💎 LONG FICS | ONE SHOTS | SERIES

QUEEN OF HEARTS ∅ ❀ ♯

[ one ] ➙ [ two ]

for the first time, one of your star students hasn’t been fetched right after class. but when she finally does, you weren’t expecting such a fine man to be her father.

DOUBLE TROUBLE  ❀♱

parenthood has its ups and downs, but with johnny as your husband, things aren’t so bad or chaotic. right?

💎 COOKIE CUTS series of extra scenes from all i do is wait ∅

[ 11:23 ]

💎 LONG FICS | ONE SHOTS | SERIES

WRAP IT UP (OR OFF EACH OTHER) ❀ ♱

after a fun-filled day with your kids, alone time with your husband yuta has been bestowed upon you. whether it be wrapping more gifts as “santa”, recapping days of your lives or exchanging couple gifts, it can also get a little… frisky. but hush, the kids are sleeping upstairs.

DARLING, I’M CASUALLY KNEELING (DICK) ♱

when you have your first boyfriend, that usually means more “firsts” with them. from intimacy, heat, to a mix of both, it can be exhilarating. especially when you give head for the first time.

💎 LONG FICS | ONE SHOTS | SERIES

ALL I DO IS WAIT ∅ ❀ ♱

one day, kim doyoung was alive. the next, he wasn’t. he left you and the world too soon, but he made a promise: to look out and wait for you until the very end.

SO CLOSE  ∅ ❀

sequel to all i do is wait

those who were unlucky to live fully in their previous lives are given another chance in the next if the deities believe that they are deserving. unbeknownst to them before fully crossing the bridge, they get to live under the same names with similar interests.

💎 COOKIE CUTS series of extra scenes from all i do is wait ∅ ❀ ✔

[ 22:38 ] ➙ [ 23:28 ] ➙ [ 23:45 ]

💎 LONG FICS | ONE SHOTS | SERIES

ALL YOURS ∅ ❀ ♱

just how long will you remain stubborn to your feelings over your bodyguard?

IT’S A ROYAL ORDER ♱

one of your royal campaigns became a success, and your bodyguard jaehyun was there to see it all happen. it’s only fair to celebrate, right?

AU COURS DE L’ÉTÉ  ❀ ♱

this is a story of an exhausted painter who needed a breather from the hectic city life. so aside from moving to the countryside, the needed air in your lungs also came in the form of a person. this summer meant for pure relaxation, perhaps your heart may dive into him too.

UNFASHIONABLY LATE ♱

when sexy time calls, you gotta answer it. no matter where you are and what you’re doing.

WHERE DOES YOUR LOYALTY LIE? ♱

you can’t have both sides of the coin, yet a cunning gryffindor has his ways to get under your skin. may it be on campus or in the bedroom.

SAVE YOUR TEARS  ∅ ♱

from going together against the world in your rebellious teenage years, it was you and your best friend against each other as adults. but nostalgia makes a detour before you go head-to-head. and perhaps, it get you to confess your deepest affections for each other before it’s too late.

HELLO AGAIN, MY SUNSHINE ❀ ∅

there’s no more running away when you’re thriving in the fashion industry, yet it’s exactly what you want to do when you encounter your first love after a decade in your high school reunion.

(IM)PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE ❀ ♱

a shift in your new normal occurs when you reported to your work office after 2 years, and your boyfriend fails to hide his impatience the second you arrive home.

OPEN YOUR LEGS, NOT YOUR BIBLE  ∅ ♱

what happens when the demon’s favorite son is also an angelic piece of heaven the Lord speaks of? he’s so good no wonder your innocent bible is discarded, like your drenched panties.

SINFULLY VOWED TO YOU  ❀ ∅ ♱

sequel to open your legs, not your bible

how far will you go for love? perhaps to the point you’re bound for marriage, but the groom you seek isn’t the one your heart beats for. and desperately, you must gamble everything without regrets.

💎 TIMESTAMPS 

[20:50]  ∅ ❀

2k words | parent trap!au

💎 VERO’S BIRTHDAY MONTH SPECIAL

[ one ]

BEHIND THE MASK ❀ ∅ 

for one night, you secretly took on a chance to step into the life of the wealthy through a masquerade. to refresh and reset, all you desired was to be free. but you were not expecting a mysterious gentleman to sweep you off your feet.

OH, BABY  ❀ ∅

being a royal is one thing. but a baby in the mix? yeah, that can be challenging.

💎 LONG FICS | ONE SHOTS | SERIES

UNTIL DAWN ∅ ❀ ♱ ✔

[ one ] ➙ [ two ]

basic number one rule of the museum is not to touch the art. but no one told jeno that falling for one of them isn’t allowed either.

💎 VERO’S BIRTHDAY MONTH SPECIAL

[ one ] ➙ [ two ]

Another episode of their favorite cartoons that’s too astounding to miss out on. Bright lights, loud and peppy sound effects, and just enough cliffhangers to convince them that sleep is merely an option for the night.

Talk about prolonged dopamine rush with their little legs bouncing against the couch cushions like tiny cars newly filled with a full tank of gasoline.

With the weekend finally here, the rules have softened. Ever since they got home that day, their shoes are kicked off to the side and toys are on the floor. Playing was a given, and one episode rolled into another.

This can go on for hours, even to the point they go past their bedtime.

Much to your slight disagreement.

But to your husband Johnny’s delight.

Given how busy he still is as a musician, it’s a little tricky to sync the timing of his sons’ active hours. There have been long stretches when his schedules overlapped with bedtime stories and daycare pick-ups, along with meals he missed. But ever since the group activities lessened and he has more control and flexibility over his solo schedules, he’s been home more.

Present.

Earlier today, he was the one who picked them up at school before swinging by your office to grab you. If anything, the boys were ecstatic to see their dad by their school gates, even with his disguise get-up. Call it a small, domestic victory, or victories when you also witnessed your boys running to you when you exited your office.

Then the night before, he helped them with their spelling tests and addition flash cards. A mini debate between “yummy” and “yummie” and why 7 + 3 is equal to 10, you’ve never seen your husband so patient even with the frustration just about to erupt. Because at the end of the day, he gets to spend time with his mini-mes, his troublemakers.

But this weekend is a little different than most.

Tomorrow is Johnny’s birthday, a Saturday, a full day family affair.

Starting with brunch by the park, playing there with all sorts of games, then an intimate dinner with family and friends, you’re gonna need all the energy you can get.

And so will he.

Especially him.

But right now, he’s currently in his home office, in a meeting with Acne Studios for another collaboration. Silhouettes, fabrics, outfit combinations. Japan came up again, a new store opening happening next month. He already brought up the possibility, implying to make it a family trip with you and the boys. And hoping you’ll say yes.

(Yes.)

As you glance at the clock right above the kitchen door, he should be finishing up any moment.

He missed out on dinner earlier, so you promised to join him. Hence, the tea. At least by that time, your boys will be fast asleep.

Except…

That doesn’t seem to be happening anytime soon with their passionate commentary filling your entire home. Something about whether or not their character on screen will achieve their adventure.

“Hyunyoung, Hyunwoo,” You call out from the kitchen, dipping a chamomile tea bag into warm water on your mug. Almost quickly, its contents dissolve and darken the liquid. “We’ll miss out on biking and frisbee tomorrow if you sleep late.”

“No, no, we need to see what happens next!”

“But it’s almost done, Mommy!” Hyunyoung, the older twin by 3 minutes (and never lets anyone forget about it), negotiates, slightly leaning back to see you. “They need to have their birthday party so we can sleep better!”

“But what about daddy’s special day tomorrow?” You ask, hopeful they change their minds. “Sleepy boys won’t be able to have fun with him tomorrow.”

“Please, mommy!” Hyunwoo whines, conspiring with his twin. “15 more minutes!”

They’re now both giving those puppy eyes they inherited directly from Johnny. Pairs you can never say no to, along with their hands clasping into a prayer position.

Damn it.

You hold out for a few seconds until you defeatedly nod with an “okay”. Then under your breath, “15 more minutes too late.”

Another thing about having Johnny as their father? Their stubbornness.

“They’re still awake?”

Speaking of him, your body swivels just in time to spot Johnny, leaning against the doorframe. Fresh from his meeting, his brown hair is a disheveled mess. Evident enough, his fingers ran through them too many times from frustration and as a habit. A casual white tee, one of many, clings faintly to his chest while his grey joggers hang quite low enough to reveal the familiar top hem of his Calvin Klein boxers.

As if it’s doing it on purpose, to mess with you.

“Eyes up here, babe.” He teases, earning him a scoff as he crosses the room and hugs you from behind. His chin finds the crook of your neck, warm and familiar. You soften in his embrace, the feeling of home wrapping you in and making you nuzzle closer to him.

“Missed you.” His arms tighten slightly around you.

“Missed you too,” You respond, lifting the soaked tea bag from your mug. “How was the meeting?”

“Long.” He deeply groans. “Something about textures and different outfit combinations for the opening.”

“Shirt on or shirt off?” You tease, earning you an arch of a brow from him.

“I did just get a new tattoo by my chest,” He playfully ponders, tapping a finger on his chin. “Worth showing off, right?”

“You’re so smug.” You roll your eyes, then kiss his cheek. “Just do you, babe.”

If anything, fatherhood has never dulled Johnny’s personality and self-expression. Sure, the dad jokes and mannerisms can be annoying, but if anything, it made him sweeter, more playful, and confident. So yeah, those shirtless looks or fitted ones that he still presents in public? It’s still there. So if the twins ask about it then cringe as they get older? Well, that’s a dilemma for future Johnny. For now, it’s all about self-expression and confidence, he’d say. And for them to look back and think have a cool dad.

Typical him.

“How are they still up?” Your attention is directed back to your two boys hovering around the TV in the living room, where his gaze drifts to. “They should be sleeping now.”

“Apparently, this show is so important to them.” You don’t realize the fond look on your face as you reply/

“Did they give you puppy dog eyes again?” He calls you out knowingly.

“No,” You try to fend yourself.

“They did.”

But if anything, Johnny knows when you’re lying. “Yes.”

“I figured.” He says. “Negotiating with them isn’t really your strong suit, babe.”

“Hey!” Before you could react any further, he’s out of your embrace with a shift in his posture as he walks towards the doorway of the living room.

