Vivrant Thing (jwy) | One.

vivrant thing (jwy) | one.

—SPOTIFY PLAYLIST / SERIES MASTERLIST

—SUMMARY: after getting into a little accident, wooyoung decides to do his sister a favor by pretending to be your date at the company summer party. as soon as the night ends, wooyoung would go back to his usual routine of hanging out with his boys, keeping his distance from committed relationships and being a typical brother to jiwoo. except, the favor comes with more than what wooyoung expects and he finds you occupying his mind more than usual. 

—PAIRING: jung wooyoung x f. reader

—GENRE: (18+ - minors dni) bestfriend’s brother au | fluff, angst, eventual smut

—WORD COUNT: 6.7k

—CHAPTER WARNINGS: cussing, mature language/sexually implied content, mentions of a small car accident due to texting & driving (pls do not ever do this), lots of sibling bickering (i promise they love each other ok), alcohol consumption and intoxication, mentions of toxic relationships (not oc), mentions of sickness and death in immediate family

"Are you actually fucking kidding me?!" Jiwoo yells as she heads outside to meet her brother. "Wooyoung, you had one job!"

"And I got the job done, didn't I?" Wooyoung holds the grocery bag up. "Just got into a little accident, that's all." He points to the dent on the front of her car. 

"A little?! It's a huge dent! What did you do?! Mom!" Jiwoo yells as she heads back into the house. "I told you I didn't want Wooyoung driving my car!"

"Your car was already out in the driveway." Wooyoung adds, rolling his eyes as he leaves the grocery bag on the counter.

"Yeah, so ask me to move next time!"

"Stop yelling, your voice is giving me a headache. It's annoying."

"Mom! Dad!"

"Jiwoo, stop yelling." Their mom comes from out of the room, followed by their father. "You don't need to yell—"

"I do, because Wooyoung took my car and dented it!"

"What happened?" Their father asks, his hands on his hips.

"It was an accident—"

"You haven't even said sorry!"

"And I won't if you keep cutting me off and yelling." Wooyoung glares at her. "Yeah, fucking keep it up—"

"Hey!" Their father chimes in, cutting Wooyoung off. "The both of you, be quiet! I'm not going to ask again. What happened to your sister's car?"

"It was an accident." Jiwoo crosses her arms as Wooyoung repeats. "I just didn't brake in time so I gave the car in front of me a 'lil love tap."

"You were texting and driving, weren't you?"

"For the record, I responded to one text."

"Ugh." Jiwoo groans loudly. "I literally just got the car, Wooyoung!"

"Say sorry to your sister."

"Now, is that necessary? Cause I'll—"

"Jung Wooyoung." Their mother sternly calls for him, making Wooyoung let out a deep sigh.

"I'm sorry." He looks at Jiwoo.

"You make sure that car gets fixed, Wooyoung. And take care of the costs. Your sister needs her car."

"What am I supposed to drive in the meantime?! Wooyoung's car?" Jiwoo smirks at him.

"Hell no!" Wooyoung spits. "You'll probably try and crash it into a tree the first chance you get."

"You can drive our SUV until it gets fixed."

"No!" Jiwoo looks at Wooyoung. "Wooyoung can just drive me around."

"I have shit to do that isn't on your time. Take the SUV." Jiwoo groans and rolls her eyes, brushing past her brother to get ready for the party.

"You're unbelievable. Seriously, what kind of brother are you?"

"Enough! Can we finally get ready for the bbq, please? People are going to be over soon. Can't get one moment of peace in this house when you two are home." Their mom checks the time, walking off to the kitchen with a loud sigh. "I hope you got everything from the list, Wooyoung." She yells just as she's about to dig into the bag.

"Wooyoung."

"What?"

"Be a little nicer to your sister."

"She's the one always jumping to conclusions and getting all mad. I didn't purposely try to get her car wrecked. At least I'm fine and not hurt, right?" Wooyoung rolls his eyes.

"I know, and yes, thank god. But, still. All you two do is butt heads, jeez. Can't you both try and get along sometimes?" 

"Whatever." Wooyoung heads up to his room, already annoyed by the fact that he has to be here with his family all up on his case about the accident. He can admit, maybe he should've paid better attention on the road. But, it's the way none of them even asked if he was okay— Jiwoo constantly whining and yelling at him, his parents getting on his ass and backing her up. His little sister was definitely the favorite, being the top student and all. Golden child. Was in band and the church choir, never really rebelled. While Wooyoung skipped a class [or the whole day], talked back to his parents, stayed out late and just.. enjoyed having fun. He had his good days, but he also had his bad days. He wasn't necessarily cold, but he wasn't going to sugarcoat shit either.

He's a stark contrast to his little sister.

So, he shouldn't be surprised that his parents are taking her side. He shouldn't be surprised they'd come to her rescue first. He shouldn't be surprised at all. He can't wait to get the fuck up outta here when the bbq is over. He'll be out as soon as the morning hits, before any of them can wake up and pester him about anything else.

You gather your hair back and secure it with a claw clip, running your cherry-flavored chapstick across your lips before pressing them together to spread it out. You check yourself in the mirror once more, not entirely crazy about your outfit for Jiwoo's family bbq today.

But, it'll do.

You had known Jiwoo since elementary school, meeting her in the 2nd grade when you sat for lunch alone and the boisterous girl joined you. She was the new girl, but she surely didn't act like it and you admired that about her. Since then, she never left your side despite your shy nature— not engaging in much in the conversation, only humming a few words or sounds in response when she ran through list of never-ending questions. 

Even though her and Wooyoung were 2 years apart and very different, you felt like they were alike in many ways [which they'd deny until the very end].

That's how Jiwoo became your bestfriend. Because throughout all of life's changes, through your losses, she was your constant. She stayed, never wavered. Was your biggest support system alongside of your grandpa. Without her, you're not sure where you'd be. You owe alot of the push you've done in life to her.

yeosang: i'm downstairs!

you: cooooool, be down in a sec

*yeosang liked your message*

You check your outfit in the mirror once more, smoothing down the fabric before spraying a bit of perfume on your wrists. You press them together and rub it down your neck, down your clothes— a simple yellow floral tube top, white distressed jeans and your tore up chucks. It seemed fitting for a summer bbq; not one to wear dresses, shorts or mini skirts like that.

"Yo." Yeosang quickly scans your outfit just as you plop into the passenger seat and greet him. "You look nice."

"Thank you." You smile. "And thanks for picking me up." He reciprocates the smile, waiting for you to buckle up before driving off to Jiwoo's parents' house. From your tiny studio, it's about 25 minutes of a drive. Yeosang doesn't have to take the highway or anything, but he does have to navigate through the busy streets of the city before reaching their neighborhood. Jiwoo's parents celebrate their birthdays a day apart from each other, but it fell during the work week this year. So, they decided to throw a bbq with family and close friends on the weekend in order to be with everyone.

"What'd you do today?"

"I just went to get some groceries and bought a little gift for Jiwoo's parents. What about you?"

"Uh yeah, I just got their gift right before I picked you up." Yeosang chuckles. "Otherwise, I slept in a bit too much and by the time I knew it, half of my day was gone." You laugh.

"Yeo." You laugh. "You should really try waking up early. It's nice to get the most out of your day."

"It is, but you know what's also nice? Being under my covers." You laugh and shake your head, eyes fixed on the view through your window. The rest of the ride is comfortably silent with Yeosang's music playing in the background, especially since it isn't much of a drive. He does chime in here and there when he's reminded of random things he has to do or thinks about. Besides that, Yeosang is good at leaving you to your peace. When he pulls up to the street, he's having to park across from the house— Jiwoo's family and their close family friends already filling the spaces nearby.

"Oh! Y/N, Yeosang!" Jiwoo's mom sees you first, pulling you both into a hug before gesturing towards the kitchen. "Jiwoo is in here!" You both greet her happy birthday before following her into the chaotic scene that is the kitchen, Wooyoung quickly brushing past with a huge bowl of marinated beef in his hands and almost bumping into Jiwoo as she holds a huge pitcher filled with juice in her own.

"Wooyoung, move!" Jiwoo nudges him away and he glares at her.

"Stop! You'll make me drop this."

"What about me, butterfingers?"

"What about me, butterfingers?" He mocks her with a look before rolling his eyes and heading out to the backyard to meet his dad by the grill.

"I swear to God." She groans, before finally shifting her attention to you and Yeosang.

"Hi." You smile at her and you expect her mood to be lifted, but she continues to pout.

"Y/N, Yeo. Finally. Get me out of here. Please, let's just slip through the front door, no one will notice."

"Where's Joong? He has to come on our escape plan, too." You playfully go along with it.

"He's not here yet." She sighs.

"What's wrong?" Yeosang asks with a small chuckle. You look at Jiwoo with a slight head tilt, reading into the frustration in her eyes.

"Today is just so messy." She whines a bit, setting the pitcher down onto the main dining table. "Wooyoung's dumbass used my car and got into a little accident earlier."

"Oh, is he okay?"

"Yeah, look at him! He's the fucking same. But, you know what isn't? My car! The bumper is all dented and everything. You didn't see it walking into the house?" She lets out another frustrated groan and shakes her head. "Whatever, anyway, he's gonna make sure it gets fixed. He better."

"Was it his fault?"

"Yes." She sighs. "Texting and driving. Like an idiot."

"It'll be fine, Jiwoo. It's unfortunate, but I'm glad he's okay. I'm sure your brother will make sure it gets fixed in time." You add.

"He's so frustrating sometimes. Can't trust him with anything." You both follow her out to the backyard that is already filled with familiar faces. 

"It's okay, it'll get fixed." You give her a small smile and squeeze her arm. "Let's just enjoy today, okay?" She gives you a small smile and throws her arm around you, bringing you over to one of the free couches near the back corner of the yard. Some of her family members are playing badminton on the other side of the backyard, while another cousin is playing music and has Wooyoung and his friends hovering around, conveniently close to the grill.

"Oh, Y/N. I wish I could be like you, sometimes. So much patience and grace. Things I need to be successfully related to Wooyoung."

"You have it. Just.. needs more practice." Yeosang responds, making you chuckle. You finally find her dad and greet him happy birthday before greeting the rest of her family members. You, Jiwoo and Yeosang hang around the backyard for a bit, talking about work and the upcoming summer party. You don't chime in much, nor do you want to being that it'll be your third year not attending. Luckily, at this point, Jiwoo's boyfriend, Hongjoong, walks into the backyard and starts greeting everyone before he plops himself right next to Jiwoo.

"Yo! Sorry I'm a little late." He looks at you and Yeosang. "Friends! I missed you, guys. It's nice to see your faces." You laugh.

"Hi Joong."

"Where were you? I was texting and calling you!" She pouts. "We had an escape plan ready."

"Escape plan?" Joong cocks a brow up.

"Yes, so I can get away from this mess named Wooyoung and cry to myself in peace." 

"Baby, I'm sorry. I was caught up with my dad, he needed help with a few errands. The car will get fixed, okay? Glad no one was badly hurt." You smile to yourself as he kisses her on the temple. Hongjoong is a really good guy. He's perfect for Jiwoo and has a lot of patience for her. He cares for her a lot, and it's so clear you wouldn't ever second guess his feelings for her. He's selfless and would do anything for his lady without question.

You wonder what it'd be like to experience genuine true love like that. You've been in a relationship before but you couldn't exactly say it was love. Not a genuine, raw form of love, not a deep connection. Just a relationship where you learned about your partner and they learned about you, but that was far as it went. You don't remember feeling like the relationship was special, or like it was meant for you. It was more so another experience, another lesson in your book.

How does it feel to be completely, utterly, disgustingly in love and smitten with someone?

"I'll be back, I'm gonna get a drink." You mutter mid-conversation, getting up from the seat to head back into the kitchen. To your surprise, Wooyoung is there, sorting through some of the drinks set out.

"Oh, hey." Wooyoung gives you a small smile while you silently wait for him to move away from the counter where all the drinks are sitting— soda, juice and hard alcohol bottles spread across the surface. "Want me to make you something to drink?"

"Um." You softly respond. "It's alright, I was just gonna grab some juice." You point at the pitcher.

"You sure? You aren't driving anyway, right?" He points to Yeosang who is now talking to one of their cousins near the wading pool. 

"Mmyeah, I came here with Yeo."

"Alright then." He smirks. "I'll make it pretty light, hm?"

"Okay." You smile sweetly at him. You've always had the sweetest smile and Wooyoung does enjoy seeing it, he won't lie. "Thank you, Wooyoung."

"Course." You twiddle with your fingers as you watch Wooyoung make a pretty concoction in a cocktail shaker, pouring in peach schnapps and cranberry juice with a dash of vodka. He transfers the drink into a fresh cup, handing it over with a smile on his face. "Wanna taste it before you go?" You sip on the drink, eyes lighting up at how good it tasted. You weren't exactly a fan of cocktails [or alcohol in general], though you wouldn't turn down a drink or two on some occasions.

"Mm, it's good!" He chuckles.

"Yeah? Kinda pulled the measurements out of my ass but I didn't put too much vodka."

"What're you doing?" Jiwoo walks into the kitchen.

"Listening to Y/N tell me how good my drink is." She looks at you with a brow cocked up.

"You don't have to lie to him." You giggle.

"It's actually good." You hand her your cup to taste the drink. She takes a good sip and nods in approval, shifting her attention to her brother.

"She wouldn't lie to me." Wooyoung winks at you.

"Can you make me one?"

"Nah. Bar's closed now. See what all that doubting does?" Wooyoung puts the lid back onto the vodka bottle before turning on his heel to walk away.

"You're a dick."

"Love you too." He says as he walks outside and returns to his bestfriend, San.

"You okay?" You ask her as she pours some juice into her cup.

"Yeah, I just came in here wondering why it was taking you so long to get juice." You laugh as you follow her back out into the backyard and to Yeosang and Hongjoong.

"Caught your bartending brother before he closed."

"Bartending brother?" Yeosang and Hongjoong both ask.

"Mm, Wooyoung made Y/N a drink and didn't even make me one." They laugh.

"Of course."

"Anyway, do you guys wanna sit at the wading pool? Dip our feet in and watch my family act a fool?"

"Sure. That sounds fun." Yeosang shrugs.

Throughout the rest of the bbq, you, Jiwoo, Hongjoong and Yeosang engage in a few other activities with her cousins besides hanging around the wading pool with her baby cousins— karaoke, some rounds of badminton, watching Jiwoo go head to head with her brother and older cousins in beer pong. From time to time, you catch Wooyoung looking over at you, giving off tiny smiles to be friendly. It isn't entirely uncommon, Wooyoung was always nice to you despite the distance. You don't talk much, but he doesn't necessarily treat you like a stranger especially after all these years.

It's a nice thing about him, their family— they're there for you.

They're there for you so much that Jiwoo comes up with the most incredible [in her terms] idea while she catches you cheering for Wooyoung during the very last round of beer pong against their cousins. It gets rowdier and rowdier, Wooyoung and his cousins yelling back and forth; their voices echoing into the sky. You try to sink behind Yeosang, jumping at the sudden cheers and random banging.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, it's just a little loud." You scrunch your nose, Yeosang throwing his arm around you to provide some kind of comfort during the round. When evening officially hits, the partying doesn't stop. If anything, it gets a little more rowdy with alcohol running through everyone's system. 

"Oh, fuck!" Wooyoung says, the beer tipping out of his cup when his cousin rams into him and spilling onto your jeans. 

"Jung Wooyoung!" You hear his mom yell while his dad laughs alongside of her, nudging her to let it go.

"Oh shit, Y/N. I'm so sorry." He looks at you before glaring at his cousin. "You dipshit, look at what you did!"

"Wooyoung!" Jiwoo yells, dabbing a napkin to the wet spot on your jeans.

