Cant Get You Out Of My Head.

Can’t get you out of my head.

Joshua one shot

Pairing: Joshua Hong x Female reader

Genre: hurt/comfort

Warnings: none

Word count: 2.2K

Author’s Note: After I watched one tweet (i added the link below, you can check it out), it just gave me idea to write, I just wanted to write, although I don’t know how it turned out, hope it didn’t turn out bad. I tried, to write something also the way Joshua was singing this part >>>>

Happy reading :)

Once, the concert was over, I saw everyone leaving. They left, Joshua left as well. They already went to the backstage. I was watching everyone leave one by one, after the venue was almost empty, I got up from my seat and started walking.

“Ity, Joshua invited us to the backstage, let’s go” Brendon told me, I shook my head. Our friends knew about us and they knew how I avoid everything related to him. “I don’t think I should go, he might get upset.” I told him, “Ity, you will be meeting him after eight years, do you really want to miss this chance? It’s been more than eight years” I wanted to say no, I wanted to tell Brendon that no I don’t want to miss this chance because I really want to meet him. but even before I could reply him anything, Daisy held my hand and started walking, I couldn’t even protest. I just found myself walking wherever my friends were going specially Daisy, since she was holding my wrist.

There were two ways, one led to exit another was for backstage. I looked to the way that led to the backstage and sighed. It reminded me of the way Joshua and I had an eye contact when he was singing ‘2 minus 1’ I was looking at him and when walked to the other side of the stage while singing, my eyes couldn’t leave him. I wondered did he notice me, because I saw his eyes softened a bit when he saw me then again, he left that place and started singing with Vernon and the way he sang his lines

“I can’t get out of my head, yeah!

Gotta get you out of my head, yeah

how can you be so fine when I’m I’m I’m”

I could never forget the expression and the look on his face. I could never. Somewhere it felt like he was telling me he was fine, while singing the song and then as if he told me I must be fine but he couldn't get me out of his hand and as if telling me he never thought I would be this fine after we broke up. I saw him after almost eight years, after distancing myself from his world. All these years I wanted to stop myself thinking about him but how could I erase and forget a person who was supposedly my first love and gave me my best memories, I don’t cry anymore like I used to do, I stopped crying over him but the longing feelings which I always had, it was always inside me. Even today when I saw him on stage, I realized how I was always on denial and I actually missed him more than anything. How could I not when he was my youth, when he left me at 18, broke up with me, I broke into pieces. All the trust I had ever put in a guy, Joshua took away everything, I gave all of me to him and he left me there.

Alone.

After few months when I got to know he left LA, I was broken mess.

And I was insane when I got the front tickets for today’s concert. I don’t know why I impulsively did it back then when the tickets were on sale but I brought the tickets. After I brought the ticket, I got to know my highschool friends were going as well. I told Brendon, I got my ticket and he suggested that it would be nice if we could go and come back together. I agreed to it. After the concert ended, Brendon texted me to wait where I was and he would come and we could go meet Joshua in backstage. And here I am walking towards the backstage, I have no idea how would he react to see me. I wanted to tell myself to stay calm but my heart was beating insane. He came back to LA after three years, last time when he came, it was for Seventeen’s concert.

“Ity, trust me, you would feel better after you meet him” I heard Brendon say this to me, I tried smiling but then I heard a voice, “hey guys” and I froze. Daisy let go of my wrist.

“Hey Josh” I heard Brandon say, I saw him walking towards him and hugging him tight. I saw him walking towards me and Daisy, he was smiling. The moment his eyes met mine, I felt he wanted to say something. Those innocent and pure eyes, which I can never forget because I always saw my whole universe in his eyes. “Did you guys enjoy?” we all nodded, the fact this was my first time meeting him in these eight years and I was trying to be okay. He smiled so big, his cute little eyes, making me fall in love again, I wanted to tell him I missed him.

“this was Ity’s first time” Brandon said and Joshus nodded, and scratched the back of his neck. “also can I click pictures with your members?” he nodded.

“Of course, you can, they are just inside that room, go on” Brandon and Daisy started walking. I was left there with Joshua, we were alone. I thought he would leave with them but he didn’t rather he took a step towards me.

“Hope you’re doing fine” I managed to look into his eyes, when he said that. “hmm” I wanted to deny it, tell him, nothing is same after you left, I completed my studies and now I am working but look at me still longing for your hugs, your kisses, your embrace, and your love.

