Zuki

‘yeah?’

‘yeah.’

another beat passes, slow and languid, the pair of you standing in the middle of the living room as seonghyeon decompresses. the only light source is from the kitchen, spilling onto the floorboards.

‘you hungry?’ his head moves against your neck yes, ‘let me make you some ramen, okay?’

your arms move to detach from where they’ve found a home around his middle, though your movements are halted by a faint murmur.

‘wait, stand still.’

‘what’s wrong? you don’t want to eat?’

‘no i wanna, just one thing first.’ seonghyeon lifts his head away from where he’s been buried against your skin for the past minute, hands travelling to the sides of your face.

your own hands move to relax against his chest, feeling the slow, consistent thump underneath. it was interesting, seonghyeon thinks, how his heartbeat had never really quickened around you, always slowing down instead.

you’d explained it to him one night in bed, ear above his heart as his fingers ran up and down your spine. something about the brain releasing oxytocin and the nervous system calming. he had agreed silently, thinking it was beautiful that someone could be safe enough for another to slow down.

he was safe now, thumb brushing against the line of your jaw, other hand lowering to where your neck and shoulder meet.

‘want a kiss first.’

‘you stopped me from feeding you because you want a kiss.’ an amused smirk makes its way onto your face.

seonghyeon, dead serious, smooths out the curl of your lips, nodding slightly before lowering his forehead to meet yours.

‘been thinking ‘bout it all day, baby. keonho was getting on my nerves and i kept thinking that, if you were there, i could’ve kissed you,’ his lips land on your forehead.

‘or held you,’ kiss on your left cheek.

‘or complained about how tough the choreo was and you’d comfort me.’ another on your nose.

his eyes are half-open, have been since he walked (or rather, crashed) through the door a few minutes ago. they lower to meet yours, sincere and earnest and desperate.

‘just kiss me already, stupid.’

he listens, always does when it comes to you.

it’s soft, almost like a wave crashing onto shore as he finally feels your mouth move against his.

slow, as he revels in the relief of your touch.

reverent, cradling your face as you grip his shirt, pulling him closer towards you.

when you part from each other, gradually, as if the separation of skin might hurt (which it does for seonghyeon, deep in his heart) he chases after your lips, left hand travelling down to your lower back.

you oblige, letting him graze his right thumb against your brow bone before tilting his head towards you again. there was that faint taste of vanilla and coffee he always carried, undoubtedly from his caffeine overconsumption he never admits to.

seonghyeon decides, in that moment, tongue licking lazily at your lower lip, your mouth might be the means to his death, and also the reason he chooses rebirth.

he can feel you pull away from him, mouth red and slightly glossy from your lip balm.

‘better?’

he pretends to think, shifting you in his arms before diving onto the couch, using you as cushioning.

your laugh rings out, echoing against the walls of the apartment as he hides his smile in the crook of your neck. seonghyeon raises his head as quiet starts to settle again, smiling unhurriedly at your slightly unimpressed look.

‘can you make me ramen now?’

‘unbelievable.’ but you still shift under the weight of him, moving towards the kitchen.

as the water boils, he makes his way towards where you’re leaning against the bench top. in front of you, it’s clear that seonghyeon’s about to fall asleep standing, so you open your arms, and he falls into them without argument.

his head rests against your shoulder, and you let yours fall against his mess of hair.

‘tired?’

‘mhm.’

he stands upright, arms moving to surround your body with his own, before placing a feathery kiss against your cheek bone. his eyes are shut by now, lashed fluttering against the smooth expanse of his skin.

‘hyeon.’

‘hm.’

‘go to bed.’

‘no, wanna eat first.’ seonghyeon’s words are slurring a little, giving away the full extent of his exhaustion.

you try and manoeuvre yourself from where he has you trapped against the bench, but he’s having none of it.

‘stay still, baby.’ you listen, movements halting for a second because he sounds needy.

‘the water’s boiling now, lovie. don’t you want food?’

an unintelligible noise comes out of his mouth, though it’s replaced by one of surprise from you as he captures your lips in yet another kiss.

this one is a little more frantic, a little less careful, like he has feelings to convey that can’t be said. it’s yearning, the way seonghyeon’s gripping onto the back of your shirt like you’re his last hope.

and maybe you are, considering the fact that his days are spent with four other boys who don’t understand the full capacity of his love for you.

when you push at his chest for air, he gives the space reluctantly, physically unwilling to give you too much of it. now that he has you in his atmosphere, there’s nothing he wouldn’t do to keep you in it.

