Skzbangchanniee - Untitled - Tumblr Blog

𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖶𝖺𝗒 𝗈𝖿 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖧𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖧𝗎𝗌𝖻𝖺𝗇𝖽

𖥔 pairing: kim mingyu x f.reader 𖥔 wordcount: 19.0k 𖥔 genre: fake marriage au!, fluff, angst, smut (18+ mdni)

𖥔 reblogs, likes and comments are always appreciated ♡! tumblr is based on reblogs not likes, and they help writers like me to get better reach. thank you!

𖥔 summary: you and mingyu (a former mafia member and also your ex-fiancè's former best friend) are forced into witness protection. All you’ve been told is that you’re meant to act like a happily married couple. Pushed into a cookie cutter house, and a suburban neighbourhood far from the city, where people bring you baked goods on your first day and partake in small talk, it’s all foreign and new. There’s so many things you don’t know about him, but for a man who’s only known violence and all things illegal, he’s somehow the perfect house husband.

𖥔 tags: nonidol!au, ex-mafia!mingyu, househusband!mingyu, afab!reader, catmom!reader, neighbour!verkwan, marshall officer!junhui and jihoon, ex-fiancè! seungcheol, fake marriage, mingyu loves to garden, mingyu has a large dragon tattoo on his back that is barely mentioned, mentions of the show Bluey and the movie Twilight, lots of domesticity and house work talk.

𖥔 note: i got this fic done earlier than expected but i have LOTS of people to thank because they are a huge part of why i was even able to get it done. firstly to my beta-readers, thank you, you were all so helpful and i really wouldn't have it done without you all @gyuswhore , @highvern , and @onlyhuis ♡. thank you to @wooahaeproductions , @hannieween , and june (again) for allowing me to put a cameo of you all in the fic! a big thank you to all the people who sent asks that helped me write some of the scenes in the story. thank you to a lot of the @svthub members who helped sm with this fic, esp @ourdawnishotterthanourday, @bitchlessdino, @seokgyuu, @onlymingyus, and @the-boy-meets-evil !! i couldn't have done it without you all and i'm so grateful ♡. i worked really hard on this fic and i've been talking about it for so long, so thank you to all of you who interacted with my posts and waited so patiently. i appreciate every single one of you and i hope you enjoy this story because i really love it too :). see you soonest - anna ♡.

𖥔 some songs i listened to while writing: lagi - bini, i wish - seventeen, sunny day - beabadoobee, chocolate - seventeen vocal unit. 𖥔 masterlist

-> smut tags/ warnings under the cut (18+ mdni!)

𖥔 smut tags: dom!gyu, sub!reader, unprotected penetrative p in v sex (don't do it!), breeding kink, multiple rounds, multiple positons, creampie, spanking, choking (barely), oral (f.receiving), spitting, pet names (reader: baby, wife) (mingyu: baby). 𖥔 warnings: mentions of weapon and drug trafficking, violence, reader is paranoid and anxious from time to time, a lot of inaccurate talk about legal stuff and witness protection, everything listed is talked about with as very little detail as possible.

The tension in the air is thick, not one word was uttered the whole car ride.

Everything still felt surreal, especially because the person you’re forced to live with for the next year is someone you aren’t particularly fond of. 

When you were told that you’d be put into witness protection due to your ex-fiance’s mafia bust, you didn’t expect that it would be spent with his right-hand man. The same man who you watched execute heinous acts under the volition of your ex. It wasn’t his fault that he had to carry out orders, but witnessing him unleash his wrath onto others was enough for you to steer clear of him. 

You aren’t one to judge, especially because you were to be wed to the mafia boss himself. You knew he was partaking in shady business, but you didn’t know that innocent people’s lives were included in his scheme to make more money. 

“I think we’re here,” Mingyu breaks the silence for the first time since you entered the car. 

Your attention is brought to the large sign that is displayed in front of the gated community. The words “Bridgewater Heights” are plastered to the high cement wall that surrounds the area. A part of you is glad that it at least looks like a secure place to live and bougie too; the gated entrance requiring a passcode with guards sitting at the doors screamed wealth. 

Never in your life did you think you were going to be living in such an expensive-looking place. Even when you were still dating Seungcheol, who had money raining down on him constantly, you never desired this lifestyle. Maybe it was because you never understood the want to live in the suburbs, the city suited you better anyway.

 Those initial thoughts are offset as you stare out the car window. children happily playing in the streets, the sun shining down on them, their laughter seeping through the cracks of the car door as they skip around. Everything here seems so cheerful. you wonder if you could begin to find that type of joy if you stay here long enough too. 

As you approach the house you are forced to stay in, you realize that it looks like every other one in the neighbourhood. Large, modern, and painfully identical to your neighbours. A white picket fence lining the yard, with a front-facing garage that perfectly fits two cars. Large windows and a wrap-around porch tie it all together. You couldn’t help but be amazed at how grand everything looks, the difference is drastic from your cozy apartment back in the city. 

An audible gulp goes down your throat. It didn’t start feeling real till now, especially because you spent the hour-long car ride daydreaming about your old home. Reading a book on the couch while stroking your cat, Norbert’s fur. His purring in the back seat calms you down, but not enough that you can accept your fate of living with Mingyu for the next year. 

Your now “husband” parks in the driveway before popping the trunk open to unload the suitcases that carried half of your life. All your clothes, books, and trinkets are all sized down to sixty kilograms. It upset you to take only your most important things, but if it meant you’d be safe from your ex, you knew you had no choice but to agree. 

As you opened the door to your new home, your heart began to pound in your chest. 

You watched as Mingyu continued to haul everything from the car into the house; his large biceps bulging through his white tee as he carried the box that caged your now whining cat. Norbert’s meowing becomes more agitated with every passing second he spends in his carrier case, the guilty feeling pools in your stomach as his meows turn into cries. You hated keeping him in one place for long, especially for long car rides. 

Norbert has always been an active cat, running around, and exploring your old neighbourhood, and at the end of the day, he always came back. At night you two spent hours cuddling while you read your books; sometimes reading the words aloud as if your cat could understand what you were saying. 

Mingyu finishes up with the last of the boxes, taking a step back to look at the new house in all its glory. His hands on his hips as he sighs, admiring the work that had gone into building the house. You didn’t understand why he found the craftsmanship so interesting, but you decided not to think too hard about it. 

He turns to you with an apprehensive smile, his eyes glinting in the sun, “Home sweet home, I guess.” 

two. 

The first few days at the new house were uneventful and awkward, to say the least. Mingyu spent the majority of his time doing random housework, he thought that if he had to live here for a year, then he should at least try and make it as “homey" as possible. 

Many of the women in the neighbourhood had deemed Mingyu as their new eye candy, even though he wore his pink Shibu inu apron while tending to the garden at the front of the house. They would especially make sure to take multiple laps around the block during their group walks, drooling over his toned muscles as he began to plant an array of flowers on the lawn. 

Mingyu isn’t very observant when it comes to people finding him attractive, believe it or not. He automatically assumes that the wives of Bridgewater just wanted to get to know the new couple that just moved in. 

“What a beautiful garden you have!” one of the wives called out from the sidewalk, her eyes glinting with appeal. 

“Thank you, It’s not done just yet, but I think we’re finally getting somewhere,” Mingyu smiles bashfully. 

“Of course dear. You know if you’re ever free you should come and take a look at my garden,” another lady giggles, her innuendo flying right over Mingyu’s head.

The group of forty-plus-year-old women all giggle like school girls as they watch his face turn red with flattery. Mingyu scratched the back of his head awkwardly as they bid him goodbye, curious as to what the group of women thought was so funny about him taking a look at their gardens. It’s all just a bunch of flowers, isn’t it? 

The sound of your car’s engine brings Mingyu out of his thoughts, his gardening tools forgotten by the piles of dirt. You lug Nortbert’s carrier as you walk into the house, acknowledging his presence with a small nod. His pink aprons raise a few questions in your head, but you decide not to comment on it. 

“Oh hey you’re back, is he ok?” Mingyu asks, motioning to the carrier you hold in your hand. 

Halting your steps, your eyes widen as you realize that he’s talking to you. There wasn’t much conversation between the two of you since you moved in. so you found it a little surprising that he’s asking about Norbert, the cat who tends to show lots of aggression towards him. 

“Morning. He’s ok, I just took him for his check-up at the vet,” you shrug before entering the house. 

You leave the conversation there. There wasn’t much else to say anyway, and you had a lot of work to get to before the end of the day. If Mingyu feels a little bit ignored by your actions, he doesn’t make it noticeable, going back to working on his garden. 

From across the yard, neither you nor Mingyu notices Seungkwan’s looming figure as he and Vernon enjoy the Friday morning sun. He watches the two of you from his porch with a quirked eyebrow. They’re awkward for newlyweds, he thinks to himself. 

“Nonie, don’t you think they’re a little weird?” Seungkwan nudges his boyfriend, who’s mumbling to himself while Vernon reads his book. 

Vernon quirks up, moving his headphones a little to hear what his boyfriend has to say, “Huh? Sorry I was reading, what’d you say?” 

“Nothing, go back to your book love,” Seungkwan mumbles, his eyes still darting back and forth from your descending figure and Mingyu, his suspicions spiking once more. 

three.

“So, how’s the house? Do you guys have everything you need?” Jihoon asks over the phone. 

Being the marshall officer assigned to your case, he would take time out of his hectic workday to check up on you and Mingyu. You still remember the first time he had contacted you, informing you about your ex escaping a planned police raid. The rhythmic beating of your heart stopped the moment those words left Jihoon’s lips, and the fear of Seungcheol showing up at your home unannounced at any moment doubled within a second. 

You didn’t want to leave everything behind, especially because of how hard it was for you to build a life for yourself in your old city. But the other half of you was scared at the possibility of Seungcheol finding out about your new apartment and your new job; it was all too risky. 

Now that you’re here, a part of you wonders what you would have said if Jihoon told you that Mingyu was the man they were going to put into witness protection alongside yourself. Maybe if you knew from the beginning you would’ve refused, or at least asked to be placed somewhere that allowed you to be alone. 

“It’s fine Jihoon, we’ve unpacked everything, but our neighbours are quite noisy if I’m being honest,” you sigh, petting Norbert in your lap as you answer all of his questions. 

The first day you and Mingyu moved in, your neighbour Seungkwan took it upon himself to introduce you to Bridgwater. Not only did he give you the rundown of every family that lived on your block, but he also became very curious about you and Mingyu. Seungkwan’s questions hit you back to back as if you were being interviewed, and you don’t even remember how you answered any of them. 

“Who’s the handsome one carrying all your things?”

“Oh, that’s your husband? How long have you been married? How did you two meet?” 

“Do you two have any kids? No? Oh what a shame, this neighbourhood is filled with them. Does your husband have a twin brother? Don’t tell Vernon I said that — just joking!”

“Oh, who’s Vernon? He’s my boyfriend, he’s in the house somewhere, anyways why did you two decide to move to Bridgwater?” 

The questions went on for what felt like forever and before you knew it Mingyu had finished unpacking the first floor of the house. The place came fully furnished so you didn’t have much to do. But Seungkwan made you nervous to say the least, especially because you didn’t prepare to be quizzed on your first day in the neighbourhood. The only good thing to come out of that interaction was the brownies he baked, which tasted amazing, surprisingly enough. 

“Why? Should I look into it?” Jihoon suggests, bringing you out of your thoughts. 

You shake your head as if he can see you through the phone call. 

“No, it’s okay, one of them just likes to gossip I think,” you laugh. “Other than that we’re fine.” 

You hear Jihoon sigh out of relief, his day is already long enough. If he had to spend time looking into your neighbours to see if they had a criminal record, he would miss his dinner date. 

“Okay, good to know. I’ll call you again next week,” Jihoon says with a monotonous tone. 

A giggle leaves your lips, the exhaustion clear in his voice. You felt a little bad knowing he had to spend a lot of time on you and Mingyu’s case, but you were also thankful for the fact that you had someone to talk to from time to time. 

It's only been about a week since you arrived in your little suburbia ‘haven’, and you still haven’t made any friends in the neighbourhood. You don’t count Seungkwan… he was more like a pain in the ass than a friend if anything. Although his boyfriend Vernon wasn’t as bad; quiet and a little expressionless, at least he kept to himself. 

You hear the front door unlock with a beep, you already know who it is. 

Whipping your head to see Mingyu stepping through the front door, hands filled with grocery bags. His appearance is laughable, his tall stature and large muscles contrasting the pink Shiba Inu apron that he wears over his clothes. You weren’t sure where he had got it from or why he chose to wear it in public, but you don’t feel like it’s your place to question him. 

In the few days that you two have been living together, you begin to realize how different he is compared to his former mafia brothers. Mingyu had a knack for knowing his way around the kitchen, the whole house. He spent a lot of his free time cleaning, gardening, or making meals for the two of you. 

The two of you didn’t talk much, and there was still some awkwardness lingering in the air. Meals were eaten with minimal conversation, and during the nights you would read your books in the living room, Mingyu would sit on the opposite side attempting to get Norbert to warm up to him. 

“Norbert, please! Anytime but now, I have a shit ton of groceries that need to be put away!” You can hear Mingyu exasperate at the front of the house. 

Norbert’s meowing rings throughout the house and you already know that his claws are probably scratching away at Mingyu’s pants. From what you have gathered, Norbert isn’t very fond of Mingyu. You assume that he’s just not used to having another person around the house, but at the same time, you thought your cat would have started to get used to his presence by now. 

“Norbert, baby! Come and sit with me, I’ve got a new book for us to read,” you call out for him, saving Mingyu from your cat’s wrath. 

The pitter-patter of his claws grows louder as he makes his way towards you, Mingyu’s large sigh of relief following shortly after. You laugh to yourself at how much he likes to torment Mingyu, even though Norbert only weighs about twenty pounds and is a cat.  

The night goes on without another hitch. Mingyu prepares dinner for the two of you while you and Norbert dive into the first installment of Twilight. Reading aloud so your baby (cat) can follow along with the story about teenage vampires and werewolves. 

four. 

Mingyu was a man who thought he would never be able to escape his mafia, let alone be able to restart in a place that didn’t tie him to any of his illicit work. He never wanted to work for Seungcheol, nor did he want to live every day wondering if it was going to be his last. 

He sees himself as a simple man, and all his daydreams are centered around living a simple life. A home that’s fit for a family, a golden retriever to throw frisbees with, and neighbourhood barbecues. He thought it was all some far-fetched fantasy. 

It wasn’t until Jihoon got in contact with him, that’s when he realized that he finally had a chance at living the life he always dreamed of. What he didn’t know was that you would be the one he was going to be living with. But the moment Jihoon mentioned you, he knew that his wishes were more out of reach than he hoped. 

He didn’t have anything against you, but he still remembers the day you left Seungcheol. It's heavily ingrained in his memory, not only because your escape created an uproar, but it was also the day he realized he too needed to get out of there as soon as possible.

… 

“Boss? Wonwoo told me you wanted to talk,” Mingyu enters Seungcheol’s office, face painted with worry. 

The office faces the west side of the city, skyscrapers and clouds surrounding the large floor-to-ceiling windows. There sat Seungcheol, his hair tousled every which way due to his habit of constantly running his fingers through it. The most obvious indicator of Seungcheol’s stress is if his hair is a complete mess, and that is how Mingyu knew that there must be something wrong. 

“Y/n left,” Seungcheol’s voice breaks, head in his hands. 

His eyes are bloodshot, shoulders shaking as he cries to himself quietly. Seungcheol wasn’t prepared for you to leave, let alone disappear without a single goodbye.  He knew it was his fault too, and he knew why you left. The world flipped upside from that day onwards. Seungcheol hasn’t been the same since.

The air becomes thick, and Mingyu finds it hard to swallow. He knew how much Seungcheol adored you, and he knew that he would do anything for you. 

“What? Why? Did she say anything to you?” Mingyu panics, unsure what to say or how to comfort his leader. 

“No note, nothing,” Cheol sighs, picking at the chipped piece of wood on his desk. “All she left was her ring on the dresser.” 

“I’m sorry Cheol, I didn’t know.” Mingyu becomes meek, his voice softer than feathers falling onto the pavement. 

His stomach plummets to the ground. He had a feeling you found out what truly lies under Seungcheol’s business, but he didn’t know you would leave so hastily. He felt the guilt swirl throughout his body, but a part of him was relieved. Mingyu knew you weren’t meant for this lifestyle, and if you stayed any longer there would be no chance for you to escape. 

Wonwoo informed him that he told you about what Seungcheol does to bring money in. He told Mingyu that it wouldn’t be right to continue to let you live so carelessly without knowing what type of person your fiance is. 

It wasn’t long after that conversation that Mingyu found his way out of Seungcheol’s grasp too. He knows he should’ve felt bad, and that he should’ve at least found an excuse to leave Seungcheol. But he just couldn’t go through with it, he knew if he even spent a moment explaining himself, he would’ve never been able to leave. 

Mingyu was Seungcheol’s right-hand man, his confidant, and most importantly his best friend. Mingyu has seen Cheol grow into the person he is today, and it only makes him feel even more remorse. He knows he should’ve stopped him from becoming blinded by wealth, by power. But he didn’t and it caused him not only to lose his fiancée, but also his brother. 

Since that day, Mingyu has constantly pondered what could’ve been if Seungcheol hadn’t turned to mafia life. Would they have been happy? Would they have lived long lives with families of their own? There are so many unanswered what-ifs. He knows he can’t change his past anymore, but he knows that wants a better future. Even if it meant spending a year faking a marriage with his former best friend’s ex-fiancée. 

five. 

“Oh Y/n-ie! It’s good to see you, I swear I haven’t seen you leave the house since you’ve moved in,” Seungkwan snips, giving you a tooth-achingly sweet smile. 

You try to suppress your eye-roll as much as possible as he walks over to your side of the comically green grassed yard. Seungkwan’s hand is on his hip as he watches you make your way to your car. 

“Good afternoon to you too, Seungkwan. Just needed to pick up a few things for dinner. Mingyu spent the afternoon at the country club,” you return his fake smile, trying to keep up the facade of a doting wife. 

“Oh! Is that so? I swear I thought your husband did the housework in your home. He’s always wearing that pink apron around the neighbourhood.” Seungkwan pretends to act invested in your “married life”, but he’s trying to get whatever gossip he can out of you. His real goal is purely to entertain the neighbourhood aunties with any information on the newlyweds. 

Stopping in your tracks, his words catch you by surprise. You should’ve known that Seungkwan is an observant person, especially because he somehow knows everything about everyone in Bridgewater.

“Oh we split the chores evenly,” you let out a forced laugh, he offers to do the housework, and you think to yourself before continuing, “And he likes the apron, so who am I to deny his happiness?” 

Not wanting to be grilled by Seungkwan any longer, you hastily slip into your car before he can get another word in. 

…

“Norbert, please calm down honey, I’m trying to cook! And if I don’t end up eating neither will you,” you warn your cat to stop pawing at your leg. 

Norbert was extra clingy today, and knowing you weren’t the best cook in the world, you couldn’t afford to ruin the recipe for a second time. Yes, a second time. 

The first attempt at making alfredo for both you and Mingyu ended miserably, and thankfully you were smart enough to buy double the ingredients just in case any mistakes were to occur when you were cooking. The recipe online looked simple, and you even watched a few TikTok videos in an attempt to expand your knowledge. 

You thought that making a cream sauce and boiling some noodles would be pretty straightforward, but somehow, you burnt the boiling noodles. Seeing all the noodles stick to the bottom of the pan you decided to just leave the searing pot in the sink and worry about it later, which turned out to be another grave mistake. 

Mistake number two started when you thought the pot was cool enough to touch, earning you a sizzling burn on your soft skin. This explains Norbert’s clingy behaviour, witnessing all your fuck ups through his kitten eyes. You try not to swear in front of the baby but you couldn’t help but let out a few curses while you attempted to bandage up your burn.

 To say the least, you shouldn’t be let into the kitchen from now on. But you felt bad that Mingyu made food for the both of you instead of letting you fend for yourself, so you thought you could at least return the gesture. 

Norbert’s meows come to an abrupt stop as he hears the front door beep, making his way to greet Mingyu at the door. Except Norbert never greets Mingyu in a friendly way. Not more than ten seconds pass before you begin to hear Norbert’s hissing and clawing into the man's thighs. 

“Norbert! Please! Where’s your mom? Can’t you just sit with her so I can at least take my shoes off?” Mingyu begs, causing you to snort. 

Norbert doesn't listen to anyone but you, and even that is a rare occurrence for your sassy cat. 

“Honey, come to the kitchen!” you yell at your cat to return to his rightful side beside you. 

Mingyu comes speeding down the hallway, Norbert following him, his curious eyes peeking at your frame. He watches as you concentrate on making the alfredo sauce, tongue stuck out and a layer of sweat lining your forehead. 

The sun is setting behind you, the golden rays hitting your face, highlighting your features beautifully. Mingyu is entranced, his prior feelings of hunger are nothing but a memory of the past. 

You can feel his eyes on you, his stare boring holes into the side of your face and it causes your shoulders to stiffen slightly. Turning to face him, you quirk an inquisitive brow, not sure as to why he’s so trained on you. The gears begin to turn, and finally, the imaginary lightbulb begins to ding. 

“I was calling for Norbert,” you clarified. 

“Oh.” 

“Yeah, but it’s fine if you’re here too. I tried to make us dinner, I know you’re the cook but I felt bad that you’re always the one preparing food for us,” you shrug, trying not to focus on how handsome Mingyu looks in his golfing attire. 

His large biceps stretch the material of his shirt beyond belief, while the pants define his slim waist. The strands of hair are somehow perfectly placed, and his eyes are so kind, it would be stupid to deny his beauty. You can admit that Mingyu is extremely attractive, and you know you don’t owe Seungcheol anything, but the thought of being involved with Mingyu more than you already are could fuck things up for your future, especially knowing this arrangement isn’t permanent.

“I don’t mind though.” 

“I know you don’t but I do,” you sigh, finishing up the dish by adding the sauce to the pasta. 

Turning towards the island, you begin to plate the rest of the sides for dinner, trying your best to make sure that this batch is more edible than the first attempt. Mingyu continues to watch you, his arms crossed as he leans against the fridge. 

This is everything Mingyu wished for himself, the view of you plating the food you’re about to eat together, even if you’re his ‘best friend’s’ ex. Playing golf at the country club, even if it’s with Jihoon, who wanted to be able to meet without being inconspicuous. Coming home to a fluffy fur baby, even though Norbert hates his guts. It may not be perfect, or how Mingyu imagined it exactly, but it’s better than before. Better than when he was living every day like it was his last, working a job that brought him no happiness. 

“Did you burn yourself earlier?” he asks you, noticing the bandage you wrapped around your left hand. 

“Yeah, I’m not the best cook so, if the food doesn't taste right, sorry,” you apologize in advance, not wanting Mingyu to get his hopes up. 

He laughs at how apologetic you look, and you turn to give him a glare, his canines poking out of his smile like fangs. This is probably one of the first times you two held a full conversation. The only other time was when you were deciding on how the house was going to be run, and picking out your separate bedrooms. 

Mingyu was kind enough to let you stay in the master bedroom while he slept in the room across the hall from yours. If you took away the history you had with Mignyu and Seungcheol, you could imagine that the two of you are just like roommates. Living together, acquainted, but not exactly friendly or close. 

It isn’t as bad as you thought it was going to be, and you may have misjudged Mingyu at first. He’s a lot different than he was all those years ago, or maybe you find him to be different now because you didn't know him all that well when you were still with Seungcheol. 

You find Mingyu to be kind, soft-hearted, and a man who somehow knows a lot about taking care of the house. Even knowledgeable on how to clean Norbert’s litter box, and give him the occasional bath.

“What did you and Jihoon talk about at the country club?” you ask him, wanting to know if there’s any important news that should be brought to your attention. 

“Well he said that the FBI is still on the hunt for Seungcheol, but the rest of the guys have already been put into custody,” he sighs. 

“And Wonwoo?” 

“He’s fine, they pardoned him for giving up information,” Mingyu mutters, walking up to the space beside you. 

He takes the bowl of lettuce from your hands, adding in all the ingredients you prepped for the salad to have alongside your pasta. The brush of your hands makes you blush like some teenage girl, but you allow him to help you nonetheless. You didn’t realize how tiring cooking was because you’ve never had to cook for more than one person before. 

“That’s good to hear. If it weren’t for Wonwoo, I wouldn’t have been able to leave that damn place,” you laugh bitterly, folding the sauce into your noodles, making sure they were fully coated. 

“I was there, that day,” Mingyu mentions, his eyes trained on preparing the food in front of him, “Seungcheol was a wreck.” 

“I know, and I know it hurt him, but I couldn’t stand being there anymore. Especially after Wonwoo told me the truth.” 

“It’s okay, he’s not the same guy I knew from when we were kids either.” 

“I hope he’s moved on at least.” 

“I wouldn’t know,” Mingyu shrugs, his eyes glassy, “I left a few days after you did.” 

“Really?” 

“Yeah, for the same reasons you did, and also for myself,” he sighs, moving away to grab plates from the cupboards. 

Standing there, you’re stunned. Mingyu was someone Seungcheol saw as his brother, and you thought they would live their mafia life together till the end. As cheesy as it sounds, there were times you felt that your ex cared more for Mingyu than any other person who worked for him. 

Mingyu begins to set the table, Norbert following closely as he peers at the counter to see all the food that you’ve made. If you didn’t know any better you would’ve thought that even your cat was aware of the stiff atmosphere that blankets you and Mingyu. 

You don’t know if you should pry, so you just nod and help him with putting dinner on the table. And for the rest of the night, it was quiet. Eating in silence while Norbert watches Bluey in the living room, something that you’ve always put on for him just to keep him occupied while you and Mingyu eat dinner. 

After dinner was finished, Mingyu offered to wash the dishes, allowing you to relax and enjoy some episodes of Bluey with Norbert purring peacefully by your side. 

“Mind if I join?” Mingyu enters the living room, wearing sweats and a white tank top. 

You give him a shy smile gesturing for him to sit on your right side while Norbert lays on the cushion to your left. His taunt muscles distract you for a second, but you do your best to shake the attraction from your coursing veins.  The couch dips and Mingyu lets out a relieved sigh. Probably because he was tired from the day he spent trying to pretend he was out golfing with Jihoon. 

“So what’s the show about?” Mingyu asks you, his eyes trained on your side profile. 

“A show about a dog family,” you chuckle, “Originally it was meant for Norbert to watch when I’m working or when we’re eating, but it’s pretty good.” 

“Really? Isn’t it for kids?” Mingyu snorts but continues to sit next to you, watching the said kids' show. 

“Yeah it is, but Norbert is a kid to me,” you laugh, giving Norbert extra pats. 

“He’s a little menace that one,” Mingyu shakes his head, “I don’t think he likes me very much.” 

“Norbert just needs to get used to you,” you shrug, “I’ve had him since I left Seungcheol, so he’s seen me at my worst, he might just be overprotective of me.” 

Mingyu nods, taking in everything you’re telling him. He understands how leaving your ex-fiance is traumatic and heartbreaking. He knows it wasn’t easy for you, but at least you had Norbert to help you heal. 

“It wasn’t an easy decision, and Norbert helped me stay strong. It was lonely without Seungcheol for a long time, and a part of me will always love who he used to be.” 

Heat overwhelms Mingyu’s body, and his heart breaks for you. He can’t imagine what it's like to love someone and find out they’re not the person you thought they were. He knew you tried to tolerate his work, but at some point, you were led to your breaking point. 

“I hope you know you did the right thing. Seungcheol was going down a dark path and you were able to get out,” Mingyu smiles at you, his eyes filled with sincerity. 

“Thank you Mingyu, I appreciate that,” you return his smile. 

The two of you spend the rest of the night watching episodes of Bluey with Norbert, talking a little in between about the characters. Laughing at the scenes with Bluey and her younger sister, falling into a comfortable silence with each passing second. 

…

You feel warm, no, hot even. The sunlight hitting your face makes your eyes scrunch in discomfort. There's an ache in your shoulders as you begin to wake up from a very uncomfortable sleep. An arm pinning you down to the couch, a leg over yours. It takes you a while to begin to comprehend where you are and who is lying next to you. 

Mingyu’s snores fill your ears, heavy breaths tickling the back of your neck. You almost fall onto the carpet as you realize who exactly is holding you. Last night ended so peacefully, so much so that you don’t even remember falling asleep to begin with. 

Yet here you are, enveloped in his grasp, panicking and wondering how you’re going to escape without waking him up. And if matters couldn’t get any worse, you feel a hard bump brush against your lower back. The blush on your cheeks intensifies, he can’t be, you think to yourself. But you know what exactly is poking you as if this situation could get any more awkward. 

It's normal, right? Men get morning wood all the time, you thought to yourself. 

“Shit…” you whisper to yourself, slowly prying Mingyu’s arm from off your waist. 

He stirs in his sleep as you move off the couch but not enough to wake him up. As you stand up to walk away, you take one last peek at him, wondering how you two ended up falling asleep while watching Bluey of all shows. 

The usually sharp features are softened by his slumber, giving him a youthful look. It’s the first time you’ve seen him look so peaceful, and it suits him. This neighbourhood suits him as if he’s been living here all his life. It makes you feel a little envious knowing how easy it is for him to assimilate. He remembers all the neighbours' names and says hello to everyone who passes him while he's working in the yard, he just made it all look so easy to forget his life in the bustling city. Although you can’t blame him, you can tell he loves it here because of how much care he puts into the house. You can’t help but wonder why he’s trying so hard knowing both of you will part ways by next year. 

six. 

While you spent the majority of the day holed up in your office trying to finish off the rest of your projects, Mingyu decided that it was a lovely day to try and bond more with Norbert. He wasn’t sure how to make the stubborn kitten fall for him, but he thought that a nice walk around the neighbourhood couldn’t hurt. 

The day had barely started and Norbert was already making a fuss. Mingyu isn’t well-versed when it comes to cats; he’s more of a dog person himself. So to his surprise, Norbert was very adamant about staying indoors today. 

“Don’t you wanna explore the neighbourhood, Norbert?” Mingyu tries to persuade the cat, which makes him feel like a fool. 

Norbert gives him a blank stare obviously, and Mingyu wonders why he’s even trying knowing that the cat probably can’t understand him anyway. Trying his best to compromise with the ever-so-stubborn Norbert, a light bulb goes off in his head. 

It surely wasn’t easy, and there were a few scratches here and there, but Mingyu finally was able to put Norbert into the basket of his bicycle. The cat meowed like crazy until he was hit with the fresh air and warm sunlight. His meows died down and he sat in the basket peacefully, watching the kids play on the street and the cars pass by. 

“See? Not so bad now is it?” Mingyu chuckles, noticing the shift in Norbert’s mood. He meows back while nuzzling into the safety of his blanket. 

“It’ll be a boys’ day today, your mom’s busy working,” Mingyu continues, even though the animal can’t understand what he’s saying.

Feeling the wind brush through his hair, Mingyu takes a deep breath of fresh air. A content smile made its way onto his face, he could get used to this. The neighbours of Bridgewater waved to him as he biked along the streets. It's so peaceful, everyone is happy, and Mingyu is happy. He loved to explore even if it was just by himself, even if it meant he was alone with his thoughts. 

“Mingyu darling, what are you doing out and about today?” one of the older women he sees daily calls out for him. 

“Good afternoon! Me and Norbert just wanted to explore today,” he smiles with a toothy grin. 

The woman blushes at his handsome visuals, trying not to get caught up in his charms. She looks behind his large frame, spotting the cat sleeping peacefully in the basket attached to his bike. Letting out a giggle, finding it quite funny that Norbert is a cat and not a dog, usually, you don’t take cats out for these types of things. 

“Where’s that wife of yours? I’ve only seen her a few times, but oh my, isn’t she so pretty? You got lucky you know,” she chuckles, patting Mingyu’s arm playfully. 

Mingyu’s eyes shine at the mention of you, he agrees that you’re pretty but it feels a little weird that you're referred to as his wife, knowing that it’s all a facade. 

“Thank you miss, I’ll have to let her know that you said that,” he replies kindly while Norbert stirs a little in his spot before returning to his sleep. 

“Please don’t call me Miss, it's so formal! Just call me Auntie, okay?” she returns his kind smile. “You know what, I’ve got some leftover kimchi, why don’t you take it home, for you and your wife.” 

Mingyu’s eyes widened, his heart warmed by her act of kindness. “Is that ok? You don’t have to feel obligated to do that.” 

“Oh please, you young people, always so polite. I want to! So please share it with your wife, make some kimchi stew for dinner,” she reassures him, leaving him at her front yard to fetch a container of said kimchi. 

She comes back with a huge tub, enough to feed them for a whole month maybe. Handing him over the large container, she reminds him to come back when they run out. Bidding her goodbye, Mingyu returns home from his bike ride successfully with a sleepy cat and a comically large tub of fermented cabbage in tow. 

…

The smell of kimchi stew wafts from the kitchen into your office causing your stomach to growl with hunger. Focused on your pending tasks, you didn’t realize how fast the time flew by while you were working. Glancing over at the clock you’re surprised that it's already a quarter to five.

Stepping out to see what Mingyu’s doing in the kitchen, you find his back turned to you, nursing a large pot of stew on the burner. His large frame is accentuated by a white tank top, the pink string of his apron strewn along his waist. At this point, you weren’t sure if you were drooling over the smell of the food or the sight of your muscular fake husband. 

“What are you cooking?” you call out, leaning against the door frame that leads to your workspace. 

Mingyu jumps at the sound of your voice, surprised that you’ve come out so early. He knows you tend to work for long periods, only coming out when you’ve fully completed your assigned projects. 

“Kimchi stew, the lady down the street gave us a huge tub,” he replies, still stirring the pot without looking back at you. “I took Norbert out for a bike ride and she offered so.” 

“You took Norbert for a bike ride?” you ask with a raised eyebrow. 

Norbert is the type of cat who doesn’t like getting picked up and knowing that information makes it hard to believe Mingyu was able to successfully put him into the basket attached to his bike. Imagining him fighting to get your very grumpy cat into the bike made you giggle, especially because you know how much Norbert doesn’t like Mingyu.   

“Yeah, after a few scratches, he got in and I think he liked it. He fell asleep for most of it though,” Mingyu snorted, recalling how much that furball of fury put up a fight till his body hit the basket. 

“It’s nice that you’re trying to bond with him, it just takes him a while to warm up to you.” 

“Yeah, I figured we just needed a boy's day while you were working.” 

“Hmm, anyways the kimchi stew, is it ready?” you inquire while your stomach’s impatience continues to grow with each passing second. 

“It should be good, do you mind setting the table for me?” he requests while taking the pot off the burner. 

You don’t say anything else, moving to the living room to turn on more episodes for Norbert before grabbing plates from the cabinets to place them on the small dinner table. 

The serving dish needed for the stew sat at the very top shelf of the cupboard and your arms were simply too short to grab it. Your movements come to an abrupt halt the moment you feel Mingyu stand close behind you, one hand on your waist while the other hovers over you to grab the bowl. 

“Let me get it for you,” he grunts, taking the dish in his hand to ladle in the stew. 

Heart pounding in your chest, his breath tickles the back of your neck, a shiver running down your spine. Mingyu’s body encases yours as his arm comes back down to place the dish on the counter. 

Cursing yourself, you're thankful your back is turned to him or else he would be able to see the blush that’s starting to bloom on your cheeks. You mumble a small thanks before going to the table to resume setting the plates down for dinner. 

As you two eat in silence you think about all the moments you’ve had with Mingyu today. The time you slept on the couch until just now when he held you close. It didn’t even mean anything, it shouldn’t mean anything, yet it replays in your mind like clockwork. 

seven. 

The ringing of the doorbell brings you out of your thoughts, placing your book down, you head over to answer the door. It’s none other than your gossip of a neighbour Seungkwan. 

“Lovely evening Y/n-ie!” He smiles brightly, inviting himself into the foyer of your house before you could even protest. 

You resist the urge to roll your eyes yet again, stepping aside to allow Seungkwan to go on with whatever it is that brought him barging into your home. 

“Good evening,” you respond curtly, suspicious as to what he could need at this hour. 

“Vernon and I have some friends over for a little nightcap and dessert, do you and Mingyu want to join?” he asks, eyes never leaving yours. 

To a normal and maybe less paranoid person, one would assume that Seungkwan is just being a kind neighbour, but you’re not so easily fooled. The glint in his eyes makes you realize there’s probably an ulterior motive to his ‘act of kindness’. 

“Oh no it’s okay, it would be rude to impose,” you try to play it off politely, but the fucker wouldn’t budge. 

“Nonsense! I’m inviting you and Mingyu because I want you two there,” he explains, waving his hand at you.

Before you can refuse him even more, you hear Mingyu coming out of his room to check up on why you’re taking so long at the front door. 

“Y/n, is everything alright?” he calls out for you as he walks towards the foyer. 

“Everything’s all fine and dandy Mingyu, I just came over to invite you and Y/n over for some drinks and dessert!” Seungkwan informs him before you can get another word out. 

“That sounds like fun actually, why don’t we go baby?” Mingyu turns over to you, his eyebrows raised, his smile tight as he tries to silently tell you that he’s putting an act up for Seungkwan.

Still flustered by the pet name, you cough out a yes. Turning over to Seungkwan to give him a fake smile. He returns your smile, eyes squinted, you can see how hard the gears are working in that brain of his. You know that he probably finds you two odd because of how awkward you and Mingyu are with each other, but you attempt to play it off as normal as possible. 

“It’s settled then! Let's go, can’t keep everyone else waiting,” he exclaims as he opens the door, gesturing for the two of you to walk out first before closing the door. 

Crossing over to Seungkwan’s side of the yard, he opens the door for the two of you like the perfect host that you figured he would be. You cannot deny that his extroverted persona allows him to be so persuasive, but you can’t get over the fact that he’s a little too curious. 

“The newlyweds are here!” he calls out and five heads whip over to stare at you and Mingyu standing awkwardly in the foyer of their home. 

Mingyu grasps your hand in his, his palms rough, probably from all the work he does in the yard. Making your way over to the couch, a man with long hair gets up to pour you two drinks. This is the most that you two have come into contact with each other consciously if you don’t count the time on the couch. 

A part of you wonders if Mingyu realizes what happened this morning, but you’re too embarrassed to bring it up. So you’ll leave it and hope he doesn’t remember you two squeezed so intimately on the living room sofa. 

“Everyone, this is Y/n and Mingyu, they moved into the house beside ours a couple of weeks ago,” he introduces the two of you. 

As the two of you say your hello’s Mingyu pulls over to sit beside him on the couch, his arm wrapped around your waist. The blush on your cheeks stays permanently as you’re practically sitting on his lap. You try not to blow your cover but it’s hard with so many people's eyes on you. 

“You both already know Vernon-ie, the one grabbing your drinks is Jeonghan and that’s his wife, Valerie,” Seungkwan gets you two acquainted with the couple before moving on. “That’s Joshua and Maren, his wife.” 

“Nice to meet you! I’m Valerie but you can just call me Val,” the woman with brownish black hair smiles at you, and you can only nod, still overwhelmed with the amount of people you just met, “So why did you guys choose to live in Bridgewater?” 

“We thought it would be a nice place to live, I work from home and Mingyu is currently taking a break. The first time we saw the listing, we knew it was going to be our forever home,” you lie straight through your teeth. 

There's a twinge of guilt that stirs at the pit of your stomach, you feel bad for lying to these people because of how kind they all looked. You even felt bad for lying to Seungkwan, albeit he can be a nosy little shit but at least he’s nice enough to introduce you to his friends.

“If you don’t mind me asking where did you and Mingyu meet?” Maren, the woman sitting beside Joshua asks with a curious sparkle in her eyes. 

You almost choke on your drink, eyes wide because you were not prepared for all these questions thrown at you. Thankfully Mingyu took the lead this time, his thumb rubbing soothing circles where he had his hand placed on your waist. 

“We met through a mutual friend, we were in university at the time,” he smiles warmly and Maren listens intently, hanging onto Mingyu’s every word. “The moment I saw her I knew I was going to marry her.” 

Mingyu turns to you, placing a kiss on the top of your head, and your cheeks heat up for what feels like the millionth time today. Even though his acting this way with you is all a facade your heart can’t help but skip a beat. 

“What! That’s so cute,” Maren gushes before glaring at her husband before hitting his arm jokingly. “Why can’t you say cheesy stuff like that?” 

Joshua’s eyes go wide and he can’t help but stutter. “Bro you’re making the rest of us look really bad right now.” 

Mingyu barks out a laugh and just shrugs nonchalantly knowing that no one is immune to his charms. Even if all of this is a lie, he can’t help but play into the sappy newly-wed trope with you, and it doesn't help that he finds you so caring and beautiful too. There’s something about the way you lean into him on the couch and the soft smile you give him while talking about your “forever home”, you make it easy for him to imagine fake scenarios of how you two met. 

“What university did you two go to?” Jeonghan pipes up from his seat, his arm wrapping around Val as he sips on his glass of bourbon. 

“I went to Yonsei, I majored in statistics. Mingyu and I met at a club with our mutual friends,” you try not to sound too nervous while you piggyback off of Mingyu’s lie. 

The back of your neck feels hot from having everyone inquire about your history with Mingyu, and it doesn’t help that your ‘husband’’s sitting so close to you, his body heat transferring over to you. At least it wasn’t a complete lie, you did go to Yonsei and you majored in stats; just way before you met both Seungcheol and Mingyu. 

“What about you Mingyu?” Jeonghan moves on to him, and he perks up in his seat, mouth full of the cheesecake that Seungkwan made. The food fills his cheeks slightly and you giggle at how much he resembles a chipmunk. 

“I went to SNU, and majored in business,” he states after swallowing his dessert and clearing his throat. 

“Okay, enough with the interrogation. Can we talk about something else?” Vernon interrupts, obviously feeling bad for the fact that the rest of them have been asking you two questions for the majority of the night. 

The rest of the group laughs, probably because they know that Vernon doesn’t talk unless he’s prompted to. Although you don’t know him very well you could tell that he was more of a listening type. It makes sense that he and Seungkwan are together, he does enough talking for the both of them. 

You were more surprised by Mingyu’s answer though, you didn’t know that he went to SNU, if that was even the truth. Although he does look like the business type. There was something about him that exudes the energy of a CEO or a man who’s just good at making connections. He’s able to catch people's attention, his words carry the weight of someone who isn’t afraid to speak out loud. 

With the way he talked to Seungkwan’s friends tonight, you realized how well-articulated he is, and the fact that he’s able to get people to listen to what he has to say. Although he’s a little goofy, if you didn’t know him you would’ve assumed he’s someone important just by how he carries himself outside of the house. There’s a swell of pride within you when you watch him talk about your ‘past’, and for some reason, you don’t mind it. If anything, you’re looking forward to more moments like this. 

…

The rest of the evening went along smoothly after that, and by the time everyone was ready to leave it was nearing one in the morning. You helped Seungkwan clean up in the kitchen, putting away the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. The two of you were quiet for a bit, only talking when you asked him about what goes where. 

A part of you felt bad for being so curt with Seungkwan in the beginning. Maybe you were wrong about him and he just likes to be a nosy nieghbour, maybe it’s his way of making friends. You can’t help but be guarded due to your past and you misjudged him too quickly. 

Maybe it was the glasses of wine you had or the fact that you saw a different version of him. But there’s a lovable side to him, and also a side that doesn’t mind embarrassing himself a little to get a laugh out of his friends. 

“I want to thank you for inviting me and Mingyu tonight, all of our friends are in the city so we don’t get to see them often,” you confessed. “It’s nice to have someone else to talk to other than Mingyu or Norbert.” 

He turns to you with a genuine smile, and you notice that maybe that glint in his eyes is permanent, a glint that shows his happy demeanor and not the type that’s meant to show his mischievousness. 

“I’m glad you had fun because you’ll be invited to things like these from now on,” he expresses, his smile reaching his eyes now. 

“I appreciate it, Mingyu needs more friends in the neighbourhood, ones that are his age and don’t constantly drool over him,” you roll your eyes, recalling all the aunties who stroll past your front yard daily. 

“I can be his friend but I can’t promise I won’t drool over him,” he giggles, causing you to slap his arm playfully. 

“Hey! Leave my husband alone, you have your own. Don't get greedy now,” you feign anger at him, glaring at him before bursting out laughing. 

Mingyu walks into the kitchen, handing over the rest of the dishes that were left in the living room. His eyes dart back and forth between you as he realizes how much closer you two have gotten tonight. 

“Thank you, Gyu, if you ever get tired of being bossed around by Y/n you can always live with me and Nonie,” Seungkwan giggles as he calls him by his nickname, giving his large bicep a squeeze. 

You gasp at how forward Seungkwan is, your hand placed over your chest as you pretend to be offended by his words. He only glances back at you to stick his tongue out. 

“You’re so childish, he’s my husband,” you attested, pulling Mingyu by his arm so he could stand closer to you. “And I’m not bossy, Mingyu just enjoys doing housework!” 

Mingyu is even more confused now, but he cracks a smile when he sees how playful you’ve become. He concludes that maybe you just had a little more to drink than normal and goes along with you and Seungkwan’s teasing. 

“Woah that’s enough you two, there’s enough Mingyu for everyone,” he laughs and you give him a sour look. He was obviously feeling himself too much in that moment, but you can’t help but chuckle at how cocky he sounds. 

“Let’s go home Gyu, before Seungkwan decides to hold you hostage.” you huff emphasizing his nickname before you drag him over to the front door. “Bye Seungkwan, I already know I’ll see you tomorrow!” 

Waving goodbye to Kwan, you pass Vernon on your way as he sits on the couch scrolling on his phone while the two other couples mingle amongst themselves. 

“Bye everyone, it was nice meeting you, but it’s way past her bedtime,” Mingyu muses, motioning over to you. Your eyes feel droopy and you were practically hanging off of Mingyu’s body as he held you by the waist. 

They all say their goodbyes to the two of you with promises to meet soon again. Mingyu guides you through the front door and across the green grassed lawn back to your place. 

The time you spent with everyone tonight allowed you to recognize that maybe it isn’t so bad living here. Especially if you’ll be able to talk to them more often. No one but Mingyu knows about your past, and that reassures you to start new friendships, even though they’re temporary.

eight.

The next morning you woke up to your phone ringing incessantly, to the point you almost threw it across your room. It wasn’t until you read the name “Jihoon” flashing across the screen, causing you to fully wake up from what feels like a hundred years' worth of sleep. You silently promised yourself to remind Mingyu to not let you drink so much wine at Seungkwan’s house again. 

“Jihoon? Is everything alright? You usually check up on us in the evening,” you stammered, sleep still evident in your voice. 

