𓇼 𝘈𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘻 𝘍𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘌𝘱.𝘕𝘪𝘯𝘦

This is so good! I can’t wait for the next part! <3

The CEO Collision - Part One

Pairing: CEO!Seonghwa x CEO! reader (f)

Warnings / content for Part One: Suggestive content, angsty, alcohol consumption. Please note that other than Ateez, all other character names used are fictional.

Word Count: 10.4k

Masterlist for The CEO Collision

“Congratulations, Ms. Y/N,” your secretary said when you entered your office after your last meeting for the day, and the week as it was a Friday. “The investors seemed impressed.”

“Thank you, Nari,” you replied with a grin, gathering your stuff to put it in your bag. “Shouldn’t you be heading out soon for your date?”

Nari blushed. “Yunho pushed our reservation by half an hour to give me some time to get ready.”

You nodded. “That’s sweet of him. Have fun tonight,” you said, slinging your bag over your shoulder. “And tell Yunho I said hi.”

“Will do,” Nari said with a grin. “You’re heading straight home?”

“That’s the plan,” you replied, glancing at your phone to check the time. “I’m long overdue for a quiet night in.”

Nari chuckled. “Knowing you, you’ll end up working from home anyway.”

You smirked. “Probably, but at least I’ll be in my pajamas.”

“Fair point,” she said, walking you to the elevator. “Drive safe, Ms. Y/N.”

“You too. And don’t let Yunho distract you too much from dinner,” you teased as the elevator doors opened.

Nari blushed again, laughing as she waved goodbye. “No promises.”

The elevator doors closed, leaving you alone for the descent to the parking garage. You leaned against the wall, letting out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. The week had been productive but exhausting, and the promise of the weekend was the only thing that kept you going.

Once the elevator reached the basement, you stepped out and made your way to your car. The quiet hum of the nearly empty garage was oddly comforting as you unlocked the sleek black sedan that your father had insisted you drive.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, you tossed your bag onto the passenger side and started the engine. The low purr was satisfying, a reminder of all the hard work that had brought you here. As you pulled out of the parking lot, the city lights began to blur together in a comforting glow against the evening sky.

The drive home was uneventful, the streets gradually growing quieter as you moved away from the bustling business district. By the time you reached the gates of your family’s estate, the sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in soft shades of pink and purple.

The gates opened automatically as you approached, and you drove down the winding driveway toward the sprawling mansion. Parking in your usual spot, you turned off the car and sat there for a moment, staring at the grand facade of your childhood home.

With a resigned sigh, you grabbed your bag and stepped out of the car, making your way to the front door. One of the house staff greeted you with a polite smile as you entered.

“Welcome home, Ms. Y/N. Dinner will be served shortly.”

You nodded in acknowledgment, slipping off your heels as you made your way inside. The comforting aroma of your mother’s cooking wafted through the air, and despite your exhaustion, a small part of you looked forward to the meal.

As you approached the dining room, you heard the faint hum of conversation and your twin brother’s unmistakable laughter.

“Look who finally decided to show up,” your twin, Hongjoong, teased without looking up.

Rolling your eyes, you walked over and ruffled his perfectly styled hair, earning a sharp protest.

“Ugh, stop that!” he grumbled, swatting your hand away.

“Can’t help it,” you replied with a smirk as you took your seat. “You look too polished. Someone has to keep you grounded.”

He huffed, running his fingers through his hair to fix it, muttering under his breath about how annoying you were.

“Kids, behave,” your mother said with a fond smile as the staff began serving dinner.

You glanced at the spread—steaming platters of food, perfectly arranged salads, and freshly baked buns. Despite the lavish meal, your mind was still buzzing with thoughts of work.

“How was your day, dear?” your mother asked, her tone warm while she watched you fill up your plate.

“It went really well,” you replied, a sense of pride creeping into your voice. “We had our investor meeting today for the new line of medical imaging devices, and they were impressed. They’ve agreed to back us for the next phase of development.”

“That’s wonderful news,” your father said, setting down his fork to look at you. “This could be a game-changer for your company.”

“It will be,” you said confidently, picking up your glass of water. “The potential applications are huge, and with their support, we’ll be able to expand production globally.”

Hongjoong raised an eyebrow. “And here I thought you’d be burnt out by now. You’ve been working on that pitch for weeks.”

You shrugged, taking a sip of water. “I won’t lie, it’s been exhausting. But seeing the results today made it worth it.”

“Hard work always pays off,” your father said approvingly. “You’ve done an excellent job, Y/N.”

Your mother beamed with pride. “I knew you’d pull it off. You’ve always had a knack for making things happen.”

“Well, let’s just hope the development phase goes as smoothly,” you said, though the smile on your face didn’t waver.

Dinner buzzed with lively conversation as the dishes were passed around. Stories from work, jokes, and plans for the weekend filled the air. You felt the week’s exhaustion slowly ebb away as the comfortable rhythm of family time took over.

“So, Joong,” your father said casually, turning to your brother. “Are you heading to Mingi’s bar later tonight? Seonghwa mentioned the two of you were planning to catch up over drinks.”

Hongjoong shrugged, chewing on a bite of salmon. “He brought it up earlier, but I haven’t decided yet. Why?”

Your father leaned back in his chair, his expression growing more serious. “I spoke with Seonghwa’s parents today.”

The mood at the table shifted subtly, your mother straightening her posture and Hongjoong setting down his fork.

“Oh?” your brother said cautiously. “What about?”

Your father hesitated for a moment, as though choosing his words carefully. Then, he said, “Their company has been struggling for a while now. They came to us with a… suggestion.”

“What kind of suggestion?” you asked, sensing where this might be headed but hoping you were wrong.

Your father looked directly at you. “They’ve asked for your hand in marriage, Y/N.”

The words hung in the air like a thunderclap.

“What?” you said, your voice sharper than you intended.

Hongjoong gaped, clearly just as blindsided at hearing that his bestfriend would possibly marry his twin sister. “Wait, hold on. You’re joking, right?”

Your father shook his head. “They believe a marriage between you and Seonghwa would secure both families’ futures. It would strengthen the partnership and stabilize their company.”

“This is ridiculous,” you snapped, your appetite vanishing. “You can’t be serious.”

“It’s not as bad as you think,” your mother interjected softly. “You and Seonghwa already know each other since high school. It wouldn’t be like starting from scratch.”

“That’s exactly the problem!” you exclaimed. “We know each other too well, and it’s not good!”

Well, your relationship with Seonghwa was complicated. In simpler words, you hated each other.

Okay, maybe hate is a strong word. Strongly dislike?

You and Seonghwa have history, though.  

And it hurts every time you see him.

“Y/N,” your father said firmly, “this is bigger than personal feelings. Sometimes, sacrifices need to be made for the greater good.”

Hongjoong was not amused, his voice rising. “You’re really going to force her into this? Without even discussing it with her first?”

“We’re discussing it now,” your father replied, his tone calm but unyielding.

You felt a wave of anger and disbelief crash over you. “Discussing? You’ve already decided, haven’t you?”

Your mother avoided your gaze, and your father’s silence was confirmation enough.

Hongjoong’s jaw clenched. “This is insane.”

“You’re being dramatic,” your father said. “This arrangement will benefit everyone.”

“I’m not doing it,” you said through gritted teeth, pushing your chair back. “You can’t make me.”

“Y/N—” your mother started, but you were already on your feet, your heart pounding with fury.

“I need some air,” you muttered before storming out of the dining room, leaving your stunned family behind.

The cool night air brushed against your skin as you stepped into the garden, the faint glow of lanterns lighting the cobblestone path. The neatly trimmed hedges and rows of blooming flowers framed the vast space, but your focus was on the gazebo ahead—a sanctuary of peace amid the chaos of the evening.

You made your way to it and sat down on the wooden bench inside. The gazebo overlooked the koi pond, its surface rippling gently under the moonlight. You closed your eyes, inhaling deeply, trying to calm the storm of emotions raging within you.

Marriage. To him.

The thought alone made your chest tighten. You pressed your hands against your lap, fingers gripping the fabric of your dress. Your mind, against your will, drifted to the past.

It was senior year of college, a warm night like this one, and a party full of red cups, blaring music, and friends urging you to drink. You and Seonghwa had both been there, circling each other with that same mix of irritation and curiosity that had always defined your relationship.

You remembered the alcohol-fueled courage that led to a heated argument in the kitchen, which somehow turned into shared laughter and then lips moving against each other, and then…

You shook your head, willing the memory to stop, but it continued. The two of you in his dimly lit bedroom, a tangle of limbs and whispers, hands all over each other, bare skin to bare skin, the lines of hatred blurring for a brief moment. And then, the next morning.

The hurt welled up as you recalled how he had acted like nothing had happened, brushing it off as though it had been meaningless. No acknowledgment, no apology—just an unspoken agreement to pretend it never occurred.

Your nails dug into your palms as the emotions swirled. Hurt. Anger. Resentment.

Because that wasn’t the first time you spent the night in Seonghwa’s bed. It happened one more time the same year.

And again three years later when you both started a masters degree in the same university.

He reacted the exact same way, acting like this was all a mistake.

A soft knock on the wooden pillar of the gazebo startled you, pulling you back to the present.

You turned, and there he was—Park Seonghwa.

His tall figure was illuminated by the soft garden lights, and his dark suit clung to him perfectly, as always. His expression was unreadable, his eyes steady as they met yours.

“Mind if I join you?” he asked, his voice calm, though you could sense the tension beneath it.

Your heart skipped a beat, but you masked it with a glare. “Do I have a choice?”

Seonghwa’s lips curved into the faintest smirk as he stepped into the gazebo, his presence filling the small space. “Not really.”

You scoffed, crossing your arms. “Why are you here?”

“I came to pick up your brother,” he said, leaning against one of the pillars. “But it seems like I stumbled into a family meeting instead.”

“You knew,” you accused, your voice sharp.

His brows furrowed. “Knew what?”

“About this ridiculous arrangement,” you snapped, standing abruptly. “About our parents trying to marry us off like some business merger.”

Seonghwa’s expression hardened. “You think I had a say in this?”

“You always seem to have a say in everything,” you shot back, the years of resentment bubbling to the surface.

He exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I found out this afternoon, Y/N. I’m just as blindsided as you are.”

You searched his face for any sign of deception, but all you saw was the same frustration you felt. It caught you off guard, and you lowered your gaze, the fight draining out of you.

“I’m not doing it,” you muttered, more to yourself than to him.

Seonghwa’s voice softened slightly. “Neither am I. But you know how our families are. They won’t make this easy for us.”

You clenched your jaw, looking away. The weight of the situation pressed down on you, and for a moment, the two of you stood in silence, the garden’s serenity at odds with the turmoil in your hearts.

“I don’t want to marry you, Seonghwa,” you said finally, your voice trembling with honesty.

He hesitated, and when he spoke, his tone was quieter, almost resigned. “I know,” he murmured, loud enough for you to hear before he left you alone.

But for some reason, the way he said it didn’t bring you the relief you thought it would.

-x-x-x-

The soft clinking of cutlery and the murmur of polite conversation filled the sunlit dining room. The brunch spread before you was nothing short of extravagant, as was typical of any gathering hosted by your family. Freshly baked croissants, platters of fruit, and a variety of cheeses adorned the table, along with a selection of teas and juices.

Across from you sat Mr. and Mrs. Park, Seonghwa’s parents, their expressions warm despite the tension that lingered beneath the surface. Mrs. Park, ever elegant, wore a tailored pastel suit, her smile gentle as she sipped her tea. Mr. Park, though visibly tired, maintained his usual composed demeanor.

“Thank you for having us,” Mrs. Park said, glancing at you. “It’s always a pleasure to visit.”

“It’s always nice to see you, Mrs. Park,” you replied with a small smile, setting your cup down.

Your parents sat at the head of the table, exchanging pleasantries with the Parks, but the unspoken purpose of the brunch hung heavy in the air.

“How’s Seonghwa?” your mother asked casually, though there was a slight edge to her tone.

Mrs. Park hesitated, her smile faltering for a moment. “He… had a late night with Hongjoong and Mingi,” she said delicately. “He’s resting.”

You barely suppressed a scoff. Of course, he was. It wasn’t hard to imagine him nursing a hangover while his parents tried to salvage their family’s business.

“Oh yes,” your mother said, her expression neutral as she took a sip of her tea.

Mrs. Park quickly redirected the conversation. “Y/N, how is your work going? I heard about your recent success with the investors. That’s truly impressive.”

“Thank you,” you said, offering a polite smile. “It’s been a busy few weeks, but the results were worth it.”

“You’ve always been so driven,” Mrs. Park said fondly. “It’s one of the things I’ve always admired about you.”

You blinked, caught off guard by the sincerity in her voice. Mrs. Park had always been kind to you, treating you almost like a second daughter. The thought of her struggling because of their company’s financial issues tugged at something in your chest.

As the conversation continued, Mr. Park cleared his throat, drawing everyone’s attention. “We won’t pretend this isn’t a difficult situation,” he said, his tone steady but tinged with exhaustion. “Our company… it’s been challenging, to say the least. We’ve explored every option we can think of this past two years, but this marriage proposal seemed like the best path forward—for both our families.”

Your father nodded, his expression serious. “It’s not ideal, but it’s a way to ensure stability.”

Mrs. Park turned to you, her gaze soft. “Y/N, I know this isn’t fair to you. If there were another way, we wouldn’t even consider asking this of you. But… we’re out of options.”

The vulnerability in her voice made your heart ache. You had known the Parks for years, and they had always treated you with warmth and respect. The thought of them losing everything felt deeply unfair.

“I understand,” you said quietly, your hands resting on your lap. “You and Mr. Park have always been kind to me, and I appreciate that more than I can say. If marrying Seonghwa is what it takes to help your family, then… I’ll consider it.” A silence fell over the table, broken only by the soft chirping of birds outside. “But…” you continued, “I would like to get to know Seonghwa a bit more first.”

Mrs. Park’s eyes filled with gratitude, and she reached out to place a hand over yours. “Thank you, Y/N. You have no idea what this means to us.”

Your father looked at you with a mix of surprise and approval, while your mother’s expression remained unreadable.

But as you sat there, a quiet determination settling over you, you couldn’t help but wonder how you would face Seonghwa after this—and whether he would ever understand why you made this choice.

You had a soft spot when it came to him. Perhaps that’s why it was so easy for you to at least agree to try?

Later in the day, you were sat on the plush couch in your room, a glass of wine in your hand as you recounted the whirlwind of the past 24 hours to your best friend. Across from you, Yeri was curled up in an armchair, her eyes wide with interest as you spoke.

When you finished, she let out a low whistle, her jaw dropping slightly. “So, let me get this straight,” she said, leaning forward. “You’re basically engaged to CEO Park Seonghwa?”

“Uh, no,” you replied with a sigh, twirling the stem of your wine glass between your fingers. “I asked to get to know him, Yeri. It’s… complicated.”

Yeri tilted her head thoughtfully, her expression surprisingly calm. “It doesn’t sound like you’re entirely against it, though. The idea of marrying him, I mean.”

You blinked at her, caught off guard. “You’re not going to yell at me about how unfair this is?”

She shrugged, offering you a small smile. “Don’t get me wrong, I think the whole ‘arranged marriage for the sake of business’ thing is ridiculous. But honestly, Y/N, it might not be the worst thing in the world.”

Your brows furrowed. “How can you say that? You know how I feel about him.”

Yeri sighed, setting her glass down on the coffee table. “I know Seonghwa’s a sore spot for you, and I know your history with him isn’t exactly… ideal. But it’s been nearly four years since the last time you were with him, you both are thirty years old, and his parents are struggling and this can help them. If your families think this is the best way to secure the future, it might be worth considering.”

You stared at her, unsure whether to feel betrayed or grateful. “You’re awfully calm about all this.”

“Because I know you,” she said, leaning back in her chair. “You wouldn’t even be entertaining this idea if you didn’t care. You’ve always had a soft spot for people in need, poor or rich, and as much as you hate to admit it, you care about his family. Plus…” She paused, a teasing smile creeping onto her lips. “It’s not like Seonghwa’s hard to look at.”

“Yeri!” you exclaimed, throwing a pillow at her.

She laughed, dodging the pillow easily. “I’m just saying! If you have to be stuck in a marriage of convenience, at least it’s with someone who looks like him. You must admit, he speaks so eloquently too.”

You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at your lips despite yourself. “You’re unbelievable.”

“And you’re too stubborn for your own good,” she shot back. “Look, I’m not saying this is going to be easy. But maybe it’s an opportunity to start fresh. You’ve spent so much energy hating him—maybe it’s time to let some of that go?”

You bit your lip, her words hitting closer to home than you wanted to admit. “It’s not that simple, Yeri.”

“I know it’s not,” she said gently. “But you’re one of the strongest people I know, and if anyone can make this work, it’s you.”

You let out a long sigh, setting your glass down. “I don’t even know where to start.”

Yeri leaned forward, her eyes sparkling with determination. “You start by surviving this engagement thing or getting to know him whatever-thing. And when the time comes, I’ll be there to make sure your wedding is the event of the century. Deal?”

A small laugh escaped you as you reached for your wine glass again. “Deal.”

“To new beginnings,” Yeri said, raising her glass in a toast.

“To surviving this mess,” you replied, clinking your glass against hers.

-x-x-x-

The hum of activity filled your office as you reviewed the latest reports from your team. The success of the investor meeting last week had set a positive tone, and you were determined to keep the momentum going.

Your phone buzzed against your desk, drawing your attention away from the document in front of you. Frowning slightly, you reached for it and saw a message from Seonghwa.

Seonghwa: Dinner tonight? Let’s talk.

Your breath hitched, your heart racing despite yourself. You hesitated, staring at the screen for a moment before typing a reply.

You: What time?

The response came almost immediately.

Seonghwa: 7 PM? I’ll pick you up.

You: Sounds good

You set your phone down, trying to focus on your work, but your thoughts were already elsewhere. The idea of sitting across from him at a dinner table was… unsettling. After years of tension, could the two of you even hold a decent conversation?

A knock on your office door pulled you from your thoughts. “Come in,” you called, smoothing your expression.

Nari walked in, holding a folder. “Here are the updated projections you asked for.”

“Thank you,” you said, taking the folder and setting it on your desk.

Nari hesitated for a moment, glancing at your phone. “Are you okay, Ms. Y/N? You seem… distracted.”

You managed a smile. “I’m fine, just a lot on my mind.”

She nodded, not pressing further. “If you need anything, let me know.”

As she left, you leaned back in your chair, letting out a long sigh. You knew why Seonghwa had reached out. You were both navigating uncharted territory, and like it or not, you needed to give this a chance—for your families, if nothing else.

When the clock struck five, you grabbed your coat and bag, leaving the office with a sense of apprehension. As you headed to your car, you checked your phone again, confirming the time.

7 PM. Dinner with CEO Park Seonghwa.

Your grip on the steering wheel tightened as you drove home to get ready. You weren’t sure if this dinner would bring any clarity, but one thing was certain: it was the start of a new chapter, whether you liked it or not.

---

You stood in front of your floor-length mirror, smoothing the fabric of your black silk dress. It clung to your figure perfectly, the sleek design exuding elegance while still being understated enough for a dinner meeting. Your matching pumps completed the look, and you reached for your favorite necklace—a delicate silver chain with a tiny diamond pendant—fastening it around your neck.

As you finished applying a touch of lipstick, there was a knock at your bedroom door.

“Come in,” you called, setting the tube down on your vanity.

The door creaked open, and Hongjoong’s familiar face appeared. He leaned casually against the doorframe, his sharp suit slightly wrinkled, likely from a long day at work.

“You look nice,” he said, his tone light but his eyes watchful.

“Thanks,” you replied, turning back to the mirror to check your hair one last time.

“So…” he began, stepping further into the room. “Dinner with Seonghwa, huh? He’s waiting downstairs.”

You let out a soft sigh, turning to face him. “Don’t start.”

“I’m not starting,” he said, raising his hands in mock surrender. “I just… wanted to check in.”

You arched a brow. “Check in? Since when do you ‘check in’?”

He smiled faintly, but there was a seriousness in his eyes that made your chest tighten. “Since my twin sister got roped into an engagement with my best friend, whom she’s barely been able to tolerate for the past decade.”

You crossed your arms, leaning against the edge of your vanity. “I’ll survive, Joong. It’s just dinner.”

“I know,” he said, sitting on the edge of your bed. “But you’ve never told me why you and Seonghwa don’t get along. And now you’re supposed to marry him. I can’t help but worry about how this is going to work.”

You averted your gaze, focusing on the soft shimmer of your dress under the light. “It’s… complicated.” You couldn’t tell Hongjoong about the couple of times you slept with Seonghwa; he would be furious and you didn’t want any drama.

“It always is with you two,” he said, exhaling a laugh. “But you know you can talk to me, right? If there’s something I should know, I’m here.”

The sincerity in his voice made your throat tighten, but you forced a small smile. “I know. Thanks, Joong.”

He studied you for a moment, his brows furrowing slightly. “You don’t have to do this, you know. If it’s too much—if it’s not what you want—mom and dad will understand.”

You shook your head, standing straighter. “It’s not about what I want. This is bigger than me, and you know it.”

Hongjoong sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I hate that you’re in this position. But if anyone can handle it, it’s you.”

You smiled faintly. “Thanks for the pep talk, coach.”

He grinned, standing and brushing invisible lint from his suit. “What are brothers for?”

As he reached the door, he paused, glancing back at you. “Be careful tonight, okay?”

“I will,” you promised, and with that, he left, leaving you alone with your thoughts once again.

You turned back to the mirror, taking a deep breath. Your reflection stared back at you, poised but uncertain. This dinner wasn’t just a meal—it was the first step in navigating a path you never thought you’d take.

You descended the grand staircase of your family’s mansion, the soft clicking of your heels echoing against the marble floor. Your fingers brushed lightly against the ornate railing, and you forced yourself to remain calm, despite the flutter of nerves in your chest.

At the base of the stairs, Seonghwa stood with your mother, engaged in polite conversation. His smooth voice carried up to you, though you couldn’t make out his words.

It wasn’t until you were halfway down that his gaze shifted, locking onto you. His conversation with your mother faltered for a brief second, his eyes trailing up your figure with a flicker of something you couldn’t quite place.

You tried not to let his attention rattle you, but you couldn’t help noticing how sharp he looked tonight. He wore a silk white button-up shirt tucked neatly into tailored black slacks. The top button of his shirt was undone, revealing just enough of his collarbone to add an air of casual charm.

There was a reason why Park Seonghwa was frequently labeled the most handsome and eligible bachelor CEO in the country. And tonight, it was painfully obvious why.

