i bite back

When you met Nishimura Riki years ago, you never imagined you'd become his girlfriend, let alone his wife when he proposed after you two graduated. 

When you fell in love with Nishimura Riki, you never imagined you'd spend so many years together, happily so. 

When you returned to the house you two shared, you never imagined you'd see a woman sleeping on top of Nishimura Riki on the couch you picked weeks ago. 

Your heart gave a strange jump in your chest, the way it did when feelings piled up and it was too much for your body to contain. She was relaxed against his chest, drowsy, probably listening to Niki's heartbeat and breathing like it was her personal lullaby. But then, she felt your presence and lifted her head, sleepy eyes blinking and focusing on you.

And then she gave you that smile that destroyed you, all gums and a few teeth that were starting to grow, so adorable with her black hair all disheveled from her nap. It was the cutest thing in the world.

‘’Mommy!’’

Your daughter didn't wait a second and began to stir, waking her dad from his light sleep. She squealed with excitement and stretched her arms toward you, bouncing off Niki's ribs, probably a little painfully.

You quickly approached and took her in your arms, settling her small body against yours and hugging her, trying not to squeal with excitement too, there was no better feeling in the world; you love it. Runa immediately snuggled against your neck, and you took the opportunity to inhale your daughter's sweet baby scent. 

Niki just looked at you from the couch, amused and a little sleepy. He smiled at you and his eyes scanned you from head to toe slowly, as if he were doing a mental check to make sure everything was in place, and then softened as they always did when he saw you holding his daughter.

‘’Welcome home,’’ he muttered in that deep, quiet voice of his. ‘’Missed you so much, baby.’’

You leaned forward and your lips met Niki's halfway, kissing you softly. He only let you go when Runa tried to put her head between your faces, giggling softly. 

‘’Did she behave?’’ You asked him, looking at your two-years old babygirl. You rocked her gently, kissing her chubby cheek. 

Niki let out a quiet huff, dragging his hand over his face as he sat up properly. His hands reached behind your knees and pulled you closer to him, hugging you and pressing his face to your stomach. He looked up, rubbing his chin against your navel slowly like a cat, almost purring.

‘’Define behave.’’

‘’Did she nap?’’

He just chuckled. ‘’We both know our girl is secretly a college student who's had five liters of coffee before an exam mixed with a last-minute Red Bull.’’

You were a little amused by your husband's stress and cooed softly, stroking Niki's hair with one hand, while you continued gently bouncing Runa to see if you could get her to be sleepy. Your baby was a trickster, really. Most times she'd close her eyes and settle down, and just when you thought you'd finally got her, she'd lift her head as if nothing had happened and smile as if she knew exactly she was testing the last traces of her parents' patience and that there was nothing anyone could do about it. You honestly didn’t know how much energy could fit into such a tiny body.

She was a ball of energy, truly. A smiling one. You used to joke with Niki that fate had given you a real-life Hirono figure but in reverse, your daughter had a beautiful little face and there was never a frown or a pout. 

You raised one brow at her. ‘’Is that so? You didn’t took your nap, missy?’’

Your daughter looked at you with the same eyes as his father, definitely an intelligent gleam behind them. Runa shook her head, tiny, disheveled pigtails bouncing. ‘’Nope!’’

Niki snorted and hugged you tighter, his hands caressing the upper part of your thighs, getting dangerously close to your ass. You playfully pushed him and stepped back, giving him an amused, warning look as you cradled the baby against your chest. Runa's head dangled from your arm with a giggle, and she waved upside down to her dad as you went to the back of the house. On the back porch, there were some wind chimes swaying gently in the breeze, and that was your little secret for getting Runa to sleep when nothing else would. 

That, and enveloping her with your magic. It was like a soft, warm blanket surrounding hers, growing but not yet strong, and you swore Runa could sense it even if she didn’t know what it was still. Your daughter looked at you as if she knew exactly what you were doing and liked it, relaxing in your arms until she let out a deep, sleepy sigh and finally closed her eyes.

Niki was watching from the inside with a soft grin, like he always did when he saw you both together. It was a pretty and unique grin in his rotation you used to joke, reserved just for his family; your husband was simply totally smitten with his girls. Who could blame him? You looked beautiful putting his daughter to sleep, rocking her carefully with the breeze moving your hair and the distant sound of the wind chimes adding another layer to how dreamy the scene was. It made every particle of his heart race with happiness and with something deeper, almost primal. 

But then, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He turned absentmindedly, noticing the small, pink teddy bear at the other end of the sofa. He squinted, a little confused, realizing just three seconds later that the plush toy seemed to... vibrate. Gently, as if it were trembling, until it slowly floated in the air for a second and fell to the floor as if nothing had happened.

Niki blinked.

Outside, Runa was already drifting away to the land of dreams.

Nishimura Riki was a good dad. It was that simple. From the day you found out you were expecting a baby, he took very seriously his task of becoming an expert: books on childbirth, assembling cribs and changing tables, being at every ultrasound asking questions, learning about feeding methods when babies start teething (that happened around the fifth month of your pregnancy) (one night he talked to you about textures and cuts of meat until you fell asleep). He cared too much. But it wasn't just about being well prepared and doing research to receive a tiny human being, because, well, even amidst the excitement and happy crying when Runa was born, you and Niki still shared a look that said, "holy shit, we actually created a person."

He was a natural with Runa since the first day. You weren't sure if there was a term for it, but Niki was kind of like a velcro-dad. And she was definitely a daddy's girl.

Niki, as you had discovered over the years, had an intense way of loving. Not suffocating, but present. He noticed things, moods, situations. He was too observant; Niki wasn't really the nonchalant type, at least where it mattered. Sometimes he didn't even need to say anything; he would simply hug you, kiss you, and send you to the town bakery to get your favorite cake and a strong coffee and some time for yourself while he took care of Runa. Besides being an expert on baby literature, he was also very good at reading you. 

That talent just sharpened during the years passing.

He was very attuned to what you wanted and desired, he knew when and how to push you, when to win you over, and when you simply needed his support. You two together were... intense. Minju used to half-jokingly ask you to please stop doing that-thing-with-your-eyes-that-felt-very-sexual when the group of friends got together on the weekends. Becoming parents didn't dilute things, and maybe it was because of the hormones or because Niki had matured and grown into the most handsome man you ever saw, but you just couldn't get enough of your husband.

Like the times when you were tired but restless past midnight and Niki would simply spread your legs and devour your pussy until you melted and relaxed against his lips. Or the times you had doubts about whether you were doing things right and he would hug you and assure you that you were the best mom in the world until you stopped crying, carefully kissing your tears. 

However, there was a tiny problem: Niki didn't yet know you were a witch. And you were really running out of excuses and time. First, when you were just dating, you didn't think it was safe to say anything until you were sure that the relationship was going to be something long-term. But not even that assured anybody that a human knowing that witches existed would end with a happy ending, that was a hard truth. At the end of the day, it was a blind gamble; no one really knew how a person could react to that kind of information. Or even believe it.

There were a lot of cases like that, unfortunately. You knew of partners who had found out, reacted badly and ended up with a memory-erasing spell, which was pretty messed up, and there were other people who took it too well and wanted to tell the world about the witches, which involved more powerful spells from the Witches' Council. That's why, in general, it was easier for witches to be with warlocks and vice versa, or at least other paranormal creatures, because it required less explanation and more open minds.

You had no idea how to approach him. Like, you were married with a kid so that was as serious and long-term as it could get, right? You knew Niki had witnessed some strange things, for sure. But that was just the experience of living in Silverveil.

Like the time one of Minju's spells went wrong when she tried to give her chicken Buttercup a voice, and somehow it resulted in Buttercup singing opera every time she clucked. The chicken had talent, at least. Once, during a movie night with Jungwon and Minju at their home, the chicken started singing and no one could quite explain what that sound was. Niki just thought it was Alexa and kept watching the movie, annoyed by the interruption. 

Nobody told him otherwise. 

(Jungwon gave you and Minju the most unbelievable side-eye in his life).

When Niki moved into your house, he discovered that you had kept your forest animal, Soomin, and wasn’t bothered by it. Just very curious, but accepting none the less. Of course, he didn't know that the owl was actually a spirit guide for a witch instead of just an animal, and that she could talk and was pretty gossipy. He just thought you had adopted the poor injured animal after you found it and that it was now part of the family. He even pet her from time to time and told her how cute she was. 

You didn’t tell him otherwise. 

Heeseung once asked you if Niki seriously didn't wonder why there was an owl in the living room watching soap operas most days. You silently gave him a piece of Runa's first birthday cake with a shrug. There were other times when you and Jake had secret conversations through your eyes that went like: 

You tell him first. 

No, you tell him. 

You're his best friend! 

You're his wife!

Minhyung, Jake's familiar, had enough of that nonsense and once tried to speak directly to Niki, obviously without telling anyone his plan. He firmly believed that the best option was to rip the bandaid off once and for all and stop walking on eggshells like the two indecisive idiots you and Jake were.

Niki arrived at your house the next day after falling asleep on Jake's couch from drinking too much and watching movies instead of going out partying, and told you about a crazy dream he had where the black cat said hello to him and started a conversation about basketball. He blamed the beer mixed with too many bottles of soju and chuckled to himself. 

Jake only found out when Minhyung complained that his friend was, indeed, a fool and Jisoo told Minhyung he was a fool as well and the black cat didn’t try again due to the threat from the other familiar. 

Niki loved it when night fell and the routine you two had established began. It wasn't monotonous or boring; for him, it meant the arrival of a slower pace, and above all, that his wife was his alone again. The plan was the same every night: he would finish turning off the lights in the house, light a candle with your favorite scent in the bedroom, and then watch from the doorway as you breastfed Runa in the rocking chair. 

That was his favorite moment, one he treasured deep in his memories, because he knew it wouldn't last forever; that one day Runa wouldn't be so little anymore and probably wouldn't tell him if she liked a boy, although that was a concern for the future. But those soft, loving images were the ones he would replay for the rest of his life, and he was sure his heart would feel just as heavy, the good kind of heavy, every time he remembered them.

He loved seeing you so vulnerable, so gentle and soft, completely amazed by the tiny girl in your arms. He loved hearing you softly murmur a story or a quiet song to Runa as she drank and drifted off to sleep, her little hand clutching yours with a surprising strength for someone small. Once Runa was fed and asleep, Niki had the task —which for him was more of an honor— of holding her and settling her in the crib. He carefully covered her, gently massaging her full belly when she stirred with a small whimper, and she soon fell back asleep, comforted by her father.

Niki's long fingers arranged her hair away from her face, leaving a few more caresses on the baby's pink cheek. He felt your body hug him from behind and smiled to himself, turning slightly to position you in front of him against the crib so you could both see Runa.

‘’We make some cute babies,’’ he whispered in your ear, making you chuckle. He melted against you, hugging you tighter; chin on your shoulder.

‘’She’s literally a mini version of you, Nishimura’’ you murmured, turning your head to kiss his cheek. 

A heartbeat passed and you felt him smile in that way that only meant he was about to throw a bomb. Your husband was pretty straightforward and at the same time, a little bit unpredictable. His brain worked in weird ways.

‘’Listen,’’ he said in a low, almost raspy voice, lips grazing your ear. ‘’Serious question.’’

‘’Oh, no.’’

‘’Listen,’’ Niki insisted, kissing your neck lazily. Still wearing that dangerous, almost teasing smirk. ‘’My birthday is coming.’’

You squinted, turning your neck to make more room for his kisses. You hummed lowly, a little cautious, because you never knew what was taking form inside his head in most cases. ‘’I’m aware.’’

‘’And Runa is about to turn three,’’ he murmured, his hands holding your waist, slowly and firmly moving up until they found the tie of your robe, which he then began toying with.

You snorted softly, amused. You brought your hand to his hair, gently scratching the back of his neck, scraping your nails there. ‘’In like nine months, but yeah. I’m listening.’’

Niki found the perfect spot to suck on, the place where your neck and shoulder met. He bit gently, just enough to make you sigh. ‘’How about you give us both the same gift?’’ 

‘’How would that work?’’ You genuinely asked, feeling his fingers slip through the opening of your robe, slowly touching the skin of your side. Only a small part of your brain was following the conversation; your body was reacting to his slow, sensual touches. He was too good at distracting you.

Niki didn't hesitate.

‘’You could give me another kid, and she'd have a baby brother or sister. Isn't that a great gift?’’

Your eyebrows rose to the sky and you laughed, a little nervous and incredulous. You even glanced nervously at Runa, as if she could hear you or understand what her parents were talking about, but your baby was deep asleep. ‘’You want another baby?’’

He stopped nibbling at your neck and turned you slightly so you could look at him. He was still the same old Niki, focused on you, determined— as if he could read your thoughts just by looking at you. Like he knew things and was just waiting for you to say it out loud. His body pressed closer to yours and he cupped your cheek, stroking your skin with his thumb as he studied your face. He looked at you in that serious but calm way, without any doubt and complete certainty instead. ‘’Yeah. You don’t?’’

You bit your lip and your gaze fell downwards for a second, trying to gather your thoughts like every time your husband would ambush you. You leaned against him and tilted your face, basically rubbing it against his hand as you looked at him closely. You gently combed his hair back, playfully tugging at a few strands. ‘’I haven’t thought about it,’’ you lied. 

The truth was that your uterus screamed every time you saw Niki with Runa and you had imagined it a few times, but you also thought it was a bit too soon. That's why you hadn't brought it up. You had absolutely no doubt that another baby would be just as loved as your daughter, that Niki would continue to be a good dad, and that expanding the family didn't sound impossible. But you still hadn't confessed your biggest secret, and he had no idea he was living with two witches under one roof. That was something you had to do before taking a new step into another chapter with your family.

And you wanted to tell him without being drowning in hormones, an emotional mess, adding another burden to something already complicated. You had to reveal the whole truth first. But damn it, nothing in life could prepare you for Nishimura Riki asking you for another baby while looking at you with those feline eyes brimming with desire, almost pleading. It turned your knees to jelly.

‘’Think about it now,’’ he complained, nuzzling into your neck with a low groan. He cornered you against the crib and kissed you, too soft and too real. 

His mouth moved against yours without any hurry, simply tasting you and enjoying it. You melted against him, your arms around his neck as you kissed him the same way—trying to tell him everything you thought and felt with that kiss. Niki reacted almost instantly, kissing you more insistently, more deeply—his tongue exploring your mouth, stealing your breath. He was slowly consuming you, until his kisses left you breathless and you whimpered, pulling away just an inch to breathe.

Niki took the distraction and swept you up in his arms, fast and easily. You had to stifle a small laugh to avoid waking Runa, wrapping your legs around your husband's waist quickly. Niki smirked and carried you out of the room, his hands firmly squeezing your ass as he pressed his mouth to your neck again, licking and nibbling at your throat until you gasped when his teeth scraped too hard, enough to mark.

‘’You’re thinking about it?’’ He asked in that deep, masculine voice that drove you crazy. You shook your head just to annoy him and he spanked you out of nowhere, making you moan with pain, surprise and a twinge of desire. ‘’Liar.’’ 

‘’Maybe you should convince me,’’ you proposed with a purr, leaning in to talk into his ear, pressing your tits against his chest. ‘’Show me how much you want it, pretty boy.’’

Niki's face darkened and said nothing, simply pushing open the door to the room. He sat on the bed with you still on top of him, your legs straddling him, and kissed you again, this time more devastatingly. It wasn't a soft, perceptive kiss; it was your husband wanting to devour you—tilting his head and fucking your mouth with his tongue, licking and playing with it until you heard the wet smack of both your saliva. It was a dirty, obscene kiss, and you couldn't love it more. Your lips moved over his with the same intensity and desire, sucking in both of your saliva, not caring if a little dribbled from the corner of your mouth. Your hips began to move against Niki's cock, feeling how hard it was— you moaned against his lips each time the friction against your clit made you wetter.

Your husband stepped back, clearly agitated, with wet and slightly swollen lips and he kissed your shoulder slowly, moving up to your neck, his hands sliding down your waist with a possessive touch. He guided your body so that you continued humping him, letting out low moans against your skin that drove you insane. Niki’s fingers found the knot of your robe again and he chuckled darkly while gently untying it until the silk simply melted and fell away, sliding off your body, leaving you naked. 

His hands cradled your breasts, feeling their weight and warmth; squeezing them tighter. Your breath caught in your throat and you arched slightly, pushing your tits and making him groan approvingly. Your nipples were already hard from the cold air and his touch, tempting Niki like a hungry man. Your body had changed with the pregnancy, and some parts had returned to how you knew it, but your full breasts were something that had remained unchanged. Your nipples were swollen and a little darker, more sensitive, full of milk from breastfeeding.

Your husband devoured you with his gaze, and even after years you couldn't help but blush a little, because that was the effect he had on you. He inhaled sharply, simply taking you in. ‘’So beautiful,’’ he breathed, gripping your waist possessively, as if he needed to control himself for a second before devouring you in one bite. ‘’You’re just— fuck. So perfect, all for me.’’

You knew he was going to take his time with you that night, and the mere thought sent more warmth and wetness to your pussy, which you gently rubbed against Niki's lap, feeling how hard he was. Niki was simply obsessed, and that's why you never doubted or feared those changes, because your husband devoured you desperately each time, as if you were a goddess who had allowed it.

‘’So fucking pretty and mine,’’ he said, fingers slowly playing with your nipples. He rubbed them with his thumbs and even tugged on them a little until they hardened even more, and shivers bloomed across your skin, whimpering softly. They began to drip a little, small white drops that slid down the roundness and that Niki caught with a lick. ‘’There’s something left for me, right mama?’’

You just nodded and stared at his big hands covering your tits, letting him play with them how he wanted. Niki kneaded them, his fingers gently squeezing your nipples and making you choke on a whimper. A few drops of milk fell onto his fingers and you heard him groan against the valley of your breasts, as he continued to squirt milk that dripped down your skin.

‘’That’s it, leaking for me,’’ he grunted, cleaning your skin with the sweep of his tongue, tasting you with a low, husky moan. ‘’It’s my turn now.’’

He rubbed his face against your breasts, gently biting and sucking them, cradling them from below. He squeezed your nipples and placed his open mouth beneath them, moaning as jets of milk fell directly onto his tongue— some drops falling onto his lower lip and chin, which he licked desperately so as not to waste a single trace.

But it wasn’t enough. Niki squeezed your breasts together and licked both nipples at once, his mouth closing around them. He moved his tongue in circles and sucked hard, making you moan loudly; he kept sucking until he felt the milk slide down his tongue and gasped against your skin. He released your nipples and licked his lips, then took another one of your nipples in his mouth and sucked on it eagerly. 

‘’Taste so fucking good,’’ he groaned, sucking the other. ‘’Can’t get enough, baby.’’

You cupped his face and pulled him closer, panting as you continued rubbing your pussy against his hard bulge. You tugged his hair a little roughly to push him away and put your other nipple in his mouth, which he eagerly took and continued sucking. Your legs trembled a little from not stopping your grinding against him, feeling your clit throb with every rub, and you pushed your pussy down hard until he groaned.

Your pussy was dripping wet from the stimulation and Niki could feel it, looking at you with dark eyes full of desire and wicked satisfaction. He pulled his mouth away from your tits. 

‘’Mhhmm! Niki— feels so good,’’ you whined softly, tights shaking a little; chasing your release.

‘’Fuck, you’re gonna cum just from this, baby? From your husband eating your pretty tits? Do it, then,’’ he muttered, tongue still playing on your skin, sucking marks. ‘’Keep rubbing that pretty pussy, I can feel how wet you are, baby. Make a mess for me, come on.’’

You nodded quickly with a breathless moan and whimpered against Niki's throat as he gave you another slap on the ass, your hips moving back and forth faster. You came feeling Niki's tongue licking your nipples and kneading your ass—still rubbing your pussy against him just to chase that overstimulation that left you breathless.

You fell against his chest, feeling slight tremors, and tried to control your shaken breathing. But it wasn't enough, and you weren't satisfied; you needed more. And you didn't wait a damn second to get what was yours.

You pushed him down onto the bed and settled yourself on top of him, rubbing sensually against his cock, dripping wet. Niki dared to give you a smug smile, but his grin faded into a darker expression when you dragged your nails across his chest, making him hiss softly—not caring if you scratched any of his tattoos. They couldn't compare to the fine, red marks you left on his skin.

It only took pulling his pants down a little to free his already hard cock with its leaking tip, and you slid your wet panties to the side so you could sit down on his length with a gasp. You impaled yourself on him, loving the way your walls stretched and molded tightly around him, burning so deliciously. You didn't stop until he was buried to the hilt inside you, and you moaned softly, squeezing around his size—giving yourself a few seconds to adjust to how big he was and how he was filling you. Beneath you, Niki gasped huskily, and he gripped your hips, cursing under his breath at how good your tight, wet pussy felt.

You traced your lips along his chest as you slowly began to mount him, riding up and down his length with soft moans, lubricating his cock. You started moving faster and dug your nails into Niki, making him hiss and grip your ass as he began to thrust upward, making you almost scream with each deep stroke. Every shove of his cock made you clench and moan, bouncing against his lap from the force of his thrusts, holding onto his forearms because of how fast he was fucking you.

You couldn't hold back your gasp when Niki spanked you hard and reached that spot inside that made you shudder. You were fucking like two animals in heat, all you could hear was the echo of each slap of your bodies coming together, your juices creaming his cock, your heavy breathing and some grunts from Niki that went straight to your clit. You didn’t cared about anything but fuck him, mark him too; riding his cock until he was a mess too.

You took Niki's hands and placed them on the mattress, smiling at him as you noticed his jaw tense and his eyes darken. You practically started bouncing on his cock, rocking your hips back and forth in a frenetic rhythm— using him for your own pleasure. Taking him so deep inside you that you couldn't control how you gasped his name, his thickness stretching you until it was almost too much. He was buried deep, the tip brushing the perfect spot over and over.

‘’Shit, that’s it,’’ Niki said, throwing his head back with a low moan, looking at you with burning eyes as you were fucking him desperately. ‘’Fuck yourself in my cock like a good slut. You look so good like this, using me like a needy whore. You love it, don't you? Can you feel how deep I am, filling that pussy?’’

You nodded and bit your lip, looking at him in the eye. ‘’So big,’’ you moaned, ‘’fuck me harder, please!’’

He planted his feet on the mattress and began to move his pelvis up and down, meeting you with each deep thrust. You whimpered and leaned forward, kissing him and moaning against his mouth, drooling a little on him when his thrusts were so brutal they made your eyes roll back.

‘’Like this, mmm? Taking my cock so well, pretty hole made just for me,‘’ he sneered, letting out a low groan, hands holding you in place. ‘’Milking me like a desesperate little wife, all fucked out and mine to use. Fucking take it.’’

‘’Niki,’’ you whispered, almost desperately, biting on his forearm to keep your moans at bay. ‘’Don't stop, God, I'm going to cum,’’ you sobbed, filling the pleasure almost drowning you.

One of Niki's hands covered your mouth and held the back of your neck, keeping you still and upright so you could keep taking each thrust while he relentlessly fucked your pussy, making you whimper against his hand. Your scream was muffled against his palm and you came hard, your pussy squeezing and dilating around his cock, gently milking him with every contraction of your walls; but Niki made no attempt to stop or slow down, fucking you just as fast.

He pulled out abruptly and maneuvered you on the bed, pushing you sideways and moving behind you. He thrust his cock back in all the way and you moaned, hypersensitive but trained to take it, your body arching and needing it. Niki's hand rested on your mouth again, and the other reached down your belly, gently pressing it right where his cock almost reached.

‘’I'm going to fill you up again,’’ he promised, voice dark and leaving no room for discussion. ‘’My pretty wife; all mine to breed whoever I want,’’ he panted against your neck, biting you. ‘’Pussy still tight, sucking me like she doesn't want to let me go.’’

‘’Uhghh, Nishi— please,’’ you whined, holding onto his hand. ‘’Fill me up, I need it—’’

He pressed his face to your neck and sniffed you like a man desperate to mark and consume, thrusting his cock into your hole running after his climax; needing to fill his wife with his cum and leave her full.

‘’Here comes another one, baby,’’ he rasped in your ear. ‘’I'm going to fuck you all night until you're swollen with my cum, until I made sure it sticks.’’

He stilled and came inside you with a hoarse gasp, pushing his cock all the way in and leaving it there, buried inside your cunt as his cum warmly filled you. He held you close until you could feel his ragged chest, gasping for breath. Slowly, his grip loosened, and he released your mouth. You were in no better shape than him, just as exhausted but satisfied, blinking with a slow smile forming. You reached between your legs and stroked his balls, which were pressed against your pussy— a few drops of his cum were seeping out. You scooped it up with your fingers and tasted it, slowly sucking on them, making Niki groan softly, his forehead resting against your temple.

‘’You’re gonna be the death of me,’’ he chuckled quietly. His hand caressed your tits and stomach, his touch still possessive but softer. Making sure you were with him. ‘’I love you so much.’’

You smiled softly, turning your head to reach his lips and kiss him slowly, gradually coming down from the cloud of pleasure. ‘’I love you, Nishimura,’’ you purred.

A familiar sound pierced the silence, and they both grunted softly, still smiling despite it. Niki kissed you again, holding your jaw as if he couldn't tear himself away, and you gently pushed him away before your daughter could cry any louder and wake up the neighbors. 

‘’Go on, daddy duties calling,’’ you chuckled, looking at him mockingly. ‘’Still sure you want another one?’’

Niki stole another kiss and carefully slided out from you, watching as his cum came out like a creamy river, drenching your puffy folds. He pushed back some of it with his fingers carefully, making you gasp softly.

‘’Such a waste, baby,’’ he murmured, grabbing his pajama pants and putting them on while studying your naked body lazily, still hungry. He stopped in the doorway, giving you a look over his shoulder. ‘’Don’t worry, next load stays inside.’’

It was one of those summer days, where time passed slowly and the last rays of sunlight filtered through the window and warmed the room where Runa was engrossed playing. She had some building blocks that Jay had given her a few days before, simply because he was the uncle who spoiled her the most, and she loved stacking them on top of each other carefully, completely absorbed in the task. Soomin was perched on the back of the sofa, a little sleepy, silently watching over the baby. 

Niki was one of those dads who was prepared for anything, a skill he acquired through experience. He liked domestic life, too. It was his turn to do the weekly laundry, and he was carrying baskets of clothes back and forth, peeking in every few minutes to make sure Runa was playing and fine, carrying the video and audio monitor with him just in case. The living room had been rearranged into a larger space, so he had a perfect view of her even while loading the clothes into the washing machine. 

Runa smiled every time she saw her dad walk by, but then she immediately went back to  rearrange her blocks, frowning when one fell from her tower. Clearly, the baby hadn't built a firm base, because all the blocks she had stacked on top of each other gently tumbled to the ground at one point. Niki completely missed the way the baby took a block in each hand and studied them closely, tilting her head in deep concentration with her tiny lips pursed. 

Niki heard Runa laughing, adorable little giggles that caught his attention. He glanced at the monitor he’d left on top of the dryer and saw the image was static, distorted. That made him frown and put down the laundry basket he was emptying, when a wave of that horrible paternal feeling hit him; a suspicion that something was off.

‘’Runa?’’ Niki called, already moving. ‘’What’s so funny, princ—’’

Niki stopped suddenly, simply staring without his brain really processing what he was seeing. No fucking way. Runa was sitting happily where he'd left her, surrounded by stuffed animals and toys as if it were her own little kingdom. Her blocks floated gently above her head, a little crooked, but definitely in the damn air.

Niki blinked and tried to process the scene before him and the best way to approach it. Then, slowly and without panicking, he walked toward his daughter with all the calm in the world, like he was in a mine field and not in his living room.

‘’Nope,’’ he muttered under his breath. ‘’Not doing this.’’ 

He gently picked up Runa, careful not to touch any of the floating blocks, surprised that his own tense body could move at all. Runa clapped her hands and looked at Niki smiling, as if it was the funniest game in the world and her dad wasn't having a silent panic attack.

‘’Nu-uh,’’ Niki said, shaking his head and walking straight to the door. 

Some blocks fell loudly and it made him flinch a little, pretending he didn’t actually hear shit. Perhaps ignoring what was happening was the best route. Things would go back to normal. Niki was already touching the doorknob when he remembered that someone else lived in the house. So, he sighed heavily, turned around, and walked to the sofa to grab Soomin with his free arm like it was a package and not a living owl. 

Niki tried to pretend he didn't see some plush toys vibrating on the floor, as if they were trying to get up and walk but decided it was easier to just float around like damn helium balloons. Even dodged a teddy bear up in the air with a heavy sigh, clinging to his daughter and the owl with a scowl. Runa laughed, kicking gently, her hands outstretched, trying to reach the stuffed animal.

‘’Absolutely no,’’ he scoffed, holding her tighter. He would never confess to anyone that he almost screamed when a small Care Bear gently booped his shoulder on his way out.

Nishimura Riki wasn’t a man who believed in the paranormal, not really. Or perhaps he was one of those people who simply took it as entertainment and didn't give it a second thought. He wasn't completely closed-minded, but he hadn't discussed with himself his understanding of spirituality or whether it was possible for spirits to really exist and things like that.

As a kid, he enjoyed those typically scary stories about ghosts and apparitions that his friends would tell during a sleepover or while bored at school, just kid’s stuff about the farthest and darkest corridor being haunted by a student of the past. Niki was the type to watch a horror movie at night alone and then go to bed without a single trace of paranoia or fear, not a nightmare on sight and definitely not imagining clothes taking a weird shape on the chair once the lights turned off. 

And that's how he found herself in the strangest and most ridiculous predicament imaginable. Niki didn't know exactly how to bring up the subject. How do you tell someone you saw plush toys floating without sounding crazy? His only witnesses were his daughter and a bird and none could talk. He couldn't just call his parents and ask for advice. Hi mom, some of my daughter's toys are floating, is that normal? Is there a home remedy for it?

He definitely wouldn't tell you anything yet, not until he knew how to protect you from possessed stuffed animals. He wasn't going to scare his wife without first having a possible solution.

So, as any other man in the world with a problem, Niki recurred to his group of friends for advice. They were all parents like him, so they'd understand, right? After all, they were older than him. They'd probably all had some kind of paranormal experience already. Maybe this was more normal than he thought, right? Right. Niki knew he was walking a dangerous path between endless teasing just for the mere act of asking and the possible over-concern of his hyungs.

He thought long and hard about who to approach first, mentally analyzing his options.

Jake was the gentle, kind dad who would play with you and be your best friend, the one you would run for advice. Would cry when you learned how to ride a bike. Heeseung was the dad you’d be terrified of disappointing. Kinda chill and fully supportive, terrible dad jokes, would bring McDonalds for dinner unannounced after saying there’s food at home. Jay was the kind of dad that would defend his kid’s honor and get into a verbal fight with some toddler who pushed his child at the park. Definitely the strictest, even though it might not seem like it. Dad jokes worse than Heeseung’s but convinced himself that they're peak comedy.

That's how Niki invited Heeseung to a toddler date. 

The afternoon was quiet in that way that only small towns are. The day was passing slowly, the sun was still up and the weather was good; a few people were jogging or walking their pets in the park while Niki pushed the stroller along with Heeseung's. Runa was asleep, cuddling her pink bunny, which Niki admitted he regarded with a healthy dose of suspicion, as if it might start to float at any moment. Heeseung had no idea that his friend next to him was losing his mind silently, too busy taking a picture of the sleeping twins to send to his wife.

Heeseung had a pair of five-month-old boys who were... interesting. The first born, Lee Ijun, had a streak of blond hair that no one could explain. The one who was born just two minutes later, Lee Jihu, had gray eyes that reminded Niki of a rainy storm. Everyone said that they would darken over time, and maybe Niki was being subjective because he was his godson and thought he was a very cool baby, but he had the impression that they would stay like that because they were very Jihu. It just made sense to him. 

Jay had once said that when Ijun grew up, he'd look like he had a lightning bolt in his head, and far from being offended, Heeseung had smiled like never before, so pleased by that.

They were walking side by side, each with their coffee, enjoying the park and the sound of the birds, the sun warming their backs. Niki kept glancing at Heeseung, trying to figure out how to start the conversation; believing his thoughts were so loud they might be heard clearly by his hyung.

Of course, it was typical for Heeseung to notice right away, always the observer, but he didn't want to pressure Niki just yet. He let him gather the words and waited patiently, letting it come to him on its own. It didn't take long anyway, and as they were crossing a small bridge with ducks in the stream, Niki broke the silence and just went for it. 

‘’Has anything strange ever happened to you?’’ He blurted. 

Heeseung glanced at Niki like he just asked about the weather. Didn’t overreact. ‘’Strange how?’’

Niki hesitated for a second. ‘’Like… you know, things moving,’’ he said, gesturing vaguely with his free hand. ‘’The usual.’’

‘’Moving?’’ Heeseung repeated, taking a sip of his coffee. ‘’You mean like losing things?’’ He asked, tone neutral. 