“Y/n, hey sorry to call so early but…they’ve located Seungcheol,” he sighs, the news of his whereabouts hanging in the air. 

Gulping nervously, your palms sweat. The way Jihoon sounded a little apprehensive made you feel uncertainty brewing in the pit of your stomach. 

“Go on.” 

“He used a burner to call a friend of his I’m guessing, but we were able to ping it and he’s in the town next to yours.”

“What?!” Now you’re fully freaking out, pushing your comforter to go and find Mingyu. 

“I’m really sorry Y/n,” Jihoon sounds just as stressed as you are. 

Searching around the house you see him sitting on the sofa with Norbert beside him, they’re watching more episodes of Bluey, but he pauses the show after noticing the panicked look on your face. You go to sit beside him putting your phone on speaker so the both of you can hear what Jihoon has to say. 

“You’re on speaker, Mingyu’s right beside me,” you mention before allowing him to continue. 

His sigh is audible through the speakers of your phone, and your blood pressure rises. If Jihoon is this worried then you should probably just be as worried. 

“They found his location to be at a motel in the next town over, we don’t know how he found out but he might be looking for you two,” he explains carefully. “I’m sending over another Marshall officer to watch over you two while we continue to track Seungcheol. You two should be safe with him but try not to leave the neighbourhood for now, it could get dangerous if he ends up seeing either of you.” 

“Okay got it, thank you Jihoon,” Mingyu replies, his hand subconsciously placed over yours as you two bear the news of your very dangerous ex potentially on the hunt for you two. 

Jihoon gives you two his regards before he hangs up, probably too busy to linger on the phone for any longer. 

Giving Mingyu a nervous look, he can tell how hard this information is for you to handle. After a month of being here in what felt like a sanctuary from the dangers of the outside world, you’re pulled back into reality. You’re reminded of why you’re really here, more scared than ever. 

The tears start to fall before you even realize and Mingyu doesn’t say anything else, instead, he pulls you into your arms and tries to comfort you as much as possible. Even though he’s just as scared as you are, he’s determined to protect you, to protect his home, even Norbert. 

“I’m sorry, Y/n,” he whispers into your ear as you cry into his chest, your tears wetting his shirt. 

“You did nothing wrong, Mingyu,” you blabber as his hand rubs your back, trying to console your sobs. “I’m just so scared, what if he hurts us? What if you get hurt? I wouldn’t be able to handle it.” 

“Hey hey, it’s okay, I got you, I won’t let anyone hurt you. Don’t forget where I came from before all this,” he reassures you, pulling you back to look you in your eyes with a solemn stare. “He’s not going to touch even a single hair on you, or Nobert.” 

You giggle a little at the fact that he’s always so inclusive to the cat who’s a bitch to him but you’re happy to know that he’s willing to protect all of you. He laughs with you, wiping away the tears that have fallen from your eyes, his touch as gentle as a mouse despite how large his hands are. 

“You’re the best fake husband, I hope you know that,” you mumble as you go back into his embrace. “I know I haven’t said it yet, but I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.” 

“Thank you Y/n, you’re the best fake wife too,” he whispers back, kissing the top of your head just like he did last night. 

Except this time there’s no one to fool, there’s no one to lie to. It’s just the two of you, and the subtle meaning behind his affection makes you wish that it was Mingyu you fell for all those years ago instead. 

…

Jihoon: I have an officer who’ll be patrolling the area, his name is Jun Wen. Here’s his badge number: ###### and picture. Just in case someone tries to come and impersonate him, also don’t mind if he’s a little weird, that's just how he is; and yes, he knows what he’s doing so don’t worry. You’re in safe hands. 

An eyebrow quirks up as you read the last part of his text wondering what he meant about “weird”. As if on cue, the sound of the doorbell reverberates throughout your house.  That must be him, you thought to yourself. 

Mingyu leaves his spot on the couch and goes to get the door. He's become extra protective of you since the call you had with Jihoon this morning. It allows you to relax a little knowing he’ll be the one to answer the door from now on. 

“Uh, Y/n? Why’s there some guy meowing at Norbert on our front porch?” Mingyu asks you with a puzzled expression on his face. 

“Huh?” you’re just as confused as he is, but you walk over to Mingyu with your phone in hand regardless. 

Looking down at the picture Jihoon sent and back at the man squatted beside Norbet, you realize this is what Jihoon meant about him being weird. From the picture that was sent, he looks like a perfectly normal guy, maybe he just really likes cats? You wondered to yourself.

“Oh that’s Jun, the guy Jihoon sent over,” you mumble, showing Mingyu the picture on your phone. 

“Huh,” Mingyu says, dumbfounded. 

Opening the door you don’t say anything, just watching the man named Jun make noises at your cat, who looks disgruntled and very annoyed at the random human disturbing his sleep. He’s dressed in normal clothing instead of a uniform, probably so that the neighbours don’t ask any questions. 

“Mah-ow, mahhh-owww,” Jun keeps on making weird noises, blissfully unaware of the two of you staring at him from the now-opened front door. 

“Uh excuse me, sir, what are you doing?” you call out to him, the confusion still very clear on your face. 

Norbert hears your voice, ears perking up before he slips past Mingyu’s legs to go back into the house. His little claws clack against the hardwood as he makes his way onto the couch to continue with his afternoon nap. 

“Aw man, you guys scared the cat away,” he sighs animatedly before standing up to greet the two of you with his hand out to shake. “Hi, my name’s Jun, I’ll make sure bad guys won’t come and attack.” 

You and Mingyu exchange looks before looking back at Jun, then back at each other again. This is definitely not the type of guy you were expecting, but Jihoon trusts him, and you trust Jihoon’s judgment. 

“We didn’t-uh, never mind, anyways I’m Y/n, this is Mingyu,” you start to explain that you're not the one to scare Norbet away, but you quickly change your mind. Instead, you return his handshake with a curt smile. 

“Well, I'll just be patrolling around the neighbourhood, you’ll see me parked a few houses down once in a while. If you need anything, here’s my number.” He hands you his card which is filled with doodles of cats. 

He really does like cats, you confirm. 

He walks away with a wave before going back into his car and driving off. Mingyu bursts out laughing, hands clutching his stomach before he sighs, wiping off fake tears from his eyes. 

“That’s the guy that’s going to be helping us? Really?” he chuckles, looking at you like you’d know the answer to Jun’s odd behaviour. 

“Hey, don’t ask me, ask Jihoon,” you slap his arm playfully before laughing with him. 

“Well, hopefully, nothing bad happens from now on, I honestly think we could manage without a bodyguard of sorts, or whatever he is,” Mingyu snorts, off put by Jun’s personality. 

“Jihoon appointed him, so I’m sure he’s well trained. He wouldn’t have sent him over otherwise,” you rationalize, not wanting to doubt the person who’s meant to be protecting you from Seungcheol. 

“Okay, you’re right. Let’s just go inside, I’ll make us kimchi pancakes,” Mingyu beckons, and you close the door behind you before following him to the kitchen. 

Jun being there just gives you an extra layer of reassurance, and you know Mingyu is just as capable, but it doesn’t hurt to have backup. Seungcheol is a smart man, and you’re not sure what tricks he has up his sleeve, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

…

“Okay so now we just have to mix the pajeon mix with the kimchi,” Mingyu instructs, once again wearing his pink ruffled apron, but this time you’re wearing a matching one. 

With your hair tied up, and hands messy with kimchi pancake mix, you follow every instruction that Mingyu gives you. It was his idea to teach you to cook, especially because he knows you’re not well-versed in the kitchen. 

“Now what?” you ask, looking up at him for guidance, but before you can instruct him you spot the flour splattered on his nose. “Hey, you’ve got a little bit of… lemme just—” 

Not realizing your hands were covered in the wet batter you end up getting the mixture all over his face too. Gasping at what you’ve just done, Mingyu looks at you with wide eyes before taking some of the batter in the bowl and smearing it on your face. 

“Hey! I didn’t mean to, why’d you do that?” you let out a boisterous laugh, running away from him before he could catch you again. 

“I know you did that on purpose!” he yells out, chasing you around the kitchen island in circles. 

“No, I didn’t! Stop chasing me!” you squeal as he starts to close the distance between you two. 

“Liar, I’m getting my revenge!” he laughs along with you, hot on your trail. 

The two of you run in circles for a while till you have to catch your breath, causing you to slow down. Mingyu takes this opportunity to finally be able to get a hold of you, wrapping his hands around your waist with little effort before placing you on the counter. 

“Say your final words now,” he fakes a serious tone, his crinkled as he tries to hold back his laughter. 

Before you can get another word in he tickles your sides causing you to squirm against him as your back hits the counter. The bowl filled with kimchi pancake mix is long forgotten, half empty because of how much of it got onto both your clothes. 

“Ok stop! I-I’m sorry I didn’t mean to, I promise,” your words getting cut off by your laughter, Mingyu not relinquishing his hold on you. 

He stops for a moment, his finger pointed at you, “You promise?” 

You nod innocently, his upper body flushed against yours, legs intertwined at his waist as he pins you down to the counter with his other hand. 

“Not!” you bite the finger pointed at you, but Mingyu’s reflexes are too fast, his large hands pinning your wrists to the counter once more. 

The two of you have calmed down considerably since then, both tired from running around the kitchen. Your laboured breaths are the only thing that can be heard within the confines of your home. Mingyu’s face is dangerously close to yours, and if you leaned forward your lips would touch. 

The pounding in your chest doesn’t subside and Mingyu’s eyes don’t leave yours. His strong arms are perfectly within your line of sight, and at this moment you feel like you and Mingyu are the only people in the whole world. There are no fears or doubts, no scary ex hunting you down. Just you and Mingyu. 

Without even thinking, you both lean forward and capture each other’s lips in a soft kiss. You can tell he’s unsure at first, his hands loosening around your wrists, being as careful with you as he was this morning when he wiped away your tears. But you want more. 

Pressing your lips against his with more vigour, your legs wrap around his waist to pull his pelvis closer to yours. A grunt leaves Mingyu’s lips, he takes this action as a signal to kiss you more passionately. His tongue laps against yours, his hands lifting you so you’re both upright. 

“Mingyu,” you whimper, feeling the wet open-mouthed kisses he begins to press against your neck. 

Before you can get any further, a cat meows beneath the two of you, his head turned in confusion. You pull away from him first, staring at your menacing cat, Fucking Norbert, you curse him out in your head before hopping off the counter and dusting yourself off. 

“I’m gonna go shower, then we can go back to making the pancakes,” you smile awkwardly up at Mingyu. 

“Oh okay, me too, yeah.” He scratches the back of his head. 

Before you head to the washroom in your room you turn around once more and give Mingyu a quick peck on the lips. His arms wrap around your waist, trying to deepen the kiss once more. But you stop him before he can go any further, laughing at how needy he has gotten. 

“Let’s do that more often,” you giggle before running off to the washroom. 

Mingyu sighs with content, his cheeks rosy from your flirting. With you gone, he sticks his tongue at Norbert in frustration. What a cockblock, he says to himself in his head. Norbert meows in response before walking back to his spot on the couch. 

No one’s ever made Mingyu feel the way you just did. At that moment he realized how fucked he is, you’re only here with him for the next eleven months, then what? Do you two go on with your lives separately? And you two are supposed to just forget everything? The more he thinks about it, the more determined he is to stay. The more determined he becomes to make you his and to give you the life you deserve. 

The love you deserve. 

nine. 

“Afternoon, Jun!” you wave from the porch as you see his car approaching your driveway, his windows down, hair flowing through the wind. 

He looks so carefree despite how important his job is, and it makes you a little envious of his lighthearted personality. He must have a happy life out of work because you swear no one is this lax with a job like his. 

“Good afternoon to you too, Y/n,” he gives you a big smile, his little satchel wrapped around him as he makes his way over to you. 

It’s been about a week since Jun has been patrolling the nieghbourhood, and Seungkwan’s asked a few questions about the cute but odd guy frequenting your house. The quickest lie that you could come up with was that he’s your best friend visiting from the city. You told him that he works at the home office and that he comes over from time to time to work on another project with you. 

After that day, Seungkwan stopped asking so many questions, leaving you alone to sit and read with Vernon on their porch.

“Do you want to have lunch with me and Mingyu?” you ask him. “He made enough that I know we would have leftovers otherwise.” 

“My wife packs my lunch actually and she doesn’t like it when I come home with a full container.” He shrugs, taking out the cutely wrapped rilakkuma bento box from his satchel. 

“What! That’s so cute, I bet you love her lunch boxes,” you giggle, marveling at how much care his wife had gone into packing him food for the day. 

He rubs the back of his neck as he lets out a bashful laugh, his cheeks turning red at the mention of his wife. 

“Well she’s the only one whose food tastes exactly like my mom’s, maybe I’ll bring her around so you can meet her!” Jun’s eyes shine as he talks about his wife, obviously, head over heels for her. 

You find it endearing how much his demeanor changes from silly Jun to an in-love Jun. The tight feeling in your chest doesn’t subside as you watch how he goes on about her, and their cats Open, Close, and Lock. It makes you wonder if anyone would talk about you that way, even when you’re not there, or when it’s not some lie to tell to your neighbours and their friends.  

“That’s so sweet Jun, what’s her name?” you ask, wondering if you could make a new friend out of her too. 

“June!” he replies, his smile as bright as the afternoon sun. 

“Her name is also June?” you try to get more clarification on her name. 

As if Jun himself couldn’t get any weirder, he has three cats named Open, Close, and Lock, as well as a wife with the same name as him. You try to process all this information but you feel like it’s too early in the day to be thinking so hard. 

“Yeah! I’m Jun without an E and she’s June with an E,” he answers proudly. 

You leave the Jun lore for another time, instead asking him about other things going on in his life. He’s not as bad as you thought he would be, and you find that he’s actually very fun to talk to. Jun’s actions are always so animated, using his hands a lot while he’s talking. It seems like you’ve made another friend yet again. 

As you two make your way to the kitchen, Mingyu can hear your laughter ring through his ears. Two sets of footsteps make their way over to him, he knows Jun is just here because it’s his job but can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. 

“Hey Jun,” Mingyu greets him flatly, not really into the fact that he’s the reason his wife is laughing so hard right now. 

He has no right to feel jealous but he can’t help it, especially after the kiss you two shared the other day. The two of you haven’t gotten that intimate since that kiss in the kitchen and even though he wants it to happen again, it has to be on your terms. Even though he craves you with each waking hour, he wants to make sure he isn’t overstepping any boundaries. 

“Jun is going to eat with us for lunch, is that okay?” You go up to him, placing a hand on his bicep before giving it a squeeze.

Mingyu’s cheeks flush at your small gesture of affection, his eyes moving from where your hand is placed to your eyes. Looking up at him with doe eyes, you smile at him. Even though he doesn’t like the idea of you and Jun laughing together, he could never say no to you. 

“Yeah, of course,” he returns your smile and you whisper a small thank you before placing a kiss on his cheek, walking away to watch T.V. with Jun on the couch. 

He stands at the stove, a pan of grilled chicken to pair with your salads. A hand comes up to touch the cheek that you kissed, he smiles to himself as he continues to cook lunch for you two. 

It seems as though every day he spends with you, the harder he’s falling. He can’t help it, especially when you’re much more affectionate with him now. 

He fantasizes about the day you decide to no longer sleep in separate rooms across the hall from each other, and getting to wake up to you and your beautiful face every morning.  He watches you laugh with Jun in the living room and silently wishes that you’ll fall as hard as he has.

ten.

With every passing day, the more you worry about Seungcheol’s whereabouts. You’re safe here, and people are looking over you but you can’t help but be paranoid. You wonder if you’re going to have to live every day in fear. But thankfully, with Mingyu beside you, it becomes a little more bearable. 

It wasn’t until today that you realized that you could finally breathe right. You awoke to another call from Jihoon, who seems to only call about important matters early in the morning. He suggests that you get Mingyu, wanting both of you to be on the call. 

Your mind is spiraling. The last time Jihoon called he had given you bad news. 

“What’s wrong Jihoon?” you ask him apprehensively, not sure if you’re mentally prepared to hear what he has to say. 

Both you and Mingyu sat on the couch with bated breaths, waiting for him to say something. Anything. Mingyu has an arm around you, your legs on top of his as he holds you close. He didn’t even have to say anything, his silence was enough to indicate how nervous he was. 

“Guys, don’t be so nervous, now I’m getting nervous!” he sighs. 

“I can’t take this, just say it already, you’re killing me over here Ji,” Mingyu whines, squeezing you a little tighter to soothe his nerves. 

“Well, we found him. Jun was able to put him in custody and he’s been at the station for a couple of hours now,” he finally reveals, hearing the two of you squeal like a bunch of school girls over the speakers. “I know you don’t want to see him Y/n, but if you want you can come down and talk to him. Closure and shit.” 

Mingyu looks over at you the moment Jihoon mentions you visiting your ex, and he can practically see the gears turning in your head. To be honest, you’re not sure if you’re ready to face him, but a part of you is curious about what he’s like now. 

“Okay, I’ll visit him, but only if Mingyu comes with me,” you mutter, playing with the hem of Mingyu’s shirt absentmindedly. 

You think of all the scenarios that could play out the moment you meet with Seungcheol again, but you know that if you want to shed the rest of your old self. You need to finally face him and gain the closure you deserve. 

And the closure that Seungcheol deserves too. 

…

For the rest of the day, you and Mingyu have a little self-care night before your confrontation with Seungcheol. Your nerves are at an all-time high, even Norbert could tell you were anxious; constantly staying by your side, even when you were showering, working, or eating. 

You weren’t sure what you were going to say to Seungcheol when you see him, or how you’re going to even feel. It’s been years since you’ve faced him, you just know that if Mingyu is there everything will be alright. 

For some reason, Mingyu’s presence always calms you down. His comforting words and strong demeanor help you stay afloat in your deep sea of worries. Just like Norbert, you don’t think he realizes these past few months with him have helped you overcome a lot of your paranoia. The more you got to know him, the more you recognized how soft and loving he really is, despite his past. 

“You have to stay still, okay?” you mumble as you continue to slather the face mask all over Mingyu’s skin. 

Sat on top of the bathroom counter, Mingyu stood between your legs as you concentrated on the task at hand. His own hands placed on the tops of your thighs as he waited patiently for you to finish. 

When he proposed a self-care night, you didn’t think he’d agree to go as far as doing skin care with you. Obviously, you were very wrong, and it kind of warms your heart that he’s willing to do even something as silly as this and then watch Bluey with you on the couch. 

“Y/n, it tickles,” he whines, hands gripping harder on your thighs as he fights the urge to laugh. 

“Do not laugh! You’ll ruin it,” you try not to giggle, your own face mask starting to crack. 

“Okay, sorry but you look so silly right now,” he chuckles, his eyes trained on you. 

Even with your hair tied up and a fluffy bunny-ear face wash headband, he still finds you beautiful. It doesn't matter to him what you look like, just the fact that you’re here, with him, it’s all he needs to be happy. 

“Done!” you flash a proud smile before hopping off the counter. 

Before you can leave the bathroom, Mingyu grabs your wrist and turns you around till you're flush with his chest. You raise an eyebrow at him, unsure of what he’s plotting right now. Instead of saying anything more he just places a peck on your lips before whispering a small “thank you”, letting you two carry on with your night. 

You just laugh and shake your head at him before heading over to the couch to watch more episodes of Bluey. Norbert claims his rightful spot beside you while Mingyu sits on your other side. 

Tomorrow may be scary and you have a lot of thoughts running through your head, but spending the night peacefully with Mingyu and Norbert silences your worries enough to relax in the meantime. What you don’t expect is the constant thought of wondering if this is what your life would be like every day if you decide to stay in Bridgewater after the year is over. 

eleven.

The car ride to the police station is quiet. Mingyu’s hand is in yours as he tries to console your overthinking. There isn’t much he can say to help you at this moment, but the least he can do is show you that he’s here. He doesn’t want to say anything that could potentially overwhelm you, he just wants to show you how much he cares. 

By the time the car reaches the station, your palms are drenched in sweat, but you want to stay strong. You want Seungcheol to know how happy you are now, without him. You want him to see how different you are now after all these years, how you’re better off without his tainted love. 

“Y/n, Mingyu,” Jihoon greets you at the door, nodding to you. 

The ever so stoic Jihoon. He’s a man of very few words but you could tell that he was rooting for you. 

The walk over to where Seungcheol was being interrogated felt longer than normal, but in reality, it only took a few seconds to reach the door. Jihoon gives you a look before opening the door, one that’s silently asking you if you’re sure. You only nod with a determined gleam in your eyes, allowing him to unlock the door and letting you see your ex after so many years. 

His black hair looks the same it did all that time ago, except it was longer now and a little messy from him running his fingers through it. You could tell he was exhausted, and it broke your heart a little. 

There are feelings of anger resurfacing the moment your eyes lock with his, but also feelings of sorrow and pity. You’re reminded of all the memories you made with him, the happiness, the sadness, and the solace in between. But you grieved the loss of your love with him a long time ago, and even though there are fragments of those feelings now, it doesn’t hurt as much as it used to. 

“Y/n,” Seungcheol’s voice cracks upon seeing you. 

Your chest burns and it feels like all the air in your lungs has dissipated. There’s a dullness to his gaze, almost like he’s a mere shell of the person he used to be. You should’ve known that Seungcheol lost his soul all those years ago when he decided to sell it for never-ending wealth. But here he is, in front of you: defeated, tired, heartbroken. There’s a small part of you that will always care for him, yet you know that you’ll never love him the way you used to. 

“Cheol,” you whisper, your back against the door, your body not wanting to get any closer to him than you have to.

“Y/n, please I never wanted us to end up this way, please. Please,” he tries to beg, to stand up, but his hands are handcuffed to the table. His wrists have turned red from trying to escape from his chains. It’s no use, he won’t ever be able to get as close as he is now. 

A single tear falls from your eyes watching his desperate attempts to reach you. But the room feels far too big now like the two of you are miles apart. So you stay put and tell him what you’ve been wanting to say after so many years.

“You dug your own grave, Seungcheol. I tried, I did. But how could you keep all that information from me? Selling illegal weapons may be one thing, but involving all those innocent people? Did you lose your damn mind? I couldn’t live with myself knowing how many people you hurt. Then you turned to drug trafficking? Did you really think I could marry someone like that?” you raise your voice at the end. 

Your chest is heaving from not taking a single breath to stop, to think, just saying whatever your heart is telling you to say. 

“Y/n, please! Hear me out, I want to make it work-” he begs and begs, but you cut him off.  

“There’s nothing to work out.”  

“I just wanted to have a secure future with you, I was going to quit after our wedding, please you have to believe me,” he keeps going, but you don’t want to hear it anymore. 

You scoff at his attempt to justify his actions, but you know better. The man in front of you will say anything to get you back into his life, but you don’t buy his bullshit. The more money he earned, the greedier he got, and the higher his ambitions got, he wasn't the man he was when you first met him. The constant reminder of him leading a dark path keeps you grounded. 

“You lost me the moment you decided to hurt people who don’t deserve it.” Your voice is stern, you don’t want to continue to drag this out knowing all he’s going to do is plead for you to come back to him. 

“Y/n please, I can’t live without you, even after all these years, I can’t sleep, nothing. I need you.” The tears begin to leave his eyes, but you do your best to stay strong. 

All you can do is shake your head at him, his words going through one ear and out the other. His sobs and pleading shake you to your core, but it doesn’t hurt to hear after knowing all the evil things he’s done. 

“But I don’t need you, I’m happy, I’m in love again. I have friends that care about me,” you countered.

 You're breathing heavily, trying to stay as calm as possible. You had no more tears left to shed for him. 

“It’s Mingyu isn’t it?” he asks, but you don’t give him any indication that his prediction is correct. 

Your heartbeat picks up at the mention of Mingyu’s name, and you’re not sure how Seungcheol found out about the two of you. At this point you don’t even care, because the happiness you deserve is waiting for you outside the very door you stand against. No one will get in the way of the reason why you’re able to breathe right again, especially not Seungcheol.

“That doesn't matter,” you defended, not wanting to speak to him for any longer. 

“But it does. Just tell me it’s not Mingyu, anyone but him please,” he continues to cry, the rattling of his handcuffs burning your eardrums. 

You’ve gotten your closure, the figurative shackles that Seungcheol had you in are finally broken. There’s a sense of relief to being able to face him without completely breaking down. Your heart no longer belongs to him, and neither do your fearful thoughts. 

“I don’t owe you anything anymore Seungcheol. Goodbye.” You end the conversation, turning around to close the door without looking back. 

His pleading can be heard through the metal, but you don’t dare turn back, you don’t dare to let him have his hold on you anymore. Closing the door of the interrogation room felt like closing the door to a chapter of life. And finally, after everything that has happened, you feel free. 

“You’re in love with me?” Mingyu’s voice is heard through all the commotion. 

He stands there with a hopeful look in his eyes, a small smile dancing along his lips. You roll your eyes at him as if it wasn’t already obvious how much you care for your fake husband. 

Walking up to him, you engulf him in a tight hug, your head buried in his chest as tears of relief leave your eyes. 

“Of course I’m in love with you, you big idiot,” you laugh, holding him tighter, so tight that you’re sure that he’ll never leave your side, even if he wanted to. 

twelve. 

The drive back to the house felt like a breath of fresh air. Wind blowing through your hair with the windows rolled down, Mingyu’s hand on your thigh, music blasting through the speakers. It felt like freedom. 

“Can I hear you say it again?” Mingyu turns to you while he’s stopped at a red light, his puppy-dog eyes are too cute to resist. 

“I love you,” you smile at him, placing your hand on top of his. 

The glistening in his eyes looked like it came straight out of a movie, they glittered in the sunlight, a reflection of his very being. 

“I love you too, did you know that?” he blushes, giving you a sweet kiss before returning his attention to the road. 

The two of you stay quiet for the rest of that way back, savouring the sweet moment. You still can’t wrap your head around everything that has happened during your stay at Bridgewater, especially because you’ve somehow found love again. A love that’s sweet, one that doesn’t feel as worrisome. 

“Home sweet home!” Mingyu announces the moment the car rolls into the driveway. 

You’re brought out of your thoughts and Mingyu gets out to open the door for you. The second the door closes he cages you between him and the side of the car. His lips softly hit yours and you moan out of surprise. The kiss is slow and sweet, and butterflies erupt in your stomach immediately. 

You haven’t kissed him properly since that day in the kitchen but you don’t mind the wait. If anything it causes you to feel hungry for more. Mingyu’s hands on your waist are pulling you tighter with each passing second, but making out in the middle of your driveway, where everyone in the neighbourhood can see, pulls you out of your lustful thoughts. 

“Let’s go inside?” You detach your lips from his, grabbing his hand and practically dragging him towards the front door. 

Once you two are inside, without any potential prying eyes you pull him back into a kiss. It’s sloppy and filled with more passion than the previous times you two were this close. You don’t want to stop feeling him against you. The firm grip he has on your waist travels under your shirt, his hands against your bare skin leaving a burning sensation in the best way. 

There’s a silent agreement between the two of you. You both know where this is heading but no one stops to take a break, to tell the other that it is time to let go. You continue to deepen the kiss, letting your tongue glide against his, your fingers running through his hair. It's addicting, Mingyu’s lips are intoxicating and all you want is to get lost in the arousal. 

“I wanna make you feel good, so good till all you can remember is me, no one else,” Mingyu mumbles against your neck, his lips trailing lower as you whimper in approval. “Tell me, is that what you want?” 

“Yes,” you whimper, eyes closed as you feel him lick and suck the skin on your collarbone.  

Backing away, you can see how the love and adoration in his eyes are tainted with hunger. The sight of him makes your stomach flip, there’s a darkness to his gaze and you gulp silently. Waiting for him to show you how badly he wants to fuck you, how badly he needs to see you whimper and moan for him. 

Without another word you bring him to your room, closing the door behind you so Norbert can’t interrupt like he did last time. 

The door is against your back once again and Mingyu towers over you, caging you with his body. His scent fills your senses, your knees going weak as he continues to stare at you with those hooded lids, his attention on you and you only. 

His hand trails against your jaw till he stops at your chin, tilting your face up so that your eyes are leveled with his. He licks his lips as he watches you, wanting nothing but to take you then and there. But he has so much planned, he can’t get too hasty, especially because the thought of you cumming for him over and over continues to plague his mind. 

“I want you to sit on the bed, and to be a good girl and take what I give you,” Mingyu mutters, his hand moving closer to your lips till his thumb pulls your bottom lip down. 

You don’t argue, moving away once again to do what he says. This is the Mingyu you used to know. The one who spent half his life in the mafia, the one who could command a whole room with a single word. 

Following behind you, he waits till you get comfortable on the bed before sitting down between your already spread legs. He captures you into a kiss once more, letting himself savour the taste of you. Your hands move across the expanse of his back, slowly lifting his shirt along the way and feeling his large muscles tense under your gentle fingers. 

“Fuck me, please,” you beg him, and your voice is strained, the words leaving your mouth in whimpers. 

Mingyu chuckles at your desperation as he removes the rest of his clothing, but your mind is buzzing like crazy. It’s been so long since you’ve been intimate with someone that you forgot how good it feels to be held, to be kissed. 

“Be patient baby, we’ll get to that eventually,” he grunts, lifting your shirt and removing the remainder of your clothes till you're bare. 

Marveling at your naked figure, Mingyu forces himself to stop drooling over how sexy you look in front of him. You’re so small compared to him, his large hands opening up your thighs to reveal your awaiting arousal. 

“You’re already fucking soaking,” he mutters as he prods with your folds. His fingers move gingerly as he teases you. 

His arms push your thighs till they’re flush with your stomach, giving him clear access to where you need him most. Trailing kisses along your inner thighs, your head hits the pillow as you moan out for him. You’re over-sensitive from not being touched by another person in so long, his lips leaving burning sensations on your skin. 

Your pussy is dripping on the sheets the moment he presses a kiss to your clit. Clenching around nothing, you continue to moan out his name, and it makes him smile against you. Hearing you call out for him is like music to his ears, your voice sweet like honey. 

“Keep doing that, please Mingyu,” you whine, your hands coiling around the strands of his hair, nails raking his scalp. 

Groaning against your mound, he continues to play with your clit. Licking and sucking it while his fingers enter your weeping hole. The sounds of his long digits moving in and out of you fill the room, and you can feel yourself getting closer to an orgasm. 

“Fuck, it’s so good,” you praise him, and it strokes his ego, his movements picking up in pace. 

The squelching noises only increase in volume, his fingers hitting that soft spot inside you that makes your legs shake and your vision goes white. Practically screaming his name, the coil in your stomach snaps and you cum against his mouth. His tongue moved against your slit to drink up your juices, wanting to feel you fill his mouth with your sweet nectar. 

His eyes remain trained on yours while he’s lying between your legs, you run your hands through his hair as you come down from your high. The words can’t seem to leave your lips and your mind is filled with euphoria. If he can do all that with just his mouth and fingers you wonder what will happen when he’s finally inside you. 

“God, you’re so needy. Probably haven’t been fucked properly in so long, huh baby?” he coos as he moves up your body, lips against your ear as he continues to mutter dirty words. 

“Need someone to take care of you? Is that what you need? Need your husband to fuck a baby into you,” he keeps going and your eyes roll back and he fondles your tits. 

“Yeah, you like that?” he chuckles, twisting at your hardened nipples as your pussy clenches at the thought of being filled with his cum. 

“You like it when I talk about fucking you till that tight little cunt of yours is stuffed full of my cum?” Mingyu’s mouth continues to spew words of breeding you, and his growing erection is harder to ignore. 

“I want it so bad, want you to fuck a baby in me, Gyu,” you sigh, your salacious moans bouncing off the walls as he flips you around. 

Ass in the air, he gives the supple skin a sharp slap and you shriek. But it feels so good, the sting of his large palm hitting you hard. He can see how much you’re enjoying it, kneading your full mounds as his head fills with thoughts of fucking you in this position. 

“Please just fuck me already, I wanna feel you inside me.” You’re weeping now, face smushed into the pillow. 

“You sure you’re ready?” he asks you, pulling you by your hips till your back is arched. 

The neediness inside you is at its highest point, and you can’t seem to form any words as you feel his fingers glide against your soaked hole. Moans can’t stop leaving your lips and you’re already sensitive from your first orgasm. 

Placing a pillow under your stomach, he continues to manhandle you into the position he wants you in. Face down, ass up, your legs are spread, and your wet entrance is all ready for him.  Mingyu grabs his hard cock, stroking it a few times before spitting on your cunt, and you jolt at the hot liquid hitting your folds. 

“Fuck, you’re tight, I should’ve prepped you more,” Mingyu groans, his length slowly forcing its way past your entrance. 

The air is knocked out of your lungs as you feel him starting to fill you. The stretch is agonizing but the burn sends tingles of pleasure up your spine. It felt so fucking good having him inside you like this, your mind full of nothing but the shape of his cock. 

“I want it hard, fuck me hard,” you tell him, your voice shaking as he continues to enter you. 

“Okay baby, but just know I won’t be gentle anymore,” he warns you and maybe you shouldn’t have been so eager, but that primal part in you just wanted him so bad. 

Once he has himself fully sheathed in your heat, he pulls back until only the tip is left. You gasp at the sudden empty feeling, but you're quickly silenced when he dives back in. His hips slapping against your ass, his balls hitting your clit. Mingyu’s stamina is insanely high as he continues to thrust in and out of you. 

“Fuck, you’re so big, I-I can’t!” you cry out, your screams picking up in pitch till you're moaning like a porn star. 

“So fucking tight, baby you’re driving me crazy,” Mingyu continues to grunt, his movements not slowing down for even a second. 

His hands move to grip your hips tightly, he stops for a split second to stop his thrusts. You thought you were going to be able to catch your breath. But he just keeps surprising you. The hands that he placed on your hips tighten and he moves you up and down on his cock while he stays still. Using you like his personal sex doll, but fuck, it felt amazing. You love that he’s using you, placing your body in whatever position he wants to chase his own pleasure. 

“You’re so perfect, I could fuck this pussy till I’m empty,” he mutters, watching his dick disappear inside you. 

There's a white ring of arousal around the base of his length, and his mind goes blank. All he can do is continue to bounce you up and down his member till he can feel himself start to twitch inside you. 

“I’m gonna cum, baby you feel so good inside me,” you scream for him, loving the way the ridges of your walls continue to suck him up, your orgasm hitting you once again,

There's something so nasty about him using your body, and you’re enjoying all of it. You love how he’s just taking what he wants, yet he still knows how to make you cum. Your pussy is swollen from the beating it’s taking, but you want more. You want him to keep going till he has nothing left to give you. 

The feeling of Mingyu twitching inside your walls indicates that he’s close, and you continue to clench around him. Wanting to milk him of his seed, wanting to feel his cum hit your cervix and breed you. 

“Gonna cum inside you, okay baby?” he warns you before stilling his movements. 

His cock twitches again till you feel his hot white cum spurt inside your walls, flooding your cunt with his seed. Mingyu groans, watching the liquid fill you and breach past your tight hole till it gushes out. The sight is so unholy, so sinful but he can’t just stop there. No, he won’t stop till you’re stuffed properly. 

“M-mingyu, baby,” you whine, your body flopping onto the mattress as he lets you go. 

Your legs turn to jelly as you shake from how hard you came, your breathing labored. He turns you around so you're splayed out for him, prying your legs open to watch his cum fall out of your pussy in thick globs. It’s so mesmerizing, hypnotizing, he wants to see more of it. To fill you with more of his seed. 

“We’re not done,” he smiles as you cheekily and you laugh. 

“You want more after all of that?” you question him, your breathing still harsh from the previous round. 

“Baby, after all of that, I don’t think I can stop,” he mutters against your lips, and you nod, agreeing with his statement. 

He switches your positions, his back against the headboard while you sit on his lap. The refractory period doesn't seem to exist with Mingyu because his erection is standing proudly in front of you. 

“You wanna go again?” he asks you, one hand on your hip as the other rubs his cock as it glistens with a mixture of both of your arousals. 

“I want you to use me till you can’t anymore,” you lean over, whispering in his ear. 

“Careful, you might regret that later,” he mutters, a hand around your neck as he halts your movements.

Pulling him into a heated kiss, you position his length against your entrance, lifting your body till you can fully sink down on him. Even after the first round, your pussy still can’t get used to the stretch that his cock gives you. It's a delicious feeling, his length is so long and thick you can feel it in your stomach. 

“Ah!” you cry out, your head thrown back as you stabilize yourself by holding onto his shoulders. 

Mingyu moans back, mesmerized by the view of your tits bouncing up and down in front of his face. His cock disappeared inside you once more, the sight making him feral, hungry to see you filled to the brim with his semen. 

Your orgasm comes around faster this time and your walls convulse around him once more. The heat, the wetness, the silky feeling of your cunt makes Mingyu go delirious, thoughts only filled with you and you only. Stilling your hips, his own high follows yours shortly after, his cum hitting your insides till it covers his softening member all over again. 

You let out a puff of breath, leaning into his chest as your face rested in the crook of his neck. Mingyu rubs your back soothingly, his dick going soft and falling out of your entrance. Whimpering at the loss of him being inside you, you hold him tighter. The feelings of exhaustion are finally catching up to you, but you know you’ll have to clean up soon enough. 

“You know I love you, right?” he reminds you as he lifts you up and off the bed to head to the shower. You can only nod, your mind and body too tired to respond. 

Setting you on the counter, his back turns away from you while he prepares your bath, getting the water warm for you. You notice the large dragon tattoo that coils along his skin. It surprises you that you haven’t noticed it before, but the black ink on him is undeniably sexy. 

Once the water is warm enough, he carries you to the shower before cleaning you up properly. You love that he’s back to his soft and kind self, and it makes you fall for him even harder. The hard sex was so good but what’s important to you is the fact that he’s so keen on taking care of you after. 

Mingyu’s hand snakes around your waist as your head lays against his shoulder, pressing lazy kisses while you whisper words of gratitude. 

“Thank you, I love you too,” you mumble, adorning him with pecks along his warm tan skin. 

epilogue. 

“This whole fucking time,” Seungkwan stares at you with wide eyes, “I fucking KNEW it.” 

You scoff at him, he just had to be right about everything and it annoys you, but here you are again, in his home for drinks and dessert. 

“Sure you did, Kwannie,” you sigh, patting his shoulder. 

“I swear I did! Right, babe? They were suspicious from the start,” he continues to argue, roping in Vernon who gives him a shrug of his shoulders before returning his attention to his phone. 

It was time for you and Mingyu to break the news about your fake relationship with everyone. You felt bad for deceiving people, and now that you two were actually in love, it just felt right to put the fake marriage thing in the past. 

“Please, we weren’t that obvious,” you defend, not wanting to give Seungkwan the bragging rights to actually be right this whole time. 

Seungkwan just rolls his eyes at you before taking a sip of his wine. He didn’t feel like arguing with you anymore, he’s just happy that his suspicions have been correct this whole time. 

“Does this mean you’re going to leave soon?” He looks at you with desperate eyes, taking your hands in his. 

“Well, we’ve talked about it, and Mingyu and I have decided to stay,” you smile at him from where he sits across the room, talking about something unimportant with Jeonghan and Val. “So don’t worry, I’ll still be your neighbour. Bridgewater actually seems like the perfect place for us right now.” 

“Oh thank god! I don’t think I could live happily ever again if you moved away, Y/nie.” He pulls you into a hug, and you can’t help but laugh at his dramatics. 

Seungkwan may have started as a pestering neighbour, but you can’t help but feel grateful towards him. If it weren’t for his annoying attitude, you and Mingyu probably wouldn’t have tried so hard to pretend to be in love. You could say that Seungkwan was one the biggest reasons why you and Mingyu fell so hard for each other in the first place. 

…

A few days after solidifying your relationship with Mingyu, you two decided that it wouldn’t be too bad to stay here after all. Seungcheol was sentenced guilty during trial and Jihoon informed you that there's no more reason for you to be put into witness protection. Everything just seemed like it was all falling into place, and you’re happier than you have been in so long. 

Even Norbert has finally warmed up to Mingyu. Sometimes when your work day is over, you’ll spot them cuddling on the couch and watching Bluey together. He always talks to Norbert, asking him questions even though the cat can’t answer. It warms your heart knowing that the two beings that healed you from a world’s worth of hurt can get along. They both came into your life when you needed it most, and every day you're thankful that you’re surrounded by so much love. 

“Watching Bluey without me?” you ask out loud, your arms crossed as you pretend to be mad. 

“Baby! You’re done!” Mingyu practically flies off the couch to capture you in a bone-crushing hug. 

“You know you can come into my office when I’m working,” you laugh as you rub his back, savouring the feeling of his large and muscular arms holding you. 

“I know but I don’t want to distract you, even Norbert doesn't go in,” he mumbles, inhaling your scent as if he didn’t wake up beside you that very morning. 

“You’re silly, Mingyu,” you laugh, kissing his cheek. 

He blushes like a schoolgirl before giving you the biggest grin known to man. His eyes sparkling against the living room lighting, you can tell he’s head over heels for you. Mingyu isn’t afraid to show affection or to be vulnerable, he just wants to be with you, no matter how good or bad things get. 

“Can’t I just be happy my wife is off work?” He sighs lovingly, brushing your hair through his fingers, refusing to let you go. 

You roll your eyes at how cheesy he is, but he knows that you secretly love it. Especially since you act the same way with him whenever he goes out to run errands or when he tends to the garden. 

“Your wife is hungry and tired, can we make more kimchi pancakes please?” you ask with puppy dog eyes. 

Mingyu laughs at you before kissing your forehead, “Anything for the love of my life.” 

Blushing at his words, you follow him into the kitchen to make the kimchi pancakes you had asked for. Putting on his pink ruffle apron, he gets down to business, always wanting to cook the best food for you. 

Mingyu is satisfied knowing that he’s able to give you the life that you deserve. To love you on sunny days and even on rainy days. He’s never felt a love that was this secure, and he’s grateful that you feel the same way. 

As you watch Mingyu cook, you think back to the first day you moved to Bridgewater. You misjudged him that first day and you’re so glad that he proved you wrong. He has been nothing but amazing since then. He’s patient, and kind, and he loves you even when you’re irritated or in a bad mood. For someone who used to be a part of the mafia, you would expect him to be rough around the edges, and intimidating, but he’s the complete opposite. He’s the perfect house husband. 

end. 

𖥔 a/n: you've reached the end of my hubbygyu fic! thank you for reading and please leave an ask or comment if you've enjoyed this story :)! but wait... there's more! this story will become a series that takes inspiration from the anime ( the way of the house husband) so please look forward to seeing more of wifey y/n and hubby gyu! thank you again ♡.

01 | Llovera [ Something Sinister ] Pt1

Genre: Marriage AU • CEO Mingyu • Paranormal Encounters • Angsty • Witchcraft • Religious Cult • Medium Reader • Horror • Thriller

WARNINGS: Explicit language, dark themes such as SA, Pain inflections, & abuse, sex, troubled childhood, trauma dumping, & murder. Mentions of cheating/affairs, blood gore, miscarriage mention, toxic relationships, manipulation, gaslighting, red flags + green flags, angsty, heavy topics will be mentioned!!

Word Count: 3787K

╚» Now Playing —» Family Tree - Ethel Cain + Llovera - Mia Maestro + Cinnamon Girl - Lana Del Rey + My Love Mine All Mine - Mitski + Fortitude - HAEVN

Tag list: @buhniii

Quiet sobs escape my lips as I hold onto Evie, “Are you insane?!” Aunt Yesenia raises her voice at Mother. “They're just kids Gloria! It's not right!” Aunt Yesenia says as mother sighs and crosses her arms, “It's only right of me to show them our religion at this age, pastor Pedro says it's alright and only wishes to be cautious.” Mother says. “Evie is only four, and Y/N is ten! Aye dios mio Gloria!” Mother slaps Yesenia, I hold Evie closer. “Do not use our father’s name in vain! They are my children, it's only right to get them started on religion before it's too late.” Mother says Evie cries.

I try to counsel her, “Why can't you see that they're scared?!” Aunt Yesenia says. I look at Mother with pleading eyes, “Y/N and Evie will learn our ways Yesenia…besides, when the day comes Y/N will be ready.” Mother says.

I rub my face softly and lean back on the couch, my skin crawls as I feel a gaze on me. I move my hands away from my face, a small gasp escapes my lips as I catch a glimpse of a child-like form running down the hall giggling. I feel the tears stream down my face as I get up from the couch, I gasp as I get pulled out of the darkness. “Hey hey, what's wrong?” Mingyu’s voice causes me to feel calm, I open my eyes and see him with worry all over his face.

A small sigh of relief escapes my lips as he pulls me into his arms, “You saw something didn't you?” He asks. I nodded against his chest, he sighed and held me tightly. “It happens out of nowhere, I have no control over it.” I sob quietly, Mingyu rubs soothing circles on my lower back. “It's okay,” He whispers, I wrap my arms around his waist. “No, it's not…You can't keep going through this…I mean I'm a mess.” I said pulling away from his embrace, his eyes glossy. “No, trust me Y/N, I will be with you no matter what happens. You need to trust me,” He whispers and holds my face in his hands with delicacy, I sigh softly and wipe away the tears with the sleeve of my cardigan.

“I made that promise to you the moment I asked you to marry me and I will keep that promise,” He whispers, I nod and wrap my arms around his neck. On my tippy toes, I press a soft kiss against his cheek and let my face rest in the crook of his neck. His arms are firm on my torso, and my feet are off the floor. “It's six thirty in the morning, you should get some sleep before meeting with Yerin and Aunt Eunha for the appointment with the wedding planner.” He says, I sigh softly wrapping my legs tightly around his waist and he walks up the stairs.

“There’s an issue at the company, I won't be able to join you for the appointment.” He whispers and opens the door of his bedroom, black sheets have replaced the white statin ones. He stands in front of the bed, unwrapping myself from him I sit on the bed. “I’ll be here before dinner,” He says with a smile, I look at him and return a small smile. I bite my bottom lip as he slips into the navy blue dress shirt, he buttons it up. “Then at least tell me what colors you have in mind,” I said and helped him with the tie, Mingyu hummed softly. “Soft colors…you love wearing soft colors,” He says, I look at him and smile.

“I want you to pick out everything, if you have a dream wedding then stick to that…I will be happy with any theme you pick.” He says and pecks my lips, I smile. “What if I say I want a forest or garden wedding?” I ask feeling skeptical, Mingyu smiles. “Mhmm, a forest theme? That's not a bad idea,” He says, I smile and look up at him. “Yeah?” I ask, he smiles and scrunches his nose lightly. “Yeah, we can do a forest wedding…like the Twilight movie,” He says, I smile and let a giggle escape my lips. He bops my nose with his softly, “Hmm a wedding like Twilight, okay.” I said. Mingyu pouts, “It was a suggestion if you have other themes you like then go for it.” He says.

