Batbabe

The small bell above the door of the small grocery store rang as Wooyoung and his grandmother stepped inside. Inside, it smelled like flowers, fresh bread, and the scent of fresh fruit. Wooyoung looked around, his eyes meeting strange glances and smiles from unfamiliar people. He saw the old ladies whispering to each other by the shelves, their gazes fixed on him and his grandmother.

Then his eyes fell on you, standing right behind the counter, placing fruit jams on the shelf. A strand of your hair stuck out from your braided braid, but you quickly tucked it behind your ear and turned around with a sweet smile.

“Good morning.” You said in a soft voice and your eyes jumped to the unknown boy standing next to old lady, who was like a second mother to you.

“Good morning, dear.” Her voice was soft and she had a smile on her face that warmed your heart. “This is my grandson Wooyoung. The one I told you about…” When she finished, Wooyoung raised his eyebrows. Why would his grandmother talk about him to a stranger? It was strange, but he threw it behind his head and nodded at you.

Your gaze shifted from his grandmother back to the boy who was about your age. Only now did you take a good look at him. His hands were folded in his trouser pockets and his shirt was slightly unbuttoned. A jewel adorned the right side of his eyebrow and he had longer black hair. It was obvious that he was from the city.

Wooyoung felt your gaze as you slowly looked at him, as if you were studying every single detail.

“Well, welcome.” After a while, you said, realizing that you had probably behaved strangely. You wiped your hands on your apron and gave him a friendly smile.

“He’s not used to our little village yet.” His grandma whispered softly and laughed, but Wooyoung rolled his eyes at her. He will never get use to the strange silence and how everyone here knows each other. “Maybe you could show him around sometime? You know all the good places, don’t you my dear?” He furrowed his eyebrows at his grandma’s words and you blinked, surprised by the sudden offer.

“Well… I- I mean yeah, if he wants…” You blurted out nervously, because you didn’t expect her to suggest that.

“I’m fine. I don’t need a babysitter.” You were surprised by his sudden and unpleasant answer, but you tried to put it behind your head and smiled. His grandma didn’t like the tone of his voice at all and so she squeezed his shoulder tightly.

“Hey! Don’t be rude, she’s just being kind to you.”

“I didn’t ask her to be, so…” Wooyoung muttered under his breath and looked away, as if he didn’t want to meet your eyes. He didn’t like the way his grandmother spoke for him and offered things.

There was an awkward silence for a moment, your mouth slightly open as if you were about to say something, but nothing came out. But finally you spoke.

“It’s fine. Maybe some other time.” You lightened the situation and smiled again. Wooyoung watched you smile sweetly out of the corner of his eye. Your smile was different from the others. You didn’t force it… You didn’t force yourself to smile, you just did it like… naturally?

And he started to hate that.

The afternoon sun was still warm when you left the shop, a paper bag of bread and vegetables tucked against your hip. You hummed under your breath, your sandals slapping against the quiet road that wound past Wooyoung’s grandparents’ house.

You slowed down when you noticed him sitting on the low stone wall by the gate. A cigarette hung loosely between his fingers, smoke curling lazily into the salty air. His shirt clung to him in the heat, and his expression was fixed on nothing in particular… bored, detached.

“So that’s what city boys do in their free time?” You couldn’t forgive yourself for that comment. His gaze lifted at the familiar voice, his eyes narrowed and sharp.

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Wooyoung didn’t understand your words. City boys? What does that mean?

“Smoking on a perfectly nice afternoon…” You answered without thinking, tilting your head a little to the side. “You could be at the beach, or walking, or… well, literally anything else.” You shrugged and the corners of his mouth twitched into a small smile, but then he took a drag on his cigarette, his gaze still fixed on you and on the bag you were clutching as if your life depended on it.

“And you’re the expert on how I should spend my time?” He asked you with a slightly raised eyebrow and you swallowed loudly nervously, but then shook your head as if nothing had happened.

“No. But where I’m from, smoking isn’t exactly… productive. My aunt says it’s like burning money… I guess it’s different in the city.” Wooyoung blew out a cigarette smoke and leaned back more, watching as your lips parted slightly, as if you were going to say something more. But nothing came out of you.

“In the city, nobody cares.” He admitted, and you were taken aback by his answer. Was it really like that? He didn’t know either, but it felt like the right thing to say to you. He didn’t like how you had arguments for everything…

“Well,” you started, your voice steady but kind, “here, people care. Even if you don’t want them to.” Your words stopped Wooyoung and he just stared at you for a moment, studying you, trying to figure out if you were scolding him or if you were just stating a fact.

Finally, he flicked ash onto the dirt path and muttered, “You talk too much…” Even though his words were meant as an insult, you still smiled at him and said:

“And you listen too little.”

Wooyoung was laying on his back in the dim guest room, one arm thrown over his forehead. The ceiling was just a blur of shadows, but his mind refused to quiet down no matter what.

He tried to think about home, about the friends who were probably at some party right now, music loud, smoke in the air, neon lights flashing, drinking, sex. Normally, the thought would’ve made him restless, itching to be there. Tonight, it felt hollow.

Instead, all he could see was you.

The way you had stopped in front of him earlier, the bag you were clutching as if your life depended on it. The way your voice was steady, even when you told him smoking wasn’t productive. But most of all your smile. It wasn’t wide or flirty or anything he was used to. Just calm, almost amused, like you weren’t afraid of him at all. Wooyoung was used to girls looking at him differently. But you? You looked at him as if you were amused and at the same time curious about what was behind his measured behavior.

He groaned and rolled onto his side, pressing his face into the pillow. Forget it. She’s just some village girl. You don’t care.

But the image slipped right back into his thoughts. That little spark in your eyes when you’d said, And you listen too little. Like you’d seen through him in just a few words.

He sat up abruptly, running a hand through his hair. “Fuck it…” he muttered to himself. “It doesn’t matter.” He suddenly got up from the bed and walked to the window.

Yet even as he lit another cigarette by the open window, he realized the smoke didn’t wipe you away. If anything, it made him remember the way you wrinkled your nose at it, half disapproving, half teasing.

And for the first time in a long while, Wooyoung found himself unsettled by something he couldn’t control.

One week later.

A week had passed since that conversation infront of his grandparents house, but Wooyoung still couldn’t shake the memory of your smile. The late afternoon sun hung low over the village, turning the sea a molten gold as he wandered along the quiet beach. He hadn’t planned on coming here… he just needed to move, to clear his restless thoughts.

That’s when he saw you.

You were crouching near the shoreline, your sleeves rolled up and your braid swinging over your shoulder. Small, dark shapes wriggled in your hands, tiny baby turtles struggling toward the water. You whispered softly, almost to yourself, encouraging them along, brushing sand away gently so they could reach the waves.

Wooyoung stopped mid-step, staring. Your quiet focus, the tenderness in your movements, the way the sunlight kissed your hair… No. He shook his head. Stop.

At first he hesitated, wondering if he should even greet you, but eventually he did. “Hey.” You flinched at the serious voice and looked up. But then you relaxed when you realized it was just him. You didn’t expect him here.

“I didn’t expect you to walk out of the house and take a walk.” Without hesitation you admitted and Wooyoung raised an eyebrow at you, but the corners of his mouth twitched into a small smirk.

“You thought I was going to be locked up all summer?” He put his hands in his pants pockets and watched as you still held the little turtle in your hand without fear.

“Well…” You shrugged and took a deep breath. “From the way you act, I wasn’t sure you even knew how to walk without a car or a party to go to.”

