ミ★synopsis: three heavy words. you’re so used to saying this to the one person that’s always been by your side, because you know that he’s your other half; platonically. these words have always held some sort of meaning whenever you say it to vernon, in hopes that maybe one day he’ll say it back to you.

ミ★genre: best friends to lovers!au, slow burn(ish), fluff, humor

ミ★warnings: nothing !

ミ★word count: 5,773

ミ★pairings: vernon x gender neutral reader

ミ★notes: hi guys !! sorry for such a long delay, i was super swamped with my midterms and now i have finals coming up wAAAA but here’s my 2 year anniversary oneshot gift !! i haven’t written a vernon oneshot in a longtime and i decided that now was the best time to write one! i kinda based this one off of how my bf and i started dating… LMAO. so this one is v cute :] i hope you guys like this one ! make sure to give vernon lots of love <33

“I love you.” 

“You’re cool.”

You lean back into your chair with a huff, crossing your arms as you glare at your best friend sitting across from you. He glances up from his phone to see the annoyance over your features, and the corner of his lips quirks upwards. 

“Why do you look so…” He trails off and gestures towards your face, and you raise an eyebrow. “So constipated?” 

Seungkwan snorts from beside you, and you poke your tongue into the inside of your cheek. Squinting your eyes towards the brunette, you shake your head and place your focus back onto the assignment you were working on. 

“Vernon, why don’t you just say it back? Yn always gets into a bad mood for like half an hour whenever you just tell them you’recool in response.” Seungkwan asks, peeking glances in your direction to see you angrily typing up your essay. Vernon just chuckles, gently kicking your leg underneath the table, making you look up at him with a glare. 

He watches as your glare softens slightly the longer the two of you hold eye contact, and he turns away from you and back towards Seungkwan. “Yn already knows that I only say I love you to a few people.” 

“Which are…?” 

“My mom, dad, grandparents and my sister.” Vernon answers with ease, and Seungkwan grins as he glances at you. You’re typing away on your laptop again, a furrow to your brows as you listen in on their conversation. 

“So you don’t love me? Your friend since childhood? Or Woozi? Or Joshua—” 

“I love you guys, you’re practically like family.” Vernon cuts off, and your lips curl downwards at how quickly he corrected Seungkwan. The blonde watches as Vernon looks at you, and he doesn’t overlook the hesitation in the latter’s eyes when he sees your pout. 

“I just… I just don’t want to carelessly throw around such a deep phrase. I want to say I love you when I really mean it.” Vernon explains as he keeps his eyes on you. Feeling their gazes burning into your forehead, you look up from your assignment to see the two checking if you’re okay. You let out a sigh, reaching out and shutting your laptop closed. “And that’s why I’ve been saying I love you to Vernon everyday, because one day he’ll say it back.” 

“But today is not that day.” Seungkwan says, and you nod your head in defeat. 

“Today is not that day.” 

Vernon looks at you for a moment longer, before looking down at his iPad to try and solve the math problem on his screen. Seungkwan and you glance at each other, and you point a finger towards the blonde, “How long did it take for Vernon to tell you he loves you?” 

Seungkwan shrugs his shoulders, putting his pencil pouch into his bag as he thinks to himself. He purses his lips, “I’ve known Vernon since our first year in high school, now we’re in our third year of university. I’d estimate around… four years?” 

“FOUR YEARS?!” You exclaim, standing up from your seat with wide eyes. You immediately shrink down when you get glared at by numerous people, realizing that you just shouted in the middle of the library. You bow your head towards them in apology, feeling warmth flood your face at how you acted before you thought it through. 

Vernon’s holding back a laugh as he tries to focus on his notes, and you squint your eyes at his shaking shoulders. You kick him underneath the table, and he clears his throat, the hint of a smile now gone from his face as he goes back to writing on his screen. 

“It took Vernon fouryears to say he loves you?!” You whisper-shout, and Seungkwan nods his head. “Sounds about right.” 

“Why did it take you so long to say it?” You ask, turning to Vernon to see him turning off his iPad. He looks at you with a blank stare, before shrugging his shoulders and putting his tablet into his bag. “Never really felt like it.” 

“Yeah. When he finally said it to me, I’m pretty sure it was because I told him I’d rewatch all of Avatar the Last Airbender with him.” 

“That sounds right.” Vernon says with a chuckle, throwing his bag over his shoulder after he’s packed everything. He steps out from the table and walks over to your side, beginning to pack your things for you while you gawk at him. 

“I have to wait fouryears for you to tell me you love me back?” You ask him with wide eyes, and Seungkwan bites back a laugh at how shellshocked you look. Vernon just rolls his eyes, reaching out and flicking your forehead after he zips up your bag. You let out a squeak of surprise, “What was that for?!” 

“Let’s go get dinner. I know you’re still embarrassed by how loudly you shouted a few minutes ago.” 

It’s fascinating how quickly you stand up and take your bag from Vernon’s grasp after the sentence leaves his mouth. You give him and Seungkwan a big smile, “Does Chinese food sound good?” 

“It sounds amazing, yn.” Seungkwan responds with a laugh, and you turn towards Vernon to see his response. He nods his head at you, “Sounds good.” 

You gesture towards the exit with a satisfied smile, “Let’s go then!” 

As the three of you walk out of the library, you spare a glance towards Vernon. The sunset shines over his features, casting a warm orange glow onto his face as you walk to Seungkwan’s car. Feeling your eyes on him, Vernon turns his head and looks at you with an amused look in his gaze. “Mm?”

Biting the inside of your cheek, you give him a smile. “I love you.” 

“I think you’re cool, yn.” Vernon responds with ease, grinning when you quietly curse to yourself.

“Damn it. Damn it all.” 

“I have a good feeling about today.” You say to Minghao as the two of you walk towards the cafeteria where the rest of your friend group is waiting. The pretty man just gives you the side eye, and you nudge him with your shoulder. “I’m serious! I think today’s the day that Vernon will finally say it back.” 

“Yeah, sure. And I think today’s the day that a zombie apocalypse will break out.” 

“Hey, don’t say that.”

Minghao chuckles at the serious expression that forms on your face, knowing very well that you had just finished the new zombie drama,  All of Us Are Dead. He rolls his eyes and wraps an arm around your shoulders, patting the top of your head fondly. “It’s just a show, don’t worry too much.”

“Train to Busan was a canonmovie in that drama! What if it happens here?! Then both the movie and the drama would be canon!” You worry, raising your hand up to your mouth in panic as the two of you reach the lunch table. The group immediately greets you both, but you’re too stuck on the fact that you would probably be the first to die if a zombie apocalypse broke out.

Vernon places a spoonful of rice into his mouth, watching you in amusement as Minghao explains what he did to make you look this unsettled. 

“Hao, you know how yn is with zombies.” Jihoon says when Minghao plops down beside him, and the black haired beauty shrugs his shoulders. “They’ll be fine.” 

Vernon chuckles and moves the empty chair beside him backwards, the noise of the chair scraping against the floor finally making you snap out of your daze. You look up towards him, and his heart warms when a smile forms on your face.

“Were you thinking of how you would aim for the head during a zombie apocalypse?” Vernon asks after you walk over and plop down in the empty seat he had saved for you. You nod your head with pursed lips, taking his chopsticks and snatching a piece of cucumber kimchi. “I just don’t know why so many people in those movies and dramas don’t aim for the head! Even Thanos said to aim for the head.” 

Vernon snorts at the mention of Marvel, shaking his head as he turns back towards his lunch after you place his chopsticks back on his plate. He pats your head fondly, making you chuckle quietly before he starts eating his food again. 

Seungkwan watches this interaction from across the table with squinted eyes, and Mingyu looks at him with a frown on his face. He nudges him with his shoulder, and the younger waves him off with his hand. 

“Seungkwan, why are you watching them?” Mingyu whispers, and Seungkwan purses his lips in thought.

“I feel like… I’m about to make a breakthrough…” 

“How was class?” Wonwoo asks you as he places an apple in front of you. You let out a groan and take a bite of it, shaking your head at the thought of the hour long section. “Don’t even get me started. I can’t believe I had to debate about something that I don’t agree with. We aren’t even supposed to be debating in that class! It’s developmental psychology!”

Your exclamation gains the rest of the group’s attention, and Minghao grimaces at the memory of some of the bad takes a few of your classmates made. The shudder of his shoulders catches your eye, and you know exactly what he’s cringing at.

“Should I ask what the debate was about? Or should I refrain from doing so and live in ignorant bliss?” Joshua asks, and Minghao’s about to tell him to go with the second option when you suddenly respond,

“It was about whether or not children should play violent video games. Then these people who were on the anti-video games side of the debate were saying some bullshit about how Mario Kart promotes destructive driving!” 

The twelve stop to let your exclamation sink in, but Minghao just shudders at the memory of you suddenly arguing with them even though you were assigned to the same side of the debate as them.

“I really wish a zombie apocalypse would’ve broken out and got them first.” Minghao mutters quietly, but not quiet enough for Jihoon to overhear. 

“MINGHAO?!”

“What! It’s true!”