"It's okay, Jiwoo—" You try to chime in, but your response gets drowned within the ruckus.

"It's Sebeom's fault, not mine! Why is everyone calling my name!"

"You both are idiots!" She groans, taking another napkin to your leg.

"The hell is the napkin gonna do, Jiwoo?" Wooyoung sets his cup down before gently grabbing your wrist. "Let's go dab some water on that." You silently follow behind, letting Wooyoung politely drag you into the kitchen. He's clearly drunk, fighting with the paper towel roll before he successfully peels off a few sheets and runs it under the water.

"Wooyoung, it's okay. I can always throw it in the wash."

"Still, it'll get sticky and smell like beer in the meantime." He says, crouching down and dabbing the wet towel to the spilled beer on your jeans. "I'm sorry, Y/N. You know how my family gets."

"It's alright." You watch as he pinches the edge of your jeans and tugs it outwards, widening the surface area as he continues to wipe away. 

"It might look worse at first, but the water will help." He clicks his teeth. "Did it get anywhere else on you?" 

"Just my left arm but it's fine—" He stands, albeit a bit wobbly at first, taking another end of the napkin to dab away at the small wet spots on your arm.

"Okay." He says, tossing the tissue away. "Better." He gives you a toothless smile. "Won't do it again."

"Thank you, Wooyoung. It's fine, it's not a big deal. Really."

"As long as I did a better job than Jiwoo." He says, leading you back out to the backyard.

"You made it worse!" Jiwoo yells.

"It gets worse before it gets better! Plus, the beer smell won't be lingering." Wooyoung scoffs. "At least Y/N is grateful for it." As soon as you've settled next to your friends, everyone begins to sing happy birthday to Wooyoung and Jiwoo's parents before digging in for more food and sharing the ginormous cake Jiwoo ordered from a mutual friend. Wooyoung brushes Jiwoo off to the side, determining that he has the best cake-cutting skills between the both of them.

"Here, Y/N. For you." Wooyoung hands you a hefty slice of cake, eyes still glazed over from the alcohol he had been drinking. You watch as he licks the icing from his thumb, shaking his head in ironic approval. "The cake is so good. Thank god Jiwoo got it right for once—"

"Wooyoung, shut up!" 

"Don't start again!" Their mom yells from the other end of the table, yet the two continue to bicker. You, Hongjoong and Yeosang stay out of it and eat away at the cake, continuing to mingle with their family members for the rest of the night until Yeosang feels his social battery dying.

"You ready? We could stay if you want, though." You shake your head.

"I'm good. Let's go say bye to Jiwoo and her parents." He nods. You find Jiwoo first, talking to one of her aunts off to the side. You squeeze her wrist as a signal that you and Yeo are getting ready to leave, her eyes widening. Bottom lip poking out. Whines ready to leave her lips.

"Nooo, you're leaving me? Please take me with you." You laugh and rub her back as you pull away from the hug.

"You'll see me tomorrow. I'll be expecting you to come over."

"First thing in the morning. Leave some room in your bed." Yeosang shakes his head and turns to Hongjoong to bid him farewell.

"Make sure you bring her girlfriend home safely." Hongjoong says seriously, patting Yeosang on the back. 

"Will do." He nods. You follow Yeosang out towards the front door, clinging onto his sleeve as you navigate the busy house. You almost slip out successfully until Wooyoung pauses in his steps, doing a double-take when he catches you on his way back to the backyard.

"You're leaving?" You nod, chuckling to yourself when you see him drunk-whining just like his sister. "It's early!" He whines a bit. "Were you not gonna say bye to me? I thought we were cool, Y/N."

"Bye Wooyoung." You wrap your arms around his waist as he pulls you into a rough, but tight bear hug. "Bye San." You wave at San, in which he responds with a tiny smile and wave.

"Drive safely!" He calls out before leaving. You finally get out of the house, Yeosang waiting for you by the front door. You're not even gonna lie, you are pretty exhausted already, and you're excited to get washed up to lay in bed and pick up your current read. Jiwoo's family was always fun, so lively and full of energy. They fit so well together, like they were all perfectly molded and crafted as one. They've become like your second family, and you wished you had your own you could be the same with. But, that also goes to say, their parties always leave you exhausted.

When Yeosang gets you home, you thank him for the ride and give him a hug once he's dropped you off at the door. You slowly waddle into the studio, a smile on your face when you see your bed, your nightlight— the smell of incense still lingering in the room. You quickly hop in the shower and get ready for bed, looking at the big, bright 10:27pm in white on your nightstand clock. You slip into bed, getting cozy under your sheets before grabbing your book. Jiwoo is texting you and Yeosang pictures from today, including ones of her cousins getting crazy during beer pong.

Today was fun. It's over, and it was fun.

Today is not over for Jiwoo, though.

A few of their family members linger around while Jiwoo and her mom continue to clean around the house. She orders her lazy ass brother to haul out the bags of trash to the garbage can and to clean up the remaining mess from the beer pong game out in the backyard. Once all of the cleaning as finished, Jiwoo rushes to the bathroom to beat her brother for a shower. She feels like she can finally relax, finally settle down, finally set her plan in motion—

"I need you to do me a favor." Jiwoo leans against the doorframe of Wooyoung's old room as he folds his clothes neatly into his duffle bag, grabbing a new pair of clothes to change into once he's showered.

"Depends." He mutters, not taking his eyes off of his bag.

"No, you at least owe me this." He scoffs.

"Nevermind, I need to shower. Come back to me in 3-5 business days—"

"You didn't even make me a drink earlier!

"Not my fault you doubted my bartending skills." He furrows his brows. "Plus, I already told you I was getting your car fixed."

"Great, then you can do one more favor for me." Wooyoung sighs as he turns to look at her.

"What, Jiwoo?"

"Can you be Y/N's date to our company's summer party?"

"What?" Wooyoung furrows his brows and lets out a pathetic chuckle. "You're kidding, right?"

"What's that supposed to mean? She's my bestfriend."

"Yeah, clearly. Why can't she find someone else to go with her? Like that guy you two are close with, Yeosang?"

"Um, that's weird." She furrows her brows. "That won't do. If she wanted to go with him, she would've done it a long time ago. You know her. She hasn't gone the past two years, I'm not gonna let her pass up on this one."

"So then go ask your man if he has a friend he can spare?"

"She's not gonna wanna go with any of his friends!"

"Too damn bad."

"You cleaned up her jeans like a saint earlier!" 

"Because it was the right thing to do! What does that even have to do with this?!"

"Wooyoung." She whines, almost stomping her foot. Wooyoung pauses to look back up at her.

"Even if I agreed, you do know how awkward this might be, right? Not only for me, but for her, too." Wooyoung shrugs. "I know she's been your bestfriend for years but we aren't exactly close like that. We're two very different people. We can't exactly spend a whole evening together. Alone."

"I'll be there with Hongjoong."

"That's what I said. We'd be alone." Jiwoo groans.

"She'd definitely be more comfortable with you than someone else!"

"Doubt that. She's quiet and shy. Very much the opposite of me?"

"Yeah, big ass mouth."

"That can be useful." He smirks, making Jiwoo wince in disgust.

"You're so disgusting, Wooyoung. Maybe I should take this back."

"You really think she'd play along with this?"

"Yes!" Wooyoung squints his eyes.

"You didn't even tell her about this plan, did you?"

"She'll go along with it. Please. I just want her to go and have fun for once."

"Hm." He hums, deep in thought. "Nah."

"Just one night!" Wooyoung sighs.

"No."

"Wooyoung!" She pouts.

"Jiwoo, seriously. Quit."

"You owe me! I've had your back so many times, and I've never asked you for anything else out of the ordinary." He looks at Jiwoo and he actually feels a bit bad about the car situation. And it's true, even though they don't always get along, Jiwoo has always had his back and covered for him when she didn't entirely need to. She's always had his back even when he didn't really deserve it. He subtly nibbles on the inside of his cheek, letting out a deep sigh before shaking his head.

"Whatever. Tell me the details." She squeals and he quickly turns. "And by the way, this is your idea. Not mine. I'm only doing you a favor so you can stop hounding me about the car. It's one night and that's it. If she gets mad, that's all on you."

"Fine. Consider your debt paid." She gives him a small smile. "Thank you."

"What are you talking about, Jiwoo?"

"I want you to go to the party and have fun." She pouts a bit, brushing your hair away from your face. You furrow your brows at her, pushing your glasses up the bridge of your nose.

"But, parties aren't really my thing." You shrug. "And besides, I don't really have anyone to go with. I hate to say it, but I don't wanna show up alone. Everyone has dates they can bring. You have Hongjoong." You look over Jiwoo's shoulder and catch Yeosang talking to his team members at the far end of the room. He catches you looking over, flashing you a small smile before returning his attention to his coworker.

Yeosang was great, no lie. He was a good guy, everyone could see that from miles away. He was smart, diligent, kind, and the biggest team player. He started at the same time as your cohort of new hires, Jiwoo starting a couple of months beforehand. When you saw him in person, you did find him attractive. He was at a good height and well-built, black flowy hair framing his chiseled face. At first, you thought Yeosang was just being nice to you. But, slowly, he'd accompany you to the break room for coffee breaks. Bring you coffee and pastries from another shop on random mornings. Occasional outings to lunch. Until finally, he'd accompany you to casual dinners where it felt a little too serious to be considered casual— you just didn't wanna dwell on it. Too shy to say anything or bring it up because your brain goes on overdrive and makes you think you're reading into this more than you should.

He was just your friend, being your friend. So you'd like to think.

You weren't really sure what you wanted out of this, but at this moment in time, you felt like Yeosang was good enough as that. If people found out you weren't entirely into him, they'd probably think you're crazy. And you probably are, but as much as you appreciate Yeosang's company and his kindness, you fear you'd be forcing yourself into something with him.

That's not what you think Yeosang deserves.

If anything were to develop, you'd like it to develop naturally. It hasn't yet, so maybe this was a sign that you two were actually better off as friends? You're not good at this whole dating thing, reading into signs and signals.

"I know you don't really wanna go with him either."

"It's not that. I just feel like it'd be awkward and I'd ruin our friendship. It'd feel way too forced for me."

"Y/N, you're gonna have to tell him sooner or later." You shake your head. "Then?"

"Then, I don't know. I just don't know about him. That's why I'm perfectly fine staying home and being away from all of that."

"What if my brother goes with you?" Your eyes widen.

"W-Wooyoung?" She nods. "No, Jiwoo. Is this what this is all about?"

"Look, don't get mad, okay? Just hear me out." You cross your arms as she lets out a breath. "I asked my brother to accompany you to the party and he agreed to go."

"What?!" You say a bit louder than expected. "Is it because he feels bad for me?"

"No! Shh!" Jiwoo furrows her brows at you. "I mean, he also owes me, but—" 

"Jiwoo, I'm not a charity case!" You harshly whisper.

"I know, I know! You aren't. I just really want you to go." Truthfully, if this were any other person or circumstance, you'd probably feel a little hurt [even with good intentions]. You'd certainly feel like a charity case, and you'd feel sorry for yourself; especially for having to be set up in this way.

But, you're surprisingly not all that hurt by it.

Again, you know Jiwoo has good intentions and she would never do anything to intentionally hurt you. She does have a point— you haven't really gone to any of the big summer parties. You didn't mind it, but now that you think about it, you feel like you can't hide forever. The feeling of missing out settles in the pit of your stomach, and it's awful.

You're probably the only person who ducks out on these things. You're the one to blame for choosing not to be involved and for shielding yourself away from people, any inconvenience, etc. Shielding yourself away from fun, happiness. Life doing its thing.

"Mm yeah." You look at her. "I'm not close to your bother like that, though." It's true despite how he can be in person. Although you and Jiwoo were glued to the hip growing up, Wooyoung had his own group of friends and didn't pay much attention to you and his little sister. You both knew the basics about each other, have gone on trips together, tagged along with Wooyoung when he was the only means of transportation for you and Jiwoo. Why would he be worried about you, anyway? You two were busy fangirling over B2K, young Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You and Sean Patrick Thomas in Save the Last Dance, screaming at the top of your lungs whenever your favorite songs came on and shopping for hours at the same mall almost every weekend.

Not exactly Wooyoung's cup of tea.

Wooyoung was always rough-housing with his friends or going on casual 'dates' with different girls, blasting his 90s music in his room [like Vivrant Thing by Q-Tip, it's his fave] that'd shake Jiwoo's walls and drive her crazy. He had a few relationships that always ended up crazy toxic and you've seen the girls crying over him on their doorstep or throwing shit at his window to grab his attention after days of no communication. Despite that, he's not entirely a bad brother. He did his best to support Jiwoo throughout all her milestones in life, never missing an important event or being there for her when she needed her brother more than anyone else. They bicker and fight. A lot. But, they'd be there for each other in a heartbeat if needed. No question.

"You are, enough! You know he's full of himself and gross." You give her a look.

"Okay, really? That's supposed to make this better?"

"Sorry, kidding. Just my defense mechanism as his sister." She crosses her arms and sighs. "But, Wooyoung isn't exactly a stranger. And knowing my brother, he'd lead the entire time. Just let him accompany you to the party and call it a night! At least you'll be there with me and we can have fun together."

"You're gonna be busy with Hongjoong." You slowly walk back to your desk.

"I'm not. At least not entirely." 

"Jiwoo." You look at her.

"I won't be too busy with him! I promise." Jiwoo looks at the date on your computer. "It's up to you, Wooyoung already agreed. But, today's the last day to RSVP."

"I feel bad, I told Yeosang I wasn't going."

"This isn't entirely how I'd go about things but hey, he'll see you with my brother. Maybe that'll initiate a talk, and you can tell him you don't want to ruin your friendship."

"Mm." You hum and pull up the email with the RSVP button, not really trying to think about the whole thing too deeply. "I don't have anything to wear."

"It's fine, we'll go shopping soon! We have some time before the party." She softly squeals as she watches you type away and send off your RSVP.

"Jiwoo, I don't know how to get ready for these things. I can't even do my hair and makeup properly."

"Babe. I will help you get this sorted out. Don't even worry. We're gonna have fun! It'll be good. I'm just happy you're finally coming." You give her a small smile.

"I hope it'll be good." Your bottom lip slightly pokes out. "Am I supposed to text your brother and thank him?"

"No. Don't worry about him."

"He's accompanying me to the party, of course—"

"Seriously, don't. It'll be fine. I promise."

"Papa?" You gently open the door and walk in, setting your shoes aside.

"Is that my girl?" Your grandfather comes from around the kitchen, holding two small bowls of rice in his hand. "You made it in time for dinner!"

"I can never miss dinner with you." You giggle, stepping out of your shoes and placing your things down before taking your place at the table. "How was your day today, papa?"

"Good." He sits in front of you with a smile.

"Did you exercise like you promised?"

"Yes." He gives you a look, making you chuckle. Your grandfather was 77 years old and still active, still healthy as can be. When you moved out, you made him promise he'd continue his exercise regimen and that he'd continue to keep himself healthy with wholesome foods. Reading. Going out and exploring the town. After all these years, he's the only one who has taken care of you well— having lost your mom and dad at an early age due to illnesses, same thing with your grandma. Despite the adversity, your grandpa made sure to put you first even if he was hurting, if he was tired, if he was stressed. He never took that out on you. He never made you feel like you were a burden, or like there was love lacking under his roof.

It was time for you to do the same.

"Good." 

"How was the bbq?"

"Good! It was fun. Loud. Chaotic. Per usual at the Jung household." He laughs.

"Sounds like you had a good time." You nod. "How about work?"

"It was okay. It was pretty busy at first, but eventually settled." You avoid contact, digging into your rice when you grab a piece of samgyeopsal sitting in front of you. He watches you closely, seeing how you've gotten quieter in the last few minutes, signaling you were hiding something.

