Mingyu | ‘HOT 'MV Behind

[SSSS CAM] SEVENTEEN(세븐틴) - Darl+ing (MINGYU Ver.) @Comeback Show ‘Face the Sun’

[SSSS CAM] SEVENTEEN(세븐틴) - Darl+ing (MINGYU Ver.) @Comeback Show 'Face the Sun’

pledis_17:[17’S 민규]

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©HAPPYSKY | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©minwonhan_ | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©FLAMING | do not edit, crop, or remove thewatermark

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity | do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

220530 Fansign Event
©my gravity |do not edit, crop, or remove the watermark

☀️Mingyuin-completelayouts☀️

like or reblog if you use

@ defyoun on twitter

it’s the way i need a rodeo!au with Wonu and Mingyu ohmygod

my brain is itching to read something-almost tempted to write it myself simply to feed this desire

みんな사랑해

Myfujoshi heart!!!! (≧▽≦)

tothe8andbeyond:

gyunetwork:

min9yu_k:_

식이오법에 최소한 약간의 야채가 필요해. You need at least some veggies in your diet. 

Description: Just going on a picnic with Mingyu because Mingyu deserves the fluff and love. 
Warnings: None
Genre: Fluff, BF!Mingyu x Fem!Reader
Word Count: 1.9k

SeventeenMasterlist|Masterlists

“MINGYU!” You yell and his head pops into the doorway, eyes bright with excitement.

“Yes?” He coos at you with a silly smile.

“Did you grab the portable charger?” You ask, a hand still resting on the open drawer where the charger should’ve been.

Mingyu quickly nods his head, “Yeah, it was the first thing I packed.”

You pout, “Could’ve told me.” Closing the draw, you pick up your purse from the bed and walk towards the human embodiment of a puppy you get to call your boyfriend.

“I did.” He pouts back when you reach him, “But I think you were busy wrestling with the blanket.”

You search your brain for the memory of his voice telling you he packed the charger but your brain sits silent. “I definitely didn’t hear you.”

“Get better at hearing then.” Mingyu jokes and wiggles the tip of your ear between his fingers.

You bat his hand away, “Maybe you need to get a louder voice.” You joke back.

As you take a step towards the door, Mingyu sucks in a large breath, preparing to do just that. Quickly, you realize what he’s doing and leap to cover his mouth with both your hands.

“No need for it right now, though.” You say softly and Mingyu’s shoulders shake with a muffled chuckle while his squinting eyes mirror the laughter.

Mingyu lowers your hands and reveals the smile on his lips. “We should probably get going so we can find a good spot.” He reasons and walks past you to grab the picnic basket filled with your dinner, drinks, and some desserts for after.

You silently agree and grab the blanket, all zipped up in its built-in bag. As you walk out of your apartment, Mingyu’s excitement grows steadily. You can see it in the way his hand opens and closes around the picnic basket’s handle and in the way he takes a few tiny fluttering steps after every few steps. You can feel it in the way his hand holds yours tightly and how he swings your intertwined hands between the two of you.

“Do you think there’ll be a lot of people?” You ask, watching as most of the people around you head in the opposite direction with similar accessories as you and Mingyu.

Mingyu shakes his head, his eyes following two children as they laugh happily, “It hardly ever is and I don’t think the holiday is going to change that.”

You nod, “Okay, if you say so.”

“I know so.” He sasses with a smirk.

Rolling your eyes, you let out an airy laugh, “Whatever.”

“See, what did I tell you?” Mingyu lifts both of his hands, gesturing at the empty park in front of you.

You smile and nod in agreement, “You were right.”

He skips ahead a couple steps, “Let’s set up over here. We’ll be able to see everything from here.” Mingyu stops just before the hill breaks away and sets down the picnic basket.

Making your way over, you take in the view. The city is spread around the park and the river splits the city right down the middle. Along the river banks, people mill around while they spend the evening with their friends or family, enjoying a meal and waiting for the fireworks. From up here, you’d be able to see the whole show and your ears wouldn’t be terrorized with the explosions.

“Ack!” Mingyu yelps in surprise. You break from your thoughts and look over at him. Somehow, he slipped the blanket out of your grasp and was attempting to lay it out but the slight breeze had other plans. The unfurled blanket is now sliding down his front side and an unimpressed expression paints his face.

You press your lips together to suppress a laugh but a smile still shows.

“Help please.” He pouts holding out the crumpled blanket.

