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@d2dayyoongi
NAVIGATION
sunny. she/her. 05 liner. yoonmin bias. ot7.
masterlist.
taglist.

Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
HOW DARE THEY PUT MY WHOLE BIAS LINE TOGETHER LOOKING SO DAMN GOOD đŤđŤ
teaser for my biker!jungkook x biker!reader fic COILED is dropping hopefully in an hour!! đ
small update on OTR: part 3 is still in the works. iâve finally finished my final exams but since tomorrow is eid writing will be a bit slow the next few days đ hopefully iâll be done with it by this weekend!
ok so there is an emergency i have to deal with⌠COILED teaser will be out tomorrow afternoon! sorry guys đđ
teaser for my biker!jungkook x biker!reader fic COILED is dropping hopefully in an hour!! đ
small update on OTR: part 3 is still in the works. iâve finally finished my final exams but since tomorrow is eid writing will be a bit slow the next few days đ hopefully iâll be done with it by this weekend!
WE DID IT!!! BTS SWEPT ALL THREE AWARDS AT THE AMAs AHHHH!!
i think that means i have to post something today⌠đ

Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
Free to watch ⢠No registration required ⢠HD streaming
this look was curated specifically for me
Hi! Can you add me to your tag list for off the record please? I love it so much and I canât wait for the next part!
omg hi!! i feel bad cause i think ive left this unanswered for a while đ but, yes of course i will add you to the taglist for the next part! đ
wtf do you mean i have 100+ followersâŚ???? WHAT đ
OFF THE RECORD â PART TWO
summary đâ.Ë You werenât looking for anything. Not between deadlines, late nights at the studio, and helping your best friend plan her wedding. Min Yoongi definitely wasnât either. But somewhere between shared silences, quiet understanding, an unbothered cat and a energetic puppy⌠something begins to shift.
pairing đâ.Ë producer!yoongi x a&r coordinator!reader
word count đâ.Ë 4.3k (much shorter than p1 lol)
tags đâ.Ë non-idol au, coworkers to lovers, slow burn, strangers to something more, soft tension, mutual pining (eventually), slice of life, studio setting, pet meet-cute, tang the cat, sori the puppy, yoongi is quiet but not immune, reader is stressed and trying her best, found comfort, a little angst, a lot of softness, emotional slow build, he notices everything, she overthinks everything, smut (eventually)
notes đâ.Ë thank you for all the love on part one already ⥠i hope you enjoy this next chapter of these two idiots figuring things out
teaser âËęŠď˝Ą part one âËęŠď˝Ą part two
The rest of the week unfolded in the familiar quiet ease. All the tension from earlier that Monday had dissolved. You and Yoongi fell back into rhythm.
Only now, it felt⌠different.
Lighter.
You found yourself lingering in his studio more often, slipping into the now-familiar couch whenever your schedule allowed it. Between coordinating sessions, answering emails, and putting out the usual fires, you carved out small pockets of time where you could just⌠exist there.
And watch.
Yoongi worked the way youâd come to expect. Focused, precise, completely absorbed. But when Tablo was in the room, something shifted. The atmosphere loosened. There was an ease between them that only came from history, from trust built long before you stepped into the picture. Their conversations flowed between vocal takes, casual but sharp, layered with understanding that didnât need explaining.
You hadnât realized how much you enjoyed observing it.
It grounded you in a way you hadnât expected.
By Friday evening, the building had mostly emptied out.
You sat alone in the break room, a half-unwrapped sandwich in one hand, your tablet propped against the table. The soft glow of the screen lit your face as your finger scrolled through next weekâs schedule, adjusting times, double-checking bookings, mentally mapping out everything before it could become a problem.
One earphone rested in your ear, a quiet shuffle of songs playing low enough to blur into the background.
You exhaled slowly, taking a small bite.
Just a few more things.
Down the hall, Yoongi stretched his shoulders as he walked, hands tucked loosely into his pockets.
He hadnât meant to leave his studio for long. Just needed air. Space. Something other than the same four walls and the same looping melody that had started to sound like it was mocking him.
His steps were slow, unhurried, gaze drifting absentmindedly past open doors and dimmed rooms.
Most people had already left.
Which is why he noticed you immediately.
Through the break room doorway, head slightly tilted down, brows faintly drawn in concentration, completely absorbed in your work.
He slowed.
Paused for just a second.
Then kept walking. Two steps. Three.
He stopped.
There was a brief flicker of something across his expression before he exhaled quietly, turning back the way he came. His knuckles tapped lightly against the already open door.
Your head lifted instantly.
You pulled your earphone out, a small smile forming the moment you saw him.
âHi.â
âHey.â
He leaned slightly against the doorframe, gaze flicking briefly to the tablet in your hands, then back to your face.
âItâs late,â he said, voice low, even. âWhy are you still here?â
You glanced down at your screen, then back up, shrugging lightly.
âJust confirming a few schedules for next week,â you explained. âFigured if I finish it now, thatâs one less thing to deal with over the weekend.â
He nodded once, like that made perfect sense. It did.
A small silence settled between you.
But it wasnât awkward.
Then, he spoke, âYou going to the park?â
Your eyes flickered up to him, just slightly surprised at the question. For a second, you just looked at him. Then you glanced at the time on your tablet, huffing out a quiet breath.
âYeah,â you admitted. âItâs late but I still have to take Sori out.â
He nodded again, shifting his weight just slightly.
âWell,â he said, almost casually, âIâve got to take Tang.â
A beat.
His gaze held yours, steady.
ââŚSo Iâll see you there.â
You blinked, just a fraction caught off guard by how naturally he said it.
Like it was already decided.
Like this was just⌠a thing now.
ââŚYeah,â you said, a small smile tugging at your lips. âSee you there.â
Something softened in his expression, barely there. He gave a short nod, pushing off the doorframe.
âDonât stay too long,â he added, glancing once more at your tablet. âYou said you wanted your weekend.â
You let out a quiet laugh. âIâm wrapping up.â
He didnât respond to that, just gave you one last look before turning and heading back down the hall.
And for a moment, you just sat there.
Staring at the doorway heâd disappeared through.
Your fingers stilled against the screen.
A strange, warm feeling settled somewhere in your chest.
Not overwhelming.
Not confusing.
JustâŚsomething to look forward to.
This was the latest you had ever come to the park.
The lamps lining the paths cast soft pools of golden light, but beyond them, shadows stretched long and quiet. The usual daytime buzz was gone. No distant laughter, no clusters of people, no dogs pulling at their leashes in every direction.
Just stillness.
Which made it very easy to spot him.
Yoongi stood a little further down the path, Tang resting comfortably in his arms, her dark fur almost blending into the night. He noticed you almost immediately, shifting slightly as you approached.
And the second Sori caught sight of the small black shape, her entire body lit up. Her tail began wagging wildly as she let out an excited little yip, tugging at the leash like sheâd just spotted her new favorite person.
You let out a small breath of a laugh, tightening your grip slightly as you slowed to a stop in front of him.
âIâve never seen the park this empty before,â you said, your voice softer than usual in the quiet.
âYeah,â Yoongi replied, glancing around briefly before looking back at you. âThis is late even for me.â
âReally?â you asked, brows lifting slightly.
âWhy do you sound so surprised?â he huffed, though there was no real annoyance behind it as he bent down, gently placing Tang onto the gravel path.
Sori immediately bounded forward, nose twitching as she circled the cat with endless curiosity. Tang, on the other hand, simply walked forward at her own pace. Calm. Unbothered. Like this was beneath her.
You watched them for a second, a smile tugging at your lips.
âYou practically live at the studio,â you shrugged.
Yoongi glanced at you, then back at the path ahead as he started walking, hands slipping into his pockets. Tang followed beside him, leash loose, steps unhurried.
ââŚNot wrong,â he admitted.
You fell into step beside him, Sori trailing Tang like an overly enthusiastic shadow.
For a while, neither of you said anything. Just the soft crunch of gravel under your shoes. The quiet jingle of Soriâs collar. The steady rhythm of two people walking without needing to fill the space.
It was⌠easy. You werenât used to that.
Your fingers tightened slightly around the leash before you glanced over at him.
ââŚCan I ask you something?â
Yoongi didnât look at you right away, but you caught the slight tilt of his head.
âGo ahead.â
You hesitated for a second, like you were deciding how to phrase it.
âHow did you get into producing?â you asked finally. âLike⌠how did all of this start for you?â
He glanced at you briefly, then forward again, expression unreadable for a moment.
ââŚMiddle school,â he said after a beat.
You blinked, a little surprised. âThat early?â
âYeah.â
His voice was calm, but quieter now. Not guarded, exactly. Just⌠more inward.
âI started making music back then. Nothing serious at first. Just⌠messing around.â
You nodded, listening closely.
âMy parents didnât like it,â he continued. âThey didnât think it was something you could build a life on.â
Your brows knit slightly. âSo what happened?â
âI wanted to move to Seoul after high school,â he said. âThey wanted me to go to university first.â
You hummed softly. âSo you compromised.â
âSomething like that,â he replied. âApplied for a music program. Got in. Moved anyway.â
A small pause.
âBut I kept making music the whole time,â he added. âStarted getting attention. Small things at first. Then more.â
You smiled slightly. âAnd now youâre here.â
He huffed lightly, almost like a quiet laugh. âYeah.â
You let that settle for a second, watching Tang step neatly over a crack in the pavement, Sori immediately copying her like it was a game.
ââŚCan I ask something else?â you said after a moment.
Yoongi glanced at you again. âYou already are.â
You rolled your eyes a little, but smiled anyway.
âThe rumours,â you said, a bit more carefully this time. âAbout you.â
He didnât respond immediately. You saw the shift. Subtle, but there.
ââŚWhat about them?â he asked.
You hesitated, you werenât sure why you brought them up again. Then just said it.
âHow did they start?â
There was a beat of silence.
ââŚI donât really know how that started,â he said honestly. âIâve always just⌠worked the way I work.â
You tilted your head slightly and nodded.
âIâve just been⌠focused,â
He glanced at you, just briefly. âI donât like wasting time,â he added. âOr pretending things are good when theyâre not.â
âI think itâs kind of sad,â you admitted. âThat people see you like that.â
That made him look at you again.
âBecause youâre not,â you added, meeting his gaze. âYouâre not like that.â
There was a flicker of something in his expression. Quick. Gone just as fast.
ââŚWhat if I am,â he said, tone almost too casual. âAnd Iâm just lying to you?â
You stopped walking. Completely.
Which, of course, forced him to stop too. He turned slightly, looking back at you.
Your brows were drawn together, eyes fixed on him.
âThat would be really mean of you to admit when weâre in a park. In the dark. Alone.â you said, completely serious.
A quiet laugh slipped out of him.
Soft. Real.
âIâm joking,â he said, shaking his head slightly.
You narrowed your eyes at him, but the tension had already eased.
âThat wasnât funny.â
âLittle bit.â
You scoffed, but there was a smile tugging at your lips as you started walking again.
After a moment, the two of you drifted toward a nearby bench, settling down almost without discussion. Sori curled near your feet, still watching Tang like she was the most fascinating thing in the world. Tang, meanwhile, had already claimed a spot beside Yoongi like she owned it.
A quieter silence settled this time.
âCan I ask you something?â Yoongi said.
You blinked, a little surprised.
ââŚDepends,â you replied cautiously.
He glanced at you, unimpressed. âThatâs not how this works.â
You huffed. âFine. Go ahead.â
âHow did you end up here?â he asked. âIn music.â
Your grip on the leash tightened slightly, your gaze dropping to your hands. For a second, you considered giving him something simple. ButâŚ
âMy dad,â you said instead. âHe was a music teacher,â
You continued, voice softening without you meaning it to. âPiano, mostly.â
A faint smile tugged at your lips, distant.
âHe used to play all the time when I was younger. I think thatâs where it started.â
Yoongiâs head tilted slightly. âYou play?â
âUsed to,â you said. âHe taught me.â
A small pause settled.
âI was pretty serious about it, actually,â you admitted. âI wanted to be a pianist.â
You let out a quiet breath, your smile fading just a little.
âBut then he had an accident when I was in high school.â
The words were simple. You kept them that way.
âHeâs okay,â you added quickly, almost out of instinct. âHe just couldnât go back to teaching.â
Yoongi nodded once, expression unreadable but attentive.
âAnd I donât know,â you shrugged faintly. âI think that was the first time I really understood that loving something doesnât always mean you can build a life out of it.â
A beat.
âIâm the oldest,â you added. ââŚI had to be realistic. But, I still wanted music in my life.â
Your fingers loosened slightly around the leash.
âSo I applied to a music business program in Seoul with a scholarship.â
A faint smile returned, a little more grounded this time.
âI interned at the label during college.â you explained, âThen after I graduated, they offered me a job.â
You shrugged lightly. âAnd now Iâm here.â
Yoongi was quiet for a second. Then spoke, âWell, youâre good at what you do. Youâve definitely made my life a lot easier these past few weeks.â
Your eyes flickered up to him, ââŚThanks. Iâm glad to help.â
A brief pause followed, his gaze drifting ahead before settling back on you.
âSince weâre on this topic, Iâm thinking of putting in a request,â he said.
You blinked. ââŚFor what?â
âFor you to stay on as my A&R.â
The words landed a second late. ââŚWhat?â
âThey told me my coordinatorâs coming back next week,â he continued, tone steady. âBut Iâd rather not switch.â
Your brows pulled together slightly, still processing. âYou mean⌠you want me to keep working with you?â
He nodded once.
âWeâre already in the middle of Tabloâs record,â he said. âChanging people now will just slow things down and cause unnecessary problems.â
A small pause.
âAnd,â he added, quieter, âI like how you work.â
You held his gaze for a moment, then something in your expression shifted, just slightly.
ââŚSo,â you said, tilting your head, âwhat youâre saying is, you think we make a good team?â
Yoongiâs eyes narrowed a fraction, catching the tone immediately.
âIf you donât,â he replied flatly, âI wonât bother putting in the request.â
You let out a soft laugh, the sound lighter than before.
âOkay, okay,â you said, shaking your head. âDonât get dramatic.â
âIâm not.â
âYou are a little.â
He huffed quietly. You looked at him for a second longer, something warmer settling in your chest.
ââŚIâd like that,â you said.
âYouâd like what?â Yoongi smirked, leaning slightly closer.
âIâd like to keep working with you.â Your voice softened just slightly as you added, âWe make a good team.â
For a moment, neither of you spoke.
Yoongi gave a small nod.
âI think so too.â
Nearby, Sori shifted closer to Tang again, and this time, Tang didnât move away. Just flicked her tail once, tolerating her presence. You noticed immediately, a small smile forming.
âI think they like each other,â you said.
Yoongi glanced down, watching them for a second.
ââŚLooks like it.â
Your shoulder brushed his lightly as you leaned back against the bench.
Neither of you moved away.
And for a moment, under the soft glow of the park lights, with your pets settled close by and the world quiet around you, it felt like something had gently, quietly shifted into place.
Yuriâs apartment looked like a wedding had gently exploded inside it.
Fabric swatches in soft pastels were draped over the back of chairs, ribbons curled like sleeping snakes across the coffee table, and a half-open laptop displayed the fifteenth version of a seating chart. Somewhere in the middle of it all sat you, cross-legged on the rug, carefully tying small tags onto what Yuri insisted were âminimalist but meaningfulâ wedding favors.
Sori was sprawled beside you, chin resting on your thigh like sheâd personally clocked in for emotional support duty.
âI still think this is too much,â you muttered, holding up a finished tag.
Yuri didnât even look up. âItâs not too much, itâs thoughtful.â
âItâs excessive.â
âItâs elegant.â
âItâs going to make people feel guilty for not bringing good gifts.â
That earned you a laugh. Yuri finally glanced over, eyes soft as they flicked between you and Sori.
âWell, at least youâve got some emotional support,â she said, nodding toward the puppy.
You absentmindedly ran your fingers through Soriâs fur, the motion slow, familiar.
âMm,â you murmured.
There was a beat. Then Yuri tilted her head slightly.
ââŚHas there been any update? From the shelter?â
Your hand stilled for half a second before resuming its gentle rhythm.
âNo,â you said. âNothing yet.â
Another pause. This one heavier.
âIâve actually been thinkingâŚâ you started, quieter now, eyes fixed somewhere near Soriâs ear. âAbout maybe just keeping her.â
That got Yuriâs full attention.
âWhat?â she sat up straighter, excitement already sparking. âAre you serious?â
You huffed out a small breath, like you werenât entirely sure yourself.
âI meanâit makes sense,â you said. âSheâs already settled in. AndâŚâ you hesitated, then shrugged lightly, âIâve kind of gotten used to having her around.â
Yuriâs expression softened immediately.
âAwhhhh,â she cooed at the two of you.
Sori, completely unaware of the life decision being made on her behalf, blinked up at you and thumped her tail once. You smiled faintly.
âItâs just⌠nice,â you admitted. âComing home and not having it feel so quiet. And sheâs made friends at the park too. Thereâs a whole little routine now.â
Yuri was beaming.
âIâd die to see all the little puppies running around the park?â she exclaimed.
âActually, her favourite friend is a cat.â
Yuri visibly paused.
ââŚA what?â
You let out a small, sheepish laugh, already feeling heat creep up your neck.
âA cat,â you repeated. âSheâs black and her nameâs Tang. Sori loves her.â
Yuri stared at you like she was trying to solve a puzzle at lightning speed.
âIs this like a stray catâŚ?â she said slowly.
You looked down, suddenly very interested in fixing one of the tags that didnât need fixing.
âNo, thereâs an owner,â you added, like it wasnât a big deal.
âMm-hmm,â Yuri leaned forward, eyes narrowing. âAnd does this owner have a name?â
You hesitated just long moment, then nodded.
âUm⌠Min Yoongi.â
âOh my god! Itâs notââ you started quickly. âThe producer guy?â
You pressed your lips together, which was apparently all the confirmation she needed.
âITâS HIM,â Yuri practically shouted, grabbing a cushion and hitting your arm with it. âYouâve been meeting Yoongi at the park?!â
âWe run into each other,â you corrected weakly.
âRegularly?â
ââŚA few times a week.â
Yuri actually squealed. âYouâre joking. You are joking.â
âItâs not anything, stop freaking out.â you insisted, even as your voice betrayed you just slightly. âWe just walk them together. Thatâs it.â
âThatâs never just it,â she shot back immediately. âThis is like a prelude. This is chapter one. This is something.â
âIt is not,â you said, firmer now. âWeâre coworkers. And⌠friends.â
Yuriâs eyes dropped to your face, her expression shifting into something far too knowing.
ââŚThen why are you blushing?â
Your hand flew to your cheek like you could physically stop it.
âI am notââ
âYou are,â she grinned. âY/n, you havenât dated anyone in what, centuries? Suddenly thereâs a mysterious cat-owning producer in your life and Iâm supposed to believe this is nothing?â
âIt is nothing,â you insisted again, though it came out quieter this time. Because now your brain had decided to join the conversation.
Coworkers. Friends. Walking together. Talking. Sitting on benches maybe a little too close. Laughing more easily than you usually did.
The way he noticed things.
The way you⌠noticed him.
The way those walks had slowly become routine without either of you ever saying it out loud. Finishing work and subconsciously checking the time. Taking Sori out a little later than necessary just to catch him with Tang. The quiet rhythm youâd fallen into. Side by side, not talking for minutes at a time, and somehow it never felt awkward.
You werenât like this. You didnât let people slip into your life this easily, didnât let them carve out space in your day without questioning it. Work had always come first, neatly organised, controlled. People stayed in their lanes. Boundaries were clear.
But somewhere between Tang lazily circling Sori, his dry comments that caught you off guard just enough to make you laugh, and the quiet refuge of his studio becoming part of your routine, those lines had⌠blurred.
You blinked, trying to push the spiral away.
âYoongi is just a friend.â you said finally.
Yuriâs expression softened again, but the excitement didnât fade.
âI just want you to be happy, y/n.â she said gently.
You exhaled, leaning back slightly, your hand finding Sori again like an anchor.
âI know you do,â you murmured, more to yourself than to her. âI promise, Iâm fine.â
Yoongi looked down at his watch. You were supposed to meet him at your bench almost ten minutes ago.
Your bench.
The thought sat there for a second longer than it should have.
âWhy the long face?â
He looked up. There you were.
A teasing smile playing on your lips, eyes brighter than usual like you already knew youâd caught him waiting. You unclipped Soriâs leash, and the puppy bolted toward him like a tiny, overexcited missile.
Yoongi forced his gaze away from you and down to Sori, who was already pawing at his leg like she had a personal vendetta against standing still.
Heâd never considered himself a dog person. Still didnât, technically.
But he had definitely come to have a soft spot for Sori.
And maybe an even softer one for her foster mom.
He crouched slightly, scratching behind Soriâs ear, earning an immediate, aggressive tail wag.
âYouâre late,â he said, glancing up at you briefly.
âRelax,â you shot back, hands slipping into your jacket pockets as you stepped closer. âIt was barely ten minutes.â
âAnything can happen in ten minutes.â
Your brows lifted, something playful flickering across your face.
âAwh,â you tilted your head just slightly, âwere you worrying about me, Yoongi?â
He rolled his eyes on instinct, but there was a faint smirk tugging at his mouth that he didnât bother hiding.
âYouâre not that important.â
âWow,â you pressed a hand to your chest dramatically. âAfter everything weâve been through. Did you forget you wanted me to stay on as your A&R?â
âAlright. Alright, no need to rub it in.â He huffed out a quiet laugh.
It still caught him off guard sometimes.
This version of you.
Not the composed, tightly wound A&R coordinator who walked into his studio with a schedule in one hand and coffee in the other. Not the one who spoke professionally, measured every word, kept everything in place like it might fall apart otherwise.
This you was⌠lighter. Looser.
Your smiles came easier out here, less restrained, real enough that your eyes crinkled at the corners. Your laugh, when it slipped out fully, had no filter at all, sudden and bright like it surprised even you.
And somehow, heâd gotten used to being on the receiving end of it.
He straightened as Tang padded on at her usual unbothered pace, immediately ignoring Soriâs attempts to initiate chaos.
You fell into step naturally after that.
No discussion. No hesitation.
Just⌠walking.
It had become easy. Too easy.
Yoongi slipped his hands into his pockets, gaze drifting ahead as Sori trotted slightly ahead of you both while Tang stayed close to his side.
Heâd gotten to know you like this, in the quiet spaces between conversation.
The way you hummed under your breath sometimes when it got too quiet. The way you absentmindedly reached down to pet Sori even when she wasnât asking for it. The way youâd go from reserved to unexpectedly funny in a split second, catching him completely off guard with something so dry it took him a second to process it before he was laughing.
It wasnât a version of you many people at work really saw.
But he did.
And he liked it.
More than he probably should.
Actuallyâno.
He didnât bother with shoulds.
He liked you.
That was it.
No point pretending otherwise.
His gaze flicked toward you again, lingering for just a second before he spoke.
âYou never answered me,â he said. âWhy were you late?â
âI was at a friendâs place, Yuri,â you said. âSheâs getting married soon, Iâve been helping her plan everything.â
Yoongi glanced at you briefly, interest quiet but present.
âYouâre close?â
You nodded.
âYeah. Weâve known each other since college.â
Beside him, you kicked lightly at a stray pebble before speaking again. âSo⌠Iâve been thinking,â you started, a little more quietly this time.
He glanced at you.
âYouâre always thinking.â
You shot him a look.
âDo you want me to continue orââ
âGo on.â
You exhaled, then said it in one breath, like if you slowed down you might overthink it. âIâve been thinking about keeping Sori.â
Yoongi didnât even pause.
âI think thatâs a great idea.â
You blinked at him, clearly not expecting the immediate response. ââŚYou do?â
He glanced down briefly at the puppy in question, who was now attempting to chew on a leaf like it had personally offended her.
âSheâs basically already yours,â he said simply.
Something in your expression softened at that.
âAre you sure?â you asked, and there was something quieter under it now. âI meanâitâs a big responsibility.â
He stopped walking. That alone was enough to make you stop too. When you looked at him, he was already looking at you.
Steady. Certain.
âWell, itâs a responsibility youâve already taken on. You love her,â he said.
âAnd she clearly loves you,â he added, nodding once toward Sori, who had now circled back and was leaning against your leg like she belonged there.
There was a brief silence. The kind that settled, not stretched. You looked down at Sori, then back up at him, something warmer sitting behind your eyes now.
ââŚThanks,â you said softly.
Then, after a beat, a small smile tugged at your lips.
Your days had slipped into a rhythm so seamless it almost felt rehearsed. Work, park, dinner, sleep. Somewhere in between, frantic bursts of wedding planning with Yuri and the occasional moment where you actually sat still long enough to breathe.
It shouldâve felt monotonous.
It didnât.
Because somewhere along the way, parts of your day had started to⌠matter more than the rest.
Like the mornings.
Walking into the building, knowing youâd end up in Yoongiâs studio within the hour, tablet in hand, going over schedules like always. Except now it wasnât just work. It was the way heâd already be there, half-listening but always catching the important parts. The way your conversations drifted off track sometimes, just slightly, before snapping back into place.
Or the afternoons, when you found yourself gravitating toward his studio without really thinking about it. Sitting in the corner, pretending to focus on your own work while the low hum of whatever he was producing filled the space. Comfortable. Quiet.
And then the park.
You didnât meet every day. You told yourself that was a good thing.
Normal.
But on the days you did, something about everything else felt⌠lighter. Like the edges of your day softened a little.
Which didnât make sense. At all.
You werenât the kind of person who built their routine around someone else. You didnât depend on people like that, didnât let them slip into your life in ways you couldnât clearly define.
Why did seeing him in the morning feel like something to look forward to?
Why did sitting in his studio feel like a break instead of an extension of work?
Why did a simple walk in the park with him feel like the best part of your day?
You exhaled quietly, shaking your head at yourself.
It wasnât anything. It couldnât be.
You were coworkers. Friends. That was it.
There was no neat label for whatever this feeling was, no clear explanation, and that alone was enough to keep your thoughts circling back to it, over and over, like your brain was trying to solve something that didnât want to be solved.
Still, you didnât hate it. That was the problem.
This week, though, had shattered whatever calm routine youâd settled into. The label had landed a major opportunity. A collaboration with PSY for his upcoming single. And he wanted to work with Yoongi.
As Yoongiâs A&R, that meant your workload had doubled overnight.
Coordination, scheduling, managing sessions, handling communication between teams, keeping everything moving without letting anything fall through the cracksânot just for this project, but for every other artist and producer you were already working with.
It was hectic.
Relentless.
And if you were being honest, it left you with very little time to think about anything else.
Except, somehow, him.
The building had thinned out hours ago, the usual buzz replaced with a kind of late-night hush that made every sound feel sharper. Your footsteps echoed softly down the hallway as you slowed in front of Yoongiâs studio door, fingers hovering for a second before you nudged it open just enough to peek in.
Youâd only meant to check if he was still here.
Maybe remind him to go home.
But your thoughts stalled.
Yoongi was hunched forward in his chair, elbows on his knees, one hand pressed to his temple like he was trying to physically hold his thoughts together. The dim glow of the monitor painted tired shadows under his eyes, his hair slightly mussed from what looked like repeated frustrated runs of his hands through it.
Something in your chest tightened.
You pushed the door open a little wider.
ââŚYoongi?â
He stilled for half a second before looking up. The shift was immediate. The faint release in his shoulders. The way his expression softened just slightly when his eyes landed on you, like your presence alone took the edge off something.
ââŚYouâre still here,â he said, voice rougher than usual.
You stepped inside fully this time, closing the door quietly behind you.
âSo are you,â you replied, brows knitting as you walked closer. âYou okay?â
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.
âYeah,â he said automatically.
You didnât stop walking.
âLiar.â
That earned the smallest huff of breath that mightâve been a laugh on a better day.
You stopped beside his desk, glancing at the screen, then back at him.
âItâs the PSY track?â you asked.
He nodded once, dragging a hand down his face. âItâs not⌠landing the way I want it to.â
Your gaze softened.
A project like that wasnât just important, it was high-pressure in a way that didnât leave room for off days. And Yoongi didnât do things halfway.
âHave you slept?â you asked quietly.
A pause.
ââŚDefine slept.â
You sighed, crossing your arms lightly. âYoongi.â
âIâm fine,â he insisted, but it lacked conviction.
Your eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before you stepped a little closer, close enough to rest your hand lightly on the edge of his desk.
âYou donât have to get it perfect tonight, weâve still got time.â you said, softer now. âYouâve been working on this nonstop for days. At some point your brainâs just going to start working against you.â
He looked at you then. Really looked.
And for a second, the room felt smaller.
âYou always this gentle with your producers?â he asked.
Your breath caught ust slightly.
âWhat?â
âYou,â he clarified, gaze steady, something faintly amused threading through his exhaustion. âYou talk like that to everyone, or am I getting special treatment?â
Oh.
Your brain did not like that.
Why would he say that? Why would he say it like that? Why is he looking at me like that? Is heâno. No, heâs tired. Heâs just tired. This is a sleep-deprived man speaking. This is not real.
You blinked, forcing your expression to stay neutral.
âI talk like this to anyone who looks like theyâre about to pass out in their chair,â you said, aiming for light.
He hummed, like he didnât quite believe you.
Silence stretched for a beat. Not uncomfortable.
But⌠it felt charged.
You cleared your throat, glancing away for a second before looking back at him.
âYou should go home soon,â you said. âGet some actual rest. Youâll hear things differently in the morning.â
He didnât respond immediately. Instead, his gaze dropped, briefly, to your hand where it rested against the desk.
Your breath hitched.
His fingers had brushed against yours.
Light. Barely there.
But intentional enough that it sent something sharp and electric up your arm.
Your eyes snapped to his.
He hadnât pulled away.
âIf I listen to you,â he said slowly, âyou have to do something for me too.â
Your brain fully short-circuited.
âWhat?â
His thumb shifted slightly against the side of your hand, not quite holding it, but not moving away either. Like he was testing the space. Like he was waiting to see if youâd pull back first.
You didnât.
âYouâre always the one giving orders,â he murmured. âSeems fair that I finally get something in return.â
Orders?
Fair?
What is that supposed to mean. What is that tone. Why is heâ
You swallowed, trying very hard to keep your expression from betraying the absolute spiral happening internally.
âIâm notâ I wasnât giving orders,â you said, a little too quickly. âI was justâsuggesting. For your health. And your work. Which I manage. So itâs technically my job toââ
Great. Now you were rambling.
His lips twitched.
Oh, he thought this was funny.
âRelax,â he said, softer now, but there was something in his eyes that hadnât been there before. âIâm kidding.â
And that was somehow worse.
Because now your brain was trying to rewind the last ten seconds, analyse tone, word choice, eye contact, hand placementâ
Oh my god his hand.
Your gaze dropped instinctively.
Still there. Still lightly brushing yours.
You pulled your hand back like youâd just remembered it existed.
âRight,â you said, clearing your throat as you adjusted your tablet. âYeah. Funny.â
Smooth.
He leaned back in his chair, watching you for a moment like he was trying to piece something together.
âYouâre off?â he asked.
You nodded quickly, grateful for the shift. âYeah. I was just checking if you were still alive before I left.â
âBarely.â
That pulled a small, real smile from you despite everything.
âGo home,â you said again, softer this time. âPlease.â
He held your gaze for a second longer, then nodded.
âYeah,â he said. âI will.â
You lingered. Just for a second.
Then turned toward the door before you could overthink that too.
âGoodnight, Yoongi.â
âNight, Y/n.â
You stepped out into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind you.
Silence.
You stopped walking. Stared straight ahead. And exhaled.
ââŚWhat the hell was that.â
Because there was no way that was normal.
Whatever that wasâŚ
It was no longer sitting comfortably in the âjust coworkersâ box.
Not even close.
The moment the door swung open, you barely had time to step inside before you were engulfed in a pair of long arms.
âY/N!â Hoseokâs arms wrapped around you in a dramatic squeeze, nearly lifting you off your feet. âLook who finally remembered she has friends.â
âI saw you yesterday,â you huffed into his shoulder, though you couldnât help smiling.
âAt work,â he pulled back, hands still on your arms, pouting now. âWhich doesnât count. And even thenââ his eyes narrowed, ââI feel like I barely see you at the company recently.â
You rolled your eyes, slipping off your shoes. âIâve been busy.â
âBusy,â Namjoon echoed from the living room, tone slightly teasing. âYeah. Weâve heard.â
You turned just in time to see him leaning back against the couch, arms crossed, a knowing look on his face. Your eyes squinted at him as your approach, lifting your arms to settle around his shoulders.
âWith a certain someone,â he added mid hug, not even trying to be subtle.
âOh fuck off.â You rolled your eyes, but there was no real bite behind it.
âI mean,â Jimin chimed in, grinning as you moved in to hug him, âI have also been seeing you around his studio a lot lately.â
You shot him a look. âI work there.â
âWait,â Kim Taehyung leaned forward from where he was sprawled across the couch, interest immediately piqued. âIâm out of the loop. Whatâs happening?â
âNothing,â you said quickly, already moving down the line to hug Jungkook and then Seokjin, who gave you a fond pat on the head.
When you reached Taehyung, he was pouting. You exhaled through your nose, âYoongiâs working on PSYâs new track,â you explained, âThe deadlineâs tight. Iâm his A&R. Thatâs it.â
Silence.
âOkay,â Namjoon said easily, lifting his hands in surrender.
âFair enough,â Jimin nodded, already turning toward the living room.
âFoodâs getting cold,â Taehyung added, pushing himself off the couch like the topic had never existed.
And just like that, they dropped it.
No teasing. No pressing.
You blinked, momentarily thrown, suspicion flickering across your face as you followed them in. ââŚThatâs it?â
Hoseok slung an arm over your shoulders, steering you toward the spread. âWhat? We canât be mature?â
You narrowed your eyes. âSince when?â
âSince Iâm starving,â he shot back, already reaching for a container.
The living room quickly filled with the warm chaos youâd missed. Takeout containers from Seokjinâs restaurant were spread across the table, the smell alone enough to make your shoulders finally drop an inch.
âBefore we eat,â Seokjin announced, clapping his hands once, âI have news.â
âYouâre getting married?â Taehyung gasped.
âYahââ Seokjin swatted at him. âMy restaurant was ranked top ten in the city.â
âOh my god, hyung,â Jungkookâs eyes went wide. âThatâs huge.â
âIn Michelin Guide Seoul?â Namjoon asked, already impressed.
Seokjin tried to stay composed and failed.
âMaybe.â
The room erupted.
You leaned forward, grinning. âThatâs incredible. Jin, seriously.â
âOf course it is,â he said, preening slightly. âDid you expect anything less?â
âAlways humble,â you muttered, earning a kick under the table from Hoseok.
âAnd you?â Jimin nudged Jungkook. âYou said you had something to tell us too.â
âOhâyeah,â Jungkook scratched the back of his neck, suddenly shy. âI got an internship. For the summer. Abroad.â
âWhat?â you blinked. âWhere?â
âLA.â
âNo wayââ you sat up straighter. âKook, thatâs amazing.â
Everyone chimed in at once, congratulations overlapping until it became noise.
âYouâll be gone all summer?â you asked, watching the boy nod nervously. âIâm going to miss you,â you added, softer, nudging his shoulder. âBut this is an amazing opportunity. Iâm so proud of you.â
âThank you, noona.â
Namjoon snorted. âHey! If you meet Halsey, you better get me a video message from her.â
Jungkook laughed. âThatâs your priority?â
âAbsolutely.â
Everyone laughed.
âAnd you?â You turned to Jimin. âMr. Hot Shot Idol.â
Jimin groaned. âTour prep. Iâm tired already.â
âYour fault for being famous,â Hoseok said cheerfully.
âAs my main producer it also your fault too,â Jimin shot back.
For a moment, the laughter around you softened into something warmer. You glanced between them allâHoseok mid-retort, Namjoon already shaking his head, Taehyung leaning back like he was watching a show, Jungkook grinning into his drinkâand felt something in your chest loosen.
This.
This was your constant.
No matter how chaotic work got, no matter how much your thoughts tangled themselves up lately, you had this circleâsteady, loud, familiar in the best way. You didnât say it out loud, but the gratitude sat quietly beneath your ribs, glowing.
You were still smiling when it slipped out.
âI actually have news too⌠I submitted adoption papers for Sori.â
Silence. Then chaos.
âWHAT?â Hoseok practically launched himself across the table. âYOUâRE KEEPING HER?â
âYeah,â you laughed, a little overwhelmed. âI think so.â
âThatâs it,â he pointed at you. âIâm going to be her favorite best friend.â
You snorted. âYouâve got tough competition.â
The words left your mouth before your brain caught up.
âWhat do you mean competition?â he pouted.
âItâs nothing,â you said quickly, reaching for your drink.
âNo, come on, explain,â Namjoon leaned forward.
âYou canât leave us hanging,â Taehyung added, delighted.
You shook your head. âSoriâs absolutely obsessed with a cat we met at the park I walk her at.â
âA cat?â Jimin blinked.
âHer nameâs Tang,â you said, already regretting everything. âHer owner walks her at the park sometimes, and Sori likes her, soââ
âA cat being walked? What type of cat owner is this guy?â Jungkook pressed.
You hesitated.
âUm, actuallyâitâs Yoongi.â
The reaction was immediate.
âWhatââ Hoseok fell back dramatically.
âOh my god?!â Jimin pointed.
Namjoon shook his head, smiling. âOf course itâs Yoongi.â
âWe justââ you said quickly, heat creeping up your neck. âWe walk our pets together, sometimesââ
âHow often is âsometimesâ?â Seokjin asked, joining in on the apparent interrogation that had begun.
ââŚA few times a week.â
The room exploded.
âY/N!â
âThatâs not sometimes!â
âGirlââ
You groaned, dropping your face into your hands. âYou guys are overreacting. Weâre just friends.â
There was a brief pause, the kind that didnât interrupt the flow of the room so much as subtly redirect it. Namjoon hummed in acknowledgment, not disagreeing, not agreeing either, just letting the statement sit. Jimin nodded along a little too easily, and Taehyung reached for another bite of food with an expression that was suspiciously neutral.
Jungkook shrugged, but the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth gave him away. Even Hoseok, leaning back comfortably, didnât jump in to argue. They didnât need to. The air itself felt like it was quietly calling your bluff.
You frowned, lowering your hands slightly. ââŚYou guys are making me really nervous right now.â
âWe donât want you to feel nervous,â Namjoon said, pulling you in with an arm around your shoulders.
Another pause followed, softer this time, like the conversation was circling something without quite landing on it. Then Jungkook spoke again, more casually. âI have a question: isnât he the guy people say is kind of hard to work with?â
âHe is, butââ you said immediately, the response sharp enough to cut through the room. âHeâs not like that.â
That did it. Now they were all looking at you properly, and you didnât even hesitate as you continued, your tone firm, almost defensive without you meaning it to be.
âHe can be a bit blunt sometimes. He just doesnât like to waste time, and yeah, I guess that can come off as intimidating if you donât know him, but heâs not rude or anything. Heâs actually really respectful. And nice.â You slowed slightly toward the end, your certainty softening into something more thoughtful.
The silence that followed wasnât empty. It was full in a way that made you suddenly aware of how much you had just said. You shifted slightly, your confidence faltering under the weight of their attention.
Namjoon tilted his head, watching you carefully. âSounds like youâve gotten to know him pretty well.â
Your stomach flipped. âAgain, we work together,â you replied, but it didnât land the way you wanted it to.
Jimin hummed again, softer now, like he was piecing something together, while Taehyung added lightly, âAnd how did the park happen?â
âWe bumped into each other there months ago,â you explained. âSori fell pretty much head over heels for Tang the moment she saw her.â The thought made you let out a small huffed laugh. âWeâve been meeting up after work a few times a week ever since.â
Hoseok leaned forward slightly then, his tone gentler, less teasing and more deliberate. âDo you like spending time with him?â
âI mean⌠yeah.â The answer came out before you could stop it, and you froze immediately after, blinking as if youâd just heard yourself for the first time. You tried to recover, your voice quieter now. âHeâs easy to be around.â
âEasy how?â Namjoon asked, not pushing, just guiding.
You hesitated, searching for something that made sense, something that didnât feel like stepping into something bigger than you were ready for.
ââŚI donât have to think too much,â you admitted. âItâs just⌠comfortable.â Your fingers shifted in your lap, restless now, your thoughts no longer lining up neatly. You added, almost absentmindedly, âAnd he makes me laugh.â
âThat is adorable,â Taehyung said, smiling into his drink.
You heard Jimin hiss and lightly smack his arm. Your eyes stayed fixed on your fingers twisting together in your lap, but you couldnât help the small, subconscious smile that graced your lips at Taehyungâs comment.
You didnât argue, but your mind had already betrayed you, pulling up moments you hadnât consciously invited. His dry comments catching you off guard. The way his mouth would tilt just slightly when you said something he found funny. The way he watched you sometimes, not intense, not overwhelming, just⌠present. The way youâd started to look for that presence without even realizing it.
Hoseokâs voice came again, softer now, almost careful. âDo you look forward to seeing him?â
Your chest tightened, and this time there was no immediate denial waiting to jump out. Just a quiet, reluctant truth that settled before you could push it away.
ââŚYeah.â
The word barely left your lips, but it was enough. Something shifted, not in the room, but in you. You stared down at your hands, but now it felt different, like everything was rearranging itself whether you wanted it to or not.
Coworkers. Friends. Walks you didnât skip, even when you were exhausted. His studio becoming somewhere you lingered longer than necessary. The way your day felt lighter just knowing youâd see him.
Your breath caught.
ââŚOh.â
It slipped out softly, almost startled, like you hadnât meant to say it at all. No one interrupted. No one rushed to fill the space. They just let you sit in it, and somehow that quiet made it impossible to ignore.
You exhaled slowly, shaking your head like you could undo it, but the realization had already settled, clear and steady beneath everything else.
ââŚI think I like him.â
The words felt heavier than you expected, more real now that they were out in the open, and almost immediately, panic followed close behind. You dropped your head back with a groan. âOh my god, this is bad.â
âWhy is it bad?â Jungkook asked, genuinely curious.
âBecause we work together,â you said quickly, sitting up again, your thoughts racing now. âThis could ruin everything. Our dynamic, the sessions, theââ you gestured vaguely, ââthe park. Our walks, our⌠whatever this is. Itâs good right now. Itâs easy. What if I make it weird?â
âYou wonât,â Jimin said simply.
âYou donât know that,â you shot back, but there was less conviction behind it now.
Hoseok leaned forward again, steady and grounding. âHe likes having you around. That much is obvious.â
Your heart stuttered. ââŚYou also donât know that. What if heâs just tolerating me because we work together?â
Namjoon smiled faintly. âTrust me, I donât think thatâs the case.â
âAnd you wonât ruin anything if you donât let yourself ruin anything,â Seokjin added, more serious now. âDonât worry so much.â
You deadpanned at Seokjin. âI have no idea what you mean. Me and worrying?â
The others let out light chuckles. Seokjin gave you a really? look, which only made your lips twitch into a small smile.
You let your head fall back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling as your thoughts continued to spiral, faster now, louder, but underneath it all, something had settled into place. Clear. Quiet. Unavoidable.
You like Yoongi.
You were loitering. At least, thatâs what anyone passing by in the hallway would have thought. You bit your lower lip, glancing at the door to Yoongiâs studio, fingers hovering uncertainly near the handle. You had just gotten word that PSY loved how the track was sounding so far, and you wanted to tell Yoongi. Maybe help him relax, even just a little.
What you didnât realise was that Yoongi wasnât in his studio.
He was walking down the hall toward you.
His brows furrowed slightly when he spotted you lingering outside his door, your hand hovering like you couldnât quite commit. He slowed, watching you for a second, before stepping closer.
âHey.â
âShit!â You flinched, jumping backâstraight into him. Your back bumped lightly against his chest, the sudden contact sending your thoughts scattering.
You spun around immediately, pulling your limbs in close, like you were trying to fold yourself smaller.
âSorry, I didnât mean to scare you.â
You shook your head quickly. âNo, no. IâI was just coming to find you. I have news.â
Yoongi tilted his head, taking a small step closer. Your breath hitched as his hand reached past you, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him at your side. He was so near you could catch his cologne, something soft and groundingâvanilla threaded with pine.
The door clicked open.
âShall we?â
You blinked up at him, subconsciously holding your breath as you nodded. You took a small step back into the doorway before turning and slipping inside. Yoongi followed, closing the door quietly behind him.
You retreated to your usual spot on the couch. Normally, you would sink into it, letting out a quiet breath, like everything outside this room simply⌠didnât exist. But today, your body stayed slightly tense, shoulders held tighter than usual.
Yoongi didnât take his usual place at the swivel chair.
Instead, he sat down beside you.
âSo⌠whatâs up?â he asked, pulling your attention from your hands back to him.
âOhâumâŚâ You straightened slightly. âPSYâs management told me he really loves what youâve done with the track so far.â
âReally?â Yoongi said, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. âI still wasnât sure about it when I sent it in.â He dropped his face into his hands, dragging his fingers through his hair. âThank god he likes it.â
You watched him, catching that genuine glint of relief, of quiet happiness. Youâd seen how hard heâd been pushing himself for this trackâlate nights, early mornings, barely stopping long enough to breathe.
Your chest tightened, something soft and fond curling there.
A smile found its way onto your lips.
âYou should trust yourself more, Yoongi,â you said gently, and he looked up at you, your eyes meeting. âAnd sleep is very important too.â
His lips curved, slow and real, breaking into that soft, gummy smile that always seemed to catch you off guard. He looked away, nodding once. âYeah, I owe you for that. You were right. I just needed to rest and everything came together.â
âDonât act surprised, Iâm always right,â you teased.
A quiet, breathy laugh slipped out of him, and it did something strange to youâlike it travelled straight through your chest and settled somewhere deeper. Some of the tension in your shoulders eased without you even realising.
âI think we deserve to celebrate then.â
You frowned slightly. âCelebrate?â
Yoongi nodded, glancing back at you. âThis is good news and, like I said, I owe you.â
âNo, no. Yoongi, you donât owe me anything. I was justââ
He let out a low groan, cutting you off. âWill you just let me do a nice thing for you?â
You pressed your lips together, looking down, a little flustered now, before giving in with a small nod.
âGood. Friday, after work. Glasshouse.â
You blinked. âGlasshouse? That place is expensive.â
âY/n, let me do something nice.â
âThat place is too nice,â you argued weakly.
Yoongi had already pushed himself off the couch, moving back to his desk. He dropped into his chair, grabbing his headphones.
âIâm going to get back to work now.â
âYoonââ You stopped yourself as he slipped the headphones over his ears, turning away, already elsewhere.
Silence settled over the room, broken only by the faint thrum of bass leaking from his headphones.
Your eyes stayed fixed on the back of his chair, your mind spinning faster than you could keep up with.
Friday? Glasshouse? Nice?
âLadies and gentlemen, after years, Ms. Y/n has a date with a human man!â
âWho are you talking to?â You waddled out of your bathroom in yet another dress, the fourth one youâd tried on. Your eyes landed on Yuri. She was standing on your bed with the brightest grin on her face, Sori perched at the edge beside her, tail wagging like she was part of the audience. âAnd this is not a date.â
Yuri frowned. âYouâve been saying that for two days, but here you are putting in a little too much effort for a ânot-dateâ.â
You turned away, your expression tightening slightly as you faced the full-length mirror. The dress suddenly felt wrong. Too much. Not enough. You couldnât even tell anymore.
You didnât respond, because Yuri was right.
Your mind had been ping-ponging nonstop since Yoongi asked. Every possible angle, every possible implication. This couldnât be a date. It was just a celebration. A thank you. A nice thing, like he said.
He never called it a date.
ButâŚ
âI donât think a dress is the way to go.â You turned back to Yuri. She studied you for a second, then nodded slowly.
âYeah, thatâs not a great dressâŚâ
âHey! Rude.â
âI say that with only love for you in my heart, babe.â You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at your lips. Yuri hopped off the bed in one quick motion and made a beeline for your closet. âHow about⌠this!â
She pulled out a white mini skirt you hadnât worn since college, holding it up like sheâd just discovered treasure. âYou always looked so hot in this.â
âYuri!â you groaned, already feeling your face warm.
âPlease! Come on.â She pouted, clasping her hands together dramatically. âFine, itâs not a date. But just in case, I want to make sure you make Min Yoongi forget every other girl heâs ever seen in his life.â
Your head snapped slightly to the side, heat blooming across your neck and cheeks at the thought. The image came uninvited. Yoongi looking at you, really lookingâ
You shut it down immediately.
This is not a date.
You didnât say a word. You just reached out and snatched the skirt from her hands, which earned you an excited squeal that echoed off your walls.
Turning back to your closet, your fingers brushed past hangers until they stilled.
A red camisole you forgot you had.
Deep, slightly sheer, soft in a way that felt⌠dangerous.
Your stomach flipped.
You hesitated for half a second, then pulled it out anyway.
Behind you, Yuri clapped. âGo try it on!â
You exhaled slowly, like you were bracing yourself for something bigger than just an outfit, and disappeared back into the bathroom. When you stepped out again, the room felt quieter for a beat.
Yuriâs eyes lifted from her phone. Her hand, mid-pet over Soriâs head, stilled completely. Her jaw dropped.
You shifted your weight slightly, suddenly very aware of your own body, of the way the fabric sat against your skin, of how different this felt from anything you usually wore. âHow does it lookâŚ?â
âYouâre making me question getting married to Daniel⌠and my sexuality.â
You let out a mortified sound, immediately hiding your face in your hands, but you were smiling despite yourself. Warmth spread through your chest, soft and familiar. Your brain quietly added another reason to the ever-growing list of why you were so grateful to have Yuri in your life.
And underneath that, a quieter thought.
What is he going to think?
Your stomach dipped again.
âAlright, now sit down.â Yuri slid off the bed, already moving, already in charge. She patted the seat in front of your vanity. âLet me do your hair.â
You dropped your hands from your face, exhaling softly as you moved toward her, catching your reflection one more time in the mirror.
Your heart skipped.
This is not a date.
âŚRight?
âI canât believe my best friend is dropping me off at a dateââ
âAha!â Yuri exclaimed, shooting you a victorious look. âSo you admit this is a date.â
âNo. That was anââ You cut yourself off with a frustrated exhale, giving up halfway through the argument. Because, honestly, the closer you got to Glasshouse, the harder it was to ignore the very loud, very inconvenient voice in your head insisting that this was, in fact, a date.
Which was not helping your nerves.
âWhatever,â you muttered, crossing your arms slightly. âStill canât believe you convinced me into this.â
Yuri shrugged, completely unbothered. âItâs on my way home.â
âHow am I supposed to get home?â
A slow, knowing smirk spread across her lips, her eyes flicking toward you for just a second before returning to the road. âMaybe ask Yoongi to take you.â
âYouâre evil.â You pointed at her, scandalised.
She gasped softly, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense. âNo, hun. Iâm a mastermind.â Then she winked, easing the car to a smooth stop in front of the entrance. âOkay, now get out and go get your man!â
âNot my man,â you stressed, already reaching for the door.
The night air hit you as you stepped out onto the sidewalk, cool against your skin. The door shut behind you with a soft thud, and Yuri leaned across the driverâs seat just enough to give you an exaggerated thumbs up before pulling away into the stream of traffic.
You stood there for a second, then turned.
The Glasshouse glowed in front of you, its name lit up in soft, elegant lettering. The kind of place that didnât scream for attention but still held it effortlessly. Your stomach twisted.
You took a slow breath.
Relax. This is just two friends celebrating a job well done.
You pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The atmosphere wrapped around you immediately, dim lighting spilling from warm-toned lamps scattered across the space, casting everything in a soft golden haze. Low music hummed beneath the layered chatter of conversations. To one side, booths held groups of friends leaning into each other, laughter bubbling up between bites of food. The center of the room was dotted with small tables, candles flickering lazily. To your left, the bar stretched out, polished and glowing under hanging lights.
And there he was.
Yoongi sat at the bar, slightly turned toward a painting mounted on the wall, like heâd been quietly studying it to pass the time. One arm rested against the counter, fingers loosely curled around a glass of amber liquid, the ice inside catching the light.
Damn⌠he looks so good.
He hadnât noticed you yet.
So you let yourself look.
His hair fell loosely around his face, slightly messy in a way that made it obvious heâd been running his fingers through it. Dark jeans, a simple grey t-shirt, and a black leather jacket thrown over it like an afterthought. Effortless. Unfair.
And suddenly, you felt very aware of yourself.
Of the way the fabric of your top sat against your skin.
Of how dressed up you were.
Relax, Y/n. This is just two friends. Just⌠friends.
You forced your feet to move. The soft, rhythmic click of your heels against the wooden floor cut through the ambient noise just enough to draw his attention.
Yoongiâs head turned.
His eyes landed on you and he stilled.
It was subtle, but you saw it. The way his gaze sharpened, the way his lips parted just slightly before he caught himself.
You offered a small smile, lifting your hand in a tiny wave. âHi. Already started celebrating without me?â
Yoongiâs expression shifted immediately, something warmer settling in. âNo, no. I just thought Iâd get something while I waited.â
âI didnât keep you waiting too long, I hope.â You nibbled lightly on your bottom lip, the habit slipping out before you could stop it.
There was the briefest pause before he answered, quieter this time. âYou didnât.â His head tilted toward the bartender. âYou want something?â
You nodded, sliding into the seat beside him. As you reached into your purse, his hand moved across the space between you, stopping you mid-motion.
âItâs on me. Donât worry about it.â
You frowned, ready to argue, but he beat you to it.
âNice thing, remember?â
Right.
The bartender approached, and you placed your order. âA vodka cranberry, please.â
âVodka cranberry?â Yoongi echoed beside you.
You turned to him, brow lifting. âWhatâs wrong with a vodka cranberry?â
He shook his head lightly. âNothing. Just feels like a bit of a boring drink.â
You scoffed, offended in the most dramatic way possible. âBoring? And you are what? Some alcohol connoisseur?â
âNever claimed to be.â
âWell, whatâs that then?â You pointed at the glass in front of him.
âScotch.â His eyes flicked to it, then back to you. âHave you ever had it?â
You shook your head.
That seemed to amuse him. He nudged the glass toward you. âTake a sip?â
âWhat? Thatâs your drink.â
âAnd? Youâre not going to down the whole thing, right?â He pushed it a little closer. âJust try it.â
You hesitated for a second, then gave in, fingers wrapping around the glass. You could feel his gaze on you, steady, attentive, as you lifted it to your lips and took a cautious sip.
Immediate regret.
Your face twisted, nose scrunching as the taste hit, sharp and unfamiliar. You shook your head quickly, handing it back as Yoongi let out a quiet laugh.
âNot your style?â
âNot at all.â You let out a small breath, still recovering. âI guess I just donât like a lot of alcohol. I donât even like beer.â
âYou donât like beer?â Yoongi looked genuinely wounded.
âAnd you do?!â
âHell yeah.â
That did it. You both laughed.
The tension that had been coiled tightly in your chest since the car ride loosened, just a little.
Your drink arrived, and the second the straw touched your lips, you did a small, involuntary shoulder shimmy of satisfaction. Yoongi caught it instantly, the corner of his mouth lifting.
For a moment, he let himself look.
At you.
Heâd never seen you like this before. At work, you were all structure and precision, everything in place. At the park, you were soft and relaxed, comfortable in a way that felt natural.
But this was something else entirely.
The delicate fabric of your top, the way it moved with you, the way it revealed just enough to make it impossible not to notice. And then the skirtâclean, simple, sitting low on your waist, the short hemline drawing attention to your legs in a way that felt almost unfair paired with something so soft above. It balanced everything out, sharpened the look, made it impossible for his eyes not to linger a second longer than they should.
It was⌠dangerous.
âYou look beautiful, by the way.â
His voice was quiet. Almost like he hadnât meant to say it out loud. Your breath caught, your eyes lifting to meet his. He was already looking at you, completely unguarded.
Heat spread up your neck, across your cheeks.
âThank you,â you managed, softer than you intended.
Before either of you could say more, a waiter appeared at Yoongiâs side. âYour table is ready, sir.â
Your head snapped toward him. âTable?â
Yoongi stood, smooth and unhurried. âOf course,â he said, then glanced down at you. âYou didnât think we came here just for drinks, did you?â
Your brain short-circuited for half a second.
You scrambled to grab your purse and drink, quickly following as he trailed behind the waiter. The further you walked into the restaurant, the quieter it seemed to get, the lighting softer, more intimate.
And then you saw it.
A table for two, tucked neatly into a more secluded corner. Crisp white tablecloth. A single candle flickering gently at the center.
Whoa.
The waiter pulled out your chair, and you sat down slowly, still taking it in as he did the same for Yoongi before slipping away.