As you reached the last step, your mother turned to you with a warm smile. “Ah, there you are, darling. You look stunning.”

“Thank you, Mom,” you said, offering her a small smile. Your gaze flicked briefly to Seonghwa, who was still watching you. His expression was unreadable, but the intensity of his stare made your skin heat.

“Seonghwa’s been keeping me company while you were getting ready,” your mother said, her tone light and conversational.

“Good to know he’s capable of that,” you replied, unable to resist a teasing jab.

Seonghwa’s lips quirked upward in a small smirk. “I aim to impress.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t suppress the faint twitch of amusement at the corners of your mouth.

“Well,” your mother said, clasping her hands together, “you two should get going. Don’t keep your reservation waiting. Drive safe, Seonghwa.”

“Of course,” Seonghwa said smoothly, nodding toward the front door.

You paused mid-step, turning to him with a raised brow. “You’re driving?”

“I always do,” he replied, already pulling the keys from his pocket. “Why? Unless you’d rather drive yourself?”

You huffed softly, walking past him toward the front door. “Just try not to kill us.”

“I’ll do my best,” he quipped, following you outside.

The chrome silver sports car parked in the driveway was unmistakably his—sleek, polished, and oozing with understated wealth, much like its owner.

Seonghwa stepped ahead to open the passenger door for you, a gentlemanly gesture that caught you off guard. You slid into the seat without comment, the faint scent of leather and his cologne enveloping you.

Moments later, he was in the driver’s seat, starting the car with a low purr of the engine.

“This should be interesting,” he murmured, glancing at you with a playful glint in his eyes before shifting the car into gear and pulling out of the driveway. The soft hum of the engine filled the car as Seonghwa drove, his hands relaxed on the steering wheel. You leaned against the window, watching as the glittering skyline of Seoul gradually faded into quieter roads and open spaces.

You frowned, glancing at him. “This doesn’t look like Gangnam or any of the other districts people like you usually frequent. Where are we going?”

He smirked, the faint glow of the dashboard highlighting his sharp profile. “Relax. You’ll like it.”

“Will I?” you shot back, your voice tinged with doubt. “CEOs like you go beyond Seoul?”

“You’re a CEO too,” Seonghwa chuckled, a low, amused sound that made you glance at him again. “Expensive doesn’t always mean good,” he said, his tone teasing. “Seems like the guys you’ve been with before just took you to the basics.”

You blinked, taken aback by his comment. “Excuse me?”

He shrugged, a playful grin tugging at his lips. “What? It’s not my fault if your standards have been... uninspired.”

“Uninspired?” you repeated, your voice incredulous.

“You’ll see what I mean,” he replied smoothly, clearly enjoying your reaction.

You huffed, crossing your arms. “I’ll have you know, I’ve been to some of the best places in Seoul.”

“Good for you,” he said, his grin widening. “But tonight, I’m showing you something better.”

You bit back a retort, deciding it wasn’t worth the argument. Instead, you turned your attention back to the window as the car began winding up a steep hill.

Moments later, Seonghwa pulled into a small parking lot at the top. The restaurant in front of you was nothing like what you’d expected. It was simple yet elegant, with warm lanterns casting a golden glow on its wooden façade.

“This is where we’re eating?” you asked, unable to hide your surprise.

“One of my favorites,” he said, stepping out of the car. “Come on.”

You followed him inside, where the soft murmur of conversation and the faint aroma of freshly prepared dishes greeted you. The hostess bowed and led you down a quiet hallway to a private room at the end.

The room was intimate and tastefully decorated, with a low table surrounded by plush cushions. A large window stretched along one wall, offering a breathtaking view of Seoul’s twinkling lights below.

“Not bad, right?” Seonghwa said as he gestured for you to sit.

You hesitated for a moment before settling onto one of the cushions. “The view is… nice,” you admitted grudgingly.

He smirked, taking the seat opposite you. “I told you I know good places. You just had to trust me.”

A server arrived to pour tea and hand you both menus. As you glanced over the options, you couldn’t help stealing a glance at Seonghwa. He looked completely at ease, his sharp features softened by the warm glow of the room. For a brief moment, you wondered if there was more to him than the infuriating person you’d known for years.

As the server returned with the first round of dishes, you took a moment to admire the spread. The plates were elegantly arranged, and the aroma of fresh ingredients filled the room.

“This looks amazing,” you admitted, glancing at Seonghwa.

He smirked, leaning back against the cushion. “Told you I know good spots.”

You picked up your chopsticks and sampled one of the dishes, your eyes widening slightly at the burst of flavor. “Okay, I’ll give you this. The food is actually good.”

He chuckled, watching you with a satisfied expression. “You sound surprised.”

“Well, forgive me for underestimating someone who usually dines at places where the plates are more decorative than functional,” you quipped, a playful edge to your tone.

“Touché,” he replied, reaching for his glass of tea. “But I’ll have you know, I’ve always preferred places like this. The hype about fine dining is overrated.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Really? You’re saying that after all the times you’ve been photographed at Michelin-starred restaurants?”

He smirked. “Appearances. You know how it is.”

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t argue. After all, you’d played the same game for the sake of business and image.

As the meal progressed, the conversation turned unexpectedly candid.

“So,” you said, setting your chopsticks down for a moment, “why did you agree to this? The engagement, I mean.”

He met your gaze, his expression calm but serious. “Do I really have a choice? My company’s struggling, and our families are… insistent.”

“You could’ve said no,” you countered, tilting your head slightly.

“And let my parents deal with the fallout?” he said with a dry chuckle. “You know how they are. Saying no wasn’t really an option.”

You sighed, swirling the tea in your cup. “Yeah, I get that. My parents were just as persistent.”

There was a moment of silence before he spoke again, his tone quieter. “What about you? Why didn’t you refuse?”

You hesitated, the memory of his parents’ heartfelt words at brunch flashing through your mind. “They’ve always been kind to me,” you admitted. “I couldn’t stand the thought of letting them down when they’re already dealing with so much.”

He studied you for a moment, his expression unreadable. “You really care about them, huh?”

You shrugged, uncomfortable with the shift in the conversation. “They were always good to me. That’s all.”

The server returned with dessert, a delicate plate of mochi and a pot of freshly brewed tea. Seonghwa gestured toward the dish. “Try the matcha one. It’s their specialty.”

You picked one up and took a small bite, nodding in approval. “Not bad.”

He laughed softly. “Not bad is high praise coming from you.”

You shot him a look but couldn’t help the small smile tugging at your lips.

As the meal wrapped up, Seonghwa glanced at the time and stood. “Ready to head back?”

You nodded, following him out to the car. The night air was crisp, and the stars were faintly visible against the dark sky.

Sliding into the passenger seat, you glanced at him as he adjusted the rearview mirror. “You didn’t drink tonight,” you noted.

He flashed a quick grin. “Someone had to drive.”

You smirked. “Responsible and considerate. Who knew?”

He chuckled as he pulled out of the parking lot, the car humming softly as it began the descent back down the hill. “Don’t get used to it.”

The drive was quiet but not unpleasant. You found yourself stealing glances at him, surprised by the unexpected side of Seonghwa you’d seen tonight. He seemed focused on the road, his hands steady on the wheel, but his presence filled the quiet space between you.

“You’re awfully quiet,” he remarked after a while, glancing at you briefly before returning his attention to the road.

“Just… thinking,” you replied, shifting slightly in your seat.

He arched an eyebrow. “About what?”

You hesitated, unsure if you wanted to share your thoughts. “About tonight,” you said vaguely.

He chuckled softly, his lips curling into a small smile. “What about tonight? The food? The view? Or… me?”

You shot him a look, your cheeks warming slightly. “Don’t flatter yourself.”

“Too late,” he teased, the smirk not leaving his face.

Rolling your eyes, you turned your attention to the window, watching the city lights grow brighter as you neared Seoul. “I was just surprised, that’s all. Tonight wasn’t what I expected.”

“In a good way, I hope?” he asked, his tone suddenly less teasing and more curious.

You didn’t answer immediately, considering your words carefully. “It was… different. I’ll leave it at that.”

He let out a low laugh, shaking his head. “Always so guarded. You haven’t changed much.”

The comment made you stiffen slightly, your gaze snapping back to him. “And you think you know me so well?”

“I’ve known you for years, Y/N,” he replied, his voice calm but firm. “Maybe not everything about you, but enough to know how you are.”

The weight of his words hung in the air, stirring memories you’d long tried to bury. Memories of the nights you’d spent together in college, and the way he’d brushed it off as though it meant nothing.

You looked away, your voice quiet. “Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think.”

The silence that followed was thick with unspoken tension, but Seonghwa didn’t push further.

As the car turned onto your family’s driveway, the mansion loomed ahead, its windows glowing warmly against the night. He pulled to a smooth stop near the front entrance, cutting the engine.

“Thanks for tonight,” you said, your voice a little more composed as you unbuckled your seatbelt.

He nodded, leaning back in his seat. “Anytime.”

You reached for the door handle but paused, glancing back at him. “Why did you take me there?”

He looked at you, his gaze steady. “Because I thought you deserved a real dinner, not something staged for appearances.”

The sincerity in his tone caught you off guard, and for a moment, you weren’t sure how to respond.

“Goodnight, Seonghwa,” you said finally, stepping out of the car before he could say anything else.

As you walked toward the door, you could feel his gaze on you, lingering like a question you weren’t ready to answer.

-x-x-x-

The week flew by in a whirlwind of meetings and deadlines, and before you knew it, Friday evening had arrived. You found yourself standing in front of your closet, deliberating on what to wear to Yeosang’s 30th birthday party.

The party was being held at Mingi’s bar, a sleek and exclusive venue that was a favorite among your social circle. Yeosang, who you had known since he was still crawling around in diapers, had insisted on a lively celebration, and you weren’t about to miss it.

You finally settled on a fitted, navy cocktail dress with subtle sequins that shimmered under the light, pairing it with silver heels. After one final glance in the mirror, you grabbed your clutch and headed out.

When you arrived, the bar was already buzzing with energy. A live DJ played upbeat music, and laughter and chatter filled the air. The space had been reserved entirely for the party, with a section of tables arranged for gifts and a custom cake shaped like a stethoscope and a scalpel—a nod to Yeosang’s career. His family owned a chain of hospitals and he was a fourth year resident in neurosurgery. His mother was the doctor that took care of your mom’s pregnancy with you and your twin.

“Y/N!”

You turned to see Yeosang himself, looking dashing in a tailored suit. He greeted you with a wide smile, pulling you into a warm hug.

“Happy birthday, Yeosang,” you said, handing him a small, elegantly wrapped gift.

“You didn’t have to, but thank you!” He beamed, placing the gift on the table before turning back to you. “You look amazing, by the way. Are you planning to steal the spotlight from me tonight?”

You laughed. “Hardly. This is your night, doctor.”

As you exchanged a few more pleasantries, Hongjoong appeared beside you, his arm draped casually over your shoulder. “There you are,” he said. “I thought you’d back out last minute.”

“Not this time,” you replied, rolling your eyes. “It’s Yeosang’s 30th. How could I miss it?”

“Good,” Yeosang said, grinning. “Now, go grab a drink and have fun. You work too much, Y/N.”

You chuckled, nodding as you made your way to the bar.

At the counter, you spotted Nari sitting beside Yunho, her cheeks flushed as she laughed at something he had said. Yunho caught sight of you and waved.

“Y/N!” he called out. “Join us!”

You smiled and approached, Nari immediately scooting over to make room.

“Hi, Ms. Y/N,” Nari said cheerfully, her tone more relaxed than usual. “Isn’t this place amazing?”

“It is,” you replied, ordering a drink. “Mingi always outdoes himself. You don’t need to use honorifics with me, Nari, we’re not at work.”

Nari nodded with a smile. “I’ll try.”

As you sipped your cocktail, a familiar voice behind you made you turn.

“Fancy seeing you here,” Seonghwa said, his tone teasing.

He was dressed sharply, as always, in a dark blazer and slacks that complemented his broad shoulders. His hair was slightly tousled, giving him a more casual yet polished look.

“Seonghwa,” you acknowledged coolly, raising your glass slightly. “Surprised you made it.”

“Why? Because I’m such a workaholic?” he replied, smirking. “Even I take breaks occasionally, Ms. CEO.”

“Rare, but good to know,” you said, turning your attention back to your drink.

Hongjoong appeared moments later, clapping Seonghwa on the back. “Come on, man. Let’s go grab a drink and join the others.”

Seonghwa gave you a lingering glance before following Hongjoong into the crowd.

As the night went on, the music grew louder, and the atmosphere became more spirited. You found yourself chatting with old friends and acquaintances, laughing and catching up. But every now and then, you felt Seonghwa’s gaze on you from across the room, a quiet intensity that was impossible to ignore.

The music pulsed through the bar, the crowd thickening as more guests arrived. You were just about to grab another drink when you noticed a familiar face making his way toward you. Jaehwan.

“Y/N,” he greeted you with a bright smile, his presence as confident as ever. “Long time no see.”

You tensed slightly but masked it with a smile, trying to keep things cordial. “Jaehwan. Didn’t expect to see you here.”

“Yeosang and I go way back, you know? We work together now,” he said with a casual shrug, his dark eyes glimmering with a hint of amusement. “And with you being here, it’s the perfect chance to catch up. Can I get you a drink?”

You didn’t particularly want to spend more time with him, but you couldn’t exactly brush him off. “I’m good, thanks.”

He raised an eyebrow at your response, clearly not used to being turned down. “Oh, come on. Just one drink. For old times’ sake?”

You hesitated. The history you shared with Jaehwan was complicated. You had been together for years, but it was always an exhausting cycle of breaking up and making up, seeing other people in the middle, until one day, you simply couldn’t do it anymore.

“Honestly, Jaehwan, I’m not interested in reminiscing right now,” you replied, trying to keep your tone light but firm. “I’m just here to enjoy the party.”

Jaehwan didn’t seem put off by your words. Instead, his grin only grew. “You’re still as beautiful as ever, you know?” He leaned in just a little closer, his voice dropping to a more intimate tone. “I’ve seen you in the news and in interviews, but you’re even more stunning in person.”

Your eyes flicked away, trying to avoid the lingering gaze that made you uncomfortable. “Thanks,” you said, though you didn’t quite mean it. “I should get back to Yeosang.”

Before you could step away, Jaehwan reached out, gently placing a hand on your arm. “You know, I never understood why we ended things. We were so good together, Y/N.” His voice was soft, almost coaxing, as though trying to reopen a door you had carefully shut.

You stiffened, feeling your chest tighten. “We weren’t good together. Not in the long run.”

Jaehwan’s expression faltered slightly, but only for a second. “You’re still holding onto that, huh?” he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and frustration. “I thought we were past it. You never gave me a real chance to explain.”

You looked him square in the eyes, your heart racing. “There’s nothing to explain, Jaehwan. We both know how it ended. And why.”

His face softened for a moment, the charm slipping, replaced by something more genuine. “I was an idiot, Y/N. I know that now. I shouldn’t have played with your feelings like I did.” He paused, searching your face as if trying to read you. “But I’m here now. If you want to talk, start fresh... I’m open to it.”

You exhaled slowly, feeling your frustration rise again. You’d put so much energy into moving on from him, and here he was, trying to pull you back into his orbit. “I don’t want to start fresh, Jaehwan. I’ve moved on. I’m not interested in going backwards.”

His face tightened, though his smile never completely disappeared. “That’s a shame. I always thought we had something special.”

You shook your head, stepping back slightly, creating some distance. “We did. But that was a long time ago.”

As you took a step back to leave the conversation behind, Jaehwan called out, his voice softer than before. “I’ll always be here if you change your mind, Y/N. Don’t forget that.”

You turned on your heel, walking toward the other side of the bar, not wanting to hear any more. It had been a long time since you’d seen him, but the feelings his presence stirred up were all too familiar—frustration, confusion, and that lingering sense of unresolved tension. But you reminded yourself that it was okay. It was okay to feel whatever you felt. Six years of being with someone is a long time.

Meanwhile, across the bar, Seonghwa had noticed the exchange from a distance. He stood talking to Mingi, San, and Jongho, but his eyes kept flicking over to where you were conversing with Jaehwan.

“Who was that guy with Y/N? Seems familiar.” Seonghwa asked casually, though there was a slight edge to his tone.

Mingi followed his gaze. “Oh, that’s Jaehwan. He’s a doctor, works with Yeosang. He and Y/N used to date... for a long time, actually.”

Seonghwa’s lips tightened. “Oh. That was the guy?” He knew you were dating someone previously, but he didn’t really ask Hongjoong for any details before, and Hongjoong never told him anything about it. You kept your relationship strictly private, so there were no articles about this either,

San, ever the one to offer the juicy details, spoke up. “Yeah, they were on and off for years. Six years, I think. But they finally broke up for good. Y/N’s pretty done with him.”

Seonghwa’s gaze darkened as he watched Jaehwan take a step closer to you to talk to you again, leaning in just a bit too much for his liking. “I see. And he thinks he has a chance?”

Jongho raised an eyebrow, surprised by the fact that Seonghwa was concerned about you. “Sounds like it. But I wouldn’t worry too much, Seonghwa. Y/N doesn’t seem interested in going back down that road.”

Seonghwa didn’t respond immediately, his eyes still trained on you, the lines of his jaw tightening ever so slightly.

“I wouldn’t be so sure,” he muttered under his breath, his focus now entirely on the conversation unfolding between you and Jaehwan.

You were trying to shake off the lingering tension from your conversation with Jaehwan when you turned to the bartender and ordered a blowjob shot, hoping the sweet, creamy taste would ease your nerves.

Jaehwan, however, wasn’t finished. He leaned in again, the subtle scent of cologne still lingering around him. "I still don't understand, Y/N," he said with a low chuckle. "You and I could make it work again. I mean, we've always had chemistry, right?"

You gave him a tight smile, the first sip of the shot barely numbing the irritation bubbling in your chest. "Jaehwan, I told you already. I don’t think this is going to work out. Let’s just leave it at that."

But Jaehwan wasn't ready to let go. "Come on, you can’t just throw away everything we had. I know you still feel something, Y/N." His hand brushed your arm, a touch too familiar, and you fought the urge to pull away.

Seonghwa had enough, and he made his way through the crowd. He moved with purpose, his sharp gaze landing on you and Jaehwan, his posture stiff with a quiet authority that demanded attention.

Jaehwan, oblivious to Seonghwa's growing irritation, smiled as he leaned a little closer to you. "I know you and I had our issues, but—"

Seonghwa’s voice interrupted him, smooth yet firm. "I think you’ve had enough time with my fiancée."

You froze, Jaehwan blinking in surprise. “Fiancée?” He glanced from Seonghwa to you, confusion and curiosity in his eyes. “Wait, since when are you two—”

Without waiting for a response, Seonghwa took a step forward, his eyes never leaving Jaehwan. But it was his attention on you that made your heart skip a beat. As you took another sip of the shot, a small smear of whipped cream lingered on your bottom lip.

Seonghwa noticed, and before you could react, he reached forward, his thumb gently brushing against your lower lip to wipe away the cream. His touch was tender but purposeful, his gaze never leaving yours.

Jaehwan’s eyes widened in disbelief, clearly caught off guard by the intimate gesture. "What the hell?" he muttered under his breath, his posture stiffening as he tried to regain some control of the situation. “Who are you, again?”

Seonghwa’s voice was cool, yet there was a hint of something protective behind it. "I’m Park Seonghwa. Y/N’s fiancé." He didn’t give Jaehwan a chance to respond before adding, "We haven’t made our relationship public yet."

Jaehwan’s gaze flicked to your hand, taking note of the lack of a ring. "But… there’s no ring," he remarked, his voice edged with confusion. "Is this some kind of… business arrangement?"

Seonghwa’s lips curved into a slight smirk, the tension between them almost palpable. "Like I said, our relationship isn’t public yet," he said coolly, his eyes flicking to you for a moment before returning to Jaehwan. "We’re keeping things under wraps for now."

Jaehwan stood there, stunned and silent, his gaze shifting from Seonghwa back to you, as if trying to piece together the situation. He clearly hadn’t expected this turn of events, and his earlier confidence had evaporated, replaced by a mix of surprise and frustration.

You, on the other hand, found yourself caught in a strange moment of both relief and discomfort. Seonghwa’s intervention had put an end to Jaehwan’s persistence, but it also dragged you into a deeper web of lies you weren’t sure you were ready to untangle.

"Well," Jaehwan said after a long pause, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes, "I’ll let you two be, then. Enjoy the party, Y/N." With that, he turned and walked off, leaving you and Seonghwa alone once again.

The atmosphere between you and Seonghwa felt heavy, and as much as you wanted to keep a cool, composed exterior, you couldn’t shake the tension in the air. Seonghwa had taken control of the situation, but now, it seemed like there were even more unspoken words hanging between you two.

Seonghwa didn’t immediately speak, but when he did, his voice was quieter, almost amused. "You’re welcome."

You shot him a look, not sure whether you should thank him or be frustrated. "What was that all about?"

Seonghwa shrugged, his expression unreadable. "He was getting too comfortable. You shouldn’t have to deal with that."

You couldn’t argue with that, though it still left a bad taste in your mouth. "You didn’t have to step in like that."

He tilted his head, his eyes softening for a brief moment. "I know, but I wanted to. And I’ll do it again if I have to."

You let out a small sigh, your heart fluttering in a way that confused you. The night wasn’t what you expected, but somehow, you weren’t sure you minded it as much as you thought you would.

Seonghwa turned toward the bar, signaling for another drink. "Come on, you need to enjoy the rest of the party. And besides, you can’t have your ex running around ruining your night."

Two shots later, followed by a series of light-hearted conversations with various people, and the buzz from the alcohol was finally starting to set in. The warmth spread through your body, making your head feel lighter, the edges of your thoughts blurring slightly. You leaned back in your seat, your laughter ringing a little louder than you intended, but for once, you didn’t mind. You could feel the weight of the night slowly drifting away, the constant tension easing off your shoulders.

Realizing you needed a break, you excused yourself from the crowd and made your way to the restroom. The cool air of the bar’s hallway seemed to clear your head for a moment, and when you returned, you didn’t feel quite as dizzy as before. You spotted the balcony just ahead, where a few people were gathered, some leaning over the railing, smoking and chatting. The fresh air felt good against your skin, and you welcomed the solitude, a brief reprieve from the noise inside.

You pulled out your phone, unlocking it and glancing at the screen. Yeri’s message was waiting for you.

Yeri: How’s everything going? Are you okay?