“you looked happy”, I told him and tried to smile. I was stopping myself from crying, because I saw my ex after eight years. And all the memories flashed infront of me, as if I was watching a replay of our moments and then it stopped when we broke up, the way he broke up and left.

Unknowingly I was stepping back, and soon I felt my back touching the wall, I saw him taking steps towards me, “Ity” the way he called my name, was making me weak and telling me to cry.

“Shua, no” as if I knew what was he going to tell me next, he was going to break me again. even after all these years, I still couldn’t stop loving him, he was always there with me.

“I… I…” he looked hesitant “I regret leaving you.”

“Shua stop, you can’t do this. not after eight years” I was trying to hold back my tears but my voice was already trembling, this was the thing I wanted to avoid. After we broke up, we avoided eachother, but I always wanted to know what was the reason he left me here, what was the problem? Was I the problem? I hated to admit it but I knew I would break down in front of him once he calls my name. there was still a soft spot for him in my heart and I knew somewhere I still loved him and couldn’t love anyone else till now.

“When I looked at you while performing, that moment I got my confirmation, I regretted leaving you. And I wanted to tell you the truth, all these years I kept on thinking about you, and couldn’t stop myself from thinking about you. At times when I couldn’t get you out of my head, I asked my friends how you’re doing, they said you’re living well, and you’re fine. You smile, you laugh, you enjoy your life. I wanted to tell you, I was hurt and I love what I do but…” don’t do this to me Joshua Hong, please don’t. I will break again and won’t be able to let go of you.

“All this success is nothing if you’re not here to share with me” he stepped closer, “I can’t do this anymore, I want to share everything with you Ity” tears already started falling, how much I tried to stop. How much courage I gathered up so that I could face him today but everything felt like it crumbled down.

“Ity” again he called my name. He held my shoulders and made me look at him, his eyes reminded me of how he broke up with me that day.

“Ity let’s stop it here, I can’t do this anymore. You and me, we shouldn’t date. We should stop here.” and he walked away.

I cried more, his grip tightened, on my shoulders and then pulled me into his embrace. I wanted to hold him tight and cry more, I wanted to tell him I missed him more, he can never imagine how much I missed him ever since that day, that moment. I felt my shoulder getting wet, he was crying. I heard him sobbing. I wanted to comfort him and tell him, stop crying I can’t see him cry and wanted to tell him, why was he doing this to me after all these years when he was living fine without me.

“Ity… please tell me” his voice was painful, I wanted to wipe his tears because they were hurting me.

I had this one feeling inside me right now and that was, to tell him because I don’t know when I would be able to tell him this and what if I could never tell him and meet him again. there won’t be another chance to say like this, I always regretted whenever he came and left LA, and now when I have the chance, I should tell him. All these years I spent without him, stayed in denial but now I wanted to tell him, one word from him and I broke, I don’t want to let go of this chance; so I hugged him back tight. I don’t know when I will get to hug him tight like this, so I followed my heart.

“Shua, I missed you. I wanted you back, nothing was same after you left. I graduated and I have a job, I earn but nothing is same without you. Your shirts are still hanging in my closets, I still kept them because they have your scent. I couldn’t let you go even after you left me.” he pulled himself back and looked at me. he was crying, so bad. It was hurting to see his tears, they made me cry more.

“Sorry for leaving you, all these years I wanted to tell you this, I wanted to apologize to you, I thought you would be better without me, because I was leaving for Korea for my career, and I wasn’t sure if I could be with you, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to keep you happy like the way you keep me happy always. Being with you kept me happy” his words were sincere; I could tell that and his tears were falling.

“Joshua, please stop crying” my hands reached his face and he held my hand. “I’m so sorry for hurting you Ity and for leaving you.” I was nodding, trying to tell him I understand him, the way I thought I would get hurt after I see him, everything went away, I was healing because of him, I felt better after I saw him today, I was feeling something I couldn’t explain right now, I just knew my Joshua Hong is back, he was here with me, standing infront of him. I always the worst scenarios in my head, that he would push me away and will tell me why he left me and hurt me but none of those things happened.

His hands were on my cheeks, “Ity…. I always loved you, I was so unsure about myself that I could keep you happy and I wanted a career, but back at that time it felt so unsure.” my tears were falling more, “I love you Shua, you were my first love and you’re still the one I love.” I tried smiling but I failed so badly and broke down again.