I smile and peck his lips, “Okay, I’ll do all the thinking at the appointment.” I said. Mingyu smiles and pecks my lips, I smile. “I’m happy…” I whisper, he grins. “Good…I want you to be happy,” He whispers and pecks my lips, I peck his lips. The small pecks turn into a kiss, it's soft and passionate. I smile against his lips, his hands resting on my neck. Our kiss is interrupted by his phone ringing, “Work is calling,” I muttered against his lips. “Mingyu,” I said between the kiss and giggle, “Right, I’ll see you tonight.” He says and pecks my lips.

“I’ll cook tonight,” I said, he smiled and pecked my lips, and I pushed him away. “Now go before you're late,” I said with a giggle, Mingyu slipped into the navy blue blazer he grabbed his shoes and coat. He pecks my lips again, “Mingyu,” I said with a laugh. “Alright I'm leaving, I love you.” He says and rushes out of the room, I smile and let a giggle escape my lips. “I love you,” I call out, “Front door locked,” The security system alerts.

A sigh escapes my lips, I look at the time. Six forty-five in the morning, the appointment is at ten- fifteen. I get under the sheets and grab the remote control off the nightstand, turning the TV on I log into Netflix clicking on Gilmore Girls. I turn the lights off using the remote control specifically for the lights, advanced technology in the penthouse is insane. I set the controls on the nightstand and try to sleep.

I have never been able to sleep in silence since I was ten, I had to have some sort of music or TV playing in the background in order to sleep. I’ve grown terrified of what I could end up hearing, I shift a bit in the bed.

I sighed softly and closed my eyes, I could feel the temperature of the room grow colder. The faint sound of a baby crying sends shivers down my spine, I bite my bottom lip and bring the blanket up to my chin. I squeeze my eyes shut as the crying grows closer and louder. “Get rid of it!” a woman’s voice erupts in the room and the sheets get pulled off me, I sit up and press my back against the headboard. The crying was loud and clear, the door creaks open slowly. I kept my gaze on the door feeling fear rush through me, I could hear footsteps walking up the stairs.

I furrowed my brows as the footsteps sounded like someone running halfway up the stairs, “Get rid of the baby!!” a woman bursts through the door, a pitched scream escapes my lips.

I gasped almost as if the air in my lungs was knocked out, I got off the bed only to end up falling on the floor. I cough as I try to regain oxygen in my lungs. A sharp pain in my stomach made me feel sick and nauseous. I looked around the room but there was no one, I crawl into the bathroom and got to the toilet.

Puking my guts out, after fifteen seconds of puking I hear the doorbell ringing. I cough and get up from the floor, I flush the toilet and grab my toothbrush.

Rinsing my mouth I rush out of the bathroom and out of the room, the doorbell rings again. I rush down the stairs, hugging myself as I realize I'm only wearing my cardigan and one of Mingyu’s t-shirts. I peek through the peephole and unlock the door. “Good morning bride to be, I am here to pick you up for dress shopping,” Yerin says with a grin, I smile faintly and let her inside. “Morning Yerin, how’s Seokmin?” I ask, Seokmin and Soonyoung were the only ones who drank as if their lives depended on it. But boy I'm sure they woke up with the worst hangover.

Yerin smiles as she walks over to the navy blue couch, I close the door and lock it. “Bad, he woke up feeling sick and Soonyoung, well Jihoon and Mabel have been struggling all night with him,” Yerin says with a small laugh, I let a small chuckle leave my lips as I enter the kitchen. “Would you like something to drink while you wait for me to get ready?” I ask opening the fridge, “Um water should be fine,” She says with a smile. I nod and pour some water into a glass, closing the fridge I walk over to her and hand her the glass. “Thank you,” She says taking in her grasp.

“I’ll be ready in ten,” I said and rushed up the stairs, I stepped inside the room. A sigh of relief escapes my lips as the temperature of the room is back to normal, I bite my bottom lip and walk to the bathroom for a quick shower.

[7:15AM]

I follow Yerin down the escalator, I bury my hands in the pockets of Mingyu’s black hoodie. Letting his scent fill my nostrils, “Oh Yerin, is it okay if we go to my apartment after this?” I ask as we reach the second-floor department. Yerin smiles and nods, “Yeah, Mingyu mentioned that you still need to finish packing. I thought you be done by this weekend?” She asks as we stroll around the semi-busy floor. I let a small sigh leave my lips, “Yeah the landlord isn't letting me move out until the lease is over which is after the—wedding,” I said feeling flustered.

Yerin sighs and nudges my side lightly, “Yah why not let Mingyu talk some sense into the landlord?” She asks. I laugh lightly and shake my head, “I can't, Mingyu is busy enough with the new project your father has given him.” I said and bite my bottom lip. “Besides I’ll just move all my things into Mingyu’s and I’ll just talk to the landlord again,” I said as Yerin opened the door to a bridal shop, my heart fluttered at the sight of white gowns.

Yerin smiles, “Just don’t forget to mention the word marriage, then he’ll understand why you're moving out.” She says as we enter the shop. I smile and nod, Yerin walks over to the counter and rings the bell. I bite my bottom lip and look around the shop, all the gowns seem too elegant, and over the top. I hear Yerin and a woman talk about searching for a wedding dress, I look at the displays they had by the window. I shiver at the sight of a woman watching from afar, I look off to the side and sigh softly. I turn around and walk over to Yerin, out of sight, out of mind.

[8:30 AM]

I fix my denim skirt as I get up from the chair, “Look I’ll talk to Aunt Eunha about Mika okay, honestly I don't know why Mingyu is still nice to her after everything but again he doesn't hold grudges. I’ll talk to him about it as well ” Yerin says and grabs her bag. I sigh softl, “I’ll talk to Mingyu about Mika…don’t worry about it.” I said grabbing my bag. Yerin gives me a small smile, “Come on, we got a couple more dress shops to look at also we have that cake appointment tomorrow morning. Have you decided on what kind of cake you'll be having?” Yerin asks as she links her arm with mine. I smile and grip my bag, “Not quite,” I said.

We enter the third bridal shop, Yerin smiles as we walk over to the dresses. I bite my bottom lip catching a glimpse of my reflection in front of the glass display, am I really getting married? After years of oathing, I wouldn't get involved with someone…burdening them with this curse I carry. My mother always called it a gift from God but it was no gift, seeing unexplainable things at a young age was terrifying.

“What about this one?” Yerin’s voice makes me stop thinking, I look at her and smile as I eye the cream-white color dress. It looks vintage, it looks exactly like the one mother wore at her wedding. I sighed softly and shook my head, “It looks like my mother’s wedding dress,” I said. Yerin frowns, “It does? Okay, not this one,” She says putting back on the rack. I walk to one of the racks, every dress seems to look the same. White, pearl white, cream white, beige white, too many kinds of white. I bite my bottom lip and look at the ivory-white dress, its lace detailing, and off-shoulders made the dress look too elegant for my liking.

I look at Yerin holding two dresses, both in pale white color. I smile and walk over to the rack behind her, “I want something simple yet gorgeous,” I said. Yerin chuckles, “Y/N all dresses are gorgeous but a simple wedding dress? It will be difficult to find a simple one, besides don't you want to go all out on your wedding.” Yerin says with a head tilt. I bite my bottom lip and look through the dresses, “Not exactly,” my tone filled with honesty. I let a sad sigh escape my lips, I closed my eyes for a second and opened them. “I-I never really thought that I would get married someday…” I said turning my gaze to Yerin.

Yerin's smile fades, replaced with sympathy and concern. “What? Why? I mean you're the most amazing and sweetest person ever,” She says hanging the dresses on an empty rack, I smile faintly. “Really? I guess it's mostly how I was raised…I wasn't exactly raised the way you and Mingyu were,” I said, as I pulled a dress from the rack. “You two had a very normal childhood growing up, as Mingyu has mentioned before…whereas my childhood was focused more on religion and perfectionism,” I explain, my voice coming out soft rather harsh.

Yerin lets out a small sigh and grabs my hands, “I can only assume you had a very tough childhood?” She asks. I look at her, “Y-yeah, it was.” I said with a sad smile. A woman walks over to us, “Good morning, I see that you two are bridal shopping?” She asks. Yerin smiles and lets go of my hands, “Yes we are, this lovely woman here is our bride-to-be.” Yerin says with a grin. I smile shyly, I look at the pearl-white long sleeved silk dress in my hands.

“I see you have a certain type, are you looking for a silk wedding dress?” The woman asks with a smile, I exhale softly. “Y-yes I am, something like this but I do see that the train is a bit too long,” I said looking at the ends of the dress, Yerin smiled and let an excited giggle. The woman smiles and nods, “follow me and I can show you the variety of silk dresses,” She says and walks us further into the shop. Yerin lets out a sigh of thrill, “Gawh I can’t believe you're marrying my brother…” Yerin says with a smile. I blush and look at the dresses the woman has set on the rack, I bite my lip as I eye a pearl white satin mermaid dress.

“Oh my, they're so gorgeous,” Yerin says as she scans the dresses, I hang the one I was holding. I walk over to the rack, I exhale softly as my fingertips touch the silk-like fabric. It’s gorgeous and simple, an off-shoulder and drop-shoulder sleeves, it has a mermaid tail at the bottom but flows at a perfect length. The train was a see-through silk with ruffled ends, I bite my bottom lip. “I think the bride-to-be has found the dress,” The woman says with a grin, I blush and look at Yerin. “It’s stunning,” She says and grasps my hand, “It is, it's gorgeous and simple,” I said. Yerin smiles, I exhale softly as I turn my gaze back to the dress.

“Mingyu will love it…” Yerin whispers as she wraps her arm over my shoulder, “I can see the little worry in your eyes, he’ll love it.” She says. I smile and laugh lightly, “Great now we can move on to measurements, when will the wedding be?” The woman says. Yerin squeals lightly and walks over to the woman, telling her the details of the wedding. I sigh softly and wipe away the tear that slipped, after years of wondering what it would be like to live a normal life without this curse…I can feel the mixed emotions of joy and anxiety.

[10:25AM]

“Again!” Mother’s voice is harsh but her beatings are twice harsher, I bite my bottom lip as tears stream down my face. I look at the symbols and strange words, and I sigh. “C-c-come to me…mama please don’t make me,” I cry and get on my knees, as I beg my mother to not let me continue with the ceremony. “It’s tradition Y/N, you’re fifteen… it's part of our family heritage.” Mother says with a term yet soft tone. I cry and shake my head as I see Evie running in, “Mama if Y/N won't do it then can I do it?” Evie asks. I gasped and looked at her with fear, “No, no you can't make us do it! It isn't right!” I cry. I fall in silence as mother’s hand collides with my cheek.

“Y/N?” Yerin’s voice brings me back to the present, I flinch at a light touch on my knee. “Y/N? Are you okay? You spaced out on us honey?” Aunt Eunha asks, her voice filled with worry. I look at the book sitting in front of us, I exhale softly. “Y-yeah, I’m fine sorry, it's overwhelming.” I lie and smile at them faintly, the wedding planner smiles and nods. “It's always overwhelming at first but once you're standing at the altar then it all comes down to the true meaning.” She says, Yerins glances at me. I nod and look at the photographs Jessica, the wedding planner had spread out. “And you had mentioned wanting a forest theme, did you have anything in mind?” Jessica asks as she opens her notepad.

I sigh softly and pull out a photo from my bag, “Yes…” I said placing the photo on the table. “Mingyu-my fiance and I, well I guess you could say that this movie holds a special meaning for me…” I said looking at the photo, Mingyu had taken me to Washington Forks for our first anniversary. “It was a trip he had taken me on when our relationship had turned one year,” I explain, I smile fondly just remembering about it. “He was always a step ahead of me when it came to our favorite movies and books,” I said, I felt Aunt Eunha pat my arm.

“Oh…aww a Twilight wedding. Wow, that’s absolutely cheesy and romantic, I like that.” Jessica says with a smile, “Oh wow, your fiance is very handsome. Now how exactly will you want it to look? Just like in the movie or semi?” Jessica asks as she hands me the photo back. I bite my bottom lip, “Mhmm, I guess just how it is in the movie…” I said. Jessica smiles and nods, “As for colors…” She says. “Oh for colors I was thinking of adding some lavender purple” I said Yerin smiled and nudged at my thigh, I smile. I look at the pictures Jessica has handed me, “I can already see it, this wedding will be so romantic.” Jessica says. Yerin squeals and smiles, “I can already see my brother’s face when Y/N walks down the aisle…” Yerin says.

My cheeks hurt from all the smiling, I put the pictures I had selected in Jessica’s notepad. I organized the remaining photos in a neat stack, “I guess we’re done here, the colors were picked, the theme explained, the number of guests, the venue picked out, flowers…right flowers,” Jessica said and clicked her pen. I looked at her, “White roses and tulips,” I said. Jessica smiles and writes down on her notepad, “Great well, it’s settled, your wedding will be stunning. It's only the beginning of August so it leaves us with plenty of time to start planning for the wedding, on October twenty-fifth correct?” Jessica asks. I nod and smile faintly, “Well it was nice meeting you Y/N, and great to see you again Yerin and Eunha. Rest assured I’ll make this wedding unforgettable.” Jessica says shaking our hands.

I sigh softly as we walk out of the office, I grip my bag as I lean against the brick wall. “Are you okay?” Aunt Eunha asks, I smile and nod. “Yeah, I’m just feeling nauseous that’s all,” I said, Yerin smirked and eyes at my stomach. I furrowed my brows, “Hun? When was the last time you and Mingyu?” Aunt Eunha asks. I look at them perplexed, “Wh-,” Yerin laughs. “Oh come on Y/N, you can tell us.” She says, I sigh softly. “We-oh wow, I guess we’ve been very active these couple three weeks,” I said flustered, Aunt Eunha smiles. “When have you started feeling nauseous?” She asks, I bite my bottom lip. “Um just this starting week, why?” I asked.

Aunt Eunha and Yerin link their arms with mine, “Let’s get you a pregnancy test hun” Aunt Eunha says. I stop in my tracks, “A pregnancy test?” I ask. No this can’t be…I can’t be. “No..I don't think me being nauseous would point to pregnancy,” I said shaking my head, “I mean maybe it was something I ate,” I said. Yerin smiles and chuckles, “Oh come on Y/N it doesn't hurt to check,” She says. I sigh softly and nod, yes I should check and see if I am or not. Hopefully, I’m not.

𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖶𝖺𝗒 𝗈𝖿 𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖧𝗈𝗎𝗌𝖾 𝖧𝗎𝗌𝖻𝖺𝗇𝖽

𖥔 pairing: kim mingyu x f.reader 𖥔 wordcount: 19.0k 𖥔 genre: fake marriage au!, fluff, angst, smut (18+ mdni)

𖥔 reblogs, likes and comments are always appreciated ♡! tumblr is based on reblogs not likes, and they help writers like me to get better reach. thank you!

𖥔 summary: you and mingyu (a former mafia member and also your ex-fiancè's former best friend) are forced into witness protection. All you’ve been told is that you’re meant to act like a happily married couple. Pushed into a cookie cutter house, and a suburban neighbourhood far from the city, where people bring you baked goods on your first day and partake in small talk, it’s all foreign and new. There’s so many things you don’t know about him, but for a man who’s only known violence and all things illegal, he’s somehow the perfect house husband.

𖥔 tags: nonidol!au, ex-mafia!mingyu, househusband!mingyu, afab!reader, catmom!reader, neighbour!verkwan, marshall officer!junhui and jihoon, ex-fiancè! seungcheol, fake marriage, mingyu loves to garden, mingyu has a large dragon tattoo on his back that is barely mentioned, mentions of the show Bluey and the movie Twilight, lots of domesticity and house work talk.

𖥔 note: i got this fic done earlier than expected but i have LOTS of people to thank because they are a huge part of why i was even able to get it done. firstly to my beta-readers, thank you, you were all so helpful and i really wouldn't have it done without you all @gyuswhore , @highvern , and @onlyhuis ♡. thank you to @wooahaeproductions , @hannieween , and june (again) for allowing me to put a cameo of you all in the fic! a big thank you to all the people who sent asks that helped me write some of the scenes in the story. thank you to a lot of the @svthub members who helped sm with this fic, esp @ourdawnishotterthanourday, @bitchlessdino, @seokgyuu, @onlymingyus, and @the-boy-meets-evil !! i couldn't have done it without you all and i'm so grateful ♡. i worked really hard on this fic and i've been talking about it for so long, so thank you to all of you who interacted with my posts and waited so patiently. i appreciate every single one of you and i hope you enjoy this story because i really love it too :). see you soonest - anna ♡.

𖥔 some songs i listened to while writing: lagi - bini, i wish - seventeen, sunny day - beabadoobee, chocolate - seventeen vocal unit. 𖥔 masterlist

-> smut tags/ warnings under the cut (18+ mdni!)

𖥔 smut tags: dom!gyu, sub!reader, unprotected penetrative p in v sex (don't do it!), breeding kink, multiple rounds, multiple positons, creampie, spanking, choking (barely), oral (f.receiving), spitting, pet names (reader: baby, wife) (mingyu: baby). 𖥔 warnings: mentions of weapon and drug trafficking, violence, reader is paranoid and anxious from time to time, a lot of inaccurate talk about legal stuff and witness protection, everything listed is talked about with as very little detail as possible.

The tension in the air is thick, not one word was uttered the whole car ride.

Everything still felt surreal, especially because the person you’re forced to live with for the next year is someone you aren’t particularly fond of. 

When you were told that you’d be put into witness protection due to your ex-fiance’s mafia bust, you didn’t expect that it would be spent with his right-hand man. The same man who you watched execute heinous acts under the volition of your ex. It wasn’t his fault that he had to carry out orders, but witnessing him unleash his wrath onto others was enough for you to steer clear of him. 

You aren’t one to judge, especially because you were to be wed to the mafia boss himself. You knew he was partaking in shady business, but you didn’t know that innocent people’s lives were included in his scheme to make more money. 

“I think we’re here,” Mingyu breaks the silence for the first time since you entered the car. 

Your attention is brought to the large sign that is displayed in front of the gated community. The words “Bridgewater Heights” are plastered to the high cement wall that surrounds the area. A part of you is glad that it at least looks like a secure place to live and bougie too; the gated entrance requiring a passcode with guards sitting at the doors screamed wealth. 

Never in your life did you think you were going to be living in such an expensive-looking place. Even when you were still dating Seungcheol, who had money raining down on him constantly, you never desired this lifestyle. Maybe it was because you never understood the want to live in the suburbs, the city suited you better anyway.

 Those initial thoughts are offset as you stare out the car window. children happily playing in the streets, the sun shining down on them, their laughter seeping through the cracks of the car door as they skip around. Everything here seems so cheerful. you wonder if you could begin to find that type of joy if you stay here long enough too. 

As you approach the house you are forced to stay in, you realize that it looks like every other one in the neighbourhood. Large, modern, and painfully identical to your neighbours. A white picket fence lining the yard, with a front-facing garage that perfectly fits two cars. Large windows and a wrap-around porch tie it all together. You couldn’t help but be amazed at how grand everything looks, the difference is drastic from your cozy apartment back in the city. 

An audible gulp goes down your throat. It didn’t start feeling real till now, especially because you spent the hour-long car ride daydreaming about your old home. Reading a book on the couch while stroking your cat, Norbert’s fur. His purring in the back seat calms you down, but not enough that you can accept your fate of living with Mingyu for the next year. 

Your now “husband” parks in the driveway before popping the trunk open to unload the suitcases that carried half of your life. All your clothes, books, and trinkets are all sized down to sixty kilograms. It upset you to take only your most important things, but if it meant you’d be safe from your ex, you knew you had no choice but to agree. 

As you opened the door to your new home, your heart began to pound in your chest. 

You watched as Mingyu continued to haul everything from the car into the house; his large biceps bulging through his white tee as he carried the box that caged your now whining cat. Norbert’s meowing becomes more agitated with every passing second he spends in his carrier case, the guilty feeling pools in your stomach as his meows turn into cries. You hated keeping him in one place for long, especially for long car rides. 

Norbert has always been an active cat, running around, and exploring your old neighbourhood, and at the end of the day, he always came back. At night you two spent hours cuddling while you read your books; sometimes reading the words aloud as if your cat could understand what you were saying. 

Mingyu finishes up with the last of the boxes, taking a step back to look at the new house in all its glory. His hands on his hips as he sighs, admiring the work that had gone into building the house. You didn’t understand why he found the craftsmanship so interesting, but you decided not to think too hard about it. 

He turns to you with an apprehensive smile, his eyes glinting in the sun, “Home sweet home, I guess.” 

two. 

The first few days at the new house were uneventful and awkward, to say the least. Mingyu spent the majority of his time doing random housework, he thought that if he had to live here for a year, then he should at least try and make it as “homey" as possible. 

Many of the women in the neighbourhood had deemed Mingyu as their new eye candy, even though he wore his pink Shibu inu apron while tending to the garden at the front of the house. They would especially make sure to take multiple laps around the block during their group walks, drooling over his toned muscles as he began to plant an array of flowers on the lawn. 

Mingyu isn’t very observant when it comes to people finding him attractive, believe it or not. He automatically assumes that the wives of Bridgewater just wanted to get to know the new couple that just moved in. 

“What a beautiful garden you have!” one of the wives called out from the sidewalk, her eyes glinting with appeal. 

“Thank you, It’s not done just yet, but I think we’re finally getting somewhere,” Mingyu smiles bashfully. 

“Of course dear. You know if you’re ever free you should come and take a look at my garden,” another lady giggles, her innuendo flying right over Mingyu’s head.

The group of forty-plus-year-old women all giggle like school girls as they watch his face turn red with flattery. Mingyu scratched the back of his head awkwardly as they bid him goodbye, curious as to what the group of women thought was so funny about him taking a look at their gardens. It’s all just a bunch of flowers, isn’t it? 

The sound of your car’s engine brings Mingyu out of his thoughts, his gardening tools forgotten by the piles of dirt. You lug Nortbert’s carrier as you walk into the house, acknowledging his presence with a small nod. His pink aprons raise a few questions in your head, but you decide not to comment on it. 

“Oh hey you’re back, is he ok?” Mingyu asks, motioning to the carrier you hold in your hand. 

Halting your steps, your eyes widen as you realize that he’s talking to you. There wasn’t much conversation between the two of you since you moved in. so you found it a little surprising that he’s asking about Norbert, the cat who tends to show lots of aggression towards him. 

“Morning. He’s ok, I just took him for his check-up at the vet,” you shrug before entering the house. 

You leave the conversation there. There wasn’t much else to say anyway, and you had a lot of work to get to before the end of the day. If Mingyu feels a little bit ignored by your actions, he doesn’t make it noticeable, going back to working on his garden. 

From across the yard, neither you nor Mingyu notices Seungkwan’s looming figure as he and Vernon enjoy the Friday morning sun. He watches the two of you from his porch with a quirked eyebrow. They’re awkward for newlyweds, he thinks to himself. 

“Nonie, don’t you think they’re a little weird?” Seungkwan nudges his boyfriend, who’s mumbling to himself while Vernon reads his book. 

Vernon quirks up, moving his headphones a little to hear what his boyfriend has to say, “Huh? Sorry I was reading, what’d you say?” 

“Nothing, go back to your book love,” Seungkwan mumbles, his eyes still darting back and forth from your descending figure and Mingyu, his suspicions spiking once more. 

three.

“So, how’s the house? Do you guys have everything you need?” Jihoon asks over the phone. 

Being the marshall officer assigned to your case, he would take time out of his hectic workday to check up on you and Mingyu. You still remember the first time he had contacted you, informing you about your ex escaping a planned police raid. The rhythmic beating of your heart stopped the moment those words left Jihoon’s lips, and the fear of Seungcheol showing up at your home unannounced at any moment doubled within a second. 

You didn’t want to leave everything behind, especially because of how hard it was for you to build a life for yourself in your old city. But the other half of you was scared at the possibility of Seungcheol finding out about your new apartment and your new job; it was all too risky. 

Now that you’re here, a part of you wonders what you would have said if Jihoon told you that Mingyu was the man they were going to put into witness protection alongside yourself. Maybe if you knew from the beginning you would’ve refused, or at least asked to be placed somewhere that allowed you to be alone. 

“It’s fine Jihoon, we’ve unpacked everything, but our neighbours are quite noisy if I’m being honest,” you sigh, petting Norbert in your lap as you answer all of his questions. 

The first day you and Mingyu moved in, your neighbour Seungkwan took it upon himself to introduce you to Bridgwater. Not only did he give you the rundown of every family that lived on your block, but he also became very curious about you and Mingyu. Seungkwan’s questions hit you back to back as if you were being interviewed, and you don’t even remember how you answered any of them. 

“Who’s the handsome one carrying all your things?”

“Oh, that’s your husband? How long have you been married? How did you two meet?” 

“Do you two have any kids? No? Oh what a shame, this neighbourhood is filled with them. Does your husband have a twin brother? Don’t tell Vernon I said that — just joking!”

“Oh, who’s Vernon? He’s my boyfriend, he’s in the house somewhere, anyways why did you two decide to move to Bridgwater?” 

The questions went on for what felt like forever and before you knew it Mingyu had finished unpacking the first floor of the house. The place came fully furnished so you didn’t have much to do. But Seungkwan made you nervous to say the least, especially because you didn’t prepare to be quizzed on your first day in the neighbourhood. The only good thing to come out of that interaction was the brownies he baked, which tasted amazing, surprisingly enough. 

“Why? Should I look into it?” Jihoon suggests, bringing you out of your thoughts. 

You shake your head as if he can see you through the phone call. 

“No, it’s okay, one of them just likes to gossip I think,” you laugh. “Other than that we’re fine.” 

You hear Jihoon sigh out of relief, his day is already long enough. If he had to spend time looking into your neighbours to see if they had a criminal record, he would miss his dinner date. 

“Okay, good to know. I’ll call you again next week,” Jihoon says with a monotonous tone. 

A giggle leaves your lips, the exhaustion clear in his voice. You felt a little bad knowing he had to spend a lot of time on you and Mingyu’s case, but you were also thankful for the fact that you had someone to talk to from time to time. 

It's only been about a week since you arrived in your little suburbia ‘haven’, and you still haven’t made any friends in the neighbourhood. You don’t count Seungkwan… he was more like a pain in the ass than a friend if anything. Although his boyfriend Vernon wasn’t as bad; quiet and a little expressionless, at least he kept to himself. 

You hear the front door unlock with a beep, you already know who it is. 

Whipping your head to see Mingyu stepping through the front door, hands filled with grocery bags. His appearance is laughable, his tall stature and large muscles contrasting the pink Shiba Inu apron that he wears over his clothes. You weren’t sure where he had got it from or why he chose to wear it in public, but you don’t feel like it’s your place to question him. 

In the few days that you two have been living together, you begin to realize how different he is compared to his former mafia brothers. Mingyu had a knack for knowing his way around the kitchen, the whole house. He spent a lot of his free time cleaning, gardening, or making meals for the two of you. 

The two of you didn’t talk much, and there was still some awkwardness lingering in the air. Meals were eaten with minimal conversation, and during the nights you would read your books in the living room, Mingyu would sit on the opposite side attempting to get Norbert to warm up to him. 

“Norbert, please! Anytime but now, I have a shit ton of groceries that need to be put away!” You can hear Mingyu exasperate at the front of the house. 

Norbert’s meowing rings throughout the house and you already know that his claws are probably scratching away at Mingyu’s pants. From what you have gathered, Norbert isn’t very fond of Mingyu. You assume that he’s just not used to having another person around the house, but at the same time, you thought your cat would have started to get used to his presence by now. 

“Norbert, baby! Come and sit with me, I’ve got a new book for us to read,” you call out for him, saving Mingyu from your cat’s wrath. 

The pitter-patter of his claws grows louder as he makes his way towards you, Mingyu’s large sigh of relief following shortly after. You laugh to yourself at how much he likes to torment Mingyu, even though Norbert only weighs about twenty pounds and is a cat.  

The night goes on without another hitch. Mingyu prepares dinner for the two of you while you and Norbert dive into the first installment of Twilight. Reading aloud so your baby (cat) can follow along with the story about teenage vampires and werewolves. 

four. 

Mingyu was a man who thought he would never be able to escape his mafia, let alone be able to restart in a place that didn’t tie him to any of his illicit work. He never wanted to work for Seungcheol, nor did he want to live every day wondering if it was going to be his last. 

He sees himself as a simple man, and all his daydreams are centered around living a simple life. A home that’s fit for a family, a golden retriever to throw frisbees with, and neighbourhood barbecues. He thought it was all some far-fetched fantasy. 

It wasn’t until Jihoon got in contact with him, that’s when he realized that he finally had a chance at living the life he always dreamed of. What he didn’t know was that you would be the one he was going to be living with. But the moment Jihoon mentioned you, he knew that his wishes were more out of reach than he hoped. 

He didn’t have anything against you, but he still remembers the day you left Seungcheol. It's heavily ingrained in his memory, not only because your escape created an uproar, but it was also the day he realized he too needed to get out of there as soon as possible.

… 

“Boss? Wonwoo told me you wanted to talk,” Mingyu enters Seungcheol’s office, face painted with worry. 

The office faces the west side of the city, skyscrapers and clouds surrounding the large floor-to-ceiling windows. There sat Seungcheol, his hair tousled every which way due to his habit of constantly running his fingers through it. The most obvious indicator of Seungcheol’s stress is if his hair is a complete mess, and that is how Mingyu knew that there must be something wrong. 

“Y/n left,” Seungcheol’s voice breaks, head in his hands. 

His eyes are bloodshot, shoulders shaking as he cries to himself quietly. Seungcheol wasn’t prepared for you to leave, let alone disappear without a single goodbye.  He knew it was his fault too, and he knew why you left. The world flipped upside from that day onwards. Seungcheol hasn’t been the same since.

The air becomes thick, and Mingyu finds it hard to swallow. He knew how much Seungcheol adored you, and he knew that he would do anything for you. 

“What? Why? Did she say anything to you?” Mingyu panics, unsure what to say or how to comfort his leader. 

“No note, nothing,” Cheol sighs, picking at the chipped piece of wood on his desk. “All she left was her ring on the dresser.” 

“I’m sorry Cheol, I didn’t know.” Mingyu becomes meek, his voice softer than feathers falling onto the pavement. 

His stomach plummets to the ground. He had a feeling you found out what truly lies under Seungcheol’s business, but he didn’t know you would leave so hastily. He felt the guilt swirl throughout his body, but a part of him was relieved. Mingyu knew you weren’t meant for this lifestyle, and if you stayed any longer there would be no chance for you to escape. 

Wonwoo informed him that he told you about what Seungcheol does to bring money in. He told Mingyu that it wouldn’t be right to continue to let you live so carelessly without knowing what type of person your fiance is. 

It wasn’t long after that conversation that Mingyu found his way out of Seungcheol’s grasp too. He knows he should’ve felt bad, and that he should’ve at least found an excuse to leave Seungcheol. But he just couldn’t go through with it, he knew if he even spent a moment explaining himself, he would’ve never been able to leave. 

Mingyu was Seungcheol’s right-hand man, his confidant, and most importantly his best friend. Mingyu has seen Cheol grow into the person he is today, and it only makes him feel even more remorse. He knows he should’ve stopped him from becoming blinded by wealth, by power. But he didn’t and it caused him not only to lose his fiancée, but also his brother. 

Since that day, Mingyu has constantly pondered what could’ve been if Seungcheol hadn’t turned to mafia life. Would they have been happy? Would they have lived long lives with families of their own? There are so many unanswered what-ifs. He knows he can’t change his past anymore, but he knows that wants a better future. Even if it meant spending a year faking a marriage with his former best friend’s ex-fiancée. 

five. 

“Oh Y/n-ie! It’s good to see you, I swear I haven’t seen you leave the house since you’ve moved in,” Seungkwan snips, giving you a tooth-achingly sweet smile. 

You try to suppress your eye-roll as much as possible as he walks over to your side of the comically green grassed yard. Seungkwan’s hand is on his hip as he watches you make your way to your car. 

“Good afternoon to you too, Seungkwan. Just needed to pick up a few things for dinner. Mingyu spent the afternoon at the country club,” you return his fake smile, trying to keep up the facade of a doting wife. 

“Oh! Is that so? I swear I thought your husband did the housework in your home. He’s always wearing that pink apron around the neighbourhood.” Seungkwan pretends to act invested in your “married life”, but he’s trying to get whatever gossip he can out of you. His real goal is purely to entertain the neighbourhood aunties with any information on the newlyweds. 

Stopping in your tracks, his words catch you by surprise. You should’ve known that Seungkwan is an observant person, especially because he somehow knows everything about everyone in Bridgewater.

“Oh we split the chores evenly,” you let out a forced laugh, he offers to do the housework, and you think to yourself before continuing, “And he likes the apron, so who am I to deny his happiness?” 

Not wanting to be grilled by Seungkwan any longer, you hastily slip into your car before he can get another word in. 

…

“Norbert, please calm down honey, I’m trying to cook! And if I don’t end up eating neither will you,” you warn your cat to stop pawing at your leg. 

Norbert was extra clingy today, and knowing you weren’t the best cook in the world, you couldn’t afford to ruin the recipe for a second time. Yes, a second time. 

The first attempt at making alfredo for both you and Mingyu ended miserably, and thankfully you were smart enough to buy double the ingredients just in case any mistakes were to occur when you were cooking. The recipe online looked simple, and you even watched a few TikTok videos in an attempt to expand your knowledge. 

You thought that making a cream sauce and boiling some noodles would be pretty straightforward, but somehow, you burnt the boiling noodles. Seeing all the noodles stick to the bottom of the pan you decided to just leave the searing pot in the sink and worry about it later, which turned out to be another grave mistake. 

Mistake number two started when you thought the pot was cool enough to touch, earning you a sizzling burn on your soft skin. This explains Norbert’s clingy behaviour, witnessing all your fuck ups through his kitten eyes. You try not to swear in front of the baby but you couldn’t help but let out a few curses while you attempted to bandage up your burn.

 To say the least, you shouldn’t be let into the kitchen from now on. But you felt bad that Mingyu made food for the both of you instead of letting you fend for yourself, so you thought you could at least return the gesture. 

Norbert’s meows come to an abrupt stop as he hears the front door beep, making his way to greet Mingyu at the door. Except Norbert never greets Mingyu in a friendly way. Not more than ten seconds pass before you begin to hear Norbert’s hissing and clawing into the man's thighs. 

“Norbert! Please! Where’s your mom? Can’t you just sit with her so I can at least take my shoes off?” Mingyu begs, causing you to snort. 

Norbert doesn't listen to anyone but you, and even that is a rare occurrence for your sassy cat. 

“Honey, come to the kitchen!” you yell at your cat to return to his rightful side beside you. 

Mingyu comes speeding down the hallway, Norbert following him, his curious eyes peeking at your frame. He watches as you concentrate on making the alfredo sauce, tongue stuck out and a layer of sweat lining your forehead. 

The sun is setting behind you, the golden rays hitting your face, highlighting your features beautifully. Mingyu is entranced, his prior feelings of hunger are nothing but a memory of the past. 

You can feel his eyes on you, his stare boring holes into the side of your face and it causes your shoulders to stiffen slightly. Turning to face him, you quirk an inquisitive brow, not sure as to why he’s so trained on you. The gears begin to turn, and finally, the imaginary lightbulb begins to ding. 

“I was calling for Norbert,” you clarified. 

“Oh.” 

“Yeah, but it’s fine if you’re here too. I tried to make us dinner, I know you’re the cook but I felt bad that you’re always the one preparing food for us,” you shrug, trying not to focus on how handsome Mingyu looks in his golfing attire. 

His large biceps stretch the material of his shirt beyond belief, while the pants define his slim waist. The strands of hair are somehow perfectly placed, and his eyes are so kind, it would be stupid to deny his beauty. You can admit that Mingyu is extremely attractive, and you know you don’t owe Seungcheol anything, but the thought of being involved with Mingyu more than you already are could fuck things up for your future, especially knowing this arrangement isn’t permanent.

“I don’t mind though.” 

“I know you don’t but I do,” you sigh, finishing up the dish by adding the sauce to the pasta. 

Turning towards the island, you begin to plate the rest of the sides for dinner, trying your best to make sure that this batch is more edible than the first attempt. Mingyu continues to watch you, his arms crossed as he leans against the fridge. 

This is everything Mingyu wished for himself, the view of you plating the food you’re about to eat together, even if you’re his ‘best friend’s’ ex. Playing golf at the country club, even if it’s with Jihoon, who wanted to be able to meet without being inconspicuous. Coming home to a fluffy fur baby, even though Norbert hates his guts. It may not be perfect, or how Mingyu imagined it exactly, but it’s better than before. Better than when he was living every day like it was his last, working a job that brought him no happiness. 

“Did you burn yourself earlier?” he asks you, noticing the bandage you wrapped around your left hand. 

“Yeah, I’m not the best cook so, if the food doesn't taste right, sorry,” you apologize in advance, not wanting Mingyu to get his hopes up. 

He laughs at how apologetic you look, and you turn to give him a glare, his canines poking out of his smile like fangs. This is probably one of the first times you two held a full conversation. The only other time was when you were deciding on how the house was going to be run, and picking out your separate bedrooms. 

Mingyu was kind enough to let you stay in the master bedroom while he slept in the room across the hall from yours. If you took away the history you had with Mignyu and Seungcheol, you could imagine that the two of you are just like roommates. Living together, acquainted, but not exactly friendly or close. 

It isn’t as bad as you thought it was going to be, and you may have misjudged Mingyu at first. He’s a lot different than he was all those years ago, or maybe you find him to be different now because you didn't know him all that well when you were still with Seungcheol. 

You find Mingyu to be kind, soft-hearted, and a man who somehow knows a lot about taking care of the house. Even knowledgeable on how to clean Norbert’s litter box, and give him the occasional bath.

“What did you and Jihoon talk about at the country club?” you ask him, wanting to know if there’s any important news that should be brought to your attention. 

“Well he said that the FBI is still on the hunt for Seungcheol, but the rest of the guys have already been put into custody,” he sighs. 

“And Wonwoo?” 

“He’s fine, they pardoned him for giving up information,” Mingyu mutters, walking up to the space beside you. 

He takes the bowl of lettuce from your hands, adding in all the ingredients you prepped for the salad to have alongside your pasta. The brush of your hands makes you blush like some teenage girl, but you allow him to help you nonetheless. You didn’t realize how tiring cooking was because you’ve never had to cook for more than one person before. 

“That’s good to hear. If it weren’t for Wonwoo, I wouldn’t have been able to leave that damn place,” you laugh bitterly, folding the sauce into your noodles, making sure they were fully coated. 

“I was there, that day,” Mingyu mentions, his eyes trained on preparing the food in front of him, “Seungcheol was a wreck.” 

“I know, and I know it hurt him, but I couldn’t stand being there anymore. Especially after Wonwoo told me the truth.” 

“It’s okay, he’s not the same guy I knew from when we were kids either.” 

“I hope he’s moved on at least.” 

“I wouldn’t know,” Mingyu shrugs, his eyes glassy, “I left a few days after you did.” 

“Really?” 

“Yeah, for the same reasons you did, and also for myself,” he sighs, moving away to grab plates from the cupboards. 

Standing there, you’re stunned. Mingyu was someone Seungcheol saw as his brother, and you thought they would live their mafia life together till the end. As cheesy as it sounds, there were times you felt that your ex cared more for Mingyu than any other person who worked for him. 

Mingyu begins to set the table, Norbert following closely as he peers at the counter to see all the food that you’ve made. If you didn’t know any better you would’ve thought that even your cat was aware of the stiff atmosphere that blankets you and Mingyu. 

You don’t know if you should pry, so you just nod and help him with putting dinner on the table. And for the rest of the night, it was quiet. Eating in silence while Norbert watches Bluey in the living room, something that you’ve always put on for him just to keep him occupied while you and Mingyu eat dinner. 

After dinner was finished, Mingyu offered to wash the dishes, allowing you to relax and enjoy some episodes of Bluey with Norbert purring peacefully by your side. 

“Mind if I join?” Mingyu enters the living room, wearing sweats and a white tank top. 

You give him a shy smile gesturing for him to sit on your right side while Norbert lays on the cushion to your left. His taunt muscles distract you for a second, but you do your best to shake the attraction from your coursing veins.  The couch dips and Mingyu lets out a relieved sigh. Probably because he was tired from the day he spent trying to pretend he was out golfing with Jihoon. 

“So what’s the show about?” Mingyu asks you, his eyes trained on your side profile. 

“A show about a dog family,” you chuckle, “Originally it was meant for Norbert to watch when I’m working or when we’re eating, but it’s pretty good.” 

“Really? Isn’t it for kids?” Mingyu snorts but continues to sit next to you, watching the said kids' show. 

“Yeah it is, but Norbert is a kid to me,” you laugh, giving Norbert extra pats. 

“He’s a little menace that one,” Mingyu shakes his head, “I don’t think he likes me very much.” 

“Norbert just needs to get used to you,” you shrug, “I’ve had him since I left Seungcheol, so he’s seen me at my worst, he might just be overprotective of me.” 

Mingyu nods, taking in everything you’re telling him. He understands how leaving your ex-fiance is traumatic and heartbreaking. He knows it wasn’t easy for you, but at least you had Norbert to help you heal. 

“It wasn’t an easy decision, and Norbert helped me stay strong. It was lonely without Seungcheol for a long time, and a part of me will always love who he used to be.” 

Heat overwhelms Mingyu’s body, and his heart breaks for you. He can’t imagine what it's like to love someone and find out they’re not the person you thought they were. He knew you tried to tolerate his work, but at some point, you were led to your breaking point. 

“I hope you know you did the right thing. Seungcheol was going down a dark path and you were able to get out,” Mingyu smiles at you, his eyes filled with sincerity. 

“Thank you Mingyu, I appreciate that,” you return his smile. 

The two of you spend the rest of the night watching episodes of Bluey with Norbert, talking a little in between about the characters. Laughing at the scenes with Bluey and her younger sister, falling into a comfortable silence with each passing second. 

…

You feel warm, no, hot even. The sunlight hitting your face makes your eyes scrunch in discomfort. There's an ache in your shoulders as you begin to wake up from a very uncomfortable sleep. An arm pinning you down to the couch, a leg over yours. It takes you a while to begin to comprehend where you are and who is lying next to you. 

Mingyu’s snores fill your ears, heavy breaths tickling the back of your neck. You almost fall onto the carpet as you realize who exactly is holding you. Last night ended so peacefully, so much so that you don’t even remember falling asleep to begin with. 

Yet here you are, enveloped in his grasp, panicking and wondering how you’re going to escape without waking him up. And if matters couldn’t get any worse, you feel a hard bump brush against your lower back. The blush on your cheeks intensifies, he can’t be, you think to yourself. But you know what exactly is poking you as if this situation could get any more awkward. 

It's normal, right? Men get morning wood all the time, you thought to yourself. 

“Shit…” you whisper to yourself, slowly prying Mingyu’s arm from off your waist. 

He stirs in his sleep as you move off the couch but not enough to wake him up. As you stand up to walk away, you take one last peek at him, wondering how you two ended up falling asleep while watching Bluey of all shows. 

The usually sharp features are softened by his slumber, giving him a youthful look. It’s the first time you’ve seen him look so peaceful, and it suits him. This neighbourhood suits him as if he’s been living here all his life. It makes you feel a little envious knowing how easy it is for him to assimilate. He remembers all the neighbours' names and says hello to everyone who passes him while he's working in the yard, he just made it all look so easy to forget his life in the bustling city. Although you can’t blame him, you can tell he loves it here because of how much care he puts into the house. You can’t help but wonder why he’s trying so hard knowing both of you will part ways by next year. 

six. 

While you spent the majority of the day holed up in your office trying to finish off the rest of your projects, Mingyu decided that it was a lovely day to try and bond more with Norbert. He wasn’t sure how to make the stubborn kitten fall for him, but he thought that a nice walk around the neighbourhood couldn’t hurt. 

The day had barely started and Norbert was already making a fuss. Mingyu isn’t well-versed when it comes to cats; he’s more of a dog person himself. So to his surprise, Norbert was very adamant about staying indoors today. 

“Don’t you wanna explore the neighbourhood, Norbert?” Mingyu tries to persuade the cat, which makes him feel like a fool. 

Norbert gives him a blank stare obviously, and Mingyu wonders why he’s even trying knowing that the cat probably can’t understand him anyway. Trying his best to compromise with the ever-so-stubborn Norbert, a light bulb goes off in his head. 

It surely wasn’t easy, and there were a few scratches here and there, but Mingyu finally was able to put Norbert into the basket of his bicycle. The cat meowed like crazy until he was hit with the fresh air and warm sunlight. His meows died down and he sat in the basket peacefully, watching the kids play on the street and the cars pass by. 

“See? Not so bad now is it?” Mingyu chuckles, noticing the shift in Norbert’s mood. He meows back while nuzzling into the safety of his blanket. 

“It’ll be a boys’ day today, your mom’s busy working,” Mingyu continues, even though the animal can’t understand what he’s saying.

Feeling the wind brush through his hair, Mingyu takes a deep breath of fresh air. A content smile made its way onto his face, he could get used to this. The neighbours of Bridgewater waved to him as he biked along the streets. It's so peaceful, everyone is happy, and Mingyu is happy. He loved to explore even if it was just by himself, even if it meant he was alone with his thoughts. 

“Mingyu darling, what are you doing out and about today?” one of the older women he sees daily calls out for him. 

“Good afternoon! Me and Norbert just wanted to explore today,” he smiles with a toothy grin. 

The woman blushes at his handsome visuals, trying not to get caught up in his charms. She looks behind his large frame, spotting the cat sleeping peacefully in the basket attached to his bike. Letting out a giggle, finding it quite funny that Norbert is a cat and not a dog, usually, you don’t take cats out for these types of things. 

“Where’s that wife of yours? I’ve only seen her a few times, but oh my, isn’t she so pretty? You got lucky you know,” she chuckles, patting Mingyu’s arm playfully. 

Mingyu’s eyes shine at the mention of you, he agrees that you’re pretty but it feels a little weird that you're referred to as his wife, knowing that it’s all a facade. 

“Thank you miss, I’ll have to let her know that you said that,” he replies kindly while Norbert stirs a little in his spot before returning to his sleep. 

“Please don’t call me Miss, it's so formal! Just call me Auntie, okay?” she returns his kind smile. “You know what, I’ve got some leftover kimchi, why don’t you take it home, for you and your wife.” 

Mingyu’s eyes widened, his heart warmed by her act of kindness. “Is that ok? You don’t have to feel obligated to do that.” 

