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.𖥔 ݁ SYNOPSIS . after getting publicly broken up with because of a misspread rumor, you move away to "heal" and "start over". when you come back after months and see your ex and said person—who spread those rumors about you—getting closer each day, you realize maybe you shouldn't have ever come back. and it definitely doesn't help when your ex starts giving you mixed signals about everything.
TAGS smau (+written) ; crack ; university au ; lots of miscommunication ; dumbass jake ; cringey moments ; cliche 𝓦 none that I can think of other than suggestive comments?
masterlist / 01 / 02 / 03 / 04 / 05
mars yap thirty image limit sucks ass btw I had to split this chapter, anywhooo I made a second blog where I will be doing the reblog for the second tag list for my fits if there is any confusions lol
Warnings: MINORS DO NOT INTERACT. Mentions of Sex.
— Word Count: 2.4k+
Author’s Note: I’m alive but at what cost? I’m sorry for such a late and short update. Not long after I posted the last chapter, I ended up hurting my back pretty badly. Staying in the sitting position for too long was genuinely the worst. Like it cause me agony no matter how much padding I tried to get behind me. I’m feeling a lot better now that I’ve been able to do some physical therapy. The next chapter will be longer I promise.
Weekends have always been Felix’s favorite. Especially the mornings like this. Where everything was calmer and not chaotic like the weekdays. No one was rushing out of the door and most of the time they got to all actually sit around and eat breakfast together.
Today however there was only seven of them. Chan had gotten called into his family’s company for a meeting. Felix didn’t dwell on it too much. It happens. More so now that Chan has been taking on a lot more responsibility in the company.
The rest of them sat around the kitchen, some of them at the island and others at the breakfast nook by the window. Minho was standing at the stove, stirring a pot of soup that smelled so good it had Felix’s mouth watering.
“You know,” Minho starts, back turned towards the rest of them, “you didn’t tell us much about her.”
Felix’s eyes snapped up from his phone and over to Minho. “What?” He asked.
“Y/N. You didn’t tell us a lot about her the other day. That is who you’ve been texting all morning is it not?”
From the corner of his eye, Felix noticed Hyunjin’s shoulders tensing up. He couldn’t blame him. Not at all. Felix knew that Hyunjin was still hesitant. In all honesty, he knew that all of his boyfriends were. About the whole thing. But they were trying for him. They were going to meet you for him.
And for that, Felix was grateful.
“Yeah, she’s been really stressed out about her midterms,” Felix said, setting his phone down on the granite top of the island. “They start Monday and she’s freaking out a bit. So, I agreed to meet her later today to help her while she crams.”
“You mentioned that before,” Seungmin said. “That you were helping her study for midterms and you have been for awhile so I’m assuming she’s an undergrad still.”
Felix nodded. “She is,” he said. “A fourth year. Same year as Yuna. Actually, she went to the same high school as her. And Min, you know one of her best friends from the dance studio. Lee Sangwon.”
“Sangwonie?” Minho asked, still working on the soup. He gave a little nod. “He’s there at least four times a week. He’s also a regular at our workshops.”
“Wait, isn’t that Leo’s boyfriend?” Jisung asked with the tilt of his head.
“Yeah,” Changbin said. “I met him a few times when Leo and I worked on those songs last year.” He scratched the back of his neck. “Chan-hyung is going to have an aneurysm when he finds out just how young she is.”
Jeongin huffed in amusement. “He acts like the age gap between him and me is insane,” he said. “He’ll definitely have some choice words.”
“She’s not that much younger,” Felix said with a playful roll of his eyes. “And Chris needs to stop acting like he’s some kind of old man or something.”
“He’s pushing thirty,” Seungmin said. “That is old.”
“In what world is thirty old?! He’s literally in his prime years right now.”
“He definitely is,” Jisung said almost dreamily. “He’s been getting so big.”
“Oh god,” Seungmin mummbled.
“Jisung stop being a slut for ten minutes,” Minho chided, finally turning around. “We’re here to gather info about Felix’s crush before we meet her.”
Jisung pouted but nodded anyway. He leaned back into Changbin’s chest. Felix bit back a laugh.
“Is she trying to go into med school?” Jeongin asked.
Felix nodded. “Yeah,” he said. “She wants to be an Oncologist. Well, at least she thinks she does.”
“Tell her not to do it,” Seungmin said, suddenly serious. “It will drain the life out of her like it did you and me.”
“I think Yongbok looks pretty lively,” Minho said, eyeing the taller man up and down. “You though? Not so much.”
That earned a middle finger from Seungmin causing Minho and the rest of them to laugh.
“No one looks as dead as 3RACHA after they’ve finally met the deadline for one of their commissioned songs,” Hyunjin snickered.
“Making KPOP songs is hard as fuck anymore!” Jisung protested, dramatically.
“Yeah,” Changbin agreed with a nod. “These companies have become pickier and pickier with what they want.”
“And every song you’ve produced in the last two years have charted in some way,” Jeongin said.
“Y/N’s a fan of 3RACHA,” Felix added. “Like a really big fan. She’s been listening to you guys since 2017.”
Jisung stared at him with comically wide eyes. “No way,” he breathed.
“Why would she like any of our old stuff?” Changbin grumbled.
Felix grinned. “She loves your old stuff. Especially Dragon Three and Domestic Banana.”
Jeongin and Hyunjin both burst out laughing.
“Not Domestic Banana!” Jisung whined.
“It’s better than WOW,” Changbin grumbled.
“She quotes your songs regularly,” Felix said, amusement dripping from his voice. “And you should have seen my face when I saw her listening to Matryoshka for the first time. I couldn’t believe it.”
“Matryoshka!” Jeongin, Seungmin, and Minho all mimicked loudly in Changbin’s tone.
Hyunjin nearly fell off the stool from how hard he was laughing. Felix quickly grabbed his arm to hold the man up.
“Shut up!” Jisung and Changbin both wailed sounding agonized.
“You guys act like your old mixtapes were terrible,” Felix said, still laughing.
“Because they are!” Jisung protested.
“No they’re not,” Minho countered. “They’re fun.”
“And the word plays are top tier,” Seungmin added.
“Y/N says they should rerecord them and actually put them on streaming apps,” Felix said. “And that they sound sell physical albums too.”
“She’s so right though,” Jeongin agreed. “They’d make bank.”
Changbin pinched the bridge of his nose. “We are not rerecording them. Ever.”
“Aww what a shame,” Minho cooed.
“If she met you guys and found out who you were I think she’d freak out,” Felix said. “Like legitimately. She is a die hard fan. And guess who her favorite is?”
“Who?” Jisung asked.
Felix grinned. “You,” he said. “She follows like five J.One fan pages and literally stopped one of our study sessions last week because you went live on Instagram.”
Jisung eyes sparkled. “Really?” He asked excitedly. “Now I really wanna meet her. Especially since you have never been the one to entertain a crush.”
“Says you,” Felix countered.
Jisung shrugged. “Why would I when I get to look at Minho’s beautiful face every morning?”
“Are you in this relationship for him only?” Jeongin asked, teasingly.
They all already knew the answer to that. Jisung was probably the most sappy about his love for all his boyfriends. The hard drive full of love songs he’s made for them was testament to that.
“Hey!” Jisung said, pointing a finger at them threateningly. “I started dating Chan and Changbin before any of you. So suck it!”
“Yeah, yeah,” Seungmin said rolling his eyes but the fond smile on his face gave away his true feelings. “We understand that 3RACHA getting together is the catalyst for the rest of us.”
“It wasn’t Chan-hyung or I though,” Changbin said. “It was all Jisung remember? And then what? Like two months later he told Felix and everything just kinda went from there.”
“I still can’t believe it took Minho-hyung over a year to join,” Felix said, shaking his head.
“He was upset his Jisungie was already taken,” Seungmin taunted.
Minho clicked his tongue disapprovingly. “It took Jeongin even longer than that.”
“I was escaping the grips of an evil, repressive Church,” Jeongin said. “And my family.”
“I still can’t believe your horny ass almost become a priest after high school,” Hyunjin laughed.
“I’m pretty sure you were the reason,” Changbin said. “He saw you and had the worst gay awakening in queer history I think.”
Jeongin huffed out a laugh of his own. “I legitimately thought I was going to go to hell,” he said. “To me, my only redemption was that I was still attracted to women.”
“That was me when I first met Chan,” Felix said. “My poor little Catholic self.”
“What was it about Chan and Hyunjin being everyone’s gay awakening?” Jisung asked.
“They weren’t everybody’s,” Minho said. “Mine was Taecyeon. The first time I saw him on the T.V I just knew I liked men.”
Changbin nearly choked on his protein shake. “That’s why you always were so shy about greeting him at JYP?”
“Obviously!”
All seven of them broke into laughter.
“Tell us more about her,” Minho said to Felix before turning back around to focus on the food.
“She’s really, really into the arts,” Felix said. “She’s an amazing artist like Hyunjin. Her sketchbooks are insane.”
“Does she paint?” Hyunjin asked almost hopefully.
Felix smiled and nodded. “Yeah,” he said. “The only time I’ve seen her paint is with the kids at the hospital but she says she likes to do it in her free time too. She also likes fashion. She can out dress anyone. And she loves photography.” Felix paused for a moment thinking. “She cooks and bakes a lot. She says it helps her clear her mind. Her grandparents forced her to learn how to play classic instruments when she was a kid so she knows how to play the piano, cello, and guitar. Her preferred exercise is stuff like hiking or swimming but she’s picked up a pilates class a few months ago. She’s actual really outdoorsy. She used to camp and go on trips to the mountains with her family when she lived in America. She loves, loves, manga and anime. She said that if she wasn’t planning on going into medicine she would probably be a mangaka or animator. She even dreamt of working for Studio Ghibli when she a kid.”
“She like Studio Ghibli?!” Jisung squeaked. He clapped his hands together. “I needed to meet this girl yesterday! Seriously!”
“She’s going to be at Lia’s party, right?” Hyunjin asked.
“Maybe,” Felix answered with a shrug. “She’s not a fan of big, fancy parties. But, her friends might be going and she would probably feel a lot more comfortable with them there. If she ends up not going, I was thinking maybe we can invite her over for dinner or maybe go on a picnic.”
“We haven’t been on a picnic yet this year,” Jeongin said. “It’d be a good opportunity for pictures.”
“You sound just like Y/N.” Felix’s eyes settled on Seungmin who looked lost in thought. “What’s wrong, Minnie?”
“Her name sounds familiar,” he muttered.
“I mean she is pretty popular,” Felix said. “So, you’ve probably heard of her. Or, Yuna might have mentioned her. They’re not super close or anything but they do hangout sometimes.”
“Yeah,” Seungmin said. “Yeah, probably.”
Felix noticed the way his eyebrows were scrunched. The way he seemed to be going back into his brain. He wanted to ask but he decided against it.
Let him get his thoughts together first.
“If she’s the girl I think she is,” Minho started, “then good eye, Yongbok-ah.” He began grabbing bowls and plates from from the cupboards.
Jeongin immediately hopped up to help.
Felix tilted his head. “The girl you think she is?”
“I’ve seen Sangwon and his friends with a girl occasionally at the studio,” Minho explained as he started filling up plates with breakfast. “And she’s been to a few of the showcases. If that’s Y/N, then she’s pretty.”
“Y/N’s beautiful,” Felix said, softly. “The first time I saw her I think I had one of those ‘oh shit’ moments, you know?”
“But you didn’t fall for her just because of her looks,” Hyunjin said.
“Oh god no,” Felix said He accepted a bowl of rice Jeongin had filled. “Her personality is what I fell for. I think the first time I legitimately realized I was falling for her was when I was watching her play with the kids. It was like everything really clicked in that moment.”
“That’s so fucking cute,” Changbin muttered.
The kitchen fell into a comfortable silence as Minho and Jeongin served breakfast. Felix sighed in content when a bowl of the Chinese herbal chicken soup Minho had made.
“What time are you meeting her today?” Minho asked, sliding into his seat next to Seungmin.
“Around four,” Felix said. “I’ll probably just chill and play video games till then.”
“You’re never chill when you play video games,” Seungmin taunted.
Felix scrunched his nose. “Shut it.”
“What about everyone else,” Minho said. “We don’t have any plans together until tomorrow so…”
“I’m probably gonna go to my studio,” Hyunjin said. “I have an idea for a new piece.”
“Another one?” Seungmin asked. “You’ve been on a roll lately.”
“Yep and I’m going to squeeze out every ounce of creative juice I have.”
“I can squeeze out some of your juice out of you if you want,” Jisung offered, wiggling his eyebrows.
Changbin visibly cringed, pushing the younger off him. “That’s disgusting.”
“Stay away from me you heathen,” Hyunjin grumbled.
“Why are you so horny today?” Jeongin asked in pure amusement.
“I was supposed to get laid this morning but when I woke up Channie was gone,” Jisung whined.
“Oh my god,” Seungmin huffed. He rolled his eyes. “Ridiculous.”
“That’s why you insisted on sleeping with him last night,” Minho cackled.
Jisung nodded enthusiastically. “Morning sex is the best,” he stated like it was the most obvious fact.
“More like you like to use being tired as an excuse not to have to do anything,” Hyunjin snickered.
“Nah that just a bonus,” Jisung said with a grin.
Felix shook his head while trying to bite back an amused smile. “You’re insatiable,” he said.
“Says you!” Jisung protested. “You and Changbin were loud as hell last night. For hours. And you locked the door! So mean.”
“I did that to piss your voyeur ass off,” Changbin stated before popping a piece of chicken in his mouth.
Jisung flipped the middle finger at the man, earning a satisfied grin.
“Well, anyway,” Seungmin said, rolling his eyes in obviously false annoyance. “I am locking myself in my room to read. I deserve some peace and quiet.”
“Understandable,” Minho said with a nod.
“I’m going to get some paperwork for my class’s next field trip done,” Jeongin said, “and then tonight I’m going out with the guys. We’re going to see a movie and then go to get BBQ afterwards.”
“Call me if you need a ride,” Changbin said. “Don’t get too drunk. You get freakier than Chan when you are.”
“No one is freakier than Chan,” Seungmin deadpanned.
Felix laughed. “Don’t let him hear you say that.”
“Poor Y/N,” Minho said. “If she does join this relationship she’s going to have a lot to get used to.”
Warnings: MINORS DO NOT INTERACT WITH THIS SERIES. Angsty but other than that nothing (if you think I should mention something else let me know).
— Word Count: 4.5k+
Author’s Note: IT’S HEEERRRREEE! I hope you all enjoy the first part of my pride and joy. I got really excited so I decided to post the first chapter a little earlier than I had originally planned. There will not be an official update schedule for this. I don't want to stress myself out too much. And I have other work that I have to finish that I've been slacking so bad on. No beta reader we die like Neji in Naruto’s arms🫡.
If you would like to be added to the Taglist, please let me know. I have over fifty tags already (which is amazing thank you for all the love 💕) but, I don't mind making a second post for other people so everyone can stay updated.
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Lee Felix was pretty sure he was going through the worst existential crisis to ever happen in his twenty-five years of life.
Okay so, maybe “existential crisis” was a bit of an exaggeration. He wasn’t exactly questioning the meaning of life. He wasn’t there just yet.
But don’t get it wrong. He was going through it. Bad.
Like bad, bad.
And the reason for the mental spiral the poor man was suffering through at the moment?
You.
You were the reason.
You, L/N Y/N, the adorable fourth year undergrad that started volunteering at the same children’s hospital as him a few months ago.
You with the sweetest deposition and most devastatingly beautiful smile he had ever seen.
You who had him wrapped around you finger within minute of your very first conversation with one another.
You who had come into his life only six months ago and completely flipped it around.
Because now, Lee Felix had the worst crush imaginable on you.
And it wasn’t one of those cute workplace crushes you hear about. It wasn’t one of those “oh, she’s cute” crushes either.
No.
It was one of those “holy shit, I’m fucked” type of way crushes.
And he was fucked. Completely and utterly fucked.
The first thing he thinks of when he wakes up in the morning nowadays? You. What perfume would you be wearing that day if he saw you? What kind of outfit would you have on? How would your hair be styled? What would you order for lunch? What anime or obscure topic would you rant about?
His mind has been so full of everything possible about you that those questions didn’t even begin to breech the surface of his thoughts. Thoughts that he had all before he even took a step out his front door in the morning.
Thoughts that he should not be having about another person in any way, shape, or form.
Because he was already in a relationship.
A long term, healthy, happy relationship. Granted, he did have seven boyfriends— yes seven— but their relationship was everything the man could have asked for. He got to spend everyday with the people he loved most in the world. He received so much love back from seven other people that just thinking about another person made Felix feel like he was greedy.
And he was. He was greedy.
But he was also guilty. Guilty of not telling his boyfriends anything about you.
He knew he was in the wrong. He knew that he could talk to his boyfriends about you. He knew that they were always expected to be open about anything and everything. And he wasn’t. They didn’t even know you existed. They didn’t know that you were the reason why he tended to come back from his volunteer shift later than he ever had before. They didn’t know that you were the reason why he was going out more on the weekends without them. They didn’t know you were the reason why he suddenly got interested in certain TV shows and singers. Or that you were the reason he had actually began reading a lot more manga than he ever had before.
They knew nothing and it was all his fault.
Now all of that guilt was eating him alive.
Felix loved his boyfriends more than words could ever describe. But now he was also falling for you.
He was falling fast. Fast to the point he felt like his heart was plunging down from a thirty story building with no parachute.
He had spent this whole week trying to figure out what to do. He knew that he needed to tell them. He knew that he needed to tell you too. But how? How would he go about that? How would you all react to it? Would he lose you? Would he lose them?
God, he really could not lose them.
They were the real reason he woke up every morning. The reason he tried so hard to do his best every day. They were his reason for living.
He didn’t want to live without you either. But, if any of his boyfriends told him no then he knew he would have to. It was something that he had to come to terms with.
And now? Now it was the time for Yongbok to face his fears and do it. Because it was obvious that everyone was noticing how off he had been the last few weeks. And him, himself was tired. He was tired of hiding. Tired of pretending. Tired of second guessing what he should do.
So, he stood in front of the door to the house he shared with his boyfriends, trying his hardest to cement his resolve. He would do this today. He had to do this today. He reached out for the doorknob with shallow breath and immediately his hand hovered, hesitant.
Just rip the bandaid off, Felix.
Just do it.
With a nod to no one but himself, he grabbed the door handle and turned. He pushed open the door and stepped into the foyer. Immediately he was greeted by the sound of laughter coming from the living room and the intoxicating smell of food.
Minho must be making dinner.
“I’m home!” Felix called, shutting the door behind him and kicking off his shoes.
There was the sound of shuffling feet before both Minho and Jeongin appeared. Jeongin was still dressed in his teaching attire— a pair of black slacks and a gray V-neck sweater vest over a white button down— while Minho looked comfy in sweatpants and his cat printed apron over a plain white T-shirt. Minho pointed the wooden spoon he was holding at Felix, eyes narrowed and lips pouty.
“You’re late,” he said.
Felix let out a soft chuckle. For being the second oldest out of the eight of them, Minho could be adorable sometimes. “Sorry,” he said. “Missed my usual bus.”
“You could have called me for a ride, Hyung,” Jeongin said. “I would have swung by to pick you up.”
“It’s all good,” Felix said. He walked over, slipping his arms around the younger’s waist. “But, I do kind of have to talk to you all about something.”
Minho arched an eyebrow at him. “Oh?” He asked. “Should we be worried?”
Felix nibbled on the inside of his cheek nervously. Should they be worried? No. Felix thinks he’s the one that should be worried. He’s the one that fucked up.
Felix shook his head before nuzzling his face into Jeongin’s neck. The younger took that as a cue to run his hand over the blond’s hair.
“I fucked up,” Felix said voice muffled.
There were a few beats of silence before Minho spoke up again to ask questions.
“Do we have a body to hide?” he asked.
Felix huffed. “No.”
“Do you owe someone money?”
A shake of the head.
“Did you cheat?”
Felix tensed slightly at that. Did he cheat? No. No he didn’t. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t feel any less awful right now.
“Yongbok,” Minho said voice firmer now. “Did you sleep with someone?”
Felix immediately pulled away from Jeongin and stared at Minho with wide eyes. “No,” he rasped, throat feeling dry now. “Fuck no. I would never, Hyung. You know that.”
Minho and Jeongin both seemed to visibly relax at that.
“Then your fuck up is fixable,” Minho said. “So, why don’t you and Innie go get washed up and changed into something comfy? I think I’ll make another side or two for dinner while you’re doing that. Then all of us can talk while we eat, hmmm?”
Felix hesitated for a moment. “I—“
“Go get your thoughts together,” Minho said cutting him off with finality. “Everyone can wait an extra half hour.”
“Come on, Hyung,” Jeongin said, grabbing Felix’s hand. He begun tugging him towards the stairs.
Jeongin didn’t say much of anything else, obviously leaving Felix to collect his thoughts like Minho suggested. But he did stay the whole time. He was gentle as he helped Felix wash up and it had the older man nearly in tears.
Jeongin had always had a soft spot for Felix. Everyone knew it. Even Felix himself.
“I love you,” Felix whispered softly.
Jeongin’s hands that were towel drying the older man’s hair paused. “I love you too,” he said. “Everything will be okay. We’ll figure out whatever is wrong together. The eight of us. Like always.”
The eight of us.
Like always.
Felix shook his head, swallowing doing his insecurity and fear forcibly. “Yeah,” he said. “Yeah. You’re right.”
Jeongin put up the towel before grabbing the hair drier. “Let’s get our hair dried and then go down to eat,” he said. “I’m starving.”
The two of them took turns blow drying each others hair, falling back into that comfortable silence from before. Once they were finished, they headed back downstairs. Apparently it was just in time too.
“Good,” Minho said, standing at the bottom of the stairs. “I was about to start screaming. Or worse, send Sung up there to scream at you for me.”
Jeongin let out a drawled out groan but his expression was fond. “Please no. That would be awful. I can already hear it.”
Minho snickered and grabbed Felix’s hand. “Come on,” he said. “Let’s eat before all my hard work gets cold and soggy.”
The three of them headed into the dining room where the other five already were. They all sat at their normal seats and were filling their plates up.
“Oi piglets,” Minho chided. “You better save some for us or you’re all going into the air fryer.”
“We would need an industrial sized one then,” Jisung said.
“Changbin has the money for one,” Jeongin said with a shrug, sliding into his seat.
“YAH!” Changbin protested, nearly dropping the tongs back into the japchae. “Why is it always me? I swear you all are trying to drain my bank account.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s impossible even with Lix’s affinity for designer clothes,” Seungmin said.
“What about Hyunjin’s love for ridiculously expensive art supplies?” Minho asked.
“Leave my Sennelier paints out of this,” Hyunjin said looking scandalized.
“Didn’t he just buy you a bunch of Da Vinci brushes last week too?” Seungmin asked.
“And all three hundred and something Copic markers because apparently he wants to try illustrating with them now,” Changbin grumbled.
“T-three hundred?” Jisung sputtered, a piece of galbi hanging from his chopsticks.
Changbin nodded. “Yeah,” he said. “Insane right? Who needs three hundred markers?”
Hyunjin pouted. “I do,” he whined. “You bought Lix that Louis Vuitton Beagle bag and you’re really gonna sit here and complain about my markers?”
“Hey that bag is cute!” Felix exclaimed, not being able to control himself.
The other seven men laughed. Minho and Felix took their own seats before filling up their plates. The table fell into the normal everyday ruckus but today? Today it didn’t give Felix the normal feeling of content and happiness it would have. He stayed quiet and picked at his food while listening to the mix of conversations.
Chan being Chan of course noticed. His eyes zoned in on Felix almost like he was trying to read the younger’s mind.
“Felix has something to talk about with us,” Minho said.
Immediately every other conversation came to a halt. All of them were now fully focused on him.
Felix shrunk on himself a little, feeling the anxiety begin to bubble back up.
“You know you can talk to us about anything, Lix,” Chan said tone gentle. Reassuring in that way that the oldest always was.
Felix nodded, placing down his chopsticks. “I know,” he said. “It’s just…” He let out a low groan and ran his sweaty palms over his sweatpants.
How do I do this?
“He thinks he fucked up,” Jeongin said.
“Fucked up?” Jisung asked, cheeks still full of food.
Changbin shook his head at the younger. “Swallow before you speak.”
“Why do you think you fucked up?” Jisung asked after swallowing. “Did you kill someone? Do we have to hide a body?”
“That’s what I asked,” Minho said.
“I draw the line at murder,” Seungmin stated.
“Some boyfriend you are,” Changbin laughed.
“Sorry, I have decent moral compass?”
“I’d help you hide a body,” Jeongin said from his spot across from Felix.
“Innie, you almost became a priest after high school,” Jisung said, obviously amused.
“A queer priest would be lynched in the catholic church,” Jeongin deadpanned.
Next to him, Hyunjin snorted. “Plus, Felix killing someone is like the wildest idea ever. The man can’t even use a fly swatter and gets Chan to take out the spiders even though he’s Australian too.”
“Just because I’m Australian, does not mean I’m not afraid of spiders,” Felix defended with a pout. “And I didn’t kill anyone so there’s no body to hide.”
But I am hiding somebody from you.
“Is whatever you fucked up why you’ve been so off the last few weeks?” Changbin asked.
So they did notice.
“We wanted to give you space,” Chan said. “Give you time to get yourself sorted.”
“But we were really close to calling some type of intervention,” Hyunjin said. “You were stress baking and cleaning so much that we were getting really concerned.”
An intervention? Was it that bad?
Felix stared down at his hands as they rested on top of his thighs.
Just say it, Felix.
“I’ve met someone,” he blurted, not daring to raise his head just yet.
The few moments of silence that passed felt like an eternity.
“What?” Hyunjin asked finally breaking it.
Felix raised his head, eyes immediately going to scan over his boyfriends’ faces. Every single one of them looked taken back like what he had just told them was the most shocking thing ever.
“At the children’s hospital,” he continued, voice soft— fragile. “I met someone at the children’s hospital. She’s another volunteer and…” He trailed off not knowing how to continue at the moment.
“She?” Jisung asked.
Felix nodded. “I know we haven’t talked about adding someone in such a long time,” he acknowledged. “We barely talk about other people at all anymore. But it’s been eating me alive not talking to you all about her because I really…”
“You like her,” Jeongin said knowing.
“Yes,” Felix admitted. “I really, really like her. I’m sorry.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about, Lix,” Chan said.
“Does she know?” Seungmin asked. “About us?”
“No,” Felix said tensely. “I haven’t told her. I wanted to talk to you all first.”
There was another pause of tense silence. The other seven men shared looks.
“How long have you known her?” Hyunjin asked breaking the silence once again.
Felix winced at the tone of his voice. Low, cold. Not Hyunjin.
“Six months,” Felix muttered.
“Six months?” Hyunjin repeated. His eyes narrowed at Felix. “You’ve known her six months and haven’t told her anything about us? Does she even know you’re in a relationship at all?”
“Hyunjin,” Minho said, a warning tone to his voice. “Six months isn’t too long. Especially when we all agreed we would only consider someone if one of us was serious.”
Felix’s head drops in shame. “She doesn’t know,” he muttered. “I never told her I was in a relationship.”
“Lix,” Jisung breathed.
“Are you fucking serious?” Hyunjin hissed.
“Hyunjin,” Chan warned.
“No,” Hyunjin shot back. “Don’t ‘Hyunjin’ me. I’ll agree six months isn’t that long. But he should have at least mention he was in some type of relationship. Especially if he is as serious about her as he seems to be.”
“I know,” Felix said, raising his head. His eyes connected with Hyunjin’s. “I know I should have. I regret it every day. I just… I got caught up. And then when I realized, I was terrified. I was terrified how just how much I liked her. I hated the fact that I never mentioned the relationship to her. But then, I didn’t know how to bring it up. Ever since she happened no one has talked about another person. And now we’re finally healed. We’re okay. We’re happy.” He gripped on his sweatpants for a moment before releasing and blew out a breath. “I think a part of me thought maybe if I didn’t bring any of it up that I would eventually get over her. That maybe my feelings were just something that would last a few months and be done. But, the last few weeks I realized that I won’t be able to so easily.”
“You’re falling for her,” Jisung said.
Felix squeezed his eyes shut for a moment. He couldn’t cry. Not yet.
“It seems like he already fell,” Changbin said.
This is my fault. I’ll have to deal with the consequences.
Felix’s eyes opened again. “I think I have,” he said. “And I’m sorry. I know there was a better way to go about this. I know I should have gotten my shit together and told you sooner. I should have told her sooner.”
“All those times you said you were hanging out with a friend from the hospital the last few months,” Seungmin said, “That was her wasn’t it?
Felix nodded grimly. “Yes,” he said. “They weren’t dates if that’s what you think. She doesn’t know—“
“You liked her and took her out,” Hyunjin said. “Multiple times. Even if she doesn’t know you like her that’s still…. It’s fucked up Lix. It’s borderline cheating.”
Felix’s heart dropped to his gut.
Cheating?
“No,” Jeongin said suddenly. His eyes narrowed on Hyunjin. “You of all people don’t get to do that shit.”
Hyunjin’s eyes widened. “I di—“
“You did the same fucking thing and everyone was okay with it,” Jeongin snapped. “Sure, I agree Lix-hyung should have at least mentioned he was in a relationship beforehand. But, didn’t we agree on one thing? Only if we were serious about a person would we talk about adding them to the relationship. Six months is not a long time to get to know someone. And him hanging out with her? That’s him getting to know her more.”
Hyunjin suddenly looked pale. He slumped back into his seat with a dazed expression on his face.
“Jeongin—“
“I’m not done,” Jeongin said cutting Chan off.
Felix couldn’t help but grimace at that. Seungmin and Jisung shared the same reaction.