“Ity, please come back to me. Please give us a chance” he was looking at me and wiping my tears. “Shua” I paused, I couldn’t speak because of how much I was crying.

“Please come back to me, please let’s go back to us. Just us, you and me together. Please Ity, please be my Ity again” I nodded without thinking much, “Ity” he called my name and next thing I knew his soft lips on mine. His fingers were caressing my cheeks, our tears were making our lips wet, it was a longing kiss. His another hand was resting on my waist. He pulled back and looked at me, “we are us again, I love you so much Ity.”

“I love you Joshua” he wiped my tears with his thumb, “thankyou for giving us a second chance” and he kissed me again.

THEY SYLAYEDDDDDDDDD

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Terrifyingly Innocent [Four]

Pairing: Seungcheol x fem!reader

Synopsis: Fearful of losing her, yet unwilling to leave; this agreement between Seungcheol and his best friend’s little sister was meant to be casual and temporary, yet he finds himself growing more attached to her day by day.

Genre: Fluff, angst, fake dating, older brother’s best friend!Seungcheol, badboy!Seungcheol, innocent!reader, older brother!Jihoon, non-idol!au, university!au, low-key Crazy Rich Asians!au (Seungcheol is RICH - implied chaebol lifestyle, Jihoon and reader’s family aren’t chaebols and are commoners but well-off)

Warnings: Mild use of profanity, mentions of alcohol, mild fears of sex work, Cheol keeps calling OC 'babygirl', annoying rich people, Mr. Choi is judgmental, Jihoon is overly concerned

WC: ~3.7K

Taglist: @starry-hannie @itsveronicaxxx @ann-non @soonchanshua @sonje78 @halfsaints @cheolright @yoozuku @missjopper @0f-course-why-not

Please drop an ask if you would like to be added to the taglist!

A/N: One of my favorite parts about writing characters is describing their outfits/fashion/style :') That said, I don't think I did the descriptions justice, so here are links to what I was thinking about for OC, Seungcheol, and Don't Lie II Dr. Wonwoo!!!

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You looked stunning.

And for Jihoon, that was a problem.

You were standing in the living room of your shared apartment, hands awkwardly brushing your bare arms while your best friend, Clara, adjusted the last bit of detail with your outfit. Your hair was donned up in a pretty bun with your fringes strategically placed just right to highlight your best facial features. Your lips were painted a deep red to match your maroon one-shoulder dress. Though it was midi-length, the skirt of the dress had an asymmetric cut with the slit leading up to your mid-thigh. To make matters worse? The one shoulder had a cutout that showed just the slightest bit of cleavage.

It’s not that Jihoon didn’t want you to feel beautiful because you were and deserved to feel confident in your own skin. However, the thought of grody young men (or old, quite infuriatingly) disrespectfully gawking at your figure in this curve-hugging dress made his eyes twitch and his tongue go numb. It was especially frustrating knowing he couldn’t be there to shield you from prying eyes and you’ll be in the hands of most flirtatious man of them all, Choi Seungcheol.

Though you tried to keep your eyes focused on Clara while she teased your fringes with the comb, you couldn’t help but let your gaze flicker towards Jihoon. He was standing with his right hip leaning against the white couch, arms crossed across his broad chest. His expression was indecipherable as he silently watched Clara fuss over you. Was he in disbelief? Angry? Shocked? Frankly, he looked ready to choke someone.

“Okay! I’m done! Voila!” Clara sang excitedly, finally taking a step back from you. Clara to turned to Jihoon with a wide grin on her face. “What do you think?” You bit your lip nervously, awaiting his reply.

“She looks . . .” Jihoon’s voice trailed off. He brought a hand up to his chin and began stroking his non-existent beard.

“Absolutely sexy!” Clara finished for him. She smirked at your older brother, knowing all too-well about his protective nature.

“Clara!” you protested.

Jihoon let out an exasperated sigh, sounding disappointed. He let his head hang forward.

“I did my job then,” Clara smiled proudly, turning back to you to observe her work.

“This is . . . too much,” Jihoon muttered.

“Hey – tell that to your best friend who picked out the dress,” Clara called back. She pinched the dress at the armpits and tugged it up a little to sit higher on your chest. “I’m just doing my job to compliment the look.”