“Okay.” You nod and pick up the two corners he’s not holding. Within seconds, the two of you have got the blanket flat against the ground. Clambering onto the blanket, you use your shoes to hold down two of the corners while Mingyu copies your actions.

“I wonder why no one ever comes here to watch the show.” You wonder as Mingyu begins pulling items out of the basket. “It’s such a good spot.”

Mingyu hands you a container of pasta and answers, “It’s pretty far away and I guess most people like to be down there with all the other people.” He holds out a fork and you pluck it out of his hands.

“Lucky for us that we don’t mind being alone then.” You smile happily.

“Very lucky for us.” Mingyu repeats before taking a large bite of pasta. “Mmm,” He hums happily, “This is so good. I’m such a good cook.”

“I helped!” You retort, twirling red stained noodles around your fork.

Mingyu swallows and nods, “Right, and my sous chef did an amazing job of opening the noodle box and placing the noddles in the boiling water.”

You roll your eyes but let the comment slide and bring a bite of pasta into your mouth. “Who’s recipe is this?” You question, taking in the flavors as you chewed.

“Uh, I found it on the internet on a blog of some sorts. Though I tweaked it a little cause I know you don’t like some of the things that were listed.” Mingyu explains before taking another bite himself. “OH!” He mumbles with pasta hanging from his mouth. Quickly slurping up the noodles, he reaches back into the basket and pulls out two more containers of food.

One container holds garlic bread and the other a simple salad.

Picking up a piece of garlic bread, you hum happily, “I was starting to think we were forgetting a pivotal side dish.”

“I would NEVER forget the garlic bread.” Mingyu feigns offense that you would even think that about him, “Also make sure to eat some salad. You need the veggies.”

“Mingyu.” You state and straighten your back.

“(y/n).” He mimics you while righting back a smile.

“When eating pasta, the only thing needed to complete the meal is good bread to dip into the sauce.” You argue, “Salads were never invited to the carb party and I don’t know when they decided to show up but I’m not giving into their presence. And you can’t make me.” You point your fork at Mingyu, teasingly.

Mingyu’s mouth twitches into a playful smirk and his eyes sparkle with the laughter he’s holding back. “But eating all those carbs isn’t really that good for your health. You need at least some veggies in your diet.”

“I eat veggies!” You counter, spinning more pasta around your fork.

Mingyu chuckles, “Nibbling on a slice of cucumber every other day is not enough.”

You pout while chewing and he can’t help but smile adoringly at you. With another glance at you, he lifts a forkful of pasta up to his mouth.

“Garlic bread will always be the right hand man to pasta.” You say while stabbing some lettuce pieces grudgingly.

Mingyu nods, letting you win the banter, but you don’t notice the corners of his mouth tick up. He, honestly, can’t help it. He loves you and whatever playful mood you’re in whenever. Whether it’s when you’re so certain that you could do something better than him or when you’re like this and know he’s correct but will do everything in your power not to outright admit defeat.

“I made it with your favorite dressing so I’m sure you’ll like it.” He tells you and follows your actions of stabbing some salad onto his fork.

You chew in silence before sighing happily. The weather is perfect, the view is perfect, and the meal Mingyu prepared fits the mood perfectly.

“I can’t wait to see what kinds of fireworks they have prepared for this year.” Mingyu comments, looking up at the sky.

You nod in agreement, “Last year’s show will be tough to beat.”

“Especially the heart eyed emoji. That was the best.” He nods and twirls his fork around.

“No, that wasn’t the coolest.” You shake your head, “The coolest was the one that exploded like three different times. The first was into three stars and then the points of those stars exploded into more stars and then those points exploded into hearts. That was the coolest.”

Mingyu chews and glances at the sky in thought before swallowing. “You know,” He says with a laugh, “I don’t remember that one. Must’ve not been that impressive.”

Your fork drops into your pasta container and your jaw drops as well. “What do you mean you don’t remember that one? You weren’t even there!” You nearly exclaim, remembering that he had to miss the fireworks last year, but then you see his squinted eyes and the wide smile on his face. “Kim Mingyu. Why do you do this to me?” You sigh and pick up your fork again.

“Because it’s fun to see your reactions.” Mingyu explains a little too happily.

“One of these days…” You let the threat dissipate and put another bite of pasta in your mouth before taking a bite of bread for completion.

Mingyu rolls his eyes, “Yeah, yeah, one of these days, I’ll pay for all this.” Then, he leans closer, “I am looking forward to it.”