You couldn’t help but smile at her caring tone. You quickly typed your response:

You: I’m good. Just needed some air. It’s been a lot tonight, but I’m managing. I'll tell you everything later.

After sending the message, you leaned against the railing, letting the cool breeze calm your senses. The bustling sounds from the bar seemed far away, and you closed your eyes for a moment, letting the moment of peace sink in.

But of course, peace never lasted long.

You heard footsteps approaching, and before you could turn around, Seonghwa’s voice reached you, smooth and just a little concerned. "You okay out here?"

You opened your eyes and glanced at him. He stood just behind you, his posture relaxed but his eyes watching you closely, as though taking stock of your every movement. You weren’t sure if it was the alcohol or just the sheer intensity of the situation, but you felt suddenly bold—bold in a way you hadn’t felt in a while.

"Yeah, just needed a break from all the...," you trailed off, glancing back towards the loud, crowded bar. "Everything." You laughed softly, then, almost to yourself. "It’s kind of overwhelming."

Seonghwa nodded, stepping closer, the space between you narrowing slightly. "I get it. But you should be careful. You’ve had a few drinks tonight." His voice was softer now, gentler, though there was a hint of concern in his eyes.

You tilted your head, meeting his gaze directly, a flicker of challenge lighting your chest. "What, you think I can’t handle a couple of drinks?" The words were a little sharper than you intended, but the alcohol had given you the courage to tease him in a way you wouldn't normally do.

He smirked, his lips curving upward in that way that made your heart skip. "I’m not worried about you handling them," he replied, voice low and laced with something unreadable. "I’m just worried you might get too comfortable."

Your breath caught for a moment. It wasn’t the first time you had noticed how close he was now, his presence almost tangible, like he was becoming a part of the space you occupied. The air between you seemed to thicken, and for a moment, it was just the two of you, the buzz of the party a distant hum.

"Too comfortable?" you repeated, feeling the boldness rise within you like a wave. You took a step closer to him, unconsciously closing the distance, your eyes scanning his face, trying to decipher the sudden shift in his expression. "And why would that be a problem?"

Seonghwa’s eyes flickered down to your lips before returning to meet your gaze. The tension between you two felt palpable, like an invisible thread pulling you closer despite the divide you tried to maintain. He didn’t answer immediately, his silence only making the moment more charged, more electric.

"You’re a lot different when you’re not all business," he said quietly, the playful edge of his voice barely masking the undercurrent of something else. "Maybe I’m starting to see the real you, Y/N."

Your heart raced at the comment, and you felt your breath hitch in your chest. The alcohol had loosened your inhibitions, but there was something about the way Seonghwa spoke, something about the way he was looking at you, that made you forget for a moment why you were supposed to stay guarded.

You leaned in slightly, your eyes locked with his, and a teasing smile spread across your face. "Maybe you like what you’re seeing."

The words came out almost too easily, the playful challenge in your tone not entirely fake. You could feel your pulse quickening, the thrill of the moment swirling around you.

Seonghwa's eyes darkened just a shade, his lips curling into a smile that was both amused and intrigued. "I think you're right," he said, his voice low, as though he was daring you to take the next step, to push the boundaries further.

For a heartbeat, you two stood there, neither of you moving, the tension thick and humming between you. You had no idea where this was going, no clue what would happen next, but you knew one thing for sure: you were no longer just playing along. Tonight felt different. And the way Seonghwa was looking at you—it seemed like he felt it too.

The moment hung in the air, electric and heady, as the rest of the world seemed to fade into the background.  You were suddenly aware of how close Seonghwa was, how much you could feel the heat of his body, the rapid rise and fall of his chest as he inhaled deeply. Without thinking, you moved, wrapping your arms around his neck, pulling him closer until there was barely any space between the two of you. His breath hitched slightly at the closeness, and for a moment, neither of you spoke.

"Why are we always in this situation when we've had a couple of drinks?" you asked, your voice quieter now, a bit more vulnerable. You could feel the weight of your words, the tension that had been building between you and him finally reaching its peak.

Seonghwa took a deep breath, his hands resting gently on your waist, and you felt a surge of something stronger—something that made you tilt your head just slightly, brushing your lips against his. "You're not going to want me if I make a move," you said, your voice lower, almost a warning.

"I've always wanted you," he whispered against your mouth.

For a moment, everything seemed to stand still—the world, the music, the people inside the bar—all faded away, leaving only the two of you standing in the cool night air. But then, just as quickly, you pulled back, your breath unsteady, your heart pounding harder than it had a moment ago.

"I'm not falling for that," you said, your voice strained, almost harsh, as if you were trying to distance yourself from the vulnerability that had crept in.

Seonghwa’s expression faltered slightly, and he reached out to touch your arm, as if trying to stop you from pulling away further. But you were already taking a step back, and you could see the hurt flash in his eyes, the confusion.

"I don’t want to resent you more," you whispered, your voice small, almost fragile. The words were like a knife to your chest, and as soon as they left your lips, you regretted saying them. The hurt was suddenly evident in your eyes, and the alcohol that had fueled your boldness before was now making everything seem more raw, more real.

Seonghwa’s eyes widened, and his lips parted as if he wanted to say something. But no words came, just the heavy silence that fell between you two. For a moment, you thought he might try to reach for you again, but you turned away, already feeling the sting of regret that followed your confession.

You didn’t wait for him to speak. You just turned and left him standing there, the cool night air around you suddenly feeling colder than it had before. You didn’t know what you expected from him, but what you knew for sure was that you needed to get away from this—away from the tension, the confusion, and the feelings that had begun to resurface.

You quickly made your way back to the entrance of the bar, trying to keep your composure. As you stepped inside, you spotted Hongjoong in the crowd, chatting with a few people near the bar. The moment he saw you, his eyes softened with concern.

"Ready to go?" he asked, his voice gentle.

You nodded, trying to mask the storm of emotions swirling inside you. "Yeah. Let's go home," you said, your voice quieter than usual. You didn’t look back at Seonghwa, though you could feel his presence lingering in the back of your mind, heavy and unrelenting.

As you and Hongjoong made your way out of the bar after saying your goodbyes to your friends, you tried to shake off the weight of what had just happened. You didn’t know how to feel about Seonghwa anymore, nor about the admission that had slipped from your lips.

-x-x-x-

End of Part One.

𓇼 𝘈𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘻 𝘍𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘌𝘱.𝘛𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘷𝘦 𓇼 𓆞 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𓆞 𓇼 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘴/𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴/𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𓇼 𝘕𝘰𝘵𝘦: 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘧𝘰𝘳 200 𝘧𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘏𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘺 𝘝𝘢𝘭𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦'𝘴 𝘋𝘢𝘺!

 𓇼 𝘰𝘵8/𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Ateez Comforting You After You Have A Rough Week - @mingoooossii ot8 x reader (scenarios) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Bf!Ateez Texts - @littlexbunni bf!ot8 x reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Bsf!Ateez & Ur Crush On Another Member - @bombuni best friend!ot8 x reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Baby, I'm Jealous [Part One] [Part Two] - @bunny-hwa idol!woosan x reader (two-parts) 𓆞 𓆞 Benefits - @shinestarhwaa idol!san x staff!reader x idol!seonghwa (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘬𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘫𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Bleach - @jonghoex bf!hongjoong x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Blood In The Clouds - @callmeagardengnome mafia leader!hongjoong x flight attendant!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Bunny Love - @i-like-loserz idol!hongjoong x bunny hybrid!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Christmas Cookies - @dancinglikebutterflywings dad!hongjoong x mom!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 Descent - @crimsonbubble rockstar!hongjoong x reader (drabble) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘸𝘢 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 In Sickness And In Health - @makeitmingi bf!idol!seonghwa x doctor!gf!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Kindergarten!Ateez - @rosy-wooyoung non-idol!seonghwa x kindergarten teacher!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Little Soul - @jjoongstar grim reaper!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Midnight Song - @doitforbangchan siren!seonghwa x pirate!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Page Me - @hwaightme bf!paediatrician!seonghwa x gn!neurosurgeon!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘫𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓆞 Chess Not Checkers - @bibittybopittybadbxtch idol!yunho x hongjoong’s sister!reader 𓆞 𓆞 Dinner And Dessert - @hongjoongtime117 bf!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Doll - @pirateprincessblog idol!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 English Affair - @weinq idol!yunho x fan!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Every Season After - @iannmin childhood best friend!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 Make It Bouncy  - @shinestarism bf!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Mix And Match - @xuchiya non-idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Switch - @sxdisteez bf!idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Winter Wonderland - @emeraldelysian best friend!idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Untitled - @323cutie bf!yeosang x reader (imagine) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘯 𓇼 𓆞 Eyes On You - @nczennie bf!san x gf!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Husband Activities - @bambikisss husband!san x wife!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Saturn [Part One] [Part Two] - @pyramid-of-starrs ex-situationship!san x reader x fiance!maddox (two-parts) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Sleepy Adoration - @solaris-amethyst bf!san x gn!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 The Fault In Our Stars - @koyagifs non-idol!san x nurse!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 [5:45] - @songmingisthighs bf!mingi x gf!reader(timestamp) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Casual - @preciousjoongie non-idol!mingi x heartbroken!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Screw You! - @lemon-woos best friend!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Stare - @sweetiesicheng husband!mingi x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 When Mingi Leaves For Tour - @makeitmingi idol!mingi x gf!reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘫𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 Finals Day Jitters - @strawbshrtcks bf!wooyoung gn!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Home For The Holidays - @highvern ex-bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 I Wish You Roses - @daemour non-idol!wooyoung x florist!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Love On The Street - @seobinghard best friend!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Muse - @joongieology artist!bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘫𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 First Christmas - @prettygirl-gabi bf!idol!jongho x gf!non-idol!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Playing Your Hand - @zeroseuniverse non-idol!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Warm On A Cold Night - @riboism professor!jongho x student!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 When I Fall [Part One] [Part Two] - @xomakara non-idol!jongho x reader (two-parts) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Untitled - @domm1etae bf!jongho x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘈𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘻 𝘍𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘌𝘱.𝘍𝘰𝘶𝘳! 𓇼 𓆞 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𓆞 𓇼 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘴/𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴/𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𓇼 𓇼 𝘰𝘵8/𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 A Cup Of Care - @woncon poly!woosan x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Ad Astra per Aspera - @alxtiny pirate!ot8 x navigator!reader (series) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Ateez as Disney Princes - @edenesth disney prince!ot8 x disney princess!reader (scenarios) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Ateez Meeting Single Mom Reader [Part One] [Part Two] - @reallychaoticwoo ot8 x single mom!reader (scenarios) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Ateez When Their S/o Gives Them Cuteness Aggression - @elllisaaa ot8 x reader (scenarios) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘬𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘫𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Anything You Could Do, I Could Do Better! - @pyeonghongrie teacher!hongjoong x teacher!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Back Off! I’m Married - @solaris-amethyst non-idol!hongjoong x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Behind Closed Doors - @domm1etae idol!hongjoong x idol!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Boy With The Pearl Necklace - @hongjoongtime117 idol!hongjoong x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Day & Night - @youngies-bae predebut!hongjoong x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘸𝘢 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 16.51 - @itstheghostofmypast bf!university student!seonghwa x university student!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 [23.27] - @yizhou-time non-idol!seonghwa x reader (timestamp) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Beneath The Candlelight - @atzaurora bf!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Breakfast - @littlefireball bf!seonghwa x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Dirty My Ride - @starminzoo rider!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘫𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓆞 Boyfriend - @notsoverymerry bf!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Communion - @kitten4sannie priest!yunho x nun!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Did You Like Her In The Morning?, Yunho | Die With A Smile, Yunho - @halaboyz bf!yunho x reader (two povs) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Don’t Smile - @tyungelic ex!yunho x gn!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Drunk - @sweetiesicheng non-idol!yunho x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Behind The Eyes - @srslyscary non-idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Chicken Date - @augustbutwinter non-idol!yeosang x gn!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Don't Forget About Me - @idyllic-ghost idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Fever - @beenbaanbuun bf!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Jennifer’s Body!Yeosang - @justaaveragereader jennifer!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘯 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 3:03 am - @323cutie bf!san x reader (timestamp) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Baby, Love Me Lights Out - @hongjoongspoetry idol!san x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Choi San As Associate Professor - @melsvt associate professor!fiancee!san x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Crimson - @hwaslayer non-idol!san x stripper!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Destined To Be A Girl Dad - @makeitmingi dad!san x mom!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 3:07am - @/cheryrri bf!mingi x reader (timestamp) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Broken Doll - @freyaphoria yandere!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Cold Red Iron - @bvidzsoo iron man!mingi x secretary!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Dinner Table - @mingi-s-dimples bf!non-idol!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Friends To Lovers With Mingi - @lxvemaze friend!idol!mingi x reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘫𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 Almost Home - @shadowkoo bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Better Make This Quick - @xosannie non-idol!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Craving The Storm - @atzaurora bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Crown Heist - @srslyscary thief!wooyoung x queen!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Cyberpunk's Bartender - @rems-writing bartender!wooyoung x gn!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘫𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓆞 Back From The Dead - @essenteez vampire!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Finding Our Way Back - @03jyh23 ex-bf!idol!jongho x ex-gf!single-mom!reader (series) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Mr. CEO - @/milkandhwaney ceo!jongho x employee!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 My Comfort Is You - @crimsonbubble dilf!jongho x reader (drabble) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Punk Jongho Headcanon - @rems-writing punk!jongho × sweetheart!reader (headcanon) 𓈒𓏸

mingi randomly telling reader facts oh I would fold and the painting 🥹🥹🥹🥹

strangers by nature | viii

Pairing: heir!Song Mingi x heir!Reader AU: non-idol | arranged marriage | enemies to lovers Genre: angst, humor, fluff in future chapters Rating: NC-17 Summary: After a life-altering car accident, Mingi is given one final shot at redemption—reborn as a fuzzy little puppy. To earn a second chance at life, he must complete three tasks or risk being doomed to the afterlife forever. Word Count: 5.5K Warnings: fluff, mentions of infidelity

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“You’ll need extensive physical therapy,” Dr. Jang said, flipping through his chart the day Mingi was to be discharged. 

“Walking will be difficult at first. You’ll experience weakness, dizziness, and possibly some coordination issues.”

Mrs. Song let out a sharp breath, bringing a hand up to her mouth as if to stifle a gasp. Beside her, Mr. Song reached over and placed a firm, reassuring hand on her arm. They had known this was coming, yet hearing it aloud made it all the more real.

“We’ll have to make arrangements,” his mother replied. “Oh, if he’s going to struggle, we can have the physical therapist come to the house.”

“There’s no need,” Mingi rasped, glancing over at you. “Y/N can help me.”

The entire room fell silent.

Dr. Jang stopped mid-page, his eyes flickering up over his glasses. The nurse who had been taking discharge notes blinked so fast it was almost comical. Even Mr. Song, ever composed, arched an eyebrow in surprise.

“W-What? Me?” you stammered, pointing to yourself as if there had been some mistake.

“If you don’t mind, I’d like your help,” Mingi repeated, his voice steadier now, as if the decision had already been made in his mind. There was something almost… gentle in the way he looked at you.

You stared at him in disbelief. Mingi, the man who never wanted anything to do with you, was asking for your help? 

“Mingi, are you sure?”

Mrs. Song was still staring at him like he had grown a second head. “But you always—” She hesitated, searching for the right words. 

“You’ve never liked being…helped. You always insist on doing things yourself.”

Mingi exhaled, leaning back against the pillows, his fingers twitching slightly against the blanket. “I know,” he admitted. His voice was quiet, almost contemplative. 

“But things are different now.”

And for some reason, the way he said it made it feel like he wasn’t just talking about his injury.

You pulled up to the entrance, cutting the engine before stepping out to grab Mingi’s crutches from the backseat. By now, the visits were becoming routine, but each time, it still struck you as surreal.

You turned to him, holding out the crutches. “Do you need anything else? I can grab a wheelchair if you want.”

Mingi shook his head. “No thanks, I’ve got it.”

Then, to your complete and utter bewilderment, he smiled—small, unguarded, but warm in a way you’d never quite seen before. The sight of it sent a strange flutter through your chest, something unfamiliar yet not entirely unwelcome.

Before you could process it, his hand brushed against your arm, a brief touch that sent a gentle warmth trailing in its wake. His fingers lingered just long enough to make you wonder if it was intentional before he gave your arm a light squeeze—as if he were telling you he’d see you soon.

It was fleeting, gone too soon, but the feeling remained, leaving you gripping the car door handle as if it were the only thing keeping you steady.

Mingi had never smiled at you before. 

The whole drive home, you were lost in thought, your hands gripping the steering wheel a little tighter than necessary. Confused didn’t even begin to cover it. Lately, everything about Mingi had been confusing.

At first, you thought you were imagining it. But then it became impossible to ignore.

It wasn’t just the way he looked at you now—like he was seeing you for the first time, rather than through you. It was how he acted. How he hovered. 

He followed you around the penthouse like a puppy. If you turned around too quickly, he was there, standing just a few feet away. If you rounded a corner, you nearly crashed into him. It was like he was always waiting for something. 

Waiting for you.

You could almost see it—the imaginary puppy ears perking up, the wagging tail swishing behind him, hoping you’d notice that he was there. 

And as if that weren’t strange enough, he’d also become…talkative. Well, in his own way. Mingi had started initiating conversations with you through animal facts, seemingly random tidbits of knowledge he’d been holding in until they just slipped out. 

“Did you know that vampire bats share their food with other vampire bats?”

“What?” You blinked at him, holding your fork mid bite. 

“They, um…they regurgitate blood for bats that didn’t eat.” His voice was quiet and uncertain, like he wasn’t sure if this was something you’d want to hear but hoped you might find it interesting.

You blinked at him, trying to decide if this was some kind of weird joke. But there was no teasing in his expression—just an earnest kind of hopefulness, like he wanted you to acknowledge his effort.

Like he wanted you to know he was trying.

“Oh…” You let out a small laugh, tilting your head at him. “Are you telling me I don’t eat enough?”

Mingi’s ears tinged pink as he gave a small, sheepish nod. 

“Kind of…” he admitted, shifting awkwardly. 

“I noticed that sometimes you skip meals when you’re busy or stressed.” His voice dropped slightly, almost as if he was embarrassed to say it aloud. 

“It’s not good for you.”

Another instance, you were humming to yourself as you sorted through the laundry, tossing a few shirts into the washing machine. The penthouse was quiet, save for the whir of the dryer running in the background. You reached for the basket when—

“Did you know that wombats poop in cubes?”

You yelped, throwing your laundry into the air as you spun around. Mingi stood just a few feet away, wide-eyed, his hands hovering awkwardly in front of him like he wasn’t sure whether to help or apologize.

“Mingi!” you gasped, pressing a hand to your chest. “You scared me!”

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to,” he mumbled, shifting on his feet. “The sugar cubes you put in your tea reminded me of wombat poop for some reason.”

You shook your head as you stepped into the lift back to the penthouse. You weren’t sure how you felt about your husband’s newfound attitude. It wasn’t that you were ungrateful—Mingi had finally woken up, and that should have been enough. 

The moment you kicked off your shoes in the foyer, Mrs. Ha, the chef, scurried over, her eyes darting between you and the hallway like she was still in the habit of speaking cautiously.  

“Oh, Ms. Y/N!” she whispered urgently, clutching her apron. “How was he?”

You let out a sharp exhale, still trying to make sense of it yourself. “Weird,” you hissed, picking up your pace to match hers as you both hurried toward the kitchen.

“He smiled at me. And—” You hesitated for a second before lowering your voice. “He squeezed my arm.”

Mrs. Ha gasped so dramatically you thought she might faint. “No.” She shook her head as if refusing to believe it.

“I know,” you muttered, half-joking, but not really. “He used to pretend I didn't exist. Now he’s…” You trailed off, struggling to find the right word.

Warm? Inviting? Considerate?

It felt strange to say out loud, but stranger still that it might actually be true.

Mrs. Ha grabbed your wrist as if trying to steady herself, or maybe you. “Ms. Y/N,” she said gravely, “do you think he hit his head too hard?”

You swallowed, the thought lingering in your mind longer than it should. Mingi’s accident had been severe. He’d been unconscious for months and it was a miracle he woke up at all. 

And yet, this wasn’t just waking up. This was different. The Mingi you knew had been cold, distant, cruel even. He never touched you unless absolutely necessary, never smiled at you unless it was laced with sarcasm or condescension. But today?

Today, he’d looked at you like he actually saw you.

Could head trauma really alter someone’s personality that drastically? Had the accident shaken something loose inside him?

“Can you believe he asked me about plants?” Yohan scoffed, handing you a cup of tea as you stepped into the kitchen.

“Mingi and plants.” He shook his head in disbelief, leaning against the counter. “I can’t believe he’s actually considering keeping something alive besides himself.”

You snorted, though the humor was short-lived. The shift in Mingi’s behavior was too drastic, too unnatural. You took a sip of your tea, the warmth doing little to ease the uncertainty. This new Mingi was too good to be true, and you were just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Mingi’s kindness, his warmth—it didn’t make sense. Not when he had spent so long resenting you.

“This morning, he casually mentioned that zebras can’t sleep alone,” you murmured, tapping your fingers against the cup. 

“Well he said he’s looking forward to dinner!” Mrs. Ha interjected. 

“Three months ago, he barely spoke to anyone, including Y/N and now he’s making conversation?” Yohan shook his head, placing a hand on his hip. 

“This is suspicious.”

No one wanted to say it out loud, but you all felt the same way. Mingi’s recovery wasn’t just physical. He was changing, bit by bit. And for the first time in a long while, it wasn’t for the worse.

⋆

“Your grip strength is starting to improve, as well as the mobility on your left side. Soon, you won’t need the crutches anymore,” Dr. Lim noted encouragingly.

Mingi exhaled sharply, rolling his shoulders as he steadied himself. The session had been brutal, as they always were, but hearing that he was making progress gave him a small sense of victory.

“That’s it for today. We’ll see you next week.” The physical therapist gave him a nod of approval before turning away, already moving on to his next patient.

Mingi nodded, gripping his crutches tightly as he made his way toward the exit. Every movement still felt like an uphill battle. He had spent the last two months relearning how to move, how to function without feeling like his own body was working against him. The physical therapy sessions were grueling, pushing him to his limits, but he refused to back down.

The accident had nearly killed him. Three broken ribs, a fractured femur, and nerve damage. Though it wasn’t extensive, it was enough to remind him that no matter how much he pushed, there were still limits. 

And he hated that.

He hated the way his body trembled when he overexerted himself, the way his right arm sometimes felt too weak to grip things properly. He hated that he still struggled to get up without support, that simple tasks took twice the effort they used to. 

