@darling-aries​ requested: Hey! I saw that you are wanting some request? I was wondering if I could request a singer MC who has been put on vocal rest (with possible vocal damage) because of overuse? I have done something very similar to this recently and it is awful. My speaking voice is really hoarse/non-existent if I speak for to long. I also have a cough that won’t go away. I just want some RFA boi comfort… :’( You can decide what RFA character you want to write for. Im not picky!

A/N: hi @darling-aries im so sorry that this request took so long and it’s only two characters T-T my summer has been surprisingly busy but i hope your vocal rest is going well & you’re feeling better!!! this is my fist time writing for these characters so I hope they aren’t ooc ;-; sending good vibes your way and i hope you’re having a wonderful day <3 

Summary:Scenarios of how Zen and Jumin would react with MC on vocal rest!

Warnings: vocal rest but nothing else i don’t think ;3

- Zen - 

- this man knows the struggle

- overused his voice a couple of times after doing too many intense performances in a row

- is willing to have a one-sided conversation while you text him and he talks to you

- whenever you try to talk to him, he’ll scold you just a lil bit

- “I want you to get better, jagiya. Can’t do that if you keep talking.”

- gives you excessive amounts of physical affection to make up for it

- lots of kisses on your throat all in the name of making you feel better

- “This is where it hurts right? I’ll kiss it better!”

-honestly just a cutie i love him T-T

~~~~~

As much as you hated the whole “vocal rest” thing, this was pretty amazing. Zen had decided that, because you couldn’t sing or speak, this would be the perfect time to give you a private performance of his own creation. A medley of all of your favorite songs along with songs you performed before. Your round of applause sounded throughout the apartment. Zen took a deep and over dramatic bow, waving to an imaginary audience. “Thank you, thank you! I’ll be here all week!” Zen half-shouted, blowing kisses at you. Grabbing a water bottle and plopping himself on the couch next to you, he dragged you on his lap and took out his phone. “How’d I do babe? As amazing as you’d hoped?” he asked, expectantly waiting for your response. Typing out a flurry of praises, a handful of pings came from Zen’s phone. “I see,” he said, drawing out the “e”. “Your favorite part was when I had the least amount of clothes on, hmm?” he teased, pulling you closer to him. “If I didn’t know any better I’d think you only like me for my body,” he joked. At your pouting face he let out a loud laugh, the sound of your fast typing in the background. Another ping, your indignance showing clearly through your expression and text message. “Sorry jagiya, you’re just too cute to tease,” he said, his voice dropping slightly as he planted a kiss on your neck. 

- Jumin -

- probably more concerned than anything else

- also the silence in the apartment is a little unsettling for him

- you have unlocked “concerned husband”

- has a little furrow in between his brows whenever he hears you cough 

- unintentionally makes you laugh with his bluntness of how rough you sound

- “Your laugh sounds like a dog toy, darling.” 

- buys you all the fancy teas and remedies

- definitely takes off work at least the first day just so he can make sure you’re ok

- just a lil overbearing but it’s only because he wants you to make a full recovery!!!

~~~~~

“Jumin-“

“No darling, you have to drink the tea.”

You love your husband, you promise, but this is ridiculous. The third cup of tea you’ve had today and Jumin is insistent that you drink another. Letting out another painful cough, you grab the pen and paper Jumin had given you and write a quick response and hold out the paper. Reading your refusal to drink the tea, Jumin sighs. “You know I won’t force you, but please take care of yourself.” You nod at him, turning your attention back to the show you were watching. Out of the corner of your eye, you spot Jumin typing on his laptop, and check to see what he’s doing. Stifling a laugh, you read the name of the article he’s reading, “Top 10 Best Remedies for Vocal Rest.” Gently tapping on his hand to get his attention, you slowly close his laptop and Jumin looks at you questioningly. Writing out a quick response, you tell him how much you appreciate him taking care of you, but assure him that you’ll be fine. Once Jumin reads your response, he heaves a sigh and grasps your hand in his. “I have been a bit overbearing haven’t I?” he asks you, his brows furrowing a bit in consideration. As you nod, Jumin releases a deep breath and kisses your knuckles. “I just want you to feel better darling. I feel useless not being able to take this pain away.” He looks so sad and dejected, you give him a kiss between his brows to get him to relax. Grasping your hand, he kisses your ring finger once more before asking again, “Can I get anything else for you?”

“Just cuddles,” you wrote, and without another word, Jumin picked you up bridal style and carried you to bed, at peace knowing he’s helping you heal through his warmth and love.

as always feedback is always appreciated!!!

A small thing that @michiigii-writes-mysme and I did for fun while chatting. Some also came from @vess-hs ! You guys are amazing :33

There are only 2 things that can kill Zen’s beast

1. Cats
   
2. Jumin

But what about what turns it on? What gets Zen riled up enough that he’s just tempted to pounce on you? LET’S FIND OUT. 