Nearly choking on your food, you push him away while he laughs giddily.

30 minutes later, when all the food has been finished and put away, Mingyu opens his arms and you scoot over to him. Resting your head against his shoulder, you sigh in content. The sun has just disappeared from the sky and the park lamps are slowly illuminating one by one giving the park a warm, artificially yellow glow.

“I’m glad you could come this year.” You say, staring out at the city as it lights it while the sky darkens. “Last year was very boring without you.”

A chuckle rolls through his chest, “I know, trust me, I was wishing I was with you watching fireworks every single moment. Stupid work.” He says, playfully angry but in reality he loved his job. Though it did have its downfalls with having to miss attending some events with you.

“Promise me next year?” You ask, hopeful but knowing that it was a slim chance as a year is a long time to promise something.

“I promise I’ll try to keep my schedule clear for next year.” Mingyu says and places a kiss on the top of your head. “It would suck to miss another one.”

“If you can’t come next year, I don’t know if I will go.” You tell him, “It was weird doing it without you and I don’t know if I want to go through that again.”

Mingyu pulls back slightly, “Then who’s going to show me blurry pictures of the fireworks and who’s going to tell me about the coolest fireworks?” He asks, a touch of panic in his voice.

You shrug, “Someone else?”

“But you explain them the best.” He shakes his shoulders making your head bounce up and down.

“Okay, fine. I’ll go but know I won’t enjoy it.” You smile at the thought that Mingyu likes your explanations of fireworks.

“I love you, (y/n).” Mingyu says softly as the first firework is launched into the sky and explodes into shimmering flames.

“I love you, too, Mingyu.” You reply, snuggle closer to him, and let your eyes wander up to the sky where another firework is exploding into specks of green and red.

Please read this (W.C.Hotel) if you this is the first post of this series that you see.
Warnings: Swearing, Mentions of death
Genre: Angst, Hotel Del Luna AU, Choose your own adventure, SVT x Fem! Reader
Staff: Yong (Spirit General Manager) / Jiwoo (Human General Manager) / Soon Bok (Room Manager) / Mun Hee (Front Desk Receptionist) / Shin (Grim Reaper assigned to Waning Crescent)
Word Count: Ending A - 4.2k / Ending B - 3.9k

W.C.Hotel | Seventeen Masterlist|Masterlists

“The pool is going to be cleaned tonight. And Jiwoo said that some of the lights should be changed out.” Yong informs me as I watch Mingyu from above.

I silently nod and tilt my head as Mingyu dramatically adjust his long coat before sitting on one of the lobby couches.

Yong chuckles, “You’re staring.”

I blink and look at other places in the lobby, avoiding the fact that I got caught. “The others will never know about this.” I threaten even though I know she would never leak that kind of information unless I wanted it.

“They will stay in the dark. As always.” Yong gives a single nod.

“Don’t say that. That makes it sound like I never talk to my staff.” I whine, pouting.

Yong shrugs, “Sometimes I feel like I’m the only one you actually talk to.”

I lean against the railing, “That’s not true. I talk to others.”

“Mun Hee and Soon Bok and Jiwoo don’t count.” Yong corrects me, “They’re the heads of their departments. They have to talk to you.”

I purse my lips and search for other employees I talk to.  "Well, there’s was, no they didn’t talk to me.“

Yong pats my shoulder, "It’s okay. You technically don’t need to talk to everyone.”

I stand up straight and flick my hair behind my shoulders, “Exactly. And more people should come and talk to me. I’m the freaking CEO after all.”

“Yes, yes you are.” Yong comforts me with a small smile. But just a really small one.

“How many days?” I ask, running my hands through my hair.

“Four.” Yong answers.

“Room?” I wonder.

“64.” She says after scanning her lists.

“(y/n).” Mun Hee quietly calls my name from behind us.

“What?” I ask, bored, and turn around to face him.

“There’s, there’s a guest at the front desk who would like to talk to you.” Mun Hee says with his hand folded politely in front of him.

“Who?” I wonder because I never get guests. I’m me after all.

“They asked me not to say anything to you. Just to bring you.” He repeats his instructions.

“Who gave you those directions?” I question and walk down the stairs with Mun Hee following. Yong walks away to finish the rest of her duties. “Why are you taking orders from other people?”

“She was very persuading.” Mun Hee answers simply.

As we pass by Mingyu, our gazes meet briefly. He smiles politely and nods his head. I, awkwardly, nod back before turning my attention back to Mun Hee.