‘you’re so clingy tonight, hyeon. you okay?’ your fingers weave their way into his hair, massaging slowly as his eyes waver shut again.

‘missed you, s’all.’

‘i can tell. feels like you’re trying to eat me.’ he laughs at that, little huffs that come out slower than usual.

you manage to twist yourself out of his grasp, tending to the stove as seonghyeon wraps himself around you again. he’s not speaking and neither are you, content to let the late night fade into this one moment of peace.

when you bring the pot over to the bench, silent eyes instructing him to sit and eat, something descends in seonghyeon’s chest, slow, and steady, the same way your eyes map out his movements. it’s in that moment he realises there may never come a day where he himself may comprehend the love he carries for you, much less anyone else around him. and he thinks he’s okay with that, as long as you allow him to spend the rest of your shared lifetime trying to show it to you.

your elbows lean against the counter, observing the sharp slant of his nose, the pink of his cheeks, feeling a warmth only seonghyeon’s presence delivers.

‘eat fast, baby. i wanna sleep.’

your words, though carrying a teasing lilt, are soft, affectionate, entirely only for him in a way that seems too intimate even between the two of you.

internally, while sneaking glances at each other, seonghyeon thinks: he’s glad you stayed still when he asked, because the mouth can convey more than just words.

and your mouth might just be the prettiest translator he’s ever encountered.

‘time stands still,

while we stand here’

“I would love to have you,” he says immediately, then stops himself. His jaw tightens like he’s rethinking his phrasing. After much thought, he adds more carefully, “...But only if you’re comfortable.”

You give him a small smile as you think it over. You’re not totally against it. If anything, you like the idea of supporting him, just… on your terms.

“Sure?” You say slowly. “It’s just…” You trail off, then huff a laugh. “I kinda like being the faceless girlfriend, y’know?”

Megumi’s gaze softens. 

A part of him agrees because he likes having you to himself. The other part worries, knowing how easily comments get stuck in your head, and how you spiral even when you pretend you’re fine.

“I can do a workaround if—” he slowly lifts his gaze to meet yours, “—you’re up for it.” He then cups your face and runs a thumb on your cheek. “You don’t have to step out of your comfort zone for me.”

You catch his thumb between your teeth, biting it down lightly.

“Ow—” He pulls back and winces.

You laugh. “Didn’t we say we’re actually following through with our resolutions this year?”

“We can try again next year.” Megumi wraps an arm around you, and lightly chuckles. “Isn’t that how resolutions work? Start strong, give up halfway.”

“Maybe it’s time we finish one,” you say, tilting your head to kiss the corner of his mouth. “I’ll join your stream on one condition.”

His lips twitch. “Yeah?”

“I don’t wanna be in frame– oh wait, I have a better one– make me headless!” 

"Deal." He exhales with relied, and kisses you. “I'll figure out a way to make you... headless”

〖Apex Legends〗Ranking with my girlfriend 45.7K Viewers 

There are two small windows at the bottom of the gameplay screen.

At the bottom corner window is Megumi, who looks happier than usual. It's the soft, can’t-stop-glancing-to-his-right kind of happy. While the other corner is yours, but the camera is tilted in an angle that only shows your mouse and keyboard.

He clears his throat. “I have a very special guest today.”

He looks at you with a sly little smile tugging at his lips as his knee bumps against yours under the desk.

“But,” he continues, forcing composure back into his voice, “I need everyone to behave. It’s her first time on stream.”

The chat immediately explodes with excitement.

[dastrongest] is it bring your girlfriend to work day?

[y-okkotsu] oh she’s REAL real

[junpyosh] damn i hope this doesn't end like last time

[witchymomo] unplug the mic just in case?

Megumi closes his eyes and exhales heavily. “We’re not talking about that.” Then, he nudges your knee gently, “Wanna say hi?”

You lean into his frame, just enough to show your hand, and give a small wave. "Hi! Just crashing in for a bit."

His smile goes stupidly wide as he slips his headset on. “We’re playing Apex today.”

Gaming isn’t really your thing. You play sometimes with him because you like spending time together, but personally? The games Megumi plays feel like they’re one blink from giving you vertigo.

You adjust your headset and squint immediately. “Woah. Why is everything moving so fast?”

“It's because you’re sprinting,” he says gently as he leans over to peek at your screen.