“This is not how we do things,” Jeongin said. “This is not how we work. He obviously regrets it. He’s obviously sorry for it. We never gave you shit for it so we will not be giving him shit for it.” Jeongin looked over at Felix. “You haven’t kissed her, right?”
Felix shook his head.
“There. No cheating.”
The room fell silent after Jeongin finished talking. Everyone seemed lost in thought.
“I’m sorry,” Felix said after a few moments. “I’m so sorry.”
“You don’t have to apologize for your feelings, Lix,” Jisung comforted.
“Jisung’s right,” Chan agreed. “You don’t have to apologize for catching feelings for someone. Jeongin’s also right. You came to us when you knew you were serious about her. That’s what we all agreed on. So we should give her a chance.”
“What if I don’t want to give her a chance?” Hyunjin asked voice shaky. “What if I’m happy with just the eight of us?”
Felix’s shoulders dropped at that. He should have known. Hyunjin has always talked about how happy he was with the eight of them.
“Get your head out of your ass,” Minho reprimanded. “Or was Jeongin’s lashing not enough?”
“No, Minho,” Chan said. “Hyunjin’s allowed to express his feelings about this too.”
Hyunjin nibbled on his lip. “I just don’t want a repeat of two years ago,” he said. “It was my fault and I…“
“She’s not her, Hyunjin,” Felix defended. “At all. And, I understand why you might not want this, Hyune. I do. It’s why I was so scared to talk to you all. But she’s… she’s amazing. She really is.”
Hyunjin seemed to consider his words. So did everyone else.
“I’m not saying I necessarily agree with Hyunjin,” Seungmin said, an unsure expression on his face. “But do you all think right now is the right time to even consider adding someone?” He ran a hand through his freshly cut, reddish brown hair. “A lot of us are at pretty vulnerable times in our lives. Lix and I are in the middle of our clinical rotations. Hyunjin is finishing up his last year of his masters and is looking for a company to intern at. Not to mention he has another exhibition in a few months. And Jeongin is in his first year teaching. It’s just… a lot.”
Chan nodded. “There is a lot going on,” he agreed. “It would be something we would have to consider carefully.” His eyes focused on Hyunjin. “And we all know how much you regret what happened Hyunjin. But that was not your fault. We all made that decision. Just because you were the one to introduce her to the relationship doesn’t mean you’re the only one at blame.”
Hyunjin looked like he wanted to object but ultimately decided against it.
“I think we should all take the time to think everything through,” Chan continued once he realized Hyunjin wasn’t going to speak. “We are going to at least meet her. That’s nonnegotiable. She’s important to Felix. And Felix, that means you have to tell her about us. You don’t have to tell her you like her yet or any of that. But you need to let her at least know that you’re in a relationship and what kind of relationship it is.”
“I will,” Felix said. “Tomorrow. I’ve been helping her study for her midterms.”
“What’s she like?” Jisung asked.
Felix smiled at the question softly, turning fond at just the though of you.
“Y/N is amazing,” he said. “She’s beautiful and smart. She’s loving too. You guys should see her with the kids. And she has all these little quirks that remind me of all of you. She’s her own person too obviously. She’s independent. Maybe a little too independent. And she works hard. Her grades are amazing. She’ll definitely be graduating at the top of her year.”
“Y/N?” Seungmin asked, eyebrows furrowed. “That’s her name?”
Felix nodded. Seungmin looked like he wanted to ask more but ended up just leaning back in his chair and nodding.
“You’re down bad,” Changbin said a knowing glint in his eyes. “You look sappy as hell.”
Felix smiled sheepishly and scratched the back of his neck. “I am,” he agreed. “I really am. And I think you all would adore her. I think she would fit easily with us.”
“And what if she doesn’t want to be in this relationship once you do confess?” Hyunjin asked.
Felix smile turned sad. “Then that’s something I’ll have to deal with,” he said. “I don’t even know how she’ll react to me being in a polyamorous relationship yet. I don’t think she’d be weird about it but…” He simply shrugged.
“We don’t want you to get hurt Felix,” Chan said. “If this doesn’t work out then…”
“It’s a risk that I’m willing to take,” Felix said. “And again. I’ll have to deal with. Getting your feelings hurt is just a part of being human sadly.” He squared his shoulders, looking more determined. “It’s all of us or none. If you don’t want this then fine. I’d rather lose her than lose any of you. I love you all more than anything. I will not give this up for anything. It will always be you.”
“Okay,” Hyunjin agreed after a minute. He let out a heavy sigh, shoulders relaxing and arms dropping. “Okay, yeah. We should meet her. I’m sorry for being so… defensive.”
Felix shook his head. “You have every right to be,” he said. “I’m sorry for the way I went about this all.”
Changbin reached over and threaded his fingers through the younger’s hair. “It’s okay,” he said. “We know you’re serious about this. We will be too, hmm?”
After a few more agreements from the table, Minho changed subjects. Felix was grateful for that. They all chatted while they finished up eating. Some were more chatty than others.
Felix stayed quiet, carefully listening to what everyone said. He could feel Hyunjin eyes on him but when he tried to catch his gaze, he was avoided awkwardly. Felix let out a heavy sigh and once again slumped in his seat.
Minho nudged his leg under the table causing Felix’s head to snap over to him. Without a word, Minho just tilted his chin at Hyunjin with a questioning looked.
Felix simply shrugged.
Apparently, Hyunjin really didn’t want this.
I’ll end up having to get over her, won’t I?
By the time Felix finished with helping clean up all the anxiety had been replaced by exhaustion.
“I’m going to turn in early,” he said to his boyfriends. “I have an earlier shift than normal tomorrow.”
“Okay,” Changbin said, pressing a soft his to his temple.
“Get some sleep,Lix,” Jisung said, plopping himself onto of Jeongin who had already made himself comfortable on the couch.
The youngest groaned under him. “Get off,” he protested.
“Never,” Jisung said in a sing song tone. He snuggled closer to the man earning another groan and a grumbled complaint that Felix didn’t catch.
“Can I…” Hyunjin grabbed Felix’s hand and slotted their fingers together. “Can I sleep with you tonight?”
Felix perked up a little at the question. “Yeah, of course you can.”
The two of them wished goodnight to all the rest of their boyfriends before heading upstairs. They moved through the steps to get ready for bed in a surprisingly comfortable silence.
“I want to apologize,” Hyunjin said once they were snuggled under the covers of Felix’s bed.
“There’s nothing for you to apologize for,” Felix said, wrapping his arms around Hyunjin.
“There is,” Hyunjin said. “I was an asshole. A hypocrite.” He let out a heavy sigh, snuggling into the blond closer. “I just… I really am scared that something like before would happen again.”
“I think we all are,” Felix said. His hand slipped under Hyunjin’s tee and rubbed soothing circles at the small of his back. “I know we are. But, Y/N isn’t like her, Hyun. And, if this is something you really don’t want then I accept that. Really. I just want… no. I need you to be truthful.”
“It’s not that I don’t want it,” Hyunjin said. “It’s just… It caught me off guard. I’ve been stressed out with everything lately that I was irritable and not thinking things through. I want to meet her. I do. And I will.”
Felix pressed a kiss to Hyunjin’s forehead. “I happy you’re willing to,” he said. “Just please be honest with me about how you feel from now on.”
synopsis: The big bang signified the universes creation, but also it's destruction. Regardless of the side of history you lie on, you are the catalyst either way.
ot7 bts x f.reader (poly)
ㄨ : wc: 10.7k
ㄨ : genre: yandere au, a/b/o au, zombie apocalypse au, survival thriller, dark “romance”, dark content
ㄨ : content: alpha bts!, omega!reader, post apocalyptic themes, hiding of second gender, light panic attacks, unreliable narrators, one flashback (1st scene), light torture in a flashback, references to dead bodies, namjoon kills someone, yoongi is a lil angsty, delusional jk (we’re never escaping him), major character injury (!!), bombs, explosions, light angst, light fluff, mostly action, omega stereotypes (omegaphobia? lol), hoseok is insane i fear, omg reader is back too i missed her, light religious symbolism, hoseok is a sadist and a masochist lowk, blood, guns, general violence, referenced masturbation, lowk i thought there were more? Lmk if i missed anything!! -> series warnings here
ㄨ : notes: HAPPY ARIRANG I AM OBSESSED WITH THE ALBUM AND ALSO SORRY FOR HOSEOK HE'S A BIT OF A MESS <3 Our little reader gets to meet the pack soon! Yippee!
ㄨ : chapter 4 <- index -> chapter 6
18+ -> minors / blank blogs dni
THEN.
BANG!
Seokjin’s form crouches low to the ground, his thighs spread while his arms hang precariously over his knees, wrists limp as they settle angling towards the ground. He simply just stares.
Well, the business deal Seokjin’s alpha was trying to procure had certainly gone south, that much is clear enough.
In front of him, lying on the floor, is one of the Jeon clan’s higher ups– clan’s beta, if Seokjin’s sources were correct
They were.
Though now, he looks like nothing more than a neutered puppy. The man's whimpering certainly doesn’t help with the picture either. It almost makes Seokjin want to laugh.
Namjoon is crouched on the other side of the body– body because that is simply what this man is, if he doesn’t start to give them answers. He doesn’t have much of a face left now anyway, so he might as well be.
The pack alpha’s hand is fisted into the betas hair, the tendon in his arms twitching from the effort of forcing the man's head into the ground over, and over, and over again. Slamming his head into the cold hardwood floor of the office, other bodies scattered around their forms.
The pool of red is still growing.
The pack alpha is huffing, there is a glorious fire in his eyes. Seokjin thinks he looks beautiful.
“Should I ask you again?” Seokjin questions, head tilting to the side. A small, placid smile dotting the corner of his lips, condescension radiating from his entire being as Namjoon pulls the man's head up just high enough once more.
What an ugly thing he has become. Maybe he’s the unlucky one, the lucky ones are probably the corpses scattered across the floor. At least they didn’t have to undergo their combined fury.
He should have just given Seokjin the answers he wanted already.
Seokjin sighs once more, looking up at Namjoon, “It doesn’t seem like he wants to, does it?”
Seokjin registers the opening of the office door. Huh, he really did not think anyone else was in the house today. Not that it matters much, Seokjin will deal with them the exact same way.
He sighs, closing his eyes as he stands. His arms feel tight in his suit, but he raises one anyway. Cresting it on the same side of his neck where Namjoon had left his bite, using its force to aid him in cracking his neck.
Seokjin doesn’t have time to dilly dally. He’ll be sure to make this quick.
The intruder relieves a sharp gasp from his lungs, the lazy drawl of Seokjin’s lids to draw upwards, taking him in for the very first time.
Soft, perfectly cut straight brown hair. Large doe eyes. Perfectly sculpted nose with little moles dotting around his face in constallations.
Seokjin’s recognition of him is instantaneous.
Jeon Jeongguk. 23. Important.
The Jeon pack alpha’s only child. The last progeny remaining in their all-alpha familial line.
Well damn, Seokjin was sure he wasn’t here. From the information Seokjin gathered before setting out to the groups's territory, the kid was practically treated as royalty. Spoiled rotten, coddled. There were even rumours he had never gone outside before.
Seokjin didn’t believe them, of course not, that would be a rather auspicious thing to do. But with how much he had heard about Jeongguk’s treatment, he didn't think they would just let the kid wander around on his own in a clan meeting house like this. He doubted Jeongguk would be involved in territorial conflicts at all. He was a member of the familial pack, not the territorial one like Seokjin… interogates… now. The distinction is clear as clear as day.
Looks like his intel may have been wrong.
Not only is he here and involved with them, he looks like a deer in headlights. His cheeks are turning a bright shade of red. It looks as though there are sparkles in his eyes. To be honest, Seokjin is taken aback. He isn’t sure what reaction he was expecting, but not something so… passionate. Something so devoted.
Is…. is this kid staring at Namjoon with… admiration…? While Namjoon has Jeongguk’s mom’s right hand is in a bloodied heap on the floor?
Huh. Well, this is certainly a surprising change of tune.
“S-Sir! Please leave! Don’t get yourself involved with this!” Huh, so the body still did have a voice. He was sure Namjoon had squeezed it out of him by now. Regardless, the words have Seokjin turning his head back towards the mess on the floor, back towards his alpha.
Oh. Seokjin’s eyes go wide.
Namjoon is staring right back at Jeongguk, that same star-crossed lovers expression on his face. Looking at him like the universe just changed for the better.
Turning back towards the younger, Seokjin confirms it– they are simply enamoured with one another.
When he makes the motion, when all the attention in the room is directly only at Jeongguk, it is clear the kid notices. His posture straightens, his chest puffing out just slightly. The most determined look that Seokjin has ever seen is as obvious as ever written across his features.
One of his arms raises up– certainly not the arms of someone who has had experience fighting– a single finger pointing towards both Seokjin and Namjoon. A cocksure smile on the pure alphas lips.
The world spins. This is nothing like Seokjin had been expecting out of the day.
“I want you.” He pauses, the determined smile blooming brighter. Seokjin doesn’t know how the kid could be so positive in such a thing– Seokjin needs time to fall, he guesses Jeongguk doesn’t. “Both of you.”
A sickening crack sounds throughout the room, the betas death as clear as day, though no one really pays attention. Instead, everything revolves around Namjoon rising to a stand right next to Seokjin, a similar smile on his own face.
“I feel like there are a few questions you should be asking instead of just saying something so bold.” All the rage Namjoon spoke with before the entry of Jeongguk is gone, a similar confident air in his tone. “Like who are we, why are we in your office. Why we just killed your clans beta.”
“I don’t care.” Jeongguk, though Seokjin just met him, looks like he’s never been more sure of anything in his life. “I didn’t like him anyway. He was shitty at taking care of me.”
Spoiled.
Namjoon hums, “Shouldn’t you be worried we’re going to kill you, too?”
Jeongguk thinks for a second, eyes looking up at the ceiling as he considers. “No. You want me.”
Maybe not spoiled. Maybe just sheltered if he thinks that simply about such things.
“You’ll have to deal with a few more than just us.” Namjoon leans forward a bit, the air around him bending to his will. Haughty. Attractive. “We have 4 other mates.”
Oh. Jeongguk now looks as though he is simply vibrating with delight. His teeth– ones Seokjin notices look like a bunnies– make an appearance, biting his lower lip.
“I want them, too.”
Well, Seokjin’s dealings are certain to become a lot more smooth from this point onwards.
NOW.
Jeongguk hasn’t slept.
Well, okay, to be honest, he’s not sure he remembers the last time he actually had a full nights rest.
Wait– no, that isn’t true either. The last night he did it was the night after he saw you for the first time, he remembers it clearly, actually. He would rather die than forget it. He would never in a million years forget dreaming of you.
He was in the woods, you were there too, obviously. Scampering between trees, looking so cute and playful. God, you were so fucking adorable– calling out to him, asking him to chase you.
Fuck, who was he to say no? He simply he complied. He would be an idiot to deny you of anything ever.
When he caught you? It felt like the last of his dreams had finally come true.
You were giggling underneath him, his body pinning you down by your shoulders. Your eyes in the prettiest little crests that he kissed over and over again.
He remembers the end, where you made him promise to find you when he woke up, too.
…Yeah.
He hasn’t had a full night's rest since then. But especially last night, last night he didn’t get a wink. Not even the half-hearted nap he usually gets by on.
How was he supposed to sleep after Joon broke the news that they would be going to your house the very next day? The house that he knows belongs to you now, all thanks to Yoongi. The house where– where–
Jeongguk clenches his fist, lets his nails dig into the skin of his palms as a way to manage the putrid smell that was already beginning to leak from his pores. In the tight confines of the armoured truck, he knows everyone else will be able to smell it.
Should he really care? Probably not. But he doesn’t want the second– first?-- time you smell him to be so… so unpleasant. He wants you to smell the real him. The alpha who your heart and soul belong to, the one you’ll build a future with. The one that can provide for you, that can take you out of whatever hell you’ve been keeping yourself in–
How long would it take before you let him give you a bite? How long will it take for you to give one to him?
Soon, hopefully. God, he can’t even count how many times he’s stroked his cock to the thought of your cute little fangs piercing the skin of his neck. How blown out your eyes would be with pretty red dotting your mouth. Do you even know that he saved the left side of his neck for you? Waited so many years just for his perfect omega to leave tangible evidence on his skin of your simple belonging to one another.
… Well, he hasn’t thought about it in awhile, but the point still stands. He hasn’t been able to, not since your face began to retain the essence of a shadowless blob whenever you appear in his mind, when you appear in front of him. Just…just out of reach.
Fucking had been in reach for over two weeks.
His top lip curls at the thought. He reminds himself to stop thinking such shitty things.
It doesn’t work.
He just needs to see you, and then everything will be right again. He’ll be able to protect you. His pack will be complete. The last piece of his soul, the part that felt like it has been missing will finally click into place.
Everything will be perfect.
You’ll be perfect.
Jeongguk forces his head back into reality as the wheels of the vehicle roll to a stop. His neck cocking to the side, deep eyes locking on Seokjin in the driver's seat. The clicking of metal registers in his ears, his hand clenching around the barrel of his semi-automatic a little tighter, the gun propped up against the floor, muzzle facing the sky.
“We're here.” Seokjin hums, completely carefree. Jeongguk isn’t sure how, to be honest. “We have a bit of a hike, if Jimin’s map is right.”
Today determines the rest of his future… do they not get that? Of course they don’t. They don’t understand what you and him have, no matter how much they might try to. They don’t understand the levels at which his entirety calls out to you.
He’s already reaching for the handle of the door, his entire body itching to leave, when another voice stops him– Joons’, “Gguk-ah, do a scan for us.”
His nose scrunches up while a little wrinkle finds itself between his brows, “Huh? Why me?”
That isn’t his job. He’s not good at that sort of thing.
At that, Joon only shrugs, handing the binoculars back behind him, “I trust you more to do it.”
Heat washes over Jeongguk instantly. The simple words have an even simpler effect on his body– his ears and eyes perk up a bit more, right alone with his chest swelling. No matter how much he just wants to get moving, that line has Jeongguk already hauling his upper half through the sunroof of the armoured vehicle, eyes scanning the distance.
From the top of the hill the pack has managed to find themself on, looking off into the distance is an easy task. Any subtle clearing is discovered, especially the very one they think contains your cabin.
Jeongguk sees it easily, mentally comparing it to the map he had been studying the entire ride over– the piece of paper that Jimin and Taehyung marked your approximate location on. Seems like they were paying enough attention to get that right, at least. Even if they might have messed up your potential first meeting.
No. As much as Jeongguk is angry at them, he’s even more upset with Yoongi. At least Jimin and Tae could plead ignorance. What they did was only a reaction to Yoongi.
What Yoongi did to him was straight malice.
Hiding you. Keeping you after he found out you were an omega. Only confirming it after Jeongguk was on the verge of a breakdown because he couldn’t fucking remember–
He takes another deep breath, centering himself. He’s lucky he’s been practicing the breathing exercises Seokjin-hyung has been prescribing and that the thought of meeting you soon is somewhat settling.
“Yeah. House is where Jimin said.” Jeongguk states, plain as day. Giving one final sweep before getting ready to hop down. Nothing much falling along the dense forest tree line.
Lucky that autumn was on their side– if it was any warmer out, the tree leafs may have kept you covered.
“It looks–” Wait, what was that?
Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a flash of light in the distance. Too solid to be a solar flare, too obvious to be a trick of the mind. Twisting the lens to make it focus, something different comes into view.
A truck, hardly hidden at all against the trees. Standing out so loudly it might as well be a homing beacon to anyone who wanted to discover its presence.
“Wait, hyung, I think–” Jeongguk scrunches his eyes, the hard plastic of the binoculars digging into his skin as he pushes his face into them deeper, like that will help him see better. “I think there's a truck over there?”
“Mm.” He hears the shifting of guns, probably Joon following the direction of his pointed finger from where the first car had already unloaded onto the ground. “About the same distance away as the house?”
Fuck if he knows, Jeongguk has always been shit with distances. It’s normally Yoongi’s job to take note of the perimeters like this– he still doesn’t know why he’s been put on the case instead. Why has he been given a job when all he wants to do is think about you. It's annoying.
He doesn’t need to be managed. He doesn’t need to be distracted.
“Yeah, looks like it.” Jeongguk pulls the binoculars from his face before taking a second to inhale, tasting the scent of the wind on his tongue. He won’t make the same mistake again.
He pulls himself the rest of the way out of the sunroof, heavy gun clattering against his shoulder as he jumps to the ground with a practiced ease only gained from experience. His form landing with a thud, both feet on the ground as he squats, one balled hand taking the brunt of the force not received by his knees.
He stands, eyes glued into the distance.
“We didn’t see any cars out here before.” Jimin’s voice is in his ears, but he half ignores it. He’s not focused on the conversation of his mates right now, all he can think about is the alpha in his head. The one telling him that these are your woods.
“Tracks.” Taehyung is supplying his mate, just like he always does.
“Yeah, there were tire tracks, but they didn’t lead to a car or anything.”
“Hm.” Joon is too analytical. Seokjin, too.
“Does it really matter?” Hoseok groans out the words– Jeongguk hears him cracking his knuckles, “We don’t have all fucking day, and if these two don’t stop laying it on thick there won’t be hiding from the little doe.”
Jeongguk knows Hoseok is referring to the pheromones he’s releasing, but he really doesn’t give a shit. At least the alpha is speeding the whole thing up– Jeongguk can feel his muscles burning. It’s only a matter of time before he leaves and just goes to get you himself.
His patience is a tether that is not withstanding gale force winds.
“We're triangled right between them.” Jeongguk’s eyes roll, unable to stop himself at the sound of Yoongi’s gruff voice chiming in. He guesses at some point he set up shop looking out of the top of the other car with his sniper. “About 750 meters that way is the car, 875 to the house. 1000 between ‘em, too.”
Soon, Jeongguk hears the footfalls of Yoongi jumping, followed by the scribbling of a pen on a map. He’s starting to get frustrated with all these semantics. These alleged important parts of the job.
He still doesn’t understand why they have to be so careful about this.
You’re his soulmate, you’ll understand even if you are a little scared at first.
“It would be worth it to check it out, at least.” Seokjin’s voice is there– one of Jeongguk’s only hyungs along with Joon that seems to care about how hungry Jeongguk is to have you already. “If Jimin and Taehyung wrecked her house, she could be staying there for cover.”
What? Jeongguk’s alpha is howling in pain. How could he let his omega live inside of a car?! Even if it’s just for the night, that’s too much for you to go through. It’s just too much.
You deserve to be in a nice big house, bundled up in his clothes– not anyone elses right now– relaxing in his big bed, the softest blankets surrounding you while he feeds you the meat he’s hunted.
Joon nods his head, arms crossed over his broad chest. “Jimin, Taehyung, Jeongguk, you go to the truck. Radio us with what you see.”
. . . Jeongguk blinks.
He blinks again.
He’s not half listening to the conversation anymore.
“What?!” His head snaps before his brain can process the words, eyes finally leaving the distant trees you resided in for so long. So long, all alone. So long without him.
…You missed him, right? Don’t worry, you won’t have to for much longer.
They want him to go with them to the fucking car?! To the fucking car instead of your house?! They’re insane. Fucking insane. The growl is already in his tone before he can manage to stop it. “No.”
Hoseok’s expression is bored, Namjoon’s is blank, Seokjin’s is sympathetic. Jeongguk couldn’t give any less of a shit.
“Gguk-ah…” Seokjin is using that tone of voice he always does when Jeongguk gets riled up like this, the one that means he’s treating him like a pup. Sometimes he likes it. Today is not one of those days. “We need Yoongi with us at the main house…”
Wrong thing to say.
Jeongguk scoffs, “So he gets to see her before me? Are you joking?”
His bonds pang– the internal urge of half of him wanting to soothe the others displeasure combating with his temperament still burning from the night before. The rest are lucky Hoseok managed to calm him down before he took off on his own last night.
“No.” There could be something more to it, something they’re not telling him. They never tell him things. Or maybe they do– either way, it doesn’t matter. He’s pissed right now. All he can feel is that. “We just…”
“They don’t want you to see what the others did and freak out.” Jeongguk has never been more thankful for Hoseok’s blunt tone– at least someone will tell it to him like it is, even when he is worked up like this.
“Thats…” He would like to argue against their stance– that he totally would not blow up and pounce seeing what Jimin and Tae had done– but the words die on his tongue. He knows it's more than likely, so… he chooses a different route to argue his case.
He stands a little taller, “I just want to see. I should get to know how my mates been living.”
“You can see that after, can’t you?” Jimin grumbles, finally merging himself back into the main conversation from where Taehyung had him dragged away before.
Oh, of course, it would be Jimin saying that very thing. The one who wants to avoid Jeongguk seeing whatever state they left his soulmate's den in.
“Jimin, be quiet.” Seokjin sighs, trying once again to be the mediator. Jeongguk normally thinks it’s an incredible skill to have. He respects Seokjin a lot for him stepping up as second in command of the pack, but he’s having trouble retaining any of that sense now as he feels the biting breeze against his cheeks. As he feels the woods trying to speak to him.
“We need you to take the lead here, okay? Manage these 2 and direct them if she’s at the truck instead of the house.”
He feels like he’s going to scream.
See, the issue here is that Gguk doesn’t give a shit about pack dynamics.
He feels like a broken record due to how often he repeats it, but all he cares about is you.
He doesn’t give a shit that more people are needed to case a house than a truck. He doesn’t care that Jimin and Yoongi can’t be in a group together out of fear of them fighting. Doesn’t care that he can’t be with Yoongi either due to the fact he will definitely be fighting him.
Hell, it doesn’t bother him that Hoseok doesn’t see the point in getting you, or that Seokjin is only following along because of Joon’s lead. Sure, he’s frustrated by the way Yoongi’s eyes light up whenever you are discussed, and by the way that Tae shrinks away at the same mention. He didn’t even argue last night when he was excluded from Namjoon, Hoseok, and Seokjin’s meeting last night while they were plotting today out.
He doesn’t care that the groups split makes the most logical sense– that the packs 3 highest in command should all be at the larger site. He doesn’t even care that the rest of them probably don’t even realise that he understands all of it– that he accounts for every minor detail, too.
He doesn’t give a shit about fucking anything other than getting to you and it feels like the others just aren’t listening to how his wolf howls for you.
He feels like he’s going in circles.
His head certainly is.
He should just go. He should just start listening to his instincts just like everyone else does. He should–
Namjoon’s solid hand comes down on his shoulder, his frame leaning down just slightly to look in Jeongguk’s eyes. “Gguk-ah. I’m counting on you. If you find her, you’ll catch her.”
Fuck. Jeongguk does care about that.
Cares about Joon. About the other pure-alphas approval.
As his heart begins to beat a little faster, he takes a step back while tossing the strap of his gun over his shoulder. His boots crunch against the solid soil as he turns his back to the rest of the pack, making sure his face is hidden before any sort of blush tries to rise to his cheeks.
Joon always makes fun of him for that.
“Whatever.” He grunts out, trying to keep it a secret how affected by his pack alpha he is. He’s not the pack’s pup anymore. He shouldn’t get so worked up over little things. “Let’s go.”
“If you see anything, radio.” Hoseok reminds, a slight strain in his voice from what Jeongguk can only imagine is another stretch. Another part of the generals routine. “Kill anything you see, infected people or alive ones. Doesn’t matter to me.”
As if Jeongguk doesn’t know that already.
He grunts, marching off down the unbeaten path with his two elder packmates in tow. His brain tuning out the words of the other four as his brain already moves onto the next thing. As the woods start to feel more and more familiar the deeper he finds himself going inside.
…He’s going to make sure the promise he made to the you in his dreams stays alive and well.
Yoongi's pace meanders a few behind the rest of the group, the heavy metal of his favourite gun thunking against his back with every step he takes. The smell of the damp forest floor invades his nostrils with every small pant he takes, the morning dew making the floor wet as mud decides to cling to his boots.
He never thought he would be out in the woods again.
His head tilts towards the sky as he thinks, lets his mind wander away from the sounds of birds while he has a moment to do so. His body instinctively following the guidance of the rest of his mates without having to put any conscious effort into doing so, something in him knowing they would keep him safe even if he got a little distracted.
The last time Yoongi stepped foot into the forest… into any woods like these… it had to be at least 10 years ago.
He doesn’t know how you live in them. How you survive it.
He knows the crushing weight of the trees.
He’s been trying to figure out how since last night, to be honest. Ever since Jimin mapped out roughly where you had been staying, he’s been wondering why you forced yourself out here. How long you’ve been managing.
The woods are so tall, how do you fight against them all on your own?
Yoongi couldn’t. Still can’t, probably.
Logically, he has to remind himself, something dense like this is probably safer from intruders– not safe enough, if Jimin and Taehyung were able to find you– and zombies. There were far less out here than there were constantly battering against the walls of their compound. Hoseok had only managed to spot 2 on their hike so far, both are double-dead now. So comes safety from others in isolation, he guesses. Maybe that’s how you view it. He almost wishes he could, too.
Still not safe enough.
Yeah, for once Yoongi has to agree with his inner alpha. You’re not safe enough. Not if two of his pack mates were able to track you down. Not if what they say is true about you having been out here alone for who knows how long.
As much as he hates the idea of taking that decision away from you, he hates the idea of you dying even more. He hates the idea of not being able to keep you safe from pain, from letting you rot out here.
That’s all forests do. They infest your brain with rot.
Yoongi can’t stand the idea of stumbling upon you, fungus covering your skin.
He can give you back other freedoms later. It’s what he’s promised himself. You’ll– okay, you probably won’t like his pack at first. He would be the first person to admit that, regardless of how much he cares for them. But… but eventually you might come around. You might like hi–
Yoongi shakes his head, forcing himself away from the train of thought his alpha keeps forcing him down.