“Don’t do it again, alright?” I point a finger at him. “You only take orders from me.”

Mun Hee nods with large motions. “Only from you.”

I push open the doors and stand face to face with Jang Man Wol, the former CEO of Hotel Del Luna.

“(y/n).” She smiles but it never reaches her eyes. Typical.

“Man Wol.” I greet her similarly but without the smile, having to fight down the swell of jealousy in my gut. “Don’t tell me you’re checking into my hotel?” Mun Hee returns to his spot behind the front desk.

Man Wol shakes her head and holds out her hand, palm facing upwards so I can read it. “No, it seems I still have quite a few lives left.”

I scoff, “Of course the Gods would give you 8 more.” I roll my eyes.

“Trust me, I don’t want them.” Man Wol gives me a knowing look. “But that’s not why I’m here.”

“Here to rub your transfer into my face in person?” I guess at her real reason for arriving at my hotel’s doors.

“If I did that, Chansung would never take me out to eat again.” Man Wol pouts angrily before taking in a breath to reset. “The CEO of Hotel Blue Moon told me you’re leaving soon.”

“How does he know that?” I throw my hands up, “How does he KNOW that?” This time I turn to Mun Hee who just raises his hands and shrugs.

“Word travels fast, (y/n).” Man Wol says, “Everything in this world travels stupidly fast.”

I shake my head. “Alright, so you know I’ll be leaving my position soon. What about it?”

“Just wanted to give you some advice.” Man Wol smirks.

I sigh, “Tell me, I don’t have all night.” I start getting annoyed that she is dragging out the conversation that could’ve been done five minutes ago.

“You have enough time.” Man Wol pushes my shoulder, “You don’t have a finicky tree that blooms and withers whenever the hell it wants.”

“My tree is as dead as my soul.” I cross my arms over my chest, “And as dead as this conversation.”

Man Wol twists her lips in annoyance and she mirrors my posture. “I don’t have to give you the advice if you don’t want it?”

“As long as it’s not some silly cliche.” I banter back.

Mun Hee cautiously moves closer to us and we both give him an annoyed look.

“We’re not gonna.” We both say at the same time.

Mun Hee raises his hands in surrender. “Just making sure.”

Man Wol turns back to face me, “Just don’t waste any time and don’t piss off the Gods.” She says before swiftly turning towards the front doors.

“You’re advice is common sense knowledge?” I call out after her.

Man Wol doesn’t turn around but raises a single hand in a sort of wave. She exits out the front doors without another word and lets the doors slam behind her.

Next to me, Mun Hee flinches at the loud sound.

I let out a puff of air, “Don’t piss off the Gods. Psh. What do you think I’ve been trying to do for hundreds of years?!” I yell at the doors that sealed her exit.

“What are you doing here?” Jiwoo walks through the front doors at that exact moment. He looks surprised that I would be standing in the reception area.

“Jang Man Wol just visited.” Mun Hee answers for me since I’m still pouting.

“CEO Jang Man Wol?” Jiwoo questions, “Like Hotel Del Luna Jang Man Wol?”

“Yes. That one.” I tell Jiwoo with a straight face. “She came to give me ‘advice’ but basically told me common sense stuff and I just- I’m going to need six champagne bottles to forget that shit.”

I turn back towards the hotel and leave the two males to their business. Walking through the lobby, I avoid the guests as they mill around as I make my way towards the elevators.

“We should spend the day at the pool.” A woman says as she passes by me with another female.

“If we do, do you promise that we can order what I want for dinner?” The other female wonders.

The first female scoffs, “Fine.”

I continue to walk past but turn my head to follow them for a little. A little seed of desire for friendships sprouts and distracts me from the awful advice Man Wol gave me.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Mingyu’s voice apologizes as he bumps into me.

His steadying hands on my shoulders breaks me out of my thoughts and I look to the tall giant I used to call mine.

“No, no, my bad.” I stutter and step back, “I should’ve watched where I was going.”

“You probably have a lot on your mind.” Mingyu says with a sweet smile.

I scrunch my eyebrows at him, “Why would I have a lot on my mind?” I question him.

Mingyu scratches the back of his neck nervously, “You are the CEO, aren’t you?” He asks, “I assumed you were since everyone respects you and you dress differently than everyone. So I assumed you would have a lot to think about when running such a cool hotel.” He glances around the lobby in awe.