“No, not that,” Niki said immediately. “Not losing things. I mean like—” he exhaled, trying to find the words, “—you’re watching something and it moves.’’ 

Heeseung simply nodded slowly as if he were following what was being said and continued walking. 

‘’And not just that,’’ Niki added, looking around as if someone were spying on them. He lowered his voice. ‘’I've seen things float.’’

There was a small pause. Heeseung kept his face composed, eyes careful. 

‘’Alright,’’ he said. ‘’That does sounds kind of strange.’’ 

‘’Kind of? Hyung,’’ Niki snorted incredulously. ‘’I’m being dead serious.’’

Heeseung shrugged slightly, looking at Niki so calmly that it irritated him a little. He hadn't expected his friend to start yelling and throw a straitjacket at him, but it was a bit of a letdown. 

‘’Niki, have you been sleeping well?’’

Niki stopped pushing the stroller. 

‘’Bro,’’ he said flatly, staring at him.

‘’I’m just saying,’’ Heeseung continued, ‘’you have a toddler with too much energy and sleeping is a privilege sometimes. It can mess with your head, you know.’’ 

‘’I’m not sleep deprived,’’ Niki shot back, frowning. ‘’I know what I saw.’’

‘’And what was exactly?’’ 

Niki narrowed his eyes at his friend, knowing he was already sounding crazy. ‘’Runa’s toys were floating the other day.’’

Heeseung blinked and something crossed though his eyes, but he was fast to mask it. He hummed thoroughly. ‘’Floating?’’

‘’Floating,’’ Niki  confirmed, saying the word slowly. ‘’Up in the air. Defying the laws of gravity and shit. Floating in the air, hyung. And then they dropped like nothing.’’

‘’Okay.’’

Niki lifted both brows, looking at his hyung like he was the crazy one. ‘’O—okay? I just told you my kid’s toys are floating. You don’t think I should worry?’’ 

‘’Niki,’’ Heeseung stopped to look at him. ‘’What do you want me to say? That your house is haunted?’’

‘’Yeah, exactly that,’’ Niki responded right away. ‘’That would make totally sense.’’

Heeseung let out a quiet laugh, glazing ahead of the path and then back at Niki. ‘’Would it? I think you’re tired and your brain is filling gaps. Remember when you told us that Minhyung talked to you?’’

Niki sighed, pushing the tip of his tongue against his cheek. ‘’That was one time and I was drunk. It’s different.’’ 

Heeseung tilted his head. ‘’Is it?’’ He asked, pushing the stroller again with Niki following behind, sulking. 

‘’Dude, listen. Sometimes exhaustion gets the better of you,’’ Heeseung explained easily. ‘’The other day I spent ten minutes looking for a pacifier and I had it in my own mouth. Your brain is just surviving the experience of being a first-time dad, trust me. Been there.’’

Niki scoffed. ‘’My brain doesn't make bunny plushies levitate. And I have been a dad for two years. It doesn’t make sense that it’s happening just now.’’

Heeseung shrugged, his calm and understanding demeanor irritating Niki a little bit. ‘’You’d be surprised what the brain can do.’’

‘’I’m not having some kind of toddler induced hallucinations,’’ Niki tried to reason. ‘’What I saw was real.’’

‘’I’m not saying you’re lying,’’ Heeseung sighed. ‘’I just think there’s an explanation for everything. You can’t jump into conclusions just like that.’’

Niki jumped headfirst into the conclusions, and when he looked at the clock it was already three in the morning. Around midnight he had decided to conduct his own investigation.

So Niki waited until that very night to pull out his phone and start digging for information. It was so stupid, really; he'd never imagined he'd be googling paranormal forums on a Wednesday at one in the morning while his wife slept beside him. He'd initially went for a more realistic explanation, but there really wasn't one. His thoughts were slowly gnawing at him. 

He chuckled to himself when he found a more specialized forum dedicated especially to haunted houses or what they called, infected homes. There were all sorts of crazy people telling improbable stories about their homes... until, well, it wasn't so funny anymore. They hit too close to confort. The stories began to sound more realistic, and people started responding to each other’s posts, no longer seeming so crazy, but rather offering helpful and concerned advice. Something in the forum caught his attention and he held his breath for a second, like he found a secret he shouldn't have.

YOU THINK YOUR HOUSE IS HAUNTED? ANSWER THIS QUESTIONS TO FIND OUT!

He opened the post too eagerly for a non-believer and started reading attentively. 

1. Have you felt drafts or cold spots in your home? 2. Have you experienced interference with electrical appliances? Phone, television, security cameras. 3. Have you heard strange noises like knocks or disembodied voices? 4. Do your pets sense a presence and bark or become restless in certain areas of the house? 5. Have you seen full apparitions or dark figures? 6. Have there been any changes in your mood or relationships in your life? Like anxiety, anger, sadness, fights.  7. Do objects move or appear in a different place? Has any fallen or moved?

And then he made the worst decision: he started reading other people's stories in that questionnaire and he watched videos of things falling, security cameras malfunctioning or freezing, cats bristling their fur while staring at a corner, and even someone who claimed to have caught a shadow walking down the hall and sneak into the bathroom.

Niki started feeling a little more paranoid and kept turning his head to look at your sleeping body to make sure you were obviously there, feeling a little better about not being alone in the dark. By the end of the night, he was completely snuggled up to you, covered up to his chin while he kept staring at the half-open door to the hallway thinking that a shadow might pass by at any moment. 

He didn’t sleep that night.

Some nights after, you two were tangled in the sheets, smiling and laughing softly, stealing kisses from each other in the quiet of the warm, dim room. Niki leaned over you, pressing kisses on your lips, your jaw, your neck, unhurried and soft. You hummed against his mouth, kissing him deeply but setting the slow pace; your hands roaming in his broad shoulders pulling him closer to you. It was intimate, yours, familiar, secure. And you knew exactly how things would end, especially when you wrapped your legs around his waist and Niki grunted, pressing his bulge against your core.

You were about to palm his cock when Niki pulled back slightly, frowning a little. He stared at you, and you stopped too because it was definitely an unfamiliar look—not desire or passion; it was a kind of... doubt, a seriousness— that made you pause. 

‘’Riki?’’

‘’I have to tell you something,’’ Niki started, studying your face. 

You shifted in bed, propping yourself up on both arms to look at him a little more alertly, your eyebrows furrowing. ‘’Uh, right now?’’

Niki didn't say anything, just nodded. He opened his mouth to say something and then closed it, hesitating and looking to the side for a second before looking at you again, as if he were reconsidering whether he should speak or not. It suddenly made you nervous, and you blinked, caught off guard. It was very strange to see Niki hesitant. You sought his gaze and slowly caressed his cheek, trying to ground him.

‘’Hey,’’ you murmured, still looking at him. ‘’You can tell me anything, you know that. I’m here. What is it?’’

‘’I... Some strange things have been happening,’’ he said in a low, cautious voice. ‘’I mean, I’ve seen weird things happening. I think there’s something in the house.’’

You blinked. ‘’What?’’ You asked monotonously, as if you hadn't heard him properly. Niki nodded more convincingly, radiating tension, and something passed through his eyes, as if he were begging you to believe him.

‘’There’s something in the house,’’ he repeated. 

You pushed yourself up a little more, now fully facing him, trying to make sense of what he was saying. “What do you mean, something?” You insisted, your tone hovering between confusion and disbelief. Niki let out a quiet groan, dragging a hand through his hair as he searched for the right words.

“Please just— just hear me for a second,” he said, scratching the back of his head, visibly nervous now. “There’s a ghost. I think there’s a ghost in the house.”

You sat up straight in bed, staring at Niki, your lips slightly parted in a grimace of pure surprise. You weren’t expecting that at all. Niki took that as his cue to continue saying what he'd been holding back for weeks, relieved to finally say it out loud to someone who wouldn't treat him like he was crazy.

‘’I didn't tell you before because I didn't want to scare you,’’ Niki began, pressing his lips in a sour line. ‘’Do you remember when you put Runa to sleep outside? Well, one of her stuffed animals moved a little and floated up. I thought— I don't know what I thought— that it was just something that just happened— and then the other day... all her toys floated,’’ he stopped for a second, only to see if you would interrupt him, but when you didn’t and didn’t laugh either, he kept going. ‘’They were literally in the air, and one of them touched me.’’

You were completely taken aback, and what was worse, you believed him. Niki had already experienced strange things, and his response had never been to lean towards the paranormal. A ghost? 

Your lips trembled slightly with the urge to smile. ‘’A toy touched you?’’

‘’Baby,’’ Niki groaned, scowling at you. ‘’I could actually lose my mind if you laugh at me. I'm dead serious. For real. There’s some shit here and it’s targeting our daughter.’’

In your mind, you quickly reviewed what you knew about ghosts, which wasn't much, but even with the basics, you'd never felt any strange presence in the house. Your mind didn't even connect the dots, and you didn't realize what it really was, too preoccupied with Niki's story and comforting him. 

‘’Okay,’’ you started, gently, softening your tone, reaching out to hold his face. ‘’Are you sure you didn't fall asleep on the sofa and dream about it? You're running around all day, it's normal to be tired.’’

Niki immediately shook his head, stubborn and unwavering despite the nervous edge in his expression. “No. No, I didn’t,” he insisted, sitting up straighter now, his tone firm. “Something’s going on. I know it sounds crazy, but you have to believe me,’’ he glanced toward the door for a split second before looking back at you, his jaw tightening with quiet determination. “And if there is a ghost,” he added, softer but resolute, “I’m going to protect you both.” 

The backyard picnics were a little tradition you'd started with Runa since she was a baby. She loved being outside and seeing the trees, the clouds, the sound of the birds—she was a super curious baby. You and Niki had started having breakfast outside when the weather was nice, and you'd lie for a while on the blanket on the grass, where Runa would play on her back, you'd doze, and Niki would snuggle up to you, feeling the sunlight warm all three of you.

While you were inside preparing breakfast, Niki was outside, crouching on the grass with her hands ready to catch Runa just in case, who was taking confident steps but swaying slightly with excitement. Not far away, at the edge of the yard, a light brown rabbit appeared, hopping and wagging its nose in the air before grabbing a clump of grass and munching it quietly. Niki pointed at it immediately, his voice soft but excited.

‘’Look, Runa,’’ he murmured, guiding her attention. ‘’A bunny.’’

The word immediately sparked Runa's interest; she loved animals, and she followed her father's hand, her small eyes widening as she noticed the rabbit hopping. She gasped softly and giggled, raising her hand in a small wave. ‘’Hi, bunny!’’

Niki froze for a second, completely captivated by his daughter. His expression melted into one of deep love and tenderness, leaning closer to kiss Runa's cheek. ‘’You’re the sweetest girl in the world,’’ he murmured, looking at her as if she weren't real. ‘’So polite, too? Saying hi and everything? Cute.’’

The rabbit paid no attention to either of them and continued hopping until it slowly disappeared into the edge of the forest. Runa watched it until it vanished completely, waving even more enthusiastically. ‘’Bunny, bye!’’ She chirped sweetly.

Niki chuckled softly, totally smitten by his daughter, his forehead resting briefly on her temple. ‘’Yeah, bunny bye,’’ he echoed, smiling at her. ‘’You know what, princess? When you’re older, and if mom lets us,’’ he added with a murmur, ‘’I’ll get all the bunnies in the world for you. Okay? Just for you,’’ Niki brushed his nose against her cheek. ‘’It’s our deal.’’

Runa didn’t completely understand everything Niki said, but she laughed anyway and throwed her little arms around his neck in a clumsy but loving little hug. Niki held her close and smiled into her dark hair, completely unaware of what he just set into motion.

The next morning came as it normally would, you preparing the best coffee in the world and Niki setting the picnic outside, but when he stepped outside the kitchen he stopped immediately. He blinked, again and again. Maybe he was still too half-awake. And blinked again. But the image was the same.

There were bunnies everywhere in the yard, as if it was their space. Some curled under the sun, like they were settled for the day, others hopping lazily around the yard, others just staring at the house like they were waiting for something. Niki froze and began to slowly back away, closing the glass kitchen door and watching the hundreds of rabbits from the house. He heard footsteps approaching and then Runa put her hands and face against the door, making a small noise, a mixture of surprise and fascination at seeing so many rabbits so close. She waved at them, smiling. 

She clapped happily and jumped in place, raising her head to look at her dad with the brightest eyes in the world. Niki breathed for the first time and tried to find some reasoning behind why his yard had become the den of hundreds of rabbits, with some other logic other than that it was a strange dream. You were too busy making breakfast to spare him a glance, humming to yourself and completely unaware of Niki standing confused and silently in the middle of the kitchen. 

He just slowly turned his head to look at you, his expression blank in the way that meant he was seconds away from losing it. 

“Maybe,” he started carefully, his voice unusually calm, like he was trying very hard to stay grounded, “maybe it’s because I haven’t had my coffee yet…” he paused, glancing back at the yard before returning his gaze to you. “But can you tell me why there are like a hundred bunnies in our backyard?’’

At first, you said nothing as you watched the hundreds of rabbits lounging in your yard as if they chose to be their vacation spot. Runa was happily in your arms, clapping and calling the rabbits to play, but Niki was completely against it, convinced this was the work of some animal poltergeist, like something out of Pet Sematary. The realization of what it really was didn't take long to hit you, but it made you tremble, to say the least. It was easily recognizable, faint yet steady, a trace of power. It wasn't random, or a coincidence, or a natural phenomenon. It was her.

And that afternoon, as you rocked your daughter to sleep and studied her as if she were a delicate relic, you knew the moment had arrived. As you placed soft kisses on her forehead, her cheek, and her button nose, you murmured a small incantation to redirect the energy of the rabbits that had spent the day in your yard. It wasn't complicated or laborious, simply something to gently nudge into place, to undo an accidental summons. The rabbits slowly drifted away, as if nothing had happened, dispersing naturally and returning to where they belonged. The yard was empty and quiet once again, as if hundreds of rabbits hadn't been there in the first place. 

And against the kitchen door, Niki watched them go.

Another week came when Niki kinda relaxed. Nothing strange happened again. The toys didn't float, there was no animal invasion, and Heeseung had stopped sending him daily messages saying, 'let me know if anything strange happens. I'll bring you a coffee.'

There was a sense of normalcy that made him lower his guard enough not to feel so paranoid, and he even dared to pick up Runa's stuffed animals from the living room without threatening them first. 

Niki moved half-asleep around the kitchen, quietly preparing breakfast, letting his girls sleep a little longer before waking them. The house was quiet, and his only company was Soomin, who was standing peacefully on the chair, as if she were entertained by simply watching him cook. Niki rubbed his nose absently and frowned, then sneezed loudly, the noise echoing in the quiet kitchen.

‘’Bless you.’’

He froze.

What the fuck.

Slowly, very slowly, Niki straightened, his hand still hovering near the counter as his eyes flicked around the kitchen. “...Hello?” He called out cautiously, his voice lower now, unsure. There was no answer. The house remained still, untouched, like nothing had happened at all.

Niki looked at the bird as if he were asking did you just hear the same shit I did? but obviously the owl just blinked her huge eyes and tilted its head, ignoring him. Niki looked at the bird a second too long before dragging a hand down his face, chucking. 

‘’Right. I need sleep,’’ he muttered under his breath.

You were alone with Soomin and Runa in the backyard, taking take of the small rose garden you made months ago. Runa helped you by making small holes for new seeds, you cut new roses for the vases inside the house, and Soomin examined the work that the two of you did.

‘’She’s getting stronger,’’ Soomin started, walking under one of the rose bushes to take advantage of the shade. She tilted her head, her voice soft. ‘’I can feel her magic.’’ You didn’t flinch, but your hands froze for a second. ‘’I know,’’ you admitted, concentrating on cutting another rose. You frowned, wiping the sweat from your forehead. 

‘’Then you also know this can’t continue like this,’’ the owl said.

Your fingers brushed against a thorn and you carefully cut it off, keeping your eyes on the rose. ‘’I know,’’ you murmured again, less confident. 

Silence fell and it wasn't uncomfortable or tense, and your familiar didn’t push you. Runa lifted her head and stared at you before standing up, she staggered a little and came towards you, arriving in a few small steps and throwing herself against your chest. Your daughter snuggled up to you, as if she knew you needed that support. You started playing with her soft hair and let her comfort you, hugging her close.

‘’He deserves to know,’’ Soomin broke the silence, still gently but with a firmness behind it. ‘’She’s different. It’s not gonna stop at floating toys, dear. She knows.’’

You shook your head and clung tighter to your baby out of pure instinct. ‘’What do I even tell him? I’m… I’m scared,’’ you whispered, letting out a breathless, dry laugh. ‘’He thinks there’s a ghost in the house and he’s so worried. The other day he arrived with candles and put salt at the entrances. How’s he gonna react when I tell him we’re witches?’’

‘’That’s different,’’ Soomin said, hopping closer to you. ‘’You don’t see it because you’re scared.’’

You looked at her and felt a burning your eyes, blinking to clear away tears before they could fully form.

‘’He might fear what he doesn’t understand,’’ she continued calmly, ‘’but not what he loves. You and Runa are his family, and he loves you. That will not change. You have to tell him.’’

‘’I know,’’ you whispered, even if your chest tightened. 

‘’You can’t hold her magic for long,’’ Soomin scolded you gently, big eyes round and softer. ‘’You can’t hide that forever. I can feel her magic and it’s not small. That little witch of yours is special. And it’s so similar to yours, you know?’’ She paused. ‘’It grows everyday.’’

You swallowed and looked down at Runa, who lifted her pretty eyes and smiled at you. Something small and delicate touched your magic, and you exhaled slowly, realizing it was her. Hers was small, but she reached for yours without hesitation, as if she knew exactly where you kept it. Her little hand took yours and she laughed, and as Runa's voice drifted through the small rose garden, more flowers began to bloom around you.

The moonlight filtered through her bedroom window, and you watched her sleep, occasionally glancing at the vase you'd placed there with the flowers she'd made bloom, real and perfect. Your eyes counted her breaths again, watching her chest rise and fall, the way she wrinkled her little nose after stretching, and the heavy sigh as she snuggled closer to her stuffed animal.

You didn't need to turn around to know; you knew your husband was approaching. His warmth and presence enveloped you, standing behind you and embracing you. Neither of you said anything, simply looking at Runa.

‘’For someone who hates naps, she really loves sleeping,’’ Niki whispered in your ear, fearing waking her up. ‘’She looks so peaceful.’’

You just nodded and smiled slightly, enjoying the silence. But inside, everything you'd been holding in was about to spill over the edges, threatening to drown you. It was the weight of your best-kept secret, dragging you down with it and simultaneously pushing you to the very edge. Either way, there were no more options, nowhere left to run, nowhere left to hide.

Your fingers, which had been gripping the edge of the crib as if it were about to disappear, relaxed, slowly letting go.

‘’Niki,’’ you started, voice low and soft. ‘’There’s something I need to tell you.’’

Niki turned his head towards you immediately, listening. He did that thing he always did when you wanted to say what was on your mind; he waited. He didn't ask questions, interrupt you, or make a joke. He waited for you to gather your thoughts and decide what to say, his sharp eyes watching you intently.

‘’It’s not a ghost,’’ you started and sighed heavily. ‘’There’s nothing in the house, my love. Trust me, the house isn't haunted,’’ you added, chucking a little nervously. You swallowed and made a pause, biting your lip. ‘’It’s her. And, well, me.’’

‘’Runa? You?’’ Niki frowned, clearly not following the idea. The way he looked at you made you shudder for a second, as if what you said had no place in his brain.

He noticed the way your face fell and the same thing happened in his expression, immediately approaching you and cradling your face with concern. ‘’I don’t—,’’ he stopped, looking into your watering eyes. ‘’I don’t understand. What’s wrong?’’

‘’We’re witches,’’ you whispered quietly. 

For a long minute, you and your husband simply blinked at each other, as the word floated—ironically—between you, until it fell and Niki let out a sort of incredulous laugh or breath. His eyes traveled from you, to Runa, back to you, to the floor, and then he closed them, shaking his head.

“…Okay,” he said slowly, carefully. “Okay, wait.”

You nodded, your hands around his wrists, anchoring him. 

‘’You’re saying,’’ Niki started, ‘’that… everything that happened…?’’

‘’It’s magic,’’ you shrugged, like it was the simplest thing. ‘’She’s discovering her powers. She was playing with her toys and she was the one who called all those bunnies,’’ you started to hurriedly spill the truth, but even then, it was evident how your voice blossomed with affection when you spoke of her so freely. ‘’Runa’s a witch and so do I.’’ 

You didn't know what to expect. Niki didn't move away, didn't scream, didn't laugh hysterically, and didn't ask if it was a joke. He tilted his head back slightly and opened his mouth to say something, but nothing came out. His confusion hadn't completely disappeared, but it wasn't bitter; it was as if it had mended itself and begun searching for more answers in the past. As if Niki were replaying moments and the pieces were beginning to fall into place.

The old memories took on a new meaning, a new understanding. You weren’t lying to him.

‘’That time,” he murmured, almost to himself. “When the power went out at your place, but only in your room…”

You didn’t interrupt him. 

‘’When we met,’’ Niki breathed, ‘’and you talked about that lunar cycle and how— how you couldn't lie. And that time when…’’ his voice dropped, ‘’when we saw those cats in the store and then there were so many on the porch…’’ 

Niki seemed to be connecting dots that until then had only been isolated situations. Situations he hadn't given much thought to. That lived in the background of his mind, floating aimlessly, without a common thread. But that now made all too much sense.

‘’I was scared to tell you,’’ you confessed, softly and still unsure. 

He was still processing everything, but his touch didn't turn cold or pull away. Niki's hands fell to your waist, squeezing it lightly. 

‘’So there’s no ghost,” he said after a moment, like he needed to confirm at least one thing.

You shook your head faintly. “No ghost.”

‘’That’s… actually a relief,’’ he said under his breath. 

You nodded and waited. 

Niki let out a small, breathy laugh, dragging a hand down his face. “Okay. Okay, so—” he shook his head slightly, like he was trying to reorganize his entire understanding of reality. “My wife is a witch. My daughter is a witch.”

‘’Well, yes.’’ 

‘’It’s a lot,’’ he admitted. 

You couldn’t help the small, nervous smile that tugged at your lips. “Yeah. I know, Nishimura.’’

He was quiet again, but this time it wasn’t heavy. It was thoughtful. His gaze drifted back to Runa, still sleeping peacefully in her crib, completely unaware of the conversation unfolding beside her. Niki’s lips twitched, a small smile threatening to take form.

‘’She did all that? Make things levitate? She called all those animals?’’ He asked softly, nodding towards her. 

You followed his eyes and hummed slowly. ‘’Yes.’’ 

He gazed at her silently for a long, intense moment, during which his sharp eyes softened, as they always did when he looked at her. He nodded and took a step forward, caressing Runa's little hand that was sticking out from under her blanket with the gentleness of someone who knew he had his whole world in front of him.

‘’Okay,’’ he said. Simple and quiet. No denial or disbelief, or anger or sadness. Something quite close to acceptance, maybe not perfect, but definitely real. 

After a second, he reached for your hand, his fingers curling around yours instinctively, grounding himself in something he knew was true and his. 

‘’O-okay?’’ You repeated, staring at him like he might disappear in thin air in any second. 

‘’You’re still you, baby,’’ he whispered, resting his forehead against yours. He looked down at you, his thumb brushing your cheek carefully. ‘’It must have been difficult, isn't it? Keeping this to yourself?’’ 

You nodded again, feeling your throat tighten. 

‘’My brave girl,’’ Niki said, caging you in his arms. You buried your face in his chest and inhaled his scent shakily, clinging to him with the last traces of fear still lingering in your body. ‘’Why didn't you tell me? You thought it would upset me?’’

‘’Yeah,’’ you murmured, your voice breaking a little. ‘’Time just passed and— I don’t know. Didn’t know how to,’’ you sniffed, trying to find the words. ‘’It was never the right moment and then… things just keep on moving. University, work, and our marriage, and Runa— we build something together. I couldn't lose all of that. I couldn't lose you,’’ you whispered. 

Niki gently but firmly pulled you away to look into your eyes before kissing you hard. You made a surprised noise against his lips, but he didn't stop, kissing you until your body relaxed against his, until he stole all your breath and swept away your fears one kiss at a time.

‘’You could never lose me,’’ Niki swore, pressing his lips against your jaw, your temple, every corner he could kiss. ‘’Lose us. I love you. You understand?’’ 

‘’I love you too,’’ you whispered back, heart beating fast. ‘’So much, Nishimura.’’

Niki hugged you and you both held each other, him stroking your back until the tension left your body. You closed your eyes and rested your ear against his heart. 

Sometime in the early morning, when it was still dark and Runa's crying startled them both, it was Niki who picked her up. Her pout faded quickly, and she snuggled against her dad's chest, her eyes half-closed, a few tears clinging to her long lashes. Niki gently massaged her back until her breathing calmed, and she let out a heavy sigh.

‘’Your mom said you’re strong already,’’ Niki murmured, sitting on the rocking chair with Runa already falling asleep. The baby blinked sleepily towards him and little by little her eyelids drooped, but her grip on Niki's shirt did not loosen. ‘’You made your blocks float? All by yourself? You’re so smart, Runa.’’

Runa obviously said nothing, already asleep and safe in Niki's arms. He smiled down at her. 

‘’I knew you were special, princess. The day you were born was different. Everyone says it’s because I’m your dad and I’m biased, but I’m not. You made the world better that day. I could feel it.’’

He gently brushed his knuckles across the baby's cheeks, wiping away the traces of her crying, and continued rocking her slowly. He placed a kiss on her head, careful not to wake her.

‘’I don’t care if you’re a witch,’’ he said quietly, almost reverent. ‘’It doesn’t change anything. You could destroy the entire world and I’ll still believe you’re an angel,’’ Niki whispered into the darkness, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ‘’I just care that you’re happy. And healthy.’’ 

His hold on her tightened just slightly—not enough to wake her, just enough to anchor her closer.

“And I’m always going to take care of you,” he added, his voice steady, certain. “That’s my job. I’m your dad.”

Hours later, Niki was outside watching the sunrise. A coffee mug in his hand, enjoying the silence and the way the world was waking up, the sun was gaining strength, some birds were already singing, the clouds were parting to reveal a new, blue sky. The town was still asleep, but he hadn't been able to sleep a wink all night. Niki's mind hadn't stopped for a moment, stuck in replaying all those things he had overlooked but that had remained, somehow, waiting to be discovered.

Well, the fact that there wasn't a ghost was good news. He thought about his conversation with Heeseung and couldn't help but chuckle. He wondered if there were other things he'd overlooked, strange things he simply dismissed as part of living in Silverveil, but that perhaps others had noticed.

Witches. His daughter and his wife were witches. His baby could make things levitate, apparently. And he was okay with it. The thought didn't send Niki into panic, but he was more worried that she might get hurt. He wondered if there were forums for these kinds of situations. Maybe he should go to the sports shop and get a baby helmet— something moved.

Niki wasn't looking at anything in particular, but he definitely noticed the bushes at the edge of the backyard twitching as if something was there. He tensed up involuntarily—because, well, he'd been having a somewhat stressful few weeks—and shifted to the edge of his seat, suddenly alert.

The bushes shook again and then, as if nothing had happened, something small, long, and black walked out of them as if it owned the place. Niki blinked and deflated a little, recognizing the cat making his way towards him. 

‘’Minhyung?’’ Niki said more to himself, because of course the cat didn’t answer him. ‘’What are you doing here?’’

The black cat just padded across the yard with quiet confidence, jumped up onto the other chair, and sat down neatly, tail curling around his paws like he had scheduled this meeting in advance.

Niki watched him, a little worried. ‘’Did they forget you outside or something?” He wondered, tilting his head slightly.

The cat sighed and looked at Niki completely unimpressed.

‘’Fucking finally, dude,’’ Minhyung said.

A beat passed. Niki stared at him for a long second, then he chuckled softly, shaking his head. Slowly, very slowly, he sat up straight in his chair and huffed, staring at the sky.

‘’No,’’ Niki said immediately. 

Minhyung flicked his tail lazily. ‘’Yes.’’ 

Niki pointed at him. “No. No, we’re not doing this again. Get out.”

“Again?” Minghyung echoed, still unimpressed. “You mean the time I tried to tell you everything and you were too drunk to function?”

One of Niki’s eyes twitched.

“That was a dream,” he said firmly.

“It wasn’t,” the cat replied, equally firm. ‘’I think it’s pretty obvious it’s nooot,’’ he mockingly sang.

They stared at each other. And neither gave an inch, holding each other's gaze in a strangely competitive silence.

“You can talk,’’ Niki said. 

‘’You’re quite observant,’’ Minhyung sassed. 

‘’You’re a cat,’’ Niki groaned tiredly, dragging his hand down his face. ‘’I hate this town.’’ 

Minhyung took offense. ‘’Hey, you live with witches and I’m suddenly the problem?’’ 

“That’s different,” Niki shot back immediately. He gestured vaguely toward the house behind him. “That’s my family.’’

“And I’m Jake’s,” Minhyung replied dryly. ‘’So? What now, big guy?’’

Nishimura Riki sighed heavily and just accepted his fate, kind of. There was a pause and then he leaned forward slightly, squinting at the cat like he was trying to re-evaluate every life decision that had led him here.

‘’So you’ve been able to talk this whole time?” He asked.

‘’Don’t think about it too much,’’ Minhyung rolled his eyes. ‘’You’re gonna burn your last brain cells.’’

Niki clenched his teeth. ‘’You’re a fucking talking cat and I’m overreacting? That’s what you saying?’’

‘’You’ve known me for a while. Don’t be weird.’’

‘’That’s different,’’ Niki stressed. ‘’I’ve petted you and called you cute. You purred on me!’’

‘’You’re so dramatic, dude. I purr to whoever pets my ears. You’re not that special.’’

Niki felt a little offended and scoffed, looking at the side while crossing his arms. ‘’Good.’’ 

Minhyung studied Niki expectantly, like a king waiting for his jester's next trick, his black tail curling around his paws. ‘’I knew you'd be one of those who takes the news well. Or are you having an internal psychotic break?’’

‘’I’m not. Although perhaps a talking cat might do it,’’ he added with a huff.

The black cat did something between a chuckle and a meow. ‘’I'm excellent at conversation, you'll see. Do you know how hard it's been for me not to jump into your conversations and Jake's for years? It was about time.’’

‘’Really?’’

The cat nodded. ‘’You two often showed a tremendous lack of common sense.’’

‘’So it’s true. Cats are judgemental as fuck.’’

‘’It's part of my charm,’’ Minhyung laughed, settling more comfortably in the chair. ‘’So? What’s her expertise?’’

‘’What?’’

Minhyung looked at Niki with all the patience in the world trying not to sigh. ‘’The cute baby you have who always tries to squeeze me. What is its central energy?’’

Niki had no idea what he was talking about because his wife hadn't yet delved into the topic. He considered it for a few seconds and shrugged, without a clear answer. ‘’Runa can move objects with her mind. I think,’’ he added after a second. 

Minhyung seemed totally pleased and perhaps even a little proud, but maybe it was the dim light on the porch playing tricks on him.

‘’That's good, and kinda rare. That little one is going to be powerful.’’ 

Niki sighed and found himself nodding, the corner of his mouth trembling slightly without him realizing it. He thought of his wife sleeping in their bed and the last secret she whispered to him, and their baby who summoned hundreds of rabbits because she like them, and his heart gave a strange turn— filled with pure adoration.

‘’I hope so,’’ Niki murmured, reaching out to stroke the cat's ears.

BLOOD CALL 

SUMMARY: After going to a secret concert of a mysterious rock band, you can't remember much the next day... except for your memories of the lead singer who left bruises on your neck as a souvenir. That's until it starts appearing in your nightmares, calling for you. PAIRING: Park Jongseong x reader

THE SEVEN PILLARS - Series

SUMMARY: At an elite university, power isn't won from the bottom up or by just anyone. It's inherited, negotiated, and secured before future leaders even graduate. Seven men control everything that happens within its halls and beyond—The Seven Pillars: untouchable, brilliant, dangerous. Alliances, secrets, appearances, and obsession... once you enter their world, there's no way out: you're either one of them or you're nobody. PAIRING: Lee Heeseung, Park Jongseong, Park Sunghoon and Yang Jungwon x reader 

RED MOON

SUMMARY: You don’t follow the rules. You don’t break them either. You just don’t care about them. Growing up as a Luna in a pack means only one thing: tradition. Obeying the alphas, not questioning how things are, and having a classic suburban life that makes you gag: a ring, pups everywhere, and being a good, quiet mate. But when everything goes wrong and you're exposed, the only ones who can make it disappear are the same ones you’ve been avoiding all along — four wolves, older, patient, and far more dangerous than you ever let yourself believe. They've been watching, circling, waiting for you. The problem is, you have nowhere left to run. PAIRING: Lee Heeseung, Park Jongseong, Sim Jaeyun, Park Sunghoon (hyung line x reader)

DROP DEAD, WONIE!