He’s coming to get you, to protect you as a friend. Someone he considers a friend, even if it was only one night spent together under fictional stars. Even if he did just plan to let it all blur away.
He’s not coming to you as an alpha with a prerogative. He just… he wants you to be okay. Especially after what Jimin and Taehyung did. He just wants to make sure that you're safe. That you’re not spiralling like he would be under the same circumstances.
Yoongi hates the woods.
…Yoongi wants Jeongguk to forgive him.
He probably won’t.
He should probably stop worrying himself over it. He has more pressing matters to deal with– ones that are only a few meters away, not in an entirely different group, heading to another location.
The guilty part of him hopes Jeongguk will find you first, but the selfish part of him, the ever present one that seems intertwined with his wolf, hopes that he will get the honour.
It isn’t good for you to be alone. You shouldn’t have to suffer through it.
Yoongi is projecting, he knows it. He also can’t stop it, and honestly, doesn’t want to. He wants to feel connected to you. Maybe he’s being selfish again by allowing himself to do so.
…Well, he is the only one who’s actually met you. He’s the one you felt– feel safe with.
His fingers twitch, he wants to just hurry up with it all, already. He wants to get you out of here, bring you to the house. Comfort you, if you’d let him.
…Would you let him?
His heart starts beating a little bit faster. That can’t be good.
“You’re thinking too much.” Hoseoks’s hushed voice makes its way into his muddled mind, a broad shoulder bumping into his unsteady frame.
Yoongi’s eyes slowly draw back from the sky, instead finding their place upon Hoseoks’s handsome face instead. Too handsome. It looks like it was carved by one of the greats. It isn’t fair.
“That’s rich coming from you.” Yoongi deadpans like he definitely wasn’t just admiring the pack's chief of combat.
He totally wasn’t. “You never think when Namjoons’ ‘round.”
God, they’ve been together how many years and Yoongi still pretends to be coy. He knows Hoseok sees through it, though, so there’s really no harm. Not like when the Jeongguk first joined the pack and became acquainted with Yoongi’s sharp, unrelenting tongue. Yoongi will never forget the complete embarrassment of having to explain what Jimin dubbed his ‘cuteness aggression.’
Bleh.
It was the most embarrassing day of his life.
Thankfully, Hoseok likes it when Yoongi gets mean. Says it ‘gets him going’.
Hmph.
“Yeah, well it’s their job. I’m not on the clock right now.” Hoseok smiles, both of his arms raising up to hold the back of his head up. “Let Seokjin deal with it. Looks like he has a stick up his ass, anyway.”
Yeah, Yoongi guesses that’s true. Hoseok isn’t leading the pack’s recruits on any kind of clearing mission, nor is he leading anyone into war. Still, he doesn’t know how he is just so relaxed about everything when Yoongi feels like he’s dying inside.
Still, he doesn’t think he agrees with the idea of it being anyone else's job, especially not Seokjins’.
Yoongi hazards at the body next to the pack alphas. He still doesn’t understand why Seokjin acts like a saint. Their rooms are next to each other, he’s heard the elder’s rants. Yoongi’s one of the few other than the pack alpha that knows his position.
Huh, maybe Seokjin never realised how thin the walls are.
“Bullshit. You’re a control freak.” Yoongi grunts, “If Namjoon didn’t force you out of taking the lead, you’d be up there instead.”
Hoseok simply hums, acknowledging Yoongi. Probably agreeing that it's true in his head.
“Jin!” Hoseok calls up ahead, pulling Seokjin back towards the tail end rather than the front. Yoongi watches as he turns, as he lets his footsteps slow to allow for Yoongi and Hoseok to catch up.
Yoongi feels Hoseok’s hands on his shoulders, forcing him up in front, a big heart-shaped smile on his lips, “This one’s thinking too much. Calm him down.”
“Yah. Stop it.” Yoongi tries to shrug off the younger, but fails miserably. Hoseok’s grip is tight, his fists massaging the flesh, “That’s not his job.”
The conversation feels easy. Too easy, for the current conditions. Zfor the way Yoongi is feeling. He doesn’t fully feel like he deserves their care.
“Aish! What are you talking about! It’s what I was recruited for!” Seokjin huffs, a fake glare directed at Namjoon’s back steady across his features.
“Receuited?” Yoongi almost wants to laugh, “Not the story I heard.”
As much as Yoongi likes to feign disinterest, he certainly does not miss the colouring of red rising to Seokjin’s ears. The corners of his hips curl, already completely aware the elder is going to go on one of his tirades.
Cute. Seokjin is cute.
“Yah!” The elders whisper raises a hair, his lips pouting out a bit more as his words increase in pace. “That brat wouldn’t leave me alone— what did you expect me to do?! He wasn’t even in my department—“
Yoongi shakes his head, eyes staring at the ground. Yoongi doesn’t even try to deny the expression is out of fondness. “You trying to let the whole forest know we’re here?”
“I—“ Seokjin pauses, eyes going wide as he realises just how loud he was getting. His ears get just a bit darker, but he doesn’t acknowledge it. Instead, the eldest in the pack just clears his throat, standing a bit straighter. “What were we discussing?”
The corner of Yoongi’s mouth quirks, “How Namjoon pursued you for years before you gave into him.”
“Other than that.”
He shrugs, not really remembering. He wasn’t paying much attention, more so looking for a distraction.
“Ah,” The weight of Seokjin’s arm is dropped over Yoongi’s shoulder, his head shaking along with the addition. “That’s right. You were thinking too hard. Is it being out here?” There's a slight pause before Seokjin continues, “You don’t need to think about back then anymore.”
He wishes it was that easy.
Hoseok’s echo of the past blinks fresh in his mind— ‘Live in the moment with me.’ That’s what Hoseok had said back then.
Seokjin’s smile feels warm when it’s directed just at Yoongi, “Just let hyung take care of it, okay? We’ll be home soon.”
Now he is sure his heart is moving at a faster pace than before.
Hyung.
Yoongi never used those sort of honorifics with Seokjin— it just wasn’t in the nature of their relationship. The elder never outwardly seemed to care, anyway, other than in half-assed jokes. It’s only in times like these that it felt like it mattered.
Suddenly, Seokjin’s face loses all sense of peace, a cold mask of stone falling over it at the exact same time his body freezes in place, the hike coming to a close. Namjoon’s hand in the air being the direct cause.
Well, it was nice while it lasted. It is time for action now.
Namjoon's fingertips curl towards his palm in a silent instruction to lower their frames closer to the ground. The slow, controlled approach to the house already having been planned out since the night before.
Namjoon sends a glance towards the pack’s general, signalling the change of power between them, Hoseok taking over direction.
Yoongi follows it silently without question, waiting for Hoseok’s motion to continue the pursuit forward. He’s always been in awe of the way Hoseok is able to direct everything, to make the motions of a unit seem fluid and conjoined rather than just heaping bodies following orders.
It only takes a glance from Hoseok before Namjoon is moving– the pack alpha gliding through the underbrush as he makes his way around the back of the cabin where he is meant to be stationed in case you try to make a quick exit from the rear.
Yoongi’s job is a lot more simple than the rest of theirs, he is only meant to be a lookout. Honestly, he’s thankful for it. He’s not sure he could manage much more upon seeing you again. Upon seeing the new conditions of your home.
A few seconds pass, a soft cooing whistle from Hoseok along with the tilt of his head telling Yoongi it’s his turn to move. He does as ordered, moving up from his squat, though certainly not returning to full height as he takes a light jog through the underbrush. Only settling himself down when he finds the angle he was looking for.
Checking left, checking right– yeah, here will do just fine. He can see your front door, as well as both sides of your house. He’ll be able to spot you if you try to make it through a window. With fewer guys, it might be a little more difficult to catch you, but Yoongi knows Hoseok enjoys the chase.
… He hopes it doesn’t come down to that, but if he does, he’ll try his best to comfort you even if he isn’t the best at it.
Carefully, Yoongi lowers himself down to the forest floor, pulling the gun off his shoulder right along with the action. He clicks the legs of it down, lowering himself to his stomach to check the view.
Just as he suspected, it’s perfect. He can see everything. Will definitely be able to spot you if you try to move.
Fucking hell. Those goddamn assholes broke most of your windows– he can only assume they weren’t like that before.
It isn’t long before Hoseok and Seokjin come into view, their bodies doing similar low jogs to the ones Yoongi just performed himself. Though their angle was towards the door– if you were here, they were going to get to you first.
Yoongi shakes his head, forcing the jealousy out of his gut. It’s fucking stupid. There isn’t any guarantee you’re still here, anyway. Yoongi knows he would have cleared out first thing if it was hi–
His breath stops in his throat, his head raising from his site. Pupils darting around the scene in front of him.
Fuck. Fuck. No, no no. Why is this happening now? Why?
Everything should be fine. Everything is going smoothly. Namjoon should be positioned around the rear of the building by now, Hoseok and Seokjin are counting down in front of your door, ready to make their move. Yoongi is keeping an eye out as he lays against the forest as Hoseok’s hand raises, starting from 5. There are no zombies around, nor other people that Yoongi can smell.
So why why why why why is this happening right now?
Why is something wrong?
That same sensation that settled over him yesterday has returned at a ten-fold.
Yoongi feels an overwhelming sense of dread in his gut. Worse than he’s felt in a decade.
Panic starts to take over before he’s able to calm it down, his body rising to a stand. Something shakes against his thigh, but he can’t comprehend it. Not when he knows something is about to go wrong, but he doesn’t know what yet.
The universe had to curse him with the ability to know, but not with the ability to do anything about it before it’s too late.
His legs are moving before his mind can catch up, his body rushing towards the door to stop them. He can’t breathe, he can’t think. Words are willing themselves to leave him. They have to regroup, they would understand. They trust him. They trust his judgment.
Just a little bit further. A little bit further.
He should have said something.
The last of Hoseok’s fingers fall, Seokjin’s shoulder slams into the door, breaking it from its hinges. He thinks another figure swoops in, but he isn't really sure.
The entire world has just become red.
Yoongi, he can’t move. He can’t do anything. The world stops rotating on its axis, everything moves to a standstill right along with Yoongi’s form. He’s positive things are happening around him, but he can’t process a single one. He can’t.
One second, everything is red. The next, it’s white.
He can’t hear anything, he can only feel red hot pain blossoming in his gut as something hits him. As he is tossed backwards several feet.
The trees quake due to the force.
Boom.
It doesn’t take Jeongguk long to get to the truck– or maybe it does. He doesn’t remember half of the journey.
He remembers splitting off from the pack, Jimin and Taehyung trailing behind him. He remembers hearing something reminiscent to a giggle beyond that was similar to the ones in his dreams. Remembers deciding that they meant he was on the right track to find you, that his alpha would never steer him wrong.
He didn’t talk at all the entire journey there, staying focused on the prize. There isn’t time for any distractions. He needs to see if you’re at the truck, then rush over to the cabin in case you’re there instead. He needs to hold you, tell you that you’re safe now, and bring you home.
Simple enough. There isn’t really much to do but actually do it. He can stop fantasizing about you once you’re actually in his arms. Maybe then the wolf inside of him will finally settle.
He just wants to breathe you in. For you to build a nest in his room.
He promises he won’t go in it! Not until you give him permission to. But just knowing you feel safe enough around him, safe enough around his scent, shit he wants it more than anything else.
He even has the perfect corner picked out for you already, he’s cleared out space in his closet, too, if you’d rather go there. Sure, he did that forever ago when he still remembered your face, but he’s been keeping it open ever since. He’ll keep it open forever waiting for–
A large hand tugs at the back of his shirt, halting him in his advance forward. The heat of it is almost blinding, but Jeongguk doesn’t let himself get distracted. Of course not, he’s an alpha on a mission.
A haphazard glance over his shoulder is the only thing he offers, finding Taehyung standing there, Jimin still quite a ways away, keeping himself separated. Hm. He’s been like that since yesterday, keeping himself a bit more closed off.
Good. He should feel bad, even if it was a mistake. Even if Jimin didn’t know you were his.
Another tug and Jeongguk is brought back to the moment again, a grunt signalling from his throat as a question meant to ask Taehyung what he wants.
Taehyung’s tongue comes out to lick at his bottom lip lazily, his eyes moving from their stare on Jeongguk to farther ahead on the path. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that Taehyung wants him to look, too.
His head turns back to the main trail, vision narrowing.
Fuck. He didn’t notice that.
Fuck fuck fuck fuck fuck.
Jeongguk’s heart swells, hope filling him to the very brim. Butterflies already dancing in his gut as his eyes go wide, as he feels a gentle heat curve into his cheeks.
Footprints. There are footprints on the same path they’re following now.
If Taehyung’s insistence is anything to go by, shit, it means your scent still dots the trees, too. Means that recently you followed the same path Jeongguk trails now. That you might just be living in the very truck Jeongguk is called towards now.
You– are you really waiting at the truck for him?
God, his entire being in inflating. His alpha is howling at him to go get you– that something as perfect as you shouldn’t be living out here. You shouldn’t be subjected to living in your truck because of what his idiot mates did.
Jeongguk’s legs are moving faster than before– he doesn’t really know when his pace picked up, but he knows the others are close to follow. 3 pairs of heavy thuds are marking up the forest floor, along with the sound of clanging guns against shoulders.
Within a few minutes he’s there. He’s standing in front of something you call your own.
It takes his breath away. Of course his omega would drive something cute like this– it makes perfect sense for you. Even if he doesn’t know you well yet, he’s sure of it. Oh, or wait… maybe you only use this one cause it’s convenient? Maybe another vehicle style suits you better?
He’ll get you a hundred cars, if you want. That way you can know what all of them feel like. It’ll feel so good to provide for you.
He moves in without really thinking, stalking towards the car, his noise unable to stop itself from the constant sniffing, attempting to weed out your scent from the rest of the woods. It’s difficult for him to, if he’s being honest. He always gets overwhelmed when so many different odours surround him, but he tries for you anyways.
He thinks he gets some of it, something that smells like beta– he knows better, he knows that even if you smell wrong, you’re still an omega– with hints of eucalyptus. Like some kind of herb used for healing, if he were to guess.
He frowns.
Now, standing only a few feet away from your truck, away from the source, he can tell it’s at least a day old. There isn’t anything that smells more fresh, there’s no sign of life within the cabin even with how forgetful he was at the volume of his approach.
It isn’t his fault though! He knows he was supposed to be quiet just in case but you distracted him. It doesn’t look like it matters anyway, you’re clearly nowhere to be found.
Jeongguk’s shoulders drop– all that hope that had been welling up drifts out. A laboured sigh from Jimin behind him, along with a kick to something– when Jeongguk turns his head, he identifies it as a fishing net with brush interlaced with the rope– signals that the others are sure of the same thing.
“She’s not here.” Even though Jeongguk is on better terms with Jimin than Yoongi, he still would rather not hear him talk right now. It’s not really any fault of his own, but stating the obvious when it’s clear Jeongguk is already irritated? When he can clearly see that you’re not here? It just makes Jeongguk’s teeth clench together a little tighter.
“I can see that.” Jeongguk rolls his eyes, one hand closing around the passenger cabin handle. The muscle in his arm straining in preparation for it to resist the movement, for the door to jerk back.
It doesn’t. It’s unlocked.
Jeongguk grunts as he stumbles just slightly, not enough to cause worry or for him to actually fall, but enough for his eyes to go wide. One hand reaching to steady himself on the top of the interior doorframe. His shoulders hunching just slightly while a small, growled ‘fuck’ slips from the back of his throat.
Thank god you aren’t here. That would’ve looked totally uncool.
He grunts, forcing himself to stand straight and only give half checks to his right and left to re-confirm your absence. Even if he wants to see you, he doesn’t want to look so lame. “We’re still checking. Maybe she left something to say where she’s going.”
“Or maybe she’s at her house.” Jeongguk’s eyebrows furrow, the back of his throat itching with a warning growl that wants to be let through. Didn’t Jimin hear Joon? Jeongguk is in charge, he shouldn’t be–
Jeongguk hears a sniffing sound right next to his ear, distracting him. It’s Taehyung taking the chance to scent the inside of the cabin, he guesses. Doesn’t really know what the other is looking for though. All he can smell is a slightly distressed undercurrent to your beta– it’s okay, he knows what you actually are, even if your scent is trying to lie to him– scent, most significantly clinging to the bag lying right across the passenger seat in a heap.
His frown deepens. Probably those two that made you smell like that. Made you scared with no one around to comfort you. There is a 0% chance Jeongguk is going to feel less bitter about it any time soon.
In the back of his head, Jeongguk realises the sniffing has stopped
He doesn’t offer Jimin any kind of response, instead focusing on the bag. Maybe you had left a map in there? Some supplies? Maybe just anything that would make him feel closer to you?
He should take it, right? That way, when you come home, you won’t be missing whatever's inside.
His lips purse just slightly, head nodding in agreement as his hand reaches out to grab it.
Well, he was grabbing it. Now, he’s on the forest floor, his head banging against the surface. Taehyung on top of him, his head pressed into Jeongguk’s throat, not even thinking about letting him up.
The growls begin to leave Jeongguk instantly, a second nature swelling up to the top.
“What the fuck are you doing? Get off of me!” He still won’t let up. He’s keeping Jeongguk pinned with everything he has. Jeongguk can’t see Jimin either. Can only feel the pounding in his head and shoulders from being throttled to the ground.
Is this a fucking coup or something? Were they just waiting to get Jeongguk alone so he wouldn’t be there to protect you anymore?
Jeongguk’s growls increase in volume, his limbs thrashing to try and get out from underneath Taehyung. He can’t believe this. He can’t believe they would fucking try something like this.
“Bomb.” Taehyung’s panicked baritone sends a lightning bolt through Jeongguk’s spine. He’s not fighting anymore. “Bomb inside. Bomb in bag. Don’t touch. Don’t touch! Can smell it! Intentional! Bomb! Don’t touch! Don’t!”
There’s…? You left a…?
Jeongguk looks back towards the car, his entire face morphing into that of complete disbelief.
You were trying to protect yourself… did you…? They said they didn’t see your car yesterday.. The covering was pulled off to the side, making the truck noticeable. Your footprints were in a clear line in the mud when you could just have easily veered off the beaten path, covered up your trail.
This was on purpose. You were trying to protect yourself if Jimin and Taehyung came–
What would have happened if Taehyung wasn’t there?
Jeongguk’s blood runs cold.
Joon doesn’t have a Taehyung at the house.
His mates can’t smell if the same trap has been laid just beyond the door.
Jeongguk shoves Taehyung off of him, adrenaline pumping through his veins. A newfound strength adorning his features as he manages to rattle the big puppy off. His frame rolling onto its stomach, reaching for the radio in his belt loop as he looks towards the direction of your cottage, his pupils shaky.
“Joon– Joon! There was a bomb in the truck! Abort the pursuit! Abort it!” His voice is yelling, crackling as it bounces through the radio.
Time feels like it’s extending itself, 30 seconds morphing into half an hour as he waits for a response.
There is none.
Shit. Shit. Shit! Shit! SHIT!
Jeongguk bolts upright, forgetting about the car, leaving it in the past while his mates are in danger in the present. “Fuck! Go! We have to go now!”
His pheromones, the same ones Joon used last night are unintentionally leaking from his pores, his body already beginning to rush through the tense trees. His head is spinning– he doesn’t know if the others followed. Only that he has to get to the rest of his mates before, before–
The sound rattles the trees, a deep ball of red rising above them.
Jeongguk freezes, his mind blank as he stares towards the distance in awe.
If it wasn’t his mates you were targeting, he would think you’re incredible. But right now, you’re not a thought in his mind. He’ll be upset with himself later over that fact. The fact of the matter, he knows where his bonds lie. He knows how much they’re in pain.
You didn’t know it was them. You don’t know it’s your soulmates. You’re just so scared, just so… everything hurts. His body is on fire. 4 spots across his form are radiating a pain he’s never felt before.
It hurts so bad.
So bad.
He wants to crumple to the floor. He wants to sob. He doesn’t know what to do.
“Get a fucking hold of yourself!!” Oh, Jimin’s screaming at him. He wonders when that started. When the shorter of the two grabbed his shoulders and began shaking him, when the look in his eyes became so deadly that they lost all of their spark.
The slap to his face stings, but he’s thankful for it. It finally brings him back to the moment, finally forces him to do what he needs to do.
“Stupid purebred! Fucking move! You’re useless to them if you can’t even do that!” Jimin’s shouting should sting, but it doesn’t in the slightest. He knows the words are true.
Jeongguk is running again, faster than he thinks he’s run in his entire life. He doesn’t really remember the rest of the interaction with Jimin, his memories feel jumbled. He knows at one point Jimin began dragging him towards the house, then he remembers overtaking Taehyung on his own while running.
The sight he sees when he finally reaches the cabin is one he’ll never forget.
He’s so lucky he’s never had the experience of his mates being in abject danger before. He doesn’t know if he could ever take feeling like this again.
The house, what's left of it, is up in flames. Wood panels have been blown off the side, half of the covered porch has caved in upon itself.
His chest heaves as he finally spots his pack. His soulmates. The ones he loves the most in the world. Namjoon’s form is on top of Seokjin and Hoseok’s bodies, looking like he pushed them out of the way just in time. Wood scattered debris lays around them still burning bright, though none directly on top.
A whizz of air passes by Jeongguk, Jimin’s shorter form running past him in the direction of Yoongi.
Yoongi.
Jimin is hauling a piece of burning wood off Yoongi’s stomach, his hands shaking his shoulders. His voice is yelling, but Jeongguk can’t really hear it. At some point he began to move, too. His body acting for him while his mind remains scattered.
His arms haul Namjoon off of the others, it’s clear all of them are injured– they’ll need to get medical attention when they get home. Seokjin, as much as he wants to, likely won’t be in the state to provide it. Jeongguk will yell at him if he tries.
Taehyung frame finally joins Joengguk too, following his lead in grabbing Seokjin instead, propping his body up rather than continuing to let him lay against the forest floor. From Jeongguk’s extremely limited medical knowledge, he knows his knee looks bad. But so does Hoseok’s shoulder. And god, Jeongguk has never been more thankful for the fire-resistant lining of the gear they wore today. He can’t imagine what the state of Namjoon’s back would be without it.
“Hyung! Hyung!” Jeongguk hears his voice, but he doesn’t remember willing it to sound. He finds himself in the same place as Jimin, his hands shaking the pack alpha's shoulders, trying to wake him from his passed out state.
Fuck. If only he was faster getting to the truck, if only Taehyung was able to tell him sooner none of this would have happened! He would have been able to tell them and, and, and–
“”M fine.” Jeongguk feels air enter him for the first time at the sound of Joon’s voice, even if it does sound a little weak. When Joon wheezes, his heart still pangs, “‘M fine. No one died. Take care of the others, they need it more.”
Jeongguk has never wanted to sob more in his life from relief.
The relief is short-lived when his eyes shift towards Seokjin being coddled by Taehyung.
Hoseok has propped himself up, too. He’s looking off in the distance.
He’s smiling.
You know, when Hoseok said he wasn’t interested in having an omega, you didn’t have to go and be such a fucking brat about it.
Yeah, yeah. Sure. Whatever. He was going to let his packmates have their new little toy until they got bored of it– he didn’t mind. Pretty pussy is pretty pussy, and alphas have their urges. Hoseok has never minded sharing a beta between a few of them for a night in the past, though that stopped when Jimin joined and started killing them.
Hoseok still didn’t really care.
He didn’t have any loyalties to them. Didn’t wanna bite them. They were just for fun.
If the youngest wanted a new pet, he wouldn’t deny him. He bets he would look cute staring at you like you were the world. Teetering after you while Hoseok had his.. Fun.
He wouldn’t deny himself the pleasure of playing with you, too. Again, pretty pussy.
And sure, Hoseok never really cared much for the second gender that seems so– his upper lip wants to curl– mystifying, almost like mythical creatures with their decline. He remembers even back in school when he was learning about them, being bored out of his mind.
Everything about them just seemed so boring.
Helpless.
Culling.
Too much work for what? Something that just likes to sit around the house all day pretty? God, sounds like his fucking nightmare.
Hoseok has always thrived on the exciting. On whatever could get his blood pumping the fastest.
It’s what Namjoon promised him. The alpha never did disappoint.
Months ago, when Namjoon first came to him about the idea of getting an omega, Hoseok thought that it might be the first time he would. He never expected a desire so… simple, baseline… traditional, from the pack alpha. He agreed, sure, but he didn’t expect anything from it. Thought that the alpha might finally be becoming boring.
He should be admonishing his past self for ever doubting him, but his present self feels high as a kite.
This is certainly a motherfucking treat.
Even with the pain radiating from his shoulder socket– it’s definitely popped out– he doesn’t deny it. His tongue, despite its pain from biting through the meaty flesh during the blast, runs over his teeth. Copper tang in every breath he breathes.
Awwwww, and you planned it all yourself, huh? Laid out a little bomb to catch the wolves in a trap? What an adorable little doe, thinking you could be big.
He raises himself up on his forearms, flinching a little at the weight put onto his shoulder. He should be screaming from it now, right? That’s what anyone else would do. His cock is hard.
“Hyung! Hyung!” Shit. He really can’t hear now. Most of it just rings. Call it love the way he was still able to hear Jeongguk through it. Whatever. It’ll come back soon. He’s got other things to focus on.
His eyes continue to scan the tree line, looking for something. He’s not sure what.
He’ll find out soon.
Ha, you really did a number on all of them, huh? Did alllllllll of this just for them? Wow, you must really care. You must really want Hoseok to think you’re worth it, huh? That you’re better than all those other little omegas out there?
You want him? That's the message you were trying to send, huh? That you want a chase?
You’re fucking lucky Hoseok loves them. You want him to love you, too? Are you ready for something like that? You really think so?
His lips crack open, a splash of red coating the inside edge. Another trail of blood running down his cheek from where he nosedived into the dirt.
You wanted his attention? That’s why you pulled this bratty little stunt? Well now you have it.
He sees a glint of light in the distance, way beyond the trees. Light reflecting off of glass. Binoculars, huh? Cute.
His smile grows, blood on his teeth. The taste of copper still coming through on his punctured tongue. His canines have never been more excited to bite.
Found you, baby.
Let’s play red riding hood.
“Boom.”
Your voice is soft, cusping just on the edge of the wind. Certainly nowhere near as loud as the sound that just permeated the forest, but felt as though it was even greater than it. A beautiful, radiating fire lighting the trees in the distance, a new glow.
On your face rests a satisfied, self serving smile.
You, and your predictions, had been right. They came back.
Now, there was no way you could be certain it was the same alphas that came to destroy you yesterday, of course not. It would be silly to completely presume but… it was nice to think it was, anyway. Had your legs feeling lighter as they rest against the wooden edge of the fire escape, your body slumped against the high-back stool that you just so happened to find in the fire tower.
Ha. Fire tower. Ironic.
Either way, you knew they would be back, and now they knew the consequences of doing such a thing, even if it is a pity the second bomb hadn’t gone off alongside the first.
The corner of your lips quirk a little higher, hand finally reaching to grab the binoculars from their place hanging against the chair. The cool metal raising to your eyes, allowing you to see even more of the beauty you had just created.
Mmm, the view isn’t too much better– you suppose you did walk pretty far– but still. The act of seeing everything is divine. Your house, the place you had crafted for years, may now be in shambles, but so are the alphas. Poor things.
Well, you’ll build your life back better, anyway. Every new start has become more and more easy. Lessons have taught you the proper steps, especially the steps to properly disappear. That everyone should have the tools and the knowledge to make an out if need be.
Your bottom lip perks out in a bit of a mocking pout, head tilting to the side as the fire begins to grow. It won’t make it far, you know that. The conditions aren’t great for it to actually spiral, but it feels prophetic almost. It feels perfect.
Leave no witnesses.
Mhm, and after they saw your nest, you knew you had to. Fixed up the house to make it look like you were planning on trying to stay, left your car uncovered as a second honeypot. Disabled your trip wires to make it seem like you didn’t know what you were doing. Packed all the suppressants you could. Made sure to leave a little trail to each.
Agitated clucking sounds from your left, drawing you out of your thoughts. The binoculars leaving your eyes as your head twists down towards her, instead.
Ah. Of course, there was Cheryl, too.
To be honest, you tried to leave her. To let her go back to the woods and live with the wild flock but… she wouldn’t stop following you.
Pack has to stick together, you suppose.
“Shhhh, shhh shh…” Your fingers slowly stroke down Cheryl's back, her plumage puffed up from the noise that rang throughout the forest. “You gotta be quiet. They could be watching us back.”
You stand from your spot, moving back towards the interior of the little fire tower. One hand scooping up Cheryl from her tummy, the other slinging your pack over your shoulder. A continued soft hushing leaving as you walk.
You have no plans of unpacking, you’d be leaving this location soon enough.
A small buzzing sensation runs through your entire being, the aftereffects of your successful plan still migrating through every one of your nerves, lighting each up like little stars in little galaxies.
Your lips curl once again, little sharpened canines hanging from below your upper lip, the corner of your smile tweaking upwards. “Well, if they’re still alive, that is.”
chapter 4 <- index -> chapter 6
⌬ : notes:
"oh, these weren't homemade. they were made in a factory. a bomb factory."
🧍♀️
ha..haha.. right guys?
*a tomato is thrown at me*
DAMN! Fine! Lemme just pack my shit and--- lmaooooo I'm joking!! Seriously though, I am desperate to hear what you guys think about this chapter. What I have been teasing for awhile has finally kicked off!! Like i said, reader still had a few things up her sleeve. She's crafty, huh? Either way, it isn't too much longer before she meets the guys!! it should be happening next chapter, isn't that exciting? It is to me!!