"Did else happen today that's making you watch the rice in your bowl?" You give off a tiny laugh and shake your head.

"Mm, well. Jiwoo convinced me to go to the summer party."

"You're going?" He smiles from ear to ear, happy to hear that you're finally going to enjoy yourself at the summer party you always avoided. He never forced you to do things outside of your comfort zone, but he did wish you'd go and enjoy yourself from time to time. Be happy. Have fun. "Good, I'm happy you're going! Is Jiwoo going with Hongjoong?"

"Mhm!"

"Then.." Papa looks at you with a small smirk. "Are you going with Yeosang?" You shake your head.

"N-no."

"No?" He looks at you, surprised. You've definitely talked to your grandfather about Yeosang and how you were feeling about everything. Even then, he was still surprised you weren't going together as friends.

"I'm going with Wooyoung."

"Jiwoo's brother?" You nod.

"Papa, it's kinda stupid. The way everything happened and how I ended up going."

"Nothing is stupid. Try me. How did you end up with Wooyoung as your date?"

"Well, now I'm gonna sound like a charity case."

"You are not." You give your grandpa a look before stuffing your face with more rice and pork.

"Wooyoung got into a little accident while using Jiwoo's car."

"Is he alright?" You nod.

"Yes, he's okay. Jiwoo is having him cover the car.. but also slipped in another favor." You shyly look up as you continue to nibble on your food, and your grandpa laughs.

"Ah, and that favor is the party, I'm assuming."

"Yeah. It's silly."

"It's not. She's coming from a good place and just wants you there. The whole car thing is unfortunate but for her, seems to be the right stroke of luck to get her bestfriend at the summer party." You giggle.

"I guess you could say that." You sigh. "I'm just worried about Yeosang. I told him I wasn't going and I'm not sure I will."

"You'll just show up with Wooyoung?" You shrug.

"I don't know how to do these things, Papa. I don't wanna hurt him, but I really can't see myself being his date or taking this further. I don't know what to say or how to say it yet."

"Eventually, you're gonna have to, you know that, right? For the sake of your friendship. He seems like a great guy, and I'm sure he'll understand whatever the case is, Y/N."

"I know." You shake your head. "I will. But, not now." Papa nods quietly before eating another spoonful.

"It'll turn out fine, okay? Don't worry about it too much."

"Thank you." You softly smile.

"Anyways, back to Wooyoung—" He pauses to eat some more. "It's not the most common way to find a date. But, weirdly, I'm glad it happened this way. I want you to go and have fun." You silently look at him. "Life doesn't slow down, you don't get any younger. Take the opportunities no matter how silly it may sound at first. Make more memories."

"I know. I'm just.. I feel awful that Wooyoung even has to go with me. He's probably going to have the worst time."

"Don't say that. He's going with you and the both of you will have fun. Let yourself have fun. Plus, it's Wooyoung. You know him. I'm sure he'll do what he can to make sure you are comfortable."

"I guess so."

"Enjoy, and have fun. Don't worry about anything, promise me that?"

"I'll try."

"That's all I can ask for." Because all he wanted was to see you happy. Genuinely happy in your own skin. Enjoying yourself. Having fun. 

All he wanted was to see you smile over life again.

—PERMANENT TAGLIST: @asjkdk @interweab @woojirang @svintsandghosts @cheolliehugs @persphonesorchid @mxnsxngie @jycas @cowboydk @heyitsmetonid

away with the wind | daylight

Pairing: dragonrider!Seonghwa x ex-dragonrider!Reader AU: dragon rider au | strangers -> lovers Summary: a spinal injury forces you to retire from dragon racing, and with it, the end of your engagement to Song Mingi. Park Seonghwa, a rising star in the world of dragon racing and heir to the prestigious House Park, seeks a new dragon after an unfortunate accident on the skyway. As the saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” Word Count: 6.1K Warnings: not proofread, fluff-ish? alcohol consumption

a/n: version 2 of chapter ix

Fic Masterlist

The grand chamber was dimly lit, the only sources of light being the flickering holographic displays and the soft glow of the council members’ robes. The air was thick with anticipation as the council awaited the presentation.

“Ready whenever you are, Dr. Kang,” Lord Hong announced, his voice resonating through the chamber.

Yeosang, standing beside the holographic projector, bowed respectfully. He took a moment to adjust the hologram, ensuring every detail of Ajax’s anatomy was perfectly visible. The room fell silent as the intricate projection came to life, displaying the necropsy report for Subject 4201.

“Necropsy report for Subject 4201. Subject is a male, approximately 11 years old, measuring 20 feet in height with a wingspan of 40 feet. Initial examination reveals extensive claw marks along the dorsal scales, likely from recent combat.”

Yeosang zoomed in on the damage inflicted by Starshine during the Inferno Cup. Lady Lee brought her hand to her mouth in feigned horror, prompting Yeosang to roll his eyes at her theatrics. He then brought up the next holographic display.

Swiping over to the dragon’s head, Yeosang brought forward the manifestation of Ajax’s brain, enhancing the size of the organ for the Council’s scrutiny. 

“The brain shows signs of abnormal growth in the amygdala, the region associated with aggression and fear responses. This hypertrophy suggests heightened aggression and unstable behavior. Further examination of the neural pathways reveals signs of synaptic plasticity, which may indicate a history of adaptive responses to high-stress environments. This could result in unpredictable and erratic behavior patterns.”

“Is this a common trait in Longhorns, Dr. Kang?” Lord Kim interjected.

Yeosang maintained his composed demeanor, though he felt slightly irritated at Lord Kim’s prodding. Taking a moment to gather his thoughts, he ensured his tone remained respectful yet authoritative. 

“While hypertrophy in the amygdala is not uncommon in Longhorns, the extent of the growth observed here is unusual,” he explained, his voice steady. “Further studies are necessary to determine if this is an isolated case or indicative of a broader trend within the species.”

Lord Kim nodded, the soft rustle of his robes barely audible as he leaned back in his chair. Yeosang then moved on to the next hologram, which flickered to life, casting a light that manifested into Ajax above their heads.

“In summary, subject 4201 exhibits significant physiological power and complexity,” Yeosang began, his voice steady and clear. The hologram displayed intricate details of the dragon’s anatomy, each scale and muscle rendered with precision. “I’ve concluded that the observed unpredictable behavior indicates potential neurological instability. End of report.”

Chairman Jang’s eyes narrowed as he leaned forward, the light catching the sharp angles of his face. “And the report of parentage?” he asked.

Yeosang adjusted the hologram, bringing up a new set of data. “The DNA test results showed no significant anomalies, your grace. The dragon’s genetic makeup is consistent with what we have documented in our archives. There are no indications of any unusual lineage or mutations.”

Lord Kim studied him for a moment, his gaze penetrating. “Are you certain, Dr. Kang? This information is crucial to understanding where this Longhorn may have originated from.”

Yeosang nodded, maintaining his calm facade. “Yes, your grace. I am certain. The DNA results confirm that this dragon is of standard lineage.”

“Lord Kim, we have all the information we need. Continuing this investigation is a waste of our resources and time,” Lady Lee snapped, her voice sharp and echoing slightly in the grand council room.

“We need to be thorough,” Lord Kim insisted, his tone unwavering. The flickering light from the hologram cast shadows across his stern face, highlighting the furrow in his brow.

“The dragon’s physiology and neurological state are well-documented. We have other priorities that demand our attention,” she countered, her words heavy with urgency.

Lord Hong nodded in agreement, the soft rustle of his robes breaking the silence. “Lady Lee is right. We are diverting valuable time and effort. This report should be concluded.” His voice was measured, a stark contrast to the rising tension between his colleagues.

“If Dr. Kang has reported no abnormalities in his findings, then we must move on to the next agenda item,” Chairman Jang interjected with finality. “Thank you for your time, Dr. Kang.”

The room fell silent, the air thick with unresolved conflict. Yeosang remained silent, grateful that the focus had shifted away from his lie, but acutely aware of the brewing storm between the Council members.

“Would it be possible for the copies of the report to be made available, Dr. Kang?” Lord Kim interjected, his eyes boring into Yeosang, challenging him to reveal the truth.

Yeosang hesitated, his fingers trembling slightly as he adjusted his glasses. “The report is rather unremarkable, your grace,” he replied coldly, staring straight at the elder.

Lord Hong’s eyes narrowed. “Is there a problem, Dr. Kang? The Council has a right to see the report.”

Yeosang tightened his jaw, feeling the tension ripple through his muscles as the Council’s insistence caught him off guard. His irritation simmered just beneath the surface, barely contained.

“Of course, I will ensure the report is made available,” he said smoothly, his voice dripping with false sincerity, masking the venom beneath. “I just need a little more time to… finalize some details.”

“Finalize what details? Are you implying that this report today was not conclusive?” Lord Kim’s voice was cold and unyielding, each word a deliberate challenge.

Yeosang’s eyes flashed with annoyance, but he quickly masked it with a calm facade. “I assure you, Lord Kim, the report is thorough. However, there are always minor adjustments to be made for clarity.”

Kim Sangjoong’s gaze hardened, his suspicion evident. “Minor adjustments? Or are you buying time to cover up discrepancies, Dr. Kang?”

“That’s enough,” Chairman Jang’s voice concluded, the tone unmistakable, leaving no room for argument. “Dr. Kang, you have until the end of the day to produce copies of the report to the Council.”

Yeosang felt a surge of anger but forced a smile. “I understand your concern, Lord Kim. Rest assured, the report will be delivered by the end of the day, as requested.” His tone was polite, but the underlying threat was present.

The room remained tense, the air thick with unspoken conflict. Yeosang knew he had to tread carefully, but he relished the challenge.

Seonghwa strode through the hallways of the Park estate, his footsteps echoing off the marble floors as he awaited the results of Ajax’s necropsy from Kim Sangjoong. The grandeur of the estate, with its high ceilings and ornate decorations, did little to calm his racing thoughts.

“Ms. Jang,” he called out, his voice calm yet authoritative. His mother’s assistant looked up from her desk, immediately recognizing him. She adjusted her glasses and gave him a polite nod.

“Yes, your grace?” she asked, her tone respectful but familiar.

“I need a list of all the attendees from the Inferno Gala,” he requested, his eyes scanning the room. “Sponsors, stakeholders, riders—everything.”

Ms. Jang nodded and quickly began typing on her laptop. The soft clacking of keys filled the room as Seonghwa paced back and forth, his mind a whirlwind of thoughts. He glanced at the clock on the wall, each tick amplifying his impatience.

After a few moments, Ms. Jang handed him a sleek tablet. “Here it is, your grace,” she said. “The complete list.”

Seonghwa took the tablet and offered her a small smile in thanks. As he walked back to his quarters, he scanned the names, noting familiar faces and new ones, the organizations they represented, and the teams they raced for. Each name brought back memories of conversations, deals, and promises made. He needed to ensure that every attendee was accounted for and that no detail was overlooked.

“Treasure Holdings, Blue Bird Airways, Answer Tech,” Seonghwa muttered to himself, activating the hologram interface. These were big name sponsors in dragon racing and nothing seemed out of the ordinary. 

He swiped to the next category of Aurora’s political elite, scanning the list with a practiced eye. Names like Lady Baek and Lord Yoon stood out, both well-known figures in the political landscape. As he continued down the list, he reached members of the Council and their guests. Lord Hong Bum Soo and Lady Hong Sara, Chairman Jang Ki Young, Lord Kim Sangjoong and Lady Kim Miyeon–

She was never one to miss an event, especially one of this magnitude. He quickly re-scanned the rest of the list, hoping it was a mistake, but her name was nowhere to be found. Had she been deliberately excluded?

Lady Lee’s absence was not just unusual—it was a glaring anomaly. Taking out his phone, he dialed Kim Sangjoong, hoping for news of the necropsy report. The phone rang a few times before Lord Kim answered. “Seonghwa, what’s the matter?”

“I have news for you, should you have any to share with me,” Seonghwa said, his tone measured.

The elder chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I regret to inform you that the report returned without any anomalies. It was conclusive, indicating that the dragon is of standard lineage.”

“That can’t be,” Seonghwa said, his voice laced with disbelief. “Y/N showed me Ajax’s anatomy in video footage a few months ago. She noted that his angulation was much more moderate than a Longhorn’s, and his wings were longer. He also exhibited an unusual level of speed and agility.”

The elder’s eyes widened slightly. “That does sound…unnatural for the breed…” He paused, his gaze drifting out the large, arched window of his office. He noticed Lady Lee in conversation with a young lab assistant, her animated gestures contrasting with the assistant’s calm demeanor.

“Your grace?” Seonghwa’s voice brought him back to the present.

“Yes, apologies. Please continue.”

“I wanted to let you know that I pulled the guest list from the gala and noticed that Lady Lee was missing.”

The elder’s brow furrowed in concern. “That’s certainly odd. She never turns down an opportunity for an event given her rather…vainglorious nature. Her absence is highly unusual.” Lord Kim glanced at the ornate clock on the wall, noting the late hour. If he were to leave now, it would be an opportunity to learn more about Lady Lee’s next moves.

“It seems Lady Lee is just about to leave for the day,” Lord Kim informed the younger. “Thank you for the information, Seonghwa.” He quickly pocketed his phone and hurried towards the exit, his mind racing with possibilities. The corridors of the capitol building were beginning to empty as the day drew to a close, and he needed to act fast.

The soft murmur of conversations and the shuffle of footsteps filled the air, creating a symphony of end-of-day activity. The tension in the air was palpable, each step Lord Kim took echoing his urgency.

“Ah, Lady Lee! Will you be attending General Choi’s birthday celebration?” he called out, his voice cutting through the ambient noise, and scaring the lab assistant. The young man, not much older than 20, bowed before taking his leave. 

Lady Lee paled, her confident demeanor faltering for a moment. “O-Oh? Is that this weekend?” she stammered, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape. She forced a smile, though it didn’t reach her eyes.

“I must have overlooked it. I’ve been quite busy with…personal matters,” Lady Lee said, her voice wavering slightly.

“Personal matters?” Lord Kim pressed, his curiosity piqued. “Well, I hope everything is alright.”

She hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. “Yes, well, it’s nothing that concerns the council.”

Lord Kim nodded slowly, not entirely convinced. “I see. Well, I do hope you’ll make it to the celebration. Miyeon and I look forward to seeing you.”

“Thank you, Lord Kim. I appreciate your concern,” she replied, her voice steadying. 

As Lady Lee turned to leave, Lord Kim watched her closely. There was something off about her behavior, something that didn’t sit right with him. Her usually confident demeanor seemed strained, and her eyes darted around nervously. His mind raced with questions, each one more urgent than the last. What was she hiding? And why did it feel like time was running out?

[NEW MESSAGE]

[Lord Cash Money]: Results are in 

[Lord Cash Money]: Nothing out of standard

You let out a huff as you read Seonghwa’s message and sent back a quick ‘Thanks’. Dismounting Cirrus, you felt the cool leather of the saddle beneath your hands, but an uneasy feeling settled in your chest. You knew Ajax was definitely not half Fury, but something else entirely. The thought sent a chill down your spine at the implications of what his other half might be.

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manor as you helped Sohee down from the saddle. You slung her backpack over your shoulder, the weight a familiar comfort, and dialed the only person you knew you could vent to besides your grandmother and sister.

“I hate the government,” you said, balancing your phone between your shoulder and ear while you toed off your shoes and hung up your niece’s backpack. The scent of oil pastels and dragon scales lingered in the air.

“Who doesn’t?” Jongho’s voice came through the line, gruff yet playful. You could almost picture his mischievous grin. What’s going on?” he asked, his tone shifting to one of curiosity and concern.

