Euphoria

Joshua x Reader (Aera)

Joshua

• A Morning Just Like This

• Peace, At Last

• Operation: Keep Our Baby Warm

• Hopelessly Yours

• The Kind That Stays

• Matchmaker & Meltdown

• Lizard in Suite 609

• Say My Name, Baby

• Sunset In Your Arms

• The Curse Of Labubu

• In Every Universe

The Brothers:

Seungcheol

Jeonghan

• Hours of Fruit-Feeding and Endless Words

• Will Marriage Take Away Who I Am? [Part 1] [Part 2]

● Still Courting You [Part 1] [Part 2]

Jun

Hoshi

Wonwoo

• From Grief To Grace

Woozi

Dokyeom

Mingyu

Minghao

Seungkwan

• The Day The Light Dimmed

• Where Love Stayed

Vernon

Dino

• Who Said Best Friends Don't Break Up?

[Part 1: When Best Friends Stop Looking Like Home]

[Part 2: The Quiet Kind Of Safe]

[Part 3: Tension At The Table]

[Part 4: When Pride Took The Wheel]

[Part 5: How Much Can One Heart Hold?]

[Part 6: She Was Never A Threat]

[Part 7: Some Silences Are Meant To Break]

Part 1 | Part 2

Soft footsteps.

Both men glanced toward the hallway instinctively.

And there you were.

Sleepy.

Hair messy from sleep, oversized shirt slipping slightly off one shoulder, eyes barely open properly.

You stood there blinking for a second like someone still halfway trapped in dreams.

Then your gaze found Joshua.

Immediately.

Always immediately.

Joshua’s entire face softened so fast it almost looked unreal.

“Ari?” he said gently.

You didn’t answer.

Just walked straight toward him with tiny sleepy steps.

Jeonghan watched in silent amusement already knowing exactly what was about to happen.

The second you reached Joshua, your arms lifted automatically around him.

No hesitation.

No shyness.

Just sleepy instinct.

Joshua let out the quietest laugh and immediately opened his arms, pulling you between his knees while you buried your face into his shoulder.

“You woke up,” he murmured softly, hand sliding up your back automatically.

You nodded faintly against him.

Sleepy.

Needy.

Looking for him first.

And across from you both, Jeonghan physically had to look away for a second because the irony nearly killed him.

This.

This was the same girl who once panicked after accidental hand touches.

Now she woke up from sleep, found Joshua missing, and walked through the apartment half-awake just to cling to him instinctively.

Joshua pressed a kiss gently into your hair.

“What happened, hm?”

Still half asleep, you only hugged him tighter.

The answer was obvious.

Joshua smiled immediately, melting on impact like always.

“You looked for me?”

A tiny nod against his shoulder.

Jeonghan groaned softly.

“Disgusting.”

Joshua ignored him beautifully.

His hand rubbed slowly along your back while he tilted his cheek against your hair.

“I was coming back soon, baby.”

But despite saying that, he made absolutely no move to let go of you.

If anything, his arms tightened more securely around your waist.

Protective.

Automatic.

Jeonghan watched the two of you quietly for a moment before muttering:

“She’s attached.”

Joshua smiled into your hair instantly.

“Very.”

And hidden against his shoulder, still sleepy and warm from bed, you nodded again like it was the most obvious thing in the world and replied.

"I woke up.. you weren’t there..."

Joshua’s expression softened so fast it almost hurt to look at.

Your sleepy voice was rough around the edges, barely above a murmur, and yet somehow it landed directly in the center of his chest.

“Ari…” he whispered gently.

One of his hands slid up to cradle the back of your head while the other stayed firm around your waist, pulling you even closer between his knees.

“I’m sorry, baby.”

The apology came instinctively.

Not because he’d done anything wrong.

Just because the thought of you waking up reaching for him and finding empty space tugged at him immediately.

You stayed tucked against him sleepily while Joshua rubbed small soothing circles against your back.

“I just came to talk to hyung for a bit,” he murmured near your temple.

Then softer, fondness flooding every word:

“You really came searching for me half asleep?”

A tiny smile appeared on his face before you even answered because honestly, he already knew.

Jeonghan watched the entire thing with exhausted disbelief.

“This is actually unreal to witness.”

Neither of you paid him any attention.

Joshua’s thumb brushed gently through your messy hair.

“You could’ve called me, ari.”

Another sleepy little shake of your head against him.

No.

You wanted him physically there.

Wanted to find him yourself.

And somehow that simple fact visibly destroyed Joshua emotionally in real time.

His eyes closed briefly while he smiled against your hair.

“Okay,” he murmured softly. “I’m here now.”

The reassurance came immediately.

Steady.

Certain.

His hand slipped beneath your jaw carefully, tilting your sleepy face up just enough for him to look at you properly.

You looked completely exhausted.

Warm from sleep.

Still clingy with unconscious trust.

Joshua looked at you like you were something unbearably precious.

“You wanna go back to bed?” he asked quietly.

But even while asking, he was already rubbing his nose lightly against your hair, clearly in no rush to move either.

From across the counter, Jeonghan sighed dramatically.

“You know she used to panic if your shoulders touched.”

Joshua smiled faintly without looking away from you.

“Mm.”

"Mmh-hmm..You talk... I'll just sleep here..."

Joshua actually laughed softly at that.

Not loudly.

Just this warm, helpless little sound because of course you would say that so seriously while half asleep in his arms.

Jeonghan looked horrified.

“Here?”

You nodded sleepily against Joshua’s shoulder already settling more comfortably against him like the kitchen stool and his lap were perfectly acceptable sleeping arrangements.

Joshua’s smile became unbearably fond.

“Ari,” he murmured gently, “your neck is gonna hurt.”

Another tiny sleepy shake of your head.

Didn’t matter.

You were staying.

Jeonghan stared at the two of you for a long second before muttering:

“She really said ‘continue your emotional TED Talk, I’ll nap.’”

Joshua laughed quietly again, chest vibrating lightly beneath where you rested against him.

His hand moved slowly up and down your back soothingly while you melted further into him.

“Baby,” he whispered near your hair, “at least sit properly.”

Carefully, without disturbing you too much, Joshua shifted you fully onto his lap sideways so you could lean comfortably against his chest instead of twisting awkwardly.

You immediately curled closer.

Automatic.

Trusting.

Joshua’s entire expression softened into complete ruin.

There it is again.

That look.

The one Jeonghan kept complaining about all night.

Like Joshua still couldn’t believe someone this gentle belonged with him.

You were already drifting again by the time Joshua adjusted the sleeve over your arm properly and tucked your hair behind your ear.

Jeonghan watched silently for a second.

Then deadpanned:

“You two are actually married mentally.”

Joshua snorted softly.

“Probably.”

No hesitation this time.

And somehow that answer made Jeonghan laugh harder.

Meanwhile Joshua looked down at you again when your hand weakly grabbed at the front of his shirt in your sleep.

Instantly his hand covered yours.

Protective instinct.

Immediate.

His thumb brushed slowly over your knuckles while his voice dropped softer than before.

“Sleep, ari.”

You made the tiniest sleepy sound and relaxed completely against him afterward.

Gone again.

Joshua stared at you for another moment before smiling faintly to himself.

Then quietly to Jeonghan:

“She really came searching for me.”

Still sounding amazed by it.

Jeonghan rolled his eyes immediately.

“Yes, Romeo. We established that fifteen times already.”

But even he was smiling now.

Because honestly?

Watching Kim Aera unconsciously seek Joshua out even in sleep while Joshua looked at her like she’d personally invented happiness…

Yeah.

It was a little insane.

Then the conversation softened naturally around your sleepy presence.

Joshua’s voice dropped lower instinctively so he wouldn’t wake you fully, one hand continuously moving along your back in slow rhythmic motions while you slept against his chest.

Jeonghan watched the scene with tired amusement.

“She really trusts you completely now.”

Joshua’s eyes lowered to you immediately.

The answer in his expression came long before his words did.

“Yeah,” he said quietly.

There was something almost careful in the way he spoke afterward.

Like he understood the weight of that trust deeply.

“She used to fight sleep around me at first.”

Jeonghan blinked once.

Joshua smiled faintly.

“Not obviously.” A tiny shake of his head. “But I noticed.”

Of course he noticed.

“She’d get sleepy but force herself awake.” His thumb brushed gently over your arm beneath the blanket of his hoodie sleeve wrapped around you. “I think part of her was scared of being too vulnerable.”

Jeonghan nodded slowly.

That sounded exactly like you back then.

Joshua looked down at you again, gaze unbearably soft.

“Now she literally climbs onto me and passes out mid-sentence.”

Right on cue, you shifted sleepily against him, face pressing closer into his chest.

Joshua immediately adjusted his hold without even thinking.

Jeonghan pointed instantly.

“That.”

Joshua looked up.

“You do that automatically now.”

Joshua glanced down at where his hand rested protectively at your waist.

Then smiled faintly.

“…Yeah.”

Because somewhere along the way, taking care of you had stopped being conscious effort.

It became instinct.

The kitchen stayed warm and quiet around them while Joshua absentmindedly brushed his fingers through your hair.

Then Jeonghan asked softly:

“What scares you most about her?”

Joshua’s expression changed immediately.

Not dramatically.

Just thoughtful.

Quiet.

For a moment he didn’t answer.

Then finally:

“That she’ll exhaust herself trying to be strong.”

Jeonghan’s face softened.

Joshua stared at the floor slightly now, voice calm but heavy with understanding.

“She carries things alone too often.” A pause. “Even now.”

His hand tightened faintly against your back.

“She comforts other people before herself instinctively.” He smiled weakly. “And half the time she doesn’t even realize she’s hurting until it overflows.”

Jeonghan nodded slowly.

Accurate.

Painfully accurate.

Joshua exhaled quietly through his nose.

“And because she looks soft…” His eyes lowered. “People forget how much she fights herself internally.”

The kitchen fell silent again.

Then softer:

“I think that’s why I get protective sometimes.”

Jeonghan raised one brow slightly.

“Sometimes?”

Joshua ignored him beautifully.

But his gaze never left you.

“She acts brave very naturally,” he murmured. “So people don’t notice when she needs reassurance too.”

A tiny smile appeared then.

“But she’s gotten better at coming to me now.”

His thumb brushed lightly over your sleeve again.

“Tonight proved that.”

You stirred slightly in your sleep at the sound of his voice, fingers curling weakly against his shirt again.

Joshua melted instantly.

Gone.

Absolutely gone.

Jeonghan watched with open judgment.

“You’re smiling again.”

Joshua blinked. “What?”

“That smile.” Jeonghan pointed vaguely. “The one where you look emotionally conquered.”

Joshua huffed a quiet laugh.

“She’s cute.”

“She’s asleep.”

“Exactly.”

Jeonghan physically recoiled.

“Hopeless.”

Joshua only smiled more.

Then quieter, almost absentmindedly while looking down at you:

“She still doesn’t understand how much she changed my life.”

Jeonghan leaned against the counter.

“You changed hers too.”

Joshua’s expression gentled immediately at that.

He looked back down at you curled safely against him, peaceful now that you’d found him again.

And softly, almost to himself:

“I know.”

A pause.

Then even quieter:

“That’s why I want to do it carefully.”

At some point during the conversation, Jeonghan quietly picked up his phone.

Joshua didn’t notice immediately.

Too busy absentmindedly smoothing your hair away from your face while you slept against him like you belonged there naturally.

Which, honestly, you did.

The kitchen lighting was soft.

Dim gold against sleepy skin and oversized clothes and Joshua’s arm wrapped securely around your waist.

Your face hidden against his chest.

Joshua looking down at you like he’d been handed something fragile and precious.

Click.

The photo was taken silently.

Jeonghan lowered the phone slowly afterward and just stared at the picture for a second.

Then immediately made a face.

“This is actually sickening.”

Joshua finally looked up.

“What?”

Jeonghan turned the screen toward him briefly.

Joshua froze instantly.

The image looked… intimate in the quietest way possible.

Not posed.

Not dramatic.

Just real.

You asleep on him without hesitation.

Joshua holding you automatically like breathing.

His softened expression captured mid-glance downward.

For a second, Joshua just stared at it.

Then his entire face gentled again.

Dangerously.

Jeonghan groaned immediately.

“DON’T make that face too.”

Joshua ignored him completely, still looking at the photo.

“She looks comfortable.”

The words came out almost quiet enough to miss.

Jeonghan’s expression softened despite himself.

Because yeah.

You really did.

Joshua’s thumb brushed absentmindedly over your arm again while he stared at the screen a little longer.

Then softly:

“Send me that.”

Jeonghan snorted.

“Of course.”

Joshua looked mildly offended.

“What?”

“You definitely plan to stare at it later.”

Joshua did not deny it.

Which honestly answered the question enough.

Jeonghan shook his head in disbelief while sending the photo over.

“You know normal people sleep at this hour.”

Joshua finally locked his phone after saving the picture immediately.

“She came looking for me half asleep,” he murmured like that fact still emotionally devastated him.

Jeonghan dragged a hand down his face.

“We’ve circled back to this SEVENTEEN times.”

Joshua smiled shamelessly.

Because honestly?

He probably would keep talking about it tomorrow too.

Your head shifted slightly against his chest again before settling deeper into him, and Joshua instinctively lowered his voice further.

“She used to be scared of needing people.”

Jeonghan looked up quietly.

Joshua’s eyes stayed on you the entire time.

“And now she comes searching for me in her sleep.”

The awe in his voice nearly hurt.

Not possessive.

Not ego-driven.

Just deeply grateful.

Like he understood exactly what kind of trust that represented coming from you.

Jeonghan leaned back against the counter, watching the two of you silently for a moment.

Then quietly:

“You really love her.”

Joshua smiled faintly.

Not embarrassed anymore.

Not defensive.

Just certain.

“Yeah.”

His hand slid slowly up and down your back again.

“And I think I will for a very long time.”

Jeonghan rested his elbow against the counter, eyes drifting between you asleep against Joshua and Joshua himself quietly holding you like second nature.

“It’s weird watching the changes,” he admitted after a while.

Joshua looked up slightly.

Jeonghan smiled faintly.

“Not in a bad way.” His gaze softened. “Just… dramatic.”

Joshua laughed quietly through his nose.

“Yeah.”

Because when he thought about it too hard, even he got overwhelmed by the difference between then and now.

Jeonghan tilted his head toward you.

“She used to sit with like two feet of distance between you.”

Joshua burst into soft laughter immediately.

“She did!”

“And if your hands brushed accidentally, she’d short-circuit.”

Joshua nodded helplessly, remembering perfectly.

“She’d go completely silent afterward.” A grin tugged at his mouth. “Then avoid eye contact for twenty minutes.”

Jeonghan snorted.

“And now?”

Both their eyes dropped instinctively toward you curled entirely against Joshua’s chest, one hand still clutching his shirt even in sleep.

Joshua’s expression melted all over again.

“Now she sleeps better if I’m there.”

The words came out quiet.

Careful.

Like he still handled that truth gently.

Jeonghan watched him for a second.

“She really became soft with you.”

Joshua shook his head lightly at that.

“No,” he murmured.

His fingers brushed slowly through your hair again.

“She was always soft.”

A pause.

“She just stopped hiding it from me.”

The kitchen went still for a moment after that.

Because somehow that explained everything perfectly.

The affection.

The clinginess.

The way you sought him out unconsciously now.

None of it had appeared from nowhere.

It had always existed beneath fear and hesitation and self-protection.

Joshua smiled faintly to himself.

“The first time she cried in front of me willingly…” He laughed softly. “I think I got more emotional than she did.”

Jeonghan immediately believed that.

“She hated being vulnerable so much back then,” Joshua continued quietly. “Even if she was hurting, she’d still apologize for showing it.”

His brows knit faintly at the memory.

“And now?”

A tiny smile appeared again.

“Now she literally walks out half asleep just because I’m not in bed.”

Jeonghan sighed dramatically.

“Please stop sounding so happy about it.”

“I AM happy about it.”

There was absolutely no shame in Joshua’s voice.

None.

He looked down at you again, thumb brushing lightly over your knuckles where your hand still rested against his shirt.

“She trusts me now.”

God.

The way he said that.

Like it was the greatest achievement of his life.

Jeonghan noticed immediately.

“You value that more than anything, don’t you?”

Joshua answered without hesitation.

“Yeah.”

Instant.

Certain.

Because your trust had never come easily.

Not fully.

Not quickly.

And Joshua knew that better than anyone.

“She lets me see every version of her now,” he murmured quietly.

“The happy one. The clingy one. The overthinking one.” A tiny smile. “The stubborn one.”

Jeonghan snorted.

“Very stubborn.”

Joshua ignored him effortlessly.

“She used to try handling everything alone.” His gaze softened. “Now she comes to me first.”

A pause.

“And I think…” He exhaled quietly. “That might be my favorite change.”

Not because he wanted dependence.

Because you no longer carried everything by yourself.

The apartment stayed hushed around them while Joshua absentmindedly rested his cheek lightly against the top of your head for a second.

You shifted closer automatically in your sleep.

Jeonghan physically pointed.

“See? THIS is what I mean.”

Joshua looked up, confused.

“She moves toward you unconsciously now.”

Joshua blinked once.

Then looked down at you again.

And immediately smiled.

Softly.

Ruined again.

“Yeah,” he murmured.

Almost sounding amazed still.

“...she does.”

Jeonghan stretched tiredly against the stool, letting out a long sigh.

“We’ve been talking for forever.”

Joshua glanced toward the window, genuinely surprised, the sky outside the apartment windows had turned that deep pre-dawn blue.

“…How is it almost morning?”

Jeonghan looked at him flatly.

“You spent half the night giving me a documentary series about your girlfriend.”

Joshua huffed a tired laugh quietly.

Fair.

Very fair.

Still, even now, his hand remained moving slowly along your back while you slept peacefully against him.

Protective rhythm.

Constant.

Jeonghan watched the two of you for another moment before his expression softened again.

“She looks peaceful.”

Joshua’s eyes lowered immediately.

The gentlest smile appeared on his face.

“Mm.”

You really did.

Completely relaxed.

No overthinking.

No guardedness.

Just asleep against the person you trusted most.

Joshua brushed his fingers carefully through your hair once more before speaking quietly.

“I should take her back to bed.”

Even saying it, he sounded reluctant to move you.

Jeonghan noticed immediately.

“You say that like you’re evacuating a small animal.”

Joshua snorted softly.

“She’ll complain if she wakes up with neck pain tomorrow.”

“She’ll complain while glued to your side.”

Accurate.

Joshua laughed under his breath again before looking down at you.

“Ari,” he whispered gently near your temple. “Baby.”

You stirred faintly but didn’t wake properly.

Only tightened your hold on his shirt slightly.

Jeonghan covered his face instantly.

“This is unbearable.”

Joshua smiled helplessly.

“Okay,” he murmured softly to you. “We’re going to bed.”

Carefully, impossibly carefully, he shifted you in his arms before standing slowly from the stool with you still held securely against his chest.

You instinctively curled closer immediately.

Joshua’s expression softened on impact again.

Every single time.

Jeonghan watched him in complete disbelief.

“You know what’s crazy?” he muttered.

Joshua glanced over.

“You still look at her like you’re courting her.”

The words landed softly.

Joshua went quiet for a second afterward.

Then he looked down at you sleeping against him.

At your hand still loosely gripping his shirt.

At the peaceful trust written all over your face.

And very quietly:

“I think I always will.”

Silence.

Then Jeonghan groaned dramatically into his hands.

“That was horrific to hear at four in the morning.”

Joshua laughed softly under his breath.

But his eyes stayed warm.

Steady.

Full of the same patient love that had carried him through every uncertain night before you were ever officially his.

“Good night, hyung,” he murmured quietly.

Jeonghan waved him away tiredly.

“Go before I start regretting supporting this relationship.”

Joshua only smiled.

Then turned toward the hallway with you secure in his arms, carrying you back toward the bedroom slowly while the apartment settled back into silence behind him.

Joshua had just settled you carefully back onto the bed when your sleepy voice finally surfaced.

“Where…?”

Barely awake.

Barely even a full word.

Joshua immediately smiled, leaning down close enough for his forehead to brush yours lightly.

“I’m here, baby,” he whispered softly.

His hand slid gently through your hair again, calming before confusion could even fully reach you.

“Just took you back to bed.”

Your eyes blinked open only halfway, still clouded with sleep as you searched for him instinctively in the dark room.

The second you found him beside you, your body relaxed again.

Joshua’s expression melted completely at that tiny change alone.

“There you are,” he murmured warmly.

You reached for him sleepily without even thinking, and Joshua immediately slipped beneath the blanket beside you, pulling you carefully against his chest before you could search again.

“Mm,” he whispered near your hair. “I’m not leaving now.”

Your hand curled weakly into his shirt again.

Automatic.

Trusting.

Joshua pressed the softest kiss against your forehead before settling deeper into the pillow beside you.

For a few quiet seconds, he simply held you there.

Listening to your breathing slow again.

Feeling the way you unconsciously moved closer until there was barely space left between you both.

And softly, almost smiling into the darkness: “You got scared when I wasn’t there, hm?”

No teasing in it.

Only tenderness.

His fingers traced slowly along your back beneath the blanket.

“Sleep now, ari.”

A pause. Then quieter still:

Part 1 | Part 2

The apartment was darker now. Quieter.

Joshua found Jeonghan in the kitchen again, sitting on one of the stools with his phone in hand and another bottle of water beside him. The older man looked up immediately the second Joshua entered.

“Asleep?” Jeonghan asked quietly.

Joshua nodded, rubbing a hand tiredly through his hair before leaning against the opposite counter.

For a second neither spoke.

Then Joshua exhaled softly.

“What happened during the walk?”

Jeonghan studied him for a moment over the rim of his bottle.

“She was thinking too much.”

Joshua’s jaw tightened faintly.

Jeonghan noticed immediately.

“She asked about the courting period,” he continued calmly. “About how you felt back then.”

Joshua looked down briefly.

A tiny smile appeared despite himself.

“That girl…” he murmured.

Jeonghan tilted his head slightly.

“She remembers everything, Shua.”

Joshua let out a quiet breath of laughter because yes. She really did.

The first confession. The waiting. The uncertainty.

Every tiny emotional detail carefully stored away in that heart of yours.

Jeonghan’s expression softened slightly then.

“She wasn’t doubting your relationship,” he said. “She was doubting herself in it.”

That made Joshua finally look up properly.

Jeonghan leaned back against the stool.

“She kept talking about how slow she was with you. How guarded.” His eyes narrowed slightly. “I think your argument two days ago got stuck in her head harder than you realized.”

Joshua’s shoulders lowered a little at that.

Guilt. Immediate and quiet.

Jeonghan noticed that too.

“You weren’t wrong either,” he added before Joshua could spiral too far into blaming himself. “You got scared.”

A pause.

“And honestly? Anyone with eyes could tell.”

Joshua laughed weakly at that, covering part of his face with one hand.

“Was it that obvious?”

Jeonghan stared at him flatly.

“You looked miserable.”

Another quiet laugh escaped Joshua despite himself.

Then silence settled again for a moment.

Jeonghan watched him carefully before speaking again, voice softer now.

“She loves you a lot, Shua.”

Joshua’s eyes lowered instinctively toward the hallway leading to the bedroom.

Toward you.

“I know,” he said quietly.

And God.

The way he said it.

Like something precious he still couldn’t fully believe belonged to him.

Jeonghan smiled faintly to himself at the sight.

Then immediately ruined the moment.

“You still cried the most during the courting period though.”

Joshua looked up in betrayal.

“I did not cry.”

“Mm.”

“I was emotional once.”

“You wrote song lyrics at three in the morning.”

“That is not crying.”

“You stared at ramen for forty minutes because she left you on read.”

Joshua groaned, dragging both hands down his face while Jeonghan laughed quietly into his water bottle. His laughter faded after a moment.

The kitchen settled back into quiet again, lit only by the warm under-cabinet lights and the faint glow from the city outside.

Joshua leaned against the counter silently now, waiting.

Because despite the teasing, he genuinely wanted to know.

Jeonghan noticed immediately.

His expression softened a little as he turned the water bottle slowly between his hands.

“She started asking about your courting period randomly,” he said. “At first lightly.”

Joshua listened carefully.

“We were just walking. She was quiet for a while first.” Jeonghan glanced toward the hallway briefly. “Then she suddenly asked if you looked really miserable back then.”

Joshua let out a breath through his nose.

“Great.”

Jeonghan ignored him.

“I told her the truth.” A tiny shrug. “That you were patient… but you were gone for her from the beginning.”

Joshua looked down at the counter quietly.

Jeonghan continued.

“She asked if you ever looked tired of waiting.”

That made Joshua’s brows pull together instantly.

“What did you say?”

“That you never did.”

Simple. Immediate.

Because it was true.

Jeonghan watched Joshua carefully for a second before speaking again.

“She asked a lot about your side, actually.” His voice gentled slightly. “More than her own.”

Joshua’s expression shifted faintly at that.

Because during the argument two days ago, he’d accused you of only seeing your own pain back then.

And apparently that sentence had stayed lodged inside your chest ever since.

Jeonghan sighed quietly.

“She kept asking things like…” He thought for a moment. “‘Did Shua look lonely?’”

Joshua swallowed once.

“Then she asked if I thought you ever regretted courting her.”

Immediately:

“What?”

The word came out sharper than intended.

Jeonghan gave him a look.

“I already told her no.”

Joshua rubbed a hand over his face slowly.

“Why would she even think that?”

“Because she overthinks when she loves someone,” Jeonghan answered dryly. “You know this.”

Fair. Very fair.

Jeonghan’s gaze softened afterward though.

“She said she thinks you gave more to the relationship than she did at the start.”

Joshua shook his head instantly.

“No.”

“I know,” Jeonghan said calmly. “But listen first.”

Silence fell again while Joshua forced himself to stay quiet.

Jeonghan leaned back slightly against the stool.

“She talked about how long it took her to do simple things with you.” A tiny smile appeared. “Holding your hand. Hugging you first. Kissing you.”

Joshua’s face softened immediately at the memories.

“She sounded guilty about it,” Jeonghan admitted quietly. “Not because she didn’t love you. The opposite, actually.”

His eyes lifted toward Joshua again.

“She thinks maybe she entered the relationship before fully learning how to stop being afraid.”

That hit.

Joshua’s jaw flexed faintly. Jeonghan noticed.

“She said something else too,” he added after a second.

Joshua looked up.

Jeonghan’s voice turned quieter now.

“She said you loved her very openly from the beginning.” A pause. “And she thinks she spent too much time loving you carefully instead.”

The kitchen went silent.

Not uncomfortable.

Just heavy with understanding.

Joshua stared down at the counter for a long moment before speaking softly.

“She has no idea what those small things meant to me.”

Jeonghan smiled faintly.

“I figured you’d say that.”

Joshua laughed weakly under his breath.

Because how could he explain it?

That waiting for your hand never felt frustrating.

That every tiny step from you had felt enormous because he knew how hard you fought yourself for them.

That your careful love had never once felt small to him.

Jeonghan studied him quietly.

“You know what I told her?”

Joshua glanced up.

“I told her the reason you waited so patiently…” A small smile tugged at his mouth. “Was because you understood exactly how serious her heart was.”

Joshua’s eyes lowered instantly after that.

And Jeonghan knew him well enough to recognize it immediately.

“You really love her,” he murmured, almost amused now.

Joshua let out a soft scoff like the statement itself was ridiculous.

Then, after a beat:

“Hyung,” he said quietly, staring toward the hallway where you slept, “I think I started loving her before she even realized I was serious.”

Jeonghan snorted.

“Oh, we know.”

Joshua looked offended.

“You all make me sound insane.”

“You courted one girl for a year after getting rejected.”

A pause.

“Respectfully, Shua, you were fighting for your life.”