He scans the room across, studying two identical figures squealing victoriously towards a thrilling scene on the TV. So identical you can almost mistake one over the other if not for the small mole above Hyunwoo’s eyebrow and a heart-shaped birthmark on Hyunyoung’s right shoulder. Sticky kernels of caramel popcorn leaves traces on their fingers and cheeks.

Habitually biting his lower lip in concentration, a few forehead crinkles appear in its wake. Clearly enough to you, that’s his thinking face. Then his eyes suddenly light up, followed by short nods.

“I’ve got an idea.”

Your next words barely made it out of your mouth as he charged towards the living room in all his 6 feet glory. Tiptoeing across the living room like a silly cartoon villain, the twins don’t notice until it’s too late as they’re too locked in with their show. Then with his tattooed muscular arms, he swiftly “attacks” by scooping your twins up by their tummies like they were the lightest pumpkins in the patch. You let out a gasp, then a giggle at how adorable and hilarious this move was.

“Appa!” They both protest, kicking and squirming at their father. To no avail, his grip was tight enough for them not to fall or hurt them. A menace, that’s for sure.

“Put us down!” Hyunwoo begs, looking up at him. “We’re almost done, promise!”

Johnny could only chuckle, if not mischievously, at their rather cute (yet useless) pleas and stubborn wiggles for escape and freedom. Call this one of his unique ways to teach them a valuable lesson.

“Kaja, kaja,” He repeats, heading towards the hallway to the path of their bedroom.

You couldn’t help but laugh along with him. Your phone was out to capture the moment, wherein two tiny bottoms stick out while the arms of your husband held your boys.

Your tea can wait.

Johnny contained them long enough to reach the twins’ shared bedroom. Light hues of blue and white were painted on their walls, bold dinosaur and car bedsheets on their neighboring beds parted with a side table in between, assorted toys scattered on one side of the floor (their play area), and an orderly bookshelf with bean bag chairs near the window. Probably the only clean part in their space if not you always teaching them pack up after reading.

If only that was the same with their toys, except they insist to keep them there so they’re easily accessible.

With you right behind Johnny, he already put each twin down to their respective bed.

Instant protest bubbles to the surface.

Like tiny monsters invading cities, they both equally stomped around their beds with crossed arms and huffs of annoyance.

“Appa, we’re not sleepy yet!”

“Appa, we just wanted to reach the end!”

Hyunwoo with the dinosaurs and Hyunyoung with the cars,

Appa this, appa that. Johnny’s gotten used to their tantrums and times when they don’t get their way, filtering them out with clear direction on what he wants to teach them. If there’s anything Johnny values when he became a father, it’s for his kids to follow rules. Having ignored your words multiple times tonight, it wasn’t fair to you.

“Boys,” His voice deepened a few octaves, his posture straightened further.

The twins to stop their actions. Even you, leaning against the doorframe this time, paused at his tone.

Daddy’s big voice is on.

“It’s way past your bedtime, and didn’t eomma and I tell you we have to get up early so we have the whole morning for the park?”

“But daddy-”

“You guys get cranky when you don’t get enough sleep.” He continues. “How can have daddy have fun tomorrow when his boys are too cranky and sleepy?”

They shake their heads and quickly settle into their beds, almost afraid that tomorrow is ruined.

“Sorry, Appa!” They apologize in unison. “We’ll sleep now!”

While Johnny has a point and the discipline is needed, the “T” aspect of his MBTI can be quite too much for your young boys. Their worried expressions may make it harder to sleep, so this is where you step in.

“Alright, back it up, Mr. Seo,” Your hand pats his shoulder, brushing past him. “Let eomma handle them now.”

You sit first on Hyunwoo’s bed, his tiny hand reaching out and interlacing with yours. “We’re sorry, mommy.”

With a reassuring smile, you kissed his hand then his forehead. That earned him his calm grin in his lips. “It’s okay, Woo. Just promise me you’ll obey when I say enough is enough, okay?”

He nods, earning a soft cheek squeeze from you. “Good boy.”

While he snuggles into his soft bed, you move over to Hyunyoung’s bed. Already holding on to a storybook that was in his bedside earlier, he goes “Can we still have a story so we sleep better?”

Always the negotiator. “Still stubborn for bed, love?”

“If we can’t finish the show, at least a story can make it all better.”

Based on the graphics of the book, they’re the exact characters from their TV show. A good compromise, you’d say, even if the plot is different.

“Please, Eomma? Appa?” Hyunwoo sides with his brother, as always.

Before giving approval, you look up to where your husband stood. Arms crossed with an eyebrow perched, you let your eyes do the pleading. Just one story.

Weak when you yearn, he sighs in defeat. But a happy one. “Okay, one story.”

Your twins erupt in celebration, tiny arms in the air and kicking feet under the bed as if they won a huge prize. But before they can relish it, you caught on their sticky hands and honey-coated teeth.

“Wait!” You call out, holding on to Hyunyoung’s hand. “Bathroom. Now.”

“Eomma!” They collectively groan.

“Let’s brush your teeth and wash your hands before bedtime, kiddos.” One hand pats on each bed, urging them to get up and move. Even if they’re too cozy in bed, Johnny had a finger pointed to their bathroom.

“Listen to your mom, kids.”

Soon enough, they’re much cleaner and fresher. Sleepier if not for the lavender spray you spritzed in their bedroom that they like so much.

You settle in beside Hyunyoung in his bed, relishing his warm and light presence, while Johnny squeezes himself onto Hyunwoo’s side. Despite his larger size, Hyunwoo nuzzles closer to him. Your fingers gently flipped open the familiar, worn-out book but before you could start, Hyunyoung chimes in.

“Wait!!!” Hyunyoung chimes in, snatching the book from you. “Daddy should read to us!”

“Oh, yes!” Hyunwoo joins in, rolling on his side to where Johnny was cuddling him. “Please, daddy, please!”

Cute, repeated pleas reverb the room again, only this time it’s hopeful. When you think of it, it’s been a while since Johnny did bedtime stories. But it’s also been a while since the boys asked for a bedtime story, letting their toys and showertime naturally wear them out and off to bed.

Then they flash those familiar puppy eyes that even Johnny can’t resist.

“What do you say, Daddy?” You hand over the book. “Gotta give the people what they want.”

He chuckles as he takes it from you, already getting the boys excited.

“Alright, everyone. Let’s get cozy.” He says, flipping the worn out book open, where bright illustrations greet him along with big, bold text. “The Magic Golden Bell by Minseo Han” He recites. “There was once a happy boy named Minhyung who owned a magic golden bell…”

The words naturally fall out of his mouth, along with matching with the gleeful mood of the story. Soft and steady, his voice fills the room and quickly creates a sense of calm after all the prior chaos. This change in pace felt nice, and no matter how many times the tale has been read, the joy on your twins’ faces is a prize no money can pay.

Albeit sleepy as Hyunyoung’s little mouth yawns and Hyunwoo’s small knuckle rubbing his eyes, they pay attention to your tale.

But as little boys go, they eventually reach their limits just as you ended the story.

Quiet snores fill the air, along with small, unconscious squirms and wiggles in their bed. Hyunyoung’s head and hand rested on your chest, similar to when he was still a baby. He’s growing up to fast with his brother, you think.

With a heartfelt grin, you plant a kiss on Hyunyoung’s forehead, making him scrunch happily as you further tucked him in bed.

“Goodnight, Hyunyoung.” You greet. “Sweet dreams, love.”

“Night, eomma.” He manages to utter out while dozing dreamily.

Meanwhile, Johnny leans closer, brushing a stray hair from Hyunwoo’s forehead, whispering, “Sleep tight, buddy. Daddy loves you.”

“Night, appa, Night eomma. Wuv you.”

“Love you too, sweetheart.” You’re right by his side to give a forehead kiss.

Johnny tucks Hyunyoung’s duvet closer to him, patting his head. “Sleep tight, kiddo. Daddy loves you.”

“Night, appa.” With his eyes doing its best to open to get a glimpse of him, “Happy birthday.”

With a crinkled smile, Johnny kisses his forehead. “Thank you. Get some rest now.”

As you kneel down to the level of their sidetable, your fingers click the button of their car-shaped nighlight. Turning around, Johnny was already by the door, switching the main light off so the nightlight can work its true power. But before any of you could leave, you both took in the peaceful sight for a few moments longer.

How lucky are you that this is your life now?

“Phew, that was tough.” You sigh.

Johnny smiles at you. “Worth it.”

“Sorry I missed dinner,” Johnny breaks the silence between you two as you pad back to the kitchen, grabbing a glass to push against the water dispenser on your fridge. The overhead light stays off, preferring the warm under-cabinet glow given the late time. Shoulders loosened, your parent cap is on break.

“It happens,” You shrug with a little tease in your tone. Pointing to his plate on kitchen island, covered by a lid, “You can heat up the food in the microwave.”

“Thanks.” He puts his glass down to grab his plate and do as told, pressing certain buttons before you hear the microwave turn on. Meanwhile, you grab another mug and filled it with warm water and a new tea bag since the first one has gone cold. Utensils too for your husband, who just took out his warm plate from the microwave. White rice, beef bulgogi, grilled vegetables you’d insist the twins eat for added nutrients but mostly failed. But good thing, your husband likes them. Between you and him, you were always the cook, while he’s an enjoyer of them.

As he sits across you, you hand over his utensils so he can take a bite. When he does, he hums in satisfaction.

“Good?”

He nods. “You always hit the right spot.”

You chuckle, grabbing a napkin to wipe off some rice that fell from the spoon.

“You know,” He says with that handsome grin of his, filled with nostalgia. “5 years ago, a late-night meal meant convenience store ramen at 3 am.”

“Now, it’s reheated dinner with all food groups eaten after bedtime.” You lift the tea bag up and place it on a small plate, sipping your mug. With a delighted smile, “Gotta set a good example for the boys.”

“Still a win,” He decides. “Even if their puppy eyes brought us to this chaos.”

Your soft eyes turn sharp, darting at him like laser beams. “Watch it, Seo.”

“Okay, okay,” His hands are up in surrender. “They definitely got their stubbornness from me.”

“A known fact,” You state firmly, then smile gradually. “But I gotta admit that you carrying them to their rooms was too funny.”

His laugh is deep and rumbly. “At that rate, they would be up all night if not for the caramel popcorn.”

“Which you bought for them on the way home.”

“Because they asked nicely and had stars on their test.”

“Admit you planted this chaos, Seo.” You challenged.

