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We need an update on college experience babeeee π
omg so i havenβt been doing too much writing like iβm in a weird place thatβs not quite a rut and definitely not progress buuut i had actually written most if not all of the next chapter! itβs not perfect and i do need my laptop i havenβt turned on in moooonths to sort out formatting and stuff but like iβll just like to thank you for the interest and personally sending this ask <3
the tragedy of tumblr is you will inevitably meet people who you should be having a sleepover with. you should be rolling around on their floor and rummaging through their fridge and watching shitty movies with. you should be shopping with should be going out to a cafe with should be wandering through the aquarium with. people who you should be experiencing quotidian joys with... and you cannot! because they live one million miles away
For those who have missed it, a tourist in Hawaii decided it would be fun to chuck a rock (a BIG rock) at a monk seal. He missed, but he was captured on video, and when told it was illegal to interfere with them, said "I'm rich, I can pay the fine."
Is the best part that he got doxxed? No.
Is the best part that he got tracked down by a local and beaten? No.
Arrested on state at federal charges, looking at up to 5 years and 50K? Nope.
The best part is the local city council's reaction.
And the best part of that is the look on the attorney's face.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
β Live Streamingβ Interactive Chatβ Private Showsβ HD Qualityβ Free Actions
Free to watch β’ No registration required β’ HD streaming
Synopsis: When your sister tries to steal Seungmin, he makes one thing painfully clear: he only has eyes for you.
A/n: omgg this took so long to edit ive been putting this off for ages but i finally did it! I also couldnβt help but sprinkle in some poly skz x reader lmaooa
Wc: 20.1k
The first warning came when your sister texted you three times that morning to ask exactly when you and Seungmin would be arriving.β¨β¨The second came when she opened the front door wearing a dress you distinctly remembered her describing as far too nice for family things.
β¨β¨You looked at her.β¨β¨She looked at you.
Neither of you said anything for a moment.β¨β¨Then Seungmin appeared behind you, one hand holding a neatly wrapped cake box and the other resting comfortably against the small of your back.β¨β¨βHi,β he said brightly.β¨β¨Your sisterβs entire expression changed.
βSeungmin.β She smiled as though she had been expecting him personally. βFinally.ββ¨β¨You glanced over your shoulder at him.β¨β¨He glanced down at you.β¨β¨His eyebrows lifted slightly.
Finally?β¨β¨You bit the inside of your cheek.β¨β¨Your sister stepped aside to let you both in, although she somehow managed to position herself so Seungmin had to pass close to her. He murmured a polite thank you and guided you ahead of him with a gentle hand at your waist.β¨β¨You had been dating long enough that the gesture barely registered anymore. Seungmin was always touching you in small, absent-minded waysβhis fingers brushing yours as you walked, his palm settling on your knee beneath tables, his hand finding the back of your coat when you crossed a road.
It was rarely dramatic.β¨β¨It was simply constant.β¨β¨Your sister noticed.β¨β¨Her gaze dropped to his hand before moving back to his face.
βYou look different in person,β she told him.β¨β¨Seungmin paused while removing his shoes.β¨β¨βDo I?ββ¨β¨βBetter.β
You turned away before either of them could see your smile.β¨β¨Seungmin placed his shoes neatly beside yours, then leaned closer to whisper, βAm I supposed to say she does too?ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βGood.β
You elbowed him lightly.β¨β¨He caught your arm and squeezed it against his side, looking pleased with himself.β¨β¨Your sister was still watching.β¨β¨βYou brought something?β she asked, nodding towards the box in his hand.
βCake,β Seungmin said. βYour mum said she liked the one from that bakery near our flat.ββ¨β¨βThat was thoughtful.ββ¨β¨βShe sent him a photograph of it with the address circled,β you said.β¨β¨Seungmin looked offended.
βShe provided helpful guidance.ββ¨β¨βShe threatened to disown me if we arrived without it.ββ¨β¨βStill thoughtful.ββ¨β¨βYou didnβt even pay for it.β
βI carried it.ββ¨β¨βYou made me carry it on the train.ββ¨β¨βFor part of the journey.ββ¨β¨βYou said your arm hurt.β
βIt did.ββ¨β¨βBecause you spent the entire morning playing games.ββ¨β¨Seungmin smiled at your sister. βShe has no sympathy for my suffering.ββ¨β¨βNone,β you confirmed.