Joshua laughed quietly at that.

A tired, helpless laugh that carried too much truth inside it.

“Yeah,” he admitted under his breath. “Probably.”

The kitchen fell into a softer silence afterward.

Jeonghan watched Joshua for a moment longer before shaking his head faintly to himself, almost amused by the sight in front of him.

Because this was still the same Joshua they all knew.

Calm voice. Gentle eyes. Patient nature.

Except when it came to one person. You.

Then suddenly the man who could stay composed through world tours, pressure, exhaustion, chaos… became someone who replayed cheek kisses for three days and nearly lost emotional stability over one sentence about walking away.

Jeonghan took another sip of water.

“You know,” he said casually, “during your second confession, I genuinely thought your heartbeat was loud enough for everyone to hear.”

Joshua immediately groaned.

“Please stop bringing that up.”

“You looked terrified.”

“I was terrified.”

Jeonghan laughed softly.

Then quieter:

“But you still did it.”

Joshua smiled faintly to himself at that memory.

The park.

Your expression.

The way his hands had genuinely trembled a little despite rehearsing what he wanted to say a hundred times beforehand.

And then you saying yes.

Joshua still thought his brain stopped functioning for a full minute afterward.

He leaned back against the counter now, gaze drifting absentmindedly toward the dark hallway again.

Toward the bedroom. Toward you asleep under his blankets.

The love of his life.

It still startled him sometimes, how naturally the title fit.

Jeonghan noticed the look immediately and clicked his tongue softly.

“There he goes again.”

Joshua blinked. “What?”

“That face.”

“What face?”

“The one where you look like someone handed you the moon personally.”

Joshua snorted quietly.

“That’s dramatic.”

“You wrote in your notes app after her first cheek kiss.”

Joshua froze.

“…How do you know that.”

Jeonghan looked delighted.

“You DID?”

Joshua dragged a hand over his face instantly.

“Hyung, why are you like this?”

Jeonghan was openly grinning now.

“This is incredible.”

“It was one note.”

“What did it say?”

Joshua pointed at him warningly.

“No.”

“Shua.”

“No.”

Jeonghan stared at him expectantly.

Joshua sighed in complete defeat.

Then muttered quietly:

“It just said…” He paused, already embarrassed. “‘I think she’s finally starting to love me back.’”

Silence.

Jeonghan’s entire face softened instantly.

Because damn.

That was worse somehow.

“You were down horrendous,” he whispered.

Joshua groaned loudly this time.

“Can you stop sounding happy about my suffering?”

But despite the embarrassment, despite the teasing, the smile that slowly appeared on Joshua’s face afterward was impossibly gentle.

Because every bit of it had been worth it.

Every uncertain night. Every moment of waiting. Every tiny step you took toward him.

Jeonghan looked at him for a second longer before speaking more quietly now.

“She really is it for you, huh?”

Joshua’s answer came without hesitation.

“Yeah.”

Simple. Certain. No dramatic speech needed.

Jeonghan watched him quietly.

There was always something strangely rare about moments like this with Joshua.

Because Joshua listened more than he spoke.

Held things more than he released them.

But tonight your name had cracked something open softly inside him.

And now it kept spilling out.

Joshua smiled faintly to himself all of a sudden.

“You know what still gets me?” he murmured.

Jeonghan hummed lightly in response.

“She really thinks I loved her more.”

The fond disbelief in his voice made Jeonghan almost laugh again.

Joshua shook his head quietly.

“I don’t think she understands what she gave me.”

His eyes lowered toward his hands.

“Everyone keeps talking about how patient I was with her.” A tiny smile. “But nobody talks about how brave she was.”

Jeonghan stayed silent, letting him continue.

Joshua’s voice softened further.

“She was terrified when I met her, hyung.”

Not of him.

Of love. Of depending on someone. Of letting another person hold enough importance to hurt her.

Joshua remembered it all too clearly now that he was speaking it aloud.

The carefulness. The hesitation. The way you’d instinctively retreat anytime emotions became too overwhelming too quickly.

“She used to think every soft thing needed to be earned,” he murmured quietly. “Even basic affection.”

His brows knit faintly.

“The first time she fell asleep on my shoulder willingly…” He laughed softly through his nose. “I genuinely didn’t move for almost an hour because I knew how huge that was for her.”

Jeonghan’s expression softened.

Joshua leaned back slightly, gaze drifting somewhere far away into memory.

“And people think the waiting was hard.”

A small shake of his head.

“No.”

His eyes warmed.

“Watching her slowly feel safe with me was the easiest thing I’ve ever done.”

The kitchen stayed quiet around his words.

Joshua’s fingers tapped lightly against the bottle.

“She doesn’t realize how much I noticed.”

A pause.

“How she used to apologize for tiny things constantly.” His expression dimmed slightly. “How she’d get scared after emotional conversations and overthink for days.”

Jeonghan sighed softly because yes.

That sounded exactly like you.

Joshua smiled faintly again.

“But then slowly…” He looked toward the hallway unconsciously. “She changed.”

Not changed as a person.

Changed in comfort.

In trust.

“She started reaching for me first.”

The smile on his face then was devastatingly soft.

“She started getting clingy.”

Jeonghan snorted quietly.

“Very clingy.”

Joshua ignored him immediately.

“She stopped hesitating before touching me.” His voice lowered warmly. “She says ‘I love you’ so easily now.”

Like he still couldn’t believe he was allowed to hear it.

“She falls asleep on me without thinking twice.” A tiny laugh escaped him. “Half my hoodies have disappeared permanently.”

Jeonghan smirked faintly.

“Tragic.”

Joshua smiled to himself.

“But my favorite thing?”

His gaze softened again in that helpless way it only ever did for you.

“She argues with me honestly now.”

Jeonghan blinked once at that.

Joshua laughed quietly at the reaction.

“I’m serious.”

He rested his chin briefly against his hand, thinking.

“At the start, she used to hold too much inside herself because she was scared of ruining things.” His eyes lowered. “Now she tells me when she’s hurt. When she’s angry. When she’s scared.”

A pause.

“She stays.”

The word landed heavier than anything else.

Joshua swallowed once afterward.

“Do you know how much that means to someone who loves her?”

Jeonghan watched him carefully now.

Because beneath all the softness, all the fondness, there it was.

The real heart of it.

Joshua wasn’t in love with perfection.

He was in love with your trying.

Your staying.

Your choosing him despite your fears.

Joshua rubbed tiredly at one eye before laughing softly again.

“She thinks I carried the relationship in the beginning.”

Then quieter:

“But honestly? I think she trusted me with the most fragile parts of herself.”

And to Joshua Hong, that had always been bigger than grand gestures.

Jeonghan tilted his head slightly.

“You sound married already.”

Joshua looked up immediately.

Then after half a second:

“…Probably.”

Jeonghan burst into laughter.

Joshua himself started laughing too then, quiet and helpless and completely unable to deny it.

Because somewhere along the line, loving Kim Aera had stopped feeling temporary.

It had rooted itself into him too deeply.

Into future plans.

Into habits.

Into the shape of home itself.

Joshua’s laughter faded gradually into another soft smile.

Then, almost absentmindedly, he murmured:

“I really hope she never doubts how loved she is again.”

And God.

The sincerity in that nearly hurt to hear.

Jeonghan rested his chin against his hand, watching Joshua with open amusement now.

“You know,” he said lazily, “you’ve been talking about her for almost an hour.”

Joshua blinked once.

Then glanced at the clock instinctively.

“…Seriously?”

“Mm.”

Joshua stared blankly for another second before quietly muttering:

“That’s kind of embarrassing.”

Jeonghan immediately deadpanned, “For you maybe. For me this is premium entertainment.”

Joshua groaned under his breath, but the smile pulling at his mouth betrayed him completely.

The older man watched him for a moment longer before asking casually:

“What’s your favorite thing about her?”

Joshua opened his mouth instantly.

Then stopped.

Because apparently narrowing it down to one thing was impossible.

Jeonghan noticed immediately and laughed softly.

“See?”

Joshua leaned back against the stool with a helpless smile.

“There are too many.”

“Pick.”

Joshua exhaled quietly through his nose, thinking.

Finally, softly:

“She’s kind.”

Simple answer.

But the way he said it made it feel enormous.

Jeonghan’s expression gentled slightly.

Joshua stared absently at the counter while speaking, voice low and thoughtful now.

“Not performatively kind.” He shook his head faintly. “Genuinely.”

A small smile appeared.

“She feels everything so deeply.”

He remembered countless tiny moments effortlessly.

You noticing when one of the members went unusually quiet.

The way you instinctively softened your voice whenever someone looked tired.

Joshua’s smile deepened.

“She acts strong all the time, but she’s actually incredibly soft-hearted.”

Then, fondly:

“And somehow still stubborn enough to fight twelve men at once if she thinks she’s right.”

Accurate.”

Joshua laughed quietly too.

“She’s emotional in such an honest way.” His eyes warmed. “If she’s happy, you know. If she’s hurt, you know. If she loves you…” A tiny shake of his head. “You feel it completely.”

The kitchen glowed softly around them while Joshua kept talking, words flowing easier now.

“She makes spaces feel warm.”

Jeonghan looked up slightly at that.

Joshua smiled faintly, trying to explain something difficult.

“When she’s around, people relax more. Laugh easier.” He shrugged a little. “The apartment feels different when she’s here.”

Like home.

He didn’t say it again this time.

But Jeonghan heard it anyway.

Joshua’s fingers drummed lightly against the bottle.

“And she remembers everything.”

A quiet laugh escaped him.

“Every tiny detail. Conversations from months ago. Things I say once casually.” His brows lifted faintly. “It’s actually terrifying sometimes.”

Jeonghan smirked.

“She stared at you for three minutes once because you forgot to wear a ring she bought.”

Joshua looked genuinely offended.

“I said sorry immediately.”

“You panicked immediately.”

“Because she looked heartbroken!”

Jeonghan burst into quiet laughter again while Joshua rubbed tiredly at his face.

Then softer again:

“She loves very sincerely.”

The amusement disappeared from his expression little by little.

“She doesn’t play games with feelings.” A pause. “If she loves someone, she gives them everything eventually.”

Joshua’s eyes lowered.

“And that’s why I’m careful with her.”

That one settled heavily.

Joshua loved you in the deliberate way people handle things they never want damaged.

Jeonghan watched him silently for a moment.

Then asked quietly:

“When did you realize it was serious?”

Joshua smiled immediately.

Not because the answer was easy.

Because it was impossible to forget.

“There was this one night during the courting period,” he said softly. “She fell asleep talking to me on call.”

His entire face softened at the memory.

“She was exhausted. Barely making sense.” A small laugh. “And before falling asleep she said…” He paused briefly. “‘Thank you for being patient with me.’”

Silence.

Joshua’s fingers stilled against the bottle.

“And I remember staring at my phone afterward thinking…” His smile turned almost disbelieving now. “‘I’m completely done for.’”

Jeonghan looked at him for a second before sighing dramatically.

“Hopeless.”

Joshua laughed quietly.

“Very.”

The conversation drifted after that. Not in a rushed way. One memory led to another. Then another.

And before either of them realized it, Joshua and Jeonghan were sitting in the kitchen at almost three in the morning quietly excavating the entire history of Joshua Hong being disastrously in love with Kim Aera.

Jeonghan was the first one to laugh again.

“Remember when she used to panic every time you flirted with her directly?”

Joshua immediately covered his face with one hand.

“She looked genuinely stressed.”

“She WAS stressed,” Jeonghan corrected. “You used to look at her like you were already dating.”

Joshua groaned.

“I couldn’t help it.”

“You absolutely could have.”

“No.”

Jeonghan laughed into his bottle again.

Joshua shook his head, smiling helplessly now.

“She used to avoid eye contact after compliments.”

His eyes softened instantly at the memory.

“I’d call her pretty and suddenly the ceiling became fascinating.”

Jeonghan snorted.

“And then she’d disappear for two business days to emotionally recover.”

Joshua pointed accusingly.

“That is exactly what she did.”

The image alone made him smile to himself again.

God.

Back then every tiny reaction from you had felt precious.

Every flustered glance. Every nervous smile. Every small step forward.

Jeonghan tilted his head thoughtfully.

“You know what moment convinced me she was really falling for you?”

Joshua looked up.

“The ramen incident.”

Joshua blinked.

Then immediately burst into quiet laughter.

“Oh my God.”

Even now he remembered it vividly.

It had been during the courting period.

Late practice night.

Everyone exhausted.

Joshua had casually mentioned during a conversation weeks earlier that he liked a specific ramen flavor when he was tired.

Tiny detail.

Forgettable, probably.

Except apparently not to you.

Few months later, you’d shown up quietly with exactly that ramen because you’d heard from another member they’d barely eaten properly all day.

Joshua smiled helplessly just remembering it.

“She acted like it wasn’t a big deal,” he murmured.

“But you looked like someone proposed to you,” Jeonghan said flatly.

Joshua laughed again.

“Because she remembered.”

That had always been the thing.

You noticed him carefully.

Even before you fully allowed yourself to love him openly.

Jeonghan stretched slightly before smirking.

“You were worse after she started initiating affection.”

Joshua looked scandalized.

“I was normal.”

“Shua.”

Joshua immediately lost the argument.

Because no.

He had not been normal.

The first time you held his hand first, he’d smiled at absolutely nothing for the rest of the day.

The first time you leaned against him naturally in front of the others, Mingyu had nearly thrown something at him because Joshua’s expression became unbearable.

And the first time you kissed him first?

Game over. Complete emotional collapse.

Joshua laughed quietly at the memory.

“She wouldn’t look at me afterward.”

“You kept kissing her to make her more embarrassed.”

“She was cute!”

“You’re proving my point.”

Joshua grinned shamelessly now.

“I regret nothing.”

The kitchen filled with another stretch of easy laughter before softening again naturally.

Jeonghan looked toward the hallway.

“She really changed a lot.”

Joshua’s expression gentled immediately.

“Mm.”

Not changed fundamentally.

Just bloomed.

The guardedness around your love had slowly unraveled over two years until affection now came to you naturally.

Comfortably.

Joshua’s gaze drifted downward thoughtfully.

“At first, every step felt fragile.”

A small pause.

“Now she just belongs with me.”

The words slipped out so naturally neither of them commented on it for a second.

Then Jeonghan slowly turned his head.

“…That was disgustingly serious.”

Joshua blinked once before laughing under his breath.

“I didn’t mean it like that.”

“You absolutely did.”

Joshua shook his head smiling, but there was no denial left in him anymore.

Because it was true.

Somewhere across two years of small moments and patient love and late-night conversations…

You had become stitched into his everyday life so deeply it no longer felt separate.

Jeonghan watched him quietly for a moment before speaking softer now.

“She’s happy with you, you know.”

Joshua’s smile faded into something gentler.

Not prideful.

Almost humbled.

“I just want her to stay that way.”

Then after a second, quieter:

“She deserves softness after everything she fights inside herself.”

The sincerity in his voice made Jeonghan’s expression soften all over again.

And suddenly he understood something very clearly.

Joshua had never loved you loudly.

Not like movies.

Not dramatically.

He loved you steadily.

In details. In patience. In noticing. In memorizing every version of you carefully enough to protect the fragile ones too.

Jeonghan leaned back with a sigh.

“You know,” he muttered, “watching you two from the start till now feels a little insane actually.”

Joshua looked over.

Jeonghan smiled faintly.

“She used to get nervous if your shoulders touched.”

Joshua’s own smile appeared slowly.

“And now she falls asleep halfway through telling me she loves me.”

Silence settled again.

Warm. Full.

The kind only built from years of knowing people deeply.

Then Joshua suddenly laughed quietly to himself again.

“What?”

Joshua shook his head, smiling down at the counter.

“I just remembered the first time she got jealous.”

Jeonghan nearly choked.

“Oh, this conversation is continuing.”

Joshua was already laughing into his hand from embarrassment.

“I cannot believe I’m telling you this.”

“You brought it up. Continue.”

Joshua sighed dramatically before leaning back against the counter again, smile lingering helplessly on his face.

“It wasn’t even a big situation,” he started. “We were out eating together after schedules.”

During the courting period.

Back when everything between you both still felt careful and undefined.

Joshua’s eyes softened faintly at the memory.

“There was this woman there who recognized me.” He shrugged lightly. “At first it was normal.”

Then his expression shifted into guilty amusement.

“But she started flirting pretty obviously.”

Jeonghan snorted quietly.

“And our ari?”

Joshua covered his face briefly.

“She went silent.”

Not angry. Not dramatic.

Just quiet. Which, somehow, had been worse.

Joshua remembered it vividly now.

You sitting beside him trying so hard to stay composed and mature about it despite visibly shrinking into yourself little by little.

And stupidly…

Very stupidly…

“I decided to test something,” Joshua admitted weakly.

Jeonghan stared at him immediately.

“You idiot.”

“I know.”

“You absolute idiot.”

Joshua laughed helplessly.

“I KNOW.”

Because yes.

At the time, he’d been desperate for any sign that your feelings were becoming deeper too.

And when the woman flirted again…

Joshua had flirted back lightly.

Not seriously.

Not genuinely.

Just enough to see your reaction.

Jeonghan looked horrified.

“You played with a woman who was already emotionally terrified?”

Joshua pointed at him immediately.

“In my defense, I realized it was a mistake almost instantly.”

“Did you?”

“Yes!”

Because the second Joshua glanced toward you afterward, his stomach had dropped.

You were still composed.

Still polite. Still speaking normally.

But your eyes had changed. Gone quieter somehow. Smaller.

And suddenly the entire “test” stopped feeling funny.

Joshua rubbed a hand over his face.

“She didn’t say anything the rest of the night.”

Jeonghan winced softly.

“Ouch.”

“Yeah.”

The guilt still sat with him a little even now.

Joshua continued quieter now.

“Then afterward she went back to her parents’ house for a few days.”

At first, he hadn’t thought much of it.

You still replied.

Still answered calls.

But something felt… off.

Too careful. Too distant.

Joshua remembered pacing around the dorm kitchen during that time, increasingly restless.

“She barely talked to me properly for days,” he murmured.

“And it was driving me insane.”

Because by then, whether either of you admitted it aloud or not, Joshua was already emotionally gone for you.

Completely.

Jeonghan tilted his head slightly.

“So you confronted her?”

Joshua nodded slowly.

“I called her one night and asked what was wrong.”

His expression softened instantly afterward.

“She tried saying nothing at first.”

Of course you did.

But Joshua knew you too well already even back then.

“She sounded weirdly calm.” A small pause. “Like she was trying very hard not to feel something.”

The memory clearly still affected him.

Then quieter:

“And suddenly she just started crying.”

Jeonghan’s face softened immediately.

Joshua’s own expression turned almost painfully tender.

“She thought I moved on.”

The words landed softly in the kitchen.

Joshua stared down at his hands.

“She kept apologizing while crying too.” His brows knit faintly. “Saying she knew she had no right to feel upset because we weren’t officially together.”

Jeonghan closed his eyes briefly.

God.

That sounded exactly like you back then.

Joshua laughed quietly through his nose, though there was no amusement in it now.

“And meanwhile I was sitting there feeling like the worst person alive.”

Because the second he heard your voice break like that…

Everything became obvious.

Not just your feelings.

His too.

“I remember telling her over and over that I didn’t like that woman.” His voice softened. “That I only wanted her.”

You.

Always you.

Joshua leaned back tiredly afterward.

“And after that call…” He smiled faintly. “I think that was the moment I truly realised she liked me too, without her daying it back even.”

The air felt quieter now somehow.

Jeonghan studied him carefully.

“That was the moment?”

Joshua thought for a second.

Then nodded slowly.

“Yeah.”

Not because you got jealous. Not because you cried.

But because for the first time, you let him see how deeply he could hurt you.

And instead of running from that feeling…You stayed.

Joshua smiled faintly to himself.

“Two months later I confessed again.”

Jeonghan snorted.

“With shaking hands.”

Joshua looked offended immediately.

“I was nervous!”

“You looked like you were going into battle.”

“It felt like battle!”

Jeonghan burst into quiet laughter while Joshua shook his head helplessly.

Then softer again, almost to himself:

“But she said yes.”

Jeonghan tilted his head slightly, still watching Joshua with quiet interest.

“What exactly did she say on that call?”

Joshua smiled immediately.

Not because it was funny.

Because he remembered every second of it with painful clarity.

“She was trying so hard to sound okay at first,” he murmured.

The kitchen lights reflected softly against the counter while his gaze drifted somewhere far away into memory.

“I called her because I knew something was wrong.” A tiny exhale. “Her replies felt too careful.”

Not cold.

Careful.

Like you were holding your own heart away from him with both hands.

Joshua rubbed lightly at the back of his neck.

“She picked up after like three rings.”

And immediately he’d known.

Your voice had been soft. Controlled. Too controlled.

Jeonghan stayed quiet, letting him speak.

“I kept asking what happened.” Joshua smiled faintly to himself. “And she kept saying ‘nothing’ in that tiny voice she uses when something is VERY wrong.”

A small pause.

“Then I asked if I upset her.”

Joshua’s expression softened instantly afterward.

“She went quiet for a really long time.”

The memory settled around him carefully.

He remembered sitting alone in the dorm room that night, staring at his laptop screen with growing panic because your silence sounded heavier and heavier each second.

“And then suddenly she started crying.”

Even now it clearly affected him.

Joshua’s brows pulled together slightly.

“She tried apologizing immediately.”

Jeonghan sighed softly under his breath.

Of course you did.

Joshua’s voice lowered gently, unconsciously slipping into the softness he always used when talking about you vulnerable like this.

“She kept saying…” He paused briefly, remembering. “‘I know I shouldn’t feel upset.’”

His jaw tightened faintly.

“And that made me feel horrible instantly.”

Because back then you still thought your feelings needed permission.

Joshua stared quietly at the counter.

“She said she thought maybe I got tired of waiting for her.”

Jeonghan closed his eyes briefly.

Damn.

Joshua laughed softly through his nose, but there was guilt buried inside it.

“She said that woman seemed easier to like.”

Immediate disbelief crossed Jeonghan’s face.

Joshua shook his head instantly.

“I know.”

The very idea still sounded absurd to him even now.

“She was crying so much by then she could barely explain properly. Her tears kept falling silently.” His expression softened almost painfully. “But she kept trying.”

Joshua remembered every detail vividly.

You curled up in your bedroom at your parents’ house.

Trying to wipe your tears away before he saw too much.

Trying to stay composed while your voice kept breaking anyway.

“She thought I moved on emotionally.”

The words came out quieter now.

“And the worst part?” Joshua exhaled softly. “She sounded more heartbroken than angry.”

That was the thing that destroyed him.

Not jealousy.

Not possessiveness.

Just sadness.

Like you’d already started grieving something you thought was slipping away before you ever even got to fully have it.

Joshua’s eyes lowered.

“I remember telling her…” His voice gentled instinctively. “‘Ari, look at me.’”

A faint smile appeared.

“She wouldn’t.”

You got shy even while crying sometimes.

“So I kept talking until she finally looked at the screen.”

The memory visibly softened him all over again.

“She looked so small.”

Jeonghan watched him quietly now because Joshua genuinely sounded emotional revisiting it.

Joshua laughed weakly.

“And I just completely folded.”

Gone. Finished. Emotionally annihilated.

“I told her I didn’t care about anyone else.” His gaze drifted toward the hallway unconsciously again. “That I only looked for her in rooms.”

Silence.

Then softer:

“And then she cried harder.”

Jeonghan barked out a quiet laugh immediately.

Joshua groaned.

“I was TRYING to fix it!”

“You made it worse.”

“I know!”

Despite the embarrassment, Joshua was smiling again now.

Warmly.

Tenderly.

“That call changed everything.”

Not officially.

Not yet.

But emotionally?

After that night, the line between courting and loving had blurred too much to ignore anymore.

Joshua rested his chin briefly against his hand.

“I think that was the first night she let herself need me openly.”

Jeonghan went unusually quiet after that.

Not teasing anymore. Just listening.

Because somewhere between the stories and laughter and memories, the entire shape of your relationship had unfolded across the kitchen like old photographs spread across a table.

Joshua sat there absentmindedly turning the cap of the water bottle between his fingers, expression soft from memory.

Then suddenly he laughed under his breath again.

“She got so embarrassed after that call.”

Jeonghan blinked once. “After crying for an hour?”

“Yes.”

“How?”

Joshua spread one hand helplessly.

“I don’t know. She’s just like that.”

The memory played vividly in his head now.

After calming down a little, you’d realized how much emotion you’d revealed to him.

And immediately wanted to evaporate from existence.

“She kept hiding her face from the camera,” Joshua murmured with a smile.

“And I kept asking her to look at me.”

Jeonghan could already imagine it perfectly.

You curled up somewhere under blankets at your parents’ house, emotionally overwhelmed and shy at the exact same time.

Joshua completely gone for you on the other side of the screen.

“She asked me if I thought less of her now,” Joshua said quietly.

Jeonghan frowned immediately.

“What?”

Joshua nodded slowly, smile fading.

“She said…” He paused briefly. “‘I sound too attached.’”

The word still clearly bothered him even now.

Because back then you used attachment like it was something shameful.

Like needing someone deeply was weakness instead of trust.

Joshua sighed softly.

“And I remember asking her…” His voice gentled instinctively again. “‘What’s wrong with being attached to someone who cares about you?’”

Jeonghan looked at him carefully.

Joshua laughed weakly through his nose afterward.

“She went completely silent after that.”

Because nobody had ever framed it gently for you before.

Not like that.

Joshua rested one elbow against the counter now, gaze distant.

“She really thought she was temporary to me.”

Jeonghan’s expression softened.

Joshua’s voice lowered quietly.

“And that scared me.”

Not because you doubted him.

Because he realized how little permanence you expected from love.

For a moment he stayed silent before continuing softer:

“So I told her…” He swallowed once. “‘Ari, I haven’t even started liking you less.’”

The kitchen felt still around the words.

“‘Every day it gets worse, actually.’”

Jeonghan physically recoiled.

“You are unreal.”

Joshua started laughing immediately.

“I was trying to comfort her!”

“That’s not comfort. That’s emotional assassination.”

Joshua covered his face briefly again, shoulders shaking with quiet laughter.

Then, slowly, his smile softened once more.

“She laughed after that.”

A pause.

“Still crying a little,” he added fondly. “But she laughed.”

And God.

That sound had felt like relief flooding through his entire chest.

Joshua leaned back slightly.

“We talked until almost sunrise that night.”

Not even about serious things eventually.

Just quiet conversation.

Comfort.

You slowly calming down while Joshua stayed on call the entire time.

“She fell asleep near the end,” he murmured.

Jeonghan smiled knowingly.

“And you stayed on the call.”

Joshua looked mildly defensive.

“She looked peaceful.”

“So yes.”

Joshua ignored him beautifully.

But the truth sat all over his face anyway.

He remembered staring at the screen long after you fell asleep.

Remembered realizing with complete terrifying clarity that he was no longer simply courting a girl.

He was already loving her.

Deeply. Steadily. Irreversibly.

Joshua smiled faintly to himself.

“You know what’s funny?”

Jeonghan hummed.

“She thought she was the one getting attached.”

A tiny shake of his head.

“Meanwhile I was already planning my entire life around hearing her voice at night.”

Jeonghan stared at him flatly for a second.

Then sighed.

“Shua.”

“What?”

“You never had a chance.”

Joshua sat with one knee hooked against the stool, head resting briefly in one hand while talking.

“You know what really changed after that video call?”

Jeonghan hummed lightly.

“She stopped pretending she didn’t need me.”

The words came out soft.

Warm.

Joshua smiled faintly to himself.

“Before that, she always tried to seem independent first.” He glanced down at the counter absently. “Even when she was hurting.”

A pause.