Choi Jongho was the oldest son of the Dune Choi Family and cousin to the Auroran Choi Family. Although they were considered one of Dune’s noble houses, your families had been breeding partners for as long as your grandmother could remember.

Jongho had always been like a little brother to you, his presence a constant in your life—a mix of annoyance and comfort that only a true sibling could provide. His sharp wit and the shared history between your families created a connection that was unbreakable, no matter how much he might drive you crazy at times.

“The test results came back conclusive. There’s nothing out of the ordinary with Ajax’s lineage.”

“Bullshit,” Jongho snapped, pacing his room. “I watched the footage you sent me, read through the pedigree, and everything seemed off. Someone’s tampering with the results.”

You nodded, frustration evident. “Exactly. I’m thinking there has to be something more nefarious in his lineage. Ajax has always been promoted as a hybrid between a Fury and a Longhorn, but I don’t think a Fury fits the bill. It has to be a breed that’s aerodynamic.”

Jongho furrowed his brow. “Aerodynamic, huh? That narrows it down a bit. Maybe something with a sleeker build? A Wyrm variant? Or a Razorback?”

You snickered. “Hongjoong is going to have your head if he hears that. But even those breeds don’t seem quite right. There has to be one that’s also intelligent. Ajax was somehow able to learn Cirrus’ maneuvers, and I know for a fact Mingi couldn’t have taught him that flip.”

Jongho sighed, massaging his brow. “I’ve always told you I didn’t like him nor his ugly dragon. I plan to set up shop in my uncle’s library and we can dig deeper when I’m in town. You’re coming to his celebration, right?”

You groaned, pulling your pillow to your chest. “Do I have a choice?”

“If you don’t, I’ll tell everyone you think San is handsome.”

Rolling your eyes, you retorted, “San is handsome. That doesn’t work on me anymore.”

Jongho smirked, a mischievous glint in his eye. “Fine, then I’ll tell everyone about the time you fell into the fountain trying to impress him.”

You gasped, sitting up abruptly. “Choi Jongho, you wouldn’t dare!”

The grand hall of the Choi Estate was a sight to behold, a testament to the family’s wealth and status. The walls were adorned with intricate tapestries depicting the family’s storied history, their vibrant colors and detailed embroidery telling tales of valor and honor. The atmosphere was one of celebration and reverence, as friends and family gathered to honor the Choi patriarch on his special day.

San’s father, the elder General Choi, greeted guests up and down the hall, offering glass after glass of champagne and other spirits. His laughter boomed through the room, a testament to his larger-than-life personality. You managed to dodge him, offering your grandmother as a sacrificial lamb as you slipped away, her knowing smile indicating she was more than willing to take one for the team.

You weaved through the crowd, feeling a bit out of place in your simple but elegant strapless black gown. Its understated design contrasted with the more extravagant attire around you, yet the gown’s classic cut and the way it hugged your figure made you feel confident and poised.

“Are you here for a funeral or a celebration?” a familiar voice quipped behind you.

You whipped around to find San, clad in a perfectly tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders and imposing presence. The corners of his mouth twitched into a smirk as he took in your startled reaction.

“Very funny,” you replied, rolling your eyes but unable to suppress a smile. “I was just trying to avoid your father’s relentless hospitality.”

San chuckled, his laughter a deep, comforting sound. “He does have a way of overwhelming people with his enthusiasm,” he admitted, glancing over at his father, who was now engaged in a hearty conversation with a group of military officials. “Looking for someone?”

“It's no one important,” you murmured, your eyes drifting away from the young General. You scanned the crowd, your heart pounding as you searched for a certain someone. Striking, charming, refined, and utterly infuriating, with an undeniable pull—a magnetic attraction you couldn’t ignore.

“Am I not important to you?” San tilted his head, giving you a sly smile.

“You are, but you're not who I'm looking for,” you scoffed, hitting his arm playfully. 

San brought his hand to his chest, feigning a dramatic gasp. “And here I thought I was unforgettable.”

“You are, just not in the way you think.”

“Ah, so there is someone else! Now I’m intrigued.”

As Seonghwa watched you and San together, a mix of emotions flooded his mind. On one hand, he was happy to see you enjoying yourself, but on the other, he couldn't shake off the feeling of jealousy that consumed him. He knew it was irrational and unfair, but the sight of you with someone else rattled him in ways he didn't understand. 

With determination in his step, he approached you, his presence catching you off guard as his hand wrapped around your waist resting on the small of your back. The warmth of his touch sent a shiver coursing down your spine.

“General,” Seonghwa greeted San with a nod, his voice steady despite the tempest raging within. His eyes, however, flashed with a brief, intense possessiveness, a silent claim that spoke volumes.

“Lord Park,” San replied, his gaze sharp with curiosity and a hint of amusement, completely oblivious to Seonghwa’s hostility.

Seonghwa’s eyes narrowed slightly as he watched San’s lingering gaze. Leaning in closer, he brushed against your ear as he whispered, never breaking eye contact with San. “Dance with me?” His voice was soft, yet it carried an undeniable command.

San, gave you a knowing look and you rolled your eyes in response, a faint smile touching your lips as you took Seonghwa's hand.  The soft strains of the music enveloped you both, creating an intimate atmosphere. Seonghwa’s grip on your waist tightened slightly, as if to remind you—and San—of his presence while guiding you with a natural grace. Your free hand found its way to his shoulder, while his other hand held yours, fingers entwined.

“Have I ever mentioned how impulsive you are?” you teased softly, toying with the lapel of his jacket. The smooth fabric felt like a stark contrast to the tension hanging in the air.

“Maybe,” he replied, a smile playing on his lips. His eyes, however, were serious, as if he was weighing his next words carefully. “There’s something I forgot to mention the other day.” 

“Hm?” you responded, curiosity piqued, your eyes meeting his with a questioning look.

“Lady Lee was absent on the night of the gala.” Your furrowed your brows at Seonghwa’s revelation. “What do you mean?”

“I pulled the guest list of every single attendee from that night, and she was the only Council member missing from the list. I asked Lord Kim about it, and he thought it was odd as well,” Seonghwa explained, his tone serious, eyes dark with concern. The weight of his words settled heavily between you.

“You think she’s connected?” you asked, your mind racing with possibilities, the weight of the situation pressing down on you. 

“I didn’t get a chance to ask, he hung up on me while trying to flag her down,” Seonghwa pouted slightly. No one hangs up on Park Seonghwa, not even his mentor. You couldn’t help but giggle at the thought of Hongjoong’s father abruptly ending the call with Seonghwa, his slack jawed expression vivid in your mind. His flair for dramatics always added a touch of humor to your interactions, making him all the more endearing.

“I suppose you should follow up with him. Fortunately for me, I’ll be enjoying the festivities tonight,” you sighed. “San owes me a drink after I bet that Jongho wouldn’t last an hour without trying to sell someone a dragon.”

Seonghwa’s expression shifted, a hint of disapproval in his eyes. “You and Choi San?” he remarked, his voice carrying a slight bitterness. You nodded, “I’ve known him since we were kids, he’s a packaged deal with Jongho. You know, with the whole breeding House partnership thing.”

“I suppose he possesses a certain charm, but his intellect leaves much to be desired.”

“Don’t be rude! San is my friend,” you retorted, a sharp edge to your laughter. “And if not San, who, pray tell, would you have me spend my time with, Lord Park?”

Seonghwa’s lips curved into a half-smile, mischief glinting in his eyes. “Someone who can match your wit,” he proposed, his fingers drawing patterns on your spine.

“Someone like…you?” you challenged, your grin daring him to deny it. His laughter was low and velvety, a sound that seemed to wrap around you like a cool embrace. He leaned in closer, his breath ghosting over your skin as he brushed his lips against your temple. 

“Perhaps,” Seonghwa murmured, his voice a tantalizing whisper. “Guess you’ll have to find out.”

The music slowly faded, signaling the end of the dance and the appearance of Song Tae Gyu. The room fell silent as the Song patriarch entered, the grand hall, once filled with lively chatter and laughter, now buzzed with hushed whispers. Snippets of conversation about “Mingi,” “the Council,” and “unstable dragon” floated through the air like a dark cloud.

“Song Tae Gyu has some nerve showing up after what his son pulled,” Jongho sneered, his gaze fixed on Mingi’s father with a stone-cold expression as he approached you and Seonghwa on the dance floor. Ever the purist, Jongho’s disdain was palpable. You could almost feel the weight of his contempt for the way the Songs had let their son disgrace their house and the sanctity of dragon racing.

“He’s simply carrying out his duties to my father,” San reminded his cousin, his voice composed despite the discomfort evident in his body language. He glanced around the room, noting the wary eyes and cautious glances directed at Song Tae Gyu. “I know the Songs feel terrible about the incident, but as a vassal House, they have their obligations.”

San’s words were measured, but you could sense the underlying tension. The incident with Mingi had cast a momentary shadow over the evening, and the presence of Song Tae Gyu only served to deepen the unease. 

“Ah, Tae Gyu! So glad you could make it!” the elder General Choi exclaimed, clapping a hand on the man’s shoulder. “I was just telling everyone about the time you and I got lost in the ravine and had to spend the night in a cave. Remember that?”

The room erupted in laughter as Lord Choi recounted the tale with exaggerated gestures, painting a vivid picture of their misadventure. Even Song Tae Gyu managed a small, grateful smile, the worry lines on his face softening.

Jongho rolled his eyes but couldn’t suppress the small grin tugging at his lips. He took a sip from his glass, the warm liquid sliding down his throat as he mulled over his father's words. "Your father always knows how to lighten the mood," he muttered to San before turning to face you, swirling his empty glass in a playful gesture.

“So,” he drawls, “Are you still F/N L/N or Park F/N–” Both you and Seonghwa exchange flustered glances, your denials overlapping.

“There’s nothing between us!” Your voice cracked slightly, betraying your nerves.

“Absolutely nothing!” Seonghwa added, his voice a pitch higher than usual, nodding vigorously. His cheeks are flushed, and he looks like he might combust from the sheer embarrassment.

“Oh, come on,” Jongho teased, “You two are practically glowing,” He winks, knocking back the rest of his drink with a satisfied smirk. You groaned, burying your face in your hands, while Seonghwa prayed for the ground to open and swallow him whole. Jongho’s laughter echoed around the room, clearly enjoying every moment of your shared embarrassment. “I’ll be around tomorrow if you want to dig through the records. I’m sure we’ll find something on that wannabe Longhorn.”

“What did you say?”

“Nothing, just bullshitting.”

“No! About the wannabe part.”

The mention of the word "wannabe" caught your attention like a firework exploding in your mind. You could feel your heart racing as you frantically searched your knowledge for any clues about this breed.

Wannabe… Imitation… Copy… The word echoed in your mind, reverberating with increasing intensity. Your breath caught in your throat, and your heart began to race as you frantically sifted through your mental catalog of dragon breeds and their levels of intelligence.

Dreamwood Ridgeback, biddable with high emotional intellect… Cascade Wyvern, alert and confident… Star Fury, fiercely intelligent but too rare… Nettled…

A sudden realization hit you like a bolt of lightning. You turned sharply to face San, your eyes widening with urgency and determination. "Do you have a copy of a breed encyclopedia?" You could almost feel the gears turning in your head, piecing together the clues and making connections. It was all starting to make sense now.

San looked momentarily puzzled, his brow furrowing as he tried to process your sudden question. Before he could respond, Jongho stepped in with a confident grin. “Of course they do, I left one here to read during summers,” he said, patting San’s shoulder in a playful yet slightly condescending manner, acknowledging his older cousin’s limited mental acuity.

“Longhorns aren’t meant to be particularly intelligent,” you began, your voice steady but urgent. “But if Ajax was able to learn Cirrus’ maneuvers, there could only be one breed that matches the description.”

The four of you exchanged tense looks, the weight of the mystery pressing down on you. Without another word, you all turned and rushed out of the hall, each step bringing you closer to uncovering the truth.

Jongho traipsed around the library, pulling out books and peeking through every nook and cranny, his determination to locate the beloved encyclopedia was almost comical. Meanwhile, you took your time, your fingers trailing over the spines of novels that drew your interest—classic literature rich with love and loss and fantasies brimming with epic adventures of dragon riders from the past.

Seonghwa matched your stride on the opposite side of the bookshelf as you wandered through the maze of books, the soft patter of your footsteps echoing off the high, vaulted ceilings. He glanced at the spines of the books you passed, his fingers lightly brushing against the aged covers, intrigued by the types of stories that captured your attention.  

“A little help here,” Jongho grumbled from a nearby aisle, hopping up to get a better look at the upper shelves. You pouted, reluctantly placing the book you had been holding back on the shelf as you moved to assist him. Dust puffed out as you rummaged through the shelves, swatting away at the air as the particles ticked your throat. 

“When was the last time they dusted the shelves?” you coughed, moving to a particularly shadowed section of the library, where the books seemed older, their covers cracked and worn with age. “What does it look like?”

“The title is on the spine, Y/N,” Jongho replied, his voice echoing softly in the vast, silent room.“It must be here somewhere,” he muttered to himself, peering at the book spines with a frustrated expression. 

Taking off your heels and hoisting the skirt of your gown, you climbed onto a nearby ladder, the dim light making it difficult to read the titles, but you persisted. Finally, your eyes fell on a slightly worn book with the words “Encyclopedia” embossed on the spine in gold leaf, barely visible through the grime. “Here it is!” you exclaimed, carefully pulling the book from its resting place.

As you began your descent, you focused solely on your footing, ensuring each step was steady and secure. Finally, your feet touched the ground, and Seonghwa and San rushed over, Seonghwa reaching out to steady you, his hand warm and reassuring on your arm.

Seonghwa exhaled deeply, relief evident in his eyes. “I’m glad you made it down safely.”

"Would you have caught me if I fell?" You met his gaze with a mischievous grin. 

“Do you want to test that theory?”

San cleared his throat awkwardly as Jongho strolled over, visibly cringing at your banter with Seonghwa. His eyes flicked to the book clutched to your chest, its yellowed pages and intricately embossed gold cover hinting at its long history. “That’s the one,” he confirmed, reaching out momentarily to scold you for holding the book so carelessly. 

“Let’s see where you’re hiding, mimic,” you muttered to yourself as you wandered off, leafing through the contents of the heavy book without much care. The weight of the tome made your arms ache slightly, and the pages, thick and slightly brittle with age, rustled softly as you flipped through them. Jongho quickly trailed behind you, his expression turning serious. 

“Don’t turn the pages so quickly!” he warned. “You’re going to damage them!”

You sank into one of the rarely used loveseats, your fingers trembled slightly as you flipped through the pages, each one filled with intricate illustrations and detailed descriptions of various dragon breeds. A sense of awe washed over you as you read through breeds, old and new—each more fascinating than the last. As you continued, your anticipation grew, until finally, your eyes landed on the page you were searching for. 

You studied the avian-looking dragon. Its sleek, streamlined body was adorned with grotesque feathers hanging from its gangly, mismatched wings. The large, bug-like eyes bulged with an eerie intelligence, giving the dragon an almost alien appearance. They stared back at you with a knowing, unsettling awareness. Its sharp, curved beak-like snout added to its avian resemblance, but instead of elegance, it exuded menace and predatory intent, as if ready to strike at any moment.

“Found you,” you whispered, a triumphant smile spreading across your face. Your mind raced with the implications of this discovery, the pieces of the puzzle finally coming together. You shut the book with a deep, resonant thud that echoed softly in the space and leaned your head back against the cushions. Thoughts of your job at the Institute surfaced; the resources and access you had there could be invaluable for digging deeper into the investigation and revealing the truth about Ajax and even Lady Lee.