Your sister laughed a little too enthusiastically.β¨β¨Not because the conversation had been particularly funny, but because Seungmin was smiling while he said it.β¨β¨You noticed.β¨β¨You also noticed the way she tucked her hair behind her ear before asking, βDo you want me to take that for you?β
She reached for the cake.β¨β¨Seungmin shifted it away automatically.β¨β¨βNo, itβs all right. Iβve been entrusted with it.ββ¨β¨βHeβll cry if anything happens to it,β you said.
βIβll tell your mum it was your fault.ββ¨β¨βYou see what I live with?ββ¨β¨Seungmin bumped his shoulder against yours. βYou love it.ββ¨β¨You opened your mouth to disagree.
He looked down at you expectantly, the beginnings of a grin already pulling at his lips.β¨β¨You hated how well he knew you.β¨β¨βWhatever,β you said.β¨β¨βThere it is.β
He bent and pressed a quick kiss to your temple before following the sound of your mother calling from the kitchen.β¨β¨Your sister remained by the door with you.β¨β¨She watched him leave.β¨β¨Then she looked at you.
βYou never said he was that handsome.ββ¨β¨You blinked. βYouβve seen photographs.ββ¨β¨βPhotographs are different.ββ¨β¨βI suppose.β
βHeβs taller than I thought.ββ¨β¨You stared at her.β¨β¨She stared back, seemingly unaware that there was anything strange about the intensity of her assessment.β¨β¨βDo you need his measurements?β you asked. βI can check the label in his coat.β
She rolled her eyes.β¨β¨βI was only saying.ββ¨β¨βRight.ββ¨β¨βYou donβt have to be weird about it.β
βIβm not being weird.ββ¨β¨βYouβre doing that face.ββ¨β¨βWhat face?ββ¨β¨βThe face you do when you think youβre funny.β
βI am funny.ββ¨β¨βSeungmin clearly thinks so.ββ¨β¨There was something strange beneath the words. Something slightly too pointed.β¨β¨Before you could decide whether you had imagined it, she smiled and linked her arm through yours.
βCome on. Mumβs been panicking over lunch for an hour.ββ¨β¨She pulled you towards the kitchen as though nothing had happened.β¨β¨You let her.β¨β¨At that point, it was easier.
౨ΰ§
Your mum adored Seungmin.β¨β¨That was hardly news.β¨β¨She adored him because he arrived on time, complimented her cooking, remembered details from conversations they had months ago and always insisted on helping clear the table.β¨β¨Your dad liked him because Seungmin could discuss football with convincing enthusiasm and had once spent nearly forty minutes helping him fix a temperamental television.
Even your relatives who had only met Seungmin briefly tended to approve of him.β¨β¨He was polite without seeming rehearsed, funny without demanding attention and attentive in a way that made people feel remembered.β¨β¨Your sister had apparently taken all of these qualities as an invitation.β¨β¨At first, you didnβt think much of it.
She asked him about work. Normal.β¨β¨She asked about the other members. Also normal.β¨β¨She asked whether he enjoyed travelling, what food he liked and whether he preferred going out or staying at home.β¨β¨A little interview-like, perhaps, but not particularly suspicious.
Then she moved from the chair opposite him to the empty one beside him when your mother asked her to fetch another plate.β¨β¨You looked at the abandoned chair.β¨β¨Then at her.β¨β¨She smiled innocently and crossed one leg over the other.
Seungmin glanced towards you.β¨β¨You were sitting on his other side, close enough that your knees touched beneath the table.β¨β¨He nudged your foot.β¨β¨You nudged him back.
His mouth twitched.β¨β¨Your sister leaned towards him.β¨β¨βSo,β she said, βwhat did you think when you first met her?ββ¨β¨You nearly inhaled your drink.
Seungmin turned towards you slowly.β¨β¨βOh, no,β you said.β¨β¨His eyes brightened.β¨β¨βOh, yes.β
βDonβt.ββ¨β¨βI thought she was very strange.ββ¨β¨Your mother laughed from the other end of the table.β¨β¨You stared at him. βThat isnβt what you said before.β
βYou told me not to embarrass you in front of your family.ββ¨β¨βAnd this is you behaving?ββ¨β¨βThis is me being generous.ββ¨β¨Your sister laughed, resting her hand against Seungminβs arm.