“Huh? Where’d you go?” you mutter while clicking wildly. “I’m panicking. I’m actually panicking.”

Megumi frowns while taking on someone on his own screen.

“What do you mean?” He leans closer, practically hovering over your mouse now. “How’d you end up there? You’re way too far.”

“I don't even know what I'm doing,” you laugh nervously.

He lets out a quiet breathy laugh. “It’s fine. I’ll come get you.”

While he's heading to your current location, you're literally fighting for your life with players who are far more skilled than you. Your aim is everywhere, but you surprisingly never miss.

[kirarare] OK GIRL U ATE

[bbmai] she’s part of the channel now sorry megumi

When he's finally reached you, he fixes your direction, adjusts something in your settings, and lightly taps your mouse hand to steady it before moving away.

Megumi glances at your monitor again and says calmly, "Right behind you."

"Little shit." you mutter through clenched teeth.

He snorts. “Easy, love.”

[rikascurse] we love you already <3

[m__ki] damn ur gf's hot for that

“Oh— thank you!” You squint as you read the username, "M...ki?"

Megumi deadpans at the camera and flatly says, "Get away from her."

You’re about to read more when something catches your eye. You refocus, aim, and—  Headshot. The chat starts cheering and complimenting you for landing a headshot cleaner than Megumi’s.

“Wow,” he says, clearly impressed. “You’re on a roll.”

After you take down another player, you groan dramatically. "Why can't we play the games I like?"

"Ah." he says, eyes still on screen.  "Those cutesy ones?"

"Mhm!" You hum happily while firing.

"We can do that." He says with a smile.

You look at him and raise a brow. “I thought you hated those?”

“I don’t.”

“You do.”

He finally looks at you with a softly gaze, “I don’t if you’re playing.”

Then, the influx of chats start rolling in.

[heatkari] the edits are about to be wild my guy

[kirarare] i'm so soft for this

[dastrongest] THAT WAS SMOOTH

Megumi squints at chat. “Is your girlfriend single— go to hell.” He reaches over and pinches your cheek lightly. “Don’t read the chat.”

You giggle, looking very guilty. “I wasn’t!”

Megumi lifts a brow at you. “You were planning to, weren't you?”

You sheepishly grin as you shrug. “Maybe.”

〖Sue’s Ramen Shop〗with my girlfriend 50.2K Viewers

Megumi made sure only your shoulder is visible in the frame. He also set up another camera in front of him, since some of his viewers wanted to see his live reaction while you play.

"Watch and learn." You look at your boyfriend with a cocky smirk and say, “I’ll show you what delicious ramen looks like.”

Megumi snorts immediately. “You didn’t even read through the instructions.”

“I don’t have to? It’s a no-brainer game.” You roll your eyes at him. “What could possibly go wrong?”

And everything did in fact go wrong.

The water evaporates. The pots burn. You try again, but still end up burning the ramen AND the pots. Now, you're staring at the screen in disbelief.

“Why is it making that sound?”

“Because it’s burning.” Megumi says, barely holding in laughter.

“It’s just a little sizzle. No big deal.”

He chuckles. “It’s on fire. See?”

You restart the game with a dramatic sigh, but this time, you’re muttering the steps under your breath. 

"I'll do one pot at a time." You mumble to yourself.

Megumi presses his lips together to stop himself from laughing, but you catch it anyway.

“You’re not helping,” you playfully whine.

“I’m observing."

You narrow your gaze at him. “You’re judging.”

“A little bit.” He shrugs casually.

He leans back in his chair and folds his arms, already smiling like he knows what happens next. Meanwhile, chat is already crying.

[ozawasan] diva i think it's time to give up

[salmonroe] u woulda sent gordon ramsay to a crash out asylum

[today_is_todo] my queen drop the ramen and pick up the guns again PLEASE

[dastrongest] our troops NEED you ms. megumi's girlfriend

While you're busy with playing, Megumi reads the chat and chuckles. "Give her time. She'll figure it out."

Since he isn’t playing and has more than enough time to read the chat, his viewers are having a field day asking him a bunch of nonsense questions. One viewer even says: “Take a shot every time Megumi raises his middle finger.”

“Knock it off.” But the chat doesn't stop teasing him with the "Is your girlfriend single?" & "Watch Megumi tweak" jokes, so he scowls, "Just– shut up. Shut the hell up."

“Did they want you to step in?” You ask while pouring water on your nth attempt.