You shifted in your seat, your fingers brushing lightly over the edge of the table as your thoughts tangled again. The question had been sitting at the back of your mind since you walked in, and now it pushed forward.
âYoongiâŚâ you started. âCan I ask, how did you manage all of this?â
He looked up. âWhat do you mean?â
âI mean⌠this place is pretty exclusive. Itâs always booked. Howâd you get a reservation on such short notice?â
There was a flicker of hesitation in his expression, subtle but there. âI know the owner.â
Your brows lifted. âReally? How?â
Another pause.
Then, quieter, âDo you know about the autism treatment center at Severance Hospital?â
You nodded.
âThey have a music-based therapy program that helps kids with emotional and social development. Iâve been volunteering there for a while⌠and one of the kids I work with is the ownerâs son.â
For a moment, all you could do was look at him.
ââŚWow.â
The word came out softer than you expected.
âYoongi, thatâs amazing.â
âItâs nothiââ
âNo, Yoongi. Itâs amazing.â Your smile this time was steady, sincere. âYouâre⌠youâre a really amazing person.â
Silence settled between you, but it wasnât awkward. Just full.
His gaze held yours for a beat longer before he spoke again.
âYou are pretty amazing for what you do too. Fostering is really important.â
You felt the warmth creep back into your cheeks. âItâs nothing like what youâre doing.â
âDonât say that.â His tone sharpened just slightly, not harsh, but certain. His eyes didnât leave yours. âThere are so many animals out there and not enough shelters. We both know what happens because of that. Youâre giving them a chance at a home. At a life.â A small pause. âIâd say thatâs pretty amazing.â
ââŚThanks.â
You let the moment sit, then added, a little more softly, âActually, I wanted to tell you. Soriâs adoption just got finalized today. Sheâs officially mine.â
His expression shifted instantly, something warm and pleased settling in.
âOh, Tang is going to be thrilled with that news.â
You laughed, the sound lighter now. âI think Tang secretly likes Sori, actually.â
âI do too.â Yoongi nodded. âBut she likes to pretend sheâs better than everyone.
The night had settled into something quieter by the time you both stepped out of Glasshouse, the city humming softly around you instead of roaring. The cool air brushed against your skin, a stark contrast to the warmth youâd been sitting in all evening.
You turned to him first, fingers curling slightly around your purse strap. âI had a really good time tonight,â you said, your voice softer now, stripped of the earlier teasing. âThank you.â
Yoongiâs gaze lingered on you for a second longer than necessary, like he was still somewhere inside the evening. âYeah,â he nodded, a small smile pulling at his lips. âMe too.â
You glanced around, instinctively reaching for your phone. âI should probablyââ
âDo you have a ride?â he asked, already watching you.
You blinked, then nodded lightly. âI was just going to order an Uber.â
There was a beat. Then, simply, âLet me take you home.â
Your eyes flicked back to his. âYou donât have to do that, Yoongi. You alreadyââ you gestured vaguely, ââpaid for everything.â
âI know.â His tone didnât waver, calm but firm. âIâd just feel better knowing you got home safely.â
Something in the way he said it made it hard to argue.
ââŚOkay,â you said after a second, a small smile tugging at your lips.
Yuri: 1, Y/n: 0
The walk to his car was short, but the night air had a bite to it. You didnât realize youâd shivered untilâ
âHere.â
You looked up just as Yoongi slipped his leather jacket off, stepping closer. The movement was easy, practiced, but your breath caught anyway as he draped it over your shoulders, his hands brushing lightly against your arms as he adjusted it.
Warm.
And it smelled like him.
Vanilla and pinewood.
You pulled the jacket a little closer around yourself, hoping he wouldnât notice the way your entire system had just rebooted.
He opened the passenger door for you, one hand resting against the top of it as he glanced at you.
You paused, raising a brow. âWho said chivalry was dead?â
His lips twitched. âGet in the car.â
You huffed out a small laugh and slid into the seat.
The drive was easy. Quieter than dinner, but not awkward. Yoongi handed control of the aux over without hesitation. âPlay something.â
You blinked at him. âI donât mind listening to whatever youââ
âI want to know what you listen to.â
There it was again. That simple, steady way he said things. That finality.
So you plugged your phone in.
After a second of scrolling, you picked somethingâ*Japanese Denim* by Daniel Caesar. Smooth, a little dreamy, the kind of song that filled space without demanding it.
Yoongi didnât say anything at first.
Just listened.
âThis fits you,â he said eventually.
You glanced at him. âWhat does that mean?â
He shrugged slightly, eyes still on the road. âItâs calm. But thereâs a lot going on underneath.â
âAre you psychoanalysing me through my music taste?â
Yoongiâs lips twitched, the corner of his mouth lifting just slightly as he glanced at you. âMaybe.â
You huffed, shaking your head as you looked back down at your phone, trying to ignore the way your chest had done a tiny, unnecessary flip. âYouâre so annoying.â
âMm,â he hummed, not even a little apologetic. Then added, almost absentmindedly. âYouâre cute when you get flustered,â
Your head snapped back toward him. âIâm not flustered.â
âYou are,â he said, calm as ever.
âIâm not,â you insisted, even as your voice betrayed you just slightly.
That earned you a quiet, satisfied hum, like heâd proven a point he hadnât even needed to argue. You looked away again, this time with a small, helpless smile tugging at your lips.
When the car pulled up outside your building, neither of you moved right away.
Then Yoongi was already stepping out, walking around to your side before you could even reach for the handle. He opened the door, offering his hand without thinking.
You took it.
The walk to your building was slow, neither of you rushing it, like the night wasnât quite ready to end yet.
You stopped just before the entrance and turned to him.
âThank you,â you said again, quieter this time. âFor tonight.â
His gaze held yours. âYou already said that.â
âI know,â you smiled faintly. âI just wanted to say it again.â
A small breath passed between you, neither of you moved. The air felt thinner somehow, like something was about to tip.
You didnât even realise you were doing it at firstâyour teeth catching your bottom lip, worrying it lightly as your nerves crept back in, as everything about this moment started to feel a little too real.
Yoongi noticed.
His gaze dropped to your lips.
ââŚYou should stop doing that,â he said, voice low, quieter than before.
You blinked, thrown. âWhat?â
His eyes flicked back up to yours, but only briefly, like it took effort. âBiting your lip.â
Your heart skipped, confusion flickering across your face.
ââŚWhy?â
There was a beat.
âBecause it makes me want to kiss you.â
Something in your chest flipped, steadying instead of spiraling this time. You swallowed, but you didnât look away.
âYou want to kiss me?â you asked, quieter, but braver now.
His lips parted slightly as he looked at you, something unguarded settling into his expression.
âSo badly.â
It hit you like a spark straight to your core, warming everything it touched. And for once, you didnât let your thoughts take over.
You stepped closer.
Just enough.
Yoongi stilled, eyes fixed on you, watching carefully, like he was giving you all the space in the world to decide the outcome of the evening.
âThen why donât you?â you murmured.
His gaze dipped again, then back up, slower this time.
âAre you giving me permission to?â
His hands came up, slow, deliberate, settling at your waist. Warm. Firm. Grounding.
Your breath caught, your hands hovering for a second before you nodded.
That was all he needed.
He leaned in.
You leaned in too, meeting him halfway like your body had already decided before your brain could catch up.
The kiss wasnât hesitant. The second Yoongi leaned in, it was sure. Certain.
Like the moment you nodded, something in him settled.
His hand tightened slightly against your waist as his lips met yours, firm and warm and devastatingly soft all at once. The breath left your lungs immediately, your fingers instinctively gripping the front of his shirt as your eyes fluttered shut.
He kissed you like heâd been thinking about it for a while.
Like he already knew exactly how he wanted to do it.
Slow enough to savor.
Deep enough to make your knees feel weak.
A quiet sound caught in your throat when he pulled you closer, the warmth of his body pressing against yours through the leather jacket still draped around your shoulders. His thumb moved slightly against your waist, grounding and gentle even as the kiss deepened, his mouth moving against yours with a confidence that made your head spin.
And god, he kissed beautifully.
Unhurried. Intentional.
Like he was paying attention to every tiny reaction you gave him.
Your hands slid upward, fingers curling against his shoulders before wrapping loosely around the back of his neck, instinctively drawing him closer. Yoongi responded immediately, his grip on your waist tightening just enough to make heat rush through your entire body.
The world around you blurred into nothing. No city noise. No passing cars.
Just him.
The faint taste of scotch still lingering on his lips. The scent of vanilla and pine surrounding you. The steady warmth of his hands holding you like he didnât want you going anywhere.
Your lips moved together like theyâd been building toward this for months without either of you fully realizing it.
Like every lingering glance and quiet walk and almost-flirting moment had led here.
When you finally pulled apart, it wasnât because either of you wanted to.
It was because breathing had suddenly become important again.
Your foreheads nearly brushed as you both stayed there for a second, close enough to feel each otherâs breath, equally wrecked.
A soft, disbelieving laugh escaped you first.
Yoongi huffed out one right after, quieter, like he couldnât quite believe it either.
And somehow that made everything feel even more real.
âIâve been wanting to do that for a while,â he admitted, voice low.
You bit your lip, heat rising all over again. ââŚIâve thought about it once or twice too.â
He raised a brow slightly. âOnly once or twice?â
You let out a soft scoff, lightly smacking his chest. âShut up.â
He laughedâsoft, real, warm. And then you were just⌠standing there again.
Looking at each other like something had shifted into place.
Eventually, you stepped back, reluctantly untangling yourself from him.
âGoodnight, Yoongi.â
âGoodnight.â
He took a few steps back, then turned toward his car.
You watched him go. Then you remembered.
âYoongi!â
He turned, eyebrows lifting.
You pointed at yourselfâmore specifically, at the jacket still wrapped around you.
A slow smile spread across his face.
âGive it back to me on Monday.â
And thenâbecause of courseâHe winked.
You just shook your head, smiling to yourself as you turned and finally walked into your building.
Your heart didnât settle the entire way up.
part 3 in the works :) will probably take longer to come out because iâm a student in exam szn
taglist
@imsorare @skzrracha @ineed-myspace @machalemon @dreamerwasfound @roro--i @love-forever-and-more @kingsqueensandvagabonds @busanbby-jjk @jajabro @chaosbunn1
OFF THE RECORD â PART TWO
summary đâ.Ë You werenât looking for anything. Not between deadlines, late nights at the studio, and helping your best friend plan her wedding. Min Yoongi definitely wasnât either. But somewhere between shared silences, quiet understanding, an unbothered cat and a energetic puppy⌠something begins to shift.
pairing đâ.Ë producer!yoongi x a&r coordinator!reader
word count đâ.Ë 4.3k (much shorter than p1 lol)
tags đâ.Ë non-idol au, coworkers to lovers, slow burn, strangers to something more, soft tension, mutual pining (eventually), slice of life, studio setting, pet meet-cute, tang the cat, sori the puppy, yoongi is quiet but not immune, reader is stressed and trying her best, found comfort, a little angst, a lot of softness, emotional slow build, he notices everything, she overthinks everything, smut (eventually)
notes đâ.Ë thank you for all the love on part one already ⥠i hope you enjoy this next chapter of these two idiots figuring things out
teaser âËęŠď˝Ą part one âËęŠď˝Ą part two
The rest of the week unfolded in the familiar quiet ease. All the tension from earlier that Monday had dissolved. You and Yoongi fell back into rhythm.
Only now, it felt⌠different.
Lighter.
You found yourself lingering in his studio more often, slipping into the now-familiar couch whenever your schedule allowed it. Between coordinating sessions, answering emails, and putting out the usual fires, you carved out small pockets of time where you could just⌠exist there.
And watch.
Yoongi worked the way youâd come to expect. Focused, precise, completely absorbed. But when Tablo was in the room, something shifted. The atmosphere loosened. There was an ease between them that only came from history, from trust built long before you stepped into the picture. Their conversations flowed between vocal takes, casual but sharp, layered with understanding that didnât need explaining.
You hadnât realized how much you enjoyed observing it.
It grounded you in a way you hadnât expected.
By Friday evening, the building had mostly emptied out.
You sat alone in the break room, a half-unwrapped sandwich in one hand, your tablet propped against the table. The soft glow of the screen lit your face as your finger scrolled through next weekâs schedule, adjusting times, double-checking bookings, mentally mapping out everything before it could become a problem.
One earphone rested in your ear, a quiet shuffle of songs playing low enough to blur into the background.
You exhaled slowly, taking a small bite.
Just a few more things.
Down the hall, Yoongi stretched his shoulders as he walked, hands tucked loosely into his pockets.
He hadnât meant to leave his studio for long. Just needed air. Space. Something other than the same four walls and the same looping melody that had started to sound like it was mocking him.
His steps were slow, unhurried, gaze drifting absentmindedly past open doors and dimmed rooms.
Most people had already left.
Which is why he noticed you immediately.
Through the break room doorway, head slightly tilted down, brows faintly drawn in concentration, completely absorbed in your work.
He slowed.
Paused for just a second.
Then kept walking. Two steps. Three.
He stopped.
There was a brief flicker of something across his expression before he exhaled quietly, turning back the way he came. His knuckles tapped lightly against the already open door.
Your head lifted instantly.
You pulled your earphone out, a small smile forming the moment you saw him.
âHi.â
âHey.â
He leaned slightly against the doorframe, gaze flicking briefly to the tablet in your hands, then back to your face.
âItâs late,â he said, voice low, even. âWhy are you still here?â
You glanced down at your screen, then back up, shrugging lightly.
âJust confirming a few schedules for next week,â you explained. âFigured if I finish it now, thatâs one less thing to deal with over the weekend.â
He nodded once, like that made perfect sense. It did.
A small silence settled between you.
But it wasnât awkward.
Then, he spoke, âYou going to the park?â
Your eyes flickered up to him, just slightly surprised at the question. For a second, you just looked at him. Then you glanced at the time on your tablet, huffing out a quiet breath.
âYeah,â you admitted. âItâs late but I still have to take Sori out.â
He nodded again, shifting his weight just slightly.
âWell,â he said, almost casually, âIâve got to take Tang.â
A beat.
His gaze held yours, steady.
ââŚSo Iâll see you there.â
You blinked, just a fraction caught off guard by how naturally he said it.
Like it was already decided.
Like this was just⌠a thing now.
ââŚYeah,â you said, a small smile tugging at your lips. âSee you there.â
Something softened in his expression, barely there. He gave a short nod, pushing off the doorframe.
âDonât stay too long,â he added, glancing once more at your tablet. âYou said you wanted your weekend.â
You let out a quiet laugh. âIâm wrapping up.â
He didnât respond to that, just gave you one last look before turning and heading back down the hall.
And for a moment, you just sat there.
Staring at the doorway heâd disappeared through.
Your fingers stilled against the screen.
A strange, warm feeling settled somewhere in your chest.
Not overwhelming.
Not confusing.
JustâŚsomething to look forward to.
This was the latest you had ever come to the park.
The lamps lining the paths cast soft pools of golden light, but beyond them, shadows stretched long and quiet. The usual daytime buzz was gone. No distant laughter, no clusters of people, no dogs pulling at their leashes in every direction.
Just stillness.
Which made it very easy to spot him.
Yoongi stood a little further down the path, Tang resting comfortably in his arms, her dark fur almost blending into the night. He noticed you almost immediately, shifting slightly as you approached.
And the second Sori caught sight of the small black shape, her entire body lit up. Her tail began wagging wildly as she let out an excited little yip, tugging at the leash like sheâd just spotted her new favorite person.
You let out a small breath of a laugh, tightening your grip slightly as you slowed to a stop in front of him.
âIâve never seen the park this empty before,â you said, your voice softer than usual in the quiet.
âYeah,â Yoongi replied, glancing around briefly before looking back at you. âThis is late even for me.â
âReally?â you asked, brows lifting slightly.
âWhy do you sound so surprised?â he huffed, though there was no real annoyance behind it as he bent down, gently placing Tang onto the gravel path.
Sori immediately bounded forward, nose twitching as she circled the cat with endless curiosity. Tang, on the other hand, simply walked forward at her own pace. Calm. Unbothered. Like this was beneath her.
You watched them for a second, a smile tugging at your lips.
âYou practically live at the studio,â you shrugged.
Yoongi glanced at you, then back at the path ahead as he started walking, hands slipping into his pockets. Tang followed beside him, leash loose, steps unhurried.
ââŚNot wrong,â he admitted.
You fell into step beside him, Sori trailing Tang like an overly enthusiastic shadow.
For a while, neither of you said anything. Just the soft crunch of gravel under your shoes. The quiet jingle of Soriâs collar. The steady rhythm of two people walking without needing to fill the space.
It was⌠easy. You werenât used to that.
Your fingers tightened slightly around the leash before you glanced over at him.
ââŚCan I ask you something?â
Yoongi didnât look at you right away, but you caught the slight tilt of his head.
âGo ahead.â
You hesitated for a second, like you were deciding how to phrase it.
âHow did you get into producing?â you asked finally. âLike⌠how did all of this start for you?â
He glanced at you briefly, then forward again, expression unreadable for a moment.
ââŚMiddle school,â he said after a beat.
You blinked, a little surprised. âThat early?â
âYeah.â
His voice was calm, but quieter now. Not guarded, exactly. Just⌠more inward.
âI started making music back then. Nothing serious at first. Just⌠messing around.â
You nodded, listening closely.
âMy parents didnât like it,â he continued. âThey didnât think it was something you could build a life on.â
Your brows knit slightly. âSo what happened?â
âI wanted to move to Seoul after high school,â he said. âThey wanted me to go to university first.â
You hummed softly. âSo you compromised.â
âSomething like that,â he replied. âApplied for a music program. Got in. Moved anyway.â
A small pause.
âBut I kept making music the whole time,â he added. âStarted getting attention. Small things at first. Then more.â
You smiled slightly. âAnd now youâre here.â
He huffed lightly, almost like a quiet laugh. âYeah.â
You let that settle for a second, watching Tang step neatly over a crack in the pavement, Sori immediately copying her like it was a game.
ââŚCan I ask something else?â you said after a moment.
Yoongi glanced at you again. âYou already are.â
You rolled your eyes a little, but smiled anyway.
âThe rumours,â you said, a bit more carefully this time. âAbout you.â
He didnât respond immediately. You saw the shift. Subtle, but there.
ââŚWhat about them?â he asked.
You hesitated, you werenât sure why you brought them up again. Then just said it.
âHow did they start?â
There was a beat of silence.
ââŚI donât really know how that started,â he said honestly. âIâve always just⌠worked the way I work.â
You tilted your head slightly and nodded.
âIâve just been⌠focused,â
He glanced at you, just briefly. âI donât like wasting time,â he added. âOr pretending things are good when theyâre not.â
âI think itâs kind of sad,â you admitted. âThat people see you like that.â
That made him look at you again.
âBecause youâre not,â you added, meeting his gaze. âYouâre not like that.â
There was a flicker of something in his expression. Quick. Gone just as fast.
ââŚWhat if I am,â he said, tone almost too casual. âAnd Iâm just lying to you?â
You stopped walking. Completely.
Which, of course, forced him to stop too. He turned slightly, looking back at you.
Your brows were drawn together, eyes fixed on him.
âThat would be really mean of you to admit when weâre in a park. In the dark. Alone.â you said, completely serious.
A quiet laugh slipped out of him.
Soft. Real.
âIâm joking,â he said, shaking his head slightly.
You narrowed your eyes at him, but the tension had already eased.
âThat wasnât funny.â
âLittle bit.â
You scoffed, but there was a smile tugging at your lips as you started walking again.
After a moment, the two of you drifted toward a nearby bench, settling down almost without discussion. Sori curled near your feet, still watching Tang like she was the most fascinating thing in the world. Tang, meanwhile, had already claimed a spot beside Yoongi like she owned it.
A quieter silence settled this time.
âCan I ask you something?â Yoongi said.
You blinked, a little surprised.
ââŚDepends,â you replied cautiously.
He glanced at you, unimpressed. âThatâs not how this works.â
You huffed. âFine. Go ahead.â
âHow did you end up here?â he asked. âIn music.â
Your grip on the leash tightened slightly, your gaze dropping to your hands. For a second, you considered giving him something simple. ButâŚ
âMy dad,â you said instead. âHe was a music teacher,â
You continued, voice softening without you meaning it to. âPiano, mostly.â
A faint smile tugged at your lips, distant.
âHe used to play all the time when I was younger. I think thatâs where it started.â
Yoongiâs head tilted slightly. âYou play?â
âUsed to,â you said. âHe taught me.â
A small pause settled.
âI was pretty serious about it, actually,â you admitted. âI wanted to be a pianist.â
You let out a quiet breath, your smile fading just a little.
âBut then he had an accident when I was in high school.â
The words were simple. You kept them that way.
âHeâs okay,â you added quickly, almost out of instinct. âHe just couldnât go back to teaching.â
Yoongi nodded once, expression unreadable but attentive.
âAnd I donât know,â you shrugged faintly. âI think that was the first time I really understood that loving something doesnât always mean you can build a life out of it.â
A beat.
âIâm the oldest,â you added. ââŚI had to be realistic. But, I still wanted music in my life.â
Your fingers loosened slightly around the leash.
âSo I applied to a music business program in Seoul with a scholarship.â
A faint smile returned, a little more grounded this time.
âI interned at the label during college.â you explained, âThen after I graduated, they offered me a job.â
You shrugged lightly. âAnd now Iâm here.â
Yoongi was quiet for a second. Then spoke, âWell, youâre good at what you do. Youâve definitely made my life a lot easier these past few weeks.â
Your eyes flickered up to him, ââŚThanks. Iâm glad to help.â
A brief pause followed, his gaze drifting ahead before settling back on you.
âSince weâre on this topic, Iâm thinking of putting in a request,â he said.
You blinked. ââŚFor what?â
âFor you to stay on as my A&R.â
The words landed a second late. ââŚWhat?â
âThey told me my coordinatorâs coming back next week,â he continued, tone steady. âBut Iâd rather not switch.â
Your brows pulled together slightly, still processing. âYou mean⌠you want me to keep working with you?â
He nodded once.
âWeâre already in the middle of Tabloâs record,â he said. âChanging people now will just slow things down and cause unnecessary problems.â
A small pause.
âAnd,â he added, quieter, âI like how you work.â
You held his gaze for a moment, then something in your expression shifted, just slightly.
ââŚSo,â you said, tilting your head, âwhat youâre saying is, you think we make a good team?â
Yoongiâs eyes narrowed a fraction, catching the tone immediately.
âIf you donât,â he replied flatly, âI wonât bother putting in the request.â
You let out a soft laugh, the sound lighter than before.
âOkay, okay,â you said, shaking your head. âDonât get dramatic.â
âIâm not.â
âYou are a little.â
He huffed quietly. You looked at him for a second longer, something warmer settling in your chest.
ââŚIâd like that,â you said.
âYouâd like what?â Yoongi smirked, leaning slightly closer.
âIâd like to keep working with you.â Your voice softened just slightly as you added, âWe make a good team.â
For a moment, neither of you spoke.
Yoongi gave a small nod.
âI think so too.â
Nearby, Sori shifted closer to Tang again, and this time, Tang didnât move away. Just flicked her tail once, tolerating her presence. You noticed immediately, a small smile forming.
âI think they like each other,â you said.
Yoongi glanced down, watching them for a second.
ââŚLooks like it.â
Your shoulder brushed his lightly as you leaned back against the bench.
Neither of you moved away.
And for a moment, under the soft glow of the park lights, with your pets settled close by and the world quiet around you, it felt like something had gently, quietly shifted into place.
Yuriâs apartment looked like a wedding had gently exploded inside it.
Fabric swatches in soft pastels were draped over the back of chairs, ribbons curled like sleeping snakes across the coffee table, and a half-open laptop displayed the fifteenth version of a seating chart. Somewhere in the middle of it all sat you, cross-legged on the rug, carefully tying small tags onto what Yuri insisted were âminimalist but meaningfulâ wedding favors.
Sori was sprawled beside you, chin resting on your thigh like sheâd personally clocked in for emotional support duty.
âI still think this is too much,â you muttered, holding up a finished tag.
Yuri didnât even look up. âItâs not too much, itâs thoughtful.â
âItâs excessive.â
âItâs elegant.â
âItâs going to make people feel guilty for not bringing good gifts.â
That earned you a laugh. Yuri finally glanced over, eyes soft as they flicked between you and Sori.
âWell, at least youâve got some emotional support,â she said, nodding toward the puppy.
You absentmindedly ran your fingers through Soriâs fur, the motion slow, familiar.
âMm,â you murmured.
There was a beat. Then Yuri tilted her head slightly.
ââŚHas there been any update? From the shelter?â
Your hand stilled for half a second before resuming its gentle rhythm.
âNo,â you said. âNothing yet.â
Another pause. This one heavier.
âIâve actually been thinkingâŚâ you started, quieter now, eyes fixed somewhere near Soriâs ear. âAbout maybe just keeping her.â
That got Yuriâs full attention.
âWhat?â she sat up straighter, excitement already sparking. âAre you serious?â
You huffed out a small breath, like you werenât entirely sure yourself.
âI meanâit makes sense,â you said. âSheâs already settled in. AndâŚâ you hesitated, then shrugged lightly, âIâve kind of gotten used to having her around.â
Yuriâs expression softened immediately.
âAwhhhh,â she cooed at the two of you.
Sori, completely unaware of the life decision being made on her behalf, blinked up at you and thumped her tail once. You smiled faintly.
âItâs just⌠nice,â you admitted. âComing home and not having it feel so quiet. And sheâs made friends at the park too. Thereâs a whole little routine now.â
Yuri was beaming.
âIâd die to see all the little puppies running around the park?â she exclaimed.
âActually, her favourite friend is a cat.â
Yuri visibly paused.
ââŚA what?â
You let out a small, sheepish laugh, already feeling heat creep up your neck.
âA cat,â you repeated. âSheâs black and her nameâs Tang. Sori loves her.â
Yuri stared at you like she was trying to solve a puzzle at lightning speed.
âIs this like a stray catâŚ?â she said slowly.
You looked down, suddenly very interested in fixing one of the tags that didnât need fixing.
âNo, thereâs an owner,â you added, like it wasnât a big deal.
âMm-hmm,â Yuri leaned forward, eyes narrowing. âAnd does this owner have a name?â
You hesitated just long moment, then nodded.
âUm⌠Min Yoongi.â
âOh my god! Itâs notââ you started quickly. âThe producer guy?â
You pressed your lips together, which was apparently all the confirmation she needed.
âITâS HIM,â Yuri practically shouted, grabbing a cushion and hitting your arm with it. âYouâve been meeting Yoongi at the park?!â
âWe run into each other,â you corrected weakly.
âRegularly?â
ââŚA few times a week.â
Yuri actually squealed. âYouâre joking. You are joking.â
âItâs not anything, stop freaking out.â you insisted, even as your voice betrayed you just slightly. âWe just walk them together. Thatâs it.â
âThatâs never just it,â she shot back immediately. âThis is like a prelude. This is chapter one. This is something.â
âIt is not,â you said, firmer now. âWeâre coworkers. And⌠friends.â
Yuriâs eyes dropped to your face, her expression shifting into something far too knowing.
ââŚThen why are you blushing?â
Your hand flew to your cheek like you could physically stop it.
âI am notââ
âYou are,â she grinned. âY/n, you havenât dated anyone in what, centuries? Suddenly thereâs a mysterious cat-owning producer in your life and Iâm supposed to believe this is nothing?â
âIt is nothing,â you insisted again, though it came out quieter this time. Because now your brain had decided to join the conversation.
Coworkers. Friends. Walking together. Talking. Sitting on benches maybe a little too close. Laughing more easily than you usually did.
The way he noticed things.
The way you⌠noticed him.
The way those walks had slowly become routine without either of you ever saying it out loud. Finishing work and subconsciously checking the time. Taking Sori out a little later than necessary just to catch him with Tang. The quiet rhythm youâd fallen into. Side by side, not talking for minutes at a time, and somehow it never felt awkward.
You werenât like this. You didnât let people slip into your life this easily, didnât let them carve out space in your day without questioning it. Work had always come first, neatly organised, controlled. People stayed in their lanes. Boundaries were clear.
But somewhere between Tang lazily circling Sori, his dry comments that caught you off guard just enough to make you laugh, and the quiet refuge of his studio becoming part of your routine, those lines had⌠blurred.
You blinked, trying to push the spiral away.
âYoongi is just a friend.â you said finally.
Yuriâs expression softened again, but the excitement didnât fade.
âI just want you to be happy, y/n.â she said gently.
You exhaled, leaning back slightly, your hand finding Sori again like an anchor.
âI know you do,â you murmured, more to yourself than to her. âI promise, Iâm fine.â
Yoongi looked down at his watch. You were supposed to meet him at your bench almost ten minutes ago.
Your bench.
The thought sat there for a second longer than it should have.
âWhy the long face?â
He looked up. There you were.
A teasing smile playing on your lips, eyes brighter than usual like you already knew youâd caught him waiting. You unclipped Soriâs leash, and the puppy bolted toward him like a tiny, overexcited missile.
Yoongi forced his gaze away from you and down to Sori, who was already pawing at his leg like she had a personal vendetta against standing still.
Heâd never considered himself a dog person. Still didnât, technically.
But he had definitely come to have a soft spot for Sori.
And maybe an even softer one for her foster mom.
He crouched slightly, scratching behind Soriâs ear, earning an immediate, aggressive tail wag.
âYouâre late,â he said, glancing up at you briefly.
âRelax,â you shot back, hands slipping into your jacket pockets as you stepped closer. âIt was barely ten minutes.â
âAnything can happen in ten minutes.â
Your brows lifted, something playful flickering across your face.
âAwh,â you tilted your head just slightly, âwere you worrying about me, Yoongi?â
He rolled his eyes on instinct, but there was a faint smirk tugging at his mouth that he didnât bother hiding.
âYouâre not that important.â
âWow,â you pressed a hand to your chest dramatically. âAfter everything weâve been through. Did you forget you wanted me to stay on as your A&R?â
âAlright. Alright, no need to rub it in.â He huffed out a quiet laugh.
It still caught him off guard sometimes.
This version of you.
Not the composed, tightly wound A&R coordinator who walked into his studio with a schedule in one hand and coffee in the other. Not the one who spoke professionally, measured every word, kept everything in place like it might fall apart otherwise.
This you was⌠lighter. Looser.
Your smiles came easier out here, less restrained, real enough that your eyes crinkled at the corners. Your laugh, when it slipped out fully, had no filter at all, sudden and bright like it surprised even you.
And somehow, heâd gotten used to being on the receiving end of it.
He straightened as Tang padded on at her usual unbothered pace, immediately ignoring Soriâs attempts to initiate chaos.
You fell into step naturally after that.
No discussion. No hesitation.
Just⌠walking.
It had become easy. Too easy.
Yoongi slipped his hands into his pockets, gaze drifting ahead as Sori trotted slightly ahead of you both while Tang stayed close to his side.
Heâd gotten to know you like this, in the quiet spaces between conversation.
The way you hummed under your breath sometimes when it got too quiet. The way you absentmindedly reached down to pet Sori even when she wasnât asking for it. The way youâd go from reserved to unexpectedly funny in a split second, catching him completely off guard with something so dry it took him a second to process it before he was laughing.
It wasnât a version of you many people at work really saw.
But he did.
And he liked it.
More than he probably should.
Actuallyâno.
He didnât bother with shoulds.
He liked you.
That was it.
No point pretending otherwise.
His gaze flicked toward you again, lingering for just a second before he spoke.
âYou never answered me,â he said. âWhy were you late?â
âI was at a friendâs place, Yuri,â you said. âSheâs getting married soon, Iâve been helping her plan everything.â
Yoongi glanced at you briefly, interest quiet but present.
âYouâre close?â
You nodded.
âYeah. Weâve known each other since college.â
Beside him, you kicked lightly at a stray pebble before speaking again. âSo⌠Iâve been thinking,â you started, a little more quietly this time.
He glanced at you.
âYouâre always thinking.â
You shot him a look.
âDo you want me to continue orââ
âGo on.â
You exhaled, then said it in one breath, like if you slowed down you might overthink it. âIâve been thinking about keeping Sori.â
Yoongi didnât even pause.
âI think thatâs a great idea.â
You blinked at him, clearly not expecting the immediate response. ââŚYou do?â
He glanced down briefly at the puppy in question, who was now attempting to chew on a leaf like it had personally offended her.
âSheâs basically already yours,â he said simply.
Something in your expression softened at that.
âAre you sure?â you asked, and there was something quieter under it now. âI meanâitâs a big responsibility.â
He stopped walking. That alone was enough to make you stop too. When you looked at him, he was already looking at you.
Steady. Certain.
âWell, itâs a responsibility youâve already taken on. You love her,â he said.
âAnd she clearly loves you,â he added, nodding once toward Sori, who had now circled back and was leaning against your leg like she belonged there.
There was a brief silence. The kind that settled, not stretched. You looked down at Sori, then back up at him, something warmer sitting behind your eyes now.
ââŚThanks,â you said softly.
Then, after a beat, a small smile tugged at your lips.
Your days had slipped into a rhythm so seamless it almost felt rehearsed. Work, park, dinner, sleep. Somewhere in between, frantic bursts of wedding planning with Yuri and the occasional moment where you actually sat still long enough to breathe.
It shouldâve felt monotonous.
It didnât.
Because somewhere along the way, parts of your day had started to⌠matter more than the rest.
Like the mornings.
Walking into the building, knowing youâd end up in Yoongiâs studio within the hour, tablet in hand, going over schedules like always. Except now it wasnât just work. It was the way heâd already be there, half-listening but always catching the important parts. The way your conversations drifted off track sometimes, just slightly, before snapping back into place.
Or the afternoons, when you found yourself gravitating toward his studio without really thinking about it. Sitting in the corner, pretending to focus on your own work while the low hum of whatever he was producing filled the space. Comfortable. Quiet.
And then the park.
You didnât meet every day. You told yourself that was a good thing.
Normal.
But on the days you did, something about everything else felt⌠lighter. Like the edges of your day softened a little.
Which didnât make sense. At all.
You werenât the kind of person who built their routine around someone else. You didnât depend on people like that, didnât let them slip into your life in ways you couldnât clearly define.
Why did seeing him in the morning feel like something to look forward to?
Why did sitting in his studio feel like a break instead of an extension of work?
Why did a simple walk in the park with him feel like the best part of your day?
You exhaled quietly, shaking your head at yourself.
It wasnât anything. It couldnât be.
You were coworkers. Friends. That was it.
There was no neat label for whatever this feeling was, no clear explanation, and that alone was enough to keep your thoughts circling back to it, over and over, like your brain was trying to solve something that didnât want to be solved.
Still, you didnât hate it. That was the problem.
This week, though, had shattered whatever calm routine youâd settled into. The label had landed a major opportunity. A collaboration with PSY for his upcoming single. And he wanted to work with Yoongi.
As Yoongiâs A&R, that meant your workload had doubled overnight.
Coordination, scheduling, managing sessions, handling communication between teams, keeping everything moving without letting anything fall through the cracksânot just for this project, but for every other artist and producer you were already working with.
It was hectic.
Relentless.
And if you were being honest, it left you with very little time to think about anything else.
Except, somehow, him.
The building had thinned out hours ago, the usual buzz replaced with a kind of late-night hush that made every sound feel sharper. Your footsteps echoed softly down the hallway as you slowed in front of Yoongiâs studio door, fingers hovering for a second before you nudged it open just enough to peek in.
Youâd only meant to check if he was still here.
Maybe remind him to go home.
But your thoughts stalled.
Yoongi was hunched forward in his chair, elbows on his knees, one hand pressed to his temple like he was trying to physically hold his thoughts together. The dim glow of the monitor painted tired shadows under his eyes, his hair slightly mussed from what looked like repeated frustrated runs of his hands through it.
Something in your chest tightened.
You pushed the door open a little wider.
ââŚYoongi?â
He stilled for half a second before looking up. The shift was immediate. The faint release in his shoulders. The way his expression softened just slightly when his eyes landed on you, like your presence alone took the edge off something.
ââŚYouâre still here,â he said, voice rougher than usual.
You stepped inside fully this time, closing the door quietly behind you.
âSo are you,â you replied, brows knitting as you walked closer. âYou okay?â
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.
âYeah,â he said automatically.
You didnât stop walking.
âLiar.â
That earned the smallest huff of breath that mightâve been a laugh on a better day.
You stopped beside his desk, glancing at the screen, then back at him.
âItâs the PSY track?â you asked.
He nodded once, dragging a hand down his face. âItâs not⌠landing the way I want it to.â
Your gaze softened.
A project like that wasnât just important, it was high-pressure in a way that didnât leave room for off days. And Yoongi didnât do things halfway.
âHave you slept?â you asked quietly.
A pause.
ââŚDefine slept.â
You sighed, crossing your arms lightly. âYoongi.â
âIâm fine,â he insisted, but it lacked conviction.
Your eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before you stepped a little closer, close enough to rest your hand lightly on the edge of his desk.
âYou donât have to get it perfect tonight, weâve still got time.â you said, softer now. âYouâve been working on this nonstop for days. At some point your brainâs just going to start working against you.â
He looked at you then. Really looked.
And for a second, the room felt smaller.
âYou always this gentle with your producers?â he asked.
Your breath caught ust slightly.
âWhat?â
âYou,â he clarified, gaze steady, something faintly amused threading through his exhaustion. âYou talk like that to everyone, or am I getting special treatment?â
Oh.
Your brain did not like that.
Why would he say that? Why would he say it like that? Why is he looking at me like that? Is heâno. No, heâs tired. Heâs just tired. This is a sleep-deprived man speaking. This is not real.
You blinked, forcing your expression to stay neutral.
âI talk like this to anyone who looks like theyâre about to pass out in their chair,â you said, aiming for light.
He hummed, like he didnât quite believe you.
Silence stretched for a beat. Not uncomfortable.
But⌠it felt charged.
You cleared your throat, glancing away for a second before looking back at him.
âYou should go home soon,â you said. âGet some actual rest. Youâll hear things differently in the morning.â
He didnât respond immediately. Instead, his gaze dropped, briefly, to your hand where it rested against the desk.
Your breath hitched.
His fingers had brushed against yours.
Light. Barely there.
But intentional enough that it sent something sharp and electric up your arm.
Your eyes snapped to his.
He hadnât pulled away.
âIf I listen to you,â he said slowly, âyou have to do something for me too.â
Your brain fully short-circuited.
âWhat?â
His thumb shifted slightly against the side of your hand, not quite holding it, but not moving away either. Like he was testing the space. Like he was waiting to see if youâd pull back first.
You didnât.
âYouâre always the one giving orders,â he murmured. âSeems fair that I finally get something in return.â
Orders?
Fair?
What is that supposed to mean. What is that tone. Why is heâ
You swallowed, trying very hard to keep your expression from betraying the absolute spiral happening internally.
âIâm notâ I wasnât giving orders,â you said, a little too quickly. âI was justâsuggesting. For your health. And your work. Which I manage. So itâs technically my job toââ
Great. Now you were rambling.
His lips twitched.
Oh, he thought this was funny.
âRelax,â he said, softer now, but there was something in his eyes that hadnât been there before. âIâm kidding.â
And that was somehow worse.
Because now your brain was trying to rewind the last ten seconds, analyse tone, word choice, eye contact, hand placementâ
Oh my god his hand.
Your gaze dropped instinctively.
Still there. Still lightly brushing yours.
You pulled your hand back like youâd just remembered it existed.
âRight,â you said, clearing your throat as you adjusted your tablet. âYeah. Funny.â
Smooth.
He leaned back in his chair, watching you for a moment like he was trying to piece something together.
âYouâre off?â he asked.
You nodded quickly, grateful for the shift. âYeah. I was just checking if you were still alive before I left.â
âBarely.â
That pulled a small, real smile from you despite everything.
âGo home,â you said again, softer this time. âPlease.â
He held your gaze for a second longer, then nodded.
âYeah,â he said. âI will.â
You lingered. Just for a second.
Then turned toward the door before you could overthink that too.
âGoodnight, Yoongi.â
âNight, Y/n.â
You stepped out into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind you.
Silence.
You stopped walking. Stared straight ahead. And exhaled.
ââŚWhat the hell was that.â
Because there was no way that was normal.
Whatever that wasâŚ
It was no longer sitting comfortably in the âjust coworkersâ box.
Not even close.
The moment the door swung open, you barely had time to step inside before you were engulfed in a pair of long arms.
âY/N!â Hoseokâs arms wrapped around you in a dramatic squeeze, nearly lifting you off your feet. âLook who finally remembered she has friends.â
âI saw you yesterday,â you huffed into his shoulder, though you couldnât help smiling.
âAt work,â he pulled back, hands still on your arms, pouting now. âWhich doesnât count. And even thenââ his eyes narrowed, ââI feel like I barely see you at the company recently.â
You rolled your eyes, slipping off your shoes. âIâve been busy.â
âBusy,â Namjoon echoed from the living room, tone slightly teasing. âYeah. Weâve heard.â
You turned just in time to see him leaning back against the couch, arms crossed, a knowing look on his face. Your eyes squinted at him as your approach, lifting your arms to settle around his shoulders.
âWith a certain someone,â he added mid hug, not even trying to be subtle.
âOh fuck off.â You rolled your eyes, but there was no real bite behind it.
âI mean,â Jimin chimed in, grinning as you moved in to hug him, âI have also been seeing you around his studio a lot lately.â
You shot him a look. âI work there.â
âWait,â Kim Taehyung leaned forward from where he was sprawled across the couch, interest immediately piqued. âIâm out of the loop. Whatâs happening?â
âNothing,â you said quickly, already moving down the line to hug Jungkook and then Seokjin, who gave you a fond pat on the head.
When you reached Taehyung, he was pouting. You exhaled through your nose, âYoongiâs working on PSYâs new track,â you explained, âThe deadlineâs tight. Iâm his A&R. Thatâs it.â
Silence.
âOkay,â Namjoon said easily, lifting his hands in surrender.
âFair enough,â Jimin nodded, already turning toward the living room.
âFoodâs getting cold,â Taehyung added, pushing himself off the couch like the topic had never existed.
And just like that, they dropped it.
No teasing. No pressing.
You blinked, momentarily thrown, suspicion flickering across your face as you followed them in. ââŚThatâs it?â
Hoseok slung an arm over your shoulders, steering you toward the spread. âWhat? We canât be mature?â
You narrowed your eyes. âSince when?â
âSince Iâm starving,â he shot back, already reaching for a container.
The living room quickly filled with the warm chaos youâd missed. Takeout containers from Seokjinâs restaurant were spread across the table, the smell alone enough to make your shoulders finally drop an inch.
âBefore we eat,â Seokjin announced, clapping his hands once, âI have news.â
âYouâre getting married?â Taehyung gasped.
âYahââ Seokjin swatted at him. âMy restaurant was ranked top ten in the city.â
âOh my god, hyung,â Jungkookâs eyes went wide. âThatâs huge.â
âIn Michelin Guide Seoul?â Namjoon asked, already impressed.
Seokjin tried to stay composed and failed.
âMaybe.â
The room erupted.
You leaned forward, grinning. âThatâs incredible. Jin, seriously.â
âOf course it is,â he said, preening slightly. âDid you expect anything less?â
âAlways humble,â you muttered, earning a kick under the table from Hoseok.
âAnd you?â Jimin nudged Jungkook. âYou said you had something to tell us too.â
âOhâyeah,â Jungkook scratched the back of his neck, suddenly shy. âI got an internship. For the summer. Abroad.â
âWhat?â you blinked. âWhere?â
âLA.â
âNo wayââ you sat up straighter. âKook, thatâs amazing.â
Everyone chimed in at once, congratulations overlapping until it became noise.
âYouâll be gone all summer?â you asked, watching the boy nod nervously. âIâm going to miss you,â you added, softer, nudging his shoulder. âBut this is an amazing opportunity. Iâm so proud of you.â
âThank you, noona.â
Namjoon snorted. âHey! If you meet Halsey, you better get me a video message from her.â
Jungkook laughed. âThatâs your priority?â
âAbsolutely.â
Everyone laughed.
âAnd you?â You turned to Jimin. âMr. Hot Shot Idol.â
Jimin groaned. âTour prep. Iâm tired already.â
âYour fault for being famous,â Hoseok said cheerfully.
âAs my main producer it also your fault too,â Jimin shot back.
For a moment, the laughter around you softened into something warmer. You glanced between them allâHoseok mid-retort, Namjoon already shaking his head, Taehyung leaning back like he was watching a show, Jungkook grinning into his drinkâand felt something in your chest loosen.
This.
This was your constant.
No matter how chaotic work got, no matter how much your thoughts tangled themselves up lately, you had this circleâsteady, loud, familiar in the best way. You didnât say it out loud, but the gratitude sat quietly beneath your ribs, glowing.
You were still smiling when it slipped out.
âI actually have news too⌠I submitted adoption papers for Sori.â
Silence. Then chaos.
âWHAT?â Hoseok practically launched himself across the table. âYOUâRE KEEPING HER?â
âYeah,â you laughed, a little overwhelmed. âI think so.â
âThatâs it,â he pointed at you. âIâm going to be her favorite best friend.â
You snorted. âYouâve got tough competition.â
The words left your mouth before your brain caught up.
âWhat do you mean competition?â he pouted.
âItâs nothing,â you said quickly, reaching for your drink.
âNo, come on, explain,â Namjoon leaned forward.
âYou canât leave us hanging,â Taehyung added, delighted.
You shook your head. âSoriâs absolutely obsessed with a cat we met at the park I walk her at.â
âA cat?â Jimin blinked.
âHer nameâs Tang,â you said, already regretting everything. âHer owner walks her at the park sometimes, and Sori likes her, soââ
âA cat being walked? What type of cat owner is this guy?â Jungkook pressed.
You hesitated.
âUm, actuallyâitâs Yoongi.â
The reaction was immediate.
âWhatââ Hoseok fell back dramatically.
âOh my god?!â Jimin pointed.
Namjoon shook his head, smiling. âOf course itâs Yoongi.â
âWe justââ you said quickly, heat creeping up your neck. âWe walk our pets together, sometimesââ
âHow often is âsometimesâ?â Seokjin asked, joining in on the apparent interrogation that had begun.
ââŚA few times a week.â
The room exploded.
âY/N!â
âThatâs not sometimes!â
âGirlââ
You groaned, dropping your face into your hands. âYou guys are overreacting. Weâre just friends.â
There was a brief pause, the kind that didnât interrupt the flow of the room so much as subtly redirect it. Namjoon hummed in acknowledgment, not disagreeing, not agreeing either, just letting the statement sit. Jimin nodded along a little too easily, and Taehyung reached for another bite of food with an expression that was suspiciously neutral.
Jungkook shrugged, but the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth gave him away. Even Hoseok, leaning back comfortably, didnât jump in to argue. They didnât need to. The air itself felt like it was quietly calling your bluff.
You frowned, lowering your hands slightly. ââŚYou guys are making me really nervous right now.â
âWe donât want you to feel nervous,â Namjoon said, pulling you in with an arm around your shoulders.
Another pause followed, softer this time, like the conversation was circling something without quite landing on it. Then Jungkook spoke again, more casually. âI have a question: isnât he the guy people say is kind of hard to work with?â
âHe is, butââ you said immediately, the response sharp enough to cut through the room. âHeâs not like that.â
That did it. Now they were all looking at you properly, and you didnât even hesitate as you continued, your tone firm, almost defensive without you meaning it to be.
âHe can be a bit blunt sometimes. He just doesnât like to waste time, and yeah, I guess that can come off as intimidating if you donât know him, but heâs not rude or anything. Heâs actually really respectful. And nice.â You slowed slightly toward the end, your certainty softening into something more thoughtful.
The silence that followed wasnât empty. It was full in a way that made you suddenly aware of how much you had just said. You shifted slightly, your confidence faltering under the weight of their attention.
Namjoon tilted his head, watching you carefully. âSounds like youâve gotten to know him pretty well.â
Your stomach flipped. âAgain, we work together,â you replied, but it didnât land the way you wanted it to.
Jimin hummed again, softer now, like he was piecing something together, while Taehyung added lightly, âAnd how did the park happen?â
âWe bumped into each other there months ago,â you explained. âSori fell pretty much head over heels for Tang the moment she saw her.â The thought made you let out a small huffed laugh. âWeâve been meeting up after work a few times a week ever since.â
Hoseok leaned forward slightly then, his tone gentler, less teasing and more deliberate. âDo you like spending time with him?â
âI mean⌠yeah.â The answer came out before you could stop it, and you froze immediately after, blinking as if youâd just heard yourself for the first time. You tried to recover, your voice quieter now. âHeâs easy to be around.â
âEasy how?â Namjoon asked, not pushing, just guiding.
You hesitated, searching for something that made sense, something that didnât feel like stepping into something bigger than you were ready for.
ââŚI donât have to think too much,â you admitted. âItâs just⌠comfortable.â Your fingers shifted in your lap, restless now, your thoughts no longer lining up neatly. You added, almost absentmindedly, âAnd he makes me laugh.â
âThat is adorable,â Taehyung said, smiling into his drink.
You heard Jimin hiss and lightly smack his arm. Your eyes stayed fixed on your fingers twisting together in your lap, but you couldnât help the small, subconscious smile that graced your lips at Taehyungâs comment.
You didnât argue, but your mind had already betrayed you, pulling up moments you hadnât consciously invited. His dry comments catching you off guard. The way his mouth would tilt just slightly when you said something he found funny. The way he watched you sometimes, not intense, not overwhelming, just⌠present. The way youâd started to look for that presence without even realizing it.
Hoseokâs voice came again, softer now, almost careful. âDo you look forward to seeing him?â
Your chest tightened, and this time there was no immediate denial waiting to jump out. Just a quiet, reluctant truth that settled before you could push it away.
ââŚYeah.â
The word barely left your lips, but it was enough. Something shifted, not in the room, but in you. You stared down at your hands, but now it felt different, like everything was rearranging itself whether you wanted it to or not.
Coworkers. Friends. Walks you didnât skip, even when you were exhausted. His studio becoming somewhere you lingered longer than necessary. The way your day felt lighter just knowing youâd see him.
Your breath caught.
ââŚOh.â
It slipped out softly, almost startled, like you hadnât meant to say it at all. No one interrupted. No one rushed to fill the space. They just let you sit in it, and somehow that quiet made it impossible to ignore.
You exhaled slowly, shaking your head like you could undo it, but the realization had already settled, clear and steady beneath everything else.
ââŚI think I like him.â
The words felt heavier than you expected, more real now that they were out in the open, and almost immediately, panic followed close behind. You dropped your head back with a groan. âOh my god, this is bad.â
âWhy is it bad?â Jungkook asked, genuinely curious.
âBecause we work together,â you said quickly, sitting up again, your thoughts racing now. âThis could ruin everything. Our dynamic, the sessions, theââ you gestured vaguely, ââthe park. Our walks, our⌠whatever this is. Itâs good right now. Itâs easy. What if I make it weird?â
âYou wonât,â Jimin said simply.
âYou donât know that,â you shot back, but there was less conviction behind it now.
Hoseok leaned forward again, steady and grounding. âHe likes having you around. That much is obvious.â
Your heart stuttered. ââŚYou also donât know that. What if heâs just tolerating me because we work together?â
Namjoon smiled faintly. âTrust me, I donât think thatâs the case.â
âAnd you wonât ruin anything if you donât let yourself ruin anything,â Seokjin added, more serious now. âDonât worry so much.â
You deadpanned at Seokjin. âI have no idea what you mean. Me and worrying?â
The others let out light chuckles. Seokjin gave you a really? look, which only made your lips twitch into a small smile.
You let your head fall back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling as your thoughts continued to spiral, faster now, louder, but underneath it all, something had settled into place. Clear. Quiet. Unavoidable.
You like Yoongi.
You were loitering. At least, thatâs what anyone passing by in the hallway would have thought. You bit your lower lip, glancing at the door to Yoongiâs studio, fingers hovering uncertainly near the handle. You had just gotten word that PSY loved how the track was sounding so far, and you wanted to tell Yoongi. Maybe help him relax, even just a little.
What you didnât realise was that Yoongi wasnât in his studio.
He was walking down the hall toward you.
His brows furrowed slightly when he spotted you lingering outside his door, your hand hovering like you couldnât quite commit. He slowed, watching you for a second, before stepping closer.
âHey.â
âShit!â You flinched, jumping backâstraight into him. Your back bumped lightly against his chest, the sudden contact sending your thoughts scattering.
You spun around immediately, pulling your limbs in close, like you were trying to fold yourself smaller.
âSorry, I didnât mean to scare you.â
You shook your head quickly. âNo, no. IâI was just coming to find you. I have news.â
Yoongi tilted his head, taking a small step closer. Your breath hitched as his hand reached past you, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him at your side. He was so near you could catch his cologne, something soft and groundingâvanilla threaded with pine.
The door clicked open.
âShall we?â
You blinked up at him, subconsciously holding your breath as you nodded. You took a small step back into the doorway before turning and slipping inside. Yoongi followed, closing the door quietly behind him.
You retreated to your usual spot on the couch. Normally, you would sink into it, letting out a quiet breath, like everything outside this room simply⌠didnât exist. But today, your body stayed slightly tense, shoulders held tighter than usual.
Yoongi didnât take his usual place at the swivel chair.
Instead, he sat down beside you.
âSo⌠whatâs up?â he asked, pulling your attention from your hands back to him.
âOhâumâŚâ You straightened slightly. âPSYâs management told me he really loves what youâve done with the track so far.â
âReally?â Yoongi said, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. âI still wasnât sure about it when I sent it in.â He dropped his face into his hands, dragging his fingers through his hair. âThank god he likes it.â
You watched him, catching that genuine glint of relief, of quiet happiness. Youâd seen how hard heâd been pushing himself for this trackâlate nights, early mornings, barely stopping long enough to breathe.
Your chest tightened, something soft and fond curling there.
A smile found its way onto your lips.
âYou should trust yourself more, Yoongi,â you said gently, and he looked up at you, your eyes meeting. âAnd sleep is very important too.â
His lips curved, slow and real, breaking into that soft, gummy smile that always seemed to catch you off guard. He looked away, nodding once. âYeah, I owe you for that. You were right. I just needed to rest and everything came together.â
âDonât act surprised, Iâm always right,â you teased.
A quiet, breathy laugh slipped out of him, and it did something strange to youâlike it travelled straight through your chest and settled somewhere deeper. Some of the tension in your shoulders eased without you even realising.
âI think we deserve to celebrate then.â
You frowned slightly. âCelebrate?â
Yoongi nodded, glancing back at you. âThis is good news and, like I said, I owe you.â
âNo, no. Yoongi, you donât owe me anything. I was justââ
He let out a low groan, cutting you off. âWill you just let me do a nice thing for you?â
You pressed your lips together, looking down, a little flustered now, before giving in with a small nod.
âGood. Friday, after work. Glasshouse.â
You blinked. âGlasshouse? That place is expensive.â
âY/n, let me do something nice.â
âThat place is too nice,â you argued weakly.
Yoongi had already pushed himself off the couch, moving back to his desk. He dropped into his chair, grabbing his headphones.
âIâm going to get back to work now.â
âYoonââ You stopped yourself as he slipped the headphones over his ears, turning away, already elsewhere.
Silence settled over the room, broken only by the faint thrum of bass leaking from his headphones.
Your eyes stayed fixed on the back of his chair, your mind spinning faster than you could keep up with.
Friday? Glasshouse? Nice?
âLadies and gentlemen, after years, Ms. Y/n has a date with a human man!â
âWho are you talking to?â You waddled out of your bathroom in yet another dress, the fourth one youâd tried on. Your eyes landed on Yuri. She was standing on your bed with the brightest grin on her face, Sori perched at the edge beside her, tail wagging like she was part of the audience. âAnd this is not a date.â
Yuri frowned. âYouâve been saying that for two days, but here you are putting in a little too much effort for a ânot-dateâ.â
You turned away, your expression tightening slightly as you faced the full-length mirror. The dress suddenly felt wrong. Too much. Not enough. You couldnât even tell anymore.
You didnât respond, because Yuri was right.
Your mind had been ping-ponging nonstop since Yoongi asked. Every possible angle, every possible implication. This couldnât be a date. It was just a celebration. A thank you. A nice thing, like he said.
He never called it a date.
ButâŚ
âI donât think a dress is the way to go.â You turned back to Yuri. She studied you for a second, then nodded slowly.
âYeah, thatâs not a great dressâŚâ
âHey! Rude.â
âI say that with only love for you in my heart, babe.â You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at your lips. Yuri hopped off the bed in one quick motion and made a beeline for your closet. âHow about⌠this!â
She pulled out a white mini skirt you hadnât worn since college, holding it up like sheâd just discovered treasure. âYou always looked so hot in this.â
âYuri!â you groaned, already feeling your face warm.
