Suhyeok. “Congrats, guys, but Jongho-yah, you should know that your manager’s waiting outside.”
Jongho pulls back to stare at Suhyeok. “What? Already?”
“Oh yeah,” Yeona says. “He asked about you, Y/N-ah.”
“What??” Jongho stiffens immediately. “What did he ask?”
You grab at Yeona’s arm to try and stop her, but she responds anyway: “He asked if you had a boyfriend. Guess the answer’s yes, now, right?”
Jongho stands up abruptly, face now dark. “Come on, noona.” He tugs you to your feet as well.
“What? Where?”
“We’re going to tell Manager-hyeong we’re together.”
“Hey, wait, Jongho-yah—” You plant your feet, but he’s strong enough to pull you forward a few steps. “Let’s think about this and approach him later when we’re cool-headed, okay?”
He rounds on you with a huff. “What do you mean later? My manager’s interested in you! Like I told you!”
“Yeah, but I’m not going to date him,” you try and reason with him. “Don’t do anything rash right now, Jongho-yah.”
“Oh—and tomorrow’s date with Suhyeok’s colleague,” he says. “You’re going to cancel it, right?”
“Ah, poor Dongun,” Yeona says dramatically. “Tossed to the curb without a second glance.”
That does not help Jongho’s pout. “Noona.”
You let out an exasperated breath. “Yah, I didn’t even think about that yet.”
“Looks like you picked a jealous guy too, Y/N-ah,” Yeona chuckles.
You sigh and turn to her. “Yeona, are you by chance looking for a clingy boyfriend?”
Summary: You meet Jongho of Ateez at the gym when your friend nearly hits on him before realizing how old he is. She’s not interested in younger men. You aren’t either. …Are you?
Words: 7.9k
Warnings: none, just slowest of slow burns
Author’s note: y’all, I wanted to write a fic about Ateez’s maknae and then it turned into 8k words with like five original characters before I knew it. So I’m splitting it up and posting this first part before I go out of my mind.
***
“Y/N!”
You look around to see your friend Yeona rushing across the gym floor toward you. “Hey, Yeona. No more clients for today?”
“This bike’s free, right?” Without waiting for your reply, she hops onto the stationary bike next to you and starts pedalling.
“Yeah.” Bemused, you watch her quickly accelerate to a pace double yours. “What’s wrong?” She hasn’t even taken off the jacket that identifies her as a personal trainer at the gym, which she usually does as soon as she’s done with clients.
Instead of answering, Yeona glances over her shoulder in the direction she came. Naturally, you look as well, which makes her hiss, “No, don’t look!”
“What is it?” Your curiosity’s growing. “Did you run into your former boss or something? Or—don’t tell me, another client asked you out on a date.”
“Worse.” She pauses, then backtracks: “Actually, no, not worse. At least I didn’t lose a client this time. My paycheque is safe.”
You laugh. “Good. Money is important.”
“Yes,” she agrees, and finally slows her ridiculous pace to sit up straight and work her jacket off. “Okay, now that I’m thinking it over, it wasn’t so bad.”
“What happened?”
“I almost hit on a teenager.”
You stop pedalling. “You what??”
“Not so loud!” Yeona takes another fleeting look over her shoulder. “I think he’s still here.”
“Seriously?” You’re caught between surprise and hilarity. Usually, Yeona’s the one who gets hit on; her face and personality are both so lovely that she attracts people without even trying. But you can count on one hand the number of times she’s actively pursued someone else. “Give me the details, come on.”
She gives a disgruntled half-sigh, half-groan. “I was wrapping up with my last client when someone came over to use the power rack next to us. Turns out he knew my client, so they spent some time catching up. As I was about to leave, the new guy started loading up the bar, and—”
“And he started deadlifting your body weight, just like that?” you guess, starting to grin.
“Not exactly. You should warm up before you work out, you know,” Yeona scolds.
“Right, so after he warmed up, on went the 50kg plates.”
“He was barely taller than me and he didn’t look that beefy, so when I saw those weights—”
“You went, ‘be still, my beating heart!’”
“Shush!” Yeona sends you a stern glare that doesn’t diminish your grin one bit. “What I’m saying is, he didn’t have the typical gym rat profile, so I was surprised, and interested. That’s it.”
“Okay, okay. So you spoke to him?”
“I asked him how long he’d been lifting, you know, typical gym small talk. And he said—” Yeona winces and leans toward you, lowering her voice. “—he said he picked it up during his last year of high school… two years ago.”
You blink, then burst into laughter. “Yeona, that makes him at least twenty. Twenty is not a teenager.”
“That’s barely legal! Don’t laugh so loudly!”
You try to stifle your chuckles. “Was he good-looking, at least?”
“Ugh, I don’t even know. My judgement’s clearly off if I can’t tell a twenty-year-old when I see one.”
“Point him out to me.”
“No way. That’d totally negate the point of me running over here to you.”
You promptly stop pedalling and twist in your seat, craning your neck to get a view of the weights area. It’s pretty quiet on a Saturday evening, and right away you spot the one person who’s currently using a power rack.
“Yah, stop it!” Yeona whisper-yells.
Ignoring her, you squint harder. He’s wearing some name-brand tracksuit and a baseball cap low on his face; it’s hard to tell what he looks like… until he starts his next rep. Up tilts his face, and you get a good look.
You whip back around.
“Hey, Yeona.”
“What?”
“That’s a K-pop idol.”
“What? Are you sure?” She nearly turns to look as well, but manages to stop herself. “Which group? Do I know them? Damn, why are K-pop idols so young these days?”
“I’m like 99% sure that’s Choi Jongho, from Ateez. If it helps, he’s the maknae.”
“Oh, that group with the smoking-hot clean freak? Wait, no, that’s Monsta X. I can’t keep all these English names straight.”
You smother a chuckle. “Both those groups have smoking-hot clean freaks, actually. And don’t worry, ‘Ateez’ isn’t really English.”
“Eh?? Well, it’s definitely not Korean.” This time Yeona does turn to look again. “That actually makes me feel better, though. He probably thought I was just a fan, instead of a creepy old cougar.”
“Plus, now you can say you’ve met a K-pop idol.”
“Ah, yes, my goal in life,” she says dryly, making you laugh; you know how jaded she is about the K-pop industry. But she listens to the song recommendations you send her anyway—one of the many things you appreciate about her.
“It makes a great story, at least. ‘That time I accidentally flirted with a K-pop idol’…”
“More like ‘That time I flirted with someone ten years younger than me like a gross old man’.”
“Hey, gross old men do it on purpose. You did it by accident.”
“True,” Yeona concedes with a chuckle. “All right, whatever, let’s forget it. Come on, I’ll race you.”
“We’re on stationary bikes! There’s no racing.”
“First one to 10 kilometres?”
“You’re a literal gym trainer! This is unfair!”
*
Next Saturday evening, you arrive a bit later than usual to see Yeona already out of her trainer jacket and lifting dumbbells in the free weights area while scowling at herself in the mirror.
“Yeona?” You head straight for her. “What’s wrong?”
“Hm? Oh, Y/N.” She scowls through one more rep, then lowers the dumbbells with a sigh. “I think I lost another client today.”
“What? Who? What happened?” You take the dumbbells from her hands and follow her as she folds herself down to the mat gracefully into a cross-legged sit.
“It’s the client who was friends with that idol from last week, you remember?” Yeona grimaces. “During our session today he was asking me questions about my convo with the twenty-year-old.”
“Huh? What do you mean?” You furrow your brow. “I thought you only talked to Jongho for a short while.”
“I did! But my client was all like, ‘Did you know Jongho was an idol? What did you talk about? Jongho said he’s going to come back to this gym, did you ask him to come back?’ It’s like he thinks I’m a sasaeng fan.”
Literally as she speaks, you notice a familiar ball-cap-and-tracksuit ensemble enter the free weights area behind her. It looks like Jongho has, in fact, come back to the gym.
“…Hmm.” You keep half an eye on him as you ask Yeona, “How did the conversation end? What makes you think he’s not going to continue training with you?”
“Well, when I told him I barely said anything to the idol guy, he really didn’t seem to believe me. He ended the session early.” Yeona slumps a little. “I feel bad, but at the same time I don’t think I did anything wrong.”
“You didn’t,” you tell her firmly. “Your client’s totally misunderstanding here.”
“Even if that’s true, it’s not like I can say that to his face. He might get offended and quit training with me anyway.”
Looking at Yeona’s despondent expression, your mind starts to work. “What’s your client’s name?”
“First name’s Suhyeok. Why?”
“Just wondering.” And gathering information. “You do still have next week’s sessions with him booked, right?”
“Yeah, but who knows if he’ll keep it.”
“Okay. Then I think you can wait to see if he brings it up again next week, and if he does, ask him more directly what his concerns are regarding Jongho,” you suggest. “And in the meantime, try not to worry about it. This is definitely his problem, not yours.”
Yeona lets out another small sigh, but musters up a smile. “Thanks, Y/N-ah. I appreciate it. Ah, I feel like I’m always making you listen to my problems.”
“Oh please, not at all,” you reassure her. “You know I like to hear about your interesting life.”
She laughs a little. “I’m glad, then.”
“At least you can head home early for once, right?” You smile.
“Yeah, I think I will,” she agrees. “Sorry for not keeping you company.”
“My legs are more than happy to take a break today,” you joke, and see her off to the staff room.
Now. Time for action.
You make sure Yeona’s fully out of sight before relocating Jongho. He’s back at the rack, powering through deadlift sets with the occasional pause to add plates. After checking that no one’s in earshot, you make your move.
Jongho looks up at your approach, face glowing with exertion. He sets the bar down, and his wary eyes track your footsteps until you stop a distance away.
“Excuse me,” you say politely. “Do you have a moment?”
“Yes,” he replies, tone just as neutral. “Can I help you?”
“I was wondering: do you happen to know Suhyeok-ssi? He’s a regular here.”
Slight surprise disrupts his wariness. “Er, yes.”
“Great.” You give a small smile. “He’s a client of a trainer here, Lee Yeona-seonsaengnim. He was asking her a few questions about you, and I think he’s concerned about your privacy being respected here at the gym, as you’re an idol.”
His eyebrows lift. “…I see.” He sounds uncertain.
You forge on: “Can I ask whether Yeona or anyone else has disrupted or bothered you at this gym?”
“No,” he says, tone lilting up almost like a question. “Not at all.”
“Great,” you repeat, widening your smile. “Then could you convey that to Suhyeok-ssi yourself? I think that should clear up his concerns around your interactions here.”
“Uh. Sure, yes.”
“Glad to hear. Thank you.” You bow. “Then, I’ll be going first.”
“Ah, yes.” He doesn’t move, just stands there and watches you as you retreat a few steps, then turn your back and head for the cardio machines.
*
For the rest of the week, you’re not sure if you did the right thing. Would it be possible that Yeona’s client might freak out even more if Jongho told him about a stranger approaching him at the gym?
The next time you visit the gym, you automatically scan the gym floor as you enter to see if Yeona’s working today. You almost miss her, because she’s not on the floor—she’s at the front desk with her client Suhyeok, standing and talking. And from what you can tell, they’re both smiling.
Relieved, you set up for your own workout, keeping an eye on the front. Suhyeok leaves after a few more minutes, and Yeona stays at the desk, still smiling into the air.
You hop off the elliptical machine and beeline over to her. “Yeona!”
“Ah!” She jumps. “You scared me.”
“Sorry! It’s just that I saw Suhyeok—is everything okay? What did he say to you this time?”
“Oh.” Yeona ducks her head, an unfamiliar gesture from her. “He… uh, I don’t know how to say this.”
“He didn’t quit as your client, at least, right?”
“Well, kind of.”
“What???”
“He… told me he never really wanted a personal trainer, but he signed up for sessions because he was interested in me.” Her smile turns sheepish. “And now he wants to stop being my client so he can ask me out.”
“Oh my God. And you said yes?”
“Uh, yeah, I said yes.” She ducks her head again, but you can see her smile clear as day.
“Ahhh, Yeona!” You cheer and pounce on her with a hug. “Finally, you’ve chosen love over money!”
“Yah!” Laughing, she returns the hug. “Ugh, do you think this is a bad idea?”
“No,” you say firmly. “Not if you’re happy.”
“Thank you.” She gives you a heartfelt squeeze.
“Okay, now tell me exactly how this all went down,” you say as you pull back. “How did he end up confessing?”
“Honestly, I was worried throughout our session because he was quieter than usual. But then he stopped at the front desk as he was leaving and then just… said it.” She laughs. “Man, was I surprised.”
“But happy,” you say. “Right?”
“Yeah, I think I’m interested,” she says, almost like a confession, and you know it kind of is—it takes someone special to interest her, that’s just the person she is.
“Oh my God, I’m so happy for you.” You can’t suppress a little hop of glee. “This is like a romance novel, straight-up.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” she says, chuckling.
“Please, I’m already maxed out on endorphins and I haven’t even worked out yet.” You give another hop on the spot. “Come on, you can give me all the details while we’re on the bikes.”
“All right, all right, but there aren’t that many.”
“That’s what you always say every time someone asks you out, and you’re always wrong, you know.”
She’s wrong this time too, of course. Turns out Suhyeok was actually jealous—jealous!—of Yeona’s passing interest in a twenty-year-old idol’s 100kg deadlift, which was why he bombarded her with questions, and why he decided to confess. As Yeona describes her sheer bafflement at his jealousy, you laugh so much you nearly slip off the seat of your bike.
“There’s something else I’m confused about, too,” she notes. “I feel like Suhyeok thinks I spoke to Jongho about how he interrogated me, because he said Jongho told him that he hadn’t been bothered at the gym. But I didn’t, so why would Jongho tell him that?”
Uh-oh. You can’t decide whether to reveal your meddling or not. “Maybe it was an unexpected change for him,” you suggest quickly. “Going to a gym without being bothered, I mean.”
“Maybe.” She frowns, but you keep your expression innocuous, and she lets it go.
You change the subject: “By the way, do you know how old Suhyeok is? If he’s friends with Jongho…”
“I know he’s finished college and has a job, so that makes him at least…”
“Twenty-two?”
“Oh my God, that’s so young,” she moans, making you laugh. “Maybe I need to rethink my interest.”
“Come on, there’s nothing wrong with a nice noona romance.”
“Are you kidding me, literally everything goes wrong in dramas with noona romances.”
“Well, good thing this is your real life, then!”
*
When you see Jongho at the gym next Saturday, you’re feeling generous enough to give him a friendly smile. He looks taken aback, and you realize he probably doesn’t remember who you are. Oh, well, whatever; he doesn’t need to. He’s done his part in launching Yeona and Suhyeok’s relationship.
The two of them have started working out together again, now as dates instead of training sessions, and you’re happy to give them space. Without a workout buddy, though, cardio machines are drop-dead boring alone, so you decide that now’s the time to try tackling one of your weaker areas: resistance training.
You set up in a corner amidst the weight machines, surrounded by mirrors and buff men. After going through a few quick stretches, you seat yourself at a lat pulldown machine, set a beginning weight and start your set.
…Okay, weight machines are pretty boring alone, too.
When your phone buzzes in your pocket, you gladly release the bar to check who’s texting you.
Yeona:I’m coming today!! Sorry I haven’t been around
You:please girl no worries at all, spend time with your boo!
Yeona:I know you don’t like doing cardio alone :c
You:that’s why I’m doing weights today~
Yeona:oooh look at you branching out
You:(tbh they’re kinda boring too)
Yeona:I mean you know I don’t disagree
“Excuse me.”
You look up from your phone, still grinning to yourself, to see a man standing in front of you with his hands on his hips.
“Ah, yes?” You straighten.
“Are you done using the lat pulldown?”
You blink. “I’m not done, actually.”
“Oh. Looked like it, with you on your phone.” He juts his chin out. “You know you can text elsewhere, right?”
Seriously? He’s getting on your case for one minute of texting? There’s almost nobody else on the machines around you; it wouldn’t kill him to wait a few minutes while using something else.
You narrow your eyes at the guy. “You know what, go ahead.” You put your phone away and stand up. You’re not interested in dealing with assholes today.
The guy steps in your way, making you stop in your tracks. “Are you going to clean it before you leave?” he demands.
You nearly roll your eyes. “Yes, I’m going to clean it.” Sidestepping him and his aggressive stance, you head to the cleaning station to grab some paper towels and cleaning spray.
When you turn around, there’s Jongho watching you from a nearby machine.
Your eyes meet. He twitches, almost a flinch. Uh, okay. You turn your back on him and return to your machine.
The obnoxious guy’s nowhere to be seen now, to your surprise; you figured he would’ve stuck around to make sure you cleaned every inch to his satisfaction. You wipe down your machine, toss the paper towels and head back to the cleaning station to return the spray bottle, avoiding looking in Jongho’s direction.
Your phone goes off just then, and you pull it out again.
Yeona:I’m here! Where are you?
Instantly smiling, you look up and scan the gym floor.
There she is, looking adorably short next to Suhyeok by the front desk. She’s looking at her phone, so you text her back: Weights! Look up!
She does so, and you beam and wave. Her face lights up; after a quick few words to Suhyeok, she leaves him to hurry toward you.
You meet her halfway with a hug. “Ah, look at you, all glowing and happy. I leave you alone with a boy for a week and this is how you change?”
“I missed you too,” she laughs. “How were the weights?”
“Ugh, I barely got one set in before some guy chased me off because I spent too long texting you.”
“What?? Rude.” She shakes her head. “Well, I’m here now, so any gym dudebros have to deal with me.”
You chuckle. “It’s fine, really. I’m more disappointed by the fact that weight machines are just as boring alone as cardio machines.”
“Right, so I might have something for you that could make things a bit more exciting.” Yeona brightens her smile. “Want to hear it?”
“Are you finally going to ask me to become your client?” you joke.
“No, it’s better! I think.” She turns her head to look across the gym. “Suhyeok has it, actually.”
“Eh? What do you mean?”
Yeona turns back to you. “So, Suhyeok has this friend. The guy’s a gym nut like you, he takes his fitness seriously, aaand he’s single.”
“Lee Yeona, I don’t think I like where this is going.”
“Just meet him, all right?” Yeona appeals. “Suhyeok says he’s a good guy. And I want you to have the opportunity to meet as many good people as possible, you deserve it.”
“Aish.” When she puts it like that, you can’t say no. “Okay, where’s this gym paradigm?”
Yeona twists again to locate Suhyeok. “Oh—there he is!”
You turn to look as well, and see Suhyeok approaching, accompanied by…
The guy who complained about your texting.
Quickly you pivot to face Yeona and lower your voice. “Yah, Yeona. That’s the guy.”
“Eh? Which guy?”
“The one I just told you about, the guy who was complaining—”
But before you can finish, Suhyeok arrives with his asshole friend in tow.
“Hi, noona,” he greets you brightly. “Nice to see you again.”
“Hey, Suhyeok-ssi.” You make eye contact with his friend and see the moment he recognizes you.
“And, ah, this is my friend, Kim Iltaek. Iltaek-hyeong, this is Yeona-noona’s friend, Y/N.” He gives the guy an encouraging elbow nudge.
Not that Iltaek needs the encouragement, given that he’s currently staring wide-eyed at you in a manner that is honestly just rude. Isn’t he going to have at least a tiny bit of remorse for his rudeness earlier?
“Wait, do you two know each other already?” Yeona says with interest. “Was this meant to be?”
You break eye contact and turn to her. “Yeona, this is the guy who complained about me texting on the weight machine two minutes ago.”
Her eyes bug out. “Eh??”
“What?” Suhyeok looks back and forth. “What do you mean, noona?”
“Look, I didn’t mean it like that,” Iltaek speaks for the first time. He sounds like he can’t decide whether to be appeasing or defensive.
“Didn’t mean what?” Yeona asks, her eyebrows rising to match yours.
“What happened?” Suhyeok asks you anxiously, like he can see his stock with Yeona falling due to his poor taste in friends.
You give him a false smile. “Iltaek-ssi asked me to vacate the lat pulldown because I spent a minute texting instead of working out.”
“I didn’t ask you to vacate,” Iltaek retorts; seems like he’s chosen defending himself.
“Not exactly,” you agree. “I think you said something like, ‘You should text somewhere else’, yeah?”