He shakes his head and leans over, kissing your shoulder casually. “No, but they want you back on RPG.”

"Why? I just got lucky that time," you lightly chuckle. When you finally succeed, you spin toward him with the widest grin. "I finally did it! Ws in the chat for me!"

Both of you laugh when a flood of literal Ws start coming in.

“See that, chat? What did I tell you?" Megumi laughs openly now. "She's a natural talent.”

You read another message and snort. "They said: rip cooking mama, you would've hated her.'"

“Doesn’t matter,” he says with a hand resting briefly on your lower back. “Your customers were happy.”

〖Fall Guys〗with my girlfriend + Yuji & Nobara 55.4K Viewers

Nobody’s more excited for this stream than Nobara and Yuji.

You’ve played Fall Guys with them during Nobara’s house warming party, and remember having fun playing it. So when they learned of you joining in on Megumi’s streams, they suggested to play together on live.

“CHAT, THIS IS HISTORIC!” Yuji screams before the game even loads. “Megumi’s girlfriend is here!”

“Tone it down." Megumi slightly removes his headset and winces. "You're too loud."

"Ooh! Can I get the pink one?" You giddily ask your boyfriend while pointing at the character.

“Yes,” Megumi replies immediately, with that calm, relaxed smile. “You can get anything you like.”

Yuji immediately jumps in with his usual bravado.

“Let me change into a tiger.” He announces loudly into the mic with a boyish grin, “It’s so on brand of me, right chat?”

[today_is_todo] ofc brother

[y-okkotsu] LFG YUJI

“Does it matter?" Nobara laughs as she selects the orange character. "You’re all dying anyway.” 

And die they do, but Yuji dies first, then Nobara. Soon it’s just you and Megumi, staring each other down the thin ice.

[p4nda] top 10 anime betrayals i fear

[mmmiwa] she’s about to target him lmaooo

[witchymomo] clock his ass

"What the–" Megumi’s eyes widen with confusion written all over his face. "Why are you attacking me?!"

"Because one of us has to die," you say in defense as you grab his character. "And it's not gonna be me!"

“Oh c’mon!” Your boyfriend laughs as he runs away from you.

All Megumi does is dodge left and right, while Yuji and Nobara’s laughter fills the mic. Even chat's turned their backs on him and start rooting for you to win.

“Why don't you fight me?!” you yell while chasing him down.

"Because I don't want to!" He laughs. “I’m just trying to survive!”

Yuji's screaming along with the chat. "THIS IS SICK!”

Nobara leans into her mic, “Megumi, blink twice if you need help.”

And funnily enough, chat's screaming on this round.

[p4nda] PUSH HIM OFF

[m__ki] FINISH HIM

[salmonroe] THIS SHIT PEAK

Nobara’s face lights up as you corner Megumi. She leans in to her screen with the widest smile as she cheers for you, "You're almost there! Keep cornering him!"

"Oh my god," Yuji says while wiping his tears from his eyes, "Megumi's so down bad he's not doing shit!"

The two of them collapse into laughter as you finally trap Megumi at the edge. With a nudge, he falls off the platform.

Megumi leans back in his chair, shaking his head but grinning helplessly. You can see him trying to suppress a laugh, but it’s no use because he’s completely outplayed.

[rikascurse] SHE DID IT

[junpyosh] WWWWWWWW

[mmmiwa] megumi's first flop in big 2026 whaaaat

Megumi finally looks at you with mock exasperation and amusement battling on his face. “I can't believe my girlfriend killed me.”

You grin cheekily. “Want me to go easy on you next time?”

He playfull rolls his eyes and mumbles, “Whatever.”

You both laugh with chat’s continued barrage of memes, messages, and chaos. 

When Megumi checks the chat once more, but they're saying the same joke again to rile him up, making him let out an irritated groan.

"Guys, my girlfriend's mine." He pinches the bridge of his nose and closes his eyes. "She's not single. I'm not tweaking. Let that shit go."

〖The Exit 8〗with my girlfriend 60.3K Viewers

Chat suggested that you both play a horror game. 

Megumi knew you hated anything remotely scary. So instead of throwing you into some grotesque nightmare, he picked something more "tame" to play.

“Why do we have to take turns playing when you can just play it yourself?” you ask while mentally preparing yourself. “I don’t wanna look for anomalies.”

Megumi snorts, one hand still on the mouse while the other reaches over to squish your cheeks together. “It’s not scary, I swear.”