But he didn’t hate the way you anticipated his struggles before he could voice them. The way you reached for his arm before he could stumble, or placed things in a way that made it easier for him to access. And he didn’t hate how easily you entertained his ramblings, even when they were about the most mundane things.

For an hour and a half each week, he hated being away from you.

Because no matter how frustrating the setbacks were, no matter how exhausting the battle of recovery became, seeing you at the end of each session reminded him of his purpose and his promise to Hongjoong and Wooyoung. 

The thought of going home had him biting back a grin as he adjusted his crutches and made his way out of the rehabilitation center. He was already looking forward to sliding into the passenger seat beside you, exaggerating the difficulty of his new balance exercises and guessing what Mrs. Ha had whipped up today.

The anticipation carried him forward until it came to a screeching halt.

The moment he stepped into the rotunda, his fingers instinctively tightened around the crutches, his body going rigid. The hospital lobby was a blur of white coats and murmured conversations, but all he could focus on was the figure standing in front of him.

Ahri.

Her arms were crossed, her manicured nails tapping impatiently against her sleeve. She looked annoyed with her lips pressed into a thin line as her sharp gaze raked over him. 

The sight of her made something curdle in his stomach—something sharp, bitter, and unwelcome.

“What are you doing here?” Mingi asked flatly.

Ahri scoffed, stepping closer. “Are you seriously asking me that? You’ve been avoiding me ever since you woke up.”

“Maybe that should tell you something,” he muttered, but he already knew Ahri wouldn’t take the hint.

Ahri rolled her eyes. “Oh, come on, Mingi. Don’t act like this. We need to talk.”

“No,” he said simply, his grip tightening around the crutches until his knuckles turned white. 

“We really don’t.”

“You’re being dramatic. I was worried about you—”

“Don’t,” he cut in, his voice low, firm. 

Ahri’s mouth opened, then closed. For the first time, she looked uncertain, like she hadn’t expected him to be this direct. Her expression faltered for a split second, But then, just as quickly, she recovered, her lips curling into a sneer.

“So that’s how it is?” she scoffed. “You wake up and suddenly forget about us? Is it because you want to play house with her?”

Mingi’s jaw tensed but his silence spoke volumes.

“What’s wrong with that?” he replied quietly. 

That made her pause. Just for a second. But then she shook her head, scoffing again like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing. 

“Oh, give me a break,” she snapped. “You spent so long telling me how miserable you were, how you were trapped with her.” She let out a bitter laugh. 

“But now what? You wake up from a coma and suddenly, she’s the one you want? You told me you wished you’d never married her, that you never loved her.” 

She took a step closer, her voice dropping to something softer, something almost pleading as if she could still reach him. 

“Mingi, you told me I was the only thing that made you happy.”

And maybe, once, he had believed that.

Maybe, once, he had convinced himself that Ahri was the answer, the escape he craved, the proof that he was still alive, still capable of feeling something. But standing here now, after dying and coming back, after losing everything and being given a second chance, he saw it for what it truly was.

A mistake. A desperate attempt to outrun his own self-destruction.

But you—you had always been real. And this time, he wasn’t going to run.

This time, he was going to love you the way he should have all along.

“You weren’t,” he said steadily. “You never were.”

Ahri’s face twisted, something wounded flickering across her features before it morphed into anger. 

“Bullshit! If that were true, then why did you keep coming back to me?”

"You were there when it was easy, Ahri. When it was fun. But when I was lying in that hospital bed, barely clinging to life, you were nowhere to be found."

Ahri’s lips parted, but no words came out.

“And you know what? I don’t blame you,” Mingi said, tilting his head. 

“Because we were never real, were we? We were just two selfish people feeding off each other’s worst impulses.” He exhaled sharply, as if the weight of it all was finally lifting off his chest. 

“I don’t owe you anything.”

People turned, pausing in their tracks, stealing glances at the commotion, but Mingi could care less. Instead, he stepped past her without another glance, heading toward the one person who mattered—

You.

"You think you can just walk away from me?" Ahri's voice rose, sharp and unhinged. 

Mingi didn’t flinch. He didn’t react at all. 

And that set her off. 

"Do you really think she’ll love you after everything you put her through?!"

Her lips curled, a smirk. "You think a self-respecting woman like Choi Y/N would want you?" She let out a breathless, almost manic laugh, her eyes glinting with something unhinged. 

"Especially when you fucked me on your wedding night!"

A murmur rippled through the gathering crowd. Gasps. A sharp intake of breath. Someone muttering under their breath. But Ahri was past caring. Her hands trembled at her sides, whether from rage or something deeper, something uglier, even she wasn’t sure.

“You threw her away like she was nothing. And now, you think you can just have her?”

Ahri let out a broken laugh, something desperate and wild. 

"She’s stronger than you ever gave her credit for." Ahri’s voice turned quiet, almost pitying.

“She doesn’t need you."

Mingi’s breath hitched, and for the first time since this entire confrontation began, doubt slithered in, coiling tight around his chest.

Because what if Ahri was right?

What if you never forgave him? What if everything he had done, all the cruel words, all the neglect, had built a wall so high between you that he’d never be able to climb over it?

He remembered the way you had looked at him when he was just a clumsy, oversized puppy, tail wagging, tongue lolling, no words to defend himself—only his actions. And still, still, you had cared for him. Fed him. Sheltered him. Loved him, even when you hadn’t known it was him.

Mingi clenched his jaw. He could fix this.

Because if he had been capable of love then, stripped of his pride and his excuses, then he was capable of love now. And he would prove it to you. No matter what it took.

He would not lose you.

"Ms. Jeong," a voice said smoothly, "I suggest you leave before you embarrass yourself any further."

Mingi tensed. He didn’t need to turn to know what he’d see—that infuriatingly calm expression, always so composed, so sure with his stupid face and stupid hair.

Seonghwa.

The hospital director's voice was calm, but the authority behind it was unmistakable. He stepped into Ahri’s path, yet the weight of his presence alone was enough to send a chill through the air.

Ahri whirled on him. "Stay out of this, Park Seonghwa!" she snapped. "This has nothing to do with you!"

Seonghwa raised an eyebrow. "You’re causing a disturbance in my hospital. That makes it my problem."

Her chest rose and fell with sharp, angry breaths, but Seonghwa remained unfazed.

"You’re humiliating yourself. If you don’t leave, I’ll have security escort you out."

Ahri’s lips parted, her eyes darting between Seonghwa and Mingi, as if searching for an opening—one last attempt to regain control of the situation. But Mingi had already turned his back, walking toward the exit. Toward you.

And you—you had just barely managed to keep your knees from buckling.

You had been standing just around the corner, heart in your throat, ears ringing with every word that had left Mingi’s mouth.

"Do you really think she’ll love you after everything you put her through?!"

You didn’t have an answer for that. Not yet.

But Mingi, your husband, the same man who once treated your marriage like a prison sentence—was choosing you.

Your phone chimed, interrupting your conversation with Yohan and Mrs. Ha.

Pick up Mingi.

“Has it already been an hour and a half?” Yohan sighed, leaning back in his chair.

Mrs. Ha chuckled as she wiped her hands on her apron, already turning back to the half-prepped vegetables on the counter. 

“Time flies when you’re talking shit, I guess,” you murmured, more to yourself than anyone.

Conversations like these had once been a source of relief, a safe space where you, Yohan, and Mrs. Ha could freely air out your frustrations about Mingi and his insufferable attitude. It had been cathartic, a necessary way to bond over shared grievances, particularly in the way he ignored Yohan’s presence, dismissed Mrs. Ha’s kindness, and, worst of all, the way he had treated you.

The usual satisfaction of venting was absent, replaced instead by something heavier. 

Guilt.

You weren’t sure why.

Maybe it was the way his eyes lingered now, softer, searching, as if trying to memorize every flicker of emotion that crossed your face. Like he was looking for something—hoping for something.

Or maybe it was the way he hesitated before speaking, as if he wanted to be understood but didn’t know how. As if he was afraid that one wrong step would send him tumbling right back into the version of himself you had every reason to despise.

And that’s what made your chest ache.

You sighed, grabbing your keys from the counter and with a quick farewell to Yohan and Mrs. Ha, you made your way down to the garage. The drive to the hospital was quiet, the high rises casting fleeting shadows as you navigated the city streets.

Your mind wandered. Mingi was still a mess of contradictions—still the person who had hurt you more than anyone else ever had. And yet, in the past two months, something had shifted. He’d been different.

You weren’t sure what that meant for you, if it meant anything at all.

Pulling into the hospital lot, you glanced at the time. You were early. With minutes to spare, you found yourself hesitating, fingers tapping against the steering wheel. You could just wait here, let Mingi find his way out like always. 

But today, something in you wavered.

Maybe, just this once, you’d meet him halfway.

Sighing, you turned off the engine and walked into the hospital. The automatic doors parted soundlessly as you entered, the sterile scent of antiseptic and faint traces of coffee from the café wrapping around you. 

You weaved through the familiar hallways toward the rehabilitation center, past patients in wheelchairs and staff exchanging clipped instructions.

And then—

"You think you can just walk away from me?"

You stopped.

Ahri.

Her voice carried through the clinic, too loud, too reckless for a public space, but she didn’t seem to care.

A few steps ahead, just past a row of columns, Mingi stood—partially obscured, his broad shoulders stiff with tension. Ahri stood in front of him, heaving with anger, her expression twisted into something between fury and despair.

Your instincts told you to walk away before you were pulled into something you weren’t meant to witness. But your feet wouldn’t move. Instead, you ducked behind the corner, pressing yourself against the wall, your heartbeat hammering in your ears.

"Do you really think she’ll love you after everything you put her through?!"

You sucked in a breath. That stopped Mingi and Ahri knew it. You peeked out just enough to catch the smirk curling at the edges of her lips and the cruel glint in her eyes.

"You think a self-respecting woman like Choi Y/N would want you? You fucked me on your wedding night!"

The words slammed into you, knocking the air from your lungs. You had known what you were getting into when your parents arranged your marriage to Mingi. You had no illusions about love or loyalty, not when his heart had already belonged to someone else. You had told yourself his affair with Ahri didn’t matter, that you weren’t some naive child clinging to false hope.

But hearing the words now, so bluntly and irrevocably, felt different. It was like an old wound you thought had scarred over, threatening to tear open all over again.

A murmur of voices rippled through the onlookers—gasps, hushed whispers, stolen glances exchanged in uneasy silence. Mingi remained frozen, his jaw clenched so tight it looked painful, his fists curling and uncurling around his crutches.

Your fingers curled into your sleeves, nails pressing crescent marks into your skin. The way Mingi stood there, facing Ahri’s wrath without backing down, without crumbling the way you might have expected, made your chest tighten.

For the first time in your marriage, Mingi was choosing you.

The realization sent a flutter through you, foreign and unwelcome and you had to keep your knees from buckling beneath you. 

This wasn’t forgiveness.

But it was something.

Swallowing hard, you spun on your heel and hurried back to your car. By the time you reached the door, your hands fumbled slightly, a little shaky as you slid inside and shut yourself away from the world.  

You squeezed your eyes shut, willing the strange, fluttery feeling in your chest to go away. But it lingered, stubborn and insistent, curling around the edges of your thoughts. Ahri’s words still echoed in your mind, but even louder—more impossible to ignore—was the quiet whisper of, What if?

What if Mingi really was choosing you?

Not out of obligation. Not because there was no one else left. But because he wanted to.

A breathy laugh escaped you, more out of disbelief than amusement. 

“What do you think, Maro?”

The name slipped out before you could stop it, but it felt natural, like Maro was still here, curled up beside you, tail wagging, waiting for you to spill your heart out. 

You swallowed, gripping the steering wheel as if it could ground you. 

“It’s stupid, right?” Your voice was tentative as you leaned your head against the headrest. 

“It doesn’t change anything. Just because he—” You stopped, shook your head, trying to chase away the warmth threatening to creep in.

“It doesn’t mean I should believe in something that’s never been real.”

You could imagine Maro pressing his head into your palm like he understood everything you couldn’t say. Like he was telling you that you didn’t have to figure it all out alone.

“God, I don’t even know what's happening anymore.”

A sudden, sharp knock against the window jolted you upright. Your heart lurched into your throat as you turned, only to find Mingi standing just outside, giving you a small wave. Your face burned. Huffing, you fumbled for the lock with clumsy fingers before scrambling out of the car. 

“I got it,” Mingi said with a chuckle, adjusting his grip on his crutches. His voice was light, but his gaze lingered on you, studying you with an expression softer than you were used to.

“You okay?”

You forced a small smile, brushing imaginary dust off your sleeves in an attempt to steady yourself. “Yeah, just tired.”

Mingi didn’t look convinced. He lingered for a second longer, his eyes searching yours as if debating whether to press further. But he didn’t. Instead, he exhaled through his nose, nodded, and slid into the passenger seat.

The drive home passed in a blur. The streetlights stretched long across the pavement, casting soft, flickering patterns against the windshield, but you were lost in the whirlwind of thoughts brewing in your mind.

Did he really love you?

⋆

"Y/N…can you call my phone? I can’t seem to find it."

Mingi had been more flustered than usual lately—not that he wanted to admit. The accident had left him disoriented, but it was unlike him to be clumsy. But lately, he kept doing things that frustrated him to no end like pushing against a pull door and standing there and now, misplacing his phone for the third time this week. 

He was also never one to ask for help—especially from you.

Before the accident, he had gone out of his way to keep his distance. He had made it clear he wanted nothing from you, and you had gotten the message. Eventually, you stopped offering. And for a while, that’s what he thought he wanted.

Now, he couldn’t stand the thought of it.

If you were in the kitchen, he was suddenly rummaging through the cabinets for a snack he didn’t actually want. If you were on the couch, he was sitting on the opposite end, scrolling through his phone but not really paying attention to it. 

And if you got up to leave the room? Well…so did he.

Because he wasn’t afraid of being clingy. Not with you. Not when the thought of you leaving, of not having you here, was far scarier than anything else.

You nodded, pressing the call button as Mingi shuffled past you, disappearing into his room. Your gaze lingered on the doorway long after he was gone.

For the duration of your marriage, you had never once stepped foot inside this room. The door had always remained shut, a silent boundary he had drawn long before he ever knew you. A reminder that no matter what legal document bound you together, there would always be parts of him you would never reach.

But as you took a step forward, following the faint sound of his phone vibrating somewhere in the great beyond, you couldn’t help but wonder if he’d let you glimpse into the parts of himself he had kept locked away.  

You stood hesitantly by the threshold watching your husband rifling through his laundry, digging through pockets, and muttering to himself under his breath. The Mingi you had married would’ve cursed under his breath, thrown something, or blamed someone else for his misplaced phone. 

But this version of him? He simply kept looking, patient and persistent.

His room was dimly lit with the faint scent of paint and cologne filling the space. Canvases leaned against the walls, some vibrant and abstract, others more detailed and unfinished sketches scattered across his desk.  

Your gaze landed on a small canvas resting on the edge of his desk. The soft eyes and the cheeky glint, the little nose, and that signature smile. It wasn’t finished, but there was no mistaking it.

Maro.

“There it is,” Mingi muttered, plucking his phone from the ground next to his bed.

As he swiped the screen to end the call, his gaze flickered toward you, then followed yours to the canvas on his desk. He watched you carefully, half-expecting sadness, maybe even confusion. But instead there was something unexpectedly tender. 

And then you looked at him, and Mingi felt it.

Why did you have to look at him like that? Like he had done something right for once. Like you saw him in a way that made his heart squeeze. His ears burned. He cleared his throat, rubbing the back of his neck.

“I… picked up painting,” he admitted. “My physical therapist said it’d help with motor skills and strengthening my hands and fingers.” 

He swallowed. “I hope you don’t mind that I painted Maro. I… I wasn’t sure if I got the eyes right,” he admitted, almost shyly. 

You stepped closer, drawn in by the familiar shape on the canvas. “It looks just like him,” you murmured, reaching out to trace the dried brushstrokes with your fingertips. The texture of the paint, the careful detail—Mingi had poured himself into this.

Mingi let out a sigh of relief but then, as if realizing something, tensed again a second later. “I—uh, it was supposed to be a surprise,” he blurted out, his eyes widening slightly, as if he’d just realized his mistake.

You blinked up at him. “A surprise?”

“For you,” he admitted, shifting awkwardly. His fingers toyed with the hem of his shirt like he wasn’t sure what to do with his hands. 

“I wanted to give it to you when I felt like it was perfect. But, um… I guess I kind of ruined that, huh?” He let out a nervous laugh, scratching the back of his head.

“You painted this for me?”

He peeked at you through his lashes, leaving something softer and more vulnerable in its place as he gave you a small nod.

“I just… I know how much you loved—love Maro, and I thought maybe… you’d want something to keep. Something I made for you.”

Something only for you.

Your breath caught in your throat.

Oh. Your heart squeezed at the sincerity in his voice and the way he’d poured so much of himself into a piece just for you was overwhelming. 

“Oh, Mingi…” you breathed.

Emotion swelled in your chest, thick and impossible to name. You wanted to say something, anything, but all you could do was stare at him—the quiet hope in his eyes, the way he watched you like he wasn’t sure what you’d do next.

“I love it,” you said, and you meant it. Not just the painting, but the thought behind it. It was just a painting. But it wasn’t. It was a piece of him—his effort, his sincerity, his quiet way of saying what he couldn’t put into words.

“Thank you.”

The words felt small, insufficient for the weight of what he had given you. But then he smiled—a slow, relieved, utterly radiant smile that knocked the breath from your lungs.

And suddenly, the moment stretched—too long, too precarious.

Your eyes flickered around the room, a sharp awareness settling over you. Mingi’s room. When did he get so close? When did you even come in here?

“I should…” You cleared your throat, glancing toward the door. “I should let you get back to painting.”

Before he could say anything, you turned, slipping out of the room, closing the door gently behind you. For a moment, you leaned against it, trying to steady the sudden pounding in your chest. But before you could make sense of anything—

The door creaked open.

“Wait.”

You turned, as Mingi poked his head out. There was a hint of bashfulness in the way his fingers gripped the doorframe, but his eyes held no hesitation.

“…You can leave it open.”

<< vii | ix >>

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AYO FUCK MIKE, FUCK JINA, FUCK SEONGHWA, FUCK DANN, FUCK HONGJOONG, FUCK EVERYBODY, WE LOVE READER!

I’ve said this before, but dude…we have to kill Mike i’m so serious I need this man gone. Also I knew there was something up with Jina from the last chapter with the comment she made about reader.

I just need happiness for reader cause i’m losing it every time I see a new chapter posted. I’m very much enjoying it as I say after every chapter. Keep up the amazing work! <3

ps. It’s mostly likely because I don’t read everything and jump straight into the story, but why did I just notice it says love triangle in genre.

Popular, Boy

☆10: The first wound.

Pairing: Nerd!Hongjoong x Popular!Reader

Genre: +18, smut, slow burn, drama, angst, love triangle.

wc: 8,2k

Summary: A night that was meant to go one way takes a devastating turn. Tension rise, lines are crossed, and for the first time...

Doubt begins to surface in unexpected places.

Warnings: Verbal abuse, physical violence, cursing, angst.... a lot of angst.

an: Request are open! Feel free to request whatever you like (I just don't accept m×m requests)

Series masterlist Join the Taglist

☆09 ☆11: The first truth. Coming soon

It had been days since Hongjoong and you had spoken. Your fight at the club still lingered in the air like an unshakable fog, thick with tension and unresolved emotions.

At school, you acted as though the other didn’t exist, carefully avoiding eye contact, ignoring each other’s presence, and pretending like your worlds hadn’t once been intertwined.

Your friends noticed, but no one dared to bring it up—not when you were burying yourself in distractions, and not when Hongjoong looked like he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

But today, Hongjoong decided to end it.

During his shift at the café, his boss, Mr. Choi patted him on the back, a rare smile breaking his usually stern face.

“You’ve been working hard, kid. Take tomorrow off. Get some rest.”

Hongjoong blinks in surprise. He had expected to push through another exhausting shift, but this?

This is an opportunity, a chance to set things right.

As soon as he gets to the back room, he pulls out his phone and hesitates for a second. His fingers hover over your name before he finally taps on it.

Joongie♡: Hey..

He stares at the screen, wondering if you would ignore him. The three little dots appear almost instantly, then vanish, then appear again.

YN♡: What?

Hongjoong exhales. Short, cold, distant. He deserves that.

Joongie♡: I don’t like this. Us, being like this.

Joongie♡: I’ll explain everything. I swear.

Joongie♡: Let me make it up to you.

Another long pause. He can practically hear you scoffing at the message, debating whether you should even give him the time of day.

Then, finally you answer.

YN♡: Fine.

His heart lurches forward.

Joongie♡: Tomorrow. 7 PM. I’ll send you the address.

He searches for the perfect spot, something that isn't too extravagant but still special. A small, charming restaurant near the city’s main street catches his attention.

It was warm, cozy, and has the kind of atmosphere that feels... personal.

Perfect for what he needs to say.

Jina, behind him, narrows her eyes to get a look of what he is doing. She can see the contact name 'YN♡,' and then he sends a link.

Is he going on a date with that girl?

Without doing a sound, she gets back to her task.

Joongie♡: Sent.

Joongie♡: See you there, pretty.

No response, but you had read the message. Hongjoong put his phone down, exhaling deeply.

Tomorrow, he will fix things. He has to.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

You stand in front of the mirror, carefully applying the finishing touches to your makeup over your bruised cheek. Your hands are steady, but inside, your heart is racing with anticipation.

Tonight, Hongjoong is finally going to explain everything. You had spent days drowning in frustration, confusion, and anger, but now, there is a chance to clear the air.

Tonight, everything will be fixed.

Tonight, Hongjoong would explain himself.

Tonight, he would tell you why he had been acting so distant, why he had been avoiding you after school, why he had refused to spend time with you.

He would make it up to you like he promised.

You adjust the delicate straps of your black dress, making sure everything is perfect. Your hair cascades over your shoulders in soft waves, and your lips are painted a deep shade of red—covering perfectly your broken lip—masking your vulnerability.

You take a step back, examining yourself with a critical eye. Stunning as always.

Hongjoong would see you and remember exactly why he had fought so hard to be with you.

Your phone buzzes on the vanity table. You grab it instantly, hoping it is Hongjoong confirming he is already there, waiting for you. But it is just a reminder from your driver.

With a sigh, you slip your phone into your designer purse and grab your coat. As you walk down the grand staircase of your home, you catch sight of Mike lounging in the living room, flipping through a magazine.