Your eyes grew heavy as the day’s events blurred together, allowing sleep to slowly overtake you. Your mind wandered to the grand hall, where you danced with Seonghwa. The memory of his warm hand in yours, the intensity of his gaze making your heart race, filled your thoughts. The closeness of his body, the heat radiating between you, and the subtle, teasing brush of his lips near your ear as he whispered something only you could hear, left you wanting more.

But then, the unsettling gaze of the Kuku intruded, shattering the fragile bubble of your reverie. The contrast between the warmth of Seonghwa’s embrace and the cold, piercing stare of the Kuku was stark, leaving you with a lingering sense of unease.

In your peaceful state, the hushed sound of footsteps and rustling fabric barely registered in your mind. An intoxicating and alluring scent filled your senses, drawing you back to consciousness as a jacket was draped over your form with care. Its gentle warmth offered relief against the icy fingers tucking a stray lock of hair behind your ear. The touch was tender, almost reverent, as if they were afraid to wake you but couldn’t resist the urge to be near.

The world seemed to hold its breath, waiting for what would come next as your eyes fluttered open, the only source of light being the silvery beams of moonlight filling the library. You blink a few times, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep, and then you realize something: your head is resting on someone’s shoulder.

Your heart skips a beat as you recognize the familiar scent. Seonghwa. You must have dozed off after reading, and now here you are, nestled against him, his jacket covering your form. The fabric is soft and comforting, and you instinctively nuzzle into it, savoring the warmth and the faint scent of him that lingers on it.

You lift your head slowly, trying not to disturb him. His face, peaceful and relaxed, comes into view. He stirs slightly, his half-lidded eyes meeting yours as he turns to face you.

“Did ya sleep well?” he murmured, voice thick with drowsiness. Gods, you wanted to do something to that beautiful face of his.

“Didn’t mean to use your shoulder as a pillow.”

“S’alright,” he stretches, offering you a lazy smile. “Best sleep I’ve gotten in a while.”

“No kidding,” you chuckled, “Still I should be careful. Don’t want to cause a scandal by falling asleep in public places.”

“Whatever do you mean, Park Seonghwa’s Mystery Woman?”

You laugh softly, recalling the headlines that painted you as a fleeting chapter in his life. “I’m not interested in becoming a tabloid sensation.”

Seonghwa nodded, feeling a little guilty of what he put you through during the early days of your coaching. A silence falls between you, the intimacy of the conversation giving way to a more reflective mood. You glance down at the encyclopedia resting on the table, your thoughts shifting.

“I’m…thinking of going back to the Institute,” you finally say. “I think I’ve figured out Ajax’s missing half but I don’t think our case against the necropsy will be very effective if I don’t have access to all the necessary resources.” 

Seonghwa’s expression softens as he listens, his eyes filled with understanding and support. He leans in slightly, his gaze reassuring. “I get it,” he says gently, his voice steady. 

“You do?” you ask, surprised, your eyebrows raising slightly.

He nods, a small, reassuring smile playing on his lips. “This whole situation has been dragging on for too long, even if what we’re doing is…illegal. I’m tired of the bureaucracy and need to go back to doing what I do best.” 

You felt a sense of relief wash over you, grateful for his understanding and support. You leaned back, feeling the tension in your shoulders ease. After a few moments, you lifted your head slightly and looked at him.

“Do you want to stay a little longer?” you asked softly, your voice barely above a whisper.

Seonghwa didn’t say a word. Instead, he shifted slightly, making more room for you to lean back against him. You settled in, your head resting on his shoulder once more, and closed your eyes, feeling the steady rise and fall of his breathing.

<< viii | twilight | x >>

taglist: @litolmochi @syubseokie @park-simphwa @szakias

OKAY OKAY OKAY GAH DAMN DO I LOVE ME SOME STRONG REVENGE PLOT POINT???

spinal injury whew and it was mingi who lost his spine. (shakes head). what an asshole you must be to romance the person who is taking care of the PERSON YOU ALMOST STITCHED UP THE MARRIED DREAMS WITH? i say bring 100 ajax on him.

seonghwa's character OKAY OKAY pfw!hwa too ingrained in my head i cant see the meanie in him.

PROMISING LORE AND BUILDUP I LIKE ITTT

away with the wind | i

Pairing: dragonrider!Seonghwa x ex-dragonrider!Reader AU: dragon rider au | strangers -> lovers Summary: A spinal injury forces you to retire from dragon racing, and with it, the end of your engagement to Song Mingi. Park Seonghwa, a rising star in the world of dragon racing and heir to the prestigious House Park, seeks a new dragon after an unfortunate accident on the skyway. As the saying goes, “The enemy of my enemy is my friend.” word count: 4.2K

Fic Masterlist

It was a freak accident.

You vividly recall rounding the bend with Cirrus, attempting to cut off Lee Jihoon, who was in close pursuit on the skyway. But your calculations went awry—Cirrus’ wings clipped a rocky outcrop. The dragon spiraled out of control, flailing, and your grip slipped as your foot caught on the stirrup. You barely had time to process what would happen next when your body collided with the cliff edge.

It wasn’t her fault. You were the pilot; you should have known better.

Pain exploded through your body, gasping for air, unable to move. Bone-crushing agony tore through you. Cirrus circled back, eyes wide with panic, but you couldn’t reach out to reassure her.

Other racers thundered past, oblivious to your plight.

Blood filled your mouth, your cheek pressed against the jagged outcrop. Tears welled up—not from the pain, but from the realization that your racing days were over.

Over. The end. Your dreams of flight grounded forever.

You tried to call out for help, but your breath hitched, caught in your throat like a thorn. The racetrack blurred, and you could hear Cirrus’ cries. She was desperate for anyone to find you. 

You wanted to succumb to the darkness. At this point, you welcome Death to guide you to eternal sleep, far away from the fact that your wings had been taken from you.

Two Years Later

The Auroran Institute for Dragonology buzzed with activity. Researchers hurried past your office, their hushed voices blending into a symphony of curiosity and urgency.

“He’s looking for a new dragon. It has to be from an exceptional lineage,” you overheard someone whisper, waiting for your kettle to go off.

You sat in your office, the door wide open to comply with the department head’s “open door policy”—a policy set by the eccentric, cheery, and exhaustingly loud Jung Wooyoung.

You knew a thing or two about exceptional lineages. Your family had bred Dreamwood Ridgebacks since time immemorial, with Cirrus being the very first dragon you bred on your own.

Who was looking for a new dragon?

After the accident, retirement came swiftly, along with the end of your engagement.

The council honored you with an award of merit—mostly out of pity, you thought. But perhaps it was also because you hailed from House L/N, a respected breeding House for producing one of the oldest lines of dragons known to humanity. No one wanted to draw the ire of your grandmother, the matriarch of House L/N.

And of your engagement?

The hospital had become a second home for you after your injury. The long hours of rehabilitation and therapy were grueling, but you were determined to regain as much independence as possible.

The impact on your ability to ride was immediate and devastating and meant you could no longer mount Cirrus with the same ease or control. The pain reduced mobility and made it nearly impossible to maintain the balance and coordination needed for riding. 

And while you felt like your world was spinning out of control, one thing remained constant--Mingi.

He stopped by everyday, offering support and encouragement, bringing you food, flowers, and news of the outside world. Despite his commitment to the racing grounds, he always made time for you.

At least for the first few months.

"The nurse says your recovery hasn't been progressing as quickly as doctors would like."

"What the fuck does the nurse know?"

"We've been talking about your treatment. It's just that your body is taking a lot longer to heal compared to others."

"I broke my fucking spine, Mingi. Of course it's going to take time to heal! It controls my entire nervous system! My body won’t ever be the same.”

"I know. I'm concerned about your progress, that’s all. I want you to get better. I really do," he says quietly, reaching out for your hand. You entwine your fingers in his, giving him a slight squeeze.

It’s a constant reminder of the possibility that he might slip away. The fear gnaws at you, making your heart ache. You can’t help but wonder if his concern for you is genuine or if it’s out of obligation. The uncertainty is unbearable, but you hold on tighter, hoping that your grip can somehow keep him close.

The physical pain was intense, but the emotional toll was even greater. Conversations that once flowed effortlessly now felt stilted.

You had always trusted Mingi implicitly, but lately, something felt off. It started with the small things—his visits were more frequent but rushed. The faint scent of an unfamiliar perfume lingered on his clothes, mixing in with the smoke and musk of the training grounds.

He seemed distracted, often lost in thought. As if he were waiting for something. Someone. The tension between the both of you grew, and your once strong bond began to fray. It was as if he was physically present but emotionally distant, a ghost of the person you once knew.

“How’s physical therapy going?” he asked, his voice lacking its usual warmth.

“I’m taking it one day at a time. At least I’ve graduated to crutches,” you shrug, trying to inject some lightness into the conversation.

“You were supposed to be on crutches a month ago,” he replied, a hint of frustration creeping into his tone.

You roll your eyes. “Who says?”

“Jia,” he answered, almost too quickly.

“I didn’t know you were on a first name basis with the nurse,” you retorted with a pout. 

"We just want to help–” he began, but you cut him off. Your face drops. “We?"

“As your fiancé and caregiver. That’s all,” he said, trying to sound reassuring. He kissed your forehead and got ready to leave for the day, his movements hurried and tense.

You thought you were losing it. You questioned everything—your relationship with Mingi, your judgment, and even your own worth. These thoughts gnawed at you, eroding your self-esteem. The uncertainty was suffocating, and you felt trapped in a cycle of self-doubt and fear.

You decide some fresh air would do you good.

You hobble along, crutches clicking rhythmically against the ground. The sun was setting, casting a warm, golden glow over the hospital's courtyard.  Rounding the corner, you spotted two familiar figures sitting on a bench.

Their heads were close together, laughing softly. You hadn’t expected to see them here, especially not Mingi since he was supposed to be training for an upcoming race. The sight of them sharing such an intimate moment made you feel like an intruder.

You replayed every interaction, every moment of doubt you had brushed aside, and it fueled your rage. Yet, beneath the anger, there was a deep sadness.

Mingi looked up and his eyes widened in surprise when he saw you. He quickly stood up, a guilty expression crossing his face. Jia followed his gaze and her smile faltered.

Your breath started to come in short, rapid gasps, and you felt a tightness in your chest that made it hard to breathe. The world seemed to blur, the edges of your vision darkening as you struggled to focus. You didn't welcome this feeling like you did Death.

"Y/N!"

Tears streamed down your face, but you barely noticed them. In the midst of your panic, you heard Mingi, calling out for you. But you couldn’t respond. Trembling and gasping for air, you hoped that the storm inside would eventually pass.

"Cirrus. Cirrus, help me," you sob, clutching your chest as you called for your dragon.

The emotional connection between dragon and rider was unbreakable, forged through years of trust and companionship. Even from the caverns of your family’s estate, Cirrus could sense your anguish. The telepathic bond between you and your dragon was strong, allowing her to feel your fear and pain as if it were her own. She whimpered, her massive form shifting restlessly as she desperately tried to find a way to get to you. 

Mingi stood in the doorway of your hospital room, his silhouette framed by the dim light from the hallway. Guilt etched across his face as he met your gaze.

“What is it?” Your rasped, your voice held a mixture of hurt and anger. You had been sedated after your episode outside in the courtyard, the scent of sterile hospital air still clinging to your skin.

“I-I didn’t want you to find out this way,” Mingi stammered, twisting his fingers.

“Find out? So you were going to keep this affair a secret?” Your tone was sharp, cutting through the tension. 

“Things haven’t been the same since…the accident,” he whispered.

“Of course it hasn’t!” Tears welled up in your eyes. “I never asked for this! I admit it was my fault, I got myself into this mess. But you're the last person I ever imagined hurting me!"

"I'm sorry, Y/N."

“You’re sorry?” you scoffed, bitterness coating your tongue. “You’re sorry you got caught. I thought things were getting better when you came by more frequently. I was looking forward to seeing you because you’ve been the best part of my day for the last four months.”

You shake your head. "But it was only to see her. And then you pretend to care about my wellbeing. You're pathetic."

Mingi hesitated, then took a deep breath. “I do care for you. And I…I’ve been thinking a lot about us, about our future. These past few months have been difficult,” he pauses, holding out for your reaction. Your silence is more than enough for him to continue. "We’ve been growing apart and I don’t want us to end up resenting each other.”

"Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Why let me believe everything was fine?”

“I thought I could work through it,” he admitted, his voice breaking. His eyes flashed with sorrow. “Because everything's changed. We’ve changed.”

“Changed?” you scoffed, your voice rising. “You mean you can’t handle the reality of my situation.”

Mingi grew up in the modest yet proud surroundings of House Song, a vassal house to House Choi, far removed from the grandeur and opulence of the Great Houses. His family, though not of noble origin, held a respected position within Aurora, serving loyally under one of the Great Houses.

Despite the lack of grandeur, his childhood was rich with lessons in humility and resilience, eventually befriending you during your time at the academy. He shared his secrets, dreams, and fears, spending countless nights talking about his future and imagining all the adventures you would have together as riders.

Mingi stood witness to all your antics. Like the time you smuggled Cirrus’ egg under your sweater, like a pregnant woman, avoiding detection from the instructors. Or the day you threatened to toss the egg into a volcano if Cirrus didn’t hatch soon. Mingi was there, a constant presence—a fixture in your life.

Love tiptoed in like a quiet revelation. Perhaps it was during an Astrology assignment, tracing imaginary lines in the sky. And the way your eyes crinkled with laughter when you got your grades back on the assignment and beat Mingi by a single point, despite doing the work together.

Or maybe it was when your sister bet Eos could beat Cirrus in a wrestling match and you lost, which meant that you were forced to clean out the caverns. And the way Mingi quietly got down on one knee and asked if he could help you clean dung forever.

Forever seemed like a thing of the past.

Mingi steels himself for the words that would change everything. “You know that's not fair. And I don't want to leave you but..."

“But what? You’ve already strayed,” you interject, your voice laced with pain.

“Staying together out of guilt or obligation isn’t fair to either of us,” Mingi's shoulders slump, tearing his gaze away from you. "I think it’s best if we end things.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, the hospital room suddenly feeling smaller, suffocating. You looked away, heart heavy filled with the weight of unspoken fears and shattered dreams.

Sighing, you took the kettle off its stand and poured water into your teacup. “Riders don’t choose their dragons; the dragon chooses you,” you muttered under your breath as steam rose to fog your glasses. It was a mantra all dragon riders lived by, a truth that resonated deeply within you.

You forced yourself to spend hours reading ancient texts in your hospital bed, learning about different dragon lineages, brushing up on dragon anatomy, biology—anything to distract from your recovery and the breakup. The pages of the books surrounding your hospital bed became a step away from the pain and towards a new purpose.

Now, two years later, you were a researcher at the Department of Conservation and Preservation at the Auroran Institute of Dragonology. Your mission: protect endangered dragon species and maintain the delicate balance between humans and dragons. 

“Your Grace!”

Your head snapped up at the title. A member of high society gracing the hallways of your department was unheard of. You joined your colleagues, who had also emerged from their offices, all eager to witness this unexpected visitor. 

His presence was magnetic, drawing the attention of everyone in the vicinity. His attire was immaculate, a testament to his noble status, and his confident stride exuded an air of authority. 

“I need a new dragon,” he declared, turning to the gaggle of advisors behind him.

You raised an eyebrow. So he’s the one making demands.

“Yes, Your Grace, but what happened to Edge?”

The dragon rider scoffed, waving his gloved hand dismissively. “Edge is old news. He’s lost… his edge. I need a faster, sleeker beast—one worthy of my skills.”

You clenched the handle of your cup. You’d seen this type before—the racers who believed they were invincible, riding on the wings of their own ego. Dragons aren’t machines. You believed them to be sentient beings, rich with history and wisdom.

“I have six months to get into the saddle and train a dragon that can match my ambition. I can’t lose to Song Mingi over the Inferno Cup,” he said, placing a hand on his hip. “The one my House has hosted since dragons were put on this earth,” he reminded the advisor.