“But after that call…” He laughed quietly. “Suddenly she started calling me just because she missed me.”

Jeonghan smirked.

“There it is.”

Joshua ignored him immediately.

“She’d say she had ‘nothing important to talk about’ and then stay on the phone for three hours.”

A tiny smile lingered on his face like sunlight caught in glass.

“And every time I’d say I had to leave for schedules, she’d go quiet for half a second before saying okay.”

Jeonghan tilted his head knowingly.

“But you noticed the half second.”

Joshua looked offended.

“Of course I noticed.”

Because that was the thing about loving you.

Joshua noticed everything.

The tiny hesitations.

The hidden sadness in your voice.

The way your breathing changed when you were overthinking.

Jeonghan watched him carefully.

“You really memorized her.”

Joshua’s expression softened instantly at that.

“Mm.”

Not even denying it.

“She’s easy to memorize.”

The kitchen fell quiet again for a second.

Then Joshua suddenly laughed under his breath.

“She used to get embarrassed whenever the members teased her about me.”

Jeonghan barked out a laugh immediately.

“She looked one second away from evaporating.”

Joshua grinned helplessly.

“Mingyu was the worst.”

“Mingyu still is the worst.”

Fair.

Joshua leaned back slightly, smiling into old memories now.

“She’d try acting normal while her ears turned completely red.” His eyes warmed. “And the second anyone said my name too sweetly around her, she’d stop functioning.”

Jeonghan snorted.

“Meanwhile you looked proud every single time.”

Joshua shrugged shamelessly.

“I was.”

A comfortable silence settled afterward.

The kind built from years of friendship and shared memories.

Then quietly:

“I think I realized she was becoming home before we even started dating.”

The confession slipped out absentmindedly.

Jeonghan looked up slightly at that.

Joshua didn’t even seem aware how serious he sounded.

“Back then, after long schedules…” He paused thoughtfully. “The first person I wanted to talk to was always her.”

His fingers tapped lightly against the water bottle again.

“And if we fought or felt distant…” His brows knit faintly. “Everything else in my day felt off too.”

Jeonghan smiled softly.

“You loved her before she caught up.”

Joshua laughed weakly.

“Yeah.”

Absolutely. Hopelessly.

Before the second confession.

Before the first kiss.

Before the relationship even officially existed.

And maybe that’s why he’d waited so patiently.

Because somewhere inside himself, Joshua had already decided.

Then suddenly:

Soft footsteps.

Chapter 4: The Festival of First Frost

For two days after their arrival, the thirteen kings barely saw you.

Not because you avoided them.

But because you were everywhere.

From sunrise to late night, you moved across the palace grounds and city preparations with tireless energy.

The kings observed from balconies, corridors, and occasionally from the crowd itself — sometimes deliberately hidden by Jeonghan’s illusions or simple cloaks to avoid attention.

And what they saw surprised them.

You weren’t supervising from afar.

You were doing things yourself.

You helped servants carry lantern crates when they struggled.

You crouched beside children painting festival banners, laughing when paint smudged your fingers.

You personally tasted food preparations to ensure quality.

You stopped to talk to farmers arriving with winter produce, remembering their names and families.

At one point, Mingyu watched you kneel in the dirt beside a gardener, holding a broken flower stem carefully while Wonwoo murmured, “She’s trying to fix it manually.”

“She could just use magic,” Mingyu said quietly.

Wonwoo nodded.

“But she doesn’t.”

Nearby, Seungcheol observed silently.

Leadership.

Not authority.

There was a difference.

And you embodied it instinctively.

Seungkwan noticed something else.

When no one was looking…

Your shoulders sagged slightly.

You rubbed your temples.

You inhaled deeply like someone carrying weight alone.

Then the moment someone approached…

Your smile returned.

Bright.

Warm.

Untouched.

He didn’t tell the others.

But he remembered.

Winter dawn arrived wrapped in pale silver light.

The castle grounds transformed overnight into a breathtaking spectacle.

Crystal lanterns hung from archways.

Ice sculptures lined pathways.

Silk banners shimmered in shades of blue, white, and silver.

Thousands of citizens gathered across the courtyard — families, merchants, nobles, travelers, and foreign guests.

The kings stood among the honored dignitaries near the central platform.

They wore formal royal attire today — cloaks bearing Auroria’s insignia, subtle but unmistakable power radiating from them.

Yet their attention wasn’t on the decorations.

It was on the massive palace doors.

Because you were behind them.

The Entrance

A horn sounded.

The courtyard fell silent instantly.

Then—

The doors opened.

And you stepped out.

For a moment…

Even the wind seemed to pause.

You wore a flowing blue gown that resembled liquid sapphire, layers shimmering like rippling water under sunlight. Frost patterns traced the fabric edges, sparkling with embedded crystals that caught every ray of morning light.

Your crown matched — delicate silver branches shaped like frozen waves, small gemstones reflecting pale blue radiance.

Your black hair fell freely down your back, contrasting beautifully with the gown’s brightness.

Your skin glowed softly.

Not magical light.

Just… you.

An innocent warmth that made people feel safe.

The kings were stunned.

Hoshi whispered under his breath, “Whoa…”

Jihoon didn’t respond.

Mingyu blinked slowly.

Seokmin smiled unconsciously.

Seungcheol’s gaze sharpened with quiet respect.

Jeonghan tilted his head, intrigued.

And Joshua…

Joshua couldn’t look away.

Not because of beauty alone.

But because something about you felt…

Pure.

Untouched by the harshness rulers usually carried.

You walked forward slowly, posture graceful but not intimidating.

When you reached the platform, you turned toward your people.

Thousands of faces looked back at you with trust.

You inhaled softly.

Then smiled.

“My people of Elaria,” you began.

Your voice carried clearly across the courtyard — gentle yet steady.

“Winter returns once again to our lands.”

A murmur of warmth spread through the crowd.

“For many years,” you continued, “this festival did not take place. Grief held our kingdom still. But today… we begin again.”

You paused briefly.

Not for dramatic effect.

For emotion.

“My parents believed this day symbolized hope. That no matter how cold the season becomes… warmth can always return if we stand together.”

Several older citizens wiped tears.

You continued, voice soft but strong.

“This festival belongs to you — to every farmer, every artisan, every child, every family that makes Elaria what it is. I am only the one fortunate enough to stand before you.”

Seungcheol’s expression shifted slightly.

Humility.

Rare in royalty.

Very rare.

You turned toward the visiting delegations.

“And to our honored guests from distant lands… we welcome you with open hearts. May you find joy within our celebration.”

The kings inclined their heads respectfully.

Then you faced your people again.

Your smile widened — brighter, playful now.

“So tell me,” you called out.

“Are you ready to welcome the first frost?”

The crowd erupted.

“YES, PRINCESS AERA!”

Laughter bubbled from you.

“Then let us begin.”

You stepped forward to the center of the platform.

Your hands lifted slowly.

For a brief moment…

Nothing happened.

Then—

Moisture gathered in the air.

Tiny droplets formed like floating pearls around you.

Gasps spread through the crowd.

The droplets multiplied… swirling into ribbons of water that spiraled upward into the sky above the courtyard.

You moved your fingers delicately.

The water froze mid-air.

Not solid chunks.

But intricate crystalline structures — snowflake patterns expanding outward like blooming flowers made of ice.

Light refracted through them, scattering rainbows across the crowd.

Then—

With a gentle outward motion—

They burst.

Not violently.

But into thousands of sparkling fragments that exploded into the sky like fireworks made of frost.

Shimmering trails lingered in the air, cascading downward like glittering snowfall that dissolved before touching the ground.

The entire courtyard fell silent.

Mesmerized.

Even the kings.

Chan whispered, “That control…”

Wonwoo murmured, “No energy strain.”

Jihoon added quietly, “Perfect distribution.”

Seungkwan felt goosebumps rise along his arms.

Joshua’s chest tightened slightly.

Because the magic felt…

Familiar.

Like standing near sunlight reflecting off water.

Connected.

Then the cheering began.

Thunderous applause.

Children laughing.

Adults shouting your name.

“PRINCESS AERA!”

“LONG LIVE ELARIA!”

You laughed softly, eyes shining with joy at their happiness.

Not pride.

Joy.

Seungcheol watched carefully.

A ruler who drew strength from her people instead of authority over them.

Dangerous.

In the best way.

Above them…

The last ice sparkles faded into the winter sky.

And somewhere deep within the currents of magic…

Chapter 3: Thirteen Gifts and the Queen of Snow

The roads leading into Elaria were unlike those of Auroria.

Where Auroria’s borders were guarded by towering stone fortresses and iron gates, Elaria welcomed travelers with archways covered in flowering vines, crystal lanterns, and soft banners embroidered with silver thread.

Peace lived here.

The thirteen kings felt it the moment they crossed the border.

Even the air was different — lighter, warmer despite the approaching winter.

Two days before the Festival of First Frost, the royal procession of Auroria arrived on horseback.

No grand army.

Just the kings, their elite guards, and diplomatic escorts.

Because this was not conquest.

This was curiosity.

The palace of Elaria rose like something from a storybook — white stone towers, blue glass domes, cascading fountains, and gardens dusted with the season’s first frost.

At the entrance courtyard…

You were waiting.

And for the first time in years…

The thirteen kings were momentarily speechless.

You looked nothing like the rulers they were accustomed to meeting.

No heavy crown.

No intimidating aura.

No practiced political smile.

You stood in a pale blue gown that shimmered like frozen water, waist-length black hair flowing freely down your back, snow-fair skin glowing softly under winter sunlight, and warm brown eyes filled with unmistakable kindness.

You looked…

Bright.

Alive.

Innocent.

Small.

But not weak.

Different.

Seungcheol was the first to dismount.

The others followed immediately.

You stepped forward — then bowed deeply.

“Welcome to Elaria,” you said warmly. “It is my greatest honor to receive the Kings of the Great Lands. Your Majesty… Your Highnesses… Your Graces… we are truly blessed by your presence.”

Your voice was sweet.

Soft.

Completely sincere.

Not diplomatic performance.

Joshua noticed that immediately.

Jeonghan noticed too.

So did Seungkwan.

Seungcheol spoke gently.

“The honor is ours, Princess Aera.”

You lifted your head, smile widening.

“I hope your journey was comfortable? The winter roads can be troublesome sometimes, but we prepared heated rest stops along the way just in case.”

Mingyu blinked slightly.

“You did that… for us?”

“Of course,” you said simply. “Guests should never be uncomfortable.”

Hoshi whispered loudly to Jihoon, “I like her already.”

Jihoon elbowed him.

First Conversations

You greeted each of them personally.

Not rushed.

Not formal.

You asked Chan if the lightning storms near Auroria had been severe this year.

You asked Minghao whether the herbal trade shipments arrived safely.

You complimented Wonwoo’s cloak embroidery because you recognized the plant pattern.

You even apologized to Jun because one of the stable attendants accidentally brought the wrong saddle earlier.

Jun looked genuinely shocked someone told him that.

The kings exchanged glances.

This princess paid attention.

Seungkwan quietly read your surface thoughts.

They were exactly what you showed outwardly.

Welcome them properly.

Make sure they’re comfortable.

Don’t trip. Please don’t trip.

And then—

You tripped.

Your shoe caught slightly on the stone.

A small stumble.

Mingyu instinctively stepped forward, but you caught yourself, giggling.

“I’m okay!” you said quickly. “I promise I only fall sometimes.”

Chan snorted.

Jeonghan hid a smile behind his hand.

Joshua’s lips curved gently.

Yes.

Different.

You guided them through the palace halls, pointing out murals painted during your parents’ reign, explaining traditions, and occasionally getting distracted by small details.

“Oh! The lilies bloomed early this year — that’s unusual,” you said mid-sentence, peering through a window.

Then you gasped softly.

“Oh no… I forgot to ask if you prefer honey tea or spiced tea — which do you like better?”

Seokmin laughed warmly. “Both?”

You brightened. “Then I’ll bring both!”

Your energy was…

Pure.

Unfiltered.

Not the calculated personality of royalty raised for diplomacy.

But something softer.

Childlike — yet not childish.

Alive.

During conversation in the guest hall, you noticed something.

“They keep calling me Princess,” you murmured, almost to yourself.

Then you looked up at them with sudden determination.

“Um… may I ask something?”

Seungcheol nodded. “Of course.”

You clasped your hands nervously.

“Could you… call me Aera instead?”

The room paused.

“You’re all kings,” you continued quickly. “I know that. But I’m not queen yet… and I would feel more comfortable if you just called me Aera.”

Joshua blinked slightly.

Jeonghan smiled slowly.

Hoshi immediately said, “Okay, Aera!”

Jihoon sighed. “You skipped ten steps.”

Seungcheol chuckled softly.

“Then you must call us by our names too,” he said.

Your eyes widened.

“All of you?”

“Yes,” Seokmin said brightly.

You hesitated only a second.

“…Okay.”

Your smile returned — brighter than before.

Eventually…

The topic surfaced.

Wonwoo asked gently, “Princess— Aera… we’ve heard much about your abilities.”

You shifted slightly.

“Oh.”

Seungkwan leaned forward. “Would you be willing to tell us about them?”

You nodded slowly.

“I control water,” you said. “All forms of it. Ice too.”

Chan’s eyes lit up.

“Where did it come from?” Mingyu asked.

Your smile faltered just a little.

“…I don’t know.”

The room quieted.

“I’ve always had it,” you continued softly. “No teacher. No blessing ceremony. Nothing.”

Joshua’s brows drew together faintly.

“I’ve tried researching,” you added. “Old texts… royal archives… traveling scholars…”

Your fingers twisted together unconsciously.

“But no one knows.”

They realized then.

You weren’t just powerful.

You were searching.

For years.

Alone.

Minghao spoke gently. “We can help you look.”

Your head lifted quickly.

“Really?”

Seungcheol nodded. “Yes.”

Relief flashed across your face.

You led them into the palace garden courtyard.

A large fountain stood at the center.

You inhaled softly.

Water rose.

Not splashing.

Not forced.

It flowed upward like silk obeying gravity in reverse.

Gasps escaped several kings.

You shaped it into ribbons… then flowers… then birds that fluttered mid-air before freezing into crystalline sculptures.

Snowflakes formed around your fingers without touching the ground.

You spun once lightly — water spiraled around you like a protective halo.

Then with a small motion…

It returned to the fountain.

Perfectly.

No spill.

No strain.

No effort.

The kings stared.

Wonwoo whispered, “Instinctive mastery…”

Jihoon muttered, “No resonance fluctuation…”

Seungkwan felt chills run down his spine.

You clapped softly in delight.

“That was amazing!” you said — then froze. “Oh— that was me. Sorry.”

They laughed.

“Now us,” Hoshi declared proudly.

Hansol Vernon Chwe stepped forward.

A gentle breeze formed around you.

Your hair lifted.

Your dress fluttered like fabric underwater.

You gasped in wonder.

“It feels like floating!”

Hansol smiled slightly. “Air currents.”

He guided the wind into soft spirals that danced around you harmlessly.

Jeon Wonwoo knelt and touched the soil.

A vine sprouted instantly.

Leaves unfurled.

A blooming flower opened — deep blue petals shimmering faintly.

He handed it to you.

“For you.”

Your eyes sparkled.

“It’s beautiful…”

Kim Mingyu lifted his hand.

A nearby decorative metal railing reshaped itself, flowing like liquid until it formed a delicate silver bracelet.

He placed it gently on your wrist.

You gasped. “You made that?!”

He scratched his neck shyly. “Yeah…”

Xu Minghao approached quietly.

“May I?” he asked.

You nodded.

He took your hand.

Warm energy flowed through your palm — not painful, just comforting.

You felt… lighter.

Calmer.

“What is that?” you whispered.

“Internal healing,” he said. “Balancing energy.”

Kwon Soonyoung ignited flames across his hands.

You gasped — but he shaped them into a small tiger that leapt playfully through the air before dissolving into sparks.

“That’s so cute!” you squealed.

He beamed proudly.

Lee Jihoon snapped his fingers.

A harmonic tone filled the courtyard — visible ripples vibrating through the air like glass waves.

You covered your mouth in awe.

“I can see it…”

Lee Seokmin lifted both hands.

Golden sunlight formed in one palm.

Silver moonlight in the other.

They merged into a glowing orb before fading.

You stared.

“That’s… celestial…”

Wen Junhui moved.

One second beside you.

Next second behind Mingyu.

Then perched lightly atop the fountain.

You blinked rapidly.

“How—?!”

He grinned. “Practice.”

Lee Chan snapped his fingers.

Electric arcs danced across his skin harmlessly before striking a stone target with precision.

Your jaw dropped.

Boo Seungkwan looked at you carefully.

“You’re thinking that this is the coolest thing you’ve ever seen.”

Your eyes widened.

“How did you know?!”

He grinned dramatically. “Mind reading.”

Yoon Jeonghan waved his hand.

Suddenly you stood inside a field of glowing butterflies — thousands of them surrounding you.

You spun slowly in wonder.

“They’re not real… but they feel real…”

He smiled softly. “Perception.”

Choi Seungcheol lifted a massive marble bench with one hand.

Your eyes went round.

“That’s impossible…”

He set it down gently.

“Not for me.”

Joshua Hong stepped forward.

Soft white light bloomed around you — warm like sunlight on winter skin.

You felt safe.

Peaceful.

Your breathing slowed unconsciously.

“What is this…?” you whispered.

“Light,” he said gently.

For a moment…

Something in the air shifted.

Subtle.

Unnoticed.

But real.

The thirteen kings looked at you.

And realized something together.

Your power felt…

Equal.

Not lesser. Not greater.

But belonging to the same world.

The same origin.

Which meant one thing.

Your story…was connected to theirs.

Chapter 3: Thirteen Gifts and the Queen of Snow

The roads leading into Elaria were unlike those of Auroria.

Where Auroria’s borders were guarded by towering stone fortresses and iron gates, Elaria welcomed travelers with archways covered in flowering vines, crystal lanterns, and soft banners embroidered with silver thread.

Peace lived here.

The thirteen kings felt it the moment they crossed the border.

Even the air was different — lighter, warmer despite the approaching winter.

Two days before the Festival of First Frost, the royal procession of Auroria arrived on horseback.

No grand army.

Just the kings, their elite guards, and diplomatic escorts.

Because this was not conquest.

This was curiosity.

The palace of Elaria rose like something from a storybook — white stone towers, blue glass domes, cascading fountains, and gardens dusted with the season’s first frost.

At the entrance courtyard…

You were waiting.

And for the first time in years…

The thirteen kings were momentarily speechless.

You looked nothing like the rulers they were accustomed to meeting.

No heavy crown.

No intimidating aura.

No practiced political smile.

You stood in a pale blue gown that shimmered like frozen water, waist-length black hair flowing freely down your back, snow-fair skin glowing softly under winter sunlight, and warm brown eyes filled with unmistakable kindness.

You looked…

Bright.

Alive.

Innocent.

Small.

But not weak.

Different.

Seungcheol was the first to dismount.

The others followed immediately.

You stepped forward — then bowed deeply.

“Welcome to Elaria,” you said warmly. “It is my greatest honor to receive the Kings of the Great Lands. Your Majesty… Your Highnesses… Your Graces… we are truly blessed by your presence.”

Your voice was sweet.

Soft.

Completely sincere.

Not diplomatic performance.

Joshua noticed that immediately.

Jeonghan noticed too.

So did Seungkwan.

Seungcheol spoke gently.

“The honor is ours, Princess Aera.”

You lifted your head, smile widening.

“I hope your journey was comfortable? The winter roads can be troublesome sometimes, but we prepared heated rest stops along the way just in case.”

Mingyu blinked slightly.

“You did that… for us?”

“Of course,” you said simply. “Guests should never be uncomfortable.”

Hoshi whispered loudly to Jihoon, “I like her already.”

Jihoon elbowed him.

First Conversations

You greeted each of them personally.

Not rushed.

Not formal.

You asked Chan if the lightning storms near Auroria had been severe this year.

You asked Minghao whether the herbal trade shipments arrived safely.

You complimented Wonwoo’s cloak embroidery because you recognized the plant pattern.

You even apologized to Jun because one of the stable attendants accidentally brought the wrong saddle earlier.

Jun looked genuinely shocked someone told him that.

The kings exchanged glances.

This princess paid attention.

Seungkwan quietly read your surface thoughts.

They were exactly what you showed outwardly.

Welcome them properly.

Make sure they’re comfortable.

Don’t trip. Please don’t trip.

And then—

You tripped.

Your shoe caught slightly on the stone.

A small stumble.

Mingyu instinctively stepped forward, but you caught yourself, giggling.

“I’m okay!” you said quickly. “I promise I only fall sometimes.”

Chan snorted.

Jeonghan hid a smile behind his hand.

Joshua’s lips curved gently.

Yes.

Different.

You guided them through the palace halls, pointing out murals painted during your parents’ reign, explaining traditions, and occasionally getting distracted by small details.

“Oh! The lilies bloomed early this year — that’s unusual,” you said mid-sentence, peering through a window.

Then you gasped softly.

“Oh no… I forgot to ask if you prefer honey tea or spiced tea — which do you like better?”

Seokmin laughed warmly. “Both?”

You brightened. “Then I’ll bring both!”

Your energy was…

Pure.

Unfiltered.

Not the calculated personality of royalty raised for diplomacy.

But something softer.

Childlike — yet not childish.

Alive.

Names Instead of Titles

During conversation in the guest hall, you noticed something.

“They keep calling me Princess,” you murmured, almost to yourself.

Then you looked up at them with sudden determination.

“Um… may I ask something?”

Seungcheol nodded. “Of course.”

You clasped your hands nervously.

“Could you… call me Aera instead?”

The room paused.

“You’re all kings,” you continued quickly. “I know that. But I’m not queen yet… and I would feel more comfortable if you just called me Aera.”

Joshua blinked slightly.

Jeonghan smiled slowly.

Hoshi immediately said, “Okay, Aera!”

Jihoon sighed. “You skipped ten steps.”

Seungcheol chuckled softly.

“Then you must call us by our names too,” he said.

Your eyes widened.

“All of you?”

“Yes,” Seokmin said brightly.

You hesitated only a second.

“…Okay.”

Your smile returned — brighter than before.

Eventually…

The topic surfaced.

Wonwoo asked gently, “Princess— Aera… we’ve heard much about your abilities.”

You shifted slightly.

“Oh.”

Seungkwan leaned forward. “Would you be willing to tell us about them?”

You nodded slowly.

“I control water,” you said. “All forms of it. Ice too.”

Chan’s eyes lit up.

“Where did it come from?” Mingyu asked.

Your smile faltered just a little.

“…I don’t know.”

The room quieted.

“I’ve always had it,” you continued softly. “No teacher. No blessing ceremony. Nothing.”

Joshua’s brows drew together faintly.

“I’ve tried researching,” you added. “Old texts… royal archives… traveling scholars…”

Your fingers twisted together unconsciously.

“But no one knows.”

They realized then.

You weren’t just powerful.

You were searching.

For years.

Alone.

Minghao spoke gently. “We can help you look.”

Your head lifted quickly.

“Really?”

Seungcheol nodded. “Yes.”

Relief flashed across your face.

You led them into the palace garden courtyard.

A large fountain stood at the center.

You inhaled softly.

Water rose.

Not splashing.

Not forced.

It flowed upward like silk obeying gravity in reverse.

Gasps escaped several kings.

You shaped it into ribbons… then flowers… then birds that fluttered mid-air before freezing into crystalline sculptures.

Snowflakes formed around your fingers without touching the ground.

You spun once lightly — water spiraled around you like a protective halo.

Then with a small motion…

It returned to the fountain.

Perfectly.

No spill.

No strain.

No effort.

The kings stared.

Wonwoo whispered, “Instinctive mastery…”

Jihoon muttered, “No resonance fluctuation…”

Seungkwan felt chills run down his spine.

You clapped softly in delight.

“That was amazing!” you said — then froze. “Oh— that was me. Sorry.”

They laughed.

“Now us,” Hoshi declared proudly.

Hansol Vernon Chwe stepped forward.

A gentle breeze formed around you.

Your hair lifted.

Your dress fluttered like fabric underwater.

You gasped in wonder.

“It feels like floating!”

Hansol smiled slightly. “Air currents.”

He guided the wind into soft spirals that danced around you harmlessly.

Jeon Wonwoo knelt and touched the soil.

A vine sprouted instantly.

Leaves unfurled.

A blooming flower opened — deep blue petals shimmering faintly.

He handed it to you.

“For you.”

Your eyes sparkled.

“It’s beautiful…”

Kim Mingyu lifted his hand.

A nearby decorative metal railing reshaped itself, flowing like liquid until it formed a delicate silver bracelet.

He placed it gently on your wrist.

You gasped. “You made that?!”

He scratched his neck shyly. “Yeah…”

Xu Minghao approached quietly.

“May I?” he asked.

You nodded.

He took your hand.

Warm energy flowed through your palm — not painful, just comforting.

You felt… lighter.

Calmer.

“What is that?” you whispered.

“Internal healing,” he said. “Balancing energy.”

Kwon Soonyoung ignited flames across his hands.

You gasped — but he shaped them into a small tiger that leapt playfully through the air before dissolving into sparks.

“That’s so cute!” you squealed.

He beamed proudly.

Lee Jihoon snapped his fingers.

A harmonic tone filled the courtyard — visible ripples vibrating through the air like glass waves.

You covered your mouth in awe.

“I can see it…”

Lee Seokmin lifted both hands.

Golden sunlight formed in one palm.

Silver moonlight in the other.

They merged into a glowing orb before fading.

You stared.

“That’s… celestial…”

Wen Junhui moved.

One second beside you.

Next second behind Mingyu.

Then perched lightly atop the fountain.

You blinked rapidly.

“How—?!”

He grinned. “Practice.”

Lee Chan snapped his fingers.

Electric arcs danced across his skin harmlessly before striking a stone target with precision.

Your jaw dropped.

Boo Seungkwan looked at you carefully.

“You’re thinking that this is the coolest thing you’ve ever seen.”

Your eyes widened.

“How did you know?!”

He grinned dramatically. “Mind reading.”

Yoon Jeonghan waved his hand.

Suddenly you stood inside a field of glowing butterflies — thousands of them surrounding you.

You spun slowly in wonder.

“They’re not real… but they feel real…”

He smiled softly. “Perception.”

Choi Seungcheol lifted a massive marble bench with one hand.

Your eyes went round.

“That’s impossible…”

He set it down gently.

“Not for me.”

Joshua Hong stepped forward.

Soft white light bloomed around you — warm like sunlight on winter skin.

You felt safe.

Peaceful.

Your breathing slowed unconsciously.

“What is this…?” you whispered.

“Light,” he said gently.

For a moment…

Something in the air shifted.

Subtle.

Unnoticed.

But real.

The thirteen kings looked at you.

And realized something together.

Your power felt…

Equal.

Not lesser. Not greater.

But belonging to the same world.

The same origin.

Which meant one thing.

Your story…was connected to theirs.

Chapter 1: The Princess of Elaria and the Whisper of Legends

Chapter 2: The Call Of Magic

Chapter 3: Thirteen Gifts and the Queen of Snow

Chapter 2: The Call Of Magic

Auroria did not have a single throne room.

It had many.

Because thirteen rulers could not be contained in one seat of power.

But there was one chamber that belonged to all of them equally — the Council Hall of Sovereigns.

A circular room carved into pale marble, its domed ceiling painted with constellations representing the dynasty. Thirteen thrones formed a ring rather than a hierarchy — though one seat, larger and reinforced with iron and stone, belonged unmistakably to the High King.

Morning light streamed through tall arched windows, scattering gold across the polished floor.

And today…

All thirteen kings were present.

Seungcheol rested his elbows on his knees, fingers loosely clasped, posture relaxed yet commanding.

