Disaster

Disaster

Requested by: Blossombreezes

Request/Prompt: “hello 🤗 I hope you're doing well. While I was reading your headcanons for psychopath diary and Vincenzo, I just had this crazy idea.

What if Jang Han Seok and Seo Inwoo became obsessed with a reader who belongs to the real world and somehow got isekai'd into their world. Reader remembers the plot knows that they are psychopaths. So she does everything to avoid them but they keep falling deeper in love with her and keeps finding ways to make her their gf.

Reader maybe works as intern for chayoung with Han Seok and is a office worker for Seo Inwoo. I know it's a lot 😅 but I would really appreciate it if you would turn this into a fic 🥹. Thank you very much and please take care of yourself ❣️”

Characters: Jang Joon-woo (Han-seok), Seo Inwoo, Yook Dong-sik (platonic), Cha-young (platonic)

TW: yandere themes, stalking

A/N: Hi guys! Just wanted to apologize for taking ages to update. Finals week struck me hard and I got Covid really bad, so updating was a struggle. I appreciate all the love, support, and messages I've received. I promise to respond to all of your comments, messages, and requests in the morning, but I wanted to post this before bed (it is almost morning where I am and during the time I've been sick I have not slept well at all. I hope you're all doing well and you're taking care of yourselves. I appreciate all the support and I hope to update more very soon now that I'm starting to feel better. I will also continue to edit this project to make it better and to ensure it is the ebst that it can be. Thank you and I hope you enjoy reading this! 🩵

You groaned as you walked into your building. Wanting nothing more than to change into pajamas and fall asleep watching TV You were running on five hours of sleep and a long day of running around going to classes and working at your late convenience store job which you had to stay at until 3 am because your coworker came in late for her early shift. At least it was the weekend and you could sleep in, but you felt like a zombie stumbling around and the seemingly never-ending rain did not help one bit.

Hopefully, this was your last day working. You got offered a paid intern position at a law firm and you had an interview tomorrow, later in the day.

You practically stumbled into your apartment, quickly throwing your shoes off at the door before changing into pajamas and throwing yourself on the couch where your cat quickly joined and cuddled up beside you.

Sighing in content, you turned on the TV to a random drama you'd already watched. The night before you rewatched Psychopath Diary, one of your all-time favorite dramas, and tonight you turned on Vincenzo.

A drama you loved that was coming to a close within the next week when the last episodes would be released.

Thunder roared outside as you slowly crept closer and closer to sleep, but you couldn't help imagining what the final episodes would be like or what might happen if you got the chance to be in one of your favorite dramas. As you fell into the sleepy void with a smile on your face, white flashed all around you. You shrugged it off as just being the lighting and to sleep you went, not knowing your wish just came true.

*bzz* ...*bzz* … *bzz* ... *bz-

You whined as you shut off the alarm on your phone.

Though you didn't want to get up, you couldn't help but admit how very well-rested you felt. Checking the time you saw it was only 7 am. Wow. Only four hours of sleep and you felt really good.

You sighed as you got up to shower before your first day as an intern. You couldn't deny how excited you were. A new job, a new beginning. Just what you needed.

After getting dressed, brushing your teeth, and grabbing a quick bite for breakfast, you patted your cat’s head and off you went to get on the bus that was already waiting for you there. You grinned as you listened to your favorite artist, watching the trees pass by the windows until you were at your stop.

Quickly getting off the bus, you rushed up to the building and paused. This... looks familiar. But how?

You've certainly never been here. How could you recognize this place? Shrugging it off, you walk into the building that is full of attorneys chattering and stressing. You felt slightly embarrassed, looking around like a confused puppy in the middle of the crowds, but luckily someone saved you.

"Oh, you. You look new. Are you my intern? I've been expecting you." You heard a voice say and your head shot up. No way. It couldn't be. Were you dreaming? You had to be.

The more you stared at her, the more you felt like fangirling.

After realizing you were staring, you quickly bowed out of respect and nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I'm (y/n),"

"Great! It's nice to have another woman here. My other intern is useless, you seem promising. I just got out of a meeting, but follow me. I'll show you where our office is,"

You wasted no time to follow her down a hallway you knew all too well. You couldn't believe this.

"This is where you'll be working from now on. We'll be overlooking cases together as well as sharing ideas on how to best help our clients. We were just given a case that I'd like to get fresh eyes on. Are you ready?"

"Y-yes, but I thought I was here for an interview?"

"Don't worry about that, you're hired. I can already tell you'll be just fine."