It was light. Brief enough that she could claim it meant nothing.β¨β¨Still, you saw it.β¨β¨Seungmin looked down at her fingers.β¨β¨Your sister removed them a moment later, smiling as though the contact had been accidental.
βWhat did you actually think?β she asked.β¨β¨Seungmin looked back at you.β¨β¨The teasing softened around the edges.β¨β¨βI thought she was pretty.β
The answer was simple enough to make warmth spread through your chest.β¨β¨Then his smile returned.β¨β¨βUntil she spoke.ββ¨β¨You kicked his shin beneath the table.
He flinched dramatically.β¨β¨βSee?β he told your family. βViolence.ββ¨β¨βYou deserved that.ββ¨β¨βI complimented you.β
βYou immediately ruined it.ββ¨β¨βI said you were pretty.ββ¨β¨βYou said I was strange.ββ¨β¨βYou are strange.β
Your sister tilted her head.β¨β¨βI suppose you must usually date girls who are quite different from her.ββ¨β¨The sentence slipped into the conversation so smoothly that it took you a second to understand it.β¨β¨Seungmin frowned slightly. βDifferent how?β
Your sister shrugged.β¨β¨βYou know. Moreβ¦ elegant.ββ¨β¨Your father suddenly became very interested in cutting his food.β¨β¨Your mother looked up.
You glanced down at yourself.β¨β¨You were wearing a jumper and trousers. Nothing particularly inelegant, unless your sister was counting the tiny mark on your sleeve from where Seungmin had flicked sauce at you in the kitchen.β¨β¨Seungmin followed your gaze.β¨β¨Then he looked at your sister.
βNo,β he said. βI like this one.ββ¨β¨You pressed your lips together.β¨β¨βThis one?β you repeated.β¨β¨He patted your knee beneath the table.
βMy favourite.ββ¨β¨βIβm so flattered.ββ¨β¨βYou should be.ββ¨β¨Your sister laughed, but there was something strained about it.
βI only meant that you seem very put together.ββ¨β¨βIβm not,β Seungmin said cheerfully. βShe found me looking for my phone this morning while I was talking to someone on it.ββ¨β¨He looked towards your mother. βYou raised a very critical daughter.ββ¨β¨Your mum smiled. βShe gets it from me.β
βGood to know.ββ¨β¨The conversation moved on, but your sister did not return to her original chair.β¨β¨Every few minutes, she found another reason to address Seungmin directly.β¨β¨Did he like the food?
Had he visited the restaurant she mentioned?β¨β¨Did he think her hair looked better dark or light?β¨β¨That one made you turn.β¨β¨She lifted a section of her hair between her fingers.
βIβve been thinking of changing it,β she explained. βWhat do you think?ββ¨β¨Seungmin blinked.β¨β¨βI donβt know.ββ¨β¨βYou must have a preference.β
βFor your hair?ββ¨β¨She laughed as though he had made a joke. βGenerally.ββ¨β¨He looked at you.β¨β¨You had stopped pretending not to listen.
A hint of mischief appeared in his expression.β¨β¨βI like hers.ββ¨β¨You narrowed your eyes. βYou said Iβd look good bald.ββ¨β¨βYou would.β
βThat doesnβt count.ββ¨β¨βIt shows versatility.ββ¨β¨Your sisterβs hand fell from her hair.β¨β¨βYouβre lucky,β she told you.
The words sounded pleasant.β¨β¨The way she looked at Seungmin did not.β¨β¨You raised an eyebrow. βI know.ββ¨β¨βI mean, youβve never really cared about things like that.β
βThings like what?ββ¨β¨βYour appearance.ββ¨β¨Silence settled over the table.β¨β¨It wasnβt complete silence. Your fatherβs fork scraped faintly against his plate, and the clock in the hallway continued ticking.
But the conversation stopped.β¨β¨Your sister smiled as though she had offered you a compliment.β¨β¨βYouβve always been confident enough not to bother,β she added.β¨β¨You knew this routine.
It had existed long before Seungmin.β¨β¨Your sister would say something cruel with a pleasant expression, and if you reacted, she would insist you had misunderstood. That she admired your confidence. That she wished she could leave the house without making an effort. That you were lucky not to care what people thought.β¨β¨Normally, you could ignore it.β¨β¨Today, the comment felt particularly childish.