99 Things that Turn Zen On:

1. Holding your hand
2. Your smile
3. The smell of your shampoo.
4. The cute way you sneeze. If MC has allergies, spring becomes mating season
5. How you have to stand on your toes to kiss him. Extra points if you’re short enough you have to jump
   
6. The way you say his name
7. The way you say his realname
8. The way you stretch when you yawn. Bonus points if your shirt lifts up and your belly button shows
9. The way you roll around in your sleep Wrap your leg around him
10. Your sleepy face when you first wake up in the morning
11. The way you giggle every time he kisses you good morning or good night
12. The way you pout when you don’t get your way.
13. How cute your face gets when you’re mad at him or at anything really. Unless it’s serious, he can’t help but want to hug you
14. Your expression when you’re deep in thought. “So cute…! …I’m  gonna sex you up, now.”
15. The way you scratch your nose or twirl your hair when you lie.
16. The way you watch him when he’s saying some particularly dramatic lines.
17. The way you can’t keep character and end up laughing     whenever you help him practice lines
18. Whenever you bend over to pick something up off the floor. Or out of the oven. Especially if you’re wearing a short skirt
19. The way you throw flour at him whenever the two of you attempt to bake.
20.  When you play with his hair.
21. When you pull his hair
22. When you “accidentally” leave the door open while you shower.
23. Joining him when he’s showering
24. The smell of the fabric softener you use.
25. When you wear his clothes because you don’t have fresh ones of your own
26. When your hair gets a little windswept so it looks a little wild…he finds it sexy.
27. Those moments when you subconsciously start braiding his hair when you’re just cuddling
28. Sitting in his lap
29. Grind on his lap
30. The way you sway your hips when you dance.
31. The way you dance at home when you don’t think he’s watching
32. When you sing with the radio when you think nobody’s around.
33. When you try and sing duets with him for fun, even if you’re off-key
34. The color of the lipstick/lipgloss you always wear. it makes him think of kissing…
35. When you’re brushing your hair in front of the bedroom mirror and humming a small tune
36. Holding an umbrella for you when it rains
37. Those random times you just run into the rain with neither an umbrella or a care in the world. Bonus points if you’re wearing a white shirt
38. Form-fitting sweaters
39. Sleevless tops
40. Short skirts and knee-high boots
41. Those special nights when you just put on sexy underwear and heels
42. Lace
43. Push up bras
44. Hairstyles that reveal the back of your neck.
45. When you wear clothes/hairstyles that show off your hickeys. Now the world knows you’re his
46. Shirts that reveal your midriff or lower back in certain positions.
47. Long socks that squeeze your thighs
48.  Anklets
49. When the temperature is cold in the apartment and you’re not wearing a bra
50. When you link arms with him while you walk and he gets a little sideboob…
51. When you wrap your arms around his waist, only to give his ass a good squeeze
52. When you rub noses with him.(“Nose Graze?  More like nose humping, it was so sexually charged!” -The OC)
53.  When you lightly kiss him anywhere on his face
54. Watching you walk away
55. Those rare moments when you actually get sassy and throw a really sick burn at some rude fan or pervert
56. Watching you pick your outfit out for the day
57. Watching you cook/bake in the kitchen, since you told him you could handle dinner yourself Boy is still learning how to cook something that isn’t microwaveable
58. When you spoonfeed him something. “Say ‘ah,’ oppa~!“
59. When you open your mouth for him whenever he offers his own food. Sticking your tongue out a little will have a 120% chance of unleashing the Beast
60. When you stick your tongue out at him while you’re teasing  him
61. Being so focused on something your tongue sticks out of your mouth
62. Seriously, just stick your tongue out
63. When your clothing slips off of your shoulder
64. Putting your legs on his lap when you’re both relaxing on   the couch
65. Running your foot up and down his leg
66. Wrap your legs around his waist if you jump up and hug him
67. Ghosting your fingers over the back of his hand
68. Nibble/Suck on his  fingers
69. 69
70. gently grazing your nails across his skin to make him shiver
71. Kissing him right in the hollow of his neck, just under his Adam’s Apple
72. Nuzzle his neck, especially when you’re both in bed and just sleeping
73. The little sounds you make when you sleep
74. The way you just stare at him before he completely wakes up. He knows that you’re peppering kisses on his face, thinking he’s asleep
75. Calling him “oppa”
76. Teasing him about the Beast
77. Letting him take the lead
78.  Letting him chase you around the apartment. Extra points if you let him catch you. “The big bad wolf has you now, my princess~”
79. Telling him how manly and cool he is
80. Run your hands over his muscles. Even if it’s just a massage.
81.  Running your eyes over his muscles. Even if he’s onstage.
82. Cheering him on the loudest during the applause
83. Licking your lips
84. The way your eyes glint with just a tiny hint of jealousy when his fans gather around during a date
85. Melted chocolate
86. Implications that someone may be watching
87. Seeing you lean against a mirror. Makes his imagination run wild.
88.  Seeing you on top of and straddling his Motorcycle
89. Taking off your sweater/jacket to reveal…a backless dress!
90. Casually run your hands across his thighs, especially if you’re both seated at a table and there are others around. Bonus points if it’s the rest of the RFA
91. Licking your own fingers
92. Licking your fingers when they’re coated in a sticky substance
93. Asking him how a new outfit/article of clothing looks on you. “Let me show you how much I like it…”
94. Wearing his trademark white jacket. Bonus if that’s all you’re wearing.
95. Watching you/visiting you at work.
96. When you ask him to keep costumes on during quickies in his dressing room
97. When you praise his acting
98. Taking videos or photos of the two of you during intimate moments. All intimate moments
99. MC

