#neowritingsnet

[00:27]

a/n: WOW ive been gone for a hot min ㅠㅠ sorry guys university is just very crazy and im going to korea this september so ive been working my ass off which means i haven’t had to time to sit down and write!! but im here now after a burst of inspiration at 11pm…. this aint proofread but i hope you like it <33

wc: 506

warnings: like. one mention of s*x but none is actually involved pls its just very hot n heavy but all they do is kith

the study is a serious room for serious business, haechan’s father says.

haechan thinks having this rendezvous with you, the daughter of his father’s mortal enemy, in his study, is quite serious business indeed.

“my lady,” haechan breathes, words dripping with want, “you are quiteinconsiderate.”

his lips are a hair’s breadth from yours. you know that in this moment, if you simply leaned a little closer, you could end the constant yearning between you.

“i think,” you reply, just as silent and softly as him, “youarequite greedy.” you lean away from him, just barely hearing his slight whine of disappointment.

you take his hand, play with his fingers. he lets you. eagerly anticipating your next move. “what you need,” you begin, tracing your hand up his sleeve, “is to learn,” you sit him down at the desk, stand up, walk behind him, and grasp his shoulders, massaging them slightly, “some patience.” you whisper in his ear, while your hands move to his neck.

haechan takes a deep breath, waiting. for what, he doesn’t know.

careful to avoid his windpipe, your hands squeeze.

he makes an obscene noise, loud and wanton - for a second, before he regains himself.

you bite his earlobe. lightly, of course.

he shudders.

you coax him up again, eyes locked onto his like a predator and its willing prey.

this time, you curl your fingers in his hair, bring him in close. you expect him to complain again, but he remains silent. only the dilation of his eyes, visible in the firelight, and the glisten of his freshly licked lips against the firelight betray his desire. you stare at his lips for an achingly long time, bringing yours ever, painstakingly, closer. you brush your lips against his, and haechan’s breath hitches. you move away, and he whines once more.

“must you tease me so?” he says, almost spent.

“no.” you reply, coy. “but it’s fun,” you add, and draw him in for a real kiss this time. he almost melts in your arms, but you clutch his hair ever tighter, and he wakes up enough to inject his fervor into your veins. he leads you back towards the desk, prompting you to sit on it, and as he stands between your legs and grinds into you, haechan thinks it’d be so nice, so easy, if you so desired - so easy for him to just push aside your skirts and have his way with you.

pulling away for air is like hell on earth, and as he comes back for more, his own hands, once caressing your face, now steadily traveling south - a knock sounds on the door. you reluctantly pull apart, a string of saliva still connecting the two of you, and hurry to hide.

as you listen to haechan try and explain away the person at the door, you think to yourself on how this really was supposed to be a serious meeting. you also don’t think you can find it in yourself to really care that it wasn’t, though.

[masterlist in bio]
29 october 2019
a/n: for some reason it was rly difficult to think of different bullets for everyone ????? and to find gifs that match ?? so i apologize for the extreme vagueness

r e n j u n  ♡

• pls do it all the time
• kinda sees it as something intimate so he feels rly connected to u
• loves kissing ur neck but doesn’t do it nearly as often
• bc as just stated it seems intimate n he’d rather do it in more serious scenarios
• sometimes hints for u to do it but never says it out loud

j e n o  ♡

• can never stop smiling
• hugging him from behind and kissing the back of his neck ??
• waking him up w neck kisses ??
• L O V E
• chances are a some point he has a couple pictures of it cs it’s too cute

d o n g h y u c k  ♡

• actually rly rly loves it too
• likes it when u leave marks too but normally doesn’t let u
• just kinda runs his fingers thru ur hair and lets you do ur thing while he scrolls thru his phone or smth
• teases u about ur “obsession w his neck”
• but is only joking cs he deffo doesn’t want u to stop

j a e m i n  ♡

• thinks it’s super cute ^^
• like if u’re just lying down cuddling n all of a sudden u wanna kiss his neck
• he’s dEFINITELY not complaining
• will also surprise attack you with his own kisses
• depending on his mood will take it as flirty or playful, good luck trying to figure out before hand tho

c h e n l e  ♡

• unsurprisingly likes it just as much as u
• idk he just rly likes the feel of it ?? thinks it’s so nice
• deffo does it to u just as much as the other way around
• like the guys’ll walk in on y’all n y’all’ll just be mwah mwah mwah all the goddamn time ykno
• probably leaves hickeys so don’t go near 127

i will never forget this day he looks so fINEEEEE

j i s u n g  ♡

• the first time u left a series of kisses all over his neck he was kinda shy
• but he didn’t expect to like it as much as he does
• pls don’t do it around ppl tho, it’s embarrassing n he might actually get upset/mad
• probably won’t do it to u unless it’s rly casual or a nice makeout sesh
• he expects it often but u shouldn’t

SYNOPSIS. while you admittedly didn’t refuse the arranged marriage between you and jung jaehyun, that didn’t mean that you’d allow him to treat you like a doormat. for the emotional distress he had put you through during the months leading up to your engagement party, you ensure that he will pay for the way he had been treating you for the rest of his life. 

PAIRING. rich boy!jaehyun x rich girl!reader
GENRES. angst, drama, rich kid!au
CHAPTER WORD COUNT.1452 

WARNINGS.none. 

TAGLIST. @crescent-iak​ @ahtisa02​@ghostfacefricker6969​

[a/n]: lowkey surprised by the number of people actually interested in reading a series that contain no romance fksjfksjfksjf i guess everyone got a petty side to them too haha. send me an ask if you want to be part of the taglist and enjoy this chapter! 

← REASON #2 ||MASTERLIST||REASON #4 → 

REASON #3

You supposed this was Jaehyun’s way of getting back at you for what you pulled with his parents. 

But out of all days he could do this to you, he decided to do it on a day your families had asked you two to spend time together so that the paparazzi could take pictures, who happened to have lunch at the very restaurant on the 30th floor of the hotel you were currently residing in.

You tried not to roll your eyes at the way Jaehyun was smirking at you, almost as if he was proud of his little plan. Sure, that was annoying of him. Not to mention he found a little loophole in your prenup—there was nothing that said that the cheating scandals should only be avoided before the marriage.

You took a sip from your cup of tea as you subtly glanced over at Chaeyoung and the numerous paper bags that laid next to her, all of them from high-end luxury stores. You then looked at the said girl. You didn’t hate her, but rather pitied her instead. Here she was, being with a guy who was never going to be legally single because of your plans of making him suffer.

You didn’t know whether you admired her or found her foolish. You avoided all interactions with her as you actually felt awkward towards her. As if having lunch wasn’t awkward enough, Chaeyoung was having lunch with the woman who was marrying her boyfriend and that happened to be you.

“Lunch is on you, right?” Jaehyun said with a raised brow. “Since you’re the one who invited us out.”

You snorted into your cup. “Your mother was the one who forced us into doing this, actually. I wouldn’t mind paying for now, but should I bill it to your place after? Your mother wouldn’t want to know that her son forced a lady to pay for lunch, wouldn’t you? Especially not when that lady is her future daughter-in-law.”

“You’re despicable.”

You scoffed. “That’s rich, coming from you.”

“I can pay for myself.”

Both of your heads turned to Chaeyoung who spoke up for perhaps the first time during this whole lunch. Then again, all three of you barely interacted. You nodded once and waved the waiter over. The waiter brought over each of your checks. Jaehyun handed over his black card without even taking a glance at how much he had to pay, but you noticed that Chaeyoung’s eyes shifted in panic.

“Just charge everything to my room,” you said to the waiter before getting up from your seated and headed over to the elevator. Your phone vibrated with an incoming message from Yuta saying that he will arrive in the next five minutes or so.

“I didn’t ask you to pay for us,” Jaehyun angrily told you as he followed you to the elevator, Chaeyoung close behind. “We could have easily paid for ourselves—are you looking down on me now that I’ve signed your stupid prenup? You think that my family is desperate for more money?”

God, could Yuta come any faster?

“Jesus Christ, you wanted me to pay and now you’re complaining about the fact that I paid for everyone?” You rolled your eyes and entered the elevator before pressing the button for the main lobby. “Pick a damn struggle already.”

You couldn’t believe you took the time out of your busy schedule to entertain him. You enjoyed these small breaks in your schedule as you usually spent most of your days inside an operation room, but now you were slowly starting to regret asking for a day off.

You immediately stormed off to the exit, hoping that Yuta kept his word and that he was already waiting for you in front of the hotel. But of course by the time you got out, Yuta nor his car were nowhere in sight. 

Some friend he was.

“I hope I won’t get to see you again for the rest of the week,” Jaehyun said to you. “Seeing you once a week is more than enough.” 

You flipped him off without even sparing him a glance as he walked away to get his car. You weren’t sure if it was because he wanted to avoid you or he truly didn’t ask for valet parking, but regardless, you were grateful that you didn’t have to spend any more of your time with him. Truthfully, you had no idea how you even came to like Jaehyun, considering how nasty his personality was.

“You know, Jaehyun’s actually a very nice person,” Chaeyoung said from your side as you two waited for your respective rides on the hotel’s curbside. “But it seems like you bring out the worst in him.”

You raised a brow at the slight condescending tone behind her voice, but kept your eyes firmly on your phone as you didn’t want to give away your true reaction. While you didn’t appreciate her tone, you kept reminding yourself that it wasn’t Chaeyoung’s fault that she was in this position.

“Yes…” you replied coolly. “It seems that he brings the worst in me, too.”

A pregnant silence ensued before it was broken by Chaeyoung.

“You know, I could have paid for my lunch myself.”

Your brows furrowed. “I don’t think I’ve ever questioned your ability to pay for your lunch.”

“And whatever you pulled last time, at my workplace,” she continued, ignoring your words. “That wasn’t very nice of you.”

Your patience was wearing thin. While, admittedly, the way you treated her was certainly not befitting of you, you also couldn’t stand the way she spoke to you, as if she was better than you. Here, you were feeling just an ounce of pity for that girl—you were even considering, perhaps, befriending her. But her holier-than-thou attitude she was sporting was getting on your last nerve.

“Well, the tone you’re using right now to speak to me isn’t very nice either,” you replied snarkily. “So, I guess we’re even.”

“No, we’re not.”

Oh? This was slowly getting interesting. But you still mentally begged for Yuta to arrive faster.

“We’re not the same,” Chaeyoung added.

You huffed through your nose. “Of course we’re not.”

“I’ve worked my way up and wasn’t born with a diamond spoon in my mouth like you.”

While you agreed that you were certainly born with a privilege, you didn’t like that she insinuated the fact that you didn’t work hard for your job and position. 

How many times in a row had she insulted you now? 

Since you’d lost count, you thought to yourself that you held yourself back enough for her sake.

“It’s pathetic of you to lock Jaehyun down like that with an arranged marriage,” Chaeyoung continued. “You- you could have any man you want, so why choose someone who is already taken?” 

You crossed your arms as you ponder her question. You didn’t understand why she was so intent on painting you as the villain of the story. The only possible and logical explanation was that Jaehyun must have not given her all the story’s details. You refrained yourself from laughing out loud at the realization—what else was Jaehyun hiding from his girlfriend? 

Right on time, Yuta’s shiny black Aston Martin Victor came in sight and you evidently sighed in relief, glad to be rid of this situation. 

“I believe you just answered your own question,” you replied to her with a small smirk just as Jaehyun’s silver McLaren Speedtail arrived right behind Yuta. “Why, exactly, do I want to marry Jaehyun when I can have any man I want, as you said? But, I think you should ask yourself, why Jaehyun would even want to marry another woman when he has a girlfriend?”

“T-that’s because youlike him!” she exploded. “Youforced him into agreeing to the arranged marriage.” 

You tsk-ed and shook your head, before opening the door to Yuta’s passenger seat. “Don’t you know that it takes two to tango?” 

You immediately shut the door, not allowing Chaeyoung to retort. You believed that you let her speak too much, and the whole conversation you just had with her gave you a massive headache. Yuta snorted at how you were rubbing your temples, but chose to ignore the elephant in the room (which was the lunch date you had with Jaehyun and Chaeyoung). 

“So, when are you going to move out from the hotel and move back in again with your family?” he asked, instead. 

“Why?” you mumbled. “You don’t want me in your hotel anymore?” 

“You know that’s not why.” 

You shrugged nonchalantly. “Not anytime soon,” you answered. “I still haven’t punished them enough for this arranged marriage.” 

← REASON #2||MASTERLIST||REASON #4 → 

SYNOPSIS. while you admittedly didn’t refuse the arranged marriage between you and jung jaehyun, that didn’t mean that you’d allow him to treat you like a doormat. for the emotional distress he had put you through during the months leading up to your engagement party, you ensure that he will pay for the way he had been treating you for the rest of his life. 

PAIRING. rich boy!jaehyun x rich girl!reader 
GENRES. angst, drama, rich kid!au 
CHAPTER WORD COUNT.1643 

WARNINGS. mentions of drinking, female!reader on a war path. 

[a/n]: thanks everyone for their interest in my drabble (now titled reason #1)! thanks to that, i decided to make this into a small series comprised of 10 short chapters, hopefully all under 2k words. do note that there will be little to no romance for this series. i’ve always wanted to write a story from the “antagonist” pov, so here’s my first attempt at it! 

← REASON #1||MASTERLIST||REASON #3 → 

REASON #2

The engagement party was a drag and it took a toll on you emotionally. While you barely remembered what exactly went down as you drank more than you could handle, you distinctively remembered that you somehow came out with a goal from that party, and that goal was to make Jaehyun’s life a living hell. 

Despite the engagement, there was still nothing concrete about it. Your family had a verbal agreement with Jaehyun’s, but that wasn’t enough for you to actually proceed with the marriage. So, a few days after the engagement party, you invited him and his family to discuss what your marriage entailed. Your family got the gist that Jaehyun didn’t want to marry you, but they didn’t know the exact reason for it. Luckily for the Jungs, you spared your parents the details and told them that you’d handle it yourself this time, to which they thankfully didn’t object.

Af if God knew of your plans, the restaurant Jaehyun’s parents picked was the one where his girlfriend worked. You didn’t know if that was karma working for or against you. Nonetheless, even if you weren’t the one who picked it, it wouldn’t change Jaehyun’s opinion of you, so who cares?

“Let me tell you how Mr. Jung and I are so ecstatic of your engagement to our son!” Jaehyun’s mother gushed to you as his girlfriend was serving red wine to everyone at the table.

You ignored Jaehyun and his girlfriend the whole time and pretended that they weren’t there. In any case, you didn’t need to look at him to know where he was or how he felt about the situation; the smoke coming out of his ears were enough.

“I’m afraid that this dinner isn’t what you think, Mrs. Jung,” you replied as you motioned your family butler to hand you your briefcase.