“Please don’t get yn started on the zombie apocalypse again!” Chan begs, and a frown immediately takes over your features as you turn to their side of the table.

“What’s so wrong about me talking about zombie apocalypses?” 

Chan stares at you like a deer caught in headlights. He slowly shrinks back into his seat, and turns away so that his back is facing you. He gives Jun a bright smile while a drop of sweat slowly drips down his neck from the feeling of your eyes burning holes into the back of his head, “So. Lovely weather we’re having, am I right?” 

You squint at the man, moving to go and fight him when you feel a hand rest over your shoulder from behind. Turning back, you find Vernon just giving you a small smile as he shakes his head. You purse your lips when warmth floods your heart just from his smile alone, and you lean back into your chair in defeat. 

“What would I do without you?” You ask as you take another bite of the apple Wonwoo gave you, and Vernon just shrugs his shoulders with a grin. “Probably get bitten by a zombie.” 

A frown immediately takes over your features again, making Vernon let out a laugh and immediately wave his hands at you to signal that he’s just kidding. Letting out a sigh, you roll your eyes and rest your chin onto the palm of your hand. You stare at him with a small smile on your face, and he raises an eyebrow at the determination in your eyes.

“What?”

Vernon notices your smile brighten slightly, and he feels his heart stutter when you suddenly say, “I love you.” 

He blinks at you for a moment, before reaching out and patting your head softly. You feel your hopes rise at the sweet action, only for them to be crushed right after when he responds,

“I think you’re rather swell, yn.” 

You press your lips into a thin line and lean back into your seat in disappointment for the nth time.  Looking up at the ceiling of the cafeteria, you clasp your hands together and mutter, 

“God, why have you forsaken me?” 

And Seungkwan just watches from where he’s seated, staring at the warm look in Vernon’s eyes as he looks at you. 

Seungkwan, Vernon and Chan sit on the floor eating snacks together as they do their own respective homework. Vernon reaches out with chopsticks and picks up a chip, before placing it into his mouth as he scrolls through the article he needs to read for his upcoming section. 

As he places his chopsticks down onto his plate, he scratches the back of his neck at the feeling of eyes on him, but he’s too afraid to turn his head. 

Chan looks away from his laptop and takes a few pieces of popcorn. As he tosses them into his mouth, his eyes look ahead and he raises an eyebrow at what’s occurring right before him. 

Seungkwan is burning holes into the side of Vernon’s face, trying to get the latter to look at him so that he can finally blurt out what he’s been thinking of the whole day. Chan glances over towards Vernon, and he watches as his eyes repeatedly dart towards Seungkwan and back to his laptop. 

“Am I… missing something?” Chan asks, breaking the silence that was blanketed over the three of them for the last hour. Vernon looks up at him, purposefully trying to avoid turning his head towards Seungkwan as he asks, “Does Seungkwan look like he wants to kill me or hug me?” 

Chan looks at Seungkwan for a moment, before turning back to Vernon. “I think it’s neither.” 

Vernon’s eyes widen at the answer, “Neither?!”

“Vernon.” He jumps at the call of his name, finally turning around to see Seungkwan looking at him with a knowing smile. He blinks.

oh god. he’s going to kill me, Vernon thinks to himself. 

“When do you think you’ll tell yn that you love them back?” Seungkwan asks, putting a few pieces of popcorn into his mouth. Vernon chuckles slightly, shaking his head at the fact that this was the reason why the blonde was intensely staring at him. “I don’t know, there’s no deadline on love.” 

Chan tilts his head, “You and yn have been best friends for over half a year already, and you spend almost all your free time with them. How come you haven’t said it yet?” 

Vernon purses his lips, and he shrugs his shoulders. “It’s complicated.” 

The two share a look, before turning back towards the man in question. Vernon blinks at them, before letting out a sigh and shutting his laptop. He adjusts his position so that he’s facing the two, and he gestures at them with his hands. 

“Well, ask your questions.”

“Do you care about yn?” Chan asks, and Vernon’s eyebrows furrow immediately at the question. He nods his head right away, “I care about them more than words can explain.” 

Seungkwan internally screams at his friend’s quick answer.

“So you’re just not sure if it’s love yet?” Chan presses, and Vernon shrugs his shoulders. He looks off towards the window, staring out at the dark clouds that loom over the city as he mutters, 

“Yeah, I guess I’m still not sure.” 

“How long are you going to keep trying to get Vernon to tell you he loves you?” Joshua asks as the two of you make bracelets on the floor of his shared apartment with Jeonghan and Seungcheol. You chuckle and pick up the letter N, “Until the day he finally says it back.” 

Joshua lets out a low whistle, making you look up at him with a raised eyebrow. He raises his fist and gives you a smile, “Fighting!” 

You roll your eyes, reaching out and kicking him lightly before retracting your leg. He grins and picks up the daisy bead, threading it through the string as you quietly remember the day you found out why Vernon wouldn’t say I love you too.

“Thank you Nonie! Love you.” You say cheerfully as he hands you the basket of french fries. He sits down beside you on the bench and pats your head fondly, before taking a sip of his water without responding to your statement. 

You bite the inside of your cheek at the thought that he hasn’t said it back to you in the few times you’ve said it to him. You reach out and poke his shoulder, causing him to turn and look at you with a raised eyebrow. “Mm?” 

You suck in a breath before asking, “How come you don’t tell me you love me back?” 

A silence settles over the both of you after the question escapes past your lips, and you find yourself wondering if it was a mistake to even ask him that when he doesn’t answer right away. Clenching your fist, you move to tell him that he doesn’t need to answer it when he suddenly responds, 

“Love is very important to me.” 

You blink at him, and Vernon takes a piece of your fries and places it into his mouth. He shrugs his shoulders and looks around at the other people walking past the two of you. “When I say it, I want to make sure that it’s genuine. That it doesn’t just become an empty saying that I would call out in passing, because then it’s not true.” 

You nod your head, understanding where he’s coming from as you rest your chin on your hand. “So who would you say I love youto?” 

“I’d say it to my family and some really close friends, like the guys in the friend group. I’ve known them for years now, they’re practically like my second family.” Vernon explains. He runs a hand through his hair, contemplating whether or not he should actually say the next part. Pursing his lips, he decides, fuck it, and adds, “and I’d say it to the person that I truly do love.” 

Your eyebrows furrow, “Like… a partner?” 

And Vernon nods, giving you a small smile as he confirms, “Yeah, someone that I’m in love with.” 

“Do you think Vernon will ever say it back?” You ask in quiet voice, a tone that makes Joshua’s eyes lace with concern as you’re usually very high-spirited about the whole ordeal. Biting the inside of his cheek, he knows that he can’t lie to you as he simply shrugs his shoulders. 

“Vernon’s a simple guy, but he’s also complicated on the inside. In the years that we’ve been best friends, he’s never told me that he loves me.” Joshua says, and you lower your head in defeat. Seeing you look dejected, he reaches out and rests a hand on your knee to offer comfort. You glance up into his eyes, and he gives you a small smile.

“But even then, Vernon makes sure that I feel his love even if he’s never said it verbally.” Joshua adds, and he feels the slightest bit of relief when the corners of your lips quirk upwards. You look away and back down towards the incomplete bracelet in your hands, smiling softly at your best friend’s name reflecting back into your eyes.

“Well, I guess there’s hope.”

“There’s no hope!” You cry up towards the sky in a state of anguish while Vernon laughs at your reaction beside you. Jeonghan chuckles and reaches out towards your arms that are lifted up to the sky, pushing them down so that people will stop looking at you as the three of you walk down the quad. 

“Personally, I think that as a way to cope, you should just gaslight yourself into thinking that you’recool, means I love you too.” Jeonghan tells you, and you let out a huff of defeat. “I’d rather not have to gaslight myself into believing this when I already gaslight myself into procrastinating my homework.” 

“Eh, what’s the harm in adding another thing?” Jeonghan asks, and you pause, before pursing your lips in thought.

Vernon frowns, “What about we just, I don’t know, not gaslight ourselves?” 

The two of you glance towards the man with judgmental expressions on your faces. Vernon blinks at the sudden glares, “What?”

“Where’s the fun in that?”

“Not the menally stable guy giving us advice again…”

Vernon’s jaw drops slightly, making you and Jeonghan burst into giggles. You reach out and wrap an arm over Vernon’s shoulders, ruffling his hair lightly, “We’re just kidding.”

“Kind of.” Jeonghan adds, making you nudge him with your elbow. Vernon snorts when Jeonghan suddenly disappears from view, and the two of you glance back to see him doubled over in pain, clutching his stomach.

He looks up at you with a grimace on his face as he squeaks out, “That really hurt.” 

You let out a loud laugh and unwrap your arm from Vernon’s shoulders, stepping over to Jeonghan and giggling as you mutter out apologies for nudging him too hard. All while Vernon watches from where he’s standing, the smallest of smiles on his face as he listens to your soft giggles. 

While still in pain, Jeonghan takes notice of the fond look in Vernon’s eyes as he looks at you, and he bites back a smirk. The blonde finally stands up and rubs at his stomach, waving you away with his hand as he lets out a cough. “Jesus, why are your elbows so sharp? What if you bruised my ribcage?” 