"Going somewhere?" He asks without looking up.

"Not that it's any of your business."

Mike smirks but doesn't push further. He simply leans back and watches as you disappear through the front door.

The car ride to the restaurant was quiet, giving you too much time to think.

Was Hongjoong nervous? Was that why he hadn't said much after sending you the address? You shook your head. No, tonight was about fixing things.

You wouldn’t let doubt ruin it.

The restaurant Hongjoong had chosen is small but elegant, tucked away near the city’s main street. Fairy lights hang across the windows, giving the place a warm, intimate glow. It’s a charming spot, perfect for a conversation that had been long overdue.

You walk in, heels clicking against the polished floor as you approach the host.

"Reservation under Kim Hongjoong." You say smoothly.

The host checks his list and nods "Ah, yes. Right this way, miss."

You follow him to a cozy table by the window, the perfect spot to watch the city’s nightlife unfold. You sit down, crossing your legs gracefully, and check your phone. No new messages.

You exhale, telling yourself that he would be here any second. You smooth out your napkin and glance at the entrance.

Your fingers tap against the polished wood, eyes flicking to the entrance every few seconds. Any moment now.

The waiter approaches “Would you like to order something while you wait?”

“I’ll wait,” You reply, forcing a polite smile “He’ll be here soon.”

The minutes drag on. The candle in the middle of the table flickers, barely illuminating the growing void in your chest.

7:15 PM.

You check your phone. No messages.

7:35 PM.

Your throat feels tight. You type a quick text.

YN♡: Are you on your way?

Sent. No response.

7:50 PM.

Your nails dig into your palm. You try not to look at the couples around you, laughing, talking, and enjoying their meals together. You try not to feel humiliated.

8:15 PM.

He 's not coming.

You blink, pushing back the sting behind your eyes. No. This isn’t happening, Hongjoong wouldn’t—he wouldn’t do this to you. Not after everything. Not after all the things he told you, the way he held you, the way he—

Your phone buzzes.

Finally.

You grab it instantly, hope swelling in your chest—until you see the sender.

Seonghwa.

You hesitate, then open the message. It 's a photo.

Your eyes open in surprise.

It’s Hongjoong.

Hongjoong in a different restaurant. Hugging a girl.

The image isn’t blurry. It isn’t vague.

They look comfortable, like he belongs there. Like this is his life, and you aren't in it.

Your chest caves in. The restaurant around you fades into nothing but muffle sounds and blurry lights.

Your phone slips from your fingers into the table, your vision blurry. A sharp inhale burns through your throat, but it doesn't bring any relief.

He… he really didn’t come.

He left you waiting, and he was with someone else.

You stand abruptly, chair scraping against the floor. You don’t care if people look. You don’t care about anything.

You grab your purse, leaving behind the perfectly set table, the unlit candle, the untouched hope you had carried with you.

The ride home was silent.

You walk through the front door in a daze, your heels clicking against the marble floor. No one is around. Good.

You climb the stairs to your bedroom, locking the door behind you. The moment you turn around, the weight of it all comes crashing down.

You clench your fists, willing yourself to breathe, to not care, to be the unbothered YN everyone expects you to be.

But you can’t.

Your knees give out.

And for the first time in years, you cry.

Not silent tears. Not a quiet sniffle.

You sob.

Your body curls in on itself, shaking, as raw, broken cries escape your lips. Your hands clutch at your dress, nails digging into the fabric as if holding into something—anything—would stop you from unraveling completely.

But there is nothing left to hold onto.

Hongjoong had taken everything.

The walls you had built. The pride you had carried. The belief that you could never be broken.

And yet, here you are.

Crying alone in the dark.

Like a fool.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Hongjoog is just about to leave his house, dressed in his best clothes, nervous yet excited. He has finally got a day off, and this is his chance to make things right with you.

He checks his phone again, seeing your last message confirming their date, and a small smile tugs at his lips. After everything, he is determined to fix this.

Then, his phone buzzes.

Jina: Kim, I need your help. It's urgent. I'm at the café. Please, just for a second.

Hongjoong frowns. Jina rarely texts him outside of work, and the urgency in her message makes him hesitate. He glances at the time—he has enough to swing by quickly, help her out, and still make it to the restaurant on time.

Hongjoong: What’s wrong?

Jina: Just come. Please. I really need you.

Sighing, he pockets his phone and hurries toward the café, telling himself it wouldn’t take long.

When he arrives at the cafe, Jina is waiting outside, leaning against the wall, arms crossed, an unreadable smirk on her lips.

“I thought something bad happened,” Hongjoong says, a little breathless.

Jina puts on a fake worried face “It did! Well, kind of. I locked myself out of the counter, and I left something really important inside. You’re the only one I know who might figure out how to open it without causing a scene.”

Hongjoong exhales sharply, checking the time. He still has time.

“Alright.”

She leads him inside, making sure to keep her pace slow, stalling as much as possible. When they reach the storage room, she hands him a thin wire.

“I saw you mess with one of these before. Think you can do it?”

He takes the wire, focusing as he tries to get the lock open. His brows furrowed as he works, unaware that Jina has discreetly pulled out her phone, sending a quick text.

Jina: He’s here. Keep watch.

Outside, a tall man leans casually against a lamppost near the café, watching through the window, waiting for the right moment.

Hongjoong is still working on the lock when Jina suddenly steps closer, pretending to peer over his shoulder. She tilts her head, letting her hair brush against him, positioning herself just right.

And then, right when she sees the man lift his phone, she leans in even more, her lips dangerously close to Hongjoong’s cheek.

“Almost there,” The man mutters, oblivious to how it looks from the outside.

The lock finally gives in, and Hongjoong straightens up, triumphant.

“There, it’s open.”

Jina beam “You’re a lifesaver!” She says, throwing her arms around him in an exaggerated hug.

And just like that, flash—The man captures the perfect shot. From the angle he took it, it looked exactly like they were sharing an intimate moment.

Hongjoong checks the time again and feels his stomach drop. He had stayed way longer than he meant to.

“Shit, I have to go,” He says, pulling away from Jina’s hold.

Jina pouts, but inwardly she is smirking “Leaving already? Come on, stay for a drink. It’s not like you’re in a rush.”

“I am in a rush,” He snaps, already heading for the door.

Jina watches him go, waiting until he is far enough before pulling out her phone and sending a message.

Jina: Done. He’s on his way, but I made sure he’s late.

The reply is instant.

Bastard Park: Perfect. Time to deliver the final blow.

With a satisfied smirk, he sends the picture to you.

And just like that, the trap is complete.

✮ ⋆

As soon as Hongjoong steps out of the café, he pulls out his phone to check the time—and his heart plummets.

It was way past the time he was supposed to meet you.

“Shit,” He mutters under his breath, breaking into a sprint toward the restaurant.

His mind races, a thousand apologies already forming in his head. Maybe you are still there, waiting. Maybe he can explain. Maybe you’d understand.

But when he arrives, the small restaurant is nearly empty. The table he had reserved was cleared, no sign of you anywhere.

Hongjoong’s chest tightens. He runs a hand through his hair, breath still uneven as he turns in all directions, hoping—praying—that you are just running late too.

He pulls out his phone to call you, but there is no answer. He tries again.

Straight to voicemail.

He knows he needs to find you, to explain. But deep down, something tells him that the damage is already done.

And this time, he doesn’t know if he can fix it.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

You barely sleep, your body is exhausted, but your mind is restless. You hadn’t felt this empty in years, the heaviness of betrayal dragging you into a deep, silent pit.

The house is quiet as you sit down for breakfast, your eyes barely lifting from your plate. Your mother sits across from you, picking at her food.

“Sweetie,” Your mother calls softly, breaking the silence “Have you heard from Hongjoong?”

Your chest tightens at the mention of his name, the flash of the photo still burning in your mind. You don’t want to talk about him—not today.

Not after everything that happened last night.

“Please don’t.” You mutter under your breath, pushing your plate aside, and voice cracking from the strain of holding back the flood of emotions.

Your mother raises an eyebrow, confused “What do you mean?”

You snap, your patience finally unraveling “Don’t ask me about him, I don't want to talk about him.”

Your voice comes out sharp, harder than you meant, but it was too late to take the words back.

Your mother’s face stiffs, hurt flashing in her eyes “Sweetie, what's going on? Something happened between you or—”

“I don’t want to hear his fucking name, again!” You spit, not caring if you are crossing a line.

The silence in the room grows thick and heavy. Mike, who had been leaning against the kitchen door frame, watching the scene unfold, finally speaks up, his voice cold and sharp, a sign of his anger brewing beneath the surface.

“Watch your mouth, YN,” He growls “You think you can talk to our mother like that?”

Your eyes flick to your brother. There it is. The fury in his gaze is palpable, and you know what is coming.

He always had a short temper, and whenever things didn’t go his way, he couldn’t control his rage.

And every person in this family knows it.

"Mind your own fucking business, Mike."

“That’s it,” Mike snarls, his hand gripping your arm with force making you gasp in pain “You think you can speak to me like that in front of our mother? You’re just as worthless as I always knew.”

“Mike, stop!” Your mother shouts, but it’s too late.

Mike drags you by the arm, the grip tight and punishing, as he pulls you toward the stairs. You struggle against him, your heels slipping on the marble floor, but Mike’s anger is a force that can’t be ignored.

Your parents’ voices ring out from behind, frantic and desperate.

“Mike, let her go! This is insane!”

But he doesn’t listen. He doesn’t care. The only thing that matters is the fury building inside him, and he isn’t about to stop.

Due to the screaming scandal, the employees and even Dann left their duties to see what is happening to the Clarke family.

“Mike! What are you doing?” Your mother shouts, but Mike doesn't respond.

He is beyond words now, his anger blinding him, consuming him.

Your vision blurs with anger and pain, you want to scream, to lash out, but you can’t. You can’t do anything except let him drag you up the stairs, your feet barely touching the steps.

Dann stands in the hallway, frozen, her wide eyes lock on the scene. She can hear her heart thumping in her chest, but she can’t bring herself to move, to intervene.

What is he doing? What’s happening?

Before everyone can react, your scream resonates in the immense house.

“Let go of me!” You scream, trying to break free, but his hand is like a vice around your arm. It’s raw, desperate.

Dann’s stomach lurch as the scream echoes in her ears. The sound of footsteps grows louder, and desperate shouts. Her breath hitches, she isn't the type to get involved, but this time she moves instinctively, stepping behind Clarke's family and some other maids.

“Mike, stop! What are you doing?!”

It’s your mother’s voice. Desperate.

With one swift motion, Mike shoves you into your room and slams the door, locking it behind him, the sound of it echoing through the house.

Dann’s gaze flicks towards the other maids, all of them looking as stunned as her, eyes wide with fear unsure if they should help or stay away from this.

Your parents’ frantic knocks fill the air.

“Mike, open this door right now!” Your father screams.

“Calm down, and stop this!” Your mother cries out.

But Mike is past caring. The door remains shut.

Inside, the room feels suffocating. Mike’s eyes are wild, his hands trembling with rage as he advances on you.

You back away, trying to create distance, but he is too fast.

His fist connects with your face in a brutal slap, sending you stumbling back into the wall. The sharp pain blooms on your cheek, but it’s nothing compared to the twisted fury that burns in his eyes.

“Why do you always act like you're better than everyone?” Mike hisses, his voice low and venomous “You think you can get away with everything? I hate you. I hate everything about you.”

You try to steady yourself, the tears threatening to spill, but you refuse to let him see you break.

You wipe your mouth, your body shaking with suppressed anger “What the fuck is wrong with you? Why are you doing this?!”

Mike’s eyes flares with rage “I don’t need a fucking reason!” He screams back, his foot crashing into your leg, sending you collapsing into the floor “You’re nothing but a spoiled, ungrateful little bitch.”

Your heart pounds in your chest, your breath coming in ragged gasps. You try to scramble away from him, but he’s relentless, towering over you, his rage completely uncheck.

“You’re sick! Stop this shit, Mike!”

The words only seem to make him angrier. He leans down, grabbing you by the hair and yanking your head back.

“I’m the one in control here,” He snarls “And you’re nothing.”

✩

Outside the room, the sound from inside—yelling, screams, and the harsh, guttural thudding of fists—is unmistakable and your parents continue to knock, their voices becoming more desperate by the second.

“Please help me open the door!”

The head of the family screams to the staff around when the noise intensifies as Mike shouts again, this time inaudible, followed by the sickening sound of something crashing. Dann freezes, her feet rooted to the floor.

“Mike, please!” Your mother cries, her voice trembling “You need to stop! This isn’t the way! Please—!”

Dann’s breath hitches in her throat as she sees your mother, looking frantic, her face pale with fear.

Your father is right behind her, both of them calling Mike’s name, their voices pleading, but it’s clear he isn’t listening.

“Mike open the fucking door!” He shouts again, his voice no longer calm but desperate.

He bangs his fist against the wood, as if trying to break it open, but it doesn’t work. The door doesn’t budge.

Everyone can hear your muffled screams from inside. They are weak, strain, each one like a stab to the chest.

Dann is shocked, she hadn’t heard you like this before—not ever. You were usually strong, always the one who stood tall, the queen bee who ruled every room she entered.

To hear you reduced to this? It 's too much.

“Let me in!” Your mother pleads, the desperation in her voice rising.

But Mike remains silent behind the door. Then, a sickening crash. The sound of something heavy hitting the floor.

Dann’s hands tremble as she grabs the edge of the railing, her thoughts spinning. She wants to run, to leave, to shut her eyes and pretend she didn’t hear the violence unfolding in your room.

She wants to be anywhere but here.

But there is something else in her chest—something that feels like guilt. A pang of regret so sharp it made her chest ache.

She had helped Mike. She had been a part of his anger, his manipulation. She had stood by and allowed him to act like this, but now, seeing you suffer...

For the first time, Dann wonders if she’d made a terrible mistake. She knew that Mike was rigorous, but this? This is beyond anything she had expected.

“Please, Mike. Open the door! You’re hurting her! Don’t you see what you’re doing?”

Dann could hear the desperation in their voice. Your father—who always seemed so in control, so unwavering—is breaking down.

But still, Mike doesn’t respond.

✩

A bitter smirk curls on your lips. Even as pain burns through your body, you refuse to look away.

"You’re in control? Why didn't you say the same to Hannah?"

The air in the room shatters.

Everything stops.

Mike’s breath stills. His grip on your hair freezes.

Then, without warning—

His hands snap around your throat.

The force slams your head against the floor. White bursts across your vision, pain shooting through your skull. His fingers dig into your skin, cutting off your air in an instant.

Your body jerks, instincts taking over as your hands claw at his wrists, but he doesn’t budge.

"Don’t—" His voice is raw, feral. "—say her fucking name!"

Your lungs burn, chest heaves, but nothing comes in.

You can’t breathe.

A choked, gurgling sound escapes your lips.

For the first time—true, undiluted fear slams into you.

This time, he’s really going to kill you.

✩

The muffled sounds of struggle are alarming enough. But the silence that follows—the eerie, heavy pause—makes Dann’s stomach drop.

She lingers in the hallway with the other maids, hushed whispers mixing with the tense air. The entire house staff is frozen, eyes darting toward the closed door..

Then she hears it—

A sharp thud. A desperate, choking gasp. And the suffocating, terrifying silence.

Just as she is about to move and help, one big man that she never saw before, shoves her aside, frantically searching for something, anything, to break the door down.

“Get back!” He shouts, and then with a final, desperate push, he manages to get the door open.

The sight that greeted them inside is nothing short of horrific.

Mike is on top of you, his hands wrapped around your throat. Your body jerks violently, fingers clawing at his arms, legs kicking weakly against the floor trying to fight back, but his strength is above yours.

Everyone's face turned a terrifying shade of red.

"Oh my god..." Dann breathes, horror flooding her veins.

This is not what she signed up for. She wanted to hurt you, to knock you down from your pedestal, to humiliate you. But this?

This is fucking murder.

Your eyes are wide, body twitching, struggling to hold on.

And Dann’s stomach twists violently at the sight.

"Mike, stop!" Your mother screams.

He doesn’t flinch. His grip doesn’t loosen. His body doesn’t move. It’s like he’s completely gone.

You let out a strangled, rasping noise. Your movements are slowing.

Dann’s heart slams against her ribs. He’s really going to kill you. But she can't move… she can't do anything.

Desperate, your father and some male staff lunges forward and grabs at Mike’s arms, trying to yank him away.

"You’re going to kill her!" Your mother sobs, panic clawing at her throat.

Nothing.

Mike doesn’t even acknowledge her. His expression is blank—twisted—like he isn’t even there anymore.

Suddenly, your body stops jerking.

Panic shoots through everyone in the room.

And Dann doesn’t think—she just acts.

With everything she has, she runs to where the scene is happening and sinks her nails into Mike’s wrist and bites down on his arm, hard.

Mike roars in pain. His grip finally snaps open, and your body heaves as air rushes back into your lungs.

You collapse onto the floor, coughing violently, gasping for breath.

"Sweetie! Get out of my way, Mike!” Your mother says, her voice icy as she moves to check on you.

But Mike doesn’t move. He just stands there, watching them all like they are beneath him.

“My baby…” She cries, pulling you to her lap.

Mike stumbles back, chest heaving. His dazed expression flickers between confusion and rage, pupils blown wide.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?!" Your father shrieks, voice shaking "You almost killed her!"

Mike barely even looks at him "She deserved it."

The words hit Dann like a slap.

She stumbles back, unable to speak. Her thoughts racing, but none of them make sense.

She had never seen Mike like this before. She had never seen him hurt anyone like this before. The boy who had always been tough—yes—but this? This is something else.

“You crossed the line, Mike!!” This time your mother shouts.

“I didn’t do anything wrong.” He mutters, voice low and trembling.

Dann’s legs give way, and she sinks to the floor, tears spilling down her face.

She had helped him. She had believed in him.

But now, in the midst of all this chaos, she realizes that she has been wrong. She has been an accomplice in something that she can't even begin to justify.

Dann can’t help but feel the full weight of what she has done—the guilt, the shame, and the realization that she has let the worst happen under her watch.

A tall man rushes in, followed by security, followed by more maids whispering in hushed, horrified tones.

The room erupts into chaos.

Dann reaches out, hands trembling as she tries to touch you, to help you.

But you, still coughing, still shaking, slap her hand away.

"Don’t touch me." You rasp, voice hoarse.

Even in your state you seek to be closer to your mother, and so you do, you get closer until her arms are tightly around you. You turn slightly, looking straight at Mike.

Your expression is unreadable, your lips are swollen, skin bruised, but your eyes—

Your eyes are filled with something deadly.

And then you do something that makes Dann’s blood freeze.

You smile.

It’s slow, broken—full of bitter, quiet rage.

"Now that was dramatic," Your rasp voice is laced with mockery "All because of a name?"

Mike’s face twists. For a second, he looks like he might attack again. But security grabs him, forcing him back.

Your mother turns to the guards, voice sharp with panic "Get him out of here!"

Mike thrashes for a moment, then suddenly stills. His expression remains unreadable, but his eyes stay locked on you.

And for the first time since the night began—

Dann sees fear in them.

You have won.

Not by fighting back. Not by screaming.

But by surviving.

And as you sit there in your mother's arms, breathless, broken, smiling—Dann realizes something terrifying.

It’s not the first time this has happened.

Your way of acting is not in accordance with what has just happened. It's almost like you're used to it by now.

And she is sure that you aren't going to let this go. You’re going to destroy him.

And Dann?

Dann just picked the losing side.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

The mansion is eerily quiet after the chaos. The tension lingers like an unshakable presence, seeping into every corner of the house.

You sit on your massive bed, your mother beside you, dabbing a cold cloth against your bruised throat. The older woman’s hands tremble slightly, her usual composure cracked by today’s events.

Your father stands near the window, arms crossed, his face unreadable as he stares outside.

In the kitchen, the maids whisper in hushed voices, and their faces pale as they recount what had just transpired.

Dann sits frozen with her mother at her side, both overwhelmed by what they’ve learned.

"This isn't the first time," One of the older maids murmurs "Mister Mike has always had... temper issues. But he used to just slap Miss YN when they argued. Never like this. Never... this violent."

Dann’s breath catches in her throat. Slaps? Before he left for Germany? Her stomach churns. She was aware of Mike being intense, but she never considered that he might have actually hurt you before today.

Another maid, older and wise beyond her years, sighs, shaking her head.

"I remember the last time it happened. Miss YN didn't cry. She never does. She just took it, and when he was gone, she smiled like nothing had happened. But this time... this time was different. He went too far."

“Our little girl it’s been through a lot because of her brother.”

Dann’s mother tightens her grip on Dann’s arm, impressed by the information. Never in all her years of working for the upper class had she witnessed such a scene

Therefore, Dann keeps thinking about your reaction—about the way you smiled. A slow, broken, bitter smile that sent chills down her spine.

You weren't just going to let this go.

✮ ⋆

Inside your room, you finally move. You reach for your phone with shaky fingers and open a group chat that only has two contacts—Wooyoung and Mindy.

YN♡: It 's happening again.

A few seconds later, they respond.

Babe Min: That motherfucker!

Brat Woo: We’re on our way, babydoll.

You smile, click out of the chat, and call one of the maids who usually attends the front door.

"Do not let anyone in except Wooyoung and Mindy. No one. Understand?"

"Yes, Miss YN."

You sigh, exhausted. Your phone keeps buzzing—dozens of missed calls and messages from Hongjoong since yesterday night.

Joongie♡: YN, please answer me.

Joongie♡: Let me explain everything to you.

Joongie♡: Please, pretty. I’m so sorry.

You stare at the screen before shutting your phone off entirely. You aren't in the mood to talk to him.

Not now. Not today.

You lean back against the pillows, your fingers grazing the bruises on your neck.

You close your eyes.

Mike had made a mistake today, and you aren't going to let this go.

✮ ⋆

When Mindy and Wooyoung arrived, they didn't need anyone to guide them through your house. They had been here a thousand times before—through grand parties, sleepovers, and nights of shared secrets.

But today, the air feels different. Heavy. The grandeur of the mansion, usually welcoming in its cold luxury, seems suffocating.

The maids barely acknowledge them as they walk in, a clear sign of the chaos that had unfolded just hours ago. Wooyoung gives a small nod to one of the familiar staff members, but she only bows slightly before hurrying away.

Neither him nor Mindy speak as they ascend the wide marble staircase. They know where to find you.

Your room is at the end of the hall, the massive double doors usually standing slightly ajar when you are in a good mood.

Today, they are shut tight. Wooyoung and Mindy exchange a look before Mindy knocks lightly.