“Please, we’re about to become a family, call me–”

You slid a few papers onto the table. “This is the prenup that my family lawyers drew up,” you cut her off and then took a sip of the red wine.

You grimaced at how gross it tasted and motioned Jaehyun’s girlfriend—what was her name again, Chaeyoung?—with a flick of your wrist. “Get me a bottle of Château d’Yquem.”

You didn’t fail to notice the flash of annoyance in her eyes. You relished this moment even more, as sadistic as it sounds.

“A prenup…?” the older lady then said, shocked. “I- I don’t understand.”

The look on the three of their faces were worth the effort. Mr. Jung looked fuming, his wife evidently devastated, and Jaehyun looked like he was going to burn a hole through your skull by the way he was glaring at you.

“Well, you honestly can’t expect me to marry your son when he, well,” you glanced at Chaeyoung subtly as she poured your wine with a frown, “comes with quite a baggage.”

“I can assure you that my son has cut all ties with that girlfriend of his,” Jaehyun’s father gruffly stated.

You almost snorted into your wine glass. How shameless of them to force their son into an arranged marriage with a complete stranger when they knew that he had a girlfriend? And you wondered if they knew whether that that girlfriend of his was the one serving them right now. If that were the case, you had to ponder whether this was a deliberate move on their part or not to bring you to this specific restaurant.

“Oh, and the prenup isn’t the only thing,” you continued. “There are more things for him to agree to.” You gave them a half-smile. “You know, just to protect myself from future liabilities.”

Along with the prenup were a list of conditions that they had to agree to, if they wanted this marriage to move forward. Your demands were pretty ridiculous, but not ridiculous enough that they would straight-up reject them. You weren’t dumb, you knew there was more to this marriage than the two families wanting to join together.

Your mother was a famous socialite while your father’s side of the family owned a couple of private hospitals, known for providing the best healthcare in the country. Jaehyun’s family, on the other hand, was known for being in the pharmaceutical industry. A partnership between the hospital line and a pharmaceutical line would certainly be beneficial, especially for the Jungs.

Not to mention how your family’s net worth was around $1 billion, and Jaehyun’s was worth half of yours—in the $500 million, last you checked. While they certainly had a lot money of their own, it wouldn’t hurt to protect yourself and well, to also hurt Jaehyun’s pride in the process. Two birds, one stone.

It was only too bad Jaehyun was such a dick to you.

“If Jaehyun was caught in a cheating scandal, the settlement our family will have to pay–” his mother scanned the document and screeched. “This is ridiculous! How dare you ask us–”

“Well, of course, the same applies to me,” you reassured her nonchalantly. “If anything, I don’t care if he has mistresses on the side—as long as he doesn’t get caught by the media and drags my reputation to the ground. I’m afraid that’s going to be a little bit hard to get back to. Cheating scandals are fine and all since we can always refute them, but oh, if he gets someone else pregnant,” you tipped your wine glass to them, “thatwill certainlybe a problem.”

A moment of silence as the parents looked at each other, not even considering Jaehyun’s opinion or feelings at all. While the two elders were busy whispering amongst themselves, you smirked at Jaehyun, happy with the development of things.

“Oh, and of course, if Jaehyun signs this agreement,” you said and pulled out another document from your briefcase and slid it over. “Then, here’s the partnership agreement you’ve previously spoke about with my parents. And I can assure you that the terms are much better than the ones you previously set with my parents. My father’s and grandfather’s signatures and seals are, of course, already on it. Feel free to send it to your lawyers to authenticate everything.”

Of course, you ensured that your family wasn’t on the losing side of the partnership, but you also had to make sure that your offer was enticing enough for them to sign it. And surely enough, they gobbled it up.

“Get me a pen and my seal stamp,” Mr. Jung quickly conceded.

“Father–”

“You shut your mouth!” he shouted at Jaehyun, surprising even you. “You almost ruined our family with that little girlfriend of yours, you will not disobey my orders! You will sign this agreement or I will cut you off completely!”

Jaehyun looked furious as ever. His hand trembled as he signed his name on the prenup and then stamped it with his seal, his girlfriend witnessing the whole process.

You swore that you were going to make his life a living hell, and you were going to keep your word.

“Lovely doing business with you,” you said with a sickeningly sweet smile and shook all of their hands. “I look forward to see what this partnership will bring.”

“It’s only too bad that you’re a doctor,” Mr. Jung replied. “You would have made an amazing businesswoman.”

You smiled politely. “You flatter me too much.”

Jaehyun’s parents finally left and you two were alone in the private room. Your fiancé sighed and ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

“Are you happy now?” he asked with a sneer. “Are you staying here longer to torture me further and gloat?”

You scoffed and sipped at your drink. “Nonsense. I’m also staying because of how expensive this glass of wine costs.”

He rolled his eyes. “A glass of a 1997 Château D’Yquem only costs $1000—you make that every second. Not to mention, my family picked up the tab.”

“Of course they did,” you said with a small snort. “As if they’re going to make their future daughter-in-law pay for dinner.”

“You’re the one who invited us.”

“And rightfully so,” you snapped back.

You could tell that Jaehyun was surprised with your attitude, so different from usual. In a way, it was true yet untrue at the same time. You’ve always been know to be a force to be reckoned with, one to never back down from a fight. Yet somehow a man like Jaehyun was able to knock you off your horse for the past couple of months so it was high time for you to get back on it.

“I said I was going to make you suffer for the rest of your life,” you said as you got up from your seat, and threw your serviette onto the table. “I’m simply holding my word. As you can see, I’m not one to go back on it.”

You walked away from him and Chaeyoung, who had been as silent as ever for the whole duration of the dinner. You even stopped next to her and pulled out a few hundreds before shoving them into the little pocket of her vest.

“Sorry for the trouble,” you told her with a fake smile.

You made sure that your back faced them as you left the restaurant, your heels clacking loudly against the floor. After months of torture, you finally started enacting your revenge.

But this wasn’t nearly enough for you. This was nothing compared to the months of hatred and spite he held against you during the months leading up to your engagement.

Jaehyun hadn’t even a full taste of your fury yet. It was your turn to knock him down his high horse. And you looked forward to the day he will be on his knees, begging you for mercy. 

← REASON #1||MASTERLIST||REASON #3 →

sun&moon

pairings:biker!donghyuck x rich!femreader

genre/s: romance, suggestive

warnings:suggestive content

word count:0.6k

a/n: a bit short and random but hope you like it!

unedited/not proofread

—

Your body is seated on the black motorbike, legs hanging on both sides of the seat as your lips vehemently move against his. Bodies pressed together as your breaths come in contact with each other’s faces, your ambrosial smell mixing with his malodorous one.

He knows what he wants to say, but he doesn’t know how to word it.

You see, Lee Donghyuck is an enigmatic man. He is cryptic, arcane, precariously intoxicating. And yet; he doesn’t know how to express himself, doesn’t have enough confidence to pour out his feelings.

Though, he most certainly does have the confidence to recklessly risk his life on a simple motorbike.

He always leaves you hanging, leaves you craving more of him romantically every time you two meet. He does know that, which always makes him wonder when you are going to leave him.

He is never certain with you. Or at least, he acts like he isn’t.

He is insecure. Insecure that you will leave him once you find better. Because he is- indeed- very sure that you deserve way better.

You originate from pearls and silk pajamas. Having to have been surrounded by successful businessmen and women, actors and models all your life; Lee Donghyuck isn’t exactly someone inside your circle.

Your circle, for instance, consists of acquaintances from your private school who are where they are today thanks to the privilege coming from their parents. Whether it is because of the connections they have or the companies they hand down.

As fucked up as it sounds, he doesn’t want to ruin that. He doesn’t want to ruin you.

Though, he already feels like he did.

“I think I like you.”

Those words, whispered into his lips by you make him stop all his actions; frozen at the sudden confession. They leave your lips so easily, so effortlessly. Everything that escapes away from your lips sounds so pretty to his ears.

Of course, he likes you too. So much more than he would ever admit to anyone. There is no doubt in that. But he is scared, scared of losing you when he never even had you in the first place.

You have been there for him the whole time. Even when he leaves you without any certainty, when he backs off from a simple hug just because he is afraid.

And at that moment, after putting in so much thought into you and his feelings; he decides to be selfish for once.

Well, maybe he has always been selfish. In order to not have his own heart falling apart, he messed with yours. He broke your heart, to not have his own broken.

“I think i like you too.” He whispers back, allowing your breath to hitch at the confession. A burning feeling captivating you as you try your hardest to recollect yourself.

After gathering yourself back together, you give the Lee the prettiest smile he has seen in this life. Your smile is enough to light up his whole world, and it does brighten up his world whenever he has the privilege of witnessing it. You give him a soft laughter, which comes off as harmonious melodies to his ears. It is enough for anyone to find the slightest delight in. And Donghyuck finds so much more delight in it than he probably should.

When he properly thinks about it, he orbits around you. Lee Donghyuck’s entire life, his well being revolves around you and your happiness. So maybe, just maybe, you really are his sun.

And he thinks; perhaps, he will always hold a candle for you. Even if it burns his hand.

pairings: lee donghyuck x street racer!reader

details:fem!reader, strangers to enemies to lovers??, fake dating!au, rich!reader, some reader x lee jeno + reader x kang seulgi, the reader is anything but straight lmao

genre/s:romance, angst, suggestive

warnings:explicit language, suggestive content, mentions of sex, suggestive humor, mental health struggles, usage of drugs, alcohol consumption, smoking, illegal doings

word count: tba

synopsis:in a world where you thought money gave you permission to walk away from everything that wasn’t perfect, you try finding your way out of an imperfect love story

a/n:i dont have my laptop with me to add links to my bio so here’snavigation

► SEND AN ASK TO BE ADDED TO THE TAGLIST

—

The night is dark, noxious; though, it’s nowhere near dull. Brightly colored city lights, many people sauntering all around; eager to arrive wherever are heavily present. Myeongdong is usually hectic and dynamic whether it’s 3 pm under the sunlight, or 3 am past midnight.

You’ve always preferred nighttime over daytime. You’ve cried more under the moonlight than sunlight. You’ve laughed more, loved more.

And Lee Donghyuck is no different as he’s present near you, body pressed onto the windows as his head slightly hangs outside. A single cigarette is in between his fingers, occasionally making its way towards his parted lips.

“Let’s date.” Is what slips in between his lips after putting down the cigarette which previously sat between his lips, taking you by surprise.

“What?” You reply, a slight chuckle following along as your head tilts towards his direction.

“I mean, let’s pretend to date. Didn’t Jeno just dump you?” He asks, not exactly expecting a proper response.

“Couldn’t you find a better word?” You reply, referring to the word “dump”.

“Even if i accept, what will you gain?” You continue.

“Let’s just say you intrigue me.”

You laugh once again.

“Deal.”

our last farewell

pairings: huang renjun x fem!reader

genre/s:angst

details/warnings:royal au; death, heavy angst

word count:0.6k

a/n:first renjun fic? yeah wow

—

The weather is dull, though smells petrichor since it had stopped raining not much prior. The sky comes off shallow, dressed in an overwhelming gloom. The stars appear bewitching as representatives of every lie whispered in the ballroom.

The violin’s notes jump up and down, allowing a melody out of agony to rhyme. There is something indignant and anguished behind the way the musicians play. From how they move the violins’ bow to the way their fingers delicately dance on the piano’s keys.

Though it seems, something else lays beneath that. You’re not exactly sure what, but there is an unfamiliar tension. Almost too unfamiliar that it somehow gives out a feeling of familiarity.

You stand well executed between the many faces who surround your figure. A burgundy gown is what you’re wrapped in. The top stays fitted as the skirt falls loose. The puffy sleeves sit exquisite on your shoulders, showing off the minimal tattoo inked on your collarbone.

Your eyes fall onto a familiar man as it seems as though he is making his way towards you.

“One more dance?” You mildly ask, extending your hand for the servant to refill the wine glass standing in between your fingers.

“One last dance.” Renjun corrects, rather humorless in comparison to your silky manner as his hand grabs yours. You drop the glass onto a stand, ignoring the not-so-mellifluous sound it creates.

“Ah, how fun to be a liar.” You respond, not allowing the smile displaying on your features to disappear.

“I guess that makes the two of us.” He states, tone breathy as you pretend to not comprehend; tilting your head slightly.

The Huang’s fingers gently touch the naked skin of your waist, where the dress parts in a sensual curve. Your bodies sway accordingly, exactly on rhythm with the violins. Renjun spins you around gently, but you might as well have been whipped around the room.

You feel your heart beat faster. Thunder, even. But, of course, you will never admit to that.

“Why so crucial, my love?” Is what slips past your lips minutes after. Gently, tanunteringly, maddeningly.

Renjun takes a second. Then two, then three, and then-

Shoot.

A loud shot is heard crystal clear by everyone inside that ballroom. Everyone- no. At that moment, everything stops. Not exactly coherent whether the world stops for everyone, or if it’s just the heart of your world that stops functioning.

Renjun’s body instantly attempts to fall onto the ground. Though, your hands wrap around him, preventing his figure from coming in contact with the floor.

Your body feels denser, your heart feels heavier as you drop onto your knees. Tears commence to escape your eyes, though you fail to realize.

It starts with a single drop, then just seconds after, you have a whole river falling from your eyes.

Continuations of multiple “no’s” and “forgive me’s” are the only sets of letters you find yourself being able to put together as Renjun’s brittle body stays unconscious on your lap.

The ballroom becomes filled with distressing sirens, high pitched screams and sounds of footsteps belonging to bodies eager to leave. Everything sounds so loud, so obnoxious.

But you hear nothing. Nothing until you feel his body getting taken away from your lap. You cry, scream, shout. None works. Nothing works and before you know, you’re back on your knees. Left with nothing but tears and bittersweet memories.

The noxious night stays silent and the moon wraps itselfin immorality. Unspoken feelings, unanswered questions and an incomplete journey is what lies beneath your heart as you ask yourself who will flourish the dreams he left behind…

celeritas - kim jungwoo x gender neutral reader

masterlist

⇢   synopsis: celeritas; speed, swiftness. windswept hair and ripped jeans. kim jungwoo, mysterious neighbour and alleged street racer. just what secrets lie within this man? and can you match his speed?

⇢   word count: 7.3k

⇢   trigger warnings: car accident, blood, non-serious injury, swearing, implied sex but no explicit scenes.

⇢   a/n: this is my piece for adrenaline rush, the nct racer au collab! please make sure to check out the other pieces in the collab:)

When your boss moved you to the graveyard shift, you were certain it was nothing short of a curse. The lack of sunlight you witnessed, the subsequent cost of vitamin D supplements, the inherent loneliness of living your whole life while the majority of your city slept.