You opened your mouth, but Seungmin spoke first.β¨β¨βShe spent forty minutes choosing that jumper.ββ¨β¨You turned towards him in disbelief.β¨β¨Your sister laughed.
Seungmin continued, βThen she asked me which trousers looked better and ignored my answer.ββ¨β¨You nudged his side with your elbow.β¨β¨He caught your hand before you could pull it away and linked your fingers beneath the table.β¨β¨The gesture was concealed from everyone else.
His thumb brushed once over your knuckles.β¨β¨You understood what he was doing.β¨β¨He hadnβt ignored your sisterβs comment.β¨β¨He had simply refused to let it settle over you.
βShe looks lovely,β your mother said firmly.β¨β¨βShe does,β Seungmin agreed.β¨β¨Your sisterβs smile tightened.β¨β¨βI never said she didnβt.β
βNo one said you did,β you replied.β¨β¨Her gaze met yours.β¨β¨For a moment, something sharp passed between you.β¨β¨Then Seungmin squeezed your hand and leaned close enough that his shoulder pressed against yours.
βYou have something on your face,β he whispered.β¨β¨You immediately touched your cheek. βWhere?ββ¨β¨βThe other side.ββ¨β¨You touched the other cheek.
βNo, lower.ββ¨β¨βSeungmin.ββ¨β¨βA little lower.ββ¨β¨You glared at him. βThereβs nothing there, is there?β
He smiled.β¨β¨βYouβre so easy.ββ¨β¨You tried to pull your hand from his.β¨β¨He tightened his grip.
βDonβt be sulky.ββ¨β¨βI hate you.ββ¨β¨Your sister watched the exchange with an unreadable expression.β¨β¨You barely noticed.
౨ΰ§
After lunch, your mother attempted to stop Seungmin from helping with the dishes.β¨β¨Seungmin ignored her.β¨β¨He rolled his sleeves to his elbows, collected the empty plates and followed you into the kitchen.β¨β¨Your sister followed him.
Naturally.β¨β¨βYou donβt have to do that,β she told him, taking a plate from his hands.β¨β¨βItβs fine.ββ¨β¨βYouβre a guest.β
βSo is she.ββ¨β¨Seungmin nodded towards you.β¨β¨You were leaning against the counter eating a piece of cake.β¨β¨Your sister looked at you.
βSheβs family.ββ¨β¨βShe isnβt helping.ββ¨β¨βIβm supervising,β you said.β¨β¨βYouβre eating the dessert we havenβt served yet.β
βIβm checking it for poison.ββ¨β¨Seungmin set the plates beside the sink.β¨β¨βAnd?ββ¨β¨You took another bite.
βStill collecting evidence.ββ¨β¨He reached towards your plate.β¨β¨You moved it out of reach.β¨β¨βGet your own.β
βI bought it.ββ¨β¨βI paid for it.ββ¨β¨βWith our money.ββ¨β¨βWe donβt have shared finances.β
Your sister laughed again.β¨β¨βYou two are funny.ββ¨β¨You glanced at her.β¨β¨The compliment sounded genuine enough, but her eyes remained fixed on Seungmin.
He turned on the tap.β¨β¨Your sister stepped beside him.β¨β¨βIβll wash,β she offered.β¨β¨βI can do it.β
βYou dry, then.ββ¨β¨You watched her pick up a sponge.β¨β¨Your mother called your name from the living room, asking whether you could help her find something.β¨β¨You pushed yourself away from the counter.
βDonβt eat my cake,β you warned Seungmin.β¨β¨βI would never.ββ¨β¨βYou absolutely would.ββ¨β¨He placed one hand over his heart.
βYour lack of trust is upsetting.ββ¨β¨You pointed the fork at him. βIβll know.ββ¨β¨βGo away.ββ¨β¨You reluctantly carried the plate with you.
As you left the kitchen, you glanced back.β¨β¨Your sister had moved slightly closer to Seungmin.β¨β¨He was focused on rinsing a plate.β¨β¨You nearly stayed.
Then you caught yourself.β¨β¨It was your sister.β¨β¨Seungmin was your boyfriend.β¨β¨Nothing was going to happen because the two of them spent ninety seconds alone beside a sink.