mystictober day 9: theater + hourglass

zen + theater + hourglass

words: 1546 (don’t ask why it ran long…)

wanna be tagged? dm me/comment!!

There is an hourglass on your bedside table that you got from the last flea market you went to with your best friend. She was looking for a certain book that her boss sent her to find, and you had poked around and looked at what else they were offering. The owner said that it didn’t work anymore, but you thought it looked cute- especially since the sand was a pinkish red color that seemed to shine gold in the light and its frame had these diamond shapes that made it unique. So despite what the owner said, you still went ahead and bought it.

You figure the owner must have been mistaken, because when you got home that day and placed it in its spot, you saw the sands trickling down to the bottom half of the hourglass- albeit at a rather slow rate than usual. Whether it measured a week or a month or a year, you weren’t exactly sure. But you paid it no mind, simply content to use it as a decoration.

Most days you never spared it a second glance, but over the course of the year, you’d find that a noticeable chunk had gone missing from the top and fallen into the bottom of the hourglass. You weren’t exactly waiting for the sand to run out, but you wondered when it would finally happen.

Hands blindly search around the table, the hourglass shaking a little when you bump into it on your way to shut off the alarm on your phone. Sighing, you sit up and rub your eyes, blinking them open and awake. As your feet pad their way to the kitchen, you try to remember why it is you set an alarm today when you had no work- but your phone ringing all of a sudden again reminds you why.

“Good morning,” the voice on the other end of the line chirps. Your best friend is rarely this cheerful this early, and despite how groggy you feel, you manage to make your voice sound alive.

“Hey, Jae!”

“I wanted to make sure you were awake,” she laughs. “And you are! Will you be ready soon?”

“Mhm! Just let me eat and shower and all that,” you reassure her as you begin to prepare your breakfast.

“Alright, alright…oh! Did you listen to the-” Jaehee begins to ask you excitedly before you cut her off.

“Yes, yes! I’m ready. A hundred percent ready for the show, all thanks to you!”

“Okay,” you can hear the sheepish smile in her voice through the phone. “Sorry, I’m just really excited…”

“You should be! Now, let me finish up and we’ll meet at the theater soon okay?”

You both say your goodbyes and you finish up your business in the kitchen, staring at the sink for a moment after you put away your dishes. With a deep breath, you exhale and shake your head, walking towards your bathroom to prepare for the long day you knew you had ahead of you.

It doesn’t quite sink in that you’re going to have the full experience of this show, stage door and dressing room tours included, all thanks to Jaehee. You didn’t know how to repay her- getting her to accept your share for the tickets was hard enough.

But now you stood beside her underneath the giant marquee, flashing wide grins as Jaehee’s phone snaps a selfie of you two. The fangirl squeals excitedly and quickly uploads it to the messenger accompanied by some of her emojis before she pockets her phone.

Even though Jaehee had showed you the cast recording and you’d watched a few potato-quality videos on MeTube, nothing could have ever prepared you for the live performance that was happening before your eyes. Your friend was right, and you understood exactly why her adoration and support was so strong and unwavering.

Your eyes are glued to Zen the entire time he’s on stage, his voice absolutely captivating you with every note he sings. Each time he moves, it’s a sight so heavenly- the lights and smoke giving you the illusion that he was dancing on a cloud. And he might as well have been, with the way he glided across the floor. By the time the cast took their final bows, you found yourself wiping at a few stray tears that had escaped as you clapped rather loudly, you and Jaehee joining the others who were giving standing ovations as well.

It takes you a minute to collect yourself, sitting and chatting with your best friend as the rest of the people made their way out of the theater. Fortunately for you, Jaehee had already insisted on buying merchandise during the intermission, so there was no need to rush in line. You both made your way to stage door, the fangirl bouncing rather excitedly on her heels beside you. Swallowing, you turn to face her.

“So, Zen…”

“-Was so amazing, right? Did you see how beautiful his hair was? He didn’t even need a wig for this role! It’s actually that nice, and did you notice…”

You chuckle at your friend’s enthusiastic rambling and nod along, blushing a little as you remember all the details about the actor and his performance that Jaehee brings up again. Before you can chime with any of your own comments, though, a smooth, baritone voice interrupts the conversation.

“Aha, I see Jaehee here has already put in a good word,” the actor chuckles as he places a hand on her shoulder, squeezing it lightly. She bashfully stops mid-speech, turning to face Zen.