My mouth drops open realizing he hadn’t heard my reception encounter. “Uh, yes, I do have a lot to think about being the CEO and all.” I half smile.

“Well, you must be busy so I’ll leave you be.” Mingyu bows then walks away.

I sigh and repeat the duration of his stay. “Four days. Four days.”

~The Fourth Day~

I sign the last leave approval for the guests that are leaving tomorrow and lean back in my chair. Closing the folder, I stack it on top of the other 8. I reach for my coffee cup and carefully sip from it.

Looking around my quiet office, I suddenly get tired of the space and decide to deliver the forms to Yong or Jiwoo myself. I scoop up the folders and make my way out of the office.

But just as I reach the doors, Jiwoo opens them first.

“Oh, hey.” Jiwoo greets me then eyes the folders in my hands. “I was just coming to get those.”

“I was just about to deliver them to you.” I hand them over, a little sad that my distraction ended so quickly.

Jiwoo takes the folders into his hands but stops me from moving away by saying, “Oh, also, Mun Hee brought Mingyu down a few minutes ago. I was assigned to inform you.”

I sigh in relief that I won’t have to sit around bored out of my mind. “Let’s go.”

“You approved all of them, I assume?” Jiwoo glances down at the folders in his hands.

I chuckle, “What other option did I have?” I ask. “I can’t let them stay here. And I can’t exactly kick them out.”

Jiwoo also chuckles, “Just makin’ sure.”

“How many leave today?” I ask as we ride the elevator down.

“10.” Jiwoo answers, “3 guests have already left so we’ve got 7 more to go.”

“Will you be okay?” I wonder, a sudden burst of concern appearing.

“Yeah, we’ll be fine.” Jiwoo says, “Just go do your thing. And we’ll do ours.”

The burst of concern disappears as quickly as it appeared, “Alright cool.”

The elevator doors open and Jiwoo smirks, “We always do fine.” He mentions before walking out of the elevator and towards his office.

“Have you ever been to Italy?” I follow Mingyu’s excited voice to my garden, “They have the best and I mean the best pasta I have ever eaten. And the views? Ah, spectacular.”

When I reach the garden, Mingyu is animatedly talking to Mun Hee, who seems to be searching for a way out. I cover my mouth to hide the smile on my face.

“I wish I would’ve taken (y/n) there.” Mingyu continues and my amusement diminishes, “She said she couldn’t travel. Something about her family. But now I know that’s a lie.” Mingyu rocks back on his heels with his hands clasped behind his back, “But I still wish I could’ve taken her.”

“I don’t need to travel.” I say, announcing myself.

Mingyu whips around, eyes big with surprise. A wave of relief washes over Mun Hee’s face and he silently bids his goodbyes before leaving the two of us alone.

“You should.” Mingyu tilts his head to the side as if he’s giving me life advice.

I shrug. “Can’t.”

“Won’t.” Mingyu corrects me and I walk to the front of the bench.

I point to the bare tree in front of us, “Can’t.” I repeat then sit down.

“So it was this tree’s fault you always turned me down to travel?” Mingyu questions, sitting next to me with an arm draped over the back of the bench.

I nod, “That and my own fault.”

“Oh, yeah. That.” Mingyu looks down at his lap.

I grasp my hands together in my own lap and stick out my legs as my lips press together.

“The other day…” Mingyu says, “Sorry for bumping into you like that. Wasn’t the grand reunion I had planned.”

I look over at him and smile at his embarrassment. “I’m pretty sure the entire incident was my fault. But now I’m curious.” I raise my eyebrows, “What kind of grand reunion did you have planned?”

Mingyu chuckles, “Nothing special. And certainly nothing I expected to have in the afterlife.”

“You thought I would come back?” I wonder, catching onto his reference.

He nods, “For a few years I did. Then it became a hope that I buried but every now and then it would pop up.”

I lean into him and he instinctively wraps his arm around me.

“I was going to find you and make an elaborate and huge menu for you.” Mingyu continues, “I was going to cook all your favorite foods and some new ones that I’d learned over the years. Then I was going to send you an invitation to this private dinner and boom, we’d have dinner together and then I was going to convince you to stay with me.” He sighs, “But that day never came.”

“I’m sorry.” I apologize and my shoulders fall slightly.

Mingyu chuckles, “Don’t be.” He sighs and gazes at the bare tree, “I’ll just blame the tree for you not returning.”