Jihoon groaned and flopped onto the couch. Clara was right: There was no one else to blame except for Seungcheol for making his little sister look this exquisite. This morning when he had walked out to grab the mail, he had stumbled upon the dress wrapped in a chic black box with a matching satin bow. There was a black card attached, addressed to you. Despite this package being yours, Jihoon had carelessly opened the card and read it before bringing it in to you:

“Be ready by 7. Please wear this dress. I picked it out myself,” followed by a winky face and Seungcheol’s signature.

Jihoon had hastily forced you to call Seungcheol after delivering your gift and opening the box to find the maroon dress. You were absolutely not going to do escort work for Seungcheol and he was going to make sure of it.

Despite Jihoon’s worries, Seungcheol merely explained that this evening, his father was hosting a “small event” for their company’s investors and he was bringing you along as his date. These kinds of dinner happened every few months and he has never taken anyone to them before despite his father’s nagging; Seungcheol figured it would be a lovely surprise for the elder Choi and an opportunity to get this fake dating thing rolling.

With this in mind, you called Hansol and Clara to cancel Saturday movie night (you were going to watch ‘Pretty in Pink’ upon Hansol’s insistence) and ushered Clara over to help you with preparations. While the two of you busied yourselves in your room, Jihoon was left seething in the living room, unable to do any work today.

Your phone suddenly rang and you immediately picked up, Clara stepping aside to let you answer. Jihoon raised his head to see who you were talking with.

“Hello?” you answered. “Mmmhmm. Y-yeah, I’m ready. J-just come up. You know the way. Yeah – see you soon.”

You ended the call quickly. You turned to Jihoon, clutching your phone tightly in your hand. “Seungcheol’s on his way up.”

“Oohhh!” Clara squealed, while Jihoon nodded once. You could tell he was trying his best to contain his current distaste with Seungcheol.

“You know, I never thought you would go for a guy like Seungcheol,” Clara started.

You set your phone down on the coffee table and stepped towards the face mirror by the front door, checking your hair.

“He’s just . . . so not your type?” Clara continued on. “Fuckboi, arrogant, egocentric – Lord knows if he even studies – “

“Watch your mouth,” Jihoon interrupted bluntly, “He’s still my best friend.”

Clara gave Jihoon a displeased look before shrugging and turning back to you. She caught the reflection of your eyes in the mirror. “He’s very far from Jisoo – or what you’ve told me you wanted in a partner, that’s all I’m saying.”

Your face flushed red at the drop of Jisoo’s name, embarrassed that Clara nonchalantly exposed you in front of your older brother. When your eyes shifted to him to see if that triggered any sort of protective instinct in him though, Jihoon seemed rather unbothered about hearing your crush – as if he already knew . . . and approved

“I . . . uuhhh,” you stuttered. You turned around awkwardly to face Clara, “Well, you know what they say: ‘expect the unexpected’ – I’m surprised I fell for him too.” You shrugged and chuckled awkwardly.

“Say, as your best friend though, I’m kind of offended you never – “ Clara was cut off short by the light knocking on the door.

“Speak of the devil,” Jihoon muttered, getting up to open the door. He unlocked door and swung it open, ushering his friend to step inside.

Without batting an eye at Jihoon or Clara, Seungcheol made confident strides towards you. He stopped a few feet away, the corner of his lips twitching up while he scanned your figure up and down.

“Hey,” he said in a low voice.

“Hey,” you squeaked in return.

You flushed red once more and your breath unexpectedly hitched at how handsome Seungcheol actually looked in front of you. Admittedly, you always thought he was good-looking, but you rarely ever saw him in his “son of the Sebong Group” persona. Gone with the loose fitting jeans, baggy T-shirts, and oversized leather jackets. Today, he was wearing a jet-black double-breasted jacket with a matching pair of slacks. His hair was neatly combed back and his face was freshly shaven.

“Holy fuck! You two are actually such a hot couple!” Clara blurted, her eyes flitting between you and Seungcheol.

A smug look graced the older male’s face. He reached a hand out for yours, tugging you close to him. He intertwined his large fingers with your daintier ones, giving you a reassuring squeeze. He turned towards Clara with a gummy smile plastered on his face.

“Thank you,” Seungcheol replied cheerfully.