“I couldn’t help it,” she shrugs, giving the man a look. “You just did so well!”

To this, you nod, endeared at your friend’s display. You also try to drown out the screaming that has suddenly surrounded you.

“I did my best,” he says humbly before turning to face you. “Now, I don’t believe we’ve met. I’m Zen.”

He flashes his signature smile and reaches his hand out. You go to shake it, but he gently maneuvers his palm underneath to catch yours. Raising your hand, he presses a gentle kiss to your knuckles.

Somewhere in your darkened apartment, the final sands in the hourglass trickle down to the bottom of the timekeeper as you manage to tell him your name.

“I’d love to get to know you more and catch up with Jaehee, but I have some things to sign,” he gestures to all the people waiting. Zen speaks again before you can even begin to feel bad about holding up the line.

“Will you guys wait for me over here? I promise I’ll be quick!”

“Of course! It’s no trouble at all, right?” Jaehee answers before you can as she turns to you, waiting for your input.

“No, it’s not! We’ll wait,” you smile, linking your arm with hers.

“Perfect!” is the last thing Zen says, then he uncaps his marker and quickly makes his way down the line.

It looks like he’s shining. You’re not sure whether it’s just the sun hitting his alabaster skin, or stage makeup he hadn’t properly taken off yet, or the way he flashed his pearly whites- but he looked almost golden in his element. Jaehee catches you staring, but who was she to say anything if she was doing the same?

Once he’s out of good earshot, your friend speaks up.

“I think he likes you,” she says as nonchalantly as she could, pretending not to observe your reaction.

“What?”

Zen chooses this perfect moment to spare you a glance, to spare you a smile. Of course Jaehee catches this, too.

“He kissed your hand,” she tells you knowingly. There’s a look on her face you can’t quite read.

“He was probably just being a gentleman,” you quickly jump to his defense, swallowing slowly before smiling back at him.

“He doesn’t really do that to begin with,” she quickly responds. Mentally, Jaehee goes over all the times she’s seen Zen kiss a girl’s hand. Sure, the man was a flirt, but if she didn’t count all the times he did it to a stranger for the sake of formality, well… there was nothing else to count.

Before you can say anything else, Zen jogs back up to you, several gifts in hand. How can he carry all that in one hand?

“Alright, I gotta put these away before continuing. You guys can wait in my dressing room instead, I’d hate for you guys to get cold out here.”

Jaehee is surprisingly silent. She nudges you.

“Ah, that’s alright! Yeah, we can wait there,” you reply, shooting Jaehee a look after he takes the lead.

“After you,” he says, holding the door open.

“Thanks,” you mumble with a blush.

As you pass him by, his scent tickles your nostrils and you think another whiff will make you absolutely intoxicated. Your shoulders brush, and for a moment, you lock eyes- both of your faces falling into soft smiles.

You don’t know what it is, at all. You just met this man. Sure, he was devastatingly beautiful, but there was something else that was there.

The hourglass would never tell its secrets, but you had a feeling you were going to find out anyway.

HAPPY ZEN DAY ❤

Havent played in so long but never forget!

Might draw another Zen today for old time sakes

A friendly reminder that Zen will always be a knight in shining armour regardless of which route your playing. He will love you in any dimension too…. This is obliterating any chance for me to get into a real relationship.

requested: by my last braincell

a/n: …….lmao I’m back i guess, hope everyone is staying safe

warnings: coronavirus and depression mention

-on the brink of insanity mod alex

Jumin

-of course he realizes the extent of the issue with the virus, but he’s one of the last employers to give his workers paid leave. 

-even so, he’s prompt to send everyone down the chain of command specific instructions for their departments and strict deadlines that they must adhere to

-this is the only thing keeping him from going insane

-hates it at home, he hates the solitude, hates being trapped, and not even Elizabeth the III is enough to keep him company

-tries to see this from a logical point of view, and uses this time to learn new things, pick up another language, take online enrichment classes… as trivial as they seem to him he still insists on doing something, anything to keep his mind sharp

-reads a lot

-starts to pick up cooking (due to his staff being under quarantine), but his cleaning skills leave something to be desired

-you can slowly start to see him slip up in the rfa groupchat, acting seemingly more relaxed…or maybe it’s closer to insanity

Jaehee

-she’ll never admit it to anyone, but she prefers being at home, even with her same amount of workload, maybe even more, but getting to set her own working hours has her smiling more, letting her take her time in the morning

-home workouts, you can’t convince me otherwise

-also reads a significant amount more! everything from dumb YA novels to nonfiction and classics, she takes full advantage of online library services 

-she doesn’t know what to do with herself after a while

-doesn’t like staying inside, but knows it’s important to do so in order to keep not only her but everyone around her safe

-she’s the one that’ll yell at the other members if they dare to step foot outside

-finally has time to take care of her previously struggling plants, and they start to thrive within a short amount of time