No answer.

Woo sighs, twisting the handle and pushing the door open.

The dim lighting cast soft shadows across the space, the only source of real illumination being the faint glow from the lamp by the bed. You are lying there, curled on your side, back to the door.

You aren't asleep. They can tell by the way your shoulders tensed slightly at the sound of them entering.

Mindy walks over first, sitting on the edge of the bed. Wooyoung follows, standing at the foot, arms crossed.

“Babe,” Mindy says softly.

For a moment, it seemed like you wouldn’t answer. Then, your voice came, quiet but steady.

“It happened again.”

Mindy and Wooyoung share a glance. They know exactly what you meant.

Wooyoung clenches his jaw “Tell us everything.”

You inhale deeply before rolling onto your back, staring at the ceiling. They look in horror at the bruises that cover your neck and the slight wounds on your face.

This went beyond what it usually was.

“Since he returned.” You start, voice eerily calm “He has done nothing but make horrible comments and make my life almost impossible.”

Woo exhales sharply. He had always known about Mike’s temper, but hearing you say it so plainly—so matter-of-factly—makes his stomach churn.

Mindy, quiet and attentive, reaches for your hand “When was the first one?”

You let out a dry chuckle “A month ago at his party, after his grandiose speech I went out to the courtyard to smoke a little.”

Mindy nods, her grip tightening “That night?”

“He caught me, and slapped me across the face like I was some misbehaving child,” You say bitterly “He said I was embarrassing him and our family.”

Wooyoung swears under his breath, pacing slightly.

“Then the next time, someone sent him a video of me smoking weed at the club a couple of days ago. I dont know who the fuck sent him that, we were the only ones in the vip room. Anyways; he cornered me when I arrived, and called me a cheap whore, and when I talked back—” You gesture vaguely at your cheek “Another fucking slap.”

Mindy’s jaw tightened “I didn't believe your story of falling on the stairs at all, I already suspected that Mike had done something. Why didn't you just tell me that my suspicions were correct, YN?”

You shrug “Not like you could have stopped him.”

Wooyoung runs a hand through his hair, frustrated “But today—today was different, wasn’t it? He's slapped you before, but this is being a fucking asshole.”

Silence stretches between them, thick with unspoken words. Then, you sit up slightly, your tone shifting.

“And as if that wasn’t enough, Hongjoong has been acting differently, too.”

Mindy frowns, nodding “We have noticed, what's wrong with him?”

You scoff “Since I gave him a chance and since we fucked.” You scoff “The stupid rumor at school became true.”

Wooyoung raises a brow, but says nothing.

“He’s been weird. Distant sometimes. Sweet other times. I don’t know what to make of it,” You admit, frustration creeping into your voice “And then yesterday, he invited me on a date to explain everything, but never showed up.”

Mindy’s brows furrow “Did he say why?”

“No… But Seonghwa sent me something.”

You reach for your phone on the nightstand, unlock it, and hand it to them. On the screen is a picture—a blurry yet unmistakable image of Hongjoong in a café, hugging a girl.

Wooyoung stiffs immediately, his eyes narrowing “That place… that’s a café Hwa likes to go to.”

“You recognize it?”

Wooyoung nods slowly, his mind working “And that girl… she looks familiar.”

Mindy leans in, squinting “Where do you know her from?”

Wooyoung exhales, rubbing his temple “I don’t know. I know that she works in that cafe, I've seen her elsewhere, but I can’t remember where.”

You groan in frustration, flopping back onto the bed “Great.”

Mindy places a hand on your arm. “Babe… Do you think Seonghwa is messing with you? It’s strange that he sent you that photo.”

“Maybe. But I don’t trust Hongjoong either.”

Woo crosses his arms “So what now?”

You turn your head to look at both of them “Now?” A slow, bitter smirk spreads across your face “Now, I play my own game. Woo, I need you to go to that place and find out who that slut is. Also, try to remember where you've seen her.”

“Got it, babydoll.” He nods with a sly smile.

“Babe, try to find who sent that video to Mike and have Seonghwa in your sight… I don't know why, but since you said he talked with Dann at the party, it concerned me.”

“Sure thing, babe.”

“Thanks, guys. For everything.” You say sincerely as you open your arms.

They smile as they lean in, carefully embarrassing you in a hug.

“No worries, babydoll. We will help you with that fucking brother you have.”

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Hongjoong stands outside the grand gates of Clarke’s estate, his hands clenches into fists. The cold iron bars seem more impenetrable than ever, as if they are physically barring him from your life.

He has been trying to reach you all week, but every call went to voicemail. Every text remained unanswered.

He exhales sharply and walks up to the main entrance, where one of the maids, an older woman with a neutral expression, steps forward to greet him.

“Hi, Can I see YN?” He asks politely, although he already knows what answer he will receive.

The maid hesitates before giving a slight bow “I’m sorry, but Miss YN has ordered that no visitors be allowed.”

His jaw tightens “I just need five minutes, I really need to talk to her.”

The maid’s face remains unreadable, she has seen him almost every day this week and he is still firm on seeing you.

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that.”

Frustration surges through him “Can you at least give her a message? Tell her I—”

“She will not receive messages either.”

Hongjoong runs a hand through his hair, exhaling sharply. He had expected you to be upset, but not to shut him out completely.

He wasn’t giving up. Digging into his pocket, he pulls out a small, carefully wrapped box.

“Fine,” He mutters “At least, can you give her this, please?”

The maid hesitates before nodding, taking the gift from him. Without another word, she turns and disappears into the house.

Hongjoong stands there for a moment longer, hoping—praying—that you would change your mind and come to see him. But the doors remain closed.

With a frustrated sigh, he turns and walks away.

He is not going to give up.

✮ ⋆

When you receive the package, you sit on the edge of your bed, staring at it in silence.

A gift.

Just like every time your parents had done something wrong, and instead of real apologies, they showered you with expensive gifts to make up for it.

Your fingers tremble slightly as you unwrap it, revealing a delicate silver necklace with a small charm—a butterfly.

It 's beautiful and thoughtful, but it isn’t what you need.

Tears prick your eyes as you set the necklace down beside you, your stomach twisting with a familiar pain.

You close your eyes, swallowing down the lump in your throat.

You aren’t going to let yourself be bought by him.

Not Hongjoong.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Dann grips the strap of her bag tightly as she stands in the empty hall of the big house, her heart hammering.

Mike leans against the grand piano, his usual mask of cold confidence in place, fingers lazily tapping against the polished wood.

“I was wondering when you’d stop avoiding me,” He says casually, though there’s a sharpness underneath.

Dann swallows “I wasn’t—”

He tilts his head, cutting her off “You were.” His eyes narrow “And I don’t like being ignored.”

Dann clenches her fists “What do you want?”

Mike’s lips curve into something that might look like a smile to someone who didn’t know better.

“What do you think I want? I want you to stop acting like you suddenly grew a conscience.”

Dann’s throat tightens “YN didn’t deserve that. You—”

“I what?” His voice turns ice-cold, and he pushes off the piano, stepping toward her “Are you going to tell me what a monster I am, Dann? How unfair I was to my dear little sister?” His voice drips with mockery.

Dann takes a step back. Mike watches her with something like amusement, but it doesn’t reach his eyes.

“Let’s not forget our arrangement.” Dann stiffens “In case you need reminding,” He continues smoothly, “My parents gave your mother a job, and I'm the reason your scholarship even exists. And just as easily as I gave you all of that…” His voice lowers, full of quiet threat “I can take it all away.”

Dann’s breath catches “You wouldn’t.”

Mike raises an eyebrow “Wouldn’t I? You see what happened to YN. right?”

Silence stretches between them, suffocating. Dann feels like she’s being held under water, forced to swallow the reality of her situation.

“…What do you want me to do?” She finally asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

He smiles again “That’s more like it. Start finding more info about YN, I don't care what, but give me something to make her break completely.” Dann feels sick, she meets Mike’s expectant gaze “Find out what you can, and make sure you tell me first.”

Dann exhales shakily, she has no choice.

At school, she feels lost, she feel like throwing up everytime she thinks of Mike and his threats. How did you handle him all these years?

Her stomach churns.

She should have expected this. She did expect this. Mike was never going to let her walk away. But after what he did to you… after what she helped him do…

Her hands shake. She tells herself she didn’t really have a choice. That it wasn’t her who locked you in that room, who let that horrible scene unfold.

But wasn’t it?

Wasn’t she the one who fed Mike information in the first place? The one who stood by while you screamed on the other side of that door?

A lump forms in her throat, and she presses her back against the cold metal lockers, squeezing her eyes shut.

You didn’t deserve that.

You, who—despite everything—have a reason to act like you do.

And now, Mike wanted her to do it all over again.

A soft laugh escapes her, bitter and humorless. She thought this deal with Seonghwa was her using him, that she was playing the game instead of being a pawn.

But the truth is…

She was never going to win against people like them.

But here she is, throwing you to the wolves.

Again.

But if she doesn’t her mother loses her job. Her scholarship is gone. Everything she fought for—everything she sacrificed—wasted.

A deep, shuddering breath. Dann closes her eyes.

I’m sorry, YN.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Taglist: @m0onchild-98 @domfikeluva @l0vjoongie @mrskill2 @stayatinykatsy @badbitch69420sworld @lunaryoongie @certifiedmoa @jilxxasu @alliecoady98 @maidens-world @Lemonkait00 @yulsr @justconniez @luvvvash @zaynsfl4m3s @nkryuki @boomzen @silenttrxxs @blue5ummer @khaskl08 @unbroken-shadows @vnxlla @latisthegenderfluidwannabealone @milliesupremexx @xh01bri @a-atiny_niawoo @winterstuf @lezleeferguson-120 @beabatiny @yothangie @lover-of-fics @mingipessego @Ycuhugi @posseup @0407files @cheolright @yeorisanaxox @innocygnet @a-tiny-thing @sannieily @maplelilly05 @ddeonugu @niaee @yunhogrippers @unbroken-shadows

☆○☆○☆○

All rights reserved ♡bunny-hwa. Do not copy or translate my work.

𓇼 𝘈𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘻 𝘍𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘌𝘱.𝘚𝘪𝘹 𓇼 𓆞 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𓆞 𓇼 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘴/𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴/𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𓇼

𓇼 𝘰𝘵8/𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Dramatic Ass - @srslyscary ot8 x reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Friends!? - @starillusion13 poly!yandere!ot8 x reader (series) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 From Storm To Sunrise - @ad0rechuu yungi x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Game Over - @mingi-s-dimples topaz x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Gone - @srslyscary mafia!ateez x mafia!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘬𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘫𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Forgotten Melodies - @vampwritesstuff non-idol!hongjoong x reader (smau series) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Glares & Snuggles - @skrrts non-idol!hongjoong x gn!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Guns & Kisses - @hee0soo mafia boss!hongjoong x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Guns and Tiaras - @crimsonbubble mafia!hongjoong x reader (thoughts) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Hades - @lilacmingi hades!hongjoong x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘸𝘢 𓇼  𓈒𓏸 Inner children - @xuchiya non-idol!seonghwa x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Lego Friday - @solaris-amethyst non-idol!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Little Brat - @mingtinysworld bf!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Maleficent - @lilacmingi maleficent!seonghwa x princess!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Me And My Husband - @the-midnight-blooms ceo!dad!seonghwa x scientist!mom!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘫𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓆞 Luck - @minkieater non-idol!yandere!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Morning Buddy - @everyonewooeverywhere bf!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 My Home - @yunniverse bf!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Office Secrets - @xomakara manager!yunho x employee!reader 𓆞 𓆞 Perhaps In Another Life - @outlawinthisworld1117 priest!yunho x fleabag!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Thunder Buddies - @yeonmuse non-idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Until I Found You [Part One] [Part Two] - @edenesth prince!yeosang x princess!reader (two-parts) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Winner Takes It All - @ja3hwa best friend!yeosang x best friend!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Would You Choose Him Over Me? - @solaris-amethyst non-idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 White Silk - @skrrts non-idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘯 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Home is where you are - @evandsolo idol!san x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 In For A Ride - @ssweetreveries non-idol!san x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Kiss, Kiss, Fall In Love - @itstheghostofmypast bf!san x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Kitten Fever - @kitten4sannie hybrid!husband!san x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Late Night - @sweetiesicheng idol!san x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪 𓇼 𓆞 Missing Out - @songmingisthighs dilf!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Mr. Mingi - @sugarnspice630 wonka!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Nail Polish - @atzaurora bf!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Older, Wiser, And Hotter Than Ever - @skrrts non-idol!mingi x gn!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Pretty - @no1likejoongie husband!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘫𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Fried Egg - @jjoongstar chef!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Giggle Fits - @pettypuppy-jonghyun bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 How To Tame A Brat Tamer - @k-hotchoisan non-idol!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 I Can Hear The Sea - @daemour non-idol!wooyoung x gn!reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 I Don't Want Your Sorrys, I Want You Safe - @dvrktvnnel mafia!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘫𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘰 𓇼𓈒 𓏸 Strangers To Friends To Lovers - @adelusionforyourthoughts soloist!jongho x soloist!reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸  𓈒𓏸 Talking To The Moon - @livsateez bounty hunter!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 The Pool - @beenbaanbuun non-idol!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Try Again [Part One] [Part Two] - @edenesth assistant!jongho x new maid!reader (two-parts) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Unspoken Pain - @koyagifs non-idol!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

I’m about to super mario 64 jump into my phone and fight mike and dann, haven’t liked mike from the beginning and dann I’m trying to be understanding cause of what happened, but also i care too much about reader and hongjoong.

speaking of hongjoong my boy be honest with reader please, this is only gonna get worse and i’m gonna end up throwing my phone in frustration cause it’s gonna be a bunch of build up lies.

anyways I enjoyed the chapter like always the next one worries me (all the next chapters are gonna worry me), but first heartbreak ahhhhhhh

keep up the great work! <3

Popular, Boy

☆08: The first lie.

Pairing: Nerd!Hongjoong x Popular!Reader

Genre: +18, smut, agnst, slow burn, drama, dark academic, love triangle.

wc: 8,5k

Summary: Your relationship with Hongjoong takes a new turn, but sooner after, things start to feel off.

Rumors spread, and frustration will consume you.

Warnings: Smut (MDN!!) Switch!Hongjoong, Switch!reader, oral (f receiving) slight handjob, hair pulling, riding, pet names (good boy, pretty, baby) suggestive.

Series masterlist Taglist

☆07 ☆09: The first heartbreak.

You and Dann.

The Clarke mansion is always buzzing with activity, but tonight, Mike had a plan to ensure it was completely empty—except for two specific people.

You sit at the grand dining table, smiling at the photo on your phone screen and the short message attached.

HN: She says: thank you for the toys!!

You let out a soft smile before scrolling through your social media.

On the other side of the table, Mike watches your parents with a casual smile. Your father, ever the businessman, is flipping through his tablet, barely paying attention to his meal, while your mother delicately cuts into her filet mignon.

"You know," Mike begins smoothly, setting down his glass, "It's been a while since we went out together for dinner. Why not go somewhere special tonight? Just us."

Your father lifts an eyebrow "A night out? That's rather sudden, Son."

“Yeah, let's have dinner tonight to celebrate all our achievements as a family.”

“That sounds so nice, Mike.” Your mother says with enthusiasm as she turns to you “Sweetie, we can match our outfits, what about emerald and pearls tonight.”

Before you can say something Mike’s speaks again.

“Actually, I was inviting only you two. YN can do other things.”

You can sense the bitterness in his tone, so you just roll your eyes. Isn't like you want to waste your time at dinner with him.

“But, Mike—” Your mother starts, but you interrupt her.

“Don't worry, Mommy. I don't feel like hanging out today.” You give her a smile waving off.

Your father finally glances up "Where do you have in mind?"

Mike leans forward, feigning nonchalance.

"I made a reservation at The Imperial Orchid at seven. It’s exclusive, elegant, and I hear their sommelier is outstanding. Consider it a small token of appreciation for everything you do."

Your mother exchanges a look with her husband, a subtle curiosity flickering in her eyes. Mike knows them too well.

Your father enjoys luxury, your mother enjoys exclusivity. He had picked the perfect bait.

Your father nods slowly "It does sound appealing."

"Well, that’s very thoughtful of you, dear. I suppose we could use a quiet evening out."

Your mother looks at you with concern but you smile again, so she can go out without worries about you feeling left out.

Mike smirks internally.

Perfect.

✮ ⋆

As the last of the evening sunlight fades, Dann arrives at Mike’s studio, her face still clouded with remnants of anger from earlier. Mike is waiting for her, his usual smirk firmly in place as he watches her enter.

“You’re just in time,” He says, pouring himself another drink “I have one more task for you tonight.”

Dann crosses her arms “What now?”

Mike steps closer, his voice dropping to a whisper.

“I know it’s cruel of me to force you into this, Dann, but you have to make sure they have sex.”

Dann’s breath catches in her throat “What?”

“You heard me,” Mike continues smoothly, tilting his head “YN is predictable. She’s been waiting for the perfect excuse to pull Hongjoong in closer. And now, with an empty house and him eager to have her forgiveness, it’s going to happen.”

Dann swallows hard, torn between hesitation and the deep-seated anger still burning inside her.

He leans in just a little “Only if they do, we can move forward with the plan.”

Dann clenches her fists but nods “Fine. I’ll do it.”

Mike grins, satisfied. Everything is falling into place.

“Good, see you later then.”

✮ ⋆

YN♡: Come over tonight. You still owe me an apology.

The moment your mother announces that she, your father and Mike won’t be back until later, you seize the opportunity.

An empty house—well, if you ignore the maids—is something you can’t let go to waste.

You smirk as your phone vibrates with a response. You already knew what it would say. He never could resist you.

Joongie♡: I’ll be there in thirty.

Satisfied, you set your phone down and head to the shower, letting the warm water soothe your skin. You take your time, indulging in a long, relaxing bath before stepping out, your mind already set on what comes next.

A pretty white lingerie set—delicate lace, soft satin—makes you look innocent, almost angelic. The irony makes you smile.

You add lacy stockings, white heels, the perfect complement to the illusion of purity you’re crafting. With a final touch of mascara and lip gloss, you stare at your reflection, knowing exactly the effect this will have on him.

Are you putting in all this effort for a gorgeous nerd?

Yes, you are.

A silk robe drapes over your body, shielding the little surprise you’ve prepared. You don’t even know why you’re trying so hard—why the thought of him seeing you like this sends an unfamiliar flutter through your stomach.

A soft knock at the door pulls you from your thoughts.

His voice follows, hesitant but warm "Pretty?"

One last glance in the mirror, one deep breath, and you step toward the door.

The second you open it, Hongjoong’s sweet smile falters. His eyes widen, sweeping over you in stunned silence. Leaning casually against the doorframe, you look effortless, untouchable—until you decide otherwise.

"Took you long enough, nerd." You tease, stepping aside to let him in.

He swallows hard, quickly averting his gaze "I had to make sure my mom believes my lie."

You arch a brow "You lied to your mom? What did you tell her?"

"Pretty, it’s almost eight," He mutters, rubbing the back of his neck "If I told her I was coming here, she’d start making assumptions. So I told her I was going to the movies with Yunho and Yeosang."

You tilt your head, amused "So you lied… just to make it up to me?" You step closer, fingers lightly tugging at the collar of his shirt "Right?"

Hongjoong exhales sharply, his resolve crumbling under your touch.

"Yeah…"

A victorious smile curves your lips

"Then prove it."

You turn and walk to the bed, sitting at the edge with slow, deliberate ease, watching as he hesitates. You pat your thigh, tilting your chin up

"Kneel."

His breath catches.

For a second, he doesn’t move, like his brain short-circuited at the command. You can practically hear his internal battle—his nerves screaming at him to overthink, to doubt, but his obsession with you outweighing everything else.

Then, as if pulled by an invisible string, he obeys.

Hongjoong kneels between your legs, hands clenched at his sides, gaze locked onto yours with a mixture of awe and pure, unfiltered longing.

He looks so shy, so adorably uncertain, like he can’t believe he’s here, like he doesn’t know where to start.

"You’re nervous," You murmur, your fingers trailing along his jawline.

He exhales shakily "You… You make it hard to think."

"Good."

You lean in, your lips ghosting over his, teasing but not quite giving in. He whimpers—an actual whimper—his fingers twitching against his thighs as if fighting the urge to touch you.

You smirk, dragging your nails lightly down his arms.

"Relax, Joongie."

But he’s trembling, overwhelmed, his whole body wound tight like a spring.

"I— I don’t wanna mess this up," He admits, his voice laced with vulnerability.

That softens you.

You cup his face, your thumb brushing over his cheek before trailing down, lower, your touch both gentle and deliberate.

"You won’t," You assure him "Just stop holding back."

And when you finally kiss him—really kiss him—he melts.

Because no matter how nervous he is, no matter how much he overthinks, there’s one thing he knows for sure.

He’d do anything to prove himself to you.

The kiss deepens, slow and deliberate, and you feel the way he shivers beneath your touch. His hands, still hesitant, finally find your waist, gripping the fabric of your robe as if grounding himself.

You pull back just enough to study him—flushed cheeks, parted lips, pupils blown wide with desire and uncertainty.

God, he’s adorable.

Then, your fingers reach up, and before he can react, you slide his glasses off.

Hongjoong stiffens "W-Wait—"

You hush him with a finger against his lips "You won’t need these tonight."

You fold the glasses and set them aside on the nightstand, watching the way he blinks rapidly, disoriented.

Without them, his gaze is softer, more vulnerable, as if you’ve stripped away yet another layer of his defenses.

"I… I can barely see you," He admits, flustered.

You smirk, running your hands through his hair before tugging lightly.

"Then feel me."

A strangled sound escapes him, and you swear you can see his last bit of restraint snap.

His hands tighten on your waist, his lips crashing back onto yours with newfound desperation. This time, he isn’t hesitating. He’s learning, exploring—his touch still unsure, but eager.

His kisses grow bolder, and when you shift, pulling him closer, he groans against your mouth, a sound so raw it makes your stomach flip.

"YN…" He breathes, your name falling from his lips like a plea, like a prayer.

You grin against his skin, dragging your nails lightly down his back, and he shudders, pressing himself closer.

"Good boy," You murmur, and the way his breath hitches tells you everything you need to know.

He’s completely, utterly yours and lost in you now.

The moment you murmur ‘Good boy,’ Hongjoong practically melts against you, his grip tightening, his breath uneven. His entire body responds to your touch, to your words, as if he’s been waiting for this—for you—to finally consume him.