There were certain benefits, however, once you gave yourself the time to adjust. Laundry, for example. On your days off, you were perfectly free to saunter down to the completely empty laundry room in your apartment building, which was a rare sight. In days long past, you’d had to fight tooth and nail for an opportunity to run a load of laundry, although you had found that the room was mostly empty come 3 in the morning. Key word: mostly.

There was a certain gentleman, who apparently lived in your apartment building, although you hadn’t ever seen him before your late-night laundry escapades. Now, however, he seemed to be a regular fixture in your life. You hadn’t yet figured out whether this was a benefit or drawback. In fact, you were having trouble figuring him out in general.

Soft brown hair, a little overgrown but he wore it well. Warm eyes, dark and shining, the kind you’d expect to see on a puppy. An air of confidence, the sense that he knew exactly who he was and what he was worth. Something about him… you just had to know more. He was a particularly interesting synopsis on the back of a novel, and you wanted to stay up all night reading him, cover to cover. You’d begun sharing smiles with the man, glances across the laundry room. Not that night, though.

That night, his rosy lips were pointed decidedly downwards in a frustrated pout, his eyebrows furrowed in a worried knot. There was something on his mind, that much was clear, and your mind ran wild, creating stories about what might be troubling him. He’d missed his stop on the bus home and ended up in a strange neighbourhood, and he was attempting to comprehend the oddities he’d witnessed. He was an undefeated chess master, and an upcoming champion was threatening his spot on the throne. His pet turtle hadn’t been eating her greens and he just couldn’t figure out why. None of those things, or perhaps all of those things.

“Fuck! For the love of god!”

The man’s cursing startled you from your daydreams, the impact of his shout causing you to drop the shirt you were holding. Even through your alarm, you found yourself thinking that he had a nice voice - even when he was yelling obscenities. You wondered how it would sound when he paid compliments, when he rambled about something he cared about, when poetry tumbled from his lips.

“Hey,” you called to him across the room, with all the bravery you could muster. “Everything alright?”

“Yeah,” he confirmed, although this clearly wasn’t the case. “I just can’t get this damn stain out.”

“Hm. What’s the stain?”

He lifted the shirt higher so that you could see it. A white t-shirt - well, you assumed it was once white. The condition of the fabric, when he pulled it from the washing machine, was a little less than ideal. A rusty stain covered the expanse of the material, red and brown. The man was far from happy - you could tell this wasn’t his first time battling this particular stain.

“Would you believe me if I said it’s ketchup?” he asked with a wry smirk. You couldn’t help but smile back at him - his sarcastic amusement was contagious, and you couldn’t help but feel that this was a frequent exchange for him. Not so much the laundry situation, but the smirk, making warmth blossom in the heart of a complete stranger.

You nodded. “Got it, no questions asked. Have you tried running a cold cycle? And do you wanna borrow some stain remover?”

“You’re a lifesaver,” he praised you. “Or at the very least, a shirt-saver.” You laughed at this; you wouldn’t have expected him to be so dorky. Or, upon reconsideration, maybe it was obvious. From the way his eyes glinted in the light. You swiftly closed your own machine, setting off the cycle, before gathering your equipment, your clothes-washing tools, and taking them over to the man.

“Here,” you said, taking the shirt from him and squirting the remover onto it. You walked him through the steps, rubbing the substance into the material before tossing it back into the machine and running a cold cycle.

“I’m Jungwoo, by the way. Apartment 127.” He held his hand out, and you shook it. Jungwoo, you thought, running his name through your mind. You wondered how it might taste, through laughter or in the dark.

“[Name]. Apartment 129.”

“No way,” he remarked. “We’re so close together - how haven’t we bumped into each other? Before recently, I mean.” It made you feel strangely special, the way he acknowledged your recent encounters with each other. Though you’d never spoken, he recognised you. He’d noticedyou.

You shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know. Well, actually - I just moved to the night shift.”

“That’ll be it,” he confirmed. “I’m a creature of the night, mainly.”

“Well, I’m gonna go. I have… stuff to do.” His pause intrigued you, but you let it slip. Jungwoo tapped the sign on the wall beside him, reading DO NOT LEAVE LAUNDRY UNATTENDED. “I won’t tell if you won’t. See you around, [Name].” With a wink, and a smile, he was gone.

*

Now that you had a name to the face, a voice to the man, a sliver of personality to the otherwise unknown figure, Jungwoo seemed to occupy your thoughts a lot more in the coming week. Hard as you tried to curb these thoughts - you barely knew the man, after all - but whenever you left your apartment, particularly when it was any later than 11pm, you found yourself looking for him. You scanned the hallways, crossed your fingers when the elevator doors opened, kept an eye on the door of apartment 127. It was all to no avail, however. You didn’t see Jungwoo once in the week following.

You’d almost given up hope entirely, or perhaps you were so weary and exhausted from your shift that even Jungwoo was far from your thoughts, which were solely focused on your warm, comfortable bed that you couldn’t wait to fall into. Birds were chattering away to one another, and you sincerely believed you’d never get used to falling asleep at seven in the morning. As you were scanning your way into the building, passing your key fob over the sensor, you noticed a figure behind you, in your reflection. The person was tall, though their identity was hidden by their hood, and fear flashed through you.

You really hoped this wasn’t one of those horror stories - where a strange man gains entry to an apartment building where he doesn’t belong, only to murder its inhabitants. You glanced backwards before you pulled the door open, only for your fear to lessen and your concern-slash-confusion to raise.

“Jungwoo?” you asked, peering at him. He was clearly trying to hide himself, but you knew it was him. You unrecognised his lips, and hoped that wasn’t creepy, but what deterred you was the swelling around the left side of his jaw. “Are you okay?”

“Hey, [Name]. I’m fine.” He tried to give you a reassuring smile, but winced as the action twinged his swollen features.

“You don’t seem too fine,” you commented, trying to peer at the rest of his face, under his hood.

“I’ve had worse,” he shrugged, wincing again. “Look, can we go inside?”

You frowned, pulling open your apartment door before ushering him inside and pulling down his hood, acting fast and catching him unaware, only to gasp at the state of his face. Along with his swollen jaw was a black eye, and a gash across his forehead that had recently ceased its bleeding, judging by the dark, dried blood around the site of injury

“Oh my god, Jungwoo, what happened?”

“Listen, I said it’s fine-”

“Come on, let me patch you up.” You grasped his arm, marching him towards the elevator, and he got the message that his protesting was worthless and you wouldn’t be taking no for an answer. Once in your apartment, you pulled a chair out from your kitchen table and pushed Jungwoo firmly down onto it, before digging the first aid kit out of your cupboard.

Jungwoo was silent through the whole affair, and you sensed that some of this was surprise. It didn’t seem like he was used to this - being taken charge of, that was. He seemed like the type of guy who took charge of everything and everyone he encountered. Well, you supposed, he had met his match.

He was a good patient, and only flinched once, when you brushed his wounds with an antibacterial wipe. Finished your cleaning and bandaging, you leaned back against your kitchen counter, eyeing the man up. He said nothing, simply looking back at you with an undetectable look on his face. His lips were set in a straight line, though his eyes were soft.

“Do you want a drink?” you asked him eventually, breaking the silence. “I have decaf coffee, tea, hot cocoa-”

“Hot cocoa, please!” Jungwoo interrupted, looking excited all of a sudden, despite his injuries. You nodded, and went to prepare two hot cocoas. Silence fell again, and it was a strangely comfortable silence considering you were near-strangers.

“So,” you spoke after a few moments, “I know I said I wouldn’t ask questions. But I did just fix your face, so I think you kinda owe me a little explanation.”

“Hey, hey. This face? Could neverneed fixing. You can’t fix perfection.”

You gave him a look. “You’re avoiding the subject, Jungwoo.”

“Alright, alright,” he raised his hands in surrender. “I’m a street racer.”

You paused for a few beats, looking at him. Searching his face for any sign of amusement, waiting for a gotcha!

It didn’t come. “A street racer?”

“You don’t believe me?” he asked. He sounded genuine. You were left wondering whether he was, in fact, a street racer… or a pathological liar.

“You don’t look like a street racer,” was all you said, as you handed him his cocoa. He took a sip.

“Then, what do I look like?” he questioned. A model, you thought. Outwardly, however, you simply shrugged, and tried to hide your blush by taking a sip of your drink. “You can come see me in action if you want, baby. I’m racing again tomorrow night, midnight.”

You raised a skeptical eyebrow at him. “Follow a mysterious man, who I’ve found covered in blood on twoseparate occasions? Come on. Even to you, that must sound a little shifty.”

Jungwoo shrugged. “You’re the one who invited me into your home, baby.”

You sighed -  you couldn’t really fight him on that one. You wrapped your hands around your mug tightly. “I don’t know anything about you, Jungwoo. I don’t even know your last name-”

“Kim,” he interrupted. “Kim Jungwoo.”

You roll your eyes. “Fine. Well I know your last name, now. But still. How do I know you’re even telling the truth?”

Jungwoo smiled, his lips twisting upwards in the corners in the most endearing way possible. He looked into your eyes. “[Name]. Darling. Why would I lie?”

You give him a cynical look. “Really, Jungwoo? There are some serious creeps out there. Creeps who tell many different lies for many different reasons. And none of them are good reasons.”

“Just trust me, okay? Take a leap of faith.” You raised an eyebrow at him. Most creeps weren’t thispretty. “A leap right into my arms,” he continued, stretching his arms wide as an invitation.

Snorting out a laugh, you delivered a shove to his shoulder. Gently - you didn’t know the extent of his injuries. “I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Midnight, right?”

“Midnight,” he confirmed. He smiled at you, in a way that you couldn’t help but smile back. “See you then.”

With that, he was gone, leaving you alone in your kitchen once more. Jungwoo always seemed to come and go, much like a tornado, leaving you shell-shocked and windswept in his wake. Street racing, hm? You shook your head to yourself. Just what were you getting yourself into?

*

As you didn’t have a car, you didn’t tend to visit your building’s underground parking lot often. If you did, you were sure you would’ve noticed Jungwoo’s car before. Cars didn’t typically stand out to you - you weren’t a car person. But even you had to admit, there was something impressive about the vehicle.

It sat low to the ground, vintage-looking, stark black with two contrasting white stripes running across the middle. You didn’t know they still made cars like that; maybe they didn’t, you considered. You found yourself wondering how it sounded when the engine ran, how it looked when Jungwoo sped down city streets inside it. You noted the sizable dent on the front bumper, and wondered just how bad his crash had been the previous night. Apparently not big enough to deter him, seeing that he got right back into the game, but perhaps that said more about Jungwoo than the size of the crash.

“What do you think?” Jungwoo asked, his smirk audible in his voice. This thing was clearly his pride and joy.

“I like it,” you admitted honestly. It’s cute, you tacked on, mentally. Though it was an honest compliment, you weren’t sure it would go down well if you voiced it.

You smiled when Jungwoo opened the passenger-side door for you. It was nice learning things about him - he was a gentleman, you noted, someone who believed in chivalry.

“You aren’t gonna speed with me in the car, right?” you asked as he settled into the driver’s seat, only half joking.

He shook his head. “I put myself at risk when I drive. I wouldn’t do the same to you, [Name].” You said nothing, but felt your heart swell.

“It’s just a twenty-minute drive, baby. This kinda stuff has to take place on the outskirts of the city.”

“Hey,” you remarked, your tone surprised, curious, but not hostile. “Why do you keep calling me baby?”

Jungwoo paused for a moment. He didn’t seem to have the answer any more than you did. “I don’t call everyone ‘baby’ y’know. I’m not one of thoseguys,” he noted your sceptical look, “Really.” He trained his gaze back towards the road, eyes pointed forwards. “Something about you… I don’t know, [Name]. I just have to call you baby.”

You’d be lying if you said your heart didn’t flutter wildly at that. You pulled your scarf up to hide the blush that flooded your cheeks. You’d spent far longer than you’d like to admit picking out your outfit. You weren’t entirely sure what type of person he was yet, nor the crowd he raced with. Not that you were trying to impress anybody - that wasn’t you, that wasn’t what you did. You just didn’t want to stand out too much.

The weather was warming but the nights were still cool. You’d gone for a light jacket, paired with your favourite scarf. Enough to keep you warm, but not so much that you were completely bundled up.

“This isn’t a big race, by the way,” Jungwoo shared. “I’m sorry I can’t show you something more impressive.”

“That’s okay,” you told him, and it was the truth. You were happy to be invited here regardless. “I’ve never seen street racing before, so I guess I’ll be impressed by anything.”

Jungwoo snickered. “You’re cute.”

The city lights passed by in red and white streaks, and you felt dazzled. Before long, Jungwoo was pulling into a parking lot on the outskirts of the city. It had a strange feel to it; you knew that, by day, this place was probably rather abandoned, seeing activity levels of zero, most days. But now, just after midnight, there was a thrum of energy, small as it were.

Streetlights shone onto the lot, revealing one other car, its door open. One figure stood beside the car, another sitting in the passenger’s seat.

Jungwoo put the car in park, but paused and turned to you before getting out. “Hey, if you wanna go home at any point, just let me know. I’m your ride ‘n stuff, so…”

You nodded. “Thanks.”

“And, by the way, if you get scared, you can always hold your hand.”

You scoffed. “Sure. You wish.”

Jungwoo winked at you, and opened his door to climb out. “Maybe I do wish that,” he murmured before swiftly moving on, not giving you enough time to react. “The door sticks, I’ll come open it for you.”

Jungwoo was flirty. But you didn’t know what he was after. You didn’t know how genuine he was. Sure, he’d invited you out here to watch him race with his friends, but how did you know he wasn’t just doing it to get laid? Were you the first person he’d brought here? The second? The tenth?

You found yourself flustered as you looked up at him, climbing out of the car. You really had to stop overthinking every interaction between you two. You left the car and approached the other, sticking close to Jungwoo’s side.

“Jungwoo,” greeted the standing man with an inclination of his head, a happy grin on his face.

“Hey guys,” Jungwoo grinned at the boys. “This is [Name], like I said.”

“Hi,” you waved politely.

“This is Yukhei and Sicheng,” he indicated to his friends. You found yourself wondering, Are all street racers this beautiful?

Yukhei was tall, an overgrown golden retriever of a man, with kind eyes and tousled hair. His beauty was a warm and welcoming one, and you couldn’t help but feel favourably towards him right away. Sicheng, sitting in the car, had a more elegant, delicate beauty, a slight smile and a curious gaze; something about him intrigued you. You weren’t sure what you’d expected of a group of street racers, but this wasn’t it.

“Let’s get into it,” Jungwoo declared, sounding fired up. His excitement was electric, you felt it in the air.

“Move it, babe,” Yukhei instructed Sicheng, who left the car with a roll of his eyes.

“Look after [Name] for me, Sicheng,” Jungwoo called out before getting back in his car.

“I’m sure [Name] can look after themselves,” Sicheng responded, before turning to you. “You might want to step back for this, though.”