-grows her hair out- she knows she’ll have to cut it again once this is all over but she enjoys waking up and messing with it, feeling not only joy but also pride when her hair gets long enough to tie back into a ponytail

Yoosung

-you’d think this would be a gamers paradise, not having to go outside and being able to focus on LOLOL alone 

-wrong

-detests online classes, trudging out of bed and into his living room with muttered complaints as he logs into his schools server, ready to video chat with his teachers. Falls asleep the second class is over, most of the time falling limp to the ground in exhaustion

-self isolation… not good for him. not only does it make him more anxious than ever the threat of his parents and sisters safety on the line, but being alone for so long only capitalizes on the fear of abandonment he had felt after Rika’s death, and not getting to see his friends plunges him into a pit of depression

-struggles to do more than aimlessly do his homework and log onto LOLOL, the stress of coronavirus keeping him up and worrying

-h..he….an-he p-hhhh-animal crossing

Saeyoung

-while there has technically been no change in his physical lifestyle, there definitely has in his mental health

-how is he supposed to protect the RFA from something he can’t even see?

-this thought sends him into a panic, and his helplessness is only furthered by his lack of knowledge in general medicine. he wasn’t trained for this. 

-starts to isolate himself from the group, and bury himself in more work than ever before

-however, less people on the streets, less human activity… less clients… less victims

-for the first time in what seemed his whole life he finished everything he had for work, and this realization brought him to a crashing halt. with nothing to occupy his mind he found himself more alone than ever before, old memories and feelings from his childhood returning, flashbacks seemingly around every corner. 

-however, like Jumin, he knows he needs to keep his mind sharp and working, and finds himself talking to the man more and more as quarantine goes on, an unlikely friendship blossoming where nothing seemed to exist. 

-slowly he starts to integrate himself back into the RFA, and comes out the other end with a stronger bond with everyone. 

-occupies his newfound time with finally getting to work on his cars, even starting to build a few from scratch

-his only other serious pastime is his challenge to himself to watch the Bee Movie every day for as long as the quarantine lasts. (that and watch every sci-fi film on Netflix) 

-starts to learn how to cook… without honey buddha chips and doctor pepper

-he’s shit at it but at least he tries

Zen

-instagram live

-he feels guilty, everyone that had bought tickets to his upcoming show had to get their money refunded, the show being cancelled until further notice. 

-just out of curiosity, he tries his hand at writing down ideas for a play, a mashup of two things he’d done in the past

-what started off as a curiosity to see what would happen if he let his own imagination run with an idea instead of letting the idea run his imagination, became a hobby, writing short skits here are there, nothing more than 

-he…he - djhfks- hhhheee he tiktok he… he tiktok

-does mostly original content, using it as an outlet for his creativity, and finds it simpler than youtube (he’s not much into the production side of filming as much as he is with the creativity side of it)

-he really likes the dances though! he finds them fairly laggy and too simple in their movements, but they give him an excuse to work out and awe the lads and ladies all in one

-is forced to order a treadmill, his lack of exercise getting to him. it doesn’t make up for the fresh air he misses so dearly, but it’s something

-it takes all his strength to stop drinking, fear for his shape and physical condition stopping him from becoming a borderline alcoholic

-as much as he hates to admit it, quarantine is isolating… as it should be of course, but to him being cut off from the rest of the world was something he could barely handle

-skyping jaehee and doing home exercises together

A Golden Date

Mysme Circus Zine - Zen x RedMC 

_______________________________________

Hey, it’s been a while since I posted my work here… I am very proud to say that this fic featured in the amazing @mysmecircuszine . I’m really happy to have been part of this project, along with so many talented writers and artists.

If you haven’t been able to get a copy of the zine to yourself, I hope you enjoy this piece with the lovely Zen and the beautiful red hair MC. :)

________________________________________

⭐⭐⭐ A Golden Date ⭐⭐⭐

Zen sets a towel around his neck with a smile and a slightly labored breath. A good practice session is always satisfying, even when he practices by himself.

He looks up, making sure he left everything ready and in place, before heading out.

On his way he checks his phone for messages, but there’s nothing. That means he still has time for himself and a frosty cold beer sounds just like the perfect ending of his busy afternoon. He can almost taste it when he ducks under the small, covert, tent’s side door, almost running into a girl.

She jumps out of the way, her green eyes wide open with surprise.

“Oh, hey there! Is everything okay, little lady? Were you looking for someone?”

“No! I mean, yes…”

She feels embarrassed, maybe even a little star-struck - after all, the man standing right in front of her is the circus main star Zen. And he is even more handsome up close.

The girl’s cheeks turn almost as red as her hair, which Zen finds really cute. He follows her eyes as she looks down to the golden ticket she is clutching close to her heart.

“Oh? You’re the raffle winner?”

He gives her a big smile. She nods.

“The lady with short brown hair told me to wait here.”

“Jaehee? Where did she go?”

He looks around for a moment before checking his phone, but once again there is no message or missed call.

“Why would she leave you here? She was supposed to tell me.”