His lips trail down your neck, hesitant at first, then bolder when you don’t stop him. Every movement is cautious, like he’s afraid to mess up, but you guide him effortlessly, tilting your head to give him more access.

"You're thinking too much," You whisper, threading your fingers through his hair and tugging slightly.

A soft groan escapes him, and his hands tighten on your waist.

"I just… I wanna do this right," He admits, his voice thick with emotion.

You lean back slightly, taking in the sight of him—flushed, breathless, pupils blown wide with desire and uncertainty. He’s so desperate to prove himself to you, to show you that he can be enough.

That he is enough.

Your fingers trail down his chest, slow and deliberate.

"You already are."

Hongjoong exhales shakily, his gaze flickering between your eyes and your lips. He’s still nervous, still overthinking—so you do what you do best.

You take control.

With a push, he’s on his knees before you, his hands resting on your thighs, looking up at you with something between awe and devotion.

"YN…" His voice is barely a whisper, but the way he says your name sends a shiver down your spine.

You cup his face, tilting it up so he has no choice but to look at you.

"You're mine, nerd."

Your voice is soft but firm—a quiet promise, a claim.

Hongjoong’s breath stutters, his hands tightening around your legs as if anchoring himself. His pupils are blown wide, his lips parted in something between reverence and disbelief.

"Yours," He breathes, like it’s the easiest thing he’s ever said.

And that’s all you need.

You pull him back up, claiming his lips once more. This time, there’s no hesitation, no restraint. You feel the shift in him—the anticipation, the desperation, the sheer need.

His hands tremble slightly as they slide up your arms, fingertips ghosting over the silk of your robe before carefully pushing it off your shoulders. It pools onto the mattress, forgotten.

When he pulls away, he doesn’t speak. He just looks at you, drinking you in, his breath caught somewhere in his throat.

Your lingerie leaves little to the imagination, and yet, to him, it’s everything.

He doesn’t know where he finds the confidence, doesn’t know what possesses him to move the way he does—but suddenly, his grip on your hips tightens. In a swift, uncalculated motion, he pushes you up the bed, his strength surprising even himself.

Your breath catches.

Fuck, that was hot.

"So you want me to apologize?" His voice is lower now, rougher, laced with something unfamiliar yet thrilling.

You blink, caught off guard. His shyness is gone, replaced by something bold, something raw. And you like it.

A smirk curves your lips "Yeah… Show me how much you want my forgiveness."

His answering smile is slow, teasing, almost wicked. It makes heat pool in your stomach, makes your fingers curl against the sheets.

And then he’s kissing you again—harder, deeper. This time, there’s no hesitation, no second-guessing.

Lust fuels every movement, every touch. His hand finds the curve of your waist, gripping just enough to make you gasp against his mouth. The other stays planted beside your head, keeping him steady.

When he pulls away, his breathing is ragged, his lips swollen and pink.

"Can I touch you?" His voice is barely above a whisper, yet it sends a shiver down your spine.

You blink up at him, momentarily confused—until you feel the light brush of his fingers at the hem of your lacy panties, tentative, seeking permission.

Your pulse skips.

He’s still your nerd, still the same awkward, blushing boy who would do anything for you.

But tonight, he wants to prove that he’s more.

And you’re going to let him.

You nod without hesitation, anticipation shimmering in your eyes. A slow, confident smile tugs at Hongjoong’s lips—one that sends a shiver down your spine.

His hands move with newfound boldness, sliding the fabric down your hips. You lift yourself slightly, helping him discard the last barrier between you.

Kneeling between your legs, he takes a shaky breath, his fingers grazing over your thighs, tracing the delicate lace of your stockings before pressing into your skin with a firm squeeze.

He has a perfect view of your already wet folds, he tilts his head, his eyes locked in your sticky core. His gaze is fixed—entranced—as if memorizing every inch of you.

You squirm under his stare, warmth creeping up your neck, but when you instinctively try to close your legs, he stops you, his hands tightening around your thighs.

"Don't hide from me," He murmurs, his voice lower than usual, filled with something deeper. Something reverent.

Your breath hitches as he leans in, his lips ghosting over your skin, leaving a trail of heat. You fist the sheets beneath you, trying to steady yourself, but when his tongue takes the first taste of your arousal, a soft gasp escapes your lips, fingers immediately tangling in his hair.

“Joong—” His name falls from your lips in a breathy moan, the sensation making your stomach coil with pleasure.

He hums against you, the vibration sending sparks through your veins. His movements are slow, careful, savoring every drop, every reaction, every shiver he pulls from you.

Your back arches, desperate for more, but before you can beg, he pulls away.

Your protest dies the moment he crashes his lips against yours, stealing your breath in a kiss that’s all tongue, heat, and desperation.

You taste yourself on him, the intimacy of it making your head spin.

"You taste so good, pretty." Hongjoong mutters against your lips, his voice husky. You whimper, trying to chase his lips again, but he chuckles softly "What do you need, baby?"

His words send a new wave of heat through you, your body reacting before your mind can catch up. His voice, his touch—everything about him is intoxicating.

"I need you," You breathe, nails dragging down his back "I need you to fuck me."

Hongjoong’s confidence wavers for the first time tonight. His grip on your waist trembles slightly, his breath uneven.

You watch his Adam’s apple bob as he swallows hard, hesitation flickering behind his dark-rimmed glasses.

Hongjoong has never done this before—at least, not like this. He has no sexual experience, the only experiences he's had are with you, but you didn't go beyond.

Every intimate moment you’ve shared up until now has been a slow buildup of tension.

But this? This is something else. Something bigger.

His fingers twitch against your skin as he exhales shakily, pressing his forehead against yours.

“I don’t want to mess this up.” He confesses, voice barely above a whisper.

Your expression softens. Reaching up, you cup his cheek, brushing your thumb over the flushed skin.

"You won't," You promise, kissing him gently, reassuringly "Just trust me."

And as he looks into your eyes, his nerves slowly melt away, replaced with something else entirely—something that makes your pulse quicken.

Because tonight, he isn’t just the shy nerd who worships you.

Tonight, he’s yours.

You notice the shift in his body language—how his muscles tense, how uncertainty flickers behind his dark eyes.

You know why.

Without hesitation, you shift positions, guiding him onto his back until he’s lying beneath you. Your thighs bracket his hips, your hands resting lightly on his chest as you straddle him.

Hongjoong stares up at you, wide-eyed, breath caught somewhere between surprise and anticipation.

You giggle softly, leaning down so your lips hover just above his.

"Don’t worry, Joongie," You murmur, tracing your fingers over his collarbone "I’ll teach you how to fuck me properly later."

His lips part slightly, but before he can respond, you close the distance, capturing his mouth in another kiss. Slow. Deep. Reassuring.

You pour everything into it—every bit of desire, every bit of unspoken reassurance—silencing any lingering doubts he might have.

You need him to understand that his inexperience doesn’t matter. That you don’t care. The only thing that matters is this.

Him. His first time—his first experience—with you and only you.

You feel him relax beneath you, his hands finally moving, trailing up your sides with a newfound confidence. His grip tightens slightly on your hips, fingers pressing into your skin as if grounding himself in the moment.

Encouraged, you reach for the hem of his jeans, unfastening the button, lowering the zipper with deliberate slowness. He tenses again—but this time, not from hesitation.

His breath hitches when your fingers brush against his already hard crotch, and his grip on you tightens as you start to ease his jeans down, taking his underwear with them.

Fuck, this is really going to happen.

Hongjoong’s mind starts to race in negative thoughts as you take his length in your hand.

‘Don’t mess this up. Where does he put his hands? Is this okay? Should he ask? No, asking sounds lame. But what if—’

“Hongjoong.” You call him, noticing his demeanor. Of course, you do. You always see right through him.

He lets out a shaky breath, looking up at you with nothing but need in his gaze, you know—he’s yours.

“Yes?”

Your fingers brush against his jaw, tilting his face up so your eyes meet. You smirk, your voice low and teasing.

“Relax, nerd. You think too much, if you are nervous you're not going to enjoy it.” You say with tenderness as you lift his shirt, Hongjoong noticing your intentions, sits down to help you to remove it “It’s okay, it’s your first time and I know you are overthinking it.”

You murmur leaning closer to press a soft kiss in his lips, trying to calm him, and it works. He hums kissing you back, his hands now on your thighs and his hips jerking a little.

Your hand never stopped stroking him, making Hongjoong gasp in your mouth.

He closes his eyes lying down again, letting the pleasure invade his body, letting your touch calm him.

You bit your lip at the sight, his pretty face with a grimace of pleasure, his bare chest, his hands gripping your flesh, and his long dick, tip bright red dripping pre-cum.

Shit, you could cum only by seeing him like this.

“Are you ready, babe?” You ask softly, raising your hips to rub his tip in your sticky folds.

He opens his eyes, breathing heavily and locking his eyes with yours. He slowly nods, he's ready to do this, he's ready to give you all of it.

You can see a hint of nervousness in his eyes, so you lean back to kiss him to distract his mind from the first time.

As you kiss you slowly place his tip on your tight hole, you close your eyes at the stretch, it's been a long time since the last time you got intimate with someone.

And that someone was Seonghwa.

Completely sinking on his length, both of you moan. The stretch is exquisite, his long cock filling you completely.

You gasp out his name as you stay still for a moment, letting Hongjoong process it and adjust. His eyes are close and his hands grip your thighs.

“Are you okay? Can I move?” You murmur against his parted lips.

“Y-yes.. you can move.”

He nods, opening his eyes, watching you straighten up and place your hands on his chest for support. Hongjoong lets out a choked whimper when you start moving, the pace is slow but firm.

Immediately his head collapses on the pillow, eyes shut and hands rushing to grab your hips.

Holy fuck, this is better than he imagined the sex would be.

Your hips moving deliciously, your hands on his chest, your head tilting back in pleasure, your little whimpers, the light sound of slapping everytime your bodies connect.

Shit, this is heaven for him.

“Fuck, J-joong… You feel so good.” You pant almost urgently, you take one of his hands to place it directly on one of your breasts “Please touch me, babe..”

And he does, without hesitation he kneads your breast with a firm grip as his other hand gently helps you guide your hips upward.

For Hongjoong the sight is amazing, as you move up and down he is able to see how his cock disappears in your tight cunt.

"Fuck, baby." Hongjoong groans, his voice rough, strained with desire.

Before you can fully process it, he moves—swift and instinctive—flipping you onto your back, his body pressing down against yours.

A surprised gasp leaves your lips, but there’s no hesitation, no resistance. If anything, the shift only sends a new wave of heat flooding through you.

He hovers over you, breath uneven, eyes dark with something raw and unfiltered. His hands find your thighs, gripping tight as he spreads them further apart, settling between them like he was always meant to be there.

The way he looks at you—like he’s seeing you for the first time, like he wants to memorize every inch of you—sends a shiver up your spine.

His lips crash onto yours again, but this time, there’s no hesitation, no uncertainty. Only hunger. A desperate need to be closer, to feel you, to lose himself in you. The kiss deepens, all tongue, heat, and breathless moans.

He pulls away just enough to look at you, his forehead pressing against yours, his grip on your hips tightening as he pushes his dick inside your cunt again.

A broken moan slips from your lips, your fingers immediately flying to his back, nails digging in as he stretches you open.

He groans at the feeling, at the way your body welcomes him so perfectly, so warmly.

“Shit,” Hongjoong gasps, voice trembling as he buries himself deeper “You—fuck... you feel so good.”

Your legs wrap around him, pulling him impossibly closer, your body arching into him as pleasure blooms in waves.

You don’t even have words—just whimpers, just gasps, just the sound of his name spilling from your lips like a prayer.

He starts moving, slow at first, as if savoring every second. But the more you moan, the more you beg for more, the faster, rougher, deeper his thrusts become.

The room is filled with the sound of bodies moving in sync, breathless cries, the rhythmic creaking of the bed beneath you.

And in this moment, nothing else exists—just him, just you, just the overwhelming pleasure of finally having each other like this.

✮ ⋆

Outside, just beyond the door, Dann lingers in the shadows of the hallway. Her heart pounds in her chest as she listens, her fingers curled tightly around the hem of her sweater.

She feels sick. Angry. Humiliated all over again.

But she has a job to do.

She inches closer, careful to keep her footsteps silent against the polished floors. The muffled sound of movement reaches her ears—the rustle of sheets, the creak of the bed frame, your muffled moans.

Her stomach twists.

Carefully, she opens the door, letting a little space to see inside.

She immediately put her hands over her mouth while tears formed in her eyes. That scene in front of her eyes just makes her feel worse than that day at Wooyoung’s party, this time it feels more intimate, something that she shouldn't have been watching…

Something that she would never get to do with him.

‘Make sure they go through with it. We need this to work.’

Dann swallows hard. She shouldn’t be here, shouldn’t be watching, shouldn’t feel like her entire world is crashing down around her.

But she closes the door, she stays.

Because this is just the beginning of your end.

✮ ⋆

Your hands tremble as you cling to him, his body pressed against yours, his warmth surrounding you like a force you never knew you needed this desperately.

“H-hongjoong…”

His name falls from your lips over and over, each syllable carrying the weight of everything you feel—the longing, the surrender, the undeniable connection weaving you together in ways neither of you fully understands yet.

Hongjoong moves above you with a newfound confidence, no longer hesitant, no longer doubting.

He follows the rhythm of your bodies, of your moans, of the way you gasp his name like it’s the only word you know.

His body begins to get tired, but he doesn’t stop—doesn’t dare stop—not when you feel this good, this right beneath him.

"Pretty..." He groans, forehead pressed to yours, voice thick with something more than just lust "I can't—fuck, I’m gonna—”

You can feel him unraveling, just as you are. It builds like a slow-burning fire, the pleasure coiling tight, higher and higher, until there’s no stopping it.

His fingers find yours, interlocking, pinning your hands above your head, grounding you to him. He kisses you—deep, desperate, like he wants to pour every unspoken emotion into it.

And when you fall apart, it’s not just pleasure that washes over you—it’s him. It’s the way he worships you with every touch, every thrust, every whispered moan against your lips.

You shatter together, his name a soft cry on your lips, his breath a broken gasp against your skin.

He collapses on top of you, breathless and with a dumb smile, he holds you as if afraid you’ll disappear, his arms wrapped around you like you’re something sacred.

And in that moment, as he buries his face in the crook of your neck, whispering your name like a prayer, you realize—this isn’t just about desire.

This is something more.

Something deeper.

Something that neither of you can walk away from.

After a couple of minutes, the room is quiet now, except for the soft sounds of your mingled breaths, still uneven, still recovering.

Your bodies are tangled in the sheets, his warmth pressed against you as if he has no intention of letting go. His skin is slightly damp, and you can feel his heart racing beneath your palm, its rhythm slowing as the moments pass.

Neither of you speaks right away. There’s no need. The silence is comfortable, wrapped around you like the soft glow of the dim bedside lamp.

Hongjoong shifts slightly, just enough to press a lazy kiss against your shoulder before letting out a deep, satisfied sigh.

“You’re so pretty.” He mumbles, voice husky and thick with exhaustion.

You smile, brushing your fingers through his tousled hair.

“You always say that, Joong.”

He huffs, lifting his head just enough to look at you. His eyes, even in the dim light, are full of something so soft, so unguarded, it makes your heart clench.

“I mean it every time.” He murmurs.

Your chest tightens, and instead of answering, you cup his face, guiding him into a slow, lingering kiss. It’s different from before—no urgency, no desperation.

Just warmth. Just the quiet reassurance that this moment is real.

Hongjoong hums against your lips before pulling back, resting his forehead against yours.

“I feel like I should say something cool right now,” He admits, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips.

You chuckle, running a thumb over his cheek.

“Like what?”

“I don’t know. Something suave. Like in the movies.” He pauses “But my brain is kinda mush right now.”

You laugh, and he grins, obviously pleased with himself for making you do so.

For a while, you just lay there, exchanging kisses, whispering about nothing and everything—your favorite movies, how ridiculous Hongjoong looks when he squints without his glasses, how the ceiling has a tiny crack that you’ve never noticed before.

Eventually, the night catches up to you both, and your eyelids grow heavy.

Hongjoong lets out a small sigh, shifting slightly, but he doesn’t move away. Instead, he tightens his hold around you, burying his face in your hair.

“I should probably go home.” He mumbles, though he makes no effort to leave.

You hum in response, tracing small patterns on his back.

“You could stay.”

He goes still for a moment before pressing a gentle kiss to your temple.

“If I do, I don’t think I’ll ever want to leave.”

Your heart stutters at his words, and instead of responding, you just hold him closer.

Eventually, with a reluctant sigh, Hongjoong forces himself to sit up. You watch as he searches for his clothes, his movements slow, almost hesitant.

Before he can put his glasses back on, you reach out, grabbing his wrist.

“Hey,” You whisper.

He looks at you, and for a moment, you just stare at each other. Then, without thinking, you pull him back down for one last kiss—soft, sweet, and lingering.

When you finally pull away, he smiles against your lips.

“You’re dangerous.”

You smirk “And you love it.”

He laughs, shaking his head as he finally gets dressed. But just as he’s about to leave, you sit up, biting your lip, feeling something unfamiliar and terrifying tighten in your chest.

“Hongjoong.” You say, and he pauses at the door, turning back to you.

You hesitate for a moment, the words sitting heavy on your tongue. It’s not easy for you to be vulnerable—not like this.

But with him, it feels… safe.

“Maybe,” You start, voice softer than usual “Maybe we could try something.”

He blinks “Something?”

You swallow, forcing yourself to hold his gaze “You know… something more. Like, actually trying.”

Understanding dawns on his face, his mouth parts slightly, his fingers tightening around the strap of his bag as if grounding himself.

Then, slowly, a smile—small, disbelieving, but full of something devastatingly tender—spreads across his lips.

“Are you serious?” He asks, voice careful, like he’s afraid you might take it back.

You roll your eyes, crossing your arms “Forget it, nerd.”

“No, no, no!” He’s quick to step back toward the bed, hands raised in surrender “I just—I wasn’t expecting that.”

You huff, looking away, but he reaches out, gently tilting your chin back toward him.

“I want that,” He says, voice steady now “I want you.”

Something inside you melts, and before you can second-guess yourself, you pull him into another kiss.

When he finally leaves, there’s a different kind of warmth in your chest—one that has nothing to do with what just happened in bed.

And for the first time in a long time, the idea of something real, something more… doesn’t scare you as much as it used to.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

The night air was cool as Hongjoong slipped back into his house, the door creaking softly as he closed it behind him.

This night with you was incredible, the night lingering in his mind like a sweet memory he never wanted to fade.

But as he entered the living room, the atmosphere felt heavier than usual.

His parents sat together on the couch, their faces drawn, their eyes clouded with worry. His mother’s fingers trembled around a cup of tea she hadn’t touched, and his father’s usually composed demeanor was cracked.

“Dear, there you are,” His mother says softly, her voice tight with concern “We need to talk.”

Hongjoong’s stomach drops. He’d never seen them like this before “What’s wrong?”

His father clears his throat, looking at him with a mixture of sadness and determination.

“I lost my job today.”

Hongjoong frezee. His mind can’t immediately process the words. His father had always been the pillar of stability in the house.

“What? But… I thought everything was going well.”

“It was,” His father replies, rubbing his temples “But the economy’s taken a toll, and the company had to make cuts. I’m part of that.”

Hongjoong’s heart sank as the weight of the situation began to settle in. His family wasn’t rich. They managed, but losing one income meant things would get tight.

They needed a solution.

“We’ll need to figure something out, Honey,” His mother adds, her voice breaking “We can’t cover everything without a steady income.”

Hongjoong clenches his fists, frustration bubbling up inside him. He doesn’t want to see his parents struggling.

“I’ll get a job,” He says quickly, the words tumbling out before he has time to think them through “I’ll work. I can help.”

His parents exchanged a look, but his mother smiled faintly, her eyes filled with pride.

“Joong, you don’t have to—”

“No,” He interrupts, “I want to. I can help with expenses. Don’t worry about me. I’ll find something.”

His parents look at him with a mixture of pride and sadness, but they don’t argue.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Morning light filters through the grand windows of the estate, casting long shadows across the pristine floors. Dann moves through the halls like a ghost, her steps light, her eyes hollow.

The weight of last night clings to her like a second skin, suffocating, unbearable.

She barely slept. Every time she closed her eyes, she saw it again.

The way he touched you. The way you let him. The way he whispered your name like it meant something.

Her stomach churns, and she grips the strap of her bag tighter, forcing herself to focus. She just needs to get out of here, get to school, get some air—

“You look awful.”

Dann freezes.

Mike stands at the end of the hallway, leaning casually against the doorframe of his bedroom, dressed in his usual expensive attire, a cup of coffee in one hand. He looks well-rested, refreshed.

Completely unaffected.

Her pulse stutters, but she doesn’t stop walking “I need to go.”

But Mike doesn’t move. Instead, he lifts his coffee to his lips, takes a slow sip, and smirks.

“Not before you tell me what I need to know.”

Dann clenches her jaw, her feet slowing to a reluctant stop. She doesn’t want to talk about this. She doesn’t want to think about it.

But Mike doesn’t have patience for hesitation. He tilts his head slightly, eyes glinting with amusement.

“Did it happen?”

Her throat tightens. The words taste like poison

“Yes.”

Mike hums, pleased “Good.”

Dann grips her bag harder, her nails digging into her palms. He doesn’t care. He doesn’t care how humiliating it was, how painful it was to watch.

And then, just as she feared, he leans in slightly, voice lowering conspiratorially.

“Now, you need to start talking.”

She frowns “Talking?”

“You know how these things go, Dann,” He says, waving a hand lazily “Whispers spread faster than fire in that school. All you need to do is plant the seeds.”

Dann swallows “What are you saying?”

Mike smirks, stepping closer “Make sure everyone knows that the nerd finally got what he wanted. That once he got YN into bed, he lost interest. That he only chased her because she was a challenge—nothing more.”

Dann stiffens, her nails pressing into her skin “That’s not true.”

“Who cares?” He chuckles “Truth is irrelevant. What matters is perception.” He takes another sip of coffee before adding, “And as for YN? Well… make sure they see her for what she really is.” He pauses, then smirks cruelly “A desperate little whore.”

Dann flinches. Her stomach churns.

Miek studies her reaction, then sighs “Don’t tell me last night was too much for you.”

She lifts her chin, forcing her expression into something cold, detached.

“I’ll do it.”

He grins, satisfied “Perfect.”

And with that, he steps aside, letting her pass like he didn’t just shatter the last piece of her heart.

Dann forces herself to walk away. To keep moving. To pretend that she doesn’t feel like she’s falling apart.