The invitation from Elaria lay open on the central table.

“So,” he began calmly, “we’ve all heard stories.”

Hoshi leaned forward immediately. “She froze an entire river when she was ten.”

Jihoon snorted. “That’s exaggerated.”

Wonwoo shook his head slightly. “No. Reports confirm it. Eastern border traders witnessed it firsthand.”

Chan’s eyes widened. “Seriously?”

Mingyu crossed his arms thoughtfully. “Water manipulation without formal training is already rare. But large-scale freezing at that age… that’s abnormal.”

Jeonghan lounged sideways in his throne, long hair falling over his shoulder as he smirked.

“Abnormal is interesting.”

Seungkwan pointed dramatically at him. “You just want entertainment.”

Jeonghan didn’t deny it. “Obviously.”

Minghao spoke next, voice calm and measured.

“Our magic has lineage. A clear origin. A witch’s blessing carried through blood.”

Jun nodded. “Hers doesn’t.”

Hansol tilted his head slightly. “Could be another blessing.”

Wonwoo adjusted his glasses.

“Or something older.”

That sentence settled heavily in the air.

Seokmin blinked. “Older than the witch?”

Wonwoo met his gaze. “There were magic systems before recorded history. Elemental sovereigns. Primordial contracts.”

Jihoon tapped his fingers against the armrest. “You’re theorizing.”

“Yes.”

“But you don’t think you’re wrong,” Jihoon added.

Wonwoo didn’t reply.

Which meant he believed it.

Then all eyes turned toward Seungkwan.

The oracle shifted uncomfortably under their attention.

Seungcheol’s voice softened slightly.

“What did you see yesterday?”

Seungkwan hesitated.

“…Fragments.”

Joshua leaned forward just a little. “What kind?”

Seungkwan swallowed.

“Water moving around us.”

Hoshi blinked. “That sounds peaceful.”

Seungkwan shook his head slowly.

“…No. Not peaceful.”

A faint tremor entered his voice.

“Powerful. Overwhelming.”

Chan frowned. “Like an enemy?”

“I don’t know,” Seungkwan admitted. “She wasn’t attacking. But everything was… changing. Like currents pulling us somewhere we weren’t before.”

Silence lingered.

Hansol spoke quietly.

“Destiny shift.”

Seungkwan nodded once.

“Yes.”

Curiosity vs Responsibility

Seungcheol leaned back in his throne, gaze thoughtful.

“We don’t attend foreign festivals lightly,” he said. “Especially not with all thirteen of us.”

Jihoon nodded. “Security risk.”

Mingyu added, “Political implications too. Our presence together signals alliance interest.”

Jeonghan waved a hand dismissively. “Or curiosity.”

Seungcheol gave him a look.

Jeonghan grinned unapologetically.

“Come on,” he said. “We’ve all heard the stories. A princess with unexplained elemental mastery, beloved by her people, hosting a festival after years of mourning her parents?”

He tilted his head.

“That’s interesting.”

Hoshi bounced slightly in his seat. “And there’s food.”

Jihoon: “You are unbelievable.”

Seokmin raised his hand enthusiastically. “I want to see ice sculptures!”

Jun nodded eagerly. “Same.”

Minghao smiled faintly. “It would be… refreshing. A peaceful kingdom visit.”

Wonwoo added quietly, “Observation opportunity.”

Hansol shrugged. “Travel is good.”

Chan crossed his arms with determination. “I want to see how strong she is.”

Seungkwan muttered, “You just want to compete.”

Chan didn’t deny it.

Joshua had been quiet.

Which wasn’t unusual — he often listened before speaking.

His fingers traced the edge of the letter absentmindedly, light flickering faintly across his skin like sunlight through glass.

“A princess who controls water naturally…” he murmured.

Jeonghan smirked sideways. “You sound intrigued.”

Joshua smiled gently. “I am.”

“Because she’s beautiful?” Jeonghan teased.

Joshua sighed. “Hyung.”

That was answer enough to make several brothers laugh.

But Joshua’s gaze remained thoughtful.

“Power without understanding its origin can be dangerous,” he said softly. “For her most of all.”

Minghao nodded in agreement.

“Yes. Uncontrolled potential invites harm.”

Seungcheol noticed the concern immediately.

“You’re worried,” the High King observed.

Joshua didn’t deny it.

“A little,” he admitted. “If she’s truly that strong… and doesn’t know why…”

He didn’t finish. He didn’t need to.

Seungcheol exhaled slowly.

“We attend.”

No one objected.

Jeonghan grinned. “Of course we do.”

Seungkwan muttered under his breath, “Everything changes…”

Joshua glanced at him briefly.

“What?”

Seungkwan forced a smile.

“Nothing.”

But inside…

He felt the future shifting like tides.

Preparations Begin

Seungcheol stood.

“Full diplomatic escort,” he ordered. “But discreet. We’re guests, not conquerors.”

Mingyu nodded. “I’ll oversee armor logistics.”

Wonwoo added, “I’ll review Elaria’s terrain maps.”

Jihoon: “Security resonance barriers.”

Hoshi: “Food.”

Jihoon: “That is not your responsibility.”

Hoshi: “It is spiritually my responsibility.”

Laughter broke tension.

Joshua folded the invitation carefully.

The parchment shimmered faintly with frost magic.

He didn’t know why…

But he felt like this journey mattered.

Far away in Elaria…

Snow began to fall.

Chapter 1: The Princess of Elaria and the Whisper of Legends

In the far reaches of the continent, where rivers braided through emerald valleys and mountains pierced silver clouds, there existed lands spoken of in legend.

One was vast beyond measure — The Great Lands of Auroria — a kingdom so immense that maps struggled to contain it. The other was smaller, gentler, but no less radiant — The Kingdom of Elaria — a place of laughter, flowers, and shimmering lakes.

And between them… destiny waited.

Princess of Water — Aera of Elaria.

You were born during rainfall.

Not gentle rain — but a storm so alive that the skies themselves seemed to bend toward the palace. Waves rose along the distant coastline, fountains overflowed in the royal gardens, and ice crystals formed along marble pillars despite the warmth of summer.

The court astrologers called it an omen.

The royal priests called it a blessing.

Your parents called it a miracle.

From infancy, water answered you.

You never learned it.

You simply… did it.

At five years old, when you cried, droplets hovered in the air like pearls before falling. At seven, you froze an entire fountain into delicate sculptures of swans without understanding how. At ten, you calmed a raging river that threatened to flood the eastern farms — and afterward asked innocently why everyone was kneeling.

Your magic was not something you practiced.

It was something you were.

Water. Ice. Mist. Snow. Rain. Rivers. Seas.

All forms of water responded to you with instinctive loyalty — as if recognizing their queen long before you wore a crown.

And yet… no one knew why.

Because magical bloodlines were rare.

And yours… had none.

Your parents — King Aeron and Queen Lysara — were beloved rulers. Wise, compassionate, and deeply devoted to their people.

When you were eleven, they embarked on a diplomatic sea voyage.

The ship never returned.

No wreckage was found.

No survivors.

Just silence.

For years afterward, the kingdom mourned — but the ministers protected you fiercely, ensuring you could grow up with as much warmth as possible despite the loss.

Now you were eighteen.

Still princess. Not yet queen.

But the people already looked at you with trust in their eyes.

Because you smiled at them.

Because you remembered names.

Because you stopped to help farmers fix fences and children tie ribbons.

Because when winter drought threatened crops last year… you brought rain.

There was one tradition your parents had loved above all others.

The Festival of First Frost — held at the very beginning of the cold season, when the first frost touched the land.

It celebrated endurance, hope, and unity between kingdoms.

For years after their deaths, it had not been held.

Until now.

You decided to bring it back.

And invitations were sent across the continent.

Including one… to Auroria.

The Great Lands.

The Kingdom of the Thirteen Kings.

The Dynasty Blessed by a Witch

Centuries ago, an ancestor of Auroria’s royal line saved a dying witch.

In gratitude, she gifted him power — magic tied to the forces of nature itself.

The blessing passed through generations.

And in the current era…

It manifested in thirteen sons.

Thirteen princes.

Now thirteen kings.

Each born with a different ability.

Each terrifyingly powerful.

Each fiercely devoted to one another.

And led by the High King.

The Thirteen Kings of Auroria

They ruled together — not divided by rivalry, but united like an unbreakable constellation.

The First Brother — The High King

Choi Seungcheol

Power: Superhuman strength and physical dominance.

He could shatter stone walls with his bare hands, lift siege weapons alone, and withstand blows that would kill ordinary men. His presence alone commanded obedience.

But beyond the battlefield — he was warmth.

Protective. Loyal. Fiercely loving toward his brothers.

And terrifying to anyone who threatened them.

The Second Brother — Master of Illusions

Yoon Jeonghan

Power: Illusion and perception manipulation.

He could create entire landscapes from nothing, disguise armies, or trap enemies in false realities so convincing they forgot what was real.

Mischievous. Clever. Beautiful.

And perhaps the most dangerous mind among them.

The Third Brother — King of Light

Joshua Hong

Power: Light manipulation.

Healing warmth. Blinding radiance. Protective barriers. Purification.

His magic felt holy — like sunlight after a storm.

Gentle voice. Kind eyes. Soft laughter.

But when angered… his light could burn like a star.

The Fourth Brother — Agile Warrior

Wen Junhui

Power: Extreme agility and body enhancement.

Faster than arrows. Lighter than wind. Unmatched in combat grace.

Playful. Dramatic. Loyal.

He moved like a dancer even in battle.

The Fifth Brother — Lord of Fire

Kwon Soonyoung

Power: Fire.

Explosive, passionate flames that mirrored his personality.

Loud laughter. Fierce heart. Endless energy.

A living inferno with the soul of a tiger.

The Sixth Brother — Guardian of Earth

Jeon Wonwoo

Power: Earth, plants, and flora.

Forests answered him. Vines obeyed. Flowers bloomed at his touch.

Quiet. Observant. Deeply intelligent.

He preferred books… but could summon mountains if needed.

The Seventh Brother — Master of Sound

Lee Jihoon

Power: Sound manipulation.

Sonic waves. Silence fields. Harmonic destruction.

Small in stature. Immense in presence.

Sharp-tongued. Brilliant. Precise.

The Eighth Brother — Sun and Moon Sovereign

Lee Seokmin

Power: Solar and lunar energy.

Radiant beams. Celestial shields. Cycles of light and darkness.

Bright smile. Endless optimism.

A star disguised as a man.

The Ninth Brother — Metal Commander

Kim Mingyu

Power: Metal manipulation.

Weapons bent to his will. Armor formed instantly around him.

Tall. Handsome. Surprisingly clumsy at times.

A golden-hearted giant.

The Tenth Brother — Healer

Xu Minghao

Power: Healing and life restoration.

He could mend bones, purge poison, even stabilize near death.

Calm. Philosophical. Graceful.

Peace itself seemed to follow him.

The Eleventh Brother — Oracle

Boo Seungkwan

Power: Mind reading and glimpses of the future.

Sharp intuition. Emotional intelligence.

Dramatic reactions. Loud complaints.

But frighteningly accurate visions.

The Twelfth Brother — Wind Walker

Chwe Hansol

Power: Wind manipulation.

Storms. Tornadoes. Flight currents.

Relaxed. Free-spirited. Observant.

Like air itself — gentle until provoked.

The Thirteenth Brother — Lightning Prince

Lee Chan

Power: Lightning.

Speed. Electricity. Thunder strikes.

Youngest. Determined. Competitive.

Still proving himself — though already formidable.

Five Regions — One Brotherhood

To manage the vast kingdom, they divided Auroria into five governing territories:

Seungcheol — Jeonghan — Joshua

Jihoon — Hoshi

Mingyu — Wonwoo — Seokmin

Seungkwan — Hansol — Chan

Minghao — Jun

But no matter the division…

They ruled as one.

They lived as one.

They fought as one.

In the Royal Council Chamber of Auroria, a silver envelope shimmered faintly with frost magic.

Jeonghan leaned back in his chair, twirling it between his fingers.

“Winter festival,” he read lazily. “From Elaria.”

Hoshi perked up immediately. “Festival?! Food festival?!”

Jihoon deadpanned, “Everything is a food festival to you.”

Seungcheol opened the letter properly, scanning it with calm authority.

His brows lifted slightly.

Joshua noticed first. “Something interesting?”

Seungcheol slid the letter across the table.

“The princess is hosting it herself this year.”

Seungkwan gasped dramatically. “THE princess?”

Chan blinked. “Wait — the water one?”

Mingyu leaned forward. “Ohhh. The famous one?”

Wonwoo adjusted his glasses thoughtfully. “The one with unexplained magic.”

Minghao nodded slowly. “Water without lineage… unusual.”

Jeonghan smirked. “And allegedly the most beautiful woman in the continent.”

Joshua sighed softly. “Hyung…”

“What?” Jeonghan grinned. “I appreciate beauty.”

Hoshi slammed his hands on the table. “WE’RE GOING.”

Jihoon: “Sit down.”

Seokmin: “But festivals are fun…”

Hansol shrugged. “Could be interesting.”

Seungkwan suddenly froze.

“…Oh.”

Everyone turned.

Seungcheol narrowed his eyes. “What did you see?”

Seungkwan swallowed.

“…Water.”

Joshua tilted his head. “That’s not helpful.”

“No,” Seungkwan whispered.

His voice trembled.

“…Not water.”

“…Her.”

Silence filled the chamber.

“What about her?” Mingyu asked quietly.

Seungkwan looked at Joshua.

“…Everything changes when we meet her.”

You stood alone in the palace courtyard.

Snowflakes drifted slowly around you.

Your hands lifted.

Water from the fountain rose — shimmering ribbons spiraling into the air.

You shaped them unconsciously.

A castle.

Then flowers.

Then birds.

They froze into delicate ice sculptures glowing under moonlight.

You giggled softly at your own creation.

“…Mama would have liked this,” you whispered.

A gentle breeze brushed your hair.

And somewhere far away…

The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the night outside. The curtains were drawn, letting only a faint sliver of moonlight in, brushing against the floor in a pale silver line. The air was still, calm—like it was holding its breath for the two of you.

Joshua lay on his back, one arm curled securely around you, the other resting over his chest. His breathing was steady, almost even enough to fool someone into thinking he was asleep already. His eyes were closed, lashes brushing his skin, his features soft in a way they rarely were in daylight. The faintest smile tugged at the corner of his lips, like he was at peace simply because you were there.

You were curled against him, tucked neatly in the curve of his arm, his warmth wrapping around you like a blanket. Your head rested against his chest where you could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Every few breaths, his thumb brushed absently along your arm as though he couldn’t stop himself from touching you, even half-asleep.

He murmured your name once, so faintly you almost missed it, before his body settled again. His arm tightened around you just a little, protective and unconscious. His breathing slowed, but yours stayed awake, your eyes tracing the shape of his jaw in the dim light.

"Joshiee, what do you think your mom will be doing right now? It's like two hours ahead in LA," you asked, your voice soft, curious, almost innocent.

Joshua’s lashes fluttered slightly at your sudden question, though he didn’t open his eyes right away. His chest rose with a long, quiet sigh, the kind that came from someone who was only moments away from sleep before you pulled them back.

“…Ari,” he muttered, voice heavy and low, edged with drowsiness. “It’s the middle of the night.”

He shifted under you, tightening his arm around your shoulders like he thought maybe he could press you closer and lull you into quiet. His cheek turned against his pillow, eyes still closed, but his brows pinched faintly.

“Two hours ahead…” he repeated your words slowly, like he was half-processing them through the fog of sleep. “…she’s… probably sleeping. Like I should be.” His lips curved in a tired half-smile before fading again.

When you wriggled against him, clearly not planning to stop, he groaned softly, finally cracking one eye open to look at you.

“Aera,” he said, dragging out your name in a pleading tone. “Why are you awake? Why are you—” He cut himself off with another sigh, his head tilting back into the pillow.

His hand slid from your arm up to cover your mouth gently, palm warm against your skin. “Shhh. Bedtime. No more talking.”

Of course, his touch only made your eyes sparkle more, and he knew it. He peeked at you again, already regretting showing you even a sliver of attention, because that was like fuel for you.

“…You’re not gonna stop, are you?” he mumbled, his voice caught between fondness and defeat.

Joshua groaned the moment you slipped his hand off, your playful persistence tugging him fully back from the edge of sleep. His head turned toward you on the pillow, eyes barely open, but the exasperation was clear even in the dark.

"And your dad?" you pressed, tilting your head slightly, curious.

“…Seriously?” he muttered, voice rough with drowsiness. He pressed his lips together, trying to smother a laugh that was fighting to break free. “You’re really gonna interview me about my parents at—” He glanced vaguely toward the alarm clock on the nightstand without moving much, “—whatever time it is right now?”

He let his head drop back down and pulled you tighter against his chest, almost like he was trying to trap you there until you gave up. His hand found the back of your head, tucking it firmly under his chin.

“My dad is also asleep,” he said firmly, as though finalizing the conversation. “Everyone in the world is asleep. Except you.”

Another soft groan slipped out of him, muffled against your hair. “Ari, you’re gonna drive me crazy.”

Then, after a beat, he muttered under his breath with a weak chuckle, “You like seeing me suffer, don’t you?”

"And what do you think about Gyu oppa? He was saying something about being awake these days with his friends, watching movies late night," you asked, a mischievous lilt to your voice, eyes sparkling in the dim light.

Joshua’s eyes flew open properly this time, his patience clearly thinning. He tilted his head back against the pillow with a sharp exhale, almost like he was silently begging the universe for strength.

“…Why are you bringing Mingyu into this right now?” he asked, his tone flat but laced with disbelief. He turned his face toward you, lips pressed in a thin line, his expression a mix of is this real life? and why did I fall for you again?

His arm around you tightened, pulling you snug against his side so you couldn’t wriggle away. “Aera,” he warned softly, his voice dropping low in that half-playful, half-serious way he used when you were testing his patience.

Then he shifted suddenly, rolling onto his side so you were nose to nose with him. His hair fell slightly over his forehead, his eyes heavy with sleep but sharp with annoyance. “Listen to me,” he murmured, nudging his forehead against yours. “I don’t care what Gyu is doing. Or who he’s doing it with. Right now, I want—” He squeezed your side gently, “—silence. From you.”

A beat passed before he sighed again, softer this time, his thumb brushing your cheek without him realizing it. “…You’re impossible.”

"No no. Seriously, Joshiee. Think about it. It’s fun, right? Watching movies together with friends, no worries about the time?" you asked, tilting your head, eyes gleaming with the excitement of your argument.

Joshua let out a laugh—short, breathless, almost disbelieving—and dropped his head back against the pillow. His arm stayed locked around you, but now it was more like a restraint than a cuddle.

“Ari…” he groaned, dragging your name out like he could stretch it into a plea. “You’re actually serious right now.” His eyes shut tight for a second, as if he could will himself back into sleep if he just ignored you hard enough.

But then you shifted, looking at him with that spark that told him you weren’t stopping anytime soon, and he gave in with another sigh. His gaze found yours in the dim light, soft but so tired.

“Yes,” he admitted slowly, the corner of his mouth twitching. “It’s fun. It’s great. Movies with friends at two in the morning. Amazing.” He gave a little nod, voice heavy with sarcasm, then leaned forward until his lips brushed your temple. “But you know what else is fun?”

He pressed a lingering kiss against your hairline, then muttered low against your skin, “Sleeping. With my girlfriend. Who won’t stop talking.”

Before you could open your mouth again, he rolled onto his back and tugged the blanket right over your head, trapping you under it with him. “Conversation over,” he declared, voice muffled with a laugh he couldn’t quite hide.

You pulled the blanket down just a little, your eyes wide with mock seriousness. "Okay. Listen to me. This is serious. Important. Really."

Joshua’s eyes narrowed suspiciously at the serious note in your voice. He propped his head slightly on the pillow to look at you, hair falling into his eyes, one brow lifting in clear doubt.

“…Important,” he repeated slowly, voice flat. “At—” he leaned sideways to glance at the glowing clock on the nightstand, “—one-thirty in the morning?”

His lips curved into a crooked, exhausted smile, but his hand slid up to cradle your cheek anyway, thumb brushing your skin in that unconscious way he always did. “Ari, if this is about Gyu’s movie nights again, I swear—”

He stopped himself, sighing. Then, softer: “Fine. I’m listening. You have thirty seconds.”

He held up a finger close to your face, mock stern. “Thirty. Not thirty-one. Not thirty-five.” His lips brushed the corner of your mouth as he muttered, “You’ve already stolen half my night.”

"What if in some parallel universe, we never met? Or in some other universe you weren’t an idol? Or in some other universe I was Korean too? Or in some other universe you were in LA? Or in some other universe I knew Seventeen even before meeting you? Or in some other universe I was a Carat too? There are so many possibilities in the parallel universes. Think about them," you said, eyes bright, voice low but buzzing with curiosity.

Joshua blinked at you, long and slow, as if his brain was buffering under the weight of your endless stream of questions. His lips parted once, then closed again, then finally curved into the faintest smirk.

“…You’re unbelievable,” he muttered, voice rough from sleep but laced with affection he couldn’t quite hide. His hand slid down from your cheek to cover your mouth again, gently but firmly this time. “Parallel universes, Ari? Really? At one-thirty in the morning?”

When you wriggled against his hand, eyes still shining with excitement, he groaned and let his head fall back against the pillow. “You’re lucky you’re cute, you know that?”

He tugged you closer until your face was practically buried against his chest. His lips pressed against the top of your head as he mumbled, “I don’t care about parallel universes. I only care about this one. Where you won’t stop talking, and I’m too in love with you to throw you out of bed.”

A pause. His chest rumbled with a tired chuckle. “…Though in some parallel universe, I bet you actually let me sleep.”

You pressed further, "No Joshiee, just think about them. What if??"

Joshua let out the longest groan yet, dragging his hand down his face. His eyes opened just enough to give you a pointed look—the kind of look that said you’re impossible and you know it.

“Aera,” he murmured, voice dropping low, half-pleading, half-scolding. “You’re really not gonna let me sleep, huh?”

He shifted suddenly, rolling onto his side to face you fully. His arm slid around your waist, tugging you flush against him until there was barely any space left to breathe. His forehead pressed against yours, his voice softer now, threaded with a sleepy kind of sincerity he couldn’t completely mask.

“What if?” he repeated quietly, eyes locked on yours. “Then I’d spend every universe trying to find you again.”

His thumb brushed your jaw slowly, lingering. “Doesn’t matter if I’m an idol or some guy in LA, doesn’t matter if you’re a Carat or a stranger passing by. I’d still… know you. I’d still want you.”

Then, of course, he ruined the softness by groaning again and burying his face against your neck. “Now stop making me sound like a cheesy drama lead at two in the morning.”

His voice was muffled, but you felt the smile against your skin. “Go to sleep, Ari. Before I have to tape your mouth shut.”

“Or wait! Like what if it isn’t a normal world like this one? It’s magical? Like the fantasy ones. With magic and fairies and all those magical creatures. What would you be then? And me?” you asked, eyes wide and sparkling, voice buzzing with excitement.

Joshua let out a quiet, half-laugh, half-groan, rolling onto his back again like he was surrendering to your endless stream of thoughts. One hand covered his face, the other still holding you tight against his side.

“You’re… unbelievable,” he said, dragging out the words slowly, like he couldn’t decide if he wanted to laugh or cry. “Ari, you’ve gone from my mom and dad… to Mingyu’s movie nights… to parallel universes… and now fairies?”

He peeked at you from between his fingers, his lips twitching despite his exhaustion. “You’re seriously wired at night, aren’t you?”

His hand dropped to your hair, threading through it lazily as he hummed. “Fine. If it was some fantasy world… I’d probably be a really tired prince who can’t get a single night of sleep because his princess won’t stop talking.” His voice dipped teasingly as he leaned close to your ear. “Sound familiar?”

Then, softer, more absentminded as his thumb traced circles on your arm: “And you… you’d be trouble. The kind that makes everything brighter. A little fairy who won’t leave me alone, no matter what world we’re in.”

His laugh was quiet, muffled into your hair. “…Yeah. That fits.”

“And what if it was some royalty-type world? Like those king and queen ones? With kingdoms and everything?” you asked, tilting your head, eyes gleaming.

Joshua tilted his head toward you slowly, his eyes squinting like he was trying to process if you were actually serious or just messing with him on purpose. “…Royalty now?” he asked, his voice flat but laced with that quiet disbelief that always gave away his amusement. “Aera, you’re writing entire novels in your head while I’m trying to sleep.”

Still, his arm stayed firm around you, pulling you even closer until your leg brushed against his under the blanket. He sighed, lips brushing your hair as he gave in with a mumble.

“Fine. If it was one of those kingdom worlds… I’d probably be the king who can’t get five minutes of peace.” His hand squeezed your waist meaningfully. “And you… you’d be the queen who makes sure I never get it.”

He shifted suddenly, rolling halfway on top of you so you were pinned beneath his weight, his hair falling messily into his eyes. “Actually—no,” he said, his tone turning teasing, a slow grin tugging at his lips. “You’d be the princess. The spoiled one. Who barges into the king’s chamber in the middle of the night just to ask him about parallel universes and fairies.”

He leaned down, brushing his nose against yours with a soft laugh. “And the king would probably throw her in the dungeon. Just so he could finally sleep.”

“But you won’t throw me, right?” you said, your voice soft but insistent, eyes wide, lips pouted convincingly.

Joshua let out a low laugh, the kind that rumbled in his chest more than in his throat. He leaned down until his lips brushed the corner of your mouth, his weight still holding you firmly against the bed.

“Oh, you sound so sure of yourself,” he murmured, his voice soft but teasing. His hand slid up to cup your jaw, thumb brushing lazily across your cheek. “Convincing me like that… at this hour.”

He pressed a kiss to your temple, lingering there for a moment. “…Maybe the king wouldn’t throw you in the dungeon.” His lips curved against your skin. “But only because he’s too weak for his princess. Too hopeless when it comes to her.”

Pulling back just enough to look into your eyes, he smirked faintly. “And because she knows exactly how to make him surrender.”

His arm tightened around you, squeezing you close again. “Still doesn’t change the fact that she talks too much.”

“And think of a world full of magicians and sorcerers and witches and wizards? Like Harry Potter?” you asked, bouncing slightly against his chest.

Joshua groaned dramatically, letting his head fall right onto your shoulder with a soft thud. His warm breath tickled your skin as he muttered, “Ari, you’re actually gonna list every single genre in existence tonight, aren’t you?”

Still, his lips curved into a sleepy smile against your shoulder. He shifted a little, tucking you tighter under his arm like he was holding on despite all his protests.

“Alright, magician world,” he said finally, his tone resigned but laced with amusement. “I’d be… probably some exhausted wizard who spends all his time trying to brew sleeping potions.” He tilted his head just enough to look at you, eyes half-lidded, his voice dropping into that soft, playful lilt. “Because his little fairy won’t stop talking about parallel universes at two in the morning.”

He nudged his nose against your cheek, his grin lazy. “And you… you’d be the one who accidentally explodes half the castle every time you tried a spell.”

His chest shook with a quiet laugh as he kissed the side of your head. “But I’d still keep you. Even if you drove me insane in every world.”

“And a Narnia-type world?” you asked, eyes shining with excitement.

Joshua actually let out a laugh this time—tired, but real. He pulled back just enough to look at you, eyes half-open and shining with disbelief. “…Narnia now?” he asked, his voice rough but laced with that helpless fondness that always gave him away. “Aera, you’ve gone from my parents, to Mingyu’s movie nights, to parallel universes, to fairy tales, to Harry Potter… and now wardrobes that lead to another world?”

He dropped his head back onto the pillow with a groan, dragging his hand down his face. “You’re unbelievable.”