“She got a call and left in a hurry… I think she was mumbling something about c-hair? Sounded urgent.”

“C-hair? Ugh, I bet Jumin, that jerk, is making her babysit that allergenic hazard he’s so fond of… Man! Like she doesn’t have enough on her plate as it is, you know?”

She doesn’t know, but she nods nevertheless, following him, since he started walking mid-sentence. Soon enough, the frown he wears on his face turns into a happy smile.

“ Anyway, congratulations on your win! What’s your name, little cutie?”

She returns his smile with a shyer one of her own. “It’s MC.”

“MC? Haha even your name is cute.”

He stops, turning to her. “So, MC, are you ready to go on a carnival date with the most handsome guy here in the circus?” He ends his question with a wink and laughs happily when she nods and answers excitedly.

“Yes, absolutely!”

“That’s the right answer! Can you just give me a second to freshen up and put something else on? I gotta look my best for our date~!” He gives her a teasing smile.

“Of course! Even though you look handsome no matter what you wear, I’m sure.”

Her words, along with her lovely flushed cheeks, hit straight through his heart, making him feel even more excited to spend some time with her. 

“Woah, you just made my heart jump there, MC! Hahaha you think so? You really have good taste!” He gestures dramatically towards himself. “Alas, this tight outfit may look great on my Greek-like body, but it doesn’t leave much room for storage.” He laughs, showing her the phone he’s holding in his hand. Obviously, the outfits made for both his practices and the show don’t come with hidden pockets. Although that wasn’t such a bad idea… should he present the idea for Silverspoon’s consideration? He would probably just be giving Jaehee more work to do, though. That jerk. 

He shakes his head to get rid of his thoughts - the last thing he needs is to be thinking of Jumin Han when he’s in such better company - and points at a wooden seat, happily situated in front of a pretty little flower bed. 

“MC, you can wait here while I change. Don’t worry, I won’t be long. I’d never leave a cute girl waiting!" 

Zen jogs the short distance to his own personal tent that works as his dressing room. He stays true to his promise and, in the speed of light, washes himself and puts on clean clothes: a cream sweater, jeans, white sneakers and a pink cap.

He smiles at the mirror, happy with his reflection. Even though he barely knows MC, it feels like a real date. He makes a mental note to ask MC for a selfie. Yoosung rolled his eyes when the contest was mentioned, but he’ll be green with envy once he sees how cute the winner is. 

He’s almost out when he remembers the little corsage he got for the event. He grabs it from between the cans of beer in the mini-fridge before jogging out of the tent. Presenting her the corsage with a flourished movement, Zen extends his hand and clears his throat. 

"May I have your hand, my princess?” He can see how her eyes grow in surprise at first, before a little smirk lifts her pretty little lips up. She tries to sound serious, but it’s impossible to miss the laughter in her voice. 

“Shouldn’t we at least have a meal together first?" 

It’s his turn to be confused with her words, although it only takes a second for him to understand their meaning. "Oh, because it almost sounded like a proposal, right? Hahaha woah you’re fast.”

In a theatrical way, he kneels down and opens up his arms. Realizing what he’s doing, MC adopts a dramatic pose herself, which makes it more difficult for Zen to stay in character. It’s like they’re both actors in a theater, playing a strange version of Cinderella.

Keeping his laughter in, he looks at her longingly and changes his voice and tone. 

“M'lady, I have scouted this entire kingdom, looking for the owner of this corsage, for she is the true owner of my heart!”

Over-dramatically, MC presses the back of her hand to her forehead, extending the other one in Zen’s direction. “You have finally found me, my Prince!”

He carefully puts the corsage on her wrist and is about to say another silly made-up line, but her face and pose are too much to take and he just bursts out laughing. She could very well be the worst actress he has ever seen, but definitely also the cutest.

Oh man, he loved to play around like that, pretending he was an actor instead of a circus performer, and to have her responding to his lines was just too perfect, how could he resist?

“There, looks perfect. But you know what? I don’t want to be a prince, I shall be your knight in shining armor instead, so I can protect you from all the danger we may encounter in our way.”

“Why, you expect me to be in danger, my knight?” MC takes the arm he gently gives her, and looks attentively as he leans in, in a conspirative way. 

“Certainly! A beautiful princess such as yourself is always in danger of… falling in love with a handsome and courageous knight.”

Unable to keep the flirtatious smirk in his face, Zen laughs heartily, enjoying the sweet sound of her own laughter.

“See? You need to be careful, MC. All men are wolves, y'know?”

Their arms intertwined, they move to the carnival grounds, where all the rides, food stalls and guests are. There’s music, laughter and the ride’s operators’ cries, enticing the guests with the usual worn-out phrases.

The first ride they try is the Carousel, of course.

“Your carriage awaits, my princess.”

Zen bows, waiting for her to go in first, but she grabs his hand and pulls him along. With big smiles and slightly tainted cheeks, they choose a couple of side-by-side horses. They chat all through the ride - MC is so easy to talk to - and too soon the carousel stops again.