“It’s not the trees fault that I screwed up.” I pull my hair over my shoulder. “But if that makes it better. Then by all means…” I don’t finish but gesture towards the tree.

“Does it have a name?” Mingyu asks, his eyes running from the top of the tree down to the bottom where the white chrysanthemums stand.

I bark out a laugh, “You think I would name it?”

Mingyu smiles slightly bewildered, “Is it that weird?”

“Who names the thing keeps them locked in a prison?” I question, sitting back and cross my arms.

Mingyu shrugs, “It still should get a name, shouldn’t it? I mean it’s been stuck with you for hundreds of years. What do you even call it when you see it?”

I set my lips in a straight line, “Hell, bastard, damned asshole.”

“Okay, I get it. I get it.” Mingyu raises his hands in surrender. He then sighs and lowers his arms. “I missed you.”

My lip pucker in sadness, “I did too.”

“Did you ever think about coming back?” He asks.

“A few times.” I answer, “But I was always stopped at the front door.”

“Should I go break down the door?” Mingyu jokes with a smile.

I giggle, “Well, there’s no reason for any of that now is there?”

“No, but I’ll still do it.” Mingyu shrugs.

“Well, thank you for the offer, but I don’t think that’ll be necessary.” I tell him with a pat on the shoulder, “Plus, I don’t think we should be destroying the decor here. I do want to leave this place.”

Mingyu nudges my shoulder with his, “Alright, I won’t, I won’t.”

I give him a pressed smile. Without a word, I lean over and rest my head on his shoulder. Mingyu doesn’t flinch but scoots closer and leans his head on top of mine.

“So you’ve only been here? In the hotel?” He wonders and grabs my hand tightly.

I nod, “Here in the hotel. Watching people come and go. Why?”

“Just wondering what you were doing while I was traveling the world.” Mingyu explains.

“Where did you go?” I ask, my interest piquing.

“Where didn’t I go.” Mingyu chuckles. “I traveled everywhere and learned so much about so many new things.”

I let out a puff of air, “Could you be any less vague?”

Mingyu squeeze my hand, “Sorry, sorry. Since I went so many places, I’ll just tell you about the most memorable ones.”

“Start with your favorite.” I request.

Mingyu thinks silently for a second, “My favorite?” He mumbles thoughtfully, “They’re all my favorite.”

I roll my eyes.

“But the most memorable would’ve been the time I tried to get into pastries. Specifically the macarons.” Mingyu recalls and my mouth drops open slightly, “Yeah, it was bad.”

“How bad?” I egg him on.

“Like everything always overflowed or was too runny or never cooked.” Mingyu explains and I laugh, “I swear I could never get it right. It was always too delicate for my … crazy hands.” He wiggles his fingers. “Like once I piped them out onto the sheet in their nice little circles but five minutes later, all the circles were touching. And then another time, I piped them and they didn’t run. But when we took them out of the oven, they had like exploded while they baked. None of them were usable.”

I try to imagine the incidents but all I can imagine is Mingyu’s face of utter disbelief which makes me laugh.

“The pastry chef and I pretty much both gave up after the fifth failed day.” Mingyu says with a chuckle, “She was cool though. Laughed with me when things went haywire.”

“What other pastries did you try?” I ask.

“None.” Mingyu laughs, “But I baked other things, breads and cakes, the more dense stuff.”

My senses fill with the warmth and nutty scents of freshly baked bread, “Those must’ve been fun.”

Mingyu nodds, “I liked how the bread dough felt under my hands. It was sturdy-ish like a knife but without the sharp edges and clean cuts. I could shape it and feel every part of it.”

I hum in understanding and turn his arm over in my hands. My hand runs over the shadow of the burn scar on the underside of his forearm, a commonality between chefs.

“You still enjoy champagne?” Mingyu wonders.

“Most definitely.” I answer.

Mingyu chuckles, “I thought so. You know, I went to a champagne tasting thing once.”

“That would’ve been the most beautiful thing in the world.” I say wishing I could’ve gone.

“You would’ve thought so.” Mingyu agrees, “I wasn’t the biggest champagne lover but during it, I kept thinking about the ones you would like. I even wrote the names down so I wouldn’t forget them. But I lost the list when my restaurant caught fire.” He finishes sadly.

My heart grows heavy as I remember sitting and seeing the news report of what had happened. It was over a year after I left him and the report had said it was faulty wiring that had heated up and caught fire. The amount of fear and sadness I felt was nothing compared to the relief that washed over me when they reported no injuries or deaths. But the location was the first one he’d ever opened and it was special to him.