“Hyeong?” Suhyeok’s frowning at him now too. “Did you actually?”
“I don’t remember exactly what I said, all right? Whatever I said, I didn’t mean it like that—”
“He did.”
The four of you look around. It’s Jongho, to your shock, coming over to join the conversation.
“Oh, Jongho-yah,” Suhyeok says, looking just as surprised as you are. “You’re here?”
“You have questionable friends, hyeong,” Jongho says to him bluntly.
“Excuse me?” Iltaek puffs up. “Who are you?”
Jongho ignores him entirely in favour of dipping his head in greeting toward you and Yeona. “Hello.”
“You heard him?” Yeona checks.
“Yes.” He nods.
Yeona clucks her tongue and sends Iltaek a look full of shade. “I see.”
This is getting a bit too dramatic, so you turn to her and joke, “And you thought we were ‘meant to be’. You’re really bad at reading the room, Yeona.”
“Yah, I just had high hopes, that’s all.”
You give Suhyeok a friendly smile. “Yeona’s kind of slow sometimes, so be patient with her, okay?”
“Uh, yes, of course,” he says, still looking bemused by the situation.
“Who are you calling slow?” Yeona retorts.
You widen your grin. “Should I tell Suhyeok-ssi about all the times you totally failed to notice when you were being hit on?”
“Jeez, come on,” she sighs grumpily. “Why are we talking about me now?”
You wink at Suhyeok. “The important thing when dating Yeona is not to get jealous, okay? She doesn’t mean to attract so many people, she’s just that type of person.”
“Er, yes,” he replies, wide-eyed.
“Be quiet already.” Yeona swats at you.
“Hey, you don’t want to have to break up with Suhyeok-ssi here because he decided to throw another jealous fit, right?”
“I won’t!” Suhyeok declares immediately, edging a few steps toward Yeona and effectively blocking Iltaek out of the conversation.
“Good.” You reward him with another smile, and decide to wrap things up. “Then, I’ll let you two get back to your workout, okay? See you later.” You step around Yeona and address Jongho. “Thank you for the help.”
“Oh—no problem,” he says. To your surprise, he falls into step beside you as you move away from the other three, back toward the weights area. “I… wanted to say something before, actually. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to help earlier.”
“Oh, no worries at all,” you reassure him. “I was fine.”
“That’s good, then.” He nods.
The two of you reach the power rack he was stationed at. You give him a parting nod and smile, but as you turn to leave, he speaks again.
“Ah, you could probably go back to the lat pulldown,” he says, a little quickly. “I’m thinking Suhyeok-hyeong’s friend probably won’t be using it anytime soon.”
“To be honest, I find weight machines a little boring,” you confide with a chuckle. “But I’ll try giving it another chance.”
“Oh, really? That’s interesting. I actually really like weight machines.”
“Yeah, I noticed.” You glance him over. “By the way, I’m curious—is it okay for you to work out so often? I thought idols have to be careful with their bodies?”
His eyes widen and he stares. “I—yes, that’s true. Um, you know who I am?”
You stare back. “Didn’t I mention that the first time we spoke?”
“I mean, you said I was an idol, but—” He ducks his head a little. “I wasn’t sure if you knew who I was. You didn’t really act like you did, I guess.”
That makes you laugh. “Should I ask you for an autograph?” you joke.
Jongho chuckles sheepishly. “Only if you promise not to sell it.”
“I won’t ask, then.” You grin at him. “Don’t work out too much, okay? I’ll see you around, Jongho-ssi.”
“Wait!” he says loudly, then flushes at his volume. “Er, I don’t know your name. Suhyeok-hyeong told me about Yeona-seonsaengnim, but…”
Oh. “It’s Y/N. Nice to meet you.” You offer your hand.
He takes it, saying brightly, “Nice to meet you! I’m Choi Jongho.”
You laugh again and release his hand. “I know.”
“Right.” He smiles again, shyly this time, and it’s honestly kind of adorable.
“Then, I’ll be going first.” You nod and take your leave.
*
A big project at work keeps you busy for the next while, and almost two full weeks pass before you get to the gym again. You finally manage to leave work before 6 PM one Friday evening, and head straight to the gym.
You’re passing through the weights area toward your usual stationary bike when someone calls your name.
“Y/N-noonim?”
You turn to find Jongho standing at a power rack you just walked past. “Oh—hey, there!”
“Hello! It’s been a while.” He’s all smiles as he sets down the deadlift bar.
“Ah, has it?” You smile in return.
“Yes, I’m used to seeing you here every few days… I mean, not that I was looking for you specifically,” he revises. “Er, it’s just that I usually see you and Yeona-seonsaengnim together, that’s all.”
You chuckle. “Got it. You’ve been coming to this gym for a while?”
“Mm, about a month or so? Ever since Suhyeok-hyeong started taking personal training sessions here. There’s more weight equipment here than at our company gym,” he explains.
“I see.” Yikes, so idols have their own company gyms?
“Are you going to try the weight machines again?” he asks.
“Hm, I might.” You glance around and joke, “Looks like the area’s free of jerks today.”
“Yes, I haven’t seen Suhyeok’s friend come back,” Jongho says.
“Really?”
He nods earnestly. “I kept an eye out.”
“Wow, nice. It’s awkward when you don’t get along with another regular at the same gym.”
“Does that happen a lot?”
“Not a lot, but it’s happened more than I’d like,” you admit. “So now sometimes I give a fake name when someone asks, just in case.”
Jongho’s eyes go round. “A fake name?”
“Yeah, something generic, like Hana or Mina.” You grin. “Don’t idols do that, when they don’t want to be recognized? They use credit cards with fake names and so on?”
Judging by Jongho’s furrowed brows, he doesn’t have any fake-name credit cards. “Er, so is Y/N your real name?”
“Oh—yes.” You laugh. “You heard Yeona and Suhyeok use it, yeah?”
“Ah, right.” He smiles sheepishly.
“Anyway, I’ll get my cardio in first. See you around, Jongho-ssi.”
“See you, noonim.”
The first day back at the gym after a while away always feels great, and you manage to do thirty minutes straight of biking. Satisfied, you decide to take a break and head for the water fountain to refill your bottle.
“Y/N-noona!”
You turn to see Suhyeok approaching with a wave. “Oh, hey, Suhyeok-ssi.” You glance around automatically for Yeona. “Yeona’s not working today, is she?”
“I can visit the gym without my girlfriend, can’t I?” He grins.
You smile in return. “Did you ask whether you could start calling her your girlfriend?”
“I’ll ask her next time I see her,” he promises. “Um, actually, I wanted to apologize to you.”
“To me? Why?”
“Well, last time with Iltaek-hyeong—I’m sorry for trying to introduce you two after he was rude to you,” he says in a rush.
“Oh.” You’re pleasantly surprised by his apology. “Nah, it’s okay. You didn’t tell him to be rude to me, did you?”
“Of course not!”
“Then you didn’t do anything wrong.” You shrug. “Don’t worry about it.”
“Can I make it up to you?” Suhyeok falls into step beside you as you head back toward the cardio machines. “Yeona-noona told me a bit about your preferences, and I think I know someone who might be a good fit.”
You give him a skeptical look.
“I know my judgement was off about Iltaek,” he hurries to acknowledge. “That’s why I want to make it up to you.”
“You really have that many friends looking for someone to date?”
“This guy’s different, honest. I only thought of him after Yeona-noona mentioned your tastes.”
“How old is he, sixteen?”
“He’s twenty-six, actually,” Suhyeok says brightly, undaunted by your sarcasm.
“Oh. I guess that’s a little better.”
“Right?” He grins. “So, do you want to try meeting him, or…?”
“Hey, Suhyeok-hyeong!”
Both of you turn: it’s Jongho, his gaze flicking between the two of you as he comes over to join you.
“Oh, Jongho-yah, you’re here too?” Suhyeok greets him.
“Who are you introducing to Y/N-noonim?” Jongho says without any preamble.
“Hm? Ah, it’s one of my friends from work.”
“After last time, maybe you should lay off the matchmaking.” Jongho’s frowning.
“No, see, that’s why I want to make it up to nina. This guy’s much better,” Suhyeok assures as he turns back to you. “What do you think? Do you want more details, or—”
“Noonim, I don’t think you should meet a stranger,” Jongho interrupts, looking to you as well.
You almost take a step back from the sheer intensity of his gaze. “Uh—”
“Hey, he’s not a stranger,” Suhyeok says, brows rising. “He’s my colleague. I’ve known him for over a year.”
“How long have you known that Iltaek guy?” Jongho retorts.
“Iltaek? A few months or so, we met at this gym.”
“Only a few months, and you decided that you should introduce him to noonim? Doesn’t that prove your poor judgement?”
Suhyeok gives an exasperated laugh. “Yah, what is up with you?”
“Nothing.” Jongho draws up his chin. “I think you should stop matchmaking, that’s all.”
“Well, I’m just offering the option to noona.”
Both of them turn to look at you again.
“Ummm,” you say, eloquently. “I’ll… think about it.”
Suhyeok’s face lights up, while Jongho scowls.
“Great! Do you want to give me your phone number? I can send you his info.”
“Why don’t you just tell Yeona-seonsaengnim to tell Y/N-noonim?” Jongho quickly intervenes.
Suhyeok cocks his head, then turns to him. “Yah, Jongho.”
“What?” says Jongho, sounding a little too defensive.
For a moment, Suhyeok just stares at him, eyes slowly narrowing like he’s figuring something out.
You’re not sure why, but you’re holding your breath.
“…Never mind.” Suhyeok shakes his head with a bemused smile before turning back to you. “It’s up to you, noona. I can give you my number instead, if you want? And you can text me if you decide you want more details.”
“All right, I guess.” You pull out your phone.
Suhyeok puts in his number and hands it back. “Text me anytime, okay? I’ll wait to hear from you.” He glances between you and Jongho one more time. “Well, I’ll get going first. See you later, noona, Jongho-yah.”
That leaves you and Jongho standing next to your bike.
“Noonim.”
“Yes?”
He meets your gaze, fidgeting slightly. “My number—can I give it to you, too?”
Your mouth almost drops open. “Are you allowed to? As an idol?”
“I can give my contact information to friends,” he says, back to sounding defensive.
“Uh…” You tilt your head. “I think we’re more like acquaintances, no? Gym acquaintances?”
Jongho pouts, just a little. “But… I know your real name, and you use banmal with me. Aren’t we gym friends?”
“Should I use jondaemal with you then?” you joke. When he pouts even more, you cave; it’s just too cute. “All right, all right. Here.”
His small pout transforms into a small smile in the blink of an eye as he takes your phone and inputs his number. “Please text me so I have your number, too, noonim.”
“Are you sure you won’t get in trouble?” you double-check.
“I won’t!” he declares. “I’m allowed to have friends, you know.”
“How about you save my name as ‘Y/N-ajumma’, so nobody will think I’m your secret girlfriend,” you suggest, half-kidding.
Aaand his pout is back. “No,” he says firmly. “No, noonim.”
“Okay, ‘Y/N-halmeoni’ it is.”
“Noonim!!”
*
A few days later, you arrive at the café next to your gym on Monday after work for your first meeting with Suhyeok’s friend, Dongun. You picked the café because the barista knows you, which will hopefully provide extra security, and if the ‘date’ is a failure, then you can head straight to the gym and burn off your disappointment (and maybe scold Suhyeok if he’s there).
“Hello. Are you Y/N-ssi?”
You look up to see a man matching Suhyeok’s description. “Oh, yes. Hi. Dongun-ssi?”
The man smiles and offers his hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“You, too.” You gesture to the chair across from you. “Please, sit.”
“Thanks. I hope you weren’t waiting long.”
Just as you open your mouth to reply, someone calls your name.
“Y/N-noonim?”
Both of you turn.
“Oh, Jongho!” You’re startled; you’ve never seen Jongho in this café before. “Er, hi.”
“Hello.” His gaze moves from you to Dongun. “Is this…?”
“Uh, this is Dongun. Suhyeok’s friend,” you explain, and watch as his brows go down like storm clouds.
“Nice to meet you,” Dongun says cordially, holding out his hand. “You’re a friend of Y/N’s?”
To your amazement, Jongho completely ignores him. He pulls over another chair, plants it at your table and addresses you. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you at the gym, noona,” he says, sitting down with smoothie in hand like he’s been invited.
You stare at him making himself comfortable. “Jongho.”
He looks back at you, his expression so mild and innocent you almost believe he doesn’t realize he’s intruding.
“Excuse me.” Dongun speaks up.
Jongho shifts his head one inch to look at him sideways. “…Yes?”
“Well, Y/N-ssi and I… this is a date.”
In exaggerated slow-motion, Jongho widens his eyes and brings his hand to his mouth. “Ohhh. Is it?” He turns his head to look back at you. “Sorry, noona. I’ll wait for you at that table when you’re done.”
You frown after him as he carries his chair back to its original table and then sits there, facing your table. He makes eye contact, then raises his smoothie to his straw and takes a sip, unblinking.
“Uh,is he your friend?” Dongun asks you in an undertone.
“Yeah, he’s… a regular at the gym I go to,” you reply quietly. “Um, it’s right next door, and we’re usually both there around this time, so I guess he’s just going to wait to go together.”
“I see.”
“Sorry for the—” What? What is this? “—incovenience.”
“That’s okay.” Dongun shakes his head, pulls out a smile again and returns his voice to normal volume. “So, you like fitness, right?”
“Ah, yes, that’s right…”
You try to immerse yourself in the conversation, but it’s surprisingly hard with Jongho sitting a few metres away, sipping his smoothie with his lips pursed judgementally. Is he your date referee or what?
Dongun senses your distraction. “Should we reschedule another meeting? Maybe at another location?”
“Yeah, that’d probably be for the best,” you admit.
“Does this weekend work? I know a few nice coffee places around town—I can text you and you can pick one.”
“Sure, works for me.”
“Okay, I’ll text you then.” Dongun smiles.
“Thanks. And sorry about this,” you apologize, rising from your seat.
He shakes his head and stands up as well. “No need to apologize.” He offers his hand; when you take it, he clasps your hand in both of yours. “Looking forward to our next date, Y/N-ssi.”
“Me too.” You think you might be flushing, but you’re not sure.
“Then, I’ll see you later.” Dongun glances one more time toward Jongho, then nods to you and departs.
You keep a smile on your face until he’s out of the café. Then you drop it, turn and beeline toward Jongho.
“Hi, noona,” he says casually, like he hasn’t just crashed your date. Also, since when have you graduated from noonimtonoona?
“Jongho-ssi,” you say through gritted teeth. “Why are you still here?”
He cocks his head and forms an innocent moue. “So we can go to the gym together.”
“I was on a date, you know.”
“But you were going to the gym afterward, right? Isn’t that why you chose this café? So, now the date’s over and we can go to the gym.”
…He’s not wrong. “Since when do you come to this café, anyway?”
He draws back, offended. “I’ve been coming here since I started going to the gym. Just because you’ve never seen me doesn’t mean I wasn’t here.”
Okay, not the point. “Never mind.” You turn, grab your bag and head for the door.
Jongho follows on your heels. “Noona. You don’t like coffee, do you?”
“Eh? What?” You glance back at him.
“Suhyeok’s friend. He suggested coffee places, but you don’t even like coffee.”
You stop walking. “Yah, were you listening to us?”
“I wasn’t trying to,” Jongho defends. “That guy just spoke really loudly.”
You sigh, turn and keep walking. “Whatever.”
“I’ve always seen you with smoothies from this café, never coffee.”
“I don’t usually drink coffee, but that doesn’t mean I hate it.”
Jongho sniffs. “If you ask someone out on a date, you should figure out their preferences first.”
“Eh? No, the point of dating is to figure out each other’s preferences.”
“Why are you defending him?”
“Well, why are you attacking him?” you retort.
For a moment both of you just stand there, looking at each other.
“Excuse me,” says someone from behind you.
You look around and realize you’re blocking the entrance to the gym. “Oh, sorry.” You quickly step aside and give a quick bow as they sidle past you.
Jongho clears his throat and hoists a small smile on his face. “Let’s work out,” he suggests, tone lighter.
“Right.” You nod and lead the way inside.
“Want to try the weight machines today? I can give you some basic pointers, if you want.”
“Mm, we’ll see if I still have energy after my cardio.”
“How about trying the weights first? I read it’s better to do cardio after resistance training.”
“Really? I read the opposite,” you joke, and chuckle as he frowns at you. “All right, all right, I’ll take you up on your kind offer.”
“Great.” Out comes his genuine smile, still small but all natural.
It’s kind of funny in a cute way, taking instruction from a twenty-year-old idol on how to deadlift and bench press, but Jongho definitely seems to know what he’s doing. After fifteen minutes, you’re feeling more comfortable in the power rack than you’ve ever been.
“Yes, that’s it,” he says, watching as you set the bar down one last time. “Just remember your form, and you’re good.”
You sigh and shake out your arms. “I still like cardio better. You don’t have to watch your butt in the mirror the whole time.”
“You’ll get used to it,” he assures you.
“If you say so, Mr. Idol.” You stretch and then reach down to touch your toes. “Okay, that’s enough weights for me today.”
“Do you want to keep learning together? We can do short lessons like today,” Jongho suggests.
You stand up and regard him with some surprise. “Aren’t you busy?”
He ducks his head. “Ah, yes, well, it probably can’t be regular lessons, not like with a real trainer. But—if you want, I can text you when I’ll be at the gym, and if you can make it, you can let me know.”
You tilt your head. “I don’t want to impose.”
“You won’t be imposing,” he says hurriedly. “I’ll be coming here for my own workouts, anyway.”
“Mm, okay,” you decide, “if you’re sure.”
Jongho smiles. “But, you know, noona, for me to text you, you have to text me first.”
“Oh. Right.” You haven’t touched Jongho’s number in your contacts, beyond saving it as 최종호.
His smile fades. “Can I ask… why didn’t you?”
“Huh? Well, no particular reason,” you say. “I didn’t have anything to message you about, and I didn’t want you to get in trouble.”
“You gave your number to Suhyeok’s friend already.”
“Uh, yeah. So?”
Jongho blinks at you reproachfully. “Didn’t you only just meet him?”
“Sure, but he’s not an idol like you, right? His manager doesn’t care who’s texting him.”
“So it’s all because I’m an idol?”
“It’s because you’re an idol that I’m trying not to get you in trouble, yes.” You have to chuckle at the way his lips are starting to stick out. “Now why are you pouting?”
“I’m not pouting,” he immediately denies. “But you don’t have to worry about that, noona. I swear you won’t get in trouble.”
“I’m talking about you getting in trouble, Jongho.”
“Neither of us will get in trouble!” he declares. “I’ll prove it to you.”
“Eh? How are you going to prove it to me?”
“Just wait and see.” He tips his chin up defiantly.
“All right, but you better save me as Y/N-ajumma in your phone for the time being.”
“You’re not an ajumma.”
“Oh yeah? You know how old I am, Jongho-ssi?”
“…How old are you, noona?”
“Thirty.”
“Oh.” He blinks. “That’s not so old.”
“But still old compared to you, kid.” You reach out to ruffle his hair.
He ducks away, scowling, and nearly runs right into Yeona. “Oh—sorry, Yeona-seonsaengnim!”
“That’s okay,” she says cheerfully, “it’s my bad for creeping up behind you, and Y/N’s bad for trying to pat your head.”
“Excuse me?” You mock-scowl and step out of the power rack to give her a greeting hug.
She returns it with a big grin. “You know younger guys hate having their heads patted. Suhyeok makes such a fuss about it.”
“That’s because he’s your boyfriend and he wants you to see him as a man,” you point out.
“I’m sure Jongho-ssi wants to be seen as a man, too, right?” Yeona flips him a quick wink.
“Ummmm…” Jongho flushes.
You tsk. “You know your wink is too powerful, Yeona-yah. Give poor Jongho a break and save it for Suhyeok.”
Yeona chuckles. “Anyway, I’m here to tell you guys to free up the power rack, if you’re done using it. I think you’ve been standing here talking for ten minutes, and we don’t want a repeat of the Iltaek incident.”
“Oh.” Jongho looks around and proceeds to shepherd you away from the power rack.