You found your motherβs glasses on top of her head, endured several minutes of her insisting she had already checked there and returned to the kitchen.β¨β¨Your sister was speaking.β¨β¨ββ¦must get tiring.ββ¨β¨Seungmin passed her another plate. βWhat does?β
βDating someone so different from you.ββ¨β¨You stopped just outside the doorway.β¨β¨Seungmin didnβt appear to notice you.β¨β¨He frowned. βYouβve said that a few times.β
βI donβt mean it badly.ββ¨β¨βWhat do you mean?ββ¨β¨Your sister dried the plate slowly.β¨β¨βYouβre very disciplined. Ambitious. You take care of yourself.β
He waited.β¨β¨βAnd she isnβt?ββ¨β¨βSheβs just more relaxed.ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked down at the soapy water.
You knew that expression.β¨β¨He was choosing his words.β¨β¨Your sister mistook his silence for agreement.β¨β¨βIβve always been more like you,β she continued. βEven when we were younger. People used to say I was the more responsible one.β
βDid they?ββ¨β¨βAnd the more confident one.ββ¨β¨Seungmin made a small sound that could have meant anything.β¨β¨Your sister smiled.
βItβs funny, really. Most people usually notice me first.ββ¨β¨He glanced at her.β¨β¨βOkay.ββ¨β¨You pressed your lips together.
She appeared thrown by the response.β¨β¨βI donβt mean to sound arrogant.ββ¨β¨βThen donβt.ββ¨β¨The answer was delivered so lightly that for a second, you wondered whether you had heard him correctly.
Your sister laughed uncertainly.β¨β¨βIβm only being honest.ββ¨β¨Seungmin rinsed another plate.β¨β¨βAbout people noticing you?β
βYes.ββ¨β¨βCongratulations.ββ¨β¨You had to cover your mouth.β¨β¨Your sisterβs eyes narrowed slightly.
βYou must have noticed that weβre quite different.ββ¨β¨βIβve noticed.ββ¨β¨βIβm probably more like your usual type.ββ¨β¨Seungmin finally turned off the tap.
He looked at her properly.β¨β¨βWhatβs my usual type?ββ¨β¨Your sister leaned one hip against the counter.β¨β¨βConfident. Sophisticated.β
βAre you asking me or telling me?ββ¨β¨βIβm guessing.ββ¨β¨βYouβve guessed wrong.ββ¨β¨She smiled as though he were teasing her.
βHave I?ββ¨β¨βYes.ββ¨β¨Something about his tone should have ended the conversation.β¨β¨It didnβt.
Your sister lowered her voice.β¨β¨βSheβs always been the sweeter one, I suppose. Men tend to like that.ββ¨β¨Seungmin stared at her.β¨β¨Then his gaze moved past her shoulder and found you standing in the doorway.
His expression changed immediately.β¨β¨The irritation disappeared behind a slow, knowing smile.β¨β¨βHow long have you been there?β he asked.β¨β¨Your sister turned sharply.
You lifted your plate.β¨β¨βLong enough to know youβve been having a very interesting discussion about your type.ββ¨β¨Seungmin dried his hands.β¨β¨βApparently, I have one.β
βDo you?ββ¨β¨βIβm learning a lot today.ββ¨β¨Your sister straightened. βWe were only talking.ββ¨β¨βI heard.β
βThereβs no need to make it strange.ββ¨β¨You stepped into the kitchen and placed your half-finished cake on the counter.β¨β¨βI didnβt.ββ¨β¨βNo, but youβre doing that thing where you act territorial.β
Seungminβs eyebrows rose.β¨β¨You laughed. βTerritorial?ββ¨β¨βYou donβt need to hover every time another woman speaks to your boyfriend.ββ¨β¨βI was helping Mum.β
βAnd then you came straight back.ββ¨β¨βBecause this is where my cake is.ββ¨β¨Seungmin immediately reached for your plate.β¨β¨You slapped his hand away.
βSee?ββ¨β¨He looked wounded.β¨β¨βYou care more about that cake than you care about me.ββ¨β¨βThe cake has never stolen my crisps.β
βIt would if it could.ββ¨β¨Your sister sighed.β¨β¨βYouβre both impossible.ββ¨β¨βThank you,β Seungmin said.