âPlease! Come on.â She pouted, clasping her hands together dramatically. âFine, itâs not a date. But just in case, I want to make sure you make Min Yoongi forget every other girl heâs ever seen in his life.â
Your head snapped slightly to the side, heat blooming across your neck and cheeks at the thought. The image came uninvited. Yoongi looking at you, really lookingâ
You shut it down immediately.
This is not a date.
You didnât say a word. You just reached out and snatched the skirt from her hands, which earned you an excited squeal that echoed off your walls.
Turning back to your closet, your fingers brushed past hangers until they stilled.
A red camisole you forgot you had.
Deep, slightly sheer, soft in a way that felt⌠dangerous.
Your stomach flipped.
You hesitated for half a second, then pulled it out anyway.
Behind you, Yuri clapped. âGo try it on!â
You exhaled slowly, like you were bracing yourself for something bigger than just an outfit, and disappeared back into the bathroom. When you stepped out again, the room felt quieter for a beat.
Yuriâs eyes lifted from her phone. Her hand, mid-pet over Soriâs head, stilled completely. Her jaw dropped.
You shifted your weight slightly, suddenly very aware of your own body, of the way the fabric sat against your skin, of how different this felt from anything you usually wore. âHow does it lookâŚ?â
âYouâre making me question getting married to Daniel⌠and my sexuality.â
You let out a mortified sound, immediately hiding your face in your hands, but you were smiling despite yourself. Warmth spread through your chest, soft and familiar. Your brain quietly added another reason to the ever-growing list of why you were so grateful to have Yuri in your life.
And underneath that, a quieter thought.
What is he going to think?
Your stomach dipped again.
âAlright, now sit down.â Yuri slid off the bed, already moving, already in charge. She patted the seat in front of your vanity. âLet me do your hair.â
You dropped your hands from your face, exhaling softly as you moved toward her, catching your reflection one more time in the mirror.
Your heart skipped.
This is not a date.
âŚRight?
âI canât believe my best friend is dropping me off at a dateââ
âAha!â Yuri exclaimed, shooting you a victorious look. âSo you admit this is a date.â
âNo. That was anââ You cut yourself off with a frustrated exhale, giving up halfway through the argument. Because, honestly, the closer you got to Glasshouse, the harder it was to ignore the very loud, very inconvenient voice in your head insisting that this was, in fact, a date.
Which was not helping your nerves.
âWhatever,â you muttered, crossing your arms slightly. âStill canât believe you convinced me into this.â
Yuri shrugged, completely unbothered. âItâs on my way home.â
âHow am I supposed to get home?â
A slow, knowing smirk spread across her lips, her eyes flicking toward you for just a second before returning to the road. âMaybe ask Yoongi to take you.â
âYouâre evil.â You pointed at her, scandalised.
She gasped softly, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense. âNo, hun. Iâm a mastermind.â Then she winked, easing the car to a smooth stop in front of the entrance. âOkay, now get out and go get your man!â
âNot my man,â you stressed, already reaching for the door.
The night air hit you as you stepped out onto the sidewalk, cool against your skin. The door shut behind you with a soft thud, and Yuri leaned across the driverâs seat just enough to give you an exaggerated thumbs up before pulling away into the stream of traffic.
You stood there for a second, then turned.
The Glasshouse glowed in front of you, its name lit up in soft, elegant lettering. The kind of place that didnât scream for attention but still held it effortlessly. Your stomach twisted.
You took a slow breath.
Relax. This is just two friends celebrating a job well done.
You pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The atmosphere wrapped around you immediately, dim lighting spilling from warm-toned lamps scattered across the space, casting everything in a soft golden haze. Low music hummed beneath the layered chatter of conversations. To one side, booths held groups of friends leaning into each other, laughter bubbling up between bites of food. The center of the room was dotted with small tables, candles flickering lazily. To your left, the bar stretched out, polished and glowing under hanging lights.
And there he was.
Yoongi sat at the bar, slightly turned toward a painting mounted on the wall, like heâd been quietly studying it to pass the time. One arm rested against the counter, fingers loosely curled around a glass of amber liquid, the ice inside catching the light.
Damn⌠he looks so good.
He hadnât noticed you yet.
So you let yourself look.
His hair fell loosely around his face, slightly messy in a way that made it obvious heâd been running his fingers through it. Dark jeans, a simple grey t-shirt, and a black leather jacket thrown over it like an afterthought. Effortless. Unfair.
And suddenly, you felt very aware of yourself.
Of the way the fabric of your top sat against your skin.
Of how dressed up you were.
Relax, Y/n. This is just two friends. Just⌠friends.
You forced your feet to move. The soft, rhythmic click of your heels against the wooden floor cut through the ambient noise just enough to draw his attention.
Yoongiâs head turned.
His eyes landed on you and he stilled.
It was subtle, but you saw it. The way his gaze sharpened, the way his lips parted just slightly before he caught himself.
You offered a small smile, lifting your hand in a tiny wave. âHi. Already started celebrating without me?â
Yoongiâs expression shifted immediately, something warmer settling in. âNo, no. I just thought Iâd get something while I waited.â
âI didnât keep you waiting too long, I hope.â You nibbled lightly on your bottom lip, the habit slipping out before you could stop it.
There was the briefest pause before he answered, quieter this time. âYou didnât.â His head tilted toward the bartender. âYou want something?â
You nodded, sliding into the seat beside him. As you reached into your purse, his hand moved across the space between you, stopping you mid-motion.
âItâs on me. Donât worry about it.â
You frowned, ready to argue, but he beat you to it.
âNice thing, remember?â
Right.
The bartender approached, and you placed your order. âA vodka cranberry, please.â
âVodka cranberry?â Yoongi echoed beside you.
You turned to him, brow lifting. âWhatâs wrong with a vodka cranberry?â
He shook his head lightly. âNothing. Just feels like a bit of a boring drink.â
You scoffed, offended in the most dramatic way possible. âBoring? And you are what? Some alcohol connoisseur?â
âNever claimed to be.â
âWell, whatâs that then?â You pointed at the glass in front of him.
âScotch.â His eyes flicked to it, then back to you. âHave you ever had it?â
You shook your head.
That seemed to amuse him. He nudged the glass toward you. âTake a sip?â
âWhat? Thatâs your drink.â
âAnd? Youâre not going to down the whole thing, right?â He pushed it a little closer. âJust try it.â
You hesitated for a second, then gave in, fingers wrapping around the glass. You could feel his gaze on you, steady, attentive, as you lifted it to your lips and took a cautious sip.
Immediate regret.
Your face twisted, nose scrunching as the taste hit, sharp and unfamiliar. You shook your head quickly, handing it back as Yoongi let out a quiet laugh.
âNot your style?â
âNot at all.â You let out a small breath, still recovering. âI guess I just donât like a lot of alcohol. I donât even like beer.â
âYou donât like beer?â Yoongi looked genuinely wounded.
âAnd you do?!â
âHell yeah.â
That did it. You both laughed.
The tension that had been coiled tightly in your chest since the car ride loosened, just a little.
Your drink arrived, and the second the straw touched your lips, you did a small, involuntary shoulder shimmy of satisfaction. Yoongi caught it instantly, the corner of his mouth lifting.
For a moment, he let himself look.
At you.
Heâd never seen you like this before. At work, you were all structure and precision, everything in place. At the park, you were soft and relaxed, comfortable in a way that felt natural.
But this was something else entirely.
The delicate fabric of your top, the way it moved with you, the way it revealed just enough to make it impossible not to notice. And then the skirtâclean, simple, sitting low on your waist, the short hemline drawing attention to your legs in a way that felt almost unfair paired with something so soft above. It balanced everything out, sharpened the look, made it impossible for his eyes not to linger a second longer than they should.
It was⌠dangerous.
âYou look beautiful, by the way.â
His voice was quiet. Almost like he hadnât meant to say it out loud. Your breath caught, your eyes lifting to meet his. He was already looking at you, completely unguarded.
Heat spread up your neck, across your cheeks.
âThank you,â you managed, softer than you intended.
Before either of you could say more, a waiter appeared at Yoongiâs side. âYour table is ready, sir.â
Your head snapped toward him. âTable?â
Yoongi stood, smooth and unhurried. âOf course,â he said, then glanced down at you. âYou didnât think we came here just for drinks, did you?â
Your brain short-circuited for half a second.
You scrambled to grab your purse and drink, quickly following as he trailed behind the waiter. The further you walked into the restaurant, the quieter it seemed to get, the lighting softer, more intimate.
And then you saw it.
A table for two, tucked neatly into a more secluded corner. Crisp white tablecloth. A single candle flickering gently at the center.
Whoa.
The waiter pulled out your chair, and you sat down slowly, still taking it in as he did the same for Yoongi before slipping away.
You shifted in your seat, your fingers brushing lightly over the edge of the table as your thoughts tangled again. The question had been sitting at the back of your mind since you walked in, and now it pushed forward.
âYoongiâŚâ you started. âCan I ask, how did you manage all of this?â
He looked up. âWhat do you mean?â
âI mean⌠this place is pretty exclusive. Itâs always booked. Howâd you get a reservation on such short notice?â
There was a flicker of hesitation in his expression, subtle but there. âI know the owner.â
Your brows lifted. âReally? How?â
Another pause.
Then, quieter, âDo you know about the autism treatment center at Severance Hospital?â
You nodded.
âThey have a music-based therapy program that helps kids with emotional and social development. Iâve been volunteering there for a while⌠and one of the kids I work with is the ownerâs son.â
For a moment, all you could do was look at him.
ââŚWow.â
The word came out softer than you expected.
âYoongi, thatâs amazing.â
âItâs nothiââ
âNo, Yoongi. Itâs amazing.â Your smile this time was steady, sincere. âYouâre⌠youâre a really amazing person.â
Silence settled between you, but it wasnât awkward. Just full.
His gaze held yours for a beat longer before he spoke again.
âYou are pretty amazing for what you do too. Fostering is really important.â
You felt the warmth creep back into your cheeks. âItâs nothing like what youâre doing.â
âDonât say that.â His tone sharpened just slightly, not harsh, but certain. His eyes didnât leave yours. âThere are so many animals out there and not enough shelters. We both know what happens because of that. Youâre giving them a chance at a home. At a life.â A small pause. âIâd say thatâs pretty amazing.â
ââŚThanks.â
You let the moment sit, then added, a little more softly, âActually, I wanted to tell you. Soriâs adoption just got finalized today. Sheâs officially mine.â
His expression shifted instantly, something warm and pleased settling in.
âOh, Tang is going to be thrilled with that news.â
You laughed, the sound lighter now. âI think Tang secretly likes Sori, actually.â
âI do too.â Yoongi nodded. âBut she likes to pretend sheâs better than everyone.
The night had settled into something quieter by the time you both stepped out of Glasshouse, the city humming softly around you instead of roaring. The cool air brushed against your skin, a stark contrast to the warmth youâd been sitting in all evening.
You turned to him first, fingers curling slightly around your purse strap. âI had a really good time tonight,â you said, your voice softer now, stripped of the earlier teasing. âThank you.â
Yoongiâs gaze lingered on you for a second longer than necessary, like he was still somewhere inside the evening. âYeah,â he nodded, a small smile pulling at his lips. âMe too.â
You glanced around, instinctively reaching for your phone. âI should probablyââ
âDo you have a ride?â he asked, already watching you.
You blinked, then nodded lightly. âI was just going to order an Uber.â
There was a beat. Then, simply, âLet me take you home.â
Your eyes flicked back to his. âYou donât have to do that, Yoongi. You alreadyââ you gestured vaguely, ââpaid for everything.â
âI know.â His tone didnât waver, calm but firm. âIâd just feel better knowing you got home safely.â
Something in the way he said it made it hard to argue.
ââŚOkay,â you said after a second, a small smile tugging at your lips.
Yuri: 1, Y/n: 0
The walk to his car was short, but the night air had a bite to it. You didnât realize youâd shivered untilâ
âHere.â
You looked up just as Yoongi slipped his leather jacket off, stepping closer. The movement was easy, practiced, but your breath caught anyway as he draped it over your shoulders, his hands brushing lightly against your arms as he adjusted it.
Warm.
And it smelled like him.
Vanilla and pinewood.
You pulled the jacket a little closer around yourself, hoping he wouldnât notice the way your entire system had just rebooted.
He opened the passenger door for you, one hand resting against the top of it as he glanced at you.
You paused, raising a brow. âWho said chivalry was dead?â
His lips twitched. âGet in the car.â
You huffed out a small laugh and slid into the seat.
The drive was easy. Quieter than dinner, but not awkward. Yoongi handed control of the aux over without hesitation. âPlay something.â
You blinked at him. âI donât mind listening to whatever youââ
âI want to know what you listen to.â
There it was again. That simple, steady way he said things. That finality.
So you plugged your phone in.
After a second of scrolling, you picked somethingâ*Japanese Denim* by Daniel Caesar. Smooth, a little dreamy, the kind of song that filled space without demanding it.
Yoongi didnât say anything at first.
Just listened.
âThis fits you,â he said eventually.
You glanced at him. âWhat does that mean?â
He shrugged slightly, eyes still on the road. âItâs calm. But thereâs a lot going on underneath.â
âAre you psychoanalysing me through my music taste?â
Yoongiâs lips twitched, the corner of his mouth lifting just slightly as he glanced at you. âMaybe.â
You huffed, shaking your head as you looked back down at your phone, trying to ignore the way your chest had done a tiny, unnecessary flip. âYouâre so annoying.â
âMm,â he hummed, not even a little apologetic. Then added, almost absentmindedly. âYouâre cute when you get flustered,â
Your head snapped back toward him. âIâm not flustered.â
âYou are,â he said, calm as ever.
âIâm not,â you insisted, even as your voice betrayed you just slightly.
That earned you a quiet, satisfied hum, like heâd proven a point he hadnât even needed to argue. You looked away again, this time with a small, helpless smile tugging at your lips.
When the car pulled up outside your building, neither of you moved right away.
Then Yoongi was already stepping out, walking around to your side before you could even reach for the handle. He opened the door, offering his hand without thinking.
You took it.
The walk to your building was slow, neither of you rushing it, like the night wasnât quite ready to end yet.
You stopped just before the entrance and turned to him.
âThank you,â you said again, quieter this time. âFor tonight.â
His gaze held yours. âYou already said that.â
âI know,â you smiled faintly. âI just wanted to say it again.â
A small breath passed between you, neither of you moved. The air felt thinner somehow, like something was about to tip.
You didnât even realise you were doing it at firstâyour teeth catching your bottom lip, worrying it lightly as your nerves crept back in, as everything about this moment started to feel a little too real.
Yoongi noticed.
His gaze dropped to your lips.
ââŚYou should stop doing that,â he said, voice low, quieter than before.
You blinked, thrown. âWhat?â
His eyes flicked back up to yours, but only briefly, like it took effort. âBiting your lip.â
Your heart skipped, confusion flickering across your face.
ââŚWhy?â
There was a beat.
âBecause it makes me want to kiss you.â
Something in your chest flipped, steadying instead of spiraling this time. You swallowed, but you didnât look away.
âYou want to kiss me?â you asked, quieter, but braver now.
His lips parted slightly as he looked at you, something unguarded settling into his expression.
âSo badly.â
It hit you like a spark straight to your core, warming everything it touched. And for once, you didnât let your thoughts take over.
You stepped closer.
Just enough.
Yoongi stilled, eyes fixed on you, watching carefully, like he was giving you all the space in the world to decide the outcome of the evening.
âThen why donât you?â you murmured.
His gaze dipped again, then back up, slower this time.
âAre you giving me permission to?â
His hands came up, slow, deliberate, settling at your waist. Warm. Firm. Grounding.
Your breath caught, your hands hovering for a second before you nodded.
That was all he needed.
He leaned in.
You leaned in too, meeting him halfway like your body had already decided before your brain could catch up.
The kiss wasnât hesitant. The second Yoongi leaned in, it was sure. Certain.
Like the moment you nodded, something in him settled.
His hand tightened slightly against your waist as his lips met yours, firm and warm and devastatingly soft all at once. The breath left your lungs immediately, your fingers instinctively gripping the front of his shirt as your eyes fluttered shut.
He kissed you like heâd been thinking about it for a while.
Like he already knew exactly how he wanted to do it.
Slow enough to savor.
Deep enough to make your knees feel weak.
A quiet sound caught in your throat when he pulled you closer, the warmth of his body pressing against yours through the leather jacket still draped around your shoulders. His thumb moved slightly against your waist, grounding and gentle even as the kiss deepened, his mouth moving against yours with a confidence that made your head spin.
And god, he kissed beautifully.
Unhurried. Intentional.
Like he was paying attention to every tiny reaction you gave him.
Your hands slid upward, fingers curling against his shoulders before wrapping loosely around the back of his neck, instinctively drawing him closer. Yoongi responded immediately, his grip on your waist tightening just enough to make heat rush through your entire body.
The world around you blurred into nothing. No city noise. No passing cars.
Just him.
The faint taste of scotch still lingering on his lips. The scent of vanilla and pine surrounding you. The steady warmth of his hands holding you like he didnât want you going anywhere.
Your lips moved together like theyâd been building toward this for months without either of you fully realizing it.
Like every lingering glance and quiet walk and almost-flirting moment had led here.
When you finally pulled apart, it wasnât because either of you wanted to.
It was because breathing had suddenly become important again.
Your foreheads nearly brushed as you both stayed there for a second, close enough to feel each otherâs breath, equally wrecked.
A soft, disbelieving laugh escaped you first.
Yoongi huffed out one right after, quieter, like he couldnât quite believe it either.
And somehow that made everything feel even more real.
âIâve been wanting to do that for a while,â he admitted, voice low.
You bit your lip, heat rising all over again. ââŚIâve thought about it once or twice too.â
He raised a brow slightly. âOnly once or twice?â
You let out a soft scoff, lightly smacking his chest. âShut up.â
He laughedâsoft, real, warm. And then you were just⌠standing there again.
Looking at each other like something had shifted into place.
Eventually, you stepped back, reluctantly untangling yourself from him.
âGoodnight, Yoongi.â
âGoodnight.â
He took a few steps back, then turned toward his car.
You watched him go. Then you remembered.
âYoongi!â
He turned, eyebrows lifting.
You pointed at yourselfâmore specifically, at the jacket still wrapped around you.
A slow smile spread across his face.
âGive it back to me on Monday.â
And thenâbecause of courseâHe winked.
You just shook your head, smiling to yourself as you turned and finally walked into your building.
Your heart didnât settle the entire way up.
part 3 in the works :) will probably take longer to come out because iâm a student in exam szn
taglist
@imsorare @skzrracha @ineed-myspace @machalemon @dreamerwasfound @roro--i @love-forever-and-more @kingsqueensandvagabonds @busanbby-jjk @jajabro @chaosbunn1
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âś ON-GOING BTS FANFICS âś
Here are some BTS Fanfics series that Iâm currently reading! Just wanted to have them in one list so I dont forget. I will keep updating this list as the I read more fics!
Sweet On You by @redrose10
When a guarded billionaire offers you a paid arrangement, his money in exchange for your companionship, it sounds simple. No expectations. No emotions. Just fun for both of you. But somewhere between luxury trips, late-night conversations, and the way he almost kisses you on a moonlit beach, the lines between business and something far more dangerous begin to blur.
Anything You Can Do⌠by @yoongleboonglepie
You thought you hated Namjoon. He's annoyingly smart, frustratingly perfect, and always in your fucking way. Your mom thinks he's the best thing since sliced bread; You think he's the worst thing to ever walk this planet. Yet as your body starts to fail you, it seems he's the only one around enough to notice. And for some frustrating reasonâhe makes it his full-time job to care about it.
Wildest Soul by @borathae
âFor if she doesnât, he will never find calm.
The healer and the knight,
connected by fate,
find peace in each other
and comfort at night.â
Money and Power by @mnipretty
She comes from old money. Although many correlate money with power, she only has one. She wants- no, she needs power. When she meets him, richer, smarter, completely independent (and also fucking hot), she makes a plan to seek freedom. Marriage.
Liaison by @layover-mp7 completed â
Youâre Jungkookâs coordinator for the few days that he is in town for work. Youâre good at your job and don't tend to let the lines blur, but being at his beck and call gives him other ideas.
Help Wanted by @merakoo đ
In order to make ends meet you pick up a side job as the nanny of a brooding, cold perfectionist by the name of Jeon Jungkook â while in the process of doing so, you might've ended up twisting the narrative about your education just a little. Watching over a few children couldn't be too hard, right? Only Jungkook is very peculiar about how he wants things done â strict routines, meal plans and tedious study hours that make the Jeon estate feel more like a military camp than a home â and it's only a matter of time until cracks in the seemingly perfect facade begin to form
Arirang by @muniimyg
jungkook is freshly single after a long term relationship. oc has never really committed to anyone. in between their understanding of casualâtwo lines appear on a stickâand suddenly leaving, staying, and loving are something else entirely
Salt on the Shoreline by @jeonsdeerbaby
getting lost on an island wasnât part of jungkookâs plan.
he only came to jeju to escape the noise of the city for a while â no schedules, no expectations, no people who knew his name. just the sea, the wind, and quiet roads that stretched along the shoreline. meeting you wasnât part of the plan either. but somehow, between tangerine orchards, late sunsets, and the salt in the air, leaving the island starts to feel harder than staying.
Anatomy of a Vampire by @jeonstudios
a young man returns to a small town he hasn't seen in years, and a house he hasn't lived in since before the last president was born, only to find that a stray cat has given birth to kittens in his closet.
Bread and Breath by @tarathetic đ
Hazelâs home, once beautiful, now feels like a cage of grief after her husbandâs deathâmade heavier by a fragile, high-risk pregnancy. To survive, she hires Jeon Jungkook, a cold, precision-driven chef tasked with managing every meal for her and the growing baby inside her. Their agreement is simple: no emotions, no boundaries crossedâjust care and control. But in the quiet house, where knives echo and spices linger, distance begins to blur. His discipline falters as he notices too much; her broken heart begins to lean on his silent care. Between strict diets and stolen glances, tension buildsâsoft, dangerous, and impossible to ignore. Because somewhere between keeping her alive⌠and protecting the life within her, they begin to break every rule they ever set.
Between Collisions by @saltedcaramelcupcakes
It all began with a small accident. A small car crash. A name known by everyone. And a woman who chose to leaveâ not because she didnât care, but because she cared too much. Because sometimesâ love isnât about finding each other. Itâs about whether you can hold on⌠when the world tries to tear you apart.
Aphrodite in War by @jungblue
Everyone knew about the war that had been brewing on the edge of campus for the past two years. Sorority versus Fraternity; a showdown for the ages. However, when the escalating antics between them yields the consequence of possible suspensions for both chapters, the presidents of each house must come together to try and figure out how to end this battle... Which is kind of hard, considering they were the ones responsible for it in the first place.
Off The Record by @d2dayyoongi
You werenât looking for anything. Not between deadlines, late nights at the studio, and helping your best friend plan her wedding. Min Yoongi definitely wasnât either. But somewhere between shared silences, quiet understanding, an unbothered cat and a energetic puppy⌠something begins to shift.
To the authors °ââ.ŕłŕż*:シ
Thank you for your continuous hard work, and I hope you get all the time and rest to complete these amazing works of art.
thank you so much for the mention WTH đđ
OFF THE RECORD â PART TWO
summary đâ.Ë You werenât looking for anything. Not between deadlines, late nights at the studio, and helping your best friend plan her wedding. Min Yoongi definitely wasnât either. But somewhere between shared silences, quiet understanding, an unbothered cat and a energetic puppy⌠something begins to shift.
pairing đâ.Ë producer!yoongi x a&r coordinator!reader
word count đâ.Ë 4.3k (much shorter than p1 lol)
tags đâ.Ë non-idol au, coworkers to lovers, slow burn, strangers to something more, soft tension, mutual pining (eventually), slice of life, studio setting, pet meet-cute, tang the cat, sori the puppy, yoongi is quiet but not immune, reader is stressed and trying her best, found comfort, a little angst, a lot of softness, emotional slow build, he notices everything, she overthinks everything, smut (eventually)
notes đâ.Ë thank you for all the love on part one already ⥠i hope you enjoy this next chapter of these two idiots figuring things out
teaser âËęŠď˝Ą part one âËęŠď˝Ą part two
The rest of the week unfolded in the familiar quiet ease. All the tension from earlier that Monday had dissolved. You and Yoongi fell back into rhythm.
Only now, it felt⌠different.
Lighter.
You found yourself lingering in his studio more often, slipping into the now-familiar couch whenever your schedule allowed it. Between coordinating sessions, answering emails, and putting out the usual fires, you carved out small pockets of time where you could just⌠exist there.
And watch.
Yoongi worked the way youâd come to expect. Focused, precise, completely absorbed. But when Tablo was in the room, something shifted. The atmosphere loosened. There was an ease between them that only came from history, from trust built long before you stepped into the picture. Their conversations flowed between vocal takes, casual but sharp, layered with understanding that didnât need explaining.
You hadnât realized how much you enjoyed observing it.
It grounded you in a way you hadnât expected.
By Friday evening, the building had mostly emptied out.
You sat alone in the break room, a half-unwrapped sandwich in one hand, your tablet propped against the table. The soft glow of the screen lit your face as your finger scrolled through next weekâs schedule, adjusting times, double-checking bookings, mentally mapping out everything before it could become a problem.
One earphone rested in your ear, a quiet shuffle of songs playing low enough to blur into the background.
You exhaled slowly, taking a small bite.
Just a few more things.
Down the hall, Yoongi stretched his shoulders as he walked, hands tucked loosely into his pockets.
He hadnât meant to leave his studio for long. Just needed air. Space. Something other than the same four walls and the same looping melody that had started to sound like it was mocking him.
His steps were slow, unhurried, gaze drifting absentmindedly past open doors and dimmed rooms.
Most people had already left.
Which is why he noticed you immediately.
Through the break room doorway, head slightly tilted down, brows faintly drawn in concentration, completely absorbed in your work.
He slowed.
Paused for just a second.
Then kept walking. Two steps. Three.
He stopped.
There was a brief flicker of something across his expression before he exhaled quietly, turning back the way he came. His knuckles tapped lightly against the already open door.
Your head lifted instantly.
You pulled your earphone out, a small smile forming the moment you saw him.
âHi.â
âHey.â
He leaned slightly against the doorframe, gaze flicking briefly to the tablet in your hands, then back to your face.
âItâs late,â he said, voice low, even. âWhy are you still here?â
You glanced down at your screen, then back up, shrugging lightly.
âJust confirming a few schedules for next week,â you explained. âFigured if I finish it now, thatâs one less thing to deal with over the weekend.â
He nodded once, like that made perfect sense. It did.
A small silence settled between you.
But it wasnât awkward.
Then, he spoke, âYou going to the park?â
Your eyes flickered up to him, just slightly surprised at the question. For a second, you just looked at him. Then you glanced at the time on your tablet, huffing out a quiet breath.
âYeah,â you admitted. âItâs late but I still have to take Sori out.â
He nodded again, shifting his weight just slightly.
âWell,â he said, almost casually, âIâve got to take Tang.â
A beat.
His gaze held yours, steady.
ââŚSo Iâll see you there.â
You blinked, just a fraction caught off guard by how naturally he said it.
Like it was already decided.
Like this was just⌠a thing now.
ââŚYeah,â you said, a small smile tugging at your lips. âSee you there.â
Something softened in his expression, barely there. He gave a short nod, pushing off the doorframe.
âDonât stay too long,â he added, glancing once more at your tablet. âYou said you wanted your weekend.â
You let out a quiet laugh. âIâm wrapping up.â
He didnât respond to that, just gave you one last look before turning and heading back down the hall.
And for a moment, you just sat there.
Staring at the doorway heâd disappeared through.
Your fingers stilled against the screen.
A strange, warm feeling settled somewhere in your chest.
Not overwhelming.
Not confusing.
JustâŚsomething to look forward to.
This was the latest you had ever come to the park.
The lamps lining the paths cast soft pools of golden light, but beyond them, shadows stretched long and quiet. The usual daytime buzz was gone. No distant laughter, no clusters of people, no dogs pulling at their leashes in every direction.
Just stillness.
Which made it very easy to spot him.
Yoongi stood a little further down the path, Tang resting comfortably in his arms, her dark fur almost blending into the night. He noticed you almost immediately, shifting slightly as you approached.
And the second Sori caught sight of the small black shape, her entire body lit up. Her tail began wagging wildly as she let out an excited little yip, tugging at the leash like sheâd just spotted her new favorite person.
You let out a small breath of a laugh, tightening your grip slightly as you slowed to a stop in front of him.
âIâve never seen the park this empty before,â you said, your voice softer than usual in the quiet.
âYeah,â Yoongi replied, glancing around briefly before looking back at you. âThis is late even for me.â
âReally?â you asked, brows lifting slightly.
âWhy do you sound so surprised?â he huffed, though there was no real annoyance behind it as he bent down, gently placing Tang onto the gravel path.
Sori immediately bounded forward, nose twitching as she circled the cat with endless curiosity. Tang, on the other hand, simply walked forward at her own pace. Calm. Unbothered. Like this was beneath her.
You watched them for a second, a smile tugging at your lips.
âYou practically live at the studio,â you shrugged.
Yoongi glanced at you, then back at the path ahead as he started walking, hands slipping into his pockets. Tang followed beside him, leash loose, steps unhurried.
ââŚNot wrong,â he admitted.
You fell into step beside him, Sori trailing Tang like an overly enthusiastic shadow.
For a while, neither of you said anything. Just the soft crunch of gravel under your shoes. The quiet jingle of Soriâs collar. The steady rhythm of two people walking without needing to fill the space.
It was⌠easy. You werenât used to that.
Your fingers tightened slightly around the leash before you glanced over at him.
ââŚCan I ask you something?â
Yoongi didnât look at you right away, but you caught the slight tilt of his head.
âGo ahead.â
You hesitated for a second, like you were deciding how to phrase it.
âHow did you get into producing?â you asked finally. âLike⌠how did all of this start for you?â
He glanced at you briefly, then forward again, expression unreadable for a moment.
ââŚMiddle school,â he said after a beat.
You blinked, a little surprised. âThat early?â
âYeah.â
His voice was calm, but quieter now. Not guarded, exactly. Just⌠more inward.
âI started making music back then. Nothing serious at first. Just⌠messing around.â
You nodded, listening closely.
âMy parents didnât like it,â he continued. âThey didnât think it was something you could build a life on.â
Your brows knit slightly. âSo what happened?â
âI wanted to move to Seoul after high school,â he said. âThey wanted me to go to university first.â
You hummed softly. âSo you compromised.â
âSomething like that,â he replied. âApplied for a music program. Got in. Moved anyway.â
A small pause.
âBut I kept making music the whole time,â he added. âStarted getting attention. Small things at first. Then more.â
You smiled slightly. âAnd now youâre here.â
He huffed lightly, almost like a quiet laugh. âYeah.â
You let that settle for a second, watching Tang step neatly over a crack in the pavement, Sori immediately copying her like it was a game.
ââŚCan I ask something else?â you said after a moment.
Yoongi glanced at you again. âYou already are.â
You rolled your eyes a little, but smiled anyway.
âThe rumours,â you said, a bit more carefully this time. âAbout you.â
He didnât respond immediately. You saw the shift. Subtle, but there.
ââŚWhat about them?â he asked.
You hesitated, you werenât sure why you brought them up again. Then just said it.
âHow did they start?â
There was a beat of silence.
ââŚI donât really know how that started,â he said honestly. âIâve always just⌠worked the way I work.â
You tilted your head slightly and nodded.
âIâve just been⌠focused,â
He glanced at you, just briefly. âI donât like wasting time,â he added. âOr pretending things are good when theyâre not.â
âI think itâs kind of sad,â you admitted. âThat people see you like that.â
That made him look at you again.
âBecause youâre not,â you added, meeting his gaze. âYouâre not like that.â
There was a flicker of something in his expression. Quick. Gone just as fast.
ââŚWhat if I am,â he said, tone almost too casual. âAnd Iâm just lying to you?â
You stopped walking. Completely.
Which, of course, forced him to stop too. He turned slightly, looking back at you.
Your brows were drawn together, eyes fixed on him.
âThat would be really mean of you to admit when weâre in a park. In the dark. Alone.â you said, completely serious.
A quiet laugh slipped out of him.
Soft. Real.
âIâm joking,â he said, shaking his head slightly.
You narrowed your eyes at him, but the tension had already eased.
âThat wasnât funny.â
âLittle bit.â
You scoffed, but there was a smile tugging at your lips as you started walking again.
After a moment, the two of you drifted toward a nearby bench, settling down almost without discussion. Sori curled near your feet, still watching Tang like she was the most fascinating thing in the world. Tang, meanwhile, had already claimed a spot beside Yoongi like she owned it.
A quieter silence settled this time.
âCan I ask you something?â Yoongi said.
You blinked, a little surprised.
ââŚDepends,â you replied cautiously.
He glanced at you, unimpressed. âThatâs not how this works.â
You huffed. âFine. Go ahead.â
âHow did you end up here?â he asked. âIn music.â
Your grip on the leash tightened slightly, your gaze dropping to your hands. For a second, you considered giving him something simple. ButâŚ
âMy dad,â you said instead. âHe was a music teacher,â
You continued, voice softening without you meaning it to. âPiano, mostly.â
A faint smile tugged at your lips, distant.
âHe used to play all the time when I was younger. I think thatâs where it started.â
Yoongiâs head tilted slightly. âYou play?â
âUsed to,â you said. âHe taught me.â
A small pause settled.
âI was pretty serious about it, actually,â you admitted. âI wanted to be a pianist.â
You let out a quiet breath, your smile fading just a little.
âBut then he had an accident when I was in high school.â
The words were simple. You kept them that way.
âHeâs okay,â you added quickly, almost out of instinct. âHe just couldnât go back to teaching.â
Yoongi nodded once, expression unreadable but attentive.
âAnd I donât know,â you shrugged faintly. âI think that was the first time I really understood that loving something doesnât always mean you can build a life out of it.â
A beat.
âIâm the oldest,â you added. ââŚI had to be realistic. But, I still wanted music in my life.â
Your fingers loosened slightly around the leash.
âSo I applied to a music business program in Seoul with a scholarship.â
A faint smile returned, a little more grounded this time.
âI interned at the label during college.â you explained, âThen after I graduated, they offered me a job.â
You shrugged lightly. âAnd now Iâm here.â
Yoongi was quiet for a second. Then spoke, âWell, youâre good at what you do. Youâve definitely made my life a lot easier these past few weeks.â
Your eyes flickered up to him, ââŚThanks. Iâm glad to help.â
A brief pause followed, his gaze drifting ahead before settling back on you.
âSince weâre on this topic, Iâm thinking of putting in a request,â he said.
You blinked. ââŚFor what?â
âFor you to stay on as my A&R.â
The words landed a second late. ââŚWhat?â
âThey told me my coordinatorâs coming back next week,â he continued, tone steady. âBut Iâd rather not switch.â
Your brows pulled together slightly, still processing. âYou mean⌠you want me to keep working with you?â
He nodded once.
âWeâre already in the middle of Tabloâs record,â he said. âChanging people now will just slow things down and cause unnecessary problems.â
A small pause.
âAnd,â he added, quieter, âI like how you work.â
You held his gaze for a moment, then something in your expression shifted, just slightly.
ââŚSo,â you said, tilting your head, âwhat youâre saying is, you think we make a good team?â
Yoongiâs eyes narrowed a fraction, catching the tone immediately.
âIf you donât,â he replied flatly, âI wonât bother putting in the request.â
You let out a soft laugh, the sound lighter than before.
âOkay, okay,â you said, shaking your head. âDonât get dramatic.â
âIâm not.â
âYou are a little.â
He huffed quietly. You looked at him for a second longer, something warmer settling in your chest.
ââŚIâd like that,â you said.
âYouâd like what?â Yoongi smirked, leaning slightly closer.
âIâd like to keep working with you.â Your voice softened just slightly as you added, âWe make a good team.â
For a moment, neither of you spoke.
Yoongi gave a small nod.
âI think so too.â
Nearby, Sori shifted closer to Tang again, and this time, Tang didnât move away. Just flicked her tail once, tolerating her presence. You noticed immediately, a small smile forming.
âI think they like each other,â you said.
Yoongi glanced down, watching them for a second.
ââŚLooks like it.â
Your shoulder brushed his lightly as you leaned back against the bench.
Neither of you moved away.
And for a moment, under the soft glow of the park lights, with your pets settled close by and the world quiet around you, it felt like something had gently, quietly shifted into place.
Yuriâs apartment looked like a wedding had gently exploded inside it.
Fabric swatches in soft pastels were draped over the back of chairs, ribbons curled like sleeping snakes across the coffee table, and a half-open laptop displayed the fifteenth version of a seating chart. Somewhere in the middle of it all sat you, cross-legged on the rug, carefully tying small tags onto what Yuri insisted were âminimalist but meaningfulâ wedding favors.
Sori was sprawled beside you, chin resting on your thigh like sheâd personally clocked in for emotional support duty.
âI still think this is too much,â you muttered, holding up a finished tag.
Yuri didnât even look up. âItâs not too much, itâs thoughtful.â
âItâs excessive.â
âItâs elegant.â
âItâs going to make people feel guilty for not bringing good gifts.â
That earned you a laugh. Yuri finally glanced over, eyes soft as they flicked between you and Sori.
âWell, at least youâve got some emotional support,â she said, nodding toward the puppy.
You absentmindedly ran your fingers through Soriâs fur, the motion slow, familiar.
âMm,â you murmured.
There was a beat. Then Yuri tilted her head slightly.
ââŚHas there been any update? From the shelter?â
Your hand stilled for half a second before resuming its gentle rhythm.
âNo,â you said. âNothing yet.â
Another pause. This one heavier.
âIâve actually been thinkingâŚâ you started, quieter now, eyes fixed somewhere near Soriâs ear. âAbout maybe just keeping her.â
That got Yuriâs full attention.
âWhat?â she sat up straighter, excitement already sparking. âAre you serious?â
You huffed out a small breath, like you werenât entirely sure yourself.
âI meanâit makes sense,â you said. âSheâs already settled in. AndâŚâ you hesitated, then shrugged lightly, âIâve kind of gotten used to having her around.â
Yuriâs expression softened immediately.
âAwhhhh,â she cooed at the two of you.
Sori, completely unaware of the life decision being made on her behalf, blinked up at you and thumped her tail once. You smiled faintly.
âItâs just⌠nice,â you admitted. âComing home and not having it feel so quiet. And sheâs made friends at the park too. Thereâs a whole little routine now.â
Yuri was beaming.
âIâd die to see all the little puppies running around the park?â she exclaimed.
âActually, her favourite friend is a cat.â
Yuri visibly paused.
ââŚA what?â
You let out a small, sheepish laugh, already feeling heat creep up your neck.
âA cat,â you repeated. âSheâs black and her nameâs Tang. Sori loves her.â
Yuri stared at you like she was trying to solve a puzzle at lightning speed.
âIs this like a stray catâŚ?â she said slowly.
You looked down, suddenly very interested in fixing one of the tags that didnât need fixing.
âNo, thereâs an owner,â you added, like it wasnât a big deal.
âMm-hmm,â Yuri leaned forward, eyes narrowing. âAnd does this owner have a name?â
You hesitated just long moment, then nodded.
âUm⌠Min Yoongi.â
âOh my god! Itâs notââ you started quickly. âThe producer guy?â
You pressed your lips together, which was apparently all the confirmation she needed.
âITâS HIM,â Yuri practically shouted, grabbing a cushion and hitting your arm with it. âYouâve been meeting Yoongi at the park?!â
âWe run into each other,â you corrected weakly.
âRegularly?â
ââŚA few times a week.â
Yuri actually squealed. âYouâre joking. You are joking.â
âItâs not anything, stop freaking out.â you insisted, even as your voice betrayed you just slightly. âWe just walk them together. Thatâs it.â
âThatâs never just it,â she shot back immediately. âThis is like a prelude. This is chapter one. This is something.â
âIt is not,â you said, firmer now. âWeâre coworkers. And⌠friends.â
Yuriâs eyes dropped to your face, her expression shifting into something far too knowing.
ââŚThen why are you blushing?â
Your hand flew to your cheek like you could physically stop it.
âI am notââ
âYou are,â she grinned. âY/n, you havenât dated anyone in what, centuries? Suddenly thereâs a mysterious cat-owning producer in your life and Iâm supposed to believe this is nothing?â
âIt is nothing,â you insisted again, though it came out quieter this time. Because now your brain had decided to join the conversation.
Coworkers. Friends. Walking together. Talking. Sitting on benches maybe a little too close. Laughing more easily than you usually did.
The way he noticed things.
The way you⌠noticed him.
The way those walks had slowly become routine without either of you ever saying it out loud. Finishing work and subconsciously checking the time. Taking Sori out a little later than necessary just to catch him with Tang. The quiet rhythm youâd fallen into. Side by side, not talking for minutes at a time, and somehow it never felt awkward.
You werenât like this. You didnât let people slip into your life this easily, didnât let them carve out space in your day without questioning it. Work had always come first, neatly organised, controlled. People stayed in their lanes. Boundaries were clear.
But somewhere between Tang lazily circling Sori, his dry comments that caught you off guard just enough to make you laugh, and the quiet refuge of his studio becoming part of your routine, those lines had⌠blurred.
You blinked, trying to push the spiral away.
âYoongi is just a friend.â you said finally.
Yuriâs expression softened again, but the excitement didnât fade.
âI just want you to be happy, y/n.â she said gently.
You exhaled, leaning back slightly, your hand finding Sori again like an anchor.
âI know you do,â you murmured, more to yourself than to her. âI promise, Iâm fine.â
Yoongi looked down at his watch. You were supposed to meet him at your bench almost ten minutes ago.
Your bench.
The thought sat there for a second longer than it should have.
âWhy the long face?â
He looked up. There you were.
A teasing smile playing on your lips, eyes brighter than usual like you already knew youâd caught him waiting. You unclipped Soriâs leash, and the puppy bolted toward him like a tiny, overexcited missile.
Yoongi forced his gaze away from you and down to Sori, who was already pawing at his leg like she had a personal vendetta against standing still.
Heâd never considered himself a dog person. Still didnât, technically.
But he had definitely come to have a soft spot for Sori.
And maybe an even softer one for her foster mom.
He crouched slightly, scratching behind Soriâs ear, earning an immediate, aggressive tail wag.
âYouâre late,â he said, glancing up at you briefly.
âRelax,â you shot back, hands slipping into your jacket pockets as you stepped closer. âIt was barely ten minutes.â
âAnything can happen in ten minutes.â
Your brows lifted, something playful flickering across your face.
âAwh,â you tilted your head just slightly, âwere you worrying about me, Yoongi?â
He rolled his eyes on instinct, but there was a faint smirk tugging at his mouth that he didnât bother hiding.
âYouâre not that important.â
âWow,â you pressed a hand to your chest dramatically. âAfter everything weâve been through. Did you forget you wanted me to stay on as your A&R?â
âAlright. Alright, no need to rub it in.â He huffed out a quiet laugh.
It still caught him off guard sometimes.
This version of you.
Not the composed, tightly wound A&R coordinator who walked into his studio with a schedule in one hand and coffee in the other. Not the one who spoke professionally, measured every word, kept everything in place like it might fall apart otherwise.
This you was⌠lighter. Looser.
Your smiles came easier out here, less restrained, real enough that your eyes crinkled at the corners. Your laugh, when it slipped out fully, had no filter at all, sudden and bright like it surprised even you.
And somehow, heâd gotten used to being on the receiving end of it.
He straightened as Tang padded on at her usual unbothered pace, immediately ignoring Soriâs attempts to initiate chaos.
You fell into step naturally after that.
No discussion. No hesitation.
Just⌠walking.
It had become easy. Too easy.
Yoongi slipped his hands into his pockets, gaze drifting ahead as Sori trotted slightly ahead of you both while Tang stayed close to his side.
Heâd gotten to know you like this, in the quiet spaces between conversation.
The way you hummed under your breath sometimes when it got too quiet. The way you absentmindedly reached down to pet Sori even when she wasnât asking for it. The way youâd go from reserved to unexpectedly funny in a split second, catching him completely off guard with something so dry it took him a second to process it before he was laughing.
It wasnât a version of you many people at work really saw.
But he did.
And he liked it.
More than he probably should.
Actuallyâno.
He didnât bother with shoulds.
He liked you.
That was it.
No point pretending otherwise.
His gaze flicked toward you again, lingering for just a second before he spoke.
âYou never answered me,â he said. âWhy were you late?â
âI was at a friendâs place, Yuri,â you said. âSheâs getting married soon, Iâve been helping her plan everything.â
Yoongi glanced at you briefly, interest quiet but present.
âYouâre close?â
You nodded.
âYeah. Weâve known each other since college.â
Beside him, you kicked lightly at a stray pebble before speaking again. âSo⌠Iâve been thinking,â you started, a little more quietly this time.
He glanced at you.
âYouâre always thinking.â
You shot him a look.
âDo you want me to continue orââ
âGo on.â
You exhaled, then said it in one breath, like if you slowed down you might overthink it. âIâve been thinking about keeping Sori.â
Yoongi didnât even pause.
âI think thatâs a great idea.â
You blinked at him, clearly not expecting the immediate response. ââŚYou do?â
He glanced down briefly at the puppy in question, who was now attempting to chew on a leaf like it had personally offended her.
âSheâs basically already yours,â he said simply.
Something in your expression softened at that.
âAre you sure?â you asked, and there was something quieter under it now. âI meanâitâs a big responsibility.â
He stopped walking. That alone was enough to make you stop too. When you looked at him, he was already looking at you.
Steady. Certain.
âWell, itâs a responsibility youâve already taken on. You love her,â he said.
âAnd she clearly loves you,â he added, nodding once toward Sori, who had now circled back and was leaning against your leg like she belonged there.
There was a brief silence. The kind that settled, not stretched. You looked down at Sori, then back up at him, something warmer sitting behind your eyes now.
ââŚThanks,â you said softly.
Then, after a beat, a small smile tugged at your lips.
Your days had slipped into a rhythm so seamless it almost felt rehearsed. Work, park, dinner, sleep. Somewhere in between, frantic bursts of wedding planning with Yuri and the occasional moment where you actually sat still long enough to breathe.
It shouldâve felt monotonous.
It didnât.
Because somewhere along the way, parts of your day had started to⌠matter more than the rest.
Like the mornings.
Walking into the building, knowing youâd end up in Yoongiâs studio within the hour, tablet in hand, going over schedules like always. Except now it wasnât just work. It was the way heâd already be there, half-listening but always catching the important parts. The way your conversations drifted off track sometimes, just slightly, before snapping back into place.
Or the afternoons, when you found yourself gravitating toward his studio without really thinking about it. Sitting in the corner, pretending to focus on your own work while the low hum of whatever he was producing filled the space. Comfortable. Quiet.
And then the park.
You didnât meet every day. You told yourself that was a good thing.
Normal.
But on the days you did, something about everything else felt⌠lighter. Like the edges of your day softened a little.
Which didnât make sense. At all.
You werenât the kind of person who built their routine around someone else. You didnât depend on people like that, didnât let them slip into your life in ways you couldnât clearly define.
Why did seeing him in the morning feel like something to look forward to?
Why did sitting in his studio feel like a break instead of an extension of work?
Why did a simple walk in the park with him feel like the best part of your day?
You exhaled quietly, shaking your head at yourself.
It wasnât anything. It couldnât be.
You were coworkers. Friends. That was it.
There was no neat label for whatever this feeling was, no clear explanation, and that alone was enough to keep your thoughts circling back to it, over and over, like your brain was trying to solve something that didnât want to be solved.
Still, you didnât hate it. That was the problem.
This week, though, had shattered whatever calm routine youâd settled into. The label had landed a major opportunity. A collaboration with PSY for his upcoming single. And he wanted to work with Yoongi.
As Yoongiâs A&R, that meant your workload had doubled overnight.
Coordination, scheduling, managing sessions, handling communication between teams, keeping everything moving without letting anything fall through the cracksânot just for this project, but for every other artist and producer you were already working with.
It was hectic.
Relentless.
And if you were being honest, it left you with very little time to think about anything else.
Except, somehow, him.
The building had thinned out hours ago, the usual buzz replaced with a kind of late-night hush that made every sound feel sharper. Your footsteps echoed softly down the hallway as you slowed in front of Yoongiâs studio door, fingers hovering for a second before you nudged it open just enough to peek in.
Youâd only meant to check if he was still here.
Maybe remind him to go home.
But your thoughts stalled.
Yoongi was hunched forward in his chair, elbows on his knees, one hand pressed to his temple like he was trying to physically hold his thoughts together. The dim glow of the monitor painted tired shadows under his eyes, his hair slightly mussed from what looked like repeated frustrated runs of his hands through it.
Something in your chest tightened.
You pushed the door open a little wider.
ââŚYoongi?â
He stilled for half a second before looking up. The shift was immediate. The faint release in his shoulders. The way his expression softened just slightly when his eyes landed on you, like your presence alone took the edge off something.
ââŚYouâre still here,â he said, voice rougher than usual.
You stepped inside fully this time, closing the door quietly behind you.
âSo are you,â you replied, brows knitting as you walked closer. âYou okay?â
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.
âYeah,â he said automatically.
You didnât stop walking.
âLiar.â
That earned the smallest huff of breath that mightâve been a laugh on a better day.
You stopped beside his desk, glancing at the screen, then back at him.
âItâs the PSY track?â you asked.
He nodded once, dragging a hand down his face. âItâs not⌠landing the way I want it to.â
Your gaze softened.
A project like that wasnât just important, it was high-pressure in a way that didnât leave room for off days. And Yoongi didnât do things halfway.
âHave you slept?â you asked quietly.
A pause.
ââŚDefine slept.â
You sighed, crossing your arms lightly. âYoongi.â
âIâm fine,â he insisted, but it lacked conviction.
Your eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before you stepped a little closer, close enough to rest your hand lightly on the edge of his desk.
âYou donât have to get it perfect tonight, weâve still got time.â you said, softer now. âYouâve been working on this nonstop for days. At some point your brainâs just going to start working against you.â
He looked at you then. Really looked.
And for a second, the room felt smaller.
âYou always this gentle with your producers?â he asked.
Your breath caught ust slightly.
âWhat?â
âYou,â he clarified, gaze steady, something faintly amused threading through his exhaustion. âYou talk like that to everyone, or am I getting special treatment?â
Oh.
Your brain did not like that.
Why would he say that? Why would he say it like that? Why is he looking at me like that? Is heâno. No, heâs tired. Heâs just tired. This is a sleep-deprived man speaking. This is not real.
You blinked, forcing your expression to stay neutral.
âI talk like this to anyone who looks like theyâre about to pass out in their chair,â you said, aiming for light.
He hummed, like he didnât quite believe you.
Silence stretched for a beat. Not uncomfortable.
But⌠it felt charged.
You cleared your throat, glancing away for a second before looking back at him.
âYou should go home soon,â you said. âGet some actual rest. Youâll hear things differently in the morning.â
He didnât respond immediately. Instead, his gaze dropped, briefly, to your hand where it rested against the desk.
Your breath hitched.
His fingers had brushed against yours.
Light. Barely there.
But intentional enough that it sent something sharp and electric up your arm.
Your eyes snapped to his.
He hadnât pulled away.
âIf I listen to you,â he said slowly, âyou have to do something for me too.â
Your brain fully short-circuited.
âWhat?â
His thumb shifted slightly against the side of your hand, not quite holding it, but not moving away either. Like he was testing the space. Like he was waiting to see if youâd pull back first.
You didnât.
âYouâre always the one giving orders,â he murmured. âSeems fair that I finally get something in return.â
Orders?
Fair?
What is that supposed to mean. What is that tone. Why is heâ
You swallowed, trying very hard to keep your expression from betraying the absolute spiral happening internally.
âIâm notâ I wasnât giving orders,â you said, a little too quickly. âI was justâsuggesting. For your health. And your work. Which I manage. So itâs technically my job toââ
Great. Now you were rambling.
His lips twitched.
Oh, he thought this was funny.
âRelax,â he said, softer now, but there was something in his eyes that hadnât been there before. âIâm kidding.â
And that was somehow worse.
Because now your brain was trying to rewind the last ten seconds, analyse tone, word choice, eye contact, hand placementâ
Oh my god his hand.
Your gaze dropped instinctively.
Still there. Still lightly brushing yours.
You pulled your hand back like youâd just remembered it existed.
âRight,â you said, clearing your throat as you adjusted your tablet. âYeah. Funny.â
Smooth.
He leaned back in his chair, watching you for a moment like he was trying to piece something together.
âYouâre off?â he asked.
You nodded quickly, grateful for the shift. âYeah. I was just checking if you were still alive before I left.â
âBarely.â
That pulled a small, real smile from you despite everything.
âGo home,â you said again, softer this time. âPlease.â
He held your gaze for a second longer, then nodded.
âYeah,â he said. âI will.â
You lingered. Just for a second.
Then turned toward the door before you could overthink that too.
âGoodnight, Yoongi.â
âNight, Y/n.â
You stepped out into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind you.
Silence.
You stopped walking. Stared straight ahead. And exhaled.
ââŚWhat the hell was that.â
Because there was no way that was normal.
Whatever that wasâŚ
It was no longer sitting comfortably in the âjust coworkersâ box.
Not even close.
The moment the door swung open, you barely had time to step inside before you were engulfed in a pair of long arms.
âY/N!â Hoseokâs arms wrapped around you in a dramatic squeeze, nearly lifting you off your feet. âLook who finally remembered she has friends.â
âI saw you yesterday,â you huffed into his shoulder, though you couldnât help smiling.
âAt work,â he pulled back, hands still on your arms, pouting now. âWhich doesnât count. And even thenââ his eyes narrowed, ââI feel like I barely see you at the company recently.â
You rolled your eyes, slipping off your shoes. âIâve been busy.â
âBusy,â Namjoon echoed from the living room, tone slightly teasing. âYeah. Weâve heard.â
You turned just in time to see him leaning back against the couch, arms crossed, a knowing look on his face. Your eyes squinted at him as your approach, lifting your arms to settle around his shoulders.
âWith a certain someone,â he added mid hug, not even trying to be subtle.
âOh fuck off.â You rolled your eyes, but there was no real bite behind it.
âI mean,â Jimin chimed in, grinning as you moved in to hug him, âI have also been seeing you around his studio a lot lately.â
You shot him a look. âI work there.â
âWait,â Kim Taehyung leaned forward from where he was sprawled across the couch, interest immediately piqued. âIâm out of the loop. Whatâs happening?â
âNothing,â you said quickly, already moving down the line to hug Jungkook and then Seokjin, who gave you a fond pat on the head.
When you reached Taehyung, he was pouting. You exhaled through your nose, âYoongiâs working on PSYâs new track,â you explained, âThe deadlineâs tight. Iâm his A&R. Thatâs it.â
Silence.
âOkay,â Namjoon said easily, lifting his hands in surrender.
âFair enough,â Jimin nodded, already turning toward the living room.
âFoodâs getting cold,â Taehyung added, pushing himself off the couch like the topic had never existed.
And just like that, they dropped it.
No teasing. No pressing.
You blinked, momentarily thrown, suspicion flickering across your face as you followed them in. ââŚThatâs it?â
Hoseok slung an arm over your shoulders, steering you toward the spread. âWhat? We canât be mature?â
You narrowed your eyes. âSince when?â
âSince Iâm starving,â he shot back, already reaching for a container.
The living room quickly filled with the warm chaos youâd missed. Takeout containers from Seokjinâs restaurant were spread across the table, the smell alone enough to make your shoulders finally drop an inch.
âBefore we eat,â Seokjin announced, clapping his hands once, âI have news.â
âYouâre getting married?â Taehyung gasped.
âYahââ Seokjin swatted at him. âMy restaurant was ranked top ten in the city.â
âOh my god, hyung,â Jungkookâs eyes went wide. âThatâs huge.â
âIn Michelin Guide Seoul?â Namjoon asked, already impressed.
Seokjin tried to stay composed and failed.
âMaybe.â
The room erupted.
You leaned forward, grinning. âThatâs incredible. Jin, seriously.â
âOf course it is,â he said, preening slightly. âDid you expect anything less?â
âAlways humble,â you muttered, earning a kick under the table from Hoseok.
âAnd you?â Jimin nudged Jungkook. âYou said you had something to tell us too.â
âOhâyeah,â Jungkook scratched the back of his neck, suddenly shy. âI got an internship. For the summer. Abroad.â
âWhat?â you blinked. âWhere?â
âLA.â
âNo wayââ you sat up straighter. âKook, thatâs amazing.â
Everyone chimed in at once, congratulations overlapping until it became noise.