Oh. The gears started turning in your head as you put all the pieces together. The Inferno Cup. A member of high society. The ridiculously good looks.

Park Seonghwa. Racing prodigy and heir to House Park.

“With all due respect, Your Grace, six months is not enough time for a young dragon to learn the ways of the sky!” one of the advisors said quietly.

Seonghwa’s eyes narrowed. “Your insubordination is intolerable. How hard can it be to find a new dragon? It doesn’t need to be a fledgling—any dragon that can outpace Song Mingi’s will suffice!” He spun on his heel, his coat billowing behind him as he stormed away.

A rivalry with Song Mingi? You drummed your fingers against the side of your cup, weighing the reckless decision you were about to make. You watched Seonghwa leave, your expression shifting to one of cold calculation. You weren’t sure how successful you could be in manipulating him into ensuring that Mingi would be dealt with, but you were willing to try.

So you made a run for it.

The doors to Director Jung Wooyoung’s office burst open, Seonghwa’s advisors trailing behind after being unceremoniously left out of their young lord's plans. He strode down the corridor with an air of authority, drawing the eyes of curious onlookers and researchers.

“Your Grace!” one of his advisors called out, bowing deeply as he caught up on Seonghwa’s left. “What did you learn from Director Jung?”

“Nothing of consequence. I must visit the archives.”

“W-what do you mean? Are you saying they don’t have a dragon?”

“No,” Seonghwa quipped, ignoring his advisor. Another advisor flanked his right side, quickening his pace in an attempt to keep up. Seonghwa couldn’t fathom why his mother insisted these old fools accompany him.

“Your Grace, wait!”

“I need a new dragon," he declared, turning to the gaggle of advisors behind him. Perhaps a slight loss of composure would deter these hacks from trailing him incessantly.

“Yes, Your Grace, but whatever happened to Edge?”

The dragon rider scoffed, waving his gloved hand dismissively. “Edge is old news. He’s lost…his edge. I need a faster, sleeker beast—one that’s worthy of my skills.”

“I have six months to get into the saddle and train a dragon that can match my ambition. I can’t lose to Song Mingi over the Inferno Cup,” he said, putting a hand on his hip. “The one my House has hosted since dragons were put on this earth,” he reminded the advisor.

“With all due respect, Your Grace, six months is not enough time for a young dragon to learn the ways of the sky!" one of the advisors said quietly.

Seonghwa’s eyes narrowed. “Your insubordination is intolerable. How hard can it be to find a new dragon? It doesn’t need to be a fledgling—any dragon that can outpace Song Mingi’s will suffice!” He spun on his heel, his coat billowing behind him as he stormed away.

“I can help you beat Song Mingi!”

A voice called out to him, halting him in his tracks, the tail of his long coat sweeping behind them. There you stood, a plain researcher with glasses perched high on the bridge of your nose, framed by messy, unkempt bangs. It was clear that Jung Wooyoung was overworking his staff. What could a researcher possibly know about dragon racing?

“What do you know about beating Song Mingi?”

“I know he beat you with that brute dragon of his,” you shot back with a smirk.

Seonghwa frowned, unimpressed with your sarcasm. His jaw tightened, as he crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for a more serious answer.

“It’s pretty obvious that Longhorns are brutes; they’re built for strength but lack the stamina of most other dragons. Ajax is only faster than your average Longhorn because his mother was crossbred to a Fury,” you rolled your eyes at the mention of the incredibly rare breed.

“How do you know that Mingi’s dragon has Fury blood?” His eyes narrowed, suspicion and curiosity mingling in his gaze. The revelation was unexpected, and he was clearly intrigued by the potential advantage this information could provide.

You hesitated for a moment, your jaw tightening at the memory of how your relationship with Mingi had ended. The pain was still there, just beneath the surface. “Oh, uh… he’s my ex-fiancé,” you admitted.

“Ex-fiancé, huh?” he said, his tone laced with a mix of skepticism and interest. “Well, that certainly adds a twist to things.”

He took a moment to process the information, his mind clearly racing with the implications. The fact that you had such a personal connection to his rival was unexpected, and it opened up a world of possibilities. Seonghwa’s frown deepened, not out of displeasure, but as he considered how this new piece of information could be leveraged.

You stood in stark contrast to Song Mingi. You were… unremarkable, at least by Seonghwa’s standards. A fierce competitor like Mingi couldn’t possibly have been engaged to a measly researcher like you, or so it seemed. Yet, beneath the surface, there was a complexity and resilience that shined, despite your bookish demeanor. 

“If you’re looking to beat Ajax, you’re going to need a dragon bred for agility and stamina. I suggest a Dreamwood.” 

He took a step closer, zeroing on you like a predator sizing up its prey. “And where might I find a Dreamwood, hm?” he asked, his tone mocking.

“What kind of racer are you? Don’t you do any research on breeds before you plan on piloting them?” 

“I have someone for that,” he replied nonchalantly.

“Gods,” you muttered under your breath, rubbing your temples in exasperation. The audacity of this smug bastard. But this is what you get for attempting to goad the heir to House Park and dragon rider extraordinaire, Park Seonghwa, into exacting revenge on your former fiancé and his rival.

“If it pleases Your Grace, my House would be most honored to provide you with a dragon. I can assure you that our lineage traces back to the very founding of the Great Houses, and we’ve taken great care to preserve the form and function of Dreamwoods through the centuries. We’ve also significantly improved their temperament to ensure–”

“Drop the act. Why haven’t there been any Dreamwoods on the skyway as of late?” Seonghwa’s question caught you off guard, his piercing gaze demanding an answer.

You swallowed hard. “Males are hard to come by these days. The ones we’ve bred are still too young to be considered viable prospects. We could import an outcross from Dune, but House Choi has no immediate plans for breeding.”

You knew that wasn’t the whole truth. Since your accident, you had abandoned the idea of continuing Cirrus’ bloodline and breeding altogether. The trauma of your accident had left you unwilling to revisit that part of your life. Besides, there were plenty of young dragons bred by your grandmother and sister, ready and waiting. Cirrus herself was content, living a peaceful life as your companion. 

“Look, if you’re desperate–”

“I’m not desperate,” he growled, his eyes narrowing dangerously.

“That’s not what it sounds like. What was it again? Ah! ‘I have six months to get into the saddle and train a dragon that can match my ambition–’”

Seonghwa stepped closer, his voice dropping to a menacing whisper. “I could ruin your life right here and now, lowborn. You have no idea who you’re talking to.”

You met his gaze, unflinching. “And you have no idea what you're up against. Your hurt ego and losing to Mingi is one thing but Ajax is another. You've seen him and know he’s a monster."

The room fell silent, the weight of your words hanging in the air. Hybrids were common in racing, their mixed traits often giving them an edge on the skyway. But your philosophy for purebred dragons was rooted in a deep respect for history and tradition, with their unique abilities honed over generations.

Ajax wasn’t just a dragon; he was a force of nature, a creature of unparalleled power and ferocity. Dubbed the “Bloody King”, his scales shimmering a deep, blood-red while his massive wings stretched wide, casting a shadow that seemed to swallow the light whenever he was giving chase to an opponent. He was a marvel of selective engineering, an instrument of war that somehow found its way on the skyway. 

“I've known Mingi since we were children. I was there when he bought Ajax,” you confess, your voice barely above a whisper. Memories flooded back, each one more vivid than the last. The day Mingi brought Ajax home was etched in your mind, a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Seonghwa’s eyes softened as he listened, sensing the depth of your connection to his rival.

“Ajax was just a hatchling, but even then, he had this fierce spark in his eyes. Mingi saw potential in him, something extraordinary, most likely due to his hybrid nature. But as he grew, so did the challenges. He was unpredictable.”

Seonghwa nodded, absorbing your words. “And Mingi? How did he handle it?”

A sad smile crossed your lips. “Mingi was determined, almost to a fault. He believed in Ajax, believed that he could harness that raw power. But it wasn’t easy. There were times when Ajax’s feral nature got the better of him, and it took everything to keep him under control. You’d think the bond with your dragon would be enough but you can’t beat instinct.”

“Why are you telling me this?”

“Because you need to understand what you’re up against,” you replied, your voice steady despite the emotions swirling within you. “And if you’re going to face him again, you need to be prepared for anything.”

Seonghwa took a deep breath, the enormity of the task ahead sinking in. “I’ll think about your offer,” he said, his voice steadier this time.

“You will!?” You perked up at his words, eyes widening with a mix of surprise and excitement. The sudden shift in your demeanor was a stark contrast to the tension that had filled the space moments before. 

“But you should probably brush up on your pitch. It was lacking.”

“Lacking!?” you scoffed, indignant. “I’ll have you know that I take pride in my family’s longstanding practice of preservation breeding–”

“You said Song Mingi’s dragon was produced by a Longhorn and a Fury. How did he find the breeder?”

“Mingi bought him when we were 15. I know he came with registration papers but you’re going to have to visit the archives for that information,” you jerked your thumb in the opposite direction, earning a bewildered expression from Seonghwa.

Your eyes widened. “Don’t tell me that you have a shit sense of direction?”

His eyes narrowed. “I assure you, I don’t.”

“And yet,” you smirked, “you claim to be a dragon rider?”

“I’ll find what I need in the archives.”

“Like your sense of direction?” you teased, taking a step back. “Think about the offer. If you’re determined to beat Song Mingi, pay my grandma a visit. She’s quite fond of pretty boys.”

Your reasoning was petty and juvenile. Your heart was a storm of emotions after discovering that Mingi had betrayed you. The pain of his infidelity cut deep, but beneath the hurt, a fierce determination burned. You would not let this betrayal go unanswered, and Park Seonghwa was the key to that.

<< prologue | ii >>

vivrant thing (jwy) | three.

—SPOTIFY PLAYLIST / SERIES MASTERLIST

—SUMMARY: after getting into a little accident, wooyoung decides to do his sister a favor by pretending to be your date at the company summer party. as soon as the night ends, wooyoung would go back to his usual routine of hanging out with his boys, keeping his distance from committed relationships and being a typical brother to jiwoo. except, the favor comes with more than what wooyoung expects and he finds you occupying his mind more than usual. 

—PAIRING: jung wooyoung x f. reader

—GENRE: (18+ - minors dni) bestfriend’s brother au | fluff, angst, smut

—WORD COUNT: 6.6k

—CHAPTER CONTENT / WARNINGS: cussing, implied sexual content/mature language, dinner w/ yeosang!, feelings are laid out oof, alcohol consumption & slight intoxication, a bit more of jiwoo vs. wooyoung, use of pet names (princess, love, baby girl, baby), lots and lots of kissing, making out, mentions of marking, some dry humping, unprotected sex, slow sweet sex??, wooyoung pulls out 🫢

So, you agree to the dinner with Yeosang but you don't expect how terrible it ends up playing out.

At first, it starts off well.

It felt like dinner wouldn't be so bad, and you enjoyed seeing Yeosang being his usual self from the car ride up to the restaurant. When he pulls into a spot in the parking lot and helps you out of the car, there is a bit of a difference in Yeosang's attitude. He slides his hand into yours as he leads the way into the restaurant and as much as you adore your bestfriend, it feels incredibly unnatural. 

It surely doesn't feel like Wooyoung's, but you shouldn't be thinking about that right now.

He continues to loosely hold your hand until the host brings you to a table near the back end of the restaurant. You didn't think tonight's dinner would be so fancy, but you were in your business casual attire straight out of work; it ended up working out well in the end. You scoot into the booth, with Yeosang on the other side. He immediately orders a bottle of white wine, which isn't really to your liking as you've learned, but you'll make do with what you have— especially to get through this dinner.

You order appetizers along with your main courses, indulging in good conversation with Yeosang as he tells you work updates and how he's being dragged to this really important meeting over the weekend with the board of directors by his team lead. 

It's all good. It's all fun and casual, until it isn't.

Meanwhile, Jiwoo stops by her brother's apartment to drop off some sushi from his favorite Japanese restaurant. It's her way of saying 'thank you' without actually having to say it out loud.

"What now?" Wooyoung swings his door open to see his sister standing there with a bag of food.

"Hi to you, too." She drops it on his kitchen counter. "Bought you food from Sushi Kashiwa." 

"Aw, just say it." He pretends to pout while she gives him a disgusted look and unties the bag.

"No. Besides, I bought myself some food and am gonna enjoy it right here." She lays out the containers and grabs her own. "My friends decided to leave me out of a very important dinner tonight."

"What are you talking about?" He pops open the lid to his sushi container and wastes no time digging in.

"Y/N went to dinner with Yeosang. I guess to talk about stuff going on between them, I don't know." Wooyoung pauses mid-chew, the statement hitting him right in his gut. He's not sure why he's sad— maybe he's right after all. Maybe this just ended up being a temporary one night thing that would eventually wash away.

Sucks it doesn't necessarily feel that way for Wooyoung.

He can't assume, though. Hopefully, you're talking to Yeosang and giving him the honest 'i think we should just stay friends' talk instead of the 'let's just see where this goes' talk. He'd appreciate the universe if it could give him this one thing; he'll stop running his parents' last nerve and will never look at a booty ever again.

Maybe.

"Oh." Is all Wooyoung says before stuffing another piece into his mouth. "Why would you even be there, Jiwoo? That doesn't concern you."

"Anything with my friends concerns me."

"Let them talk it out without your loud, nosey ass interrupting." She rolls her eyes, scrolling through her phone as she also continues to eat.

"I haven't gotten any new texts from her. I wonder if it's going well. Maybe they're gonna explore this after all."

"Who says?" Wooyoung responds a little too quickly, a little too sharply, for his liking. His sister doesn't seem to catch on, though. That's great.

"I dunno, beats me. I'm just taking all angles into consideration."

"Stop projecting. She seemed to be pretty set on her decision at the party."

"You never know." She says in a sing-song tone that irks Wooyoung a little more than usual this evening. "You're right, though. She is set on her decision. I just hope he takes it well." She sets her phone aside. "Anyway. How'd you like the party?"

"Gotta admit, it was fun."

"You really looked like Y/N's date. I had a few people ask me if you two were dating."

"Uh, I mean I was her date? And why would they ask when I already told them yes?" He jokes, just to push his sister's buttons.

"No way." Jiwoo continues to eat away at her food, texting Hongjoong in the midst of it. "Y/N is too good for you."

"No one is too good for anyone. Don't speak on shit you don't know."

"I know her!"

"And I know her, too!"

"I know her the best." Wooyoung rolls his eyes.

"Still doesn't mean you know everything about her."

"Ew, why are you getting so defensive tonight?" He shakes his head, feeling the irritation within him grow the more Jiwoo presses it. He knows he isn't the best man to walk this Earth, but he also knows he'd be good to you. Good for you. He's been thinking about it a lot and he hates that he is— none of this makes sense to him, but he knows he'd be good.

"Don't you have to go see Hongjoong?"

"Once he's off, yeah." Jiwoo sips on her water. "What're you doing tonight? Getting into more shit with Choi San?"

"No, he's actually visiting his parents."

"Hm." She hums. "No booty call coming over?"

"No. Even if there was, you would not be getting that information." She scoffs.

"Grow up, Wooyoung."

"Grow up, Wooyoung." He mocks her. "Says the one who made the wild claim based off of nothing."

"You're so annoying." She tosses her sushi container into his trash before washing her cup of water. Despite their usual bickering, Jiwoo stays for a bit longer until Hongjoong texts her and lets her know he's finally off of work after putting in some overtime. Jiwoo helps tidy up Wooyoung's space before she's waving goodbye [aka flipping him off] and slamming his door shut. Wooyoung plops back onto his couch with the remainder of his food resting on the coffee table, scrolling through his phone. He goes through your texts, wondering if he should say anything or keep silent. He smiles to himself when he sees the pictures you've passed along from the photographer. He sees you've posted the picture with him on your Instagram and it tugs at his heart because not only do you rarely use Instagram, but you took that opportunity to post your pictures from the party— including the one where you've got your hand resting on his chest while he has an arm around you. He was happy to see you happy and comfortable. Having fun. 