But his arm never let go of you—in fact, he tugged you even closer, rolling onto his side again until you were tucked securely against his chest. His lips brushed the top of your hair as he spoke softly.

“Fine. In a Narnia world, I’d probably be some knight. Just trying to keep things in order.” He let out a little hum, thoughtful despite his exhaustion. “And you’d… definitely be the one wandering off into the forest, finding magical creatures, getting yourself into trouble.”

He kissed your hair lightly, muttering against it, “And I’d still have to come save you. Every. Single. Time.”

Then he pulled back just enough to smirk faintly down at you. “…You really don’t get tired, do you?”

“Then if we’re in some supernatural world where everyone had some magical powers, what would be your powers?” you asked, bouncing lightly against him, your voice teasing.

Joshua let out a sound somewhere between a laugh and a groan, burying his face into the crook of your neck like he was trying to hide from you—or maybe just escape your endless curiosity. His muffled voice came out low and dramatic:

“Ari… you’re actually never going to stop, are you?”

He shifted a little, propping his chin on your shoulder now, his eyes half-open, glittering faintly in the dark as he gave you a long look. Finally, he sighed, resigned.

“Alright. Supernatural world,” he said, his tone slow and deliberate, like he was humoring a child who’d asked their tenth question in a row. “My power would be…” His lips curved as he brushed them against your skin, whispering, “…to make you sleep. Instantly.”

He gave your side a squeeze, grinning tiredly. “That way, I wouldn’t have to listen to your midnight philosophy sessions.”

But then his expression softened despite himself, his thumb brushing circles on your hip absentmindedly. “Or maybe… healing. So I could always protect you. Fix every little thing before it ever hurt you.”

He paused, then added in a teasing murmur, “And you? Your power would definitely be talking people to death.”

His chest shook with a quiet laugh as he kissed your shoulder. “No one would survive you.”

“But I want water powers, ice powers, like Elsa,” you pouted, looking up at him with wide, pleading eyes.

Joshua pulled back just enough to see your pout, and the sight made him laugh under his breath, low and warm. He reached up, pinching your cheek gently with his thumb and forefinger.

“Of course you do,” he murmured, voice heavy with sleep but laced with fondness. “My princess wants to freeze the whole world just because it sounds pretty.”

He let go of your cheek only to tuck a strand of hair behind your ear, his touch soft, lingering. “Alright, fine. You can have your Elsa powers. Ice queen, snow princess… whatever you want.”

His lips brushed your forehead as he whispered, “I’ll just be the boring one then. Fire, maybe. So I can keep you warm when you go overboard.”

Pulling back, he smirked faintly at your pout. “…And melt you a little when you get too bratty.”

He tightened his arms around you suddenly, holding you so close you squeaked against his chest. “There. Balance. Perfect magical duo.”

“Do you think animals understand each other?” you asked next, eyes wide with curiosity, voice full of wonder.

Joshua blinked at you slowly, his face blank for a moment as though his brain had just blue-screened. Then he let out the deepest groan yet, dragging his hand down over his eyes.

“…You’re unbelievable,” he muttered, voice muffled under his palm. “We’ve gone from parallel universes, to kingdoms, to Harry Potter, to Narnia, to Elsa… and now you’re asking me if animals gossip behind our backs?”

He peeked at you from between his fingers, his expression a mix of I’m so done and I love you too much to actually be mad.

“Yeah,” he said finally, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “Cats are out there giving TED talks, and dogs are probably holding family meetings about their owners. Meanwhile, your boyfriend is just trying to sleep.”

He rolled over suddenly, pinning you under him with his weight as he buried his face in your neck. His words came out muffled against your skin. “You’re driving me insane, Ari.”

Then, softer, with a smile you could feel in his kiss against your collarbone: “…but if animals do understand each other, I bet they all talk about how cute you are.”

“I didn’t think like that! Do they gossip too? That’s so weirdly amazing! Wow!” you exclaimed, amazed, voice full of excitement.

Joshua groaned so loudly this time it almost sounded like a laugh. He dropped flat onto the bed again, sprawled half on top of you like a man completely defeated.

“Ari…” he whined, dragging out your name, his voice muffled against your chest. “You’re actually running a whole Discovery Channel special at two in the morning.”

He tilted his head up just enough to glare at you with narrowed, sleepy eyes. “Yes. They gossip. Birds talk trash about squirrels. Cats complain about humans. Dogs… probably roast their owners when they trip over stuff.” His lips twitched despite his grumbling, the corners curving into a reluctant grin.

“And you know what they’re saying right now?” He suddenly rolled, caging you under him with both arms, his face hovering just above yours. His voice dropped into a low, mock-serious whisper. “They’re gossiping about how my girlfriend won’t shut up at night.”

He leaned down and kissed your pout quickly, then pulled back with a smug smile. “Now guess what the king of the animal kingdom is about to do to stop her from talking.”

“King? Lion? Huh? How did that come up in the conversation? What will it do to me?” you asked, confused, tilting your head with furrowed brows and a small pout.

Joshua’s lips parted in disbelief, then he actually laughed — tired, helpless, the kind of laugh that slipped out when he realized you weren’t stopping no matter what. “Oh my god, Ari,” he muttered, pressing his forehead to yours, his shoulders shaking with quiet laughter. “You don’t even hear yourself, do you?”

He tilted his head, eyes half-lidded but gleaming with that mix of exasperation and affection only you could pull out of him. “Yes. King. Lion. Whatever you want.” His voice dropped lower, playful, edged with a teasing growl. “And what the lion does… is silence the little rabbit who won’t stop yapping.”

Before you could fire off another “but what if—” question, he swooped down and pressed his lips firmly against yours, kissing you until your words were swallowed whole. His hand cradled your jaw, thumb brushing your cheek as he deepened it just enough to make you forget your chatter for a moment.

When he finally pulled back, his smirk was lazy, triumphant. “See? Quiet. Works every time.” He kissed you again quickly, softer this time. “My favorite power.”

“Were you—”

Joshua didn’t even let you finish. The second that first word slipped out, he groaned and immediately leaned down, pressing his lips hard against yours mid-sentence.

“Nope,” he muttered against your mouth, kissing you again before you could protest. “Not letting you start another one.”

His hand slid up, covering your cheek as he kissed you more insistently, clearly determined to shut you up by any means necessary. When he finally pulled back just enough to breathe, his smile was smug, sleepy, and just a little mischievous.

“You were about to start another story, weren’t you?” he accused softly, his thumb brushing over your lips. “Parallel worlds, magic, animals, kingdoms, Narnia… I know that tone.”

He leaned back in, kissing the corner of your mouth this time. “…Not happening, Ari. Not tonight.” His arm tightened around your waist, holding you flush against him like he was making sure you couldn’t wiggle free to keep talking.

“No, I—”

Joshua cut you off instantly, not even giving you the chance to finish. His lips crashed onto yours again, firmer this time, almost like a warning.

“No,” he mumbled against your mouth, his voice low and laced with a tired sort of playfulness. Another kiss followed before you could catch your breath. “No more ‘I—’” He kissed you again. “No more ‘what if—’” Another kiss. “No more midnight documentaries, Ari.”

His hand slid to the back of your head, holding you in place as he peppered a trail of quick, relentless kisses along your jaw and cheek, silencing every half-word you tried to let out.

“You’re done talking,” he declared softly, his lips brushing against your ear as he finally stilled. His arms squeezed you tight against his chest, pinning you there. “The lion wins. Rabbit loses. End of story.”

He buried his face in your neck with a deep sigh, his voice muffled but warm. “…And now, the rabbit sleeps.”

“Shua—”

The moment your voice slipped out, Joshua groaned dramatically and moved fast—tilting his head down to catch your lips before you could say anything else.

“Mm-mm,” he hummed against your mouth, kissing you slow but firm, like he was sealing your words away. When he pulled back just a fraction, his eyes were narrowed, mock-serious. “Didn’t I just say no more talking, Ari?”

Before you could try again, he kissed you once more, softer this time, dragging it out just to keep you quiet. His hand slid up to cup your cheek, thumb brushing over your lips as though to warn you.

“Every time you say my name,” he whispered, leaning so close his nose brushed yours, “I’m going to do that. Think you can handle it?”

He smirked faintly, his voice dropping into a sleepy, playful threat. “Go on then, test me.”

“Wait—”

Joshua didn’t even hesitate. The second that little word left your lips, he swooped down and kissed you mid-syllable, effectively swallowing the rest of it before you could go on.

“Mmh. Nope,” he murmured against your mouth, pressing another kiss there just to make sure you got the point. His hand cupped your cheek firmly, holding you still, his thumb stroking the corner of your lips like a quiet warning.

“You think I’m kidding, don’t you?” he said softly, his eyes half-lidded but sharp with playful intent. “Every. Single. Word. I’ll shut you up like this.”

He kissed you again, slower this time, lingering until your thoughts scattered, then pulled back just enough to smirk down at you. “Still wanna try me, rabbit?” he teased, his voice low and warm.

“No. No Shua list—”

Joshua groaned and didn’t even let you finish — his lips crashed onto yours mid-sentence, firm and insistent, cutting off your words before they could form.

“Uh-uh,” he muttered against your mouth, kissing you again, deeper this time, almost stubborn. “I warned you, Ari.”

He shifted quickly, rolling his weight over you so you were pinned beneath him, his hair falling into his eyes as he hovered just inches above your face. His hand cradled your jaw, holding you still while his thumb brushed the corner of your lips like he was daring you to try again.

“No more ‘listen, Shua,’” he whispered, his voice low, threaded with playful threat. He kissed you again, softer but slower, dragging it out until you were breathless.

When he finally pulled back, he smirked down at you, eyes heavy with sleep but sparkling with victory. “The more you talk, the more I’ll do that. So unless you want me kissing you all night…” his lips ghosted yours, “…better stay quiet, princess.”

“At least s—”

Joshua caught the sound of the “s” and moved instantly — his mouth pressing firmly to yours before you could get another syllable out. The kiss was quick but decisive, a perfect interruption.

“Mmh, no,” he whispered against your lips, kissing you again, slower this time. His hand slid up to cup your cheek, holding you steady as he pulled back just enough to smirk down at you. “You really thought you could sneak one past me?”

He shook his head with a tired laugh, leaning back in to press a trail of light kisses across your jaw, each one timed to smother whatever breath you tried to take to speak.

“Every time,” he murmured, his voice low and playful against your skin. “Every single time, Ari. You’re not getting a word out tonight.”

Then he settled his forehead against yours, eyes half-closed, his smile softening even as his grip around you tightened. “…At least let me sleep, hmm?”

“I will—”

Before the second word could even leave your lips, Joshua caught it with his own. The kiss was firmer this time, almost exasperated, his hand sliding to the back of your head so you couldn’t pull away.

He broke it just long enough to mutter, voice low and warning, “No, Ari.” Then he kissed you again, slower, letting it linger until your breath hitched.

When he finally pulled back, his eyes were heavy with sleep but sharpened by that playful stubbornness. “You won’t,” he corrected softly, brushing his thumb across your bottom lip. “You won’t say another word.”

He leaned in and pressed one more lingering kiss before tucking your head under his chin, arms wrapping you tightly against his chest. His voice was muffled in your hair, but the smirk was clear in his tone. “Go on, try me again. I dare you.”

“Listen. Listen Shua—”

Joshua groaned into your words and reacted instantly — rolling half on top of you, his lips crashing against yours before you could even finish his name. The kiss was stubborn, deep, like he was determined to drown out every sound.

When he pulled back, his hair was mussed, his eyes narrowed as if scolding you. “No. No more ‘listen, Shua.’ I said stop, Ari.”

But the corner of his mouth betrayed him, tugging upward in a tired smirk. He leaned down again, kissing you softer this time, dragging it out until your body melted a little under his.

His forehead rested against yours, his voice husky with exhaustion but playful. “You’re impossible. Do you like me shutting you up this much?”

His thumb brushed your cheek, gentle despite his mock-annoyance. “One more word, and I swear—I’ll keep kissing you till the sun comes up.”

Joshua caught the look on your face immediately — the way your eyes widened, cheeks warming, lips parting like you hadn’t expected him to actually call you out.

A low chuckle escaped him, rough with sleep but dripping with amusement. “Ah… so you do like it.” His thumb grazed your swollen lower lip, teasingly slow, while his smirk deepened. “My little chatterbox… all tough until I shut you up, hmm?”

He dipped down again, kissing you once more, not hurried this time but languid, lingering, as if to prove his point. Every time you shifted like you might speak, he pressed in closer, stealing your breath before you could form the words.

When he finally pulled back, his nose brushed yours, his eyes soft now even in their playfulness. “You’re too easy to read, Ari,” he whispered. His hand slid down your side, tucking you firmly into his chest, his lips grazing your ear. “Now stop before you really won’t survive till morning.”

You felt the heat lingering on your cheeks, and your blush only made him grin wider. He leaned in, brushing the tip of his nose against your jaw before placing a slow kiss there.

“Mmh, look at you,” he murmured, lips grazing your skin as he spoke. “All red, all quiet… and I didn’t even try that hard yet.”

His hand slid back up to cradle your face, tilting it toward him, his thumb stroking your cheek as if savoring your reaction. Then he kissed you again—soft, deliberate, but cut it short just before you could melt into it.

“You know what’s funny?” he whispered, his voice low and teasing in your ear. “The more you fight to talk, the more I get to kiss you. It’s like you’re asking for it, Ari.”

Another kiss, deeper this time, until you had no choice but to cling to him, your arms wrapping around his neck as your body pressed flush against his. When he pulled back just slightly, his grin was lazy but smug, his eyes sparkling with mischief. “Careful… I might decide to keep you flustered like this all night.”

“But I was saying something else,” you murmured, your voice small, shy, almost defeated.

Joshua groaned dramatically, dropping his head against your shoulder like he was at the end of his patience. “Ari…” he muttered, dragging out your name as though it were both a plea and a warning. He lifted his head again, eyes narrowing with mock seriousness before his lips curved into that infuriating smirk. “You really don’t learn, do you?”

Before you could defend yourself, he caught your mouth again, kissing you harder, stealing the words right off your tongue. His hand pressed lightly against your jaw, holding you in place, making sure you couldn’t escape even if you wanted to.

When he finally let you breathe, his voice dropped low, teasing. “You were saying something else?” His thumb brushed your lips, his eyes glinting. “Doesn’t matter. I’ll never let you finish.”

He kissed you once more—quick, mischievous—before pulling back just enough to grin. “Go on, try me. Say it again, I’ll shut you up every time.”

“I’ll sleep now,” you said, defeated, pouting against him.

Joshua stilled at your quiet words, his smirk softening instantly. He studied your flushed face, your lips still pink from his kisses in an adorable pout, and let out a low chuckle under his breath. “That’s what I thought,” he murmured, kissing your forehead gently this time. “Finally worn out, huh?”

He tugged the blanket back up around you, wrapping his arms tightly around your smaller frame and tucking you against his chest so you couldn’t wriggle away. His chin rested on your hair, his voice warm and teasing even as sleep pulled at him. “Good girl… go to sleep before I change my mind and start again.”

He gave your temple one last kiss, holding you close as his breathing began to even out.

"But Joshiee, the parallel universe theory is amazing, right?" you said suddenly, excitement lighting up your voice, your eyes sparkling in the dim light.

Joshua groaned into your hair, his chest rumbling against your back. “Ari…” he sighed, dragging your name out like he was already regretting letting you get a word out again. He pulled back just enough to look at you, his messy hair falling into his eyes. “You said you were going to sleep.” His voice was equal parts exasperated and amused.

Seeing how wide-eyed and eager you looked even this late at night, he shook his head with a small laugh and tapped your nose lightly. “You’re impossible.”

Still, he tucked you tighter into his arms, voice dropping to a low murmur near your ear. “Yes, yes… parallel universes are amazing. Now, in this universe, it’s sleep time. Got it?” He sealed the statement with another kiss to your forehead, pretending he wouldn’t let you sneak another word.

“Right? Like in some universe we may be watching movies or we may have never met, or you would have someone else and me someone else. Endless possibilities,” you said, your voice soft but filled with wonder.

Joshua’s eyes opened a little wider at that, the sleepy haze breaking just enough for him to give you a flat stare. “Ari,” he said slowly, voice thick with drowsiness, “are you really lying in my arms, at this hour, talking about me having someone else?”

He sighed, the sound heavy and dramatic, then rolled onto his back, pulling you with him so you were sprawled right over his chest. His hand splayed firm against your back to keep you there. “No more ‘someone else’ talk,” he said, mock-scolding, though the way his fingers rubbed gentle circles against your spine betrayed the softness underneath. “I don’t care about other universes. This one’s mine. You’re mine. End of story.”

He tilted his head, peeking down at you with a small smirk. “Now quit testing me before I actually make sure you don’t say another word tonight.”

“Oh. But—”

Joshua didn’t even let you finish. His hand slid up, cupping your cheek firmly as he pulled you up to meet his lips. The kiss wasn’t rushed this time—it was slow, deep, deliberate, like he was making a point you wouldn’t forget.

When he finally pulled back, his voice dropped low, brushing right against your lips. “No ‘but,’ Ari.” His thumb traced lazily over your cheekbone. “No other universe. No what-ifs. Just us. Here.”

He kissed the corner of your mouth once more, softer, before pulling you back down against his chest and tightening his hold. “Now sleep,” he murmured, half warning, half plea, his heartbeat steady beneath your ear.

“Joshiee liste—”

Joshua groaned and rolled you onto your back in one swift move, leaning over you with his hair falling into his eyes. His palm covered your mouth gently but firmly, his gaze narrowed but twinkling with amusement. “Ari,” he whispered, voice low and stern, “you are this close to losing your right to speak tonight.” His thumb brushed your cheek, soft even in his mock-annoyance.

He leaned down, lips ghosting the shell of your ear. “If you say one more word… I’ll shut you up myself. And you won’t sleep at all.”

He pulled back just enough to look at you, his smirk daring you to test him, his hand still warm against your mouth.

“But I'm not—”

Joshua’s eyes narrowed the second that muffled “but” slipped past his palm. Without giving you another breath, he dipped down and captured your lips in a kiss that was nothing short of silencing. It was insistent, lingering, leaving no room for protests. His free hand slid to the side of your neck, tilting your head so he could deepen it just enough to make his point clear.

When he finally broke away, your lips still tingling, he let out a low chuckle. “Exactly what I warned you about,” he murmured, brushing his nose against yours. “You try to argue… I win.”

He kissed the corner of your mouth again, slower this time, before leaning back just slightly, his hand still holding your cheek. “Now. Still want to test me?”

“I'm not—”

Joshua didn’t even let the second word form. His mouth was already on yours again, firmer this time, stealing the rest of your protest like he’d been waiting for it. He kissed you until you had no choice but to melt against him, his hand sliding from your cheek to the back of your head, keeping you in place. When he finally pulled back, he rested his forehead against yours, eyes half-lidded but glinting with victory.

“You’re really stubborn tonight, huh?” he whispered, lips brushing yours with every word. “But so am I. And I told you, Ari… you don’t get to win this one.”

Another soft kiss, almost teasing now, before he murmured, “Still want to keep trying?”

“Joshiee,” you pouted.

Joshua let out a breath that was half a laugh, half exasperation. The moment your voice reached him again, he didn’t hesitate—he tilted your chin up and pressed his lips to yours once more, stealing the word right out of your mouth.

This time, though, he didn’t stop after one. He kissed you again. And again. Quick, insistent pecks that barely gave you time to breathe, each one landing the instant you tried to speak. Between kisses, he muttered against your lips, “Say it again… I dare you.” Another kiss. “Go on, Ari.” Another, firmer this time. “See what happens.”

Joshua’s grin widened the moment he caught the flicker of fluster on your face. Without warning, he leaned down, capturing your lips in another deep, insistent kiss. As soon as you parted slightly for air, he pressed in again, hands threading through your hair and holding you firmly against him. Kiss after kiss followed, relentless and teasing, each one timed perfectly to silence you the second you tried to speak. His chest pressed against yours, warmth radiating from him as he whispered against your lips between kisses, “Try me, Ari… I dare you. Say a word.”

Another kiss, softer this time, just long enough to make your knees weaken. Then another, deeper, dragging out until your breath hitched. And again, relentless, playful, impossibly close.

Joshua’s voice was low and husky now, barely more than a murmur against your skin: “Every single time… I’ll shut you up like this. You love it, don’t you?” He smirked against your lips before kissing you once more, keeping you completely trapped in his warmth and teasing, leaving no room for words or protests.

He felt the subtle tremble of your body against his and grinned, low and mischievous, even as his own breathing grew a little heavier. “Mmh… look at you,” he murmured against your lips, his hand still threading through your hair, holding you close. “All breathless… all quiet… finally.”

He pressed another kiss to your forehead, then your temple, dragging them out slowly, savoring the flustered warmth of you pressed against him. “You really thought you could keep talking, huh?” His voice was teasing but soft now, full of affection.

Joshua nuzzled into your hair, hand settling on your waist, and whispered, “…But I guess I like it when you’re like this. Makes you all mine.”

Then he held you even tighter, letting the quiet of the room and the rhythm of your shared breathing wrap around both of you. “Sleep now, Ari,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to your shoulder. “…Let the rabbit rest.”

“But I'm not sleepy…” you whispered, pouting softly.

Joshua groaned softly, burying his face into your hair as he tightened his arms around you just a little more. “Of course you’re not,” he muttered, voice muffled but amused. “That’s the problem with you, Ari. Never sleepy when you’re supposed to be.”

He tilted his head, letting his lips brush your temple in a teasing kiss. “Fine… but I am sleepy. So unless you want me falling asleep on you mid-kiss…” He pressed another soft, lingering kiss to your cheek, “…you might want to behave.”

Joshua let out a long, low sigh, pressing his forehead gently against yours as he studied your pout. His arm tightened around you, holding you flush against his chest, the warmth radiating from him enveloping you.

“You’re impossible,” he murmured, voice thick with sleep and amusement, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “Not sleepy, at two-thirty in the morning, lying here talking about parallel universes, magical worlds… and me.”

He kissed your temple softly, then your jaw, slow and deliberate, dragging the kisses just enough to make you melt. “…But look at you, all flustered and breathless,” he whispered, a small smirk in his voice. “Perfect little Ari. I could just hold you like this forever.”

Joshua nuzzled into your hair, soft laughter rumbling in his chest. “I’ll make a deal with you. You stay quiet for me now, just let me hold you… and I’ll tell you about all the universes we’d be in together while you drift off. Only if you sleep.”

He pressed another lingering kiss to your shoulder, his hand stroking your back in slow, soothing circles. “You’re too cute to fight right now. So, my little rabbit… just sleep. Let me take care of both of us tonight.”

The warmth of his chest, his soft, playful murmurs, and the gentle brush of his lips against you made your eyelids heavy, the fluster mixing with drowsiness until the world around you felt safe and melting in his arms.

“Okay… I’ll sleep. You talk now,” you murmured, finally giving in, your voice soft, tired, but trusting.

Joshua’s lips curved into a lazy, fond smile, and he let out a soft chuckle that rumbled against your hair. “Finally,” he murmured, nuzzling your head gently. “Good girl, Ari.”

He pressed a soft kiss to your temple, then tilted his head so he could look down at you, eyes heavy but warm. “Alright… I’ll talk. But you have to keep your eyes closed and pretend you’re asleep while I do, or I’ll start kissing you again.”

His hand rubbed gentle circles on your back as he began, voice low and soothing, playful but soft: “So, in this universe… I guess we’d be lying here, like this, me holding my little rabbit, while I tell you about all the other worlds we’d be in together. Magical ones, royal ones, ones where I’m a sleepy king and you’re a mischievous princess…”

Joshua settled his forehead against yours, voice dropping to the softest murmur as he continued: “So sleep now, okay? Dream about all those universes.”

His hand stayed firm yet gentle on your back, his warmth surrounding you as his steady, sleepy voice wove the worlds and stories into a quiet lullaby, coaxing your eyes to finally close.

“Am I the rabbit?” you whispered, a small, curious sound as your eyelids drooped.

Joshua let out a low, amused hum, the sound rumbling softly in his chest as he pressed his forehead against yours. “Mm… yes,” he murmured, voice thick with sleep and teasing at the same time. “You’re my little rabbit, Ari. Flustered, mischievous, always running circles around me… and somehow, I can’t ever get enough of you.”

He brushed a strand of hair behind your ear, then pressed a soft kiss to your temple. “The rabbit that won’t stop talking, that won’t let me sleep… but the one I’d hold tight no matter what. Every universe, every world, Ari… you’d still be my rabbit.”

Joshua’s arm tightened around your waist, pulling you closer into his chest. “Now, little rabbit… it’s time to rest. Even the fastest, cheekiest rabbit needs sleep eventually.”

“Tell me more,” you murmured, a sleepy smile tugging at your lips.

Joshua let out a low chuckle, the sound rumbling softly against your hair as he held you close. “Alright… but only because you asked so nicely,” he murmured, voice thick with sleep and teasing warmth. “So, little rabbit… imagine a universe where you’re a magical creature too. Maybe a snow rabbit, hopping through fields of ice like your Elsa powers, leaving trails of sparkling frost behind you. And me? I’d be the grumpy lion-king trying to keep up, chasing after you everywhere, because no matter how fast you run, I’d always want to catch you.”

He pressed his nose against yours, smirking softly even in his drowsiness. “Or in a kingdom world, you’d be the princess who sneaks out at night to explore the castle gardens, getting into trouble, and I’d be the king who sighs and follows after you, grumbling but secretly loving every minute.”

Joshua’s voice lowered even further, soft and warm, coaxing you closer to sleep as he began to spin the tales of endless worlds, all of them connected by the two of you, always finding your way back to each other.

Joshua’s hand rubbed gentle circles on your back as he whispered, his voice soft and hypnotic. “And in a wizarding world… you’d be the mischievous apprentice who accidentally blows up half the classroom, and I’d be the tired, grumpy teacher trying to fix everything, while also somehow ending up wrapped around you at night, just like this.”

“That would be so weird. You as a lion is too weird,” you said, wrinkling your nose and letting out a small giggle.

Joshua let out a throaty laugh, shaking his head as he pressed his forehead against yours, hair falling messily over his eyes. “Too weird?” he murmured, voice teasing, low and sleepy. “Ari… me as a lion is perfect. Fierce, strong… and still hopeless for my little rabbit.”

He brushed a strand of hair behind your ear, smiling softly. “Besides… I’ve only ever seen one rabbit that’s clever enough to run circles around me and make me chase her anyway.”

Joshua leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your temple, then your cheek, lingering just enough to make your skin tingle. “And honestly… you’d make any king, lion, wizard, or whatever else, absolutely lose his mind. That’s how it works, rabbit.”

He tightened his arms around you, nuzzling into your hair. “Now… if you let me, I’ll keep holding you like this, and maybe tell you even weirder versions of myself in other worlds… until you finally sleep.”

“Yes, yes. Okay! Tell me more!” you said, voice bright with excitement.

Joshua let out a soft, amused chuckle, pressing his forehead to yours as he held you close. “Alright, little rabbit… you asked for it,” he murmured, his voice low and warm. “So, in one universe, I’d be a tiny dragon. Fierce, fiery… and completely useless because you’d just ride on my back everywhere and make me do all the work.” He smirked, brushing his nose against yours. “And you’d be the clever little fox, stealing all the treasure, teasing me endlessly, and somehow still letting me keep you close at night.”

He kissed the top of your head softly, continuing. “In another world… I’d be a wandering musician, always singing songs no one wants to hear. You’d be the stubborn little owl, sitting on my shoulder, correcting everything I do, giving me side-eye, and somehow still warming my heart every single day.”