You narrow your eyes at him, and your words come out muffled. “I don't believe you.”

“When did I ever lie?” He moves away from the frame and pecks your lips.

[mxchmaroo] she's so cute hahaha

[heatkari] bro's a lucky bastard

[itadorislut] jealous gumi in 3...2...1

Megumi reads the chat, then slowly turns his head toward the camera with a blank expression.

"You guys think you're so slick, huh?" He looks back at the monitor and reads some more. "Can Megumi fight– I’m mass banning.”

You blink at the chat, then laugh softly. “They’re just joking.”

“No, they're plotting.” he mutters.

"You're so easy to piss off." You sheepishly grin and shake your head.

The game starts and he starts navigating the endless subway corridor. The fluorescent lights buzzes, the character's footsteps echo while the NPC salaryman walks past. All you can do is silently hope for the game to end right away.

You lean in closer and ask, "Have you played this with Yuji?"

“Nah. It's my first time playing this.” He shrugs. “And Yuji’s a pussy.”

You lightly swat his arm. “That’s so mean?!”

“What? It's true.” Megumi chuckles as he continues to walk the subway station. “He’s one scream away from pissing his gaming chair.”

You flinch when the salaryman walks starts walking again. 

"I'm one scream from pissing, too," you mutter.

[mxchmaroo] she's so real for that

[p4nda] ngl same

[bbmai] she's just like me

Megumi’s eyes narrow slightly as he scans for any more anomalies. He steps forward to check the posters to check if anything has changed.

You immediately grab his sleeve. "Love."

“Relax.”

But the lights flicker and something sprints straight at his screen, making him jump and move away from the monitor.

"WHAT THE FUCK–"

You scream at the exact same time, turning your whole body away. "WHY DID IT MOVE LIKE THAT? IT'S SO WEIRD!"

Your hands clutch onto his arm in blind panic. Instinctively, his free arm finds you, pulling your body flush against his side. You’re half buried into him now, and both of you refuse to look at the monitor.

“Is it gone?” you whisper into his shirt.

“…Yeah, I think?” He says, but his hand stays firm on your thighs.

[dastrongest] RIGHT AFTER THE ITADORI SLANDER LMAOOO

[itadorislut] scare ✍🏼 gumi ✍🏼 so we can steal ✍🏼 his gf

[today_is_todo] ur so posesive

Megumi exhales through his nose and straightens in his chair.

“You’re fine,” he mutters much softer now.

You look up at him suspiciously. “Are you saying that to me or yourself?”

“…Both.”

“Okay, but next time you’re playing this game alone.” You poke his cheek and grin widely.

He scoffs. “Hell no.”

“Sir, this is your stream.”

Megumi points at the chat with a playful smirk and says, “Chat requested both of us.”

You squint. “...Are you trying to trick me?"

He doesn’t answer immediately. Instead, his attention goes back to the game.

“It’s more fun with you around,” he finally says with a soft smile.

Both of you are sprawled on the bed, laughing at every edited clip his viewers made on TikTok. Megumi even scrubs back to certain parts just to rewatch them, snorting softly when a particularly unhinged meme flashes across the screen.

You nudge poke his tummy lightly. “You’re enjoying this waaay too much.”

“What? These edits are hilarious.” He shrugs with eyes still glued to the screen.

Eventually, he locks his phone and places it on the bed side table, turning fully toward you.

“So... how’d you find my–” Megumi lifts his fingers in air quotes, “–job?”

“It’s surprisingly a lot of fun,” you reply with a genuine smile, then shifting closer to him. “We should do it again next time.”

His brows shoot up with excitement, then a slow smirk tugs at his lips. “Wait. Really?”

You nod enthusiastically. “Yeah. Chat's really sweet and supportive. I felt super comfortable playing with you guys.”

“The chat, huh?” Megumi lets out a quiet, mock exasperated sigh, then rolls his eyes. “Those losers trying to steal you from me, you mean?”

"This is why they love teasing you." You poke his cheek teasingly, then lean in to press a kiss to the bridge of his nose. “Tell me. Who do I come home to?”

Megumi doesn’t even hesitate and smirks smugly. “Me.”

“Exactly.” 

He chuckles softly, resting his head against the pillow and placing his arm under your head. You welcome the intimate embrace, pressing your cheek into his chest and smile.

“As fun as that was, I kinda like how it’s just… us.” You murmur.