You nodded, being much too eager to get to work with someone you knew to be a comfort character. Then you had a moment of realization, if the Cha-young is here, then which other characters could possibly be here too and what kind of trouble are you going to be getting into?

~~~

About an hour into working on a new case your new boss presented where you had to represent a stock company called Daehan Stock since they got into a little legal trouble due to someone on the inside messing with the company. You diligently worked on the case alongside one of your favorites and she seemed to really appreciate your insight. 

Amid your hard work, two quick knocks were heard at the door before it was flung open.

There stood Seung-hyuk, your new boss and one of the most significant people in this story.

"Cha-young, how's the case?" The man asked, a slight grin on his face, "Mr. Seo would appreciate some new information,"

She only rolled her eyes, not looking away from her pile of folders, "would be a lot better if you didn't just barge in here?"

The man said nothing, but looking at you quizzically,

"Who's this?"

"My intern. The one I chose,"

"You have two now? Where's the other one? Uhh.. Joon-woo?"

"That one is late... again," she quipped

Your boss sighed “Of course he is. Well let’s get started, Mr. Seo will be here later today and he needs an update.”

~~~

“So then, the witness confessed to perjury? Even if the second trial takes place, there’s still not enough evidence, they’ll throw it out. It’s over then,”

“Yes, my dad has no more tricks up his sleeve.

“Ah, well, Yu-chan must be getting old then. He’s out of moves,” [deep inhale]. Now about Mr. Seo’s case. I offered him one of our lawyers to go undercover as an employee to do a little investigating to find out who the mole could be. He doesn’t seem to like that idea very much…”

“Then what should we do?”

“He said he would offer up some potential solutions to help us, but we need to figure out a way to convince him that someone going undercover would be beneficial. Today when he gets here, I need you to get him to agree to it. Do you have all the other files ready?”

“Yes, sir,”

“Good. Well, good luck with the wrap-up on the other case. I’ll be back with Mr. Seo when he gets here,”

“Thank you, sir,”

Suddenly quick footsteps were heard rushing down the hallway and the door was slammed open, almost hitting the boss. It was him. The real boss. The false intern. Your eyes widened as you looked at the man who had the most innocent look on his face, but you knew all too well that it was a facade. The scenes of Joon-woo grinning like a madman, blood splattered on his face, him brutally murdering somewhat innocent people. It was him. In the flesh. As much as you loved his character, you didn't love being in the same room as said character who you knew was a cold murderer who could easily kill you too. Oh how scared you were, but also surprised at how handsome he was in person.

Both of the men screamed.

“What the hell are you doing? You scared the…damn it. I can’t believe you, you have zero manners. No class. Look at you wearing sneakers at work,” he chided. Oh, if only he knew. “And why did you hire him out of everyone you could’ve chosen?”

“It was you who chose me, sir,” Joon-woo cautiously spoke

“I? That was me?” The intern nodded, his smile unwavering, “I really need to quit drinking,”

With a wack to the intern’s chest, Seung-hyuk left the three to work.

“Sorry, boss!” Joon-woo shouted in English before quickly closing the door and switching back to Korean, “Sunbae. Sunbae. Sunbae,”

“Oh, shut up!” Cha-young exclaimed as the man rushed over to both of the women which is when he finally got a good look at you.

“Oh, who are you?” He asked, his eyes sparkling in curiosity.

“I’m (y/n). I'm the new intern who will be working with you two,” you hesitantly spoke, worried that any wrong move could mark you as a target.

“Wow, you’re pretty…” he whispered, but it was definitely loud enough for you to hear. “I’m Joon-woo. I’m honored to work alongside you,” 

As much as you tried to stop it, you blushed from his flirtatious remarks and glances.

“Yah! Joon-woo, don’t flirt with her. She’s good and I need her to stick by my side for a little longer without you scaring her off. Now what do you want?”

“Oh, right! Is it okay to discuss-…”

“It’s alright, I trust her,” Cha-young assured, referring to you which made you feel a sense of pride, “Now what do you have to say?”

“It’s just that…”

“Well, what is it?”

“Babel’s Pharmaceutical Development Division called. Qua.. quar… quartera..”

“Quarantine?”

“Right! One of their quarantine researchers has disappeared.”

“What?!”

Suddenly a knock was heard at the door.

“Cha-young, Mr. Seo is here for the meeting!” Seung-hyuk exclaimed as the two men came in. You turned your head in curiosity, you didn’t recall a ‘Mr. Seo’ when you watched the show. And to your surprise, there stood Seo Inwoo. The villain from Psychopath Diary???

Your eyes widened as he took a seat beside your boss. His eyes met yours and he couldn’t help but smirk. You did not know how to feel about that but one thing was for certain, you knew these two men in close proximity would not be good for anyone.