“Oh please, you young people, always so polite. I want to! So please share it with your wife, make some kimchi stew for dinner,” she reassures him, leaving him at her front yard to fetch a container of said kimchi. 

She comes back with a huge tub, enough to feed them for a whole month maybe. Handing him over the large container, she reminds him to come back when they run out. Bidding her goodbye, Mingyu returns home from his bike ride successfully with a sleepy cat and a comically large tub of fermented cabbage in tow. 

…

The smell of kimchi stew wafts from the kitchen into your office causing your stomach to growl with hunger. Focused on your pending tasks, you didn’t realize how fast the time flew by while you were working. Glancing over at the clock you’re surprised that it's already a quarter to five.

Stepping out to see what Mingyu’s doing in the kitchen, you find his back turned to you, nursing a large pot of stew on the burner. His large frame is accentuated by a white tank top, the pink string of his apron strewn along his waist. At this point, you weren’t sure if you were drooling over the smell of the food or the sight of your muscular fake husband. 

“What are you cooking?” you call out, leaning against the door frame that leads to your workspace. 

Mingyu jumps at the sound of your voice, surprised that you’ve come out so early. He knows you tend to work for long periods, only coming out when you’ve fully completed your assigned projects. 

“Kimchi stew, the lady down the street gave us a huge tub,” he replies, still stirring the pot without looking back at you. “I took Norbert out for a bike ride and she offered so.” 

“You took Norbert for a bike ride?” you ask with a raised eyebrow. 

Norbert is the type of cat who doesn’t like getting picked up and knowing that information makes it hard to believe Mingyu was able to successfully put him into the basket attached to his bike. Imagining him fighting to get your very grumpy cat into the bike made you giggle, especially because you know how much Norbert doesn’t like Mingyu.   

“Yeah, after a few scratches, he got in and I think he liked it. He fell asleep for most of it though,” Mingyu snorted, recalling how much that furball of fury put up a fight till his body hit the basket. 

“It’s nice that you’re trying to bond with him, it just takes him a while to warm up to you.” 

“Yeah, I figured we just needed a boy's day while you were working.” 

“Hmm, anyways the kimchi stew, is it ready?” you inquire while your stomach’s impatience continues to grow with each passing second. 

“It should be good, do you mind setting the table for me?” he requests while taking the pot off the burner. 

You don’t say anything else, moving to the living room to turn on more episodes for Norbert before grabbing plates from the cabinets to place them on the small dinner table. 

The serving dish needed for the stew sat at the very top shelf of the cupboard and your arms were simply too short to grab it. Your movements come to an abrupt halt the moment you feel Mingyu stand close behind you, one hand on your waist while the other hovers over you to grab the bowl. 

“Let me get it for you,” he grunts, taking the dish in his hand to ladle in the stew. 

Heart pounding in your chest, his breath tickles the back of your neck, a shiver running down your spine. Mingyu’s body encases yours as his arm comes back down to place the dish on the counter. 

Cursing yourself, you're thankful your back is turned to him or else he would be able to see the blush that’s starting to bloom on your cheeks. You mumble a small thanks before going to the table to resume setting the plates down for dinner. 

As you two eat in silence you think about all the moments you’ve had with Mingyu today. The time you slept on the couch until just now when he held you close. It didn’t even mean anything, it shouldn’t mean anything, yet it replays in your mind like clockwork. 

seven. 

The ringing of the doorbell brings you out of your thoughts, placing your book down, you head over to answer the door. It’s none other than your gossip of a neighbour Seungkwan. 

“Lovely evening Y/n-ie!” He smiles brightly, inviting himself into the foyer of your house before you could even protest. 

You resist the urge to roll your eyes yet again, stepping aside to allow Seungkwan to go on with whatever it is that brought him barging into your home. 

“Good evening,” you respond curtly, suspicious as to what he could need at this hour. 

“Vernon and I have some friends over for a little nightcap and dessert, do you and Mingyu want to join?” he asks, eyes never leaving yours. 

To a normal and maybe less paranoid person, one would assume that Seungkwan is just being a kind neighbour, but you’re not so easily fooled. The glint in his eyes makes you realize there’s probably an ulterior motive to his ‘act of kindness’. 

“Oh no it’s okay, it would be rude to impose,” you try to play it off politely, but the fucker wouldn’t budge. 

“Nonsense! I’m inviting you and Mingyu because I want you two there,” he explains, waving his hand at you.

Before you can refuse him even more, you hear Mingyu coming out of his room to check up on why you’re taking so long at the front door. 

“Y/n, is everything alright?” he calls out for you as he walks towards the foyer. 

“Everything’s all fine and dandy Mingyu, I just came over to invite you and Y/n over for some drinks and dessert!” Seungkwan informs him before you can get another word out. 

“That sounds like fun actually, why don’t we go baby?” Mingyu turns over to you, his eyebrows raised, his smile tight as he tries to silently tell you that he’s putting an act up for Seungkwan.

Still flustered by the pet name, you cough out a yes. Turning over to Seungkwan to give him a fake smile. He returns your smile, eyes squinted, you can see how hard the gears are working in that brain of his. You know that he probably finds you two odd because of how awkward you and Mingyu are with each other, but you attempt to play it off as normal as possible. 

“It’s settled then! Let's go, can’t keep everyone else waiting,” he exclaims as he opens the door, gesturing for the two of you to walk out first before closing the door. 

Crossing over to Seungkwan’s side of the yard, he opens the door for the two of you like the perfect host that you figured he would be. You cannot deny that his extroverted persona allows him to be so persuasive, but you can’t get over the fact that he’s a little too curious. 

“The newlyweds are here!” he calls out and five heads whip over to stare at you and Mingyu standing awkwardly in the foyer of their home. 

Mingyu grasps your hand in his, his palms rough, probably from all the work he does in the yard. Making your way over to the couch, a man with long hair gets up to pour you two drinks. This is the most that you two have come into contact with each other consciously if you don’t count the time on the couch. 

A part of you wonders if Mingyu realizes what happened this morning, but you’re too embarrassed to bring it up. So you’ll leave it and hope he doesn’t remember you two squeezed so intimately on the living room sofa. 

“Everyone, this is Y/n and Mingyu, they moved into the house beside ours a couple of weeks ago,” he introduces the two of you. 

As the two of you say your hello’s Mingyu pulls over to sit beside him on the couch, his arm wrapped around your waist. The blush on your cheeks stays permanently as you’re practically sitting on his lap. You try not to blow your cover but it’s hard with so many people's eyes on you. 

“You both already know Vernon-ie, the one grabbing your drinks is Jeonghan and that’s his wife, Valerie,” Seungkwan gets you two acquainted with the couple before moving on. “That’s Joshua and Maren, his wife.” 

“Nice to meet you! I’m Valerie but you can just call me Val,” the woman with brownish black hair smiles at you, and you can only nod, still overwhelmed with the amount of people you just met, “So why did you guys choose to live in Bridgewater?” 

“We thought it would be a nice place to live, I work from home and Mingyu is currently taking a break. The first time we saw the listing, we knew it was going to be our forever home,” you lie straight through your teeth. 

There's a twinge of guilt that stirs at the pit of your stomach, you feel bad for lying to these people because of how kind they all looked. You even felt bad for lying to Seungkwan, albeit he can be a nosy little shit but at least he’s nice enough to introduce you to his friends.

“If you don’t mind me asking where did you and Mingyu meet?” Maren, the woman sitting beside Joshua asks with a curious sparkle in her eyes. 

You almost choke on your drink, eyes wide because you were not prepared for all these questions thrown at you. Thankfully Mingyu took the lead this time, his thumb rubbing soothing circles where he had his hand placed on your waist. 

“We met through a mutual friend, we were in university at the time,” he smiles warmly and Maren listens intently, hanging onto Mingyu’s every word. “The moment I saw her I knew I was going to marry her.” 

Mingyu turns to you, placing a kiss on the top of your head, and your cheeks heat up for what feels like the millionth time today. Even though his acting this way with you is all a facade your heart can’t help but skip a beat. 

“What! That’s so cute,” Maren gushes before glaring at her husband before hitting his arm jokingly. “Why can’t you say cheesy stuff like that?” 

Joshua’s eyes go wide and he can’t help but stutter. “Bro you’re making the rest of us look really bad right now.” 

Mingyu barks out a laugh and just shrugs nonchalantly knowing that no one is immune to his charms. Even if all of this is a lie, he can’t help but play into the sappy newly-wed trope with you, and it doesn't help that he finds you so caring and beautiful too. There’s something about the way you lean into him on the couch and the soft smile you give him while talking about your “forever home”, you make it easy for him to imagine fake scenarios of how you two met. 

“What university did you two go to?” Jeonghan pipes up from his seat, his arm wrapping around Val as he sips on his glass of bourbon. 

“I went to Yonsei, I majored in statistics. Mingyu and I met at a club with our mutual friends,” you try not to sound too nervous while you piggyback off of Mingyu’s lie. 

The back of your neck feels hot from having everyone inquire about your history with Mingyu, and it doesn’t help that your ‘husband’’s sitting so close to you, his body heat transferring over to you. At least it wasn’t a complete lie, you did go to Yonsei and you majored in stats; just way before you met both Seungcheol and Mingyu. 

“What about you Mingyu?” Jeonghan moves on to him, and he perks up in his seat, mouth full of the cheesecake that Seungkwan made. The food fills his cheeks slightly and you giggle at how much he resembles a chipmunk. 

“I went to SNU, and majored in business,” he states after swallowing his dessert and clearing his throat. 

“Okay, enough with the interrogation. Can we talk about something else?” Vernon interrupts, obviously feeling bad for the fact that the rest of them have been asking you two questions for the majority of the night. 

The rest of the group laughs, probably because they know that Vernon doesn’t talk unless he’s prompted to. Although you don’t know him very well you could tell that he was more of a listening type. It makes sense that he and Seungkwan are together, he does enough talking for the both of them. 

You were more surprised by Mingyu’s answer though, you didn’t know that he went to SNU, if that was even the truth. Although he does look like the business type. There was something about him that exudes the energy of a CEO or a man who’s just good at making connections. He’s able to catch people's attention, his words carry the weight of someone who isn’t afraid to speak out loud. 

With the way he talked to Seungkwan’s friends tonight, you realized how well-articulated he is, and the fact that he’s able to get people to listen to what he has to say. Although he’s a little goofy, if you didn’t know him you would’ve assumed he’s someone important just by how he carries himself outside of the house. There’s a swell of pride within you when you watch him talk about your ‘past’, and for some reason, you don’t mind it. If anything, you’re looking forward to more moments like this. 

…

The rest of the evening went along smoothly after that, and by the time everyone was ready to leave it was nearing one in the morning. You helped Seungkwan clean up in the kitchen, putting away the dirty dishes in the dishwasher. The two of you were quiet for a bit, only talking when you asked him about what goes where. 

A part of you felt bad for being so curt with Seungkwan in the beginning. Maybe you were wrong about him and he just likes to be a nosy nieghbour, maybe it’s his way of making friends. You can’t help but be guarded due to your past and you misjudged him too quickly. 

Maybe it was the glasses of wine you had or the fact that you saw a different version of him. But there’s a lovable side to him, and also a side that doesn’t mind embarrassing himself a little to get a laugh out of his friends. 

“I want to thank you for inviting me and Mingyu tonight, all of our friends are in the city so we don’t get to see them often,” you confessed. “It’s nice to have someone else to talk to other than Mingyu or Norbert.” 

He turns to you with a genuine smile, and you notice that maybe that glint in his eyes is permanent, a glint that shows his happy demeanor and not the type that’s meant to show his mischievousness. 

“I’m glad you had fun because you’ll be invited to things like these from now on,” he expresses, his smile reaching his eyes now. 

“I appreciate it, Mingyu needs more friends in the neighbourhood, ones that are his age and don’t constantly drool over him,” you roll your eyes, recalling all the aunties who stroll past your front yard daily. 

“I can be his friend but I can’t promise I won’t drool over him,” he giggles, causing you to slap his arm playfully. 

“Hey! Leave my husband alone, you have your own. Don't get greedy now,” you feign anger at him, glaring at him before bursting out laughing. 

Mingyu walks into the kitchen, handing over the rest of the dishes that were left in the living room. His eyes dart back and forth between you as he realizes how much closer you two have gotten tonight. 

“Thank you, Gyu, if you ever get tired of being bossed around by Y/n you can always live with me and Nonie,” Seungkwan giggles as he calls him by his nickname, giving his large bicep a squeeze. 

You gasp at how forward Seungkwan is, your hand placed over your chest as you pretend to be offended by his words. He only glances back at you to stick his tongue out. 

“You’re so childish, he’s my husband,” you attested, pulling Mingyu by his arm so he could stand closer to you. “And I’m not bossy, Mingyu just enjoys doing housework!” 

Mingyu is even more confused now, but he cracks a smile when he sees how playful you’ve become. He concludes that maybe you just had a little more to drink than normal and goes along with you and Seungkwan’s teasing. 

“Woah that’s enough you two, there’s enough Mingyu for everyone,” he laughs and you give him a sour look. He was obviously feeling himself too much in that moment, but you can’t help but chuckle at how cocky he sounds. 

“Let’s go home Gyu, before Seungkwan decides to hold you hostage.” you huff emphasizing his nickname before you drag him over to the front door. “Bye Seungkwan, I already know I’ll see you tomorrow!” 

Waving goodbye to Kwan, you pass Vernon on your way as he sits on the couch scrolling on his phone while the two other couples mingle amongst themselves. 

“Bye everyone, it was nice meeting you, but it’s way past her bedtime,” Mingyu muses, motioning over to you. Your eyes feel droopy and you were practically hanging off of Mingyu’s body as he held you by the waist. 

They all say their goodbyes to the two of you with promises to meet soon again. Mingyu guides you through the front door and across the green grassed lawn back to your place. 

The time you spent with everyone tonight allowed you to recognize that maybe it isn’t so bad living here. Especially if you’ll be able to talk to them more often. No one but Mingyu knows about your past, and that reassures you to start new friendships, even though they’re temporary.

eight.

The next morning you woke up to your phone ringing incessantly, to the point you almost threw it across your room. It wasn’t until you read the name “Jihoon” flashing across the screen, causing you to fully wake up from what feels like a hundred years' worth of sleep. You silently promised yourself to remind Mingyu to not let you drink so much wine at Seungkwan’s house again. 

“Jihoon? Is everything alright? You usually check up on us in the evening,” you stammered, sleep still evident in your voice. 

“Y/n, hey sorry to call so early but…they’ve located Seungcheol,” he sighs, the news of his whereabouts hanging in the air. 

Gulping nervously, your palms sweat. The way Jihoon sounded a little apprehensive made you feel uncertainty brewing in the pit of your stomach. 

“Go on.” 

“He used a burner to call a friend of his I’m guessing, but we were able to ping it and he’s in the town next to yours.”

“What?!” Now you’re fully freaking out, pushing your comforter to go and find Mingyu. 

“I’m really sorry Y/n,” Jihoon sounds just as stressed as you are. 

Searching around the house you see him sitting on the sofa with Norbert beside him, they’re watching more episodes of Bluey, but he pauses the show after noticing the panicked look on your face. You go to sit beside him putting your phone on speaker so the both of you can hear what Jihoon has to say. 

“You’re on speaker, Mingyu’s right beside me,” you mention before allowing him to continue. 

His sigh is audible through the speakers of your phone, and your blood pressure rises. If Jihoon is this worried then you should probably just be as worried. 

“They found his location to be at a motel in the next town over, we don’t know how he found out but he might be looking for you two,” he explains carefully. “I’m sending over another Marshall officer to watch over you two while we continue to track Seungcheol. You two should be safe with him but try not to leave the neighbourhood for now, it could get dangerous if he ends up seeing either of you.” 

“Okay got it, thank you Jihoon,” Mingyu replies, his hand subconsciously placed over yours as you two bear the news of your very dangerous ex potentially on the hunt for you two. 

Jihoon gives you two his regards before he hangs up, probably too busy to linger on the phone for any longer. 

Giving Mingyu a nervous look, he can tell how hard this information is for you to handle. After a month of being here in what felt like a sanctuary from the dangers of the outside world, you’re pulled back into reality. You’re reminded of why you’re really here, more scared than ever. 

The tears start to fall before you even realize and Mingyu doesn’t say anything else, instead, he pulls you into your arms and tries to comfort you as much as possible. Even though he’s just as scared as you are, he’s determined to protect you, to protect his home, even Norbert. 

“I’m sorry, Y/n,” he whispers into your ear as you cry into his chest, your tears wetting his shirt. 

“You did nothing wrong, Mingyu,” you blabber as his hand rubs your back, trying to console your sobs. “I’m just so scared, what if he hurts us? What if you get hurt? I wouldn’t be able to handle it.” 

“Hey hey, it’s okay, I got you, I won’t let anyone hurt you. Don’t forget where I came from before all this,” he reassures you, pulling you back to look you in your eyes with a solemn stare. “He’s not going to touch even a single hair on you, or Nobert.” 

You giggle a little at the fact that he’s always so inclusive to the cat who’s a bitch to him but you’re happy to know that he’s willing to protect all of you. He laughs with you, wiping away the tears that have fallen from your eyes, his touch as gentle as a mouse despite how large his hands are. 

“You’re the best fake husband, I hope you know that,” you mumble as you go back into his embrace. “I know I haven’t said it yet, but I appreciate everything you’ve done for us.” 

“Thank you Y/n, you’re the best fake wife too,” he whispers back, kissing the top of your head just like he did last night. 

Except this time there’s no one to fool, there’s no one to lie to. It’s just the two of you, and the subtle meaning behind his affection makes you wish that it was Mingyu you fell for all those years ago instead. 

…

Jihoon: I have an officer who’ll be patrolling the area, his name is Jun Wen. Here’s his badge number: ###### and picture. Just in case someone tries to come and impersonate him, also don’t mind if he’s a little weird, that's just how he is; and yes, he knows what he’s doing so don’t worry. You’re in safe hands. 

An eyebrow quirks up as you read the last part of his text wondering what he meant about “weird”. As if on cue, the sound of the doorbell reverberates throughout your house.  That must be him, you thought to yourself. 

Mingyu leaves his spot on the couch and goes to get the door. He's become extra protective of you since the call you had with Jihoon this morning. It allows you to relax a little knowing he’ll be the one to answer the door from now on. 

“Uh, Y/n? Why’s there some guy meowing at Norbert on our front porch?” Mingyu asks you with a puzzled expression on his face. 

“Huh?” you’re just as confused as he is, but you walk over to Mingyu with your phone in hand regardless. 

Looking down at the picture Jihoon sent and back at the man squatted beside Norbet, you realize this is what Jihoon meant about him being weird. From the picture that was sent, he looks like a perfectly normal guy, maybe he just really likes cats? You wondered to yourself.

“Oh that’s Jun, the guy Jihoon sent over,” you mumble, showing Mingyu the picture on your phone. 

“Huh,” Mingyu says, dumbfounded. 

Opening the door you don’t say anything, just watching the man named Jun make noises at your cat, who looks disgruntled and very annoyed at the random human disturbing his sleep. He’s dressed in normal clothing instead of a uniform, probably so that the neighbours don’t ask any questions. 

“Mah-ow, mahhh-owww,” Jun keeps on making weird noises, blissfully unaware of the two of you staring at him from the now-opened front door. 

“Uh excuse me, sir, what are you doing?” you call out to him, the confusion still very clear on your face. 

Norbert hears your voice, ears perking up before he slips past Mingyu’s legs to go back into the house. His little claws clack against the hardwood as he makes his way onto the couch to continue with his afternoon nap. 

“Aw man, you guys scared the cat away,” he sighs animatedly before standing up to greet the two of you with his hand out to shake. “Hi, my name’s Jun, I’ll make sure bad guys won’t come and attack.” 

You and Mingyu exchange looks before looking back at Jun, then back at each other again. This is definitely not the type of guy you were expecting, but Jihoon trusts him, and you trust Jihoon’s judgment. 

“We didn’t-uh, never mind, anyways I’m Y/n, this is Mingyu,” you start to explain that you're not the one to scare Norbet away, but you quickly change your mind. Instead, you return his handshake with a curt smile. 

“Well, I'll just be patrolling around the neighbourhood, you’ll see me parked a few houses down once in a while. If you need anything, here’s my number.” He hands you his card which is filled with doodles of cats. 

He really does like cats, you confirm. 

He walks away with a wave before going back into his car and driving off. Mingyu bursts out laughing, hands clutching his stomach before he sighs, wiping off fake tears from his eyes. 

“That’s the guy that’s going to be helping us? Really?” he chuckles, looking at you like you’d know the answer to Jun’s odd behaviour. 

“Hey, don’t ask me, ask Jihoon,” you slap his arm playfully before laughing with him. 

“Well, hopefully, nothing bad happens from now on, I honestly think we could manage without a bodyguard of sorts, or whatever he is,” Mingyu snorts, off put by Jun’s personality. 

“Jihoon appointed him, so I’m sure he’s well trained. He wouldn’t have sent him over otherwise,” you rationalize, not wanting to doubt the person who’s meant to be protecting you from Seungcheol. 

“Okay, you’re right. Let’s just go inside, I’ll make us kimchi pancakes,” Mingyu beckons, and you close the door behind you before following him to the kitchen. 

Jun being there just gives you an extra layer of reassurance, and you know Mingyu is just as capable, but it doesn’t hurt to have backup. Seungcheol is a smart man, and you’re not sure what tricks he has up his sleeve, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. 

…

“Okay so now we just have to mix the pajeon mix with the kimchi,” Mingyu instructs, once again wearing his pink ruffled apron, but this time you’re wearing a matching one. 

With your hair tied up, and hands messy with kimchi pancake mix, you follow every instruction that Mingyu gives you. It was his idea to teach you to cook, especially because he knows you’re not well-versed in the kitchen. 

“Now what?” you ask, looking up at him for guidance, but before you can instruct him you spot the flour splattered on his nose. “Hey, you’ve got a little bit of… lemme just—” 

Not realizing your hands were covered in the wet batter you end up getting the mixture all over his face too. Gasping at what you’ve just done, Mingyu looks at you with wide eyes before taking some of the batter in the bowl and smearing it on your face. 

“Hey! I didn’t mean to, why’d you do that?” you let out a boisterous laugh, running away from him before he could catch you again. 

“I know you did that on purpose!” he yells out, chasing you around the kitchen island in circles. 

“No, I didn’t! Stop chasing me!” you squeal as he starts to close the distance between you two. 

“Liar, I’m getting my revenge!” he laughs along with you, hot on your trail. 

The two of you run in circles for a while till you have to catch your breath, causing you to slow down. Mingyu takes this opportunity to finally be able to get a hold of you, wrapping his hands around your waist with little effort before placing you on the counter. 

“Say your final words now,” he fakes a serious tone, his crinkled as he tries to hold back his laughter. 

Before you can get another word in he tickles your sides causing you to squirm against him as your back hits the counter. The bowl filled with kimchi pancake mix is long forgotten, half empty because of how much of it got onto both your clothes. 

“Ok stop! I-I’m sorry I didn’t mean to, I promise,” your words getting cut off by your laughter, Mingyu not relinquishing his hold on you. 

He stops for a moment, his finger pointed at you, “You promise?” 

You nod innocently, his upper body flushed against yours, legs intertwined at his waist as he pins you down to the counter with his other hand. 

“Not!” you bite the finger pointed at you, but Mingyu’s reflexes are too fast, his large hands pinning your wrists to the counter once more. 

The two of you have calmed down considerably since then, both tired from running around the kitchen. Your laboured breaths are the only thing that can be heard within the confines of your home. Mingyu’s face is dangerously close to yours, and if you leaned forward your lips would touch. 

The pounding in your chest doesn’t subside and Mingyu’s eyes don’t leave yours. His strong arms are perfectly within your line of sight, and at this moment you feel like you and Mingyu are the only people in the whole world. There are no fears or doubts, no scary ex hunting you down. Just you and Mingyu. 

Without even thinking, you both lean forward and capture each other’s lips in a soft kiss. You can tell he’s unsure at first, his hands loosening around your wrists, being as careful with you as he was this morning when he wiped away your tears. But you want more. 

Pressing your lips against his with more vigour, your legs wrap around his waist to pull his pelvis closer to yours. A grunt leaves Mingyu’s lips, he takes this action as a signal to kiss you more passionately. His tongue laps against yours, his hands lifting you so you’re both upright. 

“Mingyu,” you whimper, feeling the wet open-mouthed kisses he begins to press against your neck. 

Before you can get any further, a cat meows beneath the two of you, his head turned in confusion. You pull away from him first, staring at your menacing cat, Fucking Norbert, you curse him out in your head before hopping off the counter and dusting yourself off. 

“I’m gonna go shower, then we can go back to making the pancakes,” you smile awkwardly up at Mingyu. 

“Oh okay, me too, yeah.” He scratches the back of his head. 

Before you head to the washroom in your room you turn around once more and give Mingyu a quick peck on the lips. His arms wrap around your waist, trying to deepen the kiss once more. But you stop him before he can go any further, laughing at how needy he has gotten. 

“Let’s do that more often,” you giggle before running off to the washroom. 

Mingyu sighs with content, his cheeks rosy from your flirting. With you gone, he sticks his tongue at Norbert in frustration. What a cockblock, he says to himself in his head. Norbert meows in response before walking back to his spot on the couch. 

No one’s ever made Mingyu feel the way you just did. At that moment he realized how fucked he is, you’re only here with him for the next eleven months, then what? Do you two go on with your lives separately? And you two are supposed to just forget everything? The more he thinks about it, the more determined he is to stay. The more determined he becomes to make you his and to give you the life you deserve. 

The love you deserve. 

nine. 

“Afternoon, Jun!” you wave from the porch as you see his car approaching your driveway, his windows down, hair flowing through the wind. 

He looks so carefree despite how important his job is, and it makes you a little envious of his lighthearted personality. He must have a happy life out of work because you swear no one is this lax with a job like his. 

“Good afternoon to you too, Y/n,” he gives you a big smile, his little satchel wrapped around him as he makes his way over to you. 

It’s been about a week since Jun has been patrolling the nieghbourhood, and Seungkwan’s asked a few questions about the cute but odd guy frequenting your house. The quickest lie that you could come up with was that he’s your best friend visiting from the city. You told him that he works at the home office and that he comes over from time to time to work on another project with you. 

After that day, Seungkwan stopped asking so many questions, leaving you alone to sit and read with Vernon on their porch.

“Do you want to have lunch with me and Mingyu?” you ask him. “He made enough that I know we would have leftovers otherwise.” 

“My wife packs my lunch actually and she doesn’t like it when I come home with a full container.” He shrugs, taking out the cutely wrapped rilakkuma bento box from his satchel. 

“What! That’s so cute, I bet you love her lunch boxes,” you giggle, marveling at how much care his wife had gone into packing him food for the day. 

He rubs the back of his neck as he lets out a bashful laugh, his cheeks turning red at the mention of his wife. 

“Well she’s the only one whose food tastes exactly like my mom’s, maybe I’ll bring her around so you can meet her!” Jun’s eyes shine as he talks about his wife, obviously, head over heels for her. 

You find it endearing how much his demeanor changes from silly Jun to an in-love Jun. The tight feeling in your chest doesn’t subside as you watch how he goes on about her, and their cats Open, Close, and Lock. It makes you wonder if anyone would talk about you that way, even when you’re not there, or when it’s not some lie to tell to your neighbours and their friends.  

“That’s so sweet Jun, what’s her name?” you ask, wondering if you could make a new friend out of her too. 

“June!” he replies, his smile as bright as the afternoon sun. 

“Her name is also June?” you try to get more clarification on her name. 

As if Jun himself couldn’t get any weirder, he has three cats named Open, Close, and Lock, as well as a wife with the same name as him. You try to process all this information but you feel like it’s too early in the day to be thinking so hard. 

“Yeah! I’m Jun without an E and she’s June with an E,” he answers proudly. 

You leave the Jun lore for another time, instead asking him about other things going on in his life. He’s not as bad as you thought he would be, and you find that he’s actually very fun to talk to. Jun’s actions are always so animated, using his hands a lot while he’s talking. It seems like you’ve made another friend yet again. 

As you two make your way to the kitchen, Mingyu can hear your laughter ring through his ears. Two sets of footsteps make their way over to him, he knows Jun is just here because it’s his job but can’t help but feel a twinge of jealousy. 

“Hey Jun,” Mingyu greets him flatly, not really into the fact that he’s the reason his wife is laughing so hard right now. 

He has no right to feel jealous but he can’t help it, especially after the kiss you two shared the other day. The two of you haven’t gotten that intimate since that kiss in the kitchen and even though he wants it to happen again, it has to be on your terms. Even though he craves you with each waking hour, he wants to make sure he isn’t overstepping any boundaries. 

“Jun is going to eat with us for lunch, is that okay?” You go up to him, placing a hand on his bicep before giving it a squeeze.

Mingyu’s cheeks flush at your small gesture of affection, his eyes moving from where your hand is placed to your eyes. Looking up at him with doe eyes, you smile at him. Even though he doesn’t like the idea of you and Jun laughing together, he could never say no to you. 

“Yeah, of course,” he returns your smile and you whisper a small thank you before placing a kiss on his cheek, walking away to watch T.V. with Jun on the couch. 

He stands at the stove, a pan of grilled chicken to pair with your salads. A hand comes up to touch the cheek that you kissed, he smiles to himself as he continues to cook lunch for you two. 

It seems as though every day he spends with you, the harder he’s falling. He can’t help it, especially when you’re much more affectionate with him now. 

He fantasizes about the day you decide to no longer sleep in separate rooms across the hall from each other, and getting to wake up to you and your beautiful face every morning.  He watches you laugh with Jun in the living room and silently wishes that you’ll fall as hard as he has.

ten.

With every passing day, the more you worry about Seungcheol’s whereabouts. You’re safe here, and people are looking over you but you can’t help but be paranoid. You wonder if you’re going to have to live every day in fear. But thankfully, with Mingyu beside you, it becomes a little more bearable. 

It wasn’t until today that you realized that you could finally breathe right. You awoke to another call from Jihoon, who seems to only call about important matters early in the morning. He suggests that you get Mingyu, wanting both of you to be on the call. 

Your mind is spiraling. The last time Jihoon called he had given you bad news. 

“What’s wrong Jihoon?” you ask him apprehensively, not sure if you’re mentally prepared to hear what he has to say. 

Both you and Mingyu sat on the couch with bated breaths, waiting for him to say something. Anything. Mingyu has an arm around you, your legs on top of his as he holds you close. He didn’t even have to say anything, his silence was enough to indicate how nervous he was. 

“Guys, don’t be so nervous, now I’m getting nervous!” he sighs. 

“I can’t take this, just say it already, you’re killing me over here Ji,” Mingyu whines, squeezing you a little tighter to soothe his nerves. 

“Well, we found him. Jun was able to put him in custody and he’s been at the station for a couple of hours now,” he finally reveals, hearing the two of you squeal like a bunch of school girls over the speakers. “I know you don’t want to see him Y/n, but if you want you can come down and talk to him. Closure and shit.” 

Mingyu looks over at you the moment Jihoon mentions you visiting your ex, and he can practically see the gears turning in your head. To be honest, you’re not sure if you’re ready to face him, but a part of you is curious about what he’s like now. 

“Okay, I’ll visit him, but only if Mingyu comes with me,” you mutter, playing with the hem of Mingyu’s shirt absentmindedly. 

You think of all the scenarios that could play out the moment you meet with Seungcheol again, but you know that if you want to shed the rest of your old self. You need to finally face him and gain the closure you deserve. 

And the closure that Seungcheol deserves too. 

…

For the rest of the day, you and Mingyu have a little self-care night before your confrontation with Seungcheol. Your nerves are at an all-time high, even Norbert could tell you were anxious; constantly staying by your side, even when you were showering, working, or eating. 

You weren’t sure what you were going to say to Seungcheol when you see him, or how you’re going to even feel. It’s been years since you’ve faced him, you just know that if Mingyu is there everything will be alright. 

For some reason, Mingyu’s presence always calms you down. His comforting words and strong demeanor help you stay afloat in your deep sea of worries. Just like Norbert, you don’t think he realizes these past few months with him have helped you overcome a lot of your paranoia. The more you got to know him, the more you recognized how soft and loving he really is, despite his past. 

“You have to stay still, okay?” you mumble as you continue to slather the face mask all over Mingyu’s skin. 

Sat on top of the bathroom counter, Mingyu stood between your legs as you concentrated on the task at hand. His own hands placed on the tops of your thighs as he waited patiently for you to finish. 

When he proposed a self-care night, you didn’t think he’d agree to go as far as doing skin care with you. Obviously, you were very wrong, and it kind of warms your heart that he’s willing to do even something as silly as this and then watch Bluey with you on the couch. 

“Y/n, it tickles,” he whines, hands gripping harder on your thighs as he fights the urge to laugh. 

“Do not laugh! You’ll ruin it,” you try not to giggle, your own face mask starting to crack. 

“Okay, sorry but you look so silly right now,” he chuckles, his eyes trained on you. 

Even with your hair tied up and a fluffy bunny-ear face wash headband, he still finds you beautiful. It doesn't matter to him what you look like, just the fact that you’re here, with him, it’s all he needs to be happy. 

“Done!” you flash a proud smile before hopping off the counter. 

Before you can leave the bathroom, Mingyu grabs your wrist and turns you around till you're flush with his chest. You raise an eyebrow at him, unsure of what he’s plotting right now. Instead of saying anything more he just places a peck on your lips before whispering a small “thank you”, letting you two carry on with your night. 

You just laugh and shake your head at him before heading over to the couch to watch more episodes of Bluey. Norbert claims his rightful spot beside you while Mingyu sits on your other side. 

Tomorrow may be scary and you have a lot of thoughts running through your head, but spending the night peacefully with Mingyu and Norbert silences your worries enough to relax in the meantime. What you don’t expect is the constant thought of wondering if this is what your life would be like every day if you decide to stay in Bridgewater after the year is over. 

eleven.

The car ride to the police station is quiet. Mingyu’s hand is in yours as he tries to console your overthinking. There isn’t much he can say to help you at this moment, but the least he can do is show you that he’s here. He doesn’t want to say anything that could potentially overwhelm you, he just wants to show you how much he cares. 

By the time the car reaches the station, your palms are drenched in sweat, but you want to stay strong. You want Seungcheol to know how happy you are now, without him. You want him to see how different you are now after all these years, how you’re better off without his tainted love. 

“Y/n, Mingyu,” Jihoon greets you at the door, nodding to you. 

The ever so stoic Jihoon. He’s a man of very few words but you could tell that he was rooting for you. 

The walk over to where Seungcheol was being interrogated felt longer than normal, but in reality, it only took a few seconds to reach the door. Jihoon gives you a look before opening the door, one that’s silently asking you if you’re sure. You only nod with a determined gleam in your eyes, allowing him to unlock the door and letting you see your ex after so many years. 

His black hair looks the same it did all that time ago, except it was longer now and a little messy from him running his fingers through it. You could tell he was exhausted, and it broke your heart a little. 

There are feelings of anger resurfacing the moment your eyes lock with his, but also feelings of sorrow and pity. You’re reminded of all the memories you made with him, the happiness, the sadness, and the solace in between. But you grieved the loss of your love with him a long time ago, and even though there are fragments of those feelings now, it doesn’t hurt as much as it used to. 

“Y/n,” Seungcheol’s voice cracks upon seeing you. 

Your chest burns and it feels like all the air in your lungs has dissipated. There’s a dullness to his gaze, almost like he’s a mere shell of the person he used to be. You should’ve known that Seungcheol lost his soul all those years ago when he decided to sell it for never-ending wealth. But here he is, in front of you: defeated, tired, heartbroken. There’s a small part of you that will always care for him, yet you know that you’ll never love him the way you used to. 

“Cheol,” you whisper, your back against the door, your body not wanting to get any closer to him than you have to.

“Y/n, please I never wanted us to end up this way, please. Please,” he tries to beg, to stand up, but his hands are handcuffed to the table. His wrists have turned red from trying to escape from his chains. It’s no use, he won’t ever be able to get as close as he is now. 

A single tear falls from your eyes watching his desperate attempts to reach you. But the room feels far too big now like the two of you are miles apart. So you stay put and tell him what you’ve been wanting to say after so many years.

“You dug your own grave, Seungcheol. I tried, I did. But how could you keep all that information from me? Selling illegal weapons may be one thing, but involving all those innocent people? Did you lose your damn mind? I couldn’t live with myself knowing how many people you hurt. Then you turned to drug trafficking? Did you really think I could marry someone like that?” you raise your voice at the end. 

Your chest is heaving from not taking a single breath to stop, to think, just saying whatever your heart is telling you to say. 

“Y/n, please! Hear me out, I want to make it work-” he begs and begs, but you cut him off.  

“There’s nothing to work out.”  

“I just wanted to have a secure future with you, I was going to quit after our wedding, please you have to believe me,” he keeps going, but you don’t want to hear it anymore. 

You scoff at his attempt to justify his actions, but you know better. The man in front of you will say anything to get you back into his life, but you don’t buy his bullshit. The more money he earned, the greedier he got, and the higher his ambitions got, he wasn't the man he was when you first met him. The constant reminder of him leading a dark path keeps you grounded. 

“You lost me the moment you decided to hurt people who don’t deserve it.” Your voice is stern, you don’t want to continue to drag this out knowing all he’s going to do is plead for you to come back to him. 

“Y/n please, I can’t live without you, even after all these years, I can’t sleep, nothing. I need you.” The tears begin to leave his eyes, but you do your best to stay strong. 

All you can do is shake your head at him, his words going through one ear and out the other. His sobs and pleading shake you to your core, but it doesn’t hurt to hear after knowing all the evil things he’s done. 

“But I don’t need you, I’m happy, I’m in love again. I have friends that care about me,” you countered.

 You're breathing heavily, trying to stay as calm as possible. You had no more tears left to shed for him. 

“It’s Mingyu isn’t it?” he asks, but you don’t give him any indication that his prediction is correct. 

Your heartbeat picks up at the mention of Mingyu’s name, and you’re not sure how Seungcheol found out about the two of you. At this point you don’t even care, because the happiness you deserve is waiting for you outside the very door you stand against. No one will get in the way of the reason why you’re able to breathe right again, especially not Seungcheol.

“That doesn't matter,” you defended, not wanting to speak to him for any longer. 

“But it does. Just tell me it’s not Mingyu, anyone but him please,” he continues to cry, the rattling of his handcuffs burning your eardrums. 

You’ve gotten your closure, the figurative shackles that Seungcheol had you in are finally broken. There’s a sense of relief to being able to face him without completely breaking down. Your heart no longer belongs to him, and neither do your fearful thoughts. 

“I don’t owe you anything anymore Seungcheol. Goodbye.” You end the conversation, turning around to close the door without looking back. 

His pleading can be heard through the metal, but you don’t dare turn back, you don’t dare to let him have his hold on you anymore. Closing the door of the interrogation room felt like closing the door to a chapter of life. And finally, after everything that has happened, you feel free. 

“You’re in love with me?” Mingyu’s voice is heard through all the commotion. 

He stands there with a hopeful look in his eyes, a small smile dancing along his lips. You roll your eyes at him as if it wasn’t already obvious how much you care for your fake husband. 

Walking up to him, you engulf him in a tight hug, your head buried in his chest as tears of relief leave your eyes. 

“Of course I’m in love with you, you big idiot,” you laugh, holding him tighter, so tight that you’re sure that he’ll never leave your side, even if he wanted to. 

twelve. 

The drive back to the house felt like a breath of fresh air. Wind blowing through your hair with the windows rolled down, Mingyu’s hand on your thigh, music blasting through the speakers. It felt like freedom. 

“Can I hear you say it again?” Mingyu turns to you while he’s stopped at a red light, his puppy-dog eyes are too cute to resist. 

“I love you,” you smile at him, placing your hand on top of his. 

The glistening in his eyes looked like it came straight out of a movie, they glittered in the sunlight, a reflection of his very being. 

“I love you too, did you know that?” he blushes, giving you a sweet kiss before returning his attention to the road. 

The two of you stay quiet for the rest of that way back, savouring the sweet moment. You still can’t wrap your head around everything that has happened during your stay at Bridgewater, especially because you’ve somehow found love again. A love that’s sweet, one that doesn’t feel as worrisome. 

“Home sweet home!” Mingyu announces the moment the car rolls into the driveway. 

You’re brought out of your thoughts and Mingyu gets out to open the door for you. The second the door closes he cages you between him and the side of the car. His lips softly hit yours and you moan out of surprise. The kiss is slow and sweet, and butterflies erupt in your stomach immediately. 

You haven’t kissed him properly since that day in the kitchen but you don’t mind the wait. If anything it causes you to feel hungry for more. Mingyu’s hands on your waist are pulling you tighter with each passing second, but making out in the middle of your driveway, where everyone in the neighbourhood can see, pulls you out of your lustful thoughts. 

“Let’s go inside?” You detach your lips from his, grabbing his hand and practically dragging him towards the front door. 

Once you two are inside, without any potential prying eyes you pull him back into a kiss. It’s sloppy and filled with more passion than the previous times you two were this close. You don’t want to stop feeling him against you. The firm grip he has on your waist travels under your shirt, his hands against your bare skin leaving a burning sensation in the best way. 

There’s a silent agreement between the two of you. You both know where this is heading but no one stops to take a break, to tell the other that it is time to let go. You continue to deepen the kiss, letting your tongue glide against his, your fingers running through his hair. It's addicting, Mingyu’s lips are intoxicating and all you want is to get lost in the arousal. 

“I wanna make you feel good, so good till all you can remember is me, no one else,” Mingyu mumbles against your neck, his lips trailing lower as you whimper in approval. “Tell me, is that what you want?” 

“Yes,” you whimper, eyes closed as you feel him lick and suck the skin on your collarbone.  

Backing away, you can see how the love and adoration in his eyes are tainted with hunger. The sight of him makes your stomach flip, there’s a darkness to his gaze and you gulp silently. Waiting for him to show you how badly he wants to fuck you, how badly he needs to see you whimper and moan for him. 

Without another word you bring him to your room, closing the door behind you so Norbert can’t interrupt like he did last time. 

The door is against your back once again and Mingyu towers over you, caging you with his body. His scent fills your senses, your knees going weak as he continues to stare at you with those hooded lids, his attention on you and you only. 

His hand trails against your jaw till he stops at your chin, tilting your face up so that your eyes are leveled with his. He licks his lips as he watches you, wanting nothing but to take you then and there. But he has so much planned, he can’t get too hasty, especially because the thought of you cumming for him over and over continues to plague his mind. 

“I want you to sit on the bed, and to be a good girl and take what I give you,” Mingyu mutters, his hand moving closer to your lips till his thumb pulls your bottom lip down. 

You don’t argue, moving away once again to do what he says. This is the Mingyu you used to know. The one who spent half his life in the mafia, the one who could command a whole room with a single word. 

Following behind you, he waits till you get comfortable on the bed before sitting down between your already spread legs. He captures you into a kiss once more, letting himself savour the taste of you. Your hands move across the expanse of his back, slowly lifting his shirt along the way and feeling his large muscles tense under your gentle fingers. 

“Fuck me, please,” you beg him, and your voice is strained, the words leaving your mouth in whimpers. 

Mingyu chuckles at your desperation as he removes the rest of his clothing, but your mind is buzzing like crazy. It’s been so long since you’ve been intimate with someone that you forgot how good it feels to be held, to be kissed. 

“Be patient baby, we’ll get to that eventually,” he grunts, lifting your shirt and removing the remainder of your clothes till you're bare. 

Marveling at your naked figure, Mingyu forces himself to stop drooling over how sexy you look in front of him. You’re so small compared to him, his large hands opening up your thighs to reveal your awaiting arousal. 

“You’re already fucking soaking,” he mutters as he prods with your folds. His fingers move gingerly as he teases you. 

His arms push your thighs till they’re flush with your stomach, giving him clear access to where you need him most. Trailing kisses along your inner thighs, your head hits the pillow as you moan out for him. You’re over-sensitive from not being touched by another person in so long, his lips leaving burning sensations on your skin. 

Your pussy is dripping on the sheets the moment he presses a kiss to your clit. Clenching around nothing, you continue to moan out his name, and it makes him smile against you. Hearing you call out for him is like music to his ears, your voice sweet like honey. 

“Keep doing that, please Mingyu,” you whine, your hands coiling around the strands of his hair, nails raking his scalp. 

Groaning against your mound, he continues to play with your clit. Licking and sucking it while his fingers enter your weeping hole. The sounds of his long digits moving in and out of you fill the room, and you can feel yourself getting closer to an orgasm. 

“Fuck, it’s so good,” you praise him, and it strokes his ego, his movements picking up in pace. 

The squelching noises only increase in volume, his fingers hitting that soft spot inside you that makes your legs shake and your vision goes white. Practically screaming his name, the coil in your stomach snaps and you cum against his mouth. His tongue moved against your slit to drink up your juices, wanting to feel you fill his mouth with your sweet nectar. 

His eyes remain trained on yours while he’s lying between your legs, you run your hands through his hair as you come down from your high. The words can’t seem to leave your lips and your mind is filled with euphoria. If he can do all that with just his mouth and fingers you wonder what will happen when he’s finally inside you. 

“God, you’re so needy. Probably haven’t been fucked properly in so long, huh baby?” he coos as he moves up your body, lips against your ear as he continues to mutter dirty words. 

“Need someone to take care of you? Is that what you need? Need your husband to fuck a baby into you,” he keeps going and your eyes roll back and he fondles your tits. 

“Yeah, you like that?” he chuckles, twisting at your hardened nipples as your pussy clenches at the thought of being filled with his cum. 

“You like it when I talk about fucking you till that tight little cunt of yours is stuffed full of my cum?” Mingyu’s mouth continues to spew words of breeding you, and his growing erection is harder to ignore. 

“I want it so bad, want you to fuck a baby in me, Gyu,” you sigh, your salacious moans bouncing off the walls as he flips you around. 

Ass in the air, he gives the supple skin a sharp slap and you shriek. But it feels so good, the sting of his large palm hitting you hard. He can see how much you’re enjoying it, kneading your full mounds as his head fills with thoughts of fucking you in this position. 

“Please just fuck me already, I wanna feel you inside me.” You’re weeping now, face smushed into the pillow. 

“You sure you’re ready?” he asks you, pulling you by your hips till your back is arched. 

The neediness inside you is at its highest point, and you can’t seem to form any words as you feel his fingers glide against your soaked hole. Moans can’t stop leaving your lips and you’re already sensitive from your first orgasm. 