Jihoon cleared his throat loudly, followed by a fit of coughing, forcing all your eyes to turn his way. Casually, he walked over with his hands tucked in his sweatpants pockets. He looked from Seungcheol to you, and back to Seungcheol.

“I want her back home by midnight at the latest,” Jihoon said sternly. He raised a finger at Seungcheol. “And no funny business, sir – you are my best friend, but I will not hesitate to kick you ass.”

Though he knew he was supposed to be intimidated, Seungcheol couldn’t help but chuckle at Jihoon’s overprotective brother act. Indeed he’s seen it in the past with other boys who’ve come your way, but Seungcheol was never the victim – until now. He did find Jihoon quite intimidating during these, times, however, for some reason, he found this moment quite endearing. He tried his best to suppress his smile and keep a straight face.

“I’m NOT kidding, Choi Seungcheol,” Jihoon warned again when he noticed his best friend not taking him seriously.

“I know, I know, I know – I’ve heard this more than once,” Seungcheol brushed him off. He glanced at his watch quick: It read 7:16. He turned to you and smiled softly, “We should probably get going or we’re going to be late. Mr. Kang is waiting in the car downstairs.”

You gave him a small nod, signaling you were ready to go. Clara hastily grabbed your clutch and shoved it into your arm, instructing you about the goods inside in case you were to need them to freshen up. You thanked her and she gently pushed you along, ushering you and Seungcheol to leave.

“Remember what I said!” Jihoon called as the two of you walked out the door.

“Yes sir! Twelve o’clock!” Seungcheol shouted back.

“Twelve o’clock!” Jihoon repeated.

The two of you walked hand in hand a little further until you reached the elevator at the end fo the hall. Seungcheol looked back to see if Clara and Jihoon were still watching, and thankfully, he found the door closed. As the elevator dinged open, he let go of your hand and stepped in first. You remained silent and watched him carefully as he pressed the button for the ground floor.

“Clara doesn’t know, right?” Seungcheol asked matter-of-factly.

“No,” you replied curtly.

“Good,” he nodded once. He stole a side glance at you. You looked tense and uncomfortable with your shoulders hunched over and your hands unconsciously tugging at all parts of the dress.

“You look really nice, Y/N,” Seungcheol tried to reassure you – because truthfully, you really did.

You froze at his compliment and nervously bit the inside of your cheek. “T-thank you.”

“Relax, it’ll be alright,” Seungcheol told you.

The elevator announced your arrival to the ground floor and Seungcheol stepped out and you trailed after him. Just as you were about to reach the front door, he halted in his tracks and turned back to you. He held out his hand and offered you a gentle smile. You looked at him puzzled.

“Clara’s not here anymore,” you muttered softly.

Seungcheol let out a chortle. “She’s not, but Mr. Kang will be watching.”

“Ahh – right,” you said more to yourself. You placed your hand in his and he folded his thumb over, brushing the tops of your hand.

“Let the games begin, babygirl,” Seungcheol said to you as the two of you walked out.

With a deep breath, you braced yourself for the lavished evening ahead.

“Small event” was an understatement and complete utter lie.

The event hall had a vintage interior design. Crystal chandeliers rimmed with gold dangled from the ceilings, the floor varnished with red carpet. Large windows with intricate designs lined the sides of the rooms, antique statues sitting in between them. The people lavished in expensive silk and brand name designs were merely complimentary. You truly felt like you were swept into a fairytale of Beauty and the Beast.

While you marveled at the interior design, Seungcheol had already downed his fifth cocktail. You were standing shoulder to shoulder at the bar, minding your own business while the investors and their well-powdered wives mingled, engaging in conversations about stocks and congratulating each other on new business endeavors. You were eavesdropping on a pair of wives sickeningly sweet (and fake) chuckled about the design of the newest Louis Vuitton handbag collection, whom another woman was carrying, when a familiar deep voice called your name dubiously.

“Hi Mr. Choi,” you said, turning around a little exasperated. You straightened your shoulder and bowed low to the elder man. Mr. Kang was following closely behind him.

“Father,” Seungcheol simply greeted him, following your lead.

“How are you, sir?” you asked kindly.

“Very well,” Mr. Choi replied quickly.

You nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s a beautiful venue for such an event.”

“Thank you – Mr. Kang was kind enough to help book it at this place. Reservations are hard to come by here.”