He chuckled. “Funny.”

You placed the turtle you were holding in your hand on the sand near the water and watched it walk toward the waves. “It’s not an insult.” You added, and turned to him with a smile, watching as his eyes were narrowed and sharp, watching you. “Just… a surprise. You don’t seem like the kind of person who likes quiet.”

Wooyoung hesitated, not knowing how to properly answer that. You were right. He hated the silence. His gaze shifted from you to the small creature you had been holding in your hand a moment ago.

“Maybe I don’t,” he muttered. Then, after a beat: “But it’s better than sitting around with nothing to do.” A small, sincere smile slipped from your lips and Wooyoung took a deep breath.

“So, the city boy is bored enough to come watch turtles?” You folded your arms over your chest and watched as he slowly approached you, his gaze still fixed on the little turtles, but then he suddenly looked at you. His hands were still in his pants pockets as if he wasn’t interested in anything, but you knew that wasn’t the case.

“Correction,” he said “the city boy came for a walk. You just… happen to be here.” He shrugged and you nodded, watching as the waves of the sea touched your ankles.

“Mhm…” You said, even though you weren’t convinced, you didn’t argue with him. Instead, you picked up the little turtle that couldn’t reach the sea and held it out toward him. “Well, since you’re here, you might as well make yourself useful.” Wooyoung looked at the little creature you were holding in your hand and blinked in surprise.

“You want me to what?” He raised an eyebrow. “Babysit it?” A laugh escaped your lips, surprising him and something strange warmed his heart, but he suppressed the feeling and waited for your answer.

“Help it. It’s not that hard. Just put it near the water. Don’t overthink it.” You pointed your head at the sea and Wooyoung swallowed loudly and nervously. He wasn’t sure, but eventually he took the turtle in his hand, your fingers rubbing against each other, but you didn’t say anything. Wooyoung noticed you looking at him mockingly, while he held the turtle in his hands nervously, his hands shaking slightly.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?” He asked you, and you shrugged.

“Watching you try? Absolutely.” You answered him with a smile and for the first time in your life you heard him laugh genuinely. It wasn’t like a moment ago when you said something, but it was sincere, like he was really having fun. His laugh was nice, and warm. Something that made you smile even more. And for the first time in your life, you enjoyed someone’s else presence rather than yours.

When the last of the turtles had wriggled into the dark water, you dusted the sand off your hands and stood, brushing your skirt lightly. Wooyoung lingered for a moment longer, staring at the waves where the tiny turtles had vanished. He wasn’t sure why, but he felt… lighter?

“Not bad.” With ith a small smile you said to him, nodding at him. “For your first rescue mission.”

Wooyoung smirked, sliding his hands into his pant pockets. “Yeah, well, don’t expect me to put it on a résumé.”

Your laugh slipped easily into the night air, and then both of you started walking back along the beach, side by side. The moonlight painted a silver path across the sand, your shadows stretching long behind you.

For a while, neither of you spoke. The quiet between you wasn’t uncomfortable, though it was different. Easier.

Wooyoung kicked at a shell with the toe of his shoe, then glanced at you out of the corner of his eye.

“So,” he started slowly, “do you ever… I don’t know… want to get out of here?” His question caught you off guard and you looked at him with a raised eyebrow.

“You mean out of the village?” You asked him to make sure.

“Yeah.” Wooyoung kept his eyes on the ground. “I mean… don’t you get tired of the same people, same streets, same… everything? Doesn’t it feel like you’re stuck?” His words made you think and you remained silent for a moment, not knowing how to answer him properly. Wooyoung followed your thoughtful face with the corner of his eye, but he didn’t rush you. He gave you time to think about your answer.

“Sometimes I wonder what it would be like. To live in a city, or travel somewhere far away. But…” You remained silent, thinking about what to say next. “This is home. My aunt is here. She needs me. And honestly? There’s a kind of peace here that I don’t think I’d find anywhere else.” You admitted, and finally your gazes met. Wooyoung was surprised by your answer. Well, he was actually expecting it, but he was more interested in why you think so much about others and not about yourself? Wooyoung always prioritized himself, despite everything. Maybe that’s why he didn’t quite understand you.

“Peace sounds boring.” After a while, he let out and looked away from you, his eyes falling on the moon that was shining brightly in the sky.

“Maybe to you.” You shrugged and didn’t take your eyes off him. “But to me, It’s enough.” You added and Wooyoung nodded at your serious tone of voice, trying to process everything you had told him. Trying to understand you more. “What about you?” He looked at you again at your question and raised a eyebrow. “You’ve had the chance to go anywhere, right? Did it make you happier?” He didn’t answer you right away, but everything he did back at home went through his mind. The party, the girls, the loud music and the constant drinking, the smoking. But for the first time, he wasn’t sure what to say, as if it wasn’t what mattered most and what made him truly happy.

“Guess… I never thought about it like that.” He finally mumbled and you were surprised by his truthfulness, but you eventually gave him a smile, your eyes reflecting the moonlight.

“Maybe you should.” After that, there was silence between you and you walked together towards your house. But Wooyoung couldn't stop thinking about what you said a moment ago. Maybe he was wrong all along and happiness isn't really what he thought all along.

“There’s a little festival this weekend.” After a moment of hesitation you said and Wooyoung looked at you in surprise.

“Festival?” He asked.

“Mhm.” You nodded, looking at him with a small smile. “Music, food stalls, some games…” Wooyoung looked at you with a strange expression, as if it wasn’t his thing.

“Sounds… thrilling.” He said and you laughed, even though he seemed distant, he was quite interested.

“It’s not like the parties you go to, I know. No flashing lights, no expensive drinks, no DJs.” Your voice softened with a teasing lilt. “But… it’s fun. Maybe you’ll change your mind about it here and decide it’s not that boring here.” When you finished speaking, the corners of his mouth twitched into a small innocent smile, but he immediately turned his head so that it wouldn’t show on him.

“So, you’re trying to convert me now? Make me one of the locals?” He joked and looked at you again. You shrugged and shook your head, but you still had a smile on your face.

“Maybe. Or maybe I just want to see if you can last an evening without rolling your eyes.” You said mockingly and lightly bumped into him with your shoulder, which made him chuckle and shake his head.

“You really think I’ll fit in at some small-town festival?” He asked you curiously, his eyebrows slightly raised again but a small grin played on his features, making your heart skip a beat.

“You don’t have to fit in.” Simply, you said “Just… come. Who knows? You might even have fun.” You winked at him and picked up your pace. Wooyoung looked at you with something strange in his eyes. Like admiration? You couldn’t identify it. The glow of the streetlamp brushing across your face, and for the briefest moment he wanted to say yes, but instead, he muttered:

“I’ll think about it.”

“Good.”

The village was quiet that night, the kind of silence that only small coastal towns knew. The only sounds were the distant crashing of waves and the occasional bark of a dog somewhere down the street. You lay awake in your bed, staring at the wooden ceiling, your window open just enough to let the salty night air curl into the room.

Tired, you turned to the side, pulling the thin blanket closer around you, but it did nothing to quiet the restless thoughts. You closed your eyes, tried to think about the festival tomorrow… the food stalls, the games, the laughter of children. You even tried to go over the things you’d have to help your aunt prepare in the shop before heading out. But no matter how hard you tried, your thoughts always found their way back to him.

Wooyoung.

The guy who looked like he’d rather be anywhere else but here. Who carried himself with this heavy, careless air, as if nothing and no one could reach him. He wasn’t exactly easy to like… at least, that’s what you kept telling yourself. And yet, you couldn’t stop replaying the moments xou had seen a different side of him.