“There’s no way yn bruised your ribcage.” Vernon interjects with an amused expression, and you bite back a grin. 

“You’re right. Yn definitely broke a rib.” 

“Yoon Jeonghan!” 

Vernon laughs at your exclamation, reaching out and wrapping an arm around your shoulders to calm you down. You squint your eyes towards the blonde, who just smirks at the fact that his quickly thought out plan seemed to have worked. 

he likes yn, Jeonghan thinks to himself.

“It’s okay, if anything, I’ll pay for his hospital bill since I know you’re saving up for a car.” Vernon tells you with a smile, and you coo at the kind gesture. Turning around in his arm, you reach out and squish his face with your hands like you always do, making him let out a whine.

“You’re so sweet, you must love me~” You sing lightheartedly, and Vernon looks into your eyes as you smush his cheeks together. 

“You’re cool.” 

“DAMN IT!”

All while Jeonghan watches, backtracking his original thought with,

underestimated. he definitely loves yn.

“Yn, go to sleep.” 

“Naur.” 

Mingyu’s head snaps towards you with a furrow to his eyebrows, “Did you just… did you just say no in an Australian accent?” 

You look up from the google doc that has half of your essay written on it, and Mingyu blinks at how red your eyes are from exhaustion as you nod your head. Giving him a tired smile, you mutter, “Brain too tired to even question what I just said.”

Mingyu purses his lips at your words, before walking over and placing the cup of water he just poured onto the kitchen table. He takes a sip from his water bottle, and ruffles the top of your hair fondly. “Go to sleep, yn. You have classes in the morning.” 

“It’s alright, Gyu. I can always pull an allnighter.” You say with a wave of your hand, and Mingyu squints his eyes at you. “Yn…”

You bite the inside of your cheek at the warning tone to his voice, and just give your roommate a small, grateful smile. Reaching out and patting his arm, you say softly, “I’ll go to bed soon, I swear. The last half of this essay won’t take me more than an hour.” 

Mingyu continues to squint at you, and you continue to look up at him with the best puppy dog eyes you can muster. After a moment of him scrutinizing you, he lets out a sigh and nods his head. He heads towards his bedroom and waves a hand at you, “Goodnight, yn.” 

“Night, Mingyu!” 

Once the door closes behind him, Mingyu shakes his head and grabs his phone off of his desk. He immediately dials that familiar number and puts the phone up to his ear. Laying down on his bed, the ringing stops and he lets out a breath, 

“Vernon, you gotta come over.” 

Vernon waits outside of your apartment door clad in only a pair of sweats and a t-shirt, having walked over as soon as Mingyu told him what’s going on. The door quietly opens after a moment, and he chuckles behind his hand when he sees a half-awake Mingyu looking at him. He steps to the side without a word, and Vernon pats his shoulder as he walks past him. Slipping off his shoes, he pads over towards the kitchen table where he knows you’ll be studying. 

He bites back a soft smile when instead of seeing you wide awake, you’re slumped over the table fast asleep. Stepping over, he shakes his head when he sees your cheek resting on your keyboard, spamming many letters onto your google doc while you mindlessly sleep.

“Yn, wake up.” Vernon says in a quiet voice, reaching out and gently shaking your shoulder. You remain asleep, with drool even beginning to dribble out from your parted lips. Mingyu walks over and snorts when he sees you, “That bitch in the REM cycle.” 

Vernon rolls his eyes, before squatting down and carefully putting one arm under your legs, and the other behind your back. He lifts you up from the chair, and walks over to your room, gently kicking the door open and stepping inside. 

All while Mingyu watches from his own bedroom door, shaking his head with a yawn. 

“That man is in love.”

Vernon pulls back the comforter to the best of his ability before finally setting you down on your bed. You immediately curl up into your pillows, making Vernon smile softly as he pulls the comforter up to your shoulders. He stays by your side for a moment longer, brushing away the baby hairs on your forehead as he admires your sleeping face. 

“Pretty.” Vernon murmurs, before standing up and moving to turn off the lamp on your bedside table, only to stop. He smiles to himself when he sees two bracelets you must’ve made with Joshua, seeing one with your name and the other with his name. He looks at you with warmth flooding his face, and he quietly murmurs, “Thank you, yn.” 

Turning off your light, he walks over to your door and takes one last look at you, making sure you’re fast asleep, before closing the door behind him. He heads towards the kitchen table and goes to your open laptop, deleting all the gibberish that you typed with your sleeping face. He turns off your laptop and makes sure to plug it into its charger on the kitchen island, before cleaning up the table of all your stuff. 

He prepares your backpack for your classes tomorrow, placing it by your charging laptop so that you know not to forget it when you go to campus tomorrow morning. Letting out a breath, he looks around to make sure he didn’t miss anything, and nods his head once he’s made sure everything is prepared for you tomorrow. 

Yawning, he heads towards the front door, only to almost scream in fear when Mingyu’s voice suddenly appears out of nowhere. 

“Jesus Christ! You scared the shit out of me!” Vernon whisper-shouts to the tall man who’s watching him by his door, to which he just grins in response. Vernon shakes his head, “What did you say?” 

Mingyu points towards your room, “You care a lot more about yn than you think.” 

Vernon just looks at him in silence, wondering where he’s going with this. The big puppy just smiles knowingly, waving him off with his hand as he opens the door to his own room. 

“Goodnight, Nonie.” Mingyu says, before turning and walking into his bedroom. Leaving Vernon standing by himself in the kitchen, a furrow to his brows as he glances back at your closed door.

You lay on the grass, staring up at the clouds in the sky while you wait for your next class to start. You had just finished your psychology class, and now you’re in your hour gap between the last class and your upcoming statistics class. Unsure of how to pass the time, you noticed how nice of a day it was, and decided to just cloud watch in the quad. 

You’re about to reach for your phone when a face suddenly appears above you, and a bright smile immediately forms on your face.

“Vernonie!” You exclaim, sitting up as he plops down beside you. He places his backpack down beside him, and shoots you a grin. “What are you doing laying in the middle of the quad?” 

You shrug your shoulders as you glance at the time, seeing that your class will start in fifteen minutes, “Didn’t know what to do during my hour gap, and then I thought it was a beautiful day. Then, suddenly, I was on the grass!” 

Vernon chuckles at your brief explanation, watching as you lay back down and look up at the sky. He sighs and quickly follows suit, arm brushing against yours as he looks at the clouds pass in the sky. The two of you quietly talk about your days for a moment, before falling into a comfortable silence. 

You turn your head to glance at Vernon, admiring his side profile as you watch his eyes sparkle up at the sky. Biting the inside of your cheek, you turn back and look up at the clouds. A small smile forms on your face, already knowing the answer as you say for the first time today, 

“I love you.” 

Vernon stays quiet, watching as a cloud that resembles the shape of a daisy floats into view. The memory of you briefly mentioning in passing that your favorite flowers were daisies comes to mind when he looks at it, and he finds himself knowing why that was the first thing that he remembered when he saw the cloud. 

The corners of his lips quirk upwards as the flower floats away, before he responds, 

“I love you too, yn.” 

Silence settles over the two of you after those three words escape past his lips. You blink up at the sky, the confession not comprehending in your brain as you look at a cloud that resembles a banana. Vernon turns his head to look at you when you don’t respond, and you glance back at him when you feel his eyes on you.

You blink. Then you blink again.

You let out loud gasp and quickly sit up on the grass, hand clamped over your mouth as you look at Vernon, who is slowly sitting up to gauge your reaction. You stare at him with wide eyes, pointing at the man in complete shock. 

“What did you just say?” You ask, disbelief written over your features. Vernon smiles softly at how cute you look, before saying,

“I love you, yn.” 

Your mouth drops open, and Vernon chuckles as he takes a peek towards his phone, seeing that you only have ten minutes to get to your class that’s across campus. He reaches out and pinches your upper arm, making you squeak in surprise as you slap his hand away.

“Why did you do that?! We’re in the middle of a breakthrough!” You exclaim, and Vernon holds up his phone, forcing you to look at the clock. You gasp for the second time, quickly standing up and grabbing your backpack. You throw it over your shoulders and look at your best friend with the happiest smile forming on your face as your eyes bore into his. 

“I have to literally sprint to class that’s on the other side of campus within,” You take a quick glance at your phone and sharply inhale at the time, “nine minutes now, but just to be clear…”

Vernon smiles softly as you look at him expectantly, waiting for him to say it again. He shakes his head, warmth dripping from his eyes as he says, 

“I love you.” 

You bite your bottom lip to try and stop the smile on your face from getting even bigger. Looking behind you, you begin to take steps backwards in the direction of your class as you ask, “In a friend way or an i’m in love with you, yn, type of way?” 

And Vernon just chuckles while waving his hand at you, “You’re going to be late to your class.” 

“This is more important to me!” You exclaim with a laugh, and Vernon sighs teasingly as he looks down at his hands. He bites the inside of his cheek, before looking back up at you. 

“In an I’m in love with you type of way.” 