I am desperate to hear all of your thoughts on this chapter-- it really is my favourite one that I've written so far. Especially now that we have 6/8 povs unlocked for the main cast... mwahahah, hoseok is certainly a treat, isn't he? I have full confidence you will either hate him, or think he is entirely too hot (i am of the later group lmao, I know what I am) (a freak, if that wasn't clear LMAO)
Jeongguk too, with how desperate he is to have you :'< poor guy. Plus a look into the way he joined thep pack ?! Either way!! As always, please let me know any and all of your thoughts, I absolutely love hearing them!! Everything coming together, and the objects set in motion are rolling super fast now, even if it doesn't totally seem like it yet.
Ahhh, anyway, this is entirely too long! As always, thank you for reading and falling into the story of summer rain just like I have!!! We have officially hit 100 pages in my google doc! See you guys when the next chapter finishes out!! MWAH!!!
It’s been sooo long since I have found a well written ot7 fic!!! Like soooooo long and it’s soooo addictive that you get hooked!!! I cannot wait to read it all!
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Author’s Note: Uh, hello drama? Had to sprinkle in some angst. I wanted to write some conflict to show that the characters are human and have flaws. Because I think, when it comes to having feelings for someone else or falling in love with them, that’s people tend to make a lot of mistakes. Especially someone like Felix. He’s such a lover— my baby I love him so much🥹— and having such big feelings like that can lead to some rash decisions or mistakes. This scene randomly popped into my head one day and I had to write it down quickly before I forgot it. This was written without writing the conflict yet (I have it more planned out now), so it’s definitely unorganized and confusing. 100% more of a “for the author’s eyes only” type of draft 😬 but I thought people might enjoy this even though it's short.
I also wanna say thank you for all the love I’m getting on this series🙏🏽. Serendipty is still in planning and will be a long, full length written series so it will take awhile to completely plan/ write. But I will probably begin posting it once I’m finished with my current two series (Kiss Me + Of Chaos And Spirits). I’m hoping it will be around April/May. With that being said, I’ll continue to post some scenes here and there to hold you all over until then❤️.
Read 02/03. | Read 02/09.
“I hate to say it but I feel like Felix was leading you on.”
Your whole body stiffened at Seunghan’s words.
“What?” you rasped.
“Now is not the time,” Sunoo hissed.
You shook your head. “No, tell me what you mean by that.”
“After almost every single volunteer shift the two of you go out to eat,” Seunghan continued. “Which yeah, friends can do. He asks if you wanted to study with him and that ended up becoming a regular thing, even though you’re a good three years apart. Also something friends can do. But then, he starts buying you presents because they remind him of you. He watched multiple of your favorite TV shows and movies so he can talk to you about them. He then proceeds to take you to the aquarium after you explicitly told him that it was one of your dream dates. Which is an absolutely insane thing to do while 'just friends’. Not to mention, he got you two a reservation to one of the most exclusive fucking restaurants in the whole city, just because you said wanted to know what all the hype was about.” He ran a hand through his hair, obviously stressed. “He did all of that while already being in a relationship Y/N. A relationship he didn’t tell you about.”
“He had his reasons for not telling me,” you defended.
“I get that,” Seunghan said. “And trust me, I’m glad that he was okay with you mentioning the… nature of his relationship to us. But still. Even if he didn’t want you to know he was poly right away, he could have at least hinted that he was in some sort of relationship. I don’t know, maybe a drop a ‘my boyfriend’ here or there? Anything to say he wasn’t single.”
“Maybe he hinted before and I missed it,” you muttered.
Had you?
Were you too caught up in your crush on him?
“You?” Sangwon asked. “You don’t miss stuff like that Y/N. You’re one of the most observant people I know. You would have picked it up right away.”
“He likes you,” Seunghan said. “The things he’s done for you and with you over the last like three months screams that he likes you.”
You opened your mouth to say something, anything but couldn’t.
Was he leading you on?
Lee Felix? He didn’t seem like the type.
“To me,” Seunghan continued after a few more beats of silence, “it feels like he was building up to more serious things.”
Your eyebrows furrowed together in confusion. “What you do mean” you asked.
“Everything that I mentioned before,” Seunghan said. “He started off with things that would be considered just friendly. An upperclassmen taking care of someone younger. But then it started to get more personal with the presents. Eventually he was taking you on things many people would consider dates.”
“Yeah, if my significant other took someone to the place they named as one of their dream dates,” Jaehyun said, “I’d be fucking livid.”
“I think anyone would be,” Intak said from behind you. “Even if they weren’t the jealous or possessive type.”
“There’s definitely tension between you two,” Sunoo said, softly. He looked conflicted. Worried. “The way he looks at you? The way he talks to you? The way he treats you? It all just…” He sighed. “I don’t know if it would technically be him ‘leading you on’. But he does like you, Y/N. He really does. And we’ve all seen it.”
“If he wanted to add you to the relationship,” Intak said, resting his chin on top of your head, “that definitely wasn’t the right way to go about it. No matter what kind of intention he had or if he got caught up in feelings.”
“He doesn’t want to add me,” you mumbled more to yourself than anyone else.
“He’s mentioned that there was someone that one of them liked,” Sangwon said. “That they hadn’t met the rest of them yet. That’s you.”
“He also asked if you could ever see yourself in a poly relationship,” Jaehyun added. “You don’t just ask someone that without some type of intention.”
Your shoulders slumped in defeat. You hated that the points they were making clicked.
You liked Felix. A lot. To the point your heart hurt.
Maybe he did like you back like you suspected.
“The way his one boyfriend— whatever his name was— reacted today?” Seunghan inquired. “That just gives me more reason to question Felix’s intentions.”
“I think it was more out a place of worry,” you said. “None of them could get ahold of Felix cause his phone died.”
“Maybe at first it was,” Sunoo said. “But didn’t you say he really blew up after Felix said your name?”
You nodded.
“He obviously knew who you were,” Sunoo continued. “He accused Felix of cheating right after that and then didn’t let either of you explain what happened. And the way he talked to you? That wasn’t okay, Y/N. A reaction like that isn’t just from worry.”
“He was insecure,” Intak confirmed.
“He’s lucky I don’t go over there punch him,” Seunghan grumbled.
“Violence is not the answer,” Sangwon deadpanned.
“I could care less,” Seunghan countered anger very present in his tone. He gestured his hands towards you. “Look at her. They did this.”
You reached up and wiped away your tears. Intak’s arms wrapped around you, pulling you flush against his chest. You leaned into him even more, trying to calm yourself.
“What should I do?” You asked weakly.
“You need to talk to Felix,” Sangwon said. “Like seriously sit down and talk.”
“You also need to talk to his boyfriends,” Sunoo said.
“I really don’t want her going anywhere near them right now,” Seunghan said.
“Not right now,” Sunoo said. “After she talks to Felix. Give them all time to calm down. Give Felix time to talk to them first and explain himself. But something needs to be put straight.” Sunoo’s eyes focused on you. “You’re not a fault here at all, Y/N. Seriously. None of this was your fault.”
“I fell asleep,” you said. “If I hadn’t then Felix’s phone wouldn’t have died and—
“You’re a fourth year undergrad getting ready for midterms,” Jaehyun said cutting you off. “You’re stressed out and sleep deprived. Last night was probably the longest you’ve sleep all month and we all know it. I imagine Felix is probably in the same boat with his clinical rotations right now.”
You began nibbling on your bottom lip but immediately got stopped by Intak with one firm look.
“You didn’t deserve to be treated that way,” Sangwon said. “And they need to apologize for it. Or at least that one boyfriend does.”
“And Felix,” Seunghan added.
“I don’t think Felix is that kind of person though,” you mumbled. “He’s not bad. He’s…”
He’s Felix.
“I don’t think he is either,” Sunoo said, sympathetic. “I do think he’s genuinely a good person. And he cares about you. He really does. But I think maybe he let his feelings for you take over and didn’t think things through. He didn’t think about the consequences. He was selfish with you.”
“But then what?” You asked. “After we talk? If they apologize and everything gets cleared up? Then what?”
“I mean,” Intak started, “do you think you could see yourself in that type of relationship? Dating eight men?”
You grimaced. “I don’t think so,” you said. “And even if I did it’s obvious they don’t want to add anyone.”
Warnings: MINORS DO NOT INTERACT. Suggestive. Talks about sex (nothing too descriptive). Felix is low-key a little shit. Reader is revealed to be a virgin.
Author’s Note: Just a snippet of a scene from Serendipity—the series I’m going to be writing based around my previous WIP: 02/03. It got a lot of love so, I thought I’d share some more of it. Like the previous WIP, this is a rough draft and the series is still in planning, so it is subject to change in the final product. Also I tagged the people who seemed interested last time. If you would like to be a part of the taglist for this series please let me know :)
Read 02/03.
“So, I kind of have a question for you.”
Felix let out a surprised laugh at your familiar sentence.
“And I might kind of have answer for you,” he teased.
“You would consider us close right?” You asked.
Felix hummed. “Very,” he agreed.
“So if I ask you something kind of personal, it wouldn’t scare you away?”
That had Felix arching a perfectly groomed eyebrow at you.
You hated how good he looked today. He always looked good and was always so put together. But today was a little different. He was dressed in comfy clothes— a light gray zip up hoodie with matching sweatpants and a white tank top— something you’ve never really seen him in before. A Louis Vuitton necklace hung loosely around his neck and he even wore that matching pair of earrings to it. He had a pair of blue light glasses with chic silver frames on and the light blue beanie he had been wearing when he first arrived to your apartment was placed neatly next to him. He hair was slightly mused and even though it has been dyed god knows how many times it still looked so soft.
“Nah, go ahead,” he said with a wave of his hand.
You shifted in your dinning room chair trying you hardest to swallow the nervousness you were feeling. “I may seem a little perverted but I think the curiosity is getting the best of me,” you said.
Felix laughed again and tilted his head with an overly amused smile. “Oh?” He asked. “What are you curious about, sweetheart?”
You flushed at the term of endearment. “How does it work?” You blurted.
“How does what work?”
“Sex.”
There was a brief pause before he started to ask. “You don’t know how men have se—“
“I know that!” you exclaimed embarrassed, cutting him off. “I meant how… how do you all like… ugh!” You threw you hands up in defeat.
Felix’s smile turned into a full grown grin and the way his eyes lit up with amusement had you groaning to yourself.
He was enjoying this.
The bastard. I should throw my textbook at his ass.
“Relax,” he said. “Take your time.”
“It’s just…” you said. “There’s eight of you. There’s got to be some differences in preferences.”
“There is,” Felix confirmed.
“So like, how do you all deal with that?”
“We were all kind of young when we got together,” he admitted, “and most of us were pretty inexperienced. So, we learned a lot as we went. But, we sit down and talk about it. Regularly because preferences can change and things can go ways people didn’t want. It wouldn’t be fair nor safe to not know these things about one another and to set boundaries.”
You nodded. “Is it hard to balance it all?” you asked. “Like making sure no one feels left out when it comes to that?”
“Maybe a little at first it was,” he said. Felix’s eyes locked onto yours and you caught a glint of something you couldn’t read. “But now? No. No one feels left out. We’re very… active so everyone feels satisfied.”
You blinked at him, slowly processing his statement. “So, you’re a slut?”
“Hell yeah I am,” Felix agreed with a grin. “I have seven hot boyfriends.”
You pouted. “Lucky,” you grumbled. Then your eyes lit up again. “So how do decide who tops and who bottoms? Or is it more of a go with the flow thing?”
“You’re going for the real questions now?” the man asked, even more amused— if that was even possible.
“Why not?” You asked with a shrug.
Felix bite his lip, obviously in thought. “Most of us are technically switches so yeah,” he said, “it’s more of a ‘go with the flow thing’. Our the three oldest are tops. Especially our oldest. He’s strictly a top. Literally the most naturally dominate man I’ve ever met. The other two will bottom for him. But, when it comes to each other? Well, that’s a whole thing between them.”
“Sounds interesting?” you pondered.
“I guess you could say whoever is the strongest wins,” Felix said. He grabbed the glass of water you gave him when he first arrived and took a sip. “Minho is older so, I do think Changbin tends to give up easier sometimes.”
First Jeongin.
Now Minho and Changbin.
Slowly you were learning his boyfriends names.
Only four more.
“What about you?” you asked.
Felix smirked, setting the glass back down on the table before scooting a little closer. He leaned over the table slightly and tilted his head in a way that had the confidence you were gaining completely vanish.
“Hmm?” he hummed. “What about me?”
You opened your mouth to speak but promptly shut it.
“You want to know which if I top or bottom more?” he asked, voice low. “If I’m more submissive or dominant?”
Your throat ran dry at the sound of his voice. Low and smooth.
God he’d be so good at talking someone through it.
Fuck no.
Shut up, Y/N! He’s taken!
“It depends on what the others want,” Felix continued after a moment, his pretty brown eyes locked on you. “I love pleasing others so usually whatever they want from me they get. I liked being used. Simple as that.”
He likes being used?!
“Y/N you’re blushing,” Felix teased.
“Shut up!” you grumbled.
“What about you?” Felix asked.
“What about me?” You asked. “You mean my preferences?”
Felix nodded.
“I don’t really know,” you said lightly.
“What do you mean?”
“My sex life is non- existent,” you said with a pout.
Felix blinked at you. His face slowly morphed into something confused? Surprised? You couldn’t tell exactly.
“Are you a virgin?” He asked, slowly.
“Technically? Yes. I’ve never gone all the way with someone before” You let out a soft sigh. “And the few things that I have done weren’t very… satisfying.”
Felix seemed almost dazed. His eyes darted across your face, lips slightly parted. “So no one has ever made you cum?” He asked. He grabbed the water to take another sip.
You ignored the way your ears warmed at the question.
You’re adults and you’re friends. You can talk about this. You started it!
a little drabble for my loves! something for you guys as i finish the mingyu x luna x wonwoo bittersweet mv reaction ( finally ik ) 🤭 so, yeah! that will be my next post. . . so look out for that, coming soon! 🤍
jeonghan and luna had always been bad at keeping their hands off each other.
it was a problem for a lot of reasons: timing, cameras, other people existing, but mostly because neither of them ever really tried that hard. three years of secret dating had only made it worse. softer touches lingered too long. glances meant too much. hands found familiar places without thinking.
by the time the be the sun tour reached los angeles in 2022, they were already exhausted, wired, and riding that post-concert adrenaline that never led to good decisions.
the night before the show, they definitely got carried away.
it started harmless. it always did.
luna straddled jeonghan lazily in the hotel room, hands fisted in his shirt as he leaned back against the headboard, completely unbothered, letting her do whatever she wanted. she was the overthinker between them, always careful, always planning ahead, so when she kissed along his jaw and down his neck, she was deliberate.
“here,” she murmured, breath warm against his skin. “somewhere no one will see, hm?”
his head tipped back automatically as her lips found the lower edge of his collarbone, just beneath where his shirt would cover it. jeonghan hummed, low and approving, one hand sliding up to the back of her neck, fingers guiding her just a little closer.
“you’re too focused. relax, baby,” he teased softly.
“i don’t want us getting caught,” she whispered, kissing the same spot again, slower.
“mm,” he replied, voice lazy. “i don’t mind.”
she pulled back just enough to glare at him. “i do.”
he laughed quietly, but didn’t stop her. just watched her with fond, half-lidded eyes as she marked him carefully, possessive but controlled.
“you’re enjoying this too much,” he teases quietly. she pulls back just enough to glare, cheeks warm. “be quiet,” she says, kissing the same spot again until he groans, low and helpless.
then, of course, jeonghan did what jeonghan always did.
his hands slid to her waist and he leaned forward, lips brushing her neck. “my turn.”
“han,” she warned weakly.
he smiled against her skin. “shh, i know.”
luna whines the moment his mouth finds her neck, squirming as he kisses her there. “hannie…” she says weakly, fingers clutching at his shoulders. he smiles against her skin. “hold still,” he murmurs, and when he finally pulls back, she’s flushed and breathless.
and then he bit her, right at the side of her neck, bold, unapologetic, exactly where it couldn’t be hidden easily.
“you—” she gasped, fingers tightening in his shirt. “are insane.”
he pulled back just enough to look at her, eyes dark, amused. “so everyone knows you’re taken.”
she scoffed breathlessly. “they won’t know by who though.”
he didn’t even bother answering. just kissed her again, deeper this time, completely unconcerned.
that part came back to haunt him.
—
the next day, the waiting room at the la stadium was chaos as usual. members sprawled everywhere, snacks open, phones out, music playing softly in the background.
luna sat quietly on the couch, minding her business, when seungkwan suddenly gasped dramatically.
“noona, what is that?” he asked, pointing at her neck. “on your neck.”
every head snapped up.
luna froze. slapped her hand over the mark immediately. “what?”
“that,” seungkwan repeated. “right there.”
she rolled her eyes, pulling her hair forward. “a mosquito bit me.”
“in california?” mingyu asked.
“a determined one,” she shot back, shrugging.
right on cue, jeonghan walked in.
joshua glanced between them once and grinned. “there goes the mosquito.”
the room erupted.
“ew,” woozi groaned.
“please stop talking,” dino begged.
luna flopped back dramatically, sliding closer to jeonghan and tucking herself into his side. “they’re being annoying.”
jeonghan didn’t even look down at her, arm already draped comfortably around her shoulders. “they’re just jealous.”
“of what exactly?” seungkwan asked.
“that no mosquitoes find any of you interesting enough,” jeonghan replied smoothly.
a pillow flew across the room and hit him square in the chest.
he laughed, genuinely amused.
—
during soundcheck, a few fans were already in the arena. the wind kicked up just as luna sang, blowing her hair back and exposing the mark fully.
phones were up immediately.
by the time she checked her phone later, the speculation had already spread like wildfire. again.
she sighed, unfazed. she was used to it.
jeonghan, however, was not.
this time, the theory didn’t land where he wanted.
fans were already whispering about her and mark tuan from got7.
luna’s most recent dating rumor started when mark liked one of her instagram post. from then on, fans have been speculating of the two idols were dating. then yesterday afternoon, luna, jeonghan, mingyu, and joshua found themselves in the same restaurant mark was in, so naturally people theorized even further when pictures surfaced… it was one of the reasons why jeonghan was on her yesterday the second they got back to the hotel.
and now this.
and apparently, mark and jackson wang had been spotted in the arena too… right this very second.
when luna sat on the couch backstage, eyes closed, breathing steadily as she meditated, hair done, makeup perfect, stage outfit immaculate, jeonghan plopped down beside her with a huff.
she cracked one eye open. “what happened?”
he crossed his arms. “you’re trending again.”
she smiled faintly. “when aren’t i?”
“they think you’re dating mark… like for real this time.”
her eye opened fully this time. she side-eyed him, then laughed. “i told you last night people would wonder.”
“not with him,” jeonghan muttered.
there was a pause.
then he said, dead serious, “give me another hickey.”
she stared at him. “have you lost your ever-loving mind?”
“maybe,” he said calmly. “if people keep linking you to other men.”
she laughed, reaching up to fix his hair. “you’re jealous.”
“rarely,” he admitted. “but yes.”
she softened, leaning closer. “you know it’s stupid, right?”
“i do,” he said. “doesn’t mean i like it.”
she kissed his cheek. “it’s you. it’s always been you.”
his pout eased instantly.
before she could react, he reached up, unclasped the necklace around his neck, the one with the small j pendant he’d been wearing for months, and fastened it around her neck instead.
“wear this,” he murmured, smug. “let them think.”
her cheeks warmed. “you’re insufferable.”
he smiled. “smart, you mean.”
and it was.
because when luna walked onstage that night wearing the familiar initial that a certain yoon jeonghan have been wearing for months, catching the light with every movement, the internet did what it always did.
jeongna theories exploded.
everything else faded into background noise, overshadowed by the original favorite ship.
and jeonghan?
finally satisfied.
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Summary: You and your boyfriend Felix get a new pet. And Hyunjin has a lot to say about it.
a/n: I wrote it @kittentaegu 🤭🤭🤭
a/n2: It's a Felix x reader, but it's mostly a Hyunjin fluff fic
It was a special day. You and Felix just made one of the biggest decisions of your lives - getting a pet together. You'd wanted a dog. He loved the idea. But you also loved cats. He loved the idea of a cute little kitten to cuddle with.
So you went to the pet store to get a kitten. Simple right? You two were cooing at a cute little ginger one, when your eyes drifted off to one particular section of the store.
Felix didn't notice you walk away, he was almost completely set on the ginger. But when he did look, he saw you were at one corner, with your back to him, and clearly cradling something in your arms. He came over, not expecting what you were holding in your arms.
His eyes met yours and he sighed with a smile because he knew that look - eyes glossy and cheeks flushed with excitement.
You were in love.
Dumpling, the newest member of your family had completely taken over your heart (and Felix's) with her big, curious eyes and tiny paws. Felix was sprawled on the floor, dangling a toy feather for her to chase.
“Look at her go,” Felix said, his voice soft and adoring as Dumpling hopped around and tackled the toy. “She’s our little superstar.”
You grinned, leaning down to kiss his cheek. “You’re gonna spoil her rotten, Lix.”
“Only the best for our baby,” he teased, turning to catch your lips in a quick, sweet kiss.
But the next moment, a dramatic gasp sliced through the air.
“What. Is. That?” Hyunjin stood in the doorway, his eyes zeroed in on Dumpling, and his lips parted in utter betrayal. “You got a ferret?”
You and Felix exchanged a look. This was about to get messy. Especially since he was the baby of the house (your boyfriend'a best friend, but yeah).
“Jinnie, meet Dumpling,” you said, holding up the ferret to him. “Our new baby.”
“Baby?!” Hyunjin’s voice hit a pitch that could shatter glass. He clutched his chest like you’d stabbed him. “Why do you need that when I’m right here? And you didn't say a word?!”
“Um…surprise?” You said, biting back a laugh, as Felix said, “Dumpling’s got something you don’t.”
Hyunjin’s eyes narrowed. “Excuse me? I have everything -”
“Teeny tiny paws,” you cut in, pressing a kiss on to Dumpling’s head. The ferret wriggled in your hands, her little nose twitching as she sniffed the air. “Look at these! Can you compete with this?”
Hyunjin’s jaw dropped.
“Paws?! You’re cheating on me with paws?” He flopped onto the couch, looking dramatically hurt. “I can’t believe this. Betrayed by my own people.”
Felix snorted, setting Dumpling on the floor to explore. “You'll get used to her.”
“I don't think so,” Hyunjin quipped, glaring at Dumpling, who was now sniffing his designer sneakers. “Don’t you dare, you little noodle.”
You doubled over laughing, clutching Felix’s arm for support. “Noodle?! Don't be mean, Jinnie, she’s adorable!”
“Adorable?” Hyunjin sat up, pointing an accusatory finger at Dumpling. “That thing is a thief! It’s stealing all my people! Felix, how could you let this happen?!”
“No one's stealing anything. But Dumpling’s part of the package now. You jealous of a ferret, Jinnie?”
“Jealous?” Hyunjin scoffed, but his pout was undeniable. “I’m not jealous. People get jealous of me.” He crossed his arms, but his eyes kept darting to Dumpling. “Okay, but why is it acting so… cute?”
He whispered the last part, but caught the crack in his armor. “Oh, you’re falling already. Look at that face. You can’t resist her.”
Hyunjin huffed, looking away “I’m not falling for anything. I’m just… observing.”
A week later:
Hyunjin’s “observing” had turned into a full-blown obsession. He was absolutely smitten. You’d catch him sneaking her treats, letting her nap in his lap, even whispering to her like she was his baby. The man who’d once called her a “noodle rat” was now her biggest fan. Not to mention how Dumpling followed Hyunjin everywhere, her tiny paws pattering after him like he was her everything.
You and Felix were curled up on the couch, his head resting on your shoulder as you scrolled through your phone. Across the room, Hyunjin was lying on the floor, Dumpling sprawled across his chest like a tiny, furry sash. He was stroking her fur, whispering, “You’re my little muse, aren’t you? So pretty, my little baby.”
You raised an eyebrow. “Hyunjin, are you stealing our pet?”
He gasped, clutching Dumpling closer. “Stealing? She chose me. We have a bond now. Right, sweetpea?”
The ferret squeaked, nuzzling his chin, and Hyunjin’s face lit up like he’d won the lottery.
“Excuse me?” you said, mimicking his earlier dramatics. “I’m just trying to figure out what's going on here.”
Felix chuckled, his voice rumbling against your thigh. “Told you he’d cave. Look at him, he’s whipped.”
Hyunjin shot you both a glare, but it lacked heat.
“You two don’t appreciate her like I do. She’s an artist, like me. Watch this.” He set Dumpling on the floor, opened his sketchbook and dangled a paintbrush in front of her.
“Jinnie, if you get paint on my carpet, I swear -”
You were cut short as Dumpling grabbed the paintbrush in her tiny paws and started dragging it around the book, leaving a trail of chaos. Hyunjin clapped like a proud parent.
“See? She’s a prodigy!” he announced patting her on the head.
You groaned, rubbing your temples. “Hyunjin, she’s not painting. She’s just chewing the brush.”
“She's perfect,” he sniffed, scooping Dumpling up and nuzzling her. “You wouldn’t understand.”
Felix sat up, pulling you closer with a wicked grin. “Babe, I think we’ve been replaced. Hyunjin’s gonna elope with our ferret.”
“Don’t tempt me,” Hyunjin shot back, but his eyes were sparkling with mischief. “Dumpling and I could run away to Paris, live in a chic little loft, and wow what a life…”
You snorted, standing up to reclaim your pet. “Not on my watch, lover boy. Hand over my child.”
“Oh, it’s on,” you said, lunging for him. What followed was a ridiculous wrestling match - Hyunjin heroically shielding Dumpling while you tried to pry her from his arms, both of you laughing so hard you could barely breathe. You tickled his sides, making him scream for mercy. Felix egged you on, filming the chaos on his phone with a commentary.
“Will Y/N reclaim our golden child? Or will Hyunjin’s obsession win the day? Stay tuned for the drama!” Felix narrated, barely containing his giggles.
Finally, you managed to snatch Dumpling (only because Hyunjin allowed it), holding her triumphantly as Hyunjin flopped back on the couch, panting.
“Fine,” he grumbled, crossing his arms. “But she loves me more.”
You plopped back next to Felix, Dumpling wriggling in your arms. “Keep dreaming, Jinnie.”
He grinned, already reaching for Dumpling again, his pout replaced by a mischievous grin. “Fine, we’ll share custody. But only because I’m generous.”
You laughed, leaning into Felix’s arms saying, “Deal. But no hogging.”
Hyunjin smirked.
“We’ll see about that. Dumpling and I have big plans. Right, princess?”
As Dumpling squeaked and dove into Hyunjin’s lap, you and Felix exchanged a look, because it definitely looked like Dumpling's made her choice.
╰ OLD masterlist ʬʬʬ─── includes. ORIGINAL works BEFORE REMASTERING ( REMASTERED WORKS here . . . ) back to NAVI ?! ꣹ ◜
◖ BASICS ◗
personal profile ╱ enhypen-g profiles ╱ mila’s phone(s)
relationships enhypen ❨ old / new ❩
◖ MISCELLANEOUS ◗
discography love talk ╱ bite me ╱ sweet venom
dark moon profile ╱ ch. 1
extra iconic mila manifesto moments ╱ mila & enhypen love tropes ╱ incorrect enha quotes
◖ CONTENT ◗
variety hybe caterers
en-o’clock ep 1 ╱ ep 66-68
i-land ep. 1 ╱ ep. 2.1 ╱ ep. 2.2
◖ SNS & MEDIA ◗
youtube mila and the great wall of enha ╱ mila and her seven simps: the en-drama (jealousy version) ╱ idols being whipped for mila ╱ mila with idols in a nutshell
twitter don't be suspicious
weverse weverse sus
texts 02z and mila
◖ WRITINGS ◗
ORIGIN OF POLY OT8 ( RMU )
lhs.loving you is a losing game | angst
pjs. baby, i’m right here | fluff, angst
yjw. i'm feeling lonely | fluff
ksn.just let me adore you | fluff, angst
psh. what are you willing to do | fluff, angst
sjy.can’t get you off my mind | fluff
nrk. drive me insane | fluff angst
ot8. my only loves | fluff, angst
2022
ot8.your name | fluff
ot8. young and beautiful | angst
ot8. daddy issues | angst, fluff
hyungz. give me fever | suggestive
ot8. cool with you | angst, fluff, au
ot8. dangerous woman | fluff, suggestive
ksn. bright side | fluff
2023
nrk.love language | fluff
ot8. take two | fluff, angst
ot8.pretty girl | fluff
yjw.lovesick | suggestive
ot8. the dimensional dilemma ❨ kdl ❩ | fluff angst au
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ʬʬʬ. 2024 pairing. yang jungwon x (f)oc!member req. mila obsessing over jw shoulders cw. minor suggestive, shirtlessness ( LIBRARY )
MILA WAS NOT SOMEONE WHO OFTEN FELT SMALL, but whenever she was in her boyfriends’ arms, the fact that she towered over the female population meant nothing. And she found even those among her boyfriends who were close to her in height still possessed a broadness in their build that perfectly complemented Mila’s frame.
Exhibit A: Yang Jungwon.
When Mila first met the boy, her eyes were instantly drawn to his face — the feline shape of his eyes, the roundness of his cheeks, and the way his irises resembled boba in the way they reflected the light ever so cutely. But soon enough, Mila starting noticing that a lot of things about Jungwon were not cute in the slightest. His shoulders were the most prominent example of such. They were broad as the ocean, and when Mila found herself enveloped in his arms, it felt like she was being drowned in his presence.
Mila found herself tracing those shoulders for the nth time, measuring the span of them with her palms in the same way she used to measure the distance between countries on a globe when she was younger. Jungwon watched her with hooded eyes, hands resting on her lower back as she sat on his lap, his back against the headboard and their foreheads resting against each other.