Like the way he’d smirk when someone said something he found amusing, his eyes softening without him even noticing. Or how he leaned against walls or fences with that effortless, lazy posture, as if he owned the space around him. Or the way he seemed so stubbornly uninterested in village life, yet somehow ended up drawn into conversations and situations anyway.

And his smile. God, his smile. You had seen it maybe once or twice like really seen it and it had startled you. It wasn’t the kind of smile someone wore to be polite. It was real, unguarded. And when it happened, his eyes crinkled at the corners like they were smiling, too, and you had found yourself staring longer than you should have.

You hugged her pillow tighter and buried your face in it with a groan, hoping that the thoughts would go away. But they didn’t. “Why am I even thinking about him?” You whispered into the dark.

He was nothing like you… He belonged to noise and lights and late nights in the city, while you were rooted here, in this quiet village with its festivals and shops and steady rhythm. And yet… somehow he had slipped into your thoughts, and no matter how hard you tried, you couldn’t push him out.

Tomorrow was the festival. You’d invited him, half teasing, half hoping he’d say yes. At the time, you thought it wouldn’t matter if he came or not because it was just a casual offer. But now… lying here with the stars hidden behind the ceiling and your heart oddly restless, you realized how much you wanted him to show up.

You wanted to see him looking lost in the crowd of familiar faces. You wanted to catch that flicker of curiosity in his eyes when he saw the festival lights or the way children laughed and pulled at his sleeve. You wanted to see if maybe… just maybe… he’d smile again. That real smile, the one he didn’t know he had.

Your eyes fluttered shut, your thoughts still tangled with his. And for the first time in a long while, you fell asleep not thinking about the weight of the responsibilities, not about your small world, but about a boy who didn’t belong here at all… yet somehow was beginning to feel like he did.

Next day

The sun was already high by the time Wooyoung finally dragged himself out of bed. His grandmother had long since given up on trying to wake him earlier, muttering something about “city habits” as she bustled about the kitchen. He sat at the table, picking at the bread she set in front of him, staring out the window at the slow, easy rhythm of village life.

Kids ran down the street barefoot, chasing after one another. Old men leaned on canes, already gathering at the benches near the square. He could hear distant laughter, the crackle of stalls being set up, the faint hum of excitement in the air.

The festival.

He leaned back in his chair, running a hand through his messy hair. You’d invited him yesterday. Your voice echoed in his head, that careful but teasing lilt: “It’s not like the parties you go to, but… it’s fun. Maybe you’ll change your mind about the village.”

At the time, he’d shrugged, acted like he didn’t care. He didn’t do these kind of things. He didn’t do cheerful little games or homemade food or whatever else they thought passed for entertainment. That wasn’t his world.

And yet… here he was, still thinking about it.

More honestly, still thinking about you.

He pictured your smile, the way it had slipped out unexpectedly, like sunshine breaking through clouds. He remembered how your eyes sparkled when you teased him, and how your words stuck in his head long after you’d left. You had this way of making him feel seen, even when he didn’t want to be. And for reasons he didn’t understand, he couldn’t stop wondering what you’d look like at the festival… laughing, maybe, surrounded by people who adored you.

“Damn it…” he muttered under his breath, pushing his chair back. He didn’t like this… this restlessness, this tug at his chest like he’d be missing something if he didn’t go. If he didn’t see you.

His grandmother peeked out from the kitchen, raising an eyebrow. “Where are you off to, hm?”

He pulled on a clean shirt, not bothering to answer.

“Don’t tell me that you’re going to the festival?” she asked, her tone far too knowing.

Wooyoung scowled, grabbing his jacket though the day was warm. “I’m just… walking. Don’t make a big deal out of it.”

But when he stepped outside and felt the distant hum of music drifting from the village square, his feet carried him that way anyway.

Every step, his mind kept repeating the same thought: She probably didn’t even expect me to come.

And maybe that was the reason he suddenly wanted to.

The village square had transformed. It looked completely different. Colorful paper lanterns hung between the trees, casting warm light across the stalls. The smell of grilled corn and sweet pastries lingered in the air, and laughter spilled through the crowd. It was something that he wasn’t used to. He shoved his hands deep into his pockets as he walked, his expression carefully neutral.

A memory flashed through his mind. His mother always told him a story where her and his father fell in love here. Playing silly games, walking near the beach the whole night. His father was like him. A boy from the city who hated silence back then.

Wooyoung felt out of place, like a shadow cutting through the glow. People nodded politely as he passed, whispering… everyone in the village knew who he was by now: the city boy sent to “straighten up.”

He was just about to turn back when he heard your laugh.

It was light, warm, and it cut through the noise like it was meant for him alone. His head turned instinctively, eyes searching until he found you. You were standing near a small stall where children were tossing rings onto bottles, your aunt beside you. You looked so at home here, your face glowing in the lantern light, your hair catching the evening breeze. God, you looked so beautiful.

For a moment, Elias just stood there, watching. Something in his chest shifted.

Then, as if sensing him, you turned. Your eyes met across the crowd.

Your lips parted slightly, your brows lifting in surprise. For a heartbeat, you didn’t move just stared at him like you couldn’t quite believe it. Then, slowly, a smile spread across your face.

When he finally appeared close enough to you, you told him. “You came.” Your voice was carrying mixture of disbelief and something softer, something that made his chest tighten.

Wooyoung smiled like it was no big deal and shrugged. “Didn’t have anything else better to do.” You tilted your head to the side, not believing what he was saying but nodded.

“Sure…” Your voice was soft but there was a hint of teasing in it. Your aunt gave him a kind look before slipping away to talk to a neighbor, leaving the two of you alone. “I didn’t think you’d actually come.” You admitted, folding your arms over your chest, studying his expression.

“Guess I like surprising people.” He muttered, but his eyes stayed on yours, unable to look away.

The festival lights reflected in your gaze, and for the first time that summer, Wooyoung felt like maybe… just maybe he wasn’t as out of place here as he thought.

Both of you stood there for a moment, the noise of the festival swirling around you, children laughing, music drifting through the air, the clatter of wooden stalls being shaken by excited hands. Wooyoung shifted awkwardly, shoving his hands deeper into his pockets. He was already thinking of some excuse to walk off before the curious stares of the villagers made him feel like an animal in a cage. He felt all eyes on him and it was unpleasant.

But then your eyes flicked toward the ring-toss stall behind you, and a mischievous smile tugged at your lips.

“Come on.” Out of nowhere you said and grabbed his wrist before he could protest.

“What? Y/n, no.” Wooyoung shook his head, protesting but he still stumbled after you, his frown deepening, though he didn’t pull away.

“You’re playing, come on.”

“I’m what?”

You stopped in front of the stall, giving him a look that was equal parts challenge and amusement. “You came to the festival. That means you have to play something. It’s the rule.” You told him with a grin and he sighed at you, knowing it wasn't worth it for him to protest.

“I don’t remember signing up for any rules.” He muttered, but you were already handing a few coins to the stall keeper, who smiled knowingly. Before he could argue, you pressed a set of wooden rings into his hand.

“There. Now show me what you can do.” You said challengingly and he raised an eyebrow, watching you have fun with him and he hasn't even started playing yet.

“You realize you’re going to be embarrassed when I win this thing.”

“Confident, aren’t you?” You teased, stepping aside to watch. “Go on then.”

Wooyoung smirked, squared his shoulders, and with a casual flick of his wrist, tossed the first ring. It missed completely, clattering against the wooden bottles and falling to the ground.