The Witch's Council chambers was an old place outside town that smelled like wood, incense and power. You could easily sense the magic and power like it was engraved in the air, strong and ancient. But the old-fashioned look was interrupted by modern touches: new chairs, a wall projector and council members with iPads, some others playing with their phones. Not the entire council was present; only the president, Na Seorin, and the vice president, Kim Junseo, Minju's father. Off to one side stood the council secretary, Lee Sunjae, who seemed more engrossed in his phone than in what was happening around him, wearing a deep, concentrated frown. He was very, very focused on his phone and at some point he even leaned towards Seorin, asking her if she could send him lives on Candy Crush. She silenced him with an unimpressed look.

There was a small jury of witches and warlocks that you obviously knew, uncles and aunts and even parents of some friends, people who you grew up around. You were sitting with Minju on a wooden bench at the front, being judged in a very dramatic fashion in your opinion. Your back was straight and your knees touching and Minju wore the same position, you could feel the nervousness radiating from her. You didn’t quite know why you'd been summoned there with her, but hell, you wouldn't open your mouth to incriminate yourself until someone else started the whole thing. What was worse, you and Minju didn't have time to talk and organize a lie together.

‘’We are here to clarify the events of last Friday that have caught our attention,’’ Minju’s dad started, voice calm. He turned to face the jury. ‘’We have sufficient reasons to believe that both witches are involved.’’

You raised both eyebrows and tilted your head, wondering what on earth was going on. You weren’t involved in shit. Beside you, Minju whimpered under her breath, probably knowing where this whole thing was heading. Junseo turned his attention towards you and it took everything in you not to shrink under his steel gaze. He looked like a very offended father. 

‘’You are a well-known associate of Kim Minju. You grew up together and are very close, as we all know. Responsible, respectful, talented with magic, and disciplined.’’

‘’Thank you, sir,’’ you muttered, lowering your head humbly and nodding. You heard one juror behind you cooing and telling another how polite you were. 

‘’Did Minju attend a fraternity party Friday night?’’ He asked.

Oh, so that's what this was all about. You lied without even thinking, in a steady voice, even frowning slightly as if you were confused that he even asked you that. ‘’Um, of course not. She spent the night with me; we were catching up on some reading. It was a quiet night, and we went to bed early.’’

You knew perfectly well that was a damn lie. The last thing Minju would do is spend a Friday cooped up inside studying instead of following Jungwon, her campus crush, to parties. You knew Minju was pretty easygoing and a lightweight, so alcohol wasn't exactly the wisest thing to give her, since chaos usually followed her wherever she went. When you asked her the next day how the party was, Minju only remembered maybe a quarter of it, not even a half. You weren't entirely sure what Minju had done to warrant a damn jury of witches, but you were going to defend your best friend no matter what anyway. Minju was... prone to getting into strange situations. You were used to it. 

You turned your face and smiled innocently at the jury trying to sell your act; some thoughtful murmurs reached you while others simply nodded in agreement. You looked at Junseo as if nothing was wrong, with an open and friendly expression, nothing challenging or mocking. His eyes studied your expression and Minju's in a very familiar way, like when you were little and he wanted to find out which of you had eaten the whole drawer of chocolates.

‘’I don't know exactly what this is about, but I guess the only thing I can assure Minju did was snore very loudly,’’ you joked with a chuckle. ‘’We had a super quiet Friday, sir.’’

Minju gave you a playful nudge and you both giggled adorably, the very picture of good, innocent girls that the jury was totally buying into. For a beautiful moment you believed it had worked and that would be all, except that Mr. Kim had an ace up his sleeve.

He just nodded thoughtfully and, without saying a word, simply raised his hand holding a small remote control. The projector sprang to life and displayed a slightly blurry image filmed from a porch security camera. The room filled with sound: loud, silly laughter, someone yelling "aim well!" and "do it again!" A group of clearly drunk college kids came into view, eggs in their hands. Someone threw one and completely missed the house; another projectile did hit the door and splattered a little on the camera. 

Minju gasped next to you. ‘’Oh my God. No way.’’

Then Minju's face appeared, her eyes wide and dilated, her mascara slightly smudged, and smiling as if she had just summoned a vortex of pure chaos. You frowned, believing your sight was deceiving you, but no, Minju was throwing or at least trying to throw eggs. She looked absolutely ridiculous, drunk as a sailor and staggering, unable to contain her drunk giggles, hands full of eggs, some failing into the floor. You covered your mouth, trying to control your laugh from spilling. 

‘’Oh no,’’ Minju blurted with worry. ‘’My hair looked like that?!’’

You closed your eyes with a sigh and pinched the bridge of your nose. The video continued playing, showing Minju teetering on the sidewalk and trying to aim the eggs, some landing on her shoes while others cheered on her failed attempts. No eggs actually hit the house. Now you understood why the two of them were there. The house that Minju and her friends had vandalized was one of the oldest in town, now a museum, and what not many people knew was that it had actually been a house belonging to the witch settlers. In fact, nobody knew, except for those of their kind. Minju egged a historic house to your community, a very important one. 

The screen went dark and a heavy silence fell over the room. The president spoke for the first time, clearing her voice. ‘’Girls, this is not exemplary behavior for witches.’’

‘’I know and I’m sorry,’’ Minju panicked, moving her hands desperately. ‘’I’ve grown since then! I swear!’’

‘’This happened three days ago,’’ her father said flatly. 

The president moved her attention to you and you shrank a little in your seat under her stare. ‘’And you have lied to this council and the jury, covering up for the accused.’’

You deflated like a balloon, looking at the floor. ‘’Yes,’’ you admitted with a sigh, there was no point in denying it. ‘’I did. I’m sorry.’’

Seorin sighed loudly. ‘’You’re two young witches still forging their path, but at your age you should already understand certain rules. This room isn't a place for lies, girls. Magic doesn't just respond to power, but to truth,’’ she scolded you two gently but firmly; her eyes were not unkind. ‘’I'm a little disappointed in both of you. I was expecting better.’’

Being scolded by an older, more experienced witch felt just as embarrassing as when you were a little girl. Thank goodness your familiar, Soomin, had taken a short vacation, otherwise you would have been doubly scolded, though you suspected she probably already knew. Some jurors nodded, others agreed, and some looked at you two more suspiciously, as if they thought Minju had more eggs in her pockets and was about to attack them. Perhaps with better aim.

‘’This is obviously not a criminal matter, but every action has its consequences,’’ the president continued. ‘’And this is no exception.’’

Minju held your sleeve while looking at you alarmed. ‘’They're going to burn us at the stake!’’ she whispered urgently.

You rolled your eyes and pushed her softly, scoffing. ‘’Of course not!’’

‘’For you,’’ the president said, looking directly into your eyes, ‘’one lunar cycle without lies. No falsehood or trickery, your tongue will always speak the truth. May sincerity teach you an important lesson, young witch.’’

Your stomach dropped, but you maintained your neutral expression, even as you could feel the faint presence of a spell reaching your body and settling there. Your tongue felt heavy for a second and you touched your lips with a frown, noticing that the sensation appeared as quickly as it vanished, as if something had been tied up and then melted on your tongue like candy. Well, fuck.

‘’And for you,’’ she turned to Minju, ‘’you will be in charge of three hens. You will feed them, care for them, clean their coop and collect their eggs. It goes without saying that not a single one should be broken in the entire month.’’

Minju blinked. ‘’Uh, excuse me, Madam President… three?’’

‘’Exactly.’’

‘’Oh. These hens,’’ Minju continued, ‘’are they… alive?’’ 

‘’They’re chickens, Minju,’’ her father sighed tiredly. ‘’That is usually how they work.’’ 

Seorin struck the gavel once. ‘’With this, we conclude the council meeting. Thank you all for your presence today.’’

Minju fell dramatically to your side, staring at the ceiling with a pout. ‘’Next time I’ll tell the truth.’’

You looked at her sideways. ‘’You don't say.’’

She pouted even more, regretting filling her cute features. ’‘I'm sorry I dragged you into this! But it was kind of worth it, if we think about the grand scheme of things. Like, I kissed Jungwon at the party and I got his number!’’

You looked at her in disbelief and wondered if they would increase the punishment if you hanged her right there. ‘’Minju, we're under a spell for a whole month! I can't lie, and you've become the babysitter for three chickens. Aren't you forgetting something?’’

She stared at you blankly, head empty, just waiting for you to say more after she shook his head no.

‘’You're afraid of chickens.’’

By morning you had already begun to encourage yourself. Honesty was easy, wasn't it? You could do this. It's not like you're constantly lying, you weren't a pathological liar. One month. One lunar cycle. Thirty days. It would be easy. You could do this. People liked honest people, after all. 

It's not like the most powerful witch of the coven casted a spell on your tongue forever. There was no chance that a careless word could send you back to the Council chambers with judgmental candles and Minju’s chickens clucking in the distance… right? Right. You could do this. Being honest was a good thing! Maybe this whole mess could turn into something positive. 

But one thought wouldn't leave your mind. How did this spell exactly work? Did silence count as an answer? Perhaps it was a good idea to fake pharyngitis and take a few days off. If you could keep your mouth shut and stay quiet, maybe take a lower profile… Huh. That could maybe do the trick. 

You were so caught up in mental damage control and possible ways to cheat (or maybe not cheating as such, you would call it... walking the spell's edge), that you barely noticed someone started walking beside you.

Too close, close enough that you could smell his cologne. You glanced sideways and there was Park Jongseong in all his glory and blinding smile, gracing you with his presence. Jay was one of those guys who had a high place among campus royalty, definitely a party prince. Everybody knew him. Everybody wanted him. Always smiling like he knew something most people didn't, confident with a track record to back it up: friendly, athletic, way too good with the girls, as you’ve heard the rumors. Trouble.

Your alarm bells were starting to quietly go off because Jay was smiling at you as if you two were lifelong friends (you weren’t), looking at you as if he didn't notice your expression, which was somewhere between disinterest and slight concern (like saying please think twice what you’re about to say).

Jay wasn't a conceited idiot per se, but hey, you weren't going to give all your trust to one of the campus's favorite heartthrob just like that. You knew his kind (frat, attractive boy) and well, his group of friends had a certain reputation on campus. You weren't particularly interested in getting involved in their games like Minju, who had her sights set on Jungwon and apparently it was working well, without any illegal love potion included. You hoped. 

“Hey,” he said easily. “You’re in Professor Park class, right?”

You looked at him and then at the empty halls.

“I am,” you replied flatly.

He chuckled, unbothered by your tone. “Cool, cool. Listen— quick favor. I’ve been kinda… busy lately,’’ Jay made a vague gesture that probably meant parties, games, existing attractively, fucking around, more parties. “Missed a few lectures. You take good notes, right?”

You felt a strange sensation in your chest, like a tickling inside. Your eye twitched a little, too early to deal with whatever that was. ‘’My notes are good, yes,’’ you said.

“Perfect,” Jay said enthusiastically, as if you had come up with the idea and not him. “Think you could send them to me? Or maybe help me catch up sometime? Maybe you could tutor me from time to time.”

You inhaled slowly, ready to say that you hadn't been taking notes lately, or that maybe he wouldn't understand your handwriting, that you didn’t have the time to tutor someone or even just a clear yes so he would leave you alone.

None of that came out of your mouth. 

‘’No,’’ you said instead. Your eyes widened, realizing you couldn't have lied. It wasn't what you meant to say, it was just automatically spat it out.

Jay blinked at you. ‘’Oh. Okay.’’

‘’You should be more responsible, Jay,’’ you said, the words spilling out before you could stop it or control it. ‘’This isn't such a difficult class. If you came regularly, you'd definitely do better and be able to keep up instead of relying on people who actually are responsible, instead of being so unprepared, you know.’’

An awkward, confusing silence fell between you, and you quickly covered your mouth, wishing the floor would swallow you whole. If that wasn't guaranteed social death... some passing girls turned their heads, intrigued by the exchange. 

Jay continued to stare at you for a few seconds and then let out a small laugh, more surprised than angry. ‘’Wow,’’ he said. ‘’Okay. Fair. Harsh, but fair,’’ he chuckled. ‘’I get it.’’

You shrugged mortified and helpless and bit your tongue hard, trying to hold back the words, but the spell was stronger. ‘’Also, I’m not interested in tutoring someone who prioritizes parties over academic responsibility. You'll just waste my time.’’

Jesus Christ.

Jay raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. ‘’Damn. Alright. Message received.’’

He stopped in the hallway, still smiling, but there was something more thoughtful in his expression, his gaze lingering on you, as if he had miscalculated what he expected from you. Jay was placing you in some drawer of his mind with a new label.

‘’I didn’t know you thought like that,’’ he added. ‘’You don’t take shit from anyone, do you? I respect that.’’

Before you could make things worse by replying, thankfully Jay just gave you one of his boyish smiles and walked away. As you watched him go, your heart calmed and you sank into the nearest wall. Well, that turned out just fine. So much for walking on the edge of the spell, huh?

Not very far, someone was watching you and Jay intently, observing the entire conversation without moving with a growing interest. 

Fortunately, you didn't scare away anyone else for the rest of the morning with your big mouth. Perhaps honesty wasn't as simple as you thought if it wasn't filtered, you could only hope that no one else asked you something as direct as Jay did. The spell definitely was out of control. So that was a damn problem. Not only could you not stay quiet, but your tongue was moving uncontrollably with thoughts that hadn't even formed yet. It was as if the truth was being ripped from your soul before your brain was even aware of it.

Minju was halfway through describing chicken’s politics when she realized you weren’t really paying attention to her. Your brows were furrowed, your mind racing, analyzing the damned spell. It was both strong and subtle, binding your tongue to the truth in a way that made it impossible to shut your damn mouth once you started speaking. There had to be some way to stop it. Of course, you weren't crazy enough to cast a counter-spell and actually end up in the Witches’ Council basement. But the chances of getting through the month without any trouble weren't looking so high anymore.

“I swear,” Minju said, poking at her salad, “at first they screamed every time they saw me, but now they only scream a little. And one of them lets me hold her for, like, five seconds. Her name is Buttercup. I don’t know why I was scared of them, they’re kinda cute. It’s not so bad.’’

‘’That’s good,’’ you murmured, barely nodding, eyes unfocused. ‘’Chickens are nice.’’

‘’It really is,’’ Minju agreed proudly. ‘’Also, I don’t scream as much anymore either. I think we’re warming up to each other, you know?’’

You hummed softly, taking a sip of your soda. ‘’It's great that you're building a relationship with your chickens. Bonding is important.’’

Of course Minju noticed your thoughtful and cloudy mood and stroked your shoulder with a frown. She also noticed the faint whisper of magic. ‘’How was your day? Is it the spell? Is your soda not fizzy enou— oh my God. Oh. My. God— okay, don’t look.’’

‘’What?’’ You asked, blinking out of your haze and looking all around. ‘’What’s going on?’’

‘’I said don’t look! Listen carefully,’’ she whispered urgently, going back to her salad and keeping her eyes down. She took a deep breath, preparing herself. ‘’Niki is looking at you.’’

You frowned at her, not quite understanding the urgency of the situation, but you assumed Minju would have some reason. You snorted, keeping your eyes down anyway and trying not to laugh. ‘’Okay, I won’t. So?’’

Minju looked at you in the most offended way possible, pointing her fork at you, eyes full of incredulity. ‘’You must be kidding. Seriously? Niki? Basketball player, very cute, very tall, friend of Jungwon.’’

A face flashed into your mind and you nodded, remembering him too well. The boy with the perpetual look of disinterest. ‘’I wouldn't call him cute but okay. What about it?’’

Your best friend is practically vibrating with happiness. ‘’What do you mean, what about it? He’s looking at you! This is so good! This mean we could have a double date!’’

‘’Okay,’’ you murmured under your breath, ‘’I don’t wanna know how that occurred to you. Besides, I don't think he's looking at me for that reason. He’s probably planning my social death right now. Don’t mind him, Min.’’

Minju fell from his cloud of excitement. ‘’What? Why? Why would he?’’

‘’I refused to help Jay this morning; the stupid spell made me say a bunch of crap. Basically that he was a party animal with little interest in academics and something about not wasting my time in him.’’

Minju made a face, measuring the damage in her head. The bond between the boys was no joke. Jungwon, Heeseung, Jay, Jake, and Niki were like the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse if they were five of them and in a frat— incredibly attractive, magnetic, with the kind of presence that simply drew attention. Whether it was their looks, their grades, the trophies they won with the basketball team, the gossip or their fraternity parties, someone was always talking about them. Loyal as hell, crossing one of them meant crossing the whole group of friends. And it wasn't a good idea to do that with the guys who basically controlled the narrative on campus.

Minju tried to smile again. ‘’Oh. Uhm, it doesn't sound very polite but he doesn't look murderous to me. He looks… in love,’’ she sighed cutely. 

You looked at her, not entirely convinced and then subtly moved your head, until your eyes did find Riki Nishimura not far away, staring at you as if he could burn you with his mind. Or trying to.

He looked murderous. 

Or maybe that was his everyday face. To you, he looked as always, as if he were bored and at the same time thinking about how he could start some chaos and blame others for it. Niki was leaning back in his chair across the courtyard, one arm lazily slung over the backrest, long fingers slowly swirling his ice americano coffee cup in circles. His posture screamed indifference, but his eyes betrayed him completely. They were fixed on you— not in passing, not accidentally. Intentionally. Burning. There was nothing shy about it, but you guessed that someone like Niki didn't know what shyness was in the first place.

It was a little creepy how his eyes had an almost predatory gleam in broad daylight. They weren't flirtatious as such, more like... analytical. Observant. Curious. As if he'd seen something and wanted to figure out exactly how it worked before getting close. He had a sharp, intense gaze, a feline spark that felt more like a panther than a cat. You couldn't deny it, he was one of the most attractive men you had ever seen, no truth spell needed to admit that. His cheekbones alone deserved a separate analysis for sure.

Niki didn’t look away when you caught him. Instead, he held your gaze for too long as if he was challenging you to not look away. His chin tilted and a hint of mockery appeared in his dark eyes, or perhaps it was an effect of the sun, as if he was saying Yes. I am looking. Problem?

You lose on the spot because your stomach did a strange flip under his piercing stare and you looked away, refusing to let him make you blush like a schoolgirl. You turned to Minju again. ‘’Right. I mean, it could be, who knows? That guy only has one expression for everything,’’ you shrugged. 

She gasped. ‘’Of course not! He’s actually nice.’’

You arched a brow. ‘’Have you ever saw him smile?’’

‘’Maybe he’s one of those people who has a neutral face. You’re not the smiling type either,’’ she reminded you, mimicking your expression. 

‘’You’re trying to say resting bitch face,’’ you offered, taking another sip of your soda. ‘’Or maybe he's just constantly constipated.’’

It was impossible for Minju not to laugh a little at that, and the two of them shared a few giggles that quickly died away when a shadow appeared over the two of you. 

‘’What’s so funny?’’ 

A deep, definitely masculine voice sounded behind you. Minju jolted, eyes wide, while you turned far too slowly in your seat— straight into Niki standing there like he belonged in your space. Relaxed. Unbothered. Looking down at you from his full height, and fuck he was actually tall. Jungwon was at his side, smiling like it was a completely normal social interaction and not a potential social nightmare to you. You bit your tongue in advance. 

Before anyone could speak, Jungwon's gaze flicked to Minju and he gently reached out, removing something of her shiny hair with a hint of hesitation, as if reality were playing a trick on him. It was a white feather. 

Minju froze as Jungwon studied her and then the feather held in his fingers, his lips trembling as if he wanted to laugh but he was a little confused anyway. 

‘’What’s this?’’ He asked her, amused.

You and Minju looked at each other speechlessly as the silence stretched long enough into awkwardness, not knowing what to say or how to explain. But of course, the spell didn't hesitate.

‘’It is from one of the chickens Minju is currently responsible for caring as a disciplinary punishment from the Witches' Council,’’ you quickly said.

Minju let out a strangled noise, horrified at your outburst. A second later you realized what you said and covered your mouth, frowning and looking panicked at Minju, shaking your head in a way best friends communicate meaning help me the fuck out.

Jungwon blinked between you both. ‘’Oh.’’

Niki’s eyebrows lifted slightly. ‘’Is that so?’’

‘’Yes,’’ you continued helplessly, ‘’Minju was actually telling me how her relationship with them is progressing and she's not so afraid of them anymore.’’

Minju buried her face in her hands and took a calming deep breath instead of screaming before looking at Jungwon, trying to smile and pretend that everything was normal. 

‘’She’s right! I got some new pets,’’ she laughed with forced enthusiasm. ‘’Three chickens!’’

“That explains the feather,” Jungwon said, nodding solemnly as if this makes perfect sense. He placed it on the table. “Chickens are cute. Good luck with… that.”

‘’Thank you,’’ she mumbled, smiling too wide. 

You wished with all your heart that no one else would speak to you, that perhaps the boys would just keep walking and think you were a couple of weird girls. But fate couldn't be that kind to you. Instead, Niki's attention never left you, searching for your eyes even while you were picking up your things, ready to bolt. You weren’t about to spill all your secrets and actually earn a worse punishment. 

‘’Where are you going? Class?’’

You froze, feeling the spell regain its power and refusing to let you lie. ‘’I do not have class right now,’’ you explained, defeated.

Niki let out a quiet laugh, eyes gleaming. “Ah. Then why are you leaving?”

‘’I really don't want to continue this conversation in case I say something terrible or incriminating,’’ you admitted and made a face, grabbing your purse ready to bolt from there. God, just shut up! 

Niki smiled slowly. Dangerous. Too handsome. The way something malignant finds out a new soul to torment. “Relax,” he taunted you. “We’re just talking. Do I make you so nervous that you want to run away?’’

You stood up abruptly, almost colliding with him. ‘’Yes. That is precisely the issue.’’

Niki stepped aside without argument, gesturing with exaggerated courtesy. “After you, princess.”

With what little dignity you had left and afraid of revealing some witch secret that would end with you being burned at the town bonfire (or having to move to another town), you left almost running. Niki's eyes watched as you disappeared among students coming and going, a slight smile raising the corners of his mouth. 

Minju, bless her soul, tried to fill the heavy silence in your favor. ‘’Uh… she’s been pretty tired these days, you know, exams and stuff. She's usually more... quiet. But she’s super nice!’’

Jungwon nodded buying the explanation but Niki simply saw the bottle of soda you left; it was his favorite flavor. ‘’Is she?’’

The last thing you expected when you entered your home was a very, very angry owl staring at you from the stairs. You groaned under your breath as you approached, knowing you were about to get the scolding of a lifetime. You forced a smile onto your face and circled the scowling bird, slowly beginning to climb the stairs under her stare. 

‘’Oh, Soomin, hi! You’re back already? How was your vacation? God, how the time flies. Anyway, I have so much work to do so—’’

‘’Don’t,’’ she warned, staring at you with huge, unblinking eyes. You gulped. ‘’Don’t even think to leave this conversation.’’

‘’But Soomin—’’

The owl hissed at you, feathers puffing. ‘’How is it possible that I'm only gone for a week and you've been punished with a spell?! And I'm only finding out about this today?’’

You froze mid-step and slowly turned to face her. Her small, feathered face was somehow the same one your mother used when you broke something expensive as a child. Pure maternal disappointment that could be read as: how have I ever had to put up with you.

‘’A week,’’ she repeated, flipping her wings in stress, ‘’just a week! I left you here trusting you’re a functional adult now and you got yourself in a trial and a punishment?!’’

‘’It wasn’t kinda an official trial—’’ 

‘’Of course it was official! There was a jury! The president and— I think I’m about to faint,’’ the owl wheezed, wobbling a little enough to worry you.

You quickly approached the bird trying to hold it, but as soon as you got close, Soomin began hitting you with its wing while hissing with renewed strength.

You yelped, cornered to the wall. ‘’Ow! Stop!’’

‘’You lied to the Council! You didn’t call me!’’ She growled, flapping at you with tiny, furious little hits. ‘’You lied in front of the entire Witches’ Council! Do you have any idea of how serious this is?’’

‘’Soomin, please, you’re being so dramatic,’’ you said, running a few steps up. ‘’It wasn't that deep! It's just for one lunar cycle.’’ 

The owl tilted its head and, of course, followed you, still giving you short, scandalized taps with its wings that weren't painful but ridiculously humiliating. You wondered how many people in the world could be scolded by a bird.

‘’Just a lunar cycle? This is a disaster,’’ Soomin continued, pacing back and forth on the stairs like a furious professor or a stressed lawyer. Probably both. ‘’A complete catastrophe. One week. I leave for one week and you ruin your life. You’re gonna tell me exactly what happened and oh, look at that, you can’t lie to me,’’ she mocked you. ‘’Because you’re cursed!’’

You scoffed and lifted your hands up in a calming gesture, staring down at her tiny form. ‘’Listen. It was just... a very confusing chain of events that somehow ended with me under a spell. I clearly didn’t expect that. How could I have known that was going to happen?’’

‘’Why did you lie in the first place while being interrogated?’’

You hesitated for a second, enough to make Soomin narrow her eyes. ‘’Oh, no. No, no, no, no. That face means it was a stupid reason.’’

You sighed, leaning against the wall, the spell working too well. ‘’I was trying to cover up for Minju. She got drunk and egged the histori—’’ you noticed how Soomin’s feathers started puffing again and you made a face, taking a step up. ‘’Historical house— she went to a party and I told the jury she was with me the entire night.’’

Soomin narrowed her eyes. If owls could facepalm… ‘’So it was a stupid reason.’’ 

You rubbed your temples. ‘’Hey, I’m actually struggling here. Today was my first day and already made some fucks ups,’’ you groaned, covering your face. ‘’I don’t think I’m surviving three full weeks. This is hard!’’

‘’You’ll find the way to do it because it’s what you deserve,’’ Soomin scolded you. ‘’That’s what you get for lying.’’

‘’It was just a small lie! All of this is so dramatic! You have any idea what this means to my social life?’’

‘’You don’t have one,’’ the owl responded, blinking at you. 

‘’That’s not the point,’’ you replied, crossing your arms defensively with a frown. ‘’Now I definitely won’t.’’

Soomin perched on the railing and gave you another motherly look of pure disappointment. ‘’From now on, you won’t be unsupervised anymore,’’ she said firmly. ‘’I’m not leaving you for extended periods of time ever again.’’

You pouted and leaned your head on the wall. ‘’A month,’’ you muttered in pure misery and sadness. ‘’Twenty nine days to go.’’

Soomin shook her head. ‘’Unbelievable,’’ she scoffed. ‘’I raise you for years and this is what happens the moment I take a break.’’

You blinked. ‘’You’re appeared like three years ago, you didn’t raise me.’’

‘’Emotionally, I did.’’

You and Minju looked incredible. There was no other way to describe it, to be honest and full objective. Shorts that showed off your legs, zip-up jackets that clung to all the right places and accentuated your waist, your hair in a high ponytail that could have been in a sports-themed fashion editorial. 

You had both made a deal, before the whole punishment mess happened, that both would enter their athletic era; meaning no more sedentary life and naps. It was time to get healthier, enjoy the nice weather and all that shit that was supposed to be good to your body.

You were dying. 

Literally. Lungs gone. 

You didn't know when you thought it was a good idea to suggest to Minju that you both take an open hockey class as a form of exercise, but it was definitely you trusting too much that your back would hold up. And your knees. And practically your entire body. It wasn’t the case. Who knew running while holding a stick could be so difficult? 

By the end of the class you had moved parts of your body that you weren't sure you could coordinate at the same time in the first place, bent over your knees and gasping for air. Sweat trickled down your back as if you'd run a marathon from continent to continent, not just an hour-long class. Minju wasn't in the best shape either, dragging her hockey stick towards the benches while groaning, like she was leaving a battlefield. 

‘’I think I saw angels,’’ Minju panted beside you, ‘’when they made us sprint the second time.’’

‘’I saw God,’’ you wheezed. ‘’She suggest me to sit down.’’ 

On the other side of the field, the men's team was finishing their practice too. From afar you could hear their shouts, grunts, and jeers. These classes were supposed to be the Student Council's idea to provide free, open sports spaces for everyone, but the men definitely treated it like the National Championship. Fast, competitive, sticks and shoulders clashing. You recognized some of the guys and wondered who in their right mind would do two different sports in the same week and survive. Apparently, Niki was one of them.

The way he moved was ruthless, efficient, controlled. You couldn't help but watch him from afar while you drank water because, well, why not? A girl could enjoy the view. His hair was slightly damp, pushed back from his forehead. His t-shirt clung a little to his torso, and it was impossible not to notice the trace of his abs and the muscle in his arms. His body moved with force and speed. And although he seemed incredibly focused, his eyes still occasionally wandered. Towards you. Searching.

Again. Again. One more time, until Jungwon noticed and it made him snort with a knowing smile. 

After practice, while your lungs were slowly coming back to life and Minju was showing you videos of her chickens, on the other side of the field a group of boys were making a straight line towards you. It was too late to run when you looked up and Jungwon was approaching with an easy smile, Jay by his side and Niki just a step behind, hands in their pockets and a serious expression.

‘’Hey,’’ Jungwon greeted warmly, eyes drifting to Minju. ‘’How’d it go?’’

‘’We survived,’’ she smiled at him, proud. ‘’Barely. But it was fun. I can’t still feel my legs.’’

Jay arched a brow, chucking. ‘’That intense?’’

‘’You have no idea,’’ you whispered to no one, positioning yourself behind Minju as naturally as possible while you put away your water bottle and grabbed your bag. So, a new game plan was set. If no one specifically spoke to you, you couldn't say anything catastrophic, right? 

All you needed to do was make yourself a little invisible.

For a moment you thought you were actually succeeding. Jungwon was clearly only interested in Minju, with whom he was animatedly discussing hockey (or so you thought, because you had no idea about the terminology they were using). That was the moment: back away slowly, as if you'd decided in the moment and hadn't overanalyzed it for several minutes. Slowly, imperceptibly, so no one would smell your fear. Just a few steps toward freedom, just a bye under your shoulder and no one would get hurt. 

Jay noticed right away, calling your name.

‘’Hey,’’ he said casually, glancing at you and your outfit, taking in your legs. ‘’You look good today.’’ 

You froze. Oh no. No. Please, no. The spell didn’t wasted a fucking second. 

‘’I know,’’ you said confidently. ‘’These shorts gave me an incredible ass.’’ 

Silence. Minju choked, eyes huge. Jungwon’s brows shoot up. Jay bursted out laughing, full delight, not at all bothered. 

‘’You’re so sincere,’’ he said with a grin. ‘’Confidence. I like that.’’

Niki didn't laugh or say anything. He was simply watching you, studying the way you spoke without hesitation and the subsequent panic that followed, as if you had no filter.

Jay playfully nudged Niki with his elbow and kept the conversation going. ‘’You guys watched us play?’’

You prayed that no one else would say anything to you directly, taking another step back. 

Of course, Niki’s voice interrupted your attempts. He looked straight at you. Calm, low, direct. ‘’Did you?’’

You swallowed, as if that could stop the truth from rising like bile up your throat. ‘’Uh, y-yes.’’

‘’And?’’

“You looked very attractive,” you admitted helplessly, eyes flicking to him for half a second before staring at the grass, accepting your destiny. “With your hair all sweaty and pushed back.”

Minju made a tiny distress sound, Jungwon tried to look neutral watching the exchange and failed, and Jay grinned knowing he found free entertainment and material to taunt his maknae. But Niki didn't mock you, or smiled, nor did he seem embarrassed or smug. He tilted his head and continued looking at you with heavy, but not cold, eyes. Just… attentive. Listening. Like he never heard that sort of answer before. 

‘’Did I?’’ He asked, mildly. 

‘’Yes,’’ you said immediately, planning your own death. ‘’It was distracting.’’ 

Jay looked at Niki, considering your words. He was enjoying it too much. ‘’Distracting, huh?’’

Niki ignored him and moved a little closer to you, just enough to make the air shift. ‘’Then maybe,’’ he said quietly, eyes steady on you, ‘’you should stop watching.’’

‘’I would, but you’re hard to ignore,’’ you murmured automatically, slamming your eyes shut. ‘’Okay. I’m leaving now.’’

‘’We need water!’’ Minju intervened, taking your arm and leading you away with an apologetic smile. ‘’Bye, guys!’’

Jungwon was smiling and waving, Jay was saying something about Niki's sweaty hair being gross and Niki... his eyes followed you the whole way. Smiling a little.

Already deciding. 

Avoidance is power, you told yourself. 

Clearly you couldn't control the spell. Okay. Nor could you control who spoke to you. Obviously. But you could control the exposure. Limited interactions, minimal risks, avoid potential red flags that could lead to humiliation. You were going to finally walk the line of the spell or die trying.

It didn't matter that Minju was officially dating Jungwon and that somehow included his friends who orbited him and, due to their proximity, your best friend, like damn satellites. You wouldn't be rude. Just... brief and efficient. Simply as that. In the middle of a night where you were staring at the ceiling wondering how you ended up in this problem while you were in a chocolate ice cream coma, that's when it occurred to you.