“One…” Mila stretched her hand across Jungwon’s left shoulder. Marking the spot where her middle finger rested on his collarbone, she shifted her palms so that it measure beginning from the marked spot. “Two…”
Mila repeated the measurement again, whispering lowly as she counted. Jungwon breathed in deeply at the feeling of her soft hands searching his bare skin while his shirt left discarded beneath hers, right next to her bed. His chest was flush against hers, their hearts beating in sync with one another. A testament to the way they existed as one.
Mila smiled as Jungwon closed his eyes, releasing a sigh of contentment when she leaned down to place soft kisses across the span of his shoulders. “Did I mention how much I love your shoulders?” Mila whispered, a smile on her lips.
Jungwon chuckled. “A few times.”
Mila thought that Jungwon’s proportions defied all logic and physics. He had a waist that girls would kill for and shoulders that overshadowed even his hyungs. She would be lying if she didn’t find herself shamelessly eyeing the silhouette of his frame when he wasn’t looking, remembering all the times she would grip onto them as he held her up by the thighs, her legs wrapped around his waist; the times when he would hover over her as she lay beneath him, his shoulders hiding her from the eyes of the world.
But there was more to it than just that, Mila thought as she let her hands glide across the length of his shoulders.
He was a leader of a group of nine, despite being one of the youngest members — and goodness knew how heavy the weight of the burden was. These shoulders of his carried the weight of a responsibility that most people his age could never imagine. These were the shoulders that her head had rested on the nights when her head felt too heavy to keep up on her own; the shoulders that had supported her in times of weakness.
Mila softly kneaded his shoulders, thumbs rolling out the knots in his muscle from the long day of practice. Jungwon hummed in pleasure at the feeling of her hands massaging him, the tension from today leaving his body. “That feels nice…”
Mila smiled. “Good.” She placed a kiss on his cheek as his breathing slowed, the spell of sleep starting to take its effect. “You should get some rest, baby. You’ve had a long day.”
Jungwon mumbled incoherently, his face burying itself in her shoulder, letting her carry him for once. Because unlike Atlas, who carried the world on his shoulders, Jungwon wasn’t alone — and Mila would make sure it stayed that way.
ʬʬʬ. 2024 pairing. nishimura riki x femoc!member req. nk getting jealous of ml with other 05-liners cw. jealousy, kabedon, teasing ( LIBRARY )
RIKI NEVER THOUGHT HE WOULD SEE THE DAY WHERE he would be third-wheeling on his own date, but that was before he and Mila bumped into Harua and Taki while they were out and about on what was supposed to be a romantic outing with just the two of them.
Make no mistake, Riki was good friends with the two of them and had nothing against them personally. He was even glad to see them, happy to be reunited with his fellow 05’-liners. But somehow, it seemed they were a lot happier to see Mila than they were to see him — and that Mila was unusually happy to see them, too.
Since when were they close? Riki thought with a pout as he watched Mila reach up to ruffle Harua’s hair.
“How have you been?” Mila asked in a sweet tone, mirroring how one would speak to a baby or a cute puppy they come across on the road. It was one that was usually reserved for her boyfriends — the younger ones, especially — and so Riki was astounded to hear her use it on the Japanese male. Even more so when she cooed as Harua nodded happily. “Ah, what even? Why are you so cute?”
Cute? Cute? Riki clenched his jaw the slightest bit as he watched Mila smile at him with those eyes of hers, laughing at something he had said. Riki continued to stare at her, as if it would magically make her look his way. But the woman was none the wiser.
Now, Riki was not the possessive type, nor was he the type to be jealous of his girlfriend having male friends. But he couldn’t deny the twist in his gut as Mila continued to pay attention to the other two males while he stood right there, waiting for her to tell him that she was ready to resume their date.
Riki licked the insides of his cheek. He crossed his arms and looked down at the floor, nodding along to whatever the three were talking about so as not to seem rude. But his foot was tapping subconsciously, his eyes flickering to the time displayed on the face of his watch.
“By the way, were you two heading somewhere?” Taki asked, looking between the couple. “We’ll leave you to it, if that’s the case.”
“Huh? That’s okay! We don’t mind, right Ni-ki?” Mila blinked up at Riki, reminding the tall male of how small she looked in comparison to him. But while he would usually smirk at their height difference, he found himself noticing something else.
Ni-ki? Ever since they started dating, Mila never called him by anything other than his first name and a choice collection of pet names. He looked at Taki and he realised why. But still… It wasn’t like they would be confused— Taki would already know by default who Mila was talking about. Right?
“Still,” Taki said, cutting through Riki’s thoughts like a blade, “we shouldn’t hold you back for too long— we have somewhere to be as well, so we’ll let you go now.”
Mila hummed. She nodded understandingly thought it was obvious she wasn’t too eager to let the duo go, given how she patted Harua’s arm, giving it a gentle squeeze as he bowed and departed. She sighed, waving at the duo as they walked away. “He’s just so cute…”
“I know,” Riki deadpanned, the smile he offered Taki and Harua slipping form his face. “You only mentioned it like three times already.” He shoved his hands in the pockets of his jacket, before turning on his heels. “Come on.”
Mila blinked before trialing after the young man like a puppy nipping at his heels, her wide eyes looking up at him in question. “Hey,” she called softly, her hand tugging on the sleeve of her jacket. “Are you okay?”
Riki scoffed under his breath. Who would be okay after they had to watch their girlfriend fawn over another man, even going as far as to call him ‘cute’? And when they were supposed to be going out as a couple, at that. He pettily ignored her calls, instead speeding up his steps.
“Oh… Wait a minute, are you jealous?” When Riki didn’t respond, Mila giggled. “Really? I didn’t think you’d be that jealous, considering you hate being called cute… But you know, the way you’re acting right now is really cute too.” Mila smiled as she skipped alongside his long strides. He still refused to look at her, causing her to become even more endeared by his behaviour. “Hey, Ni-ki—!”
Riki clicked his tongue. In one smooth movement, he seized Mila’s wrist, pulling her into the emergency staircase that they happened to pass as they walked towards the exit of the Hybe building. Mila gasped at the sudden movement. She momentarily lost her balance, flailing forward at the sudden force. But before she could fall over, Riki trapped her between his body and the firm wall against her back — one hand on the wall above her and the other on her waist.
Mila froze, eyes wide as she stared up at him, breath caught in her throat at the sudden proximity. She swallowed thickly. “W-what are you doing…?”
It was meant to come to stern, scolding even. Yet under the heat of his gaze and his towering figure, the words came out breathless — just like what she felt in that moment. “It’s Riki.”
Mila gasped like a fish. “What?”
Riki smirked slightly at her flustered expression, taking on the redness of her cheeks and her avoidant gaze. But he schooled his expression before she could notice his amusement. “Call my name,” he said lowly, his deep voice causing Mila to melt on the spot. “You keep calling me ‘Ni-ki,’ earlier. But that’s not what you usually call me.”
Mila licked her lips, feeling that they had gotten dry. Riki subconsciously followed the action with his eyes, watching the way her pink lips parted to enunciate the syllables of his name. “Riki—”
His name barely left her lips before Riki’s were pressed against hers. The hand on her waist flitted to her jaw, tilting it upwards to allow him more access, his plump lips covering hers in a kiss that could only be described as a stamp of longing— too firm to be tender, but too soft to be passionate. Just his mouth on hers filling her tummy with butterflies and making her knees buckle.
By the time Riki separated from her, she was reduced to a blushing mess under his smug smile. “That’s better,” he said. He raised a hand to stroke to stroke top of her head. “Noona’s a good girl.”
“What?” Mila stammered. He never called her Noona, but when he did, it was always intentional. Mila pushed his chest, but Riki noticed she didn’t use any force, instead resting her hands there helplessly — as if he had kissed all the strength out of her. “You spend too much time with Jake,” Mila muttered, avoiding his gaze.
Jake was right when he said that Riki seemed to only learn strange things from his hyungs — flirting, included. The man winked, a charming smile crossing his face, ironically proving Mila’s point. She sighed resting her head against his chest, her heart racing wildly against her own.
Riki was no bad boy, but with the way things were going, he definitely could turn out to be… Bad for Mila’s heart, that is.
ʬʬʬ. 2024 pairing. poly!wonki x f!ocmember req. mila's reaction to le'official photoshoot + spicy wonmi moment cw. flirting, alcohol, profanity, teasing (wonki being little shits), not proofread
BACK TO LIBRARY ?!
PEOPLE OFTEN SAID THAT GOOD THINGS CAME IN THREES. But clearly, that was because they never got to see the things that Mila got up to with Jungwon and Riki when the three of them were left alone.
They were not the type of young people who would paint the city walls in graffiti, smoke cigarettes in the alleyway, or blast music in the neighbourhood while everyone else tried to sleep—but they did rise with the moon and stars, living it up in the late hours of night.
Mila would blame it on the constant surveillance and the never ending list of criticism aimed towards her from a young age. But she had grown a rebellious spirit, and she never behaved longer than needed to. It was only midnight when she found herself lacing up her shoes, looking left and right as she opened the door to her room, trying not to wake the others as she tiptoed her way across the dorm and towards the door.
“Where are you going?”
Mila almost jumped out of her skin at the sight of Riki pulling on a shirt as he walked towards her, eyes taking in the sight of her sneaking out of the dorms like a burglar in the night.
“Shouldn’t you be asleep?” Mila asked.
“I should be asking you that,” Riki whispered back. He wordlessly reached over the top of Mila’s head, taking a pair of shoes from the rack. He smirked at the look on her face. “You think I’d let you walk out on the streets at night alone?”
Mila rolled her eyes, but conceded to the younger’s point. She didn’t mention that she had secretly hoped that he would be awake at this time. They always used each other as an excuse, but the truth was, both of them stayed up this late for the sole purpose of their late night dates while the rest of the group (and the city) remained fast asleep. It was routine now, a tradition. And while they weren’t really the type to follow rules religiously, this was one of the few they were keen on keeping.
It was also why none of them flinched when Jungwon walked up from behind them, already dressed for the nighttime chills. “Who’s driving?”
Mila smiled, waving her keys, causing the boys to smirk at each other before they filed out the door. They were gone like the wind, and just as fast, speeding down the highway with 100 on the dash and volume up to max. It was a new kind of high, the type that didn’t need alcohol or drugs, but just the thrill of the chase and the freedom under their wings.
Mila let out a sigh at the feeling of the city air blowing against her face. A hand crept its way up her knee and a coy smile played upon her lips. Jungwon gave her a smirk through the rearview mirror. The warmth of his hand seeped through the fabric of her leggings as it fitted perfectly over the shape of her thigh, rubbing and up down in gentle motions that sent a trail of goosebumps even without feeling skin to skin.
Her fingers tightened their way around the steering wheel, and she glanced at the boy in the backseat of the car. But Riki’s eyes were already on her, a finger tracing his bottom lip in thought, before he snapped out of his daze upon seeing her eyes meet his. He flashed a charming grin. She laughed, shaking her head.
“Let’s get something for back home.” Mila turned into the next lane before pushing down on the accelerator, the laughs of her boyfriends echoing as they sped down the empty road.
Indeed, the three of them got up to antics that only they and the heavens above were privy to—and maybe, if they were unlucky, one of the elder members, who would be waiting on the couch with crossed arms and tired eyes after seeing three empty beds and a missing set of keys.
“Shhh,” Mila shushed, trying to hold in her giggles as she and the two boys opened the door back to their dorms, carrying bags of cheap wine and sugary snacks with carbs that would have their company stocks crashing faster than their manager’s blood sugar. They must have gotten lucky, though, since the couch—the watchtower, as they liked to call it—was empty, lacking a pair of eyes to glare at them as they snuck into their own homes.
They threw open the door to her room, tossing the bags onto the empty bed that belonged to Mila. Riki was the first to lay down, arms resting beneath his head as he watched Mila discard the cap that she used to keep her hair down and her face covered. Jungwon took a seat on the edge. Mila hummed as she grabbed a bottle of peach soju, throwing herself onto the bed, her head hitting Riki’s chest, earning a quiet “oof.”
“Cheers,” she said, popping the cap and raising the bottle in salute. She brought the mouth to her lips, only to pout in disappointment when it was stolen by Jungwon. “Hey. That was mine.”
“That’s no good for you,” Jungwon said, placing the bottle on the bedside table. Mila scrunched up her nose, huffing in indignation at the leader-like display. “No, not a leader, just a good boyfriend.” Jungwon leaned down, his lips hovering over hers. “Any problems with that?”
Mila giggled. She threw her arms around his neck, pulling him down so that she could kiss him properly on the lips. She hummed in delight, pulling away only to whisper her approval. “You taste better anyway.”
Riki scoffed, rolling his eyes. But not even two seconds later, he had his hands in her hair, long fingers threading through the strands like silk and lifting the ends to his lips to place a gentle kiss. His lips travelled down to her cheek, his large hands grasping her hair in a ponytail in order to reveal the expanse of her collarbones and shoulders to him through her oversized hoodie.
“You smell nice,” he whispered against her neck, his nose nuzzling into the skin there to detect the traces of her strawberry and mint scent. Mila giggled at the ticklish sensation, only to gasp when Jungwon suddenly did the same to her other side, his body caging her against Riki’s chest. She couldn’t see anything behind him because of the wideness of his broad shoulders, her chest pressing against his with every breath.
“What are you doing?” Mila asked, earning a small chuckle from the younger.
“Nothing,” he mumbled.
Mila sighed, her hands trailing the outline of his shoulders. The three of them were silent, save for the sounds of kisses shared between them in between the gaps. Mila didn’t know how long they stayed like that, but she didn’t move until she checked her phone—and didn’t say a word until she gasped at the sight of her two boyfriends from their new photoshoot posted everywhere across her page.
“What’s this?” she asked, scandalised, as she clicked on the image of the two posing together: Riki in a low cut top and blazer, and Jungwon wearing a similar jacket, only without a shirt underneath. Her lips fell in a silent gasp of shock at the outline of his toned chest peeking through the blazer, just enough to satisfy the imagination of those who saw it. “What. The. Fuck?”
Riki and Jungwon laughed when Mila sat up, before turning on them with wide eyes. “You cheaters,” she seethed, “You absolute lunatics!” She whacked the youngest of the two on the chest, causing him to laugh while simultaneously rubbing the area to soothe the nonexistent pain. “You’re barely an adult, who gave you the right?” She rounded on Jungwon, who raised his eyebrows. “And you! Oh, I know that you did not—Mph!”
Mila barely got to say another word before Jungwon was pulling her towards him, swallowing her list of protests before they even left her lips. She responded all too eagerly, pulling his collar towards her and using it to hold him there until she received her full. But he had snatched the control from her by grasping her wrists, forcing them apart as he pushed her back down onto the bed again. By the time they parted, she had lost all her energy. She simply panted as Jungwon held her wrists next to her head, resting his forehead against hers while admiring her flushed features.
“You two,” she said breathlessly, “are going to be the end of me.”
“So you liked them?” Riki asked cheekily, playing with the ends of her hair.
Mila groaned. “I hate them. They’re too good. You look too handsome—and oh my god, the outfits. No. I can’t do this.” Riki opened his mouth to speak, only to be glared at. “Don’t even test me. I’m going to need all the patience I have so I can fight off all the fangirls who are going to be throwing themselves at you.”
“You’re insane,” Riki laughed.
“Insane for you,” Mila said with a sigh. She covered her face with her hands. “Ugh. They’re burnt into my eyelids now—those damned photos.”
Riki and Jungwon shared an amused look at their girlfriend’s reaction, loving the way she was so affected and that they were the reason for it. Jungwon pecked her cheek. “We’re right here you know. We’re literally your boyfriends—who cares about photos, when you have the real thing in front of you?”
“I’m done.”
“Eyyy,” Riki said. “But we didn’t even get to ask who you thought looked better.”
Jungwon hummed. “Doesn’t matter. It’s all about who makes her more flustered.”
Riki laughed. “Oh yeah? Let’s ask her then.” Riki leaned down to Mila’s ear. “Take a look at us now, okay? I want to know who makes your heart go faster.”
Mila spread her fingers apart to take a glimpse of the two boys. And that was her biggest mistake. Because as soon as she did, she was subject or the sight of them looking down at her, their bedridden hair falling across their foreheads while the light of her bedside lamp cast a glow onto their honeyed skin. There was no getting started on their smiles either—those smug little smirks that they flashed because they knew exactly what effect they had on her.
No good, Mila thought. They were absolutely no good.
(But that was exactly why the three of them went so well together.)
SUMMARY: Mila is falling apart and Jay is there to help pick up the pieces.
WARNINGS: alcohol, underaged drinking, slight bleeding ( mila gets a scraped knee lol ), angry heeseung, arguing between members ajshakdjk ( the tea ), tipsy mila is kinda a drama queen and a crybaby, basically this chapter is a dumpster fire of drama lol
NOTES: “italics” means someone is speaking english, takes place after ‘loving you is a losing game’, based on requests @lanamoonroh and @its4realyk (hope this is up to your standards!!)
MILA LOVED KIARA. Really, she did.
As the only two females in Enhypen, it was no surprise that they would be close— it was expected, even.
Since I-Land, Kiara was like the older sister Mila never had. She was a constant place of support, a soothing presence, a guiding hand. Something that Mila had always been grateful for.
No, Mila could never hate Kiara.
But Mila also knew that their relationship wasn’t the same as it used to be.
While Mila used to feel like she could confide everything in the older female, she had found something that she couldn’t. Because at the end of the night, Mila was in love with Heeseung, Heeseung was in love with Kiara, and there was nothing either of them could do about it.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” Kiara had asked this question for the nth time. “You don’t want to talk about it?”
Kiara, of course, had noticed that there was something wrong with Mila the past few days. But Mila would not—no matter how much Kiara poked and propped—spill the truth of what was bothering her.
Mila was not a stubborn person by nature. But this time, she was determined not to let a single word slip. That must have been a trigger for Kiara to realise just how serious things were, because she then did something that Mila never expected her to do.
Kiara brought out a bottle of wine and offered Mila a glass.
“Want to have a drink with Eonnie?” she asked casually.
Mila looked up at her, blinking repeatedly in surprise. “Am I allowed to?”
“Your mum already let you taste it before, right?” Kiara asked. When Mila nodded, Kiara shrugged her shoulders. “In that case, it’s fine. You turn 18 soon, anyway— what’s the harm in having a few test drinks?”
Mila titled her head. It was true that her mother had let her try alcoholic drinks on more than one occasion, under her supervision. And since Kiara was an adult, this wasn’t all too different. But while she wasn’t entirely complaining— maybe it would get her mind off things, was her justification— she was still a bit confused.
“But isn’t 20 the legal age in Korea?” Mila asked.
“Yeah, well…” Kiara started to pour some wine into one of the glasses. “It’s a good thing we’re both foreigners, then.”
JAY SLEPT LIKE A DEAD MAN. Or well, he usually did, anyway.
His fellow members often told him he was the most difficult to wake up. And that much was true— except for tonight, apparently, when he woke up in the middle of the night for no reason other than the feeling that something was very wrong. Not one to ignore his instincts, he forced himself not to fall back asleep (a mission in itself).
That was when he heard a loud bang from the kitchen.
Jay didn’t waste anytime kicking away his sheets, before making his way to the source of the noise, ignoring the way Jake groaned from his bed across the room.
Jay wasn’t sure what he was expecting to find when he tracked down the cause of the ruckus, but it was definitely not to see Mila on the floor, clutching her knee with a fallen chair next to her.
“Mimi?” he asked worriedly.
She pouted as she looked down at her knee. “Ouch…”
Without a second thought, Jay rushed over. He kneeled down in front of the girl and inspected her knee, where some of her skin was scraped to reveal flesh and blood. Though the wasn’t too serious, it would definitely scar if he didn’t treat it right away.
“Are you okay?” he asked worriedly.
He leant forward to blow on the wound, before he found himself jerking back in surprise.
“Wait a minute— Mila, did you drink?”
The smell of alcohol almost numbed Jay’s senses. Jay knew she tasted some before, during family gatherings— and that even Jake had been guilty of letting her have a sip of his own wine, once— but this time was different. He knew from the smell alone that she didn’t just have a taste.
And that wasn’t the only sign, either:
Looking up close at Mila’s face, her cheeks were completely flushed and her eyes glazed over. Then there was the fact that she managed to bump into a chair and hurt herself, even with the lights on. In short, she was anything but sober.
Jay froze in shock. Just what one earth was Mila—who was still a minor—doing almost drunk? And how did that happen under their own roof?
“Oppa…” Mila said weakly, her voice distant. “What do I do? Everything is spinning…” she furrowed her brows. “Spinning? You spin me round, round, baby, round, round—“
Mila started to bob her head as she impromptu began singing ‘Right Round’, only to clutch her head in pain. “Ow…”
Jay immediately snapped out of his shock.
Forget it, Jay thought. I’ll ask her about it later. As concerned as he was about Mila’s drunk state, her safety was his first priority.
“It’s okay, it’s okay,” Jay assured softly. “I’ll patch it up for you. Let’s get off the floor first.”
Jay helped Mila off the floor, holding her close to him in order to help her keep balance. Kiara chose that moment to walk in on the scene. Not to mention, looking tipsy as hell.
Jay immediately connected the dots.
Kiara gasped as she saw Mila’s bleeding knee. The sight of it must have sobered her up, because she managed to walk over to the two to of them without stumbling like a newborn deer.
“What happened?” Kiara asked.
“You tell me,” Jay said coldly. “You have some explaining to do.”
Since I-Land, Jay had been teased nonstop by fans for being ‘whipped’ for Mila. And he never once denied it— because it was true. During the trying and difficult times of I-Land, she was a ray of warmth that brightened up his days. She lifted his spirits when they were low and pulled him out of the darkness when he was lost.
Mila was literally— as Jay once called her during a fan call— his light. His star. His angel. She was undeniably precious to him; and so, it was his duty to protect her.
So as much as Jay respected Kiara as his noona and his friend, he couldn’t let it slide that she was part of the reason that Mila was in the state she was in now.
That being said, there was one person he could never speak out against. And just by Jay’s rotten luck, he chose that exact moment to enter the conversation.
“What exactly does she need to explain to you?”
Heeseung walked up to the three of them in the kitchen, his aura and tone full of authority. At that moment, there was no denying his position as the eldest of the group.
Jay should have known he’d hear the ruckus— knowing him, he was probably up playing games.
“Hyung—“
Before Jay could explain what was going on, Heeseung’s cold stare was replace with worry as he spotted Mila’s bleeding knee. He immediately rushed over, and knelt down in front of Mila to inspect the injury. He gently lifted a finger to prod the area around the injury, only for Mila to flinch.
“Ouch!” Mila cried out.
“Sorry,” Heeseung apologised softly. His eyebrows furrowed deeply as he gently blew on the wound. “What happened?”
Kiara sighed and started to explain the situation. “We had a few drinks—”
Jay felt the room temperature drop by several degrees as Heeseung’s head whipped in Kiara’s direction.
“You let her drink?”
Kiara pursed her lips. “It’s fine, she didn’t have that many. I was there to keep an eye on her.”
“‘It’s fine’?” Heeseung repeated. “She ended up hurting herself, and you think it’s still fine?”
Jay knew that this was one conversation he did not want any part of.
Heeseung and Kiara were close friends, even during I-Land. From the moment they first met, it seemed like knew each other for years. Best friends, without a doubt.
But while Heeseung was normally a gentle and warm person, he was also a naturally protective one too. This was especially the case for Mila, the youngest female of the group. Their princess. He didn’t care who it was— if there was anyone who caused harm to her, he wouldn’t hesitate to confront them about it.
Even if it was one of his own members.
Jay looked away from the eldest members when he suddenly felt something tugging on his sleeve. He looked down to see Mila looking up at him with pleading eyes.
“Can we go?” she asked him quietly.
Mila’s voice caught everyone’s attention. It was like hearing the crack of whip in silence.
“Okay,” Jay immediately replied. He was thinking of leaving anyway to take care of her wound. “Let’s go to your room.” He turned tot he other two members on the room. “If you two are finished, I’ll treat her wound.”
Just as he said that, Heeseung stood up. “No need— I’ll do it.”
Heeseung reached out to grab Mila’s hand, but to everyone’s absolute shock, she pulled away before his fingers could even graze her. She hid behind Jay, clutching onto the back of his shirt like it was a lifeline.
“No, I want to go with Jay-oppa,” she insisted.
The room was dead silent.
No one was more shocked in that moment than Heeseung himself.
There was a reason fans called Mila Heeseung’s baby. Because as much as Mila loved her members, he obviously held a special place in her heart. Heeseung, the one who she followed around like a lost puppy. Heeseung, who she always craved the affection and attentions of. Heeseung, whose fans she would easily get jealous of when he got too flirty with them.
Even Heeseung himself had gotten used to her clinging onto him.
That was why, when she rejected him, he looked as if someone had slapped him in the face.
Mila tugged on Jay’s clothes again. “Oppa, my knee hurts… can you fix it, please.”
Jay immediately adjusted his grip on Mila, forcing himself to shake off the surprise of what just happened. “Okay, we’ll go now. Can you walk properly, or do you want me to carry you?”
“The room is still spinning,” Mila replied.
“Okay, then I’ll carry you.” Jay turned around so his back was facing Mila and kneeled in front of her for easier access. When she wrapped his arms around his neck, he hoisted her up from under her thighs and turned to Kiara. “Noona, can you bring the first aid kit to your room?”
“Huh?” Kiara nodded. “Oh, right.”
With that Jay, walked off with Mila on his back.
Jay didn’t miss the way Heeseung clenched his jaw when Mila buried her head into Jay’s neck— almost as if she was avoiding looking at Heeseung’s face.
“What’s going on?”
Jake stood at the door to his and Jay’s room with messy bed head, looking confused as Jay walked past with Mila on his back. He was just about to go the bathroom when he saw that he lights were already on.
At that moment, the door to the other room opened.
“Why is everyone awake?” Sunghoon asked.
Jungwon also poked his head out the door. “Is that Mila-noona?”
Jay ignored them all and went straight to Mila and Kiara’s room.
“Go back to sleep, all of you,” Heeseung said. “Everything is fine.”
“But—“
“Didn’t you hear me?” Heeseung asked, his tone far from amused.
Jay didn’t blame the others for immediately shutting their doors.
MILA WINCED.
“Sorry,” Jay apologised.
Mila was sitting on her bed as Jay sat down in front of her, focused intently on cleaning Mila’s wound as painlessly as possible.
Mila stared at the top of Jay’s head, thinking back to the events in the kitchen.
Even tipsy, she was painfully aware of Heeseung and his ever action. The moment he kneeled in front of her to check her wound, she felt her heart jump right out of her chest. But when he started to argue with Kiara over her, she couldn’t help but feel disappointed all over again.
Because while it showed he cared about her, it wasn’t in the way she wanted.
It was a stupid way of thinking of things, she knew it. But when— instead of holding her responsible for her actions as the adult she (almost) was— Heeseung confronted Kiara, it made Mila realise something.
Heeseung didn’t see her as a woman.
He saw her as a younger member to take care of— another responsibility he was saddled with as the eldest member.
It made Mila think: if she was anything like Kiara— if she were older, prettier, more mature— would things be different? If she weren’t so childish, if she weren’t so clingy, if she weren’t so desperate for attention— if she weren’t so… her, would she finally be seen? Would she have a chance?
Mila didn’t realise she was crying until her sobs started to wrack her body. It had been a while since she cried with this much abandon. I-Land just have been the last time. And yet, here she was.
“What’s wrong?” Mila felt her face being lifted so that she was looking into Jay’s worried eyes. “Does it hurt?”
Mila sniffled pathetically. “So much.”
“I’m almost finished, so just hang in there okay?” Jay asked softly, using his thumbs to wipe away her cascading tears. “I’ll just put a Band-Aid on it and we’ll be done.”
In truth, Mila barely felt her knee at that point. Not compared to what was going on inside her. But Jay deserved more than to be subject to her teenaged angst and pining, and so she didn’t say a thing about what was really causing her pain.
“There we go,” Jay said as he placed a Band-Aid on her wound. “Look, it’s all done.”
Mila sniffed as she looked at her knee. “Oh—“
Mila blinked her tears away.
There, on her wound, she had expected to see a normal Band-said. Instead, the one she saw was decorated with Hello Kitty— one of Mila’s favourite Sanrio characters.
Despite herself, she giggled. “What’s a Hello Kitty doing here?” she asked in amusement. “Wait a second— I can’t wear this…”
She frowned as she recalled the line of thought she had earlier. Wasn’t it things like this that made her seem too childish?”
“Why not?” Jay asked curiously.
Mila frowned. “I’m not a kid, so I can’t wear… wear…” Mila couldn’t recall the word she was looking for and shook her leg instead. “These kind of things.”
“You think it’s childish?”
Mila nodded.
Jay smiled endearingly. “But you like it, right?”
Mila blinked. Then, she nodded.
“Then it’s okay,” Jay assured. “Just because you’re not a kid, doesn’t mean you can’t like things that kids do. That’s what makes you so cute.”
The entire time Jay was speaking to her, he was using a gentle voice, as if speaking to a small kitten. That, paired with what he just said, made Mila feel… funny on the inside. It was a warm, fuzzy feeling— like the sort she would get when wrapped in a fluffy blanket. A feeling a comfort and safety.
Mila huffed. “I’m not cute, I’m pretty! Pretty Milana!”
Jay laughed fondly. “Thats right.” He smiled brightly, his eyes crinkling. “The prettiest,” he whispered.
Jay was a very honest person. As such, Mila should have expected him to be so blunt with his words. And yet, she still was taken by surprise.
She couldn’t find anything to say after that— her mind just went completely blank.
And just as she thought Jay couldn’t do anything more to rattle her brain, he did.
Mila gasped as Jay bent his head down to place a soft chaste kiss on the spot where she got hurt. She felt her heart being rattled in her ribcage, and a rush of blood flow to her cheeks.