You bit your lip, trying not to laugh at him. “Wow. Impressive.” With a teasing smile on your face you clapped your hands.

“Don’t start.”

The second one landed slightly closer, but still missed. You folded your arms, tilting your head as if studying him and his kind of technique. “Maybe you need lessons. Preschool kids are better at this than you.”

“Alright, now you’re just asking for it,” he muttered, adjusting his stance.

He narrowed his eyes, flicked his wrist again and this time, the ring landed perfectly around the neck of the bottle with a sharp clink. Your lips parted slightly, being surprised that he actually won.

“Oh.” You said in surprise and blinked, not knowing if you just imagined it or if he had proven it.

Wooyoung turned to you with a smirk, knowing he had won. “Told you. I know a thing or two.” You rolled your eyes at him and wrinkled your nose.

“Beginner’s luck.” He knew you were deeply surprised and wanted to smile, but you tried to pretend it wasn’t much.

“Sure.” He said, stepping a little closer to you, his grin not fading. “Or maybe I just like proving you wrong.” As he got a little closer to you your heart skipped a beat, but the stall keeper interrupted this moment and he chuckled and handed Wooyoung a small prize… a woven bracelet, simple but charming in some kind of strange way. Wooyoung looked at it for a moment, then without thinking too much about it, held it out towards you.

“For you.”

You blinked, surprised. “You don’t have to-“

“I don’t wear bracelets. And it suits you better anyway” He cut in quickly, though his ears burned faintly. Your cheeks flushed at his words and you looked at him nervously, but you finally accepted the bracelet from him. Your fingers brushed against each other and your heart skipped a beat, but Wooyoung cleared his throat nervously and pulled his hand away.

You put the bracelet on your wrist and looked at it with a smile. “Thanks.” You let out and smiled at him.

-

The festival had started to wind down, the lanterns still glowing faintly against the night sky as people drifted home. The air was cooler now, carrying the salty scent of the sea. You were walking side by side with Wooyoung, away from the square, your footsteps eventually leading you to the beach.

The waves whispered against the shore, silver under the moonlight. Both of you sat down in the sand, a little apart at first, but not too far. For a while, you just listened—the kind of silence that felt comfortable, not heavy.

Wooyoung was the first to break it. “So…” he said, his voice quieter than usual, almost hesitant. “You never really talk about your parents.” You were taken aback by his words because he was right. You never talk about them. Maybe it’s because no one ever asks. Like they were afraid to ask the question.

“That’s because there’s not much to talk about.” After a while you said softly, drawing little patterns in the sand with your finger. “They died when I was really young. I don’t remember much… My aunt raised me, and… well, this place is all I’ve ever known.”

Wooyung glanced at you, studying the curve of your face lit by moonlight, the way your voice carried both sadness and resilience. “I’m sorry…” He said, and it wasn’t the empty kind of sorry people said out of politeness. It was real. He really felt sorry, because even though his relationship with his parents wasn’t very good, he couldn’t imagine living without them.

But you kept smiling. “Don’t be. I’ve made my peace with it. I just… sometimes wonder what it would have been like, you know? To grow up differently. To have choices.” You sighed truthfully. It’s not that you never had a choice, but rather there wasn’t much. You went to an elementary school where the kids bullied each other and you graduated from the only high school that was closest to you because you didn’t have enough money for boarding school or transportation. But you were happy with what you had, you never complained.

“What about you? You don’t talk about your parents either.” After a moment of silence you said and a sigh escaped his full lips that was mixed with the fact that there was nothing to talk about and that he didn’t like to talk about it.

“They’re alive. Very alive. Just… tired of me, I guess.” His jaw tightened. “They think I’m spoiled, that I don’t take anything seriously. That’s why they dumped me here for the summer… to ‘fix’ me. Or… I don’t know honestly.” You shifted your gaze from the sea to him, and tilted your head to the side, watching his expression.

“And do you think they’re right?” You asked and he shrugged, not knowing how to answer, but after a moment he began:

“Maybe. I don’t know. I guess I never gave them a reason to think otherwise.” He hesitated, then added, softer, “but it’s not like they ever tried to understand me either. They just… wanted me to be something I’m not.”

The words lingered between you, heavier than the sound of the sea.

Your expression softened slightly, as if you were both surprised and saddened by how he really felt. “That sounds lonely.”

Wooyung blinked, surprised by your truthful words. How easily you let it out, as if you saw through his awkward jokes and how he always tried to keep his distance from everyone.

“Yeah.” He admitted after a beat, his voice low. “It is.”

For a long moment, neither of you spoke. The tide crept closer, cool water lapping at your toes. Then suddenly you stood up.

“Where are you going?” He asked with a puzzled expression.

You didn’t answer at first, just stepped toward the water, your bare feet sinking into the wet sand. The moonlight glinted against the waves as you waded deeper, the hem of your dress brushing the tide.

“What are you doing?” He asked again and stood up, but didn’t come closer to you. You slowly turned to him with a smile.

“Swimming.” Simply, you answered and Wooyung still didn’t understand. He looked you up and down, the end of your dress was already wet, but you didn’t seem to mind at all.

“You don’t even have a swimsuit.”

“Neither do you.” You shrugged, then you let yourself fall back into the water with a splash.

“Are you-“

Wooyoung cut himself off, staring as you surfaced, laughing, your hair clinging to your cheeks. “You’re insane.” He let out.

“Maybe.” You called back, flicking water in his direction with your hand with a huge, teasing smile. “But it’s fun. What’s the matter, afraid of a little salt water?” You joked and Wooyoung shook his head at you but before he could stop himself, he kicked off his shoes and jogged into the surf, the cold water shocking against his skin. You squealed with laughter as he splashed towards you, and soon both of you were waist-deep, clothes clinging, hair dripping.

It didn't take long before both of you were laughing like children—splashing water at each other, daring the waves to knock them down, shouting into the night like the whole beach belonged to you. Wooyoung scooped up a handful of water and sent it flying at you, and you retaliated by diving under, tugging at his arm before darting away with a grin.

"You're ridiculous." He called, but he was laughing, really laughing, the kind that made his chest ache in the best way.

"So are you." You shot back, pushing your wet hair from your face as he was watching, admiring your every move.

After that you stood there, both breathless, the water swirling around you. Wooyoung couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt this free… no expectations, no judgment, no weight pressing down. Just you, laughing under the moonlight, looking at him like you’d never seen him as anything less than exactly who he was.

You found yourself staring longer at him than you should have. The moonlight painted his features in silver, and for once, his grin wasn’t cocky or forced… it was real, unguarded.

“You know…” You started to speak and he looked at you in surprise, waiting for you to say more. “that smiles suits you.”

Your words caught him off guard, his lips parted slightly and his eyebrows raised. “What?”

“That one.” You gestured vaguely at him, a small, shy smile tugging at your lips. “The real one. You don’t even know you do it, but… your eyes kind of smile, too. It makes you look… different.” You muttered shyly under your breath and then there was silence. The waves were sloshing gently between you. Your words lingered, settling somewhere deeper than he wanted to admit.

“Different?” After a moment he asked, his tone teasing on the surface, but something else flickered in his eyes… something that felt a lot like vulnerability.

You nodded, tucking a wet strand of hair behind your ear. “In a good way.”

He swam a little closer, the water swirling around you, his gaze never leaving yours. "Careful. Keep saying things like that and I might start to think you actually like me." He joked and you remained silent, not knowing what to say. Like him...? You never thought about it like that.