You couldn't lie, but you could control how you told the truth. You wouldn't be lying per se... you'd simply be revealing the answers in long, technical sentences. Careful words, a controlled tone, crafted and directed honesty. That wasn't lying. You were simply adapting to the rules of the game. Expanding your vocabulary. Making things complicated wasn't lying. The spell didn't imply that people had to understand you.

In the dating world, some friends canceled plans because of their boyfriends. Minju did it for her chickens. She bailed on hockey practice before it even started when her security app sent a notification.

“One of the girls laid an egg and she looks emotionally overwhelmed,” she had said seriously, already packing her bag. “I need to supervise.”

‘’She’s just a chicken,’’ you stared at her. 

‘’She’s sensitive.’’ 

That's how you ended up alone, suffering, exhausted but not as dramatically as last time. Or maybe you just didn't have anyone to complain to. Either way, once practice was over, you actually enjoyed it a little. Other girls were stretching and chatting, laughing and drinking water, while you sat on the benches. You breathed a sigh of relief when you took down your ponytail and let your hair fall, enjoying the fresh air.

Perhaps doing outdoor sports wasn't so bad, you supposed. The sunset and the breeze caressed your damp skin, and for a second you relaxed, enjoying the silence. You tilted your head slightly toward the sky, toward the last rays of the sun, closing your eyes and taking a deep breath. You even smiled a little, not ruining your social interactions for a whole day felt like a huge victory.

You weren’t aware of it, but at the other side of the field the boy’s team were finishing warm-up drills. Niki’s focus shifted, as he had done all week, to you. Finally alone. Illuminated by a halo of sunlight, looking so pretty and relaxed, not like the times he had approached you and you looked ready to flee.

By the time you sensed someone’s presence it was too late, opening your eyes to Niki standing close enough that you had to tilt your chin up slightly to meet his gaze. You got startled with a small yelp and your heart rate went crazy while Niki was completely and clearly unashamed of staring at you like that in the open. 

He broke the silence first. ‘’Minju abandoned you?’’

You were ready for this. You cleared your throat and sat straighter. ‘’She had a chicken-related emergency.’’

Niki blinked once, nodding like that made all the sense in the world. ‘’I thought you were avoiding us,’’ he said plainly. ‘’Avoiding me.’’

You inhaled, choosing the words carefully in your head. ‘’I’m being selective with my interactions at this particular moment.’’ 

His mouth twitched slightly. ‘’Selective? And I didn't make the cut?’’

Panic spread across your brain, that was dangerous territory! 

‘’I'm trying to minimize situations where I have to interact verbally because… because I'm avoiding saying things that can amplify the exposure of my personal, reserved thoughts and put me in complicated circumstances.’’ 

Niki’s eyes sharpened. ‘’So I complicate your life?’’

This fucker. You froze for a second, feeling the spell around your tongue, ready to pounce head first into the truth. ‘’I believe you increase the odds a little,’’ you admitted, maintaining your calm tone. 

He took a step closer, his knees almost touching you. ‘’And why is that?’’

Because I can't decipher the way you look at me.

Because you don't react like everyone else.

You didn’t say any of it. ‘’You ask direct questions,’’ you said instead, finding the right words. ‘’And I struggle with filtering in those interactions.’’

His eyes fell on the curve of your shoulders, the way your hair waved in the breeze, your cheeks a little pink from exercise. ‘’You look better like this,’’ Niki said casually. 

You frowned. ‘’Like what?’’

‘’Less guarded.’’

Your brain short-circuited, and thankfully, not even a powerful witch's spell could fix that. But before you could die crushed by Niki's dark eyes, he was the first to look away towards the other side of the field, where his team resumed training.

‘’We’re not done,’’ he started, and you suspected he wasn’t just talking about hockey. ‘’Stay.’’ 

You blinked. ‘’Stay? Why?’’

He gestured subtly with his head towards the bleachers and you followed his line of sight. Oh. A few girls were there, watching the boy’s practice. Some talking, others taking photos. Waiting for boyfriends. Watching situationships or prospects. 

You looked at Niki again, not fully understanding the situation. Actually, more in denial. The implication was too obvious to ignore, but it still confused you a little. Why the hell Riki Nishimura wanted you there of all people?

‘’You can sit there,’’ he said, like it was the most normal outcome. ‘’Watch.’’

You kept staring at him, blinking slowly. ‘’You’re recruiting spectators, Nishimura?’’

His mouth twitched again, trying not to crack a smile. ‘’I’m inviting you.’’ 

Your stomach lurched catastrophically. ‘’You want me… to sit there and openly watch you?’’

‘’Yes.’’

‘’No.’’

He didn't react badly to your refusal, he simply studied you. ‘’Why not?’’

You swallowed and searched your brain for an answer that made sense. ‘’Because that could create some assumptions.’’ 

He tilted his head, a spark of mischief in his eyes. ‘’What kind of assumptions?’’

You narrowed your eyes a little, knowing that now he was playing with you. He knew what kind of assumptions, the cocky bastard.  

‘’I would prefer not to fuel potential situations that could lead to rumors that are not substantiated… based on our interactions. Misinterpretations could arise.’’

He searched your eyes while lowering his voice a little. ‘’What if I want them substantiated?”

Fuck this frat boy. You let out a loud sigh and thought about your next move. There was no chance you would let Niki throw you into the stands full of girlfriends, when the possibility of the spell going out of control due to the pressure and the crowd was so high. You were barely taking baby steps into the edge of the spell, not doing fucking somersaults on it.

So you took the next best route: evade. ‘’You’re very confident,’’ you managed to say, trying to smile. 

‘’Yes.’’

‘’That's very... threatening to my… filtering,’’ you groaned, feeling the spell tightening. 

He kept his eyes on you, pleased by it. ‘’Then stay,’’ he muttered, almost soft. ‘’Face the danger.’’ 

‘’That’d end with me saying something incriminating,” you warned him with a sigh. 

“I’m counting on it.”

Alright.

You stood abruptly, slinging your bag over your shoulder. “This is exactly the kind of scenario I am strategically eliminating.”

He didn’t move out of your space immediately. “You’re running again.”

“I am exercising discernment.”

He huffed a quiet laugh. “Same thing.”

You looked at him once more, trying to appear composed and with a serene face, even though your heart was beating strangely inside your chest. ‘’I'm not equipped to deal with you right now. Bye.’’

That made him stop for a second. And then: ‘’Good.’’

‘’What? Why’s that’s good?’’ 

‘’Because when you are, I'll be here. I want to see it.’’

Niki walked back onto the playing field, leaving you behind as if he hadn't desestabilized your nervous system.

From that day on, things got progressively worse, little by little, as if the loose ends were starting to tie themselves up. And by loose ends, you meant Niki's friends. The strangest part was the stares you got from other girls. Some were curious and interested, others hateful. The campus had eyes everywhere, that was obvious to anyone. The five horsemen and their lost bachelorhood were the talk of the town. First Jungwon, then Jake, who would be next?

The initial plan to avoid social interactions wasn't working too well. Maybe it was because you were just one soldier, and well, Niki's army was bigger, not to mention the whole campus. Little things started happening. Like Jay sitting next to you in class, much to your alarm, and you even considered pretending not to know him. But if there was one thing impossible in the world, it was getting Jay to shut up. He talked about everything. Your head was completely empty by the time he launched into his anecdote about the basketball team's mascot falling into the pool last week. 

The party invitations came in a more personal way. It wasn't like fraternity parties required it, but maybe it was something about the social hierarchy you weren’t aware of…? You had no idea and weren’t about to ask Minju about it. You assumed people just showed up, like you had done a few times before. But then Lee Heeseung basically blocked the library entry and asked you (more or less threatening you) if you would like to come to one of their parties. It took you too much by surprise to put together a coherent sentence, so you basically scuttled out the side with a yelp and a hurried ‘’no!’’. 

That’s how you ended like this. Looking insane. 

A scarf wrapped around your head as if you were a Hollywood actress from the 40s hiding from the paparazzi (you weren't), oversized black glasses that definitely weren't your style and didn't serve much purpose on a cloudy day, shoulders hunched as you slid along the edges of buildings like a cartoon thief, trying to blend into the shadows. Head down, quick steps, incognito mode activated.

The problem was that the Silverveil’s campus was a curse in itself, starting with its architecture: lots of open spaces, glass walls, and lots of people who liked to talk. And of course, him.

Nishimura Riki.

You had acquired a new knack for finding Niki in a crowd, though it wasn't too difficult. Tall, existing effortlessly, hands in his pockets with a semi-bored expression. You saw him at the other end of the courtyard, laughing at something Jake said, his laugh short and sharp, and just that sound made your stomach clench. 

Abort. Abort. Abort.

You spun around instantly, nearly colliding with a group of students, muttering a quick apology before making a beeline run towards the nearest column. You leaned your back against it and took a breath, waiting a few seconds before poking your head out and inspecting the area.

No five horsemen of the apocalypse. No teachers. No curious girls asking if you can introduce them to Jay or Heeseung— or asking if it's true they're in a polyamorous relationship. No hockey coach asking why you didn't go to the last class and you not answering that you'd rather sleep for ten hours than drag your ass through that torture again. 

Good.

You adjusted your scarf, lowered your glasses further, and leaned again— only to freeze. Niki was definitely close. Too close. So close you could see the lazy way he walked, unhurried, making his way along without even asking, as if he weren't chasing after anything. As if he knew exactly where he was going.

You pulled back fast, heart slamming against your ribs. Shit. 

‘’Who are you spying on?’’

His voice came from behind you, low and amused, close enough that you felt it more than hear it. Slowly, too slowly, you turned around and there he was, devastating so. Niki’s eyes scanned you from head to toe, taking in the handkerchief, the glasses, and your expression somewhere between guilt and panic, as if you were assessing your chances of running away.

For a second he just looked at you, until one corner of his mouth lifted. 

‘’No one in particular. I’m just… examining the perimeter and human elements near me.’’

Niki arched a brow, somewhat amused and slightly judgmental. ‘’Is this a disguise or a styling choice?’’

Panic surged through your mind, flooding your entire brain, barely remembering the plan and survival mode before the spell revived. ‘’I’m avoiding being recognized to prevent unnecessary social interactions that could result in irreversible harm to me.’’

Niki let out a short laugh, surprised and real, eyes bright with something dangerously close to interest. “Wow,” he said. “That’s… specific.’’

You squeezed your eyes shut for half a second, heart trembling. “I would appreciate it if you did not interpret my current behavior as an invitation for conversation.”

“And yet,” he replied lightly, stepping closer instead of away, “you’re still talking to me. You are hard to go unnoticed, too.”

You swallowed. “This is an unfortunate consequence of your proximity.”

He studied you like you were a puzzle he didn’t know how he wanted to solve, which piece picked up first, gaze lingering just a beat too long. “You know,” he started, voice dropping a little, “I’ve been looking for you all morning.”

Your heart stuttered. “Did you? That information is… distressing.”

Niki smiled fully now, slow and unreadable. “Good,” he responded. 

And suddenly, hiding felt impossible and dumb. You were pressed against the column when Niki moved closer, cornering you enough so that you couldn't leave without brushing against his body. Niki lifted a hand, slow enough that you saw it coming but not slow enough to stop it. His fingers brushed your cheek for half a second before hooking under the arm of your sunglasses.

‘’Hey!—’’

He slid them off your face with infuriating ease. The world suddenly felt too bright. Too exposed. His gaze settled on your eyes immediately, intent and unreadable, like he was cataloguing something important. Up close, you noticed details you really shouldn’t be noticing: the curve of his lashes, the way his expression softened when you weren’t hiding behind dark lenses, a faded scar on one of his eyebrows. The smell of his cologne. 

“Hm,” he hummed, studying you. “So that’s what you were hiding.”

You stopped yourself, jaw tightening. “…That statement is inaccurate since you don’t know my intentions and motives.”

Without breaking eye contact, Niki casually slipped the sunglasses onto his own face. They looked ridiculous on him. He also looked unfairly good as well. 

‘’There’s a party tonight,’’ he said, like it was the most normal conversation he ever had. ‘’Our frat. You coming?’’

There’s no way in hell I’m going, you thought. Instead, you said: ‘’Attending an event of that magnitude is not in my immediate plans.’’

He stepped back, finally giving you air. “That’s a shame,’’ he smirked, then tilted his head, lowering his voice just enough to feel intimate. “If you want these back,” he added, tapping the edge of the sunglasses, “you should come.”

You opened your mouth to renegotiate the deal or tell him it was ridiculous, but Niki turned around and left without looking back, just like that. Hands in his pockets, wearing YOUR big glasses, carefree, as if he hadn't left you there with the words on your lips and your heart racing, or with people nearby pretending not to have seen everything.

By the end of the day, it was everywhere.

People saw Niki. 

People definitely saw the sunglasses. 

People definitely saw Nishimura Riki wearing your sunglasses like they were his in the first place and didn't steal it from you in plain sight. The bastard had the audacity to actually wear them throughout the day, even with his friends, completely unbothered by the small chaos he caused. 

You even heard some whispers throughout the day that made you stare at nothing while some people gossiped about your life in real time. You sat in class, notebook opened, half-hearing your professor, doing doodles and making an effort to write something even if you barely care. That’s when you heard the whispers. 

‘’...Is that her?

‘’Mmmh. I think so.’’

‘’Ya, she’s pretty. No wonder Niki’s dating her.’’

You stopped doodling and paid more attention, your eyes were on your professor as you grip tightening around your pen. Waiting for more gossip to spill. 

‘’They look like an idols couple or something.’’

‘’My friend saw them flirting in front of everybody. Is that serious.’’

‘’Really?’’

‘’I know, right? He’s wearing her glasses. She’s friends with Jay too, I think.’’ 

By the end of the day, it was everywhere, and Minju was proof of that, because at some point during the day your best friend dragged you to the nearest cafe and interrogated you in a very similar way to the Witches' Council. With two lattes and two muffins and Minju unsuccessfully trying to contain her excitement, you sighed in defeat.

‘’Okay,’’ she started, resting her hands on the table, trying to calm down as if that would make her hear better. ‘’I’m ready. Tell me everything! What’s is going on with you and Niki?’’

You shrugged. ‘’There’s nothing going on,’’ you murmured, taking a sip of the latte. ‘’I think? I can categorize it for sure. Try be more specific.’’

Minju narrowed her eyes. ‘’Someone from my Economics class saw you and Niki earlier,’’ she paused. ‘’She said he took your glasses, like, he took them.’’

‘’That’s true. I was robbed in broad daylight and slightly criticized by my fashion choices, I think,’’ you frowned. 

Minju blinked and deflated a little. ‘’That’s not… how she described it.’’

You stared at your best friend, unimpressed. ‘’I’m literally incapable of lying, remember?’’ 

‘’So? What you’re gonna do?’’

‘’Honestly, I don’t know,’’ you sighed, massaging your temples. ‘’He told me I can get them back if I go to their party. He can keep them, I guess.’’

Minju gasped, slapping a hand over her mouth. ‘’Oh my God. You’re being courted!’’

‘’More like terrorized. He stole from me!’’

‘’He’s flirting, you dumbass!’’

‘’He committed a crime,’’ you stated. 

‘’You’re brushing!’’

You groaned and covered your face with a whine. ‘’Leave me alone.’’

‘’Listen,’’ Minju said, in a softer tone. ‘’I’ve never seen Niki doing something like that, he’s very reserved. He’s always looking at you like… like he wants to eat you alive. And to be honest, you don’t look at him very differently.’’

You pressed your lips together and watched your coffee as it had the answers of the world. Somewhere on campus Niki was probably smiling to himself, that you were sure of, perfectly aware that he did exactly what he wanted. 

Stressed you out, checked.

Provoked you, checked.

Left you with an invitation you could’t stop thinking about, checked.

The worst part? You didn’t care about getting your sunglasses back.

The sky has been gray and cloudy lately, but you hardly care. It was another hockey practice and only half your body was there, your functional neurons checking out a long time ago. Physically you existed there, but your mind? That was a thing with a life of its own. Your body moved when it should, your stick hit the ball when it was your turn, even your legs seemed more coordinated than before. The reality was that your mind was deep in a daydream about the thing you wanted most: your warm bed.

You were planning it in detail, too distracted and entertained. 

Hot shower, giant pajamas, a greasy double hamburger— eating cross-legged under your blankets while something mindless played on your laptop. The beginning of your weekend. No campus. No accidental honesty. No dodging dangerously perceptive boys. Just a pause in time to exist without stress.

You jogged half-heartedly across the grass, barely registering the shouts of your teammates playing. The cloudy weather made everything feel slower, heavier. Your eyelids even drooped for a second. And then— a memory flashing too fast, your brain betraying you.

Niki. Uninvited. 

How close he stood the other day, the way he said face the danger. His low, deep voice, the way he looked at you like— no. You shook your head slightly, refusing to let yourself do that. But the images, his face, it kept flickering in your head. His smile, his smirk, his intense eyes. Him watching you like— 

‘’Watch out!’’

Too late.

A body collided with you, hard, from the side. One of the girls tripped mid run to hit the ball, and suddenly the world turned upside down without warning. Grass. The grey sky. Impact. Your head hitting the ground hard enough to make you stay still with a low groan. There were some black points in your vision and for a second everything sounded muffed, until a sharp whistle pierced the air. 

The girl approached immediately, kneeling beside you in alarm. ‘’Oh my God, I’m so sorry! I didn't see you— are you okay? Don’t move.’’

You blinked a few times, staring at the sky. ‘’I’m fine,’’ you mumbled, pressing your hand on your head, making sure it was still there. ‘’It’s my fault. I was… geographically misplaced.’’

She looked confused but relieved. ‘’Oh…? Okay. Don’t stand up anyway, just take your time.’’

The coach jogged over, calling your name. ‘’Are you okay?’’ 

‘’Yeah,’’ you muttered, sitting slowly. ‘’It was just grass, it’s okay. Nature softened the hit, I guess.’’

And then, a shadow fell over you, but it wasn’t your coach or a teammate. You didn’t need to look up to know, a sense in your body recognizing the presence before your mind did. But you did look anyway and you suck a breath, cursing in your mind. 

Niki dropped beside you, crouching immediately, his expression serious. Shifting into something you never saw before, sharp and alert in a way that made your stomach flip for entirely different reasons than falling into the ground. 

Before you could process what was happening or even talk, his hands found you— sliding under your head, cradling carefully like you were struck with a metal baseball bat and not softly bonked by grass.

Your brain short-circuited and you let out a startled squeak, trying to push his hands. 

‘’I’m fine!’’ you blurted, trying to push yourself up. 

His hands didn’t move, still holding your skull. ‘’Don’t,’’ Niki said gently. 

Your heart was beating too fast for someone who just wanted a nap and a burger. 

‘’I literally fell on grass,’’ you insisted, noticing more people staring. ‘’This is not a serious injury, really.’’

Niki ignored you completely and looked up at your coach. ‘’She should go to the infirmary,’’ he suggested, voice steady and persuasive. ‘’Just in case.’’ 

Your head snapped towards him, confused. ‘’Just in case of what?’’

‘’Concussion.’’

You blinked, then laughed. ‘’No way. It was a gentle meeting between my head and nature. I’m perfectly fine.’’ 

Niki looked down at you. ‘’Do you know how concussions work?’’

The spell was faster than you. ‘’More or less.’’ 

‘’More or less,’’ he repeated, a small glint of amusement in his eyes. ‘’So you don’t actually know.’’

You clenched your teeth. ‘’I’m clearly conscious. I’m not dizzy. I can form intelligent sentences.’’

‘’Barely,’’ he said under his breath.

You gasped in outrage.

Your coach softened visibly by his tone. ‘’It’s very sweet that you’re worried about your girlfriend.’’

There was a split second of silence. And then:

‘’I am not his girlfriend,’’ you yelped at the same time Niki said smoothly, ‘’Thank you. I’ll take her.’’ 

You stared at him with both betrayal and alarm. ‘’Excuse me?’’

But Niki was already moving, and before you could react or scream his arm slided under your knees, other behind your back and the ground suddenly disappeared. 

You grabbed onto him reflexively, noticing that you were quite far from the ground. ‘’What are you doing?!’’

Carrying you apparently cost him zero effort, holding you like it was nothing. A small part of your brain noticed his arms flexing and his hard chest, but you pushed those thoughts down. 

‘’You might faint,’’ he replied like it was the most obvious thing in the world. ‘’I’m not taking risks.’’

You covered your face while Niki carried you bridal-style out of the field, leaving behind teammates whispering, gasping, other laughing, definitely rumours taking a new shape. You swore you saw Jay snapping a pic, but for your mental health you told yourself that was a hallucination induced by mortification.

You squirmed in his arms, refusing to give up. ‘’Right, I will faint from humiliation!’’

‘’You’re so dramatic,’’ he chuckled. ‘’Just stay still.’’

‘’This is completely unnecessary,’’ you hissed, kicking the air. ‘’I can walk. Put me down!’’

‘’No. Stop overreacting.’’

You gasped in pure incredulity at his nerve. ‘’Me? I’m the one overreacting? You engineered this!’’ 

He glanced down, amused. ‘’How? You were the one so distracted in the middle of a game that you hit your head. What were you thinking of, anyway?’’

The spell enveloped your tongue. ‘’I was thinking about my plans for tonight when I fell. On. Grass.’’

‘’You. Hit. Your. Head.’’

‘’On grass,’’ you groaned, resuming your kicks in the air. ‘’It’s not serious!’’

‘’You don’t know how hard you hit yourself,’’ Niki tried to reason with you. He adjusted his grip on you, too comfortable to care about your protests. 

‘’I do? I was literally there?’’

‘’So was I. Saw the whole thing.’’

‘’Put me down, Nishimura.’’ 

‘’No.’’

‘’I don’t particularly enjoy being paraded like this. People are looking!’’

‘’You’re being cared for.’’

‘’Against my wishes!’’

His expression, despite the teasing and the smirk, is sharp. Watchul. With something deeper, until you realize what it was. Protective. You hated the way your pulse reacted to it, and at some point along the way you relaxed enough to rest your cheek against his chest. You were giving him the silent treatment anyway, all pouty and clinging to what little dignity you had left.

The infirmary smelled like lemon scented cleaner. It was bright and quiet, a small place with a desk and a few simple beds to lay. Niki set you down on one of them, his hands lingering on your body enough for your heart to do a backflip before he stepped back in a very professional way and not suspicious at all. 

‘’Sit,’’ he said, unnecessary. You did. 

The nurse came up with a clipboard under her arm, looking between you and Niki. ‘’What happened?’’

Before you could open your mouth, Niki started speaking. ‘’She fell, hit her head hard. Black spots, disorientation. She tried to stand up immediately,’’ he accused you. 

Your eyes widened. ‘’That’s not—’’

‘’I feared she might have a concussion,’’ Niki continued, crossing his arms and looking at you like you were a very bad behaving kid, ‘’she insisted she was fine and that’s a sign that someone is not fine.’’

You stared at him in disbelief. ‘’I fell on grass.’’

‘’She collapsed after the hit,’’ Niki told the nurse. 

The nurse hummed, clearly entertained and nodding to the story, writing something on the clipboard. ‘’Mmm-mm, I see. And you carried her all the way here?’’

‘’Yes,’’ Niki replied like it was the most obvious thing to do. ‘’For her safety. She needs a check-up.’’

You pinched the bridge of your nose and sighed. 

‘’Well,’’ the nurse smiled, turning to you, ‘’you seem pretty alert and you didn’t lose consciousness. Let’s have you rest here for a bit just to be safe,’’ she handed you a small box of juice from her desk. ‘’Drink this, sugar helps.’’ 

You took it obediently, giving Niki a bitter side eye.

The nurse stepped back to her desk and then paused, taking the paper from the clipboard. ‘’I’ll be back with some paperwork,’’ she sent you a knowing look. ‘’Behave, you two.’’

The door closed behind her and then silence followed. 

You snorted softly. ‘’Don’t worry,’’ you said while stabbing with too much force the straw into the juice box, ‘’we’re not having a making-out session here.’’ 

The words hit your ears a second later and you froze, remembering the fucking spell. You immediately shoved the straw in your mouth like it might save you. 

Niki tilted his head, looking at you. ‘’We won’t?’’

You choked when the juice went the wrong way and you coughed until your eyes watered. ‘’—What!?’’

Niki patted your back softly, too entertained for someone who was playing hero. ‘’You heard me. That was a question.’’

You glared at him over the juice box, cheeks burning, spell threatening you. ‘’I'm not going to do anything that doesn't involve the nurse's medical advice, Nishimura.’’ 

Niki stepped close and you felt it— his fingers brushing the hem of your shorts, idly tracing the edge like it was the most natural thing to do.

‘’I like it when you call me that,’’ he muttered in that deep voice of his.

Your suspicions and alarms went off at the same time and you gave him another warning look, moving your thigh away from his fingers.

His touch followed you, but now it was his giant palm covering your thigh and gently squeezing it. 

‘’Don't,’’ you scolded him. 

He stooped, mostly. His hand still hovered there, but didn’t move further. 

‘’You got me worried out there,’’ he said, quietly. 

You studied his face— the crease between his brows, the lack of amusement or teasing. ‘’You didn’t have to carry me all the way here,’’ you mumbled.

‘’I wanted to and I’d do it again.’’

That landed harder than it should, straighter to your chest and even lower. A pause fell but it was soft, quiet, not quite awkward. It felt more like something seeking place and settling down. 

‘’Why do you run away all the time?’’ He asked, curious, searching your eyes. 

You swallowed and put the empty juice box to the side with a sigh. Your shoulder slumped a little, tiredness waving in your voice. ‘’Sometimes I feel…’’ you explained quietly. ‘’Like… there’s something in me that doesn’t let me lie, even if I wanted to,’’ you chuckled softly. 

Niki leaned in, eyes sharpening with interest. 

‘’And I don’t know how people would take that,’’ you continued, staring at the floor. ‘’What if I said too much and I hurt somebody? Or I show too much of myself? I don’t like that exposure. I don’t have any… shield or control. So I just wanna avoid those things from happening.’’

Niki didn’t interrupt you, listening attentively. He was silent for a long moment. ‘’You want to protect yourself,’’ he explained easily, making you tense a little. ‘’I know you think running makes you invisible, but it doesn't. It just makes people look harder.’’

You looked up and glanced at Niki, noticing that his face had gotten too close to yours, his eyes focussed on your lips. But before you could respond, the infirmary door opened and the nurse came back. Niki straightened up immediately as if nothing had happened and ran a hand through his hair with a sigh, the other still resting warmly on your thigh.

You didn’t scold him again or move away. 

Growing up as a witch was a series of completely out-of-context situations thrown right in your face for you to deal with. Like the time everything inside your house floated constantly for a month before you could get that power under control. Or the time you saw a rabbit, thought it was cute, and overnight your yard was overrun with rabbits from all sizes and colors until the town newspaper reported a rabbit overpopulation in your neighborhood. You hadn't realized you were controlling their energies and, unintentionally, summoning them.

So yes, you were somewhat used to surprising situations, but you still almost had a heart attack when you opened your backpack in the middle of class and two huge, deep, yellow eyes stared back at you from the darkness inside the bag. 

You nearly screamed. But the sound somehow got muffled in your throat as you quickly zipped up your backpack and cradled it against your chest like a contained bomb. Slowly, very, very slowly, you leaned forward over your desk and opened the zipper again, enough for Soomin to hear you. 

‘’What are you doing here!?’’ You whispered.

‘’I’m doing a surprise check in,’’ the owl whispered back. Inside the backpack, Soomin shifted with the quiet rustle of feathers. ‘’Supervising.’’

You squeezed your eyes shut and slowly pulled up the zipper again. You spent the entire class sitting stiffly in your chair, your backpack resting on your lap like the most suspicious object in the world while you pretended to take notes and that everything was normal and you didn’t had a fucking talking owl with you. Every small movement from inside the bag made your spine lock up and discreetly observe your surroundings, in case anyone noticed anything.

You felt the presence of the spell like a fucking dagger waiting to pierce your heart. Your mind kept cycling through every possible disaster scenario: the owl popping her head out, someone hearing her talk, someone asking you what was inside the bag. You had never been so aware of every single person in the room. When class finally ended you were one of the firsts to get the hell out of there, relief hitting you like oxygen after drowning. 

You fled the lecture hall still holding onto your backpack. 

‘’Don’t run! I’m getting dizzy,’’ Soomin whispered from inside the bag. 

‘’You snuck there! Now enjoy the ride,’’ you hissed quietly. ‘’What are you even doing here!?’’

‘’I’m monitoring and supervising, I told you I wasn't leaving you out of my sight and you been acting weird lately.’’

You pushed through the hallway doors, scanning the corridor for a quiet corner where you could finally unzip the bag and properly scold the feathered menace inside. Unfortunately, fate had other plans, of course it did, because you walked straight into Nishimura Riki.

You stopped in your tracks.

He had one hand in the pocket of his jacket, leaning lazily against the wall like he had nowhere urgent to be. When he noticed you approaching at suspicious speed with your backpack clutched like a hostage, his brows lifted slightly. Then his gaze drifted downward and slowly pointed. You followed the direction of his fingers, to the round owl head sticking out of your backpack. 

Soomin blinked at him. You froze. Soomin froze as well. For a long moment the three of you just stared at each other in a very tense and confusing silence. Niki muttered your name, a little doubtful.

‘’... Is that an owl?’’ 

Your brain ran through every possible lie in the world that you could think of, but obviously they all ran into the magic brick wall of the spell. ‘’Uh… uh… this is an animal that can be found in the forest.’’ 

You stopped talking immediately after that. Niki stared at you, then at the owl, and again at you. He didn't seem alarmed or confused, more like he wanted to understand why you would have an owl with you in the middle of the day instead of questioning how strange it was.

‘’Right,’’ he said slowly. Niki leaned a little closer, examining the bird with curiosity. ‘’And what is it doing in your backpack?’’

The truth tightened in your throat. ‘’It just… climbed in there.’’

Silence fell again, looks were exchanged and Soomin even tilted her head, taking in the boy in front of her, examining him in the same way Niki was doing. Then, he glanced at you and let out a quiet, amused breath through his nose, like he just decided not to question the situation too deeply. Niki was late to class, anyway.  

‘’You’re kind of weird,’’ he said, the corners of his mouth twitching. He looked at the owl again. ‘’What are you going to do with an owl?’’

You tightened your hold on the backpack, feeling Soomin shifting inside. You sighed. ‘’I’m… going to have a talk with her.’’ 

Ni-ki glanced down at the owl head still poking out of the zipper. The owl stared back with wide, unrepentant eyes. He nodded slowly, like that explanation made complete sense. Then he reached out without warning and casually pinched your chin in a gesture too gentle and familiar that made your brain short-circuit for a second. 

‘’Okay. We’ll talk later, yeah?’’

You just blinked at him, eyes huge and nodded. ‘’Uh-uh. Sure.’’

‘’Good luck with your…’’ he frowned and gestured vaguely at Soomin. ‘’Your forest animal.’’ 

And with that, he pushed away from the wall and walked down the hallway, disappearing into the flow of students like the entire interaction had been perfectly normal.

You stood there for exactly two seconds. Then you spun around into a more hidden corner and put the backpack down with a groan. 

“Soomin—!”

The owl immediately hopped out of the bag. ‘’Oh my God, who was that?’’

‘’What?’’

‘’That tall, intense dude. The handsome one with dark eyes,’’ she commented conspiratorially. 

‘’You snuck into my backpack, infiltrated in the university, caused me the most stressful class of my life, and you want to talk about a boy?’’

‘’Yes. Spill.’’ 

You rubbed your face, asking for patience from above. ‘’That’s Niki.’’

The owl studied the hallway where Niki had disappeared with a thoughtful expression. ‘’He’s very attractive.’’

‘’He is,’’ you conceded.

‘’He touched you very confidently,’’ she observed. 

‘’Uh— I mean— he kinda does that—’’ 

‘’And it didn’t bother you,’’ Soomin furthered her observations, blinking slowly. ‘’Are you dating him?’’

‘’No!’’

‘’You’re secretly seeing him? This is some of prohibited romance?’’

‘’What? Of course not.’’

‘’He’s your boyfriend and didn’t tell me?’’ Soomin asked with a squeak, entertained by the gossip. 

‘’I already told you no,’’ you tried to reason with her. 

‘’... Why are you blushing?’’

‘’Because... because... it's hot and I feel strange, now shut up,’’ you groaned, picking up the bird and putting her into the backpack again like you could trap the conversation inside it. 

She gasped. ‘’You like that tall boy!’’

The spell crackled throughout your body, your mind and tongue couldn't agree on what to say, but the truth did its job. ‘’I— I— I think— yes— but—’’

‘’I like that boy too. He didn’t scream when he saw me.’’

‘’You’re a bird, not a monster.’’

‘’That’s not the point,’’ Soomin scoffed. ‘’He was very gentle with you. I approve that.’’