“There we go,” Jay said. He looked up at Mila with sparkling eyes. “Does it still hurt?”
Mila’s mouth suddenly felt dry. She didn’t know why, but she had the sudden urge to lie and say it did.
So she did just that.
“A little bit,” she whispered softly.
So, Jay did it again: he placed another kiss to the wound— this time, a bit longer than the last one— while keeping his eyes on Mila, his thumb rubbing soothing circles on Mila’s leg.
Mila stared back at him, her breathing getting heavier as he slowly removed his lips. “What about now?” he asked lowly.
Mila shook her head slowly. She was in a daze— but she had no idea if it was because of the alcohol, or the man in front of her.
She decided to push the boundaries a little, and pointed to her forehead.
“It hurts here, too,” she lied.
Jay chuckled.
He cupped Mila’s cheeks in his hands and brought his face down to his. His thumbs traced soft lines along her cheekbones as he leaned forward and placed his lips against her forehead.
This kiss lasted longer than both the other ones combined. And each second Jay’s lips remained on her skin, Mila felt the flutter in in her stomach worsen. Her hands clenched in her lap as she screwed her eyes shut.
For some reason, she felt disappointment as Jay finally removed his lips. He smiled at her as she blinked at him.
“Is that better?” He asked hoarsely.
Mila nodded slowly.
She definitely wasn’t in pain. But she was facing a new sort of agony— the feeling that she never wanted Jay to stop pressing kissing against her skin.
Jay smiled. “Okay, then it’s time to sleep now.”
“No, I don’t want to!” Mila immediately protested. “I’m not tired!”
There was no way she would be able to go to sleep— not after that. Her heart was racing too fast for her to be able to shut her eyes.
“Sorry, angel, but you need rest,” Jay said, already moving Mila to tuck her in under her blankets. Mila pouted as Jay pulled her sheets right up to her chin. “Sweet dreams.”
Jay was just about to get up and leave when Mila grabbed his hand. Jay raised his eyebrows in question, as Mila gazed up at him pleadingly.
“Stay?” she asked softly. “I don’t want you to go…”
Jay sighed, though it was more out of fond exasperation than annoyance. “Fine. I’ll stay here until you fall sleep.”
Mila smiled sweetly and turned on her side, so that her entire body was facing him. “Goodnight.”
Jay smiled. “Goodnight,” he whispered.
Despite her protests earlier, Mila already felt her eyelids grow heavy.
As she was falling asleep, Mila felt something warm caressing her hand. Without thinking, she immediately grabbed on to it, moving it so she could hold it close to her. Her lips brushed against them accidentally, the action instantly filling her with comfort. And so, she kept them right there.
The last thing Mila remembered before she fell asleep was soft chuckling, followed by a familiar feeling on her forehead.
That night, Mila dreamt sweet dreams.
‘Loving you is a losing game’ was a lot more popular than I expected, so here’s a follow-up of events for those who wanted to see it. Here, we get to see the beginning of Mila’s distance between herself and Heeseung as well as her feelings for Jay.
As a spoiler, the next few members’ chapters will also continue the storyline set up in ‘Loving you is a losing game’ (which is basically a prologue) while also introducing new events personal to Mila and the relevant member.
Basically, you’re witnessing the foundation of a very elaborate plot development towards the establishment of Milana’s relationship with the boys (I think I got a bit too into this whole thing lol 😆)
That being said, what do you guys think of it so far? Any requests, suggestions, etc.? If you do have any, please remember to send them as asks so I can respond to them properly! Other than that, I’d love to hear what you guys have to say!
Also, as a note- I’m case it wasn’t clear what happened in the end, the banner at the beginning with the hands is a hint: Jay was caressing Mila’s hand, and she grabbed onto his hand without knowing. Then, Jay kissed her on the forehead.
SUMMARY: Jealousy is a disease— and Mila and her boyfriends are coming down with the worst cases of it.
WARNINGS: jealousy jealousy, the boys are teases, mila is PETTY as heck, some mild angst, kinda sunghoon-centric at some points ( he’s the main character of this era sooo ), suggestive content ( completely unintentional but oh well ), this chapter is kinda long ( is that a warning? )
NOTES: Takes place during Dark Blood era, Mila’s part in the concept trailer was added to the original Dark Blood post because I couldn’t quite include it here
“Italics” is usually English speech, “Bold” is Japanese and “Bold Italics” is Chinese
WELL, DAMN.
If anyone were to ask what Mila was currently thinking, that would be the best description.
Mila was having what people referred to as a ‘crisis’. As in, “a time of intense difficulty.” As in, she was very much panicking at the moment, wondering how everything went so south. (Internally, of course— despite what people said, Milana Bai did have self-control, thank you very much.)
She and the other members had already known for a while that their comeback included a pair dance— something they were initially wary of since they found out that the pair dances would not be between members, but with back-up dancers, instead. But eventually, they had accepted the idea. After all:
“It’s all professional,” the higher-ups had insisted. “And while there may be some backlash, the concept will be loved by majority of the fans. There’s no reason it can’t be done.”
So, the members made their peace with the arrangement. (Albeit, reluctantly.)
That all changed when they got into the practice rooms, though.
See, the pair choreography wasn’t that bad as a whole— it was the solo bits that were the problem.
“To sum up your concept in this comeback, you would probably use the word ‘seduction’. Right?” The choreographer asked Mila.
“That’s right,” Mila agreed instantly.
In Dark Moon, her character—Minea’s—powers were the creation of illusion. The ability to show one’s sweetest dreams… or their worst nightmares. She was a honey trap impersonated. A symbol of desire and want.
“So, for your solo parts, Mila, your choreography is a bit different from the rest,” the choreographer said. “Bite Me is a song about a man’s longing for his lover. And if anyone represents the role of the ‘lover’ best in this song, it would be your character— given what we’ve seen from her so far. Do you understand?”
Mila nodded. That made sense. The only problem was that she didn’t know if she was liking the direction that the choreographer was trying to head in.
“That’s why,” the choreographer continued, “your parts are a lot more… intimate than the rest.”
Needless to say, things did not go down all too well with the boys. The entire time the choreographer was instructing Mila and her partner to do something (“Get a little closer!” he’d call out. “Sexier, sexier!”), she searched for their reactions through the mirror.
Jay didn’t even bother looking— instead, he had his back facing the mirror and was doing something on his phone.
Niki was pacing in the background, arms crossed and biting on his lip as he kept an eye on her partner.
Sunoo was pouting, sending his signature glare out of the corner of his fox-like eyes.
Heeseung was sitting directly opposite of the mirror—forearms resting on his knees, which were propped up—staring straight at the both of them.
Jake licked the inside of his cheek in annoyance as he aggressively flipped a bottle of water in front of him, not wanting to glance in Mila’s direction.
Jungwon had a was biting the inside of his cheek, his eyes darting around the room.
Sunghoon had all but left the room.
There were so many people at that rehearsal— the nine members of Enhypen, plus all the back up dancers— and yet the air in the room was as quiet and awkward as two introverts being left to their own devices.
Mila loved dancing. As someone who strived for passion and purpose, dance—and by extension, performance—gave her exactly that. But when the choreographer had called it a day, she had never been happier to leave the practice room.
And then, she was here.
After the awkward ride home, Mila found herself sitting in the living room, trying to find a way to ease the tension between her several boyfriends.
“It’s not faiiirrrr,” Niki sulked. Mila patted his head as he buried his face into her shoulder. “There’s seven of us right here— why couldn’t one of us be your partner?”
“I’ll say,” Sunoo said while pouting. “What was the choreographer thinking, seriously.”
“Should we just ask the choreographer to make changes for us?” Jake knelt in front of Mila, looking up at her like an eager puppy after making his suggestion. “What do you think, baby?”
Mila frowned. “But if the company were to hear of it and think we were letting personal feelings involved, wouldn’t they try to separate us?”
Dating wasn’t strictly forbidden. The company somewhat expected it when forming a co-ed group, and so had never explicitly banned it in any of the rules they set for Enhypen in their contracts. It was something Mila was grateful for, as someone who valued individual freedom.
However, that sort of freedom came with conditions.
Under no circumstances were they to let their relationship—or relationships, rather—interfere with their work as idols. (And, of course, they should make sure it was never exposed to the public.) So, they had to be careful. Even more so with how many of them there were.
Silence followed Mila’s words.
No one wanted them to be separated. And so, they had to reject the idea of requesting for changes to be made. Jake groaned and stood up. He started to pace back and forth like he was an expecting father in front of a delivery room, most likely trying to think of other ways to avoid their current predicament.
Jay groaned from his seat, rubbing the back of his head in annoyance.
“Frankly, we’re a co-ed group for a reason, aren’t we?” he asked, earning nods from the others. “They could save so much money by just having it between us! Why did they have to go on and bring other people in…”
Mila laughed at Jay’s reasoning. “That’s such a practical way of thinking of it…”
“And what do you think of it?”
All eyes turned to Sunghoon.
Since they arrived at the dorms, he hadn’t said a word. Instead, he opted to lean against the wall with his arms crossed over his chest, and his eyes set in a glare that could freeze Hell over. Mila would be lying if she said this side of him didn’t intimidate her. Especially when that icy gaze of his was set on her.
“Well…” Mila bit her lip. “I admit it’s a bit strange for me… but it’s not like I’m the only one doing it. You all have to do it, too— and so does Kiara-eonnie, even though she’s dating Yeonjunie-oppa.”
Kiara had, understandably, gone straight to the TXT dorms after the rehearsal. Most likely to talk to Yeonjun about it, like Mila was doing right now. It seemed both of them were having a bit of trouble in paradise. (As unfunny as that was, Mila had to admit it was a little bit amusing— just a little, though.)
“That’s true, but you’re forgetting a few things,” Jungwon said.
Like Sunghoon, Jungwon had chosen to stay quiet this whole time— and understandably so. He was the leader, after all. He needed to keep a level head, and that wouldn’t happen if he didn’t control his words. Not with the quick temper that Mila knew he possessed.
“For one, Kiara-noona doesn’t have seven boyfriends,” he pointed out. Before Mila could say anything, he then added, “And for another, none of us are as touchy as you are with your partner.”
Mila’s face must have shown something that Heeseung didn’t like, because he immediately made a move to scold the younger male.
“Jungwon,” he said in a warning tone. Heeseung then knelt down in front of Mila and held her hands, caressing them softly. “No one’s blaming you, love. And none of us are trying to insinuate anything. It’s just that it’s not easy for us to see you so intimate with someone other than us.”
“But it’s just for performance,” Mila said quietly, lowering her head. Although Heeseung said they weren’t blaming her for anything, she couldn’t help but feel guilty that they felt this way. “It’s not like I actually want to be dancing that way with that guy…”
Jungwon sighed from where he stood.
Even if he wasn’t exactly happy at the moment, he didn’t want to see his girlfriend upset either. As soon as she lowered her head and her voice started to quieten, his heart wrenched in his chest, crying out for him to comfort her.
He walked over to stand behind Heeseung, who was still kneeling in front of her.
“Darling,” Jungwon said softly. He lifted Mila’s chin so that she was looking up at him. “It’s okay. We’ll be okay.”
“You mean you’ll be okay,” Niki said to Jungwon as he tightened his hold on Mila, nuzzling his nose into her neck. “I still don’t like it.”
Sunoo gave him a glare out the side of his eye. “And you think any of us do?”
“Okay, let’s not start arguing between ourselves,” Jay said, standing from his seat. “It’s only the beginning— if we start losing it at this point, there’s no way we’ll last for the rest of the comeback.”
“Right!” Jake immediately agreed. “We need to be strong for the upcoming months.”
Although Mila agreed, she didn’t exactly want to leave things unsettled either. But if the boys wanted space to sort feelings out, she could only give them just that. So, she just nodded in agreement.
With that, they moved on from the topic.
“Noona, you have to sleep with me tonight,” Niki demanded childishly. “Otherwise I won’t be happy with you.”
“What are you talking about?” Jake said incredulously, his head whipping in the younger male’s direction as soon as he heard what he said. “It’s my turn!”
“No, your turn was last night!” Niki yelled back.
As the two started to go back and forth between themselves—with Sunoo rolling his eyes from beside them—Jay finally got fed up.
“YAH!” He yelled, in typical Jay fashion.
The room was filled with laughter.
“I love you all,” Mila suddenly said.
The last thing she wanted was for them to doubt their places within her heart. And so, she wanted to make sure they knew how much she cared about them. How much she was irrevocably in love them.
“I love you too,” Sunoo immediately replied, giving her a quick peck on the lips.
The boys returned Mila’s confession with ones of their own, followed by different variations of kisses.
…All except one.
Mila watched as Sunghoon left the room, not sparing them another glance. She made a move to go after him, but was stopped by Heeseung, who gently squeezed her hand.
“I’ll go talk to him,” Heeseung said to her. “Don’t worry. He just needs time.”
Mila looked at Heeseung. Then, she looked in the direction that Sunghoon left. In her heart, she wanted nothing more than to go after Sunghoon and comfort him herself. To let him know that there was nothing for him to envy. But, she also knew she could trust Heeseung to know better.
Mila nodded slowly. “Okay,” she relented. “Thank you, oppa.”
Heeseung softly kissed her on the lips. “You’re welcome, love.”
Niki suddenly sat upright in his seat.
“Oh, I know! Why don’t you just keep your hand underneath his, like Heeseung-hyung does in his ‘devour me’ part?” Niki suddenly suggested, as if it was the greatest idea he’d ever had. His face fell two seconds later. “But then you’d still be touching his hand…” He perked up again. “Oh— then how about this? Just tell him to just keep his hands a few centimetres from your body!”
Mila laughed. “The female dancers have to put their hands on your necks— are you going to tell them to choke the air instead?”
Niki didn’t have a response to that.
FOR A WHILE, THINGS WERE OKAY.
Mila was able to make some arrangements to the choreography that the boys eventually accepted—or rather, became less tense about. It seemed Heeseung had held to his word, because Sunghoon had also gone back to teasing Mila as he usually did. (Both a blessing and a curse.) Some of them had even started to get along with Mila’s partner, and Mila herself had gotten closer to the female dancers.
“Eonnies!”
When Mila walked into the rehearsal room, she immediately made a beeline for the group of female dancers, where she was immediately fawned and cooed over. They began talking, until time came for rehearsals to begin. It was a little routine by now. One which she had grown quite fond of.
Indeed things were going well… until that day.
The day of the concept trailer release.
Naturally, Mila had been as ecstatic as everyone else. After all, even if she only had a few seconds of screen time, she was still proud of the boys for the work they put in— the fight scenes, the acting, all of it. It was going to be perfect. She just knew it.
There was just one tiny little problem. Just a tiny one.
Mila pouted as the credits started to roll on the screen, indicating the end of the trailer. Mentally preparing herself to watch the trailer was nothing compared to seeing it play out in front of her, on the screen, as she and the boys watched it for the first time in their dorm living room.
Mila glared weakly at Sunghoon as he tapped her chin— one of his favourite things to do when teasing her, along with baby-talking her.
“Aigoo, what’s with that face?” he cooed. “Are you upset? Is our baby is upset?”
Mila huffed. “No, not at all,” she replied aggressively. But even she wasn’t convinced by that act she was putting up.
“No, I don’t think so,” Niki said from behind her. Since she was sitting on the floor, he was able to wrap his arms around her neck and rest his chin on top of her head. “I think you’re jealous.”
“What are you saying?” Mila crossed her arms. “I’m not jealous.”
“No, no, you definitely are!” Jake jumped in to join the other two in teasing her.
“‘What even? Is she going to actually bite his neck?’” Sunoo imitated Mila’s distaste at that specific part perfectly. “Or what about Sunghoon-hyung’s parts? Her face was like—“
Sunoo glared and jutted out his lower lip on a pout. The others laughed.
Mila whined. “Her lips were on his neck! And Sunghoonie-oppa was acting all romantic with her— they hugged and rode on a horse together! Like in the fairytales! He even fought you guys for her!”
Mila was aware that she was starting to sound bratty, but she didn’t care. She felt she was fully justified in her actions. A woman who wasn’t her got to be close with her boyfriends and have such sweet moments together— and have them broadcasted, at that!
Sunghoon chuckled fondly and kissed Mila’s hand, using his princely charm to soothe her. “It’s just work, don’t worry.”
“Right, none of it was real,” Jay added. “So don’t be too upset, okay?” Jay leant down from beside Niki to kiss the top of Mila’s head.
“Darling.”
Mila turned to look at Jungwon. “Eung?”
“Did you know?” Jungwon smiled as he leant down to whisper in Mila’s ear. “You’re really cute when you’re jealous.”
“I’m not jealous!” Mila protested, earning laughter from the boys. “Seriously, I’m not!”
“Okay, in that case, let’s watch it again!”
Mila whipped around to face Niki. “You better not!” she warned.
So of course, he totally did.
It was all fun and games, though. The boys would tease her, make it up to her with kisses, and they would repeat the process for the next few days. But somewhere along the way—as embarrassed as Mila was to admit it—it had gotten to her.
Mila was usually one who was quick to resolve any negative feelings within her. But this time was different. Slowly, the claws of jealousy started to dig themselves into Mila’s heart.
It was no longer about the fact that another woman was close to the boys. Mila didn’t envy the proximity or the intimacy. She envied the freedom. She envied the fact that someone who wasn’t her was able to call Sunghoon ‘my love’ out loud. She envied the fact that, in the span of a single video, another woman was able to to openly claim Sunghoon as her own in a way Mila had never done in the two years she’s been dating him. Something she would likely never get to do.
It was a foolish way thing to think about it. But she couldn’t help it. That was just who Mila was— a foolish girl who fell foolishly hard in love.
And so, when Mila walked in on Sunghoon rewatching the trailer for the nth time, these feelings started to rise to the surface.
“You’re watching the trailer?” Mila asked. She walked over to Sunghoon’s bed, looking down at him as he focused intently on his phone. “Again? Do you like it that much?”
Mila opened her mouth to let out a silent ‘Ah’. It was only natural that he wanted to see his efforts come into fruition, especially when he played such a huge role. Mila, too, had praised him—and the others—for their scenes. So, she understood where he was coming from.
“I see…”
“You’re not jealous, are you?” Sunghoon paused the video—on a very nice scene of Jungwon getting off his motorcycle—to look up at her.
Mila opened her mouth to deny her feelings, but stopped before she did. As childish as it was, she wanted some reassurance. Now more than ever.
“What if I was?” Mila asked softly.
Sunghoon chuckled. He grabbed Mila’s hand and brought it up to his face before placing sweet kisses on the inside of her palm.
“Don’t be,” he said. “There’s nothing to be jealous of.” Mila felt herself smile. The two remained in silence, with Sunghoon softly caressing her hand. Mila eagerly awaited to hear what he would say next, until he started to laugh again. “But I guess we do have pretty good chemistry, huh?”
Mila’s heart plummeted. That wasn’t at all what she wanted to hear.
Sunghoon, from the beginning, was someone who rarely said ‘I love you’. He was more the type to let his actions speak louder than words. But just this once, Mila had hoped he would. Just so she could hear him say those words to her, even if no one else would.
Was it really too much to ask for?
Mila laughed weakly. “Right.” She wrenched her hand from Sunghoon’s grasp before turning around, grateful her voice didn’t falter. Without another word, she left. “Have fun.”
Sunghoon watched her leave with furrowed eyebrows.
Mila wasn’t sure when the tears started to fall. But by the time Mila had reached her room and thrown herself onto her bed, her pillow was already beginning to get soaked.
Mila hated it. She hated how she felt, and she hated that she even felt this way in the first place. She hated how she couldn’t just remain unaffected— that she couldn’t just look at things rationally, that she couldn’t just stop thinking so deeply into things.
“Mila?”
Mila sniffled. She looked up from her pillow to meet the worried eyes of Kiara, which caused her eyes to water even more. “Eonnie…”
“What’s wrong?” Kiara immediately took a seat beside Mila’s figure, stroking her back soothingly. “Did something happen?” she asked, using a gentle tone as she comforted the younger female.
And like a child crying to their mother, Mila told Kiara everything.
“Oh, honey…” Kiara hugged Mila closely. “Did you tell them how you felt?”
Mila shook her head. “It’s too embarrassing… they just keep teasing me.” Mila sniffled. “I feel like they’ll just think it’s stupid of me to feel jealous of something when they’ve already said isn’t real. But I can’t help it.”
Kiara frowned. The two girls sat in silence, until Mila’s sniffling started to finally calm down. At that moment, Kiara started to get a devious look in her eyes.
“I have an idea.”
Mail tilted her head curiously, looking up at the older female with wide doe eyes. “What is it?”
Kiara smirked. “How about we give them a taste of their own medicine?”
JUST OUTSIDE THE DOOR OF THE GIRLS’ ROOM, SUNGHOON STOOD ANXIOUSLY.
He hesitated slightly when he raised his hand, biting his lip in nervousness. When Mila left his room earlier, he had the feeling that she was upset with him. And looking back, he realised that perhaps he went a little too overboard with the teasing. So, he came to check on her.
What he wasn’t expecting was for the door to open before he could knock, to reveal a smiling Mila, looking happy as ever.
“Oh— Oppa? Did you need something?” she asked, blinking up at him with her wide eyes. The look that he always found so adorable on her.
Sunghoon blinked back. “Ah—” he cleared his throat, internally cursing himself for how awkward he was.
Despite this not being his first relationship, Sunghoon was never the type who found it easy to deal with emotions. His previous relationships in high school were easy, because neither sides expected it to be serious. They were relationships based off things that were nowhere close to love.
Bit this was different. Mila was someone he loved with every fibre of his being. Someone he never wanted to lose or let go of. His relationship with her was one he planned on continuing for as long as possible. He wanted her to be happy, more than anything. And so if he did something wrong, he had to make up for it— without hiding behind Heeseung as a mediator.
“I just… I wanted to see if you were okay.”
Mila hummed. “Yeah, I’m fine thanks. Why do you ask?”
Sunghoon observed Mila’s face. There seemed to be no traces of sadness on it from what he saw— in fact, she seemed rather… giddy?
Sunghoon shook his head, despite his confusion. “No, it’s nothing.” He then paused and added, “as long as you’re okay.”
Mila smiled and nodded. “I’m fine.”
Sunghoon didn’t think she was lying. So, he didn’t push the matter more and simply excused himself to go back to his room. She, on the other hand, skipped tot he front door with Kiara trailing after her. (Something about going on a walk, or something like that.)
But he also couldn’t shake the feeling that something was up.
MILA WASN’T A PROVOCATIVE PERSON BY NATURE.
In fact, Mila was a rather non-confrontational person. But she couldn’t deny that there was a pettiness to her, and that something about the thought of ‘getting even’ appealed to her greatly. It was probably for that reason why, when Kiara suggested that Mila make the boys as jealous as they made her, she eventually agreed.
The next time she went to dance rehearsal, she had a chat with her dance partner.
“I was thinking that we stay as we are now for the rehearsal, but for the showcase, we should go all out for our pair dance,” Mila suggested. “What do you think?”
“Sounds good.” Her partner nodded in agreement.
After all, it was exactly what the choreographer wanted to see from them— intimacy and sensuality. The past couple of rehearsals, they had been fairly distant with one another, barely putting hands on each other except when absolutely necessary. But Mila knew—even without Kiara’s little plan—that it wouldn’t have the same effect on stage if they didn’t put in their all, and probably would have suggested it otherwise.
So, really, payback was only part of the reason for Mila’s proposal. In the end, it was more professionalism that concerned her. (But, well, she did admit payback was a little bonus.)
The days went by, and eventually the concept trailer was put behind Mila as she focused on the next big date for the group.
The comeback release date.
In the girls’ dressing room, Mila smiled at her reflection.
Her look was everything one would think of when describing a ‘female fatale’— dark, alluring, and sexy as sin. It perfectly matched her role in this comeback: Instead of a doll—which she was so often compared to—she looked like very much like the one holding the strings. Strings with the boys hearts attached to the ends.
Even now, she still surprised herself with this darker and sultrier side to her.
“Wah, I look so good!” Mila praised. She turned and bowed to her makeup artists and stylists. “Thank you for your hard work.”
One of the senior makeup artists laughed. “No. It’s because you’re already pretty that you look good,” she said. “We just made you look better.”
Mila laughed.
She inspected her outfit (which would be matching with the boys, except with high-waisted shorts and knee high boots) one last time. Her heart pounded in her chest for each second that went by.
It was the group’s first comeback in almost a year. The feeling of waiting to go on stage was one that she missed quite a bit. She wondered how well the boys were adjusting— if they were as nervous as she was.
“Are you ready to go?” The girls’ manager asked as she walked into the room. “The boys are done and are on their way to the stage.”
Mila and Kiara nodded. “Ready!”
And so, the two girls set off. Once Mila spotted the boys coming out of their dressing room, she couldn’t help the smile that grew on her face. They all looked so damn good— even now, she found herself wondering how she managed to be so lucky as to bag them all.
Kiara nudged Mila with a smirk. “Are you ready for your parts?” she asked. “I personally can’t wait to see their reactions.”
Mila raised her eyebrows. She giggled at the older female’s words. “Why do you seem more invested than I am?”
Kiara shrugged. “Maybe because I am.” She then leant down and whispered in Mila’s ear, “and also because me and the TXT boys have bets going on about how they’ll react.”
Mila gasped. “Eonnie!”
“What are you two up to?”
Mila’s head whipped around to see Jake raising his eyebrows at her. If he only knew what sort of trouble the two girls had schemed together.
“I’m going to quickly send a text to Yeonjun-oppa.” Mila nodded as Kiara excused herself.
“Jaaaake!” Mila called sweetly, brushing off his question. She waddled over and hugged him around the waist, before looking at him with eyes full of admiration. “You look so good. Seriously, so handsome.”
Since it wasn’t out of the ordinary for Mila to be affectionate with her members, none of the nearby staff were all too suspicious. As long as they didn’t outright kiss, they were fine to cling to each other as much as they wanted.
“Really?” he asked, biting his lip as he smiled at her.
Mila nodded.
“What about me?” Sunoo asked, coming up from behind Jake. “I can be more handsome.”
Mila laughed at his indirect reference to his iconic I-Land line to Sunghoon.
“My Sunoo-shine is also looking super handsome tonight,” Mila praised genuinely. Before any of the other boys could ask how, she looked around and smiled at them all. “You all do. Really, really, reaaaaaallly handsome. Engenes will go crazy.”
Heeseung smirked. He leant down to Mila’s ear. “Just Engenes?”
He blew hot air onto Mila’s ear before retreating as if nothing happened, leaving Mila a flustered mess, unable to form words. The boys laughed at her expression.
“You look so beautiful,” Jay said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.
“Who allowed you to be so pretty?” Sunoo asked, tucking a strand of stray hair behind her ear. “I’m going crazy just look at you.”
Mila blushed as the boys started to pile compliment after compliment onto her. They stood there for a little bit longer, just relishing each other’s presence.
And then, it was showtime.
Mila missed the stage the same way one would miss an old friend. Something about being there—hearing the fans screams, feeling the lights on her—made her feel alive. And tonight was no different.
The beginning of the performance opened up. And soon, it was Mila’s turn to shine. Her first solo part came up, and she found herself strutting to the centre of the stage. Everything after that went by in a buzz.
As soon as her partner’s hands found its way onto her hips, the screams of the fans hit the roof. Mila bit her lip to prevent herself from laughing. However, this choice of action—combined with the suggestive position she found herself in with her partner—made a stronger impact than Mila originally thought.
The fans were loving her and her dance partner togethe—every sensual movement, every suggestive glance. It was completely unexpected.
What wasn’t unexpected, however, was the reaction from the boys.
The tension on stage was stifling. Even with all the eyes upon her, Mila could feel the burn of seven distinct gazes on her back. If jealousy was personified, it would be in the form of Mila’s boyfriends in that moment.
In the corner of her eye, she managed to see Jay staring at her partner with an intimidating gaze, as if he were seconds way from coming over and pulling Mila away from him.
After one of her solo bits, Jungwon had basically stormed his way onto centre stage, sending a short glance to Mila out of the corner of his eye.
She caught Niki staring at her during the chorus, when he was supposed to be looking at his partner, before he looked away.
Jake had licked the inside of his cheek whenever Mila and her partner took to the stage.
Heeseung’s hand had grazed dangerously low against her back as they passed each other on stage.
Sunoo had gravitated to her side during the times they were waiting on the side, pressing as closely to her side as possible.
And then there was the final icing on the cake. Sunghoon.
Mila and Sunghoon walked towards each other to perform their joint part of the song together. Normally, this was where they would hold the backs of each other’s necks and look into each other’s eyes.
But Sunghoon must not have been thinking of normalcy at that moment. Because he did something bolder than any of the watching fans would expect.
Instead of grabbing the back of Mila’s neck, he carded his fingers through her hair and pulled her to his chest. She almost stumbled, but caught herself in time by grabbing onto his shoulders.
At that moment, everything faded into background. Breaths mingling, and foreheads rested against each other, Mila saw the flickers of flames behind his eyes. Seconds felt like hours. Her eyes unconsciously flickered down to his lips, watching as they moved to mouth the lyrics of their song.
Then, all too quickly, he separated. And the performance went on.
But there was no mistaking the message he was sending.
Mila was in serious trouble.
MILA WAS STRUCK BY A SENSE OF DEJA VU.
The same living room. The same tension. The same topic of conversation.
It seemed her and Kiara’s little plan worked a bit too well. And looking back, Mila realised that: yes, she was to blame; yes, this was her fault; and no, she should not have done what she did.
She knew that. She really did. She did the thinking and the realising, and so, right now, she wanted nothing more than for this to be over. Seeing the disappointed looks on the boys faces—knowing she was the cause of it—was just too much for her to handle.