“I plead the fifth.” He fends himself, then returns to eating. Unhurried despite how hungry he clearly is, barefoot, hair messier than earlier due to the twins, no stage lights or cameras, it was just Johnny. Your Johnny. It’s grounding in a way that made you ache pleasantly.

“They were really into that show though,” He changes topics in between bites.

“They get that from you,” You reply. “You and your webtoon novels that you stay up later for.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

Here we go again. “Should we bring out the receipts of the paid content you buy then?”

Hook, line, center. “Okay, sure. But at least I hide it better.”

“You literally went to Naver for your variety series and spoke with staff.”

“I’m just gonna,” He takes more bites of his meal, ignoring as you laugh at his sulkiness.

“I’m just messing with you, love.” Your finger wipes a fake tear, holding his hand. “If anything, you’re passionate and show your love when you can. Just look at how much the twins love you.”

His gaze softens at the mention of them, interlacing his hand with yours. “They’re good kids, (Y/N).”

“And it’s because we raised them the best we could,” You agree. “Even when they ignore bedtime.”

Johnny nods, putting down his utensils with his other hand on his now empty plate. “Hyunyoung’s getting sharper with his negotiating, while Hyunwoo is the soft one who also wants to get his way.”

“Double trouble alright.” You add. “They’re getting tougher to handle these days.”

“Agreed,” Johnny says, “And yet, they’re only this small for now.”

Hyunyoung and Hyunwoo just turned five last November, but given Johnny’s height, they’re already taller than most kids in their preschool and in the extracurricular activities they do. It’s quite the milestone, but there’s bittersweetness in knowing that they’re growing up so fast. They once fit your arms, and they’re nearly overtaking each other on Johnny’s lap. Then again, there’s anticipation on knowing who they’ll become over the days, months, years.

An irony that can exist harmoniously.

“You’re getting sentimental again, aren’t you?” Johnny points out so easily, standing up to walk across you and sit beside you.

“How can I not be?” You say with deep passion in your heart, sitting more upright towards his direction. “I still see them as my babies.”

“Makes sense when you can’t say no to them over their favorite tv show.”

“And you can’t?”

“I literally just did” He raises his tattooed arms, flexing them.

“Lifting them up to their bedroom doesn’t count, Seo.”

“Sure,” He shrugs nonchalantly. “But I didn’t cave into their last minute negotiations for more tv time.”

“But you did read them a bedtime story,” You follow up with the facts. “Just admit that even being T in your MBTI, they soften you up.”

“Never said they don’t,” He clarifies. “Sometimes, they just need to remember when no is a no.”

He has a point. In your dynamic, you tend to be more lenient while he’s like the final boss of a video game that can be difficult to win over. Hence, it’s important you’re there to intervene and doesn’t go too overboard and make them cry. But it hasn’t happened… yet.

“Whatever you say, Mr. Softie.” You singsong, standing up and reaching your hand out to him. “Now come on, I have a gift for you.”

“No way!”

Johny exclaims a little too loudly as he unwraps your gift in the living room, unveiling a new camera he’s been eyeing on. Ever since the twins accidentally pushed his favorite camera from its spot on the living room during playtime and broke pretty much everything, it took all your might to tell the twins to run to their room before Johnny shouted out profanities.

The camera was sold out in all of South Korea and the US. But if not for Yuta and his wife helping you out back in Osaka, they shipped the camera to your work office just so the boys in your house don’t go snooping around in the mail. And yes, the twins would do that with the wish they get new toys.

“But they’re unavailable everywhere.”

“Japan had some remaining stock.”

“But shipping must’ve been expensive.”

“Not when you’re friends with Yuta Nakamoto.” You saunter towards him, kissing his lips. “Happy birthday, John.”

And right on cue, the nearby clock chimes.

12:00 am.

Just as your lips parted from his, his hand pulls you in. Now sitting on his lap, the box where the camera is now on the table.

“I’ve waited all evening for this.” He murmurs, lips brushing your again before they deepen. His hands were all over your waist and lower back before resting on your butt, while yours tugged on his white tee. Feeling the warmth of his chest, his heartbeat was racing.

“Johnny,” You say breathlessly, feeling his lips trace your neck and collarbone, now exposed from your loose tee. He brushes your hair back, making your head tilt back to let him explore. Now, it’s making your heart pound. “Johnny…”

As your lips repeat his name, he hushes you with a finger against your lips. Eyes dark with desire, his thumb rubs small circles over your hips. “Shhh, just us. Just for now. You and me.”

Eyes locked on his, something primal takes over you as your lips wrap around his point finger. In your mind, something else came in mind when you did that.

Something… thicker. Longer. Him at his prime.

“Fuck, baby,” He curses under his breath, hands tugging you closer to him wherein his hardness moves against your growing wetness. His lips collide again with yours, making you moan a little louder. “Need you to be inside.”

“Yeah?” You teasingly grind on him, but it’s short-lived when his hand slides inside your tee to squeeze your free breast.

“Panties. Off. Now.” His finger toys with your nipple. “And keep it down, yeah? Don’t wanna wake the kids up, right?”

With a handsome man like Johnny as your husband, it’s easy to follow his orders. Heck, arousal is practically effortless. While you’ve had your fair share of being on top and dominant, being on the receiving end tends to be your default. And you know what? You enjoy that a whole lot, especially when Johnny knows how to please you.

As you ride his cock on the loveseat while he thrusts upwards for added pleasure, your hands grip on his shoulders from the sensations leverage. Clothes discarded over the living room floor, soft music playing to muffle the slapping sounds of your body, and forgotten plates on the table, all that really mattered in the moment was being close and intimate with your love. Your back arches when his cock hits a sensitive spot, hips brushing against each other with your breath mingling with his.

“So fucking beautiful,” He whispers against your ear, his thumb rubbing your throbbing clit that makes you gasp. “Mine, all mine.”

As your legs shake and his breath hitches more, your high crashes down first with a desperate cry. He followed a mere minute, a helpless grunt escapes his lips as liquid warmth paints your inner walls. The two of you stay there for a beat, catching your breaths and grounding yourself back to the present. Your head rests on the crook of his neck, wherein his lips kiss your temple.

“Best birthday gift ever.” He rasps, feeling his cock soften inside you.

With a grin, you pull back and kiss him deeper again. With pure love and devotion, it was like a private celebration wherein only you two are allowed to witness. Time remains elastic as your heartbeats even out and stay close. Everything about this moment is familiar, a dance you’ve shared a multitude of times, yet each time sparks something new, something exhilarating. As his hands explore your naked back, memorizing every curve, mark, dimple…

Wah.

Wah.

Wah!!!!!!

Through the nearby baby monitor, a set of soft to progressively strong wails echo through.

Instantly, a mood breaker that pops your little bubble with Johnny.

Naturally, you disentangle yourself from Johnny’s hold to hastily change back to your clothes before things escalate. White tee, panties, then shorts. Johnny follows suit, but stays shirtless and keeps his grey joggers. Dad mode: on once again.

You were reluctant at first to go, bummed out at the interruption, Who wouldn’t be when private time with your husband has gotten rarer. But then again, your family was everything to you. Without a second less, you both make your way towards your bedroom, hand in hand, where the prime source of wails lay.

In a pristine-white crib by your side of the bed, your entire being immediately softens at the wide-eyed baby in her grey swaddle, resembling a starfish who squirms, babbles, and wails all the same time.

“Aigoo,” Johnny lean forward to let his fingers trace the chubby cheeks of your 8 month old baby girl, Hyunae, with her pursed lips and deep gaze towards the ceiling. “Is Little Miss Hyunae too excited to celebrate daddy’s birthday or feels a little lonely tonight, mhm?”

Her reply? A wide “O” expression in her lips, then a toothless grin showcasing her pink gums. If anything, his voice grounds her. She wiggles a little bit more, earning a chuckle from both of you.

“Alright, Little Miss,” His arms scoop her up, cradling her more comfortably. “It’s daddy’s birthday already. Your first one, so you need to rest like your older brothers so we can all have fun tomorrow.”

She just stares at him, unfocused and deadpanned, as if asking herself “What is the weird man saying and where is my milk?”

“Jeez, John,” You lean over to kiss the little girl’s forehead, who then beams excitedly. “Use easier words on her.”

“I would,” He thinks deeply. “Except she did just interrupt us having birthday sex.”

“Johnny!” You gasp, slapping his shoulder. “She’s a baby!”

“Am I wrong?” He challenges.

“Don’t make me answer that.” Again, life with 3 kids, specifically twins and a baby, disrupted your sex life multiple times. But there’s no need to bring that up again.

“No answer is an answer, love.” He teases as he kisses your forehead. “But hey, at least she’s cute.”

He continues to rock her, humming a familiar lullaby tune that works on the twins back and works the same on her. Slowly, her tiny eyes droop down and drifting back to sleep after a momentary lapse in her flow. Lately, she’s gotten much better with getting through the night. There are still instances, just like tonight, but if anything, she’s everything and more.

“Gosh,” You awe at her, resembling the same brown eyes of Johnny but with your lips and nose. Since she was born, you were elated to have a girl. Your own little girl. “She’s just perfect.”

He nods. “Just like her mother.”

You stand back to let him do his magic on your daughter, hushing and comforting her back to bed. It’s moments like this that you’ve envisioned when you started settling down. A beautiful home, a loving husband, amazing kids, and complete security in your identities as you, a wife, and mother.

As Johnny finally puts Hyunae back in her crib, your arms hug his side.

“Love you,” You mutter. “Happy birthday, Johnny.”

“Thank you,” He replies, pulling you in closer. “This is the best birthday gift ever.”

“Which one?”

“Our family.”

As the late night starts to deepen, you and Johnny just stand there, shoulders brushing, heart still racing, letting the quiet intimacy of just being together linger.

The city hums outside. Your home is calm again.

The chaos waits for later, but for now, you’re still in the moment.

CONTENT AND BLESSED FOR THE LIFE YOU’VE BUILT WITH JOHNNY SEO.

Or pregnancy tests as a few of them were lined up in a single file on the marble bathroom sink. They’re either gleaming with the same result or still processing, blinking patiently as if they’ll change their minds.

Spoiler alert: They don’t.

The plus sign dominates all throughout.

Different brands. Similar instruction. Same answer.

You inhale deeply, grounding yourself before anxiety, confusion, or denial has the chance to spiral.