Soomin watched you very carefully and you felt a little nudge in the heart of your magic. Her eyes softened.

‘’Oh,’’ she said. ‘’You’re so doomed.’’

You grabbed the zipper and slammed the backpack closed.

Later that day, after you took Soomin home and she promised you there would be no more surprise inspections, the library greeted you with silence and concentration. The setting sun reached some tables, the soft sound of pens writing relaxed you somehow, and the distant hum from the air conditioner in the distance served as white noise.

You were exactly where you liked to be, seated by the window, notes spread neatly. Pretty and colorful highlighters. Life under control, for once. 

That didn’t last long. 

You were finishing a paragraph about an idea you had written when a chair scraped against the floor across from you. You didn’t look up immediately, which was a big mistake.

‘’Okay,’’ a low, masculine voice said. ‘’Serious question.’’

Your pen froze mid word and you lifted your gaze, finding Niki sitting across from you like he belonged there. Elbows resting on the table, dark eyes locked on you with immovable focus.

You stared at him, putting down your pen slowly. ‘’Oh, no,’’ you doubted, straightening up as if a bomb were about to drop on you at any second. 

‘’Would you date me?’’

You stared at him completely blanky, certain you mishearded. There was no question in his tone. No hesitation. Just calm certainty, like he had already considered the options and selected the obvious one. You blinked again and looked around you, wondering if that was in fact a daydream and not reality. Maybe you casted a spell of illusion without realizing it? 

The spell stirred to life. ‘’I don't know,’’ you finally muttered. ‘’You just can’t ask me that out of nowhere!’’

His eyes sharpened, resting his chin on his hand. ‘’I just did. Let’s date.’’

‘’Niki,’’ you sighed, sending him a warning glance when he smirked at your tone. ‘’I don’t think that’s a good idea.’’ 

‘’Why not?’’

The spell tugged your tongue begging for honesty, warm and insistent, and the silence prolonged until you found how to stretch the truth. You inhaled softly, trying to collect the right words. 

‘’You look like the kind of problem I'm not really qualified for or sure I will be able to manage. Like… advanced detached emotional skills I don’t possess or want to entertain.’’

He didn’t flinch, or left, or smirked anymore. He considered your words leaning back into the chair, arms crossed, studying you like he was deciding how to make sense of what you said. 

Niki leaned forward then, forearms on the table like he was about to touch you in any second. The distance between you and him was slowly shrinking, but you felt like the walls were falling down onto your head. 

‘’How can you know that? We don’t know each other that well,’’ he explained patiently.

That was fair and he had a point. You hated that. You nodded and exhaled, unable to lie.  ‘’That’s true.’’

He waited, sensing how you were trying to expand your answer into something that made sense but it wasn't sharp and cruel. Niki’s focus didn’t waver. 

‘’I don’t know you that well,’’ you recognized, ‘’I am simply overlaying the information I have based on observational data in social interactions to form an opinion of you.’’

One corner of his mouth twitched. ‘’Observational data. Meaning you’ve been observing me.’’

‘’I mean, not on purpose or significance,’’ you explained further. ‘’And that’s not the main takeaway.’’

‘’Tell me,’’ he encouraged you, leaning even closer. ‘’What kind of problem do I look like to you? Use your data to enlighten me.’’

“You look,” you said carefully, stretching the sentence as far as it would go, “like someone who is used to getting attention without asking for it. And who doesn’t have to work very hard to keep it.”

His gaze didn’t waver. “And?”

“And,” you continued, because the spell would not let you escape halfway, “I don’t enjoy competing with other females. Especially not recreationally and emotionally. I like stable sentimental involvements.”

Niki snorted, entertained by you, clearly. ‘’I’d be an excellent boyfriend.’’

You laughed, between surprise and incredulity, it slipped so naturally out of you that you couldn't stop it. ‘’How would you know? You’ve never had a girlfriend.’’

He arched his brow. ‘’How would you know that?’’

You narrowed your eyes, taking in his challenging tone. ‘’There’s usually a different girl every weekend,” you said, far too matter-of-factly. “Statistically speaking, long-term attachment does not appear to be your preferred pattern. It’s very notable that you’re rarely alone and there's no fixed tendency on your type either.’’

But Niki didn’t look offended or insulted, or even caught, he was intrigued. ‘’Have you been keeping track?’’

Your spine straightened. ‘’Not actively. It’s more a knowledge from a passive environmental awareness situation, like… occasionally overhearing comments in the women's restroom from time to time.’’

“Environmental awareness,” he repeated. ‘’So, gossip in the women’s bathroom. That formed your opinion of me?’’

“Well, it's like noticing changes in the weather or bird migration patterns, I guess. I’m just exposing the data I gathered.’’

Niki slowly reached for your hand, his fingers brushing against yours. ‘’You’re comparing me to migratory bird patterns? That’s your angle here?’’

“I compare your social habits to recurring seasonal behavior,” you corrected quickly. ‘’Don’t spin this on me.’’

‘’So you think I’d be a bad boyfriend.’’ 

“I think,” you corrected, choosing each word with painful care, “that you give the impression of someone who enjoys options,’’ you said, honestly falling with surprising weight. And maybe a touch of vulnerability. ‘’Not the type of male to do stable emotional interactions.’’

For a moment, he didn’t deny it. “And that bothers you?”

“It doesn’t bother me in a personal capacity right now,” you responded, then sighed when the curse nudged you again. “But it would complicate things if we get hypothetically involved together.’’

The corner of Niki’s mouth curved upward, slower this time. “So you’re considering being hypothetically involved with me.”

“I am considering the hypothetical scenario in which I evaluate the feasibility of such involvement,” you clarified, aware of how ridiculous you sounded. 

His knee brushed yours under the table and neither of you moved. ‘’Mmm, I see. But you didn’t say you won’t date me, you say you didn’t know. Explain that, then.’’

You stared at him, blinking slowly, pretending you didn’t move your fingers away from his.

‘’I said exactly that I wouldn't know how to handle the problem you represent, theoretically.’’

‘’I’d let you,’’ he simply answered. ‘’Just say yes.’’

The tension between you shifted—less teasing now, more charged. 

‘’Let’s test your theory.’’ 

‘’My theory?’’

Niki played with one of your rings. ‘’Date me,’’ he proposed, ‘’find out if I’m actually a problem. Get to know me, do your research with your own data. What do you think?’’

Your heart flipped, lost connection with your brain and poured with automatic honesty. “I am… not opposed to gathering additional data under controlled circumstances to reassess my preliminary assumptions.”

‘’I like you,’’ Niki simplified, caressing your knuckles. ‘’And I wanna know you more.’’

That simple declaration sent your heart into failure, and your cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. “I find you objectively unfair,” you said, forcing steadiness into your tone. “Your face structure combined with your confidence level creates unnecessary distractions.’’

His eyes darkened slightly at that, satisfaction flickering across his features. “So that’s a yes.”

‘’It’s not a no,’’ you sighed, a little lost in the conversation. Keeping track of the truth was already hard, but doing it under Niki’s eyes and intentions was too hard. 

‘’Saturday at the frat,’’ he straightened, victory settling over him like a final move in a game only he knew they were playing. ‘’Come to the party. We’ll be alone and nobody will bother us.’’ 

‘’But—’’

But before you could say anything else, Niki stood up and walked around the table until she was standing in front of you, leaning in until your breaths mingled and you closed your mouth. He stroked your cheek and lifted your face, holding your chin, studying you closely with a knowing look.

‘’I know you're going to try to run away,’’ he said, eyes flickering to your lips. ‘’I know you talk the way you do because you're trying to prolong the truth. I know you want this because you're not really pushing me away,’’ he murmured, his thumb rubbing your lower lip absently. ‘’You look at me the way I look at you, and it's driving me crazy, baby.’’ 

You were out of words. Niki’s gaze returned to your eyes, satisfied at the effect he had on you. He stood up, full of triumph and smiled at you, he actually fully smiled, and you just stared at Niki like you were seeing the sun for the first time.

‘’We’re dating now,’’ he mumbled, giving you one last look. ‘’And if I don't see you there, I'll come looking for you. Choose wisely,’’ he advised, already stepping back.

And that's how Niki left, leaving you stunned and recalculating in a corner of the library, your heart pounding and your cheeks flushed. 

And somehow, in a way you didn't quite understand, the day ended with you officially dating Nishimura Riki.

The fraternity house was already shaking by the time you went through the door. It wasn't surprising, because everyone wanted to be there. Nobody in their right mind would miss the chance to get close to one of the guys, to mingle with them, to get their attention. The chances of fun and craziness were too high; everyone knew about the reputation of that frat's parties. 

The air was thick with the sweet and sour aroma of alcohol, juice mixed with vodka and beer, bottles and glasses piling up everywhere. The music was so loud it pounded in your chest, the flashing lights made your footsteps blurry, and people were everywhere talking, laughing, kissing, dancing. It was the kind of party everyone would tear apart piece by piece the next day and gossip about everything that happened, because it was the kind of party where something was always happening.

You knew that your best friend was probably entangled with Jungwon in some corner of the party. You avoided touching any drop of alcohol, because adding that to a spell powered by truth was the worst idea in the world, even though that what you wanted most at that moment was a drink. 

You felt as if you had willingly walked into the lion's den, and well, you had. There didn't seem to be any safe zone; your eyes were constantly scanning for Niki to appear. This was because of the collection of accurate data, you lied to yourself. That's why you dressed so daringly. A short skirt that showed off your legs, loose hair, overly glossy lips, a long-sleeved top with a neckline that dropped just enough to show your collarbones.

It was absolutely not because of him. And then, you felt it.

It was a shift in the air, a tiny recognition of something about to happen. The weight of somebody’s attention, the feeling of being watched. You turned your face over your shoulder and locked eyes with Niki across the room, near the stairs, where he was watching you intently. 

He was surrounded by friends and other people you didn't know. When his eyes noticed you, it was as if his expression changed completely, fading into something focused and determined, satisfied. His eyes traveled over you slowly, unhurriedly, like a caress; taking in your skirt, your legs, your bare shoulders, the soft, exposed skin. You breath caught under his intense gaze, instinct kicking in from feeling like a prey. 

You turned around and blended into the crowd with ease, trying to control the mild panic and excitement coursing through your veins. You knew he was still there, keeping a close eye on you, and that running was a terrible idea. Because Niki loved a chase. You knew you were delaying the inevitable, buying more time than you had, testing limits just because you could.

You wondered if he was still following you. Wouldn't he get distracted? Wouldn't he get bored and rather pick another girl? Would he get annoyed? 

At some point you gave up and your fingers circled a plastic cup with something sweet and strong that warmed your throat and made you immediately regret it because of how good it tasted, how easy it was to drink it. You didn't know exactly where in the house you were, but it wasn't the heart of the party, it wasn't packed with people, and the music wasn't as loud.

A hand wrapped around your wrist, and you didn't need to turn around to know who it was. His thumb caressed the spot where your pulse quickened, his chest pressed against your back just enough for his breath to brush against your hair.

His mouth brushed against your ear, sending hundreds of shivers down your neck. ‘’Still running from me?’’ 

You barely turned your face, as his grip loosened from your wrist to your waist, where both hands squeezed it tightly, as if he feared you might escape. ‘’I was strategically relocating.’’

Niki laughed shortly, the sound against your ear. ‘’You saw me and tried to escape.’’

The spell cursed through your mouth before you could register it. ‘’Yes.’’

His body pressed closer to yours, making you hold your breath. ‘’Why?’’

You swallowed, searching for the right words, absentmindedly licking your lips. ‘’I wanted to know if you would follow me,’’ you admitted.

He shifted, turning your body carefully so you could face him fully. Niki’s hands were still on your waist, his touch more relaxed, but not less possessive. Up close, his eyes seemed darker, wilder, dilated under the flickering lights.

“You wore this on purpose,” he said, gaze dipping briefly to your collarbones before returning to her face. ‘’For me.’’

‘’I wore it because it's socially required to wear clothes at public events.’’

His thumbs caressed and pressed the skin of your hip, shaking his head. ‘’Not good enough. Try again and be honest.’’

The spell pushed you, taking control. ‘’I wore it because I knew you’d be here,’’ you responded before you could wrap the thought into something safer and confusing. ‘’And I wanted you to look.’’

His jaw tightened, not in anger but in restraint. ‘’You’re starting a dangerous game,’’ he warned you, voice warm and husky. ‘’Careful.’’

You shook your head, staring at him. ‘’I’m not playing,’’ you frowned, spilling truthfully. 

One of Niki’s hands slid from your waist to your back, pulling you flush against him, deliberated. The air shifted around you, your hands resting on his chest and not moving him away, too blinded by his eyes to care if anyone in the crowd saw you.

“You’re driving me insane,” he admitted, barely audible.

“You like it,” you replied, and the tremor beneath the honesty was too evident. 

His gaze flicked to your mouth. “For the record,” Niki said, “I’m about to kiss you.”

Your heart bounced, melted, reformed, and continued bouncing against your ribs. Maybe it was the spell, the drink you had, or maybe you just didn't want to fight against honesty anymore, but you smiled a little. 

‘’If you don't I might, Nishimura,’’ you lightly threaten him.

The small distance that existed vanished like a whisper, slowly, the tension that had been built up for a long time slowly letting go, something bigger entered. He kissed you as if he had waited too long to do so and didn't want to waste another second.

It wasn't desperate or clumsy, but decisive, as if he knew exactly where and how to strike. You melted into a kiss almost immediately, letting him do as he pleased with you. He made his way into your mouth and explored it slowly, savoring the strawberry and vodka from before and your own taste. Both of your breaths caught in your throats as neither of you let go, too immersed in the kiss for breathing to be a priority. 

Your hands tangled in the honey-blonde hair at the nape of his neck, your nails slowly sliding down his skin to his neck, making him hiss into the kiss, his hands touching you more freely, exploring, daring to slip inside your skirt.

You had no idea how, but between a kiss and a breath, more kisses and muffled moans against each other's mouths, at some point your back hit a door. Niki opened it, pulled you both into a room, and cornered you against the door again, closing it with a click you barely registered. His mouth went down to yours again, one hand on your throat and the other on your jaw, as if that way he could hold you down to devour your soul in peace.

When both had to separate again because their lungs couldn't take any more, you two were a bit of a mess. Niki's full lips were swollen from kisses, barely colored by your gloss, his hair a little disheveled, eyes shining with barely contained desire. You weren't looking much better either, your skirt twisted and wrinkled from how many times Niki had grabbed and crumpled it, your cheeks flushed, and your lip marked by Niki's bite.

Niki kissed you again, but this time more gently, first your lips, then the corner of your mouth, your throat, the line of your exposed collarbones. He turned you both gently, walking into the room while continuing to kiss and gently suck on your skin, making you sigh and hold onto him, until you laid on a bed and a little bit of sense got to your fuzzy brain. 

Only then you fully looked at your surroundings. 

The light was dim, with a lamp in the corner casting a warm glow. Sneakers were arranged against the wall, some everyday shoes and some basketball shoes. Hanging from a hook near the closet was a jacket with a number and Niki's last name embroidered on the back.

You tilted your neck to get a better look and Niki interpreted it as you were giving him more space, smiling against your neck and continuing the trail of slow, wet kisses, making himself room between your legs. 

You blinked, still finding details to look at. ‘’This is your room,’’ you said.

Niki stopped briefly, looked at you and then placed a kiss on your lips. ‘’Welcome.’’

‘’This feels like important information,’’ you arched a brow, curious. 

‘’We’re busy,’’ he replied simply, leaning again to press another kiss to your mouth. Your pulse quickened, and you let him distract you with his mouth, wrapping your legs not so timidly around his waist. His lips trailed down the spine of your throat, biting the sensitive spots that made you dig your fingers into his shoulders, breathless.

Your eyes opened for a second, but it was enough to notice something at the other end of the room. It was a medium-sized cabinet hanging against the wall, made of wood and glass, a display case. Inside, carefully arranged under warm strip lighting were small collectible figures— you knew them too well. Cute, round-headed, soft features, expressive.

Hirono.

Not one. Not two. Several. Arranged too neatly to be random, they were all different, but aligned according to the collection they belonged to. It was a curated exhibition. 

The stunned gasp you let out was too loud and made Niki froze for a second, looking up from your neck. ‘’What?’’

You couldn't control the little laugh that bubbled up from you, a mixture of disbelief, excitement, and delight. ‘’You have Hirono figures!’’

Something too interesting happened. Niki blinked, as if that was the last thing he expected to hear from you. For the first time he seemed hesitant, as if he had been caught up in a confusing crime, but at the same time, something else flashed across his face... a touch of shyness. 

He cleared his throat. ‘’What?’’

You twisted slightly in his hold to point at the display case, smiling. ‘’They’re in a diorama, aren’t they? You arranged them by series. The right ones are from the Mime set and the middle ones are,’’ you squinting your eyes, leaning in, ‘’Little Mischief. Right?’’

Niki stared at you, eyes glowing. ‘’You know them?’’ He asked slowly.

‘’Of course,’’ you looked at him incredulously. ‘’I collect them too.’’

He stepped back a little to get a better look at you, holding himself above you. ‘’You’re lying.’’

‘’I can’t lie,’’ you replied automatically, too focused on the figures to notice the slip. ‘’They even look like you, Nishimura.’’

His eyebrows shot up and he snorted. ‘’They do not.’’

‘’They do,’’ you insisted with a laugh. ‘’Look at them! Their eyes and little nose. Moody, slightly frowning, probably judging everyone internally.’’

He stared at you for a moment, as if debating whether he should be offended or not. ‘’I do not look like a Hirono figure.’’

‘’The resemblance it’s very accurate,’’ you defended your theory. 

He looked back at the figures and then at you, something unreadable flickering across his expression. No one noticed those figures when they entered his room. Not the guys on the team or his friends; maybe Jungwon took a picture of them once but didn't ask any further questions about it. Definitely not the girls who came and went and whose names he didn't bother to remember afterward. 

But you did, without a second thought, without trying to impress him. “You’re the first person who’s ever said anything about them,” he blurted, before he could stop himself.

The confession floated between the two of you, as soft as the muffled music that could be heard from below. You felt your face slowly lose its smile, your expression becoming gentler. 

‘’They're arranged as if you cared about them, as if you'd thought it carefully. Of course I noticed.’’ 

He closed the small space and kissed you once again, while his fingers brushed a strand of hair from your face. ‘’What am I gonna do with you?’’

‘’You’re the one who dragged me here.’’

‘’You talking about my collection distracted me more than necessary.’’

You smiled a little. ‘’They’re cute.’’

He shook his head, stealing another kiss. ‘’You’re cuter.’’

The spell sparkled but this time you didn’t feel it like a threat or a trap, just letting it take its course. ‘’You look unfairly attractive when you’re flustered,” you observed. 

‘’I’m not flustered.’’

‘’Liar,’’ you scoffed. 

Niki huffed a quiet laugh and kissed you again, slowly. His hands slipped back under your skirt, and you didn't stop him, letting his palms cover and caress your thighs as he devoured your mouth like someone who had all the time in the world. You wrapped your arms around his neck and let each kiss melt you more and more, until the migratory patterns of birds no longer mattered to you, nor did the spell, letting Niki convince you with every touch that he wasn't a problem you could easily run away from.

Maybe it was because your lungs had their daily dose of suffering when they made you run ten laps around the field, or maybe the concussion from days ago was a delayed effect, but you were just too dizzy.

Niki's body pushed you further against the wall, as if the way you were pressed together wasn't enough and he needed more. It wasn't a soft kiss, but the kind of kisses Niki gave where you were convinced he wanted to steal the air from your lungs and replace it with him. 

The bastard knew exactly which buttons to push, his warm hand cradling your jaw while the other one was inside your shorts, long fingers buried deeply in your dripping cunt. His thumb gently stroked your cheek, in that way he knew it would melt you too quickly. It did.

When he pulled back you were too disoriented to remember where you were; hidden from stares under the stands in broad daylight, feeling like two highschoolers furiously making out before getting caught. Your heart was pounding as if you had made ten more laps, moans stuck in your throat trying to keep them at bay, but the way Niki was fingering you was merciless.

‘’Come watch my training,’’ he murmured against your ear, lips kissing the sport under it. His fingers found the spot inside you that made you whimper, stroking it over and over. ‘’I want to see you there, sitting all pretty and mine. Where I can look at you.’’

He had tried to convince you for several days, and you had to admit the man had a certain charm that made you hesitate. Maybe it was the amazing orgasms. Once you had almost agreed, but when a girl you didn't know greeted you and asked what you did to get Niki and if it was true that he had a huge cock like his friends, you panicked a little and abandoned the idea. The spell was coming to an end and you weren't going to give in.

‘’If you don’t,’’ he added, voice dripping into something dangerous and playful at the same time, ‘’I won’t kiss you again. Or worse.’’

You blinked at him, cunt clenching around his fingers, cheeks flushed. ‘’O-or worse?’’ 

Niki hummed and nodded, fucking you faster until you gasped against his lips and he swallowed every moan of yours while you cum, holding you as your thighs trembled and crushed his hand between your legs. 

He deliberately brushed his fingers against your clit one last time as he withdrew his hand and brought them to his mouth, sucking your juices while continuing to look at you. Niki didn’t say anything else, just kissed you, so fondly and threatening at the same time, and walked away towards the field like nothing had happened. Wearing an eating-shit smirk, whistling softly to himself. 

You stared at him, recalculating your entire existence, just as you had from the moment Niki decided to be a part of your life weeks ago. 

You told yourself that maybe it was the afterglow of a good orgasm, or maybe you just had nothing better to do, or perhaps a part of you really wanted to watch Niki training, all sweaty and focused. The day felt like it was about to explode into a storm at any moment, the sky gray and covered with thick, threatening clouds waiting for the perfect opportunity. There was hardly anyone watching the boys, just a few girls a few steps up in the stands— Minju was there.

Buttercup as well.

Minju had grown fond of her chickens and had bought accessories to take them everywhere. Her most recent purchase was a backpack with a hard, clear plastic cover that was actually for walking cats, but the label didn't specify that it couldn't be used for chickens.

She was leaning forward, with lovestruck eyes and a silly, dreamy expression, watching Jungwon run. Inside the plaster carrier Buttercup was dozing off, relaxed and round. Your best friend noticed your hesitation and smiled at you, tapping the spot next to her with an expression that said, "you better sit down or I'm capable of tackling you to the ground if you take one step back."

You sat. 

The world didn’t combust instantly. Minju beamed and turned her attention back to the field. You gradually relaxed and leaned forward as well, resting your chin on your hand as you openly watched Niki. He had just finished a drill and was talking to Heeseung (who looked like he wanted to be anywhere but running there, clearly struggling) (he was the last victim to be convinced to join the open class), when his eyes flickered up to the stands and landed on you. 

You swore you saw his pupils dilating. Something in his expression changed and his smile was slow. Darker, satisfied, making your stomach flip and your pussy throb. But it didn't stop there. Niki was focused on training, of course, but every now and then he'd glance at you, as if making sure you were still there. You met his gaze each time, even smiling slightly and enjoying the way it seemed to affect him. 

You'd discovered that this was a two-way street, and that Niki, the unattainable and serious Niki, was capable of getting flustered. Like when he asked you which Hironos you collected and if he could see them, and which one was your favorite. Or the time you just kissed his neck and brushed his hair back without thinking about it too much, and Niki blinked and then melted against you.

The training session ended and the boys scattered everywhere, some going for water, others lying on the ground to stretch, but not Niki. He walked straight to you, determined eyes that held you still in your place, your pulse spiking with anticipation. 

He kissed you in front of everybody, hands cradling your face.

Minju gasped, you swore Buttercup made a similar sound, other peoples gasps reached your ears as well, but honestly it could have been a trick of your mind. Nothing existed around you but you and Niki.

He pulled back enough to grin at you, eyes soft and bright with a touch of mischief. ‘’Hi, baby.’’

You blinked, trying to gather your thoughts. ‘’Uh… Hi.’’

‘’Ready to go?’’

You nodded, still a little hazy and flustered. He took your hand, pulled you up, grabbed his bag, threw it over his shoulder, and got you out of there in less than two minutes. He also ignored Jay throwing kisses at him while leaving. 

Niki decided to break the silence first, your hand in his gently swaying, intertwined. ‘’There’s a party tonight at Jake’s,’’ he started, stealing a glance at you. ‘’Jay’s pretending we don't notice, but he wants to get a girl's attention.’’

You arched a brow, interested. ‘’Is he trying to set a trap there or what?’’

‘’That’s what I thought,’’ he huffed a laugh, drawing you closer to him. ‘’He’s been weird lately. Restless. Anyway, Jake wants us to keep an eye on the party. He know how things can get.’’ 

You gently bumped your shoulder against his, trying not to smile and failing. ‘’Is this your way of asking me to come with you?’’

‘’This is an opportunity for you to continue collecting new data to establish your patterns. Or have I already convinced you that I'm not a problem?’’

‘’Hmm. You are... doing an acceptable job in proving your case considering my prior judgment based on social environmental observation. Maybe you'll give me back my sunglasses too, Nishimura?’’

‘’They will remain my hostage until you accept that I was right and that I can be a good boyfriend.’’

You didn't correct him and Niki noticed.

Jake's house was exactly the chaos you imagined it to be, maybe a little smaller and more contained than the frat parties, but no less alive and vibrant for it. Before you could go inside and find Niki, something small and black, furry, jumped out from the side and meowed at you. The cat blinked slowly at you, and you tilted your head, studying it, feeling an energy emanating from it that stopped you before you could pet its head. You chuckled softly in disbelief, glancing at the cat and then back at Jake's house as if you were mentally running through the odds.

‘’I can’t believe it,’’ you mumbled, staring at the knowing eyes of the cat. 

‘’Welcome, dear,’’ the cat purred. ‘’I’m Minhyung and you're the one with the truth spell, aren't you?’’

‘’Unfortunately.’’

The cat meowed and laughed, shaking his head. You had to admit, it was too cute and fluffy to even care that it was probably an ancient soul, so of course you petted his ears softly. 

‘’Aish, that punishment was too much. Anyway, your boy’s inside. It’s a house full of witches tonight,’’ Minhyung observed, tilting his head so he could get more pets to his ears and neck.

You entered the house, greeted by loud pulsing music and drunken laughter. You recognized some faces among the dancing crowd, the dim light and the smell of liquor, like Jake taking a girl upstairs and Jungwon and Minju huddled in a corner devouring each other's faces. You slowly made your way through the party, not quite knowing where you were going or where to find Niki, your body trembling with anticipation. It was impossible not to.

In the short time you and he had spent together, Niki had done an incredibly good job training your body. Maybe it was the slow making out sessions in bed, or the way he buried his face between your legs like an starved man, or the intense way he looked at you sometimes, as if he were thinking about throwing you to the ground and fucking you until you couldn't take any more.

You just wanted to find him, sit him down on the nearest surface you could find, and ride him while you kissed him. And maybe then watch something while spooning.

Your steps led you to the almost deserted backyard and you pursed your lips, examining your surroundings without much success, when a hand encircled your wrist and you were cornered against the wall.

Niki placed one hand beside your head and the other settled comfortably on your waist. His eyes drifted to your lips, slowly and deliberately, as if he were thinking about how to kiss you.

‘’You took your sweet time,’’ he said, tilting your chin up. ‘’I was wondering if maybe you backed out.’’

You rolled your eyes. ‘’I said I would come. Why, Nishimura? Would you have missed me?’’

‘’Yes.’’

His thumb brushed your hip and you felt it everywhere, staring at his full lips while he was closing the distance and—

Your phone started ringing with the most annoying alarm ever. 

‘’Wait—wait— let me turn it off—’’

Niki exhaled though his nose, amused. ‘’Seriously?’’

You frowned a little. ‘’I don't even remember setting an ala—’’

You glanced at the screen, blinking completely shocked like you quite didn’t understand what was written on it. 

FULL LUNAR CYCLE COMPLETED!!!

You gasped loud, dramatic, so loud that startled Niki.

He looked at you urgently. ‘’What?’’

You stared at the words like it was some divine intervention. You let out a shriek and jumped on your place, laughing. 

‘’Oh my God!— OH MY GOD!’’

You threw your arms around Niki’s neck so suddenly that he catched you firmly to stop both of you from falling over. You were screaming and laughing and Niki laughed too, more startled and confused than anything, automatically wrapping his arms around your waist to steady you. 

‘’It’s over! I can't believe it! I did it!’’ You laughed again, a little hysterical. ‘’It’s over, it’s over!’’

He blinked down at you, the pure face of confusion. ‘’What is?’’

‘’I survived the whole lunar cycle! It’s over! I’m free!’’

You were practically bouncing in his arms, pulling back only to grab his face and grin at him like you just won millions. 

‘’A month,’’ you started, smiling too wide. ‘’An entire lunar cycle! made it!’’

Niki stared at you, arching a brow. ‘’Lunar cycle?’’ He repeated slowly. ‘’...Is this about your period or something?’’

You didn’t even hear him, skipping away from him and spinning around the yard with your arms in the air. ‘’I can shut up! I can lie! I have options!’’

He watched you like you officially lost your mind.

You approached him again and took his hands, jumping with a smile. ‘’Do you have any idea how hard is to live without lying even once?’’

Niki’s eyebrow shoots up. ‘’You haven’t been lying this whole time?’’

You beamed at him. ‘’I haven’t!’’

He squinted at you, nodding. ‘’That… explains a lot.’’ 

‘’I’m free,’’ you whispered dramatically. ‘’It’s over.’’

Niki stared at you for a whole moment and then, very slowly, he smiled. Not a smug smirk or his teasing grin. A soft, pretty, full smile. Warm and completely smitten by you. 

You were still dancing in tiny, excited circles close to him when Niki reached out, grabbed you by the waist and pulled you flush against his body in one smooth motion.

‘’I have no idea what’s happening,’’ he admitted quietly, brushing his nose with yours. ‘’But you look too adorable to care.’’

He kissed you, deeply, sighing into the kiss like he just found the place where he belonged. Niki held you against him, hands firm and possessive, like he was anchoring you to him. The party noises blurred into something in the back of your mind and you melted against him, fingers curling into his shirt. 

When he finally separated from your lips, a thread of saliva joined them both, which he slowly licked from your mouth. He rested his forehead against yours, his hands wandering further down until he grabbed your ass.

‘’So,’’ he murmured, staring at your eyes, ‘’does this mean you’re going to start lying to me now?’’

You smiled, slow and seductive, stealing a short kiss from him. ‘’That,’’ you whispered sweetly, ‘’depends.’’

His eyes darkened. ‘’On what?’’

You tilted your head, pretending to think about it while biting your lip. Niki’s gaze followed the movement. 

‘’On how good you’re gonna fuck me tonight.’’ 

Niki promised himself that Jake would never find out, despite all their years of friendship, that he used his parents' empty room to have sex with you in the middle of a party. But it was so fucking worth it. 

Maybe you had bitten off more than you could swallow because Niki took your challenge too seriously and you were paying for it with orgasms that didn't let you string a single thought together, your body simply reacting to his will. His mouth was closed over your nipples, alternating between sucking one and then the other until they were red and tender as you moaned and your vision blurred with a second orgasm incoming, his fingers pushed inside your soaked wet pussy. 

‘’That’s it,’’ he mumbled quietly around your nipple, sucking it again while you arched and moaned. ‘’Just take it, baby. Cum again for me, let me stretch this pretty pussy for my cock.’’ 

You gasped from overstimulation, listening to the wet noises your pussy made each time Niki thrusted his fingers inside fast and hard, clinging to his hair and pushing it towards your tits, Niki growled and sucked your nipples roughly, swirling his tongue. You came with a muffled scream and whimpered when Niki didn’t stop, your pussy tightening around his fingers as if you didn't want to let them go.

He chuckled darkly, staring at you completely fascinated at the state you were. Panting, teary, marked everywhere by his mouth; red hickeys blooming all over your neck down your chest, to the pretty and soft skin of your breasts, nipples swollen from having sucked them for so long. So prettily destroyed by him, and it was just the beginning.

‘’Fuck,’’ you whispered, a trembling mess, tears failing from pleasure. You sobbed a short laugh. ‘’You’re such a menace, Nishimura.’’

Niki straightened with a proud smirk and began working his belt, your eyes immediately fixed on the tent in his pants. You licked your lips and replaced his hands, opening his pants and pulling down his boxers until his hard cock sprang out, hard and veiny. Too big. 

‘’No way.’’

‘’What?’’

‘’It’s… so big,’’ you breathed in short gasps, encircling his cock with both hands and pumping it slowly, making him moan. You looked at it from under your eyelashes, rubbing the tip with your thumb, spreading the precum leaking. You were a girl open to accepting challenges, but this worried you a little. ‘’I don’t think it’ll fit, Niki.’’

Niki simply smiled smugly, his dark eyes filled with desire. He flipped you onto the bed, making you yelp because of how sudden and abrupt it was. Your pussy fluttered and a new gush of wetness soaked you, feeling his hands wandering through your body, gripping and squeezing your waist, your thighs, the curve of your ass. 