“Okay. We’re all here now,” Heeseung said. The tone of voice he used was nothing like the sweet one he always had when speaking to Mila, one that was doting and full of love. Instead, it was the voice he used when scolding the other members—and now, her. “Judging by your face you already knew what you did wrong.”
Mila only lowered her head in shame.
“So?” Jungwon asked. “Do you want to tell us why you decided to go behind our backs and change the choreography back to the one we clearly expressed made us upset?”
Mila bit her lip. Hearing her actions framed in that way made her realise that this went just beyond just petty revenge. She had broken their trust. She had done something to deliberately hurt them. It opened her eyes all over again. It made her realise once again just how truly, utterly selfish—
“That’s not fair…”
Mila felt her chin being raised, and found herself looking up at Niki. The younger male slowly knelt before her and used the sleeves of his shirt to wipe at her face.
“I’m trying to be upset at you— but you know how much I hate it when we make you cry.”
Mila froze. She was crying?
She flinched away from Niki’s hand. The younger frowned but didn’t do anything, only watched as she turned her body away and furiously swiped at her face.
“I’m sorry,” she said shakily.
“No, don’t do that…” Sunoo pleaded softly. He leant over and gently grabbed Mila’s wrists, trying to pry her hands away from her face. “Please don’t hide from us.”
It didn’t take any of them long to catch the hidden meaning behind Sunoo’s words.
They understood more than anyone—more than Mila’s own mother—how much Mila hated to shed tears in front of others. Not out of fear of being perceived as being less than “perfect” (in the first place, Mila never believed in such a notion), but simply because she didn’t want to be perceived as a something she wasn’t.
As someone weak. As a burden. As someone who used their tears as a weapon to induce guilt in others.
When she cried in front of them for the first time, it was like seeing a door open. And so for her to hide away her tears would only feel like a wall was being placed between her and the boys.
That wasn’t what they wanted. And it wasn’t what she wanted, either.
But Mila was Mila. And who was Mila, if not constantly scared? Scared of being hated, scared of being abandoned, scared of messing everything up...
Who in their right mind, she wondered, would stay for someone who couldn’t even last a few seconds without bursting into tears?
“Milana,” Heeseung called softly. “Love—“
“I’m sorry.” Before Heeseung could say anything, Mila cut him off with an apology. She took a deep breath. “I admit it— I was wrong. I shouldn’t have done any of that. I shouldn’t have changed the choreo, and I shouldn’t have done it behind your backs.”
Mila sniffled, her breath shaky as she tried to delay another round of tears. “I’m so sorry, everyone. I’m so sorry for hurting you. I just… I… please don’t hate me—“
“Angel, no.” Jay immediately went to hug Mila, not caring about anything else at that moment. “Yes, you made a mistake. And yes, we’re upset. But we don’t hate you. We could never hate you.”
“He’s right, you know?” Jake knelt down in front of Mila and cupped her hands in his larger ones, warming them with a single touch. “We don’t hate you for what you did, okay? Just please tell us why. We know you wouldn’t have done it without a reason. Hm?”
Mila bit her lip. “It’s… it’s stupid.”
And really, it was. To think she did all this out of petty jealousy.
“I don’t care if it’s stupid— if it was just for fun, or if you just felt like it.” Sunghoon sighed, finally deciding to speak up for the first time since they got to the dorms. He ran a hand through his hair, as if it was the only thing stopping him from punching the wall. “Just give me a reason not to take out my anger on something right now.”
“Because I was hurting!” Mila cried out.
The boys were visibly taken aback with her sudden confession. Mila was backwards in the way that she was loud in expressing her emotions except for those that warranted most— such as anger. So for her to suddenly shout made them all go silent.
“I was so, so jealous that fans and anyone who watched the trailer will see another woman call you ‘my love’. That you get to be lovey dovey when you weren’t even dating! That it wasn’t me—your girlfriend—instead!”
“Princess…” Sunghoon gaped at the unfamiliar side of her, so unrestrained and raw. Just how long had she been holding back that she snapped like this?
“I was jealous, yes I finally admit it! I was so jealous I wanted to pull my hair out!” Mila yelled. “I was fine with the teasing— really, I was. But I— I just—!”
Mila’s tears started to return. Her eyes watered as she looked at Sunghoon.
“Tease me all you want for being jealous, I don’t care about that,” she whispered weakly. “I just wish that, just once while teasing me, you would tell me that you loved me.”
The room fell silent.
“Fuck,” Sunghoon cursed. He made his way to where Mila was sitting, her body still shaking and her breath stuttering as rivers of tears continued to run down her face. “Princess, I… Why didn’t you say anything before?”
Mila laughed dryly. “What good is it if you only tell me you love me when I tell you to?”
Sunghoon took a deep breath. Jake moved out of the way, letting him kneel in front of Mila. He clenched and unclenched his hands into fists as he desperately tried to find something to say.
Sunghoon had no idea that he had hurt her this much. As someone who found it harder to profess his love, he found it easier to simply show it through actions. It was something that Mila had accepted, so Sunghoon had gotten used to not having to say it out loud.
He failed to realise, though, that it was for that reason that him saying ‘I love you’ would make all the difference to her. That if he had just only reassured her with such simple words, they never would have been in this position in the first place. And knowing that he was the reason for her crying made him feel like someone had ripped his heart out of his chest.
Sunghoon cupped Mila’s face into his hands, lifting her face so that he could look into her teary eyes.
“Princess, I’m so sorry…” He gently caressed her face with his thumbs, furrowing his eyebrows as they came into contact with her tears. “I know I don’t say it enough—and that’s my fault…”
Sunghoon took a deep breath.
Mila’s eyes widened as she saw a tear fall down his face. He was… crying? Sunghoon? Who rarely ever shed his tears? Was this because of her?
“Oppa,” she whispered. “You…”
Mila lifted a hand to wipe the tear on Sunghoon’s face, only for him to grasp her hand in his own. He leant down to kiss her fingertips, his lips brushing against them with a tenderness and softness that could be mistaken for a feather’s touch.
It was the type of kiss he’d give her behind closed doors. When no one was watching. The type that was so unlike the flirty, playful ones he’d usually give when the other boys were around.
“I love you so much,” he whispered, shutting his eyes as he savoured the touch of Mila’s fingertips on his lips. “I love you so much more than words can say.”
Mila’s breath hitched in her throat.
Without another moment to waste, she threw her arms around Sunghoon’s neck. He wasted no time in wrapping an arm around her waist, the other cupping the back of her head as he buried his face into her neck.
He held her like she could disappear at any moment. He pressed his lips to her ear, whispering over and over again, “I love you, I love you, I love you.”
In the background, Jay blinked repeatedly while looking up, trying to keep his tears at bay. He couldn’t help it. He was a softie at heart.
Sunoo, on the other hand, didn’t bother. He stroked the back of Mila’s head, sniffling and wiping at his face, letting the tears run like rivers.
“We all love you,” Heeseung said, wrapping his arms around both Mila’s and Sunghoon’s figures. “More than you know.”
One by one, each of the members joined in the hug. And there, they stayed. Savouring each other’s warmth.
“As cute as this is, could we maybe get off the floor?” Jay suddenly asked. “My knees are hurting.”
Everyone laughed.
Slowly, they broke away from the group hug and stood up. As Sunghoon broke away, he kept a firm grip on Mila’s hand, to which she held onto with equal strength. (Or as close as she could get anyway— Sunghoon was, after all, much stronger than she was.)
“I’m so sorry, my loves,” Mila apologised. “I’ll never play with your feelings like that again. So please forgive me.”
Jungwon chuckled as he used the pads of his thumbs to wipe away the remaining tears from Mila’s face. “Darling, you say that as if we could ever stay mad at you.”
“Right,” Jay said while laughing. “If anything I was more mad at your partner.” He wrapped an arm around Mila’s shoulder, brining her in to place a kiss on her forehead. “Even if you asked him to, I can’t believe he had the guts to put his hands on my girl.”
“Right!” Niki exclaimed incredulously. “I seriously was five seconds away from starting a fight— I think Sunoo-hyung had to hold me back at some point.”
Sunoo nodded solemnly. “I did. It was sad— I mean, he’s so much taller than me.”
Mila laughed. But she immediately stopped when she spotted Heeseung’s serious expression. “Oppa…”
Heeseung sighed. “It’s okay. Just make sure to tell us how you’re really feeling next time. No secrets, okay?” Heeseung warned. When Mila nodded obediently, he wrapped his arms around Mila in a tight hug, before placing a long smooch on her cheek. “My baby.”
Heeseung then covered her face in kisses, earning a giggle from her.
“I don’t know about you, but I don’t really mind anymore,” Jake said as Heeseung broke away. “Just as long as he doesn’t touch MY ass.”
Without warning, Jake slapped Mila on the butt. She jolted forward in shock, her eyes wide. She immediately slapped Jake on the shoulder. “Jake!” she scolded. (Though, to be honest, she was more embarrassed than angry.)
The other boys groaned.
“Yah, Sim Jaeyun, keep it PG-13,” Jay warned. “We still have babies in the room.”
“I’m not a baby!” “I’m an adult now, though?”
Niki and Jungwon said at the same time, causing everyone to laugh.
“Ah, I’m so glad this is over with.” Sunoo swept Mila in a warm hug, rubbing his cheek against hers as he did. “I thought I was going to suffocate from all the testosterone.” Sunoo pouted, before giggling. “Seriously, Mimi, you should have seen how jealous they were— they were practically boiling like kettles.”
“You say that as if you weren’t jealous,” Sunghoon pointed out. He was back to his usual self, smiling as he came up behind Mila and placed his hands on her hips.
“I was,” Sunoo admitted. “But then I remembered that I’ll always be Mimi’s favourite.”
“Oh really?” Sunghoon challenged. “Because I could have sworn I was her favourite.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Heeseung said. “Her favourite is obviously me. As the oldest, I won’t accept any rebuttals.”
“What?” Niki exclaimed incredulously. “That’s no fair! You can’t use your hyung card like that!”
Mila laughed as the others started to whine, asking Mila to choose who her real favourite was among them.
“Okay, okay, everyone— settle down. This isn’t a competition.”
Sunghoon chuckled. “You have seven boyfriends but it seems like you still don’t understand the ways of men, princess.” He leant down and nipped at Mila’s ear, earning a giggle. “Everything is a competition. Especially when it comes to you.”
“Oh?” Mila hummed thoughtfully. “In that case, my favourite is…” The boys went quiet, eagerly awaiting her answer. But they were all disappointed when she finally said, “Kiara-eonnie.”
Mila watched as the boys erupted into chaos, fighting amongst themselves again.
At some point, their little verbal debate turned into a very physical fight when Niki decided to hit Jake in the face with a cushion. A cushion fight ensued not long after.
Mila laughed as she dodged a flying cushion aimed towards Heeseung. Eventually, they ended up running all around the dorm, until the only ones in the living room were Sunghoon and Mila.
Sunghoon wrapped his arms around her waist, resting his hands on her stomach. He pulled her against his firm chest, savouring the softness of her body against his, before falling back onto the couch behind them so that Mila was sitting on his lap.
“You know… despite everything, I’m still a little jealous of your partner,” Sunghoon admitted. “I was going crazy each time his hand landed on your skin.”
“Really?” Mila asked, though she knew this well enough already.
Sunghoon hummed. “Don’t tease.” He turned his head so his lips were brushing against her earlobe. “I still remember where he touched you, you know? Right here…”
He placed his right hand on her hip.
“Here…”
He moved his hand up to her waist.
“And here…”
He moved his hand slowly and deliberately, until it rested against her throat.
The mixture of Sunghoon’s hot breath and his soft whispers had Mila breathless under his touch. He gently brushed his fingers against her neck, right against the spot where he knew she was most sensitive, as the other hand moved to grip her thigh.
Mila’s chest heaved, her eyelids fluttering as she struggled to keep them open under his caresses.
“And,” she somehow managed to say, “what were you going to do with that information?”
Sunghoon hummed. “I was thinking… that I’ll just have to get rid of his touch with my own.”
“Way to get the head start.”
Mila jolted in surprise when Jake’s voice approached from behind them. He licked his lips as he eyed the position that Sunghoon and Mila were in.
“Are you sure you’re an ex-athlete? Because that wasn’t good sportsmanship.”
Sunghoon smirked, his fangs flashing in the lighting of the living room. “That’s your fault for being so slow.”
“Okay, children, you’ve been awake long enough.” Heeseung suddenly appeared, rolling his neck to ease the muscles that likely would have been strained when he was hit in the face by Jay’s cushion. “Let’s all call it a night, yeah?”
Sunoo laughed haughtily as he entered the living room. “Hyung, don’t pretend like you’re not just saying that so you can get Mila to yourself. You’re not smooth.”
It seemed as if the boys had an unspoken announcement to meet in the living room, because one by one they all started to show up.
“Okay, let’s not argue,” Jay said, before smirking. “We all know that she’s going to choose me, anyway.”
Niki clicked his tongue. “Stop lying to yourself, hyung. I’m the one she has the most fun with, so obviously she likes me the best.”
“‘Fun?’” Jungwon smirked at the youngest. “As expected of the maknae— you only know how to mess around and play games. No wonder fans still think you’re like a little brother to her.” As a final blow, he added, “Baby chick.”
Niki rolled his eyes so far they almost reached the back of his head. “Please, you’re barely an adult. You’re not much better than me.”
Mila blinked as the boys continued to go back and forth. She shot a questioning look at Sunghoon, who smiled at her in return.
“What? You didn’t expect this when you made us jealous?” Sunghoon chuckled, his breath fanning against Mila’s cheek, only adding to the already existing warmth from her evident blush. “I told you— it’s always a competition when it comes to you.”
Mila laughed airily. She really was in trouble, wasn’t she?
“Well, damn.”
— BONUS SCENE —
Kiara groaned as she read the text that she received from Mila, earning looks from the boys she was with.
“Ooh, what did she say?” Beomgyu leapt and stole Kiara’s phone from her. He cheered, pumping his fists in the air as he read what Mila sent. When he was done, he pointed to Kiara. “You owe me, Hyuka and Taehyun!”
Yeonjun raised his eyebrows. “So you mean…?”
Kiara shot him a glare. “Yes, oppa. Beomgyu was right and we were wrong.”
“You mean you were wrong,” Taehyun corrected. “Yeonjun-hyung only agreed with you because you’re dating, and Soobin-hyung is too scared of you to not do what you say.”
Soobin, who was passing by, choked on his water.
Kiara shot him a dirty look. “I’ll have you know, it was very plausible for me to think that they would all just… you know? Cuddle and makeup? Together? Like a normal poly couple?”
Huening Kai snickered. “‘Normal poly couple’,” he mumbled under his breath.
He found it amusing that she said it as if poly couples were normal in the first place— Mila and her seven boyfriends, least of all. He smiled and shook his head.
Beomgyu scoffed. “Yeah, right. I totally knew they were going to fight over her.” He smirked. “I bet Sunghoon was the one to start it— he’s so possessive, you know?”
Kiara rolled her eyes. “Ugh, men.”
So… it’s finally here 👀 Not gonna lie I was lowkey very anxious to post this, since I wasn’t sure if it was something you guys would enjoy, but I decided to just YOLO it and — in typical me fashion — drop it out of nowjere with absolutely no warning 😆
So anyway! Mila does make a big oopsie in this chapter but as you can see she sorts it out later with the boys! So, message of the day: communication is key!
We also get to see jealous!Enha which is always fun to write about! It was a lot more angsty than I originally planned and I apologise for the drama but um it kinda just… happened? I must have been in sad girl hours or something 🤧
But anyway! Hope you guys enjoyed this impromptu post! Let me know what you guys think!
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SUMMARY. The less angsty take of the boys being jealous of Mila’s dance partner.
NOTES. part two of ‘dark blood, bad blood’ while you wait for ‘jealous’
IF YOU WERE TO ASK ENHYPEN WHAT THEY THOUGHT OF MILA’S DANCE PARTNER, just know you should be prepared to see a whole different range of emotions cross their faces before they finally come up with an answer.
Yes, they had somewhat accepted the… touchiness of Mila’s solo; and yes, they knew things were all professional. But of course, that didn’t stop them from turning all shades of green with envy whenever they had to watch Mila and her partner — not only act like a hormonal teenage couple that couldn’t keep their hands off of each other on stage, but also get along like a house on fire offstage too.
“This is hell,” Riki said, watching as Mila and her partner laugh while playfully going through their routine — as if they even needed to, when they were already perfect as it was. He took an aggressive bite out of the snack in his hand. “I’m in hell.”
“Watch your language,” Jay scolded. But his heart simply wasn’t in it. And neither were his eyes on Riki, because they had zeroed in on Mila’s partner’s hand on her waist.
Sunoo narrowed his eyes with a pout, crossing his arms over his chest. For someone who claimed that he knew his place as Mila’s favourite, he didn’t like this any more than the others. He brushed it off as not liking Mila acting like she was best friends with someone who wasn’t him — but anyone with eyes and a brain knew that it ran deeper than that.
“Can’t we just…” Sunoo turned to Jay. “Can’t we just, you know, butt in? It’s been half an hour already and they’re still going.”
“No,” Heeseung — ever the voice of maturity and reason — interjected. “Just let them practice. They’ll be done soon anyway, and we can all go home. Stay strong.”
Sunoo pouted, but nodded nonetheless. Jake sighed as he leaned back against the wall behind him, his grouchy reflection clear in the mirror across from them — as well as Mila and her partner’s bright smiles, when Mila’s partner put her in a dip, like they were ballroom dancers.
“I don’t know why it bothers me,” Jake said. “I even said before that I don’t care.”
“Well, it’s one thing to say it and another thing to do it,” Jungwon answered, as he bit the inside of his cheek. Mila gently pushed her partner away by the chest, causing the latter to chuckle. And all Jungwon wanted to do was walk up and snatch Mila away so that they could practise the ‘Bite Me’ partner choreography together. Was it too late to petition for them to change partners? Jungwon sighed. “I want to go home.”
Sunghoon, who had adopted a similar pose to Jake, hadn’t said anything. Instead, his eyes remained fixated on Mila and her partner without a hint of a smile on his face while he did so. It was clear he was thinking a lot from his expression, most of which one could guess had to do with the proximity between the two partners when they finally decided to do a proper run through of their choreography.
The female dancers, who were huddled in the corner with Kiara and her partner, snickered among themselves as they observed the boys’ reaction.
“Your members are pretty protective, aren’t they?” Jungwon’s partner asked. “They act like jealous boyfriends whenever Mila is involved.”
“Right?” Sunghoon’s partner said. “Whenever we’re supposed to be practising our part, Sunghoon-ssi never maintains eye contact because he’s always too busy staring at Mila-ssi and her partner.”
The choreographer had scolded Sunghoon because he had almost dropped his partner during the dip move at the chorus, because he had been distracted by Mila’s partner, who had a firm grip on Mila’s waist when he pulled her to his chest and had followed her every movement with his eyes.
“And remember that one time Niki-ssi suddenly yelled out that they were ‘too close’?”
The dancers all laughed as they remembered that particularly cute moment. After the choreographer had critiqued one of Mila’s solo parts, she continued to practise it after official rehearsal was over and asked the dancers for help. This was a part where Mila was surrounded by everyone, and she had to bring the male dancer’s faces closer to her like she was manipulating them to look at her. But one of the male dancers had accidentally gotten so close that their nose brushed against her cheek, and the whole dance room was shocked by the sudden yell of the younger member.
‘No!’ Riki had yelled, causing everyone to break out of character to look at him with wide eyes. The maknae cleared his throat as he realised what he did, and explained with faux professionalism, ‘You’re too close. Fans might get upset.’
If it was an actual rehearsal it probably would never have happened, seeing as the youngest was the most professional when it came to the partner choreography. But they couldn’t help but find it adorable. Especially when Sunoo had given him a sassy look and said, ‘Yeah… the FANS.’
Kiara laughed. “Tell me about it.”
“Wait until they find out he’s already dating someone,” Kiara’s partner said.
Kiara smiled knowingly. “It’s their fault for not letting Mila tell them.”
The day that Mila had found out her partner was dating someone — a few days after her initial make-up with the boys over their touchy performance — she immediately went to tell the boys about it to ease their jealousy. However, the boys being the way that they were, didn’t even let her finish. As soon as Mila mentioned that they didn’t need to be jealous of her partner, they started to reassure her instead.
‘It’s okay, you don’t have to explain,’ Jay had said. ‘We don’t mind that you guys are close. We trust you completely.’
‘Thanks for trusting me,’ Mila had said with a smile. ‘But if you do jealous, then you should know—’
‘No,’ Jake interjected. ‘We’re totally okay. Not jealous at all. So don’t worry.’
Jungwon nodded. ‘That’s right. Because we know that you love us one-hundred percent.’
Mila had blinked and looked at Kiara, who was struggling to hold in her laugh. But upon her boyfriends’ insistence that they needed no reassurance, Mila took it that they really weren’t bothered anymore about the idea of her and her partner together. Though their actions said the complete opposite.
Kiara and the other dancers gasped when Mila suddenly slipped, watching her fall in almost slow-motion. But her partner, with his fast reflexes, had immediately caught her, holding her steady as he worriedly asked if she was okay. It looked like a scene right out of a drama, with the way that he was holding her. At that moment, there was a loud noise as the boys shot up from where they were sitting.
“Okay!” Heeseung called out, catching everyone’s attention. “I think everyone’s tired, right? We should pack up and call it a night.”
“Mila-yaaahhhh!” Sunoo immediately skipped over to Mila’s side, before practically yanking her away from her partner. He smiled innocently, as if he didn’t just show off a move of strength that did not match his pretty face. “Come on. You promised Jungwon-ah that you would practise the chorus part with him before we go.”
Jake threw an arm around her partner, steering him in the opposite direction while he went on about soccer and whatnot as a means to distract him from the fact he basically had his partner snatched from right under his nose. Kiara snorted as she watched it all go down, the female dancers and her own partner laughing as they shared knowing looks. Kiara shook her head.
‘Totally not jealous at all,’ they said.
Kiara sighed as she said loudly, “Stop bothering the poor boy and let him go. His boyfriend is probably waiting for him to get home.”
The boys froze while Mila blinked at their reactions and her partner laughed sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. A few seconds passed. There was a complete silence. And then in true Enhypen male fashion, they all yelled in complete unison:
SUMMARY. Mila dominates the Hybe Caterer Games—and everyone’s hearts.
NOTES. it’s finally here! the long awaited hybe caterers! this chapter is hella long— was originally gonna split it in two but thought stuff it, so here it is. i skipped the dessert segment, so sorry to anyone who actually wanted to see that.
— mila’s outfit
“WAH, THIS IS SO EXCITING!”
Mila’s smile was almost as bright as the hot summer sun shining down on her. There was a skip in her step as she and the rest of Enhypen made their way to their tent. She couldn’t contain her excitement to get started with the festivities.
An eager player has arrived
This feels like a school festival! she thought excitedly. Whoever thought of this is a genius.
“Noona, where are you sitting?” Niki asked, tugging on her wrist. “Let’s sit together.”
Since Kiara was obviously going to take the seat closest to TXT’s tent, Mila agreed. With that, the younger male pulled her along. She ended up between Niki and Jay.
Mila hummed happily as Jay pulled out her seat for her. “Here.”
“Thank you,” she sang before plopping down in her chair.
The rest of the group took their seats and they waited patiently for their label mates to arrive and fill up the venue. Mila tapped her fingers on the table, looking around at the other tents around them.
She smiled. “I can’t wait to have fun with everyone.”
Spoken like a true ‘E’
As soon as everyone was settled in, it was time to kick off. And what better way to do so—according to Na-PD, at least—than to have individual entrances? (Mila supposed it wasn’t all that surprising, considering they were entertainers by profession.)
“What should we do?” Jay looked to the other members down the table as they started to plan their entrance. “We should be ourselves.”
“Let’s do that, then!” Jungwon said.
When they discussed their formation, Kiara suddenly had an idea. She tapped the table to get everyone’s attention. “What about we get Mila to do some tumbling?”
The other members “oohed”.
Sunoo leaned closer to Mila. “Can you do it?”
Mila nodded. “Of course!”
Confidence of a 7-year former cheerleader
“You should warm up, then,” Jay suggested immediately.
“Right,” Heeseung agreed. “So you don’t get hurt.”
Safety comes first!
“Okay, okay.” Mila didn’t bother disagreeing, knowing that it would only make them worry, being the protective people they were. So, she stood up and began to take off her outer shirt layer to free up her arms. “I’ll be back.”
“Be careful!” Heeseung said.
Mila smiled as she excused herself. “They worry too much,” she said to her staff, causing them to laugh.
To prove her point, when she left to stretch behind the tent, her members could be seen constantly looking back to check on her.
Enhypen cares a lot for their female maknae
Mila smiled as she watched Fromis_9, making sure to cheer loudly for them and enjoying their new song. She laughed when TXT came out with their chaotic entrance that perfectly matched the energy of “Good Boys Gone Bad”. Then it was Enhypen’s turn.
She felt butterflies in her stomach as she stood up with the other members. “This is kind of nerve-wrecking,” she admitted.
“Noona, fighting,” Niki said, placing a comforting hand on her lower back.
The warmth of his large hands instantly filled Mila with comfort. She laughed and squeezed his arm. “Thanks.”
The boys and Kiara positioned themselves and the music started. They walked forward as a group, with Mila at the back of the group. But halfway forward, they suddenly stopped. Then, the boys and Kiara moved aside, revealing Mila.
Mila ran forward and did a round off, followed by a backhand spring and then finishing off with a twist—all in rapid succession—before posing.
Flawless finish
As expected, everyone went wild.
“Milaaaaa!” Yunjin yelled out. “You killed it!”
“Mila-eonnie is the best!” Eunchae followed, with Kazuha—Mila’s fellow 03-liner—hastily agreeing.
Their screams were followed by an almost inhumanly loud whoop from Seventeen’s tent, courtesy of Mingyu. Seungkwan gave him a judgemental look out the side of his eye while he clapped.
A battle of cheers ensues
Everyone burst out laughing, with Mila giggling from all the attention and praise. The boys looked at her with pride as they danced to Blessed-Cursed, smiling at the recognition she was getting from the other artists.
After Enhypen finished their entrance, the group walked over to stand next to TXT, who effectively ambushed Mila as they waited for Seventeen to get ready for their entrance. (Since the edited version of the video would likely to cut straight to the next entrance, they didn’t need to worry about showing their closeness.)
Beomgyu wrapped an arm around her neck and pulled her away from her group, before putting her in a headlock and aggressively ruffling Mila’s hair. “Our Mila did good,” he said in a weird voice.
Mila squealed, trying to break free form his grip. “No!”
Yeonjun swatted away his hands. “Yah, stop it. You’ll ruin her hair.”
When Beomgyu let Mila go, Kai snickered as he pointed to her hair. “It looks like a squirrel tail.”
Taehyun grabbed a lock of hair and started swishing it around like a tail, causing the others to laugh. Before Mila could start sulking, Soobin came to her rescue.
“Aigoo,” he said, while reaching up to smooth down her hair. “You shouldn’t have messy hair, our visual princess.”
“Thank you, oppa!” Mila smiled sweetly at the older male. Then she looked at the three youngest members of TXT and poked out her tongue. “This is why I like Soobinie-oppa better than you guys.”
“Hyung, it’s okay,” Sunghoon suddenly said, walking over to squeeze himself between Soobin and Mila. “I’ll do it.”
Soobin smiled. He moved out of the way, immediately recognising why Sunghoon did that, and allowed the younger male to smooth down Mila’s hair in his place. At this point, it wasn’t necessary anymore, but Sunghoon wanted an excuse to get Soobin to stop patting Mila’s head. (That was something only he and his members should be allowed to do.)
Meanwhile, Yeonjun gasped and placed a hand on his chest at Mila’s last comment about favouring Soobin. “What about me?”
Mila hummed thoughtfully. “You’re a close second.”
TXT burst out laughing at Mila’s wit. Meanwhile, her own group wasn’t as amused.
“Excuse me,” Jungwon protested. “Please refrain from trying to steal our member again.”
Fromis_9 couldn’t help but giggle as they witnessed the antics of the younger ones.
“Ah… they’re so cute, our hoobaes.”
“By the way, do we get free food?”
The Enhypen staff team chuckled fondly at Mila's sudden, innocent question.
“Why? Are you hungry?” Sunghoon asked in a baby-ish tone.
Mila shook her head in denial. While she wasn’t particularly hungry, she was feeling quite peckish. But since she already had some biscuits on the way to the venue, she didn’t dare say anything.
“No. Just curious.”
Niki laughed and playfully poked her side. “Liar.”
Mila(20): also goes by the nickname ‘Kirby’, loves food
Mila jumped, giggling at the ticklish sensation. “What? I need to eat well if I want to grow taller,” she reasoned.
Sunoo laughed. “Is 173cm not tall enough for you? You might become taller than Jake-hyung if you keep growing.”
At that comment, Jake immediately shook his head. “No, no. That absolutely can’t happen.”
The rest of the group laughed. At that moment, they noticed that the staff were starting to bring coolers out onto the lawn.
Mila gasped excitedly. “Is it food?”
The one who said she’s not hungry
Suspiciously enough, though, rather than bringing the coolers to the group’s tents (much to Mila’s disappointment), the staff started to position them haphazardly across the lawn. Apparently, they were going to have to work for their food.
Through a game of “Red Light, Green Light”.
As the artists lined up at the starting point, Mila was with Enhypen at the back of the group. But slowly, when the others weren’t looking, she started to migrate towards the Le Sserafim girls.
Mila attacked Kazua in a back-hug, before resting her chin on her shoulder. “Zuzu!”
Kazuha jumped but then smiled when she turned her head and met Mila’s eyes. She placed her hands on top of Mila’s hands around her waist and leaned her head on top of Mila’s. “Mimi,” she said sweetly.