Placing a pillow under your stomach, he continues to manhandle you into the position he wants you in. Face down, ass up, your legs are spread, and your wet entrance is all ready for him.  Mingyu grabs his hard cock, stroking it a few times before spitting on your cunt, and you jolt at the hot liquid hitting your folds. 

“Fuck, you’re tight, I should’ve prepped you more,” Mingyu groans, his length slowly forcing its way past your entrance. 

The air is knocked out of your lungs as you feel him starting to fill you. The stretch is agonizing but the burn sends tingles of pleasure up your spine. It felt so fucking good having him inside you like this, your mind full of nothing but the shape of his cock. 

“I want it hard, fuck me hard,” you tell him, your voice shaking as he continues to enter you. 

“Okay baby, but just know I won’t be gentle anymore,” he warns you and maybe you shouldn’t have been so eager, but that primal part in you just wanted him so bad. 

Once he has himself fully sheathed in your heat, he pulls back until only the tip is left. You gasp at the sudden empty feeling, but you're quickly silenced when he dives back in. His hips slapping against your ass, his balls hitting your clit. Mingyu’s stamina is insanely high as he continues to thrust in and out of you. 

“Fuck, you’re so big, I-I can’t!” you cry out, your screams picking up in pitch till you're moaning like a porn star. 

“So fucking tight, baby you’re driving me crazy,” Mingyu continues to grunt, his movements not slowing down for even a second. 

His hands move to grip your hips tightly, he stops for a split second to stop his thrusts. You thought you were going to be able to catch your breath. But he just keeps surprising you. The hands that he placed on your hips tighten and he moves you up and down on his cock while he stays still. Using you like his personal sex doll, but fuck, it felt amazing. You love that he’s using you, placing your body in whatever position he wants to chase his own pleasure. 

“You’re so perfect, I could fuck this pussy till I’m empty,” he mutters, watching his dick disappear inside you. 

There's a white ring of arousal around the base of his length, and his mind goes blank. All he can do is continue to bounce you up and down his member till he can feel himself start to twitch inside you. 

“I’m gonna cum, baby you feel so good inside me,” you scream for him, loving the way the ridges of your walls continue to suck him up, your orgasm hitting you once again,

There's something so nasty about him using your body, and you’re enjoying all of it. You love how he’s just taking what he wants, yet he still knows how to make you cum. Your pussy is swollen from the beating it’s taking, but you want more. You want him to keep going till he has nothing left to give you. 

The feeling of Mingyu twitching inside your walls indicates that he’s close, and you continue to clench around him. Wanting to milk him of his seed, wanting to feel his cum hit your cervix and breed you. 

“Gonna cum inside you, okay baby?” he warns you before stilling his movements. 

His cock twitches again till you feel his hot white cum spurt inside your walls, flooding your cunt with his seed. Mingyu groans, watching the liquid fill you and breach past your tight hole till it gushes out. The sight is so unholy, so sinful but he can’t just stop there. No, he won’t stop till you’re stuffed properly. 

“M-mingyu, baby,” you whine, your body flopping onto the mattress as he lets you go. 

Your legs turn to jelly as you shake from how hard you came, your breathing labored. He turns you around so you're splayed out for him, prying your legs open to watch his cum fall out of your pussy in thick globs. It’s so mesmerizing, hypnotizing, he wants to see more of it. To fill you with more of his seed. 

“We’re not done,” he smiles as you cheekily and you laugh. 

“You want more after all of that?” you question him, your breathing still harsh from the previous round. 

“Baby, after all of that, I don’t think I can stop,” he mutters against your lips, and you nod, agreeing with his statement. 

He switches your positions, his back against the headboard while you sit on his lap. The refractory period doesn't seem to exist with Mingyu because his erection is standing proudly in front of you. 

“You wanna go again?” he asks you, one hand on your hip as the other rubs his cock as it glistens with a mixture of both of your arousals. 

“I want you to use me till you can’t anymore,” you lean over, whispering in his ear. 

“Careful, you might regret that later,” he mutters, a hand around your neck as he halts your movements.

Pulling him into a heated kiss, you position his length against your entrance, lifting your body till you can fully sink down on him. Even after the first round, your pussy still can’t get used to the stretch that his cock gives you. It's a delicious feeling, his length is so long and thick you can feel it in your stomach. 

“Ah!” you cry out, your head thrown back as you stabilize yourself by holding onto his shoulders. 

Mingyu moans back, mesmerized by the view of your tits bouncing up and down in front of his face. His cock disappeared inside you once more, the sight making him feral, hungry to see you filled to the brim with his semen. 

Your orgasm comes around faster this time and your walls convulse around him once more. The heat, the wetness, the silky feeling of your cunt makes Mingyu go delirious, thoughts only filled with you and you only. Stilling your hips, his own high follows yours shortly after, his cum hitting your insides till it covers his softening member all over again. 

You let out a puff of breath, leaning into his chest as your face rested in the crook of his neck. Mingyu rubs your back soothingly, his dick going soft and falling out of your entrance. Whimpering at the loss of him being inside you, you hold him tighter. The feelings of exhaustion are finally catching up to you, but you know you’ll have to clean up soon enough. 

“You know I love you, right?” he reminds you as he lifts you up and off the bed to head to the shower. You can only nod, your mind and body too tired to respond. 

Setting you on the counter, his back turns away from you while he prepares your bath, getting the water warm for you. You notice the large dragon tattoo that coils along his skin. It surprises you that you haven’t noticed it before, but the black ink on him is undeniably sexy. 

Once the water is warm enough, he carries you to the shower before cleaning you up properly. You love that he’s back to his soft and kind self, and it makes you fall for him even harder. The hard sex was so good but what’s important to you is the fact that he’s so keen on taking care of you after. 

Mingyu’s hand snakes around your waist as your head lays against his shoulder, pressing lazy kisses while you whisper words of gratitude. 

“Thank you, I love you too,” you mumble, adorning him with pecks along his warm tan skin. 

epilogue. 

“This whole fucking time,” Seungkwan stares at you with wide eyes, “I fucking KNEW it.” 

You scoff at him, he just had to be right about everything and it annoys you, but here you are again, in his home for drinks and dessert. 

“Sure you did, Kwannie,” you sigh, patting his shoulder. 

“I swear I did! Right, babe? They were suspicious from the start,” he continues to argue, roping in Vernon who gives him a shrug of his shoulders before returning his attention to his phone. 

It was time for you and Mingyu to break the news about your fake relationship with everyone. You felt bad for deceiving people, and now that you two were actually in love, it just felt right to put the fake marriage thing in the past. 

“Please, we weren’t that obvious,” you defend, not wanting to give Seungkwan the bragging rights to actually be right this whole time. 

Seungkwan just rolls his eyes at you before taking a sip of his wine. He didn’t feel like arguing with you anymore, he’s just happy that his suspicions have been correct this whole time. 

“Does this mean you’re going to leave soon?” He looks at you with desperate eyes, taking your hands in his. 

“Well, we’ve talked about it, and Mingyu and I have decided to stay,” you smile at him from where he sits across the room, talking about something unimportant with Jeonghan and Val. “So don’t worry, I’ll still be your neighbour. Bridgewater actually seems like the perfect place for us right now.” 

“Oh thank god! I don’t think I could live happily ever again if you moved away, Y/nie.” He pulls you into a hug, and you can’t help but laugh at his dramatics. 

Seungkwan may have started as a pestering neighbour, but you can’t help but feel grateful towards him. If it weren’t for his annoying attitude, you and Mingyu probably wouldn’t have tried so hard to pretend to be in love. You could say that Seungkwan was one the biggest reasons why you and Mingyu fell so hard for each other in the first place. 

…

A few days after solidifying your relationship with Mingyu, you two decided that it wouldn’t be too bad to stay here after all. Seungcheol was sentenced guilty during trial and Jihoon informed you that there's no more reason for you to be put into witness protection. Everything just seemed like it was all falling into place, and you’re happier than you have been in so long. 

Even Norbert has finally warmed up to Mingyu. Sometimes when your work day is over, you’ll spot them cuddling on the couch and watching Bluey together. He always talks to Norbert, asking him questions even though the cat can’t answer. It warms your heart knowing that the two beings that healed you from a world’s worth of hurt can get along. They both came into your life when you needed it most, and every day you're thankful that you’re surrounded by so much love. 

“Watching Bluey without me?” you ask out loud, your arms crossed as you pretend to be mad. 

“Baby! You’re done!” Mingyu practically flies off the couch to capture you in a bone-crushing hug. 

“You know you can come into my office when I’m working,” you laugh as you rub his back, savouring the feeling of his large and muscular arms holding you. 

“I know but I don’t want to distract you, even Norbert doesn't go in,” he mumbles, inhaling your scent as if he didn’t wake up beside you that very morning. 

“You’re silly, Mingyu,” you laugh, kissing his cheek. 

He blushes like a schoolgirl before giving you the biggest grin known to man. His eyes sparkling against the living room lighting, you can tell he’s head over heels for you. Mingyu isn’t afraid to show affection or to be vulnerable, he just wants to be with you, no matter how good or bad things get. 

“Can’t I just be happy my wife is off work?” He sighs lovingly, brushing your hair through his fingers, refusing to let you go. 

You roll your eyes at how cheesy he is, but he knows that you secretly love it. Especially since you act the same way with him whenever he goes out to run errands or when he tends to the garden. 

“Your wife is hungry and tired, can we make more kimchi pancakes please?” you ask with puppy dog eyes. 

Mingyu laughs at you before kissing your forehead, “Anything for the love of my life.” 

Blushing at his words, you follow him into the kitchen to make the kimchi pancakes you had asked for. Putting on his pink ruffle apron, he gets down to business, always wanting to cook the best food for you. 

Mingyu is satisfied knowing that he’s able to give you the life that you deserve. To love you on sunny days and even on rainy days. He’s never felt a love that was this secure, and he’s grateful that you feel the same way. 

As you watch Mingyu cook, you think back to the first day you moved to Bridgewater. You misjudged him that first day and you’re so glad that he proved you wrong. He has been nothing but amazing since then. He’s patient, and kind, and he loves you even when you’re irritated or in a bad mood. For someone who used to be a part of the mafia, you would expect him to be rough around the edges, and intimidating, but he’s the complete opposite. He’s the perfect house husband. 

end. 

𖥔 a/n: you've reached the end of my hubbygyu fic! thank you for reading and please leave an ask or comment if you've enjoyed this story :)! but wait... there's more! this story will become a series that takes inspiration from the anime ( the way of the house husband) so please look forward to seeing more of wifey y/n and hubby gyu! thank you again ♡.

like a part 2 where the reader just keeps on acting nonchalant like nothing happened and wonwoo gets more and more riled up. cause “why am i the only one going insane here” type of feelings. and he just ends up taking here in a dressing room or something cause damn they need to fuck

she’ll ride the dick like a carnival

pairing. idol! wonwoo + new staff! fem reader!

summary. since that one fateful night at his apartment, jeon wonwoo realizes that he is fucked. but not really, since he can’t seem to get you in his bed.

warnings. [PLEASE READ] dom/sub dynamics, slight dom wonwoo, dirty talk, use of nicknames, THICK dick and lowkey desperate wonu, reader is VERY nonchalant, implied mirror sex, riding, wonu almost cries… AGAIN, sloppy kisses on the tits, subtle jizz play — 18+ MINORS DNI!

note. desperate sex that turns steamy and passionate is my favorite genre holy shit 😭 first time answering an ask! hope you like it :)

find part 1 here

jeon wonwoo could only watch you from across the waiting room as you pranced around in a midi skirt, chatting happily with the staff.

he wanted to cuss you out.

shifting in his chair, he pushed his glasses further up his nose, angrily sniffing.

how could you act like this?

how were you so nonchalant? so unbothered about the fact that you had him seeing stars merely 72 hours ago?

it had been 3 days since you had sucked the soul out of his body. 3 days since he couldn’t stop rutting his cock into his fist to the thoughts of you. 3 days since he had become insane.

he tried to get your attention, he really did. the poor boy would keep trying to pry anything out of your mouth that gave him a hint about your feelings.

but you were unpredictable, just as he had thought.

your face was like a wall — completely emotionless. any thought that passed through your head could barely be understood and wonwoo wanted to smash his head into the concrete at that realization.

“jeez, what’s got you this tense?” mingyu sits down next to him, adjusting his costume as he stared at his best friend. “i’m just… worried about the performance, nothing else.”

mingyu knew that wonwoo was lying.

hell, even wonwoo knew he was lying.

but none of them seemed to question each other as they sat in silence, each immersed in their own thoughts.

“wonwoo-ssi?” your voice called out to him. the boy singled out you and your sound amid nearly 50 people in the room, surprisingly springing to his feet as he walked towards you.

“your outfit is ready, follow me.”

the man silently walked behind you, striding toward the secluded attached room in the corner.

he pulled the curtain and stepped inside, and he was immediately handed his clothes. the outfit was simple— a sleeveless shirt and some baggy white jeans.

“i’ll be outside,” you nodded, bidding him farewell as you pulled the curtain.

sighing, wonwoo turned to look at himself in the mirror. his hardened cock stared at him in the face— a haunting image of the effect you had on him.

how am i the only one who is this riled up? he wondered. i can’t be the only one… right?

he wasn’t.

you would be lying if you said your panties weren’t glued to your core since you walked in. the sight of him had your head spinning, wanting nothing more than to strip him down and pull his dick into your throat.

but of course, you were not some depraved whore.

you set boundaries after that night. he was your client, and you were his stylist. of course you weren’t supposed to suck him off!

the fitting next morning after the incident had made you lose your self control. you recall how you had to get yourself off in the bathroom, relishing in the thoughts of seeing wonwoo in a tight fitted suit.

but of course, you would never voice these thoughts out loud. being in the same room as him was punishment enough to remind you of your sins. you wondered if applying for a styling job for a different member would work—

“uh?” wonwoo’s deep voice cut off your lewd thoughts, making you shake your head to clear them out. “a little help?”

“you good?" you sighed. “i’m coming in,” sucking in a breath as you stepped inside the small box.

wonwoo was leaning against one of the mirrored walls, one leg up on a stool in the corner. “what’s wrong?” you searched for a solution in his face.

“i seem to be stuck in a seemingly hard situation.”

one look down to his hands, you immediately realized the problem.

wonwoo’s dick was hard, the bulge over his boxers made that evident. the problem? the sheer size of his chub was not allowing the zipper of his jeans to zip up.

the man had a small waist but also had weirdly broad hips. his pants always had to be altered so that they suited his body type.

however, this was a problem that no other stylist had ever had to deal with.

“what do i do?” wonwoo whined, pouting his lips as he pushed up his glasses.

“wonwoo-ssi,” you spoke. your voice remained surprisingly stable, despite the fact that you could feel your pussy pulsating.

“i think you need to solve this problem on your own,” you looked into his eyes, almost feeling bad at how he panted.

however, before you could turn around and leave, wonwoo pushed his glasses up his nose and caged you between his arms.

your back hit one of the mirrored walls, as a surprised gasp fumbled from your mouth.

“wonw—”

“for the love of god woman, do you not see what you do to me?”

the desperation in his voice made your knees buckle as you stared into his eyes, gaze alternating to his lips as he bit them.

wonwoo heaved as he inched closer towards your face. “give me one good reason why you shouldn’t take care of my problem. you’re the one that caused it after all.”

hearing him voice out his thoughts, you turned your head to the side, embarrassed by the effect his voice had on you. how was this even your fault—

but with a harsh grip, jeon wonwoo grabbed your chin with his fingers, forcing to you look at him.

“can’t think of anything can you?” his head dipped down, tracing his teeth along your neck. the sensation made you hiss silently. “help me, please. what would carat think if i went out on stage looking like this?”

“sit,” is all you managed to say, voice enamoured with need.

you all but pushed wonwoo onto the iron stool in the corner, hauling yourself onto his lap as you crashed your lips into his.

fuck, your lips were way better than he had ever imagined. they were soft and pillowy as they engulfed his mouth, tongue grazing against his own as you ground down on his crotch.

wonwoo’s free hand pushed your head impossibly close as he licked into your mouth, wanting to memorize every crevice.

spit dribbles from your connected mouths, sloppy and wet kisses sounding obscenely loud in the secluded area. the man does not care that drool is now staining his tank top. he could never get enough of this.

his other hand gripped tightly onto your ass, groping and fondling the fat. after a second, he pulled away from you, glasses foggy and lips swollen as he tried to catch his breath.

“shit baby, i can’t take it anymore,” he whisper-screamed, tears coating his lashes. you wished you could burn this image into your head for the rest of your life.

you could only nod, ready to sink to your knees before wonwoo stopped you, tutting. “pull your panties to the side, doll,” he commanded, chest heaving.

the change in his tone had your thighs tingling. you pulled your midi skirt up, tucking the ends into the hem as you exposed yourself.

at the sight of your baby blue cotton panties, jeon wonwoo nearly growled.

the material was thoroughly soaked and ruined, a deep blue patch staining the cloth. as you pulled them to the side, he noticed how slicked up your heat was, a string of arousal connected your folds to the cotton.

you gripped onto his shoulders for support in your half-sitting position as he glided two fingers against your folds.

“so wet for me already, huh? don’t even need to work you up for my cock,” he smacked his lips. “filthy girl.”

wonwoo strained his ears to listen for any footsteps near the area as he sucked his dampened fingers into his mouth. your taste was making him dizzy, breath faltering as he rolled his eyes to the back of his head.

without wasting any more time, you pulled his cock out of its confines, sliding his boxers down just enough to free his length.

the sight of him always made you salivate. however, it was clear that he didn’t want that happening today.

steadily, you positioned yourself over him, hovering before you finally pushed his fat tip in.

the sensation had you moaning out loud— before he slapped his hand over your mouth. “shh! don’t be so loud baby, they will hear us,” he cooed.

you nodded frantically, slowly inching downwards as his dick began to fill you up. once he was bottomed out, you couldn’t help but sob into his palm.

“i know baby, i know. feels good yeah?” he smirked, shushing you with sweet words as he let you adjust to his size.

wonwoo’s thick dick was buried up to your hilt, and you felt so incredibly full. your poor walls clenched around his cock, nearly making him bust.

without a word, the man beneath you grabbed at your waist, moving you up and down on his length, slowly. with him pistoning in and out of you, you could feel your senses going into overdrive.

wonwoo tugged your top down with his teeth, suckling along the valley of your breasts to keep himself quiet. your pussy felt incredibly tight, creaming him for all he was worth.

his strong arms continued to guide you, until your legs automatically adjusted to the pace. your body began to move on its own accord— tits jiggling in wonwoo's mouth with each bounce.

"f-fuck!" you whimpered, beginning to lose your mind. for a moment, he looks up at you through his glasses, smiling widely from between your breasts.

the bastard's cheeky grin has you forgetting your own name as he lapped his tongue around your skin like he fucking owned it.

"already going dumb on my cock? shi— you ride so well baby."

your bounces show him just how stretched you were, making wonwoo's stomach clench as he split you apart. you tease him a little by slowing down, grinding down on him as he bites his lips and throws his head back.

as his hands grab onto your cheeks to spread them, he accidentally catches a glimpse of your back in the mirror opposite to you two.

god, you looked so fucking hot.

without knowing why, you felt him twitch inside. "not gonna— oh shit! — last very long now baby."

at the sound of his confession, you bring a hand down to rub at your clit. taking the hint, he begins to rut back into you, using all his strength to fuck into your heat.

"p—please wonwoo hah! cum inside, please please please,"

you're not sure why you beg, but you're too cock drunk to process anything but the fact that you want him filling you up, stuffing your cunt full with his release.

"you su— fuck fuck fuck—" wonwoo whispers, biting down on your right tit to subdue the moan that was about to leave his throat.

with that and a grunt, he cums inside your pussy, filling you up to the brim. his length twitches inside you, shooting out excess spurts. feeling himself soften, wonwoo pulls out of you. you whine at the sudden sensation of feeling so empty.

the boy stays mesmerized at the way your cum mixes together, escaping your spent hole in small globs.

as a pathetic attempt, he uses two fingers to plug the release back inside you, making you whimper again at the sudden intrusion. "sorry," he apologizes, before placing your panties back where they belonged.

with a fluid motion, jeon wonwoo tucks himself back into his calvin klein boxers and then zipping his pants up, meeting your dazed eyes with another cute smile. "see? it fits now."

you can’t help but smile back at him, panting to catch your breath.

your thighs hurt from the awkward position, but you were sure that you would never have it any other way.

so, that's how you end up walking around the rest of the working day— wonwoo's cum safely filled up inside you, as you and him exchanged comically wide-eyed looks every few minutes, a shade of pink grazing your cheeks.

© nachojaehyun, 2024.

no rainbows | jeon wonwoo | mdni 18+

pairing: college!badboy!wonwoo x college!fem!reader

summary: You return from study abroad to your friend group including jeon wonwoo, a phd student in your department, who you've never been close with. your closest friend seungkwan thinks the two of you would make a good pair. unfortunately, wonwoo is a known player, pulling girls in with his biker fits and tattoos. at a party, you are dared to make out with him for 3 minutes and you are immediately put off by his cocky attitude and wandering eyes. you're the first girl wonwoo is genuinely intrigued by and he's determined to win you over.

smut warnings: blowjobs, eating out, vulgar language, suggestive themes/tones

A/N: UGHHHHHHH FINALLLYYY finished writing part 1 of this series. Sorry for the delay i just went through a major brain fart and didn't know where to take this story. more smut to come do not worry. please enjoy and as always pls share ur thoughts!!!

-

The wind is knocked out of your lungs as your four best friends capture you into a tight hug. You laugh, hugging everyone back. 

“We missed you!” your friend Minnie exclaims. Seungkwan is still holding on to you as Vernon bends around him to press a brief kiss to your cheek along with a one armed hug. 

“Y/nie you can’t ever leave us for this long ever again!” Seungkwan pouts, finally letting go of you to press a kiss to your forehead. You then give Junhui a big hug, feeling comfort in the arms of your friend of 12 years. You love all four of these people but you and Junhui have been together the longest. 

Things became complicated when Junhui started dating Minnie. You didn’t want Minnie to think you were overstepping your boundaries as a friend so you lessened your contact, choosing to spend more time with Seungkwan and Vernon. You and Junhui had gotten into a major fight last fall, almost exactly a year ago, about how you were icing him and Minnie out of the group. The fight had been ugly with both of you saying things you didn’t mean. You remember feeling your heart break as Junhui accused you of being jealous that he was finally in a happy relationship knowing full well how hard you struggled following your fallout with a very long and bad situationship.  

That very night, you applied to study abroad in Paris, not telling anyone until after you had already gotten your visa in January. Everyone had been shocked but understanding as you said you needed time away from home to process your situationship, your relationship with Junhui ending, and your future plans. Junhui had not reacted to the news at all but he came running the night of your departure, apologizing earnestly and wishing you safe travels. Your heart felt less heavy knowing that you weren’t leaving the country with a completely ruined relationship. 

Paris was a dream. You met some amazing people, explored so many sites aside from the major tourist attractions, and you learned from some of Paris’s best math professors. You loved that there was no pressure to find romance, to go to parties, to get wasted. You could do things on your own terms without anyone’s watchful eyes. You felt like you understood yourself for the first time.

Immediately after studying abroad, you had to head to London for your summer internship so you haven’t been able to actually return to Korea until now when fall semester was about to start. 

Everyone chats your ear off in the car, asking you numerous questions as well as filling you in on any gossip and drama that you missed. 

The five of you were part of a much larger friend group of not just 4th year undergrads like yourselves, but also 3rd years, master’s students, and phd students. You weren’t close to everyone in the group, especially not the older master’s and phd students. Apparently, Joshua, one of the master’s students, finally got a girlfriend. Mingyu’s girlfriend had cheated on him and it was a whole entire mess. Minghao was in this super complicated situationship and you got a headache listening to Seungkwan tell you all the back and forth details wishing Minghao would just grow some balls and ask this girl out officially. 

“Hey y/n. You know who looks a bit different now? Wonwoo.” 

You are confused as to why Seungkwan is mentioning this. You and Wonwoo have never spoken one on one and with his fuckboy attitude and cocky personality, you hope to keep it that way. 

When you first met Wonwoo, you were a sophomore and he was a senior. He made a joke in front of everyone that you dressed like a little farmer boy and continued to make crude jokes about how you were so innocent. Needless to say, you hate Jeon Wonwoo. 

“His hair is so long now and he got a new tattoo and he suddenly got super jacked up. I know you hate him but I can’t lie, I’ve always thought the two of you would look good together.” 

Your eyes bulge out of your head at his confession- even more so when everyone in the car agrees. 

“Guys, after my situationship last year, I’m not interested in anyone who doesn’t want anything long term and Wonwoo has probably slept with half of the female population on our campus. I don’t want him,” you say with a disgusted look on your face. 

“Ugh I know. I wish he had a better personality because looks wise, he’s quite a catch.”

- 

The five of you spend the next two days moving your things into your new apartment. You’re so grateful for their help that you buy everyone lunch. You’re all sitting on the floor of your new living room chatting about the upcoming semester when Seungkwan suddenly interrupts. 

“I forgot! They guys are throwing a beginning of semester party at their house tomorrow night. We should go!” 

You hesitate. Since this is your last year of university, you wanted to stay focused on your studies as well as job applications. You vowed to lessen the number of parties you went to because drinking always took time away from your study routines but you figure that just one night days before the semester starts can’t hurt. 

“I’m down,” Vernon says. 

Everyone agrees. 

-

You’re digging for something to wear and Wonwoo’s voice plays in your mind. You had gotten a lot more confident in Paris and figure now's the time to show off your new wardrobe. You put on a tight top and its matching skirt but you feel a little naked so you put on a big jacket and continue to get ready. 

Seungkwan and Vernon arrive to pick you up and Vernon lets out a wolf whistle as you open the door. 

“Damn you look good!”

You all walk to Junhui’s place to pick him and Minnie up.

“Y/n, you look so good! Your makeup is incredible, you have to show me your full routine!” Minnie exclaims. Minnie is the most gorgeous person on the planet- no way she needs tips from someone like you but you smile and walk arm in arm with her the rest of the way. 

-

“Ah! The undergrads have made it!” Joshua exclaims, greeting all of you. The party is already in full swing and you feel incredibly overwhelmed. You clutch onto Seungkwan knowing he won’t leave your side. Vernon is a different story. Vernon’s pretty popular during parties like these especially because he’s lowkey a weed dealer. Minnie and Jun usually stick near you but they’re always in their own world after a few drinks.

You and Seungkwan make your way to the drinks area and run into Jeonghan, one of the PhD students. There was something about him that always enchanted you and it turns out time does make the heart grow fonder. Jeonghan’s black silky hair was now up to his shoulders and he had a smug expression on his face as he looked at your body up and down, checking you out. 

“Y/n, it’s been a while,” he says, biting his lip as he gets closer to you. You freeze. Jeonghan never even glanced your way before. Now he’s leaning into your ear to tell you how pretty you looked? 

“Can I get you something to drink?” he softly asks you. The music suddenly fades and it’s just the two of you in the house as you stare up into his shiny eyes.

“Y/N, I got you some soju,” Seungkwan interrupts. 

The moment is ruined. 

Jeonghan tells you he’ll see you around and you groan as you turn towards Seungkwan. 

“He’s bad news Y/N. If you’re looking for commitment, he’s even worse than Wonwoo.”

You know he’s right. The two of you continue to walk deeper into the house until you finally come across the rest of your friend group all congregated in the kitchen. 

You give Hoshi a hug and he compliments your hair which has been intricately cut with layers and bleached in the back- your natural hair color falling on top. 

“What are you guys playing?” Seungkwan asks.

“Truth or Dare,” a baritone voice answers. You know it's Wonwoo without even having to look at him. 

“Wanna give Y/N a dare, Seungkwan?” 

You finally look up and see Wonwoo in a black leather jacket, button down shirt with the buttons unbuttoned down to his chest. His hair is in fact longer as Seungkwan mentioned and you’re taken aback by how… good… he looks. 

You turn to Seungkwan silently pleading with him not to make you do anything stupid. 

“Make out with Wonwoo for 3 minutes,” he sputters out.

You freeze and everyone around you cheers and whoops. 

You turn to glare at Seungkwan who mouths an apology. 

“Ah the prude returns. Paris changed you huh?” Wonwoo smirks.

You hate the way Wonwoo is looking at you. up and down. Head to toe. Eyes lingering on your thighs exposed by your short skirt.

He likes what he sees.

He smirks as you approach him. He doesn’t hide that he’s looking at your body again. Up close, you can admit he’s a lot more intimidating. But you refuse to let your guard down. If he wants to act like a cocky bastard, then so will you. You stare back into his eyes and you feel the tension between the two of you grow. You tilt your head and raise an eyebrow.

A small smile plays on his face and without breaking eye contact, he brings the blunt he’s been smoking up to his lips and takes a deep inhale.

He thinks he can make a fool out of you. You know he’s going to blow the smoke in your face, wanting to watch you cough and sputter. He wants to break your confidence.

You won’t let him.

You take a step closer.

Finally, he exhales. 

You lean into his lips and inhale the smoke he’s exhaling. He’s staring into your soul as his eyes grow darker, watching as the smoke passes into your lips like you’re drinking water. 

When there’s no more smoke to inhale, you let out a soft exhale and Wonwoo’s eyes follow the light smoke as it leaves your lips. 

Wonwoo smirks again, licking his lips and staring you down. 

“You gonna follow through and kiss me?” 

He cranes his neck to level with your face and you lean in. 

You refuse to touch him. 

You curl your hand holding your drink against the lapel of his leather jacket as he wraps the arm not holding his blunt around your waist. 

Your lips meet.

Seungkwan sets a timer for 3 minutes. 

The kiss grows deeper. You don’t moan and you suspect it bothers Wonwoo because he slides his tongue into your mouth and moves his hand to wrap around your throat. 

You won’t give in.

Your tongues meet.

The timer goes off and you break apart. 

You turn towards Seungkwan. 

“Happy now?”

You walk away, unaware of how Wonwoo’s eyes follow you.

When you leave through the back door, Wonwoo turns towards the guys and smirks. 

He takes one last drag of his blunt and walks through the back door.

-

It’s pitch black as you walk around the side of the house with only the dim glow of the outside lights guiding you through the bushes.

You’re suddenly pushed against the house by your shoulders and before you can let out a scream, a hand is placed over your mouth. Panic washes through your body until you realize you’re face to face with Wonwoo. You shove him off you only for him to press the front of his body tightly against yours, wrapping one arm around your waist. He lightly laughs as he moves some of your hair behind your ear. 

“Get off me Wonwoo!” you exclaim trying to shove him off you but you might as well be shoving a wall. 

He rests his forehead against yours and your heart stops. You’re not interested in kissing him again so you immediately slap him when he leans in. 

The silence is deafening as he processes that you’ve slapped him relatively hard across the face. He’s let go of you so you immediately turn and start running in the direction of the front of the house when you feel him grasp your arm and once again slam you against the wall. 

You groan.

“What do you want?” 

“You look really pretty tonight.”

“I’m not playing this game with you. We already kissed and I’m not kissing you again. So unless you need something, let me go!”

“You caused a problem princess.” he says gesturing to his crotch area.

You glance down and sure enough there’s an erection tight in his pants. 

You roll your eyes. 

“And what am I supposed to do about it?”

“Wanna give me a handy?”

It dawns on you that Wonwoo needs you to help him with this problem.

You’re in control now.

“What’s in it for me if I give you one?” you ask, looking up at him through your lashes.

You place your hands on his chest and smile sweetly at him, slowly dragging your hands down to his toned stomach until you reach his belt. Wonwoo’s breath hitches as you grasp his belt pulling him closer to you. 

You slowly undo his belt, taking your time unzipping his pants and taking his semi-hard dick out. You have to admit, he’s pretty blessed in this department with a long and thick dick that you’re holding in both your hands. You start gently stroking him until he reaches full mast and then suddenly stop. 

You slowly maneuver your bodies so that he’s the one leaning against the wall. 

“Y/N…,” he groans quietly.

Using your thumb, you smear his precum around the tip, even going into the slit watching his reactions carefully. You’ve given your fair share of handjobs before so you know what to do to make a guy like Wonwoo cum instantly. 

But you’re going to make him suffer.

Wonwoo’s head hits the wall as he reaches cloud 9 with the way you’re playing with his dick. He moans lightly as you use both hands on his shaft, occasionally going back to play with the tip. 

He puts his hands on your shoulders to push you down but you’re not getting on your knees for this man. And you’re most definitely not putting his dick in your mouth.

You wrap your hands around his dick tighter and his hands slide off your shoulders and rest on your waist.

You watch his stomach jerk and know that he’s close.

So close.

Almost there.

His eyes roll to the back of his head.

He’s about to have the best orgasm of his life.

When you suddenly stop and drop it.

“No.” Wonwoo quietly whispers, watching as you wipe your hands on his shirt.

“NO,” he roars when he realizes you’re seriously going to just leave him hanging.

“You BITCH! You fucking BITCH,” he roars as you laugh. You know he can’t chase you, not with his dick all sensitive and hard and still out. 

“Payback’s a bitch,” you say and leave with a wink, returning back to the house to find Seungkwan.

- 

Math was going to be the death of you. You’ve prided yourself in surviving some of the hardest math courses your school had to offer- passing all with flying colors. But you’re stuck taking differential geometry, easily one of the most fucked up math classes you’ve ever taken.  

You’ve had to cancel all your plans with Seungkwan in order to get your act together. The semester is only 2 weeks in and you refuse to be bested by this one class. 

You’re pulling your hair and ready to give up when you hear a knock at your door.

You pause and look at the time.

11:45 pm.

Who could be visiting you at this hour?

You head to your door and see none other than Jeon Wonwoo on the other side. You haven’t seen him since you left him hanging at the party two weeks ago.

Whipping open the door, you let out a straightforward “what?” 

“Oof some attitude. I missed you,” he says with a sarcastic pout on his face.

“Well I don’t want to see you. I have a differential geometry problem set due tomorrow night and it’s not going well.”

“You’re in luck, I TA’d that class last year.”

“I don’t want your help.”

“Differential geometry is one of the hardest math courses our university has to offer. If you can’t figure out the first problem set, good luck with the rest of them.”

You’re silent.

“I got an A when I took it.”

You’re still silent, watching as Wonwoo leans against your door frame. 

“Your choice sweetheart.”

You consider your options. 

“Fine, and don't call me that.” you grumble, allowing Wonwoo of all people to enter your safe space.

“Cute place” Wonwoo chirps as he removes his big black boots. He turns around and eyes your outfit.

You’re in black sweatpants and a little black baby doll tank top without a bra, obviously not expecting company.

You don’t say anything as you brush past him to pour yourself a glass of water. 

Wonwoo enters the kitchen shortly after you do to put his helmet on your counter and you stop in your tracks.

You forgot Wonwoo has tattoos, especially since he was always wearing a leather jacket. And it seems he has more than the last time you saw his arms almost a year ago. 

His most visible and noticeable tattoo is the intricate dragon that wraps around his right forearm. Following the curve of the dragon’s body is the famous Korean proverb in black ink: A dragon rises up from a small stream. He’s had this one for a few years now. But above it towards his bicep-which looks a lot bigger than you were expecting- he has what looks to be a lion or a tiger amongst a moving sea. That’s definitely new.

On his left arm around his inner elbow, he has another Korean proverb, At the end of hardship comes happiness. You’re positive there’s more but for now those are the only ones you can see. 

He definitely notices you staring and smirks, rubbing the dragon tattoo. He steps closer to you so he can see the small tattoos you have on your arms. 

You feel yourself being pressed against the sink as he takes your arm to closely read your tattoos. On your right inner elbow, you have in thin black ink, the quote To die as dust, nothing less. You hold your breath as Wonwoo turns your arm around, unintentionally inhaling his cologne. Behind your arm right above your elbow, you have the word balance in red ink. On your left bicep, you have a rose and when Wonwoo leans a little closer, he makes out a date hidden within the stem. He remembers that this is the date of your father’s passing from a few years ago.

The last tattoo he sees is once again behind your arm, the quote when your own heart underestimates you written in korean. 

“Cute. These are the only ones you have?”

“No,” you say softly as you turn your head to show him the tattoo behind your ear, another little quote, if you’d let me.

“I have one more on my back but I’m not showing you that.”

Wonwoo raises an eyebrow. 

“Who knew you’d be one to get so many tattoos?” he muses. 

You roll your eyes.

“Maybe someday I can show you my other tattoos huh?” he smirks.

You’re embarrassed he caught you staring but you will your face not to turn red. You push him off you and he washes his hands, winking at you as he grabs paper towels. 

You head to your desk in your open space area and grab a chair on the way. 

Wonwoo is surprisingly helpful, you have to give him credit for that. Not only does he know how to answer every single question on your problem set, he also explains everything step by step. You can see why he was chosen to be a TA. And why he’s one of the top scholars in his phd program. 

You can’t lie, you find intelligence sexy and watching Wonwoo work to solve a problem with impressive speed before explaining it to you has you staring at his hands longer than you’d care to admit.

You answer the last five questions completely on your own, unaware of how Wonwoo, leaning back in his chair, is observing you. His eyes trail from your furrowed eyebrows, to your hair and the way it falls in front of your face as you lean in to write. He can see your cleavage and the outline of your nipples. There’s a little bow in the middle of the top, falling between your breasts and he’s quickly trying to rack his brain for excuses on staying over. 

When you’re done, you give it to Wonwoo to look over. 

It’s 2 AM now and you pause suddenly remembering that Wonwoo came over of his volition.

“Hey, why’d you come over?” you ask softly, noting how tired he looks as he sinks into your sofa. 

“Cause I missed you. And your hands.” he says with a cheeky little smile. 

He begins lighting a blunt he’s seemingly pulled out of nowhere. 

You don’t want your whole apartment to smell like weed but no words leave your lips.

Instead, you watch as he takes a deep drag before releasing smoke from his lips. 

“You can’t smoke in here, you’ll set my fire alarm off.”

He sarcastically pouts at you again before opening one of your windows and finishing the blunt.

“How often do you smoke?” you ask, curiosity getting the better of you.

“Everyday. Coping mechanism unfortunately.”

“From what?”

Wonwoo smiles an empty smile at his lap and you know you’ve reached a very touchy subject.

Who knew Jeon Wonwoo had actual deep emotions.

Thunder interrupts whatever you were going to say and Wonwoo frowns as he gets up to look out the window. It’s downpouring so hard that Wonwoo looks at phone to see that it’s going to rain like this all throughout the morning.

He turns to you and for the first time looks incredibly sheepish.

“What?” you ask, frowning at his demeanor.

“I rode my motorcycle here,” he explains slowly.

“Sooooooo?” you ask even though you already know where this is going. You’re not going to offer your place for him to stay the night. 

You want him to ask for it.

“Cmon Y/N,” he sighs.

“I don’t know what you want me to say,” you reply, sinking back into the couch. 

“You’re a bitch you know?”

“Have fun riding back home in that monsoon,” you smile. 

“I helped you with your fucking homework. You’d be in deep shit if it weren’t for me.”

He gets in your face hovering over you, trapping you within his arms. 

“I’m not begging you for shit Y/N.”

Time freezes as you look at each other.

“You’ve always been so mean to me,” you whisper as you reach up and touch his face.

Wonwoo slaps your hand away and lifts your body and tosses you over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes.

Guys like Wonwoo don’t like being told the truth. They don’t like to hear the consequences of what they’ve done. They also can’t handle being submissive.

So, in a way you’ve been expecting this.

You’ve expected him to reach out and make a proposition about eating you out or even fucking you. 

It’s not a surprise when Wonwoo throws you on your bed and takes off his shirt.

You’re not interested in having sex with him.

But, you wouldn’t say no to being eaten out.

It’s not a surprise when he whispers the word please in your ear laced with the influence of marijuana. 

It’s not a surprise when he takes off your sweatpants and panties and dives in, licking in all the right places, his fingers reaching unexplored realms no one has ever managed to find.

It’s not a surprise when he makes you orgasm so hard, your toes curl and your fingers grip his long locks. 

It is a surprise when he carries you to the bathroom to clean you up, let you pee, get you into another pair of pajamas. 

It is a surprise when he carries you back to your bed.

And it is a surprise when he enters the bed after you, staying far away when you wish he’d pull you closer.

TAGLIST (PM OR COMMENT TO BE ADDED!!) @sdoulc @wonwootakemyheart @iarayara @asasilentreader @shuabby1994

“Baby? There you are. I’ve been looking all over for yo-. Are you crying?” “Y/N.” “Y/N my love”

“Y/Nie please turn around. I need to see you” he pleads , a slight brush of his fingers on your sweater. 

Very slowly, you turn around and he catches a glimpse of you, puffy eyed, tremors still coursing through your body, tiny fists peeking beneath the sweater paws, clenched tightly.

‘Aww Y/N please don’t cry love. It’s going to make me upset too.” You can see him trying his hardest to be strong for you but it most definitely is difficult. His dad had arrived , to do the honors of shaving his head before he enlisted tomorrow.

You could get behind him serving his country, taking a  small break from his career and taking one for the team- the first of Seventeen to volunteer in the military. But you drew the line at him shaving off his head.

His beautiful silky hair that could make anyone jealous. His thick luscious hair that was off limits to anyone to touch except for you. You had special privileges, he’d declared one night.

He’d pushed away your crocheting tools from your lap, ignoring your indignant squawks and placed his head on your lap , demanding that you play with his hair instead. “Crochet my hair Y/Nie” he had pouted at you shushing your still going rants.

And now , these beautiful locks of hair were going to fall off his perfectly shaped face to reveal more of his perfectly framed face? “Stop moping baby. Look we have some time before the boys come over. Look what I got” He pulled back your long sweater sleeve and placed a small gift bag into your limp palm. You look down to see scrunchies? "Hair ties? ” You say as much.

‘Not just any hair ties love. Look these are the ones you used on me after our first date to the beach when you took two of these bands from your stash and tied my hair up into two small braids. Remember? I never gave it back to you because I treasured it for so long” You did remember. You’d borrowed your dad’s jeep and he'd driven around the sandy beach, windows rolled down jamming to trot songs- something you both had shared mutual love over. Although he did look hot with his hair flying in the wind you could tell he was annoyed when wispy strands fell into his mouth anytime he opened his mouth to sing. So you offered the perfect solution- a small stop to braid his hair and let him have his popstar moment while you ogled from the passenger seat. Manhandling you to sit properly, he pushes your knees apart-

“What are you doing?” “Patience baby.” He shot you a cheeky wink from beneath your legs, turning around to sit between them, not before he gave your knee a small kiss- an action not uncaught by your reflexive system- you shivered.

“Alright Y/N , go crazy.”

Huh? He turns around to look back at you with slight impatience. 

“You still didn’t get it baby? I want you to do any and every hairstyle you can do with my hair before Cheol comes and Appa shaves it all off. Come on now weren’t you the one who begged me to let you try out a new hairstyle. The waterman hair?” “The waterfall hair.” “Potato potato" “It’s tomato tomato actually.” He nips at your knee in a warning gesture making you yelp out and kick him unknowingly . He turned back at you with another pout. ‘Baby please.” “All right, turn around.”

Placing your fingers between his beautiful tresses you get to work. It’s been fifteen minutes and you cannot stop the tears. From between your knees you can hear Hannie sniffle quietly. Both of you don’t bother consoling the other, it’s going to be  crying fest soon. When you first met him, you weren’t attracted to him because men with long hair were not your type. However a certain Jeonghannie with smooth silky hair that rivaled your jealousy wormed his way into your heart, all inches of his satin lustrous barnet included. His hair was his pride. The very pride that he had decided to grow even further and chop all off to make a wig for you once the chemotherapy started making you lose your hair in clumps.

“Here they made a wig out of my hair. This way we can stay connected in a more special way. I am in your hair in more literal terms than figurative. ”

His hair that was your muse to practice different techniques and master your craft. He would petulantly whine every time you pulled a strand too harsh, only pacified if you gave him an extra long kiss to make up for your ‘exploitation’. His words not yours.

His hair that was your drive to get better in therapy. Everytime you looked into the mirror and stared at your sunken eyes, hollow figure and protruding ribs, he was right behind you, holding you close to him and ensuring you were ‘beautiful’ in his eyes. You’d look at his voluminous hair that cascaded down his shoulders and wish that one day, you could feel beautiful they way your boyfriend fiercely argued you were. “Don’t give up love. Stay strong, let’s heal together. Don’t you want to grow out your hair and then we can try new hairstyles and exchange hair masks and conditioners? Because I want to baby. 

His hair that he used to tease your baby niece and nephew over who was the prettiest princess. “Oh it’s Elsa.” 

“No it’s Snow White.

 No it’s uncle Hannie.”  End of argument.

He’d bask under the attention of baby fingers grubbly holding onto his flowy hair, while they ‘ooohed’ and awed over how soft it was. “Pretty princess Uncle Hannie”

And now you clutched those thick blonde locks, fingers trembling as they combed through the silky strands, desperately fighting back tears. Soon, they would tumble to the floor, just as you feared you might, dissolving into a heap of vulnerability and loss.

His hair, a canvas of shared memories, was soon to be transformed into a buzzcut—something you teasingly called as "egg head."

For now, you focused on perfecting that waterfall hairstyle, cherishing every moment before change swept away the weaves.

A.N: Bye imma cry. I keep telling myself this is not my first rodeo, I have been sending off boys to the military since Jin first left in 2022. But something about Jeonghan losing that hair- imma-

periods are tough and are sometimes even worse for others.

Premium Period Pants

(Anyone who tells me this kind of periods does not happen irl, please get out of my blog. No need to flex.)

Pairing: Wonwoo x Female Reader

Word Count: 1.9k

Warning: Graphic details of periods, throwing up, PCOS and endometriosis. Mentions of female anatomy. SFW. Sliightly suggestive and sliight appearance of a dom Wonwoo so MDNI.

Master List is here

“God damnit, Y/n, this is the sixth time this year! It’s only been four months into the new year, and yet here we are at the hospital again.”

His agitated words, paired with gritted teeth and blazing eyes, were a testimony to just how furious he was. Furious didn’t even cut it. His hands were shaking, gripping the bed rails to stop himself from doing something stupid—like yelling at you and causing more distress.

He couldn’t understand why someone would be so stubborn as to end up in a hospital bed twice in one month. Why didn’t you understand your own body enough to take care of it? It perplexed him. You were your own worst enemy, he thought bitterly.

When he got the call that you had been hospitalized again, fear had immobilized him. His heart pounded, his hands trembled, but his feet couldn't move fast enough to get to you. Mingyu had offered to drive him, shrugging off any concerns about ruining dance practice, even with the comeback around the corner.