‘’It won’t fit,’’ you repeated shakily, even as you let Niki position you however he wanted. Face pushed down, ass up, your back arched so prettily that made him grunt and spank you. You whimpered and you turned your head, trying to look at him. ‘’Are you listening to me?’’

‘’Of course I’m listening,’’ he said, positioning himself behind you and caressing your ass with his cock, gently rubbing against your skin. He slipped his cock between your folds and began to rub it lazily back and forth making you feel how hard it was, how big it was. You dripped all over him with a moan each time the head of his cock grazed your throbbing clit. ‘’Don’t worry, baby. I’ll make it fit just fine. You’re ready for me, you trust me, right?’’

‘’Y-yeah,’’ you moaned, feeling the tip of his cock lining up to your hole, barely pushing. Niki grabbed your hips, held you down onto the bed and slowly guided his cock inside you. ‘’I do.’’

The head of his cock pushed against your entrance, forcing its way in little by little and stretching you completely. You gasped and opened your legs wider as he pushed his cock inch by inch, making you whimper at its thickness. Fuck. You had never felt so full, so stretched out and open, a loud moan leaving without you could control yourself. 

‘’Relax for me, pretty girl,’’ he said quietly, still keeping the slow but unforgiving pace. You tried not to tense up, but everything was both too much and too little, gently sniffing against the bed as your pussy tightened around Niki's cock. ‘’Just like that, taking me so well.’’

Niki hissed softly, feeling your cunt wrapping so tight his cock was the hottest thing he ever saw; how your pretty, wet hole creamed his length. 

‘’You’re doing so well, baby,’’ he whispered, hands holding you in place, big hands caressing your waist, your ass. ‘’Opening your pretty pussy for me, letting me fill you. You can feel it, don’t you? How deep it goes?’’

You nodded, drool dripping into the pillow as coherent thoughts left your head and all you could feel was his cock inside you, making you clench so hard around him it made him moan. Niki's thrusts were slow and deep, and you swore it made you feel him all the way to your stomach. He was buried too deep inside you, each push of his thick cock stretching you further until the pleasure was too much. 

His pace quickened, his cock sliding in more easily because of how wet you were and how he had opened you up. ‘’Look at you,’’ he sneered, giving your ass a firm squeeze. ‘’Taking my cock so well, greedy pussy’s sucking me in,’’ he moaned, low and dirty. ‘’Fucking take it like a good girl.’’

Your moans grew louder and your eyes rolled back in your head as he began to fuck you faster, pounding you hard from behind. You cried from pleasure into the mattress, your pussy tightened and dripped around him, milking him with each thrust that went so far you were sure his tip was grazing your cervix. Niki was fucking you so hard that the bed moved, hitting the wall softly and you could’t do anything but to take it, a moaning mess. 

‘’Not so mouthy now, right?’’ He scoffed, giving you another spank, making you whimper and squeeze his cock harder. ‘’That’s what I fucking thought,’’ he chuckled, burying himself into your cunt faster, with a low groan. 

‘’Niki,’’ you moaned, barely able to form a sentence, not feeling anything but his thick cock and his ruthless pace, the way he was filling you. ‘’Please— I’m gonn—’’

‘’Ah, ah, not until I say so,’’ he warned you, laughing when you whined and sobbed when another spank landed on your ass. ‘’Not until you fucking say this pussy is mine. C’mon, baby, don’t keep me waiting. Say it.’’ 

‘’I-it’s—,’’ you moaned again, cunt stretched out and throbbing around him, every thrust sending you over the edge. He hit your g-spot over and over, making you tremble. ‘’It’s yours—’’ 

‘’That’s right,’’ he mumbled, slamming into your harder, deeper and desesperate; sweat dripping from his temple. ‘’Say I’m not a fucking problem.’’

‘’Niki!’’ You sobbed softly, hardly holding back from shattering. He just hummed darkly, almost amused. You shook your head quickly and moaned again, too gone to even care to lie, your pussy throbbing around his cock, needy and desperate. ‘’You’re not a problem—’’

‘’Cum for me, baby, milk my fucking cock,’’ he ordered, voice rough and husky going straight to your core. The pleasure was so intense that once you reached the peak, it simply destroyed you, leaving you trembling and broken. You were too full, overstimulated, squeezing his cock as your climax coursed through you, leaving you a whimpering mess. ‘’I’m filling this pretty hole until it overflows,’’ he promised, voice used and hoarse. ‘’Beg for it.’’

You looked at Niki from the pillow, eyelashes with unshed tears and a completely spaced out expression from being fucked too good, cheeks flushed and makeup smudged. You blinked slowly and licked your lips, milking his cock with the spasms of your cunt.

‘’Don’t pull out,’’ you gasped softly, reaching for him. Niki didn’t doubt it for a second, holding your hand while slamming into your pussy almost brutally. ‘’I want it inside—please—fill me up,’’ you begged with a broken moan. ‘’Mark my pussy with you cum—’’

Niki cursed under his breath, railing you almost at a punishing pace, using your hole until you were both moaning with raw desperation. You never felt anything so intense before and your body couldn't handle it, making you come for the fourth time with a scream as Niki buried himself deep inside you, coming with a hoarse moan. 

You collapse onto the bed, your knees giving away, your whole body trembling and sensitive. Every part of you was throbbing, used and spent. Niki spilled his load inside your cunt and you moaned softly at the feeling, flooding your womb with hot ropes of cum, making you feel so full. His body covered yours and you could feel his racing heart in your back, staying inside you as you both tried to catch your breath. 

You laid there, enjoying his weight against you, the sensation of his cock filling you, and his hot cum slowly escaping from your hole. Niki moved a little and you moaned, tensing up a little, but he gently silenced you, slowly kissing your neck until you relaxed again. 

‘’Shhh, it’s fine,’’ he said quietly, coaxing you with more soft kisses. ‘’You’re okay?’’

You nodded and sobbed a little, still holding onto his hand. Your mind felt… flying somewhere. A wave of need filling you that you didn't understand, only knowing that you wanted his warmth surrounding you. ‘’Don’t leave.’’

‘’I won’t,’’ he reassured you, slipping out of your cunt carefully. You hissed because of the sensitivity and Niki kissed your shoulder, silently apologizing. ‘’C’mere.’’

Niki settled on his side and pulled you close to his chest, studying your face while drying the wetness from your cheeks with his thumb unhurriedly, fondly. You snuggled into his chest and sighed, too drunk on orgasms to even think, just needing him closer. Niki kissed your forehead, lips lingering there, arms wrapping securely around you, making you completely content and warm. Heart fluttering happily, but that was another thing. 

‘’So? You’re gonna start lying to me?’’

You chuckled tiredly, smiling to yourself with your eyes closed. ‘’No if you keep the good work, Nishimura.’’

‘’I told you I’d be an excellent boyfriend.’’ 

Your little calico cat stared at you from his throne, more known as your comfy bed full of pillows. Jisoo flicked his tail lazily as he watched completely uninterested how you were losing your mind over a wrinkled sheet of paper. 

‘’I don’t understand! I studied for days,’’ you grunted, teeth clenched. Your exam laid on the floor, forgotten in the middle of a fury attack. ‘’I can’t believe that idiot got a higher grade! This is so unfair.’’

‘’Language!’’ Jisoo hissed, stretching with a big yawn after. He closed his eyes and pretended you weren’t there, ignoring the glare you sent his way. ‘’You got a good grade, stop complaining before you give me a headache. You’re interrupting my nap time, by the way.’’

‘’This is a disaster, Jisoo. He beat me by half a point, can you believe that?’’

‘’Darling, you don’t know what a real disaster is’’, the cat gave you a dramatic sigh. ‘’I’m supposed to guide you through challenges in magic, not Math exams. Sorry,’’ Jisoo shrugged, at least the way cats do. He didn’t seem sorry at all. ‘’This is under my payment range.’’

You rolled your eyes. ‘’You don’t get paid, you’re my familiar! And you’re not helpful right now,’’ you snapped. 

‘’Maybe that’s the problem. Maybe familiars should have a union,’’ he muttered thoughtfully, turning his back on you to end the conversation. ‘’And get payments agreements.’’

‘’You’re supposed to listen to me and give me advice,’’ you pouted, landing next to him and digging your fingers in his soft fur, petting him. ‘’This is a crisis.’’

Jisoo tilted his head when you started petting his ears, purring a little with his eyes closed. ‘’I was the best warlock in the century, now I’m a cat condemned to listen to boy’s problems. It’s insulting. Now that’s a crisis. I didn't know the afterlife was this bad.’’ 

You returned to pacing into your small bedroom, frowning. 

‘’It’s not a boy's problem, we’re talking about enemies here. I need to get back at Jake, you should see how happy he was. He looked at me like he didn’t care that he got first place. Ugh. I swear, his head got even bigger.’’

Jisoo opened one eye. ‘’These violent tendencies are worrisome. I suggest therapy.’’

‘’He already beat me in Literature, and now in Math. Mr Lee already chose him as his favorite,’’ you groaned. ‘’He even got the position of captain of the basketball team! I couldn't land the cheer captain position. He’s got ahead of me, the cocky bastard.’’

The cat judged you from his position. ‘’Oh my God,’’ Jisoo said under his breath. ‘’This has been going on since forever, aren’t you tired? You two are adults still acting like petty kids.’’

Truth is, Sim Jaeyun has been an annoying presence in your life since both were little. He was the new kid in class, all confidence and arrogance even at such a young age, all hidden in that stupid puppy face he had. Jake was the kind of boy who would pull your hair and somehow convince everybody he was innocent with his pretty eyes, like the time he threw his pink chewing gum on your hair when nobody was looking and you ended with a horrible bowl cut for the rest of the year.

Or maybe the time he filled your lunchbox with worms, or when he added without your knowledge too much baking soda in your volcano project in fifth grade. You smelled like vinegar and baking soda for a few days after the small explosion. 

By the time high school started, you named him as your biggest enemy. Things stopped being physical and turned more into psychological terror and competitiveness. You both were intelligent and talented in their own ways, Jake was pretty easygoing and truly the golden boy, and you were smart and gentle but more quiet so maybe there was hope that none of you would cross the other. After all, you two weren’t kids anymore, right?

That didn’t happen.

When Jake played basketball you were there as the prettiest, flexible cheerleader, stealing the attention and winning competitions with your team as well. You didn’t even love being one, but adored the way Jake’s face would fall every time he saw you around. He reclaimed his reign beating you in various subjects but most of the time you were head to head, truly losing by half a point most of the time. Classmates would hold their breath every time the exam results were published because they knew a storm was coming. 

You were cold wind and Jake strong rain, your arguments were as entertaining as watching a tornado hit the ground, unpredictable and destroying everything in its path. People didn’t want to be in the debate team because of you two. Both of your teammates pretended to be interested in the grass when you and Jake bumped into each other and argued about basketball and cheerleading practice schedules overlapping. 

Everyone knew that no one should get in the tornado's way. Once, a classmate, Yongmin, tried to join Jake and criticize one of your History presentations, and he basically got burned under the icy, unimpressed stare that silenced him quickly.

You and Jake had been banned from the winter musicals after getting the lead roles and ruining it by sabotaging each other's performances. It was a miracle that Jake's hair survived the glue on his wig and that you didn't break anything after the curtain fell on you in the middle of a high note.

Maybe when you two go into college things will be different, your mom said one time, now you’re both adults!

That didn’t happen. Again. 

You and Jake went to the same college but thank God not the same major. He was a Sports Science kind of guy and you were an Engineering and Physics kind of girl. Destiny was a fucked up thing, because you two ended up sharing some classes anyway and competing like you were eleven years olds again instead of grown up adults. Jake still had the same magnetism that pulled people into his orbit and somehow entered a frat with his group of friends, so his social life was just a tiny bit better than yours. He won the popularity award, because after a wrist injury you lost the possibility of being the captain of the cheerleading squad. 

Girls loved him and that was the weirdest thing to witness. To you, Jake was that annoying gremlin with a head too big and a worse mouth, the same mischievous, loud kid from your childhood. It turned out he grew up handsome and tall, as one of your friends, Sakura, said one time. Even weirder was when she asked if she could have a chance with him since you seemed to like him too.

Jisoo didn’t say anything when you told him how you see them kissing at a party one night with a horrified scowl, knowing that there was something else buried in your mocking tone. But the calico cat kept quiet. 

You ignored his jab, rolling your eyes. ‘’Turn into a panther or something and eat him. I don’t care. Just take him out.’’

The calico cat left out something like a laugh and a meow combined. ‘’You think I take orders from you? Leave me to have my afternoon nap in peace, peasant.’’

You glared at the cat, who dismissed you with one look like you were an annoying lady in court. Even in a tiny cat form he still held onto his aristocratic ways, that was for sure. 

With a thoughtful murmur, you approached the bookshelf, which was steadily filling up with more and more books on witchcraft. A wicked idea made you smile slightly as you searched for the right book, Jisoo's snores echoing in the room.

Jake may win over you in some things, but he didn’t have your powers nor your acknowledgement in magic. He was just a normal, human dude with nothing out of the ordinary and that thought made you smile even more. 

Even if it was your secret, you had something he didn’t have. 

‘’This is not a good idea,’’ Jisoo started, perched on your desk like a gargoyle, a knowing glint in his eyes. 

You hummed while adding bat’s wings into the potion that fumed red smoke into your room. ‘’Now you wanna give advice?’’

‘’Making magic to hurt humans is prohibited,’’ the calico cat reminded you. ‘’You’re gonna get us in trouble.’’

‘’Stop worrying, I don’t wanna hurt him. I just wanna mess with him,’’ you smiled, adding more headless fairy dust into the cauldron. ‘’Ruin his day a little, you know?’’ 

‘’Define little.’’ 

You pursed your lips thinking of examples, but you couldn't control the happiness that glowed your face just imagining it. ‘’Like… his shower turning cold out of nowhere. His chair breaks in the middle of class. His alarm clock runs late. Maybe he can’t find a good position to sleep or his pillow isn't cold on the other side.’’

Jisoo stared at you completely unimpressed. ‘’Damn, if this isn’t the height of dark magic I ever witnessed,’’ he sighed. ‘’You’re hexing furniture.’’ 

‘’It’s harmless magic,’’ you protested with a huff, pouring a little of green ogre pee into the potion. ‘’It's not illegal, just annoying things to ruin his day. That’s how you play and break someone’s mind, trust me.’’

The cat snorted in complete astonishment. ‘’You’re using time, energy and magic for a petty revenge. Do you realize this is tremendously dramatic, right?’’

‘’Gee, I wonder whom I get that from,’’ you wondered with a small chuckle. You started the incantation, something really simple that you mastered time ago. Truly, it was something that little kids do to test their magic and do mischief. 

Your fingers sparkled a little and blue light spiraled from them, making forms in the air before sinking into the cauldron. The materials inside mixed with each other and the spell took form, bubbling and boiling. A sweet smell filled your room. 

You squealed with excitement. ‘’Done. I present you a spell of daily inconvenience!’’

Jisoo said nothing when you looked at him expectantly, his ears flicked back as he seemed concentrated in the cauldron. ‘’What’s the real goal here? You’re a well trained witch, not usually dedicated to pranks.’’

You froze for a second, stirring your potion in the cauldron more slowly. ‘’What do you mean, Jisoo?’’

The calico cat gave you that look again— the one that felt like he could see right through your bullshit and into your soul. Sometimes you forgot that this little cat was indeed a powerful and ancient warlock who knew you like the palm of his… paw. Jisoo tilted his head and kept his eyes on you, reading you easily. 

‘’You’ve spent the whole afternoon on this. Thinking about him, channeling energy onto his name, getting the ingredients and also you talk about him everyday…’’

‘’I don’t talk about him, I complain,’’ you clarified. ‘’There’s a difference.’’

‘’Hm. This doesn’t feel like hatred or revenge. This is… misplaced affection. Heartbreak, maybe.’’

You rolled your eyes with a chuckle, a little confused by the warmness on your cheeks. Maybe you were too close to the cauldron. ‘’Please, Jisoo. I told you, I just wanna mess a little with him. Making him lose some of his control. It’s not heartbreak, it’s simply rivalry.’’

Jisoo meowed thoughtfully. ‘’Or maybe you want him to notice that you have control.’’

You closed your spell book with more force than necessary. ‘’That doesn’t ring any bells, no.’’

‘’Here’s some advice you wanted so much,’’ Jisoo's tone softened a little, making you tense. ‘’Careful, my darling girl. Magic born from emotions tends to misbehave. Even if it comes from a talented witch like you.’’

You stared at your fingers, now with a faint light glow, leftover energy from before. ‘’It’s a harmless spell. It will break in a week, is not that serious.’’

‘’I hope so. If you keep tying your energy to him like this, maybe something might start tying back.’’ 

You whined and throwed a bat wing at him. ‘’What does that even mean? Why you’re being so ominous and sinister?’’

‘’Let’s see what happens when that boy starts showing up late and falls onto his ass. Every decision has a reaction, don’t act surprised when the universe decides to have a laugh too.’’

You smiled, imagining Jake’s face when the cold water hits. ‘’Noted.’’

Jisoo grunted adorably, his paw resting on your hand. ‘’If this goes wrong, tell me. I’m the only one who can fix your messes. I’m like, literally and legally obligated to.’’

‘’Deal,’’ you muttered, petting his soft fur. He rested his chin on your other hand, a small gesture of loyalty and comfort. ‘’But don’t worry, nothing will happen.’’

‘’When the Familiar Union finally exists, romantic entanglements and magical sabotage are going to be my priorities,’’ the cat added.

You ignored the first part. ‘’For being a Duke from the eighteen hundreds you’re pretty into labor rights, you know?’’ 

‘’Just be careful what you wish for, darling,’’ Jisoo purred. ‘’Magic’s very sentimental. Sometimes it can give you what your heart asks for, not what you spell wants.’’ 

You sat in your room in silence for a while, until the only sound was Jisoo’s soft snoring and purrs. At some point the blue glow from your fingers faded. Outside, a soft storm took place, thundering in the distance. 

And in another part of the town, a certain boy’s alarm quietly lost twenty minutes. 

It started small. 

Your spell of daily inconveniences proved as effective as it was subtle. Things began to happen here and there just as you planned; Jake arrived late to class one Monday, his hair a tangled mess, muttering to his friend Heeseung about his alarm not working. On Wednesday, one of his chair legs snapped like a Pepero in the middle of class but he was quicker and managed to catch himself before he fell. Well, maybe the spell needed a few tweaks.

By Friday, the locker room showers had turned ice cold, and you had to cover your face to keep from laughing when you heard Jake yelp while you were spying on him. The best part was when he tried another shower and the hot water seemed to disappear for him. 

Everything was perfect, until it wasn't.

The following Monday you woke up with the sun on your face and Jisoo snoring beside you— a peaceful, cozy morning. Only until your sleepy eyes noticed your phone blinking with a silent alarm and the awful time marking noon mocking you. You had fallen asleep. You practically sent Jisoo flying with how quickly you threw off the blankets and ran to the bathroom; you had missed all your morning classes!

When you turned on the tap to wash your face, it was as if the sink had exploded and ice-cold water started gushing out like a fountain. Your screams and the sound of the water woke Jisoo up, who couldn't stop laughing from the top of the bed while you tried to turn off the water, completely soaked from head to toe while your small bathroom was flooding.

After checking your alarm about eighty times to make sure it was working for the next day, you arrived at class on time, but your favorite seat was already taken. You went a few rows back, put your bag down and sat down. As you listened to the lecture a little bored, you started to notice something else, a very weird sound: a small crack. You barely had time to react before the chair came crashing down, taking you to the floor with it.

You told Jisoo everything while rubbing your sore butt with a pout.

‘’Well, well, aren’t these the consequences of your own acts,’’ Jisoo laughed. ‘’Karma’s on time this week.’’

‘’Shut up. These are just coincidences, I can have bad luck from time to time. This is totally normal.’’

‘’An intelligent girl like you should know these are counterspells,’’ Jisoo rolled his eyes. ‘’The math isn’t mathing, like you young people say.’’

‘’Stop talking in riddles.’’

He jumped off the windowsill and walked towards you. ‘’This young man is a warlock. Maybe if you didn’t entertain your petty ways you could have noticed the trace of his magic.’’

A scoff left you. ‘’What? No way, Jake’s human as a human can get!’’ 

‘’How are you so sure? Does anybody know you’re a witch? Mind I remind you this is something to keep secret? Jake is a warlock, I can smell the magic,’’ the cat wrinkled his nose. 

‘’If Jake was a warlock, he would have already cast a spell on me years ago. I've known him since we were kids. He wouldn't be able to resist showing off his powers, trust me.’’

‘’You honestly can't believe that a copy of your spell is just a coincidence,’’ Jisoo snorted in disbelief. 

‘’The pipes are old and could burst, and the chairs in my classroom sometimes wobble a little,’’ you sighed. ‘’This is normal, Jisoo.’’

‘’And I’m a fucking racoon.’’

The following week, more strange things started happening. For example, you'd feel someone's heavy gaze on you, and when you looked up, you'd find Jake staring. The corners of his lips would twitch slightly, as if he couldn't contain the mocking smile he offered as a greeting. Weird.

By Friday, Jake couldn't hide how amused he was when something went wrong for you and of course you noticed. Like when your blue pen exploded, sending ink flying everywhere, but mostly onto your face. You spent the morning looking like a blackberry. Or like when you wanted to eat your apple, which magically disappeared from your bag. The one you'd had with you all day vanished like nothing, replaced by a bar of your favorite chocolate and a note that said: you missed a spot.

That same night you were sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by different spell books with Jisoo by your side, the pages pulsing with residual magic. You were determined to get to the bottom of all this.

‘’Something’s off,’’ you muttered. ‘’My spell shouldn't be rebounding but if it has, it should have ended by now. There’s something else happening and I need to know what it is.’’

Jisoo hummed. ‘’Maybe Jake has some kind of protection spell, or you used too much ogre pee. Or maybe... you've been caught.’’

You frowned. ‘’Caught?’’

‘’Sometimes the magic of two people recognizes each other. Your spell might have reacted to that, or perhaps something collided with it, amplifying its power. It can happen to destined souls,’’ Jisoo finished giving you a curious look, clearly measuring your reaction.

You blinked, feeling your heart race and your stomach drop. ‘’I’m telling you, Jake is just a human, a very normal one. Nothing more than a frat boy with good grades and soft hair.’’

Jisoo tilted his head, amused. ‘’Don’t forget pretty face too.’’

You groaned and throwed a pillow at him. ‘’Please be professional! This is a serious matter.’’

The calico cat dodged the pillow and headed to his favorite spot, the windowsill. ‘’If your magic keeps bouncing back, it’s not failing. It’s redirecting. Something is answering you— maybe even playing along.”

You chewed your lip considering his words, looking behind Jisoo into the night where a thunderstorm was forming. ‘’Mmmh. Maybe I should check it out to see if this is a counter-spell. Maybe I’ll find something…’’

You turned your attention back to Jisoo and for a few seconds you didn't say anything, until a smile began to form on your lips. The cat bristled slightly and shook its head, taking a step back.

‘’Oh, no. Don’t start. Don’t even think about it! I don’t know what you’re thinking but I know it is a bad idea,’’ Jisoo warned you, wary. 

You and Jisoo moved through the night completely camouflaged.

You were dressed in full in black, and so was Jisoo, with a small knitted hat covering his ears from the cold and a matching mini sweater. You were also wearing a hat, anything to make sure nothing about you was noticeable, neither your hair nor your face. You walked through the darkest streets as if you were carrying a secret in your arms and not Jisoo, who was tucked inside your backpack against your chest, grumbling under his breath.

‘’I can’t believe I’m coming with you,’’ Jisoo grumpily said, completely resigned. 

‘’I just wanna take a look from outside. Just a harmless little glimpse to see if I find anything,’’ you assured him. ‘’It’s legal.’’

‘’You went from casting hexing spells on a chair to trespassing private property. Make a deal with the devil, they said. He’s cool and eternal life is amazing, they said. You could pass all of your knowledge as a familiar, they said,’’ Jisoo sighed loudly. 

‘’Shhh! Keep quiet, I don’t want anybody hearing us.’’

Jisoo hissed quietly. ‘’We are literally on an empty street dressed as if we were going to rob a house.’’

You slowed your pace, ignoring Jisoo's further complaints. Just a few meters away was Jake's house, the same one you'd always known. You knew Jake’s parents had left a few months ago to go on a cruise after both retired, so the house had been left to him until then. You thought it would probably be a hotspot for parties and mayhem, but it actually looked quite well-kept, with a well-maintained garden and perfectly manicured lawn, which caught your attention. It didn't look like the home of a frat boy living alone.

You glanced both ways before jogging gently across the distance, making sure you were quick and wouldn't attract the attention of any neighbors who might be awake at that hour. The house lights were off, and there was no sound, no music or voices. Maybe Jake wasn't even there; it being a Saturday, he was probably at a party. You crouched between two bushes on the side of the house and carefully placed your backpack on the ground. Jisoo climbed out, stretching lazily.

‘’This is the plan,’’ you whispered to Jisoo, ‘’I'm going to take a look around his room and see if there's anything suspicious. I need to make sure there's nothing strange going on with my magic.’’

‘’I just want you to know that if the police come here, I'm leaving your ass behind,’’ Jisoo snorted but stayed, even walking a little way around the perimeter of the house. 

You ignored it and rolled your eyes. The air around you grew colder as you focused on the small incantation you were performing, your fingers tracing tiny runes that vanished and reappeared like fireflies in the darkness. Your hair lifted slightly with static, but anyone watching could easily mistake it for a gentle breeze.

Your power vibrated gently as if welcoming you, and Jisoo watched as your feet slowly but steadily rose from the ground, lifting you higher and higher into the air as if on an invisible thread. 

‘’You witches are so dramatic,’’ Jisoo meowed, still watching how you levitated on the air. ‘’Make it quick, before the neighbors call the exorcist.’’

You sighed and got to work, hovering just outside the first-floor window. There were some band posters, a made bed, and a desk piled with books—normal ones. You recognized some you'd read yourself the previous term. It was Jake's damn room. Nothing unusual. You clenched your jaw at the sight, still observing even though it was a bit difficult in the darkness, with only the moonlight illuminating the room.

But suddenly, you felt a strange sensation at the back of your neck, like when you know a jump scare is about to happen in a horror movie. And then your eyes meet what you were afraid to find. 

In a corner, there was a wood cabinet with items you also recognized because you had used them before: ingredients, a cauldron smaller than yours. Books, some older than others, but their contents were undeniable: symbols, spells, drawings. No fucking way.

You stifled the gasp that wanted to escape you and placed your hands on the windowpane just to check that everything was real and you weren't having a hallucination induced by magic. You weren't losing control of your magic, nor was the spell going wrong; Jake was the one sending it back to you.

‘’This asshole,’’ you whispered with clenched teeth. You couldn't believe it, he was hexing you back!

‘’Enjoying the view, little witch?’’

You tensed up when you heard the soft, amused voice literally behind you. Jake’s voice. 

Some things should never happen in a girl’s life. Like falling into your ass while spying on your enemy, right in front of him. You yelped and then landed on the bushes with a gasp, but nothing could have taken your attention away from Jake floating on the first floor, arms crossed. His eyes gleamed maliciously, and you could clearly see his mocking expression.

For a moment you forgot how to breathe, or perhaps it was the fall from several meters, but your mouth and brain lost connection. Jake was there, floating as if nothing had happened, as if gravity didn't apply to him. The moonlight reflected off his hair, turning it almost silver. You remembered what Jisoo had said earlier and paid closer attention, noticing that yes, there was something magical lingering in the air. A faint energy that vibrated and felt alive, not like yours, which usually felt charged. 

It was different but similar, and that scared you more than knowing your rival was a warlock.

‘’Cat got your tongue?’’ Jake asked, voice all velvety and low, as if it were curling around you.

You tried to get up in a panic, knowing how ridiculous you looked. ‘’I— I wasn’t— I was just—”

“Spying?” he offered helpfully, tilting his head with a grin. “Bold move. When I was wondering what you would do I never imagined you would visit me in the middle of the night.’’

Well, now that the cat was out of the bag, there was no need to be so subtle.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” you snapped, trying to get up with your dignity intact. “I was checking something. My spell has been acting weird.”

“Oh, that spell,” he pressed a hand dramatically to his chest. “The one that made my chair break? Fuck up my alarm? Very considerate of you, by the way. Nothing says ‘I’m thinking about you’ quite like minor property damage.”

You glared. ‘’How— wait, you... knew? How did you know it was me?’’

He laughed, low and delighted. “Of course I knew. You left a signature. Cute one, too— all lightning and impatience. It tickled.”

The air crackled faintly between you. You could feel his magic brushing against yours —warm, playful, curious. What the fuck. The feeling was so surreal that you simply couldn't fully grasp the situation; you felt like laughing hysterically at any second. You felt overwhelmed too fast, like the world just hit the gas and was spinning out of control.

‘’Wait, just… wait. You’re telling me that all this time you were a warlock? You knew I was a witch?!

Jake smiled a little and then it began to descend slowly, until it landed next to the bush. His smile softened into something more intimate, as if it were abandoning its mocking facade. “You know, you really shouldn’t play with someone unless you’re ready for them to play back. You had it coming, pretty.’’

You ignored the nickname, refusing to blush at your idiot enemy. You rolled your eyes and proceeded to remove leaves and twigs from your clothes. “I wasn’t playing—” 

“Sure you were,” his voice dropped, almost fond. “You’ve been dancing around me for years, trying to win every little battle. Grades, awards, games... It’s cute.”

You simply blinked at him, feeling a little alarmed at his proximity. ‘’What are you doing?’’

The wind picked up, swirling around the two of you. Your magic hummed wildly, as if reacting to his proximity— alive, eager, unrestrained.

“I can feel it,” Jake murmured, eyes half-lidded. “Your power’s stronger when you’re angry… or nervous.”

You swallowed hard. “Then maybe you should back off. I could strike your smug face with lightning if I wanted to.’’

He only grinned, whispering near your ear. “Maybe I should get closer.”

A spark jumped between you —literal lightning, bright and sharp. Jake laughed, the sound light and boyish, almost giddy. “See? That’s what happens when you stop pretending. It was about time.’’

You could barely think. He looked utterly at ease, glowing faintly with magic and confidence, while you were trying to remember which way was up. Your hands rested on your chest, as if that way you could contain the leaps your magic was making and your heart was racing, feeling like the pieces would fall off your body at any second. 

“Don’t worry,” he added, going upwards again toward his now open window. “I won’t tell anyone your little secret. I think it’s more fun if it’s just between us, like always.’’

“Fun?” you echoed, still breathless.

He flashed that mischievous smile —the one that made it impossible to tell if he was challenging you or confessing something. “Of course. A proper competition always needs stakes, doesn’t it?”

And with that, he slipped back inside his room, leaving the window open— and the air between you still buzzing, like the world had just shifted a little closer to something dangerous and thrilling. 

What the fuck just happened. 

The next day, nothing happened. 

Your alarm went off, the water was hot, your lunch didn't explode, and you weren't chased by a giant worm the moment you stepped outside. Jisoo was in stitches when you told him about your encounter with Jake and basically reveled in the fact that he’d been right all along. 

He basically told you that you deserved the scare for going around casting spells on people, and you reminded him that he was hanged for the same thing. He ignored you for the rest of the day and threatened to report you to his future union.

Back at university, you did your best to avoid running into Jake. It wasn't that hard because, at the end of the day, you had different majors and schedules, except for the couple of classes you shared. So everything would be fine, right? So why were you hiding like a guilty, paranoid thief? 

There was no way you were going to confront him without first sorting out your thoughts. You'd spent the vast majority of your life locked in a rivalry with him, and what you thought was solely yours now... wasn't. Part of you was curious to know what kind of power Jake possessed. What had his years of training been like? What was his familiar like? What spells he got wrong, what weaknesses did he have?

It was foolish to think this could turn into a competition. Magic and sorcery were different from ordinary things like competing in an exam, and what was one person's strength could be another's specialty. It wasn't something to make fun of, either; at least, it was something Jisoo had taught you from the start.

So why were you so curious, if you weren't going to let it affect your mind any further?  Another part of you just didn't want to go there and think about Jake's voice, or what he looked like, or how he was getting close to you, or how handsome he looked floating around. Oh, no. That ship wasn't going to sail.

Just because you didn't get the captain's position didn't mean you didn't get a spot on the team. At first, you thought maybe you could still compete with Jake and annoy him, but now standing in the middle of practice with your pom-poms just felt silly. You felt silly. What were you even doing?

The gym smelled of freshly waxed wood and sweat, the squeak of sneakers filled the air, and the bouncing balls had the same rhythm as your heart: unsteady and fast. You refused to believe it was because of him. Jake was near the end of the court, chatting with his friend Jay while watching the team practice intently, looking for mistakes or adjustments. His hair was a little sweaty and stuck to his forehead, and his jersey fit snugly around his shoulders—

Jake glanced up for a second, but it was enough to catch you staring. You immediately looked away, pretending to fix your pom-poms and that the ceiling was really interesting.