“Yah, the only way we’ll have a repeat of the Iltaek incident is if Suhyeok whips out another one of his friends,” you point out as you let yourself be herded by Jongho. “Speaking of, Suhyeok said you told him about my ‘preferences’. Could you maybe not encourage your boyfriend to set me up with his friends?”
“Did he say that?” Yeona gives a delighted laugh. “Aw, cute. I told him you were picky, and he said he knew of someone who was picky, too. Guess he was sugarcoating it for you.”
“He didn’t look that picky,” Jongho says, almost to himself.
“What?” Yeona looks at him keenly. “Wait, have you two met already? Jongho-ssi, you were there??”
“I met him right before coming here, at the café next door,” you explain hastily. “Jongho happened to be there, too.”
“Ooh, I see. Did he ask for a second date?”
“Yes,” Jongho answers for you.
Yeona claps her hands together. “Nice! Your 100% second-date request rate remains untouched.”
Jongho looks from you to Yeona and back. “One-hundred-percent second-date request rate?”
Yeona’s more than happy to explain. “Back when we were both trying out online dating, Y/N had a 100% second-date request rate—every single guy she went out with asked for a second date.”
“Yah, that’s because men are desperate in online dating. You had a 100% second-date request rate, too, in case you’ve forgotten.”
“All I’m saying is, Suhyeok’s friend continues the pattern.”
“If you keep bringing up our online dating days, I’ll tell Suhyeok about your old dating profile,” you threaten. “You know he’d lose his mind.”
“All right, fine,” Yeona concedes with a laugh. “You’re going on that second date with the guy, right?”
“I mean, our first meeting was kind of cut short, so, yeah.” You shoot Jongho a side-glance.
“Cut short?” Yeona looks between the two of you. “Details, please.”
“Since Jongho was there, it was a little awkward.” You toss him another look.
“I was just waiting for you so we could go to the gym together.” Jongho doesn’t look repentant at all.
“Usually, people don’t wait for other people’s dates to finish, Jongho-ssi.”
He just tips his chin in the air again, the picture of defiance.
“Hang on, hang on,” Yeona says. “Jongho cockblockedyou?”
Jongho’s eyes bug out.
“Please, there wasn’t going to be any cock,” you say, exasperated. “It was a first date, Yeona-yah.”
“Right, I mean cockblocking in the figurative sense.”
You glance at Jongho, then frown as you see his flabbergasted expression. “Uh, Jongho-ssi?”
“Oh,” Yeona realizes belatedly, “we should probably stop saying ‘cock’.”
“Oh.” You watch Jongho flush. “Sorry, kid.”
“…Not a kid,” he mumbles, but he definitely doesn’t sound confident about it.
“Anyway…! Y/N-ah, you better keep me updated on your progress, okay?” Yeona says overly brightly. “Oh, look at the time, I gotta go to my next client. See you next time, Jongho-ssi! Text me, Y/N-ah!”
Then she hightails it out of there, leaving you and Jongho next to the power rack.
You sigh and shake your head. “She brings up cocks and then just runs away.”
“Um,” says Jongho.
You look at him: his face is still awash with pink, he’s sucking his lips in nervously and he’s looking anywhere else but at you. It’s such a weirdly cute look that you burst into laughter.
“Was it that embarrassing to hear a pair of ajumma talking about penises?” you chortle.
“Stop it,” he mutters, putting his hands to his face.
“All right.” You pat him on the back. “I’ll go off to do my cardio and leave you alone now. Take a cold shower when you’re done your workout.”
Jongho finally looks round as you wave and head off. “Text me, noona,” he calls after you.
Author’s note: a bunch of outtakes from when I was wrestling with my 14k Jongho noona fic (part 1|part 2). I love these bits a lot, so posting them here for posterity~
Words: 1.8k
Warnings: none
*
The next day’s Saturday, and you decide to treat yourself with a pre-workout smoothie at the café next to the gym. When you pick up your drink, though, you’re handed something different.
“Excuse me, this isn’t my order,” you say to the barista.
“Oh, sorry about that.” They check the receipts, then call out, “Who ordered a Muscle Beast Protein Mylkshake?”
“That’s mine.” A portly middle-aged man steps up to the counter — definitely not the kind of guy you’d imagined ordering that particular drink.
“Ah, this is yours, then,” you say, handing him the shake.
“And here’s your Strawberry Sunshine Smoothie, miss.” The barista hands you another cup.
“Thanks.” You take your smoothie and sip happily.
“Hyeong, was there a problem?” asks someone else.
The man turns around, and promptly hands the milkshake to… Jongho.
“No, no problems,” he says, giving you a polite nod.
Of course, that causes Jongho to look around. His eyes widen. “Oh — noona.”
“…Hello.” You dip your head awkwardly; your feet can’t decide whether to stay or run.
The man looks between you two. “Who is this?” he asks Jongho.
“Ah, this is…” He trails off, but only for a moment. “This is Y/N-noonim, she’s a regular at the gym next door,” he recovers, pulling up a natural-looking smile. “Are you going to work out too now, noonim?”
“Uh, yes.” You try to smile back, but it feels slightly painful.
“By the way, this is my manager-hyeong.” Jongho gestures to the man.
“Nice to meet you,” you say automatically.
“You too,” says Manager. “You’re a regular?”
“Yes.”
“Then, please look after Jongho,” he says with another dip of his head.
Eh?? “Er, um…” Why are you suddenly looking after Jongho?
“Let’s go together, noonim,” Jongho says, as if this is all completely normal.
“Okay,” is the only thing you can say, and that’s how you end up walking into the gym together with them.
“Thanks for the drive, hyeong,” Jongho says.
*
“I’m joking.” Chuckling, you reach over and ruffle his hair. “Just don’t get in trouble, okay?”
He reaches up and removes your hand, still pouting. “I won’t get you in trouble.”
“I meant you, kid.” You tug at your hand.
He doesn’t let go. “I’m not a kid.”
“Oh yeah? When did you graduate high school?”
“More than two years ago.” His chin goes up.
“Two years ago.” You cluck your tongue and shake your head. “You know how old I am, Jongho-ssi?”
“…How old are you, noonim?”
“Thirty.”
“Oh.” He blinks. “That’s not so old.”
“But still old compared to you,” you say cheerfully, and tug at your hand again.
Jongho lets go this time. “Yeona-seonsaengnim is dating Suhyeok-hyeong, though. He’s only three years older than me.”
“That’s true.” What’s he getting at? “Wait, don’t tell me — you like her too??”
“No!” he protests. “You’re the one I like, noonim.”
You relax. “Okay, because I’m pretty sure Suhyeok would fight y…”
Wait a sec.
What… did he just say?
“What,” you say slowly, “did you say?”
Jongho’s face has flushed beet-red, and yet he still somehow has the temerity to say: “Can’t I?”
“Can’t you?” you repeat on a splutter, shaking your head. “Can’t you??”
“Do you have a boyfriend already?”
“No, I — that’s not the point — ”
“Then can’t I like you?”
You’re pretty sure your jaw is hanging wide open at this point. Where the hell is this coming from? Is this some kind of TikTok prank — make a random confession to someone you’ve talked to three times? You glance around just in case someone’s secretly filming a video nearby.
“You don’t believe me.”
Jongho says it as a statement; when you return your attention to him, he’s looking at you with puppy-dog disappointment in his eyes.
“Um, no.” Your frankness just dials up his disappointment, and you scramble to put your thoughts together before his puppy eyes weaken you. “I mean, we barely know each other, and I’m nine years older than you, and —” You drop your volume. “— you’re an idol.”
“I know all that.” Jongho just looks at you steadily, red-faced and all. “And I know that I like you, noona.”
“You — yah, did I say you could call me noona?”
“I’ve been calling you noonim all this time,” he points out.
Okay, not the point. “Never mind. Look.” You struggle to lower your voice again. “Jongho-ssi, you know this won’t work.”
“You don’t like me?”
“I — it’s not that I don’t like you, okay, but —” A smile lifts the corner of his mouth, and you hurry to squash it. “You’re an idol, you know? You’re not allowed to date. You’re not even allowed to have crushes.”
“We’re human, too. We get crushes,” he argues.
“But are you allowed to confess? What would your manager say if he were here right now? What would your members say?”
Jongho has no response for that, just a pout that makes you want to melt despite yourself.
“Jongho-ssi. I’m flattered, I really am. And thank you for having the courage to confess. Let’s just move on from here and remain gym acquaintances, all right?” You try an encouraging smile.
“…Fine,” he says, eyes downcast.
“Okay. Good. Great.” How does one exit these kinds of conversations?? You could really use Yeona’s expertise right now. “Then… I’ll get going first —”
“We’re gym friends, at least, aren’t we?” He meets your gaze again, almost defiantly.
Uh. “…Sure,” you say, though you’re really not that sure.
“Okay.” Jongho gives a stiff nod.
You nod back, equally stiff. “Well, have a nice day.”
You resist the urge to glance back as you make your escape to the cardio machines. Man, what an otherworldly experience.
You get in thirty straight minutes of cycling thanks to your preoccupation with Jongho’s confession. Before you know it, your water bottle’s empty and your legs are aching; time for a break.
You hop off the bike and head for the water fountain. You’re so concerned with trying not to seem like you’re watching out for Jongho that you bump straight into someone who’s filling up their own bottle already.
“Sorry!” You quickly bow. “My bad.”
“That’s all right.” The man bows back.
“Oh, noona!” Suhyeok appears from behind the man with a grin. “You’re here today?”
“Oh, hey, Suhyeok-ssi.” You glance around automatically for Yeona. “Yeona’s not working today, is she?”
“Eh, come on, noona, I can visit the gym without my girlfriend, can’t I?” His grin grows bigger.
You smile at his cheek. “Did you ask her whether you could start calling her your girlfriend?”
“I’ll ask her next time I see her,” he promises. “Oh, hyeong —” He turns to the man. “This is Y/N-noona, she’s Yeona-ssaem’s best friend. Noona, this is… er, hyeong, am I allowed to tell her your name?”
“You just call me Manager-hyeong anyway,” the man says dryly, offering his hand to you.
“Right, he’s one of Ateez’s managers!” Suhyeok says. “He’s how I met Jongho.”
You shake his hand and say jokingly, “I’ll call you Manager-oppa, then.”
To your surprise, he blushes a little. “Um, okay.”
“Ooh, you made him shy,” Suhyeok says with a chuckle. “It’s because you spend all your time around boys, hyeong, you need to get out more.”
“Be quiet, you punk.” Manager elbows him.
“Manager-hyeong?”
Another voice makes the three of you look around, and you’re alarmed to see Jongho approaching with an inquiring look.
“You know Y/N-noona?” he asks, coming to a stop as his gaze moves between the three of you.
“Hm? No, Suhyeok just introduced us,” Manager says, puzzled.
“I liked her first,” says Jongho.
What?
“What?” says Suhyeok.
“What?” says Manager.
“I mean…” Jongho flushes.
“Jongho,” Suhyeok says, a smile slowly spreading on his face. “You… like Y/N-noona?”
“No, of course not,” you say quickly. You’re not even sure why you’re covering for Jongho, except that it feels wrong somehow to expose his schoolboy confession. And you don’t want him to get in trouble with his manager.
“Jongho?” Manager asks him.
He looks back, and repeats: “I liked her first.”
“What are you talking about?”
“You know we have the same taste,” Jongho says stubbornly, even as his face turns redder and redder.
“The same taste… in women?” Suhyeok asks.
Eh???
“I wasn’t thinking anything like that,” Manager says, having moved on from puzzled to dumbfounded. “Hang on, wait — you likeher?”
“No,” you say loudly.
“…Yes,” says Jongho.
You nearly facepalm.
“Choi Jongho.” Manager’s tone gets stern.
“I don’t like him back!” you say quickly. “Nothing’s going to happen, Manager-oppa.”
“Why are you calling him oppa?” Jongho asks you, frowning.
You suck in a breath. “Is that really the point right now?” you hiss. “I’m saving your butt here.”
“I don’t want to be saved.” He scowls. “I want to date you.”
“Yah!” You have half a mind to leap forward and clamp a hand over his mouth.
“Are you serious, Jongho-yah?” Manager’s staring hard at Jongho. Meanwhile, Suhyeok’s mimicking eating popcorn behind his back; you send him a glare.
“Yes.”
You groan under your breath.
“She says she doesn’t like you back.”
“For now,” Jongho says.
“I’m thirty,” you interject. “I’m way too old for Jongho.”
“I like older women,” Jongho says, and flushes harder.
“So do I,” Suhyeok says cheerily. Everyone ignores him.
“What if she doesn’t come to like you back?” Manager questions.
“Then… I won’t date her,” he says, subdued.
Manager seems to think this over.
“Manager-oppa, you’re not actually considering this, are you?” you demand. “He’s your company’s idol. Isn’t this against the rules?”
He turns to you. “We do have a rule about dating,” he states. “But it’s dependent on the circumstances.” Without elaborating further, he asks next, “Has Jongho caused you any trouble? Do you want him to stop coming to this gym?”
“What?” You’re taken aback. “No, that’s not what I’m saying. Shouldn’t you tell him to stop?”
“If he does cause you any trouble, please feel free to contact me at any time.” Manager takes out a business card and hands it to you.
“Er, okay.” You take it. This is a surreal conversation.
*
“Remember how you hit on Jongho that time?”
“You better have a good reason for bringing this up again.”
“Uh, never mind then.” Maybe you shouldn’t tell Yeona, you think as you pedal furiously on your bike. K-pop idols probably don’t want their rash confessions being aired.
“Wait, now I’m curious.” Yeona puts an elbow on the bike handlebars and props her chin on her palm. “Tell me.”
You whip out your phone and snap a photo. “How can you pose like that and bike at the same time? I should send this to Suhyeok.”
“Yah, you should at least show me the pictures before you send them to people.”
“You always look fabulous anyway.” You show her the photo.
“Stop complimenting me and tell me why you brought up my cursed episode with Jongho again.”
“Cursed episode?” You laugh.
*
(……..I just love my original characters so much huhuhu)
Pairing: Seonghwa x Hongjoong x OC, San x Wooyoung
Warnings:depressed character, morally ambiguous OC, demon sex scene (it’s really short, you can skip if you want)
Notes:So I mostly wanted to warn you about the demon sex scene. It’s not explicit, just suggestive and it’s super short and easy to skip. It involves a character disregarding their own feelings during sex. If it makes you uncomfortable, please don’t read that part.
The old woman trudged down the street, leaning on her cane with a hunched back. Her pale skin was wrinkled leather, even more pronounced from her pinched frown as she glanced at stores that she passed. She sniffed the air, scratching her crooked nose with curved yellow fingernails.
The moon was the pale orange of an old, decaying skull, casting an eerie glow on the barren streets of the shopping district. She walked along the steep incline with determination, ignoring the stares of nosy passersby. Slowing to a halt, she knitted her fingers together at the top of her cane and stared at the hand-painted sign hanging above her head:
FEVER DREAM
The door creaked as she entered the dusty old bookstore. It was poorly lit by a few antique lanterns scattered along the tall shelves, but most of the illumination came from the small lamp sitting on the back desk. The sound of rustling papers delighted the old woman’s ears. She was partial to the smell of old parchment and the light scratch of ink pen on paper. It reminded her of faraway places, ventures on the rocky sea for months at a time, sunrises on the distant horizon and the feeling of being everywhere and nowhere all at once. The maps she used to draw by hand late at night in her room, the salty smell of the ocean wafting in from outside. Being out on the sea gifted her the freedom that she never felt in the chains of proper society.
The smell of paper could bring back memories like no other.
She shuffled forward, a small smile on her face that grew as she took in the young man working with the cuffs of his shirt rolled up to his elbows, exposing the veins in his muscular arms. The glasses perched on his nose made him look deceptively studious, though she knew him much better than that. His black hair was parted to the side, bangs hanging down as he leaned over his desk, shuffling through papers furiously.
“Seonghwa,” she called.
The man looked up at her with wide eyes. His handsome face sent a pang of nerves down the old woman’s spine, something she hadn’t felt in quite some time. There wasn’t many that possessed a face that could make a siren weep, but he was an exception.
She thought he wouldn’t recognize her. It had been a while, after all, since they last laid eyes on each other.
She remembered caressing his features, marveling at the slope of his nose and the arch of his brows as he slept soundly. The night was cold and goosebumps had spread along his exposed shoulders, so she raised the sheets to his neck and let them rest there. She tried not to make a sound as she slid out of bed, bare feet padding along the wooden floors with urgency. She took one last look at him before fleeing the house and taking her spell book with her. She would need it to bargain with the demon that cursed her lover and the rest of her coven.
But that was all settled now, and no longer an issue. Seventy years of servitude was the price to lift the curse, and she paid it without hesitation. It had turned her into an old hag, a true witch like those in the fairytales, but at least now their hearts were free.
She expected that he would not remember her, that he would have moved on with his life. But clearly that was not the case.
He stared at her with unblinking eyes. Circling the desk slowly, he reached her with a few long strides. The man towered over her small frame, staring into the messy hair atop her head as she looked straight ahead, eyes locked onto his chest. The white shirt he wore was tight enough to see traces of his chiseled form beneath, and she longed to feel the ridges of those muscles again as she once did.
“Look at me,” he requested quietly. She lifted her eyes up his neck, past his jawline and delicate lips, and finally met his dark, lidded gaze. How he still managed to make her this nervous, she honestly had no idea.
“Seonghwa,” she said with a shake in her voice. “I’ve missed you.”
Seonghwa glared down at the woman with a mixture of fondness and disdain. He took a hold of her shoulders with a vice-like grip, shaking her slightly. “Do you know how long I’ve been searching for you? Do you have any idea how long-”
The old witch smiled, and he sucked in a breath. “What’s done is done, and now we’re free.”
“Why have you aged?” He demanded. “Witches don’t grow old.”
Her smile dropped, and a hot tear dropped down her wrinkly cheek, dipping into the corner of her crackled lips. She lifted both hands and wrapped them around his thin waist, laying her head against his chest. She didn’t want to argue with him, and she didn’t want to explain. The fact that she got to see him before she died was enough.
He smoothed a hand down her back, gripping the fabric of her worn black cloak with delicate fingers. Seonghwa smelled like fresh linen and soap, and he was so warm that she wanted to disappear into his embrace and never come back out.
Her skin was wrinkled and riddled with age spots. Her back was permanently curved from physical labor, and her bone thin legs were barely able to keep her standing. She was an old woman, through and through. But she hadn’t always been that way.
She foolishly thought to trick the demon into lifting the curse. Demons were tricksters, but she felt as though she was intelligent enough to outsmart them, even one as old and evil as Azazel. Word had spread that Azazel was fond of young, beautiful women, that they were his ultimate weakness. He was a master of Hell, but also a man that indulged in simple pleasures. All it took was a lock of a girl’s hair in her cauldron, mixed together with water, grave dirt and a bit of her own blood. Making skin was like spinning a web of clay, letting the flesh thicken and grow pink, shaping the face and curves based on the demon’s stolen thoughts of desire. That had been tricky to acquire, but she had managed, paying off a few lower-level demons that had grudges against the old demon.
When it was finished, she pulled it on and fastened up the skin with stitches that disappeared into her body. The process was a bit taxing, but it did the job. She knew that Azazel would not want her as a man. Although she much preferred herself that way.
The demon was suspcious, but he went along with the scheme for a while. He slipped the red silk off her shoulders and trailed his forked tongue down the small of her back. She couldn’t feel any of it- the skin was made of clay after all, and it wasn’t really hers. She allowed the demon to have its fun, letting her mind wander to someone else. Someone she had abandoned without so much as a note.
When Azazel finished on her stomach, she asked him to lift the curse on her coven. He refused, saying that the curse was bound by blood and could not be broken so easily. She pleaded with him, promising to stay with him for as long as he wished if he would just lift the curse. It was brought on by the arrogance of young boys learning magic for the first time, thinking that summoning a demon as a familiar was a simple task. They were too young and naive, not knowing any better. She begged him, saying that she’ll do anything to save her boys.
The demon finally agreed to lift the curse, in exchange for her hand in marriage. She considered this as he found his way between her legs again, trying to memorize her fake body. It was then that the demon detected something strange. A wrinkle in the fabric of her young skin.