You complied wordlessly, taking a few steps backwards. Jungwoo and Yukhei lined up their respective cars, revving their engines a little more ferocity than necessary. Sicheng stood in front of them, a piece of fabric in his hand that looked like a bandana. He raised it in the air. The tension was thick, anticipation weighing on your shoulders. Sicheng lowered the bandana, and in an instant the cars were gone, leaving behind a cloud of dust which you braced yourself against.

And then… silence. It felt a little anticlimactic, but it made sense when you thought about it; the boys were racing through a concrete jungle, obviously you couldn’t observe the whole course. Sicheng let out a huge breath, a cathartic sigh. You realised that your own adrenaline was running high, and imagined that Sicheng’s must be even higher, since the cars had rushed right past him, impossibly close.

“That’s that,” he commented, smiling at you. He came to stand beside you, and you watched as he reached into the inside pocket of his jacket, pulling out a flask. “Cocoa,” he said, before taking a swig. “Want some?”

You took it happily, enjoying the warmth that the sip instilled deep inside you. The night was a bit colder than you expected.

“So, you’re Yukhei’s-” the word boyfriendwas on the tip of your tongue, but Sicheng interrupted before it could come out.

“No, no. We’re just friends - he’s my best friend. He’s like a brother to me.”

You nodded in understanding. “And you don’t race?”

“Only idiots race,” he said sagely, and you trusted his judgement; if the people he was closest to races, he would surely be an expert.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” You accepted the cocoa flask, when he offered it to you again.

“So, how do you know Jungwoo? He was very vague when he said he was bringing someone.”

Your initial response, mentally, was I don’t know him, not really. Although, you waved it away. It didn’t feel true. “He’s my neighbour. We haven’t known each other long.”

“He must like you,” Sicheng remarked offhandedly.

“Well, I don’t know about that,” you denied, skeptical.

“He wouldn’t have brought you here if you weren’t special. This whole thing, the racing, it’s all underground. You can get into a lot of trouble when you’re caught.”

You thought this over. Special. Of course, this was Sicheng’s word, not Jungwoo’s, but you wanted it to be true. It seemed more and more likely, the longer you dwelled on it; and you certainly had spent some time dwelling on it. He must’ve seen somethingin you, to invite you here. Maybe more than just bed-material. Maybe.

Minutes later, the two cars returned to the parking lot, almost side by side.

“I won that, for sure!” Yukhei yelled out of his open window.

“Yeah, for once,” Jungwoo contended. “C’mon, you’re showing me up in front of [Name]. They’re gonna think I’m a bad racer.”

“You’ll get it next time, Jungwoo,” you cheered him on with a smile.

Jungwoo and Yukhei raced a few more times, while you and Sicheng drank hot cocoa and cheered them on. You couldn’t explain why, but you felt more and more enthusiastic each time Jungwoo returned; you really got into the spirit of things. Jungwoo seemed to be the clear victor; he had won four races while Yukhei had only won one.

“Should we call it a night?” Jungwoo asked. “I’m starving.” You had to admit, you were getting pretty hungry too. Upon checking your phone, you realised that a few hours had passed. You were so consumed in the excitement, in keeping score for Jungwoo, that you’d barely realised time was passing.

“I was thinking the same thing,” Yukhei agreed. “We going to Aeja’s?”

Jungwoo turned to you. “Are you up for that, [Name]?”

“Aeja’s?”

“Aeja’s diner,” he elaborated. “The bestapple pie you’ve ever tasted. Are you hungry? I can take you home, if you want.”

Your stomach rumbled, as if answering the question for you, and you chuckled. “I’m famished.”

You found yourself smiling when you got back into the car with Jungwoo. His presence was warm, and it felt good to be sitting next to him again.

“Are you having fun tonight?” Jungwoo asked you as he pulled out of the parking lot, following Yukhei’s car. “Sorry we haven’t really got to hang out yet. It can be kinda boring, watching people race.”

“No, I’m having fun,” you told him honestly. “This is exciting, and Sicheng’s been keeping me company; he seems nice.”

“I hope we can spend some more time together, [Name],” Jungwoo said, taking his eyes off the road for a moment to look at you. “We should hang out again.”

“I’d like that,” you replied honestly.

The tinkle of the bell above the door was a light, welcoming sound when you stepped into the diner. It was a nice place, and though you’d never been there before, it somehow instilled a sense of warm nostalgia within you. Hardwood floors, neon lights, cracked red leather booths. It was like something out of a movie. It was empty, save for a bored-looking waiter behind the counter.

“You guys again? Really?” he drawled, but there was a teasing expression on his face. He had an angular jaw, chocolate-brown hair in a low ponytail, and a nametag reading Yuta.

“Hush. We keep you in business,” shot back Sicheng, as the four of you found your seats in a booth.

“You’re right,” the waiter - Yuta - conceded. “Manager’s talking about shutting this place up at 10 every night.” He came around the counter, joining you at your table.

“Don’t you dare,” threatened Yukhei, sounding deeply devastated at the prospect of new opening hours.

“It’s not up to me, bro,” Yuta raised his hands in surrender, seeming amused.

“Ineedthis place,” Yukhei iterated.

“Yeah, yeah. What do you want?” Yuta pulled a notebook and pencil from the pocket in his apron, ready to take your orders.

Jungwoo, Yukhei and Sicheng all knew what they wanted immediately, being regulars at the diner, so you just followed Jungwoo’s lead and ordered a burger and fries, with a milkshake.

Yukhei folded his arms onto the table, leaning towards you. “So. Did Jungwoo tell you about the big race?”

You looked to Jungwoo in question. “Big race?”

Jungwoo nodded in confirmation. “In a few weeks. That’s what we’re practicing for right now.”

“Million won prize,” Yukhei interjected.

Your eyes widened in surprise. “A million? Where does the money even come from?”

“Gambling, mostly,” Jungwoo explained. “A lot of people bet on the organised races.”

“Your Jungwoo’s the favourite for this upcoming race - three to one.”

You dismissed Yukhei’s remark of your Jungwoo, instead focusing on his claim of Jungwoo’s capability. “Woah, really?” He looked bashful when he met your gaze, and you had to admire the fact that he hadn’t bragged about this to you; you’d met far too many boys who boasted and gloated about their many triumphs, talking themselves up in a completely unnecessary and unlikable way. Jungwoo wasn’t one of these boys, it seemed.

“It’s not like this is a hugerace,” he explained. “I only stand out locally. Plus, I have some pretty strong competition in this guy Jaehyun.”

“This is so crazy,” you expressed. “This whole street racing thing, I mean. It’s all been happening right under my nose and I had no idea. I didn’t even know it existed, really. I kind of thought it was just a movie thing.”

“It’s very real, baby,” Jungwoo assured you. You had to admit, you weren’t at all mad about the pet name he’d assigned to you; your heart fluttered each time the word passed his lips.

Yuta returned with your food, and you all tucked in. The boys hadn’t been exaggerating about the quality of this place - the fries were heavenly, the burger not too greasy.

“You know what they say about street racing, right?” Sicheng asked you, and you looked at him inquisitively. “Street racing started when they made the second car.” You smiled at the charming proverb.

“Drive fast and leave a sexy corpse, that’s my motto,” Yukhei said, around a mouthful of burger. Jungwoo snorted out a laugh, and Sicheng rolled his eyes though he was clearly amused. You caught Jungwoo’s gaze, and your own laughter doubled. There was a certain happiness that erupted within you, whenever you made eye contact with the boy.

You had to admit, this night was the most fun you’d had in a long time. You hadn’t met up with any friends in a while, now that you were a night owl, and you appreciated the way these three boys accepted you into their circle.

*

It was almost instantaneous, the switch in your life from loner to social butterfly. You began spending your nights with Jungwoo, Yukhei, and Sicheng, either racing, hanging in the diner, or otherwise exploring the city. You and Jungwoo had grown close, faster than you would’ve expected. He set off fireworks in your heart, stars erupting whenever you closed your eyes.

“What did you do before I came along?” you asked Sicheng as he poured you a cup of hot cocoa, in the parking lot that had grown incredibly familiar. “This must be so boring on your own.”

“I didn’t come to watch them race often,” Sicheng said. “I come to the big races, and we hang out a lot anyways - it’s not easy to find other people who are pretty much nocturnal. But Jungwoo asked me to come along to keep you company that first night.”

You hummed in acknowledgement. You supposed this was a new routine for more than just you.

“Oh, shit,” Sicheng muttered suddenly, looking past you. You turned to see red flashing lights, a police car cruising by silently.

“That’s bad, right?” you asked Sicheng, your heart spiking with nerves.

“It’s not good,” he confirmed, grimacing.

“What’ll happen if they’re caught?”

“They’ll probably get taken down to the station,” he explained. “After that, who knows.” Sicheng seemed worried, going by the tense look on his face, and his agitation was contagious. A sense of panic began to set in, and you chewed your lip anxiously.

“If they realise cops are patrolling before they’re caught, they should manage to get away okay,” he said, and you nodded in understanding.

After a few minutes, a few tense and painful minutes, a car rolled into a parking lot - Yukhei’s. He drove to you and Sicheng, parking up and climbing out.

“Where’s Jungwoo?” were the first words that passed your lips, urgent and hurried.

“Hiding out, I hope,” Yukhei responded, running a hand through his hair. “Fucking cop car, patrolling. We split when we saw it.”

Your worries weren’t eased in the slightest. “I’ll try texting him.” When you pulled your phone out of your pocket, you realised your hands were shaking.

Are you okay??? you tapped out, as quickly as you could. Moments passed. “He’s not replying,” you exhaled.

“Don’t worry, okay? It could mean he’s on the road, driving back here,” Yukhei said.

“It could also mean he’s been caught,” Sicheng mentioned. You saw Yukhei shoot him a look that said not helping.

Yukhei patted you on the shoulder. “Jungwoo’s survived much closer calls than this, alright? He’s tough. He’ll be fine.”

Though it felt like hours had passed, it had only been eight minutes, and you knew this precisely as you’d been checking your phone for messages the whole time. When the hum of Jungwoo’s engine neared, and he arrived at the parking lot, you audibly gasped. He jumped out of his car, and the sight of him, unscathed, brought relief that was almost overwhelming. You ran to him, hugging him tightly.

“Hey, hey, I’m alright. It’s okay,” Jungwoo reassured you with a surprised laugh, wrapping his arms around you. You pulled away, feeling shy all of a sudden, though Jungwoo kept a hold on you, arm wrapped around your waist.

“You think there was a leak?” Jungwoo asked.

“Maybe,” Yukhei responded with a shrug.

“A leak?” you asked. “What do you mean?”

“The police may have gotten word that there’s a race planned here. They don’t usually patrol this area,” Jungwoo explained, still holding you close.

“That’s what makes it a perfect racing spot,” Yukhei added. “No speed cameras, no police.”

Jungwoo sighed. “Let’s just call it quits for tonight, yeah? I’ll talk to Johnny tomorrow, see what he knows.”

“Sounds like a good idea,” Yukhei agreed. “Let me know if you hear anything.”

“C’mon, baby,” Jungwoo said, ushering you to his car.

The ride home was strangely silent. You didn’t think it had ever been this quiet between the two of you, not since your laundry room days. When Jungwoo parked up in the garage, he paused before getting out of the car, turning to you.

“Hey,” he said softly, placing a comforting hand on your knee. “You okay?” You simply nodded, eyes trained on your lap. “Look at me,” he said, and you did. His eyes were wide, genuine concern evident in his expression.

“I was really worried about you tonight,” you explained, and he smiled.

“I know,” he said gently. “That’s not something I’m used to, y’know? There usually isn’t anyone to worry about me like this.” His voice didn’t call for pity. If anything, he sounded amused by your outburst.

“I don’t know what came over me. I was terrified for you, Jungwoo.”

His smile turned into more of a smirk. “Maybe you just care about me, baby.”

“I do. I really do.” Your heart was racing, pounding at an alarming rate. Looking at Jungwoo, this hurricane of a man who had stormed his way into your life, you felt something you couldn’t explain. You wanted to be close to him, to stay close to him forever. When he slowly leaned in, you closed your eyes and waited for his lips to find yours.

They were soft - softer than you would’ve expected. His touch was light as a feather when he cupped your cheek. Your hands went to him automatically, settling on his body as though they were always supposed to be there; your left landing on his shoulder, your right flat on his chest. Jungwoo deepened the kiss without hesitation, sliding his tongue past your lips and using it expertly. A small moan emerged from within you, and Jungwoo pulled away before things got any more intense. You were left panting slightly, adrenaline coursing through you.

“I care about you too, for the record,” Jungwoo stated, and you smiled, shaking your head in amusement.

“Do you want to come to my apartment?” you invited him.

“I’d love to.”

*

You awoke as the sun was setting, golden rays filtering through your curtains. You blinked yourself awake, eyes adjusting to the room. Jungwoo was sitting at the edge of your bed, scrolling through his phone. You smiled to yourself, admiring his frame, the wide expanse of his shoulders. You noticed his eyebrows tied together, frustration etched into his features, and wondered just what he was looking at.

“Morning,” you greeted him sleepily, before amending, “Evening.”

“Hey, baby,” he replied, expression softening into a kind smile once he saw that you were awake. “You sleep well?”

You nodded. “Everything okay?”

Jungwoo laughed, a stressed chuckle, as he ran his hand through his hair. “One of our message boards was infiltrated - everything’s coded, but we can’t take any risks, especially not after last night. We’re gonna have to change the location of the race.”

“Oh no,” you said with a frown, moving to sit beside him. He lifted his arm, and you cuddled into his side, savoring his warmth. You tried hard not to smile to yourself, given Jungwoo’s unfortunate situation. You hadn’t realised just how much you’d craved his touch until you got it, and now you’d gotten a taste, you never wanted to let go.

Jungwoo groaned. “This is gonna throw me off, big-time.”

“But it’ll throw everyone else off, too. That could be a bonus,” you pointed out.

“You’re right,” he agreed, planting a kiss on the top of your head. “Plus, I have you now. My good luck charm.”

You smiled into the warm skin of his bare chest. This was a big obstacle, very close to the race. But, even with your very limited knowledge on the subject, Jungwoo seemed like a very competent racer. You knew he’d push through this.

*

The boys hadn’t been exaggerating about the sheer energy these big races brought. There was an electricity in the air, and you felt inexplicably giddy, as though all your hairs were standing on end.

Floodlights shone down on the parking lot - not the one you’d been visiting, unfortunately, but a revised location on the other side of the city. The place was swarming, a whole crowd of people packed into the lot. Around fifty, if you had to estimate. Drinking, laughing, preparing. You didn’t know what you’d expected, in terms of demographics, but you were surprised. People from all walks of life were here; punks with brightly coloured mohawks, men who wouldn’t look out of place as lawyers or accountants, some of the most beautiful women you’d ever seen. It seemed that the art of street racing was seductive to all types of people.