What’s the next logical step here?

Tell Jaehyun.

Of course, your mind automatically goes straight there.

But fuck, that’s also tough. Even tougher than telling your parents about your relationship with Jaehyun years ago. Because if we’re painting a bigger picture here, you’re unmarried, still in the dating phase with someone outside the royal and noble circle—

And now pregnant.

God, press would have a field day with this.

Princess (Y/N) breaking royal protocol and rules once again. A header that will sell on newspaper stands and get people to instantly click online.

But call yourself lucky when most people enjoy this change in pace, showing that your life is yours and that you’re normal like everyone else. And yes, people having kids before marriage is a common occurrence now. Yet in terms of royalty? It’s never been done, and definitely your grandparents’ worst nightmare.

Anyways, it all still boils down to you and what you decide.

Where am you at life right now?

As of now, you just wrapped up your master’s degree in international relations and economics and also just returned home from a royal fundraising event for kids in the arts. Alongside this, with your older brother Jinyoung who’s now king, your opinion regarding royal and people affairs matters more during discussions and meetings. Given your shared childhoods together, he knew he can trust and rely on you.

How can you be careless?

In the midst of something beautiful, you can’t help wonder on your life choices that brought you here. You and Jaehyun have been dating for nearly 6 years, having moved in together just last year in your own small home near the royal capital. While there are still guards around for your safety, it’s only you and him.

So sex? Not a question. It’s common and almost daily, everywhere even.

In the bath? So hot.

Condoms? Ignored more than the early-morning calls from your secretary.

“Pull and pray,” one of you would say then proceeds to get naughty.

And well, look where it got you.

When will you tell Jaehyun?

He’s only a door away, right behind where you stand. Lying on your bed with his iPad, answering emails and other security-related concerns. With his new role as Royal Security Head, he doesn’t do on-ground work wherein he guards the royal family and those inside it. Instead, he’s more focused on training, assigning guards in certain posts, being the king and queen’s point person in security, overseeing some reports, and holding important meetings among the team.

In other words, he no longer guards you formally. But of course, he’s number one on security protocol in your home and in public.

And if there’s anything on your mind bothering you, he’s always the first person you’d talk to. Just until you gather yourself, you would tell him about the baby.

Knowing how much you’ve been through together, from revealing your relationship in public to navigating the ups and downs of being royalty, you’re sure the both of you can handle anything.

Are you ready for this commitment?

Has anyone been fully ready for a baby and parenthood? You’re settling well into your royal duties now, you’ve gotten that degree and you and Jaehyun are at a great standpoint in your relationship. And despite the timing, despite everything, kids were always in the plan.

And since when has anything been “right” for you two?

Would you want them with your spark and Jaehyun’s brown eyes?

Of course, your heart had to intrude and make this new discovery exciting and happy. Dangerous but optimistic. And before your thoughts could dive deeper into this rabbit hole, then reality knocks.

Literally.

“Princess,” Jaehyun calls, your title worn like a pet name. “You good in there?”

“Y-Yeah,” Your hands place down the pregnancy test in your hands along with others, all done and fully processed with the exact same result “Why wouldn’t I be?”

“You’ve been in there for a while,” He says. “And the shower’s off”.

Oh, so babe. Surprise. I’m pregnant.

“Just doing my skincare routine, love.”

“Okay,” he responds. “Hurry so we can have dinner. Takeout’s here.”

Your ears could pick up sounds of him fixing his things by the scuffling on his feet and various materials clinking and clanking on the table. If anything, he may be thinking it’s another day and his girlfriend is just settling into the night like him. Biting your lower lip and fidgeting with your fingers, you slowly pace around the bathroom floor to make a decision.

If you tell him now, at least it’s done with. But his reaction? Something you aren’t too certain with. Just like you, kids were in his plan too. But so soon? You couldn’t tell.

But if you don’t tell him now, it’ll just linger in your mind in every moment you share together.

Something as big as this can’t be prolonged.

With a deep sigh, you knew what to do.

Taking your time, your hand shakily twists the doorknob on one side to open it. Jaehyun sat on the edge of the bed, looking up from his phone to where you were standing.

“Hey,” He greets casually and in that deep husky voice you love, phone discarded on the bed. “Ready to eat?”

“There’s something I should tell and show you first.” The words tumble out of your mouth quickly, just wanting to get to over it.

“Is everything okay, princess?”

Yes, no, yes? “Sure, Jae. I guess.”

Without another word, Jaehyun stands up and follows your lead to the bathroom. Your heart beats quicker the nearer he gets, even more so when he’s inside and catches light glimpses of the tests on the marble counter. He gets closer for a better view and even picked one up.

Then he just stares, followed by his mouth slightly parting and his brown eyes widening.

“Is this what I think it is, princess?”

“What do you think it is, love?” Your hands cradle around your chest as you sit down on the edge of the bathtub, as if protecting you from whatever he had to say.

His eyes flick at you. To the test. Then back at you. “Are you pregnant, princess?”

Inhale.

Exhale. “Yes.”

That’s the first time you’ve ever truly and verbally acknowledged this truth. The words feel much heavier said aloud, only making the situation more real.

Jaehyun freezes for a moment, processing everything at his own pace. But it turned out to be quick as his lips slowly curving into a wide smile, addressed towards you. He sets down the positive test with the rest of them and steps closer to where you’re seated. Kneeling down, his hands hover yours, but not exactly touching yet, as if asking for your permission.

“Princess… hey,” He speaks softly and calculated, even with your gaze still down on the floor. Intuitively, he knew that your emotions were all over the place. “How are you? Are you okay?”

Something in you cracks.

The first thing he asks isn’t why didn’t you tell me sooner.

It isn’t how could this happen.

It’s you.

It’s always you.

You swallow, your heart hammering into your chest. “I-I think I’m scared,” You admit before you can stop yourself. “I’m happy too, but --- scared. I haven’t gotten my period in a while and I’ve been feeling cranky and achy and god, the nausea is unbearable too, I-” Your throat gets tight. “All the signs were there and I was too nervous to confirm it because I didn’t want to mess up everything we’ve built.”

The vulnerability of the moment only made you realize that warm tears brimmed down your cheeks and staining the collar of your shirt. At this point, you could barely see me. “You know how much of a troublemaker I was, but this-” You croak out. “I don’t know how I can manage this.”

“Hey, look at me,” One hand finally reaches out to your shaky hands while the other slowly tilts your head up to meet his gaze. The warmth it brings grounds you back in the present moment. Especially when his fingers gently wipe away those tears.

You almost hesitate to lock eyes with him, but caved in. His own brown eyes were glossy.

Not crying—Jaehyun doesn’t break easily given his job background—but something in him is shining, like he’s trying to hold in a thousand emotions at once.

“Before anything else, it’s your body. Your choice.” He states. “You decide if this is something you want, okay? Whatever you choose, I’m with you. 100 percent.”

You blink, tears still clinging to your lashes.

It’s the space he gives that does it for you. The safety and reassurance that it also comes along with.

Your lungs begin to work again, going back to normal. Rather than bulldozing you with his own emotions and attempting to find the excitement here (at least right away), he doesn’t make the situation about himself.

He wanted you to feel safe about it first. Safe to want it too.

Just holding you gently in the moment like you’re something precious.

And in that moment, your mind flashes with a dreamy montage in your head you didn’t even know you

The more you look at him, the more your mind fills with images you didn’t even know you were storing away.

Going on doctor check-ups, seeing the baby via ultrasound.

Brainstorming baby names endlessly and arguing over room designs because Jaehyun wants neutral colors while you want something bright and fun.

Learning the complex gadgets related to babycare and making a laugh out of it.

Welcoming the baby, with both of you speechless. Jaehyun holding your hand the whole time.

And eventually, their first steps and whether they toddle to you or Jaehyun first like a little drunk penguin.

Despite those earlier fears, your chest aches yet your heart always knew the answer and spoke before your mind could keep up.

“I want them.” You whisper, then a little louder. “I want to keep them. Feel them grow, talk to them, meet them, and make memories with them.”

Your voice breaks again, but this time it’s from something sweeter.

”With you.”

That makes Jaehyun give you an award-winning smile that looks and feels like a crime. It was if you just handed him the world and more. “And I want them too, princess. You both.”

“Really?”

He lets out a breathy laugh, shaking his head like you’re unbelievable.

“We’ve already talked about this,” He reminds. “Sure, the timing was quicker. But fuck, this was always bound to happen, princess.”

The sweetness and reassurance of his words lasts about three seconds before your anxiety comes sprinting back in full force, like it’s been doing laps around your brain waiting for its turn.

“But okay, are we really ready for this? Can we do it? What will my parents and your mom think? And the general public? How can we raise a baby within the royal circle-”

“Princess,”

“We’re not even married, Jaehyun. People will talk. Like fuck, now we have to consider that and rush everythi-”

“(Y/L/N) (Y/N)!” Jaehyun’s booming voice cuts through your mental spiral, completely stops you off track.

And calling you on a full name basis? Damn.

You blink, startled.

He leans closer, eyes serious but soft.

“How about we take a breather here? Breathe with me.”

He proceeds to inhale from his nostrils, his abdomen rising. The palm of his hand also rose to sync with his movement. You follow along, really gathering all of this negative energy.

“And exhale.” He releases his breath through his mouth, a loud, controlled whoosh he ensures to be longer to truly be at ease. The same goes for you, and slowly, your mind starts to clear up like the sun rising after a raging storm.

“You good?”

You nod lightly,

“Good girl,” He squeezes your hand. “And to be completely honest, I could care less about what other have to say regarding this.”

“Jae,”

“At the end of the day, it’s our life. We decide what and how we want to make the most of it,” He preaches. “Royal or not.”

One pillar of your relationship is independence. Independence from each other wherein you can both stand on your own yet also reach out and put in the work to stay together, and independence from the royal life. Sure, there are protocols, but you know most of them are outdated.”

You know he’s right. Refusing to follow protocol has been part of your livelihood when you were born, and this new and beautiful experience shouldn’t stop you. Sure, it’s gonna change everything.

But then again,

It’s gonna change everything.

“You always know just what to say.”

“Of course,” He says as if you’re stating the obvious. “We’ve got history of me putting you in check, right?”

That brings you back to your younger years, him chasing after you when you didn’t want to go to an event or simply getting away from him to mess with him. Or him scolding you when you showed up to a royal lunch with athleisure, followed by maids already handing you more suitable clothes.