âYouâll be gone all summer?â you asked, watching the boy nod nervously. âIâm going to miss you,â you added, softer, nudging his shoulder. âBut this is an amazing opportunity. Iâm so proud of you.â
âThank you, noona.â
Namjoon snorted. âHey! If you meet Halsey, you better get me a video message from her.â
Jungkook laughed. âThatâs your priority?â
âAbsolutely.â
Everyone laughed.
âAnd you?â You turned to Jimin. âMr. Hot Shot Idol.â
Jimin groaned. âTour prep. Iâm tired already.â
âYour fault for being famous,â Hoseok said cheerfully.
âAs my main producer it also your fault too,â Jimin shot back.
For a moment, the laughter around you softened into something warmer. You glanced between them allâHoseok mid-retort, Namjoon already shaking his head, Taehyung leaning back like he was watching a show, Jungkook grinning into his drinkâand felt something in your chest loosen.
This.
This was your constant.
No matter how chaotic work got, no matter how much your thoughts tangled themselves up lately, you had this circleâsteady, loud, familiar in the best way. You didnât say it out loud, but the gratitude sat quietly beneath your ribs, glowing.
You were still smiling when it slipped out.
âI actually have news too⌠I submitted adoption papers for Sori.â
Silence. Then chaos.
âWHAT?â Hoseok practically launched himself across the table. âYOUâRE KEEPING HER?â
âYeah,â you laughed, a little overwhelmed. âI think so.â
âThatâs it,â he pointed at you. âIâm going to be her favorite best friend.â
You snorted. âYouâve got tough competition.â
The words left your mouth before your brain caught up.
âWhat do you mean competition?â he pouted.
âItâs nothing,â you said quickly, reaching for your drink.
âNo, come on, explain,â Namjoon leaned forward.
âYou canât leave us hanging,â Taehyung added, delighted.
You shook your head. âSoriâs absolutely obsessed with a cat we met at the park I walk her at.â
âA cat?â Jimin blinked.
âHer nameâs Tang,â you said, already regretting everything. âHer owner walks her at the park sometimes, and Sori likes her, soââ
âA cat being walked? What type of cat owner is this guy?â Jungkook pressed.
You hesitated.
âUm, actuallyâitâs Yoongi.â
The reaction was immediate.
âWhatââ Hoseok fell back dramatically.
âOh my god?!â Jimin pointed.
Namjoon shook his head, smiling. âOf course itâs Yoongi.â
âWe justââ you said quickly, heat creeping up your neck. âWe walk our pets together, sometimesââ
âHow often is âsometimesâ?â Seokjin asked, joining in on the apparent interrogation that had begun.
ââŚA few times a week.â
The room exploded.
âY/N!â
âThatâs not sometimes!â
âGirlââ
You groaned, dropping your face into your hands. âYou guys are overreacting. Weâre just friends.â
There was a brief pause, the kind that didnât interrupt the flow of the room so much as subtly redirect it. Namjoon hummed in acknowledgment, not disagreeing, not agreeing either, just letting the statement sit. Jimin nodded along a little too easily, and Taehyung reached for another bite of food with an expression that was suspiciously neutral.
Jungkook shrugged, but the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth gave him away. Even Hoseok, leaning back comfortably, didnât jump in to argue. They didnât need to. The air itself felt like it was quietly calling your bluff.
You frowned, lowering your hands slightly. ââŚYou guys are making me really nervous right now.â
âWe donât want you to feel nervous,â Namjoon said, pulling you in with an arm around your shoulders.
Another pause followed, softer this time, like the conversation was circling something without quite landing on it. Then Jungkook spoke again, more casually. âI have a question: isnât he the guy people say is kind of hard to work with?â
âHe is, butââ you said immediately, the response sharp enough to cut through the room. âHeâs not like that.â
That did it. Now they were all looking at you properly, and you didnât even hesitate as you continued, your tone firm, almost defensive without you meaning it to be.
âHe can be a bit blunt sometimes. He just doesnât like to waste time, and yeah, I guess that can come off as intimidating if you donât know him, but heâs not rude or anything. Heâs actually really respectful. And nice.â You slowed slightly toward the end, your certainty softening into something more thoughtful.
The silence that followed wasnât empty. It was full in a way that made you suddenly aware of how much you had just said. You shifted slightly, your confidence faltering under the weight of their attention.
Namjoon tilted his head, watching you carefully. âSounds like youâve gotten to know him pretty well.â
Your stomach flipped. âAgain, we work together,â you replied, but it didnât land the way you wanted it to.
Jimin hummed again, softer now, like he was piecing something together, while Taehyung added lightly, âAnd how did the park happen?â
âWe bumped into each other there months ago,â you explained. âSori fell pretty much head over heels for Tang the moment she saw her.â The thought made you let out a small huffed laugh. âWeâve been meeting up after work a few times a week ever since.â
Hoseok leaned forward slightly then, his tone gentler, less teasing and more deliberate. âDo you like spending time with him?â
âI mean⌠yeah.â The answer came out before you could stop it, and you froze immediately after, blinking as if youâd just heard yourself for the first time. You tried to recover, your voice quieter now. âHeâs easy to be around.â
âEasy how?â Namjoon asked, not pushing, just guiding.
You hesitated, searching for something that made sense, something that didnât feel like stepping into something bigger than you were ready for.
ââŚI donât have to think too much,â you admitted. âItâs just⌠comfortable.â Your fingers shifted in your lap, restless now, your thoughts no longer lining up neatly. You added, almost absentmindedly, âAnd he makes me laugh.â
âThat is adorable,â Taehyung said, smiling into his drink.
You heard Jimin hiss and lightly smack his arm. Your eyes stayed fixed on your fingers twisting together in your lap, but you couldnât help the small, subconscious smile that graced your lips at Taehyungâs comment.
You didnât argue, but your mind had already betrayed you, pulling up moments you hadnât consciously invited. His dry comments catching you off guard. The way his mouth would tilt just slightly when you said something he found funny. The way he watched you sometimes, not intense, not overwhelming, just⌠present. The way youâd started to look for that presence without even realizing it.
Hoseokâs voice came again, softer now, almost careful. âDo you look forward to seeing him?â
Your chest tightened, and this time there was no immediate denial waiting to jump out. Just a quiet, reluctant truth that settled before you could push it away.
ââŚYeah.â
The word barely left your lips, but it was enough. Something shifted, not in the room, but in you. You stared down at your hands, but now it felt different, like everything was rearranging itself whether you wanted it to or not.
Coworkers. Friends. Walks you didnât skip, even when you were exhausted. His studio becoming somewhere you lingered longer than necessary. The way your day felt lighter just knowing youâd see him.
Your breath caught.
ââŚOh.â
It slipped out softly, almost startled, like you hadnât meant to say it at all. No one interrupted. No one rushed to fill the space. They just let you sit in it, and somehow that quiet made it impossible to ignore.
You exhaled slowly, shaking your head like you could undo it, but the realization had already settled, clear and steady beneath everything else.
ââŚI think I like him.â
The words felt heavier than you expected, more real now that they were out in the open, and almost immediately, panic followed close behind. You dropped your head back with a groan. âOh my god, this is bad.â
âWhy is it bad?â Jungkook asked, genuinely curious.
âBecause we work together,â you said quickly, sitting up again, your thoughts racing now. âThis could ruin everything. Our dynamic, the sessions, theââ you gestured vaguely, ââthe park. Our walks, our⌠whatever this is. Itâs good right now. Itâs easy. What if I make it weird?â
âYou wonât,â Jimin said simply.
âYou donât know that,â you shot back, but there was less conviction behind it now.
Hoseok leaned forward again, steady and grounding. âHe likes having you around. That much is obvious.â
Your heart stuttered. ââŚYou also donât know that. What if heâs just tolerating me because we work together?â
Namjoon smiled faintly. âTrust me, I donât think thatâs the case.â
âAnd you wonât ruin anything if you donât let yourself ruin anything,â Seokjin added, more serious now. âDonât worry so much.â
You deadpanned at Seokjin. âI have no idea what you mean. Me and worrying?â
The others let out light chuckles. Seokjin gave you a really? look, which only made your lips twitch into a small smile.
You let your head fall back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling as your thoughts continued to spiral, faster now, louder, but underneath it all, something had settled into place. Clear. Quiet. Unavoidable.
You like Yoongi.
You were loitering. At least, thatâs what anyone passing by in the hallway would have thought. You bit your lower lip, glancing at the door to Yoongiâs studio, fingers hovering uncertainly near the handle. You had just gotten word that PSY loved how the track was sounding so far, and you wanted to tell Yoongi. Maybe help him relax, even just a little.
What you didnât realise was that Yoongi wasnât in his studio.
He was walking down the hall toward you.
His brows furrowed slightly when he spotted you lingering outside his door, your hand hovering like you couldnât quite commit. He slowed, watching you for a second, before stepping closer.
âHey.â
âShit!â You flinched, jumping backâstraight into him. Your back bumped lightly against his chest, the sudden contact sending your thoughts scattering.
You spun around immediately, pulling your limbs in close, like you were trying to fold yourself smaller.
âSorry, I didnât mean to scare you.â
You shook your head quickly. âNo, no. IâI was just coming to find you. I have news.â
Yoongi tilted his head, taking a small step closer. Your breath hitched as his hand reached past you, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him at your side. He was so near you could catch his cologne, something soft and groundingâvanilla threaded with pine.
The door clicked open.
âShall we?â
You blinked up at him, subconsciously holding your breath as you nodded. You took a small step back into the doorway before turning and slipping inside. Yoongi followed, closing the door quietly behind him.
You retreated to your usual spot on the couch. Normally, you would sink into it, letting out a quiet breath, like everything outside this room simply⌠didnât exist. But today, your body stayed slightly tense, shoulders held tighter than usual.
Yoongi didnât take his usual place at the swivel chair.
Instead, he sat down beside you.
âSo⌠whatâs up?â he asked, pulling your attention from your hands back to him.
âOhâumâŚâ You straightened slightly. âPSYâs management told me he really loves what youâve done with the track so far.â
âReally?â Yoongi said, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. âI still wasnât sure about it when I sent it in.â He dropped his face into his hands, dragging his fingers through his hair. âThank god he likes it.â
You watched him, catching that genuine glint of relief, of quiet happiness. Youâd seen how hard heâd been pushing himself for this trackâlate nights, early mornings, barely stopping long enough to breathe.
Your chest tightened, something soft and fond curling there.
A smile found its way onto your lips.
âYou should trust yourself more, Yoongi,â you said gently, and he looked up at you, your eyes meeting. âAnd sleep is very important too.â
His lips curved, slow and real, breaking into that soft, gummy smile that always seemed to catch you off guard. He looked away, nodding once. âYeah, I owe you for that. You were right. I just needed to rest and everything came together.â
âDonât act surprised, Iâm always right,â you teased.
A quiet, breathy laugh slipped out of him, and it did something strange to youâlike it travelled straight through your chest and settled somewhere deeper. Some of the tension in your shoulders eased without you even realising.
âI think we deserve to celebrate then.â
You frowned slightly. âCelebrate?â
Yoongi nodded, glancing back at you. âThis is good news and, like I said, I owe you.â
âNo, no. Yoongi, you donât owe me anything. I was justââ
He let out a low groan, cutting you off. âWill you just let me do a nice thing for you?â
You pressed your lips together, looking down, a little flustered now, before giving in with a small nod.
âGood. Friday, after work. Glasshouse.â
You blinked. âGlasshouse? That place is expensive.â
âY/n, let me do something nice.â
âThat place is too nice,â you argued weakly.
Yoongi had already pushed himself off the couch, moving back to his desk. He dropped into his chair, grabbing his headphones.
âIâm going to get back to work now.â
âYoonââ You stopped yourself as he slipped the headphones over his ears, turning away, already elsewhere.
Silence settled over the room, broken only by the faint thrum of bass leaking from his headphones.
Your eyes stayed fixed on the back of his chair, your mind spinning faster than you could keep up with.
Friday? Glasshouse? Nice?
âLadies and gentlemen, after years, Ms. Y/n has a date with a human man!â
âWho are you talking to?â You waddled out of your bathroom in yet another dress, the fourth one youâd tried on. Your eyes landed on Yuri. She was standing on your bed with the brightest grin on her face, Sori perched at the edge beside her, tail wagging like she was part of the audience. âAnd this is not a date.â
Yuri frowned. âYouâve been saying that for two days, but here you are putting in a little too much effort for a ânot-dateâ.â
You turned away, your expression tightening slightly as you faced the full-length mirror. The dress suddenly felt wrong. Too much. Not enough. You couldnât even tell anymore.
You didnât respond, because Yuri was right.
Your mind had been ping-ponging nonstop since Yoongi asked. Every possible angle, every possible implication. This couldnât be a date. It was just a celebration. A thank you. A nice thing, like he said.
He never called it a date.
ButâŚ
âI donât think a dress is the way to go.â You turned back to Yuri. She studied you for a second, then nodded slowly.
âYeah, thatâs not a great dressâŚâ
âHey! Rude.â
âI say that with only love for you in my heart, babe.â You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at your lips. Yuri hopped off the bed in one quick motion and made a beeline for your closet. âHow about⌠this!â
She pulled out a white mini skirt you hadnât worn since college, holding it up like sheâd just discovered treasure. âYou always looked so hot in this.â
âYuri!â you groaned, already feeling your face warm.
âPlease! Come on.â She pouted, clasping her hands together dramatically. âFine, itâs not a date. But just in case, I want to make sure you make Min Yoongi forget every other girl heâs ever seen in his life.â
Your head snapped slightly to the side, heat blooming across your neck and cheeks at the thought. The image came uninvited. Yoongi looking at you, really lookingâ
You shut it down immediately.
This is not a date.
You didnât say a word. You just reached out and snatched the skirt from her hands, which earned you an excited squeal that echoed off your walls.
Turning back to your closet, your fingers brushed past hangers until they stilled.
A red camisole you forgot you had.
Deep, slightly sheer, soft in a way that felt⌠dangerous.
Your stomach flipped.
You hesitated for half a second, then pulled it out anyway.
Behind you, Yuri clapped. âGo try it on!â
You exhaled slowly, like you were bracing yourself for something bigger than just an outfit, and disappeared back into the bathroom. When you stepped out again, the room felt quieter for a beat.
Yuriâs eyes lifted from her phone. Her hand, mid-pet over Soriâs head, stilled completely. Her jaw dropped.
You shifted your weight slightly, suddenly very aware of your own body, of the way the fabric sat against your skin, of how different this felt from anything you usually wore. âHow does it lookâŚ?â
âYouâre making me question getting married to Daniel⌠and my sexuality.â
You let out a mortified sound, immediately hiding your face in your hands, but you were smiling despite yourself. Warmth spread through your chest, soft and familiar. Your brain quietly added another reason to the ever-growing list of why you were so grateful to have Yuri in your life.
And underneath that, a quieter thought.
What is he going to think?
Your stomach dipped again.
âAlright, now sit down.â Yuri slid off the bed, already moving, already in charge. She patted the seat in front of your vanity. âLet me do your hair.â
You dropped your hands from your face, exhaling softly as you moved toward her, catching your reflection one more time in the mirror.
Your heart skipped.
This is not a date.
âŚRight?
âI canât believe my best friend is dropping me off at a dateââ
âAha!â Yuri exclaimed, shooting you a victorious look. âSo you admit this is a date.â
âNo. That was anââ You cut yourself off with a frustrated exhale, giving up halfway through the argument. Because, honestly, the closer you got to Glasshouse, the harder it was to ignore the very loud, very inconvenient voice in your head insisting that this was, in fact, a date.
Which was not helping your nerves.
âWhatever,â you muttered, crossing your arms slightly. âStill canât believe you convinced me into this.â
Yuri shrugged, completely unbothered. âItâs on my way home.â
âHow am I supposed to get home?â
A slow, knowing smirk spread across her lips, her eyes flicking toward you for just a second before returning to the road. âMaybe ask Yoongi to take you.â
âYouâre evil.â You pointed at her, scandalised.
She gasped softly, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense. âNo, hun. Iâm a mastermind.â Then she winked, easing the car to a smooth stop in front of the entrance. âOkay, now get out and go get your man!â
âNot my man,â you stressed, already reaching for the door.
The night air hit you as you stepped out onto the sidewalk, cool against your skin. The door shut behind you with a soft thud, and Yuri leaned across the driverâs seat just enough to give you an exaggerated thumbs up before pulling away into the stream of traffic.
You stood there for a second, then turned.
The Glasshouse glowed in front of you, its name lit up in soft, elegant lettering. The kind of place that didnât scream for attention but still held it effortlessly. Your stomach twisted.
You took a slow breath.
Relax. This is just two friends celebrating a job well done.
You pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The atmosphere wrapped around you immediately, dim lighting spilling from warm-toned lamps scattered across the space, casting everything in a soft golden haze. Low music hummed beneath the layered chatter of conversations. To one side, booths held groups of friends leaning into each other, laughter bubbling up between bites of food. The center of the room was dotted with small tables, candles flickering lazily. To your left, the bar stretched out, polished and glowing under hanging lights.
And there he was.
Yoongi sat at the bar, slightly turned toward a painting mounted on the wall, like heâd been quietly studying it to pass the time. One arm rested against the counter, fingers loosely curled around a glass of amber liquid, the ice inside catching the light.
Damn⌠he looks so good.
He hadnât noticed you yet.
So you let yourself look.
His hair fell loosely around his face, slightly messy in a way that made it obvious heâd been running his fingers through it. Dark jeans, a simple grey t-shirt, and a black leather jacket thrown over it like an afterthought. Effortless. Unfair.
And suddenly, you felt very aware of yourself.
Of the way the fabric of your top sat against your skin.
Of how dressed up you were.
Relax, Y/n. This is just two friends. Just⌠friends.
You forced your feet to move. The soft, rhythmic click of your heels against the wooden floor cut through the ambient noise just enough to draw his attention.
Yoongiâs head turned.
His eyes landed on you and he stilled.
It was subtle, but you saw it. The way his gaze sharpened, the way his lips parted just slightly before he caught himself.
You offered a small smile, lifting your hand in a tiny wave. âHi. Already started celebrating without me?â
Yoongiâs expression shifted immediately, something warmer settling in. âNo, no. I just thought Iâd get something while I waited.â
âI didnât keep you waiting too long, I hope.â You nibbled lightly on your bottom lip, the habit slipping out before you could stop it.
There was the briefest pause before he answered, quieter this time. âYou didnât.â His head tilted toward the bartender. âYou want something?â
You nodded, sliding into the seat beside him. As you reached into your purse, his hand moved across the space between you, stopping you mid-motion.
âItâs on me. Donât worry about it.â
You frowned, ready to argue, but he beat you to it.
âNice thing, remember?â
Right.
The bartender approached, and you placed your order. âA vodka cranberry, please.â
âVodka cranberry?â Yoongi echoed beside you.
You turned to him, brow lifting. âWhatâs wrong with a vodka cranberry?â
He shook his head lightly. âNothing. Just feels like a bit of a boring drink.â
You scoffed, offended in the most dramatic way possible. âBoring? And you are what? Some alcohol connoisseur?â
âNever claimed to be.â
âWell, whatâs that then?â You pointed at the glass in front of him.
âScotch.â His eyes flicked to it, then back to you. âHave you ever had it?â
You shook your head.
That seemed to amuse him. He nudged the glass toward you. âTake a sip?â
âWhat? Thatâs your drink.â
âAnd? Youâre not going to down the whole thing, right?â He pushed it a little closer. âJust try it.â
You hesitated for a second, then gave in, fingers wrapping around the glass. You could feel his gaze on you, steady, attentive, as you lifted it to your lips and took a cautious sip.
Immediate regret.
Your face twisted, nose scrunching as the taste hit, sharp and unfamiliar. You shook your head quickly, handing it back as Yoongi let out a quiet laugh.
âNot your style?â
âNot at all.â You let out a small breath, still recovering. âI guess I just donât like a lot of alcohol. I donât even like beer.â
âYou donât like beer?â Yoongi looked genuinely wounded.
âAnd you do?!â
âHell yeah.â
That did it. You both laughed.
The tension that had been coiled tightly in your chest since the car ride loosened, just a little.
Your drink arrived, and the second the straw touched your lips, you did a small, involuntary shoulder shimmy of satisfaction. Yoongi caught it instantly, the corner of his mouth lifting.
For a moment, he let himself look.
At you.
Heâd never seen you like this before. At work, you were all structure and precision, everything in place. At the park, you were soft and relaxed, comfortable in a way that felt natural.
But this was something else entirely.
The delicate fabric of your top, the way it moved with you, the way it revealed just enough to make it impossible not to notice. And then the skirtâclean, simple, sitting low on your waist, the short hemline drawing attention to your legs in a way that felt almost unfair paired with something so soft above. It balanced everything out, sharpened the look, made it impossible for his eyes not to linger a second longer than they should.
It was⌠dangerous.
âYou look beautiful, by the way.â
His voice was quiet. Almost like he hadnât meant to say it out loud. Your breath caught, your eyes lifting to meet his. He was already looking at you, completely unguarded.
Heat spread up your neck, across your cheeks.
âThank you,â you managed, softer than you intended.
Before either of you could say more, a waiter appeared at Yoongiâs side. âYour table is ready, sir.â
Your head snapped toward him. âTable?â
Yoongi stood, smooth and unhurried. âOf course,â he said, then glanced down at you. âYou didnât think we came here just for drinks, did you?â
Your brain short-circuited for half a second.
You scrambled to grab your purse and drink, quickly following as he trailed behind the waiter. The further you walked into the restaurant, the quieter it seemed to get, the lighting softer, more intimate.
And then you saw it.
A table for two, tucked neatly into a more secluded corner. Crisp white tablecloth. A single candle flickering gently at the center.
Whoa.
The waiter pulled out your chair, and you sat down slowly, still taking it in as he did the same for Yoongi before slipping away.
You shifted in your seat, your fingers brushing lightly over the edge of the table as your thoughts tangled again. The question had been sitting at the back of your mind since you walked in, and now it pushed forward.
âYoongiâŚâ you started. âCan I ask, how did you manage all of this?â
He looked up. âWhat do you mean?â
âI mean⌠this place is pretty exclusive. Itâs always booked. Howâd you get a reservation on such short notice?â
There was a flicker of hesitation in his expression, subtle but there. âI know the owner.â
Your brows lifted. âReally? How?â
Another pause.
Then, quieter, âDo you know about the autism treatment center at Severance Hospital?â
You nodded.
âThey have a music-based therapy program that helps kids with emotional and social development. Iâve been volunteering there for a while⌠and one of the kids I work with is the ownerâs son.â
For a moment, all you could do was look at him.
ââŚWow.â
The word came out softer than you expected.
âYoongi, thatâs amazing.â
âItâs nothiââ
âNo, Yoongi. Itâs amazing.â Your smile this time was steady, sincere. âYouâre⌠youâre a really amazing person.â
Silence settled between you, but it wasnât awkward. Just full.
His gaze held yours for a beat longer before he spoke again.
âYou are pretty amazing for what you do too. Fostering is really important.â
You felt the warmth creep back into your cheeks. âItâs nothing like what youâre doing.â
âDonât say that.â His tone sharpened just slightly, not harsh, but certain. His eyes didnât leave yours. âThere are so many animals out there and not enough shelters. We both know what happens because of that. Youâre giving them a chance at a home. At a life.â A small pause. âIâd say thatâs pretty amazing.â
ââŚThanks.â
You let the moment sit, then added, a little more softly, âActually, I wanted to tell you. Soriâs adoption just got finalized today. Sheâs officially mine.â
His expression shifted instantly, something warm and pleased settling in.
âOh, Tang is going to be thrilled with that news.â
You laughed, the sound lighter now. âI think Tang secretly likes Sori, actually.â
âI do too.â Yoongi nodded. âBut she likes to pretend sheâs better than everyone.
The night had settled into something quieter by the time you both stepped out of Glasshouse, the city humming softly around you instead of roaring. The cool air brushed against your skin, a stark contrast to the warmth youâd been sitting in all evening.
You turned to him first, fingers curling slightly around your purse strap. âI had a really good time tonight,â you said, your voice softer now, stripped of the earlier teasing. âThank you.â
Yoongiâs gaze lingered on you for a second longer than necessary, like he was still somewhere inside the evening. âYeah,â he nodded, a small smile pulling at his lips. âMe too.â
You glanced around, instinctively reaching for your phone. âI should probablyââ
âDo you have a ride?â he asked, already watching you.
You blinked, then nodded lightly. âI was just going to order an Uber.â
There was a beat. Then, simply, âLet me take you home.â
Your eyes flicked back to his. âYou donât have to do that, Yoongi. You alreadyââ you gestured vaguely, ââpaid for everything.â
âI know.â His tone didnât waver, calm but firm. âIâd just feel better knowing you got home safely.â
Something in the way he said it made it hard to argue.
ââŚOkay,â you said after a second, a small smile tugging at your lips.
Yuri: 1, Y/n: 0
The walk to his car was short, but the night air had a bite to it. You didnât realize youâd shivered untilâ
âHere.â
You looked up just as Yoongi slipped his leather jacket off, stepping closer. The movement was easy, practiced, but your breath caught anyway as he draped it over your shoulders, his hands brushing lightly against your arms as he adjusted it.
Warm.
And it smelled like him.
Vanilla and pinewood.
You pulled the jacket a little closer around yourself, hoping he wouldnât notice the way your entire system had just rebooted.
He opened the passenger door for you, one hand resting against the top of it as he glanced at you.
You paused, raising a brow. âWho said chivalry was dead?â
His lips twitched. âGet in the car.â
You huffed out a small laugh and slid into the seat.
The drive was easy. Quieter than dinner, but not awkward. Yoongi handed control of the aux over without hesitation. âPlay something.â
You blinked at him. âI donât mind listening to whatever youââ
âI want to know what you listen to.â
There it was again. That simple, steady way he said things. That finality.
So you plugged your phone in.
After a second of scrolling, you picked somethingâ*Japanese Denim* by Daniel Caesar. Smooth, a little dreamy, the kind of song that filled space without demanding it.
Yoongi didnât say anything at first.
Just listened.
âThis fits you,â he said eventually.
You glanced at him. âWhat does that mean?â
He shrugged slightly, eyes still on the road. âItâs calm. But thereâs a lot going on underneath.â
âAre you psychoanalysing me through my music taste?â
Yoongiâs lips twitched, the corner of his mouth lifting just slightly as he glanced at you. âMaybe.â
You huffed, shaking your head as you looked back down at your phone, trying to ignore the way your chest had done a tiny, unnecessary flip. âYouâre so annoying.â
âMm,â he hummed, not even a little apologetic. Then added, almost absentmindedly. âYouâre cute when you get flustered,â
Your head snapped back toward him. âIâm not flustered.â
âYou are,â he said, calm as ever.
âIâm not,â you insisted, even as your voice betrayed you just slightly.
That earned you a quiet, satisfied hum, like heâd proven a point he hadnât even needed to argue. You looked away again, this time with a small, helpless smile tugging at your lips.
When the car pulled up outside your building, neither of you moved right away.
Then Yoongi was already stepping out, walking around to your side before you could even reach for the handle. He opened the door, offering his hand without thinking.
You took it.
The walk to your building was slow, neither of you rushing it, like the night wasnât quite ready to end yet.
You stopped just before the entrance and turned to him.
âThank you,â you said again, quieter this time. âFor tonight.â
His gaze held yours. âYou already said that.â
âI know,â you smiled faintly. âI just wanted to say it again.â
A small breath passed between you, neither of you moved. The air felt thinner somehow, like something was about to tip.
You didnât even realise you were doing it at firstâyour teeth catching your bottom lip, worrying it lightly as your nerves crept back in, as everything about this moment started to feel a little too real.
Yoongi noticed.
His gaze dropped to your lips.
ââŚYou should stop doing that,â he said, voice low, quieter than before.
You blinked, thrown. âWhat?â
His eyes flicked back up to yours, but only briefly, like it took effort. âBiting your lip.â
Your heart skipped, confusion flickering across your face.
ââŚWhy?â
There was a beat.
âBecause it makes me want to kiss you.â
Something in your chest flipped, steadying instead of spiraling this time. You swallowed, but you didnât look away.
âYou want to kiss me?â you asked, quieter, but braver now.
His lips parted slightly as he looked at you, something unguarded settling into his expression.
âSo badly.â
It hit you like a spark straight to your core, warming everything it touched. And for once, you didnât let your thoughts take over.
You stepped closer.
Just enough.
Yoongi stilled, eyes fixed on you, watching carefully, like he was giving you all the space in the world to decide the outcome of the evening.
âThen why donât you?â you murmured.
His gaze dipped again, then back up, slower this time.
âAre you giving me permission to?â
His hands came up, slow, deliberate, settling at your waist. Warm. Firm. Grounding.
Your breath caught, your hands hovering for a second before you nodded.
That was all he needed.
He leaned in.
You leaned in too, meeting him halfway like your body had already decided before your brain could catch up.
The kiss wasnât hesitant. The second Yoongi leaned in, it was sure. Certain.
Like the moment you nodded, something in him settled.
His hand tightened slightly against your waist as his lips met yours, firm and warm and devastatingly soft all at once. The breath left your lungs immediately, your fingers instinctively gripping the front of his shirt as your eyes fluttered shut.
He kissed you like heâd been thinking about it for a while.
Like he already knew exactly how he wanted to do it.
Slow enough to savor.
Deep enough to make your knees feel weak.
A quiet sound caught in your throat when he pulled you closer, the warmth of his body pressing against yours through the leather jacket still draped around your shoulders. His thumb moved slightly against your waist, grounding and gentle even as the kiss deepened, his mouth moving against yours with a confidence that made your head spin.
And god, he kissed beautifully.
Unhurried. Intentional.
Like he was paying attention to every tiny reaction you gave him.
Your hands slid upward, fingers curling against his shoulders before wrapping loosely around the back of his neck, instinctively drawing him closer. Yoongi responded immediately, his grip on your waist tightening just enough to make heat rush through your entire body.
The world around you blurred into nothing. No city noise. No passing cars.
Just him.
The faint taste of scotch still lingering on his lips. The scent of vanilla and pine surrounding you. The steady warmth of his hands holding you like he didnât want you going anywhere.
Your lips moved together like theyâd been building toward this for months without either of you fully realizing it.
Like every lingering glance and quiet walk and almost-flirting moment had led here.
When you finally pulled apart, it wasnât because either of you wanted to.
It was because breathing had suddenly become important again.
Your foreheads nearly brushed as you both stayed there for a second, close enough to feel each otherâs breath, equally wrecked.
A soft, disbelieving laugh escaped you first.
Yoongi huffed out one right after, quieter, like he couldnât quite believe it either.
And somehow that made everything feel even more real.
âIâve been wanting to do that for a while,â he admitted, voice low.
You bit your lip, heat rising all over again. ââŚIâve thought about it once or twice too.â
He raised a brow slightly. âOnly once or twice?â
You let out a soft scoff, lightly smacking his chest. âShut up.â
He laughedâsoft, real, warm. And then you were just⌠standing there again.
Looking at each other like something had shifted into place.
Eventually, you stepped back, reluctantly untangling yourself from him.
âGoodnight, Yoongi.â
âGoodnight.â
He took a few steps back, then turned toward his car.
You watched him go. Then you remembered.
âYoongi!â
He turned, eyebrows lifting.
You pointed at yourselfâmore specifically, at the jacket still wrapped around you.
A slow smile spread across his face.
âGive it back to me on Monday.â
And thenâbecause of courseâHe winked.
You just shook your head, smiling to yourself as you turned and finally walked into your building.
Your heart didnât settle the entire way up.
part 3 in the works :) will probably take longer to come out because iâm a student in exam szn
taglist
@imsorare @skzrracha @ineed-myspace @machalemon @dreamerwasfound @roro--i @love-forever-and-more @kingsqueensandvagabonds @busanbby-jjk @jajabro @chaosbunn1
OFF THE RECORD â PART TWO
summary đâ.Ë You werenât looking for anything. Not between deadlines, late nights at the studio, and helping your best friend plan her wedding. Min Yoongi definitely wasnât either. But somewhere between shared silences, quiet understanding, an unbothered cat and a energetic puppy⌠something begins to shift.
pairing đâ.Ë producer!yoongi x a&r coordinator!reader
word count đâ.Ë 4.3k (much shorter than p1 lol)
tags đâ.Ë non-idol au, coworkers to lovers, slow burn, strangers to something more, soft tension, mutual pining (eventually), slice of life, studio setting, pet meet-cute, tang the cat, sori the puppy, yoongi is quiet but not immune, reader is stressed and trying her best, found comfort, a little angst, a lot of softness, emotional slow build, he notices everything, she overthinks everything, smut (eventually)
notes đâ.Ë thank you for all the love on part one already ⥠i hope you enjoy this next chapter of these two idiots figuring things out
teaser âËęŠď˝Ą part one âËęŠď˝Ą part two
The rest of the week unfolded in the familiar quiet ease. All the tension from earlier that Monday had dissolved. You and Yoongi fell back into rhythm.
Only now, it felt⌠different.
Lighter.
You found yourself lingering in his studio more often, slipping into the now-familiar couch whenever your schedule allowed it. Between coordinating sessions, answering emails, and putting out the usual fires, you carved out small pockets of time where you could just⌠exist there.
And watch.
Yoongi worked the way youâd come to expect. Focused, precise, completely absorbed. But when Tablo was in the room, something shifted. The atmosphere loosened. There was an ease between them that only came from history, from trust built long before you stepped into the picture. Their conversations flowed between vocal takes, casual but sharp, layered with understanding that didnât need explaining.
You hadnât realized how much you enjoyed observing it.
It grounded you in a way you hadnât expected.
By Friday evening, the building had mostly emptied out.
You sat alone in the break room, a half-unwrapped sandwich in one hand, your tablet propped against the table. The soft glow of the screen lit your face as your finger scrolled through next weekâs schedule, adjusting times, double-checking bookings, mentally mapping out everything before it could become a problem.
One earphone rested in your ear, a quiet shuffle of songs playing low enough to blur into the background.
You exhaled slowly, taking a small bite.
Just a few more things.
Down the hall, Yoongi stretched his shoulders as he walked, hands tucked loosely into his pockets.
He hadnât meant to leave his studio for long. Just needed air. Space. Something other than the same four walls and the same looping melody that had started to sound like it was mocking him.
His steps were slow, unhurried, gaze drifting absentmindedly past open doors and dimmed rooms.
Most people had already left.
Which is why he noticed you immediately.
Through the break room doorway, head slightly tilted down, brows faintly drawn in concentration, completely absorbed in your work.
He slowed.
Paused for just a second.
Then kept walking. Two steps. Three.
He stopped.
There was a brief flicker of something across his expression before he exhaled quietly, turning back the way he came. His knuckles tapped lightly against the already open door.
Your head lifted instantly.
You pulled your earphone out, a small smile forming the moment you saw him.
âHi.â
âHey.â
He leaned slightly against the doorframe, gaze flicking briefly to the tablet in your hands, then back to your face.
âItâs late,â he said, voice low, even. âWhy are you still here?â
You glanced down at your screen, then back up, shrugging lightly.
âJust confirming a few schedules for next week,â you explained. âFigured if I finish it now, thatâs one less thing to deal with over the weekend.â
He nodded once, like that made perfect sense. It did.
A small silence settled between you.
But it wasnât awkward.
Then, he spoke, âYou going to the park?â
Your eyes flickered up to him, just slightly surprised at the question. For a second, you just looked at him. Then you glanced at the time on your tablet, huffing out a quiet breath.
âYeah,â you admitted. âItâs late but I still have to take Sori out.â
He nodded again, shifting his weight just slightly.
âWell,â he said, almost casually, âIâve got to take Tang.â
A beat.
His gaze held yours, steady.
ââŚSo Iâll see you there.â
You blinked, just a fraction caught off guard by how naturally he said it.
Like it was already decided.
Like this was just⌠a thing now.
ââŚYeah,â you said, a small smile tugging at your lips. âSee you there.â
Something softened in his expression, barely there. He gave a short nod, pushing off the doorframe.
âDonât stay too long,â he added, glancing once more at your tablet. âYou said you wanted your weekend.â
You let out a quiet laugh. âIâm wrapping up.â
He didnât respond to that, just gave you one last look before turning and heading back down the hall.
And for a moment, you just sat there.
Staring at the doorway heâd disappeared through.
Your fingers stilled against the screen.
A strange, warm feeling settled somewhere in your chest.
Not overwhelming.
Not confusing.
JustâŚsomething to look forward to.
This was the latest you had ever come to the park.
The lamps lining the paths cast soft pools of golden light, but beyond them, shadows stretched long and quiet. The usual daytime buzz was gone. No distant laughter, no clusters of people, no dogs pulling at their leashes in every direction.
Just stillness.
Which made it very easy to spot him.
Yoongi stood a little further down the path, Tang resting comfortably in his arms, her dark fur almost blending into the night. He noticed you almost immediately, shifting slightly as you approached.
And the second Sori caught sight of the small black shape, her entire body lit up. Her tail began wagging wildly as she let out an excited little yip, tugging at the leash like sheâd just spotted her new favorite person.
You let out a small breath of a laugh, tightening your grip slightly as you slowed to a stop in front of him.
âIâve never seen the park this empty before,â you said, your voice softer than usual in the quiet.
âYeah,â Yoongi replied, glancing around briefly before looking back at you. âThis is late even for me.â
âReally?â you asked, brows lifting slightly.
âWhy do you sound so surprised?â he huffed, though there was no real annoyance behind it as he bent down, gently placing Tang onto the gravel path.
Sori immediately bounded forward, nose twitching as she circled the cat with endless curiosity. Tang, on the other hand, simply walked forward at her own pace. Calm. Unbothered. Like this was beneath her.
You watched them for a second, a smile tugging at your lips.
âYou practically live at the studio,â you shrugged.
Yoongi glanced at you, then back at the path ahead as he started walking, hands slipping into his pockets. Tang followed beside him, leash loose, steps unhurried.
ââŚNot wrong,â he admitted.
You fell into step beside him, Sori trailing Tang like an overly enthusiastic shadow.
For a while, neither of you said anything. Just the soft crunch of gravel under your shoes. The quiet jingle of Soriâs collar. The steady rhythm of two people walking without needing to fill the space.
It was⌠easy. You werenât used to that.
Your fingers tightened slightly around the leash before you glanced over at him.
ââŚCan I ask you something?â
Yoongi didnât look at you right away, but you caught the slight tilt of his head.
âGo ahead.â
You hesitated for a second, like you were deciding how to phrase it.
âHow did you get into producing?â you asked finally. âLike⌠how did all of this start for you?â
He glanced at you briefly, then forward again, expression unreadable for a moment.
ââŚMiddle school,â he said after a beat.
You blinked, a little surprised. âThat early?â
âYeah.â
His voice was calm, but quieter now. Not guarded, exactly. Just⌠more inward.
âI started making music back then. Nothing serious at first. Just⌠messing around.â
You nodded, listening closely.
âMy parents didnât like it,â he continued. âThey didnât think it was something you could build a life on.â
Your brows knit slightly. âSo what happened?â
âI wanted to move to Seoul after high school,â he said. âThey wanted me to go to university first.â
You hummed softly. âSo you compromised.â
âSomething like that,â he replied. âApplied for a music program. Got in. Moved anyway.â
A small pause.
âBut I kept making music the whole time,â he added. âStarted getting attention. Small things at first. Then more.â
You smiled slightly. âAnd now youâre here.â
He huffed lightly, almost like a quiet laugh. âYeah.â
You let that settle for a second, watching Tang step neatly over a crack in the pavement, Sori immediately copying her like it was a game.
ââŚCan I ask something else?â you said after a moment.
Yoongi glanced at you again. âYou already are.â
You rolled your eyes a little, but smiled anyway.
âThe rumours,â you said, a bit more carefully this time. âAbout you.â
He didnât respond immediately. You saw the shift. Subtle, but there.
ââŚWhat about them?â he asked.
You hesitated, you werenât sure why you brought them up again. Then just said it.
âHow did they start?â
There was a beat of silence.
ââŚI donât really know how that started,â he said honestly. âIâve always just⌠worked the way I work.â
You tilted your head slightly and nodded.
âIâve just been⌠focused,â
He glanced at you, just briefly. âI donât like wasting time,â he added. âOr pretending things are good when theyâre not.â
âI think itâs kind of sad,â you admitted. âThat people see you like that.â
That made him look at you again.
âBecause youâre not,â you added, meeting his gaze. âYouâre not like that.â
There was a flicker of something in his expression. Quick. Gone just as fast.
ââŚWhat if I am,â he said, tone almost too casual. âAnd Iâm just lying to you?â
You stopped walking. Completely.
Which, of course, forced him to stop too. He turned slightly, looking back at you.
Your brows were drawn together, eyes fixed on him.
âThat would be really mean of you to admit when weâre in a park. In the dark. Alone.â you said, completely serious.
A quiet laugh slipped out of him.
Soft. Real.
âIâm joking,â he said, shaking his head slightly.
You narrowed your eyes at him, but the tension had already eased.
âThat wasnât funny.â
âLittle bit.â
You scoffed, but there was a smile tugging at your lips as you started walking again.
After a moment, the two of you drifted toward a nearby bench, settling down almost without discussion. Sori curled near your feet, still watching Tang like she was the most fascinating thing in the world. Tang, meanwhile, had already claimed a spot beside Yoongi like she owned it.
A quieter silence settled this time.
âCan I ask you something?â Yoongi said.
You blinked, a little surprised.
ââŚDepends,â you replied cautiously.
He glanced at you, unimpressed. âThatâs not how this works.â
You huffed. âFine. Go ahead.â
âHow did you end up here?â he asked. âIn music.â
Your grip on the leash tightened slightly, your gaze dropping to your hands. For a second, you considered giving him something simple. ButâŚ
âMy dad,â you said instead. âHe was a music teacher,â
You continued, voice softening without you meaning it to. âPiano, mostly.â
A faint smile tugged at your lips, distant.
âHe used to play all the time when I was younger. I think thatâs where it started.â
Yoongiâs head tilted slightly. âYou play?â
âUsed to,â you said. âHe taught me.â
A small pause settled.
âI was pretty serious about it, actually,â you admitted. âI wanted to be a pianist.â
You let out a quiet breath, your smile fading just a little.
âBut then he had an accident when I was in high school.â
The words were simple. You kept them that way.
âHeâs okay,â you added quickly, almost out of instinct. âHe just couldnât go back to teaching.â
Yoongi nodded once, expression unreadable but attentive.
âAnd I donât know,â you shrugged faintly. âI think that was the first time I really understood that loving something doesnât always mean you can build a life out of it.â
A beat.
âIâm the oldest,â you added. ââŚI had to be realistic. But, I still wanted music in my life.â
Your fingers loosened slightly around the leash.
âSo I applied to a music business program in Seoul with a scholarship.â
A faint smile returned, a little more grounded this time.
âI interned at the label during college.â you explained, âThen after I graduated, they offered me a job.â
You shrugged lightly. âAnd now Iâm here.â
Yoongi was quiet for a second. Then spoke, âWell, youâre good at what you do. Youâve definitely made my life a lot easier these past few weeks.â
Your eyes flickered up to him, ââŚThanks. Iâm glad to help.â
A brief pause followed, his gaze drifting ahead before settling back on you.
âSince weâre on this topic, Iâm thinking of putting in a request,â he said.
You blinked. ââŚFor what?â
âFor you to stay on as my A&R.â
The words landed a second late. ââŚWhat?â
âThey told me my coordinatorâs coming back next week,â he continued, tone steady. âBut Iâd rather not switch.â
Your brows pulled together slightly, still processing. âYou mean⌠you want me to keep working with you?â
He nodded once.
âWeâre already in the middle of Tabloâs record,â he said. âChanging people now will just slow things down and cause unnecessary problems.â
A small pause.
âAnd,â he added, quieter, âI like how you work.â
You held his gaze for a moment, then something in your expression shifted, just slightly.
ââŚSo,â you said, tilting your head, âwhat youâre saying is, you think we make a good team?â
Yoongiâs eyes narrowed a fraction, catching the tone immediately.
âIf you donât,â he replied flatly, âI wonât bother putting in the request.â
You let out a soft laugh, the sound lighter than before.
âOkay, okay,â you said, shaking your head. âDonât get dramatic.â
âIâm not.â
âYou are a little.â
He huffed quietly. You looked at him for a second longer, something warmer settling in your chest.
ââŚIâd like that,â you said.
âYouâd like what?â Yoongi smirked, leaning slightly closer.
âIâd like to keep working with you.â Your voice softened just slightly as you added, âWe make a good team.â
For a moment, neither of you spoke.
Yoongi gave a small nod.
âI think so too.â
Nearby, Sori shifted closer to Tang again, and this time, Tang didnât move away. Just flicked her tail once, tolerating her presence. You noticed immediately, a small smile forming.
âI think they like each other,â you said.
Yoongi glanced down, watching them for a second.
ââŚLooks like it.â
Your shoulder brushed his lightly as you leaned back against the bench.
Neither of you moved away.
And for a moment, under the soft glow of the park lights, with your pets settled close by and the world quiet around you, it felt like something had gently, quietly shifted into place.
Yuriâs apartment looked like a wedding had gently exploded inside it.
Fabric swatches in soft pastels were draped over the back of chairs, ribbons curled like sleeping snakes across the coffee table, and a half-open laptop displayed the fifteenth version of a seating chart. Somewhere in the middle of it all sat you, cross-legged on the rug, carefully tying small tags onto what Yuri insisted were âminimalist but meaningfulâ wedding favors.
Sori was sprawled beside you, chin resting on your thigh like sheâd personally clocked in for emotional support duty.
âI still think this is too much,â you muttered, holding up a finished tag.
Yuri didnât even look up. âItâs not too much, itâs thoughtful.â
âItâs excessive.â
âItâs elegant.â
âItâs going to make people feel guilty for not bringing good gifts.â
That earned you a laugh. Yuri finally glanced over, eyes soft as they flicked between you and Sori.
âWell, at least youâve got some emotional support,â she said, nodding toward the puppy.
You absentmindedly ran your fingers through Soriâs fur, the motion slow, familiar.
âMm,â you murmured.
There was a beat. Then Yuri tilted her head slightly.
ââŚHas there been any update? From the shelter?â
Your hand stilled for half a second before resuming its gentle rhythm.
âNo,â you said. âNothing yet.â
Another pause. This one heavier.
âIâve actually been thinkingâŚâ you started, quieter now, eyes fixed somewhere near Soriâs ear. âAbout maybe just keeping her.â
That got Yuriâs full attention.
âWhat?â she sat up straighter, excitement already sparking. âAre you serious?â
You huffed out a small breath, like you werenât entirely sure yourself.
âI meanâit makes sense,â you said. âSheâs already settled in. AndâŚâ you hesitated, then shrugged lightly, âIâve kind of gotten used to having her around.â
Yuriâs expression softened immediately.
âAwhhhh,â she cooed at the two of you.
Sori, completely unaware of the life decision being made on her behalf, blinked up at you and thumped her tail once. You smiled faintly.
âItâs just⌠nice,â you admitted. âComing home and not having it feel so quiet. And sheâs made friends at the park too. Thereâs a whole little routine now.â
Yuri was beaming.
âIâd die to see all the little puppies running around the park?â she exclaimed.
âActually, her favourite friend is a cat.â
Yuri visibly paused.
ââŚA what?â
You let out a small, sheepish laugh, already feeling heat creep up your neck.
âA cat,â you repeated. âSheâs black and her nameâs Tang. Sori loves her.â
Yuri stared at you like she was trying to solve a puzzle at lightning speed.
âIs this like a stray catâŚ?â she said slowly.
You looked down, suddenly very interested in fixing one of the tags that didnât need fixing.
âNo, thereâs an owner,â you added, like it wasnât a big deal.
âMm-hmm,â Yuri leaned forward, eyes narrowing. âAnd does this owner have a name?â
You hesitated just long moment, then nodded.
âUm⌠Min Yoongi.â
âOh my god! Itâs notââ you started quickly. âThe producer guy?â
You pressed your lips together, which was apparently all the confirmation she needed.
âITâS HIM,â Yuri practically shouted, grabbing a cushion and hitting your arm with it. âYouâve been meeting Yoongi at the park?!â
âWe run into each other,â you corrected weakly.
âRegularly?â
ââŚA few times a week.â
Yuri actually squealed. âYouâre joking. You are joking.â
âItâs not anything, stop freaking out.â you insisted, even as your voice betrayed you just slightly. âWe just walk them together. Thatâs it.â
âThatâs never just it,â she shot back immediately. âThis is like a prelude. This is chapter one. This is something.â
âIt is not,â you said, firmer now. âWeâre coworkers. And⌠friends.â
Yuriâs eyes dropped to your face, her expression shifting into something far too knowing.
ââŚThen why are you blushing?â
Your hand flew to your cheek like you could physically stop it.
âI am notââ
âYou are,â she grinned. âY/n, you havenât dated anyone in what, centuries? Suddenly thereâs a mysterious cat-owning producer in your life and Iâm supposed to believe this is nothing?â
âIt is nothing,â you insisted again, though it came out quieter this time. Because now your brain had decided to join the conversation.
Coworkers. Friends. Walking together. Talking. Sitting on benches maybe a little too close. Laughing more easily than you usually did.
The way he noticed things.
The way you⌠noticed him.
The way those walks had slowly become routine without either of you ever saying it out loud. Finishing work and subconsciously checking the time. Taking Sori out a little later than necessary just to catch him with Tang. The quiet rhythm youâd fallen into. Side by side, not talking for minutes at a time, and somehow it never felt awkward.
You werenât like this. You didnât let people slip into your life this easily, didnât let them carve out space in your day without questioning it. Work had always come first, neatly organised, controlled. People stayed in their lanes. Boundaries were clear.
But somewhere between Tang lazily circling Sori, his dry comments that caught you off guard just enough to make you laugh, and the quiet refuge of his studio becoming part of your routine, those lines had⌠blurred.
You blinked, trying to push the spiral away.
âYoongi is just a friend.â you said finally.
Yuriâs expression softened again, but the excitement didnât fade.
âI just want you to be happy, y/n.â she said gently.
You exhaled, leaning back slightly, your hand finding Sori again like an anchor.
âI know you do,â you murmured, more to yourself than to her. âI promise, Iâm fine.â
Yoongi looked down at his watch. You were supposed to meet him at your bench almost ten minutes ago.
Your bench.
The thought sat there for a second longer than it should have.
âWhy the long face?â
He looked up. There you were.
A teasing smile playing on your lips, eyes brighter than usual like you already knew youâd caught him waiting. You unclipped Soriâs leash, and the puppy bolted toward him like a tiny, overexcited missile.
Yoongi forced his gaze away from you and down to Sori, who was already pawing at his leg like she had a personal vendetta against standing still.
Heâd never considered himself a dog person. Still didnât, technically.
But he had definitely come to have a soft spot for Sori.
And maybe an even softer one for her foster mom.
He crouched slightly, scratching behind Soriâs ear, earning an immediate, aggressive tail wag.
âYouâre late,â he said, glancing up at you briefly.
âRelax,â you shot back, hands slipping into your jacket pockets as you stepped closer. âIt was barely ten minutes.â
âAnything can happen in ten minutes.â
Your brows lifted, something playful flickering across your face.
âAwh,â you tilted your head just slightly, âwere you worrying about me, Yoongi?â
He rolled his eyes on instinct, but there was a faint smirk tugging at his mouth that he didnât bother hiding.
âYouâre not that important.â
âWow,â you pressed a hand to your chest dramatically. âAfter everything weâve been through. Did you forget you wanted me to stay on as your A&R?â
âAlright. Alright, no need to rub it in.â He huffed out a quiet laugh.
It still caught him off guard sometimes.
This version of you.
Not the composed, tightly wound A&R coordinator who walked into his studio with a schedule in one hand and coffee in the other. Not the one who spoke professionally, measured every word, kept everything in place like it might fall apart otherwise.
This you was⌠lighter. Looser.
Your smiles came easier out here, less restrained, real enough that your eyes crinkled at the corners. Your laugh, when it slipped out fully, had no filter at all, sudden and bright like it surprised even you.
And somehow, heâd gotten used to being on the receiving end of it.
He straightened as Tang padded on at her usual unbothered pace, immediately ignoring Soriâs attempts to initiate chaos.
You fell into step naturally after that.
No discussion. No hesitation.
Just⌠walking.
It had become easy. Too easy.
Yoongi slipped his hands into his pockets, gaze drifting ahead as Sori trotted slightly ahead of you both while Tang stayed close to his side.
Heâd gotten to know you like this, in the quiet spaces between conversation.
The way you hummed under your breath sometimes when it got too quiet. The way you absentmindedly reached down to pet Sori even when she wasnât asking for it. The way youâd go from reserved to unexpectedly funny in a split second, catching him completely off guard with something so dry it took him a second to process it before he was laughing.
It wasnât a version of you many people at work really saw.
But he did.
And he liked it.
More than he probably should.
Actuallyâno.
He didnât bother with shoulds.
He liked you.
That was it.
No point pretending otherwise.
His gaze flicked toward you again, lingering for just a second before he spoke.
âYou never answered me,â he said. âWhy were you late?â
âI was at a friendâs place, Yuri,â you said. âSheâs getting married soon, Iâve been helping her plan everything.â
Yoongi glanced at you briefly, interest quiet but present.
âYouâre close?â
You nodded.
âYeah. Weâve known each other since college.â
Beside him, you kicked lightly at a stray pebble before speaking again. âSo⌠Iâve been thinking,â you started, a little more quietly this time.
He glanced at you.
âYouâre always thinking.â
You shot him a look.
âDo you want me to continue orââ
âGo on.â
You exhaled, then said it in one breath, like if you slowed down you might overthink it. âIâve been thinking about keeping Sori.â
Yoongi didnât even pause.
âI think thatâs a great idea.â
You blinked at him, clearly not expecting the immediate response. ââŚYou do?â
He glanced down briefly at the puppy in question, who was now attempting to chew on a leaf like it had personally offended her.
âSheâs basically already yours,â he said simply.
Something in your expression softened at that.
âAre you sure?â you asked, and there was something quieter under it now. âI meanâitâs a big responsibility.â
He stopped walking. That alone was enough to make you stop too. When you looked at him, he was already looking at you.
Steady. Certain.
âWell, itâs a responsibility youâve already taken on. You love her,â he said.
âAnd she clearly loves you,â he added, nodding once toward Sori, who had now circled back and was leaning against your leg like she belonged there.
There was a brief silence. The kind that settled, not stretched. You looked down at Sori, then back up at him, something warmer sitting behind your eyes now.
ââŚThanks,â you said softly.
Then, after a beat, a small smile tugged at your lips.
Your days had slipped into a rhythm so seamless it almost felt rehearsed. Work, park, dinner, sleep. Somewhere in between, frantic bursts of wedding planning with Yuri and the occasional moment where you actually sat still long enough to breathe.
It shouldâve felt monotonous.
It didnât.
Because somewhere along the way, parts of your day had started to⌠matter more than the rest.
Like the mornings.
Walking into the building, knowing youâd end up in Yoongiâs studio within the hour, tablet in hand, going over schedules like always. Except now it wasnât just work. It was the way heâd already be there, half-listening but always catching the important parts. The way your conversations drifted off track sometimes, just slightly, before snapping back into place.
Or the afternoons, when you found yourself gravitating toward his studio without really thinking about it. Sitting in the corner, pretending to focus on your own work while the low hum of whatever he was producing filled the space. Comfortable. Quiet.
And then the park.
You didnât meet every day. You told yourself that was a good thing.
Normal.
But on the days you did, something about everything else felt⌠lighter. Like the edges of your day softened a little.
Which didnât make sense. At all.
You werenât the kind of person who built their routine around someone else. You didnât depend on people like that, didnât let them slip into your life in ways you couldnât clearly define.
Why did seeing him in the morning feel like something to look forward to?
Why did sitting in his studio feel like a break instead of an extension of work?
Why did a simple walk in the park with him feel like the best part of your day?
You exhaled quietly, shaking your head at yourself.
It wasnât anything. It couldnât be.
You were coworkers. Friends. That was it.
There was no neat label for whatever this feeling was, no clear explanation, and that alone was enough to keep your thoughts circling back to it, over and over, like your brain was trying to solve something that didnât want to be solved.
Still, you didnât hate it. That was the problem.
This week, though, had shattered whatever calm routine youâd settled into. The label had landed a major opportunity. A collaboration with PSY for his upcoming single. And he wanted to work with Yoongi.
As Yoongiâs A&R, that meant your workload had doubled overnight.
Coordination, scheduling, managing sessions, handling communication between teams, keeping everything moving without letting anything fall through the cracksânot just for this project, but for every other artist and producer you were already working with.
It was hectic.
Relentless.
And if you were being honest, it left you with very little time to think about anything else.
Except, somehow, him.