The nurse had explained the situation: you were found unconscious, pale as a sheet, lying limp on the tarred road. A stranger had found you and called for help—it was a miracle you’d escaped unscathed. If they had found you just a second later, you would’ve been hit by a truck speeding down the service lane.

A part of him feels sorry for you and a part of him wants to take you over his knee right now. Will spanking you rattle some sense into your thick head? How stupid were you to go out uninformed days after your surgery while you were ordered by a medical professional to stay indoors? You could have let the dust settle on your stitches, he thinks. Instead, you'd left home without informing him and run off to the studio to perfect a track that was nowhere near the deadline.

Worse, you were on your period—the third one in a single month! He wondered just how much blood you had lost recently. Looking at you, pale and eerily quiet, he knew you feared his anger.

Good, he thought. Maybe now you'd understand he wasn’t playing around. Sometimes, he felt too soft with you, and it always ended with you acting recklessly enough to send him to an early grave. Did you even realize how terrifying it was to get a call saying your partner was in the hospital again?

But seeing your downward eyes and pursed lips, he's already come down from whatever pinnacle of wrath he'd reached.

Damn you Y/N!

Not wanting to add more salt to your wounds, you were bleeding quite copiously after all. This was the third hospital gown they had put you in. He signed the discharge form and decided to take you home.

You looked miserable . You were writhing on the seat, clutching your abdomen, and he wanted nothing more than to take your pain away. All these years he'd spent with you, it never gets easier watching his s/o have to suffer this much over periods. It doesn't help that your period comes more than once a month. You were dying by the end of the last one.

There were more days in a month you were bleeding over days you weren't. That’s how nasty it was.

One arm on the steering wheel, his other hand out, he proceeds to massage your thigh softly, hoping some sense of touch would ground you. You really should begin to be a little more gentle with your body. It had only been two weeks since your kidney stone removal surgery and period pains added to those stitches, he winced internally.

It’s hard being a woman.

Suddenly, you begin to slap his hand furiously, and he swerves the car, skillfully stopping, leaping across the door, and carrying your limp body to throw up across the garden. There went the only food he’d managed to get you to eat.

He was prepared for anything by now. Jogging back to the car, he whisks out a mouthwash and some water to quench your parched throat, praying that at least this time you'll be able to keep it in.

Three doctors. It took three gynecologist appointments before they diagnosed you with endometriosis. The first gynecologist said all you had was gas. The second one had simply called it PCOS and a common thing for every other woman. Your chronic pain had worried him and taken him to a third opinion where you were diagnosed with endometriosis. You were relieved someone was taking your pains seriously. He was relieved that with the right medicines, the pain could be brought down a notch.

When he pulled up to his house, he noticed a giant stain on the bottom of your pants when you stepped out of the car. He chose not to say anything. It wasn’t your fault, after all. You were already dealing with enough.

Making up a quick lie that he needs to run to the store to get some ice cream—the only food you willfully ate—he drives away and sends off his vehicle to a car wash. The stain had spread to the seat, despite the several magazine papers you were sitting on.

Rushing to your favorite store, he bought two tubs of your favorite ice cream flavor—bubblegum and walnut chocolate. Your taste buds are pretty numb, he supposes.

He comes home to see you nowhere around the living room or bedrooms after a quick scour. His only explanation of your absence is that you were stuck in the toilet.

Quickly, before you get back, he sets up the cuddle space. Barbie movies lined up, the mini fridge plugged near the TV, stacked with your favorite ice cream, and his drink in hand, he sat patiently on the couch waiting for you to come back.

He sees your dried tear marks from this far and holds out his arms, wanting you to come in and settle between them.

“Nuh uh. Not doing this.”

You shake your head, plopping to the ground in a huge thud, shaking him too.

You refused to sit on the couch in fear of staining it. Although he’s told you a million times that it’s fine, you refused to accept his dismissal.

Well, no one was going to be comfortable on the cold hardwood floor. Pushing a throw pillow down, he sits atop it, hoisting you and dragging you to his lap, quieting your immediate protest in the terms of shaking away.

“Wonwoo, I will bleed all over your pants. Let.me.go.” You were beginning to bite his hand, but he was too quick for you, placing the said hand around your face, immobilizing you, turning your attention back to the TV.

“Y/n, just drop it. Not a big deal. You change pants, I change pants. We twin like that.” He assures you with a soft kiss on your cheek.

“No. This is not the same. I am bleeding from my goddamn vagina. All you are doing is being bled on. There’s a difference.”

Ah, right, you were irritable. He was always prepared for your mood swings on days like this.

Not wanting to stir any more chaos, he places a kiss on the crown of your head, hoping to change subjects.

Peace reigned for five minutes before you began to shift against him.

“Wonwoo, please let me go. Your pants are going to look like a crime scene arena.”

“I keep telling you, I don’t mind. I needed some color in them anyway. Oh, how about this.” He jolts you with his sudden excitement.

“You have your period underwear. I have my period pants. How about that for twinning?”

“Twinning? Wonwoo, if you so much as say ‘twinning’ in the context of periods again, I will see to it myself that you are bleeding just like me.”

“Fine by me,” his mind supplies. He gets an excuse to be a bitch too.

Although he still refuses to let go of you, you have calmed down, saved by the soft strokes against your hair he was caressing.

Quietly, he placed another kiss against your cheek, hoping you would just let go and snuggle against him. What were you so embarrassed about? As opposed to the early moments in the relationship when he blushed hearing the word menstruation, he was a pro in women’s health right now.

“I hate this, Won. It’s only April and I have had periods nine times this year. Why am I suffering this much?. I can't eat anything without catapulting it out of me, cannot sit anywhere, cannot sleep properly. I am always in a state of discomfort. I can't even fix a schedule in life because my periods are irregular."

Wonwoo’s heart aches at the sight of your tears. He gently rubs your back, trying to soothe you. “Hey, it’s okay,” he says softly, his voice steady despite the worry in his eyes. “But I am here for you aren't I? You can use me as your personal heater, your trash can hauler, late night cravings shoplifter, masseuse. Whatever you want, I am your man. 's what I am here for baby"

You shake your head, sniffling. “It’s just so unfair. I’m exhausted and in pain all the time. And you... you’re just so calm. It makes me feel like I’m overreacting.”

“You’re not overreacting,” he reassures you, brushing a stray tear from your cheek. “This is real and it’s hard. But being calm is just my way of showing you that we’re in this together. I want to be your rock, your safe place. I wish I could take away the pain, but all I can do is be here for you.”

You look up at him, your eyes red and swollen. “It just feels like a never-ending cycle. I’m constantly dealing with this, and every month it’s the same thing. It’s like my body is waging war against me. Plus it sucks cause I get it more than the average woman. And I have to keep my weight in check. And I have to shave my mustache because god forbid my face was left alone for this ”

Wonwoo pulls you closer, his embrace firm and comforting. “I know it feels like that. But you’re stronger than you think. We’re working on this together, and we’re finding answers. It’s okay to be upset. It’s okay to cry. Just remember, you’re not alone in this. Plus I love you like this . I love indulging your weird cravings. You having facial hair means we get to shave together every night. More twinning. Shit’s romantic babe ”

You lean into him, finding solace in his warmth. “Sometimes, I just want to give up.”

“And sometimes,” he says gently, “when you feel like giving up, that’s when you need me the most. We’ll face it all together. And I promise, no matter how many times you have to go through this, I’ll be right here beside you.

“Alright shut up. Stop being a sap. Turn it off.”

You hated mushy talks. You’d rather drink acid than talk about feelings.

He shrugs. At least you made it this far.

“Now, shall we get to eating some disgusting shit?”

‘Hey bubblegum ice cream is not shit”. You proceed to swat him on the arm, causing him to wince and let out a fake cry. 

You swat the other arm to make it even.

Fair enough.

“And Y/N?” He hovers his mouth over your ear, causing you to shiver slightly, his voice had dropped mysteriously low.

“Next time you leave this house against the doctors orders and my specific instructions, I won’t be this nice. Think twice baby”. You gulp. Fuck.

A.N: This is more for me than for you. But if you have PCOS, this is for you. I pray every woman who goes through pain like this, gets to have a man like Wonwoo. Also about the having periods thrice a month- based off my life! There were days in a month I was bleeding over day's I wasn't. Solely responsible for the sanitary pad consumerism. Plus I used to be bed ridden. I will never wish this pain on my worst enemy. Reach out to me, I wanna know how y'all suffer through this.

The pics are sourced from @tomodachiii and @chanranghaeys 's gallery. I am starting a GoFundMe for their phone storage. I thank you girls for your contribution to the Feed The Carats Association.

Tagging my forever favorite - @skzbangchanniee

if you come across this post then do read it amazing story

Echoes Within The Heart's Battlefield

Pairing: Seokmin (DK) x Female Reader Genre: Angst, Fluff (SFW) Warnings: Mentions of Child Abuse, Grotesque Description of Murder, anything I have missed and is a TW, lemme know please. I'll update. Word Count: 10.8k+ Master List is here

No dividers, we read like the ancient.

Alpha written, beta read but not theta edited. Excuse the errors.

A.N You will not believe this one fic was birthed because of a single comment I saw by @onlyseokmins. Inspiration runs funny guys.

Downing his fifth shot for the night, he gazed around him as people mixed into the crowd, sweaty bodies on the dance floor, jiving to the rhythm of 'Kokomo’. 

Women glide around the room, attending to sleazy men- men who couldn't keep their hands to themselves, groping what was clearly not theirs.

He wanted to puke in the mouth before he realized no one forced him to be here, this was purely his choice to make ,coming to a hostess bar.

Better yet, he could get into a ton of trouble coming here, going so far as having his contract terminated if anyone finds out an idol from Hybe was present here. His disguise wasn't fooling anyone but he hoped the drunken bodies around him would be too inebriated to care.

His only goal for the night was to pretend this day never existed. 

"Dokyeomah, you are just too sensitive." Sensitive. He hated that word. When did being a little emotional and empathetic deprive him of any choice to make rational decisions ?

His members loved him ,he was quite sure of that, he wouldn't have survived a decade with them had they not. But every so often they keep forgetting that he has grown up after all. He wasn't seventeen any more.

Being a little goofy did not rid him of adult duties and although he knew his hyungs meant it for the best, their constant coddling was getting on his last nerve and he needed to leave that environment.

Which in hindsight proved to be just fine, that's what led him to see you.

You descended down the stairs in a black velvet gown, gloved hands drumming down the railing of the stairway, curls bouncing with every stride you took on your downward descent. He didn't think curly hair would be this sexy on anyone but the way it cascaded down your shoulders all the way to the hip, allured him in. It seemed every curl was hiding a mystery within, winking at him to dare make a move. 

He couldn't take his eyes off you even if he tried, what with your pouty lips, foxy eyelids and freckles- when did freckles become something he simped over? 

As if mocking his decision to approach you, a burly man, quite the hunk of a man if he could lightly put it, walked right in front of his view, placing  an arm around you, whisking you away to the inside quarters.

How could he ever think someone like you would be alone and that he might have a chance? You and that man just made perfect sense together.

Downing his sixth shot for the night, he set to drown out the night forever, hoping the hangover would be so painful that he could wipe you from his memories.

~~~~~~~~

Just another one of those days again. Seriously, Seokmin needs to figure out what was up with his bandmates and their strong belief  about his inability to make up his mind. 

Shua hyung had called him too naive when he had protested against management's refusal to attend his friend's party. 

Ninth year of contract and he still needed several rounds of permission and a clan of men to accompany him to his friend's party , and even with the outright dismissal to attend what would have been a fun night for him, rather than take his side, Shua hyung had sided with his manger on this. Traitor.

"Beomsoo has allegedly been accused of having drugs at his parties Minnie, and going to one such event could have you risking all of our reputations."

Allegedly. 

Everything in the industry was ruined with a mere word of allegedly. Smear campaigns especially against Hybe artists were on the rise and he "should have known better than to think of asking permission to attend Yoo Beomsoo's party."

Having all this aggravation within him but still denied the mere opportunity to drink the night away, Seokmin adorns a baseball cap and joggers, running to 'Cluckingham Bay'- his favorite Fried Chicken place, the one near his apartment. He didn't want to risk going to a bar pulling up for practice the next day hungover. He almost got caught for his last stunt.

Hopefully. he could lose himself in the hustle and bustle of a crowded restaurant all the while eating his heart out and satisfying a part of him by breaking his dietary restrictions. He was too hard on his body anyway. 

The restaurant was far too loud and it could be the sadness that lent to his lack of hunger but the chicken was just not doing it today. The grease from the bone was adding to his queasiness. It seems today's events were far too unsettling that the scrumptious meal in front of him, enough to feed three big men, wasn't doing it for his appetite. 

Not wanting to feel even worse for the food he was eventually going to waste, he paid his bill, making sure to add a huge chunk of tip and sat there opting to stare at the multitude of people coming and going. He didn't miss the tick in the waitress' face at the huge amount of food that they were going to have to waste.

After having wallowed in enough self pity for a whole night's worth, he began to take the long way home, hat pulled all the way up obscuring his face. The restaurant was closing for the night and he had well overstayed his welcome.

~~~~~~~~

He wouldn't have heard it in his usual jovial self but today that sound was unmistakable. A small squeak filtered into his hearing.

His body froze and blood rushed haywire. All of 5'11 and big muscles yet a small rat could have him in a frenzy. This must be his penance for disrespecting his hyungs.  Every nerve in his body stood still and although his brain told him to run, his body couldn't quite process the order. 

It's already way darker than he'd like it to be, save for the light from the nearby lamppost, add a crawling creature to the mix, Seokmin was ready to just die.

After a whole 30 seconds had passed, he couldn't hear the squeak no more. Relieved at the runaway mouse, his body began to unfreeze, preparing to dash home. 

That decision proved futile on hearing the rustle of plastic. 

If he didn't agree that he was a "pabo" as his hyungs believed him to be, he sure did a terrible job of trying to prove them wrong, with the way he was following that sound. He had no idea how, his feet just seemed to carry him through it.

He followed his curiosity and watched as a certain figure sat hunched on their hind legs. With as much stealth he could afford himself, he ambled in the shadows to catch a sight that would forever be ingrained in his brain forever.

~~~~~~~~

It was unmistakably you, your curls that revealed mysteries could not be missed, but were it not for the hair , he wouldn't have realized it's you. There you were, in a ratty baseball shirt and torn jeans-  torn against their will as opposed to the fashion choices they make in their outfits. Your once gloved hands were now shaking in the cold night air and you were holding a chicken bone.

Realization hit him like an ice cold bucket of water on coming to the conclusion that you were feeding into the food he had meticulously thrown out. Scarfing down the meat like this was your first meal in days, huddled near the bin for warmth, you looked gaunt. There were no freckles, no shine in your matted hair and no elegance in your position. 

After your last bite, you stood up, wiped your hands on your pants, put your head into the trash bin (in hopes of catching more food he gathered). Failing to come up with anything, you went your way, the pangs of hunger never having left you.

Gone was the graceful aura, replaced by a picture of frustration and survival. Seokmin felt a pang of sympathy, mingled with confusion. How did someone so ethereal end up here, in such a rough-and-tumble state?

Not able to stomach it anymore, Seokmin bolted home hoping the tears blinding him wouldn't cause him to stumble. 

~~~~~~~~

It is a habit now. What had initially started as means to vent from the heavy exercise his body succumbed to with all the dancing had now moved onto a need. 

The restaurant owner had created a safe spot for him. They knew his specific order and what followed after that. The waitress 'Minari noona' would come in and ask if it was the usual. Upon confirming, he'd gobble down his share of the food, pack up the rest, seclude it in a paper bag he'd begin collecting now, and place it near the exact same spot- by the trash bin. 

He never saw your face after that but he could always tell it was you, owing to your trademarked hair. You'd scamper in, looking sideways, up, down and above?, on seeing nobody around you'd open your paper bag, sitting in the same position- a squat. He loved watching you gnaw on the chicken bone. 

It did sound weird the way he'd phrased that. But watching you savor fried chicken, not wasting a single piece of meat, nibbling on the bone and how you'd pack up the waste and throw it into the dustbin after which you'd wipe your hands on the handkerchief you'd retrieve from your pocket and walk away gave him sense of serenity.

Tonight proved to be no different. His routine was always the same. Walk to the bin, place the paper bag there, go back to the restaurant and stare from the window in his secluded spot, ordering a plate of tea cakes to avoid suspicion.

Except, he was unaware of the figure looming by the bin, eyes covered by a  bandanna. Just as he began to get up from his crouched position on the floor after having placed the bag, he was punched.

Straight on the gut.

"Ooomf- What the f-"

His cry was cut out as a palm was placed against his mouth muffling his screams. The other hand came around his eyes blinding him and Seokmin could feel the cool in their hand. 

He yelped again and this time, the figure climbed on him like a monkey, effectively shutting him down to silence.

He knew he should be scared, but feeling the weight of a human body, he was astounded to realize they weighed so little. Why was a child attacking him?

Struggling beneath them proved useful; one shove in, he managed to tackle them and unveil the bandanna, revealing your furious eyes. What the actual fuck?

Your enraged eyes blazed as you punched him again on the shoulder, your frustration evident. “You!”

Seokmin spluttered “W-wwhat did I do?”

“You’ve been watching me, haven’t you? Stalking me?”

“No, no! I’m not stalking you! I—”

“Then why are you always here? Why do you leave that food?”

“I—I just wanted to help. I thought you might be hungry.”

“Liar! No one is that nice. Well, except for the man who owns the restaurant here. But he said he never placed any paper bags by the bin. Be honest, or I will report you to the cops. I am not afraid of anyone.”

Well shit. He had to think fast! Panicking,he lied.

"Well I used to be hungry too. I know what it’s like to struggle, to not have enough. I’ve been there. I was poor once, and I know how it feels to be in need. I didn’t want you to go through that alone.”

Your eyes looked through him not believing a single word.

Commit to the bit, stare her down!

“Really? You were poor?”

He was not. 

“Yeah. I know it might sound hard to believe, but I’ve been in your shoes. I understand what it’s like to need help, and I just wanted to give back in some way. I’m sorry if it came off as strange.”

Silence.

He was beginning to sweat gratuitously. 

Taking a deep sigh, you looked back up at him, with a huge heart stopping smile? 

Seokmin was doing whiplashes around you, one minute he was awestruck by your gorgeousness, next minute he was dumbfounded because of how cute you were. Your cheeks bunched up and your eyes closed to the intensity of your smile. 

And now you look sad. 

"I am sorry. I will pay you back. Rent has been tight this month , and I-

" No , no no .. hey please none of that. Seriously don't worry about paying me back just-"

Crap what does he say? You were looking at him dubiously. 

"I don't want your pity ---?"

Oh right, she wanted his name, he can't let down his cover-

"Minnie. You can call me Minnie."

"Okay Minnie, I don't need your pity."

 “How about this? Two months from now, we’ll gather in the exact same spot. If you still want to pay me back then, we can talk about it.”

“Two months? Why wait?”

“Just... trust me on this. I’d rather you focus on getting through now. Let’s talk about it then, if you still want to.”

Nodding slowly, “Alright. Two months. Thank you, Minnie.”

“You’re welcome. ”

"Alright then. Do you want to share this with me?"

"Oh no- I couldn't-"

You brought the heat back in your upturned mouth and he didn't want to argue anymore. 

And so, under the moonlight, a friendship was forged between two souls, bound together not by truth but by a shared meal of chicken, fated to find connection amidst a heap of lies.

~~~~~~~~

His once- in- a- fortnight visits turned from once a week , to an almost everyday visit. He knew the effects of having fried chicken daily would wear on his body ,which is why he resorted to spending extra time at the gym.

You both didn't talk much, afraid that if you did secrets would come out in the open. But you both did bask in each other's presence to munch on some chicken and savor each other's serenity in a world of chaos.

You had begun to liven up under his care. He watched with pride as some meat had descended into your cheeks, there was mirth in your eyes and best of all, you weren't looking at him sketchily everytime.

Except today, he was met with a shocker. Your foxy eyes now glaring daggers at him all the while holding up a magazine plastered with his face all over it.

He sighed. It's a miracle he could hold on this long without the truth coming out

“What the hell is this? Who's Dokyeom? Who's DK? Who's Seokmin And who the hell is MINNIE??”

He looked down, guilt-ridden.

“I— I’m sorry. It’s me. I’m Seokmin. I should have told you the truth from the start.”

“You should have? You think hiding behind a fake name is okay? How long were you planning to keep this charade up? And why? What was the point of all this?”

“I didn’t want you to see me as just another idol. I wanted to connect with you as a real person. I thought if I used a different name, we could have something genuine.”

You scoffed . “Genuine? Are you kidding me? You were lying to me this whole time! How can you expect me to believe anything you say now? You’ve been deceiving me from the beginning!”

"Hey you were lying to me too, one minute you were in silks parading around 'Aurora Nights' and now here you are eating from a garbage bin. I kept your secrets too!"

"W-wwhat?"

Did he end up ousting himself?

" I mean I--"

"So this whole thing was a pity party huh? You couldn't afford me then so now you choose to lure me in by buying me food every night in hopes I'd strike up a conversation with you and you could- what? Play knight in shining armor?"

"That's not what I-"

"Cut the lies Dokyeom" 

He missed being called Minnie.

You turn to speed and walk your way but he's way faster. 

Catching you by the elbow, he turns you around and you look at his teary eyes, pleading with you to give him a chance to explain.

"Look I am sorry okay, but please let me explain. Honestly, I never thought the lies would get this far, I- I well I just wanted to buy you dinner, to help. It was never about pity or trying to play some kind of hero."

He wanted to say more, but you didn't look like you needed a lot of explanations. You stared deeply into his eyes as if deciphering what's really going on in there.

Seeing nothing but raw emotion, you shrugged and took his hand, leading him to-

"What's happening? Where are you taking me?"

You turned back with a grin.

"I did offer you a payback didn't I? Well, come over."

He came to an abrupt halt. 

"Listen, I am sorry if you thought you needed to pay me back in any way but I don't want to impose and I am not about that life- I couldn't- I don't want you in that way I-"

He was stuttering but you looked at him with an amused glint in your eye.

"You don't want me in what way?"

" Umm I- crap are you really making me say it?" 

He was blushing furiously, sweating through his shirt.

You let out a big laugh, sort of like a witch and he watched endeared.

"I mean I wanted to pay you back with Wenchang chicken since a quick Google search led me to believe that was your favorite food but if you don't want-

Not letting you finish your sentence, still holding your hand he ran into the night, your loud laughter following him.

~~~~~~~~

Guilt weighed down on Seokmin that he was hiding this from the members. They did tell each other everything after all.

But he couldn't risk a rebuking from Cheol hyung for his night outs or an immediate investigation from Hannie hyung to find out who you were. He didn't want to scare you away. You had just started getting closer to him.

He loved these nights, where you both escaped to the rooftop of the restaurant, ( he realized it was far too risky to continue their rendezvous in a popular hub spot) and dived into the bucketful of fried deliciousness. He's tried to add soju to the mix but you had declined. He remembered that look- a mix of sadness and anger, as if that bottle offended you. He never asked again.

Sometimes he brought you small gifts- a scrunchie - having a noona meant he knew scrunchies were important, so he'd kept one in his pockets just to be of help and sure enough the day arose and he couldn't be happier. A Spotify subscription- rich or poor everyone deserved to hear music uninterrupted he tells you, a cute Sanrio themed wallet- he'd disgruntled at the way you aggressively stuffed your cash in pockets crumbling them up effectively and a pair of fuzzy socks since he'd seen you shiver in the winter air. 

You'd reciprocate in your way- a doodle you'd done of him- he was gobsmacked at your talent, he told you as much, you'd smirk back; a handkerchief that you crocheted , you'd caught him sniffing the night before and wanted something to stop his runny nose; a small coaster for his table- 'when you drink a warm cup of coffee, think of me' - he could never forget you even if he tried.

Each gift was a step toward rebuilding trust.

Gradually you let the other into each others circle, still not offering up really personal information- Seokmin for fear of NDA and you because you were still guarded - but he'd share about his frustrations in dance practice and you'd vent about your day- your work was still a mystery to him, but he could take a wild guess.

~~~~~~~~

Something was off today. He could tell it was. He might have nailed every note in their song, gotten every step right in their choreography, and even received compliments from the manager for his jokes that uplifted everyone , but he could feel it in his bones- something dreadful would happen.

It had been over a week since he last saw you, and although he tried not to be too upset about it, you hadn't agreed to an everyday meetup in the first place. You'd do this often—disappear for weeks and  appear randomly, offering no explanations (not that he'd dare to ask). Your aura screamed "get away from me." He knew he hadn't reached that part of a friendship yet, although his curiosity was piqued.

But today he was getting a certain feeling that shook him to his bones. And he couldn't quite put a finger over it.

He declined the invitation to have drinks with the members, making  up a half cooked lie, bought a few skewers of lamb chops and went to the rooftop of 'Cluckingham Bay'.

It's past two in the morning, the sound of the wind rustling offered him no comfort. Still resistant about going home, hoping against all hopes that you were okay. 

He sent a quick prayer above and ended up dozing off, surrounded by the fuzzy muffler he'd brought to keep him warm.

~~~~~~~~

He woke up to the sight of your eyes, smeared with mascara streaking down your cheeks like dark rivers of terror. You were shaking uncontrollably, as if you were a withered leaf detached from its tree, caught in a relentless storm.

"오이 Oi?"

It was an inside joke that had transpired to him calling you a cucumber when he'd asked you for your name, your reason being that you were 'as tasteless as a cucumber' and although he protested vehemently , you did not succumb and reveal your name, so 'Oi' it is.

It felt like his voice had brought you out of whatever trance it had been in, causing you to jerk and just stare at him.

He was up in no time, a quick glance at his wrist watch had him tell the time as 3:40, shit had he been out of it for so long? and came over to you.

"Hey." He cooed at you. He had a number of questions-where had you been all week? Why had you shown up now, in such a state? What had happened to you? Were you running from someone?

He didn't want to overwhelm you with any questions so he spoke gently, hoping the troubled look from your eyes would disappear.

His gaze fell on you, clad in a satin dress that clung awkwardly at the waist while the hem hung in tatters. A deep gash on your forearm bled freely, and his heart raced with alarm.

First things first, he needed to cover you up. The cold wind had you shivering, your teeth chattering uncontrollably. He wrapped his muffler around you, not met with any resistance.

You welcomed the warmth, relaxing your shoulders at his touch and he had this gentle longing to scoop you up and keep you to himself, sheltering you from the cruel world. Alas there's only so much he can do.

"Come home with me," he pleaded. 

"You can leave whenever but please, it's too cold and you look like you just ran away from someone. I cannot, in good faith, leave you alone here in the dead of the night. "

Someone must have hurt you pretty bad because without any argument, you nodded. He bent down signaling you to get on his back and holding onto your ankles, he carried you down the rooftop.

Somewhere between the short walk, you had fallen asleep, the heavy head resting on his shoulder was proof enough. You looked like you needed the rest, and so he took extra care not to jostle you too much while he took you to his apartment.

~~~~~~~~

He woke up at an odd hour, the uneasiness he was feeling had come down but still not fully placated. 

He moved quietly to the guest room, the weight of his unease pressing down on him, knocking softly on your door, holding his breath, hoping for a sign of life.

Silence. "Well she might still be sleeping" he thought.

Not wanting to disturb your well deserved rest, he began to start the day, opting to text his managers he wouldn't be making it for practice today due to 'unforeseen circumstances'. Hoping that none of his bandmates would come to check on him, he started preparing a heavy breakfast.

You had looked ravenous yesterday and in your exhausted state you had refused to eat anything.

He recalled your eyes watching his every move as he used a warm towel to wipe down the blood and grime on your right arm. He had begun to softly sing, more so to calm him than you. And like a baby your eyes fluttered softly, head jerking with the dire need to sleep. He had tucked you into the sheets, still softly singing, choosing to rub your cheek and lay you on the sheets.

His heart still weighed heavily down on him at the thought of you being so afraid last night. His questions were still unanswered and more were brewing but he supposes today will be the day that changed.

An hour later, still no sign of you. The weird sensation creeped up on him again and in a haste moment of irrational thinking he knocked on the door and opened to reveal- an empty bed.

His noona's clothes he had lent you the night before were folded and placed neatly on the bed with a note.

 A simple "thank you" written in neat cursive.

~~~~~~~~

Seokmin was too angry to come to the restaurant today. Yes, he had assured that you could leave any time you wanted but surely you could wait till the morning? At least have some breakfast?

By evening, his anger had subsided. You must have run after showing a vulnerable side to him and deep down he knew they had crossed a lot of invisible boundaries. Rationality settled within and he made up his mind to visit you. If only you were there.

It seems he'd jumped the gun because there you were, in front of his apartment, bloodied and tattered up. His heart sank.

~~~~~~~~

Shua remembered a young Seokmin, before he became "DK"- wild eyed, heart three sizes too big for him and a voice that could thaw hearts. 

Fans had affectionately dubbed him "Sunshine," and it was a fitting name. There was something irresistible about Seokmin’s unwavering adoration and the way he followed Shua’s every move with a childlike wonder. The term "hyung" from him carried a special kind of reverence, and it was impossible not to be deeply touched by his genuine admiration.

Which is why his recent sketchiness was beginning to scare him. It didn't sound like Seokmin to hide things from Joshua of all people. He had been avoiding their pancake dates, opting to make them at home and bring extras for practice, refused the karaoke machine he had been whining out all year for, choosing to request board games instead? 

And now he watched warily as Seokkie was caught resting on the couch mid practice with a magazine? Since when did he start reading? A non picture book at that?

Quietly, so as to catch him off guard ,he crept up behind and WHAM!

Seokmin shrieked, jumping into the air, animatedly clutching his imaginary pearls.

Seokkie was quick but Joshua was quicker, he caught sight of what he was actually doing- fiddling on his phone- ahh that seemed more like him- but why was he hiding something- w-was he watching- ? 

Gazing down, he saw what Seokkie tried so hard to hide, his Notes revealed- "Freedom Formula: A 10-Step Plan for Her New Life".

Cue an eyebrow raise and Seokkie liquified onto the couch. 

Jeonghan had come in from the recording studio to investigate the shriek.

There were now two of his dearest hyungs looking at him inquisitively, expecting him to open up. He knew this day was coming but he hadn't thought this far ahead on the lies he should be prepared with. 

He avoided confrontation at all costs. Trying the whole pouty lip, big eyes and folded hands didn't work on them, they needed him to spill. 

So spill he did.

~~~~~~~~

"You know we are on the second leg of our contract right? Which means you have every right to date whoever you want it-"

"D-ddate!? W-what do you mean by date?"

Shua hyung spoke first- "Yeah date, young one. What did you think of?

“No, no, that’s not it at all. I mean—who said anything about dating? I don’t like her like that!”

His hyungs shared a look. Oh no, he didn't like where this was going. At all.

Smirking , Jeonghan asked "You sure about that Seokminnie?"

"Yeah-uh!"

“Alright, explain this to me, kiddo. You see a girl eating some chicken, she accuses you of stalking her, and you still persist in pursuing a relationship with her, even offering up your apartment for her to stay over for free?”

Seokmin started blushing furiously “No way! It’s not like that. I’m just—trying to be a nice guy.”

Raising an eyebrow, Shua hyung asked  “A nice guy who suddenly turns into a knight in shining armor over a chicken dinner? You’ve been dodging our pancake dates and offering up your place. If that’s not romantic, I don’t know what is.”

Jeonghan began to snicker “Yeah, Seokkie. You couldn't be more obvious, my child."

Take a defensive stance.

“Seriously, it’s just that she’s been going through a hard time. I didn’t want to make a fuss about it.”

With a teasing smirk that he would love to wipe off Shua hyungs face-“Sure, sure. And I’m guessing you also just happened to have an extra set of sheets and a spare toothbrush ready, just in case she needed a place to stay?”

“Oh, come on. Don’t try to act all nonchalant now. We saw you practically run to the store for those ‘emergency’ snacks and buy extra board games. Was that all part of your ‘nice guy’ routine?” That was Jeonghan.

Seokmin began to groan. "It's not romantic I promise."

Grinning mischievously, Shua butted in “You know, if you were trying to hide something, you’re not doing a very good job. Next time, just tell us if you’ve got a crush. We won’t bite.”

"Its not-"

"Alright, time out! Let's do this the only way we can."

And before he could protest any further, a finger came grasping his chin. His face was tipped forward and suddenly he had an eyeful of Jeonghan hyung right in front of his face. Fifteen seconds of intense stare down and he felt his soul being searched. And from deep within, he felt the secret pop out.

He gasped.

"Victory!" 

"How did you get that out of me? I didn't even know I liked her!"

"Hannie knows best young one"

His new revelation pinned the final nail down.

He was royally and utterly screwed.

~~~~~~~~

"Minnie if you don't sit still! I swear to God."

"I can't help it, the best part is coming, and you are looking out the window."

"Well if you could stop wriggling around so much-"

"Alright! If that gets you to watch the damn TV. Look here I go."

And true to his word, he sat perched up-Minghao-esque meditation style , hands clasped on to his folded calves, anything to get you to watch the damn movie.

He could hear your stifled giggles and he preened. Squinting slightly, he saw you watch in rapt attention at the kiss.

You were blushing slightly, nervously wringing your hands and shifting uncomfortably on the couch.

"If I didn't know any better I would say you act like someone who's never been kissed before."

You glanced over with wide, startled eyes.

"You've- you have never been kissed before?"

"Umm-" You looked everywhere but at him. Did he cross a line?

Well time to change the topic.

"Tentacles"

"Huh?"

It's a given that he loses his mouth to brain filter around you.

"I mean- so when we don't want to talk about a certain topic, we say Tentacles."

"You're a weird man."

Doesn't he know that?

Allie kisses Noah on the screen and he watches dreamily- at you. 

Hoping that one day, he gets to have you with him. To have your heart entrusted to him. To grow old with you. To protect you forever and ever, to not have you running away to wherever you escape to in the middle of the night coming back looking like a rag doll. To hold you close to him and have you look back at him with the same affection he tries to desperately hide around you. To love you and be loved by you. 

He knows the only way you had agreed to stay in his apartment was if he agreed to the promise that he will never fall in love with you.

He knows the only way you had agreed to stay in his apartment was if he agreed to the promise that he will never fall in love with you.

"Wow, fancy bedsheets huh. What happened to keeping it lowkey?"

'I--it's not fancy. They are Eomma's old ones.

'"Are you giving me your mother's used bed sheets Minnie?"

"They are not used I swear! She has too many and she-"

"I am just messing with you Minnie! I don't mind either way, shit's better than I'm used to. But why did you get me these new pajamas? I can see the tags on them so don't try to lie. You messed up the deal man."

"Well I can't have you wearing my noona's pajamas. They don't fit you. Besides, it's just a pair of pajamas."

"That's what you said about the four other pairs. And the watch. And the headset. And the- 

"Look, I have money, it's well established. This is hardly a tear in my pocket. These are basic necessities for you. Let me help you. You can pay me back one day if you want, but for now enjoy all these. The headsets and the watch are freebies from my sponsors. 'Sides, you do help with stuff. You are the bug terminator here and your worth is far more than any paying roommate. So please, don't deny all this"

There comes the smolder.

"Please?"

"Well alright, if it's no trouble to you Minnie. As long as you don't go fallin in love with me ."

"Pshaaaw. As if. You should be careful that you don't fall in love with me. I am the irresistible one."

"Said your mama?"

"I- yes?"

You snorted. 

"Well alright man. I will take the toothbrush and the headset and the pajamas. I don't really need the watch that's too much. Just don't fall in love with me."

“Pinky Promise. Come now let’s spit on it" Your disgusted face added more fodder to his funny ways.

Watching your keen attention on the TV, your gaze holding an innocent awe of wonder at the two people embracing each other in a sweet kiss, your fingers twitching curling up on the arm rest, your right knee bouncing rapidly and your lips coming in a pout, unknowingly mimicking the kiss, he knows he's fucked up. He definitely broke the one promise he made you.

He’s done for.

~~~~~~~~~

His parents found out. They kept bugging about his decision to skip Chuseok despite Pledis clearing their schedules. He couldn't avoid his mother's insistent calls for so long. And so he spilled. Thankfully they were graceful about it. He wanted to cry. Why did he worry about too much in the first place?

Since he couldn't make it home for Chuseok, his family decided to come to his place. This is why he was worried.

He knew so little about you except for the obvious signs that you were lonely. And that you had no family. Or you went no contact.

You were so stubborn about so many things but during movie nights, when it was your turn to choose movies, you'd always go for the family movies. He'd see you shed a tear every time a mother hugged her daughter. Your eyes longingly fleeted to the screen when a baby came on. You giggled at dad jokes. You with all these spikes built up, loved watching wholesome movies. Who'd have thought.

He went out of his way to surprise you with gifts, but the new phone he bought remained unopened. The white dress you had admired during a window-shopping spree with him, intended to make you smile, ended up having the opposite effect from what he had hoped.

You had slammed the door of his room ,causing his phone to clatter to the floor. 

"Seokmin, what the fuck is this?" He knew he was in trouble when he was called Seokmin.

"A dress."

"I know that but why is this on the bed?"

'I thought it would be nice to-"

"You thought what? That you can just buy me whatever and I will stay with you forever? Because the debt will be so high that it will leave me incapable of moving out since I can't afford it?"

"T-that's not-"

"Sure, that's not what you thought. Gosh all you men are the same! Anytime a girl eyes something beautiful you buy it for her making her fall into this false trap and then your true colors come because all men want the same thing!"

"I--"

But you had left slamming the door behind you, leaving the dress still intact by the hanger on his bed.

You came back two days later, with an apology. Ever the soft heart, he took you back dismissing your regrets citing it as his fault for intruding in the first place. No more surprise extravagant gifts for you okay? Except it was not extravagant. It wasn't even designer. But he didn't want to tell you that.

Anything out of the norm, that was not the usual flow of things scared you. He still didn't permit his bandmates to see you, knowing they would scare you away. Or be disdained by Jeonghan hyung who had overheard you screaming at him through the phone when he brought you that dress and had called you an 'ungrateful bitch.'

Which is why he didn't tell you his whole family would be coming over for Chuseok till the last minute.  He knew he was going for the jugular by springing this up on you the last possible second but his mother had pleaded with him to have you there. She wanted to meet you and a desperate part of him wanted exactly that. For his parents to be acquainted with the fireball that had captivated his mind, soul and heart.

As expected, you leaped up in a flurry, hurling curses at him for the last-minute notice (it was the middle of the night). However, what he didn’t anticipate was your obsessive cleaning spree around the house. No spot was left untouched—the kitchen hood, the door knobs, even the toilets were scrubbed to perfection. The shower handles seemed to be gleaming. Although you didn’t run away, your body language made it clear that you were extremely nervous.

Seokmin's family was just like him—warm and welcoming to anyone who accepted their love. As he watched his sister and mother greet you with genuine kindness, his heart felt heavy. His mother had embraced you and gently stroked your cheek, mirroring the affection he often showed. He noticed you excused yourself to the bathroom, claiming you needed to check something. But he saw the tears you tried so hard to blink away.

All because his mother had touched your face. Have you never had a mother?

His sister began to recount embarrassing tales from his childhood which had prompted you to boisterously laugh. Something he rarely saw in you. When his Appa had gently pushed you away from scaling the shelves to reach for the bowl on top, stating 'let me handle it' he had caught you discreetly wiping tears from your eyes again, he had followed you to the balcony when you excused yourself for fresh air.

They had brought out the board games, and his brother-in-law was in his element, trying to outwit everyone in Trivia as he usually does. But this time, he had met his match— you! Seokmin watched with pride as you bested him, word by word, leaving his family astonished. He noticed his dad giving him a subtle nod of approval. It was clear: he had never brought home a girl this smart before.

You'd once confessed embarrassedly you'd never been to college before. He didn't get why that embarrassed you. Only he knows how he managed to graduate high school. But it was obvious you'd have loved to go to college considering how smart you were. You were the equivalent of a human calculator. Shame smart kids like you didn't receive a chance.

Sleeping plans were strange. His apartment had only two rooms ,the guest room that was now yours and his room. His family was expected to stay over at a hotel as prior notice.

But you had refused, called him out on his selfishness for sending his parents someplace else ( not that they protested), insisting that they sleep in your room. He put his foot down when you planned to leave elsewhere for the night. He was not going to let you run away again, under his watch.

So the both of you slept on adjacent couches while he gave up his bedroom to his gloating sister. The next three days passed in a quick blur. You spent every living minute glued to his mother who enjoyed having someone to baby. She taught you how to cook basic dishes, offering you tasting privileges from her fresh batch of kimchi- something his sister and him were denied when they were children. But he didn't mind.

But you didn't need to know that.

Upon complaining to his mother at the unfairness, he had received nothing less than a tut from Eomma eliciting a giggle out of you, something that got his mother and him to share a warm look at.

It's obvious- his whole family had taken an attachment to you.

And so did you.

On the day of their departure you reverted to your old ways, quiet, broody and snapping at him anytime he intruded. He had shrugged it off knowing fully well what the cause behind it was.

He caught you pulling away before his mother could come to hug you goodbye, the hurt evident in both your faces. Thankfully his mother was nothing short of understanding.

After sending them off, he came back upstairs to check on you and found you in his bedroom. With your hands pressed against the window, you stared wistfully at their retreating figures as they got into their car. Your sobs were silent, but your shoulders trembled with each breath

His heart clenched.

~~~~~~~~~

He had grown accustomed to the noise you made around the apartment—clashing pots and pans as you tried out new recipes, or the occasional expletive aimed at the characters in your horror movie marathons (he could never understand why anyone would willingly watch horror movies for fun). But today, the apartment was eerily silent.

You were home because your only pair of sneakers, browned at the edges, were still by the door. How he was itching to buy you a good pair.

Tiptoeing across to your room, he heard you groaning from behind the door. Thinking nothing about it, he hurriedly opened the door to reveal you twisting across the bed, your lovely features twisting in agony.

"Love?"

You looked mildly surprised at seeing him spring upon you but only for a second before your face etched with pain again. He quickly crossed the room over to you, sliding across the bed.

"Hey, tell me what's up. What happened?"

You look back at him tearfully and his heart squeezed painfully. What had happened to you?

Your shy but hesitant approach to answer that it was indeed periods confirmed his suspicions. 

"Would you like a hot bag?"

"What for?"

He hated how everything about your past life was released to him in the most pitiful way. Having a sister and a mother had made him knowledgeable on the subject of periods. He was not shy about this at all.

Calling out a quick five minutes, he runs to his room, changes into his pajamas and rummages through the apartment  whipping up the ultimate care package for you.

He comes back to see you crying real tears, rubbing your stomach with much aggression causing him to watch in sorrow. 

With gentle trepidation he lifts your shirt up, eyes never leaving your pinched face, placing the hot bag right on your tummy , visibly seeing your brows relax. 

"Minnie?"

"Yeah?"

"Could you, could y- umm"

"What is it love?" All this time and you were still shy around him? For what?

You were clenching your eyes, a rosy blush on your cheeks.

"Oi?"

"W-when you placed the bag on my stomach, your hands, they felt nice."

Now it was his turn to blush. 

Yeah he had big hands compared to yours, and they were warm. His previous girlfriends had talked about how soothing his hands were. Very slowly, he reached out to your tummy, unsure about looking into your eyes and began to massage your abdomen.

Very slowly, he watched your eyes flutter shut, dulcified by his gentle touch.

~~~~~~~~~

"Can you tell me a little about your childhood?"

Now where did that come from? It was unchartered territory to trespass into each other's past. 

You hadn't left the house the past few days due to periods and he tried his best to nurse you back to health. He'd never seen periods this intense, you puked every meal up, fainting in the washroom and kitchen scaring him enough to call his mother, who gave him detailed instructions to take care of you.

You dismissed his overly concerns claiming this was the usual for you. How many years had you endured hunger and homelessness bleeding around clutching your stomach in relentless pain?

Today, you had timidly knocked on his bedroom door, carrying snacks and drinks, and asking if he had some free time to spend with you. Little did you know.

He had built a blanket fort in the living room, just like his Appa used to when they were kids, using every throw pillow in the house and draping it with comforters and fluffy blankets. Your eyes lit up.

Nestled among the pillows and surrounded by delicious snacks, he began sharing more stories from his childhood. He watched, captivated, as your eyes followed every word, your giggles and comments adding to the warmth of the moment.

He definitely exaggerated to get a bigger rise from you but could you blame him. Who wouldn't love to hear your little chuckles?

Unbeknownst  to you, sleep had captured you quick enough and soon enough, you were draped across his torso, snoring soundly, He held you tight to him, his heart echoing the battlefield in his mind.

~~~~~~~

As they say the truth does come to light. He can't hide behind his movie dates, the roller skating rink date, the arcade date or the sushi date as mere excuses to introduce you to his world. You have to know that he feels something for you.

It's revealed in a non-climatic manner. You walk into the house one fine morning, after your nightly escapade , surprised to see a slender man perched on the couch expectantly awaiting your arrival.

Yoon Jeonghan. That's who he revealed himself as. You've heard many a story of 'Hannie hyung' but never imagined the same man who was loved so dearly by Seokmin would be sending you a death glare right now.

~~~~~~~

"All I am saying is, this has to stop before it gets too deep."

It's been a half an hour conversation and Minnie was still nowhere in sight. You were beginning to think his 'date with the manager' was a lie. Jeonghan looked devious enough to cook up some shit.

"But he told me that these were all friendly dates."

He gave you good once over. 

"You look like a smart girl. Don't play dumb. Why would a man like Seokmin go out of his way to be this good to a girl he's met once? 

Your heart? Your kindness? You did nothing good for him to show you grace.  An arcade date? A roller skating rink? Why would anyone take you to a roller skating rink in this century? A pet cafe? He's allergic to cats! Be serious. He's in love with you."