You glowed. 

He'll never forget it.

—OLD TEXTS

you: hi! they uploaded the pics from the party!

you: *sends a group of pics at once*

wooyoung: yo goddamn!? we look good!

wooyoung: you look so pretty. 😍

you: 😀 stop !!

wooyoung: i'm so serious, good LORD. 😮‍💨

you: i'm blocking you.....

wooyoung: woah now, hey i'm kiddddding....

wooyoung: not really! but don't block me! i just can't help it!

you: you're too much 😂

wooyoung: can i post these?

you: go for it!

wooyoung: thank you ☺️

He sighs as he reaches the end of the thread.

He won't say anything. He'll let this unfold as it should, but it doesn't mean he can't be sad about it. Cause he sure as hell is and he's a bit anxious. Hopefully, you'll tell Yeosang the truth. Hopefully, you won't force yourself into anything you don't want or feel uncomfortable with.

As for you, the dinner really takes its turn for the worse after you and Yeosang eat away at your main meals, a pregnant silence falling between you two after a good hour of just talking and yapping away about life. You already knew it was coming at this point, you were just hoping you'd buy a little more time [as if you could put it off even more]. 

"So." He says awkwardly to cut the silence.

"Mhm?"

"Did you really enjoy the party?"

"I did. Did you?"

"Yeah. I just—" He looks at you with his head cocked to the side. "I was just surprised seeing you with Wooyoung." You pause before poking at your pasta and taking a small bite. 

"Oh yeah, it was relatively last minute."

"Jiwoo's plan?"

"Why do you say that? Do you genuinely think Wooyoung wouldn't go with me?" You ask, a little offended at the way he sounds cause even though it was clearly planned and arranged, the insinuation from Yeosang doesn't hurt any less. 

"No, not like that— I'm sorry, it came out of nowhere and caught me off guard. That's all." You cock a brow up. 

"It just happened that way. Wooyoung wanted to go and I wanted to go in the end." Is all you respond with, chugging your second glass of wine before pouring yourself more. You really don't like the taste of this white wine either, but you'll take it cause it's better than sitting here without an ounce of alcohol to push you through. Give you more courage to finish the evening on a decent note, to be honest. "I had a really fun time, regardless."

"I saw." He pauses. "I wish you would've at least told me instead of showing up like that." 

"I'm sorry."

"I think it's time for me to be honest and stop watching from the sidelines because I.. really like you, Y/N." His shoulders droop just as he sets his fork and knife down neatly onto the plate. You take the last bite of your meal before sipping on more wine to wash it down.

"I should have told you, but I didn't want to hurt you. Even if I did tell you, it wouldn't have changed anything."

"It wouldn't? Why wouldn't it have changed anything? I thought we might've had a chance." He's confused. He looks like he was expecting a completely different outcome, and that might've been your fault for not telling him right away. But, the moment is here now and you know you can't push it off any longer.

"No. I just.. I just can't, Yeo. I'm sorry." You barely get yourself to respond out of fear. You knew Yeosang wasn't the type to react— if anything, he'd be the most understanding. Though, it doesn't change the fact that you were still scared. You felt bad. You didn't want to hurt him, and you wanted to avoid this confrontation as much as possible even though you knew you needed to face it sooner than later. "I truthfully think we're good with where we're at, and I don't think we should mess that up. I love the way we are as good friends, bestfriends, and that's how I've always seen us." You can see the disappointment growing on his face every second, but he's trying hard to keep it under wraps while he briefly waves the waitress down for the check.

"C-can I ask? You can be honest." You silently nod. "Is it Wooyoung?" You shake your head.

"It was never about Wooyoung. Just us. Well, me. You're amazing, and you deserve the best. You deserve someone who is sure about you and who will reciprocate those feelings to no end. I'm sorry that I can't be that person, but at the same time, I know I can be your friend just like I always have been. That's what I can give you, and I hope you understand." You tell him softly. "I'm sorry." You repeat, feeling the tears brimming your bottom lids. "I should've opened up earlier. I really hope this doesn't change things between us."

"It won't, but I hope you understand it'll take me some time to move past it. I'm sorry for assuming or for— yeah." He shakes his thoughts away.

"Take all the time you need." He gives you a tiny, toothless smile.

"Anyway." Yeosang signs off on the receipt before tucking his card back into his wallet and standing. "Let's get you home."

"Okay." You shimmy out of the booth to head out of the restaurant. This time, Yeosang doesn't hold your hand. In fact, he trails behind you, keeping at a safe distance. You can immediately see the change— how stiff and awkward he's become. You don't blame him for it; he's hurting and you know he needs his space more than anything. 

You can't wait to get home.

The ride is fucking awful. It's the most quiet you've seen Yeosang. The most closed-off and serious he's ever been towards you. His hand is clutching the wheel tightly, but the music is comforting enough to fill the void. You continue to look out of the passenger's window, keeping to yourself until Yeosang asks about your plans for the rest of the weekend. There isn't much going on for you, so that conversation dies quickly. Luckily for you, Yeosang is about to pull up to your street. He stops the car by your building, shifting the gear to park before helping you out of the car. You give him a small, sympathetic smile before pulling him into a hug— giving his back a gentle rub.

"Sleep well, alright? I'll see you next week."

"You too." With that, he walks off, waiting until you at least unlock and crack your door open. When you get a whiff of your candle that you lit up earlier in the morning, you realize you don't really wanna stay home right now; to sulk, to drown in your thoughts alone, to have to listen to the loudness in a quiet space. So, you shut the door again, head back down the steps and walk to the convenience store nearby. You grab a bottle of yogurt soju, along with your favorite chips and strawberry cheesecake ice cream bar— plopping yourself down onto one of the tables right outside the store. You're quick to crack open the bottle and drink away, also eating away at the chips since you didn't feel incredibly satisfied with the dinner earlier. It might've just been all the emotions and tension in the air, but anywho, the chips and the soju taste better than ever. Sooner or later, you find yourself tipsier, cheeks lit on fire, hands clammy; barely hitting the halfway point with the soju bottle. You lazily scroll through your phone as you begin to eat away at the ice cream bar, revisiting those party pictures.

You wonder what Wooyoung is doing, but you shouldn't be thinking about that right now.

"Ugh." You whine and pout to yourself, pulling up your texts to see if Jiwoo can come to your rescue. You opted for listing Jiwoo and Wooyoung as Jung 1 and Jung 2 to keep it easy and simple; except, it obviously doesn't work well in this case when you accidentally pull up the text with Jung 2 instead of Jung 1 while you wipe away at the tears that suddenly begin to stream down your cheeks.

you: oof .... that dinner was kinda awful i feel terrible

you: kinda?! not even kinda it WAS awfullll

you: i'm sitting outside of our fav convenience store by my olace

you: eating strawberry cheesecake ice cfream!!

you: jiwooooooo

you: jung 1!!!!

Wooyoung furrows his brows at the constant dinging of his phone, unsure of who the hell could be blowing up his phone right now. He even sits for a minute, wondering if there's anybody he's pissed off in the last few days [besides his sister].

"Hm." He hums when he comes up with nothing, nobody. He picks up the phone and scrolls through the previews, chuckling to himself when he sees your name pop up on the screen. Clearly by accident.

you: jiwoo jung 1 pls help come to my rescue it was not good! idk if yeo n i will be friens still ☹️☹️☹️

wooyoung: sorry to break it to you sweetheart, but this is jung 2. 😙

wooyoung: also i won't hold it against you that i've been slotted as number 2 when i should be number 1 esp after the party. 🫤 but it's cool or whatever......

You squint at the brightness of your phone, slowly eating away at your strawberry cheesecake ice cream bar. You almost drop the damn thing when you realize you've actually been blowing up the wrong phone, horrified it had to be Wooyoung, too.

He must think you're a gem, truly.

He does, though. In a very good, non-sarcastic way.

you: omggg i'm so sorry wooyoung jung 2 ☹️

you: i mean jung 1 technically

wooyoung: lol no worries, don't be sorry. you okay?

you: yes but no?

wooyoung: stay put.

You cock a brow up in confusion, wondering if Wooyoung was telling you to stay put because he was on his way or because he just needed you to get yourself together. You listen anyway, sitting on the little chair outside of the convenience store, silently eating away at your ice cream with your phone lit on your lap. You completely forget about texting Jiwoo amidst all of this, assuming she's busy anyway. The wind is slowly picking up, cooling the tip of your nose and surface of your cheeks— settling the heat from the soju.  You shiver and run a hand down your arm, hoping the wind slows in between its waves. You continue to mindlessly scroll through your phone, even picking up your game of Wordle for the day. Just as you get lost in thought, a car parks in a spot in between your building and the convenience store. You look up as you bite into the last of your ice cream bar, hearing the muffled bass from the music in the car. Wooyoung steps out in a grey hoodie and matching sweats, a black beanie on his head. He approaches you with a small smile with his hands dug deep into his pockets, crouching to your level as he continues to look at you.

"W-Wooyoung." You hiccup as you sit on the bench, setting your trash down next to you. Wooyoung gives you a small smile, thumb wiping away at your tears.

"Wanna tell me why you've been out here eating ice cream alone?" He eyes your snacks of choice. "And.. a half bottle of soju and chips? I thought you had dinner with Yeosang."

"I did, and it was terrible and sad." You sniff. "Well, not the food. I just couldn't enjoy it as much. I even tried to drink that bitter white wine he ordered just to get me through."

"And you're drinking soju now? Really must have been that bad."

"Bad bad." You pout and he laughs.

"I'm sorry." He gives your thigh a gentle squeeze before patting it. "Come on, let's get you home." He stands, holding out his hand. You gladly take it in yours, his thumb swiping over your knuckles in an attempt to try and warm it up. He grabs the soju and the chips in his other, leading the way to your building. He quietly heads up the steps, stepping aside and letting go of your hand to let you open your door. When you step back into the warmth of your studio, you instantly kick off your shoes and slip into your slippers—lighting up your candle to bring more heat into the room.

"I'm gonna set your chips and soju aside." Wooyoung says, tightly tying your chips close so it doesn't get stale before setting your bottle of soju aside in the fridge.

"Thank you." You set your bag down and let out a sigh.

"Glad I was able to get you home safely." He chuckles a bit, jingling his keys in his hand. You don't want Wooyoung to leave, especially after he made the effort to get dressed and come to your rescue.

"Wooyoung?" He cocks a brow up when you turn to face him. "Can you stay?" He takes a moment before he nods, unsure how he could turn you down with you looking up at him that way. 

So innocently. So delicately. Eyes yearning for company you can be comforted with, need to be comforted with.

"Yeah, of course. As long as you're okay with me poking around and making some food." You giggle and nod.

"Go for it." You grab your pajamas. "I'm gonna take a quick shower. Feel free to get comfortable and flip through the channels." You turn on the TV for him before shutting yourself within the bathroom walls to shower and get comfy for the evening. 

As you shower and get ready for bed that evening, you hear Wooyoung humming and singing a Blackstreet song to himself in your kitchen. After brushing your teeth, you finish up the last of your skincare routine before heading back outside.

"Finally." Wooyoung turns over his shoulder and quickly scans you from head to toe. "I was getting lonely."

"I didn't even take that long."

"It was long. You and Jiwoo take the longest showers known to man." He frowns a bit, making you giggle to yourself. You plop on your couch, now in your oversized crewneck and pajama pants. You're no longer tipsy, probably a little too sober for your liking especially knowing Wooyoung is in your studio. You do find his company comforting, though. You feel bad he had to come and rescue you, but you'd rather be here than anywhere else after that dinner with Yeosang. You tuck your legs to your chest, flipping through the tv channels only to land on Kiki's Delivery Service. It's already 20 minutes in, but it doesn't bother you knowing the movie so well. Wooyoung is still going through your stash of food, pulling out a bowl of jajangmyeon. While he waits for the hot water to properly cook the noodles, he dices up some pickled radish and some cucumbers, and quickly boils two eggs to perfection. When the noodles are done, he sets everything into the bowl neatly before grabbing a cold water bottle and plopping onto the couch next to you.

"What'd you do today?" You look at him just as he starts digging into the bowl.

"Work. Then Jiwoo came earlier in the night with some food from my favorite Japanese spot."

"Sushi Kashiwa?"

"Aw, you know?" Wooyoung smirks.

"Because Jiwoo has mentioned it one too many times." You chuckle. "That's cute, though."

"She only did it cause she was waiting for Hongjoong to get out of work. And to kiss my ass about the party."

"And because she loves you." He fake shivers.

"Ew. Please don't say that again." He looks at you and you snort. "Want a bite? I made it for us to share in case you were still hungry." He edges his chopsticks your way, watching as you shake your head in response.

"I'm good. Thank you though, Woo."

"Suit yourself, princess. I whipped up a good one." You laugh, settling into the couch as you continue to watch the movie. Wooyoung catches you slipping your sleeves over your palms in his peripherals and although he's pretty warm and cozy in your studio, you must still feel cold. He hurriedly slurps up the remaining of the noodles before gulping the entirety of his water bottle down. He lets out a noise that makes you laugh, kicking his head back in satisfaction. "Damn, that was good."

"Glad you enjoyed." You poke his arm and he smiles. "Is this movie okay with you?"

"Yeah, of course. Can never go wrong with Studio Ghibli movies. Unless, you're down to watch something scary?"

"Never." 

"Why not? I'm here."

"But, whatever scary movie we'll watch, it'll live in my head for the next few days and you won't be here."

"I could be, you just have to call me and I'll come. Like tonight."

"Wooyoung." You pout. "Today's was an accident."

"So, you didn't want me to come? That's funny, cause I didn't see another text from you after I told you to stay put, baby girl." He smirks and you shake your head shyly.

"I'm sorry." You continue to fiddle with your sleeves.

"Don't be. I'm just teasing, I wanted to come."

"Thank you. I needed it." You finally manage to let out as you look at him and scooch a little closer. He gives you a tiny smile before shifting his attention back to the TV, the both of you engaging in small talk about the characters here and there.

At some point, Wooyoung subtly inches in and closes off any gaps, quietly slipping his arm behind you. You silently chuckle to yourself when you see him playing it off, acting as if he hadn't done anything to get closer to you. But, the whole thing feels.. nice. It feels safe. It feels warm. Wooyoung really isn't expecting anything out of this— he is testing the waters to see how comfortable you'd be with him, but that's truly it. That's the intention. Just to make you feel comfortable and better after tonight's dinner. He definitely wasn't expecting you to lean your head against him, snuggling up to him as closely as possible. 

"You okay? Comfortable?" He asks softly. You look up at him and nod, settling back into your position on him.

"Mhm. You're warm." He laughs a bit when he hears that, keeping you close. As the movie continues with the both of you watching silently, you find yourself shifting in your position; arm fully coming around Wooyoung's torso. He doesn't mind one bit. As a matter of fact, he loves that you've gotten comfortable enough to do so.

He drops his arm down from the edge of the couch, holding you from behind as the movie continues to play. He gently rubs at your side before his hand falls to your hips. You feel Wooyoung's hand gently squeeze at it before sneaking right underneath your sweater. You freeze, but more so because you're surprised by his touch— not because you don't want him to be right where he is.

"Are you feeling better?"

"I don't know. I just feel bad." You say, eyes still on the TV ahead while you slowly began to relax in his hold.

"You were honest with him, right?" Wooyoung asks as a simple way to poke for more information and get you to open up about dinner. "Wanna tell me how the dinner went?" He traces faint, soft circles on your bare side.