The building had thinned out hours ago, the usual buzz replaced with a kind of late-night hush that made every sound feel sharper. Your footsteps echoed softly down the hallway as you slowed in front of Yoongiâs studio door, fingers hovering for a second before you nudged it open just enough to peek in.
Youâd only meant to check if he was still here.
Maybe remind him to go home.
But your thoughts stalled.
Yoongi was hunched forward in his chair, elbows on his knees, one hand pressed to his temple like he was trying to physically hold his thoughts together. The dim glow of the monitor painted tired shadows under his eyes, his hair slightly mussed from what looked like repeated frustrated runs of his hands through it.
Something in your chest tightened.
You pushed the door open a little wider.
ââŚYoongi?â
He stilled for half a second before looking up. The shift was immediate. The faint release in his shoulders. The way his expression softened just slightly when his eyes landed on you, like your presence alone took the edge off something.
ââŚYouâre still here,â he said, voice rougher than usual.
You stepped inside fully this time, closing the door quietly behind you.
âSo are you,â you replied, brows knitting as you walked closer. âYou okay?â
He leaned back in his chair, exhaling slowly.
âYeah,â he said automatically.
You didnât stop walking.
âLiar.â
That earned the smallest huff of breath that mightâve been a laugh on a better day.
You stopped beside his desk, glancing at the screen, then back at him.
âItâs the PSY track?â you asked.
He nodded once, dragging a hand down his face. âItâs not⌠landing the way I want it to.â
Your gaze softened.
A project like that wasnât just important, it was high-pressure in a way that didnât leave room for off days. And Yoongi didnât do things halfway.
âHave you slept?â you asked quietly.
A pause.
ââŚDefine slept.â
You sighed, crossing your arms lightly. âYoongi.â
âIâm fine,â he insisted, but it lacked conviction.
Your eyes lingered on him for a moment longer before you stepped a little closer, close enough to rest your hand lightly on the edge of his desk.
âYou donât have to get it perfect tonight, weâve still got time.â you said, softer now. âYouâve been working on this nonstop for days. At some point your brainâs just going to start working against you.â
He looked at you then. Really looked.
And for a second, the room felt smaller.
âYou always this gentle with your producers?â he asked.
Your breath caught ust slightly.
âWhat?â
âYou,â he clarified, gaze steady, something faintly amused threading through his exhaustion. âYou talk like that to everyone, or am I getting special treatment?â
Oh.
Your brain did not like that.
Why would he say that? Why would he say it like that? Why is he looking at me like that? Is heâno. No, heâs tired. Heâs just tired. This is a sleep-deprived man speaking. This is not real.
You blinked, forcing your expression to stay neutral.
âI talk like this to anyone who looks like theyâre about to pass out in their chair,â you said, aiming for light.
He hummed, like he didnât quite believe you.
Silence stretched for a beat. Not uncomfortable.
But⌠it felt charged.
You cleared your throat, glancing away for a second before looking back at him.
âYou should go home soon,â you said. âGet some actual rest. Youâll hear things differently in the morning.â
He didnât respond immediately. Instead, his gaze dropped, briefly, to your hand where it rested against the desk.
Your breath hitched.
His fingers had brushed against yours.
Light. Barely there.
But intentional enough that it sent something sharp and electric up your arm.
Your eyes snapped to his.
He hadnât pulled away.
âIf I listen to you,â he said slowly, âyou have to do something for me too.â
Your brain fully short-circuited.
âWhat?â
His thumb shifted slightly against the side of your hand, not quite holding it, but not moving away either. Like he was testing the space. Like he was waiting to see if youâd pull back first.
You didnât.
âYouâre always the one giving orders,â he murmured. âSeems fair that I finally get something in return.â
Orders?
Fair?
What is that supposed to mean. What is that tone. Why is heâ
You swallowed, trying very hard to keep your expression from betraying the absolute spiral happening internally.
âIâm notâ I wasnât giving orders,â you said, a little too quickly. âI was justâsuggesting. For your health. And your work. Which I manage. So itâs technically my job toââ
Great. Now you were rambling.
His lips twitched.
Oh, he thought this was funny.
âRelax,â he said, softer now, but there was something in his eyes that hadnât been there before. âIâm kidding.â
And that was somehow worse.
Because now your brain was trying to rewind the last ten seconds, analyse tone, word choice, eye contact, hand placementâ
Oh my god his hand.
Your gaze dropped instinctively.
Still there. Still lightly brushing yours.
You pulled your hand back like youâd just remembered it existed.
âRight,â you said, clearing your throat as you adjusted your tablet. âYeah. Funny.â
Smooth.
He leaned back in his chair, watching you for a moment like he was trying to piece something together.
âYouâre off?â he asked.
You nodded quickly, grateful for the shift. âYeah. I was just checking if you were still alive before I left.â
âBarely.â
That pulled a small, real smile from you despite everything.
âGo home,â you said again, softer this time. âPlease.â
He held your gaze for a second longer, then nodded.
âYeah,â he said. âI will.â
You lingered. Just for a second.
Then turned toward the door before you could overthink that too.
âGoodnight, Yoongi.â
âNight, Y/n.â
You stepped out into the hallway, the door clicking shut behind you.
Silence.
You stopped walking. Stared straight ahead. And exhaled.
ââŚWhat the hell was that.â
Because there was no way that was normal.
Whatever that wasâŚ
It was no longer sitting comfortably in the âjust coworkersâ box.
Not even close.
The moment the door swung open, you barely had time to step inside before you were engulfed in a pair of long arms.
âY/N!â Hoseokâs arms wrapped around you in a dramatic squeeze, nearly lifting you off your feet. âLook who finally remembered she has friends.â
âI saw you yesterday,â you huffed into his shoulder, though you couldnât help smiling.
âAt work,â he pulled back, hands still on your arms, pouting now. âWhich doesnât count. And even thenââ his eyes narrowed, ââI feel like I barely see you at the company recently.â
You rolled your eyes, slipping off your shoes. âIâve been busy.â
âBusy,â Namjoon echoed from the living room, tone slightly teasing. âYeah. Weâve heard.â
You turned just in time to see him leaning back against the couch, arms crossed, a knowing look on his face. Your eyes squinted at him as your approach, lifting your arms to settle around his shoulders.
âWith a certain someone,â he added mid hug, not even trying to be subtle.
âOh fuck off.â You rolled your eyes, but there was no real bite behind it.
âI mean,â Jimin chimed in, grinning as you moved in to hug him, âI have also been seeing you around his studio a lot lately.â
You shot him a look. âI work there.â
âWait,â Kim Taehyung leaned forward from where he was sprawled across the couch, interest immediately piqued. âIâm out of the loop. Whatâs happening?â
âNothing,â you said quickly, already moving down the line to hug Jungkook and then Seokjin, who gave you a fond pat on the head.
When you reached Taehyung, he was pouting. You exhaled through your nose, âYoongiâs working on PSYâs new track,â you explained, âThe deadlineâs tight. Iâm his A&R. Thatâs it.â
Silence.
âOkay,â Namjoon said easily, lifting his hands in surrender.
âFair enough,â Jimin nodded, already turning toward the living room.
âFoodâs getting cold,â Taehyung added, pushing himself off the couch like the topic had never existed.
And just like that, they dropped it.
No teasing. No pressing.
You blinked, momentarily thrown, suspicion flickering across your face as you followed them in. ââŚThatâs it?â
Hoseok slung an arm over your shoulders, steering you toward the spread. âWhat? We canât be mature?â
You narrowed your eyes. âSince when?â
âSince Iâm starving,â he shot back, already reaching for a container.
The living room quickly filled with the warm chaos youâd missed. Takeout containers from Seokjinâs restaurant were spread across the table, the smell alone enough to make your shoulders finally drop an inch.
âBefore we eat,â Seokjin announced, clapping his hands once, âI have news.â
âYouâre getting married?â Taehyung gasped.
âYahââ Seokjin swatted at him. âMy restaurant was ranked top ten in the city.â
âOh my god, hyung,â Jungkookâs eyes went wide. âThatâs huge.â
âIn Michelin Guide Seoul?â Namjoon asked, already impressed.
Seokjin tried to stay composed and failed.
âMaybe.â
The room erupted.
You leaned forward, grinning. âThatâs incredible. Jin, seriously.â
âOf course it is,â he said, preening slightly. âDid you expect anything less?â
âAlways humble,â you muttered, earning a kick under the table from Hoseok.
âAnd you?â Jimin nudged Jungkook. âYou said you had something to tell us too.â
âOhâyeah,â Jungkook scratched the back of his neck, suddenly shy. âI got an internship. For the summer. Abroad.â
âWhat?â you blinked. âWhere?â
âLA.â
âNo wayââ you sat up straighter. âKook, thatâs amazing.â
Everyone chimed in at once, congratulations overlapping until it became noise.
âYouâll be gone all summer?â you asked, watching the boy nod nervously. âIâm going to miss you,â you added, softer, nudging his shoulder. âBut this is an amazing opportunity. Iâm so proud of you.â
âThank you, noona.â
Namjoon snorted. âHey! If you meet Halsey, you better get me a video message from her.â
Jungkook laughed. âThatâs your priority?â
âAbsolutely.â
Everyone laughed.
âAnd you?â You turned to Jimin. âMr. Hot Shot Idol.â
Jimin groaned. âTour prep. Iâm tired already.â
âYour fault for being famous,â Hoseok said cheerfully.
âAs my main producer it also your fault too,â Jimin shot back.
For a moment, the laughter around you softened into something warmer. You glanced between them allâHoseok mid-retort, Namjoon already shaking his head, Taehyung leaning back like he was watching a show, Jungkook grinning into his drinkâand felt something in your chest loosen.
This.
This was your constant.
No matter how chaotic work got, no matter how much your thoughts tangled themselves up lately, you had this circleâsteady, loud, familiar in the best way. You didnât say it out loud, but the gratitude sat quietly beneath your ribs, glowing.
You were still smiling when it slipped out.
âI actually have news too⌠I submitted adoption papers for Sori.â
Silence. Then chaos.
âWHAT?â Hoseok practically launched himself across the table. âYOUâRE KEEPING HER?â
âYeah,â you laughed, a little overwhelmed. âI think so.â
âThatâs it,â he pointed at you. âIâm going to be her favorite best friend.â
You snorted. âYouâve got tough competition.â
The words left your mouth before your brain caught up.
âWhat do you mean competition?â he pouted.
âItâs nothing,â you said quickly, reaching for your drink.
âNo, come on, explain,â Namjoon leaned forward.
âYou canât leave us hanging,â Taehyung added, delighted.
You shook your head. âSoriâs absolutely obsessed with a cat we met at the park I walk her at.â
âA cat?â Jimin blinked.
âHer nameâs Tang,â you said, already regretting everything. âHer owner walks her at the park sometimes, and Sori likes her, soââ
âA cat being walked? What type of cat owner is this guy?â Jungkook pressed.
You hesitated.
âUm, actuallyâitâs Yoongi.â
The reaction was immediate.
âWhatââ Hoseok fell back dramatically.
âOh my god?!â Jimin pointed.
Namjoon shook his head, smiling. âOf course itâs Yoongi.â
âWe justââ you said quickly, heat creeping up your neck. âWe walk our pets together, sometimesââ
âHow often is âsometimesâ?â Seokjin asked, joining in on the apparent interrogation that had begun.
ââŚA few times a week.â
The room exploded.
âY/N!â
âThatâs not sometimes!â
âGirlââ
You groaned, dropping your face into your hands. âYou guys are overreacting. Weâre just friends.â
There was a brief pause, the kind that didnât interrupt the flow of the room so much as subtly redirect it. Namjoon hummed in acknowledgment, not disagreeing, not agreeing either, just letting the statement sit. Jimin nodded along a little too easily, and Taehyung reached for another bite of food with an expression that was suspiciously neutral.
Jungkook shrugged, but the faint twitch at the corner of his mouth gave him away. Even Hoseok, leaning back comfortably, didnât jump in to argue. They didnât need to. The air itself felt like it was quietly calling your bluff.
You frowned, lowering your hands slightly. ââŚYou guys are making me really nervous right now.â
âWe donât want you to feel nervous,â Namjoon said, pulling you in with an arm around your shoulders.
Another pause followed, softer this time, like the conversation was circling something without quite landing on it. Then Jungkook spoke again, more casually. âI have a question: isnât he the guy people say is kind of hard to work with?â
âHe is, butââ you said immediately, the response sharp enough to cut through the room. âHeâs not like that.â
That did it. Now they were all looking at you properly, and you didnât even hesitate as you continued, your tone firm, almost defensive without you meaning it to be.
âHe can be a bit blunt sometimes. He just doesnât like to waste time, and yeah, I guess that can come off as intimidating if you donât know him, but heâs not rude or anything. Heâs actually really respectful. And nice.â You slowed slightly toward the end, your certainty softening into something more thoughtful.
The silence that followed wasnât empty. It was full in a way that made you suddenly aware of how much you had just said. You shifted slightly, your confidence faltering under the weight of their attention.
Namjoon tilted his head, watching you carefully. âSounds like youâve gotten to know him pretty well.â
Your stomach flipped. âAgain, we work together,â you replied, but it didnât land the way you wanted it to.
Jimin hummed again, softer now, like he was piecing something together, while Taehyung added lightly, âAnd how did the park happen?â
âWe bumped into each other there months ago,â you explained. âSori fell pretty much head over heels for Tang the moment she saw her.â The thought made you let out a small huffed laugh. âWeâve been meeting up after work a few times a week ever since.â
Hoseok leaned forward slightly then, his tone gentler, less teasing and more deliberate. âDo you like spending time with him?â
âI mean⌠yeah.â The answer came out before you could stop it, and you froze immediately after, blinking as if youâd just heard yourself for the first time. You tried to recover, your voice quieter now. âHeâs easy to be around.â
âEasy how?â Namjoon asked, not pushing, just guiding.
You hesitated, searching for something that made sense, something that didnât feel like stepping into something bigger than you were ready for.
ââŚI donât have to think too much,â you admitted. âItâs just⌠comfortable.â Your fingers shifted in your lap, restless now, your thoughts no longer lining up neatly. You added, almost absentmindedly, âAnd he makes me laugh.â
âThat is adorable,â Taehyung said, smiling into his drink.
You heard Jimin hiss and lightly smack his arm. Your eyes stayed fixed on your fingers twisting together in your lap, but you couldnât help the small, subconscious smile that graced your lips at Taehyungâs comment.
You didnât argue, but your mind had already betrayed you, pulling up moments you hadnât consciously invited. His dry comments catching you off guard. The way his mouth would tilt just slightly when you said something he found funny. The way he watched you sometimes, not intense, not overwhelming, just⌠present. The way youâd started to look for that presence without even realizing it.
Hoseokâs voice came again, softer now, almost careful. âDo you look forward to seeing him?â
Your chest tightened, and this time there was no immediate denial waiting to jump out. Just a quiet, reluctant truth that settled before you could push it away.
ââŚYeah.â
The word barely left your lips, but it was enough. Something shifted, not in the room, but in you. You stared down at your hands, but now it felt different, like everything was rearranging itself whether you wanted it to or not.
Coworkers. Friends. Walks you didnât skip, even when you were exhausted. His studio becoming somewhere you lingered longer than necessary. The way your day felt lighter just knowing youâd see him.
Your breath caught.
ââŚOh.â
It slipped out softly, almost startled, like you hadnât meant to say it at all. No one interrupted. No one rushed to fill the space. They just let you sit in it, and somehow that quiet made it impossible to ignore.
You exhaled slowly, shaking your head like you could undo it, but the realization had already settled, clear and steady beneath everything else.
ââŚI think I like him.â
The words felt heavier than you expected, more real now that they were out in the open, and almost immediately, panic followed close behind. You dropped your head back with a groan. âOh my god, this is bad.â
âWhy is it bad?â Jungkook asked, genuinely curious.
âBecause we work together,â you said quickly, sitting up again, your thoughts racing now. âThis could ruin everything. Our dynamic, the sessions, theââ you gestured vaguely, ââthe park. Our walks, our⌠whatever this is. Itâs good right now. Itâs easy. What if I make it weird?â
âYou wonât,â Jimin said simply.
âYou donât know that,â you shot back, but there was less conviction behind it now.
Hoseok leaned forward again, steady and grounding. âHe likes having you around. That much is obvious.â
Your heart stuttered. ââŚYou also donât know that. What if heâs just tolerating me because we work together?â
Namjoon smiled faintly. âTrust me, I donât think thatâs the case.â
âAnd you wonât ruin anything if you donât let yourself ruin anything,â Seokjin added, more serious now. âDonât worry so much.â
You deadpanned at Seokjin. âI have no idea what you mean. Me and worrying?â
The others let out light chuckles. Seokjin gave you a really? look, which only made your lips twitch into a small smile.
You let your head fall back against the couch, staring up at the ceiling as your thoughts continued to spiral, faster now, louder, but underneath it all, something had settled into place. Clear. Quiet. Unavoidable.
You like Yoongi.
You were loitering. At least, thatâs what anyone passing by in the hallway would have thought. You bit your lower lip, glancing at the door to Yoongiâs studio, fingers hovering uncertainly near the handle. You had just gotten word that PSY loved how the track was sounding so far, and you wanted to tell Yoongi. Maybe help him relax, even just a little.
What you didnât realise was that Yoongi wasnât in his studio.
He was walking down the hall toward you.
His brows furrowed slightly when he spotted you lingering outside his door, your hand hovering like you couldnât quite commit. He slowed, watching you for a second, before stepping closer.
âHey.â
âShit!â You flinched, jumping backâstraight into him. Your back bumped lightly against his chest, the sudden contact sending your thoughts scattering.
You spun around immediately, pulling your limbs in close, like you were trying to fold yourself smaller.
âSorry, I didnât mean to scare you.â
You shook your head quickly. âNo, no. IâI was just coming to find you. I have news.â
Yoongi tilted his head, taking a small step closer. Your breath hitched as his hand reached past you, close enough that you could feel the warmth of him at your side. He was so near you could catch his cologne, something soft and groundingâvanilla threaded with pine.
The door clicked open.
âShall we?â
You blinked up at him, subconsciously holding your breath as you nodded. You took a small step back into the doorway before turning and slipping inside. Yoongi followed, closing the door quietly behind him.
You retreated to your usual spot on the couch. Normally, you would sink into it, letting out a quiet breath, like everything outside this room simply⌠didnât exist. But today, your body stayed slightly tense, shoulders held tighter than usual.
Yoongi didnât take his usual place at the swivel chair.
Instead, he sat down beside you.
âSo⌠whatâs up?â he asked, pulling your attention from your hands back to him.
âOhâumâŚâ You straightened slightly. âPSYâs management told me he really loves what youâve done with the track so far.â
âReally?â Yoongi said, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. âI still wasnât sure about it when I sent it in.â He dropped his face into his hands, dragging his fingers through his hair. âThank god he likes it.â
You watched him, catching that genuine glint of relief, of quiet happiness. Youâd seen how hard heâd been pushing himself for this trackâlate nights, early mornings, barely stopping long enough to breathe.
Your chest tightened, something soft and fond curling there.
A smile found its way onto your lips.
âYou should trust yourself more, Yoongi,â you said gently, and he looked up at you, your eyes meeting. âAnd sleep is very important too.â
His lips curved, slow and real, breaking into that soft, gummy smile that always seemed to catch you off guard. He looked away, nodding once. âYeah, I owe you for that. You were right. I just needed to rest and everything came together.â
âDonât act surprised, Iâm always right,â you teased.
A quiet, breathy laugh slipped out of him, and it did something strange to youâlike it travelled straight through your chest and settled somewhere deeper. Some of the tension in your shoulders eased without you even realising.
âI think we deserve to celebrate then.â
You frowned slightly. âCelebrate?â
Yoongi nodded, glancing back at you. âThis is good news and, like I said, I owe you.â
âNo, no. Yoongi, you donât owe me anything. I was justââ
He let out a low groan, cutting you off. âWill you just let me do a nice thing for you?â
You pressed your lips together, looking down, a little flustered now, before giving in with a small nod.
âGood. Friday, after work. Glasshouse.â
You blinked. âGlasshouse? That place is expensive.â
âY/n, let me do something nice.â
âThat place is too nice,â you argued weakly.
Yoongi had already pushed himself off the couch, moving back to his desk. He dropped into his chair, grabbing his headphones.
âIâm going to get back to work now.â
âYoonââ You stopped yourself as he slipped the headphones over his ears, turning away, already elsewhere.
Silence settled over the room, broken only by the faint thrum of bass leaking from his headphones.
Your eyes stayed fixed on the back of his chair, your mind spinning faster than you could keep up with.
Friday? Glasshouse? Nice?
âLadies and gentlemen, after years, Ms. Y/n has a date with a human man!â
âWho are you talking to?â You waddled out of your bathroom in yet another dress, the fourth one youâd tried on. Your eyes landed on Yuri. She was standing on your bed with the brightest grin on her face, Sori perched at the edge beside her, tail wagging like she was part of the audience. âAnd this is not a date.â
Yuri frowned. âYouâve been saying that for two days, but here you are putting in a little too much effort for a ânot-dateâ.â
You turned away, your expression tightening slightly as you faced the full-length mirror. The dress suddenly felt wrong. Too much. Not enough. You couldnât even tell anymore.
You didnât respond, because Yuri was right.
Your mind had been ping-ponging nonstop since Yoongi asked. Every possible angle, every possible implication. This couldnât be a date. It was just a celebration. A thank you. A nice thing, like he said.
He never called it a date.
ButâŚ
âI donât think a dress is the way to go.â You turned back to Yuri. She studied you for a second, then nodded slowly.
âYeah, thatâs not a great dressâŚâ
âHey! Rude.â
âI say that with only love for you in my heart, babe.â You rolled your eyes, but a small smile tugged at your lips. Yuri hopped off the bed in one quick motion and made a beeline for your closet. âHow about⌠this!â
She pulled out a white mini skirt you hadnât worn since college, holding it up like sheâd just discovered treasure. âYou always looked so hot in this.â
âYuri!â you groaned, already feeling your face warm.
âPlease! Come on.â She pouted, clasping her hands together dramatically. âFine, itâs not a date. But just in case, I want to make sure you make Min Yoongi forget every other girl heâs ever seen in his life.â
Your head snapped slightly to the side, heat blooming across your neck and cheeks at the thought. The image came uninvited. Yoongi looking at you, really lookingâ
You shut it down immediately.
This is not a date.
You didnât say a word. You just reached out and snatched the skirt from her hands, which earned you an excited squeal that echoed off your walls.
Turning back to your closet, your fingers brushed past hangers until they stilled.
A red camisole you forgot you had.
Deep, slightly sheer, soft in a way that felt⌠dangerous.
Your stomach flipped.
You hesitated for half a second, then pulled it out anyway.
Behind you, Yuri clapped. âGo try it on!â
You exhaled slowly, like you were bracing yourself for something bigger than just an outfit, and disappeared back into the bathroom. When you stepped out again, the room felt quieter for a beat.
Yuriâs eyes lifted from her phone. Her hand, mid-pet over Soriâs head, stilled completely. Her jaw dropped.
You shifted your weight slightly, suddenly very aware of your own body, of the way the fabric sat against your skin, of how different this felt from anything you usually wore. âHow does it lookâŚ?â
âYouâre making me question getting married to Daniel⌠and my sexuality.â
You let out a mortified sound, immediately hiding your face in your hands, but you were smiling despite yourself. Warmth spread through your chest, soft and familiar. Your brain quietly added another reason to the ever-growing list of why you were so grateful to have Yuri in your life.
And underneath that, a quieter thought.
What is he going to think?
Your stomach dipped again.
âAlright, now sit down.â Yuri slid off the bed, already moving, already in charge. She patted the seat in front of your vanity. âLet me do your hair.â
You dropped your hands from your face, exhaling softly as you moved toward her, catching your reflection one more time in the mirror.
Your heart skipped.
This is not a date.
âŚRight?
âI canât believe my best friend is dropping me off at a dateââ
âAha!â Yuri exclaimed, shooting you a victorious look. âSo you admit this is a date.â
âNo. That was anââ You cut yourself off with a frustrated exhale, giving up halfway through the argument. Because, honestly, the closer you got to Glasshouse, the harder it was to ignore the very loud, very inconvenient voice in your head insisting that this was, in fact, a date.
Which was not helping your nerves.
âWhatever,â you muttered, crossing your arms slightly. âStill canât believe you convinced me into this.â
Yuri shrugged, completely unbothered. âItâs on my way home.â
âHow am I supposed to get home?â
A slow, knowing smirk spread across her lips, her eyes flicking toward you for just a second before returning to the road. âMaybe ask Yoongi to take you.â
âYouâre evil.â You pointed at her, scandalised.
She gasped softly, placing a hand over her chest in mock offense. âNo, hun. Iâm a mastermind.â Then she winked, easing the car to a smooth stop in front of the entrance. âOkay, now get out and go get your man!â
âNot my man,â you stressed, already reaching for the door.
The night air hit you as you stepped out onto the sidewalk, cool against your skin. The door shut behind you with a soft thud, and Yuri leaned across the driverâs seat just enough to give you an exaggerated thumbs up before pulling away into the stream of traffic.
You stood there for a second, then turned.
The Glasshouse glowed in front of you, its name lit up in soft, elegant lettering. The kind of place that didnât scream for attention but still held it effortlessly. Your stomach twisted.
You took a slow breath.
Relax. This is just two friends celebrating a job well done.
You pushed the door open and stepped inside.
The atmosphere wrapped around you immediately, dim lighting spilling from warm-toned lamps scattered across the space, casting everything in a soft golden haze. Low music hummed beneath the layered chatter of conversations. To one side, booths held groups of friends leaning into each other, laughter bubbling up between bites of food. The center of the room was dotted with small tables, candles flickering lazily. To your left, the bar stretched out, polished and glowing under hanging lights.
And there he was.
Yoongi sat at the bar, slightly turned toward a painting mounted on the wall, like heâd been quietly studying it to pass the time. One arm rested against the counter, fingers loosely curled around a glass of amber liquid, the ice inside catching the light.
Damn⌠he looks so good.
He hadnât noticed you yet.
So you let yourself look.
His hair fell loosely around his face, slightly messy in a way that made it obvious heâd been running his fingers through it. Dark jeans, a simple grey t-shirt, and a black leather jacket thrown over it like an afterthought. Effortless. Unfair.
And suddenly, you felt very aware of yourself.
Of the way the fabric of your top sat against your skin.
Of how dressed up you were.
Relax, Y/n. This is just two friends. Just⌠friends.
You forced your feet to move. The soft, rhythmic click of your heels against the wooden floor cut through the ambient noise just enough to draw his attention.
Yoongiâs head turned.
His eyes landed on you and he stilled.
It was subtle, but you saw it. The way his gaze sharpened, the way his lips parted just slightly before he caught himself.
You offered a small smile, lifting your hand in a tiny wave. âHi. Already started celebrating without me?â
Yoongiâs expression shifted immediately, something warmer settling in. âNo, no. I just thought Iâd get something while I waited.â
âI didnât keep you waiting too long, I hope.â You nibbled lightly on your bottom lip, the habit slipping out before you could stop it.
There was the briefest pause before he answered, quieter this time. âYou didnât.â His head tilted toward the bartender. âYou want something?â
You nodded, sliding into the seat beside him. As you reached into your purse, his hand moved across the space between you, stopping you mid-motion.
âItâs on me. Donât worry about it.â
You frowned, ready to argue, but he beat you to it.
âNice thing, remember?â
Right.
The bartender approached, and you placed your order. âA vodka cranberry, please.â
âVodka cranberry?â Yoongi echoed beside you.
You turned to him, brow lifting. âWhatâs wrong with a vodka cranberry?â
He shook his head lightly. âNothing. Just feels like a bit of a boring drink.â
You scoffed, offended in the most dramatic way possible. âBoring? And you are what? Some alcohol connoisseur?â
âNever claimed to be.â
âWell, whatâs that then?â You pointed at the glass in front of him.
âScotch.â His eyes flicked to it, then back to you. âHave you ever had it?â
You shook your head.
That seemed to amuse him. He nudged the glass toward you. âTake a sip?â
âWhat? Thatâs your drink.â
âAnd? Youâre not going to down the whole thing, right?â He pushed it a little closer. âJust try it.â
You hesitated for a second, then gave in, fingers wrapping around the glass. You could feel his gaze on you, steady, attentive, as you lifted it to your lips and took a cautious sip.
Immediate regret.
Your face twisted, nose scrunching as the taste hit, sharp and unfamiliar. You shook your head quickly, handing it back as Yoongi let out a quiet laugh.
âNot your style?â
âNot at all.â You let out a small breath, still recovering. âI guess I just donât like a lot of alcohol. I donât even like beer.â
âYou donât like beer?â Yoongi looked genuinely wounded.
âAnd you do?!â
âHell yeah.â
That did it. You both laughed.
The tension that had been coiled tightly in your chest since the car ride loosened, just a little.
Your drink arrived, and the second the straw touched your lips, you did a small, involuntary shoulder shimmy of satisfaction. Yoongi caught it instantly, the corner of his mouth lifting.
For a moment, he let himself look.
At you.
Heâd never seen you like this before. At work, you were all structure and precision, everything in place. At the park, you were soft and relaxed, comfortable in a way that felt natural.
But this was something else entirely.
The delicate fabric of your top, the way it moved with you, the way it revealed just enough to make it impossible not to notice. And then the skirtâclean, simple, sitting low on your waist, the short hemline drawing attention to your legs in a way that felt almost unfair paired with something so soft above. It balanced everything out, sharpened the look, made it impossible for his eyes not to linger a second longer than they should.
It was⌠dangerous.
âYou look beautiful, by the way.â
His voice was quiet. Almost like he hadnât meant to say it out loud. Your breath caught, your eyes lifting to meet his. He was already looking at you, completely unguarded.
Heat spread up your neck, across your cheeks.
âThank you,â you managed, softer than you intended.
Before either of you could say more, a waiter appeared at Yoongiâs side. âYour table is ready, sir.â
Your head snapped toward him. âTable?â
Yoongi stood, smooth and unhurried. âOf course,â he said, then glanced down at you. âYou didnât think we came here just for drinks, did you?â
Your brain short-circuited for half a second.
You scrambled to grab your purse and drink, quickly following as he trailed behind the waiter. The further you walked into the restaurant, the quieter it seemed to get, the lighting softer, more intimate.
And then you saw it.
A table for two, tucked neatly into a more secluded corner. Crisp white tablecloth. A single candle flickering gently at the center.
Whoa.
The waiter pulled out your chair, and you sat down slowly, still taking it in as he did the same for Yoongi before slipping away.
You shifted in your seat, your fingers brushing lightly over the edge of the table as your thoughts tangled again. The question had been sitting at the back of your mind since you walked in, and now it pushed forward.
âYoongiâŚâ you started. âCan I ask, how did you manage all of this?â
He looked up. âWhat do you mean?â
âI mean⌠this place is pretty exclusive. Itâs always booked. Howâd you get a reservation on such short notice?â
There was a flicker of hesitation in his expression, subtle but there. âI know the owner.â
Your brows lifted. âReally? How?â
Another pause.
Then, quieter, âDo you know about the autism treatment center at Severance Hospital?â
You nodded.
âThey have a music-based therapy program that helps kids with emotional and social development. Iâve been volunteering there for a while⌠and one of the kids I work with is the ownerâs son.â
For a moment, all you could do was look at him.
ââŚWow.â
The word came out softer than you expected.
âYoongi, thatâs amazing.â
âItâs nothiââ
âNo, Yoongi. Itâs amazing.â Your smile this time was steady, sincere. âYouâre⌠youâre a really amazing person.â
Silence settled between you, but it wasnât awkward. Just full.
His gaze held yours for a beat longer before he spoke again.
âYou are pretty amazing for what you do too. Fostering is really important.â
You felt the warmth creep back into your cheeks. âItâs nothing like what youâre doing.â
âDonât say that.â His tone sharpened just slightly, not harsh, but certain. His eyes didnât leave yours. âThere are so many animals out there and not enough shelters. We both know what happens because of that. Youâre giving them a chance at a home. At a life.â A small pause. âIâd say thatâs pretty amazing.â
ââŚThanks.â
You let the moment sit, then added, a little more softly, âActually, I wanted to tell you. Soriâs adoption just got finalized today. Sheâs officially mine.â
His expression shifted instantly, something warm and pleased settling in.
âOh, Tang is going to be thrilled with that news.â
You laughed, the sound lighter now. âI think Tang secretly likes Sori, actually.â
âI do too.â Yoongi nodded. âBut she likes to pretend sheâs better than everyone.
The night had settled into something quieter by the time you both stepped out of Glasshouse, the city humming softly around you instead of roaring. The cool air brushed against your skin, a stark contrast to the warmth youâd been sitting in all evening.
You turned to him first, fingers curling slightly around your purse strap. âI had a really good time tonight,â you said, your voice softer now, stripped of the earlier teasing. âThank you.â
Yoongiâs gaze lingered on you for a second longer than necessary, like he was still somewhere inside the evening. âYeah,â he nodded, a small smile pulling at his lips. âMe too.â
You glanced around, instinctively reaching for your phone. âI should probablyââ
âDo you have a ride?â he asked, already watching you.
You blinked, then nodded lightly. âI was just going to order an Uber.â
There was a beat. Then, simply, âLet me take you home.â
Your eyes flicked back to his. âYou donât have to do that, Yoongi. You alreadyââ you gestured vaguely, ââpaid for everything.â
âI know.â His tone didnât waver, calm but firm. âIâd just feel better knowing you got home safely.â
Something in the way he said it made it hard to argue.
ââŚOkay,â you said after a second, a small smile tugging at your lips.
Yuri: 1, Y/n: 0
The walk to his car was short, but the night air had a bite to it. You didnât realize youâd shivered untilâ
âHere.â
You looked up just as Yoongi slipped his leather jacket off, stepping closer. The movement was easy, practiced, but your breath caught anyway as he draped it over your shoulders, his hands brushing lightly against your arms as he adjusted it.
Warm.
And it smelled like him.
Vanilla and pinewood.
You pulled the jacket a little closer around yourself, hoping he wouldnât notice the way your entire system had just rebooted.
He opened the passenger door for you, one hand resting against the top of it as he glanced at you.
You paused, raising a brow. âWho said chivalry was dead?â
His lips twitched. âGet in the car.â
You huffed out a small laugh and slid into the seat.
The drive was easy. Quieter than dinner, but not awkward. Yoongi handed control of the aux over without hesitation. âPlay something.â
You blinked at him. âI donât mind listening to whatever youââ
âI want to know what you listen to.â
There it was again. That simple, steady way he said things. That finality.
So you plugged your phone in.
After a second of scrolling, you picked somethingâ*Japanese Denim* by Daniel Caesar. Smooth, a little dreamy, the kind of song that filled space without demanding it.
Yoongi didnât say anything at first.
Just listened.
âThis fits you,â he said eventually.
You glanced at him. âWhat does that mean?â
He shrugged slightly, eyes still on the road. âItâs calm. But thereâs a lot going on underneath.â
âAre you psychoanalysing me through my music taste?â
Yoongiâs lips twitched, the corner of his mouth lifting just slightly as he glanced at you. âMaybe.â
You huffed, shaking your head as you looked back down at your phone, trying to ignore the way your chest had done a tiny, unnecessary flip. âYouâre so annoying.â
âMm,â he hummed, not even a little apologetic. Then added, almost absentmindedly. âYouâre cute when you get flustered,â
Your head snapped back toward him. âIâm not flustered.â
âYou are,â he said, calm as ever.
âIâm not,â you insisted, even as your voice betrayed you just slightly.
That earned you a quiet, satisfied hum, like heâd proven a point he hadnât even needed to argue. You looked away again, this time with a small, helpless smile tugging at your lips.
When the car pulled up outside your building, neither of you moved right away.
Then Yoongi was already stepping out, walking around to your side before you could even reach for the handle. He opened the door, offering his hand without thinking.
You took it.
The walk to your building was slow, neither of you rushing it, like the night wasnât quite ready to end yet.
You stopped just before the entrance and turned to him.
âThank you,â you said again, quieter this time. âFor tonight.â
His gaze held yours. âYou already said that.â
âI know,â you smiled faintly. âI just wanted to say it again.â
A small breath passed between you, neither of you moved. The air felt thinner somehow, like something was about to tip.
You didnât even realise you were doing it at firstâyour teeth catching your bottom lip, worrying it lightly as your nerves crept back in, as everything about this moment started to feel a little too real.
Yoongi noticed.
His gaze dropped to your lips.
ââŚYou should stop doing that,â he said, voice low, quieter than before.
You blinked, thrown. âWhat?â
His eyes flicked back up to yours, but only briefly, like it took effort. âBiting your lip.â
Your heart skipped, confusion flickering across your face.
ââŚWhy?â
There was a beat.
âBecause it makes me want to kiss you.â
Something in your chest flipped, steadying instead of spiraling this time. You swallowed, but you didnât look away.
âYou want to kiss me?â you asked, quieter, but braver now.
His lips parted slightly as he looked at you, something unguarded settling into his expression.
âSo badly.â
It hit you like a spark straight to your core, warming everything it touched. And for once, you didnât let your thoughts take over.
You stepped closer.
Just enough.
Yoongi stilled, eyes fixed on you, watching carefully, like he was giving you all the space in the world to decide the outcome of the evening.
âThen why donât you?â you murmured.
His gaze dipped again, then back up, slower this time.
âAre you giving me permission to?â
His hands came up, slow, deliberate, settling at your waist. Warm. Firm. Grounding.
Your breath caught, your hands hovering for a second before you nodded.
That was all he needed.
He leaned in.
You leaned in too, meeting him halfway like your body had already decided before your brain could catch up.
The kiss wasnât hesitant. The second Yoongi leaned in, it was sure. Certain.
Like the moment you nodded, something in him settled.
His hand tightened slightly against your waist as his lips met yours, firm and warm and devastatingly soft all at once. The breath left your lungs immediately, your fingers instinctively gripping the front of his shirt as your eyes fluttered shut.
He kissed you like heâd been thinking about it for a while.
Like he already knew exactly how he wanted to do it.
Slow enough to savor.
Deep enough to make your knees feel weak.
A quiet sound caught in your throat when he pulled you closer, the warmth of his body pressing against yours through the leather jacket still draped around your shoulders. His thumb moved slightly against your waist, grounding and gentle even as the kiss deepened, his mouth moving against yours with a confidence that made your head spin.
And god, he kissed beautifully.
Unhurried. Intentional.
Like he was paying attention to every tiny reaction you gave him.
Your hands slid upward, fingers curling against his shoulders before wrapping loosely around the back of his neck, instinctively drawing him closer. Yoongi responded immediately, his grip on your waist tightening just enough to make heat rush through your entire body.
The world around you blurred into nothing. No city noise. No passing cars.
Just him.
The faint taste of scotch still lingering on his lips. The scent of vanilla and pine surrounding you. The steady warmth of his hands holding you like he didnât want you going anywhere.
Your lips moved together like theyâd been building toward this for months without either of you fully realizing it.
Like every lingering glance and quiet walk and almost-flirting moment had led here.
When you finally pulled apart, it wasnât because either of you wanted to.
It was because breathing had suddenly become important again.
Your foreheads nearly brushed as you both stayed there for a second, close enough to feel each otherâs breath, equally wrecked.
A soft, disbelieving laugh escaped you first.
Yoongi huffed out one right after, quieter, like he couldnât quite believe it either.
And somehow that made everything feel even more real.
âIâve been wanting to do that for a while,â he admitted, voice low.
You bit your lip, heat rising all over again. ââŚIâve thought about it once or twice too.â
He raised a brow slightly. âOnly once or twice?â
You let out a soft scoff, lightly smacking his chest. âShut up.â
He laughedâsoft, real, warm. And then you were just⌠standing there again.
Looking at each other like something had shifted into place.
Eventually, you stepped back, reluctantly untangling yourself from him.
âGoodnight, Yoongi.â
âGoodnight.â
He took a few steps back, then turned toward his car.
You watched him go. Then you remembered.
âYoongi!â
He turned, eyebrows lifting.
You pointed at yourselfâmore specifically, at the jacket still wrapped around you.
A slow smile spread across his face.
âGive it back to me on Monday.â
And thenâbecause of courseâHe winked.
You just shook your head, smiling to yourself as you turned and finally walked into your building.
Your heart didnât settle the entire way up.
part 3 in the works :) will probably take longer to come out because iâm a student in exam szn
taglist
@imsorare @skzrracha @ineed-myspace @machalemon @dreamerwasfound @roro--i @love-forever-and-more @kingsqueensandvagabonds @busanbby-jjk @jajabro @chaosbunn1
Off the Record Update: part 2 will be out later today!
thank you for all the love on part 1! iâm so glad youâre all enjoying this little story i cooked up in my head 𼚠(everyone say thank you jimin for this adorable pic of yoongi)
OFF THE RECORD â PART ONE
summary đâ.Ë You werenât looking for anything. Not between deadlines, late nights at the studio, and helping your best friend plan her wedding. Min Yoongi definitely wasnât either. But somewhere between shared silences, quiet understanding, an unbothered cat and a energetic puppy⌠something begins to shift.
pairing đâ.Ë producer!yoongi x a&r coordinator!reader
word count đâ.Ë 11.6k (this is like half of what i've written lol)
tags đâ.Ë non-idol au, coworkers to lovers, slow burn, strangers to something more, soft tension, mutual pining (eventually), slice of life, studio setting, pet meet-cute, tang the cat, sori the puppy, yoongi is quiet but not immune, reader is stressed and trying her best, found comfort, a little angst, a lot of softness, emotional slow build, he notices everything, she overthinks everything, smut (eventually)
notes đâ.Ë this fic somehow turned into a mini series and iâm just letting it happen at this point đ§ââď¸ i hope you guys enjoy this first part!! things are just getting started <3
You tapped your knuckles against the wooden studio door, a little harder than necessary, and waited.
Nothing.
You exhaled quietly through your nose.
Of course.
You cracked the door open just enough to peek inside, already knowing what youâd find.
Sure enough, Jung Hoseok sat with his back to you, headphones on, completely lost in whatever track he was working on. His head bobbed lightly to the rhythm, one foot tapping against the floor in time, fingers drumming absentmindedly against the desk.
You stepped in, easing the door shut behind you. The soft click barely registered over the faint thrum of bass leaking from his headphones.
Your hands folded in front of you, gripping your tablet.
âHoseok?â you called.
Nothing.
You tried again, a little louder. âJung Hoseok.â
Still nothing.
You pressed your lips together, already feeling your patience thinning.
âHobi-ah!â
He jolted in his chair, shoulders jumping as he yanked his headphones off, spinning halfway around to look at you like youâd just materialized out of thin air.
You couldnât help the small, satisfied smirk tugging at your lips.
âYou scared me, y/n,â he said, dropping the headphones around his neck and pressing a hand dramatically to his chest.
âYou werenât answering me,â you shot back, unimpressed. âSo it serves you right.â
You pushed yourself off the wall and walked further into the studio. The space was dim, lit mostly by the glow of monitors and a warm lamp tucked into the corner. Cables snaked across the floor, empty coffee cups crowded the desk, and a half-finished melody still played faintly through the speakers.
Hoseok watched you approach, a smile settling on his face.
You stopped in front of him, unlocking your tablet and pulling up his schedule with practiced ease.
You were an A&R coordinator.
Which, in simpler terms, meant you kept everything from falling apart.
You managed producers and artists, organized schedules, booked studio sessions, handled files, fielded last-minute changes, and occasionally acted as a buffer between fragile egos and harsh reality.
Hoseok was one of the full-time producers assigned to you.
Which meant, more often than not, he was also one of your biggest headaches.
âAnyway,â you said, holding the tablet out toward him, tapping the screen so heâd actually look at it, âMegan added another session for tomorrow. I shifted your afternoon block to accommodate it.â
Hoseok glanced down, scanning quickly.
âAnd,â you added, tilting your head toward the door, âyour two oâclock is here.â
He let out a long, suffering sigh, head tipping back dramatically.
âThat kid?â
You nodded, lips pressing together in a way that was dangerously close to a smile.
Hoseok dragged a hand down his face. âYou know he canât sing, right? He only got a record deal because his father knows someone upstairs.â
You lowered your gaze, biting back the laugh threatening to slip out.
âYeah,â you admitted, voice dipping just slightly. âI listened to his demo.â
Hoseok huffed out a dry laugh, shaking his head as he turned back toward his setup.
âI donât even know what they want me to do with him,â he muttered. âAuto-tune can only go so far.â
You shrugged lightly, already swiping through your tablet again.
âJust⌠do what you can,â you said. âMake it listenable. Thatâs all theyâre asking for.â
He snorted. âYou say that like itâs easy.â
You glanced up at him then, one brow lifting.
âFor you?â you said, tone just shy of teasing. âYeah. It kind of is.â
Hoseok paused at that, looking back at you.
Then he smiled.
âSee, this is why I keep you around.â
You rolled your eyes immediately, but there was no real bite to it.
âThatâs literally my job,â you said, though your voice had softened just a fraction.
Hoseok only laughed, shaking his head as he reached for his headphones again.
For a moment, the studio settled into a quiet hum again. The kind that came from too many late nights, too much music, too many people chasing something just out of reach.
You adjusted your grip on your tablet, already mentally moving on to the next task, the next schedule, the next problem waiting to be solved.
âGo save your client,â you said, nodding toward the door.
Hoseok groaned under his breath but stood anyway, dragging himself toward the inevitable.
As he passed you, he nudged your shoulder lightly.
âYou owe me coffee after this,â he muttered.
You smirked.
âSurvive the session first,â you said. âThen weâll talk.â
And as he stepped out, you stayed behind for a moment, glancing at the paused track still glowing on the screen.
Just for a second.
Old habits.
Then you shook your head, turned on your heel, and slipped out of the studio, already pulling up your next schedule.
You were walking down the hallway toward the break room to grab something to eat when your phone rang. Your eyes dropped to the screen as you pulled it from your back pocket.
Yuri.
A soft smile tugged at your lips as you answered.
âHiiiii!â
Yuriâs voice rang through the speaker in a sing-song tone, a habit she had picked up ever since her engagement to her long-term boyfriend seven months ago.
You couldnât be happier for her.
You had met Yuri on orientation day at university, and despite being in completely different majors, the two of you had clicked instantly. What started as a random friendship formed over awkward introductions and campus tours had turned into something constant, something steady. You stayed close through your university years and carried that bond into your adult lives.
You had seen every version of Yuri in love.
You were there for the bad dates, the almosts, the ones that ended too quickly or too painfully. You had held her while she cried, reassured her when she doubted herself, and sat through long rants about men who simply werenât worth the time.
So when she introduced you to Daniel, you were⌠cautious.
You couldnât help it. You were protective.
But Daniel proved you wrong in all the best ways. He was patient, kind, attentive. Steady in a way Yuri needed. So when he texted you on a random Wednesday, asking for your help to plan a surprise proposal, you didnât hesitate for even a second.
Yuri had said yes.
Of course she did.
The proposal had been beautiful. Set on the beach in her hometown of Busan, the sunset melting into the ocean behind them like something out of a movie. That night turned into a celebration, champagne flowing, music blasting, the two of you screaming along to every love song the DJ played at the top of your lungs.
It had been perfect.
But as the night wore on, as the music softened and the crowd thinned, you found yourself watching Yuri and Daniel from across the beach.
The way he looked at her. The way she leaned into him so naturally.
And somewhere deep in your chest, something twisted.
It wasnât bitterness.
It wasnât even unhappiness.
Just⌠a quiet, aching awareness.
You hadnât been entirely unlucky in love. Youâd had relationships during university, fleeting things that felt important at the time but never quite lasted. Nothing that rooted itself deep enough to stay.
Nothing like this.
After graduating, you had thrown yourself into your work. Fully. Completely. Every ounce of your energy poured into building your career in the music industry.
And it worked.
You were now working at one of the top labels in Seoul, surrounded by talent, building connections, proving yourself in a space that didnât hand out success easily.
You had everything you thought you wanted.
But standing there that night, watching your best friend step into the next chapter of her life, you couldnât ignore the question that lingered quietly in the back of your mind.
At what cost?
Somewhere along the way, you had stopped making space for anything else.
Dating became an afterthought. Then a distant idea. Then⌠nothing at all.
And now here you were, helping Yuri pick out wedding dresses, tasting cake samples, planning the details of a life she was about to build with someone she lovedâ
while having no one of your own.
You hummed softly as you listened to Yuri list out your weekend schedule, her voice bright with excitement as she jumped from one wedding appointment to the next. Dress fittings. Cake tastings. Venue confirmations. Each one apparently essential, each one something she needed you, her maid of honor, present for.
ââand then Sunday we have to go back to the boutique because Iâm still not sure about the necklineââ
âMm-hmm,â you murmured, nodding along even though she couldnât see you.
Your eyes stayed trained on the floor as you walked, your steps automatic. By now, you knew the route to the break room by heart. Left at the glass offices, straight past the recording studios, slight turn before the vending machines.
âAre you even listening to me?â Yuri teased through the phone.
âI am,â you laughed softly. âYouâre spiraling over the neckline again.â
âI am not spiralingâokay, maybe a little.â
You smiled, warmth settling in your chest despite everything. This was familiar. Easy.
What you didnât notice was the figure walking toward you from the opposite end of the hallway.
His head was slightly bowed, dark hair falling over his eyes as his gaze stayed fixed on his phone. Earphones tucked in, completely sealing him off from the world around him. His fingers tapped absentmindedly against the screen, replaying a melody over and over, tweaking it in his head, lost somewhere between rhythm and thought.
Neither of you were paying attention.
Which is exactly why you collided.
It wasnât dramatic. No one went flying. But it was enough.
Your shoulder knocked into his chest, your phone nearly slipping from your hand as a startled gasp left your lips.
ââhello? Hello?â Yuriâs voice echoed faintly from your phone as you scrambled to steady yourself.
âIâm so sorryââ you started immediately, the apology tumbling out on instinct as you looked up.
And froze.
He had already pulled one earphone out, brows slightly furrowed, clearly pulled from whatever world he had been in. For a second, he didnât say anything, just looked at you, processing.
Up close, you noticed everything all at once.
Sharp eyes, still a little distant. Soft skin, pale under the fluorescent lights. Dressed simply, but there was something about him that felt⌠deliberate. Like everything he did had intention behind it.
You blinked, suddenly aware you were staring.
âSorry,â you repeated, this time softer, more composed. âI wasnât looking where I was going.â
There was a brief pause.
Then he gave a small nod, sliding his other earphone out, finally giving you his full attention.
âMe neither,â he admitted, voice low, a little rough around the edges like it hadnât been used in a while.
Something about it made you straighten slightly.
On the phone, Yuri was still talking, oblivious.
ââif we go earlier, we might beat the rushâare you there??â
You let out a small, embarrassed breath, lifting your phone slightly. âI, umâsorry. Iâm on a call.â
His gaze flickered to the phone, then back to you. For just a second longer than necessary.
âRight,â he said simply.
There was no irritation. No annoyance.
Just⌠acknowledgment.
You gave him one last apologetic smile before stepping around him, heart doing something strange and unexplainable in your chest as you continued down the hall.
âOkay, Iâm back,â you said into the phone, trying to shake the moment off. âSorry, I just walked into someone.â
âWalked into someone?â Yuri gasped dramatically. âRom-com moment. Was he cute?â
You rolled your eyes, reaching the break room door. âWhy did you automatically assume itâs a man? It couldâve been a woman.â
âPlease,â she scoffed. âI heard him speak. Now answer meâwas he cute?â
You hesitated.
Just for a second.
ââŚI didnât really look,â you lied, pushing open the break room door.
But for some reason, as you reached for the vending machine, your mind flickered back to him anyway.
Meanwhile, down the hallway he paused.
Just briefly.
Glancing back over his shoulder in the direction you had disappeared, brows knitting together ever so slightly.
Then, without a word, he slipped his earphones back inâ
and kept walking.
Your keys jiggled in the lock as you pushed your front door open, arms slightly weighed down with grocery bags. You had stopped by the store on your way back, remembering last minute that you were completely out of ramen⌠and more importantly, Soriâs kibble.
Speaking of, the second the door cracked open, the familiar sound of tiny paws skidding against the floor echoed down the hallway.
âSoriââ
Too late.
The small bundle of energy came bounding toward you at full speed, nails clicking against the hardwood as she practically launched herself at your legs. She bounced up on her hind legs, tail wagging so fast it looked like it might fall off, soft golden curls bouncing with every movement.
You let out a quiet laugh, nudging the door shut behind you with your foot before carefully lowering the grocery bags to the ground.
âOkay, okayâhi, I missed you too,â you murmured, crouching slightly as she circled you in excitement.
Her paws pressed against your knee, nose nudging at your hands like she was making sure you were real.
Your smile softened as you looked down at her.
Sori.
Your foster puppy.
You had taken her in a few weeks ago, a âtemporary placement,â the shelter had said. Just until they found her a forever home.
But weeks had passed.
And there had been no calls. No updates. No families asking about her.
Your fingers stilled slightly in her fur as the thought crossed your mind again, quieter this time, heavier.
How could anyone not want you?
Sori, completely unaware of your thoughts, simply leaned into your touch, tail still wagging like she had no care in the world.
You exhaled softly, brushing your thumb over her head before she suddenly darted toward the grocery bags again, curiosity pulling her away just as quickly as she had come.
You shook your head, a small smile returning.
âUnbelievable,â you muttered, reaching to pull the bag away from her before she could dig her nose in.
Sori only huffed in protest, tail still wagging as she trotted after you while you unpacked your groceries, circling your feet like a tiny, fluffy shadow.
By the time you finally clipped Soriâs leash onto her collar, the sky outside had already begun to dim.
âSorry, baby,â you murmured, glancing down at her as she bounced impatiently by the door. âWeâre late today.â
You usually took her out earlier, when the sun was still high and the park was busier, filled with people and other dogs. But today had run longer than expected. One of the new A&R assistants had misplaced an important demo, sending half the office into a quiet spiral until it was eventually found⌠in the wrong studio folder.
You had stayed back to help fix the mess.
Now, you were paying the price.
Sori, however, didnât seem to mind in the slightest.
The moment you stepped outside, she was already tugging lightly at the leash, eager and full of energy as the cool evening air wrapped around you. The streets were calmer now, the usual daytime noise softened into something quieter, more relaxed.
By the time you reached the park, the sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink.
You took a deep breath as you walked in, shoulders easing almost instantly.
This was your favourite part of the day.
Sori led you along the familiar path, stopping every few steps to sniff something new, completely fascinated by the world in a way only puppies could be. You let her take her time, your grip on the leash loose, your mind finally beginning to quiet after the long day.
When she eventually settled on a patch of grass, you paused, glancing around absentmindedly as you waited.
Thatâs when you saw it.
A black cat.
On a leash.
You blinked once, then again, just to make sure you werenât imagining it.
The cat sat calmly near one of the benches, tail flicking lazily behind it, completely unbothered by its surroundings.
On a leash.
A small laugh slipped past your lips before you could stop it, the sound soft and disbelieving.
âOkayâŚâ you muttered under your breath, a smile tugging at your mouth. âThatâs new.â
Your eyes lingered for a moment longer, amused by the sight, before your attention was pulled back down by Sori, who proudly finished her business like she had just accomplished something monumental.
âGood girl,â you murmured, reaching down to reward her, the image of the cat still lingering faintly in your mind as you continued your walk.
You didnât think much of it.
The next day felt off from the moment you woke up.
Not dramatically bad. Not catastrophic.
Just⌠wrong.
Like everything was slightly out of place.
You had woken up late, your alarm somehow silenced without you remembering turning it off. In your rush, you spilled coffee down the front of your shirt and had to change twice before even leaving the apartment. Sori had decided today was the perfect day to refuse to eat her kibble, staring at you like you had personally offended her.
And that was just the morning.
At work, things didnât get better.
An email you knew you had sent the night before had somehow never gone through, meaning a studio session had to be rescheduled last minute. One of the newer assistants kept forwarding you incomplete files, and you had to go back and forth three times just to get the correct version of a track.
Then, to top it all off, a producer you barely worked with snapped at you over a scheduling overlap that⌠wasnât even your fault.
You had smiled through it.
Apologised anyway.
Fixed it.
Because that was your job.
By the time you checked the clock, it was only halfway through the day, and you felt like you hadnât had a single moment to breathe.
All you wanted was ten minutes.
Just ten.
You exhaled slowly as you stepped into the hallway, heading toward the break room, your shoulders tight, your head beginning to ache.
Your phone rang.
You froze mid-step, eyes dropping to the screen.
Your boss.
Of-fucking-course.
For a second, you considered letting it ring out. Just pretending you didnât see it. But you sighed and answered anyway, straightening your posture instinctively.
âHello?â
âCan you come to my office for a moment?â
Not even a greeting.