Mina, one of your teammates, approached you and playfully bumped her hip against yours, whispering to you. ‘’Why are you flirting with Jake in the middle of practice?’’

You looked at her as if she had grown two talking heads. ‘’What? I’m not doing that.’’

‘’Girl,’’ Mina chuckled, ‘’you're practically devouring him with your eyes.’’

‘’How long do you think it will take for someone to suffocate with pom-poms?’’ 

Mina laughed and bumped into you again, smiling. ‘’Okay, I'll leave you to it. I'm just saying you two make a cute couple!’’

Her words left you more unsettled than you expected. Thank God your practice had also begun and you could think about something else and ignore other things happening around you, like Jake's gaze on you or the way your magic had begun to stir under your skin like an annoying buzzing.

Every time you moved you could feel him, as if his presence vibrated along with your magic even though he was meters away. You caught his eyes and gave him a warning look, not quite knowing what was happening but certain that he was somehow to blame. The corner of his mouth lifted, a half-smile that was totally annoying, as if he were challenging you.

Then, it happened.

A draft swept through the gym, which was enclosed and had no open windows or doors, so it was strange enough to turn some confused heads. It brushed against your legs like a gentle caress and even lifted your cheerleader skirt slightly. You trembled a little, but you didn't know why, caging that feeling deep into your mind with the ‘’no open’’ sing.

Your first thought was don’t react. Your second was he wouldn’t. When you turned to look at him, Jake was spinning a ball on his finger, staring at you with a small, evil smile.  

Stop it, you mouthed.

Make me, he mouthed back.

You gritted your teeth, eager to see how long it would actually take someone to be suffocated with pom-poms. The worst part of it all was your heart, which gave a strange jump, and you looked away from Jake so you could catch your breath. Damn arrogant idiot.

You didn’t catch the way his eyes sparkled or how his wrist flicked subtly, not until it was too late. The pom-poms you held in your hands sparkled, literally. Tiny blue sparks flew everywhere until they became fire, burning the tips. You gasped and dropped them, the small crackling sound echoing against the floor. Others cheerleaders turned, confused and startled by you, but Jake only shrugged innocently, still spinning the ball. 

When you looked at them closely on the floor, they were extinguished, as if you had only imagined the blue fire. They looked perfectly fine, like nothing happened to them. As if it had only been an illusion spell.

“Problem, sweetheart?” Jake called across the court, voice dripping with false concern. ‘’Do you need me to come all the way there to help you?’’

The rest of his team laughed, assuming it was another one of your petty rival moments, but Jake’s gaze lingered, sharp, soft, dangerous. You knew that look. It meant he was still playing. Oh, but two could do that. 

So you waited. You knew Jake and you knew he probably thought you'd make a scene, but not this time. You simply relaxed your expression and continued practicing as if nothing was wrong, even though inside you were seething. You still kept stealing glances, but now you were focused on how his game was progressing, how he moved around the court like he owned it. The moment you were waiting came when Jake was near the basket, waiting for Jay to pass him the ball. It was the final seconds before practice ended, the last shot that would win Jake the game. When Jay threw the ball you watched as it flew through the air, almost in slow motion, toward Jake's outstretched hands.

Your wrist flicked and you sent a harmless electric current to Jake's hands, which startled him and made him lose the ball. The ball continued bouncing until it reached your feet and you picked it up with a mocking smile. ‘’Problem, sweetheart?’’ 

Jake blinked and smiled slowly, taking you by surprise. It wasn't what you expected. You definitely didn't expect the way his eyes scanned your body or the way he bit his lip, his eyes shining not with anger but more with warmth.

Your cheeks turned a little red, your mocking smile faltering just enough for Jake to notice.

The gym was slowly emptying, the voices and bouncing balls fading away, a few laughs echoing. You lagged behind, making the effort to gather your things at a slower pace to kill time; the truth was, you didn't want to run into Jake on the way out. 

So you drank some water, tidied your pom-poms, stretched more than usual, drank some more water and checked your phone fifteen times. You thought you were safe until you heard it, that low, lazy, familiar voice you knew all too well.

‘’What are you doing here all alone? Thinking up more spells to ruin my game?’’

You turned around and jumped at Jake's proximity. The first thing you noticed was his cologne and how good he smelled. He had a towel over his shoulder and his hair was slightly damp, with the ends curling a little, his grin all trouble. 

You scoffed as you finished closing your bag. ‘’Maybe I should, that way I can erase your smug smile for once and for all.’’

‘’You’re so mean to me,’’ Jake chuckled, but there was no bite to it. He sat right next to your bag, looking at your things and then at you. ‘’I should be the one offended, after all, I was electrocuted. And don't forget that you put a curse on me too.’’

You rolled your eyes. ‘’It wasn’t a curse. And it's over now, so there's no need to keep crying about it.’’

‘’Since you hexed me,’’ Jake started, ‘’I haven’t been the same.’’

‘’It was a harmless spell,’’ you said, running out of patience fast.

‘’Harmless? I suffered a lot.’’

A sigh left you. ‘’What do you want, Jake?’’

‘’Payback,’’ he said immediately. Jake tilted his head and studied your face, a dangerous glint in his eyes. ‘’I’m mentally scarred. Emotionally vulnerable. I don’t even sleep well anymore and it’s because of you.’’

‘’All of this just because of a cold shower?’’ You snorted, unconvinced. ‘’You’re weaker than I thought, Jakey.’’

You tried to grab your purse, but Jake's hand shot out and grabbed your wrist. You barely had time to react before Jake pulled you down hard and settled you between his legs, almost falling onto his lap. Your hands landed on his chest, and when you tried to get up, Jake caught you in his arms. You froze in disbelief, ignoring how your breath caught in your throat and how Jake's face was too close.

‘’You owe me,’’ he continued, voice still playful but with an edge to it. His eyes drifted down to your lips. ‘’That spell? It messed with my focus.’’

‘’You also hexed me, Jake,’’ you murmured, squinting your eyes. ‘’You had your little stupid revenge already. Let me go.’’

His attention shifted to your hands on his chest, to the tiny sparks dancing from your fingers, a sign of how annoyed you were getting. When he looked back up, there was something different in his eyes— less teasing, but more intense. 

‘’I want compensation. And if you don't accept my terms, well... I'll have to pay a visit to the Witches' Council. One of them attacked me, after all,’’ Jake shrugged, not sorry at all, the threat hovering between you two for a moment.

You looked at him for a few seconds, but Jake's expression remained the same. ‘’Are you serious? That’s not fair,’’ you said with a scoff, shaking your head. ‘’It was just a joke, Jake, you’re being so ridiculous right now.’’

Jake smiled, slow and dangerous. “Since when have we ever played fair?”

For a moment, neither of you moved. The air between you felt charged, your magic humming beneath your skin, reactive and restless. You sighed and glanced to the side, knowing you were screwed. Among so many possibilities, it was possible the Council would take the complaint seriously; after all, it was a spell directed at another warlock. It was well known that the council sought peace among all, especially the young people of a new generation who needed to be more united. But above all, you knew the council president had some very strange ways of teaching a lesson. You didn't want to find out.

You sighed tiredly. ‘’What do you want?’’

Jake's eyes lit up like a fireplace and his hands settled on your waist, lazily stroking it and laughing when you squirmed. ‘’Don’t shock me again without warning.’’

You cheered up a little, straightening up. That didn’t sound so hard. ‘’You deserved it, but okay. That’s it?’’

Jake shook his head. ‘’I want one of those lucky charms you make. Don't put a plague spell on it or anything like that, though.’’

That took you by surprise. ‘’How do you know I make those?’’

Jake ignored you while moving a lock of hair away from your face, playing with it for a few seconds before tucking it behind your ear. ‘’And third, I want a date with you.’’ 

The shriek you let out was probably heard all over campus. You tried to climb down from Jake's lap hastily and clumsily, one of his legs getting tangled up with yours and almost sending you tumbling to the ground if it weren't for Jake's hands that caught you firm, secure, gripping your waist and pulling you back against him.

“Careful,” he laughed, breath warm against your cheek. “Don’t get nervous, pretty. You might get hurt.’’

‘’A date?!’’ you exclaimed, voice cracking. ‘’With you?! Uh-uh, pick something else,” you blurted out, palms pressing flat against his chest in a weak attempt to put distance between you. “Absolutely not. No. We don’t do dates. We compete. We—”

“We flirt,” Jake cut in smoothly.

“We do not—”

“You shocked me,” he said calmly. “On purpose.”

You gasped in offense. ‘’Because you lifted my skirt with the wind, you pervert!’’

‘’So you admit it was a tactical attack,’’ Jake teased you. 

You were losing territory, fast. You calmed down and tried another tactic, more calm. ‘’What's your angle here, Jake? Public humiliation? What would we even do on a date, just the two of us?’’

‘’Several things come to mind,’’ Jake murmured in his hoarsest voice. His thumbs traced slow, absent circles at your waist, not moving away, not tightening either. Just… there. It sent shivers down your spine, and it was irritating to admit that maybe it didn't bother you at all. 

‘’Maybe I just wanna date you,’’ Jake said quietly, staring at you. ‘’Even though seeing you freak out over it is almost payback enough.’’

You looked to the side with a mocking laugh. “I am not freaking out. I’m perfectly normal,’’ you snapped. 

“You’re vibrating,” he pointed out. ‘’Your magic is charging, I can feel it.’’

You clenched your fists immediately. “That’s unrelated. Are you an electrician or something like that?’’

Jake smiled slowly, devastatingly attractive. Now you understand why everyone fell for that innocent puppy face, damn it.

‘’It’s just a date, we’re not marrying each other. Or is that what you're thinking, and that's why you're nervous?’’

You stared at him, at the way his eyes softened just a little when you met his gaze, like he wasn’t mocking you anymore— like he was actually waiting. It scared the fuck out of you. 

“I don’t like you,” you muttered, sounding like a petulant child. 

“Liar,” he said gently.

You exhaled sharply, completely exhausted and cornered. ‘’Fine. You’re gonna get your stupid date and your stupid lucky charm. Do you want anything else, Mr Sim? Can I go now, or are you going to ask for something even stupier, like tucking you in for bed?’’

It was the wrong thing to say, because Jake's eyes sharpened with an interest you definitely didn't know how to handle. His eyelids drooped and he sighed heavily. 

‘’That depends. I don't think I'll sleep if you're in bed with me.’’

Your disgusted screams were as loud as Jake's laughter that filled the empty gym, now finally letting you go to prevent you from actually electrocuting him with deadly intent.

You were never afraid of Jake and his temper; you were always up for any challenge or encounter. It was common to huff in his face and mock him. But now you were a little ball of nerves, or something like that. The idea of ​​avoiding Jake at all costs was too good to pass up. Before, you would have been munching popcorn while watching your spell complicate his days, and now... well, let's just say that constantly making sure he wasn't around, hiding behind a pillar, wasn't exactly good for your sanity.

This had to be some kind of master plan by Jake, you were sure of it. Some kind of psychological torture, something he'd come up with to corner you. Hmm. It was suspicious. Maybe you were misreading everything and not understanding what he was really playing at. Jake asking you out? Good grief, you weren't even his type. Maybe that was the whole point, simply to get you into a situation you couldn't control. But what would happen if you took control and changed the narrative?

That same afternoon you told Jisoo your plan, who looked at you as if you had finally lost your mind.

‘’Reverse psychology. I'm going to catch Jake in his own game.’’ 

‘’Don't you think you're reading too much into this? I mean, the guy just asked you out,’’ Jisoo offered. ‘’Just go, maybe you can relieve all this sexual tension you're carrying around.’’

‘’First of all, ew. Second, more ew. And third, I know what I'm talking about. You'll see.’’

Jisoo simply sighed wearily and muttered something about needing a vacation.

Jake thought he had the winning hand, but you weren't going to let him get away with it. If he wanted your attention, then you were going to give him it until he repented and things returned to normal. You looked at your reflection in the full-length mirror and smiled with satisfaction. You resembled that hideous cliché of a sexy cheerleader, wearing a top tighter than usual that was crushing your ribs and breasts in the process, and a skirt short enough to be distracting. Your lips glistened with a pretty reddish gloss that made your mouth stand out. You usually wore your hair up or in a bun for practice, but now you had let it flow naturally, loose.

You looked like trouble. Perfect.

You arrived at practice as if you were entering a battlefield, confident and with your target in sight. Jake was in the middle of stretching on the floor when he heard footsteps approaching, and when he looked up, he froze. A muscle in his jaw twitched, and he shot a venomous glare at a teammate next to him who had also been staring at your legs.

You smiled openly at Jake, without any mockery or sarcasm, and for a second he seemed a little bewildered by the vision. ‘’Hi, Jake,’’ you greeted him sweetly, too sweetly. 

Jake really just blinked as if he didn't understand what you just said when you moved closer and stroked his hair back, ending with a caress under his chin. 

‘’Hi, pretty,’’ he said, leaning back a little to look at you with a bit of suspicion instead of confusion. ‘’You seem to be in a good mood today,’’ Jake said carefully. ‘’Are you okay?’’

You could see the wheels on Jake's head spinning at a thousand miles an hour.

You rolled your eyes playfully. ‘’Of course, dummy,’’ you said as you knelt in front of him and stood face to face. ‘’Can you help me stretch, please? My body feels a little... stiff.’’

A cough echoed somewhere behind Jake. 

You began to stretch your arms, your face relaxed as if everything were normal, though inside you wanted to laugh at how red Jake's ears had turned. Oh wow, this was turning out to be fun very quickly, why hadn't you tried this before? You folded one arm behind your head and arched your back slightly, pushing your breasts forward. 

‘’I'm quite flexible, but sometimes I can’t reach that point, you know? I need help and a little pressure. Can you give it to me?’’ 

One of his teammates choked, perhaps Jay. Jake sighed heavily and didn't hide the way he was looking at you, first your thighs barely covered by your skirt and then your pretty tits. A spark of something reflected in his eyes and he seemed to relax a little, even smiling slightly. You could practically see him recalculating, and that set off red flags in your mind. 

‘’I’ll help you,’’ he hummed happily as he got up anyway. 

He stood behind you and took your bent arm, actually pushing it too further back until your side burned a little. You clenched your teeth. ‘’I just wanted to spend more time with you, since we couldn't finish yesterday what you started. I just wanted to tell you that it's okay; it happens to everyone sometimes, I guess.’’

Some of his teammates overheard the exchange and shared glances and a few murmurs. Even one of them, Ni-ki, was openly watching like his favorite drama just started. Jake's expression shifted to something calmer but also sharper, and that comforted you a little; it was the Jake you were used to. You could handle that. You were succeeding in irritating him.

His thumb rubbed right over your pulse slowly. ‘’Mmmm. Is that so?’’

‘’All men have a bad day now and then, I don't hold it against you. I heard there’s a pill for it.’’

Some male laughter reached you, enjoying the gossip. Jay's eyebrows shot up to the sky before he turned his head and started drinking water while pretending not to hear. Jake's voice suddenly sounded too close and you tried to move away, but he had you pinned against him. 

‘’I know what you’re trying to do.’’ 

You looked up with a smile. “Isn’t it humiliating?”

Jake’s lips curved slowly. “No,” he said. “It’s not.”

Your stomach dropped. He grabbed your hair and pulled your head back, making you gasp in surprise. You looked around but no one seemed to notice that he was holding you tightly, appearing to simply help you stretch.

“If this is your attempt to scare me off,” he added softly near your ear, “you’re going to have to try harder.”

Heat crept up your neck and you pulled back just enough to glare at him with a sneer.

“You’re supposed to be embarrassed!”

He laughed briefly and looked down at you, giving a condescending pat on your head. ‘’Why should I be? I've got the hottest cheerleader kneeling for me. Still need help stretching, baby? I'm sure I can stretch you just fine. Just relax and let me do the work.’’

You shrieked and got up pretty quickly, knowing you were losing the psychological war. ‘’Ew, pervert!’’

‘’You think I mind? I asked you out because I want you.”

You looked at him, offended and unable to say anything, so you simply turned to leave with an annoyed scoff. Jake gave you that full, goofy smile as he watched you until you went to the other side of the gym. You turned to look at him, frowning, as you nervously pulled down your skirt, cursing your stupid idea and Jake too. You stood there for a moment trying to gather your troops and think about the next move.

Your plan had backfired. Spectacularly.

You were sitting in your room, the music playing softly and relaxingly, lost in your own world and concentration. The ingredients were spread out before you: some fresh herbs, salt, horsehair, and honey, as you tried to cast a spell that Jisoo had given you as homework, pretty simple and medicinal, but it required just the right amounts.

A buzzing sound makes you look up from your spellbook, and for a moment you hesitate, but laziness wins out and you don't get up. A few seconds later, another buzz. You ignore it. Another buzz. You sighed irritated and set the book aside to reach for your phone on the bed.

‘’Now what?’’ You murmured, opening your messages. 

unknown number: hey pretty unknown number: what are you doing? unknown number: are you working on it?

You blinked, feeling a little lost. Huh?

you: who is this? unknown number: [photo attached]

You frowned as the photo loaded, and of course you opened it. Your breath caught in your throat before you knew it. It was him, Jake. He was lying on his bed, his hair a little messy, his lips full, his skin glowing and pink as if he'd just stepped out of a hot shower. Maybe he had, because he wasn't wearing a damn shirt. It was too embarrassing to admit how you were looking at the photo and analyzing every pixel of his face. Your stomach flipped annoyingly.

unknown number: now you know you: where did you get my number?  jake king of the idiots: are you making my lucky charm?

You glanced down at your ingredients and book, scoffing. 

you: yeah sure. the vudu doll looks good. jake king of the idiots: cute. does it look like me? you: the face is there, it has your ugly hair. jake king of the idiots: how about the body? 

Jake sent you a new photo and you opened it with your heart in your mouth. This time the angle was closer, more intimate, giving you a glimpse into his room as well. The photo captured the waistband of his grey sweatpants, the soft line of muscle disappearing beneath it. His hand rested lazily against his stomach. Your eyes were damn traitors and immediately noticed the imprint of his cock on his pants.

You weren't going to zoom in. You refused to zoom in. There was no way you were going to zoom in.

You zoomed in. 

Your pulse jumped in your ears as you studied the photo, and when the phone rang with a new message you almost dropped it.

jake king of the idiots: you’re staring jake king of the idiots: it was just for reference you pervert you: im not staring! weirdo. jake king of the idiots: why did you take so long to reply then? you: i was debating on where to stink the pins. jake king of the idiots: so you’re thinking about me when you're alone in your room jake king of the idiots: what do you look like right now? you: im surrounded by plants and horsehair. jake king of the idiots: going to sleep with that sexy image in my head jake king of the idiots: send me a photo of the doll when its finished

You were surprised by the small smile that came out of you.

The photos Jake sent you kept replaying in your head all night while you stared at your ceiling. He looked so soft, comfortable, and so attractive. Your mind kept going back to that picture, to those damn gray pants that fit him way too well, to his abs disappearing beneath the waistband… 

Jisoo noticed how distracted you were that morning, a little flushed and definitely thoughtful. He didn't say anything, but tried to comfort you a little by patting your hand with his paw while you ate breakfast.

You jumped when someone sat down next to you, interrupting your daily daydream. Jay smiled at you amicably and settled into his seat with an exaggerated sigh, as if he'd had a long day. You blinked, suddenly your mind snapped back to reality, realizing you were in one of your classes about to start.

‘’It kinda sucks,’’ he said casually. 

You glanced at him, a little puzzled and sleepy as well. Why was Jay talking to you? You ignored it for a few seconds going back to your notes, but it's rude not to answer, you guessed. ‘’Uh… what does?’’

‘’Oh, didn't you hear? The team’s practice has been suspended,’’ he tilted his head and inhaled through his teeth. ‘’Captain’s is in the infirmary. Jake’s losing a practice day, he must be fuming right now.’’

Your head snapped up too fast before you could stop yourself. ‘’What? What happened?’’

Jay paused for a moment as if he were waiting for exactly this to happen and was squeezing every second of your interest. He waved a hand dismissively, and you didn't notice how he was studying your reaction. ‘’Oh, nothing serious,” he said lightly. “Didn’t see Ni-ki coming and collided. Landed on his ass. Twisted his ankle. Maybe tweaked his knee too.”

Your stomach tightened. “He fell?” you asked, trying for neutral. You cleared your throat.

“Yeah,” Jay watched you from the corner of his eye. “Coach said he needs a few days off.”

You nodded once. Casual. Indifferent. ‘’Oh. That’s bad, I guess.’’

Jay hummed casually. He didn't move right away and you could feel his eyes lingering on you, waiting. You kept your expression blank, paying attention to the class that had just started.

After a moment, he shrugged. “Mmm. He’s sulking in the infirmary. Anyway, I’m heading back.”

You nodded and kept your attention straight ahead, a thoughtful, lost expression filling your features. You didn't even notice when Jay left, nor did you remember that you didn't share any classes with him.

After class ended, you found yourself standing in front of a door. The infirmary door. You studied it with a frown, as if the underworld lay behind it. It kinda did. You sighed and turned around to leave, but you didn't move any further, rooted to the spot. You hesitated, faced it again, and turned to leave once more. You sighed and wondered why you were having an internal conflict in the middle of the day because of Jay. You turned back to the door again and straightened your shoulders, determined to open it as if you hadn't spent ten minutes deciding about it. Luckily, no one was watching and witnessing how silly you looked.

The place didn't look like a hospital, more like a place for quick treatment. There were a few cots with curtains for privacy, the nurse's desk, and a cabinet with some things, like a blood pressure monitor. Fortunately, it didn't smell of disinfectant. You could hear some voices in the distance, which you followed cautiously.

Just a few more steps brought you to Jake on one of the stretchers, propped up against several pillows and chatting animatedly with the coach. He looked good, too good, as if the bandage around his ankle and the ice on his knee were just decoration for a photoshoot. A strange relief filled you and the small sigh you made interrupted the conversation.

The coach noticed you first.

“Well,” he said with a knowing smile, grabbing his clipboard. “Looks like you’ve got company, son.’’

Jake smiled, not in a foolish, boastful, or provocative way, just a very sweet and slightly tired smile. His face softened, too, and he said nothing, simply looking into your eyes as if he could see every thought in your mind, or at least trying to.

The coach patted Jake’s shoulder. “I’ll leave you two. Take care of my star player, maybe spoil him a little.”

You almost spinned around and run away from there. Jake chuckled softly as the door closed, relaxing against the pillows. He raised a hand toward you, inviting you to come closer.

“If you came all this way,” he said lazily, “come say hi.”

You crossed your arms. ‘’I was just passing by.’’

‘’Mmm.’’

You took a step forward. ‘’The door was open and it was impossible not to see your big head.’’

‘’Of course.’’

Your eyes focused again on her bandage and the ice, studying them with a frown, as if their presence made no sense. A new feeling of unease filled you, making its way into the emptiness of your stomach.

Jake studied your face with an uncharacteristic seriousness and tried to reach you. ‘’Before you ask, it's not serious, I'll be fine in a few days.’’

You huffed under your breath, but even you thought it was weak and fake. ‘’I wasn't going to ask.’’

Jake smirked a little. ‘’You were going to. Come here.’’ 

You studied his hand as if it were the gelatinous hand of a monster trying to grab you, but you moved closer anyway. Jake shifted slightly to the side, making room for you to sit next to his hip. You did it carefully, for several reasons, first because you didn't want to make a move that would hurt him and second because being so close to him set off all sorts of alarms in your body.

“What exactly happened?”

‘’I crashed into someone while shooting and landed badly on the ground. Trip to the infirmary,’’ Jake explained, resting his hand on your thigh. ‘’But it was worth it.’’

You assumed that since he was an injured patient, you could let him be. As a favor.

‘’Worth it?’’ you repeated, taking a look at the ice on his knee. ‘’Enlighten me how, please.’’

‘’Well, you came to see me all nervous and worried. This happened an hour ago, so... you must have walked fast to get here.’’ 

You froze for a second and shook your head. ‘’Not really.’’

“Jay said you asked what happened.”

You rolled your eyes. “Jay gossips too much.”

Jake simply chuckled and began stroking your thigh, sending warmth and shivers through you. Silence fell between you, but strangely, it wasn't awkward. It was charged, yes, but it was one of the most comfortable silences you'd ever experienced, as if Jake was content simply with your presence. You abruptly climbed off and Jake grunted a little before trying to grab you, but you had already reached for your bag and were rummaging inside.

Jake was about to open his mouth when something landed on his chest, small and light. The first thing he noticed was a faint scent of eucalyptus. He picked up the small woven amulet and studied it closely, noticing at once that it was a dog with long, cute yellow ears. He blinked, realizing what he held in his hands, and raised his head, looking at you with a look so intense it rooted you to the ground.

You bit your lip feeling how his silence stretched and nodded at his ankle. ‘’Bad timing, isn't it? I should have given it to you earlier, maybe... it would have done its job.’’

Gravity ceased to exist for you, and suddenly you weren't standing, but on top of Jake. You screamed in complaint and surprise, trying to get up without hitting Jake's injuries in the process, but Jake was stronger than you and firmly positioned you on top of him, looking at you with dilated pupils and short, ragged breaths.

“Jake!” you hissed. “What are you doing— your ankle!—”

Up close, you could see it clearly. The way his jaw was tense, the way his eyes kept flicking between your face and the lucky charm like he was afraid one of you might vanish. His usual teasing smile was gone, replaced by something raw and unguarded. 

“You made this,” he said softly, lifting the amulet slightly between your bodies. “For me.”

‘’You literally asked for one, Jake.’’

‘’Bullshit,’’ he said, letting out a shaky laugh. ‘’Do you really think I'm an idiot? I know you. I know nobody can force you to do anything, not even my stupid blackmail. You wouldn't cast a spell for me if you didn't really want to.’’ 

You didn't know what to say or what to admit, because he was right. What was worse was trying to think, because the intensity, his cologne, and Jake's presence were enveloping you in a cloud that made it difficult to speak. You shifted unintentionally in his lap thinking about how to get out of that overly vulnerable conversation, but it was a bad idea, because Jake tensed up beneath you and then growled, grabbing your hips to hold you still.

Something hard pressed against you and you stayed still, staring wide-eyed at Jake, cheeks warm. Jake exhaled and closed his eyes for half a second, pressing the charm flat against his chest like he needed it there to breathe.

“Okay,” he said suddenly. “I’m going to say something, and I need you to not freak out.”

“I think it's too late for that,” you muttered.

He smiled faintly at that, then grew serious again.

“Forget the stupid spell,” he said. “Forget the rivalry. Forget all of it.”

You straightened up and tilted your head to the side. ‘’What?’’

“I don’t care about winning anymore,” he continued, voice firm now, like he’d finally decided something after years of hesitation. “I don’t care about getting under your skin just to prove a point. I don’t even care if you put a hex on me. I care about you. I… I like you.’’

Silence. Pure, shocked, stunned silence. You opened and closed your mouth, feeling too nervous out of the sudden, like a wave trying to drown you. ‘’Please tell me you're high on painkillers,’’ you whispered.

‘’I want us to date for real.’’ 

‘’Jake—,’’ you attempted to silence him. 

‘’I want to be your boyfriend.’’

“No,” you said, panicked. “No, no, no— this is not happening.”

Jake frowned slightly. “Is that a rejection or—”

“You can’t just say that,” you interrupted, hands flying up. “You can’t just— spring that on me! What do you mean ‘boyfriend’? We antagonize each other. We compete. I hexed you because you got a better grade than me!’’

‘’And I think it’s cute,’’ Jake shrugged. 

You scrambled to sit up straighter on his lap, accidentally putting more weight on him and immediately squeaking again, him grunting and clenching his jaw when you rubbed on his cock again. “Sorry— why are you smiling like that?”

Jake was watching you intently, soft, fond. Completely gone.

‘’God, it's just that... you never noticed, did you? I only competed with you all these years because I always liked you,’’ Jake bit his lip, smiling. ‘’I didn't know what to do to get your attention, until the first time I made you angry. Your eyes lit up and it was the most exhilarating feeling in the world.’’

It took you a few seconds to find your voice. ‘’A—always?’’

Jake reached up and brushed his thumb along your jaw carefully.

‘’Well, maybe not so much in elementary school. Or maybe I was too young to understand what a crush felt like. And when we were teenagers you had already decided that you hated me, so…’’

Your heart betrayed you completely, pounding like it had already decided. You watched the man below you with eyes too big and glassy, ​​waiting for your reaction as he clung to the amulet you made for him. He looked so… needy. So open and honest.

You let out a helpless half-groan and finally rested your forehead against his shoulder.

“I need a minute,” you said. Staying. And Jake noticed. 

‘’Take all the time you want,” he replied softly, arms tightening just enough to keep you there. “I’m not going anywhere.”

Jisoo watched, amused, as you wandered around your room looking for an outfit for practice. His paw turned a page in a book and pretended to be focused so you wouldn't drag him into another boy problem or ask what short or skirt made you a better ass.

Things had changed, and you were losing your mind. Oh, how they had changed. It was as if you couldn't trust the memories you'd accumulated in your head over the years. Jake flirting with you? Jake liking you? It had to be a glitch in the Matrix. It couldn't be. But the more you thought about it, the more you had to admit it made a little bit of sense. Maybe just a little.

But at the same time it was ridiculous. Your brain tried to reject the idea on principle alone. For years Jake had been your personal headache, your academic nemesis, your walking ego with perfect teeth and a cute smile. That was the narrative. That was safe.

But the more you thought about it and overanalyzed it, the more you realized there were some things buried beneath the surface of the rivalry. Like whenever you received a grade, he would look at you before even looking at his own. As he only ever challenged you, seeking out stupid competitions that, of course, you took as a duel.

Or the times you turned down guys who wanted to be your lab partners because you had already chosen Jake and you were going to prove to him that you could run the project better than him. The way he’d leaned closer during those projects, pretending to argue when he was really just inches from your face. At the time you didn't even realize it, so used to the heated arguments you had. You mistook passion for the subject for what it really was.

You groaned softly.

Or the time you ditched your dates for the spring dance and started playing Sudoku under the table after Jake said the one in that day's newspaper was too difficult and you replied that he was just dumb. Jake had literally brought the Sudoku cutout to the dance. 

And what about the way he’d get oddly quiet whenever someone else stood too close to you? The way he’d interrupt conversations with some flimsy excuse. The way he always, always inserted himself into your orbit like gravity had personally assigned him to you.

You thought he was doing it to annoy you, to embarrass you in front of other guys, or even to ruin your chances with them. Well, he probably wanted to. But not for the reasons you thought back then. All of his sarcastic comments have been bait? Had every smirk been camouflage? You pressed your palms to your cheeks, feeling heat rise.

“That idiot,” you whispered. Or maybe the idiot had been you.

Because if you were honest—truly honest—there had been moments. Moments where his teasing lingered a second too long. Where his hand brushed yours and neither of you pulled away immediately. Where his eyes softened in a way that didn’t match the joke he was making.

You were supposed to be stretching with your squad, but your eyes kept wandering toward the court, towards the empty space where Jake should be. There were orders from the coach to rest, but you knew Jake would probably have some kind of healing spell in mind, so you were surprised that he wasn't actually at practice.

“Are you looking for someone?”

You blinked, startled, and turned to find Jaemin standing nearby, holding a basketball under his arm. His smile was charming— that kind of easy, practiced grin that made half the campus girls swoon. Too many sharp teeth.

You shrugged trying to play it cool. ‘’Oh, hey. Just spacing out, I guess,’’ you smiled politely. 

“Sure,” he said with a chuckle, tilting his head. “Spacing out in the direction of the locker hallway?”

You felt your cheeks warm. “I wasn’t—”

He laughed softly. “Relax, I’m not judging. Honestly, I’m surprised you’re not cheering extra hard today. Thought you and Captain hated each other.”

Yeah, me too. You made a non commitment humm. 

Jaemin bounced the ball once, eyeing you. “You know, I heard Jake and Jay talking about you making him a good luck charm. That's sweet. I could use some good luck before the game,” he gave you a playful wink. 

You couldn’t help but laugh, shaking your head. “You wouldn’t know what to do with one of my charms.”

“Oh, I’d learn fast,” he teased, stepping closer.

Before you could respond, a sudden whoosh of air swept through the gym— that telltale hum of static prickling over your skin. You didn’t even need to turn to know who it was.

Jake appeared behind Jaemin, freshly changed into his team uniform, hair damp and slightly tousled. His grin didn’t reach his eyes.

“Hey, Jaemin,” he said smoothly, clapping a hand on his teammate’s shoulder. “Warming up?”

“Uh— yeah,” Jaemin said, glancing between the two of you. “Just talking to—”

‘’Maybe four laps around the court will take away your desire to slack off. I need you focused, man,’’ Jake said, voice silky and too calm. His gaze flicked to you, and that faint, electric pulse sparked again between you.