The silence that followed was charged, fragile. Your laughter had dissolved into something else now. Something heavier, unspoken, pulling you closer. Wooyoung studied your face, the curve of your mouth, the way the moonlight reflected in your eyes.

For a long moment, neither of you moved.

His gaze dropped to your lips slowly, before darting back to your eyes, and you felt the air shift between you… charged, fragile, like a single word might shatter it. Your pulse quickened. You didn’t dare to move, didn’t dare to breathe, afraid that everything would break.

Wooyoung suddenly leaned closer, so close that your foreheads almost touched, his hand twitching like he wanted to reach for you but didn’t. Something stopped him. Your lips hovered apart by a whisper, the salty air heavy with everything unsaid.

Your heart hammered. You thought just for a second that he might finally close the distance.

But then he pulled back slightly, his jaw tightening as if he were fighting something inside himself. As if trying to suppress everything he felt and wanted to do. He exhaled sharply and looked away toward the dark horizon.

“We should go.” He muttered, his voice low, rough. “It’s… kind of cold.”

The words broke the moment, fragile as glass. Even though it was freezing inside, you smiled at him. You wrapped your arms around yourself and hugged yourself, only now realizing how cold it was.

He stood up slowly and began to walk towards the shore, his clothes completely soaked. The way his shoulders moved beneath the wet fabric, broad and defined, his frame sharper now that the shirt clung to every line of him. Your breath caught when your gaze landed higher, just below the collar of his shirt where the fabric clung tight.

Ink.

The wet cotton made it visible, the outlines of letters etched across his upper back, curling out from beneath the neckline. You squinted, walking closer, until the words became more clear:

I am never alone and I will never be.

You tilted your head to the side in surprise, hesitating what to say. You hadn't expected it. Not from him at all.

By the time you reached the road leading toward the village, you finally broke the silence. “That tattoo on your back…” In a soft voice you said and he looked at you in surprise. He had no idea you noticed, and he almost forgot there was anything there at all.

“What about it?” You hesitated over the next words you were about to say, but then you smiled softly at him.

“It’s beautiful. The words. ‘I am never alone and I will never be.’” He looked away from you, clenching his jaw tightly as if he wanted to throw it behind his head.

“Yeah? Most people don’t think much of it.” His tone was quieter.

“Well, I do. It sounds like…” You stopped speaking for a moment, searching for the right expression. “hope. Like a promise.” Wooyoung didn’t answer right away. Instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets, his expression unreadable as you walked under the dim glow of the streetlights. But inside, your words stirred something he hadn’t expected. Something warmer than the night air, stronger than the salt on his skin.

When you reached your house you slowed down a little, the little porch light spilling golden across the path. The night was quiet here, just the hum of crickets and the distant crash of waves.

Then, you turned to face him, tucking a strand of wet hair behind your ear. You looked smaller under the light, but your smile was warm.

“Well…” With a soft voice you began, shifting your weight from one foot to the other. “Thank you for today. I’m glad you came… it was fun.” Wooyoung stopped and looked into your eyes. He just stood there for a second, speechless as if searching for the right words. Thank you didn’t sound right and good night didn’t sound enough.

But your words stayed with him, echoing in his chest: I’m glad you came.

Then His lips twitched into a faint smile, softer than his usual smirk. “Yeah,” he said quietly. “It was.”

After that neither of you moved. Wooyoung wanted to say more, wanted to tell you he hadn’t felt this kind of peace in… years. But instead, he shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, because the words stuck in his throat. Like he was afraid what would you say to him after he let his feelings out. Feelings…? He thought…

Then, you nodded, your smile lingering just enough before you finally reached for the door. “Goodnight, Wooyoung.”

“Goodnight, y/n.” He echoed, his voice lower, heavier. Quietly you slipped inside, and the door clicked softly behind you. Wooyoung lingered on the porch a moment longer, staring at the closed door, before turning away, his chest tight with something he couldn’t quite name.

Wooyoung shoved his hands deeper into his pockets and he started the slow walk back. The village was quiet now, the festival lights nothing more than faint glows in the distance, the air heavy with salt and silence.

Every step felt too loud, too sharp against the cobblestones, like it might give away the mess in his head.

He replayed the moment at the water over and over. The way your laugh had melted into something softer, the way you’d looked at him, the way your lips had nearly touched. He could still feel your warmth, the way his body had leaned toward yours before he pulled himself back.

He cursed under his breath, running a hand through his wet hair. Why hadn’t he just kissed you? You were right there, close enough that all he had to do was close the gap.

But he hadn’t.

Because the thought terrified him.

You weren’t just another girl at some party, someone whose name he’d forget by morning. You were different. Too different. And the more he let himself get pulled in, the more it felt like you were undoing everything he thought he was.

The truth gnawed at him. He wasn’t used to wanting someone like this. Not for their laugh, not for their kindness, not for the way they made the world feel less heavy. With you, it wasn’t about distraction or fun. It was different… And he didn’t know how to deal with that.

Next day

The sun was already high when Wooyoung finally dragged himself out of the house. His grandparents went somewhere to the town, saying they will come back tomorrow. So he was home alone and he was bored. So he shoved his hands in his pockets and wandered down toward the village.

The streets were alive in that slow, quiet way. Shop doors propped open, kids darting around barefoot, the smell of bread and salt in the air. He was halfway past the little grocery when he caught sight of you.

You were standing just outside the shop, your hair tied back, the evening light soft against your face. And you weren’t alone.

Some guy about your age was leaning against the wall beside you, tall and sun-browned, laughing at something you said. Wooyoung slowed without meaning to, his steps dragging, his chest tightening, his smile slowly slipping away.

The boy reached out, brushing a playful hand against yours arm as if it were the most natural thing in the world. You laughed… soft, easy and Wooyoung felt something hot and ugly spark low in his stomach. He clenched his jaw.

You had laughed with him like that last night. When you were swimming, when you told him his smile suited him. And now… now you were standing there, smiling at another guy like he had the right to it. What was the reason that he made you laugh like that?

Then without another thought, Wooyoung lit a cigarette he didn’t even want, just to have something to do with his hands. He leaned against the corner of a building, pretending not to watch, but his eyes kept snapping back to you anyway. He had mixed feelings. He didn't like it, but on the other hand he understood that he shouldn't care. But he just couldn't help it.

And when the boy leaned in a little closer, Wooyoung cursed under his breath, grinding the cigarette out on the stone wall behind him. He didn’t even know why it made him this angry that you weren’t his. But in this moment he had wished that.

Suddenly, the boy leaned in closer again, too close, his shoulder brushing yours as he said something that made you tuck a strand of hair nervously behind your ear. You laughed, but it sounded thinner this time, less easy than before.

Wooyoung felt his chest tighten, the heat rushing up into his throat more and more. And Before he even thought it through, his feet were moving.

He crossed the street in long strides, every step heavier than the last. The boy hadn’t noticed him yet, but you did. Your eyes flicked up, widening slightly at the sight of Wooyoung coming straight towards you.

“Hey.” Wooyoung said, his voice low but sharp enough to cut the air. He stopped right beside you, his presence large and unignorable.

The boy shifted his gaze from you to Wooyoung, who had his hands folded in his pants pockets and was staring at him unpleasantly.

“Hey, Wooyoung…” You said in surprise, before Wooyoung could say anything.

“This is Urin, we grow up together.” Urin smiled, extending a hand that Wooyoung didn’t take. Instead, he shoved his own deeper into his pocket, his gaze steady and unflinching.