“Hi, Mila,” Yunjin said. She held out an arm, and which Mila immediately leaned into for a side-hug.
Of the Le Sserafim girls, Mila was closest to Kazuha and Yunjin. But of course, being close to them, she got along with the other girls as well, and offered her greetings to them.
“I hope we get good snacks,” Sakura said wistfully.
“Mila has good luck,” Yunjin pointed. “She’ll probably find the best ones.”
Mila laughed. “If I do, I’ll share.”
“Okay, deal!” Chaewon said. “Let’s share anything we find!”
“Okay!” Seungkwan gathered everyone’s attention, ending their individual conversations. After his intro, he got ready to begin the game in earnest. “I’ll do a long one first, and then you guys can run comfortably… I’m starting now!”
With that, they all rushed forward.
“Oh!” Jake quietly celebrated as he and a few others—including Jay and Yeonjun— leaned over a cooler full of canned drinks, which happened to also contain Mila’s favourite peach soda. “They have Mila’s favourite drink here.”
“Really?” Jay asked. He looked out the corner of his eyes. (They were in freeze position, and didn’t make any noticeable moves that could get them eliminated.) “Okay, let’s take some.”
At that moment, Seungkwan turned so his back was facing them, allowing them to move freely. They immediately started to grab as many of the peach soda as they could carry.
“Where is Mila by the way?” Kai asked from the other side of the cooler. “I didn’t see her with you guys when you ran.”
Jay and Jake exchanged looks before looking over their shoulders. From behind them, Sunghoon did the same. But none of them could spot Mila in the crowd.
“What the—” Jay froze as Seungkwan turned around again. His eyes were wide as he looked at Jake. “Where did she go?”
Meanwhile…
Mila gasped and exchanged thrilled looks with Sakura as they opened a cooler with watermelons inside.
During the beginning, she didn’t have time to wait for her members since everyone had started moving forward as soon as Seungkwan turned his back and announced he was starting. So, she just ran with the Le Sserafim girls instead.
It was a good thing, though.
Now we can have a watermelon! Mila thought excitedly, blissfully ignorant of the crisis her members were having down the back.
A clueless Mila has temporarily joined Le Sserafim
“Wah, they’re so heavy!” Mila said as she crouched to grab a watermelon from the cooler.
Maybe I should have waited for the boys… she thought.
But just as Mila thought this, she saw Sakura do her best to lift one of the watermelons on her own. Seeing this, Mila instantly changed her mentality. She couldn’t always rely on the boys! She could carry her own weight! (And the damn watermelon’s, too, if she had to!)
No, I can do this! Mila thought resolutely. Strong woman Milana, let’s go!
Unfortunately for Mila, just as she managed to pick up a watermelon, Seungkwan turned around, causing her to freeze in a very uncomfortable position.
“Ah—”
The Fromis_9 and Le Sserafim girls burst out laughing at what Mila said next. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for the viewers, they would never know what it was.
Censored to protect idol image
With that, Mila persevered, her eyes set on the finish line. But for some reason, it felt like it was miles away… especially since Seungkwan kept turning around so quickly.
“If you leave them be… the ones carrying watermelons might fall,” Na-PD said in the megaphone.
“Who’s carrying the watermelons?” Seungkwan asked.
As he scanned the crowd, he managed to spot three figures carrying watermelons with pained looks on their faces and trembling arms.
Yunjin, Sakura and Mila
Le Sserafim (and their new member) have 3 watermelons
“Oh! When did Mila-noona get there?” Jungwon asked, smiling as he spotted Mila near the front of the group. “Wah!”
“Wait, where?” Jake asked. “Oh! Jay, look! She’s over there!”
Enhypen finally found their (former) member
“Whne did she get there?” Jay asked in confusion.
“Wait,” Kiara said while laughing, “is that a watermelon?”
“It is. Is she okay?” Heeseung asked worriedly. “It looks heavy…”
Sunoo and Niki would be able to attest to the truth of Heeseung’s words.
“Here…” Sunoo called out weakly.
“Oh— when did they get there?” Mila asked as she spotted Sunoo and Niki. She then laughed as she realised they were also holding watermelons. “Why did they grab more? There’s not going to be any more watermelons for anyone else!”
Yunjin laughed. “Right. We’ve taken most of them.”
You have to be fast around here!
We can just share our watermelons with the others, Mila thought, when she saw that Soobin was also heading towards the (most likely empty) watermelon cooler. There’s no way we’d eat three whole watermelons by ourselves— and it’s also good bonding!
It took a few more turns. But eventually, Mila found herself across the finish line. When she made it, she dropped to her knees, dropping (gently, though, as to not break it) the watermelon to the ground.
“Freedom!” she yelled. “At last!”
“Ah, startled me—!”
Seungkwan jumped on the spot. He did a double take as he looked down at the girl. She happened to kneel down right beside him, leaving him confused as to what to do.
“Aigoo,” he said sympathetically. He awkwardly pat her on the shoulder. “You poor thing…”
Seungkwan’s heart hurts almost as much as Mila’s arms
At that moment, Mila suddenly got a boost of energy. Mila picked herself—and her watermelon—up and ran off while yelling, “Aaaaaaahhhh!”
Seungkwan stared after her in confusion while the other artists laughed around them. He made eye contact with Mingyu, who just shrugged.
“What in the world…”
Our Mila is very special indeed…
Mila smiled as the rest of her members joined her across the finish line, one by one.
Mila reunites with her (actual) members
“Sunoo!”
Mila laughed when Sunoo dashed across the finish line while holding his watermelon to his chest like an egg that would break.
“Where did yours go?” Sunoo asked.
“Oh, I dropped it off earlier with the staff, so they could cut it for us while I waited for you.” She then held out her arms to Sunoo. “Here! Want me to hold yours and give you a break?”
“No, it’s okay,” Sunoo said, shaking his head. “I don’t want you to carry anymore heavy things today.”
Before Mila could protest, she heard her name being called. “Mila, look!”
Mila turned her head at the sound of Jake’s voice. Her eyes brightened when she saw him walking up to her and Sunoo—flanked by Niki and Heeseung—while waving a can of her favourite peach soda. She gasped and ran up to him.
“Wah!” She grabbed the can from Jake and beamed brightly at him. “Thanks, oppa!”
“Are you okay?” Heeseung asked, gently squeezing her bicep. “You carried that watermelon all the way, it must have been tough.”
Mila hummed. “But it was worth it— we got yummy watermelon, in the end.”
Heeseung smiled and ruffled the top of her head. “Thanks to you.”
“Hyung, I’m here too, you know,” Niki said from behind them, holding his watermelon out to show them.
Mila giggled rubbed Niki’s arm. “You did so well.”
Niki’s beamed at her praise.
With that the group walked back to their tent to enjoy their acquired snacks. Since there were so many watermelons, they—as well as Le Sserafim— ended up deciding to share theirs with the others.
Idols and staff alike all agreed that the watermelon that afternoon was the sweetest they’d ever had.
“For the next game, pick three players from your team,” Na-PD announced on his megaphone. “Strength and intelligence. You need them both.”
“‘Intelligence’?” Jake asked. “What’s that? Head and body?”
“Wait, what are we doing?” Sunghoon questioned.
The tent was filled with questions about what was going on and what they were doing. But no one seemed to have any answers. Enhypen were hopeless with instructions, it seemed.
“Strength and intelligence…” Mila spaced out as she pondered the meaning of the words. “No, forget it. How about beauty instead?”
Sunghoon nodded. “We’re all visuals.”
Enhypen is a group known for all-round good looks
“Right,” Mila agreed. “It seems like the only thing we have going for us at the moment.”
Unfortunately, looks weren’t useful in the next event, which was revealed as a pair race.
“So we can bring anyone on our team or us staff?” Mila asked. She then turned around and looked at the staff, who laughed at her mischievous expression. “Be careful, everyone!”
“Let’s send out someone who had a full meal,” Sunghoon said.
With that, Jake stood up.
“Fighting!” Mila said encouragingly.
She felt bad admitting that she enjoyed sitting with the rest of her group, watching the chosen players run around frantically looking for someone who matched the criteria on their card.
“What’s up with Jake-oppa?” Mila asked as they watched him tilt his head in confusion. “Oh, he’s coming this way.”
There was chaos as Jake arrived at the table, not looking close to confident as he looked at the members. All of a sudden he grabbed Sunoo, who was sitting at the furthest end, and pulled him up without any explanation whatsoever.
“Ah, it seems so fun,” she said, as Jake dragged Sunoo to the front.
Jungwon looked at her and placed a hand on her knee under the table. “Do you want to go next?” he asked, seeing the bright look in her eyes.
“Should I?” she asked hesitantly.
“If you want to go, you can go,” Jay encouraged her. “We don’t mind anything, as long as you’re happy.”
“Right. And you could do a better job than Jake-hyung anyway,” Niki added.
Mila smiled brightly. I’m so lucky to have them.
“Okay! If you say so!”
With that they came to an agreement. Mila could hardly wait to have a turn.
After the racers returned with their partners, Mila watched eagerly as the participated in their challenges. She tilted her head as she heard Kazuha’s. “Limbo?”
“That has nothing to do with how strong you are, though,” Jay said while eating a watermelon. “It’s about your core strength.”
As experts critiqued the challenge, Mila could only watch in amazement. Kazuha was owning the limbo challenge, making pride swell up in her chest for her friend. Even if they weren’t on the same team, they were still close friends.
“That’s my Zuzu,” Mila said, holding a hand over her heart.
Kiara smiled. “Ah, cute…”
Kazuha was now being challenged by others. And seeing this, Na-PD suddenly had something to say.
“Actually, before we begin, I’ve been curious about something…” the other idols perked up at Na-PD’s announcement. “Kazuha here is an ex-ballerina, but I heard we also have a former pro-cheerleader here today as well.”
The other idols looked around. In the Fromis_9, Seventeen and TT’s tents, there was curiosity. But then, they all came upon the same conclusion after remembering Enhypen’s entrance earlier on.
Suddenly all eyes were one Mila.
The former cheerleader in question
“Ah, wait a moment!” Mila started to panic. “What is this?”
“Since we have a friendly competition going on, I was wondering when she’d come up to have a turn.” Na-PD smiled shrewdly. “I’m curious who would win between the two… Mila? What do you think?”
Mila gaped. I get this is a variety show, but I didn’t expect him to pit us up against each other!
“Oh! Right!” Sunghoon sat up and immediately agreed. “Why don’t you have a try? You have good core strength.”
“Right!” Jay added. “You can totally do it!”
The other groups immediately became invested in the potential challenge.
“Cheerleaders have to have good balance when doing stunts,” Mingyu said. “She’d probably have good core strength.”
“The question is, though, who would win?” Hoshi asked.
“Wah…” Seungkwan cocked his head as he shifted in his seat. “I’m curious now, too… this suspense is unreal!”
A former cheerleader challenging a former ballerina?
Mila laughed awkwardly. “No thanks. My back still hurts from carrying the watermelon,” she lied.
Or not…
Mila would have her chance to show off later. But for now, she just wanted to cheer for her friend.
“Ah, what a shame,” Na-PD said.
Maybe another time, then…
Mila stood up as she got ready for her turn to run the race.
“Wah, look at Baekho-sunbaenim,” Kiara suddenly said. “He’s totally ripped.”
Mila’s eyes followed her line of sight until they landed on Baekho, who stood next to The8, his built and taller frame providing a significant size difference between the two.
“Oh, daebak,” Mila said in amazement. She then started to hum Adrenaline (Vincenzo OST sung by Mamamoo’s Solar), causing Kiara to laugh “He looks like a bodyguard… So cool.”
Unbeknownst to the two girls, the boys at their table had gone awfully silent after listening to their conversation.
“Anyway, I’m off!” Mila said, too excited to notice the tension around them. “See you later, everybody!”
And with that, she ran off.
She joined Yunjin at the second starting line, where she started to laugh and make small talk. Chaeyoung joined them and the three giggled together. Little did Mila know that the other females present were admiring her from afar.
“Ah, Mila is seriously so pretty,” Sakura said, as she watched the girl from her group’s tent.
At Fromis_9’s tent, a similar situation was occurring.
“Ohh, so pretty!” Hayoung cooed as she fanned herself. “How is she so pretty?”
“Right?” Jiwon asked. “She looks like a manhwa character…”
Mila is a visual among visuals
The Fromis_9 members started to cheer for Chaeyoung, before also including Yunjin and Mila. “Le Sserafim, fighting!” they yelled. “Mila, fighting!”
Mila smiled and thanked them.
“Choi Yeonjun! Choi Yeonjun!”
Mila jumped as TXT started to cheer for their eldest member. But she laughed when they were joined by Enhypen, who started to chant her name.
“Bai Minglu! Bai Minglu!”
Mila smiled, grateful at the sentiment, and sent a flying kiss. As she did, the ten went crazy, and other groups started to laugh. And then, it was time for her to get going.
“Start!”
Mila sprinted off as soon as she was given the signal, taking the lead—with Yunjin hot on her heels—as the other idols watched in awe. Meanwhile her own group members watched with pride.
“Oh— she’s fast!” Sunghoon exclaimed with a smile.
Jake smiled in awe as she passed their tent. “Look at her! She just zoomed pass!”
“Wah,” Jay said in amazement, “she’s like a puma…”
“She’s in first place!” Sunoo pointed out, clapping his hands excitedly as he realised how easily Mila’s took the lead.
“Oh, you’re right!” Jungwon smiled brightly. “She’s way ahead.”
“NOONA, FIGHTING!” Niki roared, prompting the others to give loud cheers of their own.
“As expected,” Heeseung said proudly.
Kiara sighed wistfully. “Aigo… It must be nice to have long legs.”
Mila’s secret to running fast? Her long legs
“Yes!” Mila cheered as she was the first one to make it to the cards. She picked hers up and read it before her mouth fell open into a gasp. “What even? What is this?”
What could it be?
“Ah, I’m so sorry, I’m sorry…” Mila suddenly said as she dashed off again before the others could catch up. “I’m seriously sorry!”
Who are you apologising to?
Mila panicked as she started running back to the tents. That was when she made a beeline straight to one in particular.
Immediately runs to one place
It was Seventeen’s tent.
“Oh!”
The members immediately jumped as Mila approached their tent.
“She’s coming this way!” Jun exclaimed. “Who is it? Who is she getting?”
Mila ignored all the questions coming from her own group about who she was grabbing. Her eyes were trained on one person. Both Enhypen and the Seventeen members all watched with shock as Mila desperately thrust her card out in front of Joshua.
“Please help me!” she yelled.
Seungkwan read the card before smiling and enthusiastically gesturing for Joshua to go. “Go, go!”
“Hurry, hurry!” Hoshi urged as he also read the card. “Go!”
Mila’s desperation combined with his members’ urging eventually for him to stand up, before Mila grabbed his sleeve and ran off to line up. As they left, the remaining Seventeen members could only laugh.
“Ah, poor Mila,” Seungkwan said sympathetically, a smile on his face. “She must be so embarrassed…”
Meanwhile, her members could only watch in confusion and shock.
“Shua-sunbaenim?” Kiara asked, gaping at the sight of Mila dragging the said man. “Oh my god…”
“Why is she holding on to him like that?” Heeseung asked while chuckling dryly.
Sunghoon watched with a blank stare, his arms crossed over his chest.
Kiara noticed their foul moods and decided to tease them a little. “Wah,” she said innocently, “I feel like I’m watching a drama!”
If looks could kill, Kiara would have been six feet under from the ones she got from her members.
“Oh, look!” Kiara pretended not to notice the glared being sent her way and simply laughed as she pointed to Mila and Joshua. “They’re in first place.”
Mila is the first to arrive!
Time to verify
“Mila was the first one to arrive, so if she gets this then Enhypen will receive the top prize for this round,” Na-PD said. “So, please read out your mission.”
“Uh…” Mila laughed awkwardly as she read out her card: “‘Someone you share a dark history with.’”
Na-PD blinked. “Huh?”
A dark history…?
There was a wave of laughter from Seventeen and Enhypen’s tent. The latter group finally understood why Mila chose who she did— and apparently, so did the others.
Sakura gasped. “Oh, what to do?”
Chaewon leaned into Sakura’s side and placed a hand over her mouth. “Ah, Mila… you poor thing…”
Beomgyu burst out laughing. “Ah, right! There was that incident, right?” he asked.
Soobin nodded. “Eung. There was.”
But there were some others who were still confused.
“‘Dark history?’” Lee Hyun asked in shock. “Did they fight?”
Minhyun looked behind him towards his staff. “Do you know what happened?”
“Oh, you didn’t get a very good one, did you?” Na-PD asked. “But unfortunately we still have to verify. So, Mila, we have to ask— what is this dark history that you share?”
The so-called dark history…
Mila started to explain while Joshua simply smiled and nodded along from beside her.
“When we were at an award show, Seventeen-sunbaenim came to crouch in the row in front of me for a picture. I felt bad that my seniors were crouching so I got down next to them…” Mila cringed. “But when I went to stand up afterwards, I tripped on my dress. So I reached out to grab the thing closest to me… and it was Shua-sunbaenim’s hand.”
Mila nodded solemnly and then added, “and the clip went viral afterwards.”
Lee Hyun gaped. “So they held hands? At an award show? In front of hundreds of people?” he asked incredulously. “And it was caught on camera?”
“Oh…” Minhyun winced. “No wonder she said it was a dark history… she must have been so embarrassed.”
Sympathetic seniors
“Aigo…” Na-PD blinked. “That must have been tough…” he then looked at the staff. “I think we can confidentially call this a pass, am I right? Although, it might feel like a hollow victory…”
Mila laughed.
A victory, but at what cost?
When Mila received the final verdict, the first thing she did was bow to Joshua in thanks—and in apology.
“Thank you,” she said. “Oh, and I’m sorry.”
With that she ran off back to her tent, her cheeks heating up from the laughter she received on the way.
After Mila, it was Jungwon's turn to run the relay. His challenge: the best arm wrestler among idols.
Since Baekho—who would have been his first choice—was running on behalf of his team for a second time, Jungwon had chosen Lee Hyun.
And of course, the verification was a match. I’m this case, between two members of the same team: Lee Hyun and Baekho.
Baekho stepped forward and rolled up the sleeves of his shirt before flexing his arms, showing off his bulky biceps. This, of course, garnered a huge reaction from the other idols— Mila included.
“Wah!” Mila gasped. “Why is it so ripped?” she asked. “It must be thicker than my thighs!”
“I know, right?” Kiara asked with equal awe. “So cool…” Kiara grasped onto Mila’s arm as the match between the two TT members began. “Mila.”
“What is it?”
“Let’s get his signature afterwards.”
Mila laughed. “Should we?”
But of course, the boys weren’t going to have it.
“No,” they all said in unison.
Mila rushed to line up with the others to get their lunch box. She ended up in between Jungwon and Jake, the latter of whom immediately placed his hands on her waist. He started to move forwards, pushing her until she was sandwiched between the two completely—almost too restricted to move.
“Yah, what are you doing?” Mila whisper-yelled, eyes darting to see if there were any cameras focused on them.
“Relax,” he said with a giggle. He leaned down to whisper in her ear. “The people behind me are too close, just bare it for a little bit.”
Mila rolled her eyes but didn’t say anything on the matter. As long as she didn’t make a fuss, it should be okay.
“Fail!”
Mila huffed, growing impatient as the line slowly moved along. People were constantly being sent to the back and only a few actually succeeding, but she was too hungry to care. She grabbed the back of Jungwon’s jacket, tugging on it boredly.
Jungwon immediately turned around to look over his shoulder at her. “What is it?”
“No,” Mila replied with a sigh, “it’s nothing. Just hungry.”
Jungwon laughed. “Aren’t you always hungry, though?”
“Yah,” Mila whined. She lifted her hands and placed them hands on his shoulders, before she started massaging them.
Originally, she was going to back hug him, but decided against it because there were so many people. And not all of them were accustomed to her affectionate behaviour with the boys.
Jungwon, however, didn’t seem to mind as he lifted his hands to hold hers while they worked the muscles in his shoulders.
“That feels nice,” Jungwon said with a smile.
“Do me after Jungwon,” Jake said, placing his hands on her hips this time. “I want a massage, too.”
Mila turned to glare at Jake for the double meaning in his words. Just as she thought, he was smiling mischievous oh while licking his lips.
“No,” Mila rejected instantly. “Just for that, you’re not getting anything from me.”
Mila whipped around again, hoping the line would move forward faster.
“It’s Jay-hyung’s turn next,” Jungwon said. “Noona, if he gets it right, you can just do some aegyo and he’ll give you some of his food.”
Mila laughed and slapped Jungwon’s shoulder. “In that case, I’d rather starve.”
Mila doesn’t like aegyo, even if it’s for food
Unfortunately, neither Jay nor anyone else in Enhypen managed to get a question right. And now, it was Jungwon’s turn.
“What’s 9 times 8?” Na-PD asked.
“72,” Jungwon replied quickly.
“Waaaaaaahhhhh…” the other idols looked in awe as Jungwon grabbed his lunch box and made his way to the tent.
“As expected,” Mila said, “our leader.”
Mila stepped up and grabbed one of the slips with a racing heart. If she was lucky, it wouldn’t be too difficult for her.
“Oh, Mila,” Na-PD said with a wince. “This question is about arithmetic. Are you ready?”
“Oh, more maths?”
There were whispers from behind Mila, all of which expressed distaste. And then there was, of course, Jake, who was anything but. He immediately started to massage Mila’s shoulders like she did for Jungwon.
“You got this,” he said encouragingly, soothing Mila’s nerves.
“Okay, here’s your question.” Na-PD cleared his throat. “Name ten decimal places of pi.”
Eh, that’s it? Mila asked. “3.1415926536,” she recited.
If it weren’t for her brain actively trying to translate English numbers into Korean, it would have been a lot faster. But regardless, it didn’t stop the others from being impressed by her.
“Waaaaaaah!”
“Daebak,” Sakura said. “She’s too good.”
“I know, right?” Chaewon said. “She has it all.”
That’s the charm of Mila, the ‘Wildcard’
“Correct!” Na-PD yelled.
“Yes!” Mila turned around and jumped on Jake, who caught her and twirled her around in the air.
“Ah, cute!” Chaeyong cooed.
“Oh, how romatic,” Baekho said.
Like a scene in a movie
“That’s my girl!” Jake said proudly as Mila grabbed her food. She skipped off to meet Jungwon with a bright smile on her face. Rather than being happy over her victory, she was just glad she would get some proper food.
She was going to need all the energy she could get for the upcoming activities.
After they had lunch, it was time for dessert. Of course, they didn’t get it for free—but luckily Enhypen were able to get theirs on the first try by using their “foreigner card” on Na-PD.
The groups all started to gather on the field, where they got ready for the next segment.
Random Play Dance.
Mila stood next to Jay and Sunoo. “I think Yeonjunnie-oppa is going to twerk,” she mused as she watched the elder tie his shoelaces diligently.
Kiara, who stood next to a kneeling Yeonjun, nodded solemnly. “Right. I don’t know where he gets it from.”
Mila snickered. “Eonnie, if you do it, I’ll do it with you.”
“No,” Jay immediately rejected the idea. He put an arm in front of her.
“Mila is good at it, though,” Sunoo said with a smile. “Remember the dance cover you did?”
Mila laughed. “I haven’t uploaded that yet.”
Sunoo “oh” before covering his mouth and discreetly looking around to see if anyone heard. But of course, the cameras had already captured them in their suspicious act.
A spoiler for a future project?
Mila cleared her throat. “Anyway, let’s get on with this.”
At that moment, Na-PD officially started the game.
The first song was, surprisingly enough, ‘Blessed-Cursed’. She, of course, immediately rushed forward to do it. She rushed forward for the second song as well, but eventually realised how much of a hassle it was.
So, she decided to just hang around the back, even though she knew the choreo to all the songs that came up.
But this eventually became a problem when no one could actually see what she was doing. After ‘Hey Mama’, quite a few people were called out to the front—including Mila.
“Actually, there’s someone who’s been bothering me for a while now,” Seungkwan said into his mic. “This person… whenever a song came on, the only time she came to the front was for her group’s song. And ever since then, she’s been at the back.”
The artists all looked at each other in confusion.
“Mila, can you come to the front as well?”
Mila’s eyes widened in surprise. She pointed to herself. “Me?” she asked. Well damn.
Surprised
Her members all ushered her forward as well, despite her shock. Being the obedient girl she was, she started to walk forward like she was asked. But she was still visibly confused.
“I thought I danced pretty good, though,” she muttered to herself.
Seungkwan must have seen her mouth moving because he immediately raised his mic. “What did you say?” he asked provokingly, holding a hand to his ear. “I didn’t quite hear you.”
Mila giggled. She made a heart with her arms. “I said, ‘You’re super, super handsome!’”
Mila can be act cute when it matters
Seungkwan brought a hand to his mouth in shock. He began to fan himself as the others laughed around him.
the man was too stunned to speak
“Are you okay?” Na-PD asked. “You’ve gone all red!”
In the final edited version of the episode, there was romantic music playing in the background while Seungkwan tried to hide how flustered he was. Eventually, he cleared his throat.
“Anyway, moving on!”
“Let’s have Yeonjun come out,” Lee Hyun suggested. Since he danced so well, everyone agreed that he should demonstrate.
But Yeonjun was also aware that Mila wasn’t bad either. Since she also happened to be his “little sister”, he immediately got her to stand next to him.
“Let’s do it,” he said, grabbing her wrist and placing her close to him.
“‘Hey Mama’ will start playing… now!”
As soon as the music started, Mila’s aura completely changed. She was immersed in the vibe of the song, and as soon as she started dancing, the judges couldn’t help but be impressed.
“Waaaaahhhhh!” They yelled out in sync.
Sunoo cheered at the top of his lungs. “WOOOH! Sexy, sexy!”
Soon, Jake, Beomgyu and Sunghoon left to join Sunoo along with some of the others who were originally called out. This left more attention on Mila and Yeonjun in the centre.
By the end of the song, it was safe to say that she proved herself. From that moment forth, she was never called to the front.
And eventually, she became one of the last people standing.
“You made it this far, how do you feel right now?”
Sunghoon held the mic to Mila’s mouth so that she could deliver her statement for their ‘interview’.
Candidate for 1st place, Mila of ENHYPEN
“Since I made it this far, I’ll do my best to bring back the first prize for my group,” she said confidently, causing her said group to burst into crazed cheers.
Sunghoon smiled fondly as he watched her, almost in a trance. But then he remembered he was supposed to be interviewing her and shook his head.
“Do you have anything to say to your members?”
“My members? Uh, so…” Everyone waited in anticipation for what touching words she would say… only to be slapped in the face by reality. “I want beef for dinner, please.”
Everyone burst into laughter at her reply.
As expected, our Kirby…
Before Sunghoon left, he subconsciously tapped her on the chin, forgetting that they were being watched by almost all their whole company.
“OOOOOOOHHHHHH!”
Everyone erupted into hoots and cheers at the sight, like people witnessing a public proposal. Mila laughed shyly as Sunghoon ran back to the rest of the group, where he was pat on the back by the other members.
“Ah, cute!” Soobin said encouragingly.
“What is this K-Drama?” Seoyeon asked.
“Eonnie, your cheeks are all red,” Eunchae pointed out as she offered her hands to fan Mila’s face.
Mila smiled at her in embarrassment. “Thank you, our Manchae.”
I’m already used to him doing that, but somehow this hits different. Perhaps it was because Sunghoon wasn’t a fan of PDA, but his actions caused a swarm of butterflies to burst in her tummy. Which was why she was so flustered.
After that little display of affection, the challenge resumed.
Mila put in her best efforts, but her competition was also good. Soobin had gotten praises from Seventeen, who had become fans of his—though Mila had also gotten lots of cheers from all the females.
“Isn’t Mila too good at everything?” Saereom said.
“She’s pretty, has a good personality, and she’s talented,” Jiheon said while putting a hand over her chest. “I’m a fan now.”
The Mila effect spreads among HYBE artists
By the end of the segment, they still couldn’t choose a decisive winner. So the final challenge was going to be the decider. Once ‘Ice Cream Cake’ started to play, Mila fully immersed herself with ease.
After all, acting fresh was second nature to her.
The judges thought so, too.
“The final winner of the Random Play Dance is… Mila! Congratulations!”
Mila jumped for joy when her name was announced. However, it was nothing compared to the boys. They immediately rushed to her, showering her in praises and ruffling her hair.
“That’s our girl,” Heeseung said proudly as he wrapped her in a hug, nuzzling his nose into her hair.
The others joined them, forming a giant group hug in the middle of the field.
“Our princess,” Jay said. Since the cameras couldn’t see them clearly from this angle—since the other members were practically blocking its sight—he stole a kiss to the top of her head. “You did so good.”
That day the fellow artists from Hybe learned a lot of things about Mila. But the one thing that stood out the most? The fact that she was very deeply loved by those around her.
And perhaps one day, she would find herself at the top of the top, loved by millions of people around the world.
— BONUS SCENE —
“Where is Mila?”
The boys had just gotten back to the van after finishing challenges with some of the other artists.
They had done a ‘divide and conquer’ type manoeuvre, so the members had been scattered across the venue. By now, all of them had returned to the group’s vehicle to head home.
All except Mila.
“Is she okay?” Heeseung asked their manager, who was likely the one with information on her whereabouts, considering he was in contact with her manager.
“She’s still talking to some other artists,” their manager replied. “Apparently, the Fromis_9 maknaes wanted to get her contact details, and Seventeen approached her after to do a challenge with her. But it looks like she’s on her way back now.”
Jay laughed. “Why do I feel like the whole company will be trying to steal her away?”
The other boys laughed with him.
“Ah, wait a minute,” their manager said. “It looks like TXT is inviting her over again.”