Mr. Kang gave you a small nod of thanks. It’s not that Mr. Choi didn’t like you because he very well did, watching you grow up beside Jihoon and Seungcheol – and you knew that very well. Mr. Choi gave you presents when you graduated high school and was a regular at your dinner table with your family. You merely hoping to stay on his good side this evening and remain unsuspecting through the art of flattery. Unfortunately, it didn’t seem to be working too well as you saw how Mr. Choi’s eyes were already curiously flitting between you and Seungcheol. You were anticipating his next few words.

“It’s always a pleasure to see you, Y/N, but if I may ask, what are you doing at such an event with my son?” Mr. Choi asked.

Though you knew he was only surprised to see you and you knew your purpose here, you couldn’t help but flush pink – the sense of feeling unwelcomed stirring in your stomach. By no means were you of a lower class, but you were a mere commoner compared to the Choi’s. Your father knew Mr. Choi, but never attended these types of events, unless it was a huge achievement.

“Y/N is my date this evening,” Seungcheol stepped instead. You felt him inch closer to you. His hand wrapped around your waist, and he tugged you closer to his side.

Mr. Choi raised an eyebrow. He tilted his head, turning to you as if he was asking you to validate his son’s words. You simply nodded once in agreement.

“We’re dating,” Seungcheol told him bluntly. He pointed at himself, “Boyfriend,” and then pointed to you, “Girlfriend.”

Within a few seconds, you could’ve sworn you’ve never seen Mr. Choi so flustered. His face morphed between at least five different expressions. You had hoped the introduction as Seungcheol’s newfound partner would have gone smoother, but alas, Seungcheol and Mr. Choi did not have the warmest father-son relationship.

“Are you now?” Mr. Choi asked dryly, looking to you again.

As if the two of you weren’t close enough, you moved closer to Seungcheol and placed a hand on his upper arm. Still unable to meet Mr. Choi’s you nodded once and let out a small chuckle. “Yes, we are.”

“How . . . interesting,” Mr. Choi paused to clear his throat and adjust his uncrooked tie, “After all these years of knowing each other.”

“You’re right,” Seungcheol said confidently. You felt his other hand reach up and start to trail down your fringes and to the curves of your cheeks. They landed on your chin and he tilted your face up to look at him. He smiled at you sincerely. “Can’t believe I didn’t see the gem sitting in front of me.”

You cursed yourself for feeling your eyes widen and heart pick up it’s pace at the gesture.

Mr. Choi shifted uncomfortably at his son’s PDA. “Well then – perhaps this is a longer discussion for another day,” he glanced down at his watch. “I’m . . . happy to see you with Y/N. I have a couple of other business partners to catch up with – enjoy your evening.”

He bid the two of you good-bye. However, he stopped shortly in his tracks after and turned back around. “And Seungcheol?”

The younger Choi raised his head in acknowledgement.

“Remember to keep a low profile,” Mr. Choi said sternly, giving his son a pointed look. Seungcheol nodded once, knowing what he meant, though you remained mildly confused.

Seungcheol’s eyes bore holes in his dad’s back as he walked away. When his dad finally reached another pepper-and-salt hair colored man, Seungcheol let go of your waist and turned to you with a small smile. You shoved him away and frowned.

“Gem?” you asked annoyed.

“What?” Seungcheol exclaimed.

You rolled your eyes at him. “That is so cheesy! If that’s what you use to pick-up girls, I have trouble understanding your appeal.”

Seungcheol snorted and crossed his arms. “My sincerest apologies, but public displays of affection are effective at making people uncomfortable and warding them away.”

You shrugged and raised a hand to brush down the goosebumps on your arm.

“Y-you think we’ve convinced him?” you asked after a brief moment.

Seungcheol shoved his hand in his pockets. “Mmm . . . I doubt it – not yet at least.”

You nodded. “Sorry.”

He furrowed his eyebrows together. “What are you apologizing for?”

“I . . . uhh . . . kind of freaked out there and wasn’t playing my part as your girlfr- fake girlfriend well.”

“So you did like the pet name, ‘gem’?” he snorted.

You narrowed your eyes at him and crossed your arms.

Seungcheol chuckled and waved you off. “It’s fine, Y/N. He’s just a tough man to please in general. Keep this up and in six months, we’ll be gold. With him, consistency is key.”