You picked up your fork again.β¨β¨Your sister gave you a long look before placing the tea towel on the counter.β¨β¨βIβm going to see if Mum needs anything.ββ¨β¨βShe doesnβt,β you said. βHer glasses were on her head.β
Your sister ignored you and left.β¨β¨You waited until her footsteps had faded down the hall.β¨β¨Then you turned towards Seungmin.β¨β¨He was already looking at you.
A smile pulled at your mouth.β¨β¨βYour usual type?ββ¨β¨He groaned and leaned back against the sink.β¨β¨βPlease donβt.β
βSo much like her.ββ¨β¨Seungmin reached for you.β¨β¨You dodged around the kitchen island, laughing when he followed.β¨β¨βIβm only being honest,β you said, mimicking your sisterβs voice.
βYouβre enjoying this far too much.ββ¨β¨βApparently sheβs the woman of your dreams.ββ¨β¨βMy dreams have better conversational skills.ββ¨β¨You gasped. βThat was mean.β
βIt was accurate.ββ¨β¨He moved to one side of the island.β¨β¨You moved in the opposite direction.β¨β¨βI thought you liked confident women.β
βI like you.ββ¨β¨βThat wasnβt the question.ββ¨β¨βItβs my answer.ββ¨β¨βYouβre only saying that because I caught you.β
βCaught me doing dishes?ββ¨β¨βSeductively.ββ¨β¨βI was wearing rubber gloves.ββ¨β¨βExactly. Very provocative.β
Seungmin stopped.β¨β¨You stopped too, watching him suspiciously from across the island.β¨β¨His expression softened.β¨β¨βDid that bother you?β
The question was quiet enough to dissolve some of your amusement.β¨β¨You considered it.β¨β¨βNot really.ββ¨β¨βNot really?β
βI donβt think youβre secretly going to run away with my sister.ββ¨β¨βThatβs reassuring.ββ¨β¨βIβd give you at least a week before you begged me to take you back.ββ¨β¨βA week?β
βMaybe four days.ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked offended. βI wouldnβt make it through the first evening.ββ¨β¨You smiled.β¨β¨He continued to watch you.
βBut?β he prompted.β¨β¨You looked down at your cake.β¨β¨βShe does that sometimes.ββ¨β¨βDoes what?β
βCompares us.β You scraped your fork lightly through the icing. βShe always has. She thinks sheβs being subtle.ββ¨β¨βShe isnβt.ββ¨β¨βI know.ββ¨β¨βShe also thinks Iβm an idiot.β
You laughed. βWhy?ββ¨β¨βBecause Iβve said I like you at least twelve times today, and sheβs decided that means Iβm interested in her.ββ¨β¨βMaybe youβre sending mixed signals.ββ¨β¨βI asked her to move because she was standing on my foot.β
βVery flirtatious.ββ¨β¨βShe apologised and touched my arm.ββ¨β¨βScandalous.ββ¨β¨βSheβs touched my arm six times.β
βYou counted?ββ¨β¨βI started counting when she asked whether I thought she looked better with dark hair.ββ¨β¨You laughed again, and Seungmin smiled.β¨β¨Then he walked around the island.
This time, you let him reach you.β¨β¨His hands settled on your waist, drawing you between his knees as he leaned back against the counter.β¨β¨βFor the record,β he said, βI donβt think youβre lucky.ββ¨β¨βNo?β
βNo. I think Iβm incredibly brave.ββ¨β¨You flicked his shoulder.β¨β¨He caught your wrist and kissed your palm.β¨β¨βAnd lucky,β he added.
βThat was nearly sweet.ββ¨β¨βDonβt tell anyone.ββ¨β¨You rolled your eyes, but your arms slipped around his shoulders.β¨β¨He tilted his head.
βAre you sure youβre okay?ββ¨β¨βIβm fine.ββ¨β¨βYour sisterβs being strange.ββ¨β¨βShe thinks she can steal you.β
βCan she?ββ¨β¨You pretended to consider it.β¨β¨Seungmin pinched your side.β¨β¨You squealed and tried to twist away, but he trapped you against him.