Warmth floods your face immediately at his confession, and you quickly glance at your phone, panicking when you see that you now only have seven minutes to sprint to your class. Even with this knowledge, you quickly rush over and throw yourself onto Vernon in a tight hug, making the two of you land back on the grass in a heap of laughter. 

You nuzzle your face into his neck, wondering how you can feel so much bliss at a time. Vernon closes his eyes, a soft smile on his face as he holds you tightly within his arms. After a second, you remove yourself from his embrace and stand back up. Waving at him with your hands, you smile brightly at the man you love as you take steps backwards towards your class, “I’ll see you after my lecture, okay?” 

Vernon nods his head, waving back at you as he says, “I love you, yn.” 

And you cup your warm face with your hands, unable to get used to those words escaping him as you turn around and begin to head towards your class. You quickly turn back to look at him though, and he raises an eyebrow at you. Laughter flows past your lips as you finally get the chance to cheekily reply,

“I think you’re cool, Vernon!”

ミ★taglist: @sunlightwoo@coppertrashi@purplehoranghae@brinnalaine@minluvly@wonunuu@suhfluffy@shuajeong@kuromieiie@seoulbinz@minghao-will-be-the-death-of-me@miruac@jaeyuni@sunflowergyeomie@cheolliehugs@smileyjimvn@sincerelyskye​@a-vian​@kodzumo​@dwcljh​@sbnchaos​@taeguk-munchkin​@w8nuzone​@miyuuraiura​@semicolorn​@haonysus​ @adoreateez @anissanightyoung​@serenadesvt​@linhyyboo12​@junjungsunwoo​@kthpurplesyou​@vibecheckvernon​@chvngbin​@itzyfeet​@sonje78​@mybbtaeyong4thewin​

Seungkwan: Sorry for intruding!

Vernon: In this situation or my life as a whole?

Hansol Vernon Chwe icons

— Like or reblog if you save, don’t repost.

Seventeen maknae line icons, cause they’re my bbs

— Like or reblog if you save, don’t repost.

I care more about wanting to respect other cultures than an idol’s temporary discomfort.

난 다시는 작은 길을 걷지 않을 거야. I’m never walking down tiny roads again.

Description: You’ve met him and a couple of his friends quite a few times before. But this once was different. And because of a rude biker, and some perfect timing, his true identity is revealed and new friendships are made.
Warnings: Reader gets scraped up a bit.
Genre: Angst, Fluff, Idol!Vernon x Fem!Reader
Word Count: 2.7k

SeventeenMasterlist|Masterlists

“Here, this is my number.” Chuhan said while writing on a napkin. The summer heat was beating down on our heads and our drinks had condensation running down the glass. We both had our phones, yes, but in the moment we ignored the fact for the simple gesture of handing his number to me before he left with Minseok and Myungho. “I’m going to be busy for the next few months so I don’t know if I’ll be able to get over here much.”

I smile and remember the first few times I saw him.

It was a few months ago. I had been frequenting a nice courtyard near a musical theatre that had a coffee cart and tables to seat at and spend sometime in the sun, doodling, journaling, or doing whatever I desired that day. I was doodling the theatre building because it was a cool looking building and I wanted to try my hand at drawing prospectives (it wasn’t good, but it was worth the practice). A random guy sitting at the same long table with some of his friends had leaned over and started up a conversation with me. The random guys ended up being Minseok, Chuhan, and Myungho. We started chatting and then the next time I went, they showed up too. And the next time. And the next time. It kind of became a thing that we did. Sometimes Minseok and/or Myungho didn’t show up. But Chuhan always did. It never really occurred to us to exchange phone numbers until today.

A pout forms on my lips as I begin to worry about Chuhan and his friends/coworkers.

“I hope they’re not too busy.” I murmur to myself adjusting my mask as we still all have to wear them. As I do this, it kind of occurs to me that I’ve never seen Minseok, Chuhan, or Myungho’s faces without masks on.

I shrug off the thought and refocus on the small back alley I’m walking through. It’s barely big enough for a car to fit down yet somehow the drivers here manage to squeeze through like it’s no big deal.

Bobbing my head along to the music playing through my earphones, I don’t hear the biker coming up behind me on the narrow road. Before I can register what’s happening, the biker speeds up next to me, kicks out a leg and knocks me over, and then is speeding away as my forearm stings against the prickly ground.

“Hey!” A male voice shouts at the biker (who’s too far away to care) from behind me as my knee echos the sting of my forearm.

I sit back on my butt and rip out my earbuds before gingerly looking at my injuries. My purse flew off my shoulder and landed a good foot away. My knee is a bit scratched up and my forearm is as well, though small blood droplets are starting to appear.

“Are you okay?” A male with blonde hair and soft asks, kneeling down next to me, and another appears standing on my other side. “Oh, you’re bleeding.”

“I’m okay, yeah.” I say in a shaky voice, the shock of it all throwing me off guard. “I live just down the street, I’m okay.”

“You should clean that off right away.” The male standing says with concern, “Our company is literally right here, at least come and wash it off so it doesn’t get infected.”

Against my better judgement- the one that says going anywhere with strange males is bad- I nod. It’s just something about their eyes and their posture. Plus, the one who screamed angrily at the biker is still staring in anger at the path the biker disappeared down minutes ago.

“Here, let me help you.” The once kneeling male offers me a hand, “My name’s Jisoo.”

“(y/n).” I tell him and take his offered hand. I try to put pressure on my scraped knee but the sting intensifies and I stumble to regain balance on the uninjured leg.

“Careful.” Jisoo warns, gripping my arm tighter.

“Just back here.” The other male points to my left. Standing around us and the entrance of a building are 11 other males, all masked, of course.

“Someone come and grab her stuff.” Jisoo calls out to the group who is looking at me with concern.

The other guys start to shuffle around, one even holds the door open a few steps before Jisoo and I reach the door. I notice, though, that three guys stand a little ways away, all staring at me dumbfounded, and very quiet. I take a couple seconds to look them over and they’re wearing outfits EXTREMELY similar to what Minseok, Myungho, and Chuhan were wearing.

“Watch your step.” The one holding the door open says as a warning and I have to revert my attention to where I’m placing my feet.

Jisoo turns his head and says something to someone behind me while I tune him out and take in the interior of the building. The white walls reflect the fluorescent lights and brighten the room. Turns this way and that and up a small flight of stairs and Jisoo leads me into a large open conference room, which looks oddly familiar.

“Sit here.” Jisoo instructs me and pulls out a chair. He then pulls out a chair for himself.

I lower myself into the chair and try to bend my knee. Bad idea. The sting makes me suck in a breath and squeeze my eyes shut. It’s the kind of sting that’s sharp and sometimes causes shivers to run down my spine. The worst kind of sting, in my opinion.

“Here’s the stuff, hyung.” Another guy comes trotting into the room with a red cross labeled white box. Another brings a bowl of water and a couple of hand towels. The others gather in the room with mumbled conversations.

I pull the mask off my face and lay it down on the table as someone else sets my phone and purse next to my mask.

“Thanks.” I smile at him and he nods back.

After taking his mask off, Jisoo wordlessly dampens one of the towels then pats the space between his legs.

“You don’t have -.” I try to refute his offer but his face silences my voice. For a second I forget how to breathe but my scrapes quickly remind me that I need to otherwise they’re going to rain hellfire on my nerves. “You’re not just a random Jisoo.” I exhale in shock.

Joshua leans back, slightly afraid that I’ll start screaming. I look around at the others and slowly piece together the number: 13, and the room we’re in: it’s the same as where Seventeen filmed their fifth year anniversary idea session. I’m just looking at it from a VERY different angle.

Everyone in the room seems to be holding their breath, uncertain about how I’m going to react. I think I surprised them because I definitely know I surprised myself with my response.

“Okay.” I say surprisingly calmly in response to Joshua’s instruction for me to put my leg up. “But only cause I have one arm out of commission.”

And like someone took the kettle off of the heat, the members all exhale.

“You sure you’re okay?” Seungcheol asks, taking his mask off and the others follow.

I nod, my nervousness being replaced with confidence the longer I’m under the realization that I am being helped by the Seventeen.

I nod but the action is cut short as Joshua cleans off my scraped knee causing me to inhale quickly and scrunch my face in pain.

“Sorry.” Joshua mutters but continues to wipe away the dirt from my skin.

“It’s fine.” I squeeze out through clenched teeth.
“Almost done.” Joshua tells him and continues to clean the scrape.

“So, where were you coming from?” Seungkwan wonders with curious eyes in attempt to provide some distraction from the pain.

“Uhm, I was just hanging out with some friends.” I answer him, forcing myself to look way from my knee.

“Was it far from here?” Hoshi followed up.

I shake my head, “It was just in the courtyard by the theatre that’s like 6 blocks away or something.”

“Hey, isn’t that where you guys said you were going?” Dino points a finger towards Vernon, DK, and The8.

I glance at the three and they’re the ones dressed the same as Minseok, Chuhan, and Myungho. The room is silent as the three share a nervous look. Then Joshua breaks the silence by ripping open a bandaid.

“We did…” DK trails off, staring directly at Vernon and Myungho. I feel Joshua stick the bandaid over my knee before patting my foot, silently saying that I can lower my leg.