Joshua nuzzled into your hair, voice dropping even softer, almost like a sleepy murmur. “Or… in some universe where magic runs wild, I’d be a clockmaker, making spells and inventions nobody understands… and you’d be the mischievous little spark, zipping through everything, leaving chaos behind, but somehow… I’d always find you in the middle of it, Ari. Always.”

“You’re already a singer in this world, Joshiee,” you giggled, no sign of sleep in your voice.

Joshua groaned, burying his face into your hair with a soft, exaggerated sigh. “I know, I know…” he murmured, his voice muffled but amused. “But this isn’t this world, Ari. We’re talking parallel universes. I can be anything I want.”

He pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head, hand brushing your back in slow, soothing circles. “And you… you’d still be the little troublemaker I’d chase no matter what form I took. Singer, dragon, lion, clockmaker… none of it matters. You’d still be my rabbit.”

Joshua peeked up at you, a smirk tugging at his sleepy lips. “But seriously… you really aren’t sleepy at all, huh?” He chuckled low, nuzzling into your hair again. “Fine. If you want, I’ll tell you about one more universe… just to see if it finally makes you too tired to chatter.”

“Yes, please,” you said eagerly, snuggling closer.

Joshua let out a soft, excited hum, settling more comfortably against you as he brushed his lips along your temple. “Alright… last one, little rabbit,” he murmured, voice low and playful. “In this universe… I’d be a master of illusions. I could make anything appear—cast whole worlds out of thin air. And you… you’d be the tiny, clever shadow who slips through all my illusions, always one step ahead, making me chase you around with a grin I can’t resist.”

He smirked, pressing a soft kiss to your forehead. “Every time I thought I caught you, you’d disappear into another world, another prank, another magical mess… and somehow, I’d still find you at the end of the day, curled up like this in my arms.”

“No matter how many worlds there are, little rabbit… I’d always find the version of you I love. And hold her close. Always.”

He pressed one last lingering kiss to your temple, then pulled you closer against his chest, his steady heartbeat and warmth wrapping around you like a gentle lullaby.

“Do I make you tired in every world?” you whispered, curiosity softening your voice.

Joshua let out a soft, amused groan, nuzzling into your hair as his arms tightened slightly around you. “Mm… yes,” he murmured, voice low and warm, half-teasing, half-sincere. “Every world, every universe… you’d still make me tired. Chasing you, teasing you, listening to your endless questions… it’s exhausting, Ari.”

He pressed a soft kiss to your temple, then another to your cheek, letting the warmth of him seep into you. “But honestly… it’s the best kind of tired. Because no matter how flustered, mischievous, or talkative you are… I wouldn’t trade a single second of it. You’re my little rabbit, remember? And I’ll always chase you, no matter how tiring it is.”

Joshua nuzzled closer, his voice dropping to a sleepy murmur. “So… let’s call it even. You make me tired, and I get to hold you… and maybe, just maybe, you’ll finally sleep in my arms tonight.”

“Hmmm. I think I'm getting sleepy slowly,” you murmured, closing your eyes.

Joshua’s lips curved into a fond, sleepy smile as he felt your body relax against his. “Mm… finally,” he murmured, pressing a soft kiss to the top of your head. “That’s my little rabbit… giving in, finally.”

He held you a little tighter, hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on your back. “See? Even the most mischievous rabbit gets tired eventually. And I’ll be right here, keeping you warm while you drift off.”

Joshua nuzzled into your hair, voice soft and husky. “Close your eyes, Ari… dream about all those wild universes we talked about. But remember, in this one, you’re safe, you’re mine… and I’m never letting you go.”

He pressed another lingering kiss to your temple, settling his chin gently on your shoulder as he wrapped his arms completely around you. “Sleep now, rabbit… I’ve got you.”

Silence fell in the room, enveloping both of them. But it didn't last long because,

"Joshiee..?"

Joshua stiffened slightly the moment he heard your voice, the familiar groan escaping him before he even realized it. “Mmh… Ari,” he muttered, burying his face a little deeper into your hair, half-expecting another barrage of chatter. “You’re sleepy, right? You’re not about to start again, huh?”

His hand rubbed gentle circles on your back, but his tone was teasing, wary. “…Because if you start talking now, little rabbit, I swear I’ll—”

He paused, letting out a soft chuckle as he pressed a kiss to your temple. “…I’ll just pull you closer and steal your words with kisses. Again.”

He nuzzled your hair, voice softening. “So… what is it, Ari?”

“No, no,” you giggled softly. “It's something else.”

Joshua let out a low, relieved chuckle, though he still kept his arms snug around you, holding you close. “Oh? Something else?” he murmured, voice husky with sleep and amusement. “You’ve got my full attention… but I’m warning you, Ari, I’m still half-asleep. So keep it short and sweet, little rabbit.”

He pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head, then nuzzled into your hair. “Go on… what’s this ‘something else’?”

You giggled little sleepily. “I love you, Joshiee,” and snuggled into him even closer.

Joshua’s chest rumbled with a soft, happy laugh, his arms tightening around you as he held you even closer. “I love you too, little rabbit,” he murmured, pressing a lingering kiss to the top of your head. His lips brushed your hairline, then your temple, as he nuzzled you warmly. “So much… you have no idea.”

He rested his chin gently on your shoulder, letting you snuggle fully into him, hand rubbing slow, soothing circles on your back. “That’s my favorite sound… hearing you say it like that, all sleepy and soft.”

Joshua’s voice dropped into a sleepy murmur, thick with warmth and affection. “Sleep now, Ari… dream about all the worlds, all the universes. But remember, in this one, you’re mine. Always. I love you, in every universe, baby.”

The living room was alive with the easy, warm buzz that always came when a handful of the boys gathered together. Joshua sat on the far end of the couch, one arm draped loosely across the backrest, listening with that soft, fond smile while Mingyu animatedly told some story about the chaos that had happened during their last group dinner. Seungkwan was already doubling over, clutching his stomach, insisting that Mingyu was exaggerating.

Jun and DK had pulled two of the dining chairs closer, legs stretched out as though they were here for a late-night talk session, both of them laughing so hard their shoulders shook. Vernon sat near Joshua, quieter than the others but chiming in with his sharp one-liners at the perfect moments, which only made the others laugh harder.

The warmth of their voices drifted toward the kitchen, mixing with the faint clatter of dishes as you finished tidying up. You could hear Joshua’s laugh—low, fond, and directed at his members—as if he was perfectly at ease. And the others too… it felt like a family sprawled out across the living room, conversations overlapping, laughter echoing in bursts.

DK leaned forward suddenly, voice raised as though trying to win against the noise. “No, no, you guys don’t get it—if it wasn’t for me, the whole thing would’ve been a disaster. Right, Gyu?”

Mingyu immediately threw a cushion at him, missing by a mile and hitting Seungkwan instead.

“Ya! Don’t drag me into your delusions!”

The room erupted again, their laughter spilling into every corner. Even Joshua shook his head, amused.

The chatter carried on, little pockets of conversation forming—Vernon teasing Mingyu, Seungkwan trying to get Joshua on his side, Jun tossing in comments that only stirred the fire more.

And that’s when you stepped out from the kitchen, wiping your hands on a towel. The sound of your footsteps made a few heads turn instinctively toward you. The noise didn’t die down, but there was a subtle shift—like the atmosphere automatically made room for you.

“Hong Joshua! Didn't I tell you to get that… whatever Labubu doll out of this house!?” you demanded, voice sharp and pointed, eyes narrowing as you fixed him with your glare.

Joshua’s head snapped toward you immediately, eyes wide at the sudden use of his full name. The others broke into loud laughter instantly, half because you’d used his formal “Hong Joshua!” voice and half because they already knew exactly what you were referring to.

Mingyu leaned so far forward in his chair that it nearly tipped. “Ooooh, caught! She pulled out the full government name, hyung!”

Seungkwan clapped his hands, delighted. “I knew it! I knew she hated that creepy thing too!”

Joshua sputtered, a little defensive but smiling despite himself. “Wait, Ari—come on, it’s not creepy. It’s cute!”

Jun jumped in, eyes sparkling mischievously. “Cute? Hyung, you literally left it sitting on the couch last week. I almost screamed when I came over.”

That set off another round of laughter, Vernon hiding his grin behind his hand while DK leaned over to high-five Jun.

Joshua looked at you with that mock-innocent expression of his, like he was ready to negotiate his way out of trouble. “Yah, Ari… don’t be mad. It’s… part of the family now.”

The others immediately started chanting in terrible unison: “Labubu! Labubu! Labubu!”

Your expression hardened, jaw tight, and you pointed at him. “I’m out of it’s a part of your family! Get that thing out. It doesn’t give good energy!”

The boys absolutely lost it at your firm tone, some sliding down in their seats with laughter.

Seungkwan slapped the armrest dramatically. “Not good energy! Ari’s doing a cleansing for us, finally!”

Mingyu doubled over, burying his head in a cushion. “She sounds like my mom—‘throw it away, it’s bad vibes!’”

Joshua groaned, burying his face in his hands, but you could see his ears turning red. “Ari, it’s not cursed! It’s just a doll…”

Jun leaned forward, eyebrows raised, dead serious. “No, no. I actually agree with her. Dolls are always suspicious in movies. One night it’ll start walking.”

That immediately had DK shrieking with laughter, while Vernon muttered under his breath just loud enough for you to hear, “Honestly… I’d be scared to sleep here too.”

Joshua sat up straighter at that, pointing at Vernon like he was betrayed. “Ya, don’t take her side!”

But everyone else already had. Their playful chanting changed to: “Out! Out! Out!”

The whole room felt like chaos now—laughter, voices, and Joshua’s helpless groans—while they all waited to see how you’d press the attack next.

“What!? You don’t see it yourself!? How many bad things happened since you started bringing those over? Huh!?” you pressed, voice rising, eyes blazing with determination.

That shut the room up for half a beat—long enough for the boys to register that you were actually connecting the dots. Then, of course, the silence crumbled into chaos.

Seungkwan gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Wait, wait, WAIT. She’s right! Think about it. The Wi-Fi went out last week!”

Mingyu snapped his fingers like he’d just uncovered a crime scene. “And my phone died right after charging. I knew something was wrong!”

Jun leaned back in the chair with the most exaggerated horror face. “Don’t forget—Joshua hyung spilled coffee on his shirt right before the live broadcast. That’s the doll’s curse!”

Joshua raised both hands in protest, half-exasperated, half-laughing because the room was clearly spiraling. “Ya, you guys! That has nothing to do with Labubu—stop making her think like this!”

But it was too late. Vernon, calm as ever, added in his low, measured tone, “I don’t know, hyung. Bad energy sounds pretty convincing.”

DK suddenly leaned over to you, whisper-shouting like you two were co-conspirators. “Aera, should we burn it? That’s what they do in dramas, right?”

The chant began again, louder this time, everyone pointing at Joshua: “OUT! OUT! OUT!”

Joshua groaned, dropping his head against the back of the couch, muttering, “This is betrayal. All of you.”

You didn’t let up, stepping closer, voice sharp and insistent. “And include that scratch on Woozi oppa’s arm which he got after he left from here. And how I had to go through low immunity and rhinitis all of a sudden this season after years! Did you even check its online reviews?”

The whole room exploded again the second you brought up Woozi’s scratch and your sickness.

Mingyu jumped to his feet, pointing like he was presenting evidence in court. “SEE! Even Ari’s connecting the dots now! Woozi hyung’s scratch wasn’t just random. It’s the doll, I swear.”

Seungkwan practically screamed, rolling onto the couch cushions. “And the rhinitis! Oh my God, Ari, you’re right. You were so sick for weeks, barely able to do anything. That’s literally horror movie logic! It starts small, then BOOM!”

Jun clasped his hands together, face a picture of mock seriousness. “We should look up the reviews. If people online said weird things happened… it’s over, hyung. Throw it away.”

Vernon raised a brow, tone deliberately calm. “Honestly… have you checked? Maybe people did say something.”

Joshua blinked, thrown off. “…Reviews? It’s… it’s just a doll. Why would I check reviews for a doll?”

Seungkwan gasped like Joshua had just confessed to a crime. “He didn’t check the reviews!? Oh no, he’s doomed.”

DK leaned dramatically closer to you, whispering in mock fear. “Aera… if the doll’s still here tomorrow morning, I’m not coming over again.”

The chant fired up one more time, louder, more chaotic: “OUT! OUT! OUT! OUT!”

Joshua dropped his head back with a groan, voice muffled against the couch cushion. “Why are you all acting like it’s haunted? Ari, you’re turning them against me!”

You stepped forward, eyes blazing, tone absolute. “I’m preventing bad energy into this house. That doll has a weird history, and whatever black magic stuff, people have said they got scratches and cuts without knowing.”

Mingyu’s eyes went round like saucers, pointing at Joshua. “SCRATCHES AND CUTS! HYUNG! That’s exactly what happened to Woozi hyung’s arm! You’ve doomed us all!”

Seungkwan shrieked, collapsing against DK’s shoulder. “Oh my god, oh my god, Ari read the reviews! She actually researched it!”

Joshua sat bolt upright, scandalized. “Wait—what!? Black magic? Weird history? Ari, you can’t believe that nonsense! It’s just a collectible—”

Jun shook his head solemnly, cutting him off. “No, hyung. She’s right. Every time in movies, the people who don’t listen to the warning are the first ones to go.”

Vernon, with that deadly calm tone, added, “I’m not saying I believe in black magic… but if Ari says it’s bad energy, I’m not sleeping near it.”

DK leaned dramatically closer to you, covering his mouth with his hand like he was sharing a secret. “Aera, should we call an exorcist? Or like… a shaman?”

Everyone screamed with laughter again, except Joshua, staring at you with his jaw dropped. “You’re all unbelievable. Ari—you especially. You’re supposed to be on my side!”

But the boys had already rallied behind you, slapping the couch and chanting even louder, voices echoing through the living room: “OUT! OUT! OUT! OUT!”

Joshua dragged his hand down his face in defeat, voice muffled. “This is the worst intervention I’ve ever been in.”

You leaned closer, tone firm and eyes unwavering. “Throw it out, Hong Joshua! Or I’m never stepping here again.”

The whole room erupted the second you dropped that ultimatum. Mingyu actually fell back into his chair, wheezing. “OH—she pulled the ‘never stepping here again’ card! Hyung, you’re done for!”

Seungkwan flailed his arms like he was directing a concert crowd. “Game over, Joshua hyung! Just pack it up, say goodbye to your creepy demon friend!”

Joshua sat there frozen, staring at you with wide eyes, torn between laughing and panicking. “Ari… yah, you don’t mean that. You wouldn’t really—”

Jun cut him off, grinning wickedly. “No, she means it. Look at her face. She’s dead serious.”

Vernon leaned forward, tone flat but final. “Hyung, you have two choices. Ari or the doll. Choose wisely.”

The room went into absolute chaos again, everyone chanting, stomping on the floor like kids egging on a fight: “Ari! Ari! Ari!”

Joshua groaned so loud it was almost a yell, grabbing a cushion and pressing it over his face. “This is actual betrayal… twelve against one. And my own girlfriend leading the charge!”

DK laughed so hard he nearly toppled over. “It’s called tough love, hyung! Out with the evil doll!”

Finally, Joshua tossed the cushion aside, looking straight at you with a defeated half-smile, shoulders slumping. “Fine, Ari. Fine! I’ll throw it out. Are you happy now?”

The boys exploded into cheers, Seungkwan yelling, “VICTORY!” while Mingyu jumped up like they’d just won a championship.

Joshua, still sulking, reached for your hand with a dramatic pout. “But just so you know… you’re breaking Labubu’s heart.”

“You're throwing it in front of my eyes. Last time you said the same.” Your voice was sharp, tone cutting through the room, eyes narrowed with disbelief as you glared at Joshua.

That line had the boys screaming. Mingyu clutched his stomach and staggered toward the wall. “LAST TIME!? Hyung, you tried this before and FAILED?!”

Seungkwan collapsed onto the couch cushions, kicking his legs like a child. “He said the same thing last time—Ari, you caught him red-handed!”

Jun pointed accusingly at Joshua, face lit up with mischief. “Unbelievable. The betrayal. He pretended to throw it out but smuggled it back in? Hyung, you’re shameless.”

Joshua immediately sat up straighter, hands waving in protest, cheeks heating up. “Wait—no, no! That’s not how it happened! I did throw one out… it’s just… I bought another one…”

The entire room lost it. Laughter shook the walls, DK literally rolling off the chair to the floor. “Oh my god, he’s addicted! Someone stop him!”

Vernon, completely deadpan as usual, delivered the final blow. “You’re not a Labubu collector anymore. You’re a Labubu cult member.”

Seungkwan practically shrieked. “Yes! Cult leader Hong Joshua!”

Joshua groaned, slumping back against the couch, covering his face with both hands as if hiding from your glare and the boys’ laughter. “Ari… don’t look at me like that. Fine! This time, in front of you, I’ll get rid of it. No more Labubu. Promise.”

The others immediately began clapping and cheering like he’d just announced his retirement from something serious. “FINALLY!” Mingyu bellowed.

Joshua peeked out from behind his hands, sending you the softest, most pleading smile. “But after I throw it out… you’re staying the night, right? Because I’ll need comfort after losing my child.”

“Excuse me!? Your child? That weird crazy doll is your child!? God please. That doll has cursed you too.” Your tone was incredulous, eyes wide and lips pressed tight as you gestured toward him.

The boys went wild the second the word “child” came back around. Mingyu actually slid down the couch, covering his face with both hands. “She called it a curse! Hyung, even you are infected now!”

Seungkwan was shrieking, smacking DK’s arm. “Did you hear that!? Ari just said it—‘that doll has cursed you too!’ He’s done for!”

Jun clutched his chest and gasped, staring at Joshua like it was a tragedy. “We’ve lost him. Hong Joshua has officially fallen under Labubu’s spell.”

Vernon leaned forward with his arms on his knees, voice low and grave. “This is how horror movies start. The dad gets too attached to the doll, then everyone regrets it.”

Joshua dropped his head back against the couch with the most dramatic groan yet. “Yah! Ari, don’t say I’m cursed! I’m fine! It’s just a doll, not some dark magic—”

But he couldn’t even finish before DK cut him off, pointing at you with the biggest grin. “Nope. Ari said it, so it’s true. Case closed.”

The chant started again, louder and more unified this time. “CURSED! CURSED! CURSED!”

Joshua sat forward, running his hands through his hair, looking like a man on trial. He turned to you with those pleading puppy eyes, voice softening in defeat. “Okay, okay. Ari… I’ll prove it. I’ll throw it out, right in front of you. No more Labubu. Just… don’t say I’m cursed anymore, okay?”

The boys instantly erupted into cheers, Mingyu and Seungkwan high-fiving like they’d just won a championship, while Vernon muttered under his breath with a smirk. “She really broke the curse.”

“Throw all of your doll collection out. No Labubu doll in this house. Never.” Your tone was commanding, eyes narrowed, jaw set—utter finality in every word.

The room shook with pandemonium the second you laid down the ultimate law. Mingyu practically jumped off the couch, pointing at Joshua like he was a criminal caught red-handed. “ALL of them! She said all! Hyung, this is the endgame!”

Seungkwan toppled sideways onto DK, shrieking with laughter. “No Labubu dolls EVER in this house—Ari just banned the entire species!”

Joshua’s mouth fell open in sheer horror. “Wait—all of them? Ari, you can’t be serious! That’s… that’s like… years of collecting!”

Jun folded his arms, eyes sparkling with mischief. “She’s dead serious, hyung. Look at her face. She’s giving you no way out.”

Vernon leaned back, tone flat and merciless. “It’s either the dolls or Ari. Pretty easy choice, if you ask me.”

Joshua turned toward you instantly, like a desperate man appealing to a judge. “Ari, come on, you can’t ask me to get rid of all of them. That’s—”

But DK cut him off, jumping to his feet and holding his hand high like he was officiating a wedding. “I second Ari’s rule! No more Labubu in this holy house!”

Mingyu, Seungkwan, and Jun immediately chanted with him, pounding the couch and the floor. “No more! No more! No more!”

Joshua dragged his hands down his face with the most dramatic groan yet, then peeked at you between his fingers, voice soft and defeated. “You really mean it? Never again? No Labubu at all?”

“Years!? That thing came out five months back only. You are the one who went crazy over it! If my sister didn't tell me about it, I don't know where you would be once I'm gone.” Your voice was incredulous, eyes rolling in disbelief, arms crossed like a general surveying a battlefield.

The boys howled at that revelation. Mingyu actually dropped to his knees on the carpet, clutching his stomach. “FIVE MONTHS!? Hyung, you made it sound like you’ve been collecting since childhood!”

Seungkwan slapped the couch so hard it echoed. “He said ‘years’—what a drama king! Ari just exposed you!”

Jun leaned back with his arms crossed, smirking like he’d won something. “So you went crazy over it in just a few months? Hyung, that’s not collecting. That’s obsession.”

Vernon deadpanned without missing a beat, “Honestly… if Ari’s sister hadn’t stepped in, you’d probably be building a shrine by now.”

DK gasped loudly, smacking his forehead. “Don’t say shrine! It already sounds cursed enough!”

Joshua looked like he’d been caught in the biggest scandal of the year, hands flailing helplessly. “Yah! I didn’t go crazy—it’s just… they’re cute, okay? And it’s not like I was—”

Mingyu cut him off, wagging a finger like a teacher. “Nope, Ari’s right. You were this close to losing yourself completely. Thank God for her sister!”

Seungkwan leaned across the couch, eyes gleaming with mischief. “Hyung, how does it feel knowing Ari’s sister saved you from doom?”

Joshua groaned, throwing his head back dramatically while the others drowned him in laughter, chants, and teasing. “This is the worst intervention of my life.”

“Stop calling them cute and throw them out! If I see one again, you won’t see me again.” Your voice was cold, unwavering, eyes narrowing dangerously as you fixed him with a glare.

The moment those words left your mouth, the whole room went feral. Mingyu practically leapt onto the couch like a cheerleader, pointing at Joshua as if the verdict had been declared. “GAME OVER! Did you hear that!? If Ari sees one, Joshua hyung won’t see her! The stakes are LIFE OR DEATH!”

Seungkwan was screaming into a cushion, legs kicking wildly. “She’s SAVAGE. Ari just said it like a K-drama line! Hyung, don’t test her!”

Jun stood up and clapped his hands together like he was officiating a ceremony. “Ari has spoken. The Labubu era ends here.”

Vernon, calm but merciless as always, added, “You’re whipped, hyung. Might as well just carry the trash bag now.”

Joshua froze for a beat, staring at you with wide, wounded eyes, then slumped down into the couch like a scolded child. His voice came out soft, almost pitiful. “Ari… you really mean that? You’d leave me… over a doll?”

Mingyu leaned down dramatically, stage-whispering in Joshua’s ear, “Not just a doll. A creepy cursed demon doll.”

The whole room erupted again. Joshua finally groaned, dragging himself to his feet with all the energy of a man being sent to exile. “Fine! Fine. I’ll throw them out. Every last one. You win, Ari. Happy now?”

The boys jumped to their feet in celebration, cheering and clapping like their team had just won a championship. DK even started humming a mock funeral march. “Rest in peace, Labubu collection, gone too soon!”

Joshua shot them all a betrayed glare before looking back at you, eyes soft despite the sulk plastered on his face. “But just so you know… if I’m Labubu-cursed now, then you’re stuck with me forever. Deal with it.”

“Oh no. Never. I’ll have no connection to those things. I’m out. And yes, that means I’ll leave you. Not over a doll but because I value my life here.” Your tone was cold, final, eyes blazing, lips pressed tight.

The second you said that, the room went absolutely feral. Seungkwan literally rolled off the couch, shrieking like he was watching a breakup scene unfold live. “OH MY GOD. She said she’ll LEAVE you! Hyung, this is not a joke anymore!”

Mingyu was doubled over, slapping the floor with one hand. “She’s choosing LIFE over you and your cursed dolls! Can you blame her!? No, you can’t!”

Jun fanned himself dramatically, shaking his head like a disappointed elder. “Ari values survival. Honestly? Respect. Meanwhile, you… you were ready to risk it all for a creepy smiley doll.”

Vernon leaned in, voice flat but cutting. “Hyung, imagine explaining this to your parents. ‘We broke up because I wouldn’t throw away a cursed doll.’”

The others erupted into fresh laughter, DK clutching Seungkwan for support.

Joshua just froze, staring at you with the most betrayed, devastated puppy eyes. Jaw dropped, he whispered like you had stabbed him. “Ari… you wouldn’t really leave me… over this, right?”

Seungkwan gasped dramatically and threw a cushion at him. “She literally just said it to your face! BELIEVE HER!”

Joshua ran both hands through his hair, pacing a little like a man trying to bargain with fate. Then he turned to you with all the sincerity in the world, voice low and serious for once. “Okay. Enough. You win. No more dolls. None. I swear, Ari—if it’s between them and you… I’d burn them myself right now. You’re more important than anything.”

The boys all groaned and screamed at once, clutching their hearts. “WHIPPED! He’s so whipped!” Mingyu howled, Seungkwan practically crying from laughter.

Joshua ignored them, eyes still locked on you as he stretched out his hand. “Stay. Please. I’ll throw them out right in front of you. All of them. Just don’t say you’d leave me ever again.”

“Throw them out then I’ll see. If something weird happens now, I’ll blame them for all those!” Your tone was firm, resolute, eyes locked on him, lips pressed into a line.

The boys went absolutely berserk at your final verdict. Mingyu shot up from the couch like a soldier answering command. “YES, COMMANDER ARI! The order has been given!”

Seungkwan was already fanning himself with a cushion, gasping dramatically. “She’s giving him ONE LAST CHANCE. If anything weird happens after this—boom, blame the cursed dolls!”

Jun smirked, tapping his chin like he was narrating a documentary. “And so, under the watchful eye of his beloved, Hong Joshua faced his greatest trial: saying goodbye to Labubu forever.”

Vernon added in his deadpan voice, “This feels less like a doll purge and more like an exorcism.”

Joshua groaned loudly, but there was no fight left in him. He trudged toward the corner where his small pile of Labubu dolls sat, scooping them up in his arms like he was carrying wounded soldiers. “My children… forgive me. Ari leaves me no choice…”

That line made Mingyu and DK collapse on the floor, clutching each other while screaming with laughter. Seungkwan covered his mouth, pretending to cry. “They didn’t even last a full year!”

Jun and Vernon trailed behind Joshua like pallbearers, humming a fake funeral march while Mingyu pretended to read a eulogy.

Joshua shot you the most pitiful look as he tied them up in a garbage bag, shoulders sagging in defeat. “Ari… if something weird still happens after this, I’ll personally apologize on behalf of the universe.”

The members cheered like a stadium crowd as he hoisted the bag dramatically toward the front door, Seungkwan yelling, “THE CURSE IS LIFTED!”

“His children!? Seriously!? How did I come across him out of billions and trillions of people in this world!? A guy who calls those weird-looking Labubu dolls his children?” Your voice rang out, incredulous, eyebrows shooting up, hands on your hips, eyes blazing with disbelief.

The room erupted all over again. Mingyu literally fell to his knees, pounding the floor with both fists. “She said BILLIONS AND TRILLIONS—Ari’s questioning her entire destiny right now!”

Seungkwan nearly screamed himself hoarse, tears pricking his eyes as he clutched DK. “She’s regretting life choices because of you, hyung! Do you hear her!? Do you!?”

Jun threw his arm around Vernon dramatically. “This is cinema. Ari realizing her fate is to date the man who fathers cursed dolls—legendary.”

Vernon, as calm and merciless as always, delivered the final stab. “Honestly… out of billions and trillions of people, this is peak comedy. She lost the lottery.”