“Okay,” you replied. You unconsciously tugged at the skirt of your dress once more.

Noticing how uncomfortable you were at this event, Seungcheol patted your back. “It’ll be okay – I promise. And thank you. It’s a good start.” He suddenly pulled you into a hug, your face turning red for the umpteenth time this evening. At this point, you were probably the same color of your dress.

“Just be yourself, Y/N – he’ll love you . . . they’ll love you.”

“They?” you asked.

However, before Seungcheol had a chance to answer, a baritone voice called his full name from behind you. Seungcheol let go of you and you turned around.

A lean, broad-shouldered, black-haired beauty was making his way towards the two of you. His eyes were sharp and his nose was narrow yet sloped perfectly. He was wearing a fitted navy blue suit, his hands were coolly tucked into his pants pockets.

“Jeon Wonwoo,” Seungcheol said with a grin on his face. He stuck out his hand and the man named Wonwoo gladly took it, pulling Seungcheol into a side hug.

“Long time, no see,” Wonwoo bellowed. When the two pulled away, Wonwoo’s attention was directed towards you. “And who might this pretty girl be?”

Wonwoo reached for your hand. As it was the twenty-first century, you thought it would only be a simple handshake. Thus why your breath hitched when he brought your hand to his lips, placing a gentle kiss along the knuckles. His eyes were trained on your face, smirking when he saw your roses growing on your cheeks.

“Don’t do that to her, man,” Seungcheol protested gently. He lightly pushed at Wonwoo’s shoulder, the man chuckling while taking a step back.

“Y/N, this is a childhood friend and long-time partner in crime in the world of business, Wonwoo,” Seungcheol introduced. “Wonwoo, this is my girlfriend, Y/N.”

“Pleasure to meet you, Wonwoo,” you simply replied.

“Girlfriend?” Wonwoo said, mildly impressed.

Seungcheol nodded, wrapping an arm around your waist once more.

“Well, you must be special if you were able to make THEChoi Seungcheol settle,” Wonwoo chuckled.

You shrugged, unsure how to respond to the remark.

The two men engaged in small conversation afterwards, asking about university, their parents, and Wonwoo’s siblings. Occasionally, Wonwoo would ask you a few questions about yourself: where you went to university, what your major was, how you and Seungcheol met, and so on. However, before it could get too deep, the host at the podium asked the guests to take their seats for dinner and a speech. Seungcheol naturally slipped his hand over yours and followed Wonwoo towards a table in the back of the room.

Seungcheol led you through the crowd, weaving around the maze of white-cloth covered tables with varying floral center-pieces. Amidst the flurry of men and women pulling out chairs to settle down a glint of dirty blonde hair out of the corner of your eye unsuspectingly caught your attention. You craned your neck back, searching for the familiar sight, leading your eyes to wander to a man dressed in a white button-up and vest with a pair of black slacks, similarly to the other men by his side, standing at the side of the room. You could’ve sworn your heart dropped into your ass when you realized who it was:

Hong Jisoo.

A lump grew in throat and you could feel your palms sweating, slowly losing grip in Seungcheol’s hold.

When you reached your designated table, you quickly slipped your hand out of Seungcheol’s palm and chose the seat at the furthest and darkest corner, shrinking in your element. Seungcheol followed you, looking at you puzzled at the change in your demeanor. Wonwoo in the seat on your other side, his attention directed towards the man starting his speech in the front.

“Are you alright?” Seungcheol whispered, “You look like you just saw a ghost.”

“Because I did!” you whisper shouted.

Wonwoo glanced over at you, and offered you a small smile. You returned his smile briefly and he turned his attention back to the speaker.

“What do you mean?” Seungcheol.

You let out a heavy sigh and leaned closer to Seungcheol, hoping Wonwoo wasn’t able to hear your next few words.

“Jisoo is here,” you stated glumly.

“What? No way,” Seungcheol raised his head, looking for Jisoo.

“Stop! You’re going to bring attention to us,” you scolded. You prodded his side and turned back, scorning at you.

You pursed your lips and pointed meekly at where the blonde gentleman was patiently standing, ready to serve anyone who called him over.

You could see Seungcheol’s demeanor darkening. His shoulder slumped and he puffed out his cheeks, holding in his breath.

“Of course he’s here,” Seungcheol muttered. He ran a hand over his face, letting out an anxious sigh.

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