He tugged on the wrinkle with pointed claws, realizing that he was being deceived. The demon hissed at the young witch, humiliated. With a powerful and ancient magic, he bound her to the skin she created.
She could feel things again, and this frightened her dearly. She did not want the demon to touch her.
Azazel agreed easily, proposing a new deal to fit the situation. He suggested that she work for him until he tired of her, that she collected souls for him night and day. Not wanting the demon to take back his word, she agreed to the servitude. The demons claws wrapped around her thin wrists, leaving behind a pair of tight red cuffs. She was now bound to him, and could not leave Hell unless he allowed it.
Collecting souls was tiring work. The screams of terror that she had to endure as she sucked out each human’s essence, the dull look that would fill their eyes as they slumped to the ground afterwards- she never once forgot. At the end of each day, she would take the bottled spirits and empty the contents into the large tub that Azazel bathed in nightly. She did this day in and day out, for seventy years. She never really questioned why he bathed in souls, and why he did so every single night. Demons sometimes practiced rituals such as these: bathing in blood or spirits, eating the hearts of the wicked and even wearing the bones of killers as trophies. Azazel was no different. But she did notice that he was particularly snippy before he bathed, as if the spirits were the only thing that could soothe him after a long hard day of condemning the dead.
Time passed like that, and the old witch nearly forgot who she used to be. Eventually, the demon himself grew tired of the arrangement, feeling the urge to trap souls himself once again and finding the ease of his existence to be an awful bore. He released her from her bondage, removing the cuffs and thanking her for the service. But he did not unbind her from the old skin she was now hopelessly attached to.
“Remember me the next time you try and trick a demon,” Azazel said simply, waving his hand to transport her back to the human world.
She was a powerful witch, but a demon’s magic could only be broken by a demon. If he wanted her to grow old and rot in the skin she created, then she would. It was as simple as that.
The old woman cried into Seonghwa’s chest, relieved to finally be home. His arms tightened around her, promising to turn her back, to change her into her old self again. But she could no longer remember who that person used to be, or what he was like.
She was just an old witch that had been outsmarted by a clever demon. And for that she would die.
…
Her grandmother’s house looked the same after all these years. The peeling yellow paint and overgrown bushes hiding the windows from view. The bump in the driveway that came from the thick roots of a stubborn old oak tree. The grey shingles of the roof that had been weathered down in several nasty storms, but never replaced.
Aurora stood outside on the front lawn, her chest filling with bittersweet nostalgia. She opened the garage door first, rolling it up and leaving the chain hanging. Her old purple tricycle sat in a corner, forgotten until that moment. Unidentified bins of junk, likely old documents and clothes, lay piled on the silver shelves of a rack. The fast-growing wall of tools caught Aurora’s attention, no doubt her grandmother’s go-to for when she felt like tinkering around the insides of her beat-up car.
The woman was a mechanic, a gardener, a baker and a masterful hoarder if all of this clutter was any indication. Her grandmother was capable of great many things, but she had no organizational skills. That was where Aurora came in.
She always visited her grandma in the summer. She liked escaping to the small town in the mountains, away from everyone she knew. Away from the pressures of college and career, from her overbearing mother that wanted her to major in something practical, and her ex-boyfriend who spread rumors across the school about how good fat girls were at giving head.
Aurora had been wary of him from the start. He was too good-looking, and his speech was much too practiced to be anything trustworthy. But he surprised her with how easily he could make her laugh, how willing he was to listen to her problems without judgement. She had asked him if dating her was a bet, if he was messing with her. And he had lied so convincingly that she believed him. She ate up his lies and quickly became full of love and admiration.
But then he had broken up with her in the middle of the school dining hall. In front his friends and her friends. And he had laughed and laughed, thanking her for being so good to him.
She trembled, holding back tears and squaring her shoulders back to look him dead in the eye. She didn’t have the courage to say anything to him, but she didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry. She simply stared him down, stared at him and his friends with a withering glare that threatened to set fire to his insides. She stared and stared until his smile weakened, until his fingers shook, until his pupils wandered to the side and away from her.
When he made his way out of the cafeteria, she decided to move towards the lunch line. She met eyes with a boy sitting at a table not too far from the main event. He was ridiculously good-looking. Dark hair falling into his eyes, leather jacket and boots, tight jeans and long legs. A jawline that could cut right into her heart. She looked him over, and she realized he was doing the same to her; scrutinizing her thick brown thighs peeking out from her flowery jean romper.
Aurora could feel sweat building up on the nape of her neck, but she feared a single movement would make the boy notice her even more than he already had. If that was even possible.
He dragged his eyes up from her thighs, up her stomach and large chest, and then finally to her face. She was fully-clothed, but his gaze took her apart piece by piece. She was brought out of the trance she was in by the cafeteria worker asking her what she wanted. She quickly turned, squeaking out that she wanted the roasted carrots and mac and cheese, but no meat. She was vegetarian. Well, technically pescatarian, but she could never afford seafood anyway.
When she had turned around to find a table, the boy was gone.
“Aurora, what are you doing just standing there?” Her grandmother asked, entering the garage holding a pair of garden shears in her gloved hands. The woman was plump and short with thick, grey curls that fell over her face every which way. She never wore makeup unless it was New Year’s or someone’s wedding. Aurora loved her for that.
She observed the deep frown lines on her face, feeling a spark of concern. Although she insisted on living alone in this house, Aurora knew that the memories of her grandfather plagued her. Her mother was too busy working to visit often, so she always sent Aurora along with a few suitcases and told her to keep the old woman company for the summer. Aurora never once protested.
“I’m trying to figure out how to clean up this garage. You haven’t made it easy for me,” Aurora replied, crossing her arms.
Her grandma shrugged, hanging the shears on the wall with the other countless tools she had collected over the years. She pulled off her gloves, throwing them on the wooden shelf. “It’s a lost cause.”
“You’re talking to a Virgo Moon. I’ll have it done in a few days,” Aurora informed her, inspecting the bins one last time before walking towards the door. She pulled it open and walked inside, breathing in the smell of gardenia plug-ins. Grandma loved gardenias.
“Whatever you say,” she snorted. She disappeared into her room to change, and Aurora walked into the kitchen and opened the pantry.
There were lots of saltines, lots of soup cans and scattered bags of flour and sugar. She grabbed the cereal box, wrinkling her nose. “Plain cheerios? Not even Honey Nut Cheerios, but plain?” She tucked the box onto the top shelf and closed the door with a sigh. She quickly dialed the local pizza place, asking for a delivery of one medium supreme and one medium mushroom and onion with extra cheese.
Aurora walked into the guest room, which was pretty much her room at this point. She had decorated the walls with old art projects and posters from her favorite movies. She unzipped her suitcase, taking out a couple of books with pretty covers.
She laid back on the bed, crossing her legs and opening the first one.
Disappearing into the contents of the book, she allowed herself to dream that she was the female lead. The girl was a badass witch with fire powers, one that wore heeled boots and pressed them into the necks of those that dared to cross her. She had done so to the love interest once, a vampire boy that oozed sex appeal.
Aurora was fond of witches. She liked the idea that they possessed powerful magic, that they could curse someone or turn them into a rat if they so desired. There was a power in being able to defend yourself against evil and humankind alike, and Aurora craved that power more than anything. If she could just read minds, or grow plants, or see spirits, or shape-shift, then maybe she could avoid becoming the laughing stock of society. Even if no one liked her, they would still respect her at the very least. She was sure a little magic was all it took to be taken seriously.
She heard faint scratching at her window. Aurora put her book facedown on the bed, crawling over to the other side so that she could reach the window. She kneeled on the bed, turning the locks and pushing up the window to see what was trying to get in.
It was a cat with pure white fur and yellow eyes. The cat sat perched on the top of the overgrown bush, tail flicking from side to side.
“How’d you get up here?” Aurora asked. The cat meowed at her, eyeing the windowsill seconds before jumping onto it, leaping down onto the bed beside her. She turned to look at the cat, which licked its paw and spread it over its face.
“Just make yourself at home, I guess,” Aurora grumbled, closing the window. “Grandma’s gonna kill me for this.”
She turned to face the cat and opened her arms. The cat didn’t move.
“Come on, I can’t have cat hair all over my bed. Let’s go into the living room.” When the cat was unresponsive, she swooped the small feline up, cradling it in her arms like a baby. Claws dug into her shirt for dear life.
Her grandmother had been surprisingly accepting of this new development. She stared down at the cat with meaningful eyes, seeming to communicate her expectations telepathically. The cat meowed in response.
The pizza was good as always. Aurora didn’t know what it was about the pizza place here, but it tasted much better than the greasy pizza chains in the city. The dough was magical. She munched on the slice, humming to herself as the cat wandered around the dining room. Her grandmother had refused dinner, saying that she didn’t need to get any fatter than she already was. Aurora put her pizza into the fridge first, staring at the cheese and the onions and olives as if the food had an answer to why the entire world seemed to hate fat people so much.
She didn’t like to be singled out because of her size, but she knew that it was the first thing people noticed about her. In seventh grade, when her chest was starting to fill out and it was becoming apparent that her stomach was not getting any tinier, she became aware of herself. She became aware of people’s perceptions about her. And then she stopped smiling in public, stopped dancing at birthday parties, refused trips to the mall with her friends and became a clam of a person.
She was a clam, until a pretty boy waltzed his way into her pants. And now her shell had been forced open, and everyone was staring at her insecurities once again.
Aurora wished that she was a witch, so that she could put a hex on him.
The cat meowed from the floor, pawing at her leg as gently as a clawed animal could. She shoved the last bit of pizza into her mouth, standing up with her plate. She stepped over the cat, who was making it very difficult not to trip. With the assurance that she was done eating, the cat disappeared into the hallway.
She put her plate into the sink, silently vowing to wash it later. At the moment, she was too tired.
Aurora changed into her pajamas, which was basically just a tank top and loose shorts. She hated feeling constricted when she laid down. After washing her face and brushing her teeth, Aurora entered the guest room.
And promptly froze, staring at the man sitting on her bed.
He was blonde with crescent-shaped eyes and a small, pouty mouth. His thin frame swam in the oversized t-shirt he wore, but his jeans barely contained the muscles of his thighs. He leaned back on the bed casually, a dimply smile on his face.
“Hello Aurora,” he said.
Aurora cleared her throat, fingers tightening around her toothpaste. “Who are you? How did you get in?”
His head tilted towards the side. “Through the window. You let me in.”
The room was on the other side of the house from her grandmother. It was a one-story house, but the space between the bedrooms was far. Too far to hear someone’s screams, and too far to get to them in time to help.
Her heart thundered in her chest. “I let in a small white cat. So you’re telling me that’s you?”
His smile grew, and his dimples deepened. “I’m a shape-shifter.”
Aurora pursed her lips. She looked him up and down before sighing. She walked past him and put away her toiletries. She settled on the floor beside her suitcase, not even contemplating the idea of sitting on the bed next to the strange man.
He looked fairly young, probably no more than twenty or so. They were around the same age, she was sure of it. Aurora simply waited for him to state his business.
“My name is San. I’m a witch from a small coven, and I came to ask for your help,” he told her. Her mouth dropped open.
Forgetting herself, she jumped to her feet, startling the poor man. She walked over to him, leaning over and peering into his eyes as he leaned back. “Oh my God. The power of manifestation.”
“What?”
Aurora stood straight with a cheesy smile, holding out a hand for him to shake. “It’s nice to meet you, San. I would love to meet your coven.” And learn magic from you, she thought.
San took the outstretched hand after a few seconds, a small laugh bubbling up from his chest. “Well, I didn’t expect it to be this easy. I thought we would have to pay you.”
Aurora inclined her head. “Pay?”
“Well yes, it’s customary to pay those that assist witches with magical favors or free potions-”
“Can you put a hex on someone for me?” She asked, smiling all the while. This was just the highlight of her entire day. She couldn’t believe her luck.
“Absolutely not,” San frowned. “We don’t harm humans.”
Aurora pouted. Witches that refused to harm others, well that wasn’t what she expected. Aurora had always pictured witches that turned people into animals when they were annoyed, witches that worshipped the devil and slept in cemeteries at night conducting rituals. She thought maybe they would collect body parts for spells, like eyeballs and fingers, and leave them in jars for when they needed them. She even imagined witches that would dance naked around fires at night, giggling together as they plotted the demise of the oblivious civilians that slept soundly in their beds.
What she wasn’t expecting, was for a shape-shifting witch to refuse her suggestion to harm someone. And even judge it slightly.
Aurora softened her pout and nodded. “Well, I respect your principles. I’ll still help you, but that was pretty much the only thing I wanted.”
San shook his head. “And humans think we’re the bloodthirsty ones?”
She raised her eyebrows. “It’s probably because no one knows what witches are actually like. Or that they exist at all.”
The witch leaned forward, startling her. His eyes implored that she heed his warning. “And it needs to stay that way.”
“Right.”
San stood up, making his way to the door. “I’ll be back tomorrow. We’ll be gone for a while, so make an excuse with your grandmother.” He disappeared around the corner.
Aurora raced after him, leaning out of the room. “What time should I be ready? And what form will you be coming in?”
But San had already left, disappearing into the dark of the hallway. She hadn’t even heard the door open or close. She wondered why he even bothered to come through the window earlier if he could so easily slip out of her house like that.
She laid in bed all night, thinking of the possibilities of what was to come. She pulled the covers over her head and squealed, kicking her legs.
…
The sun was starting to light the sky orange when Aurora got up and showered. She didn’t want to waste a single moment, not knowing when San would return and take her to the other witches.
She contemplated her outfit, wondering what would be appropriate for helping a coven. She settled on a pair of jeans and a sleeveless blouse. She didn’t want to dress too formally, or informally. She wasn’t sure what was going to happen. She didn’t even know what they needed her for. Or why they needed her for that matter.
Aurora packed a small backpack full of necessities, since she wasn’t sure when she would return. Making her way into the living room, she turned on the TV for the first time since she had gotten here. Her grandmother wasn’t up yet, considering it was literally the break of dawn. She flipped through the channels, settling on a cartoon that she used to watch when she was little.
She must have dozed off, because she found herself in a nightmare once again.
The dream she had was always the same. She dreamt that she was trapped in the body of an old woman, crying as she got closer and closer to death. Every day her skin wrinkled a little more, her back hurting every time she stood up. She even fell down once while trying to walk across the room. The frustration gnawed at her insides, making her feel weak and useless.
She felt like her memories of being young were so far gone that they belonged to someone else. Now she was forgetting things frequently, falling over from the weight of her own body and crying into wrinkled hands.
Aurora woke up, staring at the ceiling. She wasn’t sure what it was about old age that scared her so much, but she was tired of having the same dream over and over. She just wanted to sleep without feeling fear shake her to the core.
She decided to turn the channel to the news and see what the weather would be like. She waited for the forecast impatiently as they talked about the recent politics. Rolling her eyes, Aurora took out her phone and checked the temperature. This is why she didn’t rely on cable anymore.
…Tragic news from a local university. The body of a young student, Emery Watson, was found in his dorm room yesterday morning. The images recovered from the scene are graphic, and cannot be shown. The official statement released at the moment is that an unidentified toxin burned through his stomach. The police are currently investigating the forensics reports. We’ll keep you updated with further information as the investigation carries on.
Aurora stared at the TV. The picture they displayed of her ex, the one where he was smiling on his high school graduation day with his friends and family, lingered on the screen. She looked down at her bare hands, and back up at the screen. She knew that it was her, that she had been the one to kill him. But she didn’t know how that was possible considering she was just a human.
Humans couldn’t wish someone dead. They couldn’t stare at someone so hard that their insides roasted on the spot. But she had done that. And she had succeeded.
Aurora locked herself in the bathroom, turning on the faucet. Surely there was another explanation. She splashed cold water onto her face, allowing the temperature to calm her. This all had to be some kind of misunderstanding. It’s not like she had any powers. Humans wished each other dead all the time, but that didn’t mean that it would actually happen unless they picked up a knife and stabbed someone.
She looked into the mirror, looking at herself. With her coiled hair pulled into two messy buns at the top of her head, she looked more like a kindergarten teacher than a murderer. Aurora had a golden undertone to her brown skin, which made yellow her best color. The yellow blouse she wore, unbuttoned at the top and just loose enough to hide her belly, and the plain dark blue jeans, made her look like the most innocent murderer there ever was.
Her chipmunk face was all thick cheeks and round chin. She scrunched her big nose and pressed her lips together in trepidation. Aurora could not find a trace of evil in her features.
And yet she had killed someone all the same.
“Aurora, there’s someone at the door for you,” her grandmother called.
Aurora startled, knocking over the hand soap. She knelt and picked it up, heart beating a quick, unsteady rhythm. She had to turn herself in. They were going to find out that she did it eventually, or call her in for questioning at the very least. Everyone knew that she was the person with the biggest motive, the girl that he had humiliated in front of the whole school.
She came out of the bathroom after another few minutes of spiraling, her crazed eyes meeting San’s as he stood near the front door. He looked relaxed with both hands in the pockets of his jean jacket. She stood in the doorframe, blinking over at him as if she had never seen him before.
“I didn’t know you liked hiking, Aurora,” her grandmother mused. “The mountain trails are quite difficult, but the view is beautiful.”
Hiking? Aurora walked over and stood beside San, raising both eyebrows at him. He winked at her.
“Uh, yeah. It’s my new hobby,” Aurora said. Her voice was monotone and utterly unconvincing, but her grandmother didn’t seem to notice.
“Well, I hope you kids have fun. Remember to text me when you get there, so I know you’re safe. And call your mother,” she instructed, pointing an accusatory finger at Aurora. She agreed easily to appease the woman.
“Here’s your bag. I put one of my sweaters in there just in case you get cold.” Aurora took the bag and thanked her, promising to stay safe. Although truthfully, she wasn’t sure if she could keep that promise.
“I’ll have her back by tomorrow, Ms. King,” San said, taking Aurora’s hand in his without warning. She stared down at their fingers, but didn’t protest. Her grandmother grinned at the sight.
“Come again, sometime. I’d love to have you for dinner,” She told him. Aurora cringed at that, knowing how terrible of a cook her grandmother was. The woman was a wonderful baker, because it simply required exact measurements of flour and sugar. But seasoning food was not her strong suit.
Aurora followed San out into the driveway, hearing the click of the door locking behind her. He didn’t let go of her hand, even when their audience disappeared.
The witch was mysterious, that was for sure. He seemed perfectly normal on the outside, just a twenty-something with a cute smile and disarming charm. You’d never guess the boy could shape-shift into a cat, disappear into the shadows or open a portal to the spirit world with a wave of his fingers. But he did so without letting go of her hand, without so much as a spell or incantation.
The portal looked more like a giant tear in the fabric of the universe than a polished orb of light like most movies depicted. It sounded that way too, a loud ripping noise roaring through the neighborhood as it grew large enough for the pair to walk through. Wind picked up and rustled litter across the street, blowing Aurora’s bangs back from her forehead. The young witch treated these things as if they were normal occurrences, and to him they were.
Aurora looked around to make sure no one was watching. It would be just her luck for one of her nosy neighbors to come out of their house at a time like this.
San spoke above the wind with a clear voice. “Do not let go of my hand. Just close your eyes and keep walking forward, okay?”
When she didn’t answer, he turned to look at her. It was obvious she was frightened, staring into the dark void before her. The wind coming through the portal was cold, and she could see faint shadows moving around in the distance that resembled ghosts. For the first time, she considered backing out of their agreement.
San stepped in front of the portal, blocking her view inside. He raised a hand rest on her cheek, looking at her seriously. “You don’t have to come if it scares you. It’s okay if it’s too much.”
She smiled at him. “I still want to come. I’ve just never seen ghosts before.”
“They don’t bother you unless you look at them. If you ignore them, they’ll ignore you,” San told her. His hand lowered to rest on her shoulder, giving her a comforting squeeze. “We’ll be alright. I’ve done this hundreds of times.”
Aurora followed his instructions, holding his hand like a lifeline. She kept her eyes glued shut, listening to the whispers of spirits and focusing on the feeling of cold air on her arms. She wished that she had put on her grandma’s sweater before following the witch in here.