“Nice to finally meet you.” Urin said, still trying. “Y/n has told me a lot about you.” Wooyoung’s lips curved into the faintest smirk, but there was no humor in it.

“Yeah? Couldn’t say that about you.” The air tightened instantly. Your eyes widened at his response, confused by Wooyoung's unpleasant behavior while Mark gave a small, awkward chuckle, clearly not sure what to do with the edge in Wooyoung’s voice.

“Uh… well, I should get going,” Urin muttered, scratching the back of his neck. He gave you a polite nod before stepping away, disappearing down the street.

For a moment, silence hung heavy between you. Then you turned back to Wooyoung, narrowing your eyes. “What was that?”

“Nothing.” He shrugged disinterestedly, ignoring you looking at him.

“Nothing? That-“ But before you could dig any deeper, he walked away. His shoulders tense, his expression unreadable as he threw a casual wave over his shoulder like it didn’t matter.

You stood there, watching his retreating figure, you chest tightening with questions you weren’t sure you wanted the answers to. You didn't understand what it was. It was true that Wooyoung was unpleasant to you at first, but this time his look seemed angry. As if something was bothering him. You had the feeling that it was Urin who was bothering him, but you couldn't understand why...

“Y/n? Where are you dear? I need help with the onions.” Your aunt called from the store and you winced at her soft voice. You had completely forgotten about her.

“I’m coming.” With a frustrated sigh, you turned on your heel and headed back inside. The little bell above the door jingled as you stepped in. The scent of fresh bread and herbs clung to the air, familiar and grounding, though your thoughts were still somewhere else.

Your aunt gave you a quick look as she handed you over a basket of onions. “You look like someone just stole your favorite book.” A big sigh escaped your lips and your aunt raised her eyebrows. She knew something was up.

“It’s about Wooyoung.” You huffed, setting the basket on the counter a little too firmly.

“Ah.” Your aunt’s lips twitched knowingly. “What did he do now?”

“He…” You paused, bitting on your bottom lip. “I was with Urin earlier. You know, just talking, nothing unusual. And then Wooyoung shows up and…” You stopped talking for a moment and sighed again. “He was so cold. Almost… territorial, like I’d done something wrong. And then when I asked him about it, he just… walked off. Like he couldn’t even be bothered to explain himself.” She could hear in your voice that you were disappointed and confused at the same time. Your aunt raised an eyebrow, surprised that such a small thing bothered you.

“And this bothers you because…?”

“Because I don’t understand him!” You burst out, then flushed at your own outburst. You lowered your voice and then continued. “One minute he’s kind. He makes me laugh. He feels… real. And then the next he’s pushing me away, like I’m nothing. I don’t get it. What’s his problem?” You muttered the last sentence under your breath, as if you were asking yourself. Your aunt chuckled softly at you and shook her head. She was surprised that you didn’t get it.

“Sweetheart, sometimes when people act like that, it isn’t about you at all…” She walked closer to you and gently patted your shoulder. “Maybe he doesn’t know what to do with what he’s feeling. Some boys don’t. Maybe especially boys like him. He’s probably fighting with himself more than with you.” Her words surprised you, you had never thought about it like that. Of course you felt that his acts towards you were different. Different than with Urin, but at first you didn't really think about it until yesterday when you almost kissed...

-

The night air was cool, the quiet hum of crickets following you as you were walking home from your aunt’s shop. You slowed down when you reached the weathered gate of Wooyoung’s grandparents’ house.

There he was again… leaning against the porch rail, a cigarette glowing faintly between his fingers. Smoke curled lazily upward, catching the faint light of the lamp above him.

“I thought you quit.” You said quietly, stepping closer to him.

“Well, I changed my mind.” He answered you measuredly, not even looking at you.

“Why?” Your voice was sharper than you intended. “Yesterday you said you were done with it. That it wasn’t worth it.” Cigarette smoke escaped his lips and then he chuckled at you.

“Maybe I realized quitting doesn’t change anything.” His tone was still measured, angry. He looked as if you had done something wrong.

“You’ve been different ever since… since Urin showed up.”

At that, Wooyoung’s head snapped towards you, his eyes narrowing. “What does he have to do with anything?”

“You tell me!” You shot back. “You were rude to him for no reason. He didn’t deserve that. And then you walked off like I was the one who did something wrong. What is your problem with him?” His jaw tightened, the cigarette smoldering between his fingers. He didn’t answer at first, just stared at you, like he was fighting himself.

Finally, the words broke out of him, rough and unpolished: “I can’t stand it. Seeing you with him. Or with anyone who isn’t me.” You froze. His words surprised you. You swallowed loudly and watched as he threw the cigarette butt away.

“What do you mean by that?” Finally he shook his head and ran a hand through his hair and took a step forward, on his way back inside.

“Forget it.”

“No.” You stepped closer, grabbed his wrist firmly, your eyes searching his face. “You don’t get to drop something like that and then shut me out again.” His eyes slid to his wrist where your hand was tightly wrapped, then his gaze flicked to yours, sharp, restless, almost desperate.

“I told you.”

“Not really.” You shook your head, even though your voice was shaking, you kept your head up. “You can’t stand me being with anyone else… why? Why does it matter to you?” You took your hand off his wrist and he inhaled sharply, as if the air itself stung his lungs. For a long moment, he said nothing. He searched for the right words to tell you and to answer your questions.

“Because it makes me feel like I’m losing something I don’t even have yet.” Finally, he said quietly, as if he didn’t even want to say it. His eyes locked on yours, unflinching now. “Like you’re already slipping away. And I-” he stopped, his jaw clenching hard. “I don’t know what the hell to do with that.” He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration while you stared at him with wide eyes. Your lips were slightly parted, ready to say something but nothing came out of you.

Your heart was beating incredibly fast, the honesty in his voice left you reeling. You really searched for words but only managed a soft, trembling:

“Wooyoung…”

“Every time I see you with someone else, it twists something inside me. It makes me angry, jealous… and I hate it.” He shook his head at himself. “I hate not understanding why. I don’t get it, y/n. I don’t know why you’re in my head all the damn time, but you are.” His words caught you off guard. You were still angry with him, but you understood him more now. But still, it didn’t excuse him.

“You think you’re the only one confused?” Your tone was serious, rough, something Wooyoung wasn’t used to. “I can’t get you out of my head either. No matter how much I try. I tell myself you’re rude, stubborn, impossible to understand but then…” You shook your head, your voice trembling. “Then you go and smile, or say something that sticks with me, and suddenly you’re there again. In my thoughts.” You took a deep breath. “Always.” The last word came out of you too quietly, but he still heard it. His eyes were fixed on you, but this time his gaze was different.

“You drive me crazy, Wooyoung. And yet… I keep wanting more.” For a moment, he didn’t move. His chest rose and fell, his jaw clenched like he was fighting something inside him. Then in two strides, he closed the distance. His hand lifted hesitantly, brushing your cheek, tracing the line of your jaw as though he needed to be sure you were real. Your eyes locked, and you barely had time to breathe before he leaned in and kissed you.

The kiss was slow at first, testing, almost cautious like he wasn’t sure you’d let him. But when you didn’t pull away, when you leaned into him, clutching at his shirt with trembling fingers, it deepened.

Wooyoung’s other hand slid to the back of your neck, pulling you closer as the kiss grew urgent, full of all the tension that had been building for weeks. Your pulse thrummed in your ears; you could taste the cigarette on his lips, feel the heat of him pressing against you, grounding you in a way nothing else ever had.