Every word he said drew an arrow right into your heart, splitting it open. Seokmin cannot be in love with you. It's not true. Surely not you!

~~~~~~~~~~

Something was up with you. He couldn't quite  place a finger on it. But between the constant dismissals and obvious fake lies, he needed to catch up on what was causing your sudden avoidance. It's like you'd gone three steps back in their now blossoming relationship. You who had finally begun growing out of your shell had gone back to being timid around him.

And so he staged an intervention. Fists curled up against the recliner, you looked anywhere but at him as he interrogated you.

He's tried all tactics and now reached his wits end. You refuse to speak. Gentle coaxing, teasing comments, even staged a whole dramatic fake cry to get you to open up to him. To no such luck.

You kept calling out 'Tentacles' to change the subject but he said by the veto power vested in him, he was overruling your appeal. Don't ask him too much about that. 

"Oi, just tell me. Come on love, we can solve it together."

"Why did you buy food for me?"

He didn't expect that.

"Why did you buy me that dress? Or the watch or the phone or the new pair of shoes? It's not a need now. Why did you do that?"

“And those movie dates. We could always sit here and watch it on your TV. Why did you take me to a pet cafe if you were allergic to cats?

He took a deep breath. 

"You really wanna know?"

Alright here he goes.

"I lo-"

"I am leaving." You jump up from the sofa, running to your room.

His heart is bursting at the seams, aching to confess his feelings to you. He knows nothing is holding him back except for your restraint, but he's determined to overcome that.

'It's too late, Oi. I tried so hard not to fall in love with you, but it's impossible.'

You had already reached the room, but he followed you in.

“I have seen parts of you that you never show out.” “You saw nothing.” He carried on not minding your interruptions, he’s got nothing to lose now.

“I have seen how you give everything you have to someone who’s a little less fortunate. Mingi from the streets, I saw him the other day. He came to thank me for funding his son’s education. Except I never did. You used up all the money you had saved up to spend on a young boy? 

You have next to nothing but you count your blessings well. I have often wondered why you wear nothing more than the same to pairs of outfits when you’d been gifted so much. 

You gave that all away to Hyori ahjumma’s granddaughter. She tattled on you when I went for a late night snack. Everything that is above your dire need is a liability and everything that is a gift is so well secured in your heart, the candy wrapper has seen no better  days than being pressed against your journal. You left it open one day. You are too kind to anyone, you don’t need a reason to, and you expect nothing back. Loving you has healed apart of me- "

"You are out of your mind. You do not love me."

"Please don't tell what I am feeling is not real. Dont rid me of that privilege"

"Well then, you are making a mistake, Seokmin. A grave mistake. Boys like you deserve better than someone like me.

You know if you were to die tomorrow, the whole world would know about it. social media will blow up around the world, fans will be  flocking around this very apartment, grieving your absence and your family will be left in shambles Minnie.

But if I die-."

You began to laugh low.

"If I die, not a mosquito will show up. They won't know I am gone. The hospital will give up my body to be buried but I don't have a plot saved up to lay for eternity, so there I will remain discarded as a carcass. Probably sold to science. This sounds dramatic but I have thought a lot about this you know. That's how worthless I am. In your world of glitz and glam and prosperous family life, I don't fit in. 

You loving me? It's a choice. A choice you have to throw out."

"I won't."

Well then, I am leaving. I am sorry Min, I can't do this. You will get over this. If I stay, I am causing you to make the biggest mistake of your life.

And taking the bag you had packed in a hurry you left the room, and soon the apartment but never his heart. 

His heart kept echoing the beats to the battlefield in his mind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

It's been six months now. He went through the five stages of grief in quick succession.

Denial: He banished any thoughts put in by his members that you had actually left, still eagerly waiting for you every night during the initial days. He had tried Cluckingham Bay but Jooheon the security hadn't seen any trace of you after you moved in with him. With no legal name or phone number, it was impossible to track you down.

Anger: He went back to drinking his woes away, not minding the shit talking the members did against you. Why try defending you when you never cared about him?

Bargaining: Regret seeped through the pores and his mind would replay back to that awful night. What if he had not confessed. Would you still have stayed? Would you have opened up too? Had he been too rash?

Depression: He found comfort within his home. In the couch you nestled upon, on the bed you rested your cheeks against, in the kitchen you had both cooked pancakes together. Nothing appealed to him to leave his house where he cooped up and wallowed in his misery.

Acceptance: He finally came to the sinking realization that you were never coming back. His worst fears have come to life. You were gone for far too long, out of sight but never out of mind .

But no matter what he tried, he couldn’t bring himself to step inside your room.

~~~~~~~~~~

The days leading up to 'Caratland' had him work up a frenzy. All he ever wanted to do was entertain his fans. But between the tight schedules that caused him to travel between multiple countries, the shoulder ache that kept flaring up and him missing you terribly, he was irritable.

Him crying was unexpected even for him. He knew his fans meant no wrong in booing, they were only teasing him but somewhere deep down, he had been casually hurt.

He couldn't go on like this, grieving a young girl who he was head over heels for. When does the pain subside? When will the tightness in his chest go away? When will the pillow know longer have to endure his tears?

Where were you? Did you die? He realized with a grieving heart that he would indeed never know if you were dead. You were right. Who did you have?

He came home heavy hearted with only one need- to sleep and never wake up.

He comes home to see you sitting there by the front door, hands on your knees, your head heavily resting against the door, your curls cut to chin level framing your cute face, makeup set in place,  freckles back with rosy lips adorning you.

Is this a dream? Was it really you? 