Megumi’s lips twitch into a small, satisfied smile.

“Yeah. I think so too,” he agrees, his fingers tracing idle patterns along your arm. Then, he teasingly adds, “Can’t let chat see me losing again.”

You laugh quietly as you nuzzle closer. “We’ll see about that.” 

He lets out a soft hum, a sound somewhere between a chuckle and a sigh, then rests his cheek on the top of your head. Megumi shifts slightly, drawing you closer so your legs tangle comfortably with his.

“Thanks for joining the stream. Means a lot to me."

You tilt your head and giggle. “Even with all the memes and chat chaos?”

“Especially with the chaos." He chuckles. "No, but honestly? The highlight of my year was doing something I love, with the person I love."

You rest your hand on his chest as your fingers brush over the collar of his shirt. “You always know what to say, don’t you?”

“I try,” he murmurs, brushing a strand of hair from your face, “but it’s easier to just show you.”

wia says: thank u for indulging the hc! live laugh love delusions <3 requested: one ᝰ two

bf! martin is the type to pull your belt loops or arm to kiss you. he'd do this a lot when you're upset at him and you attempt to walk away in frustration. he tugs you in his arms gently, saying things like please don't walk away from me or dont leave me alone before pulling you into a sweet, long kiss. 

bf! martin is the type to completely trip over his words when you flirt with him, feeling dizzy and extremely flustered. martin is a flirt, no doubt. he flirts with you every waking moment, flattering you and giving you compliments every single chance he gets. but when it's your turn to flirt back? suddenly all his charm is gone. he turns into a stuttering mess as his face slowly turns red. 

bf! martin is the type to suddenly show up at your front door with flowers in hand when he knows your upset. he'd ring the doorbell and when he sees your face, he hides behind your favorite bouquet of flowers in shyness. 

bf! martin is also the type to suddenly climb through your bedroom window when you're upset, or because he wants to hangout but your parents won't allow him over. he definitely falls through the window like a loser, though. 

bf! martin is the type to do matching fits with you without a doubt. he's a fashion alcoholic, he even said it himself that he'd rather starve than not go shopping for clothes. he has many things in his closet that he could wear to match with you. it doesn't matter if you propose it, if he does, or if it's unsaid. he's always down to match outfits with you. there's also definitely no swag gap between you guys. 

bf! martin is also the type to pick out your outfits for the day when you feel indecisive. again, he loves fashion. so when you ask him to pick out an outfit for you, he practically jumps to his feet and starts digging through your closet. or when you already have outfits planned and you just can't choose, suddenly your doing twirls and walking in and out of your closet like a runway model as he watches closely. 

bf! martin is the type to listen to your rants attentively and give his two cents every so often. if it's simply just things that pissed you off during your day that made you even more upset, or drama that you overheard, he's there to listen (and gossip, too).

bf! martin is the type to hype you up in anything you do. saying things like that's my baby or my girlfriend is so talented or just being loud as hell. it doesn't matter what it is, he's your number one hype man. 

bf! martin is the type to love you loudly with physical touch and words of affirmation. more heavy on the physical touch part. he loves hugging you, holding hands, keeping his arms around your waist and kissing your temples while walking down the street. he's also really good with words, often giving you reassurance and overall just being loud with his love for you. 

your manager nudges you. “don’t be shy. you’ll be rehearsing with him.”

right. the collaboration stage. the one every fan has been screaming about since it got announced. illit x cortis — “glitter riot.” a mix of cute and edgy, sugary and sharp. a performance concept that looked insane on paper but somehow worked when the choreographer showed you.

still, no one warned you that martin was… well… martin.

you’re adjusting your mic when someone clears their throat beside you.

“uh. you’re from illit, right?”

you nearly jump. “oh— yes! i’m— uh— i’m y/n.”

you curse yourself internally. why are you stuttering? you don’t stutter. you’ve survived debut stages, encore lives, and fansign chaos. but suddenly one boy with smudged eyeliner has your whole nervous system glitching.

martin nods, shoving his hands into his pockets. “cool. i’m martin.”

you almost laugh. as if you didn’t already know.

silence drops between you like fog. he seems just as unsure as you — eyes flicking to your dress, then to the floor, then back to you.

“i like your style,” he says suddenly.

you blink. “what?”