He kissed you like he was starving and you were the only thing that could satisfy his hunger. His hands roamed your face, your neck, your hair, as if he needed to touch every inch of you to believe this was real.

Then he pulled back slightly to catch his breath. He watched your eyes flutter open, your cheeks flushed, lips red and swollen from the kiss. Your chest rose and fall rapidly like you’d run a mile. He saw your fingers crumple his shirt tighter, keeping him close.

You could feel the nervous tension between you, so you pulled him closer and kissed him again but slower this time. His fingers intertwined with yours and his breath hitched at the gentle kiss. He squeezed your fingers gently, his free hand coming up to cup your cheek softly. He deepened the kiss slightly, pouring all his confusion, his jealousy, his longing into it. When you pulled back this time, his forehead rested against yours, their breaths mingling. "Stay.”

At first you hesitated, not knowing if you should stay but your desire for him was greater. So you nodded and said: “okay.”

You didn’t even know when you appeared in his room. Your fingers were still intertwined as he sat on the bed. He spread his legs a little so that you were standing directly between his legs.

Your heart was pounding and your breathing was getting faster. Your eyes scanned his features and then you let go of his hand and gently caressed his cheek.

“I want you, Wooyoung.” It came out of your lips and Wooyoung's eyes widened. He didn't expect you to say it so suddenly.

He looked at you then, his eyes dark and intense. "I want you too." He leaned in and kissed you again, softer this time. His hand came up to your waist, pulling you closer until you were sitting on his lap. You could feel his heartbeat against your chest.

The kiss was slow and intimate, feeling how he got harder and harder under you. A little sight of a pleasure escaped from you and he growled softly at your small noise. His hands went to your hips possessively, moving you slightly so you could feel him better. He was getting harder watching your body straddle him. Then his lips found your neck, sucking softly, marking.

“Wooyoung~”

"Shh..." When you moaned his named he breathed against your skin, his hands slowly sliding up your shirt. Suddenly, he broke the kiss to pull it off over your head, revealing your bra. His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of you on top of him, almost bare. "Lift your arms.” Without hesitation, you lifted your arms, obeying his order which he smirked at.

As he kept looking into your eyes he quickly removed your bra, tossing it aside. His hands immediately went to your breasts, squeezing and playing with them as he captured your lips in another deep kiss. One hand slid down your side, unbuttoning your shorts and pulling them down along with your panties in one swift movement.

A sigh of a pleasure escaped from your mouth as he kept playing with your breasts. Your fingers slowly made their way, under his shirt. He hissed as your fingers touched his abs, his hands squeezing your breasts harder.

Suddenly, he broke the kiss to pull his shirt off over his head, giving you better access to his chest. His hands then grabbed your thighs and pulled them apart further so you were sitting directly on his hard length through his pants.

“Wooyoung please…” At your little please he smirked.

"Please what?" He teased, moving his hips slightly so his length rubbed against your wet center. He was torturing himself with how good you felt even through his clothes. "You want my cock inside you?" Softly, he growled against your neck, leaving a little wet kisses behind.

You couldn’t answer. You were too focused on how good his cock felt even through the clothes. Only thing you could manage to do was shake your head slowly. He moved away from your neck and you pressed your lips against his. Fiercely, he kissed you back, his hands moving to your ass and lifting you up slightly. He used one hand to unbuckle his pants and pull out his hard length, before sitting you back down so you were pressed against it.

"Ride me," He ordered, his hands squeezing your ass to hold you up. Your eyes widened at his sudden order and a little heat rushed to your cheeks. Wooyoung noticed how your breath suddenly hitched.

“I never rode anyone before.” With a little embarrassment you replied but his eyes flashed with something that looked like possessive pride.

"Hold onto my shoulders.” He murmured, his voice lower. He gently lifted you up and positioned himself at your entrance instead of letting you do the work. A loud moan left from tour mouth as you felt his tip tease you at first. Then, he gripped your hips tightly and slowly pushed up, helping you take him inside. You were so tight and warm that he had to bite back a groan.

"So fucking perfect.” He praised, still holding you up so you could get used to the feeling. "Now, start moving slowly, sweetheart.” You clearly listened to his words, obeying like a slut to him. You never had imagined that this would happen, but it felt so good that you could stop.

Wooyoung felt like in heaven. His eyes rolled back as you moved. You were so tight and warm, your breasts bouncing with every movement. He held your hips tightly, guiding you up and down on his length. Carefully, he watched your face, seeing your innocent expression turn into one of pleasure. He loved it.

"Fuck, sweetheart…” Wooyoung was hitting every right spot in you. You were a moaning mess, your moans were louder and louder each time he hit the right spot. A sudden little embarrassment hit you, so you hid your face into the crook of his neck to muffle your moans a little.

Wooyoung felt how your pussy squeezed him more and more and fuck… how he loved it. Your pussy. Your ass. Your fucked up face. Everything.

His hands squeezed your ass and moved you faster on his length without being too rough. Fuck, he really couldn’t get enough. He kissed your neck softly between moans, marking you up again with hickeys as he felt you getting tighter around him.

“W-wooyoung…” You mumbled into his neck and he moaned at you saying his name. He loved hearing his name on your lips like that. Slowly you moved away from his neck and looked at his face. His mouth was wide opened and his hair was all messy. But even like this, he was hot. Much hotter than any time before.

Slightly, he lifted you and changed the angle, hitting a spot inside you that made your eyes roll back.

"Right there, sweetheart?” He asked, watching your reaction closely. How your mouth opened every time his cock hit deeper. His hands gripped your hips harder as he started moving you faster.

“Y-yes fuck, fuck.” The pleasure was too much for you to handle and Wooyoung could see that, but he wasn’t planning to stop, instead he asked with a slight smirk in his face.

“Too much?” His eyes watched your chest rise and fall quickly. His thumbs found your hard nipples, playing with them softly. Your eyes rolled back every time his hands touched you. You were addicted to his touch.

“Don’t stop Wooyoung. Please.” Your little begging made him thrust faster and faster. Of course, he had girls begging for his cock every damn time, but with you… With you everything felt different. He felt different. “I’m close- fuck Woo~”

“Come on me then. Come on my cock.” He ordered, squeezing your hips harder. He felt you getting tighter around him as you got closer to your orgasm. Your breath was getting heavier, your chest moved quicker than before and he could see that. Feel that…

Your pussy squeezed his cock tightly as you came, milking his cock for his own release. He threw his head back and cursed under his breath, coming inside you without thinking. His hands held your hips down, pressing you against him as he filled you up with his warm cum.

Both of you tried to cool down, panting heavily as you looked at each other. Wooyoung stayed inside you, the feeling of your warm pussy still squeezing his cock. Then, something happened that he wasn’t used to. His cock twitched inside you, being hard again and you blinked confused.

“F-fuck… I-“ He mumbled, looking at you still out of breath. “I’m hard again.” Wooyoung swallowed loudly, he could see in your eyes that you had enough but fuck. He couldn’t get enough of you. His hands stayed on your hips, squeezing them hard still. Then slowly, his hips started to move and you let out a little cry.

“I can’t.. fuck I can’t Wooyoung-“ To silence your little cry’s he kissed you slowly, his tongue entering your mouth.

“You can take it.” He mumbled into your lips, his thrusts getting harder. You let out a moan. You were too sensitive and every movement made it even worse and he was aware of that but he couldn’t stop. He saw your fingers dig into his shoulders as you moaned loudly.

“Feels so good~” With a little cry you let out and he watched your mouth fall wide open every time he thrusted into you.