“Maybe you guys saw each other!” Jun comments happily.

“I… I think I did…” I stare at the three avoiding any eye contact with me. The pieces slowly starting to fit together. Joshua reaches out for my arm which I easily volunteer over. “Oh, I definitely di- oh, mother-!” I yelp mid-sentence as Joshua wipes away the dirt and blood.

“Sorry, sorry.” Joshua mumbles apologetically.

“It’s fine.” I breathe out and redirect back to the three who’s familiar eyes aren’t just from the computer screen. “Chuhan, Minseok, and Myungho?” I question them on the names they used with me.

DK and Vernon just smile while The8 adds a tiny and shy wave.

“And you were going to be too busy to come meet with me because of the comeback…” I continue to guess.

They nod and some members stare at the three in awe while the others snicker under their breath. Joshua just continues to wipe away at my arm which is still stinging.

“And you made up names because….?” I lean forward, trailing off to wait for an answer.

“We didn’t know how you’d react to us?” Vernon offers but states it more as a question.

“This is going to sting.” Joshua informs me just mere milliseconds before spraying something that most definitely stings.

“Ugh.” I groan, “I’m never walking down tiny roads again.”

“You’re going to have to if you’re going to come visit us.” Seungkwan pouts.

“Who said I was visiting?” I question, realizing a couple seconds later how that actually sounds coming out of my mouth.

“No one but I know Vernon gave you his number so I was kind of guessing.” Seungkwan replies as Joshua rips open a few bandaids to cover up my injured arm.

“You mean Chuhan.” I correct him with a smirk.

“CHUHAN?” Hoshi repeats the name, “You told her your name was CHUHAN?” He throws his head back and laughs out loud. Dino, Jun, Jeonghan, and Seungcheol join him while others just smile in amusement.

“Okay but like did (y/n) never question how ridiculous the name was?” Mingyu interrogates me, amused at my naiveness.

I shrug, pulling my arm closer after Joshua lets it go. “I know people sometimes have crazy names and I’ve heard weirder names so it seemed like a plausible name.”

“Okay but did it never hit you because DK hyung used his name backwards and The8 hyung used his korean name!” Vernon wonders with a tiny ounce of whine laced in.

“I couldn’t see your face. And the masks obscure a lot of people’s visuals.” I explain and wave my hand in front of my face to emphasis. “Including celebrities. Isn’t that the reason celebs constantly wore them before we were all required to?”

“She has a point.” The8 points at me in agreement.

“So were you boys ever going to spill your secret?” I ask, leaning my cheek against my fist.

They all stutter with a loss of words.

“We’re taking that as a no.” Hoshi crosses his arms and moves to stand behind me.

“Yes we are.” Seungkwan agrees and joins Hoshi.

I start to panic slightly at the thought that I might have started a rift between the members but Vernon’s laugh breaks that tension.

“No, it’s not like that.” He explains, “We were going to tell her just like not for a little while.”

“It was nice to talk with someone who didn’t know who we were.” Dokyeom continues while I just look at them in amusement.

“I just tagged along cause it got me out of the dorm.” The8 gives his very simple reason. Jun chuckles and gives him a high-five.

“So, you knew I was a fan from the multitude of times we discussed music and yet you still didn’t bother to let me know?” I question.

“Yeah… kind of.” Vernon confirms, smiling sheepishly.

“Fair.” I nod and lean back in my chair.

“So you’re not upset?” DK asks, curious at my response.

I shake my head, “Why would I be? You were trying to protect yourselves cause I could’ve been a crazed fan. Makes sense. I probably would’ve done the same thing.”

Before they can reply, my phone starts to buzz with a call. I smile apologetically to the members before answer the call.

“Where are you?” My friend asks over the phone, “You were supposed to be here like 25 minutes ago.”

“Shit.” I guess being knocked over completely made me forget my plans. “I’ll be right there.”

“I forgot I was supposed to meet my friend.” I tell them apologetically.

“Yeah, yeah. Go ahead.” Seungcheol nods, “Next time, let us buy you a meal.”
“You don’t have to.” I shake my head quickly.

Seungcheol holds up a hand, “No, no, I want to. This all happened in front of our building so I feel bad.”

“It wasn’t your fault though…” I try to reason with him.

“It was that stupid biker.” Vernon mumbles angrily.

“Still, you’ll let us know if you have free time?” Joshua presses.

I nod in defeat. “I will.” I say and stand up then stand slightly awkwardly as no one moves.

“Why don’t you walk her out, Vernon?” Wonwoo suggests and I nearly forgot he was there as he was so quiet standing in the back with Woozi.

“Yeah, walk her out.” Hoshi agrees and nudges me towards the door while The8 does the same to Vernon.

Vernon holds the door open for me and I walk out holding my bandaged arm close to my chest.

“Sorry for lying.” Vernon apologies once we’re down the stairs.

“You don’t need to apologize.” I say, “It makes a lot of sense why you didn’t tell me so don’t feel bad. Again, I would’ve done the same thing.”

Vernon smiles softly, “Nice to know it wasn’t a completely crazy idea.”

“You were the one to suggest it?” I question in amusement.

“No, The8 hyung did.” He explains, “I just agreed to it before DK hyung could suggest a crazier idea.”

“Good thinking.” I compliment his train of thought.

“You sure you’re going to be okay?” He asks, voice full of concern.

I nod with certainty, “Yeah, I’ll be fine. It’ll be an annoyance for like two days and then it’ll start to heal and I’ll forget about it.”

“Good, good.” Vernon inhales then exhales, “I can’t believe a person can be that rude. Especially in broad daylight.” He releases his bottled up annoyance.

“Yeah, but without them, you would still be Chuhan to me.” I reason with him, seeing the bright side of the situation.

“True, but still.” Vernon scrunches up his nose. “You still have my number right?” He asks as we reach the front door.

I search my purse for the napkin, “Yeah, it’s right here.” I pull out the scrunched up napkin.

Vernon nods in satisfaction, “Text or call me sometime. I’m sure we could hang out more privately before Coups hyung forces you to him buy you a meal.”

I smile and let out an airy laugh, “I’d like that.”

“I’ll be waiting for your message then.” Vernon says happily.

“Thanks for helping me out.” I say and step outside.

“Not a problem.” He replies and both of us hesitate to end the encounter.

“I, uh, I should probably get going. Don’t want to keep my friend waiting.” I smile lightly, deciding to break the barrier first.

“Yeah, yeah. Get there safely.” Vernon reminds me as I step away and he waves back as I wave at him.

I turn around to face the direction I’m walking and quickly pull out my phone.

“Bruh, you will NOT believe what just happened!” I text friend.

“WHAT?” She replies in one second flat.

I giggle with giddiness and my fingers type as fast as they can, unable to contain my excitement. “So I was knocked over by a rude biker…”

하지만 내 다른 부분은 사람들을 여기 두고 갈 수 없어. But the other part of me can’t leave the people here.

Description: A meeting to con Rowan Moore, a powerful and corrupt city leader, accomplished by Gang Leader Jeonghan and his crew. Which includes you and your crush (per se), Vernon. [Italicized parts are flashbacks of sorts]
{Uh, honestly, not really sure how to describe this one. Only thing I can say is that it’s inspired by the complexity of “Six of Crows” and the aesthetic of Monsta X’s music video for “Gambler” hence the title.}
Warnings: Swearing, mentions of a bombing, some suggestive comments (both negative and proper suggestive)
Genre: idk what do genre this as… pure fiction (?), GangMember!Vernon x Fem!Reader
Word Count: 5.7k

SeventeenMasterlist|Masterlists

You step up to the dealer’s stool on one side of the poker table in a secluded corner of second floor of Jeonghan’s casino, Obsidian. Picking up a brand new deck of cards, you break the seal and let the cards fall out into your hands. Your skin ignites as the smooth cards slide against your hands and the edges of each make themselves known to you.

“I’m not playing if she’s dealing the cards.” Rowan Moore glowers at you and your jaw clenches against the slew of words you want to spit at him. But you know better than to risk blowing the whole plan so you set down the deck of cards and wait for further instructions from Jeonghan.

You look to your left and hold Moore’s gaze even as it goes from cold to ice cold. It is the gaze of one of the most corrupt men in the city. It’s the gaze that got him where he is. If it were anyone else standing where you are, they would’ve felt a winter storm rush up their spine. But you are used to this type of malice. It’s kind of a usual occurrence.

The others at the table, Jihoon, Soonyoung, Seungcheol, and Jeonghan, keep their expressions unreadable and their gazes on Moore. Except for Vernon who sits in between Soonyoung and Seungcheol. You could feel his eyes watching you but you don’t turn towards him.

“We are having a business meeting.” Jeonghan says, unwavering as Moore moves his gaze to him, “Business meetings in my casino are conducted at the tables and that means I decide who deals. And tonight, she deals.” He finishes with a nod towards you as a signal for you to pick up the cards.

As you pick up the deck again, Moore stays quiet but lets out a frustrated puff of air.

“Get me a glass of the good stuff, would you, darling?” Moore leans back in his chair and asks one of the other waitresses with a voice dripping with demeaning acid that makes your stomach twist.