“I heard about that.” I tell him.

“You heard?” He repeats, surprised.

“I did. Through the news.” I explain, “I wanted to fight the Gods myself until I read that no one had died.”

“You were going to fight the Gods if I had died?” Mingyu asks, his amusement laced in his tone.

“I was.” I confirm, “I fought with Yong about it for brief seconds.”

Mingyu wraps me up in a tight hug and rocks side to side, “That’s probably the most adorable thing anyone has ever said to me.”

When I hear the word 'adorable,’ my face drops, “I am not adorable.” I say and try to wiggle out but Mings his grip tightens, “I am a cursed soul who should be feared by all people from all the corners of the world.”

“Uh huh.” Mingyu responds, unconvinced.

I blow out a breath and give up fighting against his grip. “Still not adorable.”

Mingyu’s chest vibrates with a laugh, “Still very adorable.”

For the subsequent hours, we talk about his successful restaurants and the not so successful ones, his travels to different countries to learn different cuisines from the tops chefs there, the people I knew at his restaurants as well as the ones that came afterward. His face floods with love when he talks about his family and my heart swells with happiness knowing that he was well loved. We laugh through his children’s early years and I listen in awe when he tells me what they became.

I’m sure he has more questions for me but the sun seemingly races for the horizon, leaving us in the dust.

The cool night air meets my skin and I shiver ever so slightly. The only warmth comes from where my arm is tangled with Mingyu’s.

Mingyu looks out the window with a small smile, “And so the day comes to an end.”

“So it does.” I confirm and wait for him to make the first move cause I’m as sure as hell not going to.

“Random question.” Mingyu says, tilting his head to the side while looking at the bare tree in front of us.

“Shoot.” I nod my head.

“Do you think I could win a bet against the Gods?” Mingyu asks, completely serious.

I hold back a laugh, “I can’t even win a bet against them. And I’ve tried.” I manage to say in a steady tone.

Mingyu sighs, letting go of the thought completely, “Yeah, I didn’t think so.” He stands up with my arm still entangled in his. Instead of following his actions, I simply sit and look up at him with a small pout and puppy eyes.

He chuckles when he looks down at me, “I don’t like it either but I can’t exactly not go.”

I rise to my feet and Mingyu’s smile grows. “Are you my escort out?” He asks.

“Indeed,” I answer, “I will see you off to your final resting spot.”

Mingyu’s face scrunches in distaste, “Ooh, let’s not call it that.”

“Then what should I call it?” I ask as we walk out of the garden.

“I don’t know. Anything but that.” Mingyu shrugs.

“Uhm, how about 'The Great Beyond?’” I suggest, “'The After After Life’?”

Mingyu shakes his head, “Ah, I don’t know, I don’t know.”

“What don’t you know?” I giggle, “In reality, it is in fact your soul’s final resting spot.”

“Yeah but, it just sounds weird when you say it.” Mingyu nudges me.

“Why?” I question, “I say it literally multiple times a day to multiple souls.”

“Because it’s you.” Mingyu reasons, “You were always like a symbol of life to me.”

I scoff lightly and lean in closer to Mingyu as we exit the hotel and enter the night air. “I’m not life. I’m a full embodiment of finality.”

“Not to me.” Mingyu whispers in my ear as Shin and the awaiting car come into view. “Is that for me?”

I look at his face which is full of curiousity at the car that will take him away from me. “Yeah, it’s the car that will take you to the other side.”

“Aren’t you coming with? Don’t you have to escort me?” He questions and looks back at me.

With lowered eyes, I shake my head, “Unfortunately, I can only go as far as the car.”

Mingyu abruptly stops a few feet away from the car, “That sucks.”

I smile at his simple yet accurate wording, “It does. But at least I can see you off from here.” I hold out a hand for him as Shin opens the rear door.

While staring at my hand, Mingyu bits his lip in thought for a few seconds before grabbing my hand and letting me lead him to the car. Shin bows his head and Mingyu’s grip tightens.

“I didn’t know I would be going alone.” He mumbles, a touch of fear in his voice.

I face him and cup his cheek, his head leaning into my touch, “You won’t be. The Gods will watch your journey there to make sure you’re safe. And I’ll be right here thinking about you the entire time.”

Mingyu rubs his thumb against the back of my hand, “Will you be told when I make it?” He asks.