“We’ll continue this later,” Cha-young mumbled before getting up to greet the man, “Mr. Seo, welcome back. This is my new intern, (y/n). She just started today but she’ll be assisting on the case.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, (y/n),” he said, holding his hand out to you which apparently shocked your boss as he quickly urged you to take the man’s hand. You took his hand in yours in what you thought would be a quick gesture, but his hand lingered. He never once broke eye contact or dropped his smile. He was quite pleased. It was you who pulled away, knowing that those hands were used for far worse than a lingering handshake.

“Nice to meet you, sir.”

“Is she the one who will be undercover at my office?”

Seung-hyuk’s head shot up. The last thing he expected was that question.

“I thought-… I mean, are you sure you wouldn’t want a more experienced lawyer to assist you? She just started today-“

“I don’t care. She seems just fine and this will get her all the experience she needs. I don’t mind assisting her,” Inwoo spoke then turned to you, “You don’t mind, do you?”

Not knowing what to say, you look at your new bosses. Cha-young was visibly not happy in the slightest but Seung-hyuk was eagerly telling you to agree while Joon-woo eyed the other man,

“I-…”

“Now hang on just a second,” Cha-young spoke, “I won’t let my intern be forced into this against her will. If she chooses to go along with this, she will only be there two to three days a week, no weekends. No forced overtime. When the workday is over, she gets to go home at a normal time. If she decides she doesn’t want to or isn’t ready, we will send another lawyer in her place,”

You were eternally grateful she stood up for you, but you didn’t want to ruin their chances with this case.

“Alright, fine. I can work with that. What do you say, (y/n)?”

“I’ll do it,” 

“Perfect! Let me know when she starts. The rest can just be emailed,” was all he said before sending you a secretive wink and leaving. You thought no one else saw, but the way Joon-woo was glaring you knew he saw it too.

Seung-hyuk scrambled and rushed after the man leaving the three of you alone once more.

“Are you really okay with this, (y/n)?” Cha-young asked, worried that you felt pressured to agree

You nodded, “It’s okay with me. I’ll do my best whilst I’m with Mr. Seo.”