One spirit’s groans grew impossibly loud, as if it were standing right next to her. The feeling of being watched weighed down on her, making her curious. Aurora decided to take a quick peek, not wanting to miss out on the chance of seeing a ghost in the flesh.
She expected the spirit to look like the way it had at the moment of death, perhaps with a gaping hole through its face or a twisted mouth open in horror. Instead the ghost looked fairly normal. Square chin and thick eyebrows. A calm expression and casual stance. Aurora quickly decided he was harmless, and opened her eyes fully.
That was a mistake. It was like seeing her looking triggered something in the man. A full body shiver raked through him, causing him to blur around the edges like a sloppy photograph. He started yelling something incoherent, spreading his arms and flying towards her at full speed. He passed through her body, and it felt like being splashed with a bucket of cold water.
She lost her grip on San’s hand and he disappeared.
Aurora was standing in someone’s living room. A broken lamp laid on the floor next to her, along with the shattered remains of a flower vase that had likely been thrown in a fit of anger. She stood with her back against the wall, feeling dread wash over her as the woman in front of her pulled out a gun.
The woman was clearly distraught, mascara running from the tears running down her cheeks. She was otherwise put together, wearing a pencil skirt, suit jacket and heels. Her fingers trembled around the gun, but she held it steady and pointed right at Aurora, who could only hold up her hands and beg for mercy.
A voice much deeper than Aurora’s came out when she opened her mouth. “Please don’t. I can explain everything.”
“There’s nothing to explain! I saw you fucking her with my own eyes, David. In our bed.” The woman clenched her teeth and tightened her grip around the gun, aiming it straight at Aurora’s heart.
“Baby, please!” Aurora wailed, but it was David who was calling out from her body. She was breathing heavily, holding out her arms and stepping towards the woman. “I just need to explain-”
“Stay back, David! Don’t come any closer!” The woman screamed, her fingers squeezing. But Aurora walked closer, determined to coax her into dropping the gun.
She squeezed the trigger, nearly falling over from the recoil. The sound was like an explosion in her ears, and then there was a bursting heat in her chest that spread outwards. Aurora crumpled to the ground, the searing pain taking over her senses as she struggled to breathe.
Aurora heard the hurried footsteps of the woman, the clink of the gun dropping the floor as she panicked and ran. Her vision was hazy, a numbness spreading through her limbs and threatening to take over. Her rattling breath sounding like that of a smoker, her brain failing to take in the oxygen it needed. All at once her sight was taken from her, and then her hearing. The only sense Aurora had left was the burning sensation in her chest. And then even that was gone.
“Aurora!” San shook her, calling her name over and over until she finally opened her eyes and looked up at him.
“Thank goodness! I thought you were gone,” he said, collecting her in his arms and holding her close. With her face buried in his neck, she felt warmth again. He smelled like apples, a mixture of sweet and sour. She closed her eyes and allowed him to hug her.
“Am I interrupting something? Should I give you two a moment?”
The voice seemed friendly enough, but Aurora was reminded of what kind of intimate display this was for onlookers. She pulled away from San first, looking up at the person staring down at them.
His lilac hair made him look like a prince, but the blank expression on his face was unnerving. He wore a suit jacket and fitted slacks, with a slightly unbuttoned shirt. The round glasses perched on his nose made him all the more intimidating. Was she imagining the cold look in his eyes?
“Don’t be jealous, Woo,” San replied, rising to his feet and holding out a hand for Aurora. “You’re scaring her.”
Aurora took his hand and he heaved her up with a single pull. She nearly fell into his arms again, but she managed to catch herself at the last second. She noted that the man in the suit was watching her with an unwavering intensity, and that he made no effort to introduce himself. She fought the urge to avoid his gaze, walking right up to him.
“Hello,” she said, holding out a hand for him to shake, “I’m Aurora.”
He stared at her hand for a second before taking it in his. He cleared his throat, and made a painful effort to speak politely to her. “I’m Wooyoung. Thank you for coming.” His voice was soft, but his wide eyes stared directly into her soul. She felt as if she were looking into the eyes of a shark.
“Woo,” San chastised, coming up to the man and slapping him on the shoulder. Hard. “I told you to stop. Do you want to help hyung or not?”
At this, Wooyoung’s expression softened. He looked apologetic. “Of course I do.”
“Then act like it.”
While the men bickered, Aurora took the chance to look around. They were in a small bookshop with tall shelves and dim lighting. The floors were wooden, and they creaked every time she took a step. She walked down an aisle, lured by the promise of literature. There was a single lantern on the shelf in front of her, barely illuminating the spines of the books. She squinted to read some of the titles.
BEGINNER’S POTIONS
CRYSTALS AND PENTAGRAMS
MOON MAGIC
STOCKING YOUR APOTHECARY
LOVE SPELLS AND LUST ELIXIRS
PICKING A FAMILIAR
Aurora let her finger trail along the books. So even witches needed to study in order to practice magic. It made sense, but Aurora expected witches to be all-powerful and all-knowing. It was starting to seem like they were just as clueless as humans at times.
She pulled out a book on plants, reading through some of the herbs that green witches raised for spells. She was so distracted by the book that she failed to notice the warm presence behind her.
“Do you like gardening?”
She whirled around, facing the tall man in front of her. His dark hair fell over his eyes messily, his soft smile radiating kindness. He was tall, but he didn’t make her feel cornered the way that Wooyoung had. Instead she felt calm around him, safe even. He waited for her to respond patiently.
“My grandma likes it, but I’ve never really tried,” she answered. She put the book back on the shelf, turning to face the man fully. She felt like she had seen him somewhere before.
“We would get along then,” he said. “I love raising plants.”
Aurora smiled. “Are you a green witch, then?”
He shook his head. “It’s just a hobby of mine. I practice a different type of magic.”
She noted that he didn’t elaborate on the subject, and decided not to prod him with too many questions at first meeting. She would settle for the simple things. “I’m Aurora.”
The look in his eyes told her that he already knew that, but he was polite enough not to say so. “I’m Seonghwa.”
Aurora felt as if she could stand here with him all day and not mind. The last time she had felt such a comforting presence had been when she was little, and her grandfather was still alive. He was the gentlest man that ever lived, always bouncing her on his knee. His hugs gave her the strength to carry on through life, and when he died, she realized she would never feel that way again.
Or at least, she had thought so at the time.
“Did San explain anything to you?” Seonghwa asked, wondering how much information he needed to give her. Unfortunately, the witches she had met so far were altogether not very informative.
“I’ve been wondering about why I was brought here. And who it is that I’m meant to help,” Aurora said. “I’m very confused.”
The man sighed. “Come with me and I’ll explain everything. Are you hungry?”
Aurora was, in fact, ravenous. She hadn’t had even a sip of coffee that morning, and then she had no idea how long the trip through the spirit world had taken. She always loved the idea of meeting witches and learning from them, but the reality was a lot more taxing than she imagined. A lot more dangerous and nerve-wracking as well.
“Yeah,” she admitted.
“Come on, I’ll make you something.”
She followed him out of the aisle and down the rows of shelves. When they reached a small desk resting against the back wall, she furrowed her eyebrows. Seonghwa raised his hand and closed his fist in the air, turning it to the side. As he did so, the desk and wall shimmered and disappeared, turning into a curtain of hanging beads. He moved the beads aside, holding them open for her. “After you.”
She walked ahead of him, taking in the large space with wonder. The vaulted ceilings were so detailed in their architecture that it made her feel as if she were visiting royalty, not just a coven of witches. A domed, stained-glass skylight reflected rainbow light down on them, and the floor to ceiling glass windows let in plenty of natural light. The floors were made of a polished white marble that echoed their footsteps across the foyer.
Aurora’s eyes followed the grand, golden staircase that led up to the second floor. At the top of the stairs was a large painting of a red-haired man with a teasing grin and a challenge in his fierce, dark eyes. Aurora nearly paused and stood there, but she didn’t want to lose sight of Seonghwa in this mansion. Her eyes lingered on the painting with curiosity, and then she ran to catch up with Seonghwa’s pace.
As they entered the hallway, she noticed alabaster busts of the coven that lined each side of the hall. She immediately recognized Seonghwa’s likeness, and then San and Wooyoung. In total, she counted eight witches.
After passing through a high-arched doorway into the living room, Seonghwa spoke to her softly. “We need your help to break a curse. The leader of our coven, Hongjoong, he’s under a very powerful spell cast by a demon. It’s going to kill him soon if we don’t stop it.”
Finally the man slowed to a stop as the pair finally reached the kitchen. The grey-tiled floors and black countertops were a nice contrast from the stark white of the rest of the house. The cabinets were dark grey, the fridge and oven black to match the counters.
“How am I going to help?” Aurora asked. It was something she couldn’t wrap her head around. What could a powerful coven of witches do with some ordinary human? She didn’t understand why they had came to her specifically, or how they even found her in the first place.
“We aren’t sure either. We just know that it has to be you that breaks it. A human girl with the heart of a witch.” Seonghwa walked over to the fridge and pulled out mushrooms and scallions. He opened the drawer and pulled out a knife, laying it down on the counter.
“The heart of a witch,” Aurora repeated. “Is that why I’m obsessed with Harry Potter?”
Seonghwa smiled. “It’s why you feel drawn to magic and witches, and seek out anything supernatural. Your heart craves the power and the mystery, even if it’s dangerous.” He set a pot of water on the stove to boil and then returned to the counter to chop the vegetables. Aurora felt as if she were witnessing something magical right now- an attractive man making her a meal.
“Can I help?” Aurora asked him. She felt useless standing there, watching him chop onions. Although it was thoroughly entertaining, and she did love watching cooking shows.
“You can mix the sauce together. I’m making japchae,” Seonghwa said. “It just needs soy sauce and sesame oil.”
Aurora set to work pouring out the ingredients, listening to his careful instructions. They worked quietly for a while, moving around the kitchen together and settling into comfortable silence. Seonghwa strained the noodles and put them in a bowl of cold water.
He walked over the fridge once again, pulling out a cartoon of eggs. “You’re fine eating these, right?”
“Yeah, I can have seafood and eggs,” Aurora answered. Then she paused, looking at him. “Did I tell you I was pescatarian?”
Seonghwa cracked the eggs and opened them in the frying pan, his back facing her. “No. I already knew.” He didn’t seem like he wanted to say anything more about it.
When the food was finished, Seonghwa led her to the dining room and set the food down on the table. “I should have some side dishes in here, give me a second.”
She sat down at the long, empty table, staring at the glass chandelier hanging above her head. The walls of the dining room were the color of wine, the first burst of color she had seen in this house aside from the portrait of that man.
Aurora couldn’t stop thinking about him. It had to be Hongjoong, the leader of the coven. The person she was here to save. But she wasn’t sure that she could do much to help him. She didn’t know where to begin with breaking a curse.
Seonghwa returned with a container of kimchi and another one full of a spinach side dish. He set them down carefully, and then handed her a plate to eat with. He sat down across from her. “Let’s eat. God, I’m starving.”
Aurora didn’t argue. She dug in, piling kimchi and glass noodles on her plate. She had humming when she ate, and she did so absent-mindedly, not noticing the fond smile on Seonghwa’s face as he looked at her. The food was delicious, and she was too hungry to pay attention.
“So how did Hongjoong get cursed by a demon?” She asked between bites of spinach. Aurora reached for the pitcher of water, but Seonghwa beat her to it, filling her cup for her.
“It’s a long story. He did it for us. The entire coven was under a curse, and he sacrificed himself to break it. The demon lifted the curse on us, but he was angry at Hongjoong and decided to punish him. Hongjoong tried to trick the demon into falling in love with him, and in turn the demon decided he would die in the skin of an old woman.”
Aurora stopped eating. “An old woman? Hongjoong is stuck in the body of an old woman?”
Seonghwa quirked his brow at her tone of voice, nodding. “Well, technically it’s just a skin. But the demon bound him to it, and the flesh of the elderly woman is aging rapidly. He’s going to die soon.” His eyes were dark and empty, fist clenched on the table. Aurora stared at his hands, wanting to cover them with her own. She felt it was inappropriate, since they had just met and all, so she restrained herself.
Aurora had been dreaming of Hongjoong for quite some time now. Every night for months, she would dream that she was on death’s door. She could feel the despair in her soul, the utter helplessness. The frustration of not being able to move the way she used to, being denied the freedom of walking around without her bones aching, having to stay in bed all day because she was weak and frail. She locked herself in that dark room, refusing to open the curtains and let in the sun that would further age her skin.
That was the life Hongjoong was living. She only felt small increments of it when she closed her eyes to sleep. But that was how he felt every day.
“Can I meet him?” Aurora asked.
Seonghwa nodded. “Of course.” He took a large bite of japchae. “I just need to eat first. It’s been a hectic day.”
“Oh yeah, take your time,” she said. Aurora wondered what else had happened before she arrived to make him say something like that, but the man looked like he would cry if he was further distracted from his meal, so she didn’t dare to ask. She focused on eating, mind wandering to the poor soul wasting away in a dark room.
…
As they walked up the grand staircase, she felt like Hongjoong was looking down at her and smiling. She wondered how long it had been since he last smiled.
Seonghwa led her down a hallway with framed pictures of their coven on the wall. In the pictures, they were posing in front of a large ship, smiling together. A few of the pictures looked like awkward school photos. She saw one of Seonghwa and Hongjoong together. Hongjoong was threatening to bite the top of Seonghwa’s head, but the man just smiled endearingly.
“We’re here,” Seonghwa said. He stood in front of a door at the end of the hallway, hesitating for a second before twisting the knob. “Hongjoong?”
The room was as dark as she dreamt, the only light coming in from the hallway they were standing in. She could just make out the shape of the canopy bed frame and its drawn curtains. Seonghwa walked into the room, but Aurora lingered near the doorway.
“Hongjoong,” Seonghwa called softly. He pulled back the curtain and looked down at the figure in the bed, burrowed deep under the covers. A wrinkled hand made its way out of the giant lump of fabric, and Seonghwa took it in both of his. He knelt down next to the bed, bringing the hand to his lips. “I’m here.”
“Seonghwa.” The voice was faint and raspy, but still there. Aurora could hear it. She walked into the room when she heard him, standing behind Seonghwa.
“I brought someone with me. She came to help you.”
Seonghwa looked back at her and motioned her forward. She inched closer to the bed, looking down at the large outline of Hongjoong through the sheets. “Hi, Hongjoong. I’m Aurora.”
“What is she doing here?” The harshness in his tone made her flinch, and she took a step back.
“I told you. She came to help you,” Seonghwa repeated. He didn’t raise his voice to match Hongjoong’s aggression, but he wasn’t pleased with his attitude either. “You know we’ll do anything to help you.”
“It’s not going to work,” Hongjoong said. “It doesn’t matter who you bring.”
“Azazel said that a human could-”
“That demon is a masterful liar. His words mean nothing.”
Seonghwa sighed. “It’s the only lead we have. He put the curse on you, so he must have some idea of how to break it. What else are we supposed to do?”
“Accept that I’m going to die. Become the next leader and move on,” Hongjoong demanded. His voice was dead, devoid of all excitement and hope. Aurora was certain that he hadn’t smiled since he was cursed. Not once.
Seonghwa dropped his head onto their interlocked fingers. “How could you even say something like that to me? You think that I can forget about you? That I can take your place?” He looked up with glistening eyes and a sad smile. “I would never dream of it. If you die, then this coven dies with you. Keep that in mind.”
Hongjoong was silent. Seonghwa kissed Hongjoong’s hand again and rose to his feet. He released his fingers slowly, reluctantly. Hongjoong’s hand dropped to the bed when he let it go, listless.
Aurora wanted to see his face before she left.
Seonghwa walked away from the bed and towards the light of the hallway. Aurora lingered, staring down at Hongjoong’s hand. She knew that he wasn’t exactly fond of her. That she was probably going to be a disappointment to him, a form of false hope. But still, she wanted to try her best.
Aurora took his hand in hers firmly. Hongjoong didn’t say anything. She reached down and laid a hand on what she assumed was his shoulder. She leaned down and whispered a promise to him. “I’m going to make you smile again.”
Satisfied, she stood up and loosened her hold on his fingers. But he held on to her. She sucked in a surprised breath.
Hongjoong moved from under the covers, his head of grey hair peeking out first, and then his wrinkled face. Aurora stared down at his crooked nose, lifeless eyes and deep frown. His skin was so pale that it looked grey.
He looked directly at her for the first time. The dismissive once-over he gave her felt like a slap in the face. “Just leave. Go home and forget about this place. This is a waste of time.”
Aurora shook her head. She rubbed his shoulder, and he just frowned down at her hand silently. She removed it after a moment, her palm tingling. “Saving you is not a waste of time.”
Their hands were still intertwined. She wanted to pull him out of this dark den and into the light, make him breath in the air outside and feel the spark of life again. But from his attitude alone, she could tell that would not be an easy task.
He had already given up. The others were desperately trying to save his life, even going so far as to bring a human here and share all their secrets. But Hongjoong wasn’t interested in living. Aurora could see that now.
“So you want to die then?” Aurora asked in a low, tight voice.
He didn’t answer at first, simply processing the barely concealed anger in her tone. His face said it all. Who are you to judge me? What do you know about me? You’re just a human. It was almost like she could hear him saying it.
Hongjoong let go of her hand, turning on his side. She bit her lip at withdrawal. “I’ve accepted my fate already. There’s no point in trying anymore.”
She stared at his frail back with determination. The old woman looked tiny, shoulders hunched from the weight of despair. But beneath that, Aurora knew there was a witch that had been brave enough to face a demon on his own. Brave enough to risk his life for his entire coven and pay the consequences. Beneath that wrinkly skin was the type of badass witch she had always dreamed about. She knew he was in there.
“We’ll see about that,” Aurora quipped. She left the curtain to Hongjoong’s bed open, pushing it over further so that he could get some fresh air. He would suffocate under all these sheets, in this dark, stuffy room. She was suddenly sure that if anything was keeping him sick, it was his pessimistic nature.
Aurora turned to face Seonghwa, who was looking at them with a pleased smile. He was happy to see someone that had no problem arguing with the stubborn old witch. Aurora was never one to turn down a challenge, especially if the reward was good enough.
She walked over to the door, shaking her head at Seonghwa. With a voice she made sure Hongjoong could hear, she complained: “Honestly, what a drama queen.”
Seonghwa laughed, surprised. She could hear Hongjoong cursing under the covers, probably calling her several rude names. Aurora didn’t really care, because she was about to become the witch’s salvation and worst nightmare. He wasn’t going to mope around on her watch.
She shuffled out into the hallway without looking back. Seonghwa closed the door slowly, his eyes lingering on the coven leader, who had gone still again. His stomach twisted in knots, but he still did as his love requested, leaving him alone with the dark again.
x~talking animals is weird for everyone, but talking animals for you is just the norm. and of course everyone calls you crazy, except for wooyoung who thinks yea she’s weird but kind of cool….
or in which wooyoung takes a liking to the social outcast of Aurora Heights
This was requested by anon so I hope they like it! :)
Hongjoong
You and Hongjoong were having a movie night at your place. The two of you were being all snuggly on the couch when your phone started ringing, which startled you both.
“Wah, put it on silent, y/n!” Hongjoon said clutching his chest. “Almost gave me a heart attack.”
You told him to hush as you answered your phone. “Hi mom~ how are you? Oh I’m fine, I’m just watching movies with a friend! I’ll call you later, okay? I love you too.”
You hung up your phone and were ready to snuggle back into Hongjoong’s arms, but when you turned back to him he had his arms cross and a frown on his face.
“What’s wrong?” You asked confused.
“”A friend”?” He asked clearly upset. “I thought I was your boyfriend. But I guess not.”
“Ah, baby, no. Let me explain.” You said quickly. “My mom is very protective and even though I’m an adult.. she would chew my ear off if she knew I was with my boyfriend late at night.”
Hongjoong continued to pout and looked away from you.
“Baby please, don’t be like that.” You said wrapping your arms around him and planting kisses all over his face. “I love you so much. I’m just scared of my mom.”
He burst into giggles hearing you say that. “Okay okay. I forgive. I’m sometimes scared of my mom too.” He opened his arms and hugged you. “And I love you too.”
You both went back to enjoying your movie night.