Jaemin smiled doubtfully, feeling the sudden tension and deciding that the smartest decision was to leave. He jogged off toward the court, leaving you standing there, heart thundering.

‘’What are you doing? He was just being nice,’’ you hissed.

He leaned closer. “Stopping him from stealing what’s mine.”

You froze, pulse racing. “Yours?”

“Jaemin’s got a big mouth,” he said, stepping closer. “But I like what I heard.”

You scoffed. “You’re ridiculous.”

He tilted his head, studying you. “You didn’t deny it.”

“Deny what?”

“That you were looking for me,” his voice dropped to a whisper. “That you won’t make any idiot a lucky charm, but me.’’

You opened your mouth to argue— but nothing came out. The gym lights flickered, your magic sparking involuntarily under his gaze. Jake noticed. He always did.

“You know,” he said softly, taking another step until you could feel the heat radiating from his body, “if you wanted to wish me luck, you could’ve just kissed me.”

You stared at him, speechless. “You’re impossible.”

“And you love that about me.”

His hand brushed against yours, fingers tracing slow circles. Your breath hitched. The coach's whistle blew and your captain called everyone over, practice starting. Jake chuckled at your silence and gently tucked a strand of your hair behind your ear. Then he turned and trotted toward the court.

“Don’t go running off,” he called over his shoulder.  “I’ll come collect my kiss!’’

Several heads turned with curiosity and you grunted under your breath at the attention, pretending that nothing had happened and picking up your pom-poms from the floor, secretly wishing that it would open up and swallow you.

You tried to keep your mind focused, but it was impossible with Jake just a few feet away. Maybe you should have cast a spell to make the ceiling collapse or something and stop practice. Your eyes kept drifting to him, watching the way his muscles tensed, his speed, the way he controlled the game and the sweat glistening on his forehead. 

At one point, he swept his hair back and his eyes scanned each player, scrutinizing their movements and yelling adjustments in such a commanding way that it made your thighs clench. His jaw was tense, his eyes alert, his breathing rapid. Damn, you could finally see it. You understood how some of your teammates and even girls in your class sometimes talked about Jake, whispering and giggling conspiratorially about him, about his muscles and stamina.

To say that your energy was bouncing around in your body would be to minimize how you felt; it was more like an electric ball had found its place in your stomach and decided to play with your anxiety and create internal chaos just for fun. Jake's team headed towards the showers and lockers, and you stayed behind, talking to some girls, but your attention wasn't really there, it was on the last thing Jake had mentioned about the goddamn kiss. The girls said something about a party, free alcohol, and the guys from the team there, and you just mumbled something about being busy without really listening and watched the girls drift away one by one, their laughter fading down the hallway.

The gym slowly emptied, the echo of sneakers and voices dissolving into a heavy, almost unnatural quiet.

The moment you turned to leave, you felt it. You recognized it, rather. The air took on a strange change as you walked toward the front door, quickening your pace, and you paused before reaching for the doorknob, noticing that it was... vibrating. As if it had suddenly become charged with heat, and blue sparks were flitting through the air. 

You jumped when Jake's palm landed next to your head, cornering you against the door, his heat immediately surrounding you.  His other hand lifted lazily, fingers flicking once, and the lights dimmed just a fraction— enough to turn the room into something intimate, dangerous.

You looked at him then— really looked. The playful arrogance was gone. What remained was sharper. Focused. The look he got right before winning and that he knew he was going to. 

“I’m done chasing you in circles,” Jake said quietly. “You’re always one step away from running, and I’m tired of pretending I don't want to kiss you until you forget everything.’’

Your pulse thundered in your ears. “This is not how you prove a point,” you said, even as your body betrayed you by not moving away.

“I know,” Jake replied. “This is how I make you stop lying to yourself.”

His gaze dropped to your lips and stayed there. Lingered, slowly igniting with a wilder glow.

“You think I flirt because I wanna annoy you?” he continued. “Because I want to humiliate you? Compete with you?” A humorless smile tugged at his mouth. “I compete because it’s the only language you don’t run from.”

Your breath came shallow when Jake leaned closer— not enough to kiss you, but enough that you could feel the brush of his breath against your own lips. You didn’t pull apart. 

“If I let you walk out that door,” he murmured, “you’ll convince yourself this was nothing. That I’m just playing another game. And I’m not.”

Jake exhaled slowly, like he’d been holding himself together by sheer force of will. His hand finally moved —gentle, deliberate— cupping your jaw, thumb brushing the corner of your mouth, looking a little tortured and fascinated at the same time.

That was unfair, how could he disarm you and squeeze your heart simply by looking like that? You tilted your chin up, defiant and trembling all at once. And for the first time, you didn't see your old enemy, nor the boy who put worms in your lunch. Nor the boy who competed against you all through high school and won best Halloween costume instead of you. You saw a man touching you as if he couldn't believe he was doing it, as if he wanted to devour you and give you life at the same time. His usual puppy face was a mask of pure desire, his eyes wild, and you could feel his magic vibrating, on the verge of spiraling out of control.

“Jake—”

You kissed him.

It felt like something you didn't know you were carrying just fell into place. It wasn't strange or uncomfortable, but it was an explosion of things held in for too long. Jake's hands immediately gripped you and he pushed you against the wall with a force that made you gasp, using it to deepen the kiss. It wasn't a soft, loving kiss; it was more like a jolt that coursed through your entire body, igniting every part of you, and you needed more. You claimed Jake's mouth until your lungs screamed for air, gripping his shirt tightly so he wouldn't move an inch away from you.

He was no better than you, completely lost in the kiss. His tongue conquered every corner of your mouth, savoring you as if you were the juiciest fruit he had ever tasted. It was desperate, dirty, intense, real. Jake used his knee to push through and settle between your legs and you sighed at the contact, letting your body act on pure instinct and you whimpered into his mouth when his thigh pressed against your pussy, making you grind against him slowly.

Jake’s body pressed against yours, his mouth taking over with hot kisses that left you breathless. You had been kissed before, but hell, not like this. It felt like your body was charging a bomb, every second adding more power to it, until the force couldn't be contained anymore. It was electric and powerful, the magic sparkling so alive and strong, too much to handle. 

The bulbs in the gym flickered before bursting with sparks, just like the giant scoreboard, but neither of you cared. A pulse of energy ran through the air like a lightning strike. You hold onto Jake ignoring what was happening, too drunk on his kisses to care or pay attention. His hands gripped your ass and he grunted onto the kiss, dragging his mouth down your jaw and neck, biting and tracing the marks with his tongue while you kept grinding on his tight with a shaky moan. That’s when you noticed how he looked and gasped, unable to believe what you were seeing. 

Jake’s brown hair was lifted everywhere, like he just did some science experiment and was the conduct of static. You could swear the tips of his hair were slightly burned at the end and his skin was adorned with strange pink marks, his neck covered in them and making a trace until it disappeared onto his basketball shirt.

The lighting-shape across his throat glowed faintly like it was alive, fading but returning with every heartbeat. 

‘’Oh my God.’’

He noted the way you weren’t responding to his touch anymore, too mesmericed, surprised and guilty at the same time to do something. Jake had the audacity to laugh like it was nothing, breathless and grinning. 

‘’Looks like I really got under your skin,’’ he left out another laugh, looking at you. ‘’My little firefly.’’ 

You flushed, too stunned to speak. The nickname sent a wave of warmth though you, enough to make the end of your strands of hair levitate slightly around your face, your magic making you look like a goddamn rookie.

Your magic didn’t behave like that in years, not since you were a kid in training with your coven. You spent years controlling every spark, every lighting, every word, anything that could trigger you. And yet, every piece of perfect control that you spent years curating was gone just like that. Your heart fluttered and your magic hummed happily, free, playful, dangerous. But your human part felt vulnerable, like all your walls were destroyed and what was worse, you hurt him with some of the debris falling. 

You had hurt him. 

Of course he noted, caressing your cheek with a touch so tender it made your cheeks redden more. You caressed the lighting-shaped marks on his neck, your fingertips barely touching his skin, too scared and doubtful, fearing that you might make it worse. Jake didn’t flinch or took a step back, instead, his brown eyes softened a little.

‘’I’m so sorry, Jake,’’ you whispered, regretfully filling your small voice. You could still feel the energy with every heartbeat, a storm glowing faintly inside you, enough to make the air around both of you hum. ‘’I didn't mean to, I swear. I— you look—’’

‘’Hey, don’t look at me like that,’’ Jake said quietly. He hugged you closely, anchoring you. One hand cupping your cheek, the other stroking your back. ‘’I’m fine, you didn’t hurt me.’’

‘’But I—’’

‘’Shhh. Just look.’’ 

He smiled, soft and almost reverent, and he wouldn't be Jake if there wasn't some cockiness in there too. But what irritated you before now seemed so charming and boyish, and another rush of static jumped from your skin. Jake didn’t flinch. Instead, a faint shimmer spread from him, a low vibration filling the air, like an echo of music. You stared completely mesmericed, not ever seeing a power like that. It was calm and fluid, moving through the air like nothing and engulfing the traces of your powers like a warm blanket. It didn’t feel crushing or overpowering you, more like it was holding you. Keeping your head above water. The sparks and static softened into little lights, floating like delicate bubbles that danced around you both. 

Jake tilted your head towards him, claiming your attention back with a pretty smile that did nothing to calm your heart. It bumped faster. 

‘’Your magic just needs the right frequency.’’ 

You wanted to deny it, to scream he was wrong and you were perfectly powerful on your own and that managing your magic and energy was as easy as breathing. But that would be a lie. Your heart was beating at the rhythm his magic created.

You blinked as your mind caught on and uncovered something that surfaced, impossible to ignore. Too big, too bright, but above all, too real. And somehow, despite the chaos in your head, one thought stood out with terrifying clarity: you didn’t want him to go.

You liked Jake.

Hours later, your pulse hadn't calmed down. Hours later, the night had settled thick and warm around campus, and you were still replaying everything in your head. Hours later, you could still feel Jake’s lips on yours. 

And Jisoo watched with slight horror how you sighed, lovestruck and spiraling. The little cat had spied/observed with too much interest through the window as Jake had accompanied you home and was too tempted to transform himself into a fly just to listen to the conversation. Jisoo wasn't going to admit to anyone that maybe he rested his ear against the mailbox by the door.

“So,” Jake said, leaning against the frame. “There’s a party on Saturday. My place.”

You squinted at him. “Mmm, the girls said something about it. I'm busy. I have to finish your vudu doll, remember?”

He smiled, slow and knowing. “Yeah. You also weren’t listening, too focused in my arms.’’

Before you could reply and defend yourself and your honor, he stepped closer, one hand settling at your waist, the other brushing your jaw. He kissed you like it was already a habit— easy, familiar, devastating. You melted embarrassingly fast into his arms. 

“Come with me,” he murmured against your lips. “You can enter through the door this time. No need to float in through the window.”

A laugh escaped you before you could stop it, surprising you, softer and without any heat to it. 

Jake’s eyebrows lifted in victory. “See? I’m charming. I can’t believe it took you years to notice, though.”

“You’re insufferable,” you said, smiling despite yourself. 

“And you’re coming,” he countered, kissing you again— slower, coaxing. “Just for a bit. We show our faces, dance a little and make sure no one dies early. Jay’s in charge, anyway.”

“That’s… not reassuring.”

“It should be,” Jake hummed. “He’s very responsible. Relatively.”

You hesitated— right until his mouth drifted to your neck. His teeth caught a spot that made your thoughts scatter entirely, and your protest dissolved into a sharp inhale.

“…Fine,” you breathed.

Jake grinned against your skin. “Good witch.”

Jake's house wasn't like that dark and silent night when you spied through the window, it had come to life: music thumping through the walls, lights spilling into the yard, laughter everywhere. The moment you stepped inside, your eyes searched for him instinctively. 

Something furry brushed against your ankles, and you looked down to find a black cat staring at you, tilting its head as if greeting you. Its eyes shone in a way that was too human and knowing for just a cuddly kitten. You felt a small touch, as if its gaze reached the core where you kept your magic, like Jisoo sometimes did just to let you know he was there with you. The cat slipped between your feet and went outside, meowing what sounded like laughter.

When you looked up you didn't see Jake, but what you didn’t know was that he had seen you the second you walked in. From across the room, cup in hand, his gaze tracked you with something dangerous and fond all at once. Pride curled in his chest. Desire too. He didn’t move until you turned— until your eyes finally found him.

His expression changed instantly when he noticed what you were wearing. You'd somehow elevated the outfit you wore to practice that time to annoy him, only this time it was definitely meant to give him a heart attack. You'd chosen an equally short but dark leather skirt that hugged your hips and accentuated your ass. Jake never thought witch boots could be sexy, but you were wearing a pair that laced up to your knees, making your legs look endless. The worst part was the top you were wearing, which barely contained your tits, bouncing gently with every step you took. He felt a drop of sweat slide down the back of his neck.

You didn’t get to react before he was in front of you, pressing a red plastic cup into your hand.

“Drink,” he said.

You glanced inside, confused. “This is water.”

“Exactly. You’ll need it.’’

Before you could question him, his fingers laced through yours, firm and unapologetic, and he tugged you toward the staircase.

“Jake— wait,” you protested, half-laughing as you followed. “I thought we were supposed to socialize first? Make sure Jay doesn’t burn the house?’’

He didn’t slow down.

“Fuck Jay,’’ he scoffed. ‘’That stopped mattering the second you walked through the door,” he replied over his shoulder. “I’ve been patient for too long.”

Your heart hammered as he pulled you up the stairs, away from the noise, the music fading into something distant and irrelevant. Jake walked down a hallway to his bedroom door, opened it, pushed you inside unceremoniously, and locked it behind him. The door barely had time to close before Jake had you gently backed against it, or at least, that had clearly been his intention. Because the second you stepped into his room, your focus shifted entirely and you gasped low. Jake’s room was dimly lit by warm lamps and a faint blue glow from a charm hanging near the window. But what stole your attention wasn’t the bed, or the comfy couch, or the fact that you were very aware you were alone in his room.

It was the cabinet against the far wall. A raw, pure curiosity filled you, and you headed straight toward the cabinet you had been spying that night. Glass doors. Shelves lined with jars. Books stacked both neatly and chaotically. Small bundles of dried herbs hanging upside down from hooks. Everything looked so... Jake. Organized but not at the same time, a methodical mini chaos. 

You slipped away from him without even realizing, eyes big and shinning with interest. 

“Are those—” you stepped closer, fingers hovering over the glass, “—original texts?”

“You are in my bedroom,” he said slowly.

“Mmh? Yes, I noticed,” you murmured, already opening the cabinet.

Inside were books in worn leather bindings, titles etched in gold and silver. Some in Latin. Some symbols you didn’t immediately recognize. Small labeled jars sat beside them— powders, seeds, preserved petals. They were the materials of a seasoned and advanced sorcerer, that was for sure. There were definitely relics there, ancient and delicate, with too much power within their pages. Your eyes sparkled when you saw some of the carefully dried herbs up close and you gasped excitedly.

Jake, meanwhile, looked personally betrayed.

“Babe,” he groaned softly.

You pulled one of the books free and flipped it open carefully, reverently. “This one is hand-made. Jake, this is old. How did you get it?”

He walked up behind you, arms sliding around your waist, chest pressing against your back.

“Baby,” he repeated, voice lower now, almost a warning. “You can see all of that later. I’ll give you a tour and some herbs if you want,’’ he pressed his face into your shoulder dramatically. “Now pay attention to me. Fuck, you smell so good.’’

You barely reacted, too busy scanning a page and reading attentively. A leaf of something dry slipped across the page and you gasped a little. “Wait— this plant doesn’t grow anywhere near here. How did you get moonvine in this climate? I tried, but it never grew.”

Jake made a wounded sound, a literal, offended little whine.

You arched a brow. “…Did you just—”

He tightened his hold and nuzzled into your neck like a sulking puppy. “We’re in my room. Alone. At night. And you’re flirting with my spell cabinet wearing the tiniest skirt in the world.”

“Oh my God,” you said, turning your head slightly, closing the book carefully. “Are you jealous of your own books?”

“Yes.”

You smiled and reached one hand back, fingers sliding into his hair. He stilled instantly at the touch and relaxed just as fast. “There,” you murmured, scratching lightly at his scalp. “Much better.”

He made another low, needy sound and suddenly spun you around, lifting you just enough to set you away from the cabinet. You barely had time to protest before he gently pushed the glass doors shut with his foot. He began to kiss your neck slowly but wetly, testing your skin with small hickeys that took your breath away.

“You’re here, with me. Focus on me, not a 14th-century curse index.”

You pretended to consider it. “…that curse index did look interesting.”

He groaned and buried his face in your neck again while sliding his hands over your ass and giving you a possessive squeeze, using his grip to lift you up completely and drag you towards his bed.

‘’Fuck, you dressed up so prettily just for me, don't you? Did you want to drive me crazy?’’

‘’Maybe’’ you teased him, laughing softly when he threw you there. You propped yourself up on your elbows and looked at him thoughtfully and seductively, letting your eyes roam over his body. You carefully lifted your leg and placed your foot on his crotch, slowly brushing it against his hard length. ‘’What would you do if I told you I would suck your cock for some of that moonvine?’’

The reaction was too quick and desperate, Jake's body covering yours and taking your mouth in a fervent, hard, almost punishing kiss. His hands roamed all over your body as you cradled his face, never ceasing to kiss him while Jake opened your legs and made room for himself between your thighs. You wrapped your legs around his waist and sighed breathlessly as you felt his hard cock pressing against your pussy, rubbing torturously slowly against you. Jake devoured your mouth before deciding that was enough and began a trail of kisses down your neck to your breasts, biting, licking, and sucking every inch of uncovered skin.

Jake was determined to mark you as you had marked him.

He exhaled a shaky breath, groaning into your skin. ‘’You know how many times I thought about you here, after practice? Jerking like a loser teenager.’’ 

You shook your head as Jake pulled down your top, moaning at the sight of your naked tits. He cupped your breasts, burying his face between them, inhaling your scent like a man driven mad. He caught one of your nipples and played with it, sucking and licking it until it slipped out of his mouth. You moaned and arched at his touch, gently tugging at his hair while he possessively sucked your nipples, sighing contentedly. 

‘’Jake—’’ you tried to say, moaning when he rubbed harder against your pussy, making your clit throb. 

Jake untangled your legs from him and knelt on the floor, pulling you down until he left you over the edge of the bed with your legs on either side of his head. Heat pooled in your belly and your breath catched when you felt his mouth on you leaving kisses and drags of his tongue on your thighs possessively, gripping hard the cheeks of your ass with his hands. It was too much and too good, and you felt a twinge of shyness as you got wet, moaning behind covering your face. Jake chuckled a little, pushing your skirt up.

‘’All I could think about was you in your pretty skirts, so fucking short it barely covers anything. Your tits bouncing every time you jumped,’’ he groaned, burying his face into your cunt and inhaling, making you squeal. ‘’How sweaty your body was after cheering the whole game. Fuck, I could’ve lick you clean.’’

‘’You’re so nasty,’’ you gasped, trembling from the way Jake used his nose to rub up and down against your covered pussy, bending your knees and holding them there, exposing you. Your pussy was practically dripping, swollen lips spilling out of the fabric. Jake groaned and licked your pussy through your panties, making you jump a little, just enough to make him chuckle again, so fucking smug. 

He gently sucked your clit and you moaned a little, your hips rising and Jake slapping your ass to make you stay still. 

‘’Jake!’’ you hissed.

‘’You could've had this before, but no. You decided to act like a brat and test me everyday,’’ Jake scolded you with another spank landing on your ass, making you moan again from the sting. ‘’And then you fucking hexed me. You actually believe you deserve to get this pussy fucked?’’

You nodded, making Jake chuckle deep. He pulled your panties aside and caressed your pussy with his fingers in a V-shape, his touch light as a feather. You stirred needing more, and gasped as Jake slapped your pussy playfully once, twice, three times. He rubbed your clit slowly, letting his saliva drip there and trickle down your folds, staring at it. It was so... filthy and so dominant, the way he was touching you. You love it.

‘’Jake, fuck,’’ you whimpered, needy and restless. ‘’Please!’’

‘’Please what, baby?’’

You grunted. ‘’You know what. Do something!’’

‘’Beg for it,’’ Jake muttered, moving the tip of his tongue in circles over your clit, barely touching it, a ghost touch. ‘’Beg me to eat your wet, needy pussy.’’

You closed your eyes, feeling your cheeks flush slightly, and pushed your hips upward, needing to feel your mouth on you with a whine. 

‘’That’s not good enough. Use your words.’’

You almost pouted. ‘’Jake, I... I want you to eat my pussy, please.’’

Jake's mouth was on you right away, closing over your clit and rubbing it with his tongue, sucking and sipping your juices and his saliva all together. His tongue roamed up and down, licking and sucking, making a mess and loving the way your thighs trembled slightly.

If someone had ever told you that you'd be lying open in your rival's bed with his face buried in your cunt, you would have laughed. But there you were, entering a fog of pleasure that altered your senses, and you couldn't think of anything but more, more, more. Your body tingled, and the pleasure began to raise your body temperature, making its way into you. Your hands left your face and began to move down until you started to play with your breasts slowly, rubbing and pinching your nipples between your fingers.

You gasped as one of his fingers slid easily into your hole, and then another, stretching you with an almost too delicious ardor, pumping them in and out. Jake began to move them firmly, pushing them inside you until his knuckles touched you. He curled them inside and caressed your soft, wet, gummy walls, making you whimper at how deep his long fingers felt. You had never reached so deep, but Jake's long fingers had no problem making you see stars and moan his name desperately.

Jake's mouth lazily sucked on your clit, making shapes with his tongue and distracting you from how added a third finger, making you hiss. ‘’Jake! Fuck— so good,’’ you whined, trying to close your legs, simply to trap him and drown him against your cunt. ‘’Don't stop!’’

He shook his head and continued assaulting your cunt with more speed, pushing his fingers inside you faster, opening you up. Your body responded on its own, and more slick flowed from your throbbing, stretched cunt into his greedy mouth. You gasped and grabbed his hair, pushing Jake’s face against your cunt and grinding against him, desperate for the pleasure building in your lower stomach.

‘’Come on baby, take it, let me open that tight pussy,’’ he groaned against your tight, smiling wickedly. ‘’You're milking my fingers and soaking my hand, this pussy really loves me, mmh? So fucking needy.’’

You felt like you were about to combust. Jake fucked your pussy until the wet smacking filled the room and your pussy tightened around his fingers, you continued moaning and gripped the blankets biting your lip as he slapped your clit again. Your vision went white for a few seconds and your body arched, your legs opening even wider and you let out a muffled moan when you cummed, crashing down hard. 

Pleasure coursed through your veins and you whimpered when it didn't end right away, spreading throughout your body and awakening every inch to life, vibrating. Jake was still pumping his fingers in and out of you fast and deep, watching you intently with hungry eyes. The overstimulation made you moan and writhe, trying to escape him, but Jake pushed your hips down onto the bed and stood up, his body hovering above you.

‘’Don’t run from it,’’ Jake muttered kissing your throat. You clutched his shoulders and sobbed, feeling your hole open, wet, used, tightening around his fingers again. You shook your head and Jake silenced you with a deep kiss, swallowing your moans. ‘’Cum again for me, baby. You’re gonna make a fucking mess in my bed, yeah? Mmm, you look so pretty when you cum. Give me one more, I know you can.’’

You looked at Jake with disbelief and a little panic. ‘’What? Jake— I never —’’

‘’Shh, relax, baby. You can feel how much your body wants it, don’t you? You're so wet and stretched out for me, I bet I could slip my cock in along with my fingers,’’ Jake moaned huskily. ‘’I bet I could even fit two cocks in. Do you think there's a spell for that or should I just use a dildo? Maybe call Jay over?’’

You moaned at the dirty, hot thought, your breathing quickening. You trembled at the way you didn't hate the idea, even though you didn't know if it was Jake talking in the heat of the moment or his actual ideas. Your hand wrapped around Jake's arm for support, feeling the pleasure about to overwhelm you at any moment. You gasped his name while your body felt like it was splitting, convulsing slightly. Jets began to spurt from your pussy, falling onto the floor and sheets, and even then Jake didn't stop his fingers. You gasped, completely overwhelmed and trembling with pleasure, closing your wet thighs.

‘’That’s it, pretty, you did so well,’’ Jake’s voice praised you, kissing you softly. Your body feels like it's floating on clouds, a light layer of sweat covering your body and your panties completely soaked, sticking to your pussy. ‘’Squirting like a good girl for me.’’

Jake studied your dilated, glassy eyes, the way your body softened and sought his, how you moaned from the loss when he finally withdrew his fingers from your slippery pussy. More slick gushed out of your hole and he moaned, studying your pretty cunt, so soft and shiny. He quickly kicked his pants aside and your eyes widened slightly when you noticed his cock. You'd seen it outlined in a photo and felt it when you sat on top of him, but seeing it hard was something else entirely. It was long and quite thick, with some veins popping out. It was big,a  size you definitely didn’t have experience with. The tip was dark pink, already leaking. 

Jake's eyes were darkly deep as he watched you stare at his cock, his hand circling its width and slowly masturbating in front of your eyes. ‘’I'm going raw, baby. I need to feel your sweet pussy squeezing me,’’ he groaned. He pushed your knees up and pressed them against the bed until he replaced his hands with yours. He began to rub the head of his cock between your wet, slippery lips, tapping it against your clit. ‘’You’re dripping for me.’’

Your head was nestled in cotton wool, and you bit your lip, timidly taking his cock in your hand and rubbing it against your pussy, caring about nothing but having him inside you. You positioned it against your hole slowly and looked at Jake with droopy eyelids, slowly licking your lower lip. ‘’Just fuck me, Jake.’’

Your eyes closed with a moan as Jake began to push, your tight little hole opening under the pressure of his tip forcing its way in. He was entering slowly, inch by inch, turning the slight burning sensation into pleasure. You watched as he hadn't even gone in halfway and yet you felt so full, so stretched; it was maddening, and you moaned desperately.

You were restless and too hot and wet; everything was too much and yet not enough. Jake noticed how overwhelmed you were becoming and kissed you slowly, his tongue caressing yours almost gently while his cock was wrecking you. ‘’That’s it, baby, let me in. I’m gonna make you feel so good,’’ he promised, coaxing you. ‘’You look so pretty like this, so full of me.’’

He pinned you to the bed and began thrusting slowly, almost pulling out of you, then burying his cock completely inside your hot, wet pussy. You gasped against his mouth and clung to him, unable to believe that Jake was the one making you moan and beg, the one buried up to his balls inside you. Jake found the spot that made you see stars while he watched your reaction and smiled smugly when you gasped his name breathlessly, starting to move faster and pounding your pussy nonstop. 

You were just spouting nonsense, unable to form a sentence or any thought; all you could feel was Jake's cock thrusting into you until its tip grazed your cervix, leaving you a trembling mess. Completely possessed by the sensations that burned your body.  ‘’Jake— oh my God, you’re— so deep — please.’’

Jake was totally possessed too, with shadows dancing across his face giving him a dangerous look, he was a conquering beast, watching you with such a pure and perverse obsession knowing that you were right where you belonged, open and letting him use your pussy however he wanted. ‘’You're soaking my cock, baby. You're squeezing me like you don’t want me to let go,’’ Jake panted against your lips, kissing you sloppy. You moaned into his mouth kissing him just as messy, holding onto his shoulders. ‘’This pretty pussy is made for my cock, so fucking tight, it's begging me to fill her with my cum.’’

You squeezed around him, making him moan, as your fingers found your clit and slowly encircled it. Jake took your wrist and brought it next to your head, shaking his head. He laughed mockingly, tilting his face and giving you an especially deep thrust that made you gasp. ‘’Touching what’s mine, mmh? I don’t think you deserve to cum yet, not until you apologize for fucking cursing me.’’

‘’I’m sorry,’’ you begged, eyes rolling into the back of your head when his fingers found your clit and pressed in circles with the right amount of pressure. ‘’Jake, please, I’m sorry!’’

‘’Mmm, that doesn’t sound sincere, baby. Try again.’’

You sobbed a little, feeling your climax about to explode, making your pussy throb and your hole get wetter, taking Jake's cock more easily. Your body responded to his every move, every word and thrust, driving you wild. You didn't care about anything but cumming. 

You looked into his eyes, tears welling in your own, and moaned softly, pleading with your gaze. "I'm sorry I bewitched you, Jake."

Jake fake cooed at you, taunting you with a mocking grin. He kissed you again, deeply and demandingly, licking your mouth while continuing to rub your clit until you whimpered again.

‘’You better be, my pretty witch,’’ he warned you, tangling his hand in your hair and tugging roughly. ‘’You’re gonna pay for it, anyway. Day by day I’m gonna cum so deep into your tight pussy and you’re gonna take it, every drop. And fucking thank me for it.’’

Jake’s eyes sparkled evilly, charged with a heat so intense it left you breathless. Your mind cleared a little when you realized that he didn’t have any intentions to stop or pull out, pounding into you mercilessly. A little common sense penetrated the fog of your mind and you started shaking your head, trying to push him. 

‘’I’m not on the pill,’’ you whined, a spark of alarm amidst the pleasure that clouded your mind. ‘’Pull out!’’

‘’Nah,’’ Jake chuckled into your lips, ramming into you harder in a mating press, making you just take his cock deeper. His breathing was more labored, his touch more possessive as he fucked you so hard that you couldn't hold back and came with a scream, panting and creaming his cock. ‘’I'm gonna breed you real good, fill this tiny pussy up over and over,’’ he grunted, jaw clenching. ‘’Fuck, and you’re gonna let me. You owe me, baby. Time to payback, my pretty slut.’’ 

You were half-listening while spamming around him, your heart and breathing out of control, while Jake used your hole as he pleased. You watched with shining eyes as Jake's face transformed when he came inside you with a gasp, his brow furrowed, and a wild look in his eyes. He buried himself deep inside your cunt and lay still there as his load filled your womb, giving a few empty thrusts to push his semen in. 

You hissed from overstimulation, collapsing onto the bed completely exhausted with Jake on top of you, breathing heavily. He held your jaw and kissed you slowly, more calmly, coming down from the cloud of pleasure along with you. You felt his cum begin to trickle down from your hole and whimpered, punching him in the shoulder.  

Jake laughed briefly and kissed your cheek, making you look at him. ‘’You're not going to run away from me ever again. You belong right here, with me buried up to my balls inside you, filled with my cum. You're going to wear my jacket after my games, and then you're going to come back home with me and let me take care of you. Is that clear, little witch?’’ 

You rolled your eyes and sighed without denying anything he said. In fact, you didn't hate the idea, and incredibly, you didn't feel like running away either, imagining it in your head, your mind still turbulent from the number of orgasms Jake had given you in such a short time.

You considered it while caressing Jake's cheek, your thumb slowly rubbing his lips. "Okay," you murmured softly after a pause, your body betraying you and your cunt tightening around his cock, squeezing out every last drop he had to give you, heart fluttering. You sighed heavily. '’You'd better know how to cast a contraception spell or I’m hexing you again.’’

Then Jake let out a short, disbelieving laugh. He pushed himself up on one elbow, looking at you like you were the most fascinating creature in existence before kissing you again, soft and loving. 

“You’re spiraling, firefly.”

“I am evaluating risks, since you don't.”

Jake slowly withdrew from you, making you whimper from how sensitive you were. He lay down beside you and gently tugged you against his chest, where you snuggled in, not caring that you were dripping with his cum. 

“Relax,” he murmured, brushing hair away from your face. “I know the spell.”

You narrowed your eyes suspiciously. “You know it, or you think you know it?”

“Baby,” he said, smiling lazily, “I am not reckless.”

You gave him a look. He paused, looking somewhere between entertained and guilty.

“Mmm, okay. I’m selectively reckless, maybe.”

‘’That will definitely make me sleep soundly tonight.’’

Jake laughed softly and leaned forward, pressing a kiss to your forehead.

“I’ve got it handled,” he said. “I promise. Don’t worry, yeah?”

You studied his face carefully, searching for even a hint of teasing, but you found none. Only warmth. And a very obvious fondness at the way your brain always jumped to worst-case scenarios, your buttons in the "freak out" mode. Jake sat down and began removing the rest of your clothes, slowly untying your boots as he massaged the areas he uncovered. Little by little, he had you naked, and you felt his hot gaze upon you, looking at you with satisfaction at the way you had simply accepted that you belonged to him.

Jake moved closer to you, maneuvering to spoon you and wrap his arms around you after covering you both with the blankets. His touch was still possessive but more protective, comfortable, familiar. You relaxed in his arms and snuggled closer. 

“You don’t have to panic every time we cross a line,” he murmured. “We’re figuring this out. Together.”

His words softened something in you, and you caressed his hand that had rested on your chest, holding you. You sighed dramatically and playfully pushed him with your butt, closing your eyes with a smile.

“If I wake up glowing tomorrow I’m killing you, Sim Jaeyun.''