“Hmm, okay. If you ever feel like you want to get out of this, let me know and I will cut it off right away. That man was a bit of a flirt, I hope he doesn’t pull anything,” she sighed, “Now about that researcher…”

~~~

It had been months of you being stuck here and it was great. Cha-young had become your best friend as did Dong-sik and they took care of you.

On the other hand, no matter what you did, you couldn’t get away from Han-seok and Inwoo. They both constantly asked you to join them on a date, they would offer to take you home, offer to pick you up, ask you to join them for a movie, etc. They both wouldn’t leave you alone no matter how much you avoided them. You knew who they truly were. Why did they have to take a liking to you?

Inwoo almost treated you like a personal assistant, but it was just to keep you around. He never made you run errands. The only times you were apart from him were when you reminded him that you had to seem like any other employee.

But it also didn’t help that Joon-woo would appear at your secondary workplace any chance he got. While you were here you also decided to... adjust some things. Since both men seemed to be distracted, a lot of the story didn’t play out as originally. 

Cha-young still left Wusang Law Firm to follow Vincenzo and in doing so, she brought you along. During the many months you worked alongside her, you had been her most trusting and reliable assistant/friend. She couldn’t just leave you at that corrupt law firm and you were eager to tag along. When Inwoo heard this, he decided to switch the lawyers defending him and switched so that Cha-young and Vincenzo would take the case. He offered a large sum of money and extended resources which were hard to turn down. Wusang was not happy in the slightest to learn this information and attempted to sabotage it before handing over the files, but since Cha-young and you were the top researchers and defenders of the case, it was hard to fake it.

After the switch of law firms, it was almost impossible to deny that Inwoo had an eye for you. He was constantly flirting with you, constantly winking, buying you lunch. He even made sure to text you or call you on your days off. Doing anything that would grace him with your attention.

But he wasn’t the only one. Joon-woo always popped up at Daehan Stock any chance he got with some food. He continued to text you when you left, attempting to guilt you for leaving him and trying to get you to hang out with him. He’d even ask to hang out in your apartment together.

At Daehan, you even saved Dong-sik from the curse of that red journal. Which is what led you here...

***

Damn it!

Why did you take the notebook? You knew exactly what it was and what would happen if it ended up in your hands. You could’ve just left it and ignored it, but your consciousness wouldn’t let you.

~

You made the decision to spare Dong-sik from the notebook so In-woo wouldn’t hurt him and cause him pain. What else could you do? He’s one of your favorite characters after all.

So today was the day when you’d attempt to get the notebook from him. You were picking at your fingers when he walked in. You wasted no time to quickly rush over to the coffee pot where he stood. 

“Morning, (y/n)! How are you?” He asked with a big grin, grabbing you a mug as well

You pulled a fake frown and sighed, “Not great... I lost my journal.”

“Your journal? I didn’t know you carried one around,”

“I don’t usually tell anyone. They always assume I’m hiding something and try to read it,” you said with a shrug though surprised with yourself at how well you were building upon this lie.

“What does it look like? Maybe I can help you find it,”

“Thanks, sik. It’s red with a diamond charm on it hard to miss it once you spot it. I don’t know where I left it. I thought I left it on the bus but the driver said it wasn’t there. I don’t know what to do,”

Dong-sik, unaware of the lie, gasped and reached into his bag pulling said notebook out, “I have it! This is yours?”

“Yes! Where did you find it?” You said, grateful that he hadn’t discovered what horrors were inside yet.

“I think you dropped it when you were leaving. I picked it up to try and find the owner, but I guess it’s you,” you knew he was lying but you were glad he went along with it and didn’t seem to question anything.

“You’re a lifesaver, Dong-sik. Thank you,” you said, hugging him before filling up your mugs with coffee

~

Was it smart to take the notebook from Dong-sik and spare him his inevitable fate? I mean there’d be no plot, but it's better for you to suffer than your favorite characters, right?

Your leg bounced anxiously under your desk as you tried to decide your next move. You knew he saw the exchange. There’s no way he didn’t. You tried planning it out. If you leave now with the notebook, it’ll surely be suspicious and your boss would have further reason to suspect you of something, anything. You didn’t know, but you knew you couldn’t get caught. You knew the type of man he was and what he was capable of. 

On the other hand, if you stay he’d have a better opportunity to corner you. He loved to do that. Ever since he met you he took every opportunity to keep you by his side. Which is why you’re here as “reassurance” for his case instead of working hard alongside Cha-young to help build his case. You didn’t know why it was you he needed beside him, but who could say no when a man like him says he wants something?

Either way, you knew it was a lose-lose situation.

What would you do with the notebook anyway? You were already debating whether to tell Cha-young everything on that side about the true nature of her “valued” intern - the other, not you of course - and put a stop to the terrible fate that was to come. You could save a lot of people if he was behind bars.

But he’d get out.. he’s done it before.

And with the diary, what could be done? You could chuck it into the Han River, and be done with it. No, every move you make is monitored by someone. You could feel it. What else? Turn it in to the authorities? Not likely. How could you ever explain why you have a notebook describing the most gruesome murders with bloody prints on them, proving someone was murdered while also hoping they don’t suspect you and lock you up for “turning yourself in”.

You were cut from your thoughts when a voice called out, “(y/n)? Everything okay?”

You jumped in your seat slightly and looked up only to meet eyes with one of the men you do not want to see right now: your boss, Seo In-woo. The man gave you a slight smirk as he analyzed your face. He had wondered which deep thoughts he had pulled you from.

You quickly gathered yourself and nodded, “I’m okay. Sorry, I was a little distracted. Did you need something, boss?”

In-woo laughed at the name, “Boss? I thought I told you to call me In-woo. Or if you don’t like that, ‘oppa’ works too,”

While this man is incredibly attractive and you admittedly had a crush on him when binging the show, you couldn’t help but cringe on the inside at his attempt at flirting and laugh, “I think In-woo is fine,”

He grinned, liking that he got to see your smile, “Alright. By the way, I wanted to ask-..”

“(Y/n)!” Another voice called and you sighed. Just your luck. Both of the gorgeous, yet psychotic, men were here to grace your presence.

“Joon-woo. What are you doing here?”

“I just wanted to check in on my favorite person! I wanted to take you out for lunch since you’ve been working so hard. Come on, let’s go,” Joon-woo innocently smiled as he grabbed your wrist, ready to take you on a date.

But before you could protest, he was stopped. Both you and Joon-woo turned around when another gripped your other wrist, stopping you from leaving.

“Sorry, but she’ll be joining me for lunch. I asked first,”

Your eyes widened as you tried to figure out what to do. Both of these psychotic handsome men were trying to file some sort of territorial claim over you.

As admittedly flattered as you were, you shook the feeling off, knowing it’d be smart to stay away from both of them. As the men stared each other down, you tried to analyze the situation to try to find a way to escape.

You heard Joon-woo scoff, “doesn’t look like it. Look, she’ll be back soon. I’m sure you can manage an hour without her,”

Joon-woo attempted to pull you his way, but In-woo pulled you back.

You winced in slight pain and groaned, “I’m not a rag doll,”

“I need her by my side. You have her enough during the week yet you always come for unannounced visits when you’re not needed,”

Both men glared at each other as they prepared their next comments, but before they could speak out, you spotted the one person who could save you.

“Dong-sik!” You called out, both men let down their guard at the sound of you shouting and lessened their grips on your wrists. You took that as your chance to pull back and grab your bag, rushing to your friend

He looked up in surprise but waved when he realized it was you, “(y/n), you alright?”

“Yeah, I was just waiting on you. Remember our lunch plans,” you said, silently begging him to go along with it.

His head tilted in slight confusion but once he saw the two men by your desk staring both of you down and practically shooting lasers at this head, he understood.

“Oh, right! Sorry, the time slipped past me. Ready to go?”

You eagerly nodded and quickly waved to the other men before pulling Dong-sik away with you.

“Where did you want to go?” He asked as you stared at the two men watching you both as the elevator doors closed

You tightened your grip on his arm, “Anywhere but here,”