You look over at Vernon, finally, and he gives his eyebrow a small quirk. Silently asking if everything is okay. A small head tilt and offering him the deck to split is enough of an answer for him.

“What are we playing with only $10 chips?” Moore questions Jeonghan, leaning forward to rest his forearms behind his wall of poker chips and staring at Jeonghan who sits on the opposite end of the table from him. Effectively to your immediate right.

Straightening out the deck, you know the answer before Jeonghan answers Moore’s question. All of this is part of the plan Jeonghan devised the minute he received word that Moore wanted to meet with him about a ‘common enemy.’

“Here’s the plan.” Jeonghan spreads out a floor plan of Obsidian on the table in front of Seungcheol, Soonyoung, Jihoon, Vernon, Seungkwan, Dino, and you. “Moore owes me a large sum of money that he has no intention of paying back. We’ll play him, listen to whatever he has to say, and steal his money as he walks out of Obsidian.”

Seungkwan lifts a finger, “Isn’t that the whole point of a gambling game?”

Jeonghan doesn’t answer the younger one, only gives a sizable smirk.

“Right, right, there’s more to this…” Seungkwan grumbles under his breath, “Be nice if you would clue us in on the masterplan.”

You throw Seungkwan a disapproving look but Jeonghan just ignores the comment completely.

“What are we playing?” Soonyoung questions, intrigued from the second the word 'money’ came out of Jeonghan’s mouth.

“Hold 'Em.” Jeonghan states, watching the others expressions for any negative changes.

“Where are we playing?” Jihoon probes further into the plan that Jeonghan has locked away in his mind.

Jeonghan shifts and points to one of the poker rooms in the back of the casino. “Allure.”

“Who plays and who guards?” Vernon speaks up from next to you.

“Seungcheol, Soonyoung, Jihoon, you and I will play.” Jeonghan lists off the characters, “Dino and Seungkwan will guard. Plus the regulars on the perimeters.”

“And me?” You ask, crossing your arms over your chest, confused as to why he didn’t mention you yet you are part of the meeting.

When Jeonghan answers, an excited shiver runs through your body but you don’t miss how Vernon’s body freezes at his words.

“You deal.”

“Hold 'Em.” Jeonghan answers Moore and you slide the dealer button to Seungcheol.

“Isn’t that a little too simple for our minds?” Moore chuckles but it’s not a true laugh.

“For you and I, yes.” Jeonghan offers a smile, “But these other players aren’t as complex as we are.” He raises his eyebrows to see if Moore will challenge his choice and throws two of his poker chips in front of his pile.

You reach out and sweep the chips towards you as Moore tosses four at you for the big blind. The chips scatter across the table and out of the corner of your eye, you catch Vernon’s fist clenching tightly. But having to ignore the specific jab at you, you sweep up the chips before dealing each player two cards.

The first round finishes quickly with Soonyoung (somehow) winning the pot. Now that the game has been established as 'fair,’ it’s time to move to the next step: conning Moore.

“You want her to rig the game?” Dino questions with confusion, “Can she even do that?”

You and Vernon cover up your scoffs with throat clearing and coughing.

Jeonghan smiles a little too wickedly, “Little secret for you newer boys. (y/n) can count cards like nobody’s business and her sleight of hand is invisible even to me. It’s the reason she’s banned from playing in any of my casinos or clubs.”

“It’s also the reason I got hooked into his crew.” You offered some extra information.

“You didn’t have to stay after the first.” Jeonghan quickly reminds you before giving you instructions to follow as the table’s dealer, “Let the first game play out like any other dealer would let it. Following the first game, you will let us win a few, then Moore. Push and pull him. Entice him, (y/n).” He meets your gaze with eyes weighed down by the importance of his words, “Keep him at the table. Keep his focus on his luck.”

“For what?” You ask, confused with what Jeonghan had planned.

But instead of hearing an answer from Jeonghan, Dino speaks up.

“A chance to sneak a hand into his suit pocket.”

The second game starts and you watch the decided signs of each member on your side to tell you what cards they have. A system you each created together to make sure Moore wouldn’t catch on. It was tested through the first game too and Moore still hasn’t caught on, even though his eyes seem to wander around the table restlessly. After counting and switching the cards as you please, the second round has Seungcheol leaning forward to sweep up the pile of chips to his spot.

You eye Moore as you hand him his cards for the third round. This round you give to him.

The next game is also given to Moore.

“Now that we have a few games under our belt.” Jeonghan speaks up as he rearranges his chip stacks to stand at the same height. “Let’s discuss what you wanted to discuss.”

Moore sighs, arranging his newly gained chips onto his stacks. His cockiness is starting to show. You catch the glint in his eye that shows he’s confident he’s figured out how to bluff out the other players.

'Early celebrator.’ You think to yourself as you give Soonyoung the dealer button.

“Victor Huffman.” Moore says the name with so much disgust it makes you wonder if he has swallowed acid.

At the mention of another powerful man, and another enemy, Jeonghan lets the corner of his cards snap onto the table and his eyes snap up to meet Moore’s in the same second.

“What about him?” Jeonghan nearly growls out the question while Vernon and Seungcheol throw out the small and big blinds, respectively. You know that he and Huffman have a particularly nasty history but you don’t know the details. No one does. It’s one of the many things Jeonghan keeps under lock and key, in a bunker, 200 feet below his skin.

Your eyes flicker to Vernon and his eyes widen just the slightest, silently calling Moore a maniac for even speaking that name in Jeonghan’s casino and presence. To cover up the smile threatening to appear, you lower your head slightly and deal three cards into the community hold in the center of the table.

“I want you to damage him.” Moore says casually, ignoring the thick tension that he boiled up. “Take out a chunk of his men, give his finances a gut punch. Just something that will keep him quiet for a few months.”

“And what would I receive in return?” Jeonghan asks, peeking at his cards again and though he is leaning back in his chair, you can tell his body is rigid against the emotions raging inside of him.

“I will pay you.” Moore answers, “A sum a little more than the worth of the job.”

“I fold.” Jihoon breathes out and slides his cards towards you.

Wordlessly, you sweep up the cards and add them to the discard pile, intently listening to the conversation around you.

“I’ll raise 6.” Soonyoung says with a confident pout and slides out 6 chips in a stack. That is Soonyoung, always playing the high risks.

“Call.” Vernon places his bet after a look at his cards.

Seungcheol, without taking his eyes off of Moore, simply slides his 6 chips into the center.

“You will excuse me if I don’t trust your estimation of what this job’ll cost me.” Jeonghan comments and places his bet forward.

Moore lets out an empty chuckle that bounces around in your head. “You’re smart not to.” He states and slides his bet forward. “But I anticipated your doubt. And as much as I hate to admit it, I need Huffman down more than I need my money.” He says while you discard a card before flipping a fourth into the community hold. “A contract for 800 million dollars.”

The room goes silent. Jihoon eyes Moore up and down trying to distinguish if he’s lying. Jeonghan is also trying to figure that out but he holds Moore’s gaze, searching for the answer in his eyes. Soonyoung stares at his chips with wide eyes, Seungcheol looks between Jeonghan and Moore, and Vernon just simply slides his cards to you.

You give Vernon a confused look and he just shakes his head. He’s folding.

“800 million.” Jeonghan repeats the amount and breaks the silence. “For that amount, you want us to do more than something. You want somethings.” He emphasizes the plural.

Moore smirks.

“Sir, your bet?” You refrain from using Soonyoung’s name to keep your relationship with the men at the table unknown.

“You have a lovely voice.” Moore comments, taking a tangent and a moment to look you up and down. “I wouldn’t mind you calling me that someday.” He sneers and your body tenses at what he’s implying. Again, not new stuff but your body still reacts to it.

“Watch how you talk to my staff.” Jeonghan spits out and throws his bet onto the table after Seungcheol.

Vernon has a look of murder in his eyes as he glares down Moore. You know he cares for you and though at times, some say it’s more than normal, you know you care for him on the same level. But neither of you have had the guts to say or do anything about it.

Moore inhales and continues like his comment didn’t happen. “I need you to take out half of his corn hold and a third of his cotton hold.” He reveals to Jeonghan as you continue with the game. Dealing and taking cards.

“What’s the time frame?” Jeonghan wonders, tapping his finger on his cards methodically.

“I need it done in a month.” Moore says and Vernon jumps to his feet.

“Are you insane?” He asks, increduously.

Vernon and Jeonghan meet gazes for a second but it’s only in confirmation that Jeonghan’s plan is progressing.

“How are we going to get close enough?” Seungkwan asks. “Like great. Dino found out where he hides this master key but what good is it if we don’t know how to get close to him. He only lets women and booze get close to that hairy chest of his.”

“No.” Vernon says in a low voice.

“No?” Jeonghan repeats his word with slight amusement in his tone.

“You are not letting (y/n) anywhere near Moore.” Vernon explains and a sad smile reaches your lips.

You don’t want to be the one to seduce Moore but you know if Jeonghan asked, you would be preparing for the role in a heartbeat.