“I bet, Urin wouldn’t fuck you like this? yeah?” A jealousy started to kick in suddenly as his one hand travelled to your neck slowly. “Say it.” He put a little pleasure to your throat, squeezing it slightly giving you enough of room to breath.

“N-no.” You shook your head, but that wasn’t enough to satisfy him.

“He wouldn’t fuck you this hard, would he?” He growled softly, his hips moving faster again to prove his point. He knew it was dirty and jealous, but he didn’t care. He wanted you to know that no one else could fuck you like he could.

“No! Only you, fuck.” You said it louder for him to hear it perfectly and then, his hand left your throat, slowly making his way to your hip squeezing it again.

“That’s right, only me,” He growled, he wanted to erase any thoughts of Urin from your mind. He wanted you to only think about him and his dick inside you. He will get sure of that, that you will never forget how good he felt.

Then, loudly he moaned as he came inside you again, filling you up with his warm cum. He kept his hips moving slowly to help you finish as well, even though he was already done. And when your body collapsed on his, he wrapped his arms around you tightly, holding you close. He was still inside you, his dick softening slightly but staying put. Wooyoung felt different. This sex with you was different than with other girls. It felt more intimate, more romantic. he never felt that before.

No one spoke a word, only heavy breaths were heard in the room. Wooyoung looked into your eyes as his dick slid out of you. He laid on his back, you beside him, both of you panting heavily. He reached up and gently brushed a strand of hair out of your face, his thumb caressing your cheek softly.

It struck him all at once. How natural this felt. How dangerous it was that it felt so natural. He had been with girls before, but never like this. Never where it felt like the world outside had disappeared, and the only thing that mattered was the girl lying inches away from him. You noticed how something was running through his head. At first you didn’t dare to ask, but curiosity was strong.

“What’s going on in that head of yours?” You asked softly, a small smile playing at your lips.

Wooyoung blinked, caught. He almost laughed, almost told you the truth. That you were getting under his skin in a way he couldn’t undo, that he was terrified of how much he already needed you. Instead, he turned his face toward the ceiling, brushing it off.

“Nothing,” he murmured, his voice low. “Just tired. You were surprised by how simple he brushed you off but you didn’t press any further even though you wanted to. Then you inched closer. Your arm slipped lightly over his chest, your head resting near his shoulder.

Wooyoung let out a breath he hadn’t realized he was holding and slid his hand along your back, holding you there. He didn’t say anything more, but as he stared up at the ceiling, he knew. He knew this moment. Your warmth, your closeness, the quiet way you trusted him… was something he’d never forget.

-

A whole month blurred into late-night walks by the beach, lazy afternoons in the shop where Wooyoung pretended to help but only distracted you with sly remarks, and early mornings where you found him waiting outside with coffee he had no idea how to make but bought from the one café in the village.

You two became inseparable. His hand finding yours almost without thinking, your laughter pulling the first real smiles from him in years. Everyone noticed. Mostly, the old women at the market whispered and giggled when they saw you pass them, and even his grandparents seemed to soften every time he came home with sand still stuck between his toes and your name lingering in his mouth.

For the first time in a long time, Wooyoung wasn’t restless. He wasn’t thinking about parties or noise or what came next. He was just… here. With you. And it felt right. It felt amazing.

But summer, cruel as ever, didn’t slow down.

One late afternoon, you were at the shop helping your aunt shelve bags of flour when you overheard voices drifting from behind the counter. You froze when she recognized them. Your aunt’s soft laugh, and Wooyoung’s grandmother’s warm, familiar tone.

“…he’ll be leaving in a couple of weeks,” Hi grandmother said, matter-of-fact, like it was no secret. “His parents want him back in Seoul. They think he matured enough and they don’t want him wasting more time here.”

Your hands stilled on the bag you were holding. Your chest tightened.

Your aunt hummed thoughtfully. “Y/n will take it hard, I think. She’s grown used to him.”

“She has…” The grandmother agreed gently. “But it was always meant to be temporary. Summer doesn’t last forever.”

The words hit harder than you expected. You’d known, of course. Deep down, you had always known he wasn’t yours to keep. That he belonged to another world. A world of city lights, money, noise, a place you could never follow. But hearing it aloud, hearing the certainty of it, made your throat ache.

Quietly, before anyone noticed you lingering, you slipped out the back door of the shop. The sun was sinking low over the village rooftops, painting the sky gold and pink, and you stood there for a long moment, clutching your apron in your fists.

After your work, you made your way to the meeting with Wooyoung. The waves rolled in gently, catching the last light of the setting sun. He spotted you first, standing near the shoreline, your hair tangled in the breeze. His lips curved into a smile before he even realized it, his chest light in that familiar way it always felt when he saw you.

But before he could say a word, you turned to him sharply, your eyes bright with something he couldn’t place until-

Smack.

Your hand hit his chest, not hard enough to hurt, but firm enough to steal the smile off his face.

“Y/n-? What the-?”

“When…” You snapped, your voice trembling. “When were you going to tell me?” Wooyoung was surprised by your question, he didn’t understand what you were talking about.

“Tell you what?”

“That you’re leaving.” You answered without hesitation, your breath quickening. “That summer’s ending, and you’re just- what? Going back to Seoul without saying a word?” You asked him, your eyebrows furrowed and tears slowly starting to well up in your eyes. His stomach dropped. He opened his mouth, closed it again. You weren’t supposed to know. Not yet.

“I was going to tell you.” Finally, he said, his voice lower now. “I just… didn’t know how.” You laughed at his words, but it was a completely different laugh from what he was used to.

“Didn’t know how?” Your eyes shimmered, but you didn’t look away. “What did this mean to you then, Wooyoung? All of this- the walks, the nights, the kisses, the sex…me. Was it just something to pass the time until you went back to your real life or what?” He flinched, but forced himself to meet your stare. He wanted to tell you everything. That you’d changed him, that nothing in Seoul had ever made him feel like this. But the words stuck in his throat, buried under the weight of the life waiting for him back in the city.

“Y/n…” He cleared his throat, forcing the words out like they cost him. "We had fun... It was good."

You staggered back a step like he’d struck you harder than you’d ever hit him.

You voice cracked when you whispered, “So I was just… just a summer fling to you?”

Wooyoung hesitated. For a second too long, his silence told you everything. Your eyes searched his face, desperate, hopeful… until he looked away and forced the word out.

“Yes.”

But inside, he was screaming. No. You’re more. You’re everything. But I can’t stay. I can’t let go of Seoul, of who I’m supposed to be there. If I tell you the truth, I’ll never leave. Wooyoung was too selfish to let everything he lived for behind. Tears were on the verge of falling, but you refused to cry. Not in front of him. Not when he was acting like this.

The waves hissed against the sand, carrying the weight of silence between them. Wooyoung’s chest rose and fell, every part of him tight with words he couldn’t say.

You stared at him, your eyes burning- not with tears, not yet, but with the kind of anger that came from being broken.

“So that’s it?” You asked, your voice low, trembling. “We had fun. That’s all this was to you?” He swallowed hard, his throat dry. He wanted to reach for you, to undo the damage, but instead he forced himself to nod once.

“Yes.” Your lips parted, a sound catching in your throat, but then you pulled your shoulders back. Stronger than he’d ever seen you.

“Fine,” you said sharply. “go back to your city. Back to your parties and your smoke and whatever it is that makes you forget people so easily.” You had had enough. Really. You didn't have the strength to fight for him. To fight for something he just threw away, like it was just fun. Like it didn't matter to him at all.