You closed your eyes briefly.
âOf course,â you replied, voice polite, even.
The call ended.
You stood there for a second longer, staring at your phone, jaw tightening slightly.
So much for a break.
By the time you reached the office, your expression was composed again. Calm. Professional. The version of yourself you had perfected over the years. You knocked lightly before stepping inside.
âCome in.â
You greeted your superior with a small bow, hands clasped neatly in front of you.
âYou wanted to see me, sir?â
He gestured for you to sit, flipping through a few files before speaking.
âOne of our producersâ A&R coordinator is out sick for the next couple of weeks,â he said, not looking up. âWe need someone to step in temporarily.â
You nodded slowly, already bracing yourself.
âYouâre adaptable,â he continued. âYouâve handled multiple schedules before. Weâd like you to take over his coordination until his usual staff returns.â
Of course you would.
You forced a small smile. âThatâs fine. I can take it on.â
A brief pause.
âWho is the producer?â you asked.
He, finally, glanced up at you.
âMin Yoongi.â
The name settled into your chest for a second before your mind caught up.
Min Yoongi.
It was familiar. You had seen him around. Quiet. Kept to himself. Always moving with purpose, like he existed slightly outside the chaos of the building.
Wait. Then you rememberedâŚ
The hallway.
The collision.
Oh. This is going to be embarrassing.
âIâve⌠seen him around,â you said carefully, keeping your tone neutral.
âGood,â your superior replied. âThen this shouldnât be difficult for you.â
You nodded again, though something in your chest felt oddly unsettled now. Not bad. Just⌠aware.
âIâll make sure everything runs smoothly.â
âThatâs what we expect.â
Just like that, the meeting was over.
The moment the office door shut behind you, the weight of the day came crashing back. You let out a sharp exhale, your composure slipping just enough as frustration curled tight in your chest.
No break.
More work.
And nowânew responsibility. New expectations. New person to figure out.
Your steps quickened, heels striking harder against the floor as you made your way down the hallway.
There was only one place you could think to go. You reached the studio door and⌠didnât knock.
You pushed it open.
âHoseokââ
The door swung wide.
Three heads snapped toward you.
Hoseok physically jolted in his chair, headphones half slipping off as he whipped around, eyes wide.
Inside the recording booth, Jimin flinched at the sudden noise, hand flying to his chest as he turned toward the door, startled.
And off to the side, seated on the couch with a notebook resting against his knee, Namjoon blinked up at you, pen frozen mid-sentence.
Silence.
A full, stunned beat of silence.
âYah!â Hoseok yelped, clutching his chest dramatically. âDo you want me to die early?!â
You blinked.
Once.
Twice.
ââŚoh.â
Your eyes flickered around the room properly this time, awareness crashing in all at once.
Jimin was already laughing softly in the booth, one hand still pressed to his chest, shoulders shaking slightly.
âWow,â he said into the mic, voice warm with amusement. âYou really know how to jump-scare.â
Namjoon let out a quiet huff of laughter from the couch, shaking his head as he finally set his pen down.
âYouâve never done that before,â he added, studying you curiously. âNo knock, no warningâŚâ
âIâsorry,â you said quickly, wincing as you stepped fully inside, pushing the door shut behind you. âI didnât realise you guys were in session.â
âDid you forget you scheduled this session for us?â Hoseok shot back, though there was no real bite behind it, just a sly smirk tugging at his lips, like he was far more entertained than inconvenienced.
You ran a hand through your hair, fingers catching slightly as you pushed it back, already feeling your frustration bubbling up under the embarrassment, warm and restless beneath your skin.
âIâIâm having a day,â you sighed, the words coming out softer this time, more honest than you intended as you dropped onto the couch beside Namjoon without asking.
The shift was immediate.
Hoseok straightened slightly, concern replacing the dramatics. Namjoon leaned forward a bit, resting his elbows on his knees, attention fully on you now. Jimin pushed open the booth door, stepping out and pulling his headphones down around his neck.
âThat bad?â he asked, softer now.
âThat bad,â you repeated, exhaling sharply. âEverything is going wrong today. I havenât had a break, people keep messing things up, and Iâm the one fixing itâand nowââ you gestured vaguely, âânow theyâve assigned me to someone else on top of everything.â
âAnother producer?â Namjoon asked.
You nodded, lips pressing together a little too tightly to steady the faint tremble threatening to give you away. You werenât someone who cried easily, especially not here, at work, so you swallowed it down and held your composure in place.
âMin Yoongi.â
Hoseokâs brows lifted slightly, âYoongi hyung?â
âYou know him?â you asked immediately.
âYeah,â he shrugged. âHeâs new here, but heâs really good. Works a lot. Doesnât talk much. Always wearing earphones.â
âThat explains the whole⌠hallway collision thing,â you muttered under your breath.
Namjoonâs eyes flicked back to you. âHallway collision?â
You groaned, dragging a hand down your face.
âYes, I literally ran into him yesterday,â you admitted.
Jimin let out a quiet laugh, clearly entertained. âFirst impressions are important, you know.â
âPlease donât,â you shot back, though there was no real bite behind it. Your voice came out thinner than you intended.
Hoseok, meanwhile, looked far too amused. You narrowed your eyes at him. âWhatâs got you all happy?â
âNothing,â he said quickly, hands lifting in surrender, though the grin tugging at his lips gave him away.
Namjoon let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. âHonestly,â he added, voice calm, âit might not be a bad thing.â
You turned to him, incredulous.
âRight. Because Iâm not already overworked enough. Letâs just hand her another human being to manage, why donât we?â
You leaned back in your chair with a groan, dragging your hands down your face. The frustration youâd been holding in all day finally started to crack through.
Jimin laughed again, softer this time, leaning against the edge of the console.
âYouâll survive.â
âI donât want to survive,â you muttered. âI want a break. Like⌠five minutes where something doesnât go wrong.â
Hoseokâs smile faded first. He tilted his head slightly, studying you more carefully now. Heâd known you for yearsâlong enough to recognize every version of you that existed within these walls. You had always been the steady one. The composed one. Where he was all brightness and noise, you balanced it out with quiet control, dry remarks, and an ease that never cracked under pressure.
You didnât complain about work. You handled it. Always. So seeing you like thisâfrustration slipping through, something heavier sitting behind your wordsâmade something in his chest tighten. His brows pulled together slightly, a faint frown settling in.
He didnât like it. Not one bit.
ââŚHey, whatâs wrong?â he said gently, âThis feels like itâs about more than just being assigned a new producer.â
The room went quieter.
You hesitated. For a second, you thought about brushing it off. Saying you were fine. Making a joke. Moving on. But something about the way they were all looking at you, not teasing anymore, just⌠there, made your chest feel tight.
You exhaled slowly, shoulders dropping.
âIâm just⌠tired,â you admitted, voice quieter now. âItâs not just today.â
Namjoon shifted slightly, giving you his full attention.
âThereâs always something going wrong recently,â you continued. âEvery day itâs a new issue, a new problem, a new fire I have to put out. And half the time I didnât even cause it, but Iâm still expected to fix it or take the blame for it.â
Your fingers twisted together in your lap.
âAnd then outside of workâŚâ you huffed out a small, breathless laugh, âIâm basically living Yuriâs life right now.â
Jiminâs brows lifted slightly. âWedding stuff?â
âNon-stop,â you nodded. âDress fittings, cake tastings, venue visits, calls, lists⌠I love her, I do. I love seeing her happy. But itâs just⌠a lot. And itâs the same things over and over again.â
You paused, pressing your lips together before adding, softer,
âAnd then thereâs Sori.â
Jimin tilted his head. âSori?â
âMy dog,â you said.
Hoseok perked up instantly.
âYou have a dog?!â
You couldnât help it, a small giggle slipped out at how quickly his energy flipped.
âI didnât know you had a dog!â
âSheâs a foster,â you explained, a faint smile forming despite everything. âIâve had her for a few weeks now.â
Hoseok looked like heâd just been told the best news of his life. âWhy didnât you tell me?!â
Namjoon reached over and lightly nudged his arm. âLet her finish.â
Hoseok deflated slightly, though the excitement still buzzed around him. You shook your head, smile fading into something softer.
âThere hasnât been any word from the shelter yet about a permanent home,â you said quietly. âSo itâs just been⌠me and her.â
Your voice dipped just a little. âAnd I donât know. Itâs just another thing to think about. Another responsibility.â
Silence settled for a moment, but it wasnât heavy. It felt⌠understanding. Namjoon spoke first, voice low and steady. âDo you feel a little better?â
You blinked at him. It took a second to really check in with yourself.
The tightness in your chest wasnât as sharp anymore. Your shoulders felt lighter. Like youâd finally set something down after carrying it for too long.
ââŚYeah,â you admitted quietly. âI think I just needed to get it out.â
Jimin gave you a small, reassuring smile.
Hoseok straightened suddenly, clapping his hands once like heâd reached a conclusion. âOkay. That settles it.â
You looked at him, confused. âWhat does?â
âWeâre going out,â he declared. âDinner. You, me, Jimin, Namjoon. Joon call Jungkook and Jimin, you should bring Taehyung.â
You blinked. âRight now?â
âNo,â he confirmed. âwe canât just ditch work, y/n.â
You huffed out a soft laugh shaking your head.
Hoseok grinned, pleased. âTonight. Hyungâs place,â he added.
Your brows lifted. âSeokjinâs restaurant?â
âExactly.â
You hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly.
ââŚOkay.â
Hoseokâs grin widened.
âAnd bring Sori.â
You blinked again. âTo the restaurant?â
âObviously,â he said, like it was the most natural thing in the world. âI need to meet her.â
Jimin laughed under his breath.
Namjoon just shook his head fondly.
And for the first time all day, the idea of the evening ahead didnât feel like another obligation.
It felt like a small escape.
By the time you all settled into Seokjinâs restaurant, the night had already softened around the edges. Warm lighting, low chatter, the steady clink of glasses. The kind of place that made everything feel a little slower, a little easier.
Sori, however, had single-handedly turned the table into a circus.
âI still donât understand why there is a dog in my restaurant,â Seokjin muttered, even as his hand absentmindedly scratched under Soriâs chin.
âYou love her,â you said, smiling into your drink.
âIâm tolerating her.â
Soriâs tail thumped loudly against the floor.
ââŚsheâs well-behaved,â he added after a pause.
Taehyung leaned across Jimin with zero regard for personal space, cooing at her.
âHi, baby,â he whispered, booping her nose.
âShe likes me more,â Hoseok declared immediately, half rising from his seat.
âYouâve known her for ten minutes,â Namjoon said dryly.
âTime is irrelevant when the connection is this strong.â
Jungkook laughed quietly beside him, shaking his head. âYou guys are unbelievable.â
You felt yourself relax into it all, the warmth of the food, the soft buzz of soju in your system, the easy presence of people who made everything feel lighter.
Your gaze drifted around the table, settling on each of them in turn, something quieter taking shape in your chest. Hoseok, still animated as ever, was the first person youâd really grown close to at the companyâthe one who somehow balanced you out from the start.
Namjoon sat beside him, quieter, listening. You had gone to university together, in the same music program, yet never spoke back then. It wasnât until later, already in the industry, that you properly metâand now, it felt strange to think there was ever a time you didnât know him like this.
Across from you, Jimin laughed softly, relaxed in a way you rarely saw in the studio. Youâd known him through work firstâhandling his music, his schedulesâbut somewhere along the way, it had become something more familiar. Taehyung leaned into him, smiling, the kind of constant presence that made it obvious why Jimin kept him close. You werenât as close to him, but you appreciated him all the same.
Jungkook sat at the end of the table, quieter but attentive, still carrying that slight awkwardness of someone not fully used to this yet. He had reached out to Namjoon through your universityâs alumni network, and somewhere along the way, the two of you had just⌠kept him. What started as guidance turned into something closer, something that felt a lot like family.
And Seokjinâhovering nearby more than sitting, despite your protestsâwatched over all of it with quiet fondness. His restaurant had been your place for years now, long before nights like this became routine, and in his own way, he had taken all of you in.
You let the moment settle, the noise, the warmth, the people.
You had just reached for another bite when Hoseok suddenly froze. Then gasped.
âYou wonât believe who just walked in.â
Everyone immediately turned.
âWhoâ?â
âHeyâstop!â Hoseok hissed, waving his hands. âYouâre all gonna make it obvious!â
âWhat are you talking about?â Jimin whispered, already halfway turned.
You frowned, glancing between them. âWho is it?â
Hoseok leaned closer, lowering his voice like he was about to reveal a secret.
âMin Yoongi.â
Your head snapped toward the entrance.
And there he was.
Standing near the front counter, earphones in, head slightly bowed as he scrolled through his phone like nothing else in the room mattered.
Casual.
Effortlessly so.
Black hoodie, a little oversized. Dark jeans. Rings catching faint light as his fingers moved. His hair fell messily across his forehead, like he hadnât tried at all, like it just sat that way naturally.
You blinked.
Right.
He is lookingâŚreally good.
Not loud about it. Not the kind that demanded attention. But the kind that pulled it anyway.
âWait,â Taehyung whispered, squinting slightly. âWho is that?â
Jimin followed your line of sight, then leaned closer to Taehyung.
âThatâs Min Yoongi,â he murmured. âProducer. And apparently,â he nodded subtly toward you, âher new problem.â
Taehyungâs brows shot up. âThatâs the guy?â
Jungkook leaned forward, interest piqued. âThe one you got assigned to?â
You groaned softly, already feeling the attention shift toward you.
âYes,â you muttered. âThat one.â
Namjoon let out a quiet chuckle.
âTell them the rest.â
âNo,â you said immediately.
Seokjin looked between you all, confused but intrigued. âWhat rest?â
Hoseok grinned. âShe crashed into him yesterday in the hall.â
Jungkook burst out laughing. âOf course you did.â
Seokjin followed, a low amused laugh slipping out. âThatâs actually kind of funny.â
You rolled your eyes, sinking slightly into your seat. âIt was an accident,â you defended. âWe literally just bumped into each other. Thatâs it. Nothing happened.â
âThatâs so unfortunate,â Taehyung said, shaking his head like he truly meant it.
âWhy is that unfortunate?â you shot back.
âBecause it couldâve been something,â Jimin added, clearly entertained.
âIt wasnât,â you deadpanned.
Hoseok leaned in then, voice dropping slightly.
âStill⌠you should be careful.â
Your brows furrowed. âWhat?â
âIâve heard heâs⌠kind of scary.â
You stilled slightly.
ââŚwhat do you mean?â
Namjoon shifted, tone more measured.
âHeâs not new,â he said. âHeâs pretty well known in the industry. Heâs just⌠very private.â
âQuiet,â Jimin added.
âPicky,â Namjoon continued.
Hoseok nodded. âHard to work with.â
âMean?â Taehyung offered.
âNot mean,â Namjoon corrected. âJust blunt.â
âStill scary,â Taehyung insisted.
Jungkook hummed, glancing toward the front again. âIâve heard he doesnât really tolerate mistakes.â
Your fingers tightened slightly around your glass. You werenât one to take rumours at face value. You knew how easily things got twisted in this industry.
But stillâŚyou didnât know him. And tomorrow, you had to work with him.
Almost without thinking, your eyes drifted back again.
He was still there, waiting.
Your heart beat a little faster than it should have.
Just one more secondâ
His head lifted. And his eyes met yours.
Direct. Unmistakable. Your breath caught.
For a split second, the noise of the restaurant faded. His expression barely shifted, but there was something there. Recognition, maybe. Then, you whipped your head back so fast it almost hurt.
âOh my god,â you whispered harshly. âHe saw me.â
Jimin immediately leaned forward. âNo way.â
âHe did,â you insisted, eyes wide. âHe definitely did.â
Hoseok was already trying not to laugh. âThis is incredible.â
âStop looking!â you warned, even as Taehyung very obviously tried to sneak another glance.
Namjoon shook his head, amused.
Right then, a staff member approached the counter with a takeout bag. Yoongi took it, gave a small nod, and turned toward the door without a second glance.
And just like that, he was gone.
The table buzzed again instantly, laughter and chatter picking right back up. But you barely heard it. Your gaze lingered on the space heâd just left.
Tomorrow.
Your first day working with Min Yoongi.
You exhaled slowly, leaning back in your chair.
Min Yoongi scrunched his nose, squinting at the thin streaks of light slipping through the curtains of his otherwise dark bedroom. He blinked slowly, vision adjusting, and found himself staring directly into a pair of green eyes.
Tang.
The cat sat perched beside his head on the pillow, her head tilted slightly as she stared at him, one paw still lifted mid-air like she had been debating whether to smack him awake.
Yoongi frowned.
âDid you wake me up?â
Tang said nothing, of course. Just blinked once before leaning forward, nudging her head against his cheek.
A quiet huff of a laugh escaped him as he lifted a hand to scratch behind her ear.
âYeah, yeah.â
He lay there for another moment, staring at the ceiling, mentally running through the day ahead. Studio time. A meeting. A schedule adjustmentâ
Right.
The new coordinator.
He pushed himself up with a soft exhale, running a hand through his hair before swinging his legs off the bed. As long as they did their job, it didnât matter.
By the time he arrived at the studio, the building was already alive.
Muted chatter echoed through the halls. Doors opening and closing. The distant pulse of bass leaking faintly through soundproof walls.
Yoongi slipped his earphones in out of habit, a rough demo looping quietly as he walked, head slightly lowered, attention split between sound and thought.
When he reached his studio door, he pushed it open and paused.
Someone was already inside.
You stood near the console, tablet in hand, scrolling through something, your brows slightly drawn together in focus.
For a second, he didnât move.
Didnât speak.
Just looked.
Then the door clicked shut behind him.
Your head lifted immediately. Your eyes met his and something flickered. Brief. Sharp. Gone just as quickly.
âOh.â
You straightened, composure snapping into place almost instantly.
âGood morning,â you said, adjusting your grip on the tablet. âI just came here to find you.â
Yoongi pulled one earphone out slowly, gaze still resting on you for a moment longer before he stepped inside. âRight.â
Your posture shifted subtly, more formal now.
âIâm y/n. Iâve been assigned as your A&R coordinator temporarily while your usual coordinator is out.â
He gave a small nod, setting his bag down beside the chair.
There was a pause.
Not quite awkward.
But not entirely comfortable either.
âYouâll be handling the schedule?â he asked, tone even.
âYes,â you nodded, tapping your tablet lightly. âSessions, bookings, file coordination, any changes that come up.â
Efficient. Straightforward. His kind of answer.
Yoongi leaned back slightly against the desk, arms folding loosely as he watched you for a beat.
You didnât ramble. Didnât over-explain.
Just gave him what he needed.
ââŚOkay,â he said.
Simple.
But enough.
You exhaled softly, almost imperceptibly, before shifting into motion.
âYour first session today is at eleven,â you continued, voice steady. âStudio B was originally booked, but I had it moved here so you wouldnât have to relocate.â
His eyes flicked up to you again.
âYeah, I saw that last night⌠Thanks.â
You nodded once, glancing back at your tablet, unaware of the way his attention lingered a second longer than necessary.
Two days ago, you had been all rushed apologies and fleeting eye contact. Slightly flustered. Unsteady for just a moment before pulling yourself back together.
Now, you were composed. Controlled. Precise in the way you spoke, the way you carried yourself.
Different.
His gaze stayed on you, thoughtful.
He had seen you around before. In passing. Mostly through open studio doors, or in the hallway with Hoseok.
You werenât like this then.
With Hoseok, you were easy. Relaxed. A little louder. Comfortable in a way that softened the edges of you.
Here, you were careful. Professional. Measured.
It wasnât a bad thing.
Just⌠noticeable.
Yoongiâs eyes narrowed slightly, in quiet consideration. Interesting.
He didnât question it.
But he filed it away anyway.
âAnything else?â he asked.
You hesitated briefly, like you were running through a mental checklist, then shook your head. âNo, that should be everything for now.â
Another pause. Quieter this time.
The kind that could stretch if neither of you moved.
So you did.
âIâll leave you to work,â you said, stepping back slightly. âIf you need anything, just let me know. I left my number on your desk.â
Yoongi gave a short nod. Turning his head to the piece of paper wedged under his mouse.
You turned toward the door. Hand on the handle. For a split second, you paused. Then you opened the door and stepped out.
The room fell quiet again.
Yoongi stood there for a moment, unmoving, before reaching up to slide his earphone back in.
The demo resumed.
But his focus didnât.
Not immediately.
His gaze lingered briefly on the door youâd just walked through.
Then, with a quiet exhale, he turned back to his equipment and got to work.
The first few days passed quietly. Not awkward. Not comfortable either.
Just⌠professional.
On day three, you stopped knocking before entering his studio. A small thing. But intentional.
The first time you hesitated, hand hovering over the door, remembering how he workedâheadphones on, lost in sound, irritation flickering when interruptedâyou made a choice.
You just pushed the door open.
The next time, you didnât hesitate at all.
Yoongi noticed. He didnât say anything. But he noticed.
On day four, you stopped speaking the moment you walked in. Instead, you waited.
Watched.
You learned the signs quickly.
The slight tilt of his head meant he was deep in a layer of sound. The slow nod to himself meant he was replaying something in his head. The pauseâjust a fraction too longâmeant he was between thoughts.
Thatâs when you spoke. âYour two oâclock is here.â
Yoongi pulled his headphones down, glancing at you briefly.
ââŚThanks.â
You nodded like it was nothing. But smiled once you were back in the hallway.
On day five, the coffee started appearing.
He didnât ask for it. You didnât mention it.
Just a cup placed quietly on the edge of his desk, always within reach, never in the way.
Black. No sugar. From his regular cafĂŠ.
You had noticed the empty takeaway cups scattered across his desk every morning, the same logo, the same order. So when you realized he hadnât brought one in that day, you slipped out before lunch and got it for him.
He noticed that too.
His fingers hovered over the cup for a second before picking it up.
A small sip.
A pause.
Then he kept working.
By the end of the first week, the studio stopped feeling like just his space.
Not entirely. But less closed off.
You moved through it like you understood its rhythm now. Like you knew where to stand, when to speak, when to leave. No wasted movement. No unnecessary noise.
It made things⌠easier.
Yoongi found himself finishing things faster. Getting less irritated. Not having to think about anything outside the music.
Because you already had.
On the eighth day, something went wrong.
A file didnât transfer properly. He clicked through folders, irritation creeping in, his jaw tightening. âWhere is itââ
âI have a backup.â Your voice cut in, calm and steady.
You were already moving, plugging your tablet in, pulling up the file like you had expected this to happen.
Because you had.
Yoongi stared at the screen for a second, then at you.
ââŚYou always do this?â
âPrevent disasters?â you shrugged lightly, slightly cocky on purpose. âI try.â
You let out a soft chuckle at his deadpan expression, a hint of amusement slipping through.
âBelieve it or not, this has happened a lot before,â you added. âI started keeping my own backup files years ago. You canât always trust everyone you work with.â
A beat.
Then, quieter, he asked, ââŚCan I trust you?â
You blinked, taken aback, suddenly very aware of how close you were standingâclose enough to notice the faint scent of his cologne, something subtle and clean, close enough that you could hear the quiet shift of his breathing over the low hum of the equipment.
The file finished transferring, the soft click of completion filling the space between you.
You straightened slowly, clearing your throat.
âYes.â
Another pause.
ââŚGood.â
It wasnât praise.
But it wasnât nothing.
By day ten, the silence between you had changed. It wasnât empty anymore. It was⌠shared.
Comfortable in a way that didnât need to be acknowledged.
You would sometimes sit in the corner of his studio now before leaving, working through schedules, while he layered sounds for hoursâand neither of you felt the need to fill the space.
Sometimes, heâd glance up.
Just briefly.
Checking that you were there.
And somewhere along the way, he started to notice more things. The way the tension in your shoulders slowly eased, the longer you stayed in the room. The way your fingers stopped fiddling with the pendant necklace you always woreâthe same absent habit he had seen in passing, out in the hall. The way you would hum softly under your breath, barely audible, completely lost in your work.
Focused. Steady. Present.
And for reasons he didnât bother unpacking, he found that⌠reassuring.
By the end of the week and a half, Yoongi had stopped thinking of you as temporary.
He still knew you were.
But somewhere along the way, his workflow had adjusted around you. Like you had always been part of it. Like removing you would leave something⌠off.
And you had stopped overthinking every word before you said it. Stopped bracing yourself before walking into his studio. You had learned him. His rhythms. His silences. The way he worked.
And in return, he had started letting you exist in that space without question.
It wasnât friendship. Not yet.
But it wasnât just work anymore either.
Just something quieter.
The weekend came far too quickly.
Not in a peaceful, finally I can rest kind of wayâbut in a you blink and suddenly youâre being dragged through a bridal boutique at ten in the morning kind of way.
âStand still,â Yuri muttered, gently tugging at your wrist.
âI am standing still,â you complained, though you didnât actually resist as she manhandled you, turning you slightly to inspect every angle of the potential bridesmaids dress.
âYouâre swaying.â
âIâm tired.â
âYouâre dramatic.â
You huffed, crossing your arms as she adjusted the bow at the back, frowning slightly.
âYou said we had two appointments today,â you mumbled. âTwo. This is the fourth place.â
Yuri didnât even look guilty. âPlans change.â
âYouâre a menace.â
She grinned, completely unbothered. âAnd yet, you love me.â
You did. That was the problem.
Because despite the way you sighed and dragged your feet and muttered under your breath, there was no real annoyance behind it. You let her pull you from boutique to boutique, gave your opinions when she asked, hyped her up when she stepped out in dresses that made her glow.
Still, by the time you ended up sitting on a plush couch in your sixth shop while she disappeared into yet another fitting room, you let your head fall back with a groan.
âIâm going to pass away,â you declared.
From behind the curtain, Yuriâs voice rang out, far too amused. âNot before my wedding, youâre not.â
You snorted softly, rubbing your face.
There was a brief pause.
âSo.â
Oh no.
That tone.
You knew that tone.
ââŚNo,â you said immediately, already suspicious.
The curtain rustled, and Yuri peeked out, eyes sparkling with something that could only be described as trouble.
âWhat?â she asked innocently.
âNo,â you repeated, narrowing your eyes. âWhatever youâre about to sayâno.â
She stepped out fully this time, smoothing down the dress as she walked toward the mirror.
âSo howâs Min Yoongi?â
Your brain stalled.
ââŚwhat?â
You sat up straighter, staring at her. âHow do youââ
âWasnât he the guy you bumped into that day we were on the phone?â
âYuri,â you said slowly, âhow do you know about him?â
She blinked at you like it was obvious. âNamjoon told me.â
Of course he did.
You pressed your lips together, already feeling the embarrassment creeping up your neck. âWhy is Namjoon telling you about my life?â
âBecause I was bored, and this is entertaining,â she shot back easily, then tilted her head. âDonât get upset at Joon, thoughâwe were drunk and I wouldnât leave him alone about it. You, also, donât really tell me anything anymore.â
âThatâs not true.â
âIt is a little true.â
You hesitated.
Okay. Maybe a little.
Youâd always been a bit closed off, always had high walls. You felt the need to be hyper-independent, like you had to handle everything on your own. Meeting Yuri had changed thatâshe made it easier to trust, to let those walls down.
But old habits died hard.
And sometimes⌠those walls crept back up before you even realised it.
Yuri softened slightly, walking over and dropping down beside you, nudging your shoulder. âCome on,â she coaxed. âTell me.â
You exhaled slowly, leaning back into the couch.
âThereâs nothing to tell,â you tried.
She stared at you.
You stared back.
Yuri was always patient with youâbut she also knew exactly when to push.
ââŚI just got assigned to him for a bit,â you admitted.
Her eyes lit up immediately. âAnd?â
âAnd nothing,â you insisted. âWe work together. Thatâs it.â
âMhm.â
You shot her a look. âIâm serious.â
âSure,â she nodded, far too knowingly. âYouâre working. Professionally. Calmly.â
âExactly,â you said, maybe a bit too quickly.
Yuriâs smile widened.
You groaned, dragging a hand down your face. âOh my god.â
âKeep going,â she sing-songed. âCome on!â
You hesitated again.
Then, quieter, âOkay. Something did happen last weekâŚâ
Yuri leaned in instantly. âWhat?â
You looked down at your hands, fiddling with your fingers absentmindedly.
âThere was an issue with a file,â you said. âI had a backup.â
âOf course you did.â
You smiled slightly.
âI was transferring it, and I said something about not being able to trust people with important stuff sometimes, and then he just⌠looked at me and askedââ
You paused, then mimicked his tone softly,
ââCan I trust you?ââ
Yuri made a sound.
An actual, physical sound of disbelief.
âHE SAID THAT?â
You winced. âCan you not yellââ
âThatâs intense,â she cut in, grabbing your arm.
âYuri.â You let out a small, embarrassed laugh, shaking your head. âIt wasnât anything.â
âY/n, you cannot seriously think that.â
âIt wasnât,â you insisted, though your voice softened slightly. âIt was just⌠work.â
Yuri studied you for a moment. Then she smiled.
You scowled.
You nudged her shoulder lightly. âFocus on your wedding, will you?â
She laughed, letting it goâfor now.
But the glint in her eyes said this conversation wasnât over.
By the time you got home, the sky was already dipping into gold.
Your barely made it into the hall before a small blur of energy came sprinting toward you.
âHi baby!â
The puppy practically launched herself at your legs, tiny paws scratching against you as her tail wagged wildly.
You laughed, crouching down to gather her into your arms. âI missed you tooââ
âAnd me?â
You glanced up, startled, only to find Jungkook stepping out from the hallway, one hand rubbing the back of his neck.
âOhâKook,â you smiled, shifting Sori slightly in your arms. âThank you for watching her today, seriously. I know it was super last minute.â
He shrugged, soft and easy. âIt was nothing, noona. I actually got a lot of work done.â
âReally? She let you?â you raised a brow.
âYeah,â he nodded, then added, almost like an afterthought, âAlso, I tried to take her on a walk, but she wouldnât leave the house.â
You blinked, looking down at the puppy in your arms. Placing her down gently.
Jungkook huffed a small laugh. âI think she only wants to go with you.â
You sighed but there was a smile tugging at your lips as you looked at her. âOf course she does.â
Sori yipped in response, completely unapologetic. Padding back over to sit my Jungkookâs legs.
âIâll take her out now,â you said, standing up. âYou should go before she decides you live here.â
Jungkook laughed, grabbing his bag. âI wouldnât mind that, sheâs a sweetheart. But, I should probably escape while I can.â
You walked him to the door, offering a quick thanks again before he waved it off and disappeared down the hall.
The apartment fell quiet again.
You glanced down at Sori, who was already bouncing slightly in anticipation.
âOkay, okay,â you murmured, reaching for her leash. âLetâs go.â
The air outside was cooler now, the sun hanging low in the sky like it was in no rush to leave. The park wasnât far, and the walk there was easy.
Sori trotted ahead happily, her tiny paws padding along the pavement, nose twitching at every new scent. She had always been good on walks, rarely pulling, content to explore at her own pace.
You let her lead.
Your mind drifted instead.
Tomorrowâs schedule. Emails you hadnât answered. Groceries you needed to buy. Yuriâs never-ending list of wedding tasks.
Your brain ran in quiet loops, organizing, planning, bracing for another day. It was peaceful in its own way.
Until, the leash jerked suddenly from your hand.
âShit, what!?â
You barely had time to react before Sori bolted forward, the thin strap slipping completely from your grasp.
Your heart jumped. âSori!â
You hurried after her, shoes scraping slightly against the path as you rushed forwardâand then froze.
She had stopped at a bench.
More specifically at a cat.
A black cat sat calmly on the bench, harness clipped neatly, completely unbothered as Sori bounded up to it, sniffing excitedly.
âOh my godââ you rushed forward, mortified, grabbing the abandoned leash. âIâm so sorrââ
The words died in your throat.
Because the man sitting beside the cat looked up.
Oh.
Yoongi.
For a second, neither of you said anything.
One of his earphones hung loose, clearly pulled out at the sudden interruption. His gaze met yours, steady, unreadableâbut there was something there. Surprise?
You blinked.
ââŚhi,â you said, a little breathless.
He blinked once, like he was catching up to the moment.
ââŚhi.â
And then⌠nothing.
Just the two of you there, staring, the quiet hum of the park settling around you like everything else had faded out.
Then woof!
Sori barked, jumping slightly toward the cat again.
Reality snapped back into place.
You dropped into a crouch immediately, pulling her back gently. âHeyâno, Sori, behaveââ
You glanced up again, flustered. âIâm so sorry, sheâs really friendly, she just gets excited.â
Yoongi nodded once, calm, like none of this phased him.
He reached across, lifting the cat easily into his lap, one hand resting lightly along her back. The cat settled instantly, still completely unimpressed.
Silence settled again.
Awkward this time.
You shifted slightly, fingers tightening around the leash as your mind raced.
Do I leave? Do I say something? Why am I still standing here?
Yoongi adjusted slightly on the bench, his fingers brushing his earphone like he was about to put it back inâ
âSoâŚâ you blurted.
Great.
You winced internally.
ââŚcat on a leash, huh?â you added, trying to recover. âIâve never seen that before.â
He paused.
Just slightly.
Then looked at you again.
ââŚyeah,â he said. âNot exactly common.â
Another pause.
You nodded like that was a normal, complete conversation.
Okay. Good. You can go now.
You shifted your weight, ready to turnâ
âThe vet recommended it.â
You blinked, looking back at him.
He glanced down at the cat briefly, thumb brushing over her fur. âSaid she needs more activity. Sheâs⌠gained some weight.â
Your lips twitched.
âShe does look a little chubby,â you said before you could stop yourself.
A beat.
ââŚare you fat-shaming my cat?â
Your eyes widened instantly. âNoâIâoh my god, I didnât mean it like thatââ
He didnât move.
And then, just barely, the corner of his mouth lifted.
You exhaled, half-laughing in relief. âThat was not fair.â
He shrugged lightly, like he didnât disagree.
His gaze flickered down to Sori, who was now sitting, still staring at Tang with intense curiosity.
âI didnât think you were a dog person,â he said.
You blinked. âIâwhat?â
âYou donât seem like one,â he added simply.
You narrowed your eyes slightly, amused despite yourself. âWhy not?â
Yoongi shrugged, âDogs are a lot of work.â
âI do a lot of work every day.â
âExactly. Thought youâd want to relax when you get home.â
You huffed a small laugh.
âYouâre not wrong. This is Sori,â you said, glancing down at her. âSheâs a foster.â
His brows lifted slightly. âFoster?â
âYeah,â you nodded. âIâve had her for a few weeks now. Still waiting for someone to adopt her.â
Your fingers absentmindedly brushed over Soriâs head.
Yoongi was quiet for a second. âThatâs really good of you. Fostering.â
You looked up at him. The way he said it wasnât overly reassuring. Wasnât exaggerated.
Just⌠certain.
Something about it settled in your chest.
You smiled, small but real. âThanks.â
Another pause.
But this one wasnât as awkward.
You shifted slightly, glancing toward the path. âI should probably finish up her walk.â
He nodded once.
âYeah.â
You took a small step back, giving Soriâs leash a gentle tug. âCome on, say bye.â
Sori gave one last curious look toward cat before turning back to you. You glanced at him one last time.
ââŚsee you Monday?â
The words slipped out before you could overthink them.
He met your gaze.
ââŚyeah.â A beat. âSee you.â
You nodded, turning and guiding Sori back onto the path, your steps slower than before.
Monday felt like all the quiet progress of the past two weeks had been wiped clean in one sweep. At least, it felt that way to you.
The entire weekend had been a loop of why did I say that and why didnât I just leave, your brain replaying every second of the park encounter like it was determined to haunt you personally. The eye contact. The awkward pauses. The chubby cat comment.
You pressed your lips together as you stood outside his studio door, inhaling slowly.
Get it together.
You knocked. Then, before you could overthink it, you pushed the door open just enough to peek inside and stilled.
Yoongi was already facing the door. His chair turned fully toward you, like heâd been expecting you. His expression was neutral, as always. Calm. Unreadable.
But there was something there. Faint. Subtle.
Your grip tightened slightly on your tablet.
âGood morning,â you said, voice steady despite the way your chest felt just a little too tight. âI just want to go over the schedule for today.â
Yoongi squinted slightly, like he was trying to read past the surface of you, then gave a small nod toward the inside of the room.
You stepped in, closing the door behind you with a quiet click.
Your heels carried you forward automatically, posture straight, head slightly lowered toward your tablet. Composed. Efficient. Exactly how you always were. But there was a stiffness in your shoulders now. A tension that hadnât been there before.
And Yoongi noticed immediately.
You began listing off the dayâs schedule, voice smooth, professional. Sessions. Demo reviews. Deadlines.
Yoongi listened, but not really.
Heâd already reviewed the schedule the night before. He always did.
Instead, his attention drifted.
To you.
To the way you werenât looking at him. To the way your fingers held your tablet just a little tighter than usual. To the way your voice was steady, but just slightly too controlled. Different from the quiet comfort that had slowly settled into his studio over the last two weeks.
His gaze flicked briefly to his desk.
Then back to you.
âThereâs no coffee today.â
The words landed simply. No accusation. No edge.
Just an observation.
It was the first time you looked up since entering the room. Your eyes snapped to his face, caught off guard, before instinctively following his line of sight to the empty coaster on his desk.
Right.
Your stomach dropped.
Your gaze lingered there for half a second before drifting back to him and for a brief moment, your eyes met.
His brows lifted slightly. A quiet question.
âShiââ you cut yourself off quickly, straightening. âSorry. I was in a hurry this morning. Iâll make sure you get it.â
Yoongi didnât respond right away.
He was still looking at you.
Still⌠assessing.
âYou seem tense,â he said finally. Blunt. Direct.
His eyes moved over you again, not in a way that lingered improperly, not anything that would make you self-consciousâbut precise. Like he was piecing something together.
âIs it your foster puppy⌠Sori?â
âWhatâSori?â you blinked, the question catching you completely off guard. âSheâs fine. Sheâs great, actually.â
The answer came too quickly.
You heard it. He definitely heard it.
âAnd before you askââ you added immediately, cutting him off as his lips parted slightly, âIâm also fine. Just a bit sleepy.â
You forced a smile.
It felt convincing enough.
Yoongi held your gaze for a moment longer than necessary. âYour lack of sleep isnât a cause for concern, though, is it?â he asked, tone even. âWe have important sessions today.â
The shift was subtle. Back to work.
But not entirely.
âNo,â you shook your head quickly. âI promise. Everythingâs under control.â
It had to be.
Because this wasnât just any week.
The labelâs biggest solo artist was coming inâsomeone who hadnât released new music in over a year. A full comeback cycle was being built around this project. Pre-release single, concept rollout, the works. And Yoongi had been brought in as one of the key producers on the track.
Everything had to be perfect.
No delays. No miscommunication. Every demo shortlisted. Every session locked in. Every revision tracked and ready.
You had spent all of last week clearing space for it.
Rearranging schedules. Pushing back smaller sessions. Finalizing unfinished demos so nothing would bleed into this week. Coordinating with management teams, studio engineers, external writers. Making sure contracts, credits, and file versions were all aligned before anything even started.
There was no room for error.
If something went wrong, it would land on you first. And today already felt like it was trying to test that.
Your grip on the tablet tightened just slightly before you forced it to relax.
Yoongi was still watching you. Quiet.
You straightened a fraction, shifting your weight more evenly.
âThe eleven oâclock session is for the pre-release track,â you added, keeping your tone even. âThe Tabloâs team sent over updated references last night. Iâve already sorted and labelled everything, youâll have access on the drive.â
Yoongi held your gaze for a second longer.
Then gave a small nod.
ââŚOkay.â
Yoongi dragged his hands over his face. For the first time since eleven, his studio was quiet.
Everyone had gone on lunch break. The steady hum of voices and movement outside had dulled into something distant, muted behind closed doors. He should be eating too.
But the melody in front of him still needed work.
Unfortunately, his mind didnât want to focus.
He leaned back in his chair with a quiet groan, head tipping toward the ceiling, eyes unfocused as his thoughts slippedâuninvited, persistentâright back to the same place they had been circling all morning.
You.
It was beginning to irritate him, how easily his mind returned to you. How naturally it lingered there.
Since Saturday, it had been like this.
He had pushed the thoughts away every time they surfaced, burying them under work, under sound, under anything that required focus.
But now, he let them stay. Just for a moment.
The park came first.
You, crouched in front of him, arms wrapped around your overly energetic puppy, apology spilling out of you in a rush. Flustered. Slightly breathless.
Your hair had been down.
He had never seen it like that before.
Loose. A little messy from running. Strands falling out of place.
Then, his lips twitched faintly at the following memory.
ââŚare you fat-shaming my cat?â
The way your eyes had widened. The immediate panic. The way relief melted into laughter when you realised he wasnât serious.
The sound of it. Light and unfiltered.
His gaze had lingered longer than it should have.
And then, your bundle of chaos, Sori. The way you looked at her stuck with him. Soft. Unguarded. Entirely different from the careful, composed version of you he saw every day at work.
Yoongi exhaled slowly, his expression shifting slightly.
Then his thoughts pulled forward to this morning.
The stiffness in your shoulders. The way you avoided his eyes. That smileâtoo quick. Too practiced. Fake.
His brows pulled together slightly.
Yoongi shook his head, pushing himself out of his chair. He stretched his arms overhead, muscles protesting after hours of sitting, before grabbing his keys and stepping out of the studio.
The cafeteria was loud.
Voices layered over each other, trays clattering, chairs scraping. The kind of noise that usually faded into the background for him.
Today, it didnât.
His gaze swept the room once and stopped, on you.
You were sitting near the corner, shoulders slightly hunched forward, fork lazily pushing food around your plate. There was a smile on your face.
Across from you: Hoseok.
Animated, as always. Hands moving as he spoke, clearly mid-story, completely invested in whatever he was saying.
You laughed.
Yoongiâs gaze lingered a second longer than necessary. Something unfamiliar flickered low in his chest. Subtle. He turned away, heading toward the buffet. He had just finished piling pasta and vegetables onto his plate whenâ
âYoongi hyung!â
Hoseok.
Of course.
He turned slightly. Hoseok was already waving him over, grin wide and easy. âCome sit with us!â
Yoongiâs eyes flicked back to you. From behind, the tension in your posture was obvious now. Shoulders tight. Spine just a little too straight.
He shouldnât.
It would be easier not to.
But, he was already moving.
He set his tray down and slid into the seat beside you.
âGood to see you outside your studio, hyung,â Hoseok said, still smiling.
Yoongi gave a small nod, picking up his fork. âMm.â
âY/n told me youâre working on Tabloâs pre-release track,â Hoseok continued, leaning forward slightly. âThatâs huge. Iâve been trying to get on that project.â
He placed a hand dramatically over his chest. âBut she wonât help me.â
Yoongiâs gaze shifted to you.
You felt it immediately.
You turned slightly, offering him a small, polite smileâjust a little too careful.
âHobi is being dramatic,â you said, shooting Hoseok a look. âHeâs working on IUâs next album.â
âThat is true,â Hoseok smirked, clearly proud.
âCareful, your headâs getting too big for your shoulders, again,â you added dryly.
âYou know, youâre really mean to me,â he shot back instantly. âCan never let me have something good.â
You huffed out a quiet laugh despite yourself, shaking your head. âIâm keeping you humble.â
For a moment, it almost felt normal. The tension is your shoulders melting, slightly.
But then, Hoseok pushed his chair back suddenly.
âIâm grabbing a drink and I need the bathroom,â he added, already standing. âDonât talk about anything interesting without me.â
âWouldnât dream of it,â you muttered.
He grinned, then disappeared into the crowd. And just like that the space shifted. The noise of the cafeteria seemed louder now. Or maybe it was just the silence between you.
You focused on your plate.
Yoongi didnât touch his food.
âYouâre still tense.â
Your hand stilled.
You let out a small breath, forcing a light tone. âIâm really notââ
âDid I do something?â
That made you look at him, properly. Caught completely off guard.
âWhat? Noâno, of course notââ
âThen why are you uncomfortable all of a sudden?â he asked, just as evenly.
You opened your mouthâ
âI can tell,â he added, not unkindly. âDonât try to deny it. Itâs obvious.â
Your lips pressed together. For a second, you considered brushing it off again. But under his gaze; steady, patient, waiting. You exhaled.
âIâŚâ you hesitated, fingers tightening slightly around your fork. âIâve just been⌠thinking about the park.â
A pause.
âIâm sorry,â you added quickly, the words rushing out now that theyâd started. âIf I made you uncomfortable in any way. I didnât mean to cross any boundaries or make things weirdâespecially because we work together, I justââ
You stopped yourself, shaking your head slightly.
âIâve been overthinking it all weekend,â you admitted, quieter now. âI just didnât want to⌠overstep.â
Silence.
Yoongi stared at you for a second.
Then two.
Taken aback.
ââŚYou think you made me uncomfortable?â he asked.
You blinked, uncertain. âI mean⌠I donât know, I justââ
âI wasnât,â he said simply.
Your words stopped.
âI wasnât uncomfortable,â he repeated, tone steady. âAnd you didnât cross any lines.â
Something in your chest loosened.
Just slightly.
He watched your expression shift, then added, âIf anything,â a small pause, âI should be asking if I did something to make you uncomfortable.â
Your eyes widened a fraction. âNoâno, you didnât. At all. This is justâŚâ you let out a small, embarrassed breath, âme overthinking. Like always.â
A beat.
Then, before you could stop yourselfâ
âIâve just⌠heard things.â
Yoongiâs brow lifted slightly. âThings.â
âYour reputation,â you admitted, wincing a little. âIn the industry.â
Another pause.
ââŚand you believed everything you heard?â he asked.
ââNo,â you said quickly. Then, softer, more honest, âI mean⌠maybe a little. At first.â
His gaze stayed on you.
âNot anymore, though,â you added, meeting his eyes this time.
A flicker of something passed through his expression.
âGood.â
The tension in your shoulders finally gave way, easing like something had quietly unknotted.
You exhaled, almost laughing under your breath. âGod, I feel so stupid.â
âDonât,â he said.
part 2 in the next few days ;)
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OFF THE RECORD â PART ONE
summary đâ.Ë You werenât looking for anything. Not between deadlines, late nights at the studio, and helping your best friend plan her wedding. Min Yoongi definitely wasnât either. But somewhere between shared silences, quiet understanding, an unbothered cat and a energetic puppy⌠something begins to shift.
pairing đâ.Ë producer!yoongi x a&r coordinator!reader
word count đâ.Ë 11.6k (this is like half of what i've written lol)
tags đâ.Ë non-idol au, coworkers to lovers, slow burn, strangers to something more, soft tension, mutual pining (eventually), slice of life, studio setting, pet meet-cute, tang the cat, sori the puppy, yoongi is quiet but not immune, reader is stressed and trying her best, found comfort, a little angst, a lot of softness, emotional slow build, he notices everything, she overthinks everything, smut (eventually)
notes đâ.Ë this fic somehow turned into a mini series and iâm just letting it happen at this point đ§ââď¸ i hope you guys enjoy this first part!! things are just getting started <3
You tapped your knuckles against the wooden studio door, a little harder than necessary, and waited.
Nothing.
You exhaled quietly through your nose.
Of course.
You cracked the door open just enough to peek inside, already knowing what youâd find.
Sure enough, Jung Hoseok sat with his back to you, headphones on, completely lost in whatever track he was working on. His head bobbed lightly to the rhythm, one foot tapping against the floor in time, fingers drumming absentmindedly against the desk.
You stepped in, easing the door shut behind you. The soft click barely registered over the faint thrum of bass leaking from his headphones.
Your hands folded in front of you, gripping your tablet.
âHoseok?â you called.
Nothing.
You tried again, a little louder. âJung Hoseok.â
Still nothing.
You pressed your lips together, already feeling your patience thinning.
âHobi-ah!â
He jolted in his chair, shoulders jumping as he yanked his headphones off, spinning halfway around to look at you like youâd just materialized out of thin air.
You couldnât help the small, satisfied smirk tugging at your lips.
âYou scared me, y/n,â he said, dropping the headphones around his neck and pressing a hand dramatically to his chest.
âYou werenât answering me,â you shot back, unimpressed. âSo it serves you right.â
You pushed yourself off the wall and walked further into the studio. The space was dim, lit mostly by the glow of monitors and a warm lamp tucked into the corner. Cables snaked across the floor, empty coffee cups crowded the desk, and a half-finished melody still played faintly through the speakers.
Hoseok watched you approach, a smile settling on his face.
You stopped in front of him, unlocking your tablet and pulling up his schedule with practiced ease.
You were an A&R coordinator.
Which, in simpler terms, meant you kept everything from falling apart.
You managed producers and artists, organized schedules, booked studio sessions, handled files, fielded last-minute changes, and occasionally acted as a buffer between fragile egos and harsh reality.
Hoseok was one of the full-time producers assigned to you.
Which meant, more often than not, he was also one of your biggest headaches.
âAnyway,â you said, holding the tablet out toward him, tapping the screen so heâd actually look at it, âMegan added another session for tomorrow. I shifted your afternoon block to accommodate it.â
Hoseok glanced down, scanning quickly.
âAnd,â you added, tilting your head toward the door, âyour two oâclock is here.â
He let out a long, suffering sigh, head tipping back dramatically.
âThat kid?â
You nodded, lips pressing together in a way that was dangerously close to a smile.
Hoseok dragged a hand down his face. âYou know he canât sing, right? He only got a record deal because his father knows someone upstairs.â
You lowered your gaze, biting back the laugh threatening to slip out.
âYeah,â you admitted, voice dipping just slightly. âI listened to his demo.â
Hoseok huffed out a dry laugh, shaking his head as he turned back toward his setup.
âI donât even know what they want me to do with him,â he muttered. âAuto-tune can only go so far.â
You shrugged lightly, already swiping through your tablet again.
âJust⌠do what you can,â you said. âMake it listenable. Thatâs all theyâre asking for.â
He snorted. âYou say that like itâs easy.â
You glanced up at him then, one brow lifting.
âFor you?â you said, tone just shy of teasing. âYeah. It kind of is.â
Hoseok paused at that, looking back at you.
Then he smiled.
âSee, this is why I keep you around.â
You rolled your eyes immediately, but there was no real bite to it.
âThatâs literally my job,â you said, though your voice had softened just a fraction.
Hoseok only laughed, shaking his head as he reached for his headphones again.
For a moment, the studio settled into a quiet hum again. The kind that came from too many late nights, too much music, too many people chasing something just out of reach.
You adjusted your grip on your tablet, already mentally moving on to the next task, the next schedule, the next problem waiting to be solved.
âGo save your client,â you said, nodding toward the door.
Hoseok groaned under his breath but stood anyway, dragging himself toward the inevitable.
As he passed you, he nudged your shoulder lightly.
âYou owe me coffee after this,â he muttered.
You smirked.
âSurvive the session first,â you said. âThen weâll talk.â
And as he stepped out, you stayed behind for a moment, glancing at the paused track still glowing on the screen.
Just for a second.
Old habits.
Then you shook your head, turned on your heel, and slipped out of the studio, already pulling up your next schedule.
You were walking down the hallway toward the break room to grab something to eat when your phone rang. Your eyes dropped to the screen as you pulled it from your back pocket.
Yuri.
A soft smile tugged at your lips as you answered.
âHiiiii!â
Yuriâs voice rang through the speaker in a sing-song tone, a habit she had picked up ever since her engagement to her long-term boyfriend seven months ago.
You couldnât be happier for her.
You had met Yuri on orientation day at university, and despite being in completely different majors, the two of you had clicked instantly. What started as a random friendship formed over awkward introductions and campus tours had turned into something constant, something steady. You stayed close through your university years and carried that bond into your adult lives.
You had seen every version of Yuri in love.
You were there for the bad dates, the almosts, the ones that ended too quickly or too painfully. You had held her while she cried, reassured her when she doubted herself, and sat through long rants about men who simply werenât worth the time.
So when she introduced you to Daniel, you were⌠cautious.
You couldnât help it. You were protective.
But Daniel proved you wrong in all the best ways. He was patient, kind, attentive. Steady in a way Yuri needed. So when he texted you on a random Wednesday, asking for your help to plan a surprise proposal, you didnât hesitate for even a second.
Yuri had said yes.
Of course she did.
The proposal had been beautiful. Set on the beach in her hometown of Busan, the sunset melting into the ocean behind them like something out of a movie. That night turned into a celebration, champagne flowing, music blasting, the two of you screaming along to every love song the DJ played at the top of your lungs.
It had been perfect.
But as the night wore on, as the music softened and the crowd thinned, you found yourself watching Yuri and Daniel from across the beach.
The way he looked at her. The way she leaned into him so naturally.
And somewhere deep in your chest, something twisted.
It wasnât bitterness.
It wasnât even unhappiness.
Just⌠a quiet, aching awareness.
You hadnât been entirely unlucky in love. Youâd had relationships during university, fleeting things that felt important at the time but never quite lasted. Nothing that rooted itself deep enough to stay.
Nothing like this.
After graduating, you had thrown yourself into your work. Fully. Completely. Every ounce of your energy poured into building your career in the music industry.
And it worked.
You were now working at one of the top labels in Seoul, surrounded by talent, building connections, proving yourself in a space that didnât hand out success easily.
You had everything you thought you wanted.
But standing there that night, watching your best friend step into the next chapter of her life, you couldnât ignore the question that lingered quietly in the back of your mind.
At what cost?
Somewhere along the way, you had stopped making space for anything else.
Dating became an afterthought. Then a distant idea. Then⌠nothing at all.
And now here you were, helping Yuri pick out wedding dresses, tasting cake samples, planning the details of a life she was about to build with someone she lovedâ
while having no one of your own.
You hummed softly as you listened to Yuri list out your weekend schedule, her voice bright with excitement as she jumped from one wedding appointment to the next. Dress fittings. Cake tastings. Venue confirmations. Each one apparently essential, each one something she needed you, her maid of honor, present for.
ââand then Sunday we have to go back to the boutique because Iâm still not sure about the necklineââ
âMm-hmm,â you murmured, nodding along even though she couldnât see you.
Your eyes stayed trained on the floor as you walked, your steps automatic. By now, you knew the route to the break room by heart. Left at the glass offices, straight past the recording studios, slight turn before the vending machines.
âAre you even listening to me?â Yuri teased through the phone.
âI am,â you laughed softly. âYouâre spiraling over the neckline again.â
âI am not spiralingâokay, maybe a little.â
You smiled, warmth settling in your chest despite everything. This was familiar. Easy.
What you didnât notice was the figure walking toward you from the opposite end of the hallway.
His head was slightly bowed, dark hair falling over his eyes as his gaze stayed fixed on his phone. Earphones tucked in, completely sealing him off from the world around him. His fingers tapped absentmindedly against the screen, replaying a melody over and over, tweaking it in his head, lost somewhere between rhythm and thought.
Neither of you were paying attention.
Which is exactly why you collided.
It wasnât dramatic. No one went flying. But it was enough.
Your shoulder knocked into his chest, your phone nearly slipping from your hand as a startled gasp left your lips.
ââhello? Hello?â Yuriâs voice echoed faintly from your phone as you scrambled to steady yourself.
âIâm so sorryââ you started immediately, the apology tumbling out on instinct as you looked up.
And froze.
He had already pulled one earphone out, brows slightly furrowed, clearly pulled from whatever world he had been in. For a second, he didnât say anything, just looked at you, processing.
Up close, you noticed everything all at once.
Sharp eyes, still a little distant. Soft skin, pale under the fluorescent lights. Dressed simply, but there was something about him that felt⌠deliberate. Like everything he did had intention behind it.
You blinked, suddenly aware you were staring.
âSorry,â you repeated, this time softer, more composed. âI wasnât looking where I was going.â
There was a brief pause.
Then he gave a small nod, sliding his other earphone out, finally giving you his full attention.
âMe neither,â he admitted, voice low, a little rough around the edges like it hadnât been used in a while.
Something about it made you straighten slightly.
On the phone, Yuri was still talking, oblivious.
ââif we go earlier, we might beat the rushâare you there??â
You let out a small, embarrassed breath, lifting your phone slightly. âI, umâsorry. Iâm on a call.â
His gaze flickered to the phone, then back to you. For just a second longer than necessary.
âRight,â he said simply.
There was no irritation. No annoyance.
Just⌠acknowledgment.
You gave him one last apologetic smile before stepping around him, heart doing something strange and unexplainable in your chest as you continued down the hall.
âOkay, Iâm back,â you said into the phone, trying to shake the moment off. âSorry, I just walked into someone.â
âWalked into someone?â Yuri gasped dramatically. âRom-com moment. Was he cute?â
You rolled your eyes, reaching the break room door. âWhy did you automatically assume itâs a man? It couldâve been a woman.â
âPlease,â she scoffed. âI heard him speak. Now answer meâwas he cute?â
You hesitated.