Seonghwa
Note: E/n- ex’s name
You and Seonghwa decided to grab some Starbucks before walking around the mall. You both had some errands that needed to be done there and the two of you often did this together. The two of you were holding hands in a middle of a conversation when your phone rang.
“So I told Wooyoung that he better clean it up now or -“
“Sorry babe, hold on I’m getting a call.” You answered your phone. “Hello..? Oh.. how did you get my number?… My mom.. what for?… Not that it’s any of your business e/n but I am out with a friend right now and I-“
Seongwha grabbed the phone from you absolutely upset that not only your ex boyfriend had called you, but that you also referred to him as “friend”
“Hi, this is y/n’s BOYFRIEND and I am going kindly ask you to NEVER contact her again. Or else you and I are going to have a problem? Got it?” And without waiting for a response he hung up.
You knew you had messed up by the tone in Seongwha’s voice. You could tell how hurt he was.
“Seongwha, love, I-I’m sorry..” you trailed off not sure what to say.
Seongwha grabbed you hand and held it tightly while looking into your eyes. “Y/n, please tell me the truth. Do you have feelings for your ex?”
“What? Of course no!” You exclaimed, shocked he would even ask that. “I love you and only you!”
“Then why did you call me your “friend” and not boyfriend?” He asked with teary eyes.
“Omg baby, I’m sorry I made you feel like that. I’m the one who broke up with him and he took it really hard. His family is very close with mine and I just didn’t want to hurt him again.. I’m sorry that I chose his feelings over yours.” You said stroking his check. “I am so incredibly lucky to have you has my boyfriend. Plus you were so cool earlier when you told him off.”
Seongwha gave you a shy smile. “R-really? Well, since you were just trying to avoid hurting someone’s feelings I will forgive you. However, to make up for it..” He whispered into your ear what he wanted. You started blushing furiously and just nodded, you wanted to make things right, and you loved your boyfriend so much.
“Good girl.” He said kissing your cheek. “Let’s head home, shall we?”
Yunho
You were FaceTiming with your parent’s and didn’t hear your boyfriend, Yunho come home. He came up behind you and wrapped his arms around you.
“Hey ba-“
“Y/n! Do you have a boyfriend?” You dad asked.
“Do you guys live together!?” Your mother said shocked. “We allowed you to study overseas to get a good education! Not to date boys!”
“Ahh! Nono, he’s just a friend. He’s here to study with me! But he’s a hugger just like me!” You said quickly to your parents.
“‘Just a friend?’” Yunho said dejectedly.
You looked at him with pleading eyes to go along with you.
“Ah, yeah. Y/n and I are just friends. Here to study for our upcoming tests.” Yunho said sadly.
It took a little more to convince your parents that Yunho wasn’t your boyfriend and you soon were able to hangout so you could “study.”
“That was a close one.” You muttered to yourself. “Right, Yunho?.. Yunho?”
You turned and saw your big baby of a boyfriend sitting on the couch sulking. You got up and wrapped your arms around him.
“Baby, what’s wrong?”
“Why did you have to lie to your parents? I really wanted to meet them as your boyfriend.. not “friend.””
“I’m sorry! If they knew I had a boyfriend.. they would find a way to get me to come home. And that I could no longer be with you!” You started placing kisses in his cheeks. “Do you want me to go away?”
“No! Of course not!” He said turning around and pulling you onto the couch. “I would be heartbroken.”
He started tickling you as punishment for hurting his feelings though. He then kisses your forehead. “I’ll pretend to be your friend for now.. but if we get caught again.. no promises.”
“Okay,” you said smiling. You did want your parents to know you were dating such a wonderful man and they had nothing to worry about.
Yeosang
You and Yeosang were hanging out in your room, cuddling while watching TV, and after a while Yeosang was wanting more attention. He started kissing your neck and jaw, and it would have lead to a make-out session but you got a phone call.
“Hello? Oh hi boss, how are you?” As you were trying to hear what your boss was trying to tell you, Yeosang whined beside you to hang up.
“Hm, what was that? A boyfriend? No of course! I-I just have a friend over right now and she’s just a bit needy. Had a breakup.. aha y-yeah I remember you saying all men a scum.. oh okay you need me in early tomorrow? Yeah I can do that. Okay bye.” You said sighing as you threw your phone.
“I’m sorry, y/n, but was that your way of saying you want to break up with me?” Yeosang asked hurt.
“What are you talking about?” You asked confused. “Of course not! Why would I break up with you?”
“Well why did you tell your boss your dealing with a “friend” who is going through a breakup?” He asked pouting and letting you go to cross his arms over his chest.
“Baby, my boss is an older woman who really hates men. If any woman in the office gets a boyfriend.. then she takes out all her anger on them.” You explained. “I don’t want her to make my life a living hell at work.”
“What, really!? You actually work for a woman like that?” Yeosang asked surprised. “You should quit!”
“I can’t do that! I need this job until I can find a better one. So please, bare with this until then. You’re still my boyfriend and I still love you.” You pleaded. “Just can’t tell my boss.”
“Okay. But once you get a new job you better tell everyone you’re taken and have the best boyfriend in the whole world.” He said pulling you back into his arms.
“I promise.” You giggled.
You smiled at you before continuing where you guys left off before the phone call had rudely interrupted.
San
You and your best friend San were hanging out at the arcade together like usual. You were watching him play the claw machine, he was attempting to win you a pink teddy bear that you said was really cute, and he was determine to win it for you.
You got a phone call and saw that it was your grandma so you answered it immediately.
“Hi grandma! How are you?.. yeah I’m good! I’m just with San. Yeah, you remember San, my friend? Yeah.. boyfriend? Aha no… oh? Blind date? I-I don’t know about that.. oh okay. Well alright I guess. Bye grandma.. love you.” You said and sighed as you ended the call. You leaned you head against the claw machine and closed your eyes. You didn’t want your grandma to set you up with anyone because there was only one boy you wanted and unfortunately he only saw you as a friend.
“So I have been demoted from best friend to friend, now?” San asked.
“What? Oh you heard that huh? Sorry, my grandma can’t remember a lot besides that I don’t have a boyfriend.” You laughed bitterly.
“Do you want one?” San asked. “A boyfriend.”
You jumped back startled from his question. “Wha- well I would. But I don’t think it will happen.”
“Well think again.” He said smiling as he handed you the pink bear he had managed to win you. “I would like to promote you from my best friend to my girlfriend.”
You jumped back again surprised by San’s confession. “What? You like me!?”
“Yeah dummy. Thought it was obvious. I knew you liked me. I was just waiting for the right time to ask you out.” He said nonchalantly. “So, will you accept your promotion?”
“Y-yes! Yes of course!” You said throwing you arms around San. “I would love to be your girlfriend.”
He hugged you back and smirked. “Good, now call grandma back and tell her no more blind dates because you’re taken.”
Mingi
You, your boyfriend and the members of Ateez decided to spend the day at an amusement park. The 9 of you had been running around crazy all day, riding rides, screaming, and chickening out for certain rides. You all decided to take a break and get some food.
“Babe, you sit down and I’ll get us something to eat.” Mingi said kissing you cheek before going off to stand in line.
You sat down at a table waiting for Mingi to return. The others had found tables away from you two, to allow a little alone time. After a little bit you received a phone call from one of the kids you tutored English to. As you were speaking to her on the phone you heard Mingi calling you.
“Noona! Noona! Where are you?” You spotted your giant boyfriend easily and waved him down.
“Over here, Mingi!” You called.
“Ah Noona, there you are.” He said coming to you. “Oh you’re on the phone.” He notes as he sat down.
“Oh what was that, sorry? My brother? Aha, oh no he’s not my brother but my friend. Yeah that’s right! Okay, I’ll see you on Tuesday for our lesson!” You said ending the call and putting your phone away.
“Did I do something wrong?” Mingi asked quietly.
“What? No of course not! Why would you think that?” You asked.
“Because you told the person on the phone that I was your “friend” and not boyfriend.” He pouted.
“Oh! Baby no. I’m sorry.” You said grabbing both his hands with yours. “It was one of my younger students just asking me a question. I just didn’t want to tell her too much personal information about myself.”
“Really?” Mingi said giving you those eyes () that melted and broke your heart every time.
“Of course! I love you so much and want everyone to know your my boyfriend.” You said reaching out to caress his cheek. “You make me incredibly happy and I would be heartbroken if we weren’t together.”
He gave you that gummy smile of his while slightly blushing. “I love you too. And I feel the same way.”
Mingi was extra clingy to you for the rest of the day, determined to let everyone in the park know you two were dating.
Wooyoung
You were at the dance studio watching your boyfriend practice for his upcoming stage performance. He liked when you came and kept him company. He always asked you to watch him so you could help him determine which parts need more work than others. Plus he enjoyed teasing you from time to time. Wooyoung just finished practicing when you got a phone call from your best friend, who was a huge fan of Ateez, and didn’t know you were friends with them, let alone that you were dating Wooyoung.
“Hey, y/f/n, what’s up?”
“Y/nnnnnnn are you ignoring me already?” Wooyoung whined when he saw you on the phone.
“Eh, what was that? Wooyoung? No of course not! No I don’t have a boyfriend! It’s just one of my friends from work! Yeah! Okay, I’ll talk to you later.” You pressed end and laid on the floor, your heart racing from the anxiety you had just experienced.
“Ya, y/n! Why am I your ‘friend’ all of sudden? Hmm? Am I not good enough to be your boyfriend?” Wooyoung asked laying down on you. “Explain yourself. Before I go to Seongwha and tell him how you are mistreating his baby.”
You burst onto giggles hearing. “You give Seongwha so much stress.. I don’t think you’re HIS baby.. maybe San’s and most definitely mine.” You said stroking his hair.
“It was my best friend, the one who loves you guys more than anything. She heard your voice and was getting suspicious. You know she can’t know or else all hell would break lose.”
“Oh is that what happened?” He said. “Ah okay, baby I get it. I’m still your boyfriend and your baby?”
“Of course, my sweet angel.” You said kissing his nose. “Forever and always.”
Woo started giggling while he placed kisses all over your face. “You know it’s kind of hot having to keep this a secret from people, huh?”
“Ugh, Woo shush.” You said said pushing his shoulder.
“Nope. I want you baby, come here.” He said before kissing your lips. “Let’s go home.. unless you wanna stay here?”
“Omg! No let’s go home then!” You said getting out from under him and leaving the room.
“Wait for me baby!” Wooyoung called chasing after you.
Jongho
You and Jongho were hanging out in his room watching videos on his phone. You were resting your head on his chest and he had his one arm around you. He was usually quite shy when you two were around other people, but when it was just the two of you, he seemed to relax a bit more. As you two were watching a video you saw you noticed you missed a phone call from your mom.
“Oh Jongho, can you pause for a second? I need to call my mom back.”
“Sure thing babe.”
“Hi mom! Sorry I missed your call. What’s up?”
“The doctor just called and said you started taking birth control!! Why? Are you doing things you shouldn’t be!?” Your mom said so loud that even Jongho could hear her.
“Birth control?” Jongho asked surprised.
“Who was that!? Are you with a boy? Are you doing sinful things!?” Your mom yelled.
“No no mom! Of course not mom! It’s just my friend, a girl, not a boy! Please don’t say she sounds like a boy.. she’s self conscious about her voice.” You reassured your mom that you were good, innocent, and pure daughter, who would never think of such thoughts- after years of lying you could get her to believe anything.
“Ughhh I shouldn’t have called her.” You said. “I’m sorry you had to what that.”
“I-I understand why you had to call me “friend” but it kind of hurt.” Jongho said quietly while he had pouty lips.
“Ohhh my sweet baby I am so sorry about that. If I could tell my mom I had such a loving, caring and handsome boyfriend such as yourself I would.” You leaned up and kissed his pouty lips.
He smiled shyly at you. “Well, as long as you know I’m your boyfriend than I don’t care too much. Especially because your mom is…”
“Crazy? Yeah I agree.” You said giggling. “I’ll let her know I have a boyfriend soon. Just gotta wait to find the best time to break her heart.”
You snuggled back into his arms and continued watching videos together.
You were at the studio with Hongjoong, like you tended to do whenever you had free time, watching him work on a new masterpiece. You rested you head on your hand while you watched him work, you liked the serious expression he had while he worked, you thought it was endearing.
Suddenly Hongjoong turned to you, face slightly flushed.
“Y/n, can you stop staring at me like that?”
“Like what?” You asked surprised since you always watched him work like that.
“Uh.. like so intently? You’re making me nervous.”
“Nervous? But I always stare at you like this while you work. You look so handsome while you do so, that I just can’t help myself.”
“H-handsome? Aish, Y/n that makes me more nervous..”
“Eh? How come?” You asked getting closer to his reddening face. “How come I’m making you nervous all of a sudden?”
“It’s not all of a sudden..” he muttered not daring to look at you. “You looking at me like that makes me think… things and it’s not good for my heart either.”
“What kind of things?” You asked poking his heated cheek.
“I-Uh nothing. Can we please forget about this? I have work to do” Hongjoong put his headphones on and turned back to his laptop, hoping you would ignore the conversation.
Of course you were very curious on what was going on inside his mind and weren’t going to forget this conversation.
You took his headphones off and spun his chair to face you. You held onto the armrests to ensure he couldn’t turn away and ignore.
“Kim Hongjoong, tell me why you’re acting so strange? Are you sick?” You asked seeing his face turn red again. “Seriously, your face looks like it’s burning!”
“Ahh it’s because of you putting your attention on me! So just let go of the chair so I can work. I seriously need to finish this.” He said not looking you in the eyes and fidgeting with the sleeves of his hoodie.
You just smirked to yourself. You knew exactly why he was nervous and the thoughts he was having- you weren’t dumb. You just wanted to tease him a bit because he was just too cute when he was flustered.
You leaned towards his face. You saw his eyes go wide and his face turn a brighter shade of red. “You know,” you said smiling “that you make me nervous too.”
His eyes shot up to meet yours. “Wh-what?”
“You make me nervous too. You make my heart race. I have certain thoughts as well. I’m just better at hiding it than you” You giggled as you booped him on the nose.
“Wait-are you confessing to me right now?” Hongjoong asked bewildered, yet hopeful.
You let out a soft and sweet laugh. “Yes, silly, I am. I like you, Hongjoong, a lot. I wouldn’t spend all my free time with you here, if I didn’t.”
He ran his hand through his hair processing everything you just said and then showed you a shy smile. “I’m happy to hear that.. since I like you too. I was worried you didn’t feel the same way.. that’s why I would be super nervous whenever you watched me work. Nearly had a heart attack countless times”
You giggled as Hongjoong put a hand to his chest and pretended to go limp. “I’m sorry, but you’re too cute when you’re flustered.” You leaned in and gave him a kiss on the check. “Please accept that as an apology.”
Hongjoong smiled at you and shook his head. “I’m sorry that is not good enough. I require something a bit more.”
He cupped your face in his hands and gave you a tender and sweet kiss. You both smiled into the kiss and then looked into each other’s eyes.
“Wow,” Hongjoong whispered. “Okay now I really have to do some work.”
You started laughing. “Wow, way to ruin the mood.”
He kissed you softly once more. “Sorry sorry, but I reeeeeally need to focus. But you can watch me as intently as you want now.”
And that’s exactly what you did. You watched Hongjoong work for the rest of the night, with a small smile on his lips the whole time, while he felt your loving stare the whole time.
He arrived to your shared apartment after a long day of work and wanted nothing more than to cuddle with you and relax. But when he entered the apartment he found you dancing around the living room while watching Wonho’s new song “Open Mind” on the TV. You finally noticed him as the song was ending and paused the video.
“Hi baby! How was your day?” You asked excitedly.
“Tiring. How about yours?” He asked while embracing you.
“It was so good! I have been streaming Wonho’s song all day! He’s so talented and handsome! Don’t you think?” You asked happily. “I love how sensual he can when performing but then he’s just a big baby in real life!”
He knew you loved him, but he was very jealous hearing you fan girl over an idol that wasn’t him.
“Ahhh, I wish I could marry him!” You said sighing sweetly.
“What about me?” Hongjoong pouted. “You don’t want to marry me?”
You looked at him shocked. “What? Who said I don’t wanna marry you? You’re my loving boyfriend. I would be blessed if I married you.”
“Well, you sure aren’t acting that way.” He said crossing his arms over his chest.
You giggled and rolled yours eyes. “Baby, I love you. You’re my boyfriend. Wonho is an idol, yes I love him, but not like I love you.” You kissed his cheek.
“You better love me more than him.”
You laughed. “Of course I love my jealous boyfriend more than.”
“Good.” He said laughing before kissing you tenderly. “You ever try and leave me for Wonho and I’ll quit being an idol and go live under a bridge.”
“Okay Mr. dramatic, I would never leave you for anyone else. I love you too much.”
He was satisfied, but he still felt jealous anytime you talked about Wonho after.
Seonghwa:
You were watching Taemin’s stage performance for Criminal and didn’t realize Seonghwa had entered your bedroom. You were watching the video intently and you started squealing when Taemin was dancing while his hands were tied.
“Waaaah~ Taemin you’re so cool!!” You squealed. “Ahh the only man for me!”
“Then what am I?” Seonghwa said while giving you a disgusted face.
“My boyfriend of course.” You said without looking at him. “Come watch Taemin with me. Gosh, this man is so talented isn’t he? His concepts are so good! And he’s so handsome and his voice is just… ahhh!”
Seonghwa sat next to you and watched Taemin. He did like him, but he glared at the video the entire time, not liking that you were acting like this towards Taemin and not him; your boyfriend.
“Uuuuu Taemin-ah, I love you!” You said closing your eyes while resting your hand on your heart. “I could die happily if I met you.”
“Do you love me or Taemin more?” Seonghwa asked pouting.
You looked at him confused. “What? Of course you.”
“You’re paying more attention to Taemin.. so I don’t know about that.”
“Haha, babe, I love Taemin, but he’s just one of my idols. You’re my boyfriend, so no one could ever come before you.” You said caressing his cheek. “You’re my one and only.”
He smiled and put his hand over yours. “Sorry, I was just feeling jealous. But I’m happy to hear that.”
“I love you, Seonghwa and I always will.”
“Me too. I love you, y/n.” He leaned towards you and gave you a sweet kiss.
Yunho:
You had been ignoring Yunho all day, you didn’t do it intentionally, but you were busy streaming Stray Kids new single, Back Door. You were either internally watching it and fangirling over everyone or you were dancing and trying to learn the choreography.
“Oh my God! Yunho, look, isn’t Seungmin just the cutest thing ever?” You cried. “He looks so good here!! And his vocals! Yes king, get it!”
You even got your light stick out and started waving it around while praising the members.
Yunho was happy to see you having fun, but he was low key jealous. Since he knew the members of stray kids, he was worried you might meet them and actually leave him for Seungmin, if you had the chance.
“Y/n, would you rather date me or Seungmin?” Yunho asked letting these thoughts get to him.
You stopped dancing and turned around to face him slowly. “Aha, what?”
“Me or Seungmin.. who would you rather date?” He asked quietly.
“I’m already dating you.. and I don’t want to date any who isn’t you.” You said going over to sit next to him on the couch. “Why would you ask me that?”
“You seemed like you like Seungmin more..”
You laughed and squished his cheeks. “Silly, I like you the most. I do have a soft spot for Seungmin, but that’s because he’s like a puppy and it melts me heart.” You smiled at him. “But you’re my favourite puppy.”
You smiled warmly at you and looked away shyly. “Aha, really? That makes me happy,”
You kissed him lovingly. “I will always choose you, so don’t feel jealous, okay?”
He nodded and then the two of you enjoyed jamming out to Back Door together.
Yeosang:
You were watching Yuta’s Kick It fancams in the living room. You were admiring his dance moves as well as his facial expressions.
“My God, he could kick me any day,” you said quietly to yourself.
“What?” Yeosang said looking at you with such a judgmental face.
“Oh. You heard that?” You asked laughing.
“Why does my girlfriend wish to be kicked by another man?”
“Because he so hot.” You said shrugging and going back to the video.
“Should I kick you then?” Yeosang said nudging your side with his foot.
“Yah, stop that.” You said pushing his leg away.