“i mean— it fits you. it’s… cute.” he scratches the back of his neck. “not cute in, like, a weird way. cute in a— a cool way. not that cute is cool— well it is, but—”

he stops himself.

you smile — actually smile — because watching him unravel might be the funniest thing you’ve seen in weeks.

“thanks,” you say, trying not to giggle. “i like your style too. i could never pull that off.”

he glances down at his outfit. “this? i just threw it on.”

lies. dead, obvious lies. no one who “just throws on” clothes looks that coordinated in grayscale.

“still,” you shrug, “you look cool.”

he goes quiet for a second.

then he turns his head away — but not before you catch it.

the tiniest smile.

**

rehearsals start awkward but end… very much not

at first it’s stiff. your worlds are too different. your group giggles when he walks on set; his members tease him quietly in korean, nudging his shoulders because he keeps glancing at you.

you pretend not to notice.

during choreography blocking, you two are paired for a partner section — a quick spin, a hand-hold, a point toward the audience — but martin keeps messing up the timing.

“sorry,” he mutters after the fourth time. “i swear i’m better than this.”

“it’s okay,” you reassure. “we can go slower.”

“no— i can do it. i’m just— distracted.”

“distracted?”

his eyes flick to your hand in his.

and you get it.

you really do.

it makes your cheeks warm, but your voice stays steady.

“want to try again?”

he nods, jaw tightening in determination.

the next run-through is perfect.

and the choreographer says, “see? you two look good together.”

the entire room goes quiet.

martin goes pink.

you pretend to adjust your hair.

**

the performance is electric

no one expects your energy to match his, but on stage, it happens naturally.

your softness sharpens under the lights; his dark aura brightens just enough next to you. fans scream at every moment you two share — the way he steadies your waist during the spin, the way you grin at him during the camera close-up, the way he mouths “nice job” to you as the stage goes black.

afterward, he pats your head gently. too gently. too naturally.

“you did great,” he says.

“you too.”

and somehow, the sentence that slips out next feels inevitable

“we should hang out sometime. like… after all the award show craziness.”

he freezes.

“yeah,” he says softly. “i’d like that.”

**

you become rookie mcs together

you find out the same day he does — during a media announcement.

you’re practicing in your dorm when your phone explodes with notifications. your members scream.

“y/n! you’re going to be an mc! with martin!”

your jaw drops.

“me? with him?!”

the article headline reads:

“illit’s y/n and cortis’s martin selected as new music program rookie mcs — fans excited for unexpected pairing.”

unexpected is putting it lightly.

but when martin texts you — “did you see?? guess they liked our stage lol” — you can practically hear the smile in his words.

your first day as mcs is chaotic. neither of you knows where to stand. scripts keep being rewritten mid-show. martin forgets a line, panics, and you whisper it to him under your breath while cameras are on the other idols.

after the broadcast, he bows to staff, then turns to you.

“thanks. seriously. i would’ve died without you.”

“you’re doing great,” you say. “really.”

he looks at you for a long moment.

“you make this easier.”

the sentence sits warm in your chest for the rest of the night.

**

feelings grow in small ways

usually it’s subtle.

he gives you his hoodie when your outfit is too thin in the studio.

you fix his hair when his bangs fall into his eyes.

he buys you strawberry milk before every saturday broadcast.

you bring him black hair ties because he always loses his.

he sends you memes at 3 a.m.

you tell him about your favorite hello kitty plushies.

he pretends not to be obsessed with hearing you talk.

your aesthetics still clash brutally — his lockscreen is all neon edits and dystopian filters; yours is pastel sparkles — but somehow you match more than anyone could’ve predicted.

your members tease you relentlessly.

“you LOOK at your phone differently when it’s his name,” minju says.

“you SMILE at your phone differently,” moka adds.

you deny everything.

which is ridiculous, because meanwhile, martin’s members are giving him the exact same grief.

“bro just ask her out,” james groans.

“i can’t just— ask her out,” martin mutters. “she’s cute. and busy. and cute.”

“you said cute twice.”

“because she IS!”

they laugh at him the entire practice.

**

the night everything changes

it’s late.

broadcast filming finished hours ago, but both your groups are doing a joint backstage vlog challenge for fun — behind-the-scenes chaos for fans.

staff is busy. cameras are rolling, but unfocused. members are talking loudly in the foreground, blocking most of the shot.

and you and martin are standing behind them — just barely out of frame.

he’s leaning against a wall, head tilted. you’re standing close, too close to be casual, but neither of you moves.

he holds your hand.

not in a performance way. not in a gimmick way.

just… holds it.

thumb brushing your knuckles slowly.

you look up at him. he looks down at you. and everything feels suspended.