You clutched Jungwoo’s hand as you looked out at everyone, standing beside his trusty car. You knew he was nervous, but he didn’t show it. He smiled down at you, giving your hand a squeeze.

“You’re gonna do amazing,” you reassured him, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“I know,” he said, hints of a smirk on his lips. He looked past you suddenly, scowling. “Who let you in here?”

You turned to see a man approaching, a smug look plastered on his face. He was tall, as tall as Jungwoo, and handsome. Though his charm was different to Jungwoo’s; where Jungwoo was pretty, puppy-dog eyes and a bright smile, Jaehyun was angular, cocky grin and dark eyes.

“Could ask the same about you,” he shot back. “You ready to get your ass kicked?”

Jungwoo sighed, shaking his head with a smile. “Don’t try to trash talk me, Jaehyun. It’s embarrassing.”

“I’m not gonna be the one who’s embarrassed, Kim,” Jaehyun denied. “See you out there.”

“You won’t see me, man,” Jungwoo called out to him as he walked away. “You’ll be left behind in my dust.” Jaehyun failed to reply, only shooting Jungwoo the middle finger behind his back. Jungwoo snorted in laughter.

“So, that’s Jaehyun?” you asked. You’d heard about him, from Jungwoo and the others. He was one of the only racers who was on Jungwoo’s level, his biggest competitor. He’d won the last race, and Jungwoo was determined to take back the crown.

“Yeah, that’s him,” Jungwoo nodded. “Nasty piece of work, right?”

“Yeah, awful,” you agreed with a laugh - it wasn’t serious. The two of them were rivals, that much was evident, but you sensed a great deal of respect between them, without a doubt. They challenged each other, pushed each other to be better, and it seemed that they appreciated each other for that.

An air horn sounded suddenly, and you grasped Jungwoo’s hand a little tighter in surprise. He grinned at you, and you laughed as your cheeks heated. You were just so excited, so worked up, that it made you jumpy. “That’s the signal, babe,” Jungwoo explained. “Kiss for good luck?” You complied, giving him one last lingering kiss.

You reconvened with Sicheng, watching as Jungwoo and Yukhei got in their cars and drove towards the starting line. There were six cars, in total, with Jungwoo, Yukhei, and Jaehyun accounting for three of them. Yukhei’s nimble red car stood out among the bunch; Jaehyun’s was a deep blue, bigger than Yukhei or Jungwoo’s; however Jungwoo’s was certainly the most impressive of the bunch, with her stark white stripes. You could have been biased, though.

Your heart was pounding. With nerves, with excitement, possibly even a bit of fear. This was racing - realracing. You knew how dangerous it could get. After all, you’d fixed up Jungwoo’s injuries yourself. And, really, he was lucky to get away that lightly.

The parking lot was near silent as the cars lined up. You and Sicheng stood, a few metres away from the line of cars. You looked at Jungwoo, through his windshield. There was a look on his face, determined and excited, that made your heart flutter.

You’d never felt a silence so heavy, never heard a silence so loud. It was as though every single person was holding their breath. The tension sunk its sharp, jagged teeth into your skin, and you dug your nails into your palm.

“On your marks,” boomed a voice, amplified by a megaphone.

“Get set.” Engines revved.

“Go!”

Almost the instant the word had been uttered, the cars had sped off, leaving no trace behind. The crowd erupted, whooping and cheering. Sicheng pulled you into a hug, and you laughed as you held him close. There was a certain high that came from this, an adrenaline rush. You could barely even imagine how Jungwoo must be feeling, flying down the streets at lightning speed.

“You look nervous,” Sicheng commented, the corner of his mouth lifting. You gave him a small smile in response. “Jungwoo knows what he’s doing,” he reassured you, and you nodded. This felt so reminiscent of the times you’d spent with Sicheng, waiting for Jungwoo and Yukhei to finish racing, drinking hot cocoa and laughing together. Though it also felt wildly different. There was something riding on this race; Jungwoo’s pride and a lot of money. Your heart was pounding. A month ago you’d never spared a thought for street racing, and now? You’d give anythingfor one man to win this race.

The race was a little longer than what Jungwoo and Yukhei had been practicing - or maybe it only felt that way because you were sitting on the edge of your metaphorical seat. You could hear them, in the distance. An unmistakable low rumbling, thrumming through the asphalt. It grew louder, the cars drew nearer. You reached for Sicheng’s hand, clutching it tightly as butterflies raged in your stomach. You stepped forwards, peering down the street. You saw the headlights in the distance, as they turned onto the stretch of road. Sicheng gripped your shoulder, pulling you back gently from harm’s way, and you chuckled, a little embarrassed at your anxious enthusiasm.

You didn’t think you’d ever seen cars move that fast - in fact, you didn’t think you’d ever seen anythingmove that fast. You barely had time to blink, as Jungwoo and Jaehyun’s vehicles, a blur of black and navy, raced ahead of the others, appearing in front of you within an instant.

A screech, a deafening crashing sound, and a hoard of gasps met your ears all at once. If it weren’t for Sicheng’s grasp on your hand, you would’ve ran directly into the line of oncoming cars. “Jungwoo!” you heard yourself cry out, and although it was your voice, it sounded distant, far away.

“Hey, hey, [Name],” Sicheng said, pulling you closer to him. “He’s okay, Jungwoo’s okay.” His words were meant to soothe you, but his voice was still tinged with worry. You blinked, looking out at the scene in front of you.

The other cars whizzed by, driving past the wreck that Jaehyun’s car had become. Jungwoo had been the clear winner, as Jaehyun’s car had skidded off-course just a short distance from the finish line. The bumper had been dented, the metal crumpling as though it were paper. You watched as Jaehyun stumbled out of the driver’s side, mostly unscathed. A group of people ran to him, now that the cars had stopped flying by, carrying first aid kits, but you paid them no attention. You shrugged free of Sicheng’s grasp, running to where Jungwoo had stopped.

You caught sight of his car, dented along one side, and tears sprang to your eyes. Jungwoo climbed out when he saw you coming, and you held him at arm’s length, looking over him frantically. “Are you okay?” you asked, your voice barely rising above a whisper.

“Baby, baby, I’m fine,” Jungwoo breathed, pulling you into a hug.

“Jaehyun,” you uttered. “He-”

Jungwoo pulled back, kissing your forehead. “He’s okay,” he assured you. You followed his gaze to Jaehyun, whose forehead was being wiped by a makeshift medic. He gave the two of you a thumbs up, and Jungwoo waved back.

“You won,” you stated, looking back to Jungwoo.

“Yeah,” Jungwoo laughed. “I guess I did.”

“You don’t sound very happy,” you pointed out, caressing his cheek lightly.

“It doesn’t feel right - I feel like I’ve won unlawfully, y’know? I only won cause Jaehyun crashed-”

“Maybe, but you don’t know that for sure,” you told him. “You won, and that’s that.” Jungwoo sighed, and you kissed him.

An air horn sounded, and you jumped yet again. Jungwoo laughed. “That’s for me, babe.”

“And the winner is Kim Jungwoo,” called out the voice, crackly through the megaphone. Jungwoo raised his hands in victory, as a scatter of applause rang out for him.

“A million won, huh?” you said. “What you gonna spend it on?”

“Fixing up my car, probably,” he sighed, looking back at the dent in his vehicle. “And I might take my baby on vacation.”

You giggled, kissing him once more. This street racing thing was slightly terrifying, you had found. But it had its plus sides too.

• pairing: son of athena!renjun x daughter of aphrodite!reader
• genre: fluff, angst
• word count: 6.6k
• author’s note: it’s finally here, the first fic in demigods: electric boogaloo! it feels so nostalgic to return to this pairing because i haven’t written them in so long i really hope you guys enjoy it you also might notice that i am including the member’s perspective a lot more than i did in the previous series. i wanted to try something different with the sequels since i rarely ever include perspective shifts in my fics because i find it easier to write with one distinctive voice. please let me know your thoughts <3333
• warning(s): depressive behavior
• additional: this fic is a sequel. catch up on the original series here!

credit for the templates used in my edits (x) (x)

Someone is knocking on the door. 

You’re not sure if it’s because you have been sitting in your bed, wrapped in 3 layers of blankets while shrouded in total darkness for an extended period of time, and your senses have suddenly become heightened because of it, but you recognize who it is by the way he knocks. 

It’s Huang Renjun, your wonderful boyfriend and the sole reason why you haven’t completely morphed into one of those single-cell microorganisms that feed on bacteria in the deep, dark trenches of the ocean.

His knocking style is very much like his personality—three raps, short and sweet, but consistent. If Renjun is anything, he is consistent. He’s been consistently in love with you since you met him almost 5 years ago, patiently waiting for you to look his way, and he’s consistent now as he patiently waits for you to allow him to shoulder the weight of your grief alongside you. 

Even though some of your other siblings have come by and checked on you, Renjun’s knocking is the only thing that clears your hazy mind for even a moment. You’ve lost all concept of day and night at this point, but even in your stupor, your brain hangs onto every little detail of Renjun.

Does that sound stalkerish? Perhaps. 

Are you actually a stalker? Debatable. 

“Just a second,” you call out, voice sounding like you have the worst pneumonia of your life. Hurriedly grabbing the cold spoons you’ve been keeping on your nightstand, you place them against your swollen eyes. It’s a depuffing trick that you normally use when you’ve eaten too many salty foods at night, but now they serve as tools to help you hide the fact that you’ve been crying. 

After a couple more seconds, you finally say, “Okay, you can come in now.” 

The door clicks open and Renjun walks in, holding a tray of food. 

“You know, your room is technically going to qualify as a biohazard if you don’t let in some fresh air soon.” 

Renjun always tries to crack a joke when he checks in on you, a valiant effort to make you smile. You’re not sure what your expression has been as of late, but you hope you’ve managed to squeeze out something that resembles a smile for him at least once. 

With deftness, he navigates through the pitch black of your room and easily makes his way to your bedside, switching on the lamp on your nightstand. 

Your corneas feel like they’ve just been lit on fire when he does it, forcing you to squint as your eyes slowly adjust, but you don’t miss the grimace on Renjun’s face when he is finally able to take a good look at you. His stormy gray eyes go over every little detail of your features, and his hand slowly reaches up to cradle your cheek. He gently runs this thumb across the still-swollen bags under your eyes. 

He knows you’ve been crying. He always does. After all, you’ve never once been able to fool him when it comes to your heart.

Your eyelids flutter shut as you lean into his hand, wanting his touch to shield you from everything bad in the world.

Renjun, however, furrows his brow and turns his attention to yet another tray of untouched food that he had brought for you on your nightstand. 

“You have to eat something, Y/N. Please. Even just a bite,” he whispers softly, taking a seat on the edge of your bed and nudging the new tray of food towards you. “Look, I even took out all the carrots from your curry.” 

It isn’t that you’re choosing not to eat. In fact, you’re quite hungry. It’s just that every time you try to put food in your mouth, your insides twist and turn like a taut band being wrung out and it makes you feel sick to your stomach. Whether you’re sick from heartache or betrayal or anger or guilt or a mixture of all of them or something completely different, you’ll never know. 

When you don’t react to the curry, Renjun picks up the small bowl of chocolate ice cream from the tray before scooping up a spoonful and attempting to feed you.

“They’re serving your favorite chocolate ice cream too,” he adds, obviously trying to entice you into wanting it by waving it in your face and letting the scent waft over to you. 

You can tell how hard Renjun is trying; he always carefully picks out all of your favorites whenever he brings you food, and this time is no different. That’s why you feel so bad every time he has to take back a full tray, and you see his face grow haggard with worry. It upsets you even more that all of this is affecting his well being as well.

So you slowly lean forward, wanting to ease his stress in any way you can, and gingerly take a bite of the ice cream. Perhaps because it’s not a solid food and it quickly melts on your tongue or because Renjun is the one feeding you, but it doesn’t make you feel awful. Rather, the ice cream’s cool temperature and decadent chocolate flavor is a nice reprieve of the constant taste of drainage and bile in your throat. 

When you glance back up at Renjun, he looks so relieved that he could cry at any moment. His gray eyes glimmer like crystalline starlight, and he gazes at you with so much love in his eyes. It constantly astounds you that he looks at you the way he does, as if you’re something so precious.

Especially now.

You don’t even want to think about what kind of state your appearance is in, but you’re certain it isn’t anything short of ghastly. 

For the past two weeks, you’ve seldom left your bed, only getting up to use the bathroom and doing a bare-bones hygiene routine that keeps you just clean enough so you don’t start to collect grime. You most definitely have not washed your hair during this time, and you can imagine it’s just an oil slick up there. 

(Renjun had mentioned a while ago about doing an oil slick painting, so maybe this will serve as inspiration for him.)

You’re wearing one of Renjun’s t-shirts as well, which you’ve lovingly deemed your comfort shirt. It’s a faded spirit tee from his high school days that he normally wears when he’s working with messy art supplies, so it has dried splatters of paint here and there. You don’t mind though; it smells like acrylic paint and Huang Renjun, a mixture that you didn’t realize would be so calming to you. 

And like one of those mangled baby blankets that toddlers drag around and scream for when someone tries to take it away to wash it, this t-shirt has metaphorically and literally absorbed all of your pain (snot and tears). 

So, in conclusion, you’ve looked better. 

But Renjun doesn’t even seem to notice. Rather, he looks at you like you’re at your most beautiful. He always looks at you like that but particularly so now, when you feel the least beautiful, like an exhausted explorer that finally found his treasure at the end of a long journey. No, even more priceless than treasure. He looks at you as if you’re the half-human, half-god incarnate of his very heart and soul—the divine blood that courses through his veins.

You wonder what you did in your past life to deserve someone like him. And you hope in your next life, if you’re lucky, he’ll love you again. 

“Do the airplane,” you whisper, a small smile tugging on your lips. You want to tease him, to let him know you’re okay. You’ll always be okay as long as he’s by your side.

He raises an eyebrow, trying to feign skepticism, but you can see how delighted he is that you’re slowly starting to cheer up. “The what?”

“You know, like ‘here comes the airplane…nyooom,’” you explain, waving your arm around and mimicking what parents do when they’re trying to feed their kid. 

“How old are you?” He rolls his eyes. 

“I just want to see how much I can get away with since you’re being extra nice to me,” you admit sheepishly. 

“I’m always nice to you,” he scoffs. 

Yes, he is. From the moment you’ve met him. Too nice, if you think about it. You would argue that he could actually be meaner. 

And because he is so kind, despite his complaints, Renjun indulges you per usual. 

“Here comes the F-16 fighter jet,” he begins, snaking his arm back and forth swiftly as he makes noises that attempt to resemble an engine revving up, but if the engine had popcorn lung. 

Right before the spoon reaches your mouth, you catch his wrist and move it aside before leaning forward and giving him a quick peck on the lips.