Jeonghan rolls his eyes, “(y/n)’s not seducing him. She’s dealing. And no woman’s seducing him.” He comments, “One of you is going to get close.” He eyes the males around the table.

“How?” Seungcheol asks.

“We’ll instigate his rage.” Jeonghan says, “He’s got a sensitive temper when it comes to two things and two things only: terms of his deals and his gambling games. After the first few games, one of you will challenge him on everything he says, get him annoyed, pissed, irritated. That will fuel his agitation to losing hand after hand to the same person.” He gives a look between you and Vernon. “And that person, I’ve decided, will be Vernon.”

Vernon’s first outburst is a sign to you to give Vernon the winning hand for the majority of the games. Or force Moore to fold on the rounds that Vernon doesn’t win to keep the winning 'random.’

“You’re going to let your man talk to me like that?” Moore lazily blinks towards Jeonghan, trying to damp down the igniting ember.

Jeonghan makes a show of shoving a hand in his pocket for emphasis on his words, “He’s my demolition guy so if you want me to take this job, like I know you need us to, you will let him say whatever he pleases.” Then he looks at Vernon, “But for now, I want to see how this game plays out. I’ll raise 20.” He states and slides a large stack of chips into the center. Vernon silently sits back down but not without channeling all the anger within himself to send Moore a glare that could cut through diamond.

“Call.” Moore smirks, his love for gambling pushing forward.

For the rest of the game, Jeonghan stays mostly quiet as he ponders the details of what Moore is asking, only speaking to call out his bets.

Seungcheol wins the fifth round with a four of a kind.

The next game is won by Vernon and he also wins the next round. Along with Vernon’s occasional snide comments, you can tell Moore is getting frustrated at his terrible luck. It’s not a secret that Moore gets cocky when he plays because he claims he can read people and their ticks so he knows how to outplay any bluff. But tonight, his tricks won’t work.

As you deal the 8th round, Jeonghan leans forward and rests his forearms on the edge of the table.

“A month?” He clarifies with Moore.

“A month.” Moore nods as he takes his cards into his hands.

Jeonghan then turns to Vernon, “Is it possible?”

“If you want a spectacle, yes.” Vernon answers, his voice retaining an edge. “If you want it done quietly, no.”

Moore sighs, glancing at his cards and purses his lips, “I don’t care how it’s done. I just need it done and done within a month.”

“What happens after a month?” Soonyoung asks the question that’s been the elephant in the room since Moore first mentioned the timeline.

“Wouldn’t you like to know.” Moore smirks and throws in his bet.

“I’ll do it.” Jeonghan says and Moore’s smirk grows wider. “Send over the contract in the morning.”

“Glad to do business with you, J.” Moore says and Jeonghan’s eye gives the smallest of twitches at the nickname. So small that only you are able to catch it.

Turning back to the game at play, Moore’s voice is more cheerful to hide his frustration at losing his money as he says, “Now that business is settled, shall we play a few more rounds for fun?”

Jeonghan gives a very fake, yet very believable, smile, “We’ve got nowhere else to be.”

Jihoon wins that game and you watch carefully as Moore takes a deep breath to calm himself against the blow of another loss.

For the 9th game, you let Moore think he’s winning the pot without a doubt, but the real winner ends up being Jeonghan.

By now, Moore’s stack of chips are the lowest at the table and he doesn’t have many games left in him.

“You might as well give up now, Moore.” Vernon says, voice brute with amusement and pride as he rearranges his stacks of chips just for dramatic effect.

Through gritted teeth, Moore answers, “You never know how the tides can change.”

“Or they’ll swallow you whole.” Vernon banters back nonchalantly with a touch of boredom. Another effort to push Moore’s buttons. Dismiss him in front of others, especially other powerful people. In this case, Jeonghan.

Moore swallows hard and his hand curls into a tight fist. He’s going to explode soon and you know it. Everyone at the table knows it. You see Jihoon, Soonyoung, and Seungcheol all shift slightly in their seats in preparation of the moment Moore explodes.

“What are we doing when he eventually explodes?” Soonyoung asks.

“Create enough confusion for Vernon to slide his hand in, grab and replace the key, and back out.” Jeonghan says.

“That’s (y/n)’s area of expertise.” Seungkwan counters but you and Jeonghan answer him at the same time.

“I’m dealing.”

“She’s dealing.”

And for once, you are kind of happy to not be in the center of one of Jeonghan’s masterplans.

As everyone peeks at their cards, Vernon takes a couple glances at Moore’s tight expression before commenting, “Luck still out of your grasp, Moore?” He chuckles in amusement, eyes actually lighting up at the cards that you deliberately gave to him.

“Be careful of the words you speak, kid.” Moore spits and glowers at Vernon who ignores the gaze and just shrugs.

“What lie will you tell the wife this time when you come home without a large sum of money?” Vernon questions, tilting his head to the side and watching his chips as he tosses them onto the table. “Will you come clean about the gambling? Or will you lie and say it was spent on the pleasure houses down the street? Which will only break poor Verna’s heart even more.”

“You dickwad.” Moore grunts, slams his cards onto the table, and rises to his feet. “Keep my wife’s name out of your disgusting, immature mouth.” He quickly stalks over to Vernon and Vernon is quick to his feet to meet the large body of Rowan Moore.

But he’s not angry enough to require Jihoon, Soonyoung, and Seungcheol to step in and create the needed chaos. You look to Jeonghan with concern that the plan won’t work. But this is Jeonghan’s plan, he has back up plans upon back up plans upon back up plans.

Jeonghan closes his eyes and gives you a tiny nod, accompanied with a tinier smile just before Vernon gives the final blow needed.

“Why are you telling me this?” Vernon asks with curiosity, sitting in Jeonghan’s office alone.

“We need Moore angry enough to make Seungcheol, Soonyoung, and Jihoon’s intervention realistic.” Jeonghan explains leaning back in his chair.

“So I’ll use the information to pull that anger out of him.” Vernon concludes.

Jeonghan gives him a smile and a snapped finger gun. “Precisely.”

“What do you think Verna will do with the divorce papers when she finds out you broke your promise to her?” Vernon asks, staring hard at Moore’s face. “What will you do when she leaves you?”

In a split second, Moore slaps Vernon across the face and you inhale sharply as Vernon’s head snaps to the right. Seungcheol and Soonyoung push back Moore while Jihoon positions himself in front of Vernon in order to keep Vernon back.

A menacing chuckle comes from Vernon’s mouth as he rubs the cheek that was hit. “You hit like a girl. I’m guessing much like your daughter.”

You flinch at the unexpected mention of Moore’s daughter. Jeonghan tries to keep women and children out of his conversations but women, more often than not, are men’s trigger point. It’s rare, though, that he’d allow the mentioning of children.

In a second, Vernon pushes past Jihoon as Moore 'easily’ pushes past Soonyoung and Seungcheol (more like they let him pass by with feigned weakness but also believable enough strength). His eyes blinded by rage, he doesn’t stop to consider what he’s doing. Vernon and Moore tousle with each other, hands flying everywhere. Soonyoung, Jihoon, and Seungcheol’s hands join in, trying to 'restrain’ the two arguers.

Anybody would’ve have missed the moment Vernon slipped his hand into Moore’s blazer pocket then slipped back out and into his own pocket. But you were the one who taught Vernon the sleight of hand he would need and you are watching so you see the move with crystal clear clarity.

Once the real key is placed in Vernon’s pocket, you move onto your role: diffusing and ending the game play.

“Gentlemen!” You yell with the authority of cancelling out any money won or lost. The five men stop their frenzied hand fight and look to you. Jeonghan just lazily looks up from his crossed arms. “If you would untangle yourselves and collect your chips. My table is now closed since you decided to make such a scene.” You scold them with a scowl of disgust that’s mainly directed at Moore.

Moore immediately untangles himself from the others and faces you. “I apologize. If you will, just a few more games.” He bargains. “I will pay you the extra.”

You shake your head and step down from the stool, “I’ve already closed.” You tell him then add, “And if you’re thinking of looking for another dealer, the casino’s dealers have already been sent home. Tonight’s a special holiday for us, you see.”

“What kind of bullshit is that?” Soonyoung scrunches his face up in confusion, “We don’t have holidays.”

“Moore doesn’t know that.” You answer for Jeonghan before turning to the man himself, “What holiday are we observing?” You ask.

Jeonghan meets your eyes with a soft gaze, “The anniversary of Obsidian’s bombing.”

He doesn’t finish the sentence but your mind does.

“My first job with Jeonghan and the only one he failed.”

The reason you stayed with Jeonghan even though he shredded your debt to him in the aftermath of the bombing.

“What kind of boss sends his income home on a money making night?” Moore laughs as if the whole day is a joke to him. His laugh only makes you want to drive a knife into his chest.

“The kind that knows the damage your partner caused to my innocent patrons.” Jeonghan rises to his feet and stares down Moore hard.

Moore swallows under Jeonghan’s gaze. If Moore’s gaze was ice cold earlier, Jeonghan’s, right now, is burning so cold that you’re pretty sure he’s giving dry ice a run for its money.

“Is it already that night of the year?” Moore asks you through a tight voice.