“we’re gonna get caught,” you whisper.

“probably,” he says, completely unbothered.

you try not to laugh. “martin…”

he shifts, stepping closer — hands still linked behind your skirts, your bodies hidden by the chaos of your groups.

“i like you,” he says simply.

your heart stops.

“i’ve liked you since the first rehearsal. and i keep trying to play it cool but i’m terrible at it.”

you swallow. “i like you too.”

he exhales like he’s been holding the breath for months.

“can i—?”

you nod before he even finishes the question.

he presses his forehead to yours. it’s not a kiss. it’s something softer, smaller, safer — but it sends warmth through you anyway.

you don’t realize a staff camera catches the corner of the moment.

not the words.

not the closeness.

just your hands intertwined for half a second before the camera pans away.

**

the scandal breaks

the next morning twitter is a mess.

#martinxy/n

#illitcortisbackstage

“are they HOLDING HANDS???”

dispatch releases an article analyzing the grainy footage like it’s cctv evidence.

comments flood in.

“how is the most dark boy and the most pink girl dating??? this is wild.”

“he looks like he steals street signs and she looks like she collects stickers???”

“honestly kinda cute though.”

“the contrast is insane but i’m living for it.”

your companies panic. meetings are held. statements are discussed.

but unexpectedly — shockingly — the public isn’t mad.

they’re fascinated.

the concept of “grunge boyfriend x fairy girlfriend” becomes a meme overnight.

edit accounts blow up.

fashion blogs call you “aesthetic opposites in the best way.”

and martin texts you:

“are we… trending because we’re holding hands???”

“apparently.”

“should we… talk? about us?”

your fingers shake as you type.

“yeah. we probably should.”

**

the talk

you meet on the roof of the broadcasting building — martin’s idea, which sounds rebellious until he admits it’s because he wanted privacy and fresh air.

he stands there in ripped jeans and a huge black hoodie. you stand there in a cream-colored knit dress.

you look like spring.

he looks like midnight.

and he smiles like he knows it.

“so,” he says quietly. “we’re in trouble.”

you laugh. “a little.”

“i’m not sorry though.”

you blink. “you’re not?”

he shakes his head. “i don’t want to hide that i like you. i know we have to be careful. i know dating isn’t easy for idols. but i’m not pretending i don’t feel what i feel.”

you don’t say anything at first — too busy staring at him, wondering how someone who looks like a walking rock concert can sound so gentle.

“i want to date you,” he says. “for real.”

you breathe out slowly. “i want that too.”

the relief on his face is visible.

he steps forward.

you meet him halfway.

and he wraps his arms around you — warm, surprisingly soft, holding you like you’re something fragile he wants to protect.

you bury your face in his chest. he smells like vanilla and cologne and something unfamiliar but comforting.

“we’ll go slow,” he murmurs. “we’ll be careful. but i’m not going anywhere.”

“me neither.”

**

media reaction turns unexpectedly positive

the fandom becomes obsessed with the contrast.

photo edits everywhere. fanart everywhere. headlines like:

“cortis’s martin and illit’s y/n: two different worlds, one sweet connection.”

“the unexpected couple everyone secretly loves.”

older idols tease you at broadcasts.

your fellow mcs poke fun on air.

martin’s members start calling him “lover boy” and he throws fake punches at them.

illit members steal your phone whenever martin texts just to tease you.

it’s chaotic.

but it’s good.

better than you imagined.

**

one year later

you’re still mcs.

still dating.

still the strangest, cutest balance of chaos and calm.

fans call you “grayscale x glitter.”

but martin says he likes another name better.

one night after filming — the set empty, stage lights dimmed — he reaches for your hand and says:

“you know… we don’t really clash.”

you raise an eyebrow. “we don’t?”

he shakes his head. “you bring color to my life. i bring balance to yours. we fit.”

your cheeks warm. “that was cheesy.”

“i know.”

“say it again.”

he laughs — a real laugh, breathy and warm — and rests his forehead against yours.

“we fit,” he repeats.

and you whisper:

𐃘 zhao yufan

𐃘 kim juhoon

𐃘 eom seonghyeon

𐃘 ahn keonho

💭 ; okay so this is a silly little one and i thought it was quiet funny so i hope you like it!!