Just for a second.
ââŚI didnât really look,â you lied, pushing open the break room door.
But for some reason, as you reached for the vending machine, your mind flickered back to him anyway.
Meanwhile, down the hallway he paused.
Just briefly.
Glancing back over his shoulder in the direction you had disappeared, brows knitting together ever so slightly.
Then, without a word, he slipped his earphones back inâ
and kept walking.
Your keys jiggled in the lock as you pushed your front door open, arms slightly weighed down with grocery bags. You had stopped by the store on your way back, remembering last minute that you were completely out of ramen⌠and more importantly, Soriâs kibble.
Speaking of, the second the door cracked open, the familiar sound of tiny paws skidding against the floor echoed down the hallway.
âSoriââ
Too late.
The small bundle of energy came bounding toward you at full speed, nails clicking against the hardwood as she practically launched herself at your legs. She bounced up on her hind legs, tail wagging so fast it looked like it might fall off, soft golden curls bouncing with every movement.
You let out a quiet laugh, nudging the door shut behind you with your foot before carefully lowering the grocery bags to the ground.
âOkay, okayâhi, I missed you too,â you murmured, crouching slightly as she circled you in excitement.
Her paws pressed against your knee, nose nudging at your hands like she was making sure you were real.
Your smile softened as you looked down at her.
Sori.
Your foster puppy.
You had taken her in a few weeks ago, a âtemporary placement,â the shelter had said. Just until they found her a forever home.
But weeks had passed.
And there had been no calls. No updates. No families asking about her.
Your fingers stilled slightly in her fur as the thought crossed your mind again, quieter this time, heavier.
How could anyone not want you?
Sori, completely unaware of your thoughts, simply leaned into your touch, tail still wagging like she had no care in the world.
You exhaled softly, brushing your thumb over her head before she suddenly darted toward the grocery bags again, curiosity pulling her away just as quickly as she had come.
You shook your head, a small smile returning.
âUnbelievable,â you muttered, reaching to pull the bag away from her before she could dig her nose in.
Sori only huffed in protest, tail still wagging as she trotted after you while you unpacked your groceries, circling your feet like a tiny, fluffy shadow.
By the time you finally clipped Soriâs leash onto her collar, the sky outside had already begun to dim.
âSorry, baby,â you murmured, glancing down at her as she bounced impatiently by the door. âWeâre late today.â
You usually took her out earlier, when the sun was still high and the park was busier, filled with people and other dogs. But today had run longer than expected. One of the new A&R assistants had misplaced an important demo, sending half the office into a quiet spiral until it was eventually found⌠in the wrong studio folder.
You had stayed back to help fix the mess.
Now, you were paying the price.
Sori, however, didnât seem to mind in the slightest.
The moment you stepped outside, she was already tugging lightly at the leash, eager and full of energy as the cool evening air wrapped around you. The streets were calmer now, the usual daytime noise softened into something quieter, more relaxed.
By the time you reached the park, the sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink.
You took a deep breath as you walked in, shoulders easing almost instantly.
This was your favourite part of the day.
Sori led you along the familiar path, stopping every few steps to sniff something new, completely fascinated by the world in a way only puppies could be. You let her take her time, your grip on the leash loose, your mind finally beginning to quiet after the long day.
When she eventually settled on a patch of grass, you paused, glancing around absentmindedly as you waited.
Thatâs when you saw it.
A black cat.
On a leash.
You blinked once, then again, just to make sure you werenât imagining it.
The cat sat calmly near one of the benches, tail flicking lazily behind it, completely unbothered by its surroundings.
On a leash.
A small laugh slipped past your lips before you could stop it, the sound soft and disbelieving.
âOkayâŚâ you muttered under your breath, a smile tugging at your mouth. âThatâs new.â
Your eyes lingered for a moment longer, amused by the sight, before your attention was pulled back down by Sori, who proudly finished her business like she had just accomplished something monumental.
âGood girl,â you murmured, reaching down to reward her, the image of the cat still lingering faintly in your mind as you continued your walk.
You didnât think much of it.
The next day felt off from the moment you woke up.
Not dramatically bad. Not catastrophic.
Just⌠wrong.
Like everything was slightly out of place.
You had woken up late, your alarm somehow silenced without you remembering turning it off. In your rush, you spilled coffee down the front of your shirt and had to change twice before even leaving the apartment. Sori had decided today was the perfect day to refuse to eat her kibble, staring at you like you had personally offended her.
And that was just the morning.
At work, things didnât get better.
An email you knew you had sent the night before had somehow never gone through, meaning a studio session had to be rescheduled last minute. One of the newer assistants kept forwarding you incomplete files, and you had to go back and forth three times just to get the correct version of a track.
Then, to top it all off, a producer you barely worked with snapped at you over a scheduling overlap that⌠wasnât even your fault.
You had smiled through it.
Apologised anyway.
Fixed it.
Because that was your job.
By the time you checked the clock, it was only halfway through the day, and you felt like you hadnât had a single moment to breathe.
All you wanted was ten minutes.
Just ten.
You exhaled slowly as you stepped into the hallway, heading toward the break room, your shoulders tight, your head beginning to ache.
Your phone rang.
You froze mid-step, eyes dropping to the screen.
Your boss.
Of-fucking-course.
For a second, you considered letting it ring out. Just pretending you didnât see it. But you sighed and answered anyway, straightening your posture instinctively.
âHello?â
âCan you come to my office for a moment?â
Not even a greeting.
You closed your eyes briefly.
âOf course,â you replied, voice polite, even.
The call ended.
You stood there for a second longer, staring at your phone, jaw tightening slightly.
So much for a break.
By the time you reached the office, your expression was composed again. Calm. Professional. The version of yourself you had perfected over the years. You knocked lightly before stepping inside.
âCome in.â
You greeted your superior with a small bow, hands clasped neatly in front of you.
âYou wanted to see me, sir?â
He gestured for you to sit, flipping through a few files before speaking.
âOne of our producersâ A&R coordinator is out sick for the next couple of weeks,â he said, not looking up. âWe need someone to step in temporarily.â
You nodded slowly, already bracing yourself.
âYouâre adaptable,â he continued. âYouâve handled multiple schedules before. Weâd like you to take over his coordination until his usual staff returns.â
Of course you would.
You forced a small smile. âThatâs fine. I can take it on.â
A brief pause.
âWho is the producer?â you asked.
He, finally, glanced up at you.
âMin Yoongi.â
The name settled into your chest for a second before your mind caught up.
Min Yoongi.
It was familiar. You had seen him around. Quiet. Kept to himself. Always moving with purpose, like he existed slightly outside the chaos of the building.
Wait. Then you rememberedâŚ
The hallway.
The collision.
Oh. This is going to be embarrassing.
âIâve⌠seen him around,â you said carefully, keeping your tone neutral.
âGood,â your superior replied. âThen this shouldnât be difficult for you.â
You nodded again, though something in your chest felt oddly unsettled now. Not bad. Just⌠aware.
âIâll make sure everything runs smoothly.â
âThatâs what we expect.â
Just like that, the meeting was over.
The moment the office door shut behind you, the weight of the day came crashing back. You let out a sharp exhale, your composure slipping just enough as frustration curled tight in your chest.
No break.
More work.
And nowânew responsibility. New expectations. New person to figure out.
Your steps quickened, heels striking harder against the floor as you made your way down the hallway.
There was only one place you could think to go. You reached the studio door and⌠didnât knock.
You pushed it open.
âHoseokââ
The door swung wide.
Three heads snapped toward you.
Hoseok physically jolted in his chair, headphones half slipping off as he whipped around, eyes wide.
Inside the recording booth, Jimin flinched at the sudden noise, hand flying to his chest as he turned toward the door, startled.
And off to the side, seated on the couch with a notebook resting against his knee, Namjoon blinked up at you, pen frozen mid-sentence.
Silence.
A full, stunned beat of silence.
âYah!â Hoseok yelped, clutching his chest dramatically. âDo you want me to die early?!â
You blinked.
Once.
Twice.
ââŚoh.â
Your eyes flickered around the room properly this time, awareness crashing in all at once.
Jimin was already laughing softly in the booth, one hand still pressed to his chest, shoulders shaking slightly.
âWow,â he said into the mic, voice warm with amusement. âYou really know how to jump-scare.â
Namjoon let out a quiet huff of laughter from the couch, shaking his head as he finally set his pen down.
âYouâve never done that before,â he added, studying you curiously. âNo knock, no warningâŚâ
âIâsorry,â you said quickly, wincing as you stepped fully inside, pushing the door shut behind you. âI didnât realise you guys were in session.â
âDid you forget you scheduled this session for us?â Hoseok shot back, though there was no real bite behind it, just a sly smirk tugging at his lips, like he was far more entertained than inconvenienced.
You ran a hand through your hair, fingers catching slightly as you pushed it back, already feeling your frustration bubbling up under the embarrassment, warm and restless beneath your skin.
âIâIâm having a day,â you sighed, the words coming out softer this time, more honest than you intended as you dropped onto the couch beside Namjoon without asking.
The shift was immediate.
Hoseok straightened slightly, concern replacing the dramatics. Namjoon leaned forward a bit, resting his elbows on his knees, attention fully on you now. Jimin pushed open the booth door, stepping out and pulling his headphones down around his neck.
âThat bad?â he asked, softer now.
âThat bad,â you repeated, exhaling sharply. âEverything is going wrong today. I havenât had a break, people keep messing things up, and Iâm the one fixing itâand nowââ you gestured vaguely, âânow theyâve assigned me to someone else on top of everything.â
âAnother producer?â Namjoon asked.
You nodded, lips pressing together a little too tightly to steady the faint tremble threatening to give you away. You werenât someone who cried easily, especially not here, at work, so you swallowed it down and held your composure in place.
âMin Yoongi.â
Hoseokâs brows lifted slightly, âYoongi hyung?â
âYou know him?â you asked immediately.
âYeah,â he shrugged. âHeâs new here, but heâs really good. Works a lot. Doesnât talk much. Always wearing earphones.â
âThat explains the whole⌠hallway collision thing,â you muttered under your breath.
Namjoonâs eyes flicked back to you. âHallway collision?â
You groaned, dragging a hand down your face.
âYes, I literally ran into him yesterday,â you admitted.
Jimin let out a quiet laugh, clearly entertained. âFirst impressions are important, you know.â
âPlease donât,â you shot back, though there was no real bite behind it. Your voice came out thinner than you intended.
Hoseok, meanwhile, looked far too amused. You narrowed your eyes at him. âWhatâs got you all happy?â
âNothing,â he said quickly, hands lifting in surrender, though the grin tugging at his lips gave him away.
Namjoon let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. âHonestly,â he added, voice calm, âit might not be a bad thing.â
You turned to him, incredulous.
âRight. Because Iâm not already overworked enough. Letâs just hand her another human being to manage, why donât we?â
You leaned back in your chair with a groan, dragging your hands down your face. The frustration youâd been holding in all day finally started to crack through.
Jimin laughed again, softer this time, leaning against the edge of the console.
âYouâll survive.â
âI donât want to survive,â you muttered. âI want a break. Like⌠five minutes where something doesnât go wrong.â
Hoseokâs smile faded first. He tilted his head slightly, studying you more carefully now. Heâd known you for yearsâlong enough to recognize every version of you that existed within these walls. You had always been the steady one. The composed one. Where he was all brightness and noise, you balanced it out with quiet control, dry remarks, and an ease that never cracked under pressure.
You didnât complain about work. You handled it. Always. So seeing you like thisâfrustration slipping through, something heavier sitting behind your wordsâmade something in his chest tighten. His brows pulled together slightly, a faint frown settling in.
He didnât like it. Not one bit.
ââŚHey, whatâs wrong?â he said gently, âThis feels like itâs about more than just being assigned a new producer.â
The room went quieter.
You hesitated. For a second, you thought about brushing it off. Saying you were fine. Making a joke. Moving on. But something about the way they were all looking at you, not teasing anymore, just⌠there, made your chest feel tight.
You exhaled slowly, shoulders dropping.
âIâm just⌠tired,â you admitted, voice quieter now. âItâs not just today.â
Namjoon shifted slightly, giving you his full attention.
âThereâs always something going wrong recently,â you continued. âEvery day itâs a new issue, a new problem, a new fire I have to put out. And half the time I didnât even cause it, but Iâm still expected to fix it or take the blame for it.â
Your fingers twisted together in your lap.
âAnd then outside of workâŚâ you huffed out a small, breathless laugh, âIâm basically living Yuriâs life right now.â
Jiminâs brows lifted slightly. âWedding stuff?â
âNon-stop,â you nodded. âDress fittings, cake tastings, venue visits, calls, lists⌠I love her, I do. I love seeing her happy. But itâs just⌠a lot. And itâs the same things over and over again.â
You paused, pressing your lips together before adding, softer,
âAnd then thereâs Sori.â
Jimin tilted his head. âSori?â
âMy dog,â you said.
Hoseok perked up instantly.
âYou have a dog?!â
You couldnât help it, a small giggle slipped out at how quickly his energy flipped.
âI didnât know you had a dog!â
âSheâs a foster,â you explained, a faint smile forming despite everything. âIâve had her for a few weeks now.â
Hoseok looked like heâd just been told the best news of his life. âWhy didnât you tell me?!â
Namjoon reached over and lightly nudged his arm. âLet her finish.â
Hoseok deflated slightly, though the excitement still buzzed around him. You shook your head, smile fading into something softer.
âThere hasnât been any word from the shelter yet about a permanent home,â you said quietly. âSo itâs just been⌠me and her.â
Your voice dipped just a little. âAnd I donât know. Itâs just another thing to think about. Another responsibility.â
Silence settled for a moment, but it wasnât heavy. It felt⌠understanding. Namjoon spoke first, voice low and steady. âDo you feel a little better?â
You blinked at him. It took a second to really check in with yourself.
The tightness in your chest wasnât as sharp anymore. Your shoulders felt lighter. Like youâd finally set something down after carrying it for too long.
ââŚYeah,â you admitted quietly. âI think I just needed to get it out.â
Jimin gave you a small, reassuring smile.
Hoseok straightened suddenly, clapping his hands once like heâd reached a conclusion. âOkay. That settles it.â
You looked at him, confused. âWhat does?â
âWeâre going out,â he declared. âDinner. You, me, Jimin, Namjoon. Joon call Jungkook and Jimin, you should bring Taehyung.â
You blinked. âRight now?â
âNo,â he confirmed. âwe canât just ditch work, y/n.â
You huffed out a soft laugh shaking your head.
Hoseok grinned, pleased. âTonight. Hyungâs place,â he added.
Your brows lifted. âSeokjinâs restaurant?â
âExactly.â
You hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly.
ââŚOkay.â
Hoseokâs grin widened.
âAnd bring Sori.â
You blinked again. âTo the restaurant?â
âObviously,â he said, like it was the most natural thing in the world. âI need to meet her.â
Jimin laughed under his breath.
Namjoon just shook his head fondly.
And for the first time all day, the idea of the evening ahead didnât feel like another obligation.
It felt like a small escape.
By the time you all settled into Seokjinâs restaurant, the night had already softened around the edges. Warm lighting, low chatter, the steady clink of glasses. The kind of place that made everything feel a little slower, a little easier.
Sori, however, had single-handedly turned the table into a circus.
âI still donât understand why there is a dog in my restaurant,â Seokjin muttered, even as his hand absentmindedly scratched under Soriâs chin.
âYou love her,â you said, smiling into your drink.
âIâm tolerating her.â
Soriâs tail thumped loudly against the floor.
ââŚsheâs well-behaved,â he added after a pause.
Taehyung leaned across Jimin with zero regard for personal space, cooing at her.
âHi, baby,â he whispered, booping her nose.
âShe likes me more,â Hoseok declared immediately, half rising from his seat.
âYouâve known her for ten minutes,â Namjoon said dryly.
âTime is irrelevant when the connection is this strong.â
Jungkook laughed quietly beside him, shaking his head. âYou guys are unbelievable.â
You felt yourself relax into it all, the warmth of the food, the soft buzz of soju in your system, the easy presence of people who made everything feel lighter.
Your gaze drifted around the table, settling on each of them in turn, something quieter taking shape in your chest. Hoseok, still animated as ever, was the first person youâd really grown close to at the companyâthe one who somehow balanced you out from the start.
Namjoon sat beside him, quieter, listening. You had gone to university together, in the same music program, yet never spoke back then. It wasnât until later, already in the industry, that you properly metâand now, it felt strange to think there was ever a time you didnât know him like this.
Across from you, Jimin laughed softly, relaxed in a way you rarely saw in the studio. Youâd known him through work firstâhandling his music, his schedulesâbut somewhere along the way, it had become something more familiar. Taehyung leaned into him, smiling, the kind of constant presence that made it obvious why Jimin kept him close. You werenât as close to him, but you appreciated him all the same.
Jungkook sat at the end of the table, quieter but attentive, still carrying that slight awkwardness of someone not fully used to this yet. He had reached out to Namjoon through your universityâs alumni network, and somewhere along the way, the two of you had just⌠kept him. What started as guidance turned into something closer, something that felt a lot like family.
And Seokjinâhovering nearby more than sitting, despite your protestsâwatched over all of it with quiet fondness. His restaurant had been your place for years now, long before nights like this became routine, and in his own way, he had taken all of you in.
You let the moment settle, the noise, the warmth, the people.
You had just reached for another bite when Hoseok suddenly froze. Then gasped.
âYou wonât believe who just walked in.â
Everyone immediately turned.
âWhoâ?â
âHeyâstop!â Hoseok hissed, waving his hands. âYouâre all gonna make it obvious!â
âWhat are you talking about?â Jimin whispered, already halfway turned.
You frowned, glancing between them. âWho is it?â
Hoseok leaned closer, lowering his voice like he was about to reveal a secret.
âMin Yoongi.â
Your head snapped toward the entrance.
And there he was.
Standing near the front counter, earphones in, head slightly bowed as he scrolled through his phone like nothing else in the room mattered.
Casual.
Effortlessly so.
Black hoodie, a little oversized. Dark jeans. Rings catching faint light as his fingers moved. His hair fell messily across his forehead, like he hadnât tried at all, like it just sat that way naturally.
You blinked.
Right.
He is lookingâŚreally good.
Not loud about it. Not the kind that demanded attention. But the kind that pulled it anyway.
âWait,â Taehyung whispered, squinting slightly. âWho is that?â
Jimin followed your line of sight, then leaned closer to Taehyung.
âThatâs Min Yoongi,â he murmured. âProducer. And apparently,â he nodded subtly toward you, âher new problem.â
Taehyungâs brows shot up. âThatâs the guy?â
Jungkook leaned forward, interest piqued. âThe one you got assigned to?â
You groaned softly, already feeling the attention shift toward you.
âYes,â you muttered. âThat one.â
Namjoon let out a quiet chuckle.
âTell them the rest.â
âNo,â you said immediately.
Seokjin looked between you all, confused but intrigued. âWhat rest?â
Hoseok grinned. âShe crashed into him yesterday in the hall.â
Jungkook burst out laughing. âOf course you did.â
Seokjin followed, a low amused laugh slipping out. âThatâs actually kind of funny.â
You rolled your eyes, sinking slightly into your seat. âIt was an accident,â you defended. âWe literally just bumped into each other. Thatâs it. Nothing happened.â
âThatâs so unfortunate,â Taehyung said, shaking his head like he truly meant it.
âWhy is that unfortunate?â you shot back.
âBecause it couldâve been something,â Jimin added, clearly entertained.
âIt wasnât,â you deadpanned.
Hoseok leaned in then, voice dropping slightly.
âStill⌠you should be careful.â
Your brows furrowed. âWhat?â
âIâve heard heâs⌠kind of scary.â
You stilled slightly.
ââŚwhat do you mean?â
Namjoon shifted, tone more measured.
âHeâs not new,â he said. âHeâs pretty well known in the industry. Heâs just⌠very private.â
âQuiet,â Jimin added.
âPicky,â Namjoon continued.
Hoseok nodded. âHard to work with.â
âMean?â Taehyung offered.
âNot mean,â Namjoon corrected. âJust blunt.â
âStill scary,â Taehyung insisted.
Jungkook hummed, glancing toward the front again. âIâve heard he doesnât really tolerate mistakes.â
Your fingers tightened slightly around your glass. You werenât one to take rumours at face value. You knew how easily things got twisted in this industry.
But stillâŚyou didnât know him. And tomorrow, you had to work with him.
Almost without thinking, your eyes drifted back again.
He was still there, waiting.
Your heart beat a little faster than it should have.
Just one more secondâ
His head lifted. And his eyes met yours.
Direct. Unmistakable. Your breath caught.
For a split second, the noise of the restaurant faded. His expression barely shifted, but there was something there. Recognition, maybe. Then, you whipped your head back so fast it almost hurt.
âOh my god,â you whispered harshly. âHe saw me.â
Jimin immediately leaned forward. âNo way.â
âHe did,â you insisted, eyes wide. âHe definitely did.â
Hoseok was already trying not to laugh. âThis is incredible.â
âStop looking!â you warned, even as Taehyung very obviously tried to sneak another glance.
Namjoon shook his head, amused.
Right then, a staff member approached the counter with a takeout bag. Yoongi took it, gave a small nod, and turned toward the door without a second glance.
And just like that, he was gone.
The table buzzed again instantly, laughter and chatter picking right back up. But you barely heard it. Your gaze lingered on the space heâd just left.
Tomorrow.
Your first day working with Min Yoongi.
You exhaled slowly, leaning back in your chair.
Min Yoongi scrunched his nose, squinting at the thin streaks of light slipping through the curtains of his otherwise dark bedroom. He blinked slowly, vision adjusting, and found himself staring directly into a pair of green eyes.
Tang.
The cat sat perched beside his head on the pillow, her head tilted slightly as she stared at him, one paw still lifted mid-air like she had been debating whether to smack him awake.
Yoongi frowned.
âDid you wake me up?â
Tang said nothing, of course. Just blinked once before leaning forward, nudging her head against his cheek.
A quiet huff of a laugh escaped him as he lifted a hand to scratch behind her ear.
âYeah, yeah.â
He lay there for another moment, staring at the ceiling, mentally running through the day ahead. Studio time. A meeting. A schedule adjustmentâ
Right.
The new coordinator.
He pushed himself up with a soft exhale, running a hand through his hair before swinging his legs off the bed. As long as they did their job, it didnât matter.
By the time he arrived at the studio, the building was already alive.
Muted chatter echoed through the halls. Doors opening and closing. The distant pulse of bass leaking faintly through soundproof walls.
Yoongi slipped his earphones in out of habit, a rough demo looping quietly as he walked, head slightly lowered, attention split between sound and thought.
When he reached his studio door, he pushed it open and paused.
Someone was already inside.
You stood near the console, tablet in hand, scrolling through something, your brows slightly drawn together in focus.
For a second, he didnât move.
Didnât speak.
Just looked.
Then the door clicked shut behind him.
Your head lifted immediately. Your eyes met his and something flickered. Brief. Sharp. Gone just as quickly.
âOh.â
You straightened, composure snapping into place almost instantly.
âGood morning,â you said, adjusting your grip on the tablet. âI just came here to find you.â
Yoongi pulled one earphone out slowly, gaze still resting on you for a moment longer before he stepped inside. âRight.â
Your posture shifted subtly, more formal now.
âIâm y/n. Iâve been assigned as your A&R coordinator temporarily while your usual coordinator is out.â
He gave a small nod, setting his bag down beside the chair.
There was a pause.
Not quite awkward.
But not entirely comfortable either.
âYouâll be handling the schedule?â he asked, tone even.
âYes,â you nodded, tapping your tablet lightly. âSessions, bookings, file coordination, any changes that come up.â
Efficient. Straightforward. His kind of answer.
Yoongi leaned back slightly against the desk, arms folding loosely as he watched you for a beat.
You didnât ramble. Didnât over-explain.
Just gave him what he needed.
ââŚOkay,â he said.
Simple.
But enough.
You exhaled softly, almost imperceptibly, before shifting into motion.
âYour first session today is at eleven,â you continued, voice steady. âStudio B was originally booked, but I had it moved here so you wouldnât have to relocate.â
His eyes flicked up to you again.
âYeah, I saw that last night⌠Thanks.â
You nodded once, glancing back at your tablet, unaware of the way his attention lingered a second longer than necessary.
Two days ago, you had been all rushed apologies and fleeting eye contact. Slightly flustered. Unsteady for just a moment before pulling yourself back together.
Now, you were composed. Controlled. Precise in the way you spoke, the way you carried yourself.
Different.
His gaze stayed on you, thoughtful.
He had seen you around before. In passing. Mostly through open studio doors, or in the hallway with Hoseok.
You werenât like this then.
With Hoseok, you were easy. Relaxed. A little louder. Comfortable in a way that softened the edges of you.
Here, you were careful. Professional. Measured.
It wasnât a bad thing.
Just⌠noticeable.
Yoongiâs eyes narrowed slightly, in quiet consideration. Interesting.
He didnât question it.
But he filed it away anyway.
âAnything else?â he asked.
You hesitated briefly, like you were running through a mental checklist, then shook your head. âNo, that should be everything for now.â
Another pause. Quieter this time.
The kind that could stretch if neither of you moved.
So you did.
âIâll leave you to work,â you said, stepping back slightly. âIf you need anything, just let me know. I left my number on your desk.â
Yoongi gave a short nod. Turning his head to the piece of paper wedged under his mouse.
You turned toward the door. Hand on the handle. For a split second, you paused. Then you opened the door and stepped out.
The room fell quiet again.
Yoongi stood there for a moment, unmoving, before reaching up to slide his earphone back in.
The demo resumed.
But his focus didnât.
Not immediately.
His gaze lingered briefly on the door youâd just walked through.
Then, with a quiet exhale, he turned back to his equipment and got to work.
The first few days passed quietly. Not awkward. Not comfortable either.
Just⌠professional.
On day three, you stopped knocking before entering his studio. A small thing. But intentional.
The first time you hesitated, hand hovering over the door, remembering how he workedâheadphones on, lost in sound, irritation flickering when interruptedâyou made a choice.
You just pushed the door open.
The next time, you didnât hesitate at all.
Yoongi noticed. He didnât say anything. But he noticed.
On day four, you stopped speaking the moment you walked in. Instead, you waited.
Watched.
You learned the signs quickly.
The slight tilt of his head meant he was deep in a layer of sound. The slow nod to himself meant he was replaying something in his head. The pauseâjust a fraction too longâmeant he was between thoughts.
Thatâs when you spoke. âYour two oâclock is here.â
Yoongi pulled his headphones down, glancing at you briefly.
ââŚThanks.â
You nodded like it was nothing. But smiled once you were back in the hallway.
On day five, the coffee started appearing.
He didnât ask for it. You didnât mention it.
Just a cup placed quietly on the edge of his desk, always within reach, never in the way.
Black. No sugar. From his regular cafĂŠ.
You had noticed the empty takeaway cups scattered across his desk every morning, the same logo, the same order. So when you realized he hadnât brought one in that day, you slipped out before lunch and got it for him.
He noticed that too.
His fingers hovered over the cup for a second before picking it up.
A small sip.
A pause.
Then he kept working.
By the end of the first week, the studio stopped feeling like just his space.
Not entirely. But less closed off.
You moved through it like you understood its rhythm now. Like you knew where to stand, when to speak, when to leave. No wasted movement. No unnecessary noise.
It made things⌠easier.
Yoongi found himself finishing things faster. Getting less irritated. Not having to think about anything outside the music.
Because you already had.
On the eighth day, something went wrong.
A file didnât transfer properly. He clicked through folders, irritation creeping in, his jaw tightening. âWhere is itââ
âI have a backup.â Your voice cut in, calm and steady.
You were already moving, plugging your tablet in, pulling up the file like you had expected this to happen.
Because you had.
Yoongi stared at the screen for a second, then at you.
ââŚYou always do this?â
âPrevent disasters?â you shrugged lightly, slightly cocky on purpose. âI try.â
You let out a soft chuckle at his deadpan expression, a hint of amusement slipping through.
âBelieve it or not, this has happened a lot before,â you added. âI started keeping my own backup files years ago. You canât always trust everyone you work with.â
A beat.
Then, quieter, he asked, ââŚCan I trust you?â
You blinked, taken aback, suddenly very aware of how close you were standingâclose enough to notice the faint scent of his cologne, something subtle and clean, close enough that you could hear the quiet shift of his breathing over the low hum of the equipment.
The file finished transferring, the soft click of completion filling the space between you.
You straightened slowly, clearing your throat.
âYes.â
Another pause.
ââŚGood.â
It wasnât praise.
But it wasnât nothing.
By day ten, the silence between you had changed. It wasnât empty anymore. It was⌠shared.
Comfortable in a way that didnât need to be acknowledged.
You would sometimes sit in the corner of his studio now before leaving, working through schedules, while he layered sounds for hoursâand neither of you felt the need to fill the space.
Sometimes, heâd glance up.
Just briefly.
Checking that you were there.
And somewhere along the way, he started to notice more things. The way the tension in your shoulders slowly eased, the longer you stayed in the room. The way your fingers stopped fiddling with the pendant necklace you always woreâthe same absent habit he had seen in passing, out in the hall. The way you would hum softly under your breath, barely audible, completely lost in your work.
Focused. Steady. Present.
And for reasons he didnât bother unpacking, he found that⌠reassuring.
By the end of the week and a half, Yoongi had stopped thinking of you as temporary.
He still knew you were.
But somewhere along the way, his workflow had adjusted around you. Like you had always been part of it. Like removing you would leave something⌠off.
And you had stopped overthinking every word before you said it. Stopped bracing yourself before walking into his studio. You had learned him. His rhythms. His silences. The way he worked.
And in return, he had started letting you exist in that space without question.
It wasnât friendship. Not yet.
But it wasnât just work anymore either.
Just something quieter.
The weekend came far too quickly.
Not in a peaceful, finally I can rest kind of wayâbut in a you blink and suddenly youâre being dragged through a bridal boutique at ten in the morning kind of way.
âStand still,â Yuri muttered, gently tugging at your wrist.
âI am standing still,â you complained, though you didnât actually resist as she manhandled you, turning you slightly to inspect every angle of the potential bridesmaids dress.
âYouâre swaying.â
âIâm tired.â
âYouâre dramatic.â
You huffed, crossing your arms as she adjusted the bow at the back, frowning slightly.
âYou said we had two appointments today,â you mumbled. âTwo. This is the fourth place.â
Yuri didnât even look guilty. âPlans change.â
âYouâre a menace.â
She grinned, completely unbothered. âAnd yet, you love me.â
You did. That was the problem.
Because despite the way you sighed and dragged your feet and muttered under your breath, there was no real annoyance behind it. You let her pull you from boutique to boutique, gave your opinions when she asked, hyped her up when she stepped out in dresses that made her glow.
Still, by the time you ended up sitting on a plush couch in your sixth shop while she disappeared into yet another fitting room, you let your head fall back with a groan.
âIâm going to pass away,â you declared.
From behind the curtain, Yuriâs voice rang out, far too amused. âNot before my wedding, youâre not.â
You snorted softly, rubbing your face.
There was a brief pause.
âSo.â
Oh no.
That tone.
You knew that tone.
ââŚNo,â you said immediately, already suspicious.
The curtain rustled, and Yuri peeked out, eyes sparkling with something that could only be described as trouble.
âWhat?â she asked innocently.
âNo,â you repeated, narrowing your eyes. âWhatever youâre about to sayâno.â
She stepped out fully this time, smoothing down the dress as she walked toward the mirror.
âSo howâs Min Yoongi?â
Your brain stalled.
ââŚwhat?â
You sat up straighter, staring at her. âHow do youââ
âWasnât he the guy you bumped into that day we were on the phone?â
âYuri,â you said slowly, âhow do you know about him?â
She blinked at you like it was obvious. âNamjoon told me.â
Of course he did.
You pressed your lips together, already feeling the embarrassment creeping up your neck. âWhy is Namjoon telling you about my life?â
âBecause I was bored, and this is entertaining,â she shot back easily, then tilted her head. âDonât get upset at Joon, thoughâwe were drunk and I wouldnât leave him alone about it. You, also, donât really tell me anything anymore.â
âThatâs not true.â
âIt is a little true.â
You hesitated.
Okay. Maybe a little.
Youâd always been a bit closed off, always had high walls. You felt the need to be hyper-independent, like you had to handle everything on your own. Meeting Yuri had changed thatâshe made it easier to trust, to let those walls down.
But old habits died hard.
And sometimes⌠those walls crept back up before you even realised it.
Yuri softened slightly, walking over and dropping down beside you, nudging your shoulder. âCome on,â she coaxed. âTell me.â
You exhaled slowly, leaning back into the couch.
âThereâs nothing to tell,â you tried.
She stared at you.
You stared back.
Yuri was always patient with youâbut she also knew exactly when to push.
ââŚI just got assigned to him for a bit,â you admitted.
Her eyes lit up immediately. âAnd?â
âAnd nothing,â you insisted. âWe work together. Thatâs it.â
âMhm.â
You shot her a look. âIâm serious.â
âSure,â she nodded, far too knowingly. âYouâre working. Professionally. Calmly.â
âExactly,â you said, maybe a bit too quickly.
Yuriâs smile widened.
You groaned, dragging a hand down your face. âOh my god.â
âKeep going,â she sing-songed. âCome on!â
You hesitated again.
Then, quieter, âOkay. Something did happen last weekâŚâ
Yuri leaned in instantly. âWhat?â
You looked down at your hands, fiddling with your fingers absentmindedly.
âThere was an issue with a file,â you said. âI had a backup.â
âOf course you did.â
You smiled slightly.
âI was transferring it, and I said something about not being able to trust people with important stuff sometimes, and then he just⌠looked at me and askedââ
You paused, then mimicked his tone softly,
ââCan I trust you?ââ
Yuri made a sound.
An actual, physical sound of disbelief.
âHE SAID THAT?â
You winced. âCan you not yellââ
âThatâs intense,â she cut in, grabbing your arm.
âYuri.â You let out a small, embarrassed laugh, shaking your head. âIt wasnât anything.â
âY/n, you cannot seriously think that.â
âIt wasnât,â you insisted, though your voice softened slightly. âIt was just⌠work.â
Yuri studied you for a moment. Then she smiled.
You scowled.
You nudged her shoulder lightly. âFocus on your wedding, will you?â
She laughed, letting it goâfor now.
But the glint in her eyes said this conversation wasnât over.
By the time you got home, the sky was already dipping into gold.
Your barely made it into the hall before a small blur of energy came sprinting toward you.
âHi baby!â
The puppy practically launched herself at your legs, tiny paws scratching against you as her tail wagged wildly.
You laughed, crouching down to gather her into your arms. âI missed you tooââ
âAnd me?â
You glanced up, startled, only to find Jungkook stepping out from the hallway, one hand rubbing the back of his neck.
âOhâKook,â you smiled, shifting Sori slightly in your arms. âThank you for watching her today, seriously. I know it was super last minute.â
He shrugged, soft and easy. âIt was nothing, noona. I actually got a lot of work done.â
âReally? She let you?â you raised a brow.
âYeah,â he nodded, then added, almost like an afterthought, âAlso, I tried to take her on a walk, but she wouldnât leave the house.â
You blinked, looking down at the puppy in your arms. Placing her down gently.
Jungkook huffed a small laugh. âI think she only wants to go with you.â
You sighed but there was a smile tugging at your lips as you looked at her. âOf course she does.â
Sori yipped in response, completely unapologetic. Padding back over to sit my Jungkookâs legs.
âIâll take her out now,â you said, standing up. âYou should go before she decides you live here.â
Jungkook laughed, grabbing his bag. âI wouldnât mind that, sheâs a sweetheart. But, I should probably escape while I can.â
You walked him to the door, offering a quick thanks again before he waved it off and disappeared down the hall.
The apartment fell quiet again.
You glanced down at Sori, who was already bouncing slightly in anticipation.
âOkay, okay,â you murmured, reaching for her leash. âLetâs go.â
The air outside was cooler now, the sun hanging low in the sky like it was in no rush to leave. The park wasnât far, and the walk there was easy.
Sori trotted ahead happily, her tiny paws padding along the pavement, nose twitching at every new scent. She had always been good on walks, rarely pulling, content to explore at her own pace.
You let her lead.
Your mind drifted instead.
Tomorrowâs schedule. Emails you hadnât answered. Groceries you needed to buy. Yuriâs never-ending list of wedding tasks.
Your brain ran in quiet loops, organizing, planning, bracing for another day. It was peaceful in its own way.
Until, the leash jerked suddenly from your hand.
âShit, what!?â
You barely had time to react before Sori bolted forward, the thin strap slipping completely from your grasp.
Your heart jumped. âSori!â
You hurried after her, shoes scraping slightly against the path as you rushed forwardâand then froze.
She had stopped at a bench.
More specifically at a cat.
A black cat sat calmly on the bench, harness clipped neatly, completely unbothered as Sori bounded up to it, sniffing excitedly.
âOh my godââ you rushed forward, mortified, grabbing the abandoned leash. âIâm so sorrââ
The words died in your throat.
Because the man sitting beside the cat looked up.
Oh.
Yoongi.
For a second, neither of you said anything.
One of his earphones hung loose, clearly pulled out at the sudden interruption. His gaze met yours, steady, unreadableâbut there was something there. Surprise?
You blinked.
ââŚhi,â you said, a little breathless.
He blinked once, like he was catching up to the moment.
ââŚhi.â
And then⌠nothing.
Just the two of you there, staring, the quiet hum of the park settling around you like everything else had faded out.
Then woof!
Sori barked, jumping slightly toward the cat again.
Reality snapped back into place.
You dropped into a crouch immediately, pulling her back gently. âHeyâno, Sori, behaveââ
You glanced up again, flustered. âIâm so sorry, sheâs really friendly, she just gets excited.â
Yoongi nodded once, calm, like none of this phased him.
He reached across, lifting the cat easily into his lap, one hand resting lightly along her back. The cat settled instantly, still completely unimpressed.
Silence settled again.
Awkward this time.
You shifted slightly, fingers tightening around the leash as your mind raced.
Do I leave? Do I say something? Why am I still standing here?
Yoongi adjusted slightly on the bench, his fingers brushing his earphone like he was about to put it back inâ
âSoâŚâ you blurted.
Great.
You winced internally.
ââŚcat on a leash, huh?â you added, trying to recover. âIâve never seen that before.â
He paused.
Just slightly.
Then looked at you again.
ââŚyeah,â he said. âNot exactly common.â
Another pause.
You nodded like that was a normal, complete conversation.
Okay. Good. You can go now.
You shifted your weight, ready to turnâ
âThe vet recommended it.â
You blinked, looking back at him.
He glanced down at the cat briefly, thumb brushing over her fur. âSaid she needs more activity. Sheâs⌠gained some weight.â
Your lips twitched.
âShe does look a little chubby,â you said before you could stop yourself.
A beat.
ââŚare you fat-shaming my cat?â
Your eyes widened instantly. âNoâIâoh my god, I didnât mean it like thatââ
He didnât move.
And then, just barely, the corner of his mouth lifted.
You exhaled, half-laughing in relief. âThat was not fair.â
He shrugged lightly, like he didnât disagree.
His gaze flickered down to Sori, who was now sitting, still staring at Tang with intense curiosity.
âI didnât think you were a dog person,â he said.
You blinked. âIâwhat?â
âYou donât seem like one,â he added simply.
You narrowed your eyes slightly, amused despite yourself. âWhy not?â
Yoongi shrugged, âDogs are a lot of work.â
âI do a lot of work every day.â
âExactly. Thought youâd want to relax when you get home.â
You huffed a small laugh.
âYouâre not wrong. This is Sori,â you said, glancing down at her. âSheâs a foster.â
His brows lifted slightly. âFoster?â
âYeah,â you nodded. âIâve had her for a few weeks now. Still waiting for someone to adopt her.â
Your fingers absentmindedly brushed over Soriâs head.
Yoongi was quiet for a second. âThatâs really good of you. Fostering.â
You looked up at him. The way he said it wasnât overly reassuring. Wasnât exaggerated.
Just⌠certain.
Something about it settled in your chest.
You smiled, small but real. âThanks.â
Another pause.
But this one wasnât as awkward.
You shifted slightly, glancing toward the path. âI should probably finish up her walk.â
He nodded once.
âYeah.â
You took a small step back, giving Soriâs leash a gentle tug. âCome on, say bye.â
Sori gave one last curious look toward cat before turning back to you. You glanced at him one last time.
ââŚsee you Monday?â
The words slipped out before you could overthink them.
He met your gaze.
ââŚyeah.â A beat. âSee you.â
You nodded, turning and guiding Sori back onto the path, your steps slower than before.
Monday felt like all the quiet progress of the past two weeks had been wiped clean in one sweep. At least, it felt that way to you.
The entire weekend had been a loop of why did I say that and why didnât I just leave, your brain replaying every second of the park encounter like it was determined to haunt you personally. The eye contact. The awkward pauses. The chubby cat comment.
You pressed your lips together as you stood outside his studio door, inhaling slowly.
Get it together.
You knocked. Then, before you could overthink it, you pushed the door open just enough to peek inside and stilled.
Yoongi was already facing the door. His chair turned fully toward you, like heâd been expecting you. His expression was neutral, as always. Calm. Unreadable.
But there was something there. Faint. Subtle.
Your grip tightened slightly on your tablet.
âGood morning,â you said, voice steady despite the way your chest felt just a little too tight. âI just want to go over the schedule for today.â
Yoongi squinted slightly, like he was trying to read past the surface of you, then gave a small nod toward the inside of the room.
You stepped in, closing the door behind you with a quiet click.
Your heels carried you forward automatically, posture straight, head slightly lowered toward your tablet. Composed. Efficient. Exactly how you always were. But there was a stiffness in your shoulders now. A tension that hadnât been there before.
And Yoongi noticed immediately.
You began listing off the dayâs schedule, voice smooth, professional. Sessions. Demo reviews. Deadlines.
Yoongi listened, but not really.
Heâd already reviewed the schedule the night before. He always did.
Instead, his attention drifted.
To you.
To the way you werenât looking at him. To the way your fingers held your tablet just a little tighter than usual. To the way your voice was steady, but just slightly too controlled. Different from the quiet comfort that had slowly settled into his studio over the last two weeks.
His gaze flicked briefly to his desk.
Then back to you.
âThereâs no coffee today.â
The words landed simply. No accusation. No edge.
Just an observation.
It was the first time you looked up since entering the room. Your eyes snapped to his face, caught off guard, before instinctively following his line of sight to the empty coaster on his desk.
Right.
Your stomach dropped.
Your gaze lingered there for half a second before drifting back to him and for a brief moment, your eyes met.
His brows lifted slightly. A quiet question.
âShiââ you cut yourself off quickly, straightening. âSorry. I was in a hurry this morning. Iâll make sure you get it.â
Yoongi didnât respond right away.
He was still looking at you.
Still⌠assessing.
âYou seem tense,â he said finally. Blunt. Direct.
His eyes moved over you again, not in a way that lingered improperly, not anything that would make you self-consciousâbut precise. Like he was piecing something together.
âIs it your foster puppy⌠Sori?â
âWhatâSori?â you blinked, the question catching you completely off guard. âSheâs fine. Sheâs great, actually.â
The answer came too quickly.
You heard it. He definitely heard it.
âAnd before you askââ you added immediately, cutting him off as his lips parted slightly, âIâm also fine. Just a bit sleepy.â
You forced a smile.
It felt convincing enough.
Yoongi held your gaze for a moment longer than necessary. âYour lack of sleep isnât a cause for concern, though, is it?â he asked, tone even. âWe have important sessions today.â
The shift was subtle. Back to work.
But not entirely.
âNo,â you shook your head quickly. âI promise. Everythingâs under control.â
It had to be.
Because this wasnât just any week.
The labelâs biggest solo artist was coming inâsomeone who hadnât released new music in over a year. A full comeback cycle was being built around this project. Pre-release single, concept rollout, the works. And Yoongi had been brought in as one of the key producers on the track.
Everything had to be perfect.
No delays. No miscommunication. Every demo shortlisted. Every session locked in. Every revision tracked and ready.
You had spent all of last week clearing space for it.
Rearranging schedules. Pushing back smaller sessions. Finalizing unfinished demos so nothing would bleed into this week. Coordinating with management teams, studio engineers, external writers. Making sure contracts, credits, and file versions were all aligned before anything even started.
There was no room for error.
If something went wrong, it would land on you first. And today already felt like it was trying to test that.
Your grip on the tablet tightened just slightly before you forced it to relax.
Yoongi was still watching you. Quiet.
You straightened a fraction, shifting your weight more evenly.
âThe eleven oâclock session is for the pre-release track,â you added, keeping your tone even. âThe Tabloâs team sent over updated references last night. Iâve already sorted and labelled everything, youâll have access on the drive.â
Yoongi held your gaze for a second longer.
Then gave a small nod.
ââŚOkay.â
Yoongi dragged his hands over his face. For the first time since eleven, his studio was quiet.
Everyone had gone on lunch break. The steady hum of voices and movement outside had dulled into something distant, muted behind closed doors. He should be eating too.
But the melody in front of him still needed work.
Unfortunately, his mind didnât want to focus.
He leaned back in his chair with a quiet groan, head tipping toward the ceiling, eyes unfocused as his thoughts slippedâuninvited, persistentâright back to the same place they had been circling all morning.
You.
It was beginning to irritate him, how easily his mind returned to you. How naturally it lingered there.
Since Saturday, it had been like this.
He had pushed the thoughts away every time they surfaced, burying them under work, under sound, under anything that required focus.
But now, he let them stay. Just for a moment.
The park came first.
You, crouched in front of him, arms wrapped around your overly energetic puppy, apology spilling out of you in a rush. Flustered. Slightly breathless.
Your hair had been down.
He had never seen it like that before.
Loose. A little messy from running. Strands falling out of place.
Then, his lips twitched faintly at the following memory.
ââŚare you fat-shaming my cat?â
The way your eyes had widened. The immediate panic. The way relief melted into laughter when you realised he wasnât serious.
The sound of it. Light and unfiltered.
His gaze had lingered longer than it should have.
And then, your bundle of chaos, Sori. The way you looked at her stuck with him. Soft. Unguarded. Entirely different from the careful, composed version of you he saw every day at work.
Yoongi exhaled slowly, his expression shifting slightly.
Then his thoughts pulled forward to this morning.
The stiffness in your shoulders. The way you avoided his eyes. That smileâtoo quick. Too practiced. Fake.
His brows pulled together slightly.
Yoongi shook his head, pushing himself out of his chair. He stretched his arms overhead, muscles protesting after hours of sitting, before grabbing his keys and stepping out of the studio.
The cafeteria was loud.
Voices layered over each other, trays clattering, chairs scraping. The kind of noise that usually faded into the background for him.
Today, it didnât.
His gaze swept the room once and stopped, on you.
You were sitting near the corner, shoulders slightly hunched forward, fork lazily pushing food around your plate. There was a smile on your face.
Across from you: Hoseok.
Animated, as always. Hands moving as he spoke, clearly mid-story, completely invested in whatever he was saying.
You laughed.
Yoongiâs gaze lingered a second longer than necessary. Something unfamiliar flickered low in his chest. Subtle. He turned away, heading toward the buffet. He had just finished piling pasta and vegetables onto his plate whenâ
âYoongi hyung!â
Hoseok.
Of course.
He turned slightly. Hoseok was already waving him over, grin wide and easy. âCome sit with us!â
Yoongiâs eyes flicked back to you. From behind, the tension in your posture was obvious now. Shoulders tight. Spine just a little too straight.
He shouldnât.
It would be easier not to.
But, he was already moving.
He set his tray down and slid into the seat beside you.
âGood to see you outside your studio, hyung,â Hoseok said, still smiling.
Yoongi gave a small nod, picking up his fork. âMm.â
âY/n told me youâre working on Tabloâs pre-release track,â Hoseok continued, leaning forward slightly. âThatâs huge. Iâve been trying to get on that project.â
He placed a hand dramatically over his chest. âBut she wonât help me.â
Yoongiâs gaze shifted to you.
You felt it immediately.
You turned slightly, offering him a small, polite smileâjust a little too careful.
âHobi is being dramatic,â you said, shooting Hoseok a look. âHeâs working on IUâs next album.â
âThat is true,â Hoseok smirked, clearly proud.
âCareful, your headâs getting too big for your shoulders, again,â you added dryly.
âYou know, youâre really mean to me,â he shot back instantly. âCan never let me have something good.â
You huffed out a quiet laugh despite yourself, shaking your head. âIâm keeping you humble.â
For a moment, it almost felt normal. The tension is your shoulders melting, slightly.
But then, Hoseok pushed his chair back suddenly.
âIâm grabbing a drink and I need the bathroom,â he added, already standing. âDonât talk about anything interesting without me.â
âWouldnât dream of it,â you muttered.
He grinned, then disappeared into the crowd. And just like that the space shifted. The noise of the cafeteria seemed louder now. Or maybe it was just the silence between you.
You focused on your plate.
Yoongi didnât touch his food.
âYouâre still tense.â
Your hand stilled.
You let out a small breath, forcing a light tone. âIâm really notââ
âDid I do something?â
That made you look at him, properly. Caught completely off guard.
âWhat? Noâno, of course notââ
âThen why are you uncomfortable all of a sudden?â he asked, just as evenly.
You opened your mouthâ
âI can tell,â he added, not unkindly. âDonât try to deny it. Itâs obvious.â
Your lips pressed together. For a second, you considered brushing it off again. But under his gaze; steady, patient, waiting. You exhaled.
âIâŚâ you hesitated, fingers tightening slightly around your fork. âIâve just been⌠thinking about the park.â
A pause.
âIâm sorry,â you added quickly, the words rushing out now that theyâd started. âIf I made you uncomfortable in any way. I didnât mean to cross any boundaries or make things weirdâespecially because we work together, I justââ
You stopped yourself, shaking your head slightly.
âIâve been overthinking it all weekend,â you admitted, quieter now. âI just didnât want to⌠overstep.â
Silence.
Yoongi stared at you for a second.
Then two.
Taken aback.
ââŚYou think you made me uncomfortable?â he asked.
You blinked, uncertain. âI mean⌠I donât know, I justââ
âI wasnât,â he said simply.
Your words stopped.
âI wasnât uncomfortable,â he repeated, tone steady. âAnd you didnât cross any lines.â
Something in your chest loosened.
Just slightly.
He watched your expression shift, then added, âIf anything,â a small pause, âI should be asking if I did something to make you uncomfortable.â
Your eyes widened a fraction. âNoâno, you didnât. At all. This is justâŚâ you let out a small, embarrassed breath, âme overthinking. Like always.â
A beat.
Then, before you could stop yourselfâ
âIâve just⌠heard things.â
Yoongiâs brow lifted slightly. âThings.â
âYour reputation,â you admitted, wincing a little. âIn the industry.â
Another pause.
ââŚand you believed everything you heard?â he asked.
ââNo,â you said quickly. Then, softer, more honest, âI mean⌠maybe a little. At first.â
His gaze stayed on you.
âNot anymore, though,â you added, meeting his eyes this time.
A flicker of something passed through his expression.
âGood.â
The tension in your shoulders finally gave way, easing like something had quietly unknotted.
You exhaled, almost laughing under your breath. âGod, I feel so stupid.â
âDonât,â he said.
part 2 in the next few days ;)
taglist
@roro--i @love-forever-and-more @kingsqueensandvagabonds @busanbby-jjk @jajabro @chaosbunn1
OFF THE RECORD â PART ONE
summary đâ.Ë You werenât looking for anything. Not between deadlines, late nights at the studio, and helping your best friend plan her wedding. Min Yoongi definitely wasnât either. But somewhere between shared silences, quiet understanding, an unbothered cat and a energetic puppy⌠something begins to shift.
pairing đâ.Ë producer!yoongi x a&r coordinator!reader
word count đâ.Ë 11.6k (this is like half of what i've written lol)
tags đâ.Ë non-idol au, coworkers to lovers, slow burn, strangers to something more, soft tension, mutual pining (eventually), slice of life, studio setting, pet meet-cute, tang the cat, sori the puppy, yoongi is quiet but not immune, reader is stressed and trying her best, found comfort, a little angst, a lot of softness, emotional slow build, he notices everything, she overthinks everything, smut (eventually)
notes đâ.Ë this fic somehow turned into a mini series and iâm just letting it happen at this point đ§ââď¸ i hope you guys enjoy this first part!! things are just getting started <3
You tapped your knuckles against the wooden studio door, a little harder than necessary, and waited.
Nothing.
You exhaled quietly through your nose.
Of course.
You cracked the door open just enough to peek inside, already knowing what youâd find.
Sure enough, Jung Hoseok sat with his back to you, headphones on, completely lost in whatever track he was working on. His head bobbed lightly to the rhythm, one foot tapping against the floor in time, fingers drumming absentmindedly against the desk.
You stepped in, easing the door shut behind you. The soft click barely registered over the faint thrum of bass leaking from his headphones.
Your hands folded in front of you, gripping your tablet.
âHoseok?â you called.
Nothing.
You tried again, a little louder. âJung Hoseok.â
Still nothing.
You pressed your lips together, already feeling your patience thinning.
âHobi-ah!â
He jolted in his chair, shoulders jumping as he yanked his headphones off, spinning halfway around to look at you like youâd just materialized out of thin air.
You couldnât help the small, satisfied smirk tugging at your lips.
âYou scared me, y/n,â he said, dropping the headphones around his neck and pressing a hand dramatically to his chest.
âYou werenât answering me,â you shot back, unimpressed. âSo it serves you right.â
You pushed yourself off the wall and walked further into the studio. The space was dim, lit mostly by the glow of monitors and a warm lamp tucked into the corner. Cables snaked across the floor, empty coffee cups crowded the desk, and a half-finished melody still played faintly through the speakers.
Hoseok watched you approach, a smile settling on his face.
You stopped in front of him, unlocking your tablet and pulling up his schedule with practiced ease.
You were an A&R coordinator.
Which, in simpler terms, meant you kept everything from falling apart.
You managed producers and artists, organized schedules, booked studio sessions, handled files, fielded last-minute changes, and occasionally acted as a buffer between fragile egos and harsh reality.
Hoseok was one of the full-time producers assigned to you.
Which meant, more often than not, he was also one of your biggest headaches.
âAnyway,â you said, holding the tablet out toward him, tapping the screen so heâd actually look at it, âMegan added another session for tomorrow. I shifted your afternoon block to accommodate it.â
Hoseok glanced down, scanning quickly.
âAnd,â you added, tilting your head toward the door, âyour two oâclock is here.â
He let out a long, suffering sigh, head tipping back dramatically.
âThat kid?â
You nodded, lips pressing together in a way that was dangerously close to a smile.
Hoseok dragged a hand down his face. âYou know he canât sing, right? He only got a record deal because his father knows someone upstairs.â
You lowered your gaze, biting back the laugh threatening to slip out.
âYeah,â you admitted, voice dipping just slightly. âI listened to his demo.â
Hoseok huffed out a dry laugh, shaking his head as he turned back toward his setup.
âI donât even know what they want me to do with him,â he muttered. âAuto-tune can only go so far.â
You shrugged lightly, already swiping through your tablet again.
âJust⌠do what you can,â you said. âMake it listenable. Thatâs all theyâre asking for.â
He snorted. âYou say that like itâs easy.â
You glanced up at him then, one brow lifting.
âFor you?â you said, tone just shy of teasing. âYeah. It kind of is.â
Hoseok paused at that, looking back at you.
Then he smiled.
âSee, this is why I keep you around.â
You rolled your eyes immediately, but there was no real bite to it.
âThatâs literally my job,â you said, though your voice had softened just a fraction.
Hoseok only laughed, shaking his head as he reached for his headphones again.
For a moment, the studio settled into a quiet hum again. The kind that came from too many late nights, too much music, too many people chasing something just out of reach.
You adjusted your grip on your tablet, already mentally moving on to the next task, the next schedule, the next problem waiting to be solved.
âGo save your client,â you said, nodding toward the door.
Hoseok groaned under his breath but stood anyway, dragging himself toward the inevitable.
As he passed you, he nudged your shoulder lightly.
âYou owe me coffee after this,â he muttered.
You smirked.
âSurvive the session first,â you said. âThen weâll talk.â
And as he stepped out, you stayed behind for a moment, glancing at the paused track still glowing on the screen.
Just for a second.
Old habits.
Then you shook your head, turned on your heel, and slipped out of the studio, already pulling up your next schedule.
You were walking down the hallway toward the break room to grab something to eat when your phone rang. Your eyes dropped to the screen as you pulled it from your back pocket.
Yuri.
A soft smile tugged at your lips as you answered.
âHiiiii!â
Yuriâs voice rang through the speaker in a sing-song tone, a habit she had picked up ever since her engagement to her long-term boyfriend seven months ago.