It had truly been too long.

~~~~~~~~~

TW: Grotesque murder talks. Child Abuse. “When I was four, Appa didn’t wake up to send me to school one day. I was confused. That never happens to him. He’s the one to send me off with a hug and a scrumptious packed meal. Thinking nothing of it, I gave him a kiss and went to school. I come home and he's still sleeping. His girlfriend told me he’s ‘tired after taking care of me’.

Worried I was causing him so much stress, I lay next to him , hugged him and went back to sleep. The next day, still no sign of him awaking. His girlfriend refused to budge when I told her we needed to take him to Dr Kim. Three days. Three whole nights I lay with a corpse that was my dad, hugging him to sleep every night and kissing him in the morning. It was my teacher, confused at my gloominess, who had a talk with me alone and called the cops. I had no idea my father was murdered Minnie. For years, I was in the system. I was the youngest orphan out there every year. Do you know how screwed up the system is? You are sent to foster homes, they don’t want you. They want the money the government provided them to take care of you. Except they never take care of you. They stamp on your knuckles if you ask for extras and laugh at you if you demand something. Being adopted would remove all rights for financial compensation so they enjoyed the money, discarded me. At seventeen I ran away. No home, no family and no dreams. Humanity is a joke. I’ve never known a mother’s love, never felt a hug in so long, never experienced kindness at the cost of doing a good deed just because one can. Good things never happen to people like me. We don’t get a chance at love because we are taught we never deserved it. My Appa’s girlfriend once told me, girls who kill their mothers in their womb, deserve no kindness. I was taught that having periods is God’s punishment to me every month, I should bleed to death. Seeing your family show me so much grace has made me feel out of place. For nine months I was there, in Ilsang volunteering at an orphanage. They adopted the last baby there. No more children. A lovely couple took little Eunha in, showing so much compassion to a child with cerebral palsy. 

And then I wondered. When will I get my chance? Do I not deserve good things too? What wrong did I do that my mother died during childbirth and my father was murdered. I deserve none of this self hate. I– I want to know what it is to love. To be loved. And then I thought of you Minnie. You showed me what it is to love someone unconditionally, expecting nothing back. You had no hidden malice. You listened when I vented, offered me solace when I cried and hugged me when I felt lonely. Your mother had no reason to be nice to a stray kid like me, but here she was, making me feel at home. Your noona’s monthly presents to me, your Appa’s kind jokes, your brother in law’s wit, you all took me in. You loved me purely didn’t you? A-and I never thought too much about it but the past few days I have been missing you more than I have allowed myself to feel. I watched Caratland today and I had the wrath to come and thwack each of those Carats who booed at you. I thought, ‘he’s going to come home and cry isn’t he?’ and suddenly, I wanted to be here. I need to be here. I want to be your person. The one you come crying to. Your safe space. You showed me unconditional love and I want to give it right back. To the boy who fed me chicken, housed me and loved me. T-this never happens to me. I never get too attached. But with you, it’s impossible . You are the sun and I orbit around you. So here I am .Asking you for one more chance. To take me in, should you give me the chance. This time, I will stay. I have no reason to run. You had me glued from the first go. I love you Seokmin” “Love I-” “L/N Y/N’”. “Huh?” “It’s Y/N. I figured if we are going to do this, we start the right way. I am Y/N. I don’t want to hide that from you.” You extend an arm out. He caught on to it in a firm grasp, shaking it. “Well Y/Nie I reckon we get into the house first shall we? And then we watch some shit show over a bucket of fried chicken and sleep on it. We have the rest of our lives to talk more don’t we? ” “And by the way Y/N, I love you. Never stopped. You make it impossible not to.” An arm around your back, he whisks you away to his apartment. BONUS

So you remember I once asked and you said you’d never been kissed before? “ I never said anything. Technically” “Yeah not with your mouth but your eyes did the talking.” You were beginning to blush now, nervously cracking your knuckles. “I wanted to change that. Figured we should start somewhere. I am all puckered up now, come here doll gimme some lovin, where my kiss at.” He sent a sleazy wink at you causing you to glare at him in faux disgust. He laughed outright, head thrown back. He loved putting you at ease with jokes like this. “Come here,” he patted his lap. You stood awkwardly in front of him, still unsure how to sit properly. Caressing your back, he slid an arm around, trapping you against his chest.

“Now, do you want to be taught how to kiss?”

A feeble nod. “Yes? Kay, go ahead. Kiss me.” “W-whaat? Just like that?” “Hey, it’s okay, it’s just me . What are you so worried about? I won’t laugh.”

You leaned in, giving him a hesitant smooch on the lips. He started laughing. “You just said you won’t laugh.”

You were indignant, beginning to get up, but he pinned you down. “No wait, I am sorry. Sorry. It’s just that it was so stingy.” “Yeah well, not everyone has experience like you.” “My first kiss ended with me throwing up because the girl had tuna breath. She broke up with me that instant.” “Oh.” “Yeah oh, not every first kiss is perfect. I just want you to take the reins. We do this at your pace. Here, you tell me where do you want to place your hands?” You flitted it through his belt loops gaping at him with round eyes. He had to stifle a laugh. Did you know how adorable you were?

‘Well okay, if that’s what you want. And I will,- yeah I will hold you like this.” He cupped your cheeks, stroking his thumb against your mole. You had closed your eyes, expectantly waiting for a magical moment and he wanted to give it to you but also- He blew into your mouth. Your eyes turned into slits glaring at him with mock anger, causing his giggles to grow louder.

It’s fun teasing you like this.

“If you are not going to mmmff-” He interrupted your sharp chide with a deep kiss, cupping your cheek and pulling you in. Your small gasp was not unheard and he drew you impossibly closer, hands gliding to your ponytail that was holding your short hair back, tugging on the scrunchie, letting his fingers weave through your curls.

You had grown pliant and he took advantage of it, it’s not often he gets you like this, and he planned to take full advantage of this, palm cupping the crown of your head , lulled by your small pants.

The first time he saw you, his heart raced. The next time he saw you his heart stopped. Now every time he has you, his heart echoes the loud clanging in his mind- the sounds of a battlefield. 

TAGLIST @skzbangchanniee , @begentlewithme-please , @ateez-atiny380 , @yuumemiii1. Comment below if you want to be added to the taglist for future fics.

Comment if you like, reblog with thoughts so I get to see what you think. Slide into my dm's, I'd love to chat!

Hello, I am Mounir Raed I am 19 years old from gaza palestine 🇵🇸🍉 .

Before After

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Donate to Help us to survive from this war, organized by Moneer Alanqer

Hello, I am Mounir Raed Al-Anqar. I am 19 years old. I was born in Gaza and live there… Moneer Alanqer needs your support for Help us to sur

I was born in Gaza and live there. I worked in the field of sanitary supplies. With a lot of sadness, pain and sorrow, today on behalf of my grieving family My family consists of my father, Raed, who is 47 years old, my mother, Amani, who is 39 years old, and me along with my five siblings: my sister Rasha, who is 22 years old and married; my sister Rana, who is 21 years old and married; myself, Monir; my brother Mohamed, who is 16 years old; and my little sister Sham, who is 4 years old. Now, my entire family has become displaced after our house was destroyed, fleeing from bombings and death. Every day, we suffer more.

We are living in a school that has been turned into a shelter, housing many displaced people. Our lives have been upended multiple times due to the enemy's relentless bombings and destruction, forcing us to flee from death. My married sisters and their young children are with us in this dire situation, enduring severe shortages of food, water, and medicine, and we have received no assistance.

My mother, She's suffers from severe asthma and has undergone multiple surgeries with no improvement, depends on medication, inhalers, and oxygen for her chronic conditions. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has depleted the supply of these critical medications, causing her condition to worsen. As if that weren’t enough, diseases are spreading among us due to the accumulated garbage, as there are no waste disposal systems and trash is piling up in the streets where we live.

Our situation is heart-wrenching and desperate.

We are engulfed in suffering and despair.

I plead for any support you can offer, even a small donation, to help us survive, find a peaceful place away from this relentless war, destruction, and death, and secure a safe and hopeful future.

I am sending you a plea to revive even a small part of hope.I have lost my home

, which was everything to me. I have so many memories of it, with my brothers who are everything to me as well. I lost my best friends, I lost my university, and I lost my job because of the war on Gaza and I also lost my shop 🥀🤷‍♂️

After Before

Everything was gone, the dream was lost, and nothing but became ashes. This war began and the smell of blood spread everywhere😔💔

Allow me to describe to you life here in Gaza. It is like a very small cage in which chicks (baby chickens) are placed. They have nothing to do with it. A bowl of water is placed for them, and you find them quarreling over this simple portion of water as well as food, and the aid planes that resemble a person being shot down Food crumbs on the cage and you find them fighting too

and this is our situation, but there is only one way to survive, which is to get out.

But going out will cost you a lot. It will cost you to forget your quiet and simple life, and forget your dreams and ambitions that you worked for and struggled for.

It will cost you money that you cannot afford, so I created this link for your contribution in saving what can be saved for someone like me who has an ambition and a dream that he wants to achieve and wants to complete his education. In order to be more successful.

I ask you to help and contribute to supporting me in order to leave the stricken Gaza Strip, and continue my life away from the ongoing wars there. I am striving hard to rebuild my life after the war.

Before After

After Before

goal : 🇵🇸🍉

Our goal is to collect the amount necessary for the evacuation from the Rafah border to Egypt. The money I raise will be used to pay the travel company responsible for the evacuation. This means the financial support needed to rebuild our lives and provide basic needs for me and my family.

How can you help : 💔❤

We need your support to achieve this goal. You can contribute in any way you find appropriate for you, even if it is a small portion, as every effort can have a meaningful impact and contribute to making a real difference through a financial donation. You can contribute any amount through this page. Share the campaign: Help raise awareness of the campaign by sharing it on social media and with anyone who can help. Provide any other support that can help me achieve this goal and be a support for us.🙏❤🙏

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Donate to Help us to survive from this war, organized by Moneer Alanqer

Hello, I am Mounir Raed Al-Anqar. I am 19 years old. I was born in Gaza and live there… Moneer Alanqer needs your support for Help us to sur

@90-ghost @sar-sar @mohammedalanqer

🛑 dont skip ‼️

Hello friends, I am Doaa, mother of Omar, who suffers from autism. I hope you support, donate, and participate as much as possible to save my little one. He needs your support. He suffers from hyperactivity, needs behavior modification, and lacks visual and sensory focus. He is now sick and needs treatment, and I regret that I do not have the money for that. The war affected him. After a long time he started to improve. Please save Omar. He has now been in Egypt for three months, but unfortunately the centers for his condition are expensive and I do not have any income to support him. I hope to see him as a normal child like other children. I wish I could hear the word “mama” from him, as he does not speak and needs speech sessions. I trust you

Donate and share widely 🆘🆘 1100 Swedish krona = 100 dollars Every $5 will make a difference 🙏

@belleandsaintsebastian @ear-motif @ibtisams @90gost

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Donate to Help my son to live a normal live, organized by Mohamed Jadalhaq

Hello all I am Doaa jadalhaq , 38 years old. I am a Palestinian from Gaza I have … Mohamed Jadalhaq needs your support for Help my son to

@pcktknife @palestinegenocide @plomegranate @punkitt-is-here @northgazaupdates2 @el-shab-hussein @nabulsi @sar-soor @sayruq @helpingg @horrorhorizon @heydreamchild @terezbian @tamamita @everydaylouie @palipunk @queerstudiesnatural @onedollopofsourcream @relelvance @itslucyhenley @jackrackhams @just-browsing1222 @junosaccount @what-even-is-thiss @wildandmoody @walaaibrahim @arabian-batboy @soon-palestine @gazafunds

https://www.tumblr.com/90-ghost/757710714365444096?source=share

I hope their situations get better with the coming chapters. Rooting for the lovely couple standing strong against every tide.

The Scarlet Dress Debacle

Pairing: Seungcheol (Scoups) x Female Reader (Established Relationship) Genre: Angsty Fluff. Purely Domestic. Purely Projecting. Dad Cheol. SFW. Borderline suggestive so MDNI Warnings: Slight description of breastfeeding. If you are uncomfortable, please don't read it. Word Count: 3.4k (Drabble go awimbawe) Master List is here Part 1 is heeeere Summary: In which you brought a scarlet dress without Cheol's knowledge, causing a dip in your savings but a leap in your heart. This is slightly heavy ngl. There were many moments I had to stop writing just to take a breather. There were many scenes I cut out cause of how raw it was. Please be mindful in the comments.

"Ma-maaa " Your baby was squealing, shrieking all in one. Her grubby eyes kept reaching out for you, wanting to be carried. Although your heart ached to just stoop down and carry her and receive some 'Hana cuddles', you couldn't just leave your task at hand. You were rolling dough to make bread. The stove had on it bulgogi, a luxury in your house and you found yourself pacing back and forth between the grinder, the stove and the island trying to multitask. You bent down to give her a small spoon and bowl, to appease her whines. Thankfully, she was satisfied for now, choosing to play with her toys. She was a Seungcheol carbon copy, pouty lips and a sulky nature when she wasn't given enough attention.

You had protested at the uncanny resemblance too, nine months in your belly and the audacity to come out looking like her dad?

However they died down when she ended up being a 'mama's girl' to Cheol's chagrin. She needed your attention on her at all times, happy even just be in your presence.

You had tied the end of her ankle to he table leg. For a baby, she sure was a rapid crawler. In the blink of an eye she could be seen yeeting herself out of the room in the most hilarious ways. Not able to catch up with her, you had come up with a scheme to let her crawl away as long as she remained within eye range. She didn't mind it anymore, you were at peace now. A win win situation.

The timer beeped. You put down your dough and went to the corner of the room where Sollie was in timeout. "Sollie, time out's done bub, can you turn around for Eomma?." No sooner were you finished speaking than you had an armful of a teary eyed Hansol in your arms. You cradled his head and scooped him up, trying to reassure his whines.

Although you didn't pick him up till you were done asking him some questions, you supposed today you could let it pass. After the customary five minute walk around the kitchen, holding a now sniffling Hansol, you turned off the two burners, transferring Hana's lunch from the grinder to a bowl and set Sollie on the island.

Although he kept shaking his head, still wanting to be carried, you knew he needed this.

"Hansol, can you tell eomma what you did wrong?" His eyes looked at everything except for you, opting to avoid your stern eyes. When you still didn't relent, be brought out that pouty lip. "I pwush Hana eomma ." "And?" "And an- I hit her." "And what do we say about pushing and hitting in this house Hansollie?" He was beginning to get distracted, choosing to fiddle with dough you were rolling a minute ago. "Hansol please look at eomma ." He turned back at you, bottom lip still not set back. "What did we say about pushing baby? We use our...? "Hands!" You had to maintain your giggle else you'd break character. Kids came up with the darnedest things. "No bub, we don't use our hands we use our ..? " Words eomma " "Good job baby! Did you learn your lesson baby?" A nod. "Sowwie eomma." "You are okay baby. You should be apologizing to Hana baby. She could have gotten an owie. Do you wanna give Hana a hug too?"

Another nod. "Ppo ppo?" Giving him a long kiss, one he was beginning to wriggle away from, you set him down, sending him away to Hana. You watched as he ran to Hana, who was ignoring the both of you happily slobbering away licking her toys. How babies got happy licking things was a mystery to you. You sighed as he engulfed Hana in a hug, one she was not too happy to receive beginning to push back. You chuckled and went back to your work, choosing to avoid the heaviness in your stomach.

Today was just not your day. Hansol getting timeout was the final straw before he got punished. It seems his terrible two's had descended into terrible threes too. Ever since you had joined work after your maternity leave was up, you had to send him and Hana to daycare not able to juggle both at the same time.

The other alternative was for you and Cheol to take shifts around the clock but he had put a foot down, pouting his way out. "I married you to see you too you know. What's the point of having kids if they only see one parent at a time, shifting shifts?" You had dug into your savings and invested in day care, it's a small bump in the road.

Today was your team outing, a two day trip to go on a tour with your colleagues. However you took these two days to spend some extra time with the kids, the mom guilt eating you up. Hansol basked in your attention, choosing to whir out all his personalities today.

You loved your little boy but he was Jekyll and Hyde personified. Sometimes, he was the best boy, always giving out hugs and kisses, to anyone who needs it (his parents all the time) and dancing around the house singing the odd rhyme and limerick.

Other times, like today, everything triggered his temper. He refused to go for naps, wanting you to keep carrying him everywhere, and this lead to his crankiness, destroying everything in his path.

He broke a plate when you didn't give him attention fast enough and although you did excuse him because his sorry eyes resembled his father's and had you melting, this lead up to even more chaos, pulling out Hana's hair and even slapping her head, causing him to be sent to time out.

You knew he was jealous of Hana and you were trying your hardest to pay him extra attention because you never wanted him to experience the middle child syndrome. But sometimes he took that attention for granted. Aria was reading her book in the bedroom. "Bless the child" you thought.

Aria was just like her dad, a quiet soul who never took her nose out of her books, never the one to fight over toys while her younger siblings fought tooth and nail over toys. she was your little helper. But everyone has days you suppose. She was an extremely picky eater and had refused to eat anything except for bread, choosing to spit out everything else.

You had to inevitably force feed her leading to her break out and call you an 'idjit and ninny' (you had to admit it was hard to maintain a straight face after being called that by a seven year old but you knew one slip up and she would continue using that up, ultimately leading to her time out too. After her time was up, she had refused to play with Hansol, choosing instead to read her books, and you didn't wan to argue. Though you had a sneaking suspicion she was learning more words to store in her memory and call you when the best of her temper arrives. Hana was at her teething stage, fussy and irritable over anything. Battling between three kids fighting for attention from you and throwing tantrums, you wonder 'did I give birth to monsters?' It was evening, and you were longing to have Cheol home to take some load off your shoulders.

You finally did end up putting Hana and Hansol for a nap, choosing to spend some time with your eldest child, reading 'Heidi' for the seventh time this week. Taking a small break to check on the Sundubu Jjigae, you walked your way to the kitchen when the doorbell rang. Your heart was in your throat, tiptoeing your way to the front door. Peeping through the soul, you were met with the delivery man. Ahh crap the dress you had ordered online was coming today. Just your luck.

Thanking the man, you lay your body on the door holding the box to your chest. Cheol hadn't known you went behind his back to buy this.

You and Cheol had made a vow three years back that you wouldn't buy gifts for each other except for necessities, choosing instead to save up that money and buy something nice for your children. After all, didn't they deserve some happiness? However your team was hosting it's annual dinner and you were out of nice things. None of your old dresses fit you anymore, your body had changed after Hana and you wanted to wear something nice. Something that wasn't your typical office wear, something that made you look pretty.

You were embarrassed to tell your husband any of this which was why you had made your purchase from the work computer, using your salary account to pay.

Donning on the scarlet dress you gasped at your reflection. It fit you like a glove, choosing to highlight your curves, curves that you had begun to start loving thanks to your husband who found every part of you sexy.

Your boobs didn't look droopy in this, choosing to stay perky and well snug under the fabric. And your tummy? The soft pooch you had grown just gave an extra dimension adding on to the character. You did a small twirl, appreciating yourself in the mirror, loving every moment in the dress.

Now the guilt began. You knew the choice to buy this dress came in a haste decision, wishing for something pretty. Although you and Cheol had made that decision to be rid of nice things at the choice of sacrificing for your kids, a selfish part of you had rationalized that he was never without gifts.

He still had his rich friends who showered him with luxurious gifts. Despite having been kicked out by his 'parents', his mom would come to see him on the rare occasion that his dad was out of town. After all she couldn't bear not seeing her baby for too long. He was indeed a 'mama's boy'.

Your mother in law was a kind and generous lady to those who she loved and despite making it very obvious she did not like you, she loved her son and grand kids. You had leaned to cope with it. She would always come packed with gifts, showering them with everything they wanted. Outfits for years to come, iPads, a whole kitchen set for Hana, a race car collection for Hansol, a library of books for Anna, a whole wardrobe of clothes for Hana (a pity, she outgrew most of them) and a drum set for Hansol. And she never forgot her son, making sure to gift him his favorite branded shirts and pants and an endless supply of wallets now.

Initially your mother in law had opted to forget about Aria, not wanting to buy anything for a child that was not biologically her sons but your husband had put his foot down, gifts for all three children equally or no visitation rights. You suppose she loves her son too much to lose him to a seven year old's gifting choices which was why she had begun to start gifting Aria too.

You were happy for your husband and children. You were. But sometimes you craved nice things too.

You were happy for your husband and children. You were. But sometimes you craved nice things too.

At her sons warning she had begun to buy you kitchen sets - ceramic pans and copper pots- but you knew they were more to make sure her son was well fed than for you. You never protested. You were happy. But going online and coming to work, seeing all these beautiful dresses and gorgeous women made you feel self conscious at your drab wardrobe and out of season fits .

You didn't want to tell Cheol about your worries. Didn't want him to fight with his mom and cause more tension between the two of them, didn't want to feel silly for wanting such trivial things and most importantly didn't want to hurt his pride that he couldn't afford whatever you wanted. This dress seemed to be the perfect outfit that you could wear for dinner next week. It'd been almost a year since you last ventured into a gown and put on extra makeup. But with the kids asleep, Aria mesmerized in her book and still some time left before Cheol came home, you had gotten bold.

Letting down your hair, you applied some makeup and before you could look at your reflection, you heard a cry.

"Hana."

You had to get to her before she woke Hansol up too. Running to the kids room still in your dress you were met with a mess. Hansol had woken up too crying louder than his sister, who seeing competition had resorted to shrieking out.

Lifting up both your crying children, you carried them to the living room where Aria sat, still unbothered and buried in her book. You started pacing around the room, humming every lullaby you could think of, hoping to pacify your children. The microwave was beeping incessantly adding to the mix of loud sounds and you needed Aria's help.

"Aria baby could you please switch off the microwave? Just click on the "Stop' button once." Ever the obliging child, Aria walked over to the microwave. It all happened so fast.

One minute she was walking back, the next moment her eyes- still fixed on the book , glanced away from her surroundings slipping on the fabric you had tied to the leg of the table causing the table to jerk and you watched in slow motion as the candle you lit a few moments ago, to celebrate a good day, tumbled down.

With Godspeed, you ran to Aria, pushing her away milliseconds before the flames could touch her. Not expecting the push, the book went flying right into the candle, effectively burning up a page. Not so gently you placed your still crying babies down, rushing to stop the flames before they got big. Not able to locate anything in near vicinity you began to fan it down with your bare hands effectively adding more fuel to the fire. Just as you began to panic, a stream of water was thrown at the candle killing the fire. You watched in amazement as Cheol's stricken face came into your view. When did he arrive?

Right. The now three screaming children and smoke alarm blaring in the background had probably silenced his coming in.

How had a small candle caused the smoke alarm to roar? A burning smell infiltrated your senses. Oh. There goes your welcome meal you had planned to surprise your husband with, the evidence of which was burning on the stove. You wanted to put everything down and just walk away from the utter chaos that was your house and three screaming kids racing to be the loudest.

But you couldn't. You couldn't even give him a welcome kiss. Divide and conquer was the only way to diffuse the situation.

Cheol hoisted up Aria and Hansol who were now much calmer after having seen their Appa comforting hem and you picked up Hana who was now gnawing at your boob.

Ahh, she was probably hungry. Unzipping your side zipper, you placed her under, quietening her cries. Running to the kitchen to switch off the stove which you see has already been switched off. Ahh he must have been quicker than you thought. "Ahh eomma was playing dress up I see? Is that why she couldn't play tag with you?" You froze in place.

You knew he didn't mean anything by that, even going so far as to sending you a flirty wink after having given you a once over when picking up the kids.

But in this expensive dress you had brought without consulting him, adorning yourself in makeup on your day off and inadvertently setting Aria up by leaving that cloth on the corner, the guilt eating you alive, his offhand comment seemed to be the icing on the bitter cake.

Cheol was in bed, fully showered, having eaten his dinner and ensured that all three kids had been tucked tight.

But you were distant. He didn't know what caused that. He had made sure not to feed your guilt by commenting on the fire. He was in the right place at the right time and being a father to toddlers, he knew accidents were prone to happen anytime. He didn't blame you at all.

So why were you upset?. Thinking hard, the only probable explanation came to mind.

Ahh. He hadn't commented enough on your outfit. He didn't have it in him to spare more than a second glance, you had run into change back to pajamas while feeding Hana.

He placed a kiss on your shoulder, turning you toward him. You were not asleep , he knew that. On tiring days like this you snored. Not that he would ever admit that to you for fear of losing his family jewels. "You looked gorgeous in that dress babe. Stunning. Should have clicked a picture with you on it ." A rather long pause. In hindsight, he should have dwelled on that pause. "Really?" "Really darling. Red is totally your color."

You might have trained your husband to compliment you beyond the usual "sexy' and classic "ooh lala ' with a sleazy wink. Not that they never made you week in the knees. "Sorry I didn't come with you to the store to choose for Nana." Silence. What? "Nana?" "Yeah, it's her birthday next week right, didn't you buy this dress for her? It's alright I won't tell her you tried it out. Your secret's safe with me baby. The kids are not coming so you are extra safe. No snitches" Another soft kiss. You didn't buy this dress for Nana. You brought this for you. But Nana's birthday was coming up next week and you had forgotten to get her a gift. Not this dress though. But he didn't know that. "Wouldn't it be too loose on her?" "Nah she will alter it. She can afford that. It's fine babe." He didn't get your hesitance.

"It's just that-" A snore startled you. You felt terrible, wanting to argue with him over a dress when he was bone tired after a long day at work. But you couldn't sleep. The dress kept popping off in your head. It had felt right on you, just you. You missed the feel of it, soft on your skin and the hue matching your complexion. Red really was your color. Monday, after work you walk over to the study he had set up for himself in your bedroom. A pair of glasses perched on his nose, the table lamp casting a warm glow on his shiny lip, he looked extremely hot for lack of a better word. Oh. What a man. All he was doing was licking his lip poring over a stack of papers and yet you were weak in the knees.

Feeling an extra presence, he turned to catch you ogling at him shamelessly. Smirking he beckoned you over. Like a moth drawn to a flame, you sauntered over to him and sat in your destined seat- his thighs. Picking you up and placing you in a position more comfortable to him he kissed the top of your head returning to his task at hand. You didn't mind the silence. You needed peace and quiet to continue drooling over your husband. You never bothered with the finances anymore. Your whole life you had burdened yourself with financial choices for your family and after months of training Cheol how to file taxes, he had eased that burden from you. He was good with numbers after all. "Come back to me baby".

You were drawn away from your admiration for your man by a rude nudge.

"Hmm?" "Now you choose to respond? I have been calling you for for some time now." Oh you hadn't noticed that. Time flies slowly in dream land. As if to prove a point, his thumb came to wipe out the bottom corner of your chin, wiping your drool condescendingly. You turned to glare at him, his comical eyebrow wag making you giggle.

"I wasn't even-"

"Sure you were not drooling over me baby. Flattery's nice and all but not today horn dog." A long kiss on your lips leaving you breathless

How you quickly changed from that couple who couldn't keep their hands off each other to the ones who needed to schedule their sexy times was truly comical. He kissed your droopy shoulders and resumed writing down the expenditure for the month. For a man who resented his father, he did carry an uncanny resemblance to him.

Perhaps now was the best time to approach your topic. The one you had been pushing away for far too long. "Cheollie?" "Yes jagi?" "I want to talk to you about something."

Instantly he placed his pen down and lifted you up, maneuvering you to turn and meet his gaze. He never declined the opportunity to give you attention, when the topic was serious. Knowing you, you must have killed yourself with overthinking before making the move to approach him.

Now that you had his full attention you were blushing under his scrutinizing gaze feeling rather stupid for having this conversation in the first place. But you were in too deep and your husband wouldn't leave you till you told him so tell him you will. After a quick change in the topic that is. "Aria is pretty upset that a page got flamed, we need to buy a new book for her." "You are doing that thing again." "What thing?"

"That thing where you change the topic, according to how you fit the mix. Like right now, you were not coming over here to talk about Aria." "What's that supposed to mean?"

Is he implying you never talk about your children unless you needed something from him? "Oh my Y/n! I meant nothing wrong, please . stop . overthinking. love." To prove his point he kissed your forehead with every word. Well, too late for that. Shaking you to get you out of your downward spiral, he- "look it's late and I am hammered. I can't go to sleep without you in next to me asleep. Please tell me love. No judgements." Right. "It's just that-"

"Mhmm? " He gestured for you to continue talking , his full focused attention on you. "The dress? The scarlet one?" A small nod. "I want that. " Furrowed eyebrow. "-please."

" Didn't you buy this for Nana though?"

"I lied. I brought it for me." There was an angry tick on his face. He abhorred being lied to.

"I--." Fuck your palms were sweating. Why was this more harder than you thought?

"I wanted to buy something for my office dinner this weekend." "I thought you were not going for that."

Now when did you say that?

"I was called in for work remember? I have to take over Soonyoung's shift." Oh yeah. You had completely forgotten about that. "Can we send them to daycare though. I already missed out on the team retreat, Juria keeps insisting that I make it for this at least and I- I just want to go , client relations and what not." You both knew you were lying. You just wanted one night from the kids and husband all dolled up, in a nice hotel eating good food for free. That's all you wanted. He couldn't figure that out.

"Well if that's what you want to do, go for it love. We'll call in Nana to watch the kids." It was that easy?

He continued, "She'll be happy with the dress you brought for her. Works just as well, for both of us." Or not. You took a deep breath. " I want to wear the dress Cheol." He stared at you puzzled. "What's so special about this dress, love?"

"It's beautiful and you told me too."

You had resorted to stare at him petulantly. He was very confused now. Was he not giving you enough attention?

"You have all these outfits- it's all branded and in excellent quality." He began to laugh sardonically.

"They were all gifts baby. I didn't buy any of them." "I know, that's the point Cheolie, you have all this nice selection and I have nothing nice to wear to a party."

"That's not true. Remember the dress Eomma bought for you? You never wore it once, it's still brand new" How could you ever forget. The infamous red and green outfit your mother in law had 'gifted' you after many not so subtle insisting from her son. It was shimmery, extremely ill fitting around your boobs and overtly tight around the stomach.

The sleeves had flairs on them and worst of all, the dress was mix patterned- polka dots on top and stripes at the hem. It was hideous. For a woman as well put together as she was in terms of fashion, you knew this was a choice. But you didn't want to complain about that to her son. You couldn't add more grievances and create more fissure between the one parent who still reaches out. "But this looks better on me and I want to wear this." You were not above acting out like a child. You had plenty of inspirations to draw from. Cheol was laughing but you knew this was a way to mask his irritation at your behavior. "Don't you think are you being a little greedy love?" No sooner had the word escaped his mouth than he regretted it. Your rigid stance on his lap proved that was quite the triggering word. You folded like you had been slapped, staring at him with huge eyes.

'Greedy?' One night away from kids and a husband for a team dinner that was mandated by the office, in a dress that you wished to have and now you were suddenly greedy? Before he could redeem himself, you were out of his lap, patting down your cramped up legs agreeing to it all. "You are right, I am being greedy. I'll just call off the whole thing. I'll stay home with the kids. Hansol has been acting out recently, he does need me, I can tell and Aria- she keeps asking me for a Roald Dahl book, I could just buy that for her instead of whatever this is. How greedy of me indeed." "Oh come on Y/n that's not what I meant. Please let's talk this through love." "Y/nie."

"Y/n"?" But you had already settled down in bed storming off, not giving him the satisfaction to see your teary eyes. Swallowing down the weight in your throat, you stared at the wall in defiance. One more sleepless night. Still dreaming about the dress. You decided it's time to let it go now. After all, you could agree that it was indeed greed.

Park Juria was a woman of little words and several actions. A whirlwind to those around her, she kept up her facade of a ferocious young lady, choosing to revel in that reputation so as not let anyone walk all over her and the business she's built up from scratch.

But some people did get in, choosing to bring down those walls and penetrating those defenses. You were one such person. Extremely soft spoken, like a little lamb not given to any one's business but your own. She had taken you under her wing after seeing her team taking advantage of your kindness and your inability to say no. Had whisked you away from under all those papers weighing you down and forced you to a cafe. Your eyes had skittishly darted around the place, feeling out of place, eyes bulging out at the atrocious prices for a small latte. Not wanting to make you even more uncomfortable, she had brought you what she assumed would be a good enough order. Your cute smile and enlightened eyes after the first sip proved her theory right. Wanting to see more of that smile, she had ordered in two extra cheesecakes, a parfait and five more of their couture doughnuts.

You looked pleadingly at her and asked if she would think less of her if she could pack all these treats for her children at home.

Her heart squeezed at your softness. always thinking about your children and made up her mind that as long as she was physically able to, no one was going to take advantage of you and your warmheartedness ever again. Not on her watch. Which explained why bile rose in her throat seeing you wipe your tears furiously instead of finishing the day's work. She was going to get to the bottom of this. Employee Harassment was a real offense, you had risen up in your ranks, you couldn't be taking in others shit again. Who'd be so dehumanizing to add more extra work to a mother of three kids? "Choi Y/n, the boss wants to see you in her office right now please." Shit, was your unproductivity that obvious? It was just a bad day all in all.

"I-I can explain." "Sit down Choi." Before you began your string of apologies, she gave you a tissue to blow out your nose and thrusted a glass of water your way to hydrate you. Your red nose was a giveaway you had cried for far too long.

It's not everyday Choi Seungcheol gets called to the reception lounge and it's hell as not everyday, he gets to see Park Juria, or someone who he could assume was Park Juria, your boss looking down at him with absolute spite. If he was in her company, he'd know for sure that he was getting fired what with all the daggers he was throwing his way. "Choi Seungcheol you fucker." Needless to say he left the office room with his tail between his legs looking like a scolded puppy.

Despite multiple protests, your boss, worming her way to be your best friend had dropped you home and you were eternally grateful for that. You hadn't felt like using the public transport anyway.

Torn between using beef or chicken as the for protein for dinner, you had failed to notice the silence upon entering the door. There was no usual shove of hands reaching out to you. No book thrusted into your face and no winded Cheollie behind it all.

"Welcome home, my love." You were instead greeted by a small flicker of light from the passage. An array of candle lights, and a Choi Seungcheol standing there with a single rose, taking your breath away with a heart stopping smile. "D-did I forget something? Was it our anniversary? I am so sorry bab-" "No no, you forgot nothing love" in saying so, he pulled you closer to him wrapping his arm around the small of your back kissing your questions away.

One single kiss left you out of breath as you blinked up at him, your mind blank. Chuckling, he removed the bag from around your shoulder and chose the exact moment to hoist you up, wrapping your legs around him. He set you down after a long make-out session. No words were exchanged, but you both needed air.

Unlike you, he didn't look so disheveled, still looking dapper in the red suit his Eomma had gotten him for Christmas last year. There was a twinkle in his eyes, his pearly whites shining down at you. "W-what's happening?"

"Remember that scarlet dress?" "Oh here we go again! Cheol I am giving that outfit to Nana, period. you were right." "Hear me out love, I wasn't done." He was pouting at you, a finger around your lips. "Well you said you didn't get to take any pictures of you in that, and I was thinking, let's have an indoor date. Just you and me. The kids are at Hannie's for the day and before you start, Mingyu is there watching Hannie.

Alright Minseo is there, keeping an eye out on Mingyu. Let's have dinner in our best outfits and take some photos. We deserve to make some memories too. And no, you don't have to worry about Nana wearing what you already wore for a few hours, trial rooms exist and people wear what's already worn before." You suppose you could get behind that. You were also looking forward to wearing that dress again, if just for a few minutes. You loved it too much to let it go.

But also- "I gave Gyu a run down of everything the kids would need- Ari's eye drops, the part of Heidi's story they should avoid telling Sollie, all of your milk supplies for Hana and the recording of you singing their favorite lullaby in case they need you.

Ari has 'Elsa' , Sollie has his 'Anna' and Hana has her caterpillar plushie. Aria has promised to eat dinner, Sollie has promised to give no fuss to his uncles, and I could swear Hana swore to never cry more than once. Point is, kids are safe." Everything was said in one breath leaving you no room for interruptions. As if you could say any.

You were in awe of the man who knew you more than you knew him.

Still looking down at you with a fond expression, he tucked your hair behind your ears, using the other hand to undress you. He loved you when you were like this, pliant beneath his hands, just blinking at him with your starry eyes letting him have his way with you. After having undressed you down to just your chemise, he brought out that dress from behind him. "Where-?" "Shh love, no thoughts." Hushing you again with kisses. "Step in."

Tentatively you lifted your legs and stepped into the dress, watching him clad it around you. Goosebumps were rising along your body at his tenderness lifting your arms to fit around the sleeve.

Zipping you close , he took a step back and admired your form.

You had never felt more beautiful than right now. His eyes swept over every part of you admiring you in all fullness. "Gorgeous. my beautiful wife" "Says you, my handsome husband." He preened under your compliment.

"Why don't you fix your hair, and I will set the camera up?

"What's there on the menu?"

"Uhh ramen?"

Fair enough. You can't have it all.

You realize you hadn't seen a camera anywhere in the room , not that you could see much. Moving into the room you quickly fixed your hair, all disheveled and frayed apart. He had seen you like this and called you sexy? Blinded by love are we Choi?

Coming back out, you see Cheol wearing your purse around his shoulder? The man in question was stunned to silence looking at you. Accentuated by your curves, highlighted by the rosiness that brought out the best in you , you were definitely the focal point of his vision. Shaking his head as if to get him out of his reverie, he takes your hands and pulls you to the front door kneeling down and tapping against your shin.

Confusedly you move your leg and he brings out a pair of red heels.

Ohhh they were beautiful! What was going on? "Shh, love just enjoy the moment." He strapped on a pair of heels to your feet, giving your knee one fleeting kiss before standing up and taking your right hand, ushering you out the door. You had no idea what was going on but you were not complaining. Obviously. You loved dolling up and feeling beautiful.

Whisking you away to a car, he opens the door and pushes you in gently, strapping you in with the seat belt and giving you one more kiss. Walking back to the other door, he sat in the drivers seat turning to you. "Ready, love?"

You had way too may questions but you suppose he will answer them later. For now, you nod. And into the night you both race.

Through a fancy dinner that had you panicking at the prices but reassured by Cheol, he let you in on the secret. The past three weeks of grueling overtime had finally paid off, and he decided to use his extra finances to fund this special date night, even borrowing Hannie’s car. Any protest from you was swiftly silenced by his promise of 'three harsh kisses until you were soft again,' which was enough to make you concede. Never one to argue with a skilled kisser like him, you were eager to enjoy the evening, savoring a dinner and enjoying a moment with your beloved, not worried about fingers grabbing every bite or glass tumblers being toppled down by clumsy hands.

He apologized earnestly for his offhand remarks, and you quickly forgave him--his sorrowful bambi eyes always made you melt. He admitted that the whole thing was a ploy to get you to keep the dress; he loved how it looked on you, and more importantly, you loved it on yourself. Nana could wait for a better dress.

Despite the rule to never talk about the kids, you understood it was nearly impossible to avoid the topic when raising three rambunctious little ones. You hurried through dinner and rushed home to Hannie's, eager to reclaim your gremlins and prevent them from causing any more chaos for your poor friends.

With a haggard Sollie, a sleeping Aria cradled in his arms and a cross eyed Hana who was babbling non stop, possibly scolding you both for leaving her in ''Devil incarnates hands (Cheol's words), you walked hand in hand to the home you had built together.

Five years back, he had vowed that he will never make you unhappy again, and although you had told him it was easier said than done, he relinquished in the love and affection you wavered upon him, choosing to never take your love for granted.

Although he was a prodigal son to the nation, fallen from grace, leaning in your arms kept him afloat always.

CREDITS Dividers from @cafekitsune

Big shoutout to @svtiddiess for helping me get my facts straight with this one, thanks love! Author's Note

I know it's customary for one to credit their inspirations for a fic but before I do name drop the scene, can anyone temme if you know which popular book had this setting- wife impulse buying a dress and hiding from her husband? And the husband coming through. I want to be your best friend! Also, does anyone know the 'idjit and ninny' reference? You get a smooch.

Author's Note 2 A lot of this is puuuure indulgence, a lot of the scenes were cut out because it was too emotional for me to continue lol. Which explains the lack of cohesiveness. I made it slightly fluff. Please don't hate on any of these characters. This is what raw marriage looks like.

My next work I will be exploring the relationship between Cheol and Aria, if you hadn't picked up- he is not her father, if you are coming from the first fic, I have made the changes. Sliiide into my dm's or asks, I'd looove to chat Please read, comment and reblog! They help more than you think. TAGLIST

Tag yourself in the comments for the next work.

@skzbangchanniee I beat you again!

@ateez-atiny380 , @minhui896

Such a soft story. Nooooo I am melting, all your fluffy fics are soo soft squishy and cute. Love them

But the good thing is atleast he touched some grass. Good job Chrizz.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

☆ Genre: Idol au, fluff slight angst

☆ Warnings: None

☆ Request: No

☆ Characters: Chan, Y/N

☆ Word Count: 1.3k

Crisp.

Earthy.

Green.

Y/N was hit with the energising scent of freshly cut grass as it wafted around the open grounds of the park. It added a lilting edge to the late summer sun that spilled onto the land in pools of golden paint; the sunlight cascaded over the trees, and the grass, and the buildings, and it bounced off of the surfaces, shimmering like glitter. Skies the colour of cornflowers stretched into the horizon for as far as Y/N could see, and an angular blanket of textured clouds crept across the vivid colour, cutting through the saturation.

A subtle breeze tickled the back of Chan's neck. It gently lifted the dark curls of his hair from the nape of his neck as he sat up laughing, the sound sweet it echoed around his family.

“Okay, okay … Berry what are you - “ Chan broke off with another round of breathless laughter as his dog jumped at him. Berry's tongue energetically swiped across the man's cheek as she plastered his face with sloppy kisses, the impact causing Chan to fall back onto the soft bed of grass all over again. His once white t-shirt was almost hidden beneath a layer of green; the result of rolling around in the cut grass, Y/N couldn't help but burst into giggles at the comical sight.

“Are you planning on taking the grass home with you?” Y/N asked him with a fond smile.

Chan managed to close his arms around Berry in a soft hug as he sat back up again; he cuddled the dog to him as he flashed a wide grin at Y/N.

“The grass, Berry's fur, I'm taking everything … “ Chan chuckled. He then leaned close to Berry, his fingers steeples under her chin as he pursed his lips up in affection. “Right, Berry?”

Berry breathed heavily as she looked up at him, her tongue hanging out of her mouth in a way that made Chan crack up with laughter once more. He jerked his head back to avoid colliding with her tongue, and his fingers slid over Berry's head in a gentle motion as he continued to stroke her soft fur.

Y/N curled her knees up to her chest and hugged her arms around her legs as she watched him. She didn't realise the smile on her face kept growing until she felt the ache in her cheeks; but she couldn't help it. There was something incredibly contiguous about the aura around Chan now that he was back home; a sense of freedom rolled off of his shoulders, and the stress that had constantly built up inside of him seemed to have completely disappeared. Pure joy and contentment glowed on his face. His skin had already taken on the hue of light caramel, and the bridge of his nose was kissed with pink when he tipped his head back as Berry bumped her nose against his.

As Y/N watched him, she couldn't help but notice the wistfulness that had started to glisten in his eyes. With his fingers buried in Berry's fur as she nestled her head sleepily against his legs, Chan was looking out towards the distance. The ghost of a smile crossed his plump lips, and Y/N cocked her head to the side as she tried to gauge what he was thinking about.

He could have been pondering over a million different things.

“What are you thinking about?” Y/N asked him softly.

Chan's smile grew. He didn't look at her; instead his gaze stayed fixed on the sparkles of water dancing under the breeze near the edge of the park.

“I don't know. I guess I just … I've been to so many places, and I've experienced so much … but sitting here I feel like … I've never been happier,” Chan said softly. He looked down at Berry who was dozing on his lap, and his eyes crinkled affectionately as he smoothed his hand over her. “I have everything I need right here.”

He looked up then, his eyes bright as they locked onto Y/N's. His cheeks were rosy as he smiled at her happily, his lips parting as he started to chuckle.

“Too sappy?” Chan mused out loud.

Y/N shook her head. “No. Well … yes. But I can't blame you. You've always been the type of person who enjoys the small things.”

At that, Chan laughed. “It's the small things that matter,” he sang, the old lyrics of one of his songs ringing through his mind. It made Y/N giggle and she threw her hat at him, Chan erupting into a fit of playful chuckles as he caught it in his hands.

“I wish I could bottle this feeling,” Chan said a moment later with a soft sigh. “The smell, the sun … “

“Home?” Y/N said softly.

Chan smiled as he looked down, adjusting his cap on his head. “Yeah. I wish I could bottle home.”

“I wish you didn't have to think about bottling home,” Y/N said quietly. “I wish you could just stay here forever. You belong here. With your family.”

At that, Chan's eyes glistened suspiciously. he turned his head to the side, jerking abruptly to stop the tears that threatened to spill over his lower lashes.

“I know … “ Chan whispered. He shut his eyes and his tears shone like crushed diamonds on the edges of his lashes. When he opened his eyes again, Y/N felt her heart sink. “But … I can't.”

Y/N smiled sadly. She shuffled closer to the man and after settling herself down next to him, she gently reached out and slipped her fingers into the curls at the nape of his neck.

As she did so, she couldn't help but giggle; she looked down at Berry in Chan's lap, the man's fingers in her fur.

“What?” Chan grinned.

“I have my hand in your hair the way you have yours in Berry's,” Y/N laughed. She caressed his neck, a smile on her face as she twirled Her fingers into her hair. “Your hair's getting longer than it has been in ages.”

Chan flushed. “It still looks ugly. I wish it wasn't curly.”

Y/N shook her head at him. “Berry's hair is curly too.”

“Yeah, but it suits Berry,” Chan pouted. “It doesn't suit me.”

“It suits you very well,” Y/N said. “The way you feel about how it suits Berry is how I feel it suits you. You can't convince me otherwise, Christopher.”

At that, Chan chuckled. His cheeks dimpled and he leaned forward to gently kiss Y/N on the cheek. He laughed when Y/N's skin turned the colour of cherries, and it only made him plant more kisses over her face as Y/N seemed to melt into mush beside him.

It was a while before they spoke again. Chan's head rested against Y/N's shoulder and Berry slept peacefully on Chan's legs, her head tucked behind one of her paws.

“Hey … maybe one day I won't have to go back,” Chan murmured softly. “Maybe one day I'll come back here and I'll never have to worry about leaving again.”

Y/N smiled. She reached out and placed a hand on top of Chan's. “Well, I can't wait for that day.”

Chan's body shook with silent laughter against hers. “Me too. You're gonna be with me, right?”

At that, Y/N felt her heart skip a beat. She was quiet and Chan lifted his head to look her in her eyes.

“Do you want me to be?” Y/N whispered.

Chan nodded. “Of course I do. You're my family, aren't you?”

Y/N's face broke into a smile. It mirrored the look on Chan's face, and she giggled when he leaned forward to nudge her nose with his.

“Well, I can't really say no to that, can I?” Y/N said under her breath as she traced her fingers down the side of Chan's face. She grinned when she felt the man's cheeks lift under her touch as his smile widened.

“Promise?” Chan's lips grazed against hers.

Y/N nodded. “I promise.”

Liked this fic? Support me by leaving me a tip! :] and also reblog, it motivates me to write more ~

Tag list ~ @koos-euphoria @raethethey @hotmesshapa @manonblackbeak-trash @hendsernoodle @stanskzseungmin @ateez-babygirl @dalamjisung @dinosdawn @cookiemonstermusic258 @strwbrryfroyo @gazelle-des-pres @qtieskz @stigmvta @necromancersupreme @super-btstrash-posts @changlix-mp4 @exonations @changboobies @jeyelleohe @planetdemon @dani41 @jumbocircus @octalalica @velvetand-roses @foivetimesacharm @waverzzzzzzzz @peachy-flxwr @elizabeth11moreno @lenfilms @xhazmania @starshine-moon @snow-pegasus @bbychannie97 @laylasbunbunny @americanokisses @bluechans @bellamuerte1987 @meowmeowisdaname @chanssmiles @minunivers @septicrebel @bangchans-angel @spacegirlstuff @stayconnecteed @linogatinho @smutdumpskz @yeonjunarchives-posts @dprkbyn (let me know if you wanna be added or removed)

STAYville was burnt to ash tonight, and we all ascended to heaven. Ohh dear Lord please let me attend a Stray Kids concert like the one held today, I have to experience this at least once in my lifetime!

My mind was completely blown away by each & every performance. I really hope & pray that they will release all their solo tracks that they performed tonight.

A special shout out to Christopher Bang Chan because he gave Red Lights a run for its money. He let his inner wolf go wild tonight and he devoured. I need to be sedated right now. I cannot wait to read all the fanfics based off this particular performance!

240824 Stray Kids dominATE in Seoul Day: 1

Pictures are taken from Twitter & belong to their rightful owners

SKZ CHK CHK BOOM

we are humans first. #saynotokpopworldfestival2024

the korean embassy in isnotreal is organizing kpop world festival there and is basically a competition people can participate with the support of kbs so yeah... this is quite bad

If anybody comes across this post then do read this story it's amazing....

Reckless Convictions Han Jisung (2024)

nomadict

Help Sahar and Her Family to Evacuate Gaza🇵🇸

I am in an urgent matter and I hope you watch the video. I hope you all stand by my side. Do not be stingy with me. You are my second family. I hope you help me so that I and my family are free Gaza🙏 . Donation link on my page in bio 🍉👇

gofundme.com

Donate to Help Sahar and Her Family to Evacuate Gaza, organized by Ahmed Shamia

My name is Sahar Shehab. I am 14 years old from Gaza . I ask you for urgent h… Ahmed Shamia needs your support for Help Sahar and Her Famil

@el-shab-hussein @self-hating-zionist @thenewgothictwice @raelyn-dreams @unfortunatelyuncreative @butterfly-pumpkin @licencetokrill @jezebelgoldstone @ramelcandy @petracourtjester @labutansa @sammywo @autistwizard @tortiefrancis @sparklinpixiedust @feluka @revcuse @golvio @leftismsideblog @star-and-space-ace @rainbowywitch @marscoded @oursapphirestars @dalekofchaos @annoyingloudmicrowavecultist @boyvandals @the-bastard-king @13ag21k @agentfascinateur @ammonitetheseaserpent

Would love to come back to read this again and again and again.

bang chan drabble    —   950 words !

⠀⠀⠀for the ❛ drabble event ❜⠀﹙ requested by @ anon ﹚⠀fluff, "i brought you flowers." "for what?" "there has to be a reason?"

18 : 40⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀it had been strange. the afternoon had started with a peaceful walk along sydney's seaside promenade, your hand entwined with your boyfriend's, his warmth wrapping around you like a hug in the middle of winter. it wasn't that cold, but you had trusted the sun that was shining when you had left the house and it was starting to cool down, so you missed the hoodie you had left on the bahng's couch. chris had put his arm around your shoulders after he felt your first shiver, but he didn't have the courage to offer you his jacket just yet.

he was nervous. when the opportunity had arisen to travel to his hometown in the spring - the aussie autumn - you had seized it, arranging the plane flight and the stay at his parents' home, to whom he was going to introduce you. yet despite the almost ten blissful months you had been together, his gestures still exuded the nervousness that had enveloped him on your first dates, his hands stuttering before he touched you, his cheeks flushing red at your compliments, so he had been thinking for a few minutes about the perfect way to give you the leather jacket you'd stolen from him so many times before without making it too awkward.

the weird part had happened when you had stopped on the shore opposite the opera house to take pictures of yourselves after convincing him that you not only needed a new wallpaper but that he could send them by bubble. you had tried to make him laugh, capturing the moment when his smile showed his dimples, and also let him use his own instagram boyfriend material poses. and when he asked you to model for him, leaning against the wall, the sea at your back, you saw the flower stall.

you couldn't even help it. you simply told him to wait a moment, ignoring his look of confusion, and ran over. you greeted the salesman with a smile, and asked him to make a bouquet of the ones that reminded you most of your boyfriend, caressing their petals with your fingertips, closing your eyes as you breathed their scent in. but when you returned to him, chris, who was leaning against the wall, one hand in his jeans pocket, the other holding his phone, looking effortlessly handsome. you cleared your throat, causing him to look up, his smile lighting up his face at the sight of you, and you heard him whisper "they're beautiful, baby, just like you".

but you frowned in response, pressing the bouquet against his chest, as if you were accusing him: “i brought you flowers”.

“for what?” he asked, putting his phone away with a look of confusion, sliding his hand around your wrist to grab the bouquet above your own hand.

“there has to be a reason?” you had said, curving your lips, leaving a soft kiss against the back of his hand, tiptoeing to leave another on his cheek, and tugging him to continue your walk.

but he had remained silent. part of your walk had been in silence, enjoying each other's company, letting the wind ruffle your hair and your thoughts, but always leaning on each other. that's why you hadn't realised how odd it had been. but when you had asked him if he wanted to go to the hamburger place he kept talking about or if his mother had already said something about having dinner together and he didn't realize you had spoken, you looked at him. and you discovered the same crystallised look he had adopted when you had told him who the flowers he still had leaned against him were for.

so you stopped in the middle of the street, face to face with him, asking him what had happened. he didn't known what to say, too much in his head, so you explained, soft voice and tender touch over his arms, that you had seen the flowers and thought they would be a nice gesture, that you hadn't meant to make him upset. and he had felt his heart break into pieces, rushing to assure you that it was only his head that was wrong, that you had acted flawlessly, but that he could not understand why he would deserve something so nice.

it was then that your own eyes crystallised, resting the palm of your hand against his cheek, him laying against your touch, and you whispered soft words that spoke of how you saw him from your point of view, how handsome and strong he was, how much he deserved simple flowers and so much more. you watched him close his eyes, resting his forehead against yours, still pressing the bouquet against his chest, his knuckles white, as you continued to relate a love song that was more a list of all that he meant to you and that though he was not able to see, you would show him. you had a whole life together to show him.

that afternoon you gave him some flowers, and among the people passing around you you stood, like a rock standing out in the swirling waters of a river, in a bubble of reaffirmation, breathing in unison, building the intimacy of someone who offers a hand to someone who has fallen but does not use strength to lift them up. just giving him the support he needs to stand up for himself. and then you left a kiss on the tip of his nose, guiding him to his parents' without seeing in the gleam of his eyes the truth he had just discovered and wasn't ready to say out loud yet: you were his home.

© stayconnecteed 2024 · do not copy, translate, repost or share this work as yours on other platforms

Hey stayblr, I've been thinking of ways we can unite to help Palestine in the current genocide. With Israel closing borders again, no aid is allowed in and local organizations on the ground urgently need our help. So, i thought of rallying to raise donations for Palestine, big or small, as every dollar counts and can truly make a difference. Our initial target is to raise 1500 dollars, to be split between Care for Gaza and UNRWA. We’ll raise the target goal according to our progress!

For transparency, donations will be received through my Kofi, with daily updates on our progress. Here are the links to UNRWA’s and Careforgaza’s work in Gaza!

Palestinians are saying that this is the worst phase of the genocide yet. They need as much of our help as we can give them, so please, let’s all stand together for this.

If you cannot donate

- please reblog and share around!

- stream hind’s hall (all proceeds will be donated to unrwa!

I also love when I am indoors (which I always am) and it rains. Your fics are too good.

𝐌𝐲 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐞

☆ Genre: Angst, fluff, friends to lovers

☆ Warnings: Anxiety/panic attacks

☆ Request: Commissioned by @leeknow143iluvchuu

☆ Characters: Han, Y/N

☆ Word Count: 5.6k

All Jisung would remember from his last hour with his ex-girlfriend would be the bleak sunshine that spilled through the café windows and onto the floor like shards of golden glass. Beautiful … but with the risk of injury upon touch; eerily similar to the woman who had been sitting in front of him, with her narrowed gaze drilling holes into the fibres of his clothes.

Jisung curled his fingers into discrete fists inside the cuffs of his green sweatshirt. He stared down at his half-finished drink with vaguely cloudy vision. The ice in the coffee he had bought himself had melted substantially, leaving behind a thin layer of muddy liquid atop the dark surface. Eager for a distraction, the man took a hold of his straw and slowly stirred his coffee around; the few remaining slithers of ice rattled against the cup at the movement, and Jisung watched with vague interest as his coffee blended into one colour all over again.

She was still hissing at him. Her disdain was attracting a mixture of curious and displeased looks from the people around them, and Jisung swallowed thickly.

He wished she'd just stop.

He wished he hadn't come.

“Are you even listening to me?” She scoffed and back in her seat while folding her arms over her chest. “Honestly, this is your problem, Sung. You're always busy, you're too tired to meet up, but then we finally see each other and you never talk. What are you, mute?”

Jisung's eyes fell shut. He was too busy trying to get his inner turmoil of emotions in check; his hands had started to tremble, and the man tightened his fists.

Not now, Jisung thought to himself. Please.

Not now.

The woman groaned in disgust. She pushed her chair back from the table in an abrupt manner, her long hair swishing in silky, sophisticated trellises over the back of her tailored coat. Jisung looked up just in time to see her kicking her chair back underneath the table.

“Fine. We're done. I'm dumping you. Dating a brick wall would have been easier than dating you … “

Jisung watched quietly as the woman walked across the café and yanked the door open. She was soon halfway down the street, leaving Jisung alone with his thoughts.

He sighed.

Thanks for the song inspo, Jisung thought.

It was too hot all of a sudden. He slurped down a large amount of his iced Americano in an attempt to cool himself down. He instantly regretted it; the caffeine sizzled through his bloodstream, turning into fire and filling his body with even more warmth. Only, it wasn't the comforting type of warmth. It was the type that made his skin prickle and made his limbs increasingly jittery.

Jisung opened the lid and scooped a chunk of ice into his mouth before flapping the front of his sweatshirt against his chest. He crunched on his ice and removed his cap from his head, setting it down onto the table with a sigh. Running his fingers through the long lengths of his wavy hair as he inhaled slowly, Jisung let his interlocked hands rest at the nape of his neck as he bowed his head down to the table.

Another ruined relationship to add to my list, he thought. Courtesy to none other than yours truly.

Good one, Ji.

Tossing his coffee into a bin on his way out of the café, Jisung replaced his cap onto his head and made his way down the opposite side of the path he had seen his ex-girlfriend walk on. He had slung his headphones over his head; the weight was reassuring and familiar against his skin, keeping his anxiety at bay as he set off for the middle of the town centre, shoving his hands into his pockets.

He didn't really know where he was going, exactly. On any other day he'd have chosen to go straight home, anticipating the enticing moment he could curl up on the seat by his window with his notebook and pencil and half a dozen cushions. But there was something about today that propelled him in the other direction. He had a feeling deep down that he just didn't want to go in the direction his ex-girlfriend had gone in. He didn't fancy accidentally bumping into her.

The creases between Jisung's furrowed brows slowly thawed as he embarked on his walk. It was a beautiful day, for all its earlier flaws; the early spring air kissed his warm cheeks with a fresh, earthy lilt, and bursts of bubblegum pink and plum from the blooming cherry blossoms around him lifted his mood automatically. It was almost impossible to stay down in the dumps when the world around him was trying so hard to appeal to him.

“I thought maybe we would kiss tonight … “

The faint words of Mitski trailed away as Jisung pushed his headphones down his neck. He looked up towards the sky. It was the colour of periwinkle flowers, and somewhere in the distance, the lightest of birdsong was relayed to him, mingling with the hustle and bustle of couples milling around him. The man lowered his head again, lost in thought as his gaze flowed with the pedestrians. Every single one of them seemed to be interlocked with another person; arms looped through arms, hands entwined with hands, even lips brushing against lips. Everywhere Jisung looked spoke of a romance as sweet and pure as the blossoms covering the city, and despite the contagious aura of new beginnings floating around him, Jisung felt his heart start to sink lower and lower until it nestled into the soles of his platform shoes all over again.

He sighed under his breath and kicked softly at the petals beneath him with the front of his shoe.

He really should have gone home.

There was an uncomfortable lump lodging its way into the base of the man's throat. Jisung's eyes prickled, and he curled his hands into fists for what felt like the hundredth time that day before shoving them into his pockets.

“Ji?”

Jisung blinked. He grew still. He didn't need to look up to know who it was. Her voice was as familiar to him as the moles on his cheek; it was soft, perhaps even softer than the breeze that kissed his temples when he turned around.

She was smiling at him, her hand moving rapidly as she waved it back and forth in his direction. There was excitement twinkling In her eyes - the same sparks that had only grown bigger and bigger since they had met as children.

Jisung smiled. The look on his friend's face had always been contagious.

“What are you doing here?” Jisung asked as he moved towards Y/N.

“Stalking you!” Y/N grinned devilishly. She burst into soft giggles as Jisung rolled his eyes up to the sky. “I'm joking. I needed to pick up a few things.”

She stepped forwards, the bag over her shoulder floating lightly in the wind as she reached up to tuck the curls of Jisung's escaping hair back up into his cap. Her fingers playfully squished his cheeks on the way down again, and as she surveyed the man's face, she frowned.

“Are you okay?” Y/N asked simply.

Jisung's mouth turned up at the corners. Only Y/N could manage to decipher something was wrong within a mere twenty seconds of them seeing one another.

As touching as it was to be understood by her, in that moment, it was almost too much for the man. Whereas his ex hadn't even tried to get to know him over the short course of their rocky relationship, Y/N knew him more than he perhaps even knew himself. And maybe that was the problem; he could never seem to completely open himself up to anyone who wasn't her.

It was strange, really. Jisung had never really considered them to be the closest of friends; they didn't spend a lot of time together … not like they had when they were children. They had grown apart as time went on and their lives became busier with each passing day. But the one thing that had never changed was that they were always, always there for each other, no matter how distant they were.

Jisung bit his lip as he remembered the blatant aggravation in his ex-girlfriend's voice whenever he had said he couldn't meet up with her on a particular day. The stark difference between the two women was suddenly so visible to Jisung that his already overwhelmed brain started whirring even faster.

He felt vulnerable in front of Y/N.

Too vulnerable.

With his heels planted firmly into the ground, Jisung's body began to shake. He tried to suppress the rise of anxiety inside of him; but the look on Y/N's face almost forced his carefully constructed guard down on its own accord. His face adopted a cold sort of blankness as he looked at his friend, and despite the outward appearance of calm that washed over him, the tempo of his heartbeat increased until he could hear the wish-wash of his own blood rushing in his ears.

It was suddenly too loud. Too crowded. Too claustrophobic. Too full of people and the screeches from passing vehicles. It accelerated Jisung's breaths and body temperature, and his shoulders trembled as he looked down at the ground.

“Ji … ?”

Her voice was distant. Soft. Worried. Jisung tried to smile; but it was as though his facial muscles were jammed. He watched with glazed eyes as Y/N moved towards him slowly, carefully as though he was a frightened kitten.

Wordlessly, Y/N reached out towards him. She tucked her fingers around the man's headphones and gently pushed them up his head before clamping them over his ears.

The world instantly fell quiet. Jisung exhaled with minute relief at the lack of sound, and he let Y/N curl her grip around his hand before leading him away from the overflowing street.

By the time they had reached a small bench at the edge of a secluded stretch of grass, Jisung's breathing had stopped fluctuating. He sat down on the seat and dropped his head into his hands as Y/N slowly sat beside him.

Y/N didn't speak for a while. She had seen Jisung like this many times before; usually his anxiety attacks were slow burners, creeping up on him in the form of pain or unease after a series of uncomfortable events. Y/N could generally help ease the side effects when she was beside him. But sometimes they were spontaneous, panic flooding through him and leaving the man shaking for hours after the initial shock.

Sometimes they were so violent that it was all Y/N could do to stop herself from crying as she hugged him back to solace.

She waited for him in quietude. After a while, Jisung pushed his headphones down to the nape of his neck again, and Y/N allowed herself to speak in a quiet voice.

“What happened?”

“We broke up,” Jisung sighed after a long while. He leaned back against the bench, his eyes falling shut as he tipped his head up towards the sky. “I knew it wasn't going to last. I knew it was coming … I wasn't really myself around her and she hated it. But she was so … “

“Awful?”

“Yeah,” Jisung smiled slowly. He chuckled quietly. “Her comments were inventive. She called me mute … and then she said dating a brick wall would be better than dating me.”

“She what?” Y/N's mouth dropped open in shock. She was appalled at the audacity of the other woman; she stumbled to her feet, planning to storm off in the opposite direction. “Where is she? Just wait until I give her a piece of my mi - “

“No,” Jisung's touch was soft as he curled his hand around Y/N's wrist. He pulled her down onto the bench again and the woman immediately simmered down as Jisung dropped his forehead against her shoulder.

Y/N sighed slowly. She could feel the tension spilling through the pores of his forehead, the heat of his skin stifling against her clothes. Shuffling forward a little, Y/N wrapped her arms around the man, her fingers coming up to gently pat the top of his back as he sagged further against her.

“Don't do anything stupid,” Jisung mumbled against her shoulder. “She's not worth it.”

Y/N frowned. “She's rude.”

“Yeah, well, maybe I deserved it. She's not wrong … I barely spoke around her.”

“That's not your fault,” Y/N was aghast. “Not everyone is crazy with other people. Being introverted isn't your fault … it's not your fault that she didn't make you feel comfortable enough to speak around her.”

At that, Jisung sat up again. The position they were in meant that his face appeared barely an inch away from Y/N's, and his eyes widened as he stared into her taken aback gaze.

They're so sparkly, he thought as he searched her eyes.

They made his head spin.

He suddenly wrinkled his nose in mild confusion, sniffing hard. He leaned back against the bench as he cleared his throat. “Are you wearing a different perfume? You smell … different.”

“Yeah,” Y/N laughed. She clutched at her jacket, raising it to her nose so she could smell the lapel. “Is it bad?”

“No,” Jisung shook his head. “I like it.”

“You do?”

“Yeah.”

With a wide smile at his response, Y/N reached out and slipped her fingers into Jisung's. They were warm, and she squeezed his hand softly. “Come on. I'm taking you shopping.”

“I was gonna go home - “

“You can go home later. We need to cheer you up first.”

And so Jisung perked up considerably as he wandered aimlessly around the city centre with Y/N. Together the two of them made visits to almost every shop they came across; they tried on silly outfits, purchased bottles of new nail polish … they even stopped by a quirky photobooth where the pair of them spent a considerable amount of time taking a plethora of photos.

With the dozen or so strips of photographs tucked away in their pockets, Y/N decided she could no longer ignore the hunger pooling inside of her. She dragged Jisung to a place a little further away from all the busy shops, and they finally sat down to eat.

“I'm so hungry,” Jisung groaned as he pulled his chair in towards their table. His knee hit against the table in the process, making the both of them burst into laughter. “I could eat … like … seven horses.”

“Why didn't you say so before?” Y/N whined

She frowned up at him through her lashes. “We could have eaten first and then you wouldn't be considering murdering some horses.”

“But I was having fun wandering around with you,” Jisung started to laugh at her statement. “I didn't want to eat then … But now I do. Because. I'm … really hungry. And hey, I never said I wanted to murder horses.”

At that, Y/N's face softened; her smile was so large that her eyes seemed to disappear, something that Jisung had always loved about her. Her face was so incredibly expressive that her emotions were constantly an open display to anyone she encountered … something that had both its perks, and its problems.

Watching the changing expressions on Y/N's face made Jisung's face break into a beaming smile of his own, and the two of them burst into a fit of giggles just as their food was brought to them.

“Oh my gosh, “ Jisung immediately reached for his utensils. Steam from his piping hot food trailed up to his face and enveloped him in a hazy cloud. “It smells so good. It looks so good. Better than the horses.”

Y/N giggled. The sight of him was reminding her of a cartoon; one with a substantially growing nose as he sniffed aggressively at the steam arising from his dish.

“Stop inhaling it like that,” Y/N snorted with laughter. “You're gonna suck out all the taste from it before you even eat it.”

Jisung let out a sudden bark of laughter. He clasped his hands over his mouth, eyes widening in surprise at the loud sound that had escaped him.

“That's not possible,” Jisung wheezed. “You can't smell the flavour out of something.”

“But you can smell the smell out of something,” Y/N smiled sweetly as her words left her in a confusing jumble.

Jisung blinked. “What?”

“Oh, you know,” Y/N tore off a chunk of garlic bread from one of the loaves that were sitting in the middle of their table. “When you smell something too much you get used to it and you can't smell it anymore. It's because there's nothing left to smell. You've smelled it all.”

Jisung burst into another babble of laughter. “Y/N, that is not how it works.”

“How do you know?” Y/N quipped. “Are you a … scent specialist?”

“No. I'm a lyricist,” Jisung said smugly.

Y/N shook her head at his rhyme. “Eat your food, Weirdo.”

Jisung flashed his toothy smile at her again. It made her smile back as the two of them started to make their way through their food.

It was quiet for a while; their chatter had died down as their stomachs had taken a hold of their attention. They had made their way through half of their meals when Jisung leaned back in his seat, a slightly wistful expression printed on his face.

“You know … “ He said in a low voice, turning to look out of the window beside him. The reduced tempo in which he spoke made Y/N immediately look up at him, and she carefully studied his face as she waited for him to continue.

“The first thing I thought when she broke up with me was that I knew I'd come up with a really good song because of it,” Jisung grinned, shutting his eyes briefly. “It was like the further she walked away, the more lyrics formed in my head.”

He sighed then, turning his warm gaze onto his quiet friend. “Stupid, right?”

“No,” Y/N shook her head. “Of course not. Writing songs is just … how you process your thoughts and your emotions. It's not stupid … at all.”

Her words made Jisung forget about his food for a long moment. His gaze softened as he watched her eat her bread, and he couldn't help but smile secretly to himself.

“Are you okay?” Y/N asked a moment later. “Like … actually okay? I mean … you went through so much because of her.”

Jisung shrugged. He had rested his arms on the table, and he was stirring his metal spoon around the circumference of his steamy bowl. “I knew it was going to end before it ended. I just … kept waiting for it to happen, and it finally did.”

Y/N blinked at him slowly.

She wasn't sure if she should tell him how she was privately almost jumping for joy at the fact that they had broken up, or if it was a bad idea.

She never had liked his ex. She didn't like Jisung being with anyone, for that matter, though she didn't like admitting it to herself or to him. She didn't particularly understand why she felt that way, either. She should have been happy for his relationships, and accepted whoever he spent his time with … but in her eyes, no one was ever good enough for him. To her, he was better than everyone else out there … and for some reason, he couldn't see that.

Besides.

No one knew him the way she did.

“What about you?” Jisung asked suddenly. He smiled, though all of a sudden it ceased to reach his eyes. “Still with … him?”

Y/N bit her lip. She traced a fingertip over the rim of her glass of water. “ … No, actually.”

Jisung's eyebrows shot up into the dark shadow of his cap. “Really?”

“Yeah … we broke up about a week ago,” Y/N said. “He was annoying. Too stuck up. And he hated my dog stickers.”

At that, Jisung grinned. His eyes travelled to her phone that was sitting face down on the table. Her clear case was covered in faded stickers depicting goofy looking puppies, and the man felt his heart grow warm at the familiarity.

“How dare he,” Jisung tutted. He ignored the relief that was beginning to flood through him at the piece of information Y/N had given him.

Y/N grinned. “That's what I said.”

“We're both single at the same time, huh?” Jisung laughed quietly a moment later. He stabbed at his food. “I don't think we've been single together since … like … “

“School,” Y/N whispered.

Jisung smiled slowly. “Yeah.”

The atmosphere between them grew silent again. Not awkward - it had never been awkward between the two. But it was a silence that spoke of pondering thoughts and tender reveries, their entwined past hanging over the both of their heads like strands of silver thread.

“Aw … the sun's gone,” Y/N hummed after a while. She was looking through the floor to ceiling window beside their little booth, observing the heavy blanket of clouds that had begun to drift in across the spanse of the horizon. “Looks like it's going to rain.”

Jisung reluctantly dragged his gaze from Y/N's expressive face to the grey skies. His eyes followed a thin trail of water as a fat raindrop burst over the window, slowly followed by another, and another, and another, until the entirety of it was covered in streams of water. The raindrops ran into each other, colliding and creating valleys that blurred and distorted their view.

“You should start forecasting the weather,” Jisung stated as he turned back to his food with a grin. The rain had transitioned from a light, rhythmic patter to a steady drum against the footpaths and roads, thick sheets of water spilling over the world outside and blurring its colours like paint.

Y/N smirked at his joke. “I can’t. I'd be putting everyone else out of business.”

With the shake of his head, Jisung started to laugh all over again. His eyes shrunk into thin curves resembling new moons, and the tense set of his shoulders lost their rigidity as comfort further bloomed inside of him.

Just the way it always did when he was with her.

“I didn't bring an umbrella either … “ Y/N was rambling with animated eyes as she turned her head to the rain again. “Do I look like a fish? Or a whale? Wait … aren't whales fish?”

Jisung shook his head. “They're mammals.”

“How do you know?” Y/N asked.

Jisung shrugged. “National Geographic.”

“Should have known … “ Y/N mused. She sighed. “What are we gonna do, Ji?”

“We can go to mine?” Jisung suggested. “When the rain dies down a bit, I mean. It's not that far.”

“You just want me to go to yours so you can force me into having another anime binge watching session with you,” Y/N narrowed her eyes. She waved her spoon at him. “I can see right through you, Ji.”

Jisung chuckled around his spoon, slightly defeated at how she had read him completely as though he was an open book. A warm smile spread across his face. “Maybe.”

And then, “We haven't hung out together in ages.”

Y/N frowned. “Hey, that's not true … ”

Jisung bit his lip. “Yeah … it is … “

“No? We hang out like … all the time,” Y/N folded her arms across her chest in defiance as she tried to cast her mind back to the last time she was with him. Realising she couldn't remember the last time they had spent more than five minutes in each other's company, her eyes widened. “I … oh.”

“Yeah,” Jisung shrugged. “You were always with your boyfriend.”

“Well, you were always with your girlfriend … “ Y/N sighed. “It goes both ways.”

As her words trailed off, Jisung's eyes slowly locked with Y/N's. They were both staring at each other, and only when a car rushed past the window with the loud destruction of a large puddle did they realise and tear their gazes away from each other again, cheeks slightly pink.

They both cleared their throats, suddenly very interested in finishing the mere dregs at the bottom of their bowls.

“Here,” Jisung said once they stepped out into the damp air. The rain had slowed to a faint spray against their noses, though judging by the influx of incoming dark clouds, they were both certain that the tumultuous weather would start up again at any minute. “Wear this.”

Y/N patted the top of her head once Jisung had placed his hat onto her hair. “But now your head is gonna get wet.”

Jisung shrugged. He shoved his hands into his pockets. “Rather me than you.”

“Looks like chivalry isn't dead after all,” Y/N pursed her lips as they started to make their way down the street. “So manly of you, Ji.”

“I don't think that counts as chivalry,” Jisung chuckled. “Just don't want you to get sick. Or wet.”

Y/N grinned widely. She cheekily leaned closer to him and whispered loudly as she squished his cheeks playfully in her fingers. “Chivalry.”

Jisung's face crinkled with mirth. “Come on. Before it starts raining again.”

Being a few minutes walk from their previous location, they had quickly reached the outskirts of Jisung's block when the heavens suddenly opened again. Within seconds, Jisung and Y/N were drenched, their clothes feeling heavy as they hung limply off of their bodies and trickled cold water onto their skin.

The sudden downpour caused the both of them to freeze on the edge of the footpath. They slowly turned to face each other as their mouths dropped open in shock, and Jisung barely had the time to think of something to say when Y/N burst into manic laughter.

It was the sort of laughter that made Jisung's soul sing. The mild disdain on his face turned into pure joy at hearing the lighthearted sound from his friend; her laugh hadn't changed at all since their childhood, the carelessness and the sweet ring to it only amplified with age. Before Jisung knew it, he was laughing along with her, his smile making his face glow. The rain continued to hammer down onto them both; the curls of Jisung's hair were plastered to his tanned skin and poked his eyes, the weighed down material of his sweatshirt now hugging his slender waist.

“Looks like the chivalry didn't come in handy,” Jisung gasped through the lashings of rain. Droplets danced on the tips of his long eyelashes, resembling tiny crystals as they dripped onto his lips.

Y/N giggled all over again. She reached out and pushed his soaked hair back away from his forehead. “You look like a rat.”

From anyone else, that particular comment would have made Jisung retreat into a figurative hole like a hermit.

But coming from Y/N, the words made his face break into a large smile.

Outreaching his fingers, Jisung tangled his wet hand with Y/N's. Despite the rain, their hands were both still warm, and he tightened his grip on her a little. “Let's go home.”

It was a while before Y/N and Jisung had managed to wash away the aftermath of the rain from their bodies. Their stomachs were soon warm from the hot drinks Jisung had made for them both, and with their skin flushed from their showers, the pair had taken up refuge in the cosy interior of Jisung's bedroom.

Jisung tapped a pencil against his lower lip in thought. Curled up in a large basket chair by the window with his knees almost touching his chest, Jisung rested a notebook on his thighs. He braced his fingers against the rings of its spine; he had been trying to jot down the lyrics that had crossed his mind earlier on in the day. But for some reason, as soon as the man had set his pencil to his paper, the words began to dissipate and float away from him like steam from the mug beside him. He had managed to make his way through half of the song before turning the page in his notebook to a fresh spread. Instead, he gave in to the new, unrelated words that bloomed in his mind like little spring saplings, and he slowly raised his gaze from the paper to just above the notebook.

He stole a discreet glance at Y/N. She was perched on the windowsill, the long sleeves of one of his grey hoodies that she had borrowed kissing her fingertips. The side of her head leaned against the windowpane as she watched the rain drops race against each other on the glass. One of her earphones snug in her ear, Y/N's mouth moved softly as she sang along to the lyrics she knew by heart under her breath.

“My baby, here on earth … showed me what my heart was worth … “

Jisung froze at the soft words emerging from Y/N's mouth.

He immediately knew which song she was listening to; it was a song he knew well. The sudden realisation of their shared music taste made his cheeks heat up as something inside of him finally clicked into place.

Jisung wouldn't say he was a relationship expert. Far from it, infact. But he had been through a handful of relationships over the course of his life; some longer than others, some fleeting like the wind. They had all been different, all teaching him different lessons. But there was one thing that they had all had in common.

No matter who he had been with, he had always felt as though something was missing.

But now he realised that perhaps the something he had always been looking for, wasn't a something, but a someone.

Biting his lower lip, Jisung stared at Y/N with what he felt was a fresh set of eyes. She was so similar to him … they both shared the same joys, the same opinions, the same mentalities when it came to the things that mattered. He had always known that she was different from the others; she was just like him, while everyone else was completely the opposite. She completed him in a way that no one else could, though Jisung hadn't realised how much that completion had meant to him.

Until now.

“But my love … mine … all mine … “

Outside the rain appeared to be even heavier than it was before. The sound of it against the window was so loud and so soothing that Jisung couldn't help but come to another realisation.

“It always rains when I'm with you,” Jisung said in a tender tone. “Have you noticed?”

Y/N traced her fingertips over the steamed up window as she turned her gaze to the man. She smiled. “It fits us perfectly, don't you think? We both like staying inside, and the rain makes everything feel so much cosier … “

She had turned back to the window and Jisung slowly set his notebook down on the desk beside him. Y/N was so engrossed in looking outside that she didn't notice him getting up; she was completely unaware that he had come to stand beside her, the man's heart hammering nervously inside his chest.

“Do you - “

Y/N’s question was cut off by a sudden warmth against her mouth; it took her a while to understand what was happening, and when she realised Jisung was kissing her, her eyes widened and she inhaled sharply.

Mingled with initial shock and surprise at the feeling of his lips against hers, Y/N couldn't ignore the sudden sense of belonging that was rolling through her body in electric waves. Light-headedness, peace, heat, an overflowing flame of affection; they all coursed through her veins as she kissed the man back, her eyes slowly falling shut and her eyelashes kissing the tops of Jisung's cheekbones.

He pulled back after what felt like both an eternity and the shortest second of Y/N's life. The usual honey of his skin was now the colour of the flesh of a blood orange, and the roundness of his eyes sparkled like glitter under the low light as he exhaled heavily.

“That's what it's supposed to feel like … “ Jisung whispered.

Y/N swallowed thickly. She felt as though her cheeks were on fire.

“I've never had a kiss that tastes like vanilla cheesecake before,” Y/N replied shortly after in a quiet voice of her own.

Her comment shattered the thin air of suspense between them both. It caused Jisung to burst into relieved laughter, and before he could stop himself, the man wrapped his arms around Y/N and hugged her as tightly as he could.

Y/N squeezed his waist, her fingers curling in on the soft fabric of his t-shirt. She inhaled the spicy familiarity of him with a smile, and giddy giggles started to escape her when she realised that after all the years of waiting without realising it, this moment between them had finally made it worth it.

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Honestly all your stories feel so like home

[10:00pm]

☆ Genre: Domestic, angst, fluff

☆ Warnings: None

☆ Request: No

☆ Characters: Chan, Y/N

☆ Word Count: 0.6k

Wisps of the evening breeze danced through the waves of Chan's hair, lifting the fine strands from his head. Y/N smiled fondly at the sight of his familiar frame as she stepped out into their garden with a twin pair of mugs encased in her hand.

“You're gonna catch a cold,” Y/N hummed as she reached over her husband's shoulder, sliding a mug into his fingers. She then perched herself onto the edge of the alfresco where Chan was sitting, stretching her legs out in front of her.

Chan responded by offering her a grateful smile. It further softened the entirety of his already tender features; His cheeks were the subtle colour of summer roses, and he would have looked carefree were it not for the sad downwards tilt to his eyes.

He tightened his fingers on the warmth of his mug, tilting his head back again to view the twinkling stars above them both. Their light seemed to comfort him a little - the corners of his lips turned up ever so slightly, and he shuffled a little closer to his wife until the curves of their arms were pressed against one another.

“I always liked that idea of people turning into stars once they die,” Chan's voice was soft when he spoke a while later; soft like the rustle of wind through the distant trees.

It made Y/N turn to look at him. The look on his face told her that there was a large plethora of things on his mind tonight. Things that he didn't have to say out loud; but they were there, hanging unsaid yet understood in the spring air between them both.

“I know it's not scientifically possible,” Chan continued. “But … I like thinking it, sometimes. That … all the people who aren't here anymore are now shining brilliantly above us all.”

He tilted his head, eyes landing on his wife. “Can you imagine? Floating through life and then becoming a beautiful light for the rest of the world?”

At that, Y/N couldn't help but smile. She set her mug down beside her and reached for her husband's free hand, tangling her fingers with his. Chan's touch was cold, and the woman raised their entwined hands before planting feather-light kisses to his skin.

She knew what he was really trying to say through his words. It made her squeeze his hand as she cuddled up to him further.

“Well, if that's true, then I think you'd be Sirius A,” Y/N murmured, tracing her fingertips over the length of her husband's fingers.

It made Chan chuckle out of embarrassment. He turned his face and dropped a loving kiss to the top of his wife's head.

“Why A?” Chan asked.

“Because it's the brightest, and the most beautiful star in the whole universe.” Y/N smiled.

Chan flushed. He wrinkled his nose as the backs of his eyes prickled. “Well, then you'd be Sirius B.”

Y/N looked up at him in question.

“Always by my side,” Chan whispered.

The blush on her cheeks matching her husband's, Y/N dropped her head against Chan's shoulder again as he once more turned his gaze to the sky. She curled her hands around his arm, locking him in a halfway embrace.

“I hope they're happy, stars or not,” Chan said a while later in his hushed tone. “I hope they're all at peace.”

He didn't need to say anything else. Y/N already understood him completely. She trailed her fingers up her shoulders and slipped her hand into his hair, her fingers gently caressing the nape of his neck as he let his head fall gently on top of hers.

Tag list ~ @dalamjisung @ateez-babygirl @waverzzzzzzzz @smutdumpskz @hotmesshapa @chanssmiles @leand125 @foivetimesacharm @dprkbyn @raethethey @super-btstrash-posts @sleepyleeji @ka-ni-ma @straystaychan @mylifesupsidedowm @armystay89 @shut-up256 @leelixpie @hanstan34 @blackfangedreaper @suhomylife @kannaexe @kookie9704 @notastraykid @strayfoxxchan @elizalabs3 @jdopes-recorder @forever-in-the-sky2 @peachygiku @chansducky10 @shakalakaboomboo @jisuperboard @zandra-42 @you-make-skz-stay @whyyougottadothatbro @skzcoffeemachine @where-is-innie @rizzshimura @miin17 @nappynapnaps @prettymiye0n @lost-leopard-beanie @retiredfactoryworker @chnbngs @stayconnecteed @hann1bee (let me know if you wanna be added or removed)

All your stories has such a calm feel I can't explain them with words love all your stories

[10:00pm]

☆ Genre: Domestic, angst, fluff

☆ Warnings: None

☆ Request: No

☆ Characters: Chan, Y/N

☆ Word Count: 0.6k

Wisps of the evening breeze danced through the waves of Chan's hair, lifting the fine strands from his head. Y/N smiled fondly at the sight of his familiar frame as she stepped out into their garden with a twin pair of mugs encased in her hand.

“You're gonna catch a cold,” Y/N hummed as she reached over her husband's shoulder, sliding a mug into his fingers. She then perched herself onto the edge of the alfresco where Chan was sitting, stretching her legs out in front of her.

Chan responded by offering her a grateful smile. It further softened the entirety of his already tender features; His cheeks were the subtle colour of summer roses, and he would have looked carefree were it not for the sad downwards tilt to his eyes.

He tightened his fingers on the warmth of his mug, tilting his head back again to view the twinkling stars above them both. Their light seemed to comfort him a little - the corners of his lips turned up ever so slightly, and he shuffled a little closer to his wife until the curves of their arms were pressed against one another.

“I always liked that idea of people turning into stars once they die,” Chan's voice was soft when he spoke a while later; soft like the rustle of wind through the distant trees.

It made Y/N turn to look at him. The look on his face told her that there was a large plethora of things on his mind tonight. Things that he didn't have to say out loud; but they were there, hanging unsaid yet understood in the spring air between them both.

“I know it's not scientifically possible,” Chan continued. “But … I like thinking it, sometimes. That … all the people who aren't here anymore are now shining brilliantly above us all.”

He tilted his head, eyes landing on his wife. “Can you imagine? Floating through life and then becoming a beautiful light for the rest of the world?”

At that, Y/N couldn't help but smile. She set her mug down beside her and reached for her husband's free hand, tangling her fingers with his. Chan's touch was cold, and the woman raised their entwined hands before planting feather-light kisses to his skin.

She knew what he was really trying to say through his words. It made her squeeze his hand as she cuddled up to him further.

“Well, if that's true, then I think you'd be Sirius A,” Y/N murmured, tracing her fingertips over the length of her husband's fingers.

It made Chan chuckle out of embarrassment. He turned his face and dropped a loving kiss to the top of his wife's head.

“Why A?” Chan asked.

“Because it's the brightest, and the most beautiful star in the whole universe.” Y/N smiled.

Chan flushed. He wrinkled his nose as the backs of his eyes prickled. “Well, then you'd be Sirius B.”

Y/N looked up at him in question.

“Always by my side,” Chan whispered.

The blush on her cheeks matching her husband's, Y/N dropped her head against Chan's shoulder again as he once more turned his gaze to the sky. She curled her hands around his arm, locking him in a halfway embrace.

“I hope they're happy, stars or not,” Chan said a while later in his hushed tone. “I hope they're all at peace.”

He didn't need to say anything else. Y/N already understood him completely. She trailed her fingers up her shoulders and slipped her hand into his hair, her fingers gently caressing the nape of his neck as he let his head fall gently on top of hers.

Tag list ~ @dalamjisung @ateez-babygirl @waverzzzzzzzz @smutdumpskz @hotmesshapa @chanssmiles @leand125 @foivetimesacharm @dprkbyn @raethethey @super-btstrash-posts @sleepyleeji @ka-ni-ma @straystaychan @mylifesupsidedowm @armystay89 @shut-up256 @leelixpie @hanstan34 @blackfangedreaper @suhomylife @kannaexe @kookie9704 @notastraykid @strayfoxxchan @elizalabs3 @jdopes-recorder @forever-in-the-sky2 @peachygiku @chansducky10 @shakalakaboomboo @jisuperboard @zandra-42 @you-make-skz-stay @whyyougottadothatbro @skzcoffeemachine @where-is-innie @rizzshimura @miin17 @nappynapnaps @prettymiye0n @lost-leopard-beanie @retiredfactoryworker @chnbngs @stayconnecteed @hann1bee (let me know if you wanna be added or removed)