~~~

That night, you and Dong-sik decided to watch scary movies in your apartment with your cat. He was feeling a little stressed and the two of you had done so much work that week. It was... odd when you two left together that evening. Of course, it wasn’t uncommon for the two of you to leave together since you both rode the same bus and lived near each other, but this time you two excitedly spoke of a movie night and one particular man paid extra attention to that.

And on your way into your apartment, another man watched you two walk in.

You and Dong-sik sat beside each other on the couch watching an endless supply of movies accompanied by your cat, Dalnim (달님 translates to ‘Moon’ in Korean), and some take-out. At the height of one of the movies, Dong-sik desperately had to use the bathroom so you paused the movie and scrolled on your phone while you waisted for him. It was nice to hang out with him. He was like the brother you never had and you were the sister he always wanted.

While you waited for him, you got a random call from Cha-young. Usually she called you multiple times during the week, but it was late and she tried to decompress during this time.

“(y/n)? Oh good, you answered. Look, I don’t know how much time we have, but I have some information for you. Are you with anyone?”

“Dong-sik is over. We were watching some movies but he’s in the bathroom right now. Oh good, you’re not alone. Look. I have a bad feeling about Joon-woo. Things aren’t adding up. I know he’s taken a liking to you and I’m scared he’ll pull something. Vincenzo and I are on our way to talk, but would you be okay with staying with me for the time being? I want to make sure we can protect you before he does anything.”

Before you could reply, a loud shattering was heard from behind the door followed by a faint thud. Dalnim jumped out of your lap out of fear and you jumped up from your seat, “Uh, hang on. I just heard a noise. Sik? Are you okay?”

As you stepped forward to check on your friend with Cha-young on the phone, a knock was heard at your door. As much as you didn’t want to, you decided to check the door. You checked the peephole to see who it was and instantly swung the door open when you saw...

“Mr. Se- I mean.. Inwoo. What are you doing here? At this hour.”

Mr. Seo?! You quietly heard Cha-young exclaim

The man offered a charming smile, “I wanted to see if we could... talk? I brought some snacks,”

“Oh that’s very nice of you, but-”

“She’s busy,”

The two of you turned to the sound of the voice and you gasped, stepping away from the both of them while gripping your phone. Joon-woo was standing right behind you in comfortable clothing, but you don’t remember ever allowing him in.

Then you remembered, “Sik. Sik! Sik, where are you?!”

You quickly separated yourself from both men and ran straight towards the bathroom where you found your best friend knocked out on the floor of the bathroom. You held him in your arms and instantly checked his pulse. He was breathing. Then you remembered that Cha-young was still on the phone when you heard her frantic yelling.

You quickly picked up your phone from beside your friend and whispered, “They’re here. They’re both here and they knocked Dong-sik out. What do I do? What do I do? They’ll follow me any second.”

“We’re almost there, (y/n). Please stay safe. Stay on the phone. Don’t le-”

“Jagiya? Where are you?” you heard Joon-woo call out. You gripped your best friend tighter in your arms as you prayed that they would just leave you alone.

“(y/n), I don’t know what he’s doing here or what he’s done but I had no part in it.” Inwoo insisted but you knew he was just the same.

“Please wake up, Sik,”

“Come on, baby. Let’s go on a date.” Joon-woo suggested, his voice getting closer

“She doesn’t want you. You’re a psychopath,” Inwoo spat in annoyance

“Takes one to know one, huh?”