“I love you,” you say softly after you pull back. You’ve told him many times before, and you could say it until your tongue fell out but it still wouldn’t be enough to encapsulate just how deeply you love him. 

Renjun slowly blinks, the spoon threatening to slip from his grasp; every time you tell him you love him, he reacts like he can’t believe you said it. Like this is all a dream that’s too good to be true. 

When he finally manages to convince himself that this is real and you, in fact, do love him, he sets everything aside and wraps an arm around your waist as he tries to pull you into his lap so he can kiss you silly. However, you quickly cover your mouth, refusing to make out with him while you’re in this state.

“I’m disgusting right now. In an extremely desperate need of a shower,” you whine, shaking your head. 

He doesn’t really seem to care because he perches you on his lap anyways, kissing the back of your hand that’s over your mouth. You wonder if he’s aware of how much your self-control is clinging on for dear life when you feel his soft lips against your hand. He doesn’t push any further though, just opting to rest his forehead against your collarbone and his palms on your thighs as his thumbs rub soothing circles against your skin. 

At first, you think he’s doing it to comfort you, but then you realize that he’s actually just fidgeting because there’s something on his mind. Ever the loud thinker, you don’t even need to see Renjun’s face to know that he’s probably got his brows furrowed and his poor lip gnashed between his teeth as he contemplates with that big, Athenian brain of his. 

You card your hands through his coarse hair, guiding him away from your chest and tilting his face up towards you so you can look into his lovely gray eyes. Sure enough, they’re clouded with conflict as the gears in his head churn. 

“Are you gonna tell me what’s wrong or will I have to seduce it out of you?” you tease. 

Renjun doesn’t react to your joke, instead gently lifting you from his lap and setting you beside him on the bed. You search his expression, much more concerned than before, nervously waiting for him to speak. His hands come up to firmly grasp your arms, as if he’s trying to physically hold you together. 

“Jaehyun wants to see you.” 

And perhaps it’s good that he’s holding you, because you feel your blood run cold as you slump into Renjun’s arms.

Jeong Jaehyun, the child of Aphrodite, resident heartbreaker, your brother, and now—

Traitor. 

The reason why the Aphrodite Cabin has basically ceased to function at this point and why you’ve been trapped in this depressive spiral for weeks. 

You’re honestly still not 100% clear on what exactly happened because you simply couldn’t bear to listen to it, but you know enough. You know that Jaehyun was the one who stole the Golden Fleece, the magical artifact that protects Camp Half-Blood’s borders. You know that Jaehyun wanted to use the Golden Fleece to resurrect Kronos, King of the Titans and sworn enemy of the Olympians. You know that Jaehyun was the one responsible for the disastrous Capture the Flag game, wherein monsters with enhanced strength (thanks to the stolen Golden Fleece) were unleashed upon the campers and injured almost everyone—leaving you with a broken arm and Renjun having nearly been killed, had his sister, the head counselor of the Athena Cabin, and her boyfriend not saved him. 

You know that you can never forgive Jaehyun. 

“He’s been asking for you for a while now,” Renjun continues slowly, “but I just…I didn’t want to tell you until you were…better.” 

“I have nothing to say to him,” you force out, trying to swallow the lump in your throat.

Renjun doesn’t respond, just wrapping his arms around you and pressing you against his chest, your cheek squished into his shoulder. 

“Okay,” he whispers. 

The two of you stay like that for a while, relishing in each other’s company as he holds you. 

Your mind whirrs as you think about Jaehyun, and all of the memories you’ve had with him flash by—the countless times he’s called you ‘kid,’ the constant teasing, the knuckle sandwiches, the training. If it weren’t for Jaehyun, you might not have even realized your feelings for Renjun.

“You’re so sharp when it comes to other people, but you’re dense as hell when it comes to yourself,” he had said.

He was such a big part of your life, your family, and you owed so much to him. You’re not sure if you can just cut him out like this, not without some sort of closure. 

Sighing, you finally say, “But I should, shouldn’t I?” 

“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do,” Renjun responds. 

“But I think I want to,” you begrudgingly admit, leaning back from the hug so you can look at him. 

Renjun smiles. “I know.” 

“Will you come with me?” you ask, threading your fingers through his. 

“I’d go with you to Tartarus if you asked me to,” he answers immediately, brushing your mussed hair aside so he can place a kiss on your forehead. 

You wrap your arms around his neck, throwing yourself on him and clinging to him again like a koala. He slightly grunts at the impact, tucking your head right underneath his chin and kissing the crown of your head. 

A few seconds pass by before he says, “You could use a shower though.” 

You playfully shove him away, rolling your eyes. 

“You are so not cute, Huang Renjun.” 

A long, long piping hot shower later, you’re armed with another sweater of Renjun’s to serve as your armor and Renjun himself by your side—ready to face Jaehyun once and for all. 

Since Camp Half-Blood has no jail or dungeon per se, Jaehyun has been kept under tight supervision in the Hades Cabin, under the watchful eye of the Hades kids while Mr. D and Chiron, the heads of the camp, consult the Olympians on stripping Jaehyun of his powers and expelling him from the camp to live as a normal human.

Your friend Cat, a Hades kid, and her brother, Sicheng, are waiting for you outside as you approach the Hades Cabin. You and Cat became close when you decided she was going to be your next matchmaking project, even setting her up with Jaehyun ironically enough. 

(If you were in a joking mood, you would’ve teased that this was not the enemies-to-lovers arc that you had hoped for.) 

Ultimately, things didn’t work out and the two of you just bonded over your shared interest in sticking your noses into other people’s love lives. 

Cat was actually the one who broke the news to you that Jaehyun was the traitor. In fact, she and Sicheng were on the team of demigods that discovered and captured him in the Sea of Monsters, where he had been hiding out. You were grateful that she told you first, instead of letting you find out through an official announcement via Mr. D and Chiron. 

When you see the Hades siblings, you grip Renjun’s hand tighter and unconsciously begin to drag your feet. You wish you could walk up confidently with your head held high, tell Cat that you’re ready to rip Jeong Jaehyun a new one, but your stomach feels like it’s about to rip you a new one. 

“Y/N!” Cat waves before rushing over to you and giving you a hug. “How are you feeling?” 

“Like I want to hurl,” you answer honestly. 

She pats your shoulder sympathetically. 

“How are you?” you ask, trying to make small talk so you can delay going inside. 

“Miserable,” Cat groans. “I don’t understand why we had to give up our cabin for that loser. I’ve been on nightwatch, so I’ve barely gotten any sleep. But they are letting me stay in the Artemis Cabin for the time being since the Hunters aren’t here, and it’s the most gorgeous cabin ever.” 

Since Artemis is a virgin goddess, she has no children. However, she does have a legion of maidens that have sworn loyalty to her, known as Hunters of Artemis. They remain single for their entire lives, rejecting any kind of romantic love, which in turn grants them eternal youth and pseudo-immortality as long as they keep their vows and are not killed in battle. The Artemis Cabin is largely unoccupied during the summer, since the Hunters are traveling most of the time, and no one else is allowed in unless there are special circumstances. Therefore, the interior of the cabin remains a mystery to most of the campers.

If this were any other situation, you’d be pressing Cat for more details, but you’re barely registering her words. 

“Where’s your sister?” you continue absentmindedly, looking around. 

“She got called into Mr. D and Chiron’s office. I’m not sure why. She’ll tell us when she’s back,” Cat explains breezily, not bothered by your lack of reaction to her other answer.

“I see,” you squeak, “How’s Sicheng?” 

“Insufferable.” Cat rolls her eyes. “He got himself a girlfriend and now he doesn’t want to do his job anymore. He’s the biggest fool for Moon, and it was cute at first, but now he keeps trying to ditch me to hang out with her in the Poseidon Cabin.”

“Hey!” Sicheng protests, still within an earshot. 

That sufficiently peaks your interest and distracts you from your anxiousness, as you are unable to completely shed your matchmaking ways. You lean forward, eyebrows raised. 

“Sicheng got a girlfriend? And I didn’t know about it?” you gasp. 

Now that you’re paying attention, you’re not sure how you missed it. As an Aphrodite kid, you can sense it when someone is in love, and Sicheng is exuding it. His aura is so strong that you’re surprised it hasn’t physically manifested itself in the form of a pink cloud that follows him everywhere. 

“Oh, honey bee,” Cat sighs, “you’ve missed somuch.” 

“Well, aren’t you gonna catch me up—”

You feel someone squeeze your hand gently. Turning, you see Renjun, who had been quietly waiting for you to finish your conversation. There’s a knowing expression on his face, and you hate that he’s aware of exactly what you’re doing. 

“You’re stalling,” he points out. 

“Party pooper,” Cat retorts, though she seems to understand too. Winking, she glances towards the Hades Cabin. “If Jeong Jaehyun tries anything, just let me know and I’ll skewer him. Now, go get ‘em, girl.” 

You smile at her appreciatively before looking back at Renjun, who is still holding your hand. When you gaze into those cool gray eyes of his, you suddenly feel a lot braver. He gives you a small nod, encouraging you to walk inside. 

Taking in a deep breath, you march up the dark stairs of the porch and fearlessly push open the door. Like everything else about the Hades Cabin, the inside is dark, low-lit with torches that are sparsely littered around the room. The entire structure is made of pure obsidian, and there are no windows. Camp Half-Blood doesn’t have a prison, but you imagine the Hades Cabin is pretty similar. It’s a far cry from the bright and pastel Aphrodite Cabin that you’re used to, and you suppose Jaehyun feels the same way.

Speaking of Jaehyun, as much as you don’t want to, he’s sitting in the middle of the room, chained to a chair that appears to be made out of Stygian iron. Stygian iron is a magic metal that is forged from the Underworld and cooled in the River Styx, limiting its wielders to only children of Hades. It’s able to absorb the essence of practically every mythical being, including demigods. 

The chains that are binding him emit a faint golden glow, which indicate that it’s Celestial Bronze. Celestial Bronze is what most of the weapons wielded by demigods are made out of. It’s mined in Mount Olympus, and unlike Stygian iron, Celestial Bronze affects mythical creatures physically rather than absorbing their spiritual essence. 

Jaehyun himself looks awful as well. His hair is dull and flat against his forehead. There are deep bags underneath his eyes. His face is ashen, cheeks hollowed out. Despite the fact that his body is rippled with muscle, he looks like a skeleton. As if he’s slowly deteriorating. Dying. 

It both breaks your heart and terrifies you to see him in this state and being held under such maximum security, making you confront the reality of just how dangerous your brother has become. 

Brother. 

But he’s not really, not anymore. 

“Hey, kid.”

You inhale sharply through your nose, every microfiber of your body screaming at you to turn around and run. Renjun, sensing the spike in your nerves, places a hand on the small of your back—a wordless gesture of comfort, letting you know that he’s right behind you. 

“Please don’t call me that,” you respond, trying to hide the quiver in your voice. 

“Sorry,” Jaehyun chuckles, a low, sickly rumble that dies inside his chest, “force of habit.” 

He drags his eyes away from you and to Renjun, an amused smirk on his lips. “Hey, Renjun.”

Renjun doesn’t respond, just narrowing his eyes. The hand against your back grows firmer. 

“Are you Y/N’s chaperone?” 

“Why did you want to see me?” you interrupt, moving to shield Renjun from him with your body. 

He casually leans back against his chair, comfortable, like he’s in his own living room. Ignoring your question completely, he asks, “How have you been?”

“Peachy,” you lie. 

“And the others?” he asks, referring to your siblings. “How are things at the cabin?”

“Wonderful. Nothing but smooth sailing. Barely even noticed you were gone,” you say petulantly. 

Jaehyun smiles. “That’s good. I was worried about—”

“Did you call me here to waste my time?” you demand. 

“No,” he answers, looking surprisingly genuine. “I wanted to apologize. To my brothers and sisters, but to you especially, Y/N. You were the last person I wanted to hurt.”

If you weren’t so incredulous, you would laugh in his face. “You should’ve thought of that when you nearly massacred the entire camp, when you nearly killedRenjun—” 

Your voice cracks when you say his name, tears involuntarily welling up in your eyes.

“I want you to know that everything I did was for my family—” 

You bark out a bitter laugh. “Stop. We’re not your family. We stopped being your family when you tried to slaughter us all.” 

“I’ll always be your brother.” 

Even though this Jaehyun is unrecognizable to you, one look into his eyes and you can tell that he truly believes that. That, in his own delusional way, he does care about you. However, one look into his eyes, and you know that he isn’t your brother. His eyes are void of any humanity, just two vortexes of nothingness. 

A shell. 

You think about Jaehyun, your brother, and how he smiled. How he laughed. How he joked. How he got frustrated. How he cried. How he lived.

“No,” you say softly, not even noticing that you’re speaking aloud, “you’re not Jaehyun.”

“No,” he whispers after a moment, seemingly coming to the realization himself. “I suppose I’m not. The Jaehyun you knew was weak. He cared, and it’s a weakness that I continue to carry with me.”

You’re not sure what to say to that. Were you supposed to be grateful?

“I came here to say goodbye to my brother, but it looks like he’s already left,” you state flatly, “So, I have nothing else to say to you.” 

You turn to Renjun, nodding and allowing him to see the finality in your gaze. He keeps his expression neutral, but you can see how proudly his eyes beam at you.

“Wait,” Jaehyun calls out. 

An enormous wave of dread washes over you. 

“I want to speak to Renjun too. Alone.”

This is probably bad timing, but Renjun thinks your alarmed face is unreasonably adorable. 

You’re staring up at him with wide, watery doe eyes and your expression is a fix of horror and fury as you process what Jaehyun just said. Renjun doesn’t even have time to utter a word before you’re marching straight up to Jaehyun, despite the fact that you were ready to bolt just a few minutes ago, and grabbing him by the collar like a stereotypical thug in a corny 90’s movie.

Again, bad timing, but it’s really cute. 

“What kind of mind games are you trying to play?” you hiss, shaking Jaehyun. “You’re insane if you think I’m going to let you—” 

“It’s not up to you, is it?” Jaehyun replies smoothly, completely unfazed. 

You’ve never been a particularly violent person, but Renjun sees serious consideration of murder flash in your eyes, and he lunges forward to pull you away from Jaehyun in order to keep you from doing something you’ll regret. 

He lifts you with one arm, twisting you away and shielding your vision of Jaehyun with his body. And because you’re stubborn and hotheaded (he loves you for it), you try to thrash out of his hold. 

“Look at me,” Renjun says sternly, cupping your face with his hands. He waits until your expression is visibly relaxed before continuing, “It’s okay. I’ll speak with him.”

“But—”

“Go outside and chat with Cat. Get the gossip about Sicheng and Moon. I’ll be right out,” he continues gently. 

“Renjun, you don’t understand. He’s going to—” 

“Use his charmspeak on me,” he finishes your sentence. “I know.” 