Or your favorite, him convincing you to still have a birthday ball. That then lead you to your first kiss by the balcony, your first everything with him.

All those memories piled up like an album in your mind, ever growing in every moment.

And gosh, with more to come.

“This baby is lucky to have you as their father, Jae.” The thought of new life within comes first, letting your heart flutter. Carefully and almost naturally, your palm presses against your flat abdomen. As if you can already feel them. “If they’re anything like me, we’re so in trouble.”

He just chuckles heartily, the sound filling the bathroom like sunlight during the early morning sunrise. Pressing a gentle kiss on your temple, then to your cheek, and softly another one to the corner of your mouth that makes you shiver, he rests his forehead against yours.

“If they’re anything like you, the world will be filled with more love and kindness.”

The two of you just stay like that.

In the bathroom.

Scared.

Worried.

But thrilled for what’s to come.

Jaehyun would slightly pull back, placing his hand above yours that rests against your belly.

“There’s a little life here.” He points out. “Our little life.”

“Yeah,” You sniffle. “Possibly a size of a blueberry.”

“Still a little life.”

For once, silence isn’t scary. It’s calming, even more that you have someone on your side through it.

“Okay,” you whisper, voice trembling. “Okay. We can do this.”

Jaehyun’s eyes brighten like he’s been waiting for you to say it.

“We are doing this,” he corrects softly, patting your belly.

“Hi,” he whispers, like he’s speaking to the baby already.

Your breath catches.

Jaehyun leans in closer, careful, reverent, placing a gentle kiss right over your belly through your shirt.

“Hi, little troublemaker,” he murmurs. “If you’re anything like your mom… I’m doomed.”

You giggle, brushing his hair.

Jaehyun looks up at you again, eyes sparkling.

“But it’s okay,” he adds. “Because I’m gonna love you so much you won’t even know what hit you.”

Now that makes your heart melt into a puddle.

As he stands up, his arms lift you right back up to wrap you in his arms fully, pulling you into his chest. The scent of musk and lemongrass calmed your senses, just like his embrace. Warm, firm, and protective, it felt like a promise that’s always fulfilled.

“You’re not alone,” he whispers into your hair. “Not anymore. Not ever.”

You bury your face into his shoulder, breathing him in like comfort.

“I’m going to be huge,” you mutter weakly.

Jaehyun huffs out a laugh that you feel against your cheek. “You’re going to be beautiful.”

“I’m going to cry over commercials.”

“You already cry over commercials.”

“That’s not the point.”

He laughs again, then pulls back slightly, hands gently cupping your cheeks.

“And for the record,” he says, voice dropping low, playful but sincere, “I’m telling you right now… I’m gonna be the most annoying dad.”

Your brows lift. “Oh?”

“Like,” he continues, fully committed now, “I’m gonna cry at the ultrasound. Cry at the heartbeat. Cry at the first kick. Cry when they grab my finger for the first time—”

“Jaehyun.”

“I’m also gonna buy tiny little shoes,” he says, eyes glistening with excitement for what’s to come. “And those stupid little baby hats. And I’m gonna brag about you both to everyone, I don’t care who listens.”

Your laugh comes out wet and breathless.

Then his smile softens again.

“And when you’re tired,” he adds quietly as his thumb brushes your cheek, “I’ll carry you.”

You blink. “Carry me?”

“Yeah,” he says like it’s obvious. “You’re carrying our baby. So I’m carrying you.”

Your throat tightens all over again.

“God, you’re so—” you search for the right words, “you’re so cheesy.”

“And you love it,” he says, leaning in to kiss your nose.

You smile.

You do.

And for the first time since those plus signs came up…

The fear doesn’t feel like it’s swallowing you whole.

It feels like something you can hold in your hands.

Together.

“I love you,” you declare.

Jaehyun presses one more kiss to your forehead, then your cheek, then your lips—soft and lingering.

“I love you too,” he replies naturally.

Then, with a grin, he nudges you gently toward the bedroom door.

“Now,” he says, “let’s eat before you start crying over your noodles too.”

“I will not cry over noodles.”

Jaehyun raises an eyebrow. “Princess. You cried over a cat video yesterday.”

“That cat was trying its best to get the yarn.”

“And so are you,” he says softly, squeezing your hand. “My brave girl.”

Ramen noodles have been served, along with some sparkling grape juice in wine glasses and a mini chocolate cake delivered from your favorite bakery a few blocks away. In squiggled, rushed font (because it was nearing their cut-off period) in the middle, the cake read “Congrats, Mom and Dad”. Mini flowers and cars were drawn all over to make it look pretty and celebratory, yet still keeping things neutral.

And yes, it was all Jaehyun’s idea.

“So good,” You moan in happiness as you grab another bite of your slice.

Right now, you’re both cuddled in bed, having cake too because why not? It’s your house, your rules. Jaehyun’s arms are wrapped protectively around you while a random Netflix romcom plays. But mainly as background music as Jaehyun starts openly and dreamily rambles about having a little one.

“Would they have your kind heart and my dimples? Fuck, we have to start searching baby essentials. You also need to see a good obstetrician. And I think we need to clear out the guest room, although we should make space here for them when they’re in the early months-”

And to think this was the same man who would hover and be strict with where you go and what you do when he was assigned to you, making you rebel to just give him a hard time.

Who would’ve thought the man who thrived on security routines and controls is full-on committed to your baby’s living spaces?

You giggle as you start picturing that very life with him, also giving him a peck on his lips. “You’re gonna be the best dad, Jae.”

“And an overprotective one too,” He adds another kiss, tightening his hold on your waist. “God, if they’re anything like you from before, so help me.”

“Obviously,” You roll your eyes. “They’re my kid.”

“Our kid,” He playfully corrects. Our kid, that makes your heart skip a beat. “But you know it’s because I want them to be safe, right?”

“Yeah.”

He goes quiet for a beat, and when he looks at you, his expression is softer than you’ve ever seen it.

“So we’re really doing this, princess?”

“Yes, love.” You say, voice steadier now. “We are.”

“Alright then,” He seals it like a vow, kissing your hand. “I need a game plan to make sure they don’t go running off like you did.”

All you do was laugh and nod at the rest of his ideas, letting his thrill overpower any remaining nerves from creeping in.

And in the moment, it made you realize.

THAT PERHAPS, PARENTHOOD WOULDN’T BE TOO BAD IF YOU JUST HAVE THE RIGHT PERSON WITH YOU.

Because back then, dicks freaked you out. You could never look at them in a good light after accidentally coming across porn from one of those pop-up sites when you were researching for one of your papers.

Like it’s just so.. veiny? Big? Long?

Sure, there are many types of dicks. But nonetheless, they weirded you out.

Then you met Yuta during both your junior years in university. Part of the rock band club, majoring in animation, it took one basics to graphic design class to know and eventually date each other.

He’s your first boyfriend too. So when you both reached a point of getting intimate, you’ve covered almost all the bases. Making out, outercourse, cunnilingus, penetration, you were on the receiving end often. Because well, you’re Yuta’s pillow princess. It does help when he’s a service dom — he’s pleased when you’re pleased. Given how new everything is to you, he’s been very patient with you. Never to pressure you because he understands that everyone view sex differently.

So yeah, you’ve seen his dick and know what it’s like inside you. But orally? That’s new territory that you just couldn’t fathom to get into.

Until one day during your break, you unintentionally came across an NSFW video along your twitter timeline of a girl giving head. The algorithm can be weird sometimes. But rather than straying away, your eyes feasted on how her lips play around with the tip until down his pubic bone. Back and forth, she sucks his cock almost effortlessly and without a gag reflex, even with tears brimming down her face and her moans muffled. The man she’s pleasing would wipe said tears and cradle her face, showering her in words of praises alongside his own grunts leading to his impending orgasms.

She continues her actions until she pulls out and feels his salty and milky release on her face and licks them off her face, even wrapping her lips on his cock again for an extra taste straight from the source. Watching how sensitive he was, and how his cock still twitches after letting go, the cherry on top was the delicate peck on his tip with an innocent smile.

“Was that good enough, daddy?”

Fuck, you were so screwed at how heated and drenched you got. But you were even more intrigued on how far you’re willing to go to please your man when he always takes charge.

That idea has now led you down to your knees, hair messily tied into a frazzled ponytail as you follow your boyfriend’s words. Foreplay was quite lengthy, giving you more than enough time to get aroused.

“Lick the tip gently— ah, yes there, babe…” He throws his head back. “Use your nostrils. Don’t hold your breath.”

“Mhmmm…” Your enjoyable humming sends vibrations down Yuta’s cock, making him arch his back.

“And here I thought dicks scare the fuck outta you, darling.” He mocking coos at you, gripping the back of your hair. Not hard enough to hurt you, but good enough to satisfy you, more moans escape your lips. That only gives you more space to feel more of his length.

Gag reflex who? Shocker because your lips are almost at level to his pubic bone.

“Where’s my girl who’d say shit like “I hate dicks”? Tell me, darling.” Yuta’s words still assert dominance, gaining more gush between your legs. Fuck, you needed relief. Rubbing your thighs simultaneously within a blowjob isn’t enough.

 “She’s…”

Breathe in.

“Gone.”

Breathe out.

“She…”

Breathe in.

“loves…”

Breathe out.

“this…”

Breathe in.

“dick.”

Breathe out.

The more you bob your head to thrust more of his length, your delicate fingers fondle his balls. That surprised him, earning a soft moan.

“Atta girl,” He praises, widening his legs further. This picture-perfect view of you between his legs makes it harder to nut so quickly. “I didn’t have to teach you that. But god, you’re a fast learner.”

But soon enough, Yuta’s grunts grew shorter and quicker as you pick the pace. By this time, you already found your rhythm and knew more about his sensitive spots. Lips only wrapped around his tip as your hands maneuver his shaft in opposite directions, maximizing the strawberry lube and saliva for smoothness, hollowing your mouth to make more room for his length, you were like a different woman.

More dominant and listening to his cues to see which to do more off.

By the time his fingers tug on your scalp, a prolonged groan and salty spurts combust all over your mouth. Your tongue couldn’t even reject or gag at that foreign taste, too in the zone to ease him into his climax. So you swallowed it like the big girl you are.