They start looking for the next ride to go, when the sweet aroma coming from the different food stalls fill the air around them. Popcorn, cotton candy, candy apple - MC can’t prevent herself from looking at the tasty treats available, and Zen had to be blind not to notice it.

“How about we get something to eat, MC? Do you like fish shaped bread?”

“Yes, I love it!”

“Yeah? Me too! Haha we have so much in common! Come, I know the best place here to get them.”

Zen guides her around the numerous food stalls, to where his favorite vendor is. The man knows him well, so he gives them the most golden brown and generously filled pieces of fish shaped bread he could possibly make. 

As they walk away Zen whispers. “This vendor is great, but you know, he’s only the second best fish shaped bread vendor I know. The absolute best is close to my old place. I’ll take you there sometime.”

She nods in response and a little smile plays on her lips as she blows on the steaming bread, and only then does he realize he had basically asked her on a second date. Not that he minds. Actually, now that he’s aware of it he’s happy that his mouth works faster than his brain sometimes. He almost wants to kiss himself for such a brilliant idea, but instead he smiles and blows on his own bread. 

They walk in comfortable silence, strolling and watching the other visitors and the different games they’re playing. It would be fun to play one of those games and win MC a stuffed animal, but he’s not very good at shooting things. That’s more of Vanderwood’s idea of fun. Still, he looks around trying to find a good game he could win when his eyes land on the High Striker. He knows he can reach the top, he is strong enough, it doesn’t take much skill and he’s done it before, mostly on a manly dispute with Vanderwood. 

“MC, how awesome would I be if I won a stuffed toy for you?”

“Pretty awesome!”

“Right? Am I the perfect date or what?”

Excited to be able to show off a little, Zen all but jogs his way there. The operator is calling out to the guests walking by, trying to get someone to try the attraction.

“Who are the men out of the boys? Come and test your strength, if you dare.”

He looks at Zen, and even though he knows him well enough, he acts like he’s just another guest. “Are you looking to offer the young lady a pretty prize? Step right up!”

Truth be told, whenever Zen played around, trying to get the puck to go all the way up the tower and ring the bell, it would spike the other customers’ attention and a very nice line would form behind him, to the operator’s contentment. So the man was always happy to see Zen going over.

“MC, choose any prize you like. I’ll win it for you.”

The way the afternoon sun kisses up her long red hair as she looks over the toys makes his heart race a little faster. The view is mesmerizing and  Zen wishes he was as good with a camera as V. MC points at a big white wolf with red eyes that kind of looks like Zen, bringing him out of his daze. He laughs excitedly, and grabs the hammer the man hands him. With no surprise, he strikes the lever with the necessary force to make the bell ring and MC happily receives her prize.

“That was amazing, Zen! You got it the first time without so much as a warm up.”

Zen laughs, but feels bad about deceiving her so he admits it wasn’t his first try. She just shrugs and hugs her toy.

“Well, you do work here, so I thought as much. Doesn’t make it any less impressive, though.”

His heart swells up with both pride and something else entirely different. Could this girl be any more perfect? How lucky was he? Despite it all, he must have done something good in his life for a girl like her to win the raffle. 

Now with a new companion, and a renewed purpose to make this the best date in the history of dates, they continue their search for fun rides to go. 

They try the house of mirrors, where even in strange sizes and shapes Zen would still look handsome. The roller-coaster in which, despite not being that scary, Zen made sure MC could hold his hand for safety. And also the bumper cars, chasing each other as fast as it allowed them to.

Next stop was the ferris-wheel, of course, since no date could be considered complete without a romantic ride on the ferris-wheel. When they arrived, though, the ride was closed and a big ‘Under Maintenance’ sign was hanging in front of the ticket office. Due to a malfunction the ride would only be operational by the next day.

“Man, this is the worst luck! How am I supposed to give you a proper date without a ride on the ferris-wheel?”

The girl squeezes his arm, softly. “Zen, it’s okay! I already had the best date of my life, thanks to you. It was so much more than I had imagined and you even won me a souvenir!" 

She shakes the toy in her hand, giving him another little squeeze with the other, a teasing smile playing on her lips. "You did a perfect job as my knight in shining armor, sir! I will never forget this…" 

Her words have the exact effect they should: Zen got his happy disposition back. He laughs and leans into her. "It was the best date of my life too, because you were in it~. Haha, alright, but you know what? I have a better idea on how to end our date. Cm'on, babe.” He grabs her hand and walks her back to the main circus tent, where they first met. 

“Ta-da! You didn’t really think I’d end the day like that, right? Not this knight.” Through the secret passage, he leads her inside, where the setting sun was giving the empty space a very intimate and romantic vibe.

He shows her how everything works and how he usually practices. With her consent, he takes her up the ladder that leads to the small platform, where the trapeze is conveniently hooked to. They could see everything from up there and even though it could be a little scary, MC looked comfortable enough.

“Babe, do you want to try it?”