“She’d choose me over you anyday,”

“Is that right? I’m confident you’re wrong. I’m the obvious choice. Isn’t that right, Jagiya?”

On that final note, both men turned the corner and came face to face with you once more. You sat on the floor of your bathroom, clutching the one person you needed right now, in fear. What to do, what to do.

“Go ahead, babe. Choose one of us. Who will you let take care of you? Who can treat you right? The choice is yours, love.”

You sat frozen, Cha-young’s voice nothing but a whisper.

What the hell are you supposed to do now?

Goo Kim x Reader: Cycling through the love languages

G/N. Self-indulgent af. Goo has a realisation about you.

Goo knows for a fact you like him.

Who wouldn't? Who doesn't?

Maybe Gun and Charles Choi actually, and he knows he pisses Kouji and Crystal off something bad. The majority of the crews too. And that sour faced woman from the cafe this morning. There was also the guy who yelled obscenities and flipped him off for driving erratically.

Ah whatever. He casts aside his growing list of enemies with a wave of the wrist and an adjustment of his glasses.

Point is, you like him. You. The only one that matters.

Why you can't admit it to yourself or to him, he can't understand.

...Nevermind the fact that it's only recently that he has admitted to himself that he likes you. After one too many knowing looks from Kouji, and then another too many drinks the other night when Gun remained stone faced and Crystal couldn't stop rolling her eyes as Goo started gushing. Tongue loosening and desires spoken and spilling over into reality.

The realisation wasn't so much a shock to the system, as a comforting hug. Like yes, finally. 

His weird little daydreams, his growing apathy towards fighting and work, or really anything that excludes you. The way you said you liked his suit the other month and he walked with a spring in his step all morning and afternoon and evening and night, and has worn that suit damn nearly every day since.

It all makes sense.

So yes. Fine. He likes you. A lot. 

Sometimes the thought of seeing you makes him feel giddy with excitement. Other times the thought of replacing his first love, good old dependable cash, with you makes him feel sick and he breaks out into a cold sweat.

Here’s the thing though: Goo likes calculated risk. He likes the thrill of the chase.

He-

Likes-

You.

And if you want him to be the one that chases and pursues you then ok. He will. Challenge accepted.

.

.

Let's do this the easy way. Flirting.

It might have been more successful if he wasn't so flirty and playful anyway. Curse him and his charismatic ways.

(Or so he tells himself.)

You don't find him too different from usual, all things considered. Maybe more of a nuisance, buzzing around you like an errant fly.  His smile is greasier, words honey sweet. He leers at you. Waggles his eyebrows like you're in on a joke together.

Dear heavens, you think he also winks at you too. When you frown at that, he just clicks his tongue in annoyance and says there's something in his eye.

You think that's a lie. In fact, you know it is. His eye is completely fine but he is moody and pouty for hours after.

.

.

No, the wink didn't work. The flirting can't really be counted as a success. Nevertheless, his flirting doesn't stop at syrupy words, Goo is touchier too.

He's a touchy person by nature, especially in the right situation and with the right person. Whatever is needed to twist a situation to his advantage. A chin rested on your shoulder, casual arm thrown around your waist. A playful shove, footsie under the table that is more rough and malicious, aiming to hurt, than cute and teasing.

But he's close, closer than ever. Banter muttered into your ear, breath prickling your skin.

Every moment is just a new opportunity to touch you. Your hand, your shoulder, hip, lower back.

You never minded before, you gotten used to his touches surprisingly quickly except now-

The caresses and contact poorly hide a yearning. There's a different intent. It's purposeful and calculated. This doesn't escape your notice.

Goo also doesn't miss the heat that rises to your cheeks. The pretty pink flush when he pulls you near. The hitch of your breath.

Ah. There it is.

Success at last.

.

.

Sadly for him, success doesn't last long. You get used to his wily ways quick enough, you always do.

And it doesn't have the profound effect on you that Goo initially anticipated. He thought that might lead to a confession of sorts from yourself, and even you both skipping into the sunset together.

Neither happens. You stay as cutely tight lipped as ever.

Well if he can't worm his way into your heart with his A game and progress whatever this is you both have going on-

(Which is frankly a little insulting to think about. Goo would like you to know that some people have taken one look, one!, at his hot self and thrown themselves to his feet.)

-Then he can just buy your love.

In Goo's world, in this world, there is nothing that money can't solve. Luckily, Goo has lots of it.

He starts small.

Your reaction when he gave you a bouquet of flowers was rather sweet. He takes note of the way your face softens, how your eyes crinkle when you smile, the shape of your lips as you’re surprised with his gesture.