“No, they won’t tell me.” I watch his face fall slightly, “But I’ll know. Trust me, I’ll know when you get there.” I comfort him and his face lifts again but there’s still a weight on his shoulders.

“I love you, Kim Mingyu.” I remind him and look into his eyes.

Mingyu looks back at me with unwavering eyes, “I love you, too, (y/n). So much.” He says before pressing his lips hard against mine.

After a few seconds, he pulls away and wraps me in a tight hug. I wrap my arms around his torso and memorize, again, how his body molds into mine perfectly. With a big breath out, he releases me and places one last kiss to my lips before getting into the car.

Silently, I watch with arms folded as Shin closes the door. When Shin stands by my side, the car begins to drive away. But Mingyu rolls down the window and looks back with a wave.

“Love you!” He yells with a big smile on his face.

A tear slips out as I smile and wave back, “I love you, Mingyu.” I whisper as he pulls his head back into the car.

Shin wordlessly leaves me alone when the car has been swallowed by the forest fog and I let the tears fall. Tears of sadness. Tears of memories. Tears of relief that his soul is no longer trapped under my punishment and now is on its way to peace and rest.

I spend a few more minutes standing at the forest’s edge before wiping my cheeks and turning back to the hotel. Yong stands at the doorway, waiting with a comforting smile and more files for me. As I walk to her to continue my work and waiting, the moon rises above the horizon and a white chrysanthemum at the base of my tree withers away.

Return to the Navigation Page (Waning Crescent Hotel)to choose the next guest.

“Are you ready to go home?” Mingyu asks, standing up and pulling me up with him.

“Absolutely.” I smile and let him lead me out of the garden.

“Do you think they’ll have champagne there?” He wonders.

“I sincerely hope they do.” I answer, swinging our intertwined hands.

We walk hand in hand to the lobby where Yong, Mun Hee, Soon Bok, and Jiwoo stand solemnly.

“So this is it?” Mun Hee asks with tears in his eyes. “This is the day you leave us?”

I wrap him up in a hug, only a tiny bit annoyed that he’s being so sappy. “Maybe I’ll get punished again and be back here by the end of the year.” I try to joke but Mun Hee abruptly pushes back from me.

“Don’t you dare say that. You better not return here.” He says angrily through his tears.

I chuckle, “I won’t come back. I promise.”

Turning to Soon Bok, I thank her for her service and her amazing work. Something I never did and should’ve done more.

Next onto Jiwoo. I also thank him for his and his entire family’s service then I unclip the bracelet that has held him to this place.

“When you leave today, you won’t be able to find this place again.” I inform him, “I hope that you’ll be able to go and live your life happily.”

Jiwoo nods, “Thank you for letting me work with you. I won’t ever forget you.”

I smile sadly, “You will. But thank you.”

Finally I reach Yong who is sniffling and trying so very hard not cry.

“You’d think after all these years of waiting that I’d be prepared for this day.” She says through sniffles.

“Thank you, Yong.” I rests my hands on her shoulders, “For everything. Thank you.”

With lips pursed together, she leans forward and wraps me in an unexpected hug. But I soon wrap my arms around her and squeeze her tightly.

We pull apart after a couple seconds and I wipe the few tears that have escaped from her eyes.

“Keep this hotel running beautifully.” I tell her before Mingyu grabs my hand again.

With final waves of goodbye, Mingyu and I walk out to the foggy forest that will take us to our resting place.

At the edge of the forest, Shin stands next to an idling car with a somber look on his face.

“(y/n).” He says when we reach him, “It has been an honor working with you. I wish you both a peaceful rest.” Shin bows his head and I pat his arm.

“The honor was mine.” I tell him with a smile. Now the tears start to line my eyes as the realization fully sets in.

I’m free. I served my years of punishment and now I’m free to let my soul rest.

I turn back towards the hotel and look up to the top where the rooftop patio is outlined with bright string lights. Then to the mid floors where random room lights are turned on, some guests staying in while others opting to experience the hotel’s many services. Then to grand base where guests would be milling around, waiting their turns to leave this world.

“(y/n)?” Mingyu softly asks pulling my attention to where he sits just inside the car, “Are you ready?”

I take one last quick look at the hotel before turning away from it. “Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s go.”

I lower myself into the car and Shin securely closes the door after I am completely inside. As the car begins to drive forward, Mingyu securely grabs my hand and I let his warmth guide me towards our final destination.

In the garden, the final chrysanthemum withers and dies so that no more stand at the base of the bare tree.