She is unsure at first, afraid she won’t be strong enough, but after he explains everything, her curiosity wins.

He unhooks the harness from its spot. “Here, put this on. If you fall it’ll make sure you’ll go slowly onto the safety net down below. But don’t worry, I’ll catch you for sure!" 

There’s usually no safety net during the shows, and definitely no harness, but sometimes, for practice, they were used. 

After leaving everything ready for her, Zen goes to the other platform. He skilfully begins to swing in his trapeze. It’s quite the sight to be seen. He positions himself and gives MC the signal to start. She holds on to her trapeze and jumps from the platform, swinging in the air. Just like Zen explained, she gains momentum with her legs and soon she’s ready for the jump.

"OK MC, when I say 'go’ you let go and extend your arms to me… One… Two… Three… GO!

Obediently, she lets go of the trapeze. It’s all done in a second, but to them it feels like they’re doing it in slow motion. Zen holds out his hands and immediately catches her. She looks up at him, both wearing the biggest smiles ever.

"I did it!!!”

“I told you I’d catch you! And you were great, babe!”

They sway in the air for a moment longer, looking at each other. The mood is romantic, but unfortunately Zen’s nose starts to itch.

Something’s off.

His smile fades and he looks down to the ground, searching for the silhouette he knows all too well. Suddenly, he sees it: a fluffy white thing running fast as lightning from one point of the stage to the other.

That was no rat!

The itch in his nose only intensifies, and he can barely hear MC ask if he is okay before the unstoppable need to sneeze builds up strongly. He tries to hold it in but it’s impossible, so he just lets go of MC’s hands. She falls safely on the safety net and, after letting out a row of sneezes, so does Zen. 

“MC, are you okay?" 

She doesn’t answer, but her soft giggles are all he needs to relax. He grabs the hem of the safety net and rolls out. Immediately, he walks over to MC.

That damn fur ball, walking around wherever it wants, destroying his date…

He extends his hands to her and helps her down, slowly lowering her until her feet touch the ground. Her beautiful green eyes shine brightly, almost lightning up the entire, dimly-lit room. In a matter of seconds his thoughts about Elizabeth the 3rd dissipate, giving way to other, much sweeter ones.

Her hair is a mess, and he carefully brushes it between his fingers. “I’m sorry for letting you fall, babe… but you know, I think I’ve fallen myself…”

The smile she offers him should be illegal, only because it’s almost too beautiful to bear. “How about we do this again tomorrow? A real date this time. After all, we gotta go take a ride on that ferris-wheel.”

They start heading out to the entrance. Soon, the Midnight Show was going to start and the staff would be busy preparing everything. “Can we also eat candy apples tomorrow? Did you know, in some countries they call it the love apple.

“The love apple? I like that! But you must be careful not to fall into a deep sleep after eating it. Or instead of being my Cinderella with the fitting corsage, you’ll turn into Snow White.” 

She giggles and answers in the same singing voice he has been using.

“Well, if that happens you’ll have to give me a true love’s kiss~” Zen chuckles, but shakes his head. “Babe, you shouldn’t say those things to me, I’m a man too you know? I told you already, all men are wolves. You’re lucky I’m trying so hard to be a gentleman, but if you go on telling that stuff, it’ll be hard for me to keep the beas-”

Too caught up in his speech, Zen never realizes as she stops in front of him, grabs the collar of his sweater and pulls him down, just enough for her lips to meet his. His eyes grow as big as dinner plates and his entire body ignites, turning his cheeks ablaze. 

“B-babe!”

“Sorry, I’m no gentleman. Life is too short, if I like someone it’s better to let him know. And I… I really really like you, Zen.”

He’s speechless for a moment, before his surprised expression turns into an exhilarated one. He embraces her close, her small frame fitting perfectly in his arms, and hides his blushing face in her hair. 

“Oh, man… what am I gonna do with you? I can’t win.” He laughs happily. “You know what? I have one last performance before I’m free, it’s the midnight show, what do you say you stay and watch it and then we can spend a little more time together?”

MC looks up, still enclosed in his arms, listening to him. 

“The prize didn’t include the show, but you can stay as my guest… I don’t want to let you go just yet haha. You can watch me and cheer me on, and I can blow you a kiss from the stage and then we can go and gaze at the stars. I know just the perfect place… What do you think?”

“Sounds perfect!”

Hands intertwined, they leave the tent together, to the cool twilight. Both feeling excited for the second part of the date, as well as - maybe - the rest of their lives together.

_________________________________________

That’s it! Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have enjoyed it. <3

If you want to read more, here’s my masterlist. And I won’t say no to a cup of ko-fi, if you feel like sharing one. ;)  

My second contribution to the @2019loveforallseasonsproject~

I did a collab with the wonderful @lokiiwood based on their lovely fic Chestnuts & Lanterns

It’s a beautifully fluffy fic that will leave you all warm inside~

Be sure to check it out!

Chestnuts & Lanterns - Zen/Reader