 If Goo was the sappy sort, he would say that it felt like his heart skipped a beat.

Turns out that he is the sappy sort, and he talked Crystal's ear off about it until she kicked him out of her office and slammed the door in his face.

Next, the jewellery you seemed taken aback by. A few pieces you looked at in distaste despite the size of the gemstones, had the audacity to say they're garish and inconvenient. 

“It’s too much,” you tell him. “Take them back. Return them. Please.”

You left all but one: a simple ring with a plain design.

The affront that Goo felt only lasted for a night at your rejection, dissipating the moment he saw the ring on your finger the next day, shining brightly in the sun. Enough to rival the smile that crept over his face.

.

.

Turns out that the car dealership was a step too far though, a step too ill thought out. The gifts gradually got bigger and grander until one weekend afternoon, you were looking around at brand new vehicles with Goo.

"This is by appointment only," he doesn't hesitate to brag. "It's exclusive. They managed to fit me 'cos I'm kinda a big deal."

You hum in response, your usual go to reply when Goo is feeling particularly full of himself and you’re half listening.

"What do you think of this one, sweetheart?" he asks, steering you towards the most expensive vehicle in the showroom, with more horsepower or torque or whatever it is enthusiasts talk about.

A sleek and shiny sports car that you know for a fact costs more than you will ever make in a year. All chrome and aerodynamic lines, that screams I have money and the biggest dick around here (or tiniest, depending on who you ask and whether you think they're trying to overcompensate).

You take one look at Goo, eyes dropping to his crotch and feel your body flushing. You quickly try to shake those obscene thoughts from your head.

"Um," you clear your throat, which has mysteriously dried up at the last second, "It's nice I guess? Bit much though." You poke your head through the window, admiring the top of the range features and the smell of fresh leather. Goo is nothing if not in your face, and this car certainly fits his vibe.

"Nothing is too much for you!" his voice floats over your shoulder, and you whip your head to stare at him.

"Me?"

"Yes, you."

"What do you mean?"

"It's on me, cupcake! For you." He throws his arm around your shoulder, a touch of sincerity under his usual viper grin.

Huh. Not only is this excessive-

"My apartment doesn't have any parking," You state, and Goo starts calculating if he likes you enough to buy you a new apartment also and unfortunately the drop in his bank balance still doesn't outweigh his feelings for you. Whether you will accept is the question but he can work on that.

All thoughts are derailed though with your next words-

"I can't drive. I don't have my licence. And the thought of navigating Seoul traffic," you grimace at the idea, "Nightmare. Not for me. No thanks."

Oh. For fuck's sake. There goes the idea to buy your love with gifts. Most people would say thank you with a smile and go to at least sell the car but of course you would rebuff him. He’s been letting you take advantage of his bank balance, his hard earned money, and of course you’re too good to him to do that.

‘So this entire day was a complete waste of time,’ Goo thinks sourly hours later, meandering the streets side by side with you, spending the rest of your afternoon together. Until-

"Oh my god I love these!" You exclaim, taking a bite out of the hotteok. Fresh off the grill from the street vendor, paid for by your companion. Out of everything he has given, or tried to give you - you're the happiest with the cheap street food. "You're the best!" you tell him between mouthfuls.

Goo doesn't stop his chest from puffing out at that comment. Those words elevating today from being deemed a waste to... fun.

And actually, a little sweet.

.

.

If he can't win you over completely with gifts, then he will show you how irreplaceable he is.

Over the next week, Goo is at your beck and call. His clinginess taken to whole new levels. He's at your home more often than not, by your side almost every moment of the day.

"Don't you have work?" You ask when he's glued to your side one morning.

"You're more important, sweetheart," he says, words off the cuff and surface level.

It's only hours later, when he has reluctantly peeled himself away to finish a task with Gun, he realises that it's not entirely inaccurate.

Free time is spent driving you from A-to-B. Heavens forbid you are forced to use public transport (Goo shudders at this thought) and since you hate Seoul traffic, he might as well keep you company.

He's on his most gentlemanly best behaviour. 

Holding doors open, draping his jacket over you if so much as a gentle breeze is around. Hand-made meals, lunches and extravagant dinners. Even chores.

"Do you live here now?" You ask, padding out to your kitchen. Half asleep, hair in disarray to Goo humming and washing your dishes.

He smiles, sly and snake-like, "Are you asking?"

With a yawn, you burst his bubble, "Nope."

Goddamnit. Not even trying to be the best househusband seems to be working. What will it take for you to confess that you like him? He's getting sick of this song and dance.