From your kneeling position, you were too dazed out to notice the change of scenery as your butt lands on shaky yet muscular thighs. Yuta’s hands were on your waist, with his leaking cock poking against your tight shorts, his lips seal yours with a sincere kiss. Naturally, you straddled him and wrapped your arms around his. Always a comfortable position to be in.

“You’re amazing.” He says with his signature grin, making your cheeks warm up.

“Well, I had a great teacher.”

You are already of poor standing in society, so why add more to it?

However, it was not always like that. If only your late father were a lot wiser in choosing his next bride after your late mother…

Because said bride would become your stepmother and took over his entire estate, finances, and everything else he belonged. And while you were his daughter, she spared nothing other than a maid uniform and a bedroom near the kitchen. Perhaps the fairytales were real, very much the unfortunate beginning of it. And seeing how unlucky your life has been so far, a fairytale ending is very much out of your cards.

No money, nowhere else to go, this estate is all you know and the last thing that connects you to your parents. Leaving it is not an option.

With that truth, taking a chance of minor freedom should not sound so bad. You may have no clue how long you have such in this world, so if there’s even a sliver of an opening, you would gracefully slide through it.

Hence, that is what brought you to this special event. The yearly Jeong Masquerade Gala that all of the ton anticipates, wherein even the king and queen themselves made an appearance. Perhaps, they’re the only ones who did not remain anonymous. Yet to be in the same room as them feels like a dream.

Throughout the night so far, you roamed through the entire ballroom with curiosity and awe. Shimmering gowns swayed, glasses of the finest wines clinked, and wild chatter filled the air.

“The ballroom resembles a fantastical dream.”

“The Jeongs have done it again. Perhaps even better than the last.”

“Has anyone seen the soon-to-Duke? I heard he is on search for a bride, and my daughter would be quite the suitable woman for him.”

 Just like every woman present in the venue, a man would approach them for a dance. Your hand has been asked for such and who are you to decline? It is a night of mystery, and who are they to distinguish who is of high class and who is not as of now?

That only adds to the allure of it all.

One, two, even five gentlemen sought your hand for a dance. There were quick step waltzes with group dances that made you switch partners until you return to your original partner.

Was this what it felt like to be part of their world?

“I thank you for this lovely dance, my lady.” The original partner in question, who introduced himself as “Mark” or whatever his alias name is for the enigmatic night, bows. “Would you do me the honor for another dance later in the night?”

You nod out of respect, though your feet are quite not used to such high, tight shoes. Years in flats to pace all over the Park estate and serve your stepmother and stepsisters was deemed more practical, so such fancy shoes were another challenge.

But the roster of challenges did not end there. Besides dancing and getting comfortable in your overall outfit, trying to keep up with various conversations can make your brain woozy and overwhelmed. And that is not even due to the bits of champagne you sipped on tonight. Speaking of, you are not one to indulge in such alcohol luxury, so you can feel its effects taking a toll on you. Mid-swaying, higher pitched and quickly triggered

Stepping outside through the tall columns of the patio was the first thing that came on you, where a sprawling acre of peaches ran across the field. The lovely Jeong Peach Gardens, their staple product and once-in-a-lifetime view. Leaning closely to get a better view, a lot were fresh and ready while others are just starting to bloom. They were a show on their own.

However, the garden is no feat for the luminous sky above you. It appears that the stars and the moon have their own celebration above you, twinkling with all their might to express joy. Perhaps they wanted to spread it to those living below them. Minus all that deep, scientific chatter that men of the ton theorize about them earlier that evening, the poetic beauty behind these celestial objects urges you to feel a lot more happiness than worry.

To just forget your duties and just be you.

“Such a beautiful evening, is it not?”

Your momentary daze was cut short by a deep, rich voice. Masculine and rather amused too.

Almost instantly, you regained your composure and straightened your stance after perching against the railing for god knows how long. As you turn back, nothing could have prepared you for what you would see and say.

Or rather who.

There stood a tall gentleman leaning on the side of one pillar of the estate, donning a black and gold suit with a caveat of the same shades. He readjusts his sleeves momentarily, wherein your eyes caught the sparking gleam of his cufflinks. To be more specific, customized ones as one had a peach engraved while the other had the letter J.

This well-dressed gentleman must be of high ranking, you already assume. Only they’d have their family crests on their clothing, but that’s not for the knowledge of the lower classes. And it shows because who is this gentleman?

His hair is as black as the night sky, coiffed and proper with a few of his bangs dangling in front of his mask for the formal evening. His posture straightened, seeing his shoulders roll back to avoid slouching. And those brown orbs of his, they radiate warmth and invitation.

Hence, the nerves earlier came to halt.

And yet, out of all the possible gentleman you have glanced, seen, spoken, and even danced today, he was not one of them.

If you believed you carried mystery throughout the gala, this man solely fully takes you reign.

Because even with a black, sleek mask concealing his identity, a part of you can already tell that he’s rather handsome.

“My lady?” He asks with an inquisitive tilt of his head.

“Oh yes.” You quickly and smoothly nod in agreement to his statement. You must stop spacing out! “The stars beam so brightly tonight, as if wanting to join this very gala beneath them.”

“Indeed.” He calmly shifts his stance back to the sky as he leans against the railing. Just a few mere inches away from you. “These celestial beings are truly immaculate.”

He pauses. “Or maybe they choose to gleam their precious light to someone they deem worthy.” Then he spares an earnest glance at you. “Someone as radiant as you are.”

A gentleman, you say? He has quite the flirtatious tongue. It felt… risqué. Was he a part of a different lot of men who charm their way around life?

“Such flowery, sweet terms.” You point out playfully. “Have you flattered other ladies of the ton already with them, my lord?”

He chuckles, revealing his pearly whites and dimples on his cheeks. “I believe that is just you, my lady.”

A flutter. A second one. Damn, this man. The charm he carries is justified alright.

But are you to revel in his compliments and give him the boost in his ego? Follow the usual construct of women easily falling for such shallow words?

Exactly.

“Well, thank you for your words.” You give a subtle nod and politely smile his way. “But I must say, I have already heard those words from numerous men tonight.”

He arches a brow. “Is that so?”

“Similar in physique, but alike in nature.” You expound further, fixating your attention back to the stars. “Then again, neither of them truly share a keen interest for the stars like I do.”

“Does that put me at an advantage?”

“View it however you please.”

The silence between the both of you, alongside more hushed music from the ballroom in the background, carried a sense of comfort. Fully captivated in watching the night sky twinkle and shine a lot brighter, it’s nothing like watching from the window of your chambers. Even the transparent barrier created a huge difference when you are outside.

Perhaps this luxurious, silk gown elicit such imposter-like feelings, but deep down, it’s as if you were meant to be right here.

If my mother were only here with me…

“What of the night sky entices you?” He cuts through the air, his tone curious and intrigued. Perhaps he knew where to draw the line of camaraderie and flirting.

“The night sky presents endless stars above, and those stars represent all the potential dreams I could have and even achieve.” Those words from your mouth elicited bittersweet memories of a younger you with your mother, a maid just as you. After lights out in the estate, you and her would sneak out to a hidden open curb with a majestic view of the night sky. The sky is the limit for your dreams, my love. Your place in society should not hinder you otherwise.

She may not have lived long enough to follow her advice, but here you were doing it. Not just for her, but for yourself and knowing better. Starting with this gala.

The mystery man gave a hopeful look as his lips curved into a half grin, along with a nod of agreement.

Less to your knowledge, he felt trapped as well. In his own world surrounded with high expectations and rules and standards he must abide and follow. And so the idea of stars as dreams had him wishing for an easier life, where he is in control and leads it in his own accord.

Perhaps you are not so different than me, he thinks.

But returning back to you, “And what dreams do you have that excites you, my lady?”

It is not everyday someone asks you that question, even more of how low of rank you are. Dreams are for the wealthy and for rich, high-ranking men, counteracting the words of your mother. But like breathing fresh air, having dreams of your own come naturally to you.

“I dream to see the world beyond this city, to be one of the lucky people stepping on the several ships that ride in and out rather than being the watcher. I also dream to make a name for myself, work for myself, to be free.”

Your heart soars as such thoughts. Yet those last words hit you as perfect as bullseye in archery. To be free from your stepfamily, to be free of patriarchal-dominant standards, to be free to dream and live a life that is yours.

“You have remarkable dreams, my Lady.” He praises.

“And what of you, my Lord?” You ask, pivoting your body to fully face him. “I believe it is fair to know what a rich and perhaps successful gentleman such as yourself would aspire to have and want.”

“You say I am rich?”

“And successful. Did you not listen, my Lord?”

Your banter earns you a deep, warmhearted laugh from him. Seeing how his eyes crinkle into the shape of crescent moons and his chest heaves, almost as if all of the tension in his body is set free. It made you wonder what made him feel that way. Did he had to act in such a formal, dignified way that showed no cracks to the ton? This whole evening is filled with gentlemen trying to flaunt what they have and own, one-upping each other. Only the strongest can survive here.

“Well,” He gives a more authentic smile. “I dream to live my own life in my own terms. Away from the pressures and rules my family has on me, to travel more and create more art that my father would not shun away as “a waste of precious time.” While I have no retorts on my soon to be responsibilities, I simply want freedom even for a moment to breathe and treasure the young man I am as of now.”

Soon-to-be-responsibilities? This mystery gentleman must be the heir of a big family then, the firstborn. Thank goodness for your masks then. Because sans mask and during day light, this conversation would be a scandal.

But regardless of his identity, his answer must’ve required a lot of trust because he practically expressed his vulnerability to you. In this society, a gentleman would never Even with masks on, he was honest and authentic. Compared to earlier, it’s as if his mood changed into a lighter one.

With a pause, he brushes some strands of his hair away to face you again. “It seems that we share similar aspirations, my Lady.”

“I assume you’re a Duke or Viscount of some sort?” The curious part in you could not hold it in. “Maybe an Earl or Marquis?”

“Maybe one of them.” He gives a mischievous glint. “Maybe not.”

“Ha ha.” You mockingly laugh, crossing your arms on your chest. “So which is it?”

“An answer for another time. Why break the mysterious allure of the masquerade, my Lady?” He questions, tilting his head at you. “Perhaps you take a fancy at me?”

“You are quite incorrigible.”

“And you ask too much.”

The conversation between the both of you flew by seamlessly, all while keeping some things to yourselves to honor the mysterious aura of the night. As you share how you adore the pressed flower display in one aspect of the ballroom, he opens up about all the gentlemen in the evening that he knows are all looking for potential brides.