"I was, and I guess that's why I feel bad. It started off fine. We went to the restaurant and we were talking as we always do. Random topics, jokes, going on about life updates. It went downhill when we got our food. It was quiet for a little bit and I knew he was thinking about what to say or how to say it." You pause. "He asked if I enjoyed the party. I said yes, then he asked if it was Jiwoo's plan." Wooyoung cocks a brow.

"What'd you say?"

"I got kinda defensive." You sigh, leaving out the whole moment of you asking Yeo if he thought Wooyoung wouldn't genuinely go to a party with you. "But anyway, I said you wanted to go.. and so did I. And I had a fun time with you."

"Atta girl." He laughs a bit. "And then?"

"He apologized and said he just wished I told him instead of surprisingly showing up. Then.. he laid it out. Said he had feelings for me and couldn't watch on the sidelines anymore. He felt like there could've been a chance, which was probably my fault for keeping that door open for too long." You sit up and face him, Wooyoung's arm still lazily holding you from behind. "I told him that even if I told him about the party beforehand, it wouldn't have changed anything because I couldn't. I liked us the way we were and that we were good as bestfriends. He deserved someone who was sure of him and who could reciprocate his feelings wholeheartedly."

"Then, you didn't do anything wrong, Y/N." You shrug before subconsciously grabbing a piece of lint on Wooyoung's hoodie and flicking it off. 

"He asked something else."

"Which was?"

"He asked if this was about you, a-and I said no." You avoid eye contact and lick your lips out of nervousness. 

"I see." Wooyoung smiles a bit before shifting up in his seat to get closer to you. He leans his cheek onto the palm of his hand, his arm that was behind you is now on the back of the couch— elbow resting on the edge. "Why can't you look at me?" He smirks teasingly.

"I am." You look at him for a minute before shifting your eyes elsewhere in the living room. 

"Was it really not about me, hm?" He hums, brushing the hair away from your face and tucking it behind your ear. "You can tell me, love." He tries to pull you closer by the hand, and you let him.

"Can I?" His eyes quickly shift to the way you play around with his fingers.

"Course."

"Maybe it was."

"Just maybe?" He looks at your lips. "You think that's why you feel bad?" Brief pause. "That you might actually have feelings for me and you couldn't tell him that part?"

"Maybe." You repeat, his lips only inches away from yours. "Isn't that kinda silly?"

"No? I still don't think you did anything wrong, Y/N."

"Really, Woo?" There you go asking him so sweetly again. It's at this point when Wooyoung feels like he can no longer contain himself because you're giving him the answer he had been looking for; straight on a silver platter. 

"Mhm. As far as I know, you were honest when it came to him. What's between us is our business and not his." He says, his tone just barely above a whisper. You don't really know what comes over you, maybe you did have a little bit of liquid courage still running through your veins especially cause what happens next catches you slightly off-guard. You're so sure about your feelings for him, but unsure about Wooyoung's and how he even feels. This could all be a game that he plays, something he does with other women even if he says it isn't.

Guess it doesn't matter much right now. Can't, anyways.

Within the next second, you find yourself initiating the first kiss with Wooyoung; a kiss that feels long overdue. You lean forward and press your lips against his own soft, plump lips, quickly pulling back to get ready and apologize—

But, he doesn't let you. 

He chases after you.

He cups your cheeks and brings you back, thumb gently caressing the surface of your cheek. You haven't kissed someone like this in awhile, but with Wooyoung, it feels.. right. 

Everything about Wooyoung feels right and natural.

He tries to take it slow with you, even when you crawl onto his lap and wrap your arms around him. The kiss becomes more heated, lips bruising from the rising intensity, hunger. Wooyoung slowly slips his tongue in, and hearing a small whimper from you in response only has him gripping your hips harder.

He quickly learns he likes kissing you.

"Been waiting to do this." He says against your lips.

"Have you?" You ask, your tone filled with lust as you continue to peck him with small, repeated kisses.

"Just didn't wanna scare you away."

"You wouldn't have."

"Have to be extra careful with you, baby. You aren't just anybody." The pet name rolls off his tongue so easily that it makes your head tilt back as the desire builds. He continues to hold you close as you slowly roll your hips against him, Wooyoung now kissing your jaw before gently sucking and licking on the surface of your neck;

The column, your throat.

You feel him come to the base and suck a little harder, and you're hoping it doesn't leave much of a mark. If it does, it doesn't fucking matter to you right now— nothing does. Because all you want is for Wooyoung to devour you. To give you everything, to ruin you so good.

"Is this okay? I don't wanna do anything you're not comfortable with—"

"Keep going, Wooyoung. Please." You cut him off. It takes a second for Wooyoung to register your pleading, that 'please' being the one thing that flips his switch. It's not only a want, but a heavy craving. He's got some sort of eagerness to show you just what you've been missing.

"Hold onto me." He says, lifting you with ease as he carries you over to your bed and plops you onto the mattress. He slowly crawls over you, his warm, large hands now cascading up your sweatshirt. Your breathing hitches when he reaches just above your rib cage, and Wooyoung stops when he feels your body tense in his grip. "You sure you're okay?" He presses a kiss to your forehead, down to your nose, your lips. He looks you in the eye with slight concern, afraid of scaring you. The last thing he wants you to think is that he's purely using you for other reasons— when it's definitely more than that.

Wooyoung wants to show you, in case he's bad at voicing his feelings. Cause he can be, clearly. But, he could at least show you and take care of you properly.

"I am."

"You trust me, yeah?" You swallow the lump in your throat as you nod, continuing to keep contact with Wooyoung. "I'll take care of you as long as you let me."

"I want you to." This time, Wooyoung dips forward to lock you into another deep, fervent kiss. His hands are finally roaming further up; Wooyoung letting out a low groan when he finds out you're braless. His thumb swipes over your hardened nipple, tongues fighting for dominance while your hands are tangled in the ends of his hair. You toss his beanie off just as he starts to tug your crewneck over your head and you follow suit with his hoodie. He nibbles on your jaw just before sucking harshly on the skin of your neck. His hand travels down and slips into your pajama pants, fingers delicately rubbing at your clothed pussy that sends a million jolts down your spine. You twitch in response, and Wooyoung can't help but chuckle against your neck.

"So reactive." He teases.

"It's been awhile, Woo."

"And? That's fine, baby. Told you I'd take good care of you." He raises himself slightly to watch your reaction in real-time. "Does that feel good?" He asks, close to a whisper. 

"Yes." You bite your bottom lip and shut your eyes, sighing in satisfaction.

"God. Can feel how wet you are already." Wooyoung feels himself getting painfully hard against your thigh, imagining how tight you are. He doesn't wanna waste another moment, and he thinks he'll lose it if he isn't inside of you within the next few seconds. "Let's take this off, hm?" He hums, hands already tugging your panties and pajama pants down. "Do you have a condom?"

"Don't need it. I'm on the pill." 

"You're sure? I'm clean, but I'll do whatever you're okay with. Just say the word." He asks again to be extra sure.

"I am, I'm sure." You nod eagerly. The pill was mainly to help regulate your heavy, irregular periods, but you'd say you do appreciate it a little more now for this particular reason.

"You're so hot, jesus fucking christ." Wooyoung doesn't say anything else before he's keenly kissing you again, hastily getting out of his sweats. 

Sooner or later, the rest of Wooyoung's clothes are joining yours on the floor; Wooyoung not wasting any seconds reattaching his lips to yours after slipping them off. 

Wooyoung pauses when he sees you fixed on his length— eyes hazy and full of desire. It's giving Wooyoung the biggest fucking ego boost, but that's not important. He strokes himself a few times before lining up with your entrance. He slowly eases himself in, the both of you letting out lewd moans as you both adjust to the feeling. You're tightly wrapped around him and Wooyoung has to keep his composure as he buries himself deep to the hilt. Wooyoung keeps his pace slow and steady; forehead pressed against yours as he thrusts into you. It's nothing rushed, everything about it is slow— so tender, so careful. 

So safe.

"Wooyoung." You moan his name and his brain short-circuits every time you say it the way you do. On top of that, your little whimpers are doing a number on him, but he's trying to keep it together for awhile longer. 

"Doing so well for me, love." He gently bites your chin just as he slightly picks up his pace. He hovers a bit, lips coming back up to meet you in a sweet kiss. He holds it for a minute longer, tongue swiping over your lips as he rolls his hips into you. 

It's intimate. 

It's deep. 

It's raw. 

It's nothing he'd do to his booty calls, no. Everything about those moments are forced and rushed, the end goal having to nut as quickly as possible and get them the hell out of his space.

With you, he's loving every second. He wants to relish in the way your walls feel around him, wants to relish in the way your fingers thread through his hair, wants to relish in the way you kiss him so slowly, so passionately. Like every kiss holds the answers to the universe and you're afraid you'll miss a single detail.

He rests his nose, lips, against your cheek just as he releases a shaky breath, still taking his time as he works his way with you. He comes down to your neck and leaves feathery pecks against the surface while his body is pressed flushed against yours. He turns his head and you've fully wrapped your arms around him. The pace is perfect, with Wooyoung working his hips in circular motions just to hit you in all the right places. He praises you as you continue to moan for him, pretty little mewls slipping from your lips while he tells you how captivating, how angelic, you are for him.

How perfect you are for him.

You find your hips have a mind of their own, working to match Wooyoung's movements. You feel the pleasure building quick at your core, and you know it won't take long from there.

"Wooyoung— just like that, please—oh my god." You sob. While he continues to expertly thrust into you and keep you close, the friction against him causes the coil within you to snap harshly, nails digging deep into Wooyoung's shoulders while he thrusts harder, a bit rougher, to meet his high. 

"F-fuck, baby. I'm about to—" He moans a little louder when he feels you clench a few times around him from the aftershock, quickly pulling out and releasing onto your pussy and abdomen. "Shit—fuck." He pants, finally coming back down from euphoria to see how mesmerizing you look splayed out beneath him; white ribbons of cum painted on your skin. He's completely enamored by you. "Mm'sorry babygirl, let's get you cleaned up." You giggle and shake your head.

"Please, it's fine. Stop looking, you're making me shy again."

"Don't be. You look beautiful." He laughs, slipping on his boxers. "Let me clean you up." He runs to your bathroom to grab some wipes, doing a light jog to clean you up well. You grab your panties and your crewneck after he's done— throwing them on and snuggling under your covers. You fully expect Wooyoung to get dressed and leave [which would suck], but he doesn't. You quietly watch as he shuts off your TV and the lights, going to the bathroom for a quick wash up. Afterwards, he immediately slips underneath your covers right next to you, pulling you onto his chest.

"You're staying?"

"Why wouldn't I?" He chuckles. "C'mere." He pulls you closer. "Sleepy?"

"Incredibly." He smiles.

"I put in some work, huh?"

"Wooyoung." You pout, lightly smacking his chest.

"I'm just joking." He subtly bites his lip. "Can I have one more kiss before we sleep?" You lean up and peck him on the lips a few times, with Wooyoung holding the last kiss before pulling away. "Goodnight, pretty girl."

"Goodnight." You mumble, falling asleep within seconds as you cuddle snuggly against him. Because with Wooyoung, it feels.. right.

Everything about Wooyoung feels right and natural.

—TAGLIST: @asjkdk @interweab @woojirang @svintsandghosts @cheolliehugs @persphonesorchid @mxnsxngie @jycas @cowboydk @heyitsmetonid @ldysmfrst @intaksfav @wooyoungsbrat @hyukssunflower @yunhoswrldddd

google search how to know if i'm friends with someone

prolly the stages reader and mingi go thru their relationship [the last pic cracking me up so bad because it can be vice verse u never knowdgshgh]

beware the full moon! | drabble series

Pairing: Song Mingi x werewolf!Reader AU: non-idol | martial arts | arranged marriage Genre: fluff, humor Summary: You never though your life would be like this: stuck in a century long feud, an arranged marriage to the son of your family's sworn rival--and on top of it all, your own curse of turning into a werewolf every full moon! Word Count: 745 Warnings: none, probably just descriptions of werewolf transformation shenanigans

a/n: after watching a bunch of Halloween movies and the Ranma 1/2 reboot this drabble series was born. but seriously I need to finish chapter 6 of fmn and chapter xiii of awtw

Life wasn’t always this complicated. For years, your family’s dojo thrived peacefully, teaching martial arts to eager locals, hosting small community events, and occasionally winning a regional tournament or two. Life was simple, and business was steady. But for as long as you can remember, there’s been one constant cloud hanging over your family’s otherwise calm existence: the Song family.

No one really knows how or why the feud started. Your parents had vague stories passed down from their parents, stories that range from comical to downright absurd. Generations of pettiness and one upping each other have turned the feud into an all out soap opera. The Song’s would claim victory at one tournament, only for your family to show up at the next with twice the energy, determined to outshine them. It’s a never-ending cycle of sabotage, tournaments, and petty gestures of supremacy, each dojo determined to prove they’re the superior martial arts school.

It wasn’t always like this. According to family lore, your great-grandfather and Mingi’s great-grandfather were once close friends, back before all the rivalry nonsense began. One summer, they went on a fishing trip together, and things took a wild turn when Mingi’s great-grandfather fell out of the boat and nearly drowned when trying to reel in a giant fish. Your great-grandfather pulled him out of the water and saved his life.

In the heat of the moment, Mingi’s great-grandfather declared that he owed your family a debt he could never repay. In the kind of dramatic, over-the-top way only old men can manage, he promised that one of his descendants would marry one of your grandfather’s.

Now, here you are, stuck in the middle of this century-long saga, facing the ultimate twist: You’ve been arranged to marry Song Mingi, the clumsy, slightly awkward, and overenthusiastic heir—a misguided attempt at peace due to a pact made on a fishing trip.

"It's like Romeo and Juliet but with worse sword skills," your cousin Jongho muttered under his breath, observing Mingi in all his 6-foot-something clumsiness as he failed to gracefully spar with your brother, Hongjoong.

You rolled your eyes just in time to see Mingi trip over his own feet, narrowly dodging Hongjoong’s wooden katana as it whooshed past him. He stumbled forward, arms flailing, and miraculously caught his balance before crashing face-first into the floor. 

You groaned, pressing your fingers to your temples. "I can’t believe my parents put me up to this."

Jongho smirked, nudging you with his elbow. “Look on the bright side. He’s...tall.”

“Yeah, and that’s about all he’s got going for him,” you shot back sarcastically as Mingi attempted to land a strike but ended up accidentally whacking his own shin.

To make matters worse, there’s the whole werewolf thing—a curse you never asked for and definitely didn’t see coming. 

When you were about six, visiting your grandparents in the mountains, you spotted an adorable wolf pup wandering around. Naturally, you wanted to return it to its mother—after all, who wouldn’t? It was tiny and cute, and you couldn’t bear the thought of the baby lost in the wild.

But as it turned out, that little pup belonged to a revered pack of mountain wolves, considered deities by the locals. And after it playfully nipped you, the curse passed on. Now, every full moon, you transformed into a giant, fluffy, wolf with little to no control over your impulses. That urge to howl? It kicks in at the most inconvenient moments, like when your parents are trying to sleep. The urge to dig into the yard? There’s no need for landscapers anymore. 

Your family has mostly accepted this strange new reality. They’ve gotten into a routine of boarding up the windows and locking away anything chewable once a month. Your brother even started stockpiling raw steaks to appease you in wolf form, while your cousins Jongho and San built an agility course in the yard just to keep you occupied. It’s chaotic, sure, but manageable.

But Mingi? He has no idea. 

While you’re busy stressing about how to keep your werewolf transformation under wraps, your fiance is happily bumbling through life, completely unaware of the full moon and the curse waiting in its wings.