He scrubs with a huff at a particular stubborn stain on a pan. Stupid pan and stupid chores and stupid househusbandry.

Ugh. What pisses him off most of all is: he thinks he can get used to this. 

Being around you all the time, taking care of you. Not even you in your ratty old sleepwear, with threadbare knees and oversized t-shirt dims how he feels about you.

.

.

Goo isn't an idiot, despite what Gun might say.

He possesses frightening intelligence even if sometimes his common sense is nowhere to be seen.

You like him, he knows this. He likes you, he also knows this. 

Then why on earth can't he bring himself to tell you? Is it that expressing it is a vulnerability he's not used to having on display? That despite everything, speaking it into existence means that he's offering you himself and there is always a chance of rejection?

If Goo was more mentally balanced and less self absorbed, maybe he would dwell on these doubts and feelings. Be introspective for the first time ever. 

He is not.

Instead he feels overwhelming indignation that it has come to this, that nothing has had the desired effect, and most importantly it's all your fault.

He puts all his energy into storming his way over to your home, wanting everything and everyone around him to be also darkened by his mood.  Makes sure his displeasure is felt through the way he stomps, how he slams his car door, how he blasts through traffic lights. Buzzing himself into your apartment building with vehemence, pounding on your front door until he hears your exasperation from somewhere inside.

"Hold on Goo! What the hell!"

The door is yanked open. For a brief moment Goo sees your annoyed expression, before he too is yanked inside.

"What is your problem?" Each word is punctuated with a jab in his chest.

Goo refrains from devolving into a tantrum. Realises that he already seems unhinged enough and doesn't want this conversation to get any worse. 

Taking a deep breath, he grabs hold of that jabby finger (noting with amusement that other people's fingers he has broken for much less), adorned with a familiar ring, pulls your hand into his and strokes over your knuckles once, twice, three times.

He is absolutely not buying time. But really, why has it come to this: sincerity and honesty. How unseemly. This is so not him that even the idea of it sends shivers down his spine.

Whatever. With one last breath he forces out any trepidation and regains his usual composure. The one that is all confidence and captivating and can talk circles around anyone anyday.

"Y/N,” he purrs, "I like you and you like me."

You open your mouth to say something but he presses on. "It's obvious. I'm not stupid.”  Goo points to his glasses, “I have eyes. I can see how you are around me, cupcake. And it's painfully obvious that I like you too." He allows himself an irritable sigh at this.

"Honestly I'm the one that gets courted. I'm a catch. People chase after me," he mutters to himself. "And yet look at me now."  Huffing at himself for his behaviour, he turns back to you. "Why don’t we see how this-" signalling between you and him, "-goes, hmm? 

"Wait," you take a step back from his presumptiveness.

Which isn't wrong, per se. In fact, he is completely spot on. Goo is an objectively attractive guy, you would be blind not to realise it (or have questionable taste). Sure his personality offsets his looks, because good god it can be grating as hell, but even with all his flaws he has wormed himself into your heart and into your life too.

You flitter somewhere between friends and more. Friends, with this odd, prickly, scheming creature is a miracle in itself. You’re not sure why this red flag shines green with you but he does. You don't know how you balance each other but you do. You don't know how it works but it does. 

Moving this to something more though, it scares you. Especially if he's as blasé and unserious about this as he is with most things in his life that don't revolve around money.

"Goo..." You try to phrase this delicately. "Your relationships or encounters or whatever you want to call them don't end well." He gasps at your words. "I don't want to start up some casual whatever with you for you to then change your mind. It could really mess things up between us."

"Casual?" He scoffs, dismissing your concerns with a wave of his hand,  "I've been 100% from the start. You should know I'm all in, sweetheart."

Your breath hitches. This wasn't what you meant. This wasn't what you were asking but he answers your doubts anyway.

"I'm all in on this," he repeats, crossing his heart mockingly though there is no disguising the earnestness in his words; how his actions over the last weeks and months have shown you that he's serious.

Still. You want to double-check.

"...Are you sure?"

"Y/N. Sweetheart." he places your own hand over his heart, "I've never been more sure of anything."

His glasses catch the light. Flashing mischievously and wickedly like it always does yet you can't see any ill intent. There's no hesitancy in his conviction.

"We fit, don't we?" Goo smiles, sensing your apprehension wavering and crumbling.

You can't deny that you do.

"Yes," is your simple reply. You peer at him from below your lashes and find him looking at you with an intensity you’ve never seen before.

Still pressed against his heart, Goo moves your hand up to his lips. A playful grin that is full of promises spreads across his face. His eyes don’t leave yours as he seals it all, marks it official, with a kiss.