βAnswer carefully,β he warned.β¨β¨βI donβt know. She is very sophisticated.ββ¨β¨Another pinch.β¨β¨βAnd confident!β
He attacked your other side.β¨β¨You dissolved into helpless laughter, nearly dropping your fork as you attempted to escape.β¨β¨βSeungmin!ββ¨β¨βWrong answer.β
βSheβs your type!ββ¨β¨βTake it back.ββ¨β¨βNever!ββ¨β¨He caught both your wrists in one hand and used the other to tickle your waist.
You kicked uselessly at his legs.β¨β¨βYouβre horrible!ββ¨β¨βTake it back.ββ¨β¨βFine!β you gasped. βShe isnβt your type.β
βAnd?ββ¨β¨βAnd you donβt want her.ββ¨β¨βAnd?ββ¨β¨You stared at him, breathless.
His hair had fallen over his forehead during the struggle, and his smile was bright and boyish and entirely too pleased.β¨β¨βAnd youβre obsessed with me.ββ¨β¨βThere we go.ββ¨β¨He released your wrists.
You immediately smacked his chest.β¨β¨Seungmin laughed and caught you against him again, pressing a noisy kiss to your cheek before you could complain.β¨β¨βYouβre very annoying,β you told him.β¨β¨βYou were laughing.β
βAgainst my will.ββ¨β¨He kissed your other cheek.β¨β¨βStill counts.ββ¨β¨Footsteps sounded in the hallway.
You both separated just before your mother entered the kitchen.β¨β¨She looked at Seungminβs messy hair, your flushed face and the abandoned washing-up.β¨β¨Neither of you spoke.β¨β¨Your mother sighed.
βThe dishes, Seungmin.ββ¨β¨βI was doing them.ββ¨β¨βHe attacked me,β you said.β¨β¨βYou provoked me.β
Your mother pointed at the sink.β¨β¨βBoth of you.ββ¨β¨βYes, Mum,β you said.β¨β¨βYes, Mum,β Seungmin echoed.
You turned to glare at him.β¨β¨He smiled innocently.β¨β¨Your mother left the room shaking her head.β¨β¨Seungmin bumped his hip against yours as he turned the tap back on.
βPass me the sponge.ββ¨β¨βYou pass me the sponge.ββ¨β¨βItβs closer to you.ββ¨β¨βYouβre closer to the sink.β
He looked towards the doorway, then lowered his voice.β¨β¨βDo you think your sister would do it for me?ββ¨β¨You stared at him.β¨β¨He managed to hold a serious expression for approximately two seconds.
Then you shoved the sponge directly into his chest.
౨ΰ§
When you finally prepared to leave, your mother packed enough food for several days into a bag and made Seungmin promise to visit again soon.β¨β¨Your sister stood in the hallway while you put on your coat.β¨β¨βYouβre leaving already?β she asked.β¨β¨βWeβve been here for five hours,β you said.
βIt doesnβt feel that long.ββ¨β¨Seungmin bent to tie his shoelace.β¨β¨Your sisterβs gaze lingered on him.β¨β¨βYou should come over more often.β
βWe will,β you replied.β¨β¨βI meant Seungmin.ββ¨β¨He looked up.β¨β¨Your sister smiled. βYou donβt need to wait for her. Youβre practically part of the family now.β
There it was.β¨β¨Not quite enough to confront.β¨β¨More than enough to notice.β¨β¨Seungmin straightened.
βI think sheβd be upset if I visited without her.ββ¨β¨βI wouldnβt,β you said. βIβd enjoy the peace.ββ¨β¨He placed one hand on top of your head and pushed down lightly.β¨β¨Your sister laughed.
βYouβre very patient with her.ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked at you.β¨β¨βNo,β he said. βSheβs patient with me.ββ¨β¨For once, there was no joke attached.
His hand slid from the top of your head to the back of your neck, thumb brushing softly beneath your hair.β¨β¨Your sisterβs smile faded for half a second.β¨β¨Then it returned.β¨β¨βWell,β she said, opening the door, βit was lovely seeing you.β
βYou too,β Seungmin replied politely.β¨β¨She hugged you first.β¨β¨It was brief.β¨β¨Then she turned towards Seungmin.
You expected her to offer a wave.β¨β¨Instead, she wrapped her arms around him.β¨β¨Seungmin froze.β¨β¨His hands hovered uncertainly beside her shoulders.
Your eyes widened.β