You couldnât be happier for her.
You had met Yuri on orientation day at university, and despite being in completely different majors, the two of you had clicked instantly. What started as a random friendship formed over awkward introductions and campus tours had turned into something constant, something steady. You stayed close through your university years and carried that bond into your adult lives.
You had seen every version of Yuri in love.
You were there for the bad dates, the almosts, the ones that ended too quickly or too painfully. You had held her while she cried, reassured her when she doubted herself, and sat through long rants about men who simply werenât worth the time.
So when she introduced you to Daniel, you were⌠cautious.
You couldnât help it. You were protective.
But Daniel proved you wrong in all the best ways. He was patient, kind, attentive. Steady in a way Yuri needed. So when he texted you on a random Wednesday, asking for your help to plan a surprise proposal, you didnât hesitate for even a second.
Yuri had said yes.
Of course she did.
The proposal had been beautiful. Set on the beach in her hometown of Busan, the sunset melting into the ocean behind them like something out of a movie. That night turned into a celebration, champagne flowing, music blasting, the two of you screaming along to every love song the DJ played at the top of your lungs.
It had been perfect.
But as the night wore on, as the music softened and the crowd thinned, you found yourself watching Yuri and Daniel from across the beach.
The way he looked at her. The way she leaned into him so naturally.
And somewhere deep in your chest, something twisted.
It wasnât bitterness.
It wasnât even unhappiness.
Just⌠a quiet, aching awareness.
You hadnât been entirely unlucky in love. Youâd had relationships during university, fleeting things that felt important at the time but never quite lasted. Nothing that rooted itself deep enough to stay.
Nothing like this.
After graduating, you had thrown yourself into your work. Fully. Completely. Every ounce of your energy poured into building your career in the music industry.
And it worked.
You were now working at one of the top labels in Seoul, surrounded by talent, building connections, proving yourself in a space that didnât hand out success easily.
You had everything you thought you wanted.
But standing there that night, watching your best friend step into the next chapter of her life, you couldnât ignore the question that lingered quietly in the back of your mind.
At what cost?
Somewhere along the way, you had stopped making space for anything else.
Dating became an afterthought. Then a distant idea. Then⌠nothing at all.
And now here you were, helping Yuri pick out wedding dresses, tasting cake samples, planning the details of a life she was about to build with someone she lovedâ
while having no one of your own.
You hummed softly as you listened to Yuri list out your weekend schedule, her voice bright with excitement as she jumped from one wedding appointment to the next. Dress fittings. Cake tastings. Venue confirmations. Each one apparently essential, each one something she needed you, her maid of honor, present for.
ââand then Sunday we have to go back to the boutique because Iâm still not sure about the necklineââ
âMm-hmm,â you murmured, nodding along even though she couldnât see you.
Your eyes stayed trained on the floor as you walked, your steps automatic. By now, you knew the route to the break room by heart. Left at the glass offices, straight past the recording studios, slight turn before the vending machines.
âAre you even listening to me?â Yuri teased through the phone.
âI am,â you laughed softly. âYouâre spiraling over the neckline again.â
âI am not spiralingâokay, maybe a little.â
You smiled, warmth settling in your chest despite everything. This was familiar. Easy.
What you didnât notice was the figure walking toward you from the opposite end of the hallway.
His head was slightly bowed, dark hair falling over his eyes as his gaze stayed fixed on his phone. Earphones tucked in, completely sealing him off from the world around him. His fingers tapped absentmindedly against the screen, replaying a melody over and over, tweaking it in his head, lost somewhere between rhythm and thought.
Neither of you were paying attention.
Which is exactly why you collided.
It wasnât dramatic. No one went flying. But it was enough.
Your shoulder knocked into his chest, your phone nearly slipping from your hand as a startled gasp left your lips.
ââhello? Hello?â Yuriâs voice echoed faintly from your phone as you scrambled to steady yourself.
âIâm so sorryââ you started immediately, the apology tumbling out on instinct as you looked up.
And froze.
He had already pulled one earphone out, brows slightly furrowed, clearly pulled from whatever world he had been in. For a second, he didnât say anything, just looked at you, processing.
Up close, you noticed everything all at once.
Sharp eyes, still a little distant. Soft skin, pale under the fluorescent lights. Dressed simply, but there was something about him that felt⌠deliberate. Like everything he did had intention behind it.
You blinked, suddenly aware you were staring.
âSorry,â you repeated, this time softer, more composed. âI wasnât looking where I was going.â
There was a brief pause.
Then he gave a small nod, sliding his other earphone out, finally giving you his full attention.
âMe neither,â he admitted, voice low, a little rough around the edges like it hadnât been used in a while.
Something about it made you straighten slightly.
On the phone, Yuri was still talking, oblivious.
ââif we go earlier, we might beat the rushâare you there??â
You let out a small, embarrassed breath, lifting your phone slightly. âI, umâsorry. Iâm on a call.â
His gaze flickered to the phone, then back to you. For just a second longer than necessary.
âRight,â he said simply.
There was no irritation. No annoyance.
Just⌠acknowledgment.
You gave him one last apologetic smile before stepping around him, heart doing something strange and unexplainable in your chest as you continued down the hall.
âOkay, Iâm back,â you said into the phone, trying to shake the moment off. âSorry, I just walked into someone.â
âWalked into someone?â Yuri gasped dramatically. âRom-com moment. Was he cute?â
You rolled your eyes, reaching the break room door. âWhy did you automatically assume itâs a man? It couldâve been a woman.â
âPlease,â she scoffed. âI heard him speak. Now answer meâwas he cute?â
You hesitated.
Just for a second.
ââŚI didnât really look,â you lied, pushing open the break room door.
But for some reason, as you reached for the vending machine, your mind flickered back to him anyway.
Meanwhile, down the hallway he paused.
Just briefly.
Glancing back over his shoulder in the direction you had disappeared, brows knitting together ever so slightly.
Then, without a word, he slipped his earphones back inâ
and kept walking.
Your keys jiggled in the lock as you pushed your front door open, arms slightly weighed down with grocery bags. You had stopped by the store on your way back, remembering last minute that you were completely out of ramen⌠and more importantly, Soriâs kibble.
Speaking of, the second the door cracked open, the familiar sound of tiny paws skidding against the floor echoed down the hallway.
âSoriââ
Too late.
The small bundle of energy came bounding toward you at full speed, nails clicking against the hardwood as she practically launched herself at your legs. She bounced up on her hind legs, tail wagging so fast it looked like it might fall off, soft golden curls bouncing with every movement.
You let out a quiet laugh, nudging the door shut behind you with your foot before carefully lowering the grocery bags to the ground.
âOkay, okayâhi, I missed you too,â you murmured, crouching slightly as she circled you in excitement.
Her paws pressed against your knee, nose nudging at your hands like she was making sure you were real.
Your smile softened as you looked down at her.
Sori.
Your foster puppy.
You had taken her in a few weeks ago, a âtemporary placement,â the shelter had said. Just until they found her a forever home.
But weeks had passed.
And there had been no calls. No updates. No families asking about her.
Your fingers stilled slightly in her fur as the thought crossed your mind again, quieter this time, heavier.
How could anyone not want you?
Sori, completely unaware of your thoughts, simply leaned into your touch, tail still wagging like she had no care in the world.
You exhaled softly, brushing your thumb over her head before she suddenly darted toward the grocery bags again, curiosity pulling her away just as quickly as she had come.
You shook your head, a small smile returning.
âUnbelievable,â you muttered, reaching to pull the bag away from her before she could dig her nose in.
Sori only huffed in protest, tail still wagging as she trotted after you while you unpacked your groceries, circling your feet like a tiny, fluffy shadow.
By the time you finally clipped Soriâs leash onto her collar, the sky outside had already begun to dim.
âSorry, baby,â you murmured, glancing down at her as she bounced impatiently by the door. âWeâre late today.â
You usually took her out earlier, when the sun was still high and the park was busier, filled with people and other dogs. But today had run longer than expected. One of the new A&R assistants had misplaced an important demo, sending half the office into a quiet spiral until it was eventually found⌠in the wrong studio folder.
You had stayed back to help fix the mess.
Now, you were paying the price.
Sori, however, didnât seem to mind in the slightest.
The moment you stepped outside, she was already tugging lightly at the leash, eager and full of energy as the cool evening air wrapped around you. The streets were calmer now, the usual daytime noise softened into something quieter, more relaxed.
By the time you reached the park, the sun was beginning its slow descent, painting the sky in soft hues of orange and pink.
You took a deep breath as you walked in, shoulders easing almost instantly.
This was your favourite part of the day.
Sori led you along the familiar path, stopping every few steps to sniff something new, completely fascinated by the world in a way only puppies could be. You let her take her time, your grip on the leash loose, your mind finally beginning to quiet after the long day.
When she eventually settled on a patch of grass, you paused, glancing around absentmindedly as you waited.
Thatâs when you saw it.
A black cat.
On a leash.
You blinked once, then again, just to make sure you werenât imagining it.
The cat sat calmly near one of the benches, tail flicking lazily behind it, completely unbothered by its surroundings.
On a leash.
A small laugh slipped past your lips before you could stop it, the sound soft and disbelieving.
âOkayâŚâ you muttered under your breath, a smile tugging at your mouth. âThatâs new.â
Your eyes lingered for a moment longer, amused by the sight, before your attention was pulled back down by Sori, who proudly finished her business like she had just accomplished something monumental.
âGood girl,â you murmured, reaching down to reward her, the image of the cat still lingering faintly in your mind as you continued your walk.
You didnât think much of it.
The next day felt off from the moment you woke up.
Not dramatically bad. Not catastrophic.
Just⌠wrong.
Like everything was slightly out of place.
You had woken up late, your alarm somehow silenced without you remembering turning it off. In your rush, you spilled coffee down the front of your shirt and had to change twice before even leaving the apartment. Sori had decided today was the perfect day to refuse to eat her kibble, staring at you like you had personally offended her.
And that was just the morning.
At work, things didnât get better.
An email you knew you had sent the night before had somehow never gone through, meaning a studio session had to be rescheduled last minute. One of the newer assistants kept forwarding you incomplete files, and you had to go back and forth three times just to get the correct version of a track.
Then, to top it all off, a producer you barely worked with snapped at you over a scheduling overlap that⌠wasnât even your fault.
You had smiled through it.
Apologised anyway.
Fixed it.
Because that was your job.
By the time you checked the clock, it was only halfway through the day, and you felt like you hadnât had a single moment to breathe.
All you wanted was ten minutes.
Just ten.
You exhaled slowly as you stepped into the hallway, heading toward the break room, your shoulders tight, your head beginning to ache.
Your phone rang.
You froze mid-step, eyes dropping to the screen.
Your boss.
Of-fucking-course.
For a second, you considered letting it ring out. Just pretending you didnât see it. But you sighed and answered anyway, straightening your posture instinctively.
âHello?â
âCan you come to my office for a moment?â
Not even a greeting.
You closed your eyes briefly.
âOf course,â you replied, voice polite, even.
The call ended.
You stood there for a second longer, staring at your phone, jaw tightening slightly.
So much for a break.
By the time you reached the office, your expression was composed again. Calm. Professional. The version of yourself you had perfected over the years. You knocked lightly before stepping inside.
âCome in.â
You greeted your superior with a small bow, hands clasped neatly in front of you.
âYou wanted to see me, sir?â
He gestured for you to sit, flipping through a few files before speaking.
âOne of our producersâ A&R coordinator is out sick for the next couple of weeks,â he said, not looking up. âWe need someone to step in temporarily.â
You nodded slowly, already bracing yourself.
âYouâre adaptable,â he continued. âYouâve handled multiple schedules before. Weâd like you to take over his coordination until his usual staff returns.â
Of course you would.
You forced a small smile. âThatâs fine. I can take it on.â
A brief pause.
âWho is the producer?â you asked.
He, finally, glanced up at you.
âMin Yoongi.â
The name settled into your chest for a second before your mind caught up.
Min Yoongi.
It was familiar. You had seen him around. Quiet. Kept to himself. Always moving with purpose, like he existed slightly outside the chaos of the building.
Wait. Then you rememberedâŚ
The hallway.
The collision.
Oh. This is going to be embarrassing.
âIâve⌠seen him around,â you said carefully, keeping your tone neutral.
âGood,â your superior replied. âThen this shouldnât be difficult for you.â
You nodded again, though something in your chest felt oddly unsettled now. Not bad. Just⌠aware.
âIâll make sure everything runs smoothly.â
âThatâs what we expect.â
Just like that, the meeting was over.
The moment the office door shut behind you, the weight of the day came crashing back. You let out a sharp exhale, your composure slipping just enough as frustration curled tight in your chest.
No break.
More work.
And nowânew responsibility. New expectations. New person to figure out.
Your steps quickened, heels striking harder against the floor as you made your way down the hallway.
There was only one place you could think to go. You reached the studio door and⌠didnât knock.
You pushed it open.
âHoseokââ
The door swung wide.
Three heads snapped toward you.
Hoseok physically jolted in his chair, headphones half slipping off as he whipped around, eyes wide.
Inside the recording booth, Jimin flinched at the sudden noise, hand flying to his chest as he turned toward the door, startled.
And off to the side, seated on the couch with a notebook resting against his knee, Namjoon blinked up at you, pen frozen mid-sentence.
Silence.
A full, stunned beat of silence.
âYah!â Hoseok yelped, clutching his chest dramatically. âDo you want me to die early?!â
You blinked.
Once.
Twice.
ââŚoh.â
Your eyes flickered around the room properly this time, awareness crashing in all at once.
Jimin was already laughing softly in the booth, one hand still pressed to his chest, shoulders shaking slightly.
âWow,â he said into the mic, voice warm with amusement. âYou really know how to jump-scare.â
Namjoon let out a quiet huff of laughter from the couch, shaking his head as he finally set his pen down.
âYouâve never done that before,â he added, studying you curiously. âNo knock, no warningâŚâ
âIâsorry,â you said quickly, wincing as you stepped fully inside, pushing the door shut behind you. âI didnât realise you guys were in session.â
âDid you forget you scheduled this session for us?â Hoseok shot back, though there was no real bite behind it, just a sly smirk tugging at his lips, like he was far more entertained than inconvenienced.
You ran a hand through your hair, fingers catching slightly as you pushed it back, already feeling your frustration bubbling up under the embarrassment, warm and restless beneath your skin.
âIâIâm having a day,â you sighed, the words coming out softer this time, more honest than you intended as you dropped onto the couch beside Namjoon without asking.
The shift was immediate.
Hoseok straightened slightly, concern replacing the dramatics. Namjoon leaned forward a bit, resting his elbows on his knees, attention fully on you now. Jimin pushed open the booth door, stepping out and pulling his headphones down around his neck.
âThat bad?â he asked, softer now.
âThat bad,â you repeated, exhaling sharply. âEverything is going wrong today. I havenât had a break, people keep messing things up, and Iâm the one fixing itâand nowââ you gestured vaguely, âânow theyâve assigned me to someone else on top of everything.â
âAnother producer?â Namjoon asked.
You nodded, lips pressing together a little too tightly to steady the faint tremble threatening to give you away. You werenât someone who cried easily, especially not here, at work, so you swallowed it down and held your composure in place.
âMin Yoongi.â
Hoseokâs brows lifted slightly, âYoongi hyung?â
âYou know him?â you asked immediately.
âYeah,â he shrugged. âHeâs new here, but heâs really good. Works a lot. Doesnât talk much. Always wearing earphones.â
âThat explains the whole⌠hallway collision thing,â you muttered under your breath.
Namjoonâs eyes flicked back to you. âHallway collision?â
You groaned, dragging a hand down your face.
âYes, I literally ran into him yesterday,â you admitted.
Jimin let out a quiet laugh, clearly entertained. âFirst impressions are important, you know.â
âPlease donât,â you shot back, though there was no real bite behind it. Your voice came out thinner than you intended.
Hoseok, meanwhile, looked far too amused. You narrowed your eyes at him. âWhatâs got you all happy?â
âNothing,â he said quickly, hands lifting in surrender, though the grin tugging at his lips gave him away.
Namjoon let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. âHonestly,â he added, voice calm, âit might not be a bad thing.â
You turned to him, incredulous.
âRight. Because Iâm not already overworked enough. Letâs just hand her another human being to manage, why donât we?â
You leaned back in your chair with a groan, dragging your hands down your face. The frustration youâd been holding in all day finally started to crack through.
Jimin laughed again, softer this time, leaning against the edge of the console.
âYouâll survive.â
âI donât want to survive,â you muttered. âI want a break. Like⌠five minutes where something doesnât go wrong.â
Hoseokâs smile faded first. He tilted his head slightly, studying you more carefully now. Heâd known you for yearsâlong enough to recognize every version of you that existed within these walls. You had always been the steady one. The composed one. Where he was all brightness and noise, you balanced it out with quiet control, dry remarks, and an ease that never cracked under pressure.
You didnât complain about work. You handled it. Always. So seeing you like thisâfrustration slipping through, something heavier sitting behind your wordsâmade something in his chest tighten. His brows pulled together slightly, a faint frown settling in.
He didnât like it. Not one bit.
ââŚHey, whatâs wrong?â he said gently, âThis feels like itâs about more than just being assigned a new producer.â
The room went quieter.
You hesitated. For a second, you thought about brushing it off. Saying you were fine. Making a joke. Moving on. But something about the way they were all looking at you, not teasing anymore, just⌠there, made your chest feel tight.
You exhaled slowly, shoulders dropping.
âIâm just⌠tired,â you admitted, voice quieter now. âItâs not just today.â
Namjoon shifted slightly, giving you his full attention.
âThereâs always something going wrong recently,â you continued. âEvery day itâs a new issue, a new problem, a new fire I have to put out. And half the time I didnât even cause it, but Iâm still expected to fix it or take the blame for it.â
Your fingers twisted together in your lap.
âAnd then outside of workâŚâ you huffed out a small, breathless laugh, âIâm basically living Yuriâs life right now.â
Jiminâs brows lifted slightly. âWedding stuff?â
âNon-stop,â you nodded. âDress fittings, cake tastings, venue visits, calls, lists⌠I love her, I do. I love seeing her happy. But itâs just⌠a lot. And itâs the same things over and over again.â
You paused, pressing your lips together before adding, softer,
âAnd then thereâs Sori.â
Jimin tilted his head. âSori?â
âMy dog,â you said.
Hoseok perked up instantly.
âYou have a dog?!â
You couldnât help it, a small giggle slipped out at how quickly his energy flipped.
âI didnât know you had a dog!â
âSheâs a foster,â you explained, a faint smile forming despite everything. âIâve had her for a few weeks now.â
Hoseok looked like heâd just been told the best news of his life. âWhy didnât you tell me?!â
Namjoon reached over and lightly nudged his arm. âLet her finish.â
Hoseok deflated slightly, though the excitement still buzzed around him. You shook your head, smile fading into something softer.
âThere hasnât been any word from the shelter yet about a permanent home,â you said quietly. âSo itâs just been⌠me and her.â
Your voice dipped just a little. âAnd I donât know. Itâs just another thing to think about. Another responsibility.â
Silence settled for a moment, but it wasnât heavy. It felt⌠understanding. Namjoon spoke first, voice low and steady. âDo you feel a little better?â
You blinked at him. It took a second to really check in with yourself.
The tightness in your chest wasnât as sharp anymore. Your shoulders felt lighter. Like youâd finally set something down after carrying it for too long.
ââŚYeah,â you admitted quietly. âI think I just needed to get it out.â
Jimin gave you a small, reassuring smile.
Hoseok straightened suddenly, clapping his hands once like heâd reached a conclusion. âOkay. That settles it.â
You looked at him, confused. âWhat does?â
âWeâre going out,â he declared. âDinner. You, me, Jimin, Namjoon. Joon call Jungkook and Jimin, you should bring Taehyung.â
You blinked. âRight now?â
âNo,â he confirmed. âwe canât just ditch work, y/n.â
You huffed out a soft laugh shaking your head.
Hoseok grinned, pleased. âTonight. Hyungâs place,â he added.
Your brows lifted. âSeokjinâs restaurant?â
âExactly.â
You hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly.
ââŚOkay.â
Hoseokâs grin widened.
âAnd bring Sori.â
You blinked again. âTo the restaurant?â
âObviously,â he said, like it was the most natural thing in the world. âI need to meet her.â
Jimin laughed under his breath.
Namjoon just shook his head fondly.
And for the first time all day, the idea of the evening ahead didnât feel like another obligation.
It felt like a small escape.
By the time you all settled into Seokjinâs restaurant, the night had already softened around the edges. Warm lighting, low chatter, the steady clink of glasses. The kind of place that made everything feel a little slower, a little easier.
Sori, however, had single-handedly turned the table into a circus.
âI still donât understand why there is a dog in my restaurant,â Seokjin muttered, even as his hand absentmindedly scratched under Soriâs chin.
âYou love her,â you said, smiling into your drink.
âIâm tolerating her.â
Soriâs tail thumped loudly against the floor.
ââŚsheâs well-behaved,â he added after a pause.
Taehyung leaned across Jimin with zero regard for personal space, cooing at her.
âHi, baby,â he whispered, booping her nose.
âShe likes me more,â Hoseok declared immediately, half rising from his seat.
âYouâve known her for ten minutes,â Namjoon said dryly.
âTime is irrelevant when the connection is this strong.â
Jungkook laughed quietly beside him, shaking his head. âYou guys are unbelievable.â
You felt yourself relax into it all, the warmth of the food, the soft buzz of soju in your system, the easy presence of people who made everything feel lighter.
Your gaze drifted around the table, settling on each of them in turn, something quieter taking shape in your chest. Hoseok, still animated as ever, was the first person youâd really grown close to at the companyâthe one who somehow balanced you out from the start.
Namjoon sat beside him, quieter, listening. You had gone to university together, in the same music program, yet never spoke back then. It wasnât until later, already in the industry, that you properly metâand now, it felt strange to think there was ever a time you didnât know him like this.
Across from you, Jimin laughed softly, relaxed in a way you rarely saw in the studio. Youâd known him through work firstâhandling his music, his schedulesâbut somewhere along the way, it had become something more familiar. Taehyung leaned into him, smiling, the kind of constant presence that made it obvious why Jimin kept him close. You werenât as close to him, but you appreciated him all the same.
Jungkook sat at the end of the table, quieter but attentive, still carrying that slight awkwardness of someone not fully used to this yet. He had reached out to Namjoon through your universityâs alumni network, and somewhere along the way, the two of you had just⌠kept him. What started as guidance turned into something closer, something that felt a lot like family.
And Seokjinâhovering nearby more than sitting, despite your protestsâwatched over all of it with quiet fondness. His restaurant had been your place for years now, long before nights like this became routine, and in his own way, he had taken all of you in.
You let the moment settle, the noise, the warmth, the people.
You had just reached for another bite when Hoseok suddenly froze. Then gasped.
âYou wonât believe who just walked in.â
Everyone immediately turned.
âWhoâ?â
âHeyâstop!â Hoseok hissed, waving his hands. âYouâre all gonna make it obvious!â
âWhat are you talking about?â Jimin whispered, already halfway turned.
You frowned, glancing between them. âWho is it?â
Hoseok leaned closer, lowering his voice like he was about to reveal a secret.
âMin Yoongi.â
Your head snapped toward the entrance.
And there he was.
Standing near the front counter, earphones in, head slightly bowed as he scrolled through his phone like nothing else in the room mattered.
Casual.
Effortlessly so.
Black hoodie, a little oversized. Dark jeans. Rings catching faint light as his fingers moved. His hair fell messily across his forehead, like he hadnât tried at all, like it just sat that way naturally.
You blinked.
Right.
He is lookingâŚreally good.
Not loud about it. Not the kind that demanded attention. But the kind that pulled it anyway.
âWait,â Taehyung whispered, squinting slightly. âWho is that?â
Jimin followed your line of sight, then leaned closer to Taehyung.
âThatâs Min Yoongi,â he murmured. âProducer. And apparently,â he nodded subtly toward you, âher new problem.â
Taehyungâs brows shot up. âThatâs the guy?â
Jungkook leaned forward, interest piqued. âThe one you got assigned to?â
You groaned softly, already feeling the attention shift toward you.
âYes,â you muttered. âThat one.â
Namjoon let out a quiet chuckle.
âTell them the rest.â
âNo,â you said immediately.
Seokjin looked between you all, confused but intrigued. âWhat rest?â
Hoseok grinned. âShe crashed into him yesterday in the hall.â
Jungkook burst out laughing. âOf course you did.â
Seokjin followed, a low amused laugh slipping out. âThatâs actually kind of funny.â
You rolled your eyes, sinking slightly into your seat. âIt was an accident,â you defended. âWe literally just bumped into each other. Thatâs it. Nothing happened.â
âThatâs so unfortunate,â Taehyung said, shaking his head like he truly meant it.
âWhy is that unfortunate?â you shot back.
âBecause it couldâve been something,â Jimin added, clearly entertained.
âIt wasnât,â you deadpanned.
Hoseok leaned in then, voice dropping slightly.
âStill⌠you should be careful.â
Your brows furrowed. âWhat?â
âIâve heard heâs⌠kind of scary.â
You stilled slightly.
ââŚwhat do you mean?â
Namjoon shifted, tone more measured.
âHeâs not new,â he said. âHeâs pretty well known in the industry. Heâs just⌠very private.â
âQuiet,â Jimin added.
âPicky,â Namjoon continued.
Hoseok nodded. âHard to work with.â
âMean?â Taehyung offered.
âNot mean,â Namjoon corrected. âJust blunt.â
âStill scary,â Taehyung insisted.
Jungkook hummed, glancing toward the front again. âIâve heard he doesnât really tolerate mistakes.â
Your fingers tightened slightly around your glass. You werenât one to take rumours at face value. You knew how easily things got twisted in this industry.
But stillâŚyou didnât know him. And tomorrow, you had to work with him.
Almost without thinking, your eyes drifted back again.
He was still there, waiting.
Your heart beat a little faster than it should have.
Just one more secondâ
His head lifted. And his eyes met yours.
Direct. Unmistakable. Your breath caught.
For a split second, the noise of the restaurant faded. His expression barely shifted, but there was something there. Recognition, maybe. Then, you whipped your head back so fast it almost hurt.
âOh my god,â you whispered harshly. âHe saw me.â
Jimin immediately leaned forward. âNo way.â
âHe did,â you insisted, eyes wide. âHe definitely did.â
Hoseok was already trying not to laugh. âThis is incredible.â
âStop looking!â you warned, even as Taehyung very obviously tried to sneak another glance.
Namjoon shook his head, amused.
Right then, a staff member approached the counter with a takeout bag. Yoongi took it, gave a small nod, and turned toward the door without a second glance.
And just like that, he was gone.
The table buzzed again instantly, laughter and chatter picking right back up. But you barely heard it. Your gaze lingered on the space heâd just left.
Tomorrow.
Your first day working with Min Yoongi.
You exhaled slowly, leaning back in your chair.
Min Yoongi scrunched his nose, squinting at the thin streaks of light slipping through the curtains of his otherwise dark bedroom. He blinked slowly, vision adjusting, and found himself staring directly into a pair of green eyes.
Tang.
The cat sat perched beside his head on the pillow, her head tilted slightly as she stared at him, one paw still lifted mid-air like she had been debating whether to smack him awake.
Yoongi frowned.
âDid you wake me up?â
Tang said nothing, of course. Just blinked once before leaning forward, nudging her head against his cheek.
A quiet huff of a laugh escaped him as he lifted a hand to scratch behind her ear.
âYeah, yeah.â
He lay there for another moment, staring at the ceiling, mentally running through the day ahead. Studio time. A meeting. A schedule adjustmentâ
Right.
The new coordinator.
He pushed himself up with a soft exhale, running a hand through his hair before swinging his legs off the bed. As long as they did their job, it didnât matter.
By the time he arrived at the studio, the building was already alive.
Muted chatter echoed through the halls. Doors opening and closing. The distant pulse of bass leaking faintly through soundproof walls.
Yoongi slipped his earphones in out of habit, a rough demo looping quietly as he walked, head slightly lowered, attention split between sound and thought.
When he reached his studio door, he pushed it open and paused.
Someone was already inside.
You stood near the console, tablet in hand, scrolling through something, your brows slightly drawn together in focus.
For a second, he didnât move.
Didnât speak.
Just looked.
Then the door clicked shut behind him.
Your head lifted immediately. Your eyes met his and something flickered. Brief. Sharp. Gone just as quickly.
âOh.â
You straightened, composure snapping into place almost instantly.
âGood morning,â you said, adjusting your grip on the tablet. âI just came here to find you.â
Yoongi pulled one earphone out slowly, gaze still resting on you for a moment longer before he stepped inside. âRight.â
Your posture shifted subtly, more formal now.
âIâm y/n. Iâve been assigned as your A&R coordinator temporarily while your usual coordinator is out.â
He gave a small nod, setting his bag down beside the chair.
There was a pause.
Not quite awkward.
But not entirely comfortable either.
âYouâll be handling the schedule?â he asked, tone even.
âYes,â you nodded, tapping your tablet lightly. âSessions, bookings, file coordination, any changes that come up.â
Efficient. Straightforward. His kind of answer.
Yoongi leaned back slightly against the desk, arms folding loosely as he watched you for a beat.
You didnât ramble. Didnât over-explain.
Just gave him what he needed.
ââŚOkay,â he said.
Simple.
But enough.
You exhaled softly, almost imperceptibly, before shifting into motion.
âYour first session today is at eleven,â you continued, voice steady. âStudio B was originally booked, but I had it moved here so you wouldnât have to relocate.â
His eyes flicked up to you again.
âYeah, I saw that last night⌠Thanks.â
You nodded once, glancing back at your tablet, unaware of the way his attention lingered a second longer than necessary.
Two days ago, you had been all rushed apologies and fleeting eye contact. Slightly flustered. Unsteady for just a moment before pulling yourself back together.
Now, you were composed. Controlled. Precise in the way you spoke, the way you carried yourself.
Different.
His gaze stayed on you, thoughtful.
He had seen you around before. In passing. Mostly through open studio doors, or in the hallway with Hoseok.
You werenât like this then.
With Hoseok, you were easy. Relaxed. A little louder. Comfortable in a way that softened the edges of you.
Here, you were careful. Professional. Measured.
It wasnât a bad thing.
Just⌠noticeable.
Yoongiâs eyes narrowed slightly, in quiet consideration. Interesting.
He didnât question it.
But he filed it away anyway.
âAnything else?â he asked.
You hesitated briefly, like you were running through a mental checklist, then shook your head. âNo, that should be everything for now.â
Another pause. Quieter this time.
The kind that could stretch if neither of you moved.
So you did.
âIâll leave you to work,â you said, stepping back slightly. âIf you need anything, just let me know. I left my number on your desk.â
Yoongi gave a short nod. Turning his head to the piece of paper wedged under his mouse.
You turned toward the door. Hand on the handle. For a split second, you paused. Then you opened the door and stepped out.
The room fell quiet again.
Yoongi stood there for a moment, unmoving, before reaching up to slide his earphone back in.
The demo resumed.
But his focus didnât.
Not immediately.
His gaze lingered briefly on the door youâd just walked through.
Then, with a quiet exhale, he turned back to his equipment and got to work.
The first few days passed quietly. Not awkward. Not comfortable either.
Just⌠professional.
On day three, you stopped knocking before entering his studio. A small thing. But intentional.
The first time you hesitated, hand hovering over the door, remembering how he workedâheadphones on, lost in sound, irritation flickering when interruptedâyou made a choice.
You just pushed the door open.
The next time, you didnât hesitate at all.
Yoongi noticed. He didnât say anything. But he noticed.
On day four, you stopped speaking the moment you walked in. Instead, you waited.
Watched.
You learned the signs quickly.
The slight tilt of his head meant he was deep in a layer of sound. The slow nod to himself meant he was replaying something in his head. The pauseâjust a fraction too longâmeant he was between thoughts.
Thatâs when you spoke. âYour two oâclock is here.â
Yoongi pulled his headphones down, glancing at you briefly.
ââŚThanks.â
You nodded like it was nothing. But smiled once you were back in the hallway.
On day five, the coffee started appearing.
He didnât ask for it. You didnât mention it.
Just a cup placed quietly on the edge of his desk, always within reach, never in the way.
Black. No sugar. From his regular cafĂŠ.
You had noticed the empty takeaway cups scattered across his desk every morning, the same logo, the same order. So when you realized he hadnât brought one in that day, you slipped out before lunch and got it for him.
He noticed that too.
His fingers hovered over the cup for a second before picking it up.
A small sip.
A pause.
Then he kept working.
By the end of the first week, the studio stopped feeling like just his space.
Not entirely. But less closed off.
You moved through it like you understood its rhythm now. Like you knew where to stand, when to speak, when to leave. No wasted movement. No unnecessary noise.
It made things⌠easier.
Yoongi found himself finishing things faster. Getting less irritated. Not having to think about anything outside the music.
Because you already had.
On the eighth day, something went wrong.
A file didnât transfer properly. He clicked through folders, irritation creeping in, his jaw tightening. âWhere is itââ
âI have a backup.â Your voice cut in, calm and steady.
You were already moving, plugging your tablet in, pulling up the file like you had expected this to happen.
Because you had.
Yoongi stared at the screen for a second, then at you.
ââŚYou always do this?â
âPrevent disasters?â you shrugged lightly, slightly cocky on purpose. âI try.â
You let out a soft chuckle at his deadpan expression, a hint of amusement slipping through.
âBelieve it or not, this has happened a lot before,â you added. âI started keeping my own backup files years ago. You canât always trust everyone you work with.â
A beat.
Then, quieter, he asked, ââŚCan I trust you?â
You blinked, taken aback, suddenly very aware of how close you were standingâclose enough to notice the faint scent of his cologne, something subtle and clean, close enough that you could hear the quiet shift of his breathing over the low hum of the equipment.
The file finished transferring, the soft click of completion filling the space between you.
You straightened slowly, clearing your throat.
âYes.â
Another pause.
ââŚGood.â
It wasnât praise.
But it wasnât nothing.
By day ten, the silence between you had changed. It wasnât empty anymore. It was⌠shared.
Comfortable in a way that didnât need to be acknowledged.
You would sometimes sit in the corner of his studio now before leaving, working through schedules, while he layered sounds for hoursâand neither of you felt the need to fill the space.
Sometimes, heâd glance up.
Just briefly.
Checking that you were there.
And somewhere along the way, he started to notice more things. The way the tension in your shoulders slowly eased, the longer you stayed in the room. The way your fingers stopped fiddling with the pendant necklace you always woreâthe same absent habit he had seen in passing, out in the hall. The way you would hum softly under your breath, barely audible, completely lost in your work.
Focused. Steady. Present.
And for reasons he didnât bother unpacking, he found that⌠reassuring.
By the end of the week and a half, Yoongi had stopped thinking of you as temporary.
He still knew you were.
But somewhere along the way, his workflow had adjusted around you. Like you had always been part of it. Like removing you would leave something⌠off.
And you had stopped overthinking every word before you said it. Stopped bracing yourself before walking into his studio. You had learned him. His rhythms. His silences. The way he worked.
And in return, he had started letting you exist in that space without question.
It wasnât friendship. Not yet.
But it wasnât just work anymore either.
Just something quieter.
The weekend came far too quickly.
Not in a peaceful, finally I can rest kind of wayâbut in a you blink and suddenly youâre being dragged through a bridal boutique at ten in the morning kind of way.
âStand still,â Yuri muttered, gently tugging at your wrist.
âI am standing still,â you complained, though you didnât actually resist as she manhandled you, turning you slightly to inspect every angle of the potential bridesmaids dress.
âYouâre swaying.â
âIâm tired.â
âYouâre dramatic.â
You huffed, crossing your arms as she adjusted the bow at the back, frowning slightly.
âYou said we had two appointments today,â you mumbled. âTwo. This is the fourth place.â
Yuri didnât even look guilty. âPlans change.â
âYouâre a menace.â
She grinned, completely unbothered. âAnd yet, you love me.â
You did. That was the problem.
Because despite the way you sighed and dragged your feet and muttered under your breath, there was no real annoyance behind it. You let her pull you from boutique to boutique, gave your opinions when she asked, hyped her up when she stepped out in dresses that made her glow.
Still, by the time you ended up sitting on a plush couch in your sixth shop while she disappeared into yet another fitting room, you let your head fall back with a groan.
âIâm going to pass away,â you declared.
From behind the curtain, Yuriâs voice rang out, far too amused. âNot before my wedding, youâre not.â
You snorted softly, rubbing your face.
There was a brief pause.
âSo.â
Oh no.
That tone.
You knew that tone.
ââŚNo,â you said immediately, already suspicious.
The curtain rustled, and Yuri peeked out, eyes sparkling with something that could only be described as trouble.
âWhat?â she asked innocently.
âNo,â you repeated, narrowing your eyes. âWhatever youâre about to sayâno.â
She stepped out fully this time, smoothing down the dress as she walked toward the mirror.
âSo howâs Min Yoongi?â
Your brain stalled.
ââŚwhat?â
You sat up straighter, staring at her. âHow do youââ
âWasnât he the guy you bumped into that day we were on the phone?â
âYuri,â you said slowly, âhow do you know about him?â
She blinked at you like it was obvious. âNamjoon told me.â
Of course he did.
You pressed your lips together, already feeling the embarrassment creeping up your neck. âWhy is Namjoon telling you about my life?â
âBecause I was bored, and this is entertaining,â she shot back easily, then tilted her head. âDonât get upset at Joon, thoughâwe were drunk and I wouldnât leave him alone about it. You, also, donât really tell me anything anymore.â
âThatâs not true.â
âIt is a little true.â
You hesitated.
Okay. Maybe a little.
Youâd always been a bit closed off, always had high walls. You felt the need to be hyper-independent, like you had to handle everything on your own. Meeting Yuri had changed thatâshe made it easier to trust, to let those walls down.
But old habits died hard.
And sometimes⌠those walls crept back up before you even realised it.
Yuri softened slightly, walking over and dropping down beside you, nudging your shoulder. âCome on,â she coaxed. âTell me.â
You exhaled slowly, leaning back into the couch.
âThereâs nothing to tell,â you tried.
She stared at you.
You stared back.
Yuri was always patient with youâbut she also knew exactly when to push.
ââŚI just got assigned to him for a bit,â you admitted.
Her eyes lit up immediately. âAnd?â
âAnd nothing,â you insisted. âWe work together. Thatâs it.â
âMhm.â
You shot her a look. âIâm serious.â
âSure,â she nodded, far too knowingly. âYouâre working. Professionally. Calmly.â
âExactly,â you said, maybe a bit too quickly.
Yuriâs smile widened.
You groaned, dragging a hand down your face. âOh my god.â
âKeep going,â she sing-songed. âCome on!â
You hesitated again.
Then, quieter, âOkay. Something did happen last weekâŚâ
Yuri leaned in instantly. âWhat?â
You looked down at your hands, fiddling with your fingers absentmindedly.
âThere was an issue with a file,â you said. âI had a backup.â
âOf course you did.â
You smiled slightly.
âI was transferring it, and I said something about not being able to trust people with important stuff sometimes, and then he just⌠looked at me and askedââ
You paused, then mimicked his tone softly,
ââCan I trust you?ââ
Yuri made a sound.
An actual, physical sound of disbelief.
âHE SAID THAT?â
You winced. âCan you not yellââ
âThatâs intense,â she cut in, grabbing your arm.
âYuri.â You let out a small, embarrassed laugh, shaking your head. âIt wasnât anything.â
âY/n, you cannot seriously think that.â
âIt wasnât,â you insisted, though your voice softened slightly. âIt was just⌠work.â
Yuri studied you for a moment. Then she smiled.
You scowled.
You nudged her shoulder lightly. âFocus on your wedding, will you?â
She laughed, letting it goâfor now.
But the glint in her eyes said this conversation wasnât over.
By the time you got home, the sky was already dipping into gold.
Your barely made it into the hall before a small blur of energy came sprinting toward you.
âHi baby!â
The puppy practically launched herself at your legs, tiny paws scratching against you as her tail wagged wildly.
You laughed, crouching down to gather her into your arms. âI missed you tooââ
âAnd me?â
You glanced up, startled, only to find Jungkook stepping out from the hallway, one hand rubbing the back of his neck.
âOhâKook,â you smiled, shifting Sori slightly in your arms. âThank you for watching her today, seriously. I know it was super last minute.â
He shrugged, soft and easy. âIt was nothing, noona. I actually got a lot of work done.â
âReally? She let you?â you raised a brow.
âYeah,â he nodded, then added, almost like an afterthought, âAlso, I tried to take her on a walk, but she wouldnât leave the house.â
You blinked, looking down at the puppy in your arms. Placing her down gently.
Jungkook huffed a small laugh. âI think she only wants to go with you.â
You sighed but there was a smile tugging at your lips as you looked at her. âOf course she does.â
Sori yipped in response, completely unapologetic. Padding back over to sit my Jungkookâs legs.
âIâll take her out now,â you said, standing up. âYou should go before she decides you live here.â
Jungkook laughed, grabbing his bag. âI wouldnât mind that, sheâs a sweetheart. But, I should probably escape while I can.â
You walked him to the door, offering a quick thanks again before he waved it off and disappeared down the hall.
The apartment fell quiet again.
You glanced down at Sori, who was already bouncing slightly in anticipation.
âOkay, okay,â you murmured, reaching for her leash. âLetâs go.â
The air outside was cooler now, the sun hanging low in the sky like it was in no rush to leave. The park wasnât far, and the walk there was easy.
Sori trotted ahead happily, her tiny paws padding along the pavement, nose twitching at every new scent. She had always been good on walks, rarely pulling, content to explore at her own pace.
You let her lead.
Your mind drifted instead.
Tomorrowâs schedule. Emails you hadnât answered. Groceries you needed to buy. Yuriâs never-ending list of wedding tasks.
Your brain ran in quiet loops, organizing, planning, bracing for another day. It was peaceful in its own way.
Until, the leash jerked suddenly from your hand.
âShit, what!?â
You barely had time to react before Sori bolted forward, the thin strap slipping completely from your grasp.
Your heart jumped. âSori!â
You hurried after her, shoes scraping slightly against the path as you rushed forwardâand then froze.
She had stopped at a bench.
More specifically at a cat.
A black cat sat calmly on the bench, harness clipped neatly, completely unbothered as Sori bounded up to it, sniffing excitedly.
âOh my godââ you rushed forward, mortified, grabbing the abandoned leash. âIâm so sorrââ
The words died in your throat.
Because the man sitting beside the cat looked up.
Oh.
Yoongi.
For a second, neither of you said anything.
One of his earphones hung loose, clearly pulled out at the sudden interruption. His gaze met yours, steady, unreadableâbut there was something there. Surprise?
You blinked.
ââŚhi,â you said, a little breathless.
He blinked once, like he was catching up to the moment.
ââŚhi.â
And then⌠nothing.
Just the two of you there, staring, the quiet hum of the park settling around you like everything else had faded out.
Then woof!
Sori barked, jumping slightly toward the cat again.
Reality snapped back into place.
You dropped into a crouch immediately, pulling her back gently. âHeyâno, Sori, behaveââ
You glanced up again, flustered. âIâm so sorry, sheâs really friendly, she just gets excited.â
Yoongi nodded once, calm, like none of this phased him.
He reached across, lifting the cat easily into his lap, one hand resting lightly along her back. The cat settled instantly, still completely unimpressed.
Silence settled again.
Awkward this time.
You shifted slightly, fingers tightening around the leash as your mind raced.
Do I leave? Do I say something? Why am I still standing here?
Yoongi adjusted slightly on the bench, his fingers brushing his earphone like he was about to put it back inâ
âSoâŚâ you blurted.
Great.
You winced internally.
ââŚcat on a leash, huh?â you added, trying to recover. âIâve never seen that before.â
He paused.
Just slightly.
Then looked at you again.
ââŚyeah,â he said. âNot exactly common.â
Another pause.
You nodded like that was a normal, complete conversation.
Okay. Good. You can go now.
You shifted your weight, ready to turnâ
âThe vet recommended it.â
You blinked, looking back at him.
He glanced down at the cat briefly, thumb brushing over her fur. âSaid she needs more activity. Sheâs⌠gained some weight.â
Your lips twitched.
âShe does look a little chubby,â you said before you could stop yourself.
A beat.
ââŚare you fat-shaming my cat?â
Your eyes widened instantly. âNoâIâoh my god, I didnât mean it like thatââ
He didnât move.
And then, just barely, the corner of his mouth lifted.
You exhaled, half-laughing in relief. âThat was not fair.â
He shrugged lightly, like he didnât disagree.
His gaze flickered down to Sori, who was now sitting, still staring at Tang with intense curiosity.
âI didnât think you were a dog person,â he said.
You blinked. âIâwhat?â
âYou donât seem like one,â he added simply.
You narrowed your eyes slightly, amused despite yourself. âWhy not?â
Yoongi shrugged, âDogs are a lot of work.â
âI do a lot of work every day.â
âExactly. Thought youâd want to relax when you get home.â
You huffed a small laugh.
âYouâre not wrong. This is Sori,â you said, glancing down at her. âSheâs a foster.â
His brows lifted slightly. âFoster?â
âYeah,â you nodded. âIâve had her for a few weeks now. Still waiting for someone to adopt her.â
Your fingers absentmindedly brushed over Soriâs head.
Yoongi was quiet for a second. âThatâs really good of you. Fostering.â
You looked up at him. The way he said it wasnât overly reassuring. Wasnât exaggerated.
Just⌠certain.
Something about it settled in your chest.
You smiled, small but real. âThanks.â
Another pause.
But this one wasnât as awkward.
You shifted slightly, glancing toward the path. âI should probably finish up her walk.â
He nodded once.
âYeah.â
You took a small step back, giving Soriâs leash a gentle tug. âCome on, say bye.â
Sori gave one last curious look toward cat before turning back to you. You glanced at him one last time.
ââŚsee you Monday?â
The words slipped out before you could overthink them.
He met your gaze.
ââŚyeah.â A beat. âSee you.â
You nodded, turning and guiding Sori back onto the path, your steps slower than before.
Monday felt like all the quiet progress of the past two weeks had been wiped clean in one sweep. At least, it felt that way to you.
The entire weekend had been a loop of why did I say that and why didnât I just leave, your brain replaying every second of the park encounter like it was determined to haunt you personally. The eye contact. The awkward pauses. The chubby cat comment.
You pressed your lips together as you stood outside his studio door, inhaling slowly.
Get it together.
You knocked. Then, before you could overthink it, you pushed the door open just enough to peek inside and stilled.
Yoongi was already facing the door. His chair turned fully toward you, like heâd been expecting you. His expression was neutral, as always. Calm. Unreadable.
But there was something there. Faint. Subtle.
Your grip tightened slightly on your tablet.
âGood morning,â you said, voice steady despite the way your chest felt just a little too tight. âI just want to go over the schedule for today.â
Yoongi squinted slightly, like he was trying to read past the surface of you, then gave a small nod toward the inside of the room.
You stepped in, closing the door behind you with a quiet click.
Your heels carried you forward automatically, posture straight, head slightly lowered toward your tablet. Composed. Efficient. Exactly how you always were. But there was a stiffness in your shoulders now. A tension that hadnât been there before.
And Yoongi noticed immediately.
You began listing off the dayâs schedule, voice smooth, professional. Sessions. Demo reviews. Deadlines.
Yoongi listened, but not really.
Heâd already reviewed the schedule the night before. He always did.
Instead, his attention drifted.
To you.
To the way you werenât looking at him. To the way your fingers held your tablet just a little tighter than usual. To the way your voice was steady, but just slightly too controlled. Different from the quiet comfort that had slowly settled into his studio over the last two weeks.
His gaze flicked briefly to his desk.
Then back to you.
âThereâs no coffee today.â
The words landed simply. No accusation. No edge.
Just an observation.
It was the first time you looked up since entering the room. Your eyes snapped to his face, caught off guard, before instinctively following his line of sight to the empty coaster on his desk.
Right.
Your stomach dropped.
Your gaze lingered there for half a second before drifting back to him and for a brief moment, your eyes met.
His brows lifted slightly. A quiet question.
âShiââ you cut yourself off quickly, straightening. âSorry. I was in a hurry this morning. Iâll make sure you get it.â
Yoongi didnât respond right away.
He was still looking at you.
Still⌠assessing.
âYou seem tense,â he said finally. Blunt. Direct.
His eyes moved over you again, not in a way that lingered improperly, not anything that would make you self-consciousâbut precise. Like he was piecing something together.
âIs it your foster puppy⌠Sori?â
âWhatâSori?â you blinked, the question catching you completely off guard. âSheâs fine. Sheâs great, actually.â
The answer came too quickly.
You heard it. He definitely heard it.
âAnd before you askââ you added immediately, cutting him off as his lips parted slightly, âIâm also fine. Just a bit sleepy.â
You forced a smile.
It felt convincing enough.
Yoongi held your gaze for a moment longer than necessary. âYour lack of sleep isnât a cause for concern, though, is it?â he asked, tone even. âWe have important sessions today.â
The shift was subtle. Back to work.
But not entirely.
âNo,â you shook your head quickly. âI promise. Everythingâs under control.â
It had to be.
Because this wasnât just any week.
The labelâs biggest solo artist was coming inâsomeone who hadnât released new music in over a year. A full comeback cycle was being built around this project. Pre-release single, concept rollout, the works. And Yoongi had been brought in as one of the key producers on the track.
Everything had to be perfect.
No delays. No miscommunication. Every demo shortlisted. Every session locked in. Every revision tracked and ready.
You had spent all of last week clearing space for it.
Rearranging schedules. Pushing back smaller sessions. Finalizing unfinished demos so nothing would bleed into this week. Coordinating with management teams, studio engineers, external writers. Making sure contracts, credits, and file versions were all aligned before anything even started.
There was no room for error.
If something went wrong, it would land on you first. And today already felt like it was trying to test that.
Your grip on the tablet tightened just slightly before you forced it to relax.
Yoongi was still watching you. Quiet.
You straightened a fraction, shifting your weight more evenly.
âThe eleven oâclock session is for the pre-release track,â you added, keeping your tone even. âThe Tabloâs team sent over updated references last night. Iâve already sorted and labelled everything, youâll have access on the drive.â
Yoongi held your gaze for a second longer.
Then gave a small nod.
ââŚOkay.â
Yoongi dragged his hands over his face. For the first time since eleven, his studio was quiet.
Everyone had gone on lunch break. The steady hum of voices and movement outside had dulled into something distant, muted behind closed doors. He should be eating too.
But the melody in front of him still needed work.
Unfortunately, his mind didnât want to focus.
He leaned back in his chair with a quiet groan, head tipping toward the ceiling, eyes unfocused as his thoughts slippedâuninvited, persistentâright back to the same place they had been circling all morning.
You.
It was beginning to irritate him, how easily his mind returned to you. How naturally it lingered there.
Since Saturday, it had been like this.
He had pushed the thoughts away every time they surfaced, burying them under work, under sound, under anything that required focus.
But now, he let them stay. Just for a moment.
The park came first.
You, crouched in front of him, arms wrapped around your overly energetic puppy, apology spilling out of you in a rush. Flustered. Slightly breathless.
Your hair had been down.
He had never seen it like that before.
Loose. A little messy from running. Strands falling out of place.
Then, his lips twitched faintly at the following memory.
ââŚare you fat-shaming my cat?â
The way your eyes had widened. The immediate panic. The way relief melted into laughter when you realised he wasnât serious.
The sound of it. Light and unfiltered.
His gaze had lingered longer than it should have.
And then, your bundle of chaos, Sori. The way you looked at her stuck with him. Soft. Unguarded. Entirely different from the careful, composed version of you he saw every day at work.
Yoongi exhaled slowly, his expression shifting slightly.
Then his thoughts pulled forward to this morning.
The stiffness in your shoulders. The way you avoided his eyes. That smileâtoo quick. Too practiced. Fake.
His brows pulled together slightly.
Yoongi shook his head, pushing himself out of his chair. He stretched his arms overhead, muscles protesting after hours of sitting, before grabbing his keys and stepping out of the studio.
The cafeteria was loud.
Voices layered over each other, trays clattering, chairs scraping. The kind of noise that usually faded into the background for him.
Today, it didnât.
His gaze swept the room once and stopped, on you.
You were sitting near the corner, shoulders slightly hunched forward, fork lazily pushing food around your plate. There was a smile on your face.
Across from you: Hoseok.
Animated, as always. Hands moving as he spoke, clearly mid-story, completely invested in whatever he was saying.
You laughed.
Yoongiâs gaze lingered a second longer than necessary. Something unfamiliar flickered low in his chest. Subtle. He turned away, heading toward the buffet. He had just finished piling pasta and vegetables onto his plate whenâ
âYoongi hyung!â
Hoseok.
Of course.
He turned slightly. Hoseok was already waving him over, grin wide and easy. âCome sit with us!â
Yoongiâs eyes flicked back to you. From behind, the tension in your posture was obvious now. Shoulders tight. Spine just a little too straight.
He shouldnât.
It would be easier not to.
But, he was already moving.
He set his tray down and slid into the seat beside you.
âGood to see you outside your studio, hyung,â Hoseok said, still smiling.
Yoongi gave a small nod, picking up his fork. âMm.â
âY/n told me youâre working on Tabloâs pre-release track,â Hoseok continued, leaning forward slightly. âThatâs huge. Iâve been trying to get on that project.â
He placed a hand dramatically over his chest. âBut she wonât help me.â
Yoongiâs gaze shifted to you.
You felt it immediately.
You turned slightly, offering him a small, polite smileâjust a little too careful.
âHobi is being dramatic,â you said, shooting Hoseok a look. âHeâs working on IUâs next album.â
âThat is true,â Hoseok smirked, clearly proud.
âCareful, your headâs getting too big for your shoulders, again,â you added dryly.
âYou know, youâre really mean to me,â he shot back instantly. âCan never let me have something good.â
You huffed out a quiet laugh despite yourself, shaking your head. âIâm keeping you humble.â
For a moment, it almost felt normal. The tension is your shoulders melting, slightly.
But then, Hoseok pushed his chair back suddenly.
âIâm grabbing a drink and I need the bathroom,â he added, already standing. âDonât talk about anything interesting without me.â
âWouldnât dream of it,â you muttered.
He grinned, then disappeared into the crowd. And just like that the space shifted. The noise of the cafeteria seemed louder now. Or maybe it was just the silence between you.
You focused on your plate.
Yoongi didnât touch his food.
âYouâre still tense.â
Your hand stilled.
You let out a small breath, forcing a light tone. âIâm really notââ
âDid I do something?â
That made you look at him, properly. Caught completely off guard.
âWhat? Noâno, of course notââ
âThen why are you uncomfortable all of a sudden?â he asked, just as evenly.
You opened your mouthâ
âI can tell,â he added, not unkindly. âDonât try to deny it. Itâs obvious.â
Your lips pressed together. For a second, you considered brushing it off again. But under his gaze; steady, patient, waiting. You exhaled.
âIâŚâ you hesitated, fingers tightening slightly around your fork. âIâve just been⌠thinking about the park.â
A pause.
âIâm sorry,â you added quickly, the words rushing out now that theyâd started. âIf I made you uncomfortable in any way. I didnât mean to cross any boundaries or make things weirdâespecially because we work together, I justââ
You stopped yourself, shaking your head slightly.
âIâve been overthinking it all weekend,â you admitted, quieter now. âI just didnât want to⌠overstep.â
Silence.
Yoongi stared at you for a second.
Then two.
Taken aback.
ââŚYou think you made me uncomfortable?â he asked.
You blinked, uncertain. âI mean⌠I donât know, I justââ
âI wasnât,â he said simply.
Your words stopped.
âI wasnât uncomfortable,â he repeated, tone steady. âAnd you didnât cross any lines.â
Something in your chest loosened.
Just slightly.
He watched your expression shift, then added, âIf anything,â a small pause, âI should be asking if I did something to make you uncomfortable.â
Your eyes widened a fraction. âNoâno, you didnât. At all. This is justâŚâ you let out a small, embarrassed breath, âme overthinking. Like always.â
A beat.
Then, before you could stop yourselfâ
âIâve just⌠heard things.â
Yoongiâs brow lifted slightly. âThings.â
âYour reputation,â you admitted, wincing a little. âIn the industry.â
Another pause.
ââŚand you believed everything you heard?â he asked.
ââNo,â you said quickly. Then, softer, more honest, âI mean⌠maybe a little. At first.â
His gaze stayed on you.
âNot anymore, though,â you added, meeting his eyes this time.
A flicker of something passed through his expression.
âGood.â
The tension in your shoulders finally gave way, easing like something had quietly unknotted.
You exhaled, almost laughing under your breath. âGod, I feel so stupid.â
âDonât,â he said.
part 2 in the next few days ;)
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