“Why? I thought you wanted hot guys to kick you.” He said doing it again.
“Baaaabe, stop it.” You whined. “You are hot, but I don’t actually wanna be kicked. It’s just something us fans say.”
“Oh, but you think I’m hotter? Or Yuta?”
“You of course.” You said turning off the video and smiling at him. “You’re my super hot boyfriend that I am so lucky to have.”
“Oho, you deserve a reward for picking the right answer.” He said crawling over to you. He hovered over you and started to kiss you slowly and sweetly. But it soon turned steamy with the kisses making you forget all about Yuta, just like Yeosang planned.
San:
San walked into the living room and saw you staring at your phone, you smile getting bigger as you stared at whatever you were. He was curious what could make you smile like that and it had better be him. He walked behind you and saw you watching a Yeonjun cute moments compilation on YouTube. He frowned when he saw that you were giving your attention to another boy; was he not good enough.
He wrapped his arms around your shoulders, which startled you, causing you to drop your phone.
“Ah! Oh, San it’s you.” You said clutching your chest. “Almost gave me heart attack there.”
“Y/n, do you not love me anymore?”
“What are you talking about?” You said looking at him confused.
“First you’re watching videos of Yeonjun and not me. Then you go and call me by my name and not baby.” He pouted.
“Wha-? Of course I love you, baby. I was watching Yeonjun videos because their comeback is coming soon. Just getting hyped for it.” You said caressing his cheek. “I watch your videos all the time. Especially when you’re busy and can’t be with me as often.”
“So you love me the most, right?” He said hugging you tighter.
“Of course! You’re number one in my heart. Honestly, no one even comes close.” You boasted.
“I thought so. I mean look at me; I’m the complete package.” He said as he crawled over the back of the couch to sit next to you. He placed an arm around you and pulled you close. “I’ll have to tell Yeonjun next time I see him to back off.”
“Yeonjun doesn’t even know me!” You said laughing.
“I’m not taking any chances.” He said making a mental note to never ever let you meet Yeonjun. “You’re going to have the last name Choi some day and it will be because of me and not him.”
You were lost for words after hearing him say that but then you started laughing. “You’re the only Choi for me.”
Mingi:
You had been having a bad week and whenever you were feeling low like that, you would listen to music to ignore the world, more specifically you would listen to Agust D. You just liked how raw Yoongi’s emotions were on his mixtape and the lyrics always resonated with you.
“Ugh, I can’t believe a man like Min Yoongi exists.” You said to yourself not realizing Mingi had walked into the bedroom. “No one does it like him.”
“No one..?” Mingi asked. You opened your eyes to see him giving you the “” eyes. You nearly started sobbing because he was so cute when he did that and it also hurt your heart when he did that; you never meant to hurt his feelings.
“You like Yoongi’s raps more than mine?” Mingi asked pouting. “You think he’s more talented than me?”
“Whaaaa! No, baby! That’s not what I meant!” You said rushing over to him and hugging him. “Yes I like Yoongi’s rapping and I think he’s talented, but so are you!! Like you’re crazy talented! Extremely talented! The first time I heard you rap I was instantly in love with you; no lie.”
“Really? I had that power over you?” He asked smiling as he embraced. “So you would choose me over Yoongi if you have the choice between the two of us?”
“Of course, baby. I would choose you in a heartbeat. No thinking necessary. You have my heart.” You said looking up at him. “I am extremely proud of you. You are so so talented and I wake up every day wondering how I managed to get a boyfriend like you.”
He blushed at your words. “No, I’m the one who should be wondering how I got so lucky to have someone like you.” He bent down to kiss you. “I’m glad to know I’m your favourite rapper.. I better be your favourite rapper after what you said.”
You started laughing. “Of course you are! Yoongi used to be my favourite rapper but then you came into my life and took over that spot.”
“Good.” He said smiling happily before spinning you around. “I’m y/n’s favourite, you got that Min Yoongi!”
Wooyoung:
You and Wooyoung were relaxing in bed together, both of you preoccupied on your phones, but enjoying each other’s presence.
“Oh my god,” You whispered. “You are the most adorable and precious angel on this earth.”
“Thanks I know I am.” Wooyoung said.
“Not you,” you said rolling your eyes and showing him what you were looking at. “I’m talking about the precious angel, Liu YangYang! Look at him! So cute! So adorable! I think I am in love.”
“Ya! How could you say that right in front of me? Your boyfriend!” Wooyoung pouted as he grabbed your phone from you. He looked at YangYang for a moment before placing your phone down.
“Okay I will admit he’s cute.”
“The cutest.” You said teasing him.
“Yeah, sure whatever. He may be cute, but you know who else is cute? Me.” He said. “And not only am I cute, but I am extremely sexy. No one can do cute and sexy like I can.”
He wrapped his arms around you pulling you closer. He smirked at you before he started to kiss your neck.
You blushed at his sudden actions. “I-I was just saying how cute YangYang was.. didn’t mean to make you jealous.”
“Well too late, babe. I’m about to show you how lucky you are to have me, Jung Wooyoung, as your boyfriend.” He said before he started to kiss you passionately.
You made a mental note to never fangirl about other idols in front of him.
Jongho:
“Oh. My. God.” You said suddenly while you and Jongho were eating dinner.
“Babe, it’s not polite to look at your phone when we’re having dinner together.”
“But, baby, I got a Twitter notification from Monsta X!” You said excitedly. “They’re gonna have a comeback soon!”
“What!? Seriously? When?” Jongho asked getting up to look at the tweet with you.
“I don’t know yet.. people are saying in a month or so though!” You said putting your phone down. “I cannot wait to see what they’ll release.. I can’t wait to hear Kiki’s vocals.. he’s so talented and so handsome!”
Jongho sat back down. “I couldn’t agree with you more! His vocals aren’t talked about enough.”
“Oh my god, I know right? He’s such an underrated member for some reason!”
“I need to tell Atiny to support Monsta X’s comeback with me.” Jongho mumbled to himself.
“You totally should babe. You’re the 4th gen’s best vocalist.. whoever you say is talented and worth a listen is definitely worth a listen.” You stated.
He smiled at you shyly. “Thank you.”
The rest of the night you and Jongho fangirled over Monsta X together.
The aforementioned boy tries standing up, looking at his mentor.
“If you want to protect them, you have to learn it!”
San punched him straight to his face, making a cut to his cheek. His face whips to the right. He touches his cheek, scoffing, and looks at San, whose eyes were drooping.
“Why are you always so mean to me, Hwa hyung? Is it because I’m dating your sibling?”
Seong Hwa looks at him and smirks, before he lands a punch to his cheek.
“I hate you so much,”Seong Hwa murmurs, but it dies out as San punches him to the gut, making him howl in pain, not before he punches San back. Both of them lie down, and all you could hear were loud breaths, none of them willing to surrender in the practise. Both of them get up, looking at each other in the eye. Hwa crawls towards his, as they both stand up together, Hwa’s hand tipping San’s head by the chin, assessing his wounds as they slowly stand on two feet. His hands slowly drags down his chest, till he points at one specific place, where his strongest muscle lay.
“
.”
San slowly opens his slightly swollen eyes, and looks at him confused. Seong Hwa simply smiles at him.
“You’re good. Really good. Yes, it was nerve wrecking when I saw you both kissing, but, you’re a good guy, San-ah. I wanted to win this, because it feels like I lost my star to you, my baby sibling.”
San looks at him and smiles, pulling him into a hug.
“You will never lose them, take my word. You’ll always have them. Just maybe, I love them a bit more in ways you caaaaaaan’t-”
“Do you want me to kill you now?”Hwa pinches his opponent’s waist, making him yelp in pain, making him snicker.
“I guess I deserved that,”San mumbles, making Hwa smile, as they beeline into the restroom to talk more and probably fight less.
“Whatcha laughing at?” Yun Ho asks his roomie, as his face shines under the lit up phone screen.
“She’s so goofy,”Min Gi mumbles to himself, as he sees and giggles at the videos he took of you before leaving for college.
“You’re so in love with her, dude,”Yun Ho snickers, making Min Gi roll his eyes at him.
“I’m not in love with her! What the heck, man!”
“See? First stage:denial.”
“Whatever,”Min Gi gives back to resuming the video he was seeing. He decides to text you.
Min:You up?
You☀️:Yeah
Min:Can I call you?
You☀️:Sure! Is everything okay? Have you settled in alright?
Min:It’s been a year already
You☀️:Sorry, it’s you
Min:I’ll pretend I didn’t read it.
So, can I call?
You☀️:Okie!
Your phone begins to ring, making you smile.
“Hey,”you hear his deep, husky voice, making you grin.
“Hey,”you say, feeling his sigh over the phone, “what’s up?”
“Why are you whispering?”he asks you.
“My family is fast asleep,”you say, “unlike you. Why are you whispering?”
“Because, Yun Ho is asleep,”he says, making you snicker, “unlike you.”
“So, what happened?”
“Can’t I call my best friend?”
“In the middle of the night? Girl problems?”
“Really? That’s your best guess?”
“…”
“…fine. Yeah,”he mumbles, making your ears perk up, “I like this girl, like a lot. And uh, I don’t know if she likes me or not.”
“Who is this girl?”
“The one I met at a frat party last time?”
“The brunette?”
“Yeah, I guess,”he whispers the last part, hoping you wouldn’t hear it.
“Okay,”you say, sounding a bit weirded. Was it really some other girl? And if so, you should have been happy, right?
“So, um, see,”you begin, hoping to cover up some of the disappointment in your voice, “try to talk to her more. Get to know each other more.”
“What if we’ve already done that?”
“Hey, you know no lady better than you know me!”you say, making him giggle.
“That’s true. Then what?”
“Uh, then ask her out.”
“You know, I miss you so much,”he says, making you curl under the blanket, cuddling with the warmth, missing Min Gi the same way when he used to sneak into your room after every bad break up.
“I miss you too, Min,”you whisper, and you swore that you could practically hear him smile over the call.
“You know how I used to record funny videos-”
“Of your girlfriend and stare at them? Yeah.”
“Well, I’ve deleted them all haha, it’s just, there is one more folder remaining.”
“Whose?”
“Yours.”
“When did you record me?!”
“Well, you’re too cute to be not recorded-also serves as a good blackmail content.”
“Creep.”
“Love you.”
“Not funny, Min,”you whine over the call, but internally, you couldn’t believe him. Why would he record you doing weird stuffs?
“Remember the time you slipped in mud?”
“You have that on video??”
“Actually, Woo took it-”
“That little bitch-”
“Well, yeah. That little bitch has caught me slipping right after you.”
“Really?!”you start snickering hard, making Min Gi laugh too.
Min Gi had these videos, that kept him going through the phase of missing you. He still does. He knew Yun Ho was right. He loves you. More romantically, than platonically.
“ , -”
“- . -”
“ . , ’ .”
The line was silent for a while.
“Min, are you sure?”
“As sure as coming back home an finally growing a pair to ask you out on a date and kiss you.”
“I’ll be waiting for that, Mr Song,”you said, grinning wide.
“Of course, love. Also, wear that pink dress you wore in your profile on Kakao. You look gorgeous.”
“Alright, sir. Anything else?”
“Keep calling me sir, and maybe I’ll show you something more-”
“Go to sleep, Min!”you shy, making him snicker, “I’ll wait for you tomorrow.”
“Yep. Tomorrow it is,”he says, “I love you.”
“I love you too, Min Gi. Good night.”
“Goodnight, love. Sleep well.”
You both hung up the phone, but you both knew that neither of you would be able to sleep that night.
You were waiting for him. So was he. Waiting to finally tell you that he loves you.
“I want to go to the park,”the kid looks outside the window, a crestfallen expression on his face.
“Baby, you’ve got cold,”his father chimes, pouting, unable to bar his baby being sad.
“Dude, you do know that he is almost recovered, right?”
“Gi, but he’s still recovering,”he says, as he sees his kid still staring outside the window, “what if he catches cold again?”
“Yun, you’ve been taking amazing care of him. He’s a kid. Kids tend to catch cold. We adults go through that same shit too,”he says, trying to lighten the mood, “you can make him wear a jacket and muffler, you know.”
Yun Ho looks at his best friend, as if he grew two heads.
“You’re brilliant, man!”he squeals, making Min Gi roll his eyes at him, smiling lightly. As a single parent, Yun Ho worked his ass off behind Yujin; he saw his kid grow up without a mother. His sister’s kid. He took up Yujin after his sister died, and since then, he never let anyone or anything harm his nephew. He zooms into his room and grabs his sweater and a muffler, and grabs Yujin’s jacket from his room. He walks back into the living room towards his nephew, whose cheeks were pushed up with a pout.
“Hey bud,”Yun Ho squats down, reaching Yujin’s height, grabbing his attention, “lets get you on the ground.”
Yujin’s face lights up, head bopping continuously, agreeing to all the unsaid terms and conditions. Yun Ho grins looking at the kid’s face, helping him into the chocolate brown jacket, wrapping his muffler around his neck.
“Won’t uncle Min Gi come with us?”Yujin asks, doe eyes looking up at his uncle.
“Nah bud, uncle Min Gi has a date to go,”he chimes, eyes dreamily seeing into the distance, “I’ll drop by evening. Sounds good?”
“Yes!”Yujin squeals, fist in the air. Both his uncles laugh at him, when he runs by the door, eagerly wearing his shoes.
“Lets go Appa!!!”
Yun Ho smiles at him. Dusting his knees, he gets up. He looks at Min Gi, who’s smiling widely at hm.
“I’m not sure why you doing that, but you look hella creepy, man,”he says, as Min Gi’s smile slowly fades, “don’t scare your date away.”
“Yah!”Min Gi yells, following Yun Ho’s raspy laughter.
______________________________________
“Did you bring Bambi?”Yujin asks, as Yun Ho holds his hands, walking down the park. Yun Ho smiles at him, taking out the brown bear with ochre yellow tee shirt. He jumps in excitement, taking the bear from his uncle, who gets his camera out from his pocket as well. Yujin rubs his nose on his jacket sleeve, that doesn’t go unnoticed by Yun Ho, who takes out a kerchief from his pockets and bends down, wiping the snot dripping down his nephew’s nose.
“Remember how I taught you to blow your nose in this, when it’s runny?”to which Yujin nods, taking the piece of cloth from his uncle’s hands and tucks it in the pocket of his jacket, smiling widely at him, and runs away.
“Don’t go too far!”Yun Ho screams, looking at his nephew running away, as he sits on a bench nearby. He looks around and sees the autumn leaves falling, the sunlight seeping through the cracks caused by the leaves in between the branches. Taking pose, he clicks a picture, satisfied with how it turned out. He looks around and decides to take more pictures. He looks around and sees Yujin playing with another kid, a girl with pigtails, wearing a similar brown jacket that his nephew was wearing, looking gleeful. He decides to capture the moment and smiles.
“Nice picture,”he hears a voice next to him. He turns around and sees you, wearing a beige coat, hair open, flowing in the direction of the wind. He kept staring at you like you were an alien.
“Um, you alright?”you snap your fingers in front of him, breaking him from the trance. He blinks his eyes twice and smiles at you, you smiling back, cheeks tinted primrose due to the cold, or was it-shy?
“Yeah, I’m alright,”he says, looking at the camera, “I’m sorry, you’re just really pretty,”he says, eyes widening with how direct he was. Your mouth opened and closed like a fish, gaping at his frankness, nevertheless smiling, looking down at your feet. He smiles at you and then looks over at Yujin, who was playing with the girl on the swing now. He sees Yujin finding something on the ground. He walks over to him with the camera in his hand.
“, ’ ?”
“,” .
“, , !”
Yujin looks over at him and smiles, cheeks puffed up. Yun Ho smiles at him and returns back to where you were sitting.
“Is that your kid?”you ask him, looking in the direction of he kids. He smiles at you.
“He is. What about you? Got any of your own?”
“The girl your kid is playing with, is mine,”you say, making him smile at you.
“Then, probably us meeting was destined,”he says with a cheeky smile, making you laugh.
“Whatever,”you say, rolling your eyes at him jokingly. He looks at his kid playing with pebbles, offering one or two to your girl. He gets up and decides to capture the moment. He clicks the picture and smiles. The girl comes to you and shows the pebble Yujin gives her.
“What’s your name baby?”Yun Ho asks her, as she leans into you, shy. She stares up at you, waiting for a sign. Seeing you nod at her, she smiles and goes towards Yun Ho.
“Sakura.”
“It’s such a pretty name, for a pretty lady,” he says, making her smile, as she looks down at her shoes. So, thats from you, huh? She looks at you and runs away, running with Yujin.
“If you don’t mind, where’s her dad?”
“Um, he isn’t in the picture,”you say, “she’s actually my cousin’s kid. They passed away in a car crash, leaving her to me. She’s like my baby. I’m her godmother,”you say, as he looks at you, amazed. Was this how destiny worked?
“Then, I’d like to share something too,”he says, making you look at him, “Yujin isn’t my son. He’s my little sister’s kid, who passed away while giving birth to him. I’m the god father. The father ran away, leaving my sister alone. So, I took him in. He’s like my own kid.”
Now, it was your turn to be amazed. He smiles at the surprised look on your face, making him smile.
“Wow,”that’s what you say, making him laugh, “that’s…wow.”
“I know,”he says, “seems like we were destined to meet after all.”
You look at him and smile, cheeks rosy-confirmed, shy. Yujin runs over to you, hand in hand with Sakura. You smile at them, noticing their fondness for each other.
“I’m hungry,” Yujin pouts, looking at Yun Ho.
“What does that little tummy demand today?” Yun Ho asks in a soldierly voice, making you giggle.
“Sushi!”Yujin squeals and runs around with Sakura. Yun Ho smiles at them and looks at you, when Yujin decides to demand something more.
“Can Sakura come with us? Pwease…?”as he looks up at him with nothing but hope in those big, doe eyes.
“I was about to ask you if we can take Sakura’s mom too,”he says, excitement behind those eyes, making you laugh. Yujin looks at you and then at his father, asking him to bend down at his level. He whispers something in his ear, making Yun Ho smile and nod his head in agreement.
“Lets’ go,”Yun Ho says, Yujin dragging Sakura towards his car.
“What did Yujin say earlier?”you ask in curiosity. Yun Ho smiles at you and leans closer to your ear. Brushing a few strands and tucking them behind your ear, he smiles.
“He said you’re pretty and I should ask you out for dinner sometimes,”he said, making you smile shyly.
“Was it your thought or Yujin’s?”
“A bit of both ours,”he says, “the former was our thoughts together, the latter one was more of mine.”
“I would love to do it, too,”you say, making him grin.
Maybe, both of your kids were matchmakers in disguise, or maybe it was destiny-we’ll never know.
.
.
.
Happy Children’s Day y’all Here’s my submission for the collab for @songmingisthighs
‘I did what I thought was the right thing to do. It was all me, my decision. I knew what I wanted, why I wanted, and there wasn’t any easier way to say this. Trust me, I knew; yet I did what was going to be the doom of me. The wrong. We’re so attracted towards the wrong things sometimes, that we really overlook what has been standing next to us the whole time, spectating the whole thing with teary eyes. Our conscience. ‘
San thought, as his eyes stared at the pool in front of him, waters glistening under the lights lit up around him.
Was he wrong to ask for something so forbidden?
Was it his fault for bearing feelings for someone who was so totally out of his reach, yet so reachable at the same time? Was bearing feelings for that certain someone so wrong, that he had to sacrifice so much? Was falling in love such a bad thing?
He kept wondering why he felt what he felt, when it wasn’t even his fault to begin with. Feelings are uncontrollable. They arise when you least expect them to. You don’t have a definitive hold over them, neither do you need to have any. After what was left behind was himself. He had to be there for himself.
‘I don’t need to feel bothered about it. I knew what I was asking for. I lived it, fell in love, got my heart broken by the only person I ever felt close to, physically and emotionally. I don’t regret anything; I really shouldn’t. What I can do is live it as a memory. Do I have any option anyways?’
He gets up, and stares at the setting sun casting a warm glow around him, on him. He smiled softy, although the eyes show what pain truly lie in them. He scoffs bitterly, checking his phone.