Joshua stood there clutching the garbage bag full of dolls, his face somewhere between scandalized and pitiful. “Yah! Ari! Don’t say it like that—you make it sound like I’m some… some freak! They’re not that weird-looking…”

Seungkwan pointed at him immediately. “NOT that weird-looking? Hyung, stop defending them! You’re digging your grave deeper!”

Joshua finally dropped the bag with a groan, burying his face in his hands as the boys howled around him. Then, peeking through his fingers, he looked at you with a helpless, lovesick pout. “Ari, don’t regret finding me, please. I’ll throw them all out. No more children, no more curse—just me, okay? Just me.”

The others instantly broke into chants again, stomping their feet on the floor like a mob. “JUST YOU! JUST YOU! JUST YOU!”

“Those dolls have taken over you, Hong Joshua. Go and see an exorcist, please, and cleanse this house.” Your voice was sharp, decisive, eyes narrow, hands planted firmly on your hips as you glared at him.

The room erupted into absolute chaos when you said that. Mingyu clutched his chest like he’d been stabbed, collapsing against the arm of the sofa. “EXORCIST! She said EXORCIST! Hyung, you’re not just cursed—you’re POSSESSED!”

Seungkwan was already screaming, rolling onto the floor with both hands over his face. “She’s asking you to cleanse the house! Oh my god, Ari is SAVING US ALL!”

Jun staggered backward dramatically, holding onto Vernon’s shoulder like he’d seen a ghost. “This is how it ends… Hong Joshua, taken over by Labubu. Only holy water can save him now.”

Vernon, perfectly straight-faced, nodded. “Yeah, I know a guy. We can book an exorcism tomorrow morning.”

DK gasped loudly, snapping his fingers. “No—no, we need a sage stick! Ari, should we sage the whole house? I’ll light it right now!”

Joshua looked personally attacked, jaw dropping as he pointed at you with disbelief. “Yah! Ari, don’t say it like that! I’m not possessed, I don’t need an exorcist! This house is perfectly normal!”

Mingyu immediately countered, waving both arms around. “Normal? Hyung, the Wi-Fi crashed, Woozi hyung got scratched, Ari had headaches, and you’re calling cursed dolls your children. THIS IS NOT NORMAL!”

Seungkwan joined in, yelling, “CLEANSE THE HOUSE! CLEANSE THE HOUSE!” Within seconds, the entire room was stomping and chanting with him, voices rising like a ritual mob. “CLEANSE! CLEANSE! CLEANSE!”

Joshua groaned, dragging the garbage bag of dolls closer to the door, shoulders slumped like a defeated man. “Fine! I’ll throw them out! I’ll cleanse the house, I’ll do whatever it takes—just stop saying I need an exorcist!”

The others exploded into laughter and cheers, piling on him as Mingyu shouted, “THE POWER OF ARI COMPELS YOU!”

“Look for decent-looking dolls and I’ll gift you those myself. I shouldn’t come back to your Labubu collection when I come back in December.” Your voice softened just slightly, lips pressing into a firm line, tone still sharp but offering a small olive branch.

The entire room went off like fireworks at that. Mingyu threw himself onto the couch with both arms in the air. “DECENT LOOKING DOLLS! Hyung, she’s literally offering to replace them herself—what more do you want!?”

Seungkwan was shrieking so loud DK had to cover his ears. “She gave you a DEADLINE too! December! If she comes back and sees a single Labubu—hyung, you’re finished!”

Jun wagged his finger at Joshua like a strict teacher. “Not even one, hyung. Ari said it clearly. No Labubu collection waiting for her return.”

Vernon, cool as ever, added in his low voice, “Think of it this way, hyung. Ari’s offering you an upgrade. Cute dolls without curses attached. Sounds like a win.”

Joshua froze mid-step, the garbage bag still in his arms, staring at you like a man caught in headlights. “You’d… gift me dolls? Actual dolls? Not Labubu, but… something else?”

Mingyu jumped in instantly, laughing so hard he nearly toppled over. “She’s saving your hobby AND your relationship, hyung. You better listen!”

Joshua finally let out a long, dramatic sigh, dropping the bag onto the floor like he was surrendering his crown. Then he looked straight at you, voice softening into that fond, almost whiny tone he only ever used with you. “Fine, Ari. Deal. By December, no Labubu will survive in this house. If you really promise to gift me new ones… I’ll wait for those instead.”

The boys immediately screamed and cheered, clapping like the final boss had been defeated. Seungkwan cupped his hands around his mouth and yelled, “She tamed him! Hong Joshua has been cleansed!”

Mingyu added, “From cursed father to decent doll collector—Ari really saved your life, hyung!”

Joshua only groaned and hid his face in his hands, but you could see the smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Dramatic", you scoffed at him and went back to the kitchen, expression one of supreme disinterest and mild amusement.

The second you scoffed and turned back toward the kitchen, the boys lost it. Mingyu fell backwards onto the couch, clutching his chest. “She didn’t even argue anymore—she just scoffed and LEFT! Hyung, that’s worse than yelling!”

Seungkwan threw himself across DK’s lap, wailing like an actor in a tragic play. “She abandoned the scene! Do you understand what that means!? You’ve lost ALL credibility, Hong Joshua!”

Jun leaned over Joshua’s shoulder with the smuggest grin. “Hyung, she didn’t even bother watching you throw them out. That’s how little faith she has in you.”

Vernon, deadpan as ever, added, “Yeah. If she scoffs, it’s over. That’s scarier than any exorcist.”

Joshua stood frozen, still holding the garbage bag, eyes following you until you disappeared into the kitchen. His lips parted in disbelief. “…She scoffed at me.”

Mingyu grabbed him by the shoulders, shaking him dramatically. “WAKE UP, HYUNG! That was the scoff of doom!”

Seungkwan cupped his hands like a megaphone. “She’s already in the kitchen moving on with her life! Throw the dolls out before she moves on without YOU!”

Joshua groaned so loud it almost drowned them out, dragging the bag toward the door with sluggish steps. “Fine, fine! They’re going. All of them. Just—stop rubbing in the scoff.”

The boys immediately trailed after him like a parade, DK humming a funeral march, Jun narrating like a documentary, and Mingyu wiping fake tears.

Seungkwan delivered the final blow in his dramatic announcer’s voice. “Here lies Joshua’s cursed children, defeated not by fire, not by exorcism… but by Ari’s legendary scoff.”

The sky looked like it had been painted in soft watercolors—clouds lazily streaking across hues of peach and blue, the sun slowly beginning its descent. The ocean shimmered under the golden light, waves gently crashing onto the shore just a few steps away from the private pool attached to their villa. Everything felt unreal, like they had stepped into a quiet dream they didn’t want to wake from.

It had taken months to finally get this honeymoon. Work, schedules, comeback promotions, Aera’s deadlines and meetings, the impossibly full lives they lived—somehow they had always found reasons to postpone this. And yet now, in the quiet lull of paradise, it felt like it had come at exactly the right time.

Their villa was tucked into one of the more private corners of the island resort—modern, elegant, and open to the view of the ocean. The large patio stretched out into a small infinity pool that spilled visually into the sea. Beyond it, soft white sand met the waves.

Aera sat at the edge of the pool, legs dipped in, her shorts rolled slightly at the hem and one of Joshua’s oversized tees brushing her thighs. She had towel-dried her hair earlier, now slightly messy from the breeze. Her fingers absentmindedly skimmed the water’s surface as she watched her husband swim a few laps in the crystal-clear pool.

Joshua had been in the water for a while now, hair slicked back, bare-chested and sun-kissed from the afternoon light. He paused halfway through a lap, standing and running a hand over his face as water trickled down his neck and torso.

“Why aren’t you getting in?” he called over, voice playful, eyes soft with that gaze that always lingered longer when it was just the two of them.

He swam closer to her, stopping only when he could rest his arms on the ledge right beside where she sat. His hands dripped with cool water as they came to rest near her knees.

The sound of waves, wind, and soft rustling palm trees filled the silence between them.

“I still can’t believe we’re here,” he said, quietly this time—softer, almost like a confession meant just for her. “Feels like everything slowed down for us today.”

He tilted his head, smiling that smile that never failed to make her heart flutter. “You look like you’re thinking about something,” he teased gently. “What is it, Ari?”

Aera simply smiled. “Nothing.”

Joshua didn’t say anything at first. He just watched her for a beat—her soft smile, the one that said so much without a single word. It curled at the corner of her lips with quiet contentment, like the world was finally quiet enough to feel at peace.

He rested his cheek on his folded arms, still perched at the pool's edge beside her legs. The breeze moved strands of her hair across her face, and her feet gently swayed in the water below, sending small ripples across the pool.

“Nothing, huh?” he murmured, voice low with amusement. “That little smile says otherwise.”

He reached out, fingers brushing the side of her calf, not playful—just gentle, like grounding himself in the moment.

“You know, I used to think I knew all your ‘nothings,’” he continued with a faint grin. “But even after all these years, sometimes it still feels like I’m discovering a new version of you.”

The sun was beginning to dip lower now, casting a golden glow across her skin, and for a second, he just admired her—his wife, his Ari, who had walked with him through everything and was still here beside him, toes in the water, heart wide open.

He exhaled a laugh under his breath, more out of wonder than amusement.

“Come on,” he said, lifting his chin slightly. “Get in with me. Just for a bit. I’ll keep you warm.”

He leaned forward just enough to trail his wet fingers lightly up her arm, cool against her sun-warmed skin.

“Ari,” he coaxed again, soft and teasing. “Don't make me come up there and carry you in.”

Aera laughed softly. “You can't keep me warm in the water, Shua.”

Joshua’s smile widened as soon as he heard her soft laugh—light, familiar, the sound that always made everything feel a little easier, a little brighter.

He tilted his head at her, feigning offense with an exaggerated pout. “Excuse me? Are you questioning my husband powers right now?”

He pushed himself up a little higher in the water, his arms now fully resting on the pool’s edge as he looked up at her with mock seriousness. “I absolutely can keep you warm. I’m very good at that, thank you.”

She giggled again, and his heart did that small leap it always did when her eyes crinkled like that.

“You just don’t trust me,” he added dramatically, pretending to sulk, then let out a soft sigh. “Seven years together, and she still doubts me.”

Then, without giving her too much warning, he flicked a bit of water toward her bare legs with a smirk, watching her jump slightly at the sudden cold.

“See? Now you have to get in. You’re already wet.”

He rested his chin back on his arms, expression turning warm and boyish. “Come on, Ari. I’m serious though. This... this is our only real time off in forever. I want to make memories with you.”

He tapped the spot right in front of him in the water, inviting. “Just a little bit. I won’t splash. Promise.”

His eyes softened, and his voice dipped, quiet and sincere now. “Besides… I’ve never had a moment like this with just you. No cameras. No noise. Just us. Let me have all of you here, even if it’s just for a swim.”

Aera smiled again. “You know I don't know how to swim, Shua...”

Joshua let out a soft laugh, eyes crinkling as he watched her smile.

“You’re really sticking to that line, huh?” he said, amused, water dripping down his shoulders as he leaned closer. “You’ve said it three times now.”

He reached out again, this time his palm resting flat against her shin, thumb brushing over her skin like he was memorizing her—here, in this light, in this moment. “And I hear you, I do. But I also hear the part you’re not saying.”

He tilted his head, smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “You kinda want to, don’t you?”

She didn’t answer right away, just kept smiling at him in that soft, unbothered way that made his heart feel like it had been wrapped in sunlight.

Joshua exhaled slowly, like he was trying not to fall even more for her, even after all these years.

“You don’t have to swim,” he said again, quieter this time, looking up at her like she held the whole world. “Just let me hold you. That’s all.”

He stood up fully in the water now, chest glistening in the golden dusk light, his hands reaching out toward her with an open gentleness that felt impossible to resist.

“I’ll stay right here. Arms around you. Feet on the floor. I won't even move.”

He smiled, eyes never leaving hers. “Come be in the water with me, Ari. Not to swim. Just to be with me.”

The wind picked up slightly, tousling her hair. And the sea kept whispering in the background, waiting—like the whole world was on pause, waiting to see if she would say yes.

Aera moved forward a bit on the edge, her voice soft as she asked, “How?”

Joshua’s eyes lit up instantly the moment she shifted forward, just a little—but enough to tell him she was giving in. His grin grew boyish, proud, but still laced with the same gentleness he always reserved for her.

“Like that,” he said softly, nodding with encouragement. “Just slide in slowly. I’ll be right here.”

He stepped even closer now, water lapping around his waist, arms already half-raised to catch her. “Put your hands on my shoulders if you want. Or just take my hands. Either way, I’ve got you.”

There wasn’t a hint of rush in his tone—only calm patience, the kind that made her feel like she could do anything, just because he believed she could.

“I won’t let go,” he added, quietly. “Promise on every single year we’ve been together.”

He looked up at her like she was the most precious thing in this whole beachside paradise, and extended both hands toward her again.

“Come to me, Ari.”

The water shimmered between them. The sky glowed pink and amber above them. And the way he looked at her—it was like she was the entire moment.

As soon as her hands settled on his shoulders, Joshua’s hold instinctively tightened around her waist—steady and grounding.

“Easy,” he whispered, watching her every move, eyes never leaving hers.

Then, as her body slowly eased into the water, she felt it rise—past her thighs, her waist, all the way up above her stomach. She sucked in a quiet breath at the sensation, but true to his word, Joshua never let her falter. The pool’s floor was smooth under her feet, but the water felt vast, foreign… if not for the steady press of his chest and the circle of his arms around her.

He looked down at her—literally. With her height only reaching his shoulders, she felt small, surrounded, entirely enveloped by him and the calm water.

“Not so bad, right?” he asked softly, brushing a wet strand of hair away from her cheek with his fingers. “You’re doing amazing.”

His arms didn’t move from around her waist, keeping her close, secure. Her hands, still resting on his shoulders, gripped lightly—not out of fear anymore, but for balance.

Joshua smiled, dimples showing, his tone turning teasing again. “You look tiny in here,” he whispered near her ear, chuckling. “Like a little duck who wandered into deep water.”

He leaned his forehead against hers again.

“But I got you, baby duck.”

He gently rocked her side to side, just a little, creating the tiniest waves around them.

“Want to float for a bit? I’ll hold you the whole time. You don’t have to do anything.”

Aera blinked, curious. “Float? How?”

Joshua chuckled softly, the sound rumbling in his chest against her.

“Just like that,” he said gently, his hands sliding slightly—one to the small of her back, the other cradling under her thighs as he subtly lifted her a bit off her feet, letting her body rest in his arms.

“You don’t have to do anything,” he reassured her, watching her eyes carefully in case she tensed. “I’ll keep you above the water. Just trust me.”

The pool was quiet, the only sounds were the distant hush of waves and the soft lapping of water around them. Her body stayed half-floating, legs still dipping into the water but most of her weight resting entirely in his arms. Like she weighed nothing to him.

Joshua looked down at her, his gaze impossibly soft. “See? You’re already doing it.”

He shifted slowly, swaying them in the pool like a gentle cradle, water moving with them. “You’re floating, Ari. You’re safe.”

Then, a teasing smile pulled at his lips again. “Now all that’s left is for me to teach you how to swim... by the time we leave Maldives, you’ll be diving in before me.”

He raised his brows dramatically. “Gold medal incoming.”

Aera shook her head. “I'm not learning how to swim. Not at all.”

Joshua burst out laughing, the kind that came straight from his chest—the sound warm, affectionate, and completely entertained.

“There it is,” he said through a grin, gently adjusting her so she was upright again in the water, still wrapped securely in his arms. “The classic Ari final decision.”

He looked down at her with a look that was half fond, half amused. “Not maybe, not we’ll see, just a full not at all.”

His nose bumped hers, water trickling down his jaw as he leaned in just slightly. “You do realize we’re standing in a pool right now, and you’re floating in my arms, right?”

He smiled wider. “That already counts as your first lesson. No take-backs.”

She rolled her eyes and he laughed again, leaning back just enough to admire her face—eyes bright even in her stubbornness, lips fighting a smile.

He squeezed her gently. “Okay, okay. No swimming. Not unless you change your mind.”

Then he lowered his voice, teasing again, “But just so you know… I’ll be here every time you accidentally decide to learn.”

He dipped his head closer, lips brushing her temple softly, lingering. “And every time you just want to float.”

The moment hung there, soft and golden, water swaying gently around them—Joshua holding her close like the whole world was only ever meant to be this quiet.

Aera frowned playfully. “I don't think this is called floating. It's more like... I don't know... picking me off the floor?”

Joshua grinned the second she said it, that boyish, amused smile spreading slow across his face as he looked down at her in his arms.

“Oh wow,” he breathed out a laugh, shifting slightly to hold her even closer. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”

He tilted his head, mock thinking. “Hmm. Not floating. Just me picking you off the floor.”

He looked absolutely delighted.

“I mean,” he added, dramatically raising one brow, “you’re technically not wrong. You are off the floor. And I am doing all the work.”

Then he leaned in, forehead gently pressing against hers again, nose brushing hers, smile softening. “But I like it,” he murmured. “I like holding you like this. You feel... light. Peaceful.”

He gave a small squeeze, his thumb tracing lazy circles over her back underwater. “You feel like mine.”

He paused, then grinned again, playful tone sneaking back in. “Even if I am just a glorified pool crane, apparently.”

He looked at her with a twinkle in his eyes, dipping her slightly with a gentle sway in the water before bringing her right back up into his chest.

Aera gripped his shoulder tightly when he dipped her. “Josh! Don't pull that stunt on me!”

Joshua immediately let out a loud laugh as she clung to his shoulder, her voice laced with panic and mock outrage.

“Okay, okay!” he chuckled, tightening his grip so she was steady again, no more dipping, no more games—for now.

He looked down at her, completely entertained by how quick her expression had changed. “You should’ve seen your face, Ari!” he teased, eyes crinkling. “You looked like I dropped you into the Mariana Trench.”

Still laughing, he brought one hand up out of the water to gently push her wet hair away from her face, his touch light, affectionate.

“Relax, I said I wouldn’t let anything happen, didn’t I?” he said, his smile softening into something sweeter. “You really think I’d drop you? On our honeymoon? In this setting? That would be a crime.”

He dipped his head just slightly, kissing her forehead, lingering there. “But wow… your panic face is adorable.”

Then he smirked again, whispering near her ear, “Kind of makes me want to dip you again just to see it.”

He pulled back to see her glare forming, hands still clutching his shoulders, and he quickly raised both hands defensively—though still keeping one around her waist.

“Okay! No more stunts. Promise. Pool crane mode only. Floating service only.”

His eyes sparkled. “You’re the boss, Mrs. Hong.”

Aera smiled softly. “Anything, just don't kill me or drown me.”

He chuckled under his breath, voice full of affection, “That’s such a dramatic Ari thing to say.”

Still, his grip didn’t ease—not even a little. If anything, it grew more secure, one arm wrapping tighter around her waist as his free hand came up to rest gently between her shoulder blades. They were now in the shallower end again, the side she’d been sitting on earlier. The water here barely brushed above her stomach, nowhere near threatening.

“I would never,” he said, gaze unwavering. “You could walk across this whole pool, and still I’d be holding you like you’d fall into the ocean.”

He tilted his head, brushing her nose lightly with his own. “Not letting anything happen to you. Not in water, not in life.”

His eyes flicked toward the deeper side of the pool, the stretch of it that faded into a perfect view of the beach, sun-kissed and quiet. It wasn’t deep enough to drown her—but deep enough to make her nervous, maybe.

“Even that side over there,” he said, nodding toward it. “Not scary. Not if you ever wanted to go. I’d carry you the whole way and back.”

He looked down at her again. “Or we can just stay here,” he added softly. “Where you feel safe.”

Then, with a teasing grin starting to push back into place, he added, “Unless you want me to dramatically princess-carry you into the deep and reenact some romance movie.”

He raised a brow, eyes gleaming.

“I mean, it is our honeymoon. Drama is acceptable.”

Aera laughed. “Not that type of drama please.”

Joshua laughed with her, eyes crinkling as her giggles echoed off the water’s surface.

“Yeah?” he teased, giving her waist a gentle squeeze. “You mean no slow-motion twirls in the water with background violins? No dramatic kiss in the rain—or I guess, chlorine?”

He leaned in, bumping his forehead against hers lightly, voice turning playful and warm. “You’re right. That’s not really our kind of drama.”

His hands shifted slightly, now resting just above her hips, anchoring her against him. “Our kind of drama is you yelling my full name when I leave empty bottles on the kitchen counter,” he added, smirking. “Or accusing me of betrayal when I finish the last piece of your favorite chocolate.”

He leaned in, whispering near her ear, “Or threatening to divorce me because I watched an episode of your show without you.”

He pulled back just enough to see her face, his own lighting up.

“That’s the real chaos I signed up for.”

Then, softer again, he murmured, “But I love it. All of it. Even the dramatic ‘don’t kill me’ stuff. Even the stubborn not-learning-to-swim forever vows.”

His smile lingered, then he tilted his head. “Wanna just stay in this corner for a while? I’ll hold you. We’ll float.”

Aera smiled gently, her eyes sparkling in the golden light. “We? We will float? How?”

Joshua looked down at her, the smile returning instantly—tender, a little amused, but completely enamored.

“There she goes again,” he murmured fondly. “Asking the real questions.”

He gently readjusted his arms around her, moving one to support her lower back while the other slid beneath her thighs again. The water swirled softly around them as he lifted her just slightly off her feet—again, nothing dramatic, just enough to make her feel like she wasn’t carrying herself anymore.

“This,” he said softly. “This is how.”

Her body was still mostly upright, but now gently supported by the water and his arms, her weight feeling feather-light between the calm waves and his steady hold.

“You’re not doing anything. You’re just here. Letting go.” He looked into her eyes, voice soft and sure. “That’s floating.”

The pool shimmered around them, golden from the sunset, and Joshua began slowly turning in a small circle, letting the water move with them, letting her feel the calm rhythm of it all.

“You float,” he said, “when you stop trying to do everything on your own.”

His eyes searched hers for a moment, something deeper hiding just beneath the playful surface. “That’s all this is. Letting yourself be held.”

He smiled again, barely a whisper of a grin, like he was telling her a secret.

“And you’ve got me. Always.”

Aera laughed softly, shaking her head in amusement. “That’s me floating. Not we.”

Joshua blinked once. Then twice.

And then—he burst out laughing.

“Oh wow,” he said through a grin, head dropping to her shoulder for a second as his body shook gently with laughter. “You really got me there.”

He leaned back just enough to look at her, eyes gleaming with amusement. “You’re technically right,” he said, lifting a brow as if offended on behalf of his own logic. “You’re floating. I’m the one doing all the work.”

He gave her the softest bounce in his arms—just enough to make her giggle.

“But hey,” he added, holding her a little closer, “if you’re floating, and I’m holding you… isn’t that our moment anyway?”

His voice dipped again, more playful now, more him.

“So yeah—it’s still we.”

Then, unable to resist, he leaned in and kissed her cheek. “You’re floating. I’m floating you. We’re floating. Let me have this one, Ari.”

He rocked them gently again, her back still supported against his arm, the pool water calm around them, warm with sunlight.

“No more arguing. Just float with me,” he whispered. “Even if it’s technically just you.”

Aera smiled up at him, eyes soft with affection. “You’ll do anything to prove yourself right.”

“Anything? Ari!” he said, eyes wide, placing a hand dramatically over his chest like she wounded him. “Excuse me, I am a man of logic, grace, and humble reasoning—”

She raised a brow, and he cracked instantly, breaking into a sheepish grin. “Okay fine,” he admitted, chuckling. “Maybe I do like being right.”

He shifted his grip slightly, pulling her just a bit closer, until her head could rest easily against his shoulder. The water lapped softly around them as they floated slowly near the shallower edge.

“But only with you,” he added under his breath. “With you, I have to win. It’s a matter of pride.”

Then, with a boyish smirk: “You’ve got a very smug victory face, Mrs. Hong, and I can't let you wear it too often.”

He leaned his cheek lightly against her temple. “Though between us…” he whispered, “I kinda like when you do.”

Silence settled between them for a moment—warm, full, familiar.

The ocean breeze rustled the palms in the distance. The sky was deepening into a violet-orange, and in Joshua’s arms, she didn’t feel like she was floating anymore.

She felt like she was home.

Aera’s smile deepened as she rested her head closer to him. “Put me down, you'll get tired.”

Joshua’s arms stayed right where they were—secure around her, not budging an inch.

He looked down at her, eyes narrowing just slightly in playful defiance. “Nope.”

She raised a brow.

“I’m not tired,” he said calmly. “And even if I was, I’d still carry you.”

He adjusted his grip again, just a little, making sure she was perfectly balanced in his hold—like she weighed nothing, like this was exactly where she was meant to be.

“You forget I’ve been working out for years for this moment,” he teased, grinning. “What do you think all those muscles were for? The gym didn’t know, but I did.”

Then, with a lower voice—quiet, sincere—he added, “Let me hold you, Ari.”

His smile softened. “I hold everyone else up all the time. The guys, the fans, even my own head some days. But with you…” He glanced down at her in his arms, like she was the only thing in the world. “With you, I just want to hold what I love.”

He leaned in, nose brushing hers again. “So no. I’m not putting you down yet.”

He grinned again, brighter this time. “Unless you want down.”

Aera looked at him curiously, a small smile playing on her lips. “I want down means? I want to be put down?”

Joshua blinked at her for a second, clearly not expecting the question.

Then his lips twitched. “Wait… are you asking what that means?”

She gave him an innocent look, still in his arms, and he immediately started laughing again—quiet and breathless, water rippling softly around them.

“Ari,” he said between laughs, resting his forehead against hers, “you’re literally in my arms right now and asking me what ‘I want down’ means?”

He pulled back slightly, smile wide. “Yes. It means ‘I want to be put down.’ You say it when you’re ready to stop being carried like a baby.”

He raised a playful brow. “...Are you ready to stop being carried like a baby?”

Then he grinned, eyes teasing. “Be honest. You like this, don’t you?”

He gave her a soft little bounce in his arms again. “You’re totally living for the ‘float me like a princess’ experience.”

Aera’s cheeks flushed slightly, but her smile grew warmer, eyes twinkling with shy amusement.

Joshua’s head fell back in laughter, loud and delighted, his grip on her tightening protectively as her words echoed around them.

“Oh my God, Ari—” he managed between laughs, “complicated phrases? Babe, I literally said ‘I want down.’ That’s, like, baby talk level.”

He looked back at her with wide eyes, completely amused, absolutely smitten.

“Your brain stops?” he repeated, grinning like she was the funniest person alive. “Because I speak in complete sentences?”

He brought one hand up and lightly tapped her forehead. “What’s going on in here, huh? Is there a tiny gremlin in there just pressing pause every time I say something remotely basic?”

Then he leaned in, whispering conspiratorially near her ear, “Is this why you stare at me blankly sometimes when I use big words like... ‘microwave’?”

He was full-on teasing now, his chest shaking slightly with held-back laughter.

But then, with zero warning, his tone dipped—warm, loving, teasing still, but deeply affectionate.

“I like your brain, by the way,” he said quietly. “Even when it stops. Especially when it stops because of me.”

He leaned back just enough to look at her, gaze soft now.

“It’s adorable.”

Aera laughed softly, eyes bright. “I know what a microwave is, Shua.”

Joshua burst into another round of laughter, this one even more dramatic as he threw his head back again, water splashing gently around them.

“Oh, thank God!” he exclaimed between laughs. “The marriage is saved!”

He looked down at her, grinning like an idiot, eyes bright with pure joy. “I was so worried for a second,” he teased. “Thought I’d have to explain appliances one by one.”

Then he leaned in, forehead resting against hers, still smiling as his voice dropped to something softer, more playful.

“But just so we’re clear… you don’t know what ‘I want down’ means,” he murmured, lips brushing the edge of her cheek.