“I presume you will be of attendance in their weddings?”

“As if I had a choice.”

His playful, boyish charm made it easy to talk to him as informally as you can. It is simply not everyday you talk to a man of such ranking (whatever it is), given your own (hidden) lowly status. All you would get is a nod and “may you fetch me a glass of whiskey and crackers?”. So to have a real conversation, one that would not get you scolded or judged for, made you feel seen. Validated. Important.

Just as you listen to him talk about this one insistent mama trying to set her herself up with him (“a widow who would rather be with me that her daughter”), you let out a loud laugh. The most authentic one from tonight too, you can feel your belly and upper body contract. Trying to cover your mouth to muffle the noise, his attention quickly shifted to the piece of jewelry in your left wrist.

“Such beautiful charms you are wearing there.” Out of the blue, he slowly took your hand in his. Swiftly enough, something electrifying jolts your spine. And perhaps your heart too. Soft yet calloused, he brings it closer to further inspect it. “What do each of them symbolize?”

Your silver charm bracelet holds deep importance to you ever since your wrists were big enough to accommodate such fine jewelry. The only one really that is of high quality as the ones you wore were either borrowed or knock-offs from the market. This very bracelet belonged to your late mother, who received it as a gift from your late father when their forbidden romance was still blossoming. It was something she always wore until she passed it down to you in her bedridden state.

“It is time to make your own mark in the world, but always know that I am always with you in every step of the way. It will always be you and me, my butterfly.”

Those words continue to ache in your heart, all the more to take care of her bracelet.

6 small charms clung along to the silver chain, half of them starting to fade as time impacted them greatly. But the other half still shone brightly, only recently bought through the years since you started wearing it. That is if you saved enough money for such, and so you ensured each new charm was intentional and vital to who you are becoming day by day.

“The rose,” You delicately pointed out the faded flower with the lightest gleam when put under the light of not for the minute-sized gems. “It symbolizes how my parents met and fell in love.”

The Park Estate has the most renowned rose garden, the envy of everyone of the ton up until today. A close second to the nearby Jeong Peach Gardens. Decades ago, your mother simply sought out respite after a day of cleaning the spacial library when she accidentally encountered your father. He also need to take a breath after his lectures with his father as the duke-to-be. Instead of running off after a hefty amount of apologies that almost made her cry and beg to keep her job, your father asked your mother to stay by him as he vented out his worries. So did she. From that day on, they were always secretly meeting there while all the staff and his family were resting in their chambers.

“The books,” Your gaze fell towards the pile of stacked books right beside the rose. “They represent my parents’ shared love for literature.”

Behind the growing bushes of the rose garden, your father always exchanged books with your mother when she mentioned her interest for reading. He was quite into classics, while she loved romance. And soon enough, the details she read in books started to manifest in real life the more she opened to your father.

“The moon,” You paused to admire the beautiful crescent to prepare your heart for the impending doom. “It expresses the freedom and privacy of their love even in the darkest of nights.”

A maid and soon-to-be duke could never be together. Even as their love continues to grow, the risks of exposing into the light is grave. And so they continue to love and be together in the shadows. Beyond the rose garden, they explored the hidden parts of the estate and even the parts of London that are mainly for the lower class. It was only in the night where they had such adventures, and so the moon was their loyal companion who kept them safe.

Other than some maids in Park estate, this story is something you keep secret to yourself. Being the by-product of that love holds so much risk if the story was shared to the wrong person. And while you keep the more intricate details to yourself, a part of you still feels vulnerable whenever you tell the story and relish in the emotions that follow after.

Pity because their love ended when the butler caught them and threatened to expose them.

Longing when your mother was expecting you and upon telling your father, he could only give her access to his most private cottage in the countryside to protect her. Rather than be fully there for her.

Heartache when they both parted ways forever after he gave her the key and a carriage to take her to the countryside and how neither of them wrote to each other due to the risks it held.

However, you put on a brave face for the mystery stranger, who could only nod and grin at your words. That only meant that you managed to share their story in a positive light, as if tragedy never happened and that they still exist and loved each other openly.

“Such lovely people who raised you,” He praises, unaware of the real truth. Though you give him a glimmer of smile because they were good people, only unfortunate in their circumstances. “How about the other charms? What do they signify?”

“Quite the curious cat, aren’t you, my lord?”

He slowly squints his eyes, forming these fine lines around his nose. Those very lines ended up resembling cat whiskers. “They do say I look like one.”

Humor mixed with playful annoyance were expressed through your soft laugh at his jesty remark. “And dare as I say meow.”

With a teasing roll of his eyes, he continues on. “Do tell me what these other charms mean. They must be just as important.”

They are, especially when they symbolized your independence at a young age.

“Well, the ship represents my desire to travel and venture through this vast world. Like I mentioned earlier.” Your fingers delicately pick up the rather loose charm of a ship with a small chimney releasing exhaust.

“As for this tiny star,” You maneuver your wrist to accentuate the very charm under the moonlight. “I believe that I always meant to shine, no matter where in life I can be.”

“And finally, the butterfly,” The last charm is between the star and rose, coming into full circle. “It resembles freedom to soar and fly high, no matter where you come from.”

From your hidden yet unique cocoon that was the cottage you were born into then to a bolder cocoon that is the Park estate when you were merely a toddler, you can feel yourself slowly crumble and exit out of its hard interior. And once you do, you’ll gracefully bloom into this magnificent butterfly who’ll fly to wherever her heart deems.

But then again, that scenario still feels so far and while you sense progress, the cocoon you’re in still remains hard and solid. Cracks, sure, but not strong enough to break through. Your appearance tonight at the gala is almost like a premature getaway. You were lucky to have some knowledge of proper etiquette through books while being clueless in certain aspects now that you were in the actual event. But luckily, the latter did not occur as much, seeing that a lot of these people in the ton are actually easy to impress.

Or at least the people you have met and encountered so far were like that. No need for additional flowery terms to get on their good side, as long as you can hold a great conversation and manners.

But with this stranger, the informality between the both of you felt seamless. Freeing. Just right. And how the side of his lips went for a crooked grin while gazing down at you, it was mutual. Differences in ranking were not considered, at least that’s how you viewed it in the moment.

Under his watchful yet soft gaze, his hand returns to your charm bracelet-clad one. “The meanings behind this bracelet are beautiful.” He lifts it up to leave a gentle kiss on your knuckle, almost leaving you breathless. “It only makes sense when its owner is as such.”

“Flattery again, my lord?”

“Is it working then?”

Before you could respond with a witty retort, he speaks up again. “Dare I say, is your father in attendance?”

“Why do you ask?” You respond, taken aback at his directness.

“I would like to speak with him.” His thumb rubs the side of your hand, hopeful. “Perhaps seek for more time with you.”

What an offer, this holds. In fact, you already know what this may entail. It is quite the goal for many ladies (un)like yourself to achieve as the social season is in full swing. Other than the m-word, this arrangement between you two could have been your gateway to freedom. All the possibilities this held, rushing through your mind with such lighting speed. Even more so discover who this mystery stranger is and further appreciate just how open-minded and kind he is.

And perhaps who is truly is and like behind the mask.

However, your father has already passed, and even if you shared a few years with him, he never truly acknowledged you as his own. It was too risky, and well, you’re a deep and painful reminder of the woman he loved most. Other than that, you have no one with you in the moment. That immediately put a tumultuous stop in your daydreaming like a carriage being pushed off-track and crash down the hills.

Someone of your ranking should not indulge in such fantasies, let alone entertain this offer.

Let alone use a mask as a momentary security blanket from your current reality, which still feels permanent to you.

“But you barely know me, my Lord.”

“Then that can be changed, if you are open to it.”

Optimism was evident in his tone, even as his hold on you remains. If not, tighter than prior. In a split moment, he steps forward and get closer to you. A whiff of cedarwood and sage has your senses enwrapped in his presence, making your frivolous thoughts of protest simply stop. Now, it starts to pick up the 2 small moles on his left cheek, the short black dots of his shaven scruff on his chin and upper lip…

The pinkness and plumpness of his lips. Just inches away from your own.

You could only gulp subtly at all these pieces of information. This rather compromising position you are both in feels scandalous, even more if someone were to catch you both. And as you bravely lock eyes with him, it’s as if time slowed down just for this moment. As the moonlight continues to beam down on him fully along the fire-lit lanterns all across the gardens, this masked stranger has taken notice of your full scrutiny on him. To that, his free hand smoothly glides along your lower back and rest on the side of your waist. You hitch a breath. This very moment between the both of you, appreciating each other’s silent presences, stretched with a lace of delicacy and danger.

But it can also go a number of ways, if either of you would further close the g-

“I am unsure, my Lord.”

“How so?”

“I-” I am not who you deem I am. “I still have numerous gentlemen to tend to.”

“Is that so?” He says, challenged. “But what if I can change your mind?”

“And how would you do that?” Oh, how much harder he is making it for you.

In a swift transition, the music from the ballroom switched from a lively tune to something slower and graceful. The sweet strings of the violin danced around with the mellow sounds of the flutes, and so did the growing tension between the two of you. It was as if a higher entity conspired to push the two of you together and go even further.

“May I have this dance, my lady?” Even when you are both entangled and beginning to sway along, his politeness remains dignified.

In the briefest second, you hesitated. Almost wanting to show that your dance card for the night was full. In fact, the next gentleman after this “Mark” must be looking for you.

However, the mystery man’s brown eyes and kind gestures were impossible to refuse. And was it everyday to be so near a man like this, given your status and busyness to your maid duties?

You loosened your left from his grip so you would come to contact with his palm in yours instead of your wrist, then place your right hand on his shoulder. Picking up quickly, the hand on your waist moved to the small of your back. Warm and secure, almost as if he was not letting you go so soon.

“I presume that is a yes?”

“Would you like me to step back instead?”

“Are you challenging me once again, my lady?” His brow smugly lifts.

You chuckle. “Quit your teasing and let us waltz, my Lord.”

Your closeness could have easily shocked all of the ton and became a huge topic for gossip if you were to get caught. And yet, living a little bit on the edge boosted this newfound thrill in you. Any closer and your faces would come in contact. Anyone from afar would assume that you two are much more.

And it’s not helpful that he has such pink, plump lips.