Charmspeak is an ability that allows the user to compel others to do their bidding with their voice, a power that only Aphrodite children are able to have. However, not all Aphrodite children have this ability, and even the select few that do are able to use it to drastically varying degrees of success. For example, you’re able to use charmspeak if you really put your mind to it, but you rarely do because you don’t like the way it makes you feel. Jeong Jaehyun, on the other hand, is the most powerful user at Camp Half-Blood. 

Renjun saw the challenge in Jaehyun’s eyes the moment the two of you walked in. 

Maybe he’s stubborn and hotheaded too, but he isn’t going to give Jaehyun the satisfaction of thinking he ran away. Just like you, Renjun is going to face him and his charmspeak head on. 

“Don’t worry. I’ll be fine,” Renjun says, lacing his fingers through yours before placing a reassuring kiss to your knuckles.  

“How can I not,” you mutter, but he can see that you’re relenting. “Please be careful.” 

“I always am.” 

You give him a pointed look before reluctantly trudging out of the cabin, glancing back at him one more time before shutting the door behind you. 

Renjun swears that the air chills by ten degrees when they’re finally alone. The silence hangs heavily in the air as he turns back to Jaehyun. 

“Afraid?” Jaehyun quirks an eyebrow. 

“I am admittedly afraid of many things, but you are not one of them,” Renjun responds calmly. 

He laughs. “Then I suppose you wouldn’t mind answering a few questions. Truthfully, please.” 

Ah, there it is. 

It feels like a fog is slowly settling over Renjun’s brain, and the sliver of rationality he has left is informing him that he’s becoming under the influence of Jaehyun’s charmspeak. His body starts to grow numb, like he’s floating. His eyes become misty and blurry, and he can’t see the expression on Jaehyun’s face anymore. 

“Okay,” Renjun agrees. His voice sounds muffled, as if he’s underwater. 

“Great. We’ll start with something easy,” Jaehyun suggests, “When did you fall in love with Y/N?” 

He blinks at the unexpected question. Even in his daze, Renjun was bracing for something much more sinister. 

“What? Did you think I was going to turn you into my evil minion or something?” Jaehyun laughs again, seemingly reading his mind. 

“You can try your damn best,” he shoots back. Jaehyun’s charmspeak isn’t so overpowering that Renjun can’t still respond with his usual quips, and he’s pretty sure Jaehyun is keeping his control loose on purpose. 

“Relax, I won’t,” Jaehyun asserts, “I just want to have an honest conversation with you.” 

A conversation in which he has to use charmspeak on Renjun in order to pry answers out of him. 

“I’ve been in love with her since we met,” Renjun finally responds. He would normally stop there, but he feels compelled to continue. Of course, that would be because of Jaehyun’s handiwork.

“I was enamored from the very start, when she barrelled into the Arts and Craft Center without a care in the world—more stunning than any goddess, with a smile so lovely that it would make any nymph green with jealousy. I had never seen anyone like her. She was like…a prophecy. Like a beautiful, fleeting prophecy that could slip through my fingers at any moment. A prophecy that someone like me could never dream of understanding, even if I spent the rest of my life chasing after it. From the moment I laid eyes on her, half of my soul belonged to her.” 

He can’t really make out the expression on Jaehyun’s face, but the latter stays silent. A few moments pass before he speaks again, “What do you like about her?”

Renjun wants to laugh. Where does he even start? 

“I don’t think there’s a thing I don’t like about her,” he chuckles. “I like the way her eyes sparkle when she’s up to no good. I like that she has to be in everyone’s business. I like how she has a short fuse and how cartoonishly her face puffs up when she’s mad. I like the way her nose crinkles when she sees carrots in her curry. I like the little skip in her step when she walks. I like how she bounces when she’s trying to contain her excitement. I like when she laughs so hard that she has to hold onto my arm to keep from falling backwards. I like that she loves so deeply, even towards people that don’t deserve it. I like that she lets herself feel things, even though she knows it’ll be painful sometimes. I like that she frustrates me to the point of wanting to scream at the top of Mount Olympus, and I like that only she can do that. I like that when she kisses me, I think about how I want to spend the rest of my life with her.” 

Gods, Renjun didn’t realize how much of a sap he is. And of all people, he’s being forced to pour out his deepest, darkest feelings to Jaehyun. 

“That sounds like a proposal,” Jaehyun teases. “Are you going to marry her?”

“Only if she wants to get married.” 

“Do you have a ring?” 

“No, I was…I was going to make it myself out of Adamantine,” Renjun explains, wishing that he wouldn’t. Adamantine, another precious metal that demigods typically use for weapons, is typically described as a mix between silver and diamond. “Since I gave her a painting when we first met, I thought it’d be nice to propose to her with something that I made as well.”

“You must really love her, huh,” Jaehyun states quietly. 

“Is that even a question?” Renjun snaps, “I would do anything for her.” 

“Hm,” Jaehyun muses, “would you admit that aliens don’t exist for her?”

Out of all the questions he’s asked so far, this is the one that makes Renjun hesitate the most. 

“I wouldn’t have to because aliens are real,” Renjun says through gritted teeth. 

“If she was being held over a volcano, and you had two options: admit aliens aren’t real or come up with evidence right then and there to save her life, what would you do?” 

“Well, does this volcano have internet service or access to files from the Pentagon—” 

“Answer the question, Renjun.” 

“Yes,” he finally chokes out, “I would admit they didn’t exist. Or I’d just jump into the volcano myself.” 

“You would die for her?” Jaehyun asks.

“Of course I would,” Renjun says  immediately.  

Jaehyun scoffs. “It’s easy to die for someone, so tell me this—”

Suddenly, Renjun feels an overwhelming amount of Jaehyun’s power wash over him. The relaxed hold that was over him before, allowing him to still have some semblance of free thought, has been ripped away. It’s as if the charmspeak has materialized into an invisible force that is physically holding him down, slowly crushing him and only promising to ease up if he answers the next question truthfully. 

“Would you destroy the world for her?” 

The whole world seems a bit like an exaggeration, but Renjun can feel that Jaehyun means it. The world, everyone he loves, Camp Half-Blood, would he destroy it all for you? 

“Yes,” Renjun whispers, the answer slipping out with an ease that unsettles him to his core. An answer that has seemingly always been there. “If she asked me to. I would do it without hesitation.” 

There is a long, dragged out silence.

But then, all at once, like he was being dragged out from the bottom of a deep, deep ocean, Renjun’s head clears instantly. The fog that lingered over his mind, the numbness of his body, the cloudiness that obscured his vision all disappear in a matter of seconds. 

Renjun has never felt this disoriented, squeezing his eyes shut as he tries to recall what just happened—his conversation with Jaehyun already fading from his memory like a Polaroid developing in reverse. All he’s left with are his jumbled emotions and trembling hands. 

When he looks at Jaehyun again, he’s astonished at what he sees.

Not a demigod, not a warrior, not a traitor. 

Jaehyun, despite being imprisoned and chained, has never looked more human. There’s a light in his eyes that flicker, like the last wisps of a dying candle. He smiles, which makes his lips crack. It’s a haunting sight that Renjun doesn’t think he can ever forget. 

An older brother, on his deathbed. 

“Please take care of her.”

You throw yourself into Renjun’s arms the moment he stops out of the Hades Cabin. Burying your face into his shoulder, you cling onto him. He delves his hand into your hair, cradling your head against him as he inhales the smell of your shampoo. Your arms tighten around his torso. 

“Are you okay?” you ask, voice muffled against his shirt. “He didn’t hurt you, right?” 

“No, I’m fine. Are you okay?” He curls a finger underneath your chin and nudges your face upwards to look at him. He can tell by your bloodshot eyes and wobbly lip that you had cried and are currently fighting tears. 

“Stop worrying about me,” you sniffle, “I’m asking you. What did he say to you?” 

“Not much,” Renjun answers vaguely, “He just told me to take care of you.” 

You laugh bitterly. “That’s rich, coming from him.” 

Wrapping an arm around your shoulder, he turns you and starts guiding you toward the Dining Pavilion. “Probably his messed up way of acting like a protective older brother or something. Now, come on. I’m hungry.” 

“Wha—you can’t just change the subject like that! I want to know exactly what he said to you!” you protest, though your feet subconsciously start walking. 

“It truly was nothing,” he reiterates, “He really did just seem concerned about you.” 

You start to sulk, and he has to fight to keep a straight face. However, it doesn’t last long because you start to get that twinkle in your eye. 

“Sooo, did you, like, profess all the reasons you love me or something to prove that you’re worthy of being my boyfriend?” you ask, waggling your eyebrows. 

“If I had anything to profess, then maybe I would’ve,” Renjun teases, rolling his eyes. 

You gasp dramatically. “Huang Renjun, you are so not—” 

He tugs your body flush against him, giving you the kiss that he had wanted to when the two of you were in your room earlier. He feels you smile against his lips as your arms come up to wrap themselves around his neck. When he pulls away, you give him another quick peck before bumping your nose against his, giggling. 

He forgot to add that he loves it when the corners of your eyelids crinkle when you smile at him. 

Renjun isn’t really sure if he’s doing the right thing by not telling you about Jaehyun’s last words and the way he looked. He just knows that it’ll shatter your heart in a way that you won’t ever be able to repair, and you’ll carry that guilt with you for the rest of your life. He doesn’t want you to remember Jeong Jaehyun as the fractured man he is, a hollow echo of what he once was. 

He wants you to remember all of the happy moments. 

So, when you look back, you remember your older brother Jaehyun. 

He hopes that you’ll eventually be able to smile when you think of your brother rather than cry. 

Renjun can only do that, hope and pray that you have nothing but happiness in your life because you, of all people, deserve that—

and maybe, if he’s lucky, you’ll allow him to dedicate his life to making you as happy as he can.

“Oh my gods!” you gasp, tugging on his arm so hard that his shoulder nearly hits you in the cheek. “Sooyoung’s girlfriend is Sana!” 

Renjun blinks. “What?”

“Look over there!” you squeal, whipping out a pair of binoculars out of thin air. The pair that he’s pretty sure he tossed out already. 

He glances over, seeing Sooyoung (daughter of Ares) and Sana (daughter of Iris) holding hands as they make their way to the Dining Pavilion as well. Turning back to you, he raises an eyebrow, saying, “You didn’t know?”

“What are you talking about? She said she wanted to keep it a secret back then!” you answer, confused. 

“Yeah, but they were kind of obvious about it,” he says slowly, “They’re together allthe time. I thought you noticed.” 

“Oh my gods,” you breathe, horrified, “First, I completely miss the whole love triangle situation with Moon and Sicheng. And now, I’m the last one to find out about Sooyoung and Sana. How have I fallen out of the loop so badly that even you know about couples before I do?”

Renjun opens his mouth to retort, but you continue speaking.  

“That’s it. I have to get my groove back,” you declare, “It’s time that Camp Half-Blood’s official matchmaker makes her comeback.” 

Without even waiting for his answer, you turn on your heel and march back to the Aphrodite Cabin, presumably to start drafting potential couples. 

Renjun wonders if he’s allowed to be this happy. 

RENJUN AND Y/N, 

fin.

: best friend! Mark x streamer!reader

: Level Up hosted by @neohub​

: fluff, angst, smut, best friends to lovers au, gamers au

: 18+

: cursing, mentions of blood (from a cut), oral (giving and receiving), choking, dirty talk, unprotected sex, semi-public sex, nipple play

: 3.5k

: You and Mark are testing out a new game, set in a virtual world no one has traveled to before. But when a malfunction happens during transport, you have to be honest with each other and work together to make it out alive. 

: Thank youuuuu to @wordycerty for reading over this for me. I’ve never written anything like this in this depth and I was nervous writing this. ❤

“Are you ready?”

You zip up your tight black leather suit, quickly throwing your hair into a ponytail.

“Yep! I’ve been waiting forever for this day.”

Today you are testing the new role-playing game Wanderlust Rewind, a virtual reality game that lets you zoom into the game and live in Aria. You are a popular online streamer, and your best friend Mark works for the company developing the game. When he told you about the game, you begged him to let you test it. You are a big fan of the games, and you knew it would be an excellent opportunity to work with them. 

You bribed Mark with everything you can think of, with him finally giving in at the last minute. In exchange for making your delicious chocolate chip cookies from scratch for a month, you would also get to stream the gameplay online. It wasn’t a paying job, but it’s well worth it, as you get to test the game out with your best friend. 

“Come on, slowpoke,” Mark calls out from outside your changing room. “I wanna get in there early.”

Right. But first, a quick check in the mirror. Your suit hugs your body in all the right places and your lace-up boots are secure on your feet. You grab your matching metallic helmet, encrypted with a virtual reality chip that is supposed to transfer you to Aria. Surely you aren’t the only person who would’ve slept with the thing. Your excitement over this day kept you up past midnight.

“You need to haul your ass—”

You open the door before Mark could finish his sentence, his eyes practically popping out of his sockets. You could tell he got a haircut, his freshly dyed gray hair standing out like a silver wind. Mark is a handsome guy, with his almond-shaped eyes, beautiful skin, and nice body. Since you met at a convention a couple of years ago, he’s been your best friend, but honestly, it feels like you have known him forever. Feelings are there, but you always put them to the side, afraid of the possibility of him not feeling the same way. You aren’t the type to wear your heart on your sleeve, and you prefer it that way. It made you feel safer.

“Are you done bitchin’?” You tease him, nudging his shoulder.

He rolls his eyes, walking you towards the testing area where you two will be playing the game.

“How come you aren’t wearing a suit like me?” You ask, pointing at his outfit. Mark opts to wear a black suit with a white shirt underneath. He carries his helmet in your hand, similar to yours. 

“I wanted to be comfortable,” he shrugs, unlocking the door.

“And who the hell is comfortable wearing a suit and tie?” You snort. “Just admit it, you want to moonlight Men in Black.”

“Maybe,” he quips, guiding you inside.

Chatter fills the testing area, with consoles and gaming systems at each table. There are snacks and drinks on one end of the site, nowhere near the tech to prevent accidental spills. Mark shows you where you will be testing: a big screen with a keyboard where you have to enter your credentials to get started. Two employees approach you, one with snowy white hair and the other with very short black hair, wearing the same suit as Mark.

“This is Jisung and Renjun,” Mark introduces you to them, and you shake their hands. “They will be here to help us out if anything goes wrong.

“I mean, nothing should go wrong, right?” You ask, looking at the big monitor.

“It shouldn’t,” he assures you. “But we need to be prepared just in case.”

You nod, putting on your helmet while Jisung secures a utility belt around your waist.

“The belt has things that will help you get through the game,” Renjun states, as if he was reading your mind. “Mark can explain the rest once you arrive at Aria. So, go ahead and put in your info with the keyboard.”