“And your brain does stop when I talk.”

He kissed the corner of her mouth then, quick and sweet. “Which is fine. Honestly, I think it’s cute.”

Then, without pulling away, he whispered, “...But you still can’t escape the fact that you’re floating. Technically. In my arms. And liking it.”

He gave her a small sway in the water again, smirking. “Admit it.”

Aera shrugged with a gentle smile, eyes playful but soft. “Perhaps.”

Joshua froze for half a second, lips parted slightly, then broke into the softest smile—eyes warm, amused, and completely wrapped around her little shrug.

“Perhaps,” he repeated, as if tasting the word like it was something new and precious. “Wow.”

He gave a small laugh, then leaned in, resting his forehead against hers again. “That’s basically a love confession, Ari. You just admitted you like being carried around like royalty.”

He closed his eyes for a moment, letting their noses brush lightly. “You’re lucky I like spoiling you.”

Then, without breaking the moment, he whispered, “I’m never letting you forget this. The girl who said she’d never get in the water is now floating in my arms and... perhaps enjoying it.”

He kissed her forehead. “You’ve officially lost the argument.”

He gave her one last gentle sway, like a lull in the current.

“And I’ve officially won honeymoon day one.”

Aera smiled warmly, the hint of a laugh in her voice. “What can I say? You spoil me too much. I'm your spoiled wife.”

He looked at her like he’d never get used to hearing those words. Like they weren’t just a statement, but a gift.

“My spoiled wife,” he repeated softly, almost reverently, as if the phrase was sacred. His thumb traced slow, lazy circles against her back under the water, his eyes fixed on hers.

A smile curled on his lips, but it wasn’t the teasing kind this time. It was warm. Completely full.

“You have no idea what those words do to me,” he whispered, eyes flickering between hers. “My wife. Mine.”

He leaned in slowly, closing the little space between them, pressing a kiss to her lips—gentle at first, soft and slow like a secret passed back and forth.

But when she didn’t pull away, he deepened it just slightly, just enough to let her feel how much weight those three simple words carried for him.

When he finally pulled back, his forehead rested against hers again, breath still warm against her skin.

“You’re not just spoiled,” he murmured, smiling again. “You’re my favorite person to spoil.”

Then, with a playful glint returning to his eyes, “And you’ve officially lost all rights to complain about it ever again.”

Aera laughed softly, shaking her head with a fond smile. “This doesn’t mean you’re spending too much here.”

Joshua blinked—once, twice—then broke into the most dramatic gasp possible, his mouth falling open like she’d just accused him of a financial crime.

“Too much?!” he echoed, clutching at his chest like her words had physically struck him. “Excuse me, ma’am, I am a responsible adult and a budget-conscious husband.”

He paused.

“…Who may or may not have upgraded our villa suite because the bathtub looked ‘emotionally healing’ in the pictures.”

Then, with a sheepish grin sneaking in, he added, “Also maybe booked the boat tour, and the sunset dinner, and that floating breakfast thing you like, and—okay, maybe I’m spending a little.”

He looked at her, eyes softening instantly, the teasing fading just enough to let something real slip through. “But it’s not about the money, Ari. It’s about you. About making you feel like this is the dream you deserve.”

He kissed the tip of her nose gently, then pulled back with a crooked smile.

“That being said,” he added, playfully, “if you wanna pull out your wallet and spoil me for once, I’ll allow it.”

He wiggled his eyebrows. “Buy me a coconut or something. Make me feel exotic.”

Aera laughed, her eyes shining with warmth. “Exotic? Shua, I pay half on the trip and you pay half. Okay?”

Joshua grinned the moment she started laughing—his favorite sound in the world—and then tilted his head, giving her the most exaggeratedly unimpressed look he could muster.

“Half?” he repeated, as if the concept personally offended him. “Ari… I just carried you around the pool like a princess. Do princesses split the bill?”

But before she could reply, he softened, eyes warming into something deeply affectionate.

“I know,” he said, voice lower now. “I know you always want to share everything. That you’re independent. That you’ve worked hard for everything you have.”

He leaned in closer, nose brushing hers, the smile on his lips still playful but laced with genuine love.

“And I love that about you. That you insist on paying half. That you won’t let me spoil you too much without fighting back.”

He paused, letting the water rock gently around them, her body still relaxed in his arms.

“But you should know,” he whispered, “you could never be a burden. Not to me. Not ever. Spoiling you… taking care of you… it’s not about money. It’s about love. It’s about wanting to.”

Then—because he couldn’t help himself—he grinned again and added, “But still no. You aren’t paying even a single cent. But you can buy me a coconut like I said.”

Aera smiled softly, eyes twinkling with a hint of teasing. “I will if that’s what you really want.”

Joshua’s eyes lit up like she’d just handed him a trophy.

“A coconut?” he gasped, placing a hand over his heart. “For me? On our honeymoon? Wow.”

He looked around dramatically, as if addressing the heavens. “She really said: ‘I do… and I’ll buy you a coconut.’ What a woman.”

Then he looked back down at her, the teasing smile still there but softer now—melted around the edges with affection only meant for her.

“You’re seriously going to be the reason I smile for the rest of my life, you know that?”

He dipped his head, pressing a light kiss to her jaw, then to her temple. “You don’t even have to do anything big, Ari. Just exist next to me, laugh like that, and promise me coconuts every once in a while.”

His grip shifted, and slowly—carefully—he lowered her back down to stand on her own feet in the shallow end, hands still resting on her waist. The water hugged around them both, warm and calm.

“And later…” he murmured, leaning in close, lips brushing her ear, “when we’re on the beach, I’m buying you something sweet.”

He pulled back with a mischievous smile. “And it’s not going to be a coconut.”

Aera chuckled softly, eyes bright. “You’ll be dragging those heavy bags back full of whatever you buy.”

He pulled back, laughing softly, "Was that even a question? My wife is just meant to be carried around by me. Nothing else."

Still holding her close, he shifted slightly in the water, hands slipping from her waist to her arms, then slowly down to lace their fingers together again beneath the surface. The water was cooling slightly now, but between them, it still felt warm—soaked in the kind of comfort only years of love could create.

He began to sway them again, lazy little movements like a slow dance, chest to chest, no music, no beat—just the soft lapping of water and the sound of her laugh still echoing in his ears.

“You know,” he murmured as they moved, “we could just keep dancing like this.”

He tilted his head, gaze steady on hers. “No people, no shoes, no cameras. Just you, me, and this water you allegedly hate.”

He then gave her a light twirl—his hand still in hers—as if they were in some grand ballroom instead of a private pool on a Maldivian evening. And when he caught her again, pulling her back into his arms with an effortless spin, he whispered near her ear, breath warm, “You're mine. Right here. Right now. And I love it.”

She smiled at him, giggling softly. “What was that?”

Joshua smiled instantly at the sound of her giggle—his favorite sound in the world, hands down. He cocked his head innocently, still holding her hand as their bodies gently bobbed in the water. “That?” he echoed, pretending like he had no idea what she was talking about. “That was called a twirl, Mrs. Hong.”

He raised their joined hands again as if ready to spin her all over again, his expression impossibly pleased with himself. “You know… ballroom romance, spontaneous elegance—pool edition.” Then he grinned, completely dropping the elegant act. “Pretty smooth, right?”

He moved closer, pressing their joined hands against his chest now, and leaned in until their noses brushed again, eyes full of playful warmth. “Admit it—you were impressed.”

And then, with the most boyish smirk: “You giggled. You only giggle like that when your heart skips.” He kissed her cheek with a satisfied little hum. “Caught you.”

She smiled wider. “You know me too well. That's dangerous.”

Joshua’s smile deepened—slower now, quieter, almost smug but soft around the edges. “Dangerous?” he echoed, voice dipping to that low, amused murmur he reserved only for her. He gently traced his thumb across the back of her hand, still holding it over his chest like a promise.

He leaned in, lips just beside her ear now, and whispered, “Knowing you too well is my superpower.”

Then he pulled back slightly, meeting her gaze head-on, a glint in his eyes. “I know exactly when you’re about to roll your eyes. I know when you’re pretending not to laugh. I know when you’re annoyed but secretly enjoying it,” he counted off on his fingers, dramatically. “I even know what you're craving before you know.”

He smirked, brushing the tip of his nose against hers. “And yeah… it is dangerous.” Then, teasingly, “Because now I can mess with your head for the rest of our lives.”

He gave her the most innocent expression—completely unserious, completely in love. “But don’t worry.” He cupped her cheek gently, his voice lowering again. “I only use my powers for good.”

She raised an eyebrow and smiled softly. “Then now is a good time to use them?”

Joshua let out the softest laugh, low and warm—like the sound curled straight from his chest and settled into the air between them. He tilted his head slightly, the corners of his mouth curling upward, gaze fixed on her like she’d just handed him his favorite puzzle.

“Ohh,” he murmured, amused and touched all at once. “So now you want me to use them?”

Their hands were still laced, resting against the surface of the water, and he gently pulled her even closer—until there was no space left between them, just soaked fabric, warm skin, and the hum of something that felt like it could go on forever.

“Now, of all moments,” he whispered, brushing his nose lightly along her cheek, “you’re giving me full permission?”

Then he leaned back slightly, just enough to search her face—smiling, soft, a little playful, but undeniably sincere.

“My wife,” he said under his breath, as if the words still stunned him every time. “Asking me to use the one thing I’ve spent seven years sharpening to perfection.”

He brought his hands to cup her face gently, water dripping from his fingertips as he tilted her head ever so slightly. “Alright, then. I’ll use them now.”

And then he leaned in—not rushed, not teasing—but slow and steady, like he had all the time in the world. Like he knew her too well.

And when his lips finally met hers, it was gentle. Thoughtful. Confident.

The kind of kiss that said, “I know your favorite silence.” The kind that said, “I know when you’re pretending to be okay.” And more than anything, the kind that said, “I know you. And I love you exactly as you are.”

When he pulled back—barely—his breath still mingled with hers, and he whispered, smiling, “Power successfully used.”

She blushed, looking away shyly. “That wasn't what I was pointing to.”

Joshua stared at her, still close, still holding her like she might drift away if he let go—even though they both knew she wouldn’t. Then, slowly, the most smug, lopsided grin spread across his face.

“Oh really?” he said, eyes narrowing slightly as his voice dipped low, amused and curious. “Then what exactly were you pointing to, Mrs. Hong?”

He gently nudged her nose with his, still smiling, still watching her blush deepen with every heartbeat. “Because if that wasn’t it…” he trailed off, raising an eyebrow, “now I’m dying to know what I just got completely wrong.”

His hands slid down to the sides of her waist under the water, thumb tracing slow circles. “You gave me a green light and I went full husband mode,” he teased. “Kissed you like I was unlocking a secret level or something.”

Then he leaned in, closer again, voice warm against her cheek. “Was I off by a mile, Ari? Or just a few kisses early?”

He pulled back slightly to study her face—still flushed, still glowing. “I’ll fix it,” he whispered, “if you tell me what you really meant.”

She muttered softly, “You said you know what I crave before even I know. I was asking that.”

Joshua blinked, and for the first time in the past hour, he actually looked a little… speechless. Then his lips parted into the softest, most genuine smile—none of the teasing now. Just warmth. Quiet, glowing warmth that radiated through his entire face like a sunrise.

“Oh…” he said, his voice barely above the water’s hush. “That’s what you meant.”

She muttered it so softly, but he heard every syllable. And it hit him straight in the chest.

He moved closer again, this time slower, gentler. His hands slid from her waist to her back, palms resting flat, anchoring her to him.

“Well then,” he murmured, brushing his lips along her hairline, “let me see if I still know.”

He pulled back slightly, tilting his head as if scanning her—like he was tuning into something deeper.

“You’re not craving food,” he said, smiling thoughtfully. “Not right now.”

He tapped her chin softly. “You’re craving… calm. Warmth. Not too much noise. Something that feels like home. Something that makes you feel held.”

Then he gave her the faintest little smirk. “You crave peace, but you don’t know how to ask for it out loud.”

He leaned in again, pressing a kiss to the center of her forehead.

“And right now, I think you just want to stay here. No talking. No teasing. Just me and you and water and sky.”

He pulled her into a slow, quiet hug, resting his chin on her shoulder as he whispered against her ear, “Did I get it right, Ari?”

She whispered back, “I guess.”

Joshua smiled against her shoulder, a breath of a laugh leaving him as she whispered. He tightened his arms just slightly, holding her there in that quiet, sun-warmed stillness like she was something precious—something that couldn’t be rushed.

“You guess?” he murmured, lips brushing her skin with the faintest touch. “That’s basically a yes in Aera language.”

He didn’t press, didn’t pull back to look at her. He just swayed with her gently, letting the water hug around them like it understood, too.

“I’ll take that,” he whispered. “That’s enough for me.”

There was no performance in his voice now. No teasing. Just a kind of steady, grounding love—simple and certain, like the waves lapping quietly just beyond the pool’s edge.

A breeze passed, brushing through damp hair and skin, and Joshua’s hand slid up to cup the back of her head gently.

“I’ll stay like this as long as you want,” he murmured. “Until your heart feels full again.”

Then, quieter—

“Even if that means floating here forever.”

She slowly let herself float up just a tiny bit, though she knew she couldn’t, still holding onto him.

Joshua felt it the moment she shifted—barely, gently—her body lifting just the tiniest bit, like she was testing the water’s patience… but still holding onto him, still anchored by his hands.

He looked down at her, his smile stretching into something helplessly fond, endlessly tender.

“Ohhh,” he whispered, voice dipping with exaggerated awe, “look at you. You are floating.”

He didn’t move to let go, not even a little. His arms stayed right where they were—supporting her beneath the surface like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“You’re holding on like your life depends on it,” he teased, “but technically… this counts.”

His hand gently brushed across her lower back under the water, steadying her even as she barely lifted herself off the pool floor. “Ari, this is revolutionary. You might be a swimmer now.”

He looked right into her eyes, expression soft, proud, glowing. “Next thing I know, you’ll be diving off a boat and swimming with dolphins.”

She laughed lightly. “I can't float. It was a fail attempt.”

Joshua let out a warm, breathy laugh the moment her soft voice came through, filled with that familiar blend of honesty and self-mockery.

“A fail attempt?” he repeated, still smiling as he looked at her. “That was adorable. You lifted like… half a centimeter off the pool floor. That counts for something in my book.”

He pulled her a little closer again, one hand sliding protectively to her back, keeping her perfectly supported without even thinking about it.

“Besides,” he added with a tilt of his head, “you were never trying to float alone anyway.”

He leaned down, brushing his lips softly against her forehead before murmuring, “You were holding onto me the whole time. That’s why it worked at all.”

Then he chuckled again. “Also, I’ve decided your version of swimming is clinging to your husband like a koala and calling it a lesson.”

His arms tightened slightly around her.

“If you just wanna stand here with me for hours, pretending to float while holding onto me… I’m good with that.”

Then, with a cheeky grin: “Though next time, I am charging coaching fees. In kisses.”

She laughed and smiled, resting her head on his shoulder.

Joshua’s expression melted the moment her laughter reached him again—soft, real, and followed by that familiar smile as she gently rested her head on his shoulder.

His arms instinctively shifted to cradle her closer, hands firm at her back as he held her like she weighed nothing at all. The kind of hold that said, I’ve got you. Always.

For a while, he didn’t say anything.

He just let them drift there in the warm water, her breath slow against his neck, her cheek pressed into him like it was the only place that made sense in the world.

Then, slowly, carefully—without a word—he began moving.

The water swirled quietly around them as he walked them both toward the deeper side of the pool, the edge closer to the open beach, where the water deepened just enough to reach her shoulders if she stood.

But Joshua didn’t let her stand.

He lifted her just a little higher, kept her suspended in his arms as they moved through the still water, his touch protective and calm.

“You trust me?” he asked gently, his voice low near her ear, not testing her—just wanting to hear her say it.

Because even if she didn’t float, and even if she never wanted to try again, she had already done the one thing that mattered most:

She stayed.

In his arms.

She whispered softly, “Uh huh but that's deep, Shua.”

Joshua chuckled softly the second her voice reached his ear, all quiet concern wrapped in that familiar pout.

“Uh huh but that’s deep, Shua.”

He stopped walking instantly—just enough to let the ripples settle around them—and looked down at her with a gentle, amused smile.

“I know,” he said, one brow raised playfully. “But you’re not even touching the floor, Ari. I’m still holding you. You’re not going anywhere.”

He gave her a little squeeze, swaying slightly in the deeper water with her still secure in his arms, like she was just part of him now.

“You think I’d let go of you in the deep end?” he asked softly, nudging her temple with his nose. “You married a drama king, not a fool.”

Then, as if to prove his point, he shifted his arms again—tighter, steadier, pulling her even closer. Her head rested just under his jaw now, her body floating fully, her toes far from the floor.

“This is literally the safest spot in the entire ocean,” he whispered with a grin. “Me. Holding you. In my arms. I’ve got you, Ari. Always.”

Then, mock serious, “Besides, this is the honeymoon. A little emotional depth is expected.”

He waited a beat.

“…Get it? Depth?”

She frowned slightly. “Uh..no?”

Joshua blinked, utterly scandalized.

“No?” he echoed, eyes wide. “You didn’t get it?”

He pulled back slightly to stare at her, jaw dropping dramatically. “Ari. That was top-tier pool pun material.”

He placed a hand over his heart like she’d just betrayed him on national television. “I said emotional depth is expected… and we’re in the deep end.”

He looked at her with pure mock pain. “That was gold, woman. Comedy gold.”

Then, narrowing his eyes slightly, he leaned in again—closer this time, mischievous grin creeping onto his lips.

“You ignored the pun on purpose, didn’t you?”

He bumped her forehead with his, then whispered in a warning tone, “You’re lucky you’re cute. Otherwise I’d dunk you for that.”

He paused. Thought about it.

“…Actually, you are cute.”

His grip shifted slightly, just enough to make her squeal at the hint of dipping lower—but not letting her fall.

Yet.

“Want to rethink your answer?” he asked with a dangerous smile.

She laughed softly. “I wasn't ignoring!”

Joshua stopped mid-motion, holding her still—barely keeping the smug grin off his face.

“Ohhh?” he said slowly, like she’d just given him the plot twist of the evening. “You weren’t ignoring it?”

He narrowed his eyes, suspicious but entertained. “Then what was that ‘uh… no’ huh? Sounded exactly like someone dodging a pun attack.”

He gently lifted her higher in the water for a second—teasingly threatening to dip her again—and then brought her right back close against him, his nose brushing her cheek.

“Wait,” he whispered with playful intensity, “were you… trying not to encourage me?”

His eyes widened dramatically. “Were you protecting the world from my dad-joke era?”

He placed a hand to his chest. “Ari. That’s betrayal and censorship.”

But the smile on his lips was impossibly soft now, no real offense taken—just adoration tucked into every inch of his voice.

He kissed her cheek quickly, then muttered against her skin, “Next time you ignore one of my genius pool puns, I am dipping you. Not enough to traumatize… just enough to make a point.”

Then, quieter, teasing:

“You’re lucky I’m in love with you.”

She smiled sheepishly. “I wasn't. I just didn't get it.”

Then he blinked. Once. Twice. And collapsed into laughter.

“Oh my God, Ari,” he wheezed, hugging her close, resting his forehead against her shoulder. “You really didn’t get it? You thought I was just being—what? Randomly poetic in the middle of the pool?”

He looked up at her with so much affection it was almost unbearable. “You’re unreal,” he whispered, grinning so wide his cheeks ached. “And somehow… that makes it even better.”

Still laughing softly, he shook his head. “I’m out here crafting high-quality husband material and my wife thinks I’m just saying deep stuff because we’re standing in water.”

Then, cupping her cheeks with both hands and giving her the most serious expression, he said, “Ari. I love you more every day. Even when—no, especially when—you miss my jokes.”

He kissed her nose, then rested their foreheads together, grinning.

“You’re my favorite confused person.”

She smiled and looked at him, a little sheepish. “I love you too but please Shua, I’m literally standing on my toes and my feet are really cramping bad.”

Joshua’s entire expression crumbled the moment she said it.

“You’re what—?!” he blurted, already moving before she even finished the sentence.

Without hesitation, his arms wrapped securely around her waist and lifted her right off the floor, pulling her into him so fast it made the water splash gently around them.

“You’ve been standing on your toes this whole time?” he repeated, eyes wide, completely scandalized. “And your feet are cramping?! Ari—baby—!”

He pulled her in even closer, one hand holding her safely under her thighs while the other slid down to gently rub at her calf under the water.

“You should’ve told me the second it started! You really just… suffered quietly like a sweet little mermaid in distress?”

She looked up at him with that sheepish, innocent face—and he completely melted.

“Oh my God,” he whispered with a sigh, pressing a long, affectionate kiss to her temple. “I left you standing in the deep end. You were in pain, and I was over here making dumb puns.”

But his hands were already moving, carefully massaging her foot under the surface while holding her tight against him, cradling her completely like she weighed nothing at all.

“You're not touching the floor again,” he muttered. “I don’t care if we stay in this pool for three hours—you’re not touching anything but me. Ever again.”

Then, with a soft smile and a whisper near her ear: “My poor little crampy dolphin.”

She smiled warmly, resting her head closer to his chest. “Shua, don’t worry. You’re still the best. Pun or no pun. Cramps or no cramps. Also, it’s my foot, not my leg.”

Joshua froze mid-leg massage again, blinking slowly at her words like they were hitting him in real-time. There was a beat of silence… and then:

“Ari,” he said, voice absolutely flat, “I was giving your leg a TED Talk on pain relief. Meanwhile your foot—the actual victim—is down there suffering in silence?”

She nodded, sheepish again.

He stared a second longer. Then, without a word, he gently adjusted his hold, turned around, and began walking them back toward the shallow end—his arms still securely around her, feet moving steadily through the warm water as the deeper edge faded behind them.

“Alright, that’s it,” he muttered, half defeated, half dramatically offended. “Pool privileges: revoked.”

She giggled softly against his shoulder.

“You had one job, Ari. One. Say ‘my foot hurts.’ Not ‘I love you, but I’m on my toes’ and leave the rest to my overactive imagination.”

Still, his grip stayed gentle as he reached the edge of the shallow side, where she had originally been sitting. The sun was dipping lower now, casting a soft golden hue across the surface.

He bent slightly to let her sit comfortably on the pool’s edge again, then crouched in the water right in front of her, hands resting on her knees as he looked up at her with a playful pout.

“You’re lucky you said I’m still the best husband,” he said, narrowing his eyes. “Otherwise I was one minute away from holding a grudge all the way back to Seoul.”

He gave her shin a little affectionate pat. “You're not supposed to endure me, Ari. You're supposed to annoy me back.”

Joshua shifted closer, rising just a bit in the water so he was eye level with her where she sat on the pool’s edge. He brought one hand down and took her foot gently in his palm, cradling it with such care it was like she’d just admitted it was made of glass.

He started rubbing slow, careful circles into her arch—not just to soothe the pain but to keep it away. His thumb moved with purpose, steady and mindful, like this was something he’d been trained to do his whole life.

He looked up at her again, eyes full of quiet understanding now.

“You didn’t even tell me all this time,” he said softly, half guilty, half in awe. “You just let me splash around and be annoying while your feet were staging a quiet rebellion.”

Still rubbing gently, he leaned forward and kissed her knee, eyes flicking up to meet hers again.

“We’ll stay out of deep water from now on, okay? No more toe torture. Just sand. And sunshine. And you, sitting comfortably with no underwater betrayal.”

Then, teasing lightly again—just enough to make her smile:

“But if your feet cramp even in the Maldives, then I think your body’s just dramatic like you.”

Joshua’s lips twitched the second she squirmed, her foot flinching a little in his hand.

“That tickles, Shua.”

He froze mid-circle, blinking innocently.

“Oh? This?” he said, pressing lightly again on the arch, smirking as she pulled her foot back half a centimeter. “Right here?”

She gave him a warning look.

“Okay, okay,” he laughed, soft and easy, rubbing slower now—more soothing than playful. “No tickling the royal feet. Got it.”

Joshua exhaled through his nose, gaze thoughtful as he held her foot in both hands now, less for massage and more just to keep her grounded.

“You jumped into the pool with me,” he said, half smiling to himself. “Fully forgot your feet would betray you, just because… I asked.”

He shook his head, squeezing her foot gently.

“You really are something else, Ari.”

Then, resting his arms across her lap as he leaned his chin on them, gazing up at her with soft wonder:

“Thank you. For trusting me—even with cramping feet and a suspicious pool.”

“Let’s go back there?”

Joshua blinked. “Back... there?”

He glanced over his shoulder toward the deeper side of the pool—the water still calm, kissed golden by the setting sun, gentle ripples dancing where they’d floated earlier.

Then he turned back to her, surprised—but not in the way that stopped him. Surprised in the way that warmed him.

“You want to go back?”

There wasn’t a trace of teasing in his voice this time. Just softness. Careful awe.

She nodded sheepish-innocently.

He studied her for a moment—her damp hair sticking to her cheeks, the faint blush from earlier still on her skin, that mix of quiet courage and absolute trust shining through her eyes—and then his expression shifted into something so full of love it nearly broke him.

Without saying a word, he stood, offered his hands out, and once she took them, he helped her gently slip back into the water.

No sudden movements this time. No teasing.

Just him, carefully wrapping his arms around her again, like it was second nature.

“I’ve got you,” he whispered as she floated back into him, her arms looping naturally around his shoulders. “Always.”

And together, they drifted back toward the deeper end—her feet no longer touching the floor, her chest pressed gently to his, her trust wrapped around him like the water surrounding them.

The sun dipped lower, casting golden flecks over the surface, and Joshua held her like he never wanted to let go.

No words now.

Just warmth. Trust. And the quiet comfort of being exactly where they belonged.

“You can put me down you know.”

Joshua looked at her, arms still securely around her in the middle of the gently lapping water, and raised an eyebrow with a little grin. He leaned in slightly, playful, but warm.

“Can I?” he said, tilting his head. “Because last time I did, someone ended up standing on her toes with cramping feet and didn't tell me.”

She gave him that sheepish smile again, and he let out a soft laugh, dipping his head for a second like he couldn’t handle how adorable she was.

Then he met her eyes and said, more gently, “I can put you down anytime, Ari. But only if you actually want me to.”

Still holding her, he began to lower her slowly—letting her feet find the pool floor at a comfortable depth, the water brushing just under her shoulders this time.

The moment her feet touched, his hands didn’t move. They just rested lightly at her waist, still protective, still there—just in case.

“There,” he said quietly. “Back on your feet. No toes. No cramps. Just you.”

And then, grinning a little again, he added with a soft nudge of his nose to her cheek:

“Still holding on to me, though. I call that progress.”

Joshua had just started to relax, his hands loose at her waist as she stood on her own in the water—when he felt her shift again. Just a little.

He pulled back to look at her, suspicious.

“…Are you—?”

And then she said it.

“It just felt deep that time… it still does.”

And there she was, back on her tiptoes. Again.

"It still does."

The sheepish tone. The small smile. The tiny rise in height.

Joshua just stared at her for a long, dramatic second, blinking like she’d just told him the sky wasn’t blue.

“Ari.”

No response. Just that guilty little smile again.

“Ari, love of my life…” he said, leaning forward like he was about to tell her a deep secret. “Are you physically incapable of telling me you’re uncomfortable like a normal human being?”

She grinned.

He groaned—laughing as he did—then immediately wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the floor again, easy, automatic, no questions asked.

“You know what?” he said, adjusting her with mock seriousness. “That’s it. You are banned from standing on your own in water.”

He looked at her with mock scolding. “You had one job. And it was ‘stand flat.’ What do you do instead? Start toe ballet in the deep end.”

He kissed her nose, eyes warm now.