Okay there, that is not something you would ponder on given that he is a stranger.

A really handso-

In a sudden switch of things, the mystery man momentarily pulled away from your entanglement. Your brow arched in confusion.

“Let us dance somewhere much more private than here, my Lady.”

“Is this location not already remote enough?”

“Remote is being able to dance near the beautiful peaches and under the bright stars,” He reasons. “So do tell me if that is not a better option when we are near a buzzing ballroom.”

He is right, and you cannot deny it. And perhaps, you are eager to see more of this place. Who is to say if this is your only night to be surrounded by such luxury?

Measured and refined, his hand reaches out for yours. You take it, letting him guide down the stairs leading to the gardens. The sprawling greening serves as a better temporary shelter from your reality, wherein like the stars, the flowers would dare not snitch and focus more on blooming and provide comfort and awe to whoever sees them.

As you both stride through soft patches of grass, he stops right by small bushes of dandelions soaking in all the moonlight. The music from the ballroom is not as faint, but your ears pick up on its much slower and gentle pace. Almost like for a waltz, reserved for those who are completely sure with each other.

Comparing that to the pace of your own heart as this mystery man’s gaze on you is deep and fully on you, the gap of similarity is huge.

Even more as he swept into a courteous bow. Naturally enough, you curtsied in the same manner.

When he extends a hand at you, it still fuddles your mind at how a woman of low class was to step into a rather tender dance with a man of presumably high class and influence. Instead of intimidation, ease seeped in like how the light from the garden lanterns bathes over his thick, black hair with slight dishevelment from tonight’s festivities. Having anonymity from this masquerade gala was one thing, but being completely yourself even in a mask in these gardens brought out a different aspect of you.

Someone braver and bolder, one who is not going to let her societal status define or control her.

As if an imaginary fabric of silk slides over your shoulder, any remaining fear and reservations slips free from your grasp.

Without a second less, your hand is placed back in his. Like a missing piece of puzzle, wherein everything about it just looks and feels right.

The mystery stranger straightened his posture as his free hand returns to rest on the small of your back. Unknown to him, his touch lit a flame in your skin and a small sigh escapes your lips. The both of you sway side to side, back and forth, embodying certainty and patience in your moves. At the moment, it did not matter where you two were at; just being and existing did.

You let this stranger take the lead, your skirts grazing with the grass at every step and sway. The rhythm of your steps was quite aligned with every breath and pulse of this lively garden. From the calm ripples from the fountains, the hush of wind-kissed leaves, to even the distant laughter and chatter from guests from the ballroom.

“You dance well, my Lord.” You found your voice, even if it was just a mere whisper. The awe of the entire moment still remains with you.

“I may have garnered lessons over the years,” He bashfully admits, a tinge of pink painting the tips of his ears. “It was something my mother highly insisted.”

“I presume it was a non-negotiable amongst your other duties?”

“You could say that.” A light shrug of his shoulders. “Despite my father’s protests, who says dancing is best reserved for women, it does match up to my liking for fencing.”

“A man of balance and talents.” You tease. “What is it about dancing that you like so much?”

“The freedom, the grace,” He explains, perusing you deeply as if studying your every feature that is not hidden by the mask. “Being able to step away from the real world and simply focus on the present moment.”

Your breath hitches when he momentarily stops so his hand interlocked with yours could graze the supple skin of your cheek. “And you, my Lady, make me forget and just let me be and live.”

It’s only natural to relax into his touch and drown in his words, fully spellbound in his brown-eyed gaze. To be a source of his comfort, regardless of whatever his worries were, makes your unexpected appearance filled with purpose.

Perhaps, being here despite all odds was weaved into your fate all this time. And not even society could try to alter that.

“I resonate with your words too, my Lord.” Your emotions guide your words this time, letting logic and your battling mind take a deep backseat behind. “You are the plot twist that I never knew I needed.”

Swiftly, something in the air changed. The once playful and testing mood between you and this mystery stranger delved to uncharted territory. Something more vulnerable and... intimate.

The space between you both seemed to contract inwards, as if the garden was folding and closing in on them further. No more bushes or the traces of the bustling estate, just you and him. With your free hand cupping his that rests on your cheek, you can sense his other hand on the small of your back drawing you nearer to him. For a split moment, his gaze dipped to see your parted, faintly scarlet lips, nearly dissolved of hue from all the drinks and conversations.

His face was much closer now than before, being able to outline his light stubble along his jaw and the delicate curve of his lips barely parted as he exhaled. His breath mingled with yours, warm and intoxicating with refined traces of whiskey. And those eyes of his, dark and unreadable, made you feel small yet powerful. Whatever it is about you, he was hooked and cannot let you out of your sight.

Your heartbeat thundered into its own internal storm in you, yet you had no intention to pull away.

“This may seem silly to say,” His husky voice momentarily cuts the tension as his palm rose up to where your mask rests. Almost as if he were to remove it, but instead, get a feel of your visage beneath it. “But I can dance with you all night, forever even.”

“No,” You croaked, fluttering your lashes up to him. “It is not at all.”

The air becomes more charged between you two, as if reaching the climax of a bolting sonata. As your hands now stay on his shoulders, his face further lowered while yours tilted to meets his. Almost like a puppeteer are stringing you both together. Your eyes slowly closed, waiting for its inevitable impact. You could even sense the slightest brush of his nose on yours---

DONG.

DONG.

DONG.

The great bell of the Jeong estate tower chimes sharply, cleaving through the evening hush.

Midnight.

You were startled at first, your breath catching audibly. Then your heart drops immediately.

As planned with the estate staff, this sound would only mean one thing.

It is time to go.

Whatever spell you were coaxed into tonight, it is shattered and gone.

And just like clockwork, most families of the ton would start leaving the gala.

To add on, that would include your stepmother and stepsisters, or who is to say?

Then again, it is always better to be safe than sorry by scrubbing the floors all week on your own with limited materials if you get caught.

“I must go.” Reluctantly, your body frees itself from his grasp. It takes a moment for your heart to catch up as all these different emotions burst through you. Relief, disappointment, envy, maybe some anger, processing each of them can be done at another time.

You have a carriage to ride, even more as a subtle, flickering white light signals you from the right side of the garden. As agreed on, that sign indicates that Mark is ready to pick you up. You are even more impressed that he found you among the vast acres of this estate.

Twelves chimes of the bell rang, further telling you that it is midnight.

“But wait,” His hand almost grips your wrist, but you were a lot quicker. Yet you still turned out regardless of how crucial every second counted at this point. You wanted to study him once more before he would be merely a memory in your life. A sweet one among the tumultuous storm that is yours.

“Yes, my lord?”

“I do not even know the name of the lady whom I have spoken to and danced with all night.”

Your lips curved up, masking the disdain in your chest. The night was a mystery in itself, so why not keep it at that? “But where is the fun in that, my lord?”

Skepticism is spread across his mask-clad visage, and before he could protest,

“Until we meet again, Charming.”

Oh, where did you get such boldness? Wherever it came from, you can ponder on it later. Time is ticking.

Without a breath longer, you turn around and run to where your carriage was secretly parked. Just beyond the hedges to the right, which remains unseen to the public, your adrenaline was your driving force. Your body merely reacted to the need to arrive at Park estate on time, holding no more extra thoughts that can disrupt your flow. It did not even matter if the bottom hems of your gown grew dirty with soil and leaves or the tightness of heels intensified the ache in your feet.

Even the resounding voice of the mystery stranger calling and chasing after you as your movement crunches the near branches and further rustles nearby bushes did not pull you in for a stop. The faster you go, the better chances he would not spot where you are going.

The moment you leapt inside the carriage with the help of your trusted companion, Mark, he sat on the driver’s seat and pulled the ropes on the horses. Just after the last bell signaling that midnight has arrived, the carriage rode off just like how all the stars in the sky have now vanished. As if seeking for rest, just like you were at this moment.

The grip on the tulle of your skirt loosened as your back relaxes on the cushioned seating, urging your eyes to close for a moment as you catch your breath.

At this point, you were running on fumes that decreased by the second. From the moment you woke up at the dawn of the day to attend your maid duties until the sudden chime of midnight where you truly danced the night away, your once-in-a-lifetime fairytale evening came to a close.

While the pace of the carriage had some haste to it, it was also slow enough to peek through the slightly open sliver of its window. The moon is what remained of the sky, being your only witness to this new, sneaky side of yourself without anyone to tell. Maybe your late parents are up there too, feeling more optimistic that they would be supportive too.

But besides that, there is relief in knowing that the moon would never snitch, lie, or betray. All it does is provide its beautiful light so no one would ever feel alone in the dark.

And as this light safely leads you back to the familiar estate, going back to your unfortunate reality, your eyes close once more and deeply this time. Your body also starts to ease into the softness of the cushion, using your shawl as a temporary blanket from the mild chill of this spring evening.

But even as you have some momentary go shut eye, his inviting brown eyes and genuine smile were all you could envision. Your heart leapt, making your lips grin in utter exhilaration.

To the heavens above, “I hope we could cross paths once more, Charming.”

Back in the vast gardens of the Jeong estate, a very determined gentleman continues his search of his entrancing muse.

“Where are you gone, my Lady?” He calls out with a tad of desperation and longing.

Within the pressure and scrutiny faced in the crowded ballroom, only these acres of flowers sprawling endlessly through the village along with the beautiful night sky above kept his composure.

But mostly, her.

Who is to leave so soon simply because the tower of the estate rung midnight? It is not like this is some sort of real-life fairytale, correct? Nothing made sense, he thought.

But then again, everything about her, her alluring presence, and their moments together was a dream in itself. Away from the expectations of his family and eager young ladies with their pestering mamas, she simply let his guard down and relax even with masks on.

That just adds to the charm of their evening together, even when his yearning lips almost…

Just as he was to resign back to the ballroom, his chambers even if he were lucky to sneak in from behind, something metallic on the side caught his line of sight. Resting on a pillow of daisies, he crouches down to see what this item was. The moment his calloused fingers gently pried some of the blooms away, they picked up the delicate item.

Judging by the mix of faded and new silver charms latching on the various hooks along the chain, it’s none other than a charm bracelet.

Specifically, hers.

“Wherever you are,” The passionate stare of the invincible Duke Jeong Jaehyun remains unmoved on the delicate piece of jewelry, inspecting and thumbing it to rotate all the charms to his perusal. “I will find you, my darling.”