Because this is just the beginning.

And there’s no turning back now.

✮ ⋆

The library is quieter than usual, the murmur of hushed conversations barely filling the vast space between the shelves. The scent of old books lingers in the air, but Dann barely notices it as she walks in, her hands clenched into fists at her sides.

She spots them instantly—Jongho, Yunho, and Yeosang—huddled together at a corner table, deep in conversation over an open textbook.

They don’t notice her at first, too focused on whatever pointless discussion they’re having. But they will.

Taking a slow breath, Dann straightens her shoulders and approaches their table. She places her hands flat against the polished wood, her voice steady despite the turmoil in her chest.

“Guess what.”

Jongho looks up first, brows raising in mild surprise. Yunho and Yeosang follow, exchanging glances before turning their attention to her.

“What is it, little one?” Yunho asks, leaning back in his chair.

Dann lets the silence stretch just long enough to draw curiosity. Then, with careful precision, she says.

“It’s about Joong.”

That gets their attention. Yeosang frowns, setting down his pen, while Jongho’s expression turns wary.

Yunho, however, snorts “What, YN banned him again?”

Dann forces herself to look hesitant, conflicted. Then she exhales and shakes her head.

“No, nothing like that. But…” She glances around, lowering her voice just enough to make them lean in “But I heard something last night. Something about him and YN.”

Yeosang tilts his head “What do you mean?”

Dann bites her lip, like she’s debating whether or not to say it. And then, just loud enough for the surrounding students to hear, she murmurs.

“I heard them.”

Yunho blinks “Heard them?”

She leans in, just slightly “Having sex.”

Silence crashes over the table like a tidal wave. Jongho’s eyes widen, Yeosang shifts uncomfortably, and Yunho lets out a low whistle.

Around them, the subtle rustling of books ceases. The library isn’t silent anymore—not really. Not when whispers have already started creeping through the aisles.

“No way,” Yeosang mutters.

Dann shrugs, feigning nonchalance “I was at the house. I heard everything.” Then, after a pause, she adds the final touch, the poison that will spread like wildfire “And you know what’s funny? He hasn’t even talked to her today.”

Jongho frowns “What are you saying?”

“I’m saying,” Dann lowers her voice, but she knows they’re listening—everyone is listening.

“That maybe Hongjoong only wanted one thing. Maybe he was chasing her for a reason. And now that he got what he wanted…” She lets the words linger before shaking her head, looking almost pitying “Well, you can figure out the rest.”

Yunho looks uncertain “Dann, Hongjoong isn’t like that.”

Jongho, however, doesn’t seem convinced. He narrows his eyes at her.

“Why are you telling us this?”

Dann meets his gaze evenly “Because you’re his friends. And friends deserve to know the truth.”

She doesn’t wait for their response. She just turns on her heel and walks away, leaving behind a table of stunned boys and an entire library already buzzing with the news.

And just like that, the seed is planted.

✮ ⋆

The cafeteria hums with the usual morning chaos—laughter, the clatter of trays, the low murmur of gossip weaving through the air like an unshakable presence.

You sit at your usual table, gracefully stirring your iced matcha with a straw, your expression relaxed.

After yesterday night you have been feeling like that, relaxed. You don't know if it's because you got laid or because it was with Hongjoong.

Your phone sits next to you, Hongjoong’s message from earlier still lighting up the screen. You tap your nails against the table absently, a small smirk tugging at your lips.

Joongie♡: Good morning, pretty. I won't go to school today :c

Joongie♡: See you tomorrow. Love you ♡

You don't mind that he isn’t here today. If anything, it keeps things interesting—gives him a chance to miss you.

But the moment of peace doesn’t last.

Wooyoung slides into the seat across from you, his face twisted in something between amusement and hesitation. Mingi follows right after, dropping his bag onto the bench with a sigh.

"You won’t believe what we just heard during practice, babydoll." Woo starts, resting his chin on his hand, eyes flicking over you carefully.

You don't look up from your drink "If it’s about last season’s failures, I really don’t care."

Mingi exhales, shaking his head "It’s about you. And the little nerd."

That catches your attention. You raise a perfectly arched brow.

"What about us?"

Wooyoung exchanges a glance with Mingi before leaning in slightly, lowering his voice just enough to make it sound more scandalous than necessary.

"Apparently, half the school thinks little Hongjoong finally got what he wanted from you… and now he’s done with you."

You blink. For a second, you just stare at him, then let out a soft, disbelieving laugh.

"That’s ridiculous, guys."

"Yeah? Because it’s spreading like wildfire, babydoll." Woo says, voice more serious "People are saying he just wanted to sleep with you, and now that he has, he’s gonna drop you."

You roll your eyes, completely unbothered "You’re actually listening to this nonsense?"

Mingi tilts his head "I mean… The nerd is mysteriously absent today."

You scoff "He told me this morning that he wasn’t coming. He’s busy. This rumor is stupid."

But Mingi doesn’t look convinced "I’m just saying, doll, people are talking. You know how fast things spread in this school."

"I don’t care what people say," You cut in smoothly, picking up your drink again "Hongjoong wouldn’t do that. He’s—"

You pause.

He’s been sweet, devoted, always there. Hongjoong wouldn’t do that. Right?

Still, you push the thought away and fix them with a sharp look.

"Who started this stupid rumor?"

Mingi shrugs "Not sure, but people are saying Dann was the one who heard… something."

You still for half a second before exhaling slowly "Dann?"

Woo nods, stirring his own drink "Yeah. Apparently, she’s been telling people she heard you two…" He waggles his brows suggestively.

Your jaw tightens, your grip on her cup firm.

That bitch.

You knew Dann had always been lurking in the background, watching, waiting. But this? Spreading rumors about you and Hongjoong? That was low—even for a pathetic nerd.

But it doesn’t matter.

You exhale, letting your usual confidence settle back over you like armor.

"Let them talk," You say coolly, taking a slow sip of your drink "They’ll get bored soon enough."

But deep inside, a nagging feeling lingers.

And for the first time, she wonders. What if they’re right?

✮ ⋆

Hongjoong steps out of his house early, shoving his hands into his hoodie pockets as he walks down the quiet streets of his neighborhood. His parents had already left—his mom to work, his dad to search for a new job.

He exhales, determination settling in his chest. He needs to help.

Skipping school wasn’t something he’d normally do, but this was more important. Finding a job meant easing the burden on his parents, making sure they didn’t have to worry so much.

He starts at a small convenience store a few blocks away.

“Sorry, kid. We’re not hiring right now.” The owner says with an apologetic smile.

Hongjoong nods, forcing a polite thank-you before heading to the next place.

A bakery.

“No positions open.”

A bookstore.

“We’re looking for someone with experience.”

A restaurant.

“Come back in a month. Maybe.”

By the afternoon, exhaustion creeps into his bones. He’s been walking around the city for hours, hearing rejection after rejection. His feet ache, his stomach grumbles, but he keeps going. He has to.

He checks his phone—past three o’clock. School was almost over. You had texted him earlier, but he hadn’t checked it yet.

He didn’t want you to worry, so he’d told you he’d see you tomorrow.

With a sigh, he rubs his face and glances around. His house is too far, but he decides to check one last place before heading home.

That’s when he spots it—Café Aurora.

A small, warm-looking café tucked between two buildings, the scent of coffee and pastries spilling into the air as a customer steps out.

He hesitates for a second, then pushes the door open.

The café is cozy, filled with soft chatter and the clinking of cups. A few students sit in the corner, studying. A couple shares a quiet conversation over steaming mugs.

Hongjoong walks up to the counter, his heart pounding slightly.

A girl stands behind the counter, wiping down the surface. She looks up at him, and her eyes widen slightly before she flashes him a bright smile.

“Hey there! Welcome to Café Aurora. What can I get you?”

She’s short, wavy brown hair pulled into a loose ponytail, bright eyes, a dimple on one cheek. Her name tag reads ‘Jina.’

Hongjoong clears his throat “Uh, actually… I was wondering if you guys are hiring?”

Jina blinks, then grins “Oh, really? Hang on.”

She disappears into the back, and Hongjoong lets out a breath. Please let this work.

A moment later, she returns with a middle-aged man in a dark apron.

“This is Mr. Lee, the owner.”

“You’re looking for a job?” Mr. Lee asks, crossing his arms.

“Yes, sir. I can work after school and on weekends.”

“You ever worked as a waiter before?”

Hongjoong shakes his head “No, but I’m a fast learner.”

The girl giggles “He looks like a fast learner.”

He glances at her, thrown off by the teasing tone. But Mr. Lee doesn’t seem to notice.

“We could use someone in the evenings. Can you start tomorrow?”

Hongjoong’s eyes widen slightly. Really?

“Yes! I mean—yeah, I can.” He says quickly.

Mr. Lee nods “Jina will train you. Don’t be late.”

Hongjoong exhales in relief “Thank you.”

As Mr. Lee walks away, Jina leans on the counter, resting her chin on her palm.

“You’re cute when you’re nervous.” She says suddenly.

Hongjoong blinks. What did she say?

“I—uh—thanks?” He stammers.

She just grins “See you tomorrow, newbie.”

He leaves the café with a new job and a strange feeling in his chest. He finally found work. That’s all that should matter.

So why does he feel like things just got a little more complicated?

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

The usual morning buzz fills the hallways—students chatting by their lockers, laughter echoing from different corners, the occasional shout of someone running late to class.

You walk through the hall with your usual confidence, heels clicking against the polished floor.

You’re aware of the lingering stares, the hushed whispers—the rumor hasn’t died down completely.

But you don't acknowledge them. You act as if nothing is out of the ordinary. Because to you, it’s ridiculous.

Hongjoong wouldn’t use you. Joong isn’t like that.

You spot him near his locker, talking with Jongho and Yunho. He’s laughing at something Yunho said, his head tilted slightly as he shakes his head.

Something warm blooms in your chest at the sight of him.

You saunter up to them, flipping your hair back “Morning, nerds.”

Hongjoong looks up, and just like always, his face softens when he sees you.

“Hey, pretty.”

You smirk at the nickname, ignoring how Yunho and Jongho exchange knowing looks.

You step closer to him, slipping your fingers into the front pocket of his leather jacket like it’s the most natural thing in the world.

Hongjoong doesn’t pull away. If anything, he leans into your touch, his free hand brushing against your waist in a casual, familiar way.

They’ve always been close. But now, their closeness is undeniable.

Jongho clears his throat, smirking “You two look… cozy.”

“Yeah, should we give you some privacy?” Yunho teases.

You roll your eyes “You guys are so annoying, that's why we cannot be friends.” Hongjoong just chuckles. You turn to him, tilting your head slightly “Do you wanna do something after school? Maybe go to that new place downtown?”

You expect a quick yes. He never says no to you.

But this time, he hesitates. Just for a second.

Then, he rubs the back of his neck and says “I can’t, pretty. I’ll be busy.”

You blink “Busy?”

“Yeah.” He doesn’t elaborate.

It’s… weird.

Hongjoong always makes time for you. Even when he had schoolwork, even when he had plans with his friends.

You come first.

And now, suddenly, he’s busy?

But you don't press. You just shrug, masking any hint of curiosity or doubt.

“Okay. Your loss.”

He chuckles, leaning down slightly “You mad?”

You scoff “Why would I be mad?”

He grins “Because you’re used to getting what you want.”

You roll your eyes but don't deny it. Instead, you lean up and press a quick kiss to his cheek before stepping back.

“Fine, I’ll let you off the hook—just this once.”

Hongjoong watches you with something unreadable in his eyes, but before you can question it, the bell rings.

“See you later, nerd.” You wave, walking off.

He watches you go, a small smile on his lips. But in the back of his mind, he knows—This is the first time he’s ever lied to you.

And it won’t be the last.

The following days felt different. Hongjoong kept his distance from you, his mind consumed with work and worrying about how to help his family.

He didn’t want to burden you with his struggles. You had your own world—one he wasn’t sure he belonged to anymore.

You, of course, didn’t know. Hongjoong kept his family’s situation quiet, not wanting anyone, especially you, to feel sorry for him. But it was hard.

The afternoons you used to spend together seemed further away now, and Hongjoong didn’t know how to bridge the gap that was forming between you.

✮ ⋆ ˚｡𖦹 ⋆｡°✩

Taglist: @mrskill2 @stayatinykatsy @badbitch69420sworld @lunaryoongie @certifiedmoa @jilxxasu @alliecoady98 @maidens-world @Lemonkait00 @yulsr @justconniez @luvvvash @zaynsfl4m3s @nkryuki @boomzen @silenttrxxs @blue5ummer @khaskl08 @vnxlla @latisthegenderfluidwannabealone @milliesupremexx @xh01bri @a-atiny_niawoo @winterstuf @domfikeluva @lezleeferguson-120 @beabatiny @yothangie @lover-of-fics @mingipessego @Ycuhugi @posseup @0407files @cheolright @yeorisanaxox @innocygnet @a-tiny-thing @sannieily @maplelilly05 @ddeonugu @niaee @yunhogrippers @m0onchild-98 @l0vjoongie

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All rights reserved ♡bunny-hwa. Do not copy or translate my work.

𓇼 𝘈𝘵𝘦𝘦𝘻 𝘍𝘪𝘤 𝘙𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘌𝘱.𝘍𝘪𝘷𝘦! 𓇼 𓆞 𝘔𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘛𝘩𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘴 𓆞 𓇼 𝘔𝘪𝘯𝘰𝘳𝘴/𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘴𝘴/𝘉𝘭𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘉𝘭𝘰𝘨𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘯'𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘥 𓇼 𓇼 𝘰𝘵8/𝘮𝘶𝘭𝘵𝘪𝘱𝘭𝘦 𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳𝘴 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Bf!Ateez Texts - @littlexbunni ot8 x reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Case: It's You [Book One] [Book Two] - @potatomountain detective!poly!ot8 x detective!reader (series) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Comfort Texts - @srslyscary ot8 x reader (texts) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Compromise - @cyberpxnk bf!seonghwa x reader x soccer player!yunho (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Défilé De Lingerie - @/bro-atz lingerie designer!san x lingerie model!reader x lingerie tailor!mingi (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘬𝘪𝘮 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘫𝘰𝘰𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 Deal With The Devil - @hoeforalbedo priest!hongjoong x reader (series) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Destiny - @k-zuzu idol!hongjoong x idol!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Do Not Touch - @bandgie death!hongjoong x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Duck Curtains - @ichorai roommate!hongjoong x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Enough - @mingsolo idol!hongjoong x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘱𝘢𝘳𝘬 𝘴𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘸𝘢 𓇼 𓆞 Essence - @whatudowhennooneseesyou siren!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Gently Giant - @jagibangbangchan whale mershark!seonghwa x mermaid!reader ft.pirate!ateez (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Got A Fur Coat, So I Make It Purr - @velvetydream idol!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Just A Few More Minutes - @skrrts stay-at-home dad!seonghwa x mom!reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Know Your Place - @xosannie idol!seonghwa x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘫𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘶𝘯𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓆞 Early Bird Gets The Worm - @ja3hwa bf!yunho x gf!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Emotion Verte - @altxrrmelancholy bf!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Hail To The King - @sweetinsaniiity king!yunho x ex-princess!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Head Empty, Mouth Full - @xosannie bf!yunho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Lesson Plans - @callmeagardengnome professor!yunho x teaching assistant!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

𓇼 𝘬𝘢𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘦𝘰𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 Perfect Opportunity - @mingi-s-dimples bf!idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Princess Fluffy-Cupcake-Sparkles - @seonghw4ffles non-idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Never Yours - @daceydeath idol!yeosang x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Riding The Heat - @xomakara alpha!idol!yeosang x omega!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Sleepy Head - @sugawhaaa bf!yeosang x gf!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘴𝘢𝘯 𓇼 𓆞 Diet Pepsi - @loserlvrss bf!san x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Dream Come True - @makeitmingi dad!idol!san x mom!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Facade Of Perfection [Part One] [Part Two] [Part Three] - @koyagifs ceo!san x reader (three parts) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Guilty Pleasure | Follow You - @orshii priest!san x reader (two-parts) 𓆞 𓆞 Handy - @hausofwoo maintenance man!san x tenant!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓇼 𝘴𝘰𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘨𝘪 𓇼 𓈒𓏸 Good Morning - @yuyusshinelight dad!husband!idol!mingi x mom!wife!reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Happy Birthday to Us - @freyaphoria yandere!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Heat Stroke - @sluttywonwoo bf!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 His Chérie - @xuchiya idol!mingi x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Lip Gloss - @loserlvrss friend!mingi x reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘫𝘶𝘯𝘨 𝘸𝘰𝘰𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘨 𓇼 𓆞 Day Off - @cyberseong bf!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Décolletage - @daddyfordaeddy servant!wooyoung x lady!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Don't Save Her (She Don't Wanna Be Saved) - @lunardragon00 peasant!wooyoung x princess!reader (series) 𓈒𓏸 𓆞 Forbidden Fruit - @astrasng idol!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Fractured Promises - @koyagifs ceo!wooyoung x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸 𓇼 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘪 𝘫𝘰𝘯𝘨𝘩𝘰 𓇼 𓆞 Screeching Tires and Blood Stains - @daceydeath mafia!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓆞 Second Chance at Love - @xomakara single dad!widow!jongho x nanny!reader (one-shot) 𓆞 𓈒𓏸 Secretary Jongho Headcanon - @rems-writing secretary!jongho × ceo!reader (headcanon) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Sneaky - @hwallazia ceo!jongho x office worker!reader (drabble) 𓈒𓏸 𓈒𓏸 Stars - @beenbaanbuun bf!jongho x reader (one-shot) 𓈒𓏸

ATEEZ WRITERS IF YOU CAN HEAR ME, PLEASE WRITE A SERIES OR A ONE-SHOT ABOUT ANY OF THESE PHOTOS AND IF YOU DO PLEASE TAG ME!

this was so cute! I love just the two of them talking and building it’s so relaxing, still haven’t gone out and build a lego set so this will do.

thank you again taking in my request when will i have more no clue, but I know that I can count on you to accomplish them perfectly 💕

🪻Lego Friday🪻

✨Pairing: non idol!Seonghwa x gn!reader ✨Prompt: Building a lego set with seonghwa I don’t have much of an idea around this one I just really wanna build a lego set and from watching seonghwa lego lives building with him just looks like so much fun. ✨Requested by @beabatiny🫶🏻 ✨Word Count: 0.9k ✨Genre: fluff ☀️Authors Note: Thank you for requesting this! It was fun writing and I hope you enjoy it🥰 also sorry this took me so long to write😭

"I wanna build legos."

It was announced to you as you were making some desserts for the two of you. Seonghwa was standing in the kitchen holding two enormous lego bags he had pulled out from somewhere whilst giving you the biggest puppy eyes.

"Do you want me to build legos with you?" You ask fighting back a chuckle at the way he was standing and pouting.

His little nod brought a smile to your face as you finished up the dessert.

"Then we will build legos together! Got any I can build? Nothing too complicated please!"

As you said that Seonghwa was already picking up the different lego sets he had, eager to find one you could work on.

"Baby Yoda? Or maybe some flowers?? Or both??" He holds two sets up for you showcasing one where you'd build baby Yoda or some flowers to have for display.

"Hmmm Yoda looks a bit easier, can I start with that one perhaps?"

"Yes!!!" He nods and then quickly hurries to the living room moving with urgency to move everything to the side so the two of you can build the legos together comfortably.

"Cutie." You say to yourself shaking your head with a little laugh before entering the living room with two cups of dessert and two spoons.

You sit down next to him looking curiously at what he's doing.

"Here! One baby Yoda box for you! I'll work on a darth vader one then!" He says happily while handing you your box.

"Thank you!" You say as you take the box and empty it on the floor in front of you.

The two of you sit in silence for a while sorting through the pieces before you remember something you wanted to share with him.

"Did I tell you what Wooyoung and Yeosang did yesterday when we went mini golfing?" You ask him as you start putting some of the pieces together.

"What did those two do this time?" He asks curious to know what your friends had done. Knowing that Wooyoung was involved it could mean anything from silly things like stealing a bite from someones ice cream to something more chaotic.

"Well they started arguing about the best way to push the ball in the hole and decided to make it a competition." You start telling him and Seonghwas boba eyes are focused on you.

"I'm sensing a but?" he says chuckling and you can't help but laugh and nod.

"Yeah, Yeosang did better and to try and distract him, Wooyoung decided to full on chomp on his shoulder." You show by imitating Woo's chomp on Yeosangs shoulder on Seonghwas shoulder without actually biting him.

His laugh ring through the apartment as he shakes his head at your friends antics.

"That sounds just like them to be honest." He says as he hands you the piece you're looking for whilst showing you where it should go.

"Yeah they truly can't be stopped. We almost got kicked out because of Wooyoungs loud chatter but we managed to get him to quiet down by promising we'd buy him food if he could be a bit quieter so we could play to the end."

The two of you sit and talk for hours, giggling about everything from the legos, to your friends, to things that has happened recently in your life whilst enjoying the dessert from time to time that you had prepared.

"Look! Isn't it cute once it's finished?" Seonghwa ask as he shows you the little Darth Vader figure hes put together and you look at him in surprise.

"How did you finish so quickly?! I'm still trying to figure out what I've done wrong." You say as you hold up your Yoda figure which looks a bit wonky due to you putting the wrong pieces together.

"Ahhh well I'm the pro aren't I? You'll learn quickly if you build legos more often." He says whilst moving closer to you, taking the lego from your hands and undoing what you had put together wrongly.

"Here, let's try again okay? This piece." He holds up a big piece and gives it to you "goes here okay? Whilst this one goes over there."

He helps guide you by pointing where certain pieces will go.

"Thanks Hwa, this is really calming you know." You mumble as you focus on setting up the last pieces of Yoda before showing it to him proudly.

"Ta-daaaa!" You show the lego piece off and he claps his hands excitedly for you.

"It looks great!"

"That's because I had such a great teacher!"

You two take a little break after that, sitting facing each other and chatting about anything and everything.

"I saw that they're playing Coraline again in the theaters for its 15th year anniversary. All nine of us should go and see it since we're nearing spooky season." Seonghwa says while rummaging through the rest of his unbuilt lego.

"It's in theaters?! All of us have to go! We should go dressed up as the characters! Wooyoung could be the talking cat!" You exclaim and Hwa looks excited at the idea of dressing up and going to see it.

"Yes!! I wanna be one of the old ladies with all the dogs." He lets you know.

"Hongjoong should dress as the other old lady then." You laugh and the night ends with you two planning who would be which character as you start on a new piece of lego, this time deciding to build it together while laughing at the idea of getting dressed to go to the movies.