“Hello ATINY,”you hear your boyfriend of 1 year livestream on VLIVE, clad in strawberry printed Hoodie, hair dyed caramel brown, more than 2 million people already joining the Birthday LIVE. He decided to hold a VLIVE at 12 AM, so that you could spend the entire day with him. But right now, he looked super adorable in the hoodie, that you couldn’t wait to cuddle him in those. He had a white bear plushie, and he peeked cutely from behind it.
“Meet my new friend, Haru,”he says, making you smile, “Sanni-ah gave me Haru as a gift. Isn’t she cute?”
You giggle at how he named it Haru, after your little sister, who loved him so much. Although he’s simply staring at the screen at the millions of ATINies, your heart slams in your chest, as your gaze wander off to the same soft eyes he gives you as he stares and admires you every time you guys hang out. Your heart warmed seeing him so happy. Seong always loved talking to ATINY, and right now, he was busy blabbering about how every member gave him a gift.
“Aah, I had good food. A lot of meat,”he says, as he skims through the line of wishes in the chat. You see the viewer count slowly rising to 2 and a half million, then slowly to 2.9 million. It was nearing 1 am midnight, and he was still chatting up.
“Aren’t you gonna sleep, love?”he smiles, reading your text in his mind, knowing you were awake to see him go LIVE. He yawns a bit, reading the comments of ATINY, and smiles. He reads a comment that makes him smile.
“Who does HwaSeong love the most?”
He laughs a bit and smiles wide.
“ . , ,” , , 3 , , .
A faint blush creeps up your cheeks, as you see him ending the LIVE, only to see a message from him.
“I meant what I said. I love you. Can’t wait to say it to your face and see the blush, baby.”
, ’ , .
, .
.
.
.
I forgot to post it on Hwa’s birthday! Better late than never! Happy birthday love<333
Yun Ho looks at his best friend, who was sitting with his knees crouched up, staring at your grave, occasionally picking at the grass and throwing it away. The sound of another car falls deaf on his ears, as he was lost in your memories. Yun Ho looks up from his phone to see the car halting, the man he called not too long ago stepping out of it, walking towards him.
“San-ah,” Yun Ho says, as he puts his phone in his pocket and brings him in a hug.
“Hey hyung,”he hears, separating him from the hug, “where is he?”
Yun Ho points his head in Min Gi’s direction, making San look at Min Gi. He takes a deep breath and sighs, and looks at Yun Ho, who nudges him to go ahead. He nods his head and looks over in Min Gi’s direction, slowly picking up pace in steps. He stands behind Min Gi and looks at your gravestone, the flowers properly put in place, making himself smile. He walks a bit near, crouching next to Min Gi, who still doesn’t acknowledge his presence.
“White Chrysanthemums, her favourite flowers,”San mumbles, making Min Gi look at him, eyes widened. San looks at him and gives him a small smile, earning forward to bring him in a hug, which surprises San, who thought Min Gi wouldn’t wanna see him. He hears sobs, patting his dong-saeng’s back, shushing him.
“It’s alright Min, let it out,”he says, looking up as to control his tears from falling, “shhh.”
“I still can’t believe she isn’t here anymore,”Min Gi says, removing him from the embrace, wiping his tears on the sleeve of his coat. San sighs, a tear drop rolling down his cheek.
“I know, and I am ready to take your anger on me-”
“What are you talking about?”
“I know you blame me and Joong hyung,”San mumbles, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand, sniffling.
“Hyung,”Min Gi says, holding his hand, “I was angry. I don’t blame you or Joong hyung.”
“Really?”
“Yeah, trust me. I don’t.”
San nods his head and stands up, brushing his back. Min Gi turns to look up at him. San turns his head around to look at his surroundings.
“You remember how we three used to come here,”San says, looking at the far away distance, making Min Gi hum, “then we brought others once. This was her favourite place.”
“Yeah,”Min Gi says, smiling at the nostalgia, “crazy how she used to run around without getting tired,”he says with a small laugh, to which San joins too. He sighs, looking up.
“ ,” , , “ .”
, , “ ’ ?”
, , “ . . , , , .”
Min Gi looks at him for a few seconds, before getting up. He towers over his hyung and hugs him, San hugging him back.
“Don’t say that hyung,”he says, “she loved you. You were her safe place.”
“I couldn’t protect her, Min Gi-ah,”San sniffles, “I couldn’t.”
“It’s okay. You tried. Don’t cry anymore,”he says, wiping San’s tears, “she would have been so angry seeing you cry like this. Or for the record, anyone of us. I maybe be angry at Joong hyung a little, but remember, I can never be angry at you. I love you so much,”he says, hugging him.
“Really?”
“Yes,”he says, looking at him, “she needs to rest now. Lets go,”he says, turning back once more to look at your grave, “she’s safe and watching over us.”
San looks over at your grave. He walks towards it and crouches down.
“Hey love,”he says, “forgive me for not being able to take care of you. You were and always be the moon of my life. My first real love. Rest now, bub. I’ll come again to visit you. I love you so much,”he says, putting his hand over his lips, and placing it on your gravestone. He gets up and walks towards Min Gi, hands in his pocket.
“Wanna get something to eat, hyung?”
“Yeah,”he says, “I would love to.”
Yun Ho looks at both of his friends, smiling to himself. He looks overhead at your gravestone, smiling, remembering how you used to say how time healed everything. It will take Min to be normal around his Joong hyung, but him going to eat with his San hyung was a start.
“This is so cool!” Yun Ho exclaims, as he runs along the shore, the waves hitting his feet furiously, making him giggle. You giggle at his cheerfulness, making your heart soar, a million butterflies swarming in your tummy. Seeing your boyfriend happy made you happy, cause, why not? He was your happy pill.
You decide to take a Polaroid of him enjoying.
“Yun!”you yell, making him look at you, “strike a pose!”
He being the goofball, strikes the most Yun Ho-pose he could, making you laugh.
You click the picture, a Polaroid sliding down the slit below the lens. You take it and look at it, smiling. You put it in your bag and join Yun Ho in running down the shore, him chasing you, coming from behind, lifting you in the air, laughing.
After spending the whole day at the beach, you both come back home and retire in the bed, snuggling into each others arms, giggling like high school kids crushing, or more, in love with each other.
“Happy birthday baby,”you say, looking up at him, nuzzling his nose, making him smile, “I love you.”
“Thank you love,”he mumbles against your lips, making you smile in the kiss, “I love you more. Thank you for an amazing day.”
“Of course,”you say, laughing because of the weight of his leg on your hip, “anything for my best boy.”
“Mhm,”he says, kissing the top of your head, “I had the best day.”
“I’m glad you had fun baby,”you reply, “I was planning-”
Before continuing, you hear soft snores, making you giggle. Smiling at him, you slowly detach yourself from his grip. Pecking his cheek, you get up from the bed, and walk into the living room.
“I should do this before I forget,”you mumble to yourself, before settling down on one of the chairs around the dining table. You grab your bag and pull out the polaroids you took. You grab a black marker from the pen stand near the kitchen counter, scribbling down something. You take a refrigerator magnet and stick it on the freezer, a huge smile plastering your face. You hear the pitter patter of feet down the living room, revealing your boyfriend.
“What are you doing baby?”he asks in his deep, raspy voice, eyes fill of sleep.
“Why are you up?”you counterask him.
“You weren’t there next to me,”he says, back hugging you, making you giggle, “you know I can’t sleep without you near me.”
“I had to do this before I forgot,”you laugh at him, pointing at the freezer. His sleepy eyes follow the direction of your finger, smiling.
“Fun near the ocean,”he mumbles, “you’re a photographer, baby.”
“Thank you, but, the model matters too,”you flirt back, making him smirk.
“Mhm, the photographer is way hotter than I am,”he says, fingers dancing on your hips, kissing the back of your head.
“Lets go sleep,”you say, walking slowly with your soft giant boy boyfriend sleepily holding onto your waist.
“Mhm,”he says, making you laugh, “I love you baby.”
“I love you too, Yun. Happy birthday once again,”you says, as you drag him to the bedroom, you falling on the bed, he falling on top of you, head resting on your chest, both drifting into the wonderland of love and goofiness.
“You good bro?”Yun Ho asks Min Gi, as he drives to their destination. Holding a white Chrysanthemum in his hand, Min Gi sits deadly silent. Yun Ho looks at him once, then sighs, training his eyes on the road.
The road to the destination was the most silent with a chatty Min Gi going silent. Yun Ho sighs softly and looks out of the window, the monotonous background of the car making him more nervous than he already was.
“Did everyone get there?”his ears perk up, hearing his best friend speak up, not looking away from the window.
“Yeah, everyone went there this morning,”Yun Ho answered, receiving a small hum from Min Gi.
“What about San & Hong Joong hyung?”
“I don’t know about San, but Jong Ho texted me that Woo Young brought Joong hyung.”
“Oh.”
Dead silence.
“Do you perhaps wanna hear some music?”
“It’s your car, Yun Ho,”Min Gi looks at him, and gives him a tight lipped smile, “you can play if you want.”
“Thanks for stating the obvious,”Yun Ho jokes, making Min Gi emit a light scoff, “but you’re riding along, too. The passenger’s comfort is my duty.”
“Duty, huh? When did the Jeong Yun Ho become so sound to his duties?”
“Hey, hey, hey,”Yun Ho retorts, looking at Min Gi, “now,that’s not fair. I’ve always been aware of my duties, hoe.”
“And, here I was thinking that you are the hoe,”Min Gi says, earning a small laugh from Yun Ho. Yun Ho looks at him and smiles, making Min Gi smile a bit.
“I miss her, Yun,”he says, looking at the flower on his lap, “I miss her so much.”
“I know, buddy,”he mumbles, “we all do.”
“For the first time I felt so alive in this business, knowing I have a best friend waiting back for me-”
“I know it’s not the time, but I’m so offended hearing that,”Yun Ho jokes, making Min Gi laugh a bit.
“You know I didn’t mean like that,”he says, making Yun Ho mumble an ‘I know, man’, he continues,
“It’s like, um, you know, she has always been there on every path I’ve trodden on, and it sucks man; knowing I won’t have her again with me, here.”
“Again, not feeling offended at all,”Yun Ho mumbles, making Min Gi whine.
“C’mon, man!”
“Sorry, sorry; I just can’t see my best friend sad,”Yun Ho says, making Min Gi smile at him sadly.
“I’m so lucky to have you, man,”he says, looking at Yun Ho, “thank you.”
“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,”Yun Ho says, looking at him, “a thank you? Really? What’s the matter with you? Have you really decided to start this day by saying things sheerly to offend me?”
Min Gi laughs listening to this, making Yun Ho give him a playful glare, then ultimately break out into a smile. He knew how depressed his best friend has been for the past few months, moping around the basement, looking through files, and stopping to look at his lock screen and wallpaper when he didn’t have absolutely nothing to do. Seeing him laugh even the tiniest bit made him breathe a sigh of relief, knowing he hasn’t lost his best friend entirely.
As the car slowly comes to a halt, as Min Gi’s smile slowly drops, knowing he has to pay the final respects to his best friend. He looks over at Yun Ho, who places a hand on his best friend’s shoulder and squeezes it slightly, nodding at him. Min Gi nods back, and opens the door, stepping out of it. Yun Ho steps out of the car at the same time, urging Min Gi to go ahead. Min Gi looks at him, and walks towards the grey tombstone, with your name and a few flowers in front of it, signalling everyone paid their homage to you. He kneels on one knee, putting the scattered flowers in place, and smiles.
“Hey,”he says, smiling sadly, “it’s me. I have never done this before, and I never hoped I had to, especially with you, baby. I still remember how you never allowed San to call you ‘baby’ because you were my baby, and he used to sit with a sulky face. I, don’t know what more to say. I’m trying so hard baby not to cry, but, I miss you. I miss you so much.”
He takes the white Chrysanthemum he brought for you in his hand, and closes his eyes.
“ ,” , “ ’ . ,” , , , , .
“ ,” , “ , , , .”
Yun Ho leans against the door of his car and looks at the shaking shoulders of his best friend, sighing.
He tries hard not to shed any tears, so he looks down. He decided to ring up the last person Min Gi wanted to look forward to talk or meet.
“Hyung? What’s up?”
“He’s here with her.”
“Okay.”
“Have you been crying?”
“Does it matter?”
“Listen, it’s not your fault, okay. Come here. He’s here.”
“He hates me,”he hears the man mumble on the phone, making him sigh.
“He can never hate you. It’s Min Gi. You both have been through so much,”he tries to reason out with the man on the other side of the phone, “he will never hate you. Don’t worry.”
“Will you tell us where you are?”The man hears Jong Ho’s voice booming through the speaker in his car, turning around the corner.
“All in good time, Jong,”the man mumbles, “all in good time. I’ll call you later.”
“Hyung-”
Before he could complete the sentence, the man cuts the call, and puts the phone in the pocket of his coat, unlocking the door to get out and looks overhead at the mansion behind the white gates. He walks as poised as he could, and nods at the security guard, who acknowledges his presence and lets him in. As he enters the mansion, his sight falls on the old house cleaner who you were close to, cleaning the pictures on the wall with a sad smile, including the family picture, staring at it, probably reminiscing the good times she got to see and spend with you and your parents. She seemed to hear the clank of his shoes against the marble floor, since she lifted her head and looked at the man.
“Woo Young-ah,”she says, as he embraces her in a hug, eyes closing on the warmth of her aura, “how have you been? You don’t visit me anymore..”
“Sorry Mrs Lim, it’s just I’ve been a bit occupied, with you know,”he says, his gaze falling on your portrait, “this.”
She sighs, looking at the same portrait, “she was too young to die, such a nice girl; Joong locks himself most of the time, and only comes out for dinner and lunch.”
Woo Young looks up at the corridor leading by the stairs, sighing.
“I’ll talk to him,”he says, looking at the woman besides him, “he needs to be with us today. He finally avenged her, and he needs to know it and acknowledge it.”
The woman nods at him and sides away, giving him space. He smiles at her softly and squeezes her arm, before retreating, and walks towards the stairs. As he reaches the corridor, he comes near the door with your tag on it, looking at it and sighing. But what stopped him from walking ahead towards Joong’s room were the muffled whimpers coming from yours. Seeing the door ajar slightly, he sees Hong Joong crying softly, as your photo and his stands in front of him.
“’ , -,” , , “ ’ ,” , , “ ’ .”
, . , , .
“’ .”
He tries walking away silently, but his hand touches the table near the door, making the vase on it lose its balance and make a creaking noise, but he catches it swiftly.
“Who’s there?”he hears Hong Joong ask softly, before he sighs and decides to walk in the room, “Mrs Lim, is that you?”
Woo Young shows himself up, smiling softly at Hong Joong.
“Woo? What are you doing here?”
“I came to pick you up, hyung,”he says, as he enters the room, taking in the presence of your absence. His gaze falls on a number of photo frames in the room, the most prominent being the picture you took of both you and San from your first date at the dumpling shop down the road. He smiles sadly at it, and looks at Hong Joong, who stares into the distance.
“Hyung?”
“Huh? Yeah,”he says, wiping the tears from the corner of his eyes, “why?”
“We avenged her,”he says softly, as he crouches next to him, “we need to give her a proper funeral.”
“Did San come?”
“He hasn’t yet,”he says, looking down, “said he needed some time.”
“What about Min Gi?”
“Neither did he,”he mumbles, making Joong sigh, “Yun Ho is driving him. He’ll probably come here at dusk. Yun Ho is driving him.”
“He still blames me, isn’t it?”
“Hyung,”Woo Young mumbles, making Hong Joong shake his head.
“No, I know I’ve been irresponsible, costing the life of my only family,”he cries, tumbling into Woo Young’s arms, “I’ll never be able to forgive myself.”
Woo Young looks up at the ceiling, trying to control his own tears. He hugs his hyung and comforts him, trying his hardest not to break down.
“Hyung, listen to me,”he says, pulling away from Hong Joong, “no one is blaming you. Like you, Min Gi shared a special bond with her, and he might have said things in anger, but he never meant it. As for San, don’t worry about him. He’ll be here soon.”
“What about you?”Hong Joong asks, making Woo Young look at him quizzically, “how are you holding up?”
“What do you mean hyung-”
“I know Woo Young,”he says, making Woo Young’s eyes double up in surprise, “I know everything. With Sannie behaving like this, you must be stressed, too.”
“I don’t understand-”
“You love him, don’t you?”
“I love you too, hyung,”Woo Young laughs nervously, “I love all of you guys-”
“But not the way you do to him,”Hong Joong says, making Woo Young sit on the floor, resting his back against the bed.
“He will never see me that way, hyung,”he says, making Joong look at him sadly, “I know it’s so wrong, but I can’t help it. I don’t care about my happiness as long as he is happy, you know?”
“I understand,”he says, placing his hand on his shoulder, “maybe it will pass away with time, you know. You’ll meet someone special,”he says, smiling at him.
“What if I am still hung up on him?”
“In that case,” he says, looking at Woo Young, smiling softly, “try. None of us will feel bad. If he’s in the same place at the end of the day, who’s anyone to stop?”
“That’s true too,”he says, looking down at his lap, smiling, “thanks hyung.”
“What are brothers for, hm?”he says, as he stands up, dusting himself off, “shall we leave now?”
Woo Young smiles at him, as he gets up taking Hong Joong’s outstretched hand, dusting himself off.
“We can finally say she’s in peace, huh?”Seong Hwa says, as Yeo Sang & Jong Ho stand there in the eerie silence of the snowy day, passing him sad smiles.
“I guess so,”Yeo Sang says, as he looks up, seeing the snow flakes take its course on the ground, fluffing the area around the gravestone. It was mildly bright, with the first Snowfall of the year.
“’ ,” , .
“ ?”
“ ,” , , , “ . ,” , , “ .”
Jong Ho sighs, continuing to look up at the sky.
“I really wished the rest of them were here too, you know,”Seong Hwa says, making Jong Ho look at him.
“They will be,”he says, making Seong Hwa look at him, “Yun Ho hyung is driving Min Gi hyung here later. He would definitely not want to see San and Joong hyung, you know.”
“It’s not Joong’s fault,”Seong Hwa sighs, making Yeo Sang look at him.
“No one’s blaming Joong hyung,”Yeo Sang says, gaze shifting at your gravestone as he speaks, “its just, you have to understand where Min Gi is coming from, too.”
“I hate to see the team like this,”Seong Hwa says, “Joong locks himself up and I can hear him cry.”
“Where is he now? Isn’t he supposed to be here?”Yeo Sang asks him, as his gaze wanders behind Hwa.
“He wasn’t in his room last night…”Hwa mumbles, as he reaches for the phone in his pocket, “although he said that he would come soon, and I quote ‘leave me alone for a while.’”
“Dammit, where can he be?”
“He’s not at the safe house as well,”Hwa mumbles audible enough for the duo to hear.
“Should we go search?”
“But, we don’t know where else he could be-”
“I know where he is,”they all turn their heads together to hear the person they laest expected to know the location.
Wooyoung wants revenge. Every part of him was begging to just hate you, to destroy you… but the more his revenge worked the more he felt his heart breaking.
He wanted to see you suffer like he did, but he also wanted to held you in his arms and tell you how much he loved you.
ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: Social Media!AU, College!AU, non idols, angst
Wooyoung wants revenge. Every part of him was begging to just hate you, to destroy you… but the more his revenge worked the more he felt his heart breaking.
He wanted to see you suffer like he did, but he also wanted to held you in his arms and tell you how much he loved you.
ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: Social Media!AU, College!AU, non idols, angst
ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: Degrading, cheating, mentions of sex, mentions of mental health, bullying
ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢꜱ: Fem!Reader x Ateez
(Please send me an ask or do me if you want to be on the tag list!)
Wooyoung wants revenge. Every part of him was begging to just hate you, to destroy you… but the more his revenge worked the more he felt his heart breaking.
He wanted to see you suffer like he did, but he also wanted to held you in his arms and tell you how much he loved you.
ɢᴇɴʀᴇ: Social Media!AU, College!AU, non idols, angst
ᴡᴀʀɴɪɴɢ: Degrading, cheating, mentions of sex, mentions of mental health
ᴘᴀɪʀɪɴɢꜱ: Fem!Reader x Ateez
(Please send me an ask or do me if you want to be on the tag list!)