You enter what’s asked of you on the monitor, with Mark following suit behind you. A nervous excitement washes over you, as you have never traveled to virtual reality before. You have seen other streamers do it, and while it seems fun, you’ve always feared something going wrong and being stuck in that world forever. Clearly, you have watched a little too much of Sword Art Online.

“Hey.” Mark touches your hand, interrupting your thoughts. “I’m with you, okay? If anything goes wrong, they will be here to pull us out. Plus, we can still talk to them with this.” He pulls out a walkie-talkie, and you feel more at ease. “Here we go,” Mark enters a code on the keyboard, and an animated character appears.

“Ready, player one and two?” The automated voice booms out of the screen.

You look at Mark, who has his helmet on, and you nod, looking at the monitor.

“Very well. Let’s get started.”

Millions of red codes in flash in front of your helmet, the room spiraling counter-clockwise with a powerful force pushing you forward. You zoom into darkness, a second later landing on a cold black floor, with Mark coming behind you.

“What is this place?” You ask, dusting off your butt.

“I- I’m not sure.”

You snap your head at Mark in disbelief, your eyes glaring at him through your helmet.

“What does that mean? Are we lost?”

“Jisung, Renjun, are you seeing this?” Mark speaks into the walkie-talkie.

There is static reported back, and your heart sinks further to your stomach. You knew this was a bad idea, being the first person to test this game. But you wanted to have the inside scoop on this, allowing you to spend time with Mark. Kill two birds with one stone, as they say.

Welcome, players one and two. 

You jump at the automated voice; Mark looks around to see where the voice is coming from. 

“Coda,” Mark calls out. “Where are we?”

“You are in Limbus,” the voice responds. “This is the gateway between Aria and the world you know.”

What the fuck. You think to yourself. I knew I should’ve just kept my big mouth shut and waited until the game was released and-

“Hey Mark, can you hear us??” Jisung’s voice booms through the walkie-talkie, cutting through your thoughts. 

You walk over to Mark to listen to what he has to say.

“You are stuck in Glitch Mode,” Renjun reveals. “Remember when we encountered it while you set up the game?”

You hear Mark gulp, with tiny beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

“The only way to get out of there is to complete whatever two tasks Coda has you to, and then we should be able to transport you out of there.”

“What two tasks?” You ask. “Mark, what are they talking about?”

Mark doesn’t answer right away, instead opting to sit on the cold, hard floor. You take a seat next to him, desperate to figure out what is happening.

“So when we tested the game, we came across Glitch Mode before and barely made it out. Coda comes up with two challenges we have to do and we have to pass. Otherwise, we will never return to the real world.”

You sit for a minute, taking in the information he just told you.

“So, what do we have to do?” You press on. “I wish you would’ve told me this before I agreed to do this.”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” Mark pleads, taking your hand. “I thought we had it all fixed before today. You have to know that I would never put you in danger.”

You believe him, though the anger you felt is now replaced with anxiety. A timer appears in front of you two, with a woman dressed in a suit and tie appearing next to it. You reach out to the woman only to realize she is a hologram.

“I will ask you one question. Answer them truthfully and within ten seconds, and we will move to the final round. The card in your belt will show us your vitals and tell us if you are telling the truth. If you do not pass the test, we will transport you to another realm, never to return.”

You and Mark look at either other, nodding in silent agreement on what you must do.

“Very well then,” the hologram says. “Player two, what is something you have been hiding from player one?”

Your head snaps up, your eyebrows raised at the possibility of Mark ever hiding anything from you. You two are best friends, and he tells you everything. The timer on the clock ticks down to five, and he still hasn’t given an answer.

“Mark, hurry up and answer,” you shout, your patience wearing thin.

Four.

Three.

Two.

On-

“I am in love with her.”

The timer immediately stops, the hologram disappears, and a motorcycle appears. You are more confused than ever, not only by the bike but also by Mark being in love with you. He’s never let on that he cared about you more than friendship, and under different circumstances, you would be happy to hear him say that. But now you must focus on you both getting the fuck out of here.

“You passed,” the automated voice speaks. “Your last task is to ride this motorcycle to the end of the wall and back. Beware of the flying discs.”

“What flying dis-”

A disk of fiery copper flies past your head, missing you by literal inches. You jump back, obviously shaken, and Mark puts on his helmet, hopping on the motorcycle.

“Come on,” he reaches out his hand, and you grab it, hopping on behind him.

Begin.

Mark speeds into the unknown, flying disks hurling at you two. Mark bobs and weaves like he does this for sport, and you grab onto him tighter, afraid that you will fall.

“I got you, okay?” He yells, getting close to the wall.

He drifts the motorcycle, spinning around and turning him back to where you came from. You turn around, and three disks are coming at you in speed, the sparks flying off it as if it’s ready to cut.

“Mark, they’re gaining on us!” you shout.

He presses his foot on the pedal further, speeding into where there is now a finish line. You can feel the heat of the disks moving closer to your back as you cross the line, the disks disappearing into pixilated dust. You hurriedly climb off the motorcycle, Mark following suit and the bike disappearing shortly after.

“Congratulations,” the cold automated voice says. “You have passed the tests. Where would you like to go?”

You put on your helmet, moving closer to Mark.

“I want to get the fuck out of here-”

“Our world,” Mark interrupts. “Take us back to our world.”

“Very well then.”

You put on your helmet just in time before you are zapped back to the testing area, falling flat on your butt once again. Jisung and Renjun rush over to you both, checking your vitals and making sure you are okay. You look over at Mark and notice a notable cut on his arm, assuming they came from the flying disks.

“Are you okay?” You ask him, taking a closer look.

“Yeah, I’ll be okay,” he nods. “I’m just going to get this covered up. It’s not that deep.”

You look at the rest of the area, everyone giving you curious looks. Your face is hot with embarrassment, and your anxiety ticks up. Finally, you take off your helmet, leaving it on the desk and undoing your utility belt.

“I’m going to go home,” you announce. “That was… an ordeal, to say the least.”

“Let me take you home,” Mark offers, hopping out.

“No, it’s okay, honestly,” you wave him off. “You don’t have to do that.”

“But I want to,” he insists.

He grabs his keys and tells Jisung and Renjun he is leaving for the day. You wanted to be alone and think about what just happened, on top of Mark confessing his feelings for you. This wasn’t how you imagined how this would go. You always thought it would happen over dinner; you casually tell him you like him, and he feels the same, agreeing to be together and sealing the deal with a kiss.

He walks you down the hallway to the changing room, where you get the rest of your things. You sit down on the chair, your mind racing with everything that just happened, including almost losing your life in a game you’d been excited to play. Today is a fucked up day; you would if you could go back in time and erase despite Mark confessing. 

You continue to sit and think, aware that the time passes by, but you are so lost in your thoughts that you don’t care. It isn’t until Mark knocks on the door that you snap back into reality.

“Are you okay in there?” his voice booms through the door.

“Y-yeah,” you clear your throat.

You grab your things and open the door, nearly bumping into Mark. He locks the door, looking at you with eyes you’ve never seen before: a look of sadness and worry.

“I know you’re not okay,” Mark says. “I would never have you test a game with that kind of risk. You have to know that.”

“I know,” you sigh. “It’s just… a lot happened in there? Not only that, but I am sure that’s not how you wanted to tell me you have feelings for me.”

His shoulders fall and he nods, agreeing with you, shoving his hands in his pockets. You gaze at his arm, his cut replaced with a bandaid, and you feel relieved that he’s okay.

“I planned to tell you, you know.”

You look at him, trying to hold back a smile.

“I wanted to take you out on a date,” Mark elaborates. “I had this idea to take you up to the mountains where you love to hike, and I was going to plan a picnic there. Bring all your favorite foods and our Nintendo switches, and just hang out. Then boom, tell you how I feel and go from there. I’m sorry I couldn’t do that for you.”

You can imagine yourself sitting on top of the mountain on that date, with your favorite blanket spread out and Mark laying on top of it. Nothing else would make you happier.

“You still can,” you confess.

Mark’s head snaps up, a broad smile spreading across his face,

“I know we just went through a life or death kind of thing right now, but I promise I’m not speaking from that place. I’ve had feelings for you for a while, and I’m relieved you feel the same way, even though I wish it didn’t come out like that.” You move closer to him, smiling softly.

“Again, I’m sorry you had to go through that—”

“Mark, honestly, it’s fine,” you assure him. “I know you wouldn’t do that.”

You can’t stop looking at him. With his clear skin, sharp jaw, and boyish looks, it’s no wonder you fell for him. He is a good person with a soft heart, everything you’ve ever wanted, wrapped up in a black suit.

“God, you’re so pretty,” he says, his face inching closer to yours.

“You don’t look so bad yourself,” you chuckle, your nose almost touching his.

“I’m going to kiss you, okay?” he whispers.

“Please.”

He kisses you with a passion you never knew he had for you. It was intense and sincere, and it meant so much to you at that moment. Your hands trail to his shirt, undoing the buttons and carefully pushing it off to avoid messing up the band-aid. You let him unzip your suit, rushing to take it off and undoing your shoes all in one go. You eagerly pull at his pants, unbuckling his belt and desperate to pull his dick out.

“Do you really want to do this here?” Mark whispers, pulling his boxers down.

His dick springs free and your mouth waters. You’ve never wanted to suck on something so much in your life. You get on your knees, licking your lips before tasting him. He hisses softly, his hands grabbing your hair.

“Please don’t make me wait a second longer.”

You slowly take Mark’s well-endowed dick into your mouth, challenging yourself to take him all in. He groans at the feel of your warm, velvet mouth around his sensitive head. His groan stuttered, and he pulled your hair tighter as that warmth stretched further and further down his shaft. Your fingers dig into his thighs, holding him steady while you bob, sucking him in deeper and deeper with each involuntary snap of his hips.

“I’m going to enjoy fucking this pretty mouth of yours,” he grunts, his hands now placed on your cheeks.

His strokes are unrelenting, the slurping sounds your mouth is making turning you on. Your fingers trace down to your center, rubbing it softly as you match his rhythm.

“So good,” you cry out.

Your dripping wet core is spilling over your panties, his long veiny cock hitting the back of your throat with no mercy. Mark bends over, unhooking your bra and feeling your breasts. You are sensitive to his touch, your nipples perking as his thumb caresses them softly. Finally, he drags himself out of your mouth, lifting you up and gifting you with a kiss.

“Take off your panties,” he commands.

You do as you’re told, sliding them down your legs. He bends you over a chair, your ass up in the air as he gets on his knees. He smacks your ass, and it excites you, making you bite your lip. You feel his warm breath against your entrance, and he delves his tongue inside you, your insides immediately surrendering to him.

“Fuck,” you moan, gripping the chair.

Mark is sloppy, burying his face deep into your pussy and lapping all over your clit. He is very good at this, humming softly in pleasure and driving you inside. If you thought you had feelings for him before, it deepened as your release came close.

“Mark, I’m gonna cu—”

Rattle. Rattle.

The door shakes, and your body freezes, afraid of someone walking in on in this compromising position.

“Uh, this room is occupied!” Mark yells. 

“Oh, sorry!”

You hear shuffling and footsteps moving away from the door. Mark suddenly gets up; his hands slide up your legs and touch your slit. He stuffs two fingers inside you, thrusting into you slowly while his thumb rubs your bud. Your thighs shiver in pleasure, and you cover your mouth as you can barely contain yourself.

“I wish I could do this longer,” Mark whispers. “But we have to hurry before we get caught. I’m not the only one with a key.”

“Okay,” you whisper. He reluctantly removes his fingers from you, replacing them with his cock, lining up with your entrance. He pushes into you slowly, making sure you are comfortable and adjusting to him well. His slow, dangerous strokes hit every spot, and you feel yourself coming undone. Your hips match his rhythm, guiding his hand to your throat. You squeeze it softly, silently telling him it’s okay. You can handle him.

“Fuck, so tight,” he grunts. “I’m going to make you cum all over me.”

“Please,” you beg. “Go harder.”

His strokes become deeper, squeezing your throat tighter as he pushes you against the wall. He fucks you mercilessly, skin-clapping noises spreading throughout the room, and you can’t think straight. You don’t bother being quiet; Mark is fucking you so good that you don’t care who hears it. You feel him twitch inside you and your walls tighten around him, signaling your release. 

“I can’t take it,” you cry. “I’m gonna cum.”

He pounds hard, your thighs shivering as your orgasm courses through you. Your body explodes with delight, a loud cry escaping your lips, quickly muffled by Mark’s hand. He kisses the back of your neck, his breathing more rigid, and this thrusts harder. He snaps into you two more times before pulling out, spilling his load onto the floor, squirts of cum landing close to your feet. You turn around, your face hot and out of breath. Your legs are shaking, and you barely make it to the chair before collapsing.

“Are you okay?” Mark asks softly.

“Yeah,” you nod. “Just need a minute, haha.”

He grabs your suit and shoes, helping you get dressed before getting himself ready. You can’t suppress the smile on your face, a fucked up situation leading to a happy ending. Finally, you got your dream guy.

“I still want to take you home, if that’s okay?” Mark probed, reaching for your hand.

You smile, leaning in and kissing him, your heart fluttering like butterflies in a field.

“Please,” you grab your things. “Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

[12:00am]:Kun feels you tackling him into a hug and your lips on his as the clock struck midnight, shouting, “Happy New Year and Happy Birthday baby.”

[8:06pm]:Jaehyun smiles and pulls you in close, his lips merely a breath away from yours. Then pointing up at the mistletoe up above your head, he leans in for a kiss. 

[1:56pm]:Yuta holds onto your hand tightly as the two of you get on the ski lift together. He promises that it’ll be a lot of fun and that he’ll be there to save you if you fall.

[1:46pm]:Yangyang can’t help but laugh out loud when he sees that your marshmallow has caught on fire and is now a burnt blob. Handing you his perfectly toasted marshmallow, he kisses you a nose before helping you make the smores. 

[12:08pm]:Hendery sees the first snowflake fall to the ground and immediately sings to you, “Babe, do you wanna build a snowman?” 

[11:02am]:Jisung gets himself all tangled up in the Christmas lights when he tries to help you decorate the house. When you catch him with all the lights on him, he jokingly says, “I can just be your personal tree then since I’m tall like one.”

[12:10pm]:Ten smiles at you when you ask him what he wants for Christmas. Pulling you closer, he answers with, “All I want for Christmas is you, baby.”

[11:45am]:Jungwoopouts as he holds onto a Snoopy Christmas ornament in his hands. It doesn’t match with the theme of your decoration at all this year but you don’t have the heart to tell him no. When you let him put it on the tree, he nothing but all smiles. 

[11:50am]:Chenle loves the matching ugly sweaters that you both bought. He can’t stop gushing at how cute you look in it either.

[1:33pm]:Winwin wraps the blanket tighter around your body and pulls you close as the two of you binge watch all the Hallmark Christmas movies.