You look down at your watch, “In 20 minutes, it will be the exact minute.” You inform him and Moore’s demeanor falls a little.

He reaches up to pat the left side of his chest and you hold your breath incase he finds anything amiss. But with a satisfied sigh, he feels the decoy and lowers his hands back to his sides.

“Another day, I will return to win back my money.” He vows to Jeonghan before he looks at Vernon. “And keep my wife’s name out of your god forsaken mouth.”  

“With pleasure.” Vernon responds with disgust, his cheek still red from the slap he received.

Moore scoops up his tray of chips and leaves the room. His guards undoubtedly joining him the second he steps outside the room.

Seungkwan and Dino enter the room as the waitress and waiter assigned to the room leave and for a moment there is a moment of anticipating silence. Then Vernon slowly slides the key out of his pocket and hands it to Jeonghan.

Soonyoung shouts in happiness and hugs Jihoon who tries his best to escape the tight embrace. “We got the key!” He says cheerfully and Seungkwan and Dino high five each other.

Jeonghan just looks down at the key in his hand and smiles. The electronic key that will give him access to every single one of Moore’s financial accounts.

“Tomorrow we’ll move the money around and you each will have your share.” Jeonghan announces to the room and pockets the key.

“What about the job for Moore?” Jihoon asks, successfully escaping Soonyoung’s arms.

Jeonghan’s lips quirk upward, “Oh, we’ll do it. But we won’t be doing it out of obligation to a contract. I’d also like to see Huffman on his knees for a change.” He says in a voice that resembles a snake, cunning and scary.

This reminder of how ruthless and scary Jeonghan can be is the only thing that sends a shiver up your spine.

Jeonghan walks towards the door with Seungcheol behind him. As Seungcheol opens the door for him, he pauses and turns back.

“Not a word of any of this.” He says and the threat is unspoken. It doesn’t need to be spoken. It’s understood on a bone chilling level what will happen if anyone talks about the jobs you do.

You all nod your heads gravely and Jeonghan exits the room, Seungcheol following him out the door.

Tugging at your stiff tie, you step away from the table and head towards the door. “I’ll see you weirdos later.” You tell the others and go in search for a few cans of beer and the solitude of the roof.

You raid the kitchen and pluck three beers from one of the many fridges before finding your way to the rooftop. Pushing open the heavy door, you welcome the dark of the night and the glow from the city around you. As you turn towards your normal spot, you’re surprised to see a silhouette of a man against the city lights.

Recognizing the person, you inch forward, confused, “Vernon?” You call out his name and he turns toward you.

“Hey.” Vernon answers you. In the dim light and shadow displayed on his face, you can see his cheek is still red but not as angry of a red as before.

“How’s your cheek?” You ask, grimacing at the memory of having to watch the assault and setting the beers on the ledge.

He lightly touches his cheek, “It’ll be sore and red for a while but I think the reward will be worth it.” He comments.

“Here.” You hand him one of the still cold beers. He stares at the beer in confusion and you roll your eyes before pressing the substitute ice pack to his cheek. “It’ll help it.”

“Right.” He breathes out and brings his hand up to replace yours in holding the beer in place.

Below you, the city is bustling with sane people leaving the clubs and casinos, taking their loses in stride. Each building shines with the lights of a many tiny spotlights, casting out the moonlight before it can even get close to the ground.

“Three beer night?” Vernon questions you, eyeing the two beers left on the ledge.

“You try standing the whole night with a stick stiff suit and a tie noosed around your neck.” You sass at him.

“You didn’t seem uncomfortable.” Vernon chuckles, as you open a beer and take a large chug of it.

You grimace as the alcohol slithers down your throat, “I’m good at faking it.” You tell him. “You did good, sleighting Moore.” You compliment his handiwork. “If you keep learning, you could get pretty good.”

Vernon lowers his beer can from his cheek in thought, “Nah, I think I’ll leave that to you. I didn’t like how I couldn’t see what I was doing.” He holds out his hand and flexes it before opening his can, “I can see the pieces being connected when I work up a demolition explosive. Sleight of hand takes that away.” Then he shivers, “Oh, no thank you.”

You laugh and Vernon looks over at you, loving the way your laugh makes yours eyes squint and your cheeks bunch up.

“Alright, you stick with demolition.” You tell him. “Besides, if you took over my role, I may have to leave and find a new boss to sleight for.” You joke but Vernon’s face falls at the mention of you leaving.

“When you get your share, will you leave?” He asks, facing back towards the street. He doesn’t want you to leave but he’s also heard you speak of the possibility over the last few days.

You sigh, both hands clasping the beer can, “I don’t know yet.” You say, facing the city lights like he is. “Part of me thinks it’s time to leave, that I’ve paid my debt. But the other part of me can’t leave the people here.”

Vernon chuckles softly, “Everyone would miss you.” He pauses for a second before continuing, “I would miss you.”

“I wouldn’t leave right away.” You say and lean you head against his shoulder, “I still have to stay for the Huffman job. But it might be my last.”

“Is there anything that would make you stay?” Vernon wonders, afraid to move and have your touch leave his skin.

You study the sky for a second before answering, “I don’t know.”

“Is there anything I could do that would make you stay?” He reiterates his previous question. In his voice, he tries to make you understand how much he doesn’t want you to leave. That he’d do almost anything for you to stay.

“I don’t know if anyone could do anything that would make me stay.” You tell him and sit up to take another sip.

“Jeonghan could.” Vernon grumbled under his breath.

Your ears perk up and you’re not sure you head him correctly, “What?”

“Uh, n-nothing.” He stutters and avoids meeting your eyes.

You gasp as you realize you had heard him correctly, “You’re jealous!” You accuse and point a finger at him.

“I am not.“ Vernon defends himself, stepping back.

"Yes, you are!” Your fluttering heart makes giggles bubble into your throat.

“Seriously, I’m not.” He repeats, holding up his hands but you read the jealousy on his face like the front page of the morning news paper.

“Demolition Vernon is jealous?” You say, unable to keep the giggles at bay. “Jealous of Jeonghan?”

At the name, Vernon steps forward and covers your mouth with his free hand.

“Don’t say his name and that word together.” He says lowly, “Do you want me to die?” He questions you with a quirked eyebrow.

You look between his eyes and reach up to lower his hand from your mouth, which comes away easily.

“He wouldn’t kill you. Maybe disfigure you in some way, but not kill.” You say, softly, realizing how serious this situation actually is, “As much as he hates to admit it, he needs every single one of us for any and all jobs he pulls. And he’s not about to waste time looking for and training another just because of a word.”

“Why did you stay with Jeonghan?” Vernon asks, not moving away, his face inches from yours.

You swallow and keep your gaze on his eyes, though you’re tempted to peek at his lips. “Jeonghan and I both blame ourselves for the bombing that happened here. We both missed things that we shouldn’t have missed. And because of our mistakes, people died.” You explain, flashes of the terror replaying in your mind. “Jeonghan shredded my debt that night but I couldn’t leave until I corrected the wrong I made.”

“Have you corrected it yet?” He asks in a near whisper and a hand loops around your waist.

“I don’t know yet.” You answer through the pounding of your heart.

He is this close to you. This close to being yours.

“When will you know?” He questions, inching closer, eyes still locked onto yours.

You blink, “Someday.” You are barely able to speak the word.

The corner of Vernon’s mouth twitches, “So that means you’d stay until that day.”

Unable to speak because of his closeness, you just nod once.

“Then that means I can give you a reason to stay once that day comes.” He states and before you can answer, his lips crash onto yours.

You both drop your beer cans, ignoring as they collide with the ground and spill around your feet. Kissing him back with the emotions that are finally being set free, you wrap your arms around his neck and pull him closer. He does the same with his arms around you waist.

When you pull away, you’re still pressed against each other and out of breath. But the sparkle in his eyes is all you can focus on.

The bright excitement that you’ve only seen when he finishes a complex explosive. A bubble of pride swells your heart that you’re the only person who’s able to pull that brightness out of him.

“Just one reason?” You question his earlier statement and tilting your head to the side.

Vernon lets out an amused puff of air, “I can give you several reasons to stay, if you want.” He says before kissing you again.

“These better be some very good reasons if I’m to give up a lifetime of lazy days and millions of dollars.” You tell him and play with his tie.

He presses you closer to his chest and lets his lips graze yours, “Oh, they will be very, very good reasons, (y/n). Don’t you doubt that.”

17fluffcollection:

NEW FANFIC BLOG

Hey guys! I am a new fanfic blog for Seventeen. This blog is dedicated for fluff genre only. I really can’t take any request yet because I am still not that confident with my writing. 

I am actually very nervous in starting this because I used to write religiously but I fell into depression and anxiety since 2017; so I stopped loving the hobby I used to be so interested with. I am trying to find my tempo again so here I am. English is not my first language so please bear with me. I will try to make all of my post Gender Neutral as possible but I am more confident in writing with a female reader. 

Anywayssss~  It  would mean so much to me if you support this blog ♥ 

- qm

Hello guys I made a new blog for Seventeen where I would post all of my fanfics and one shot collection :( It would me so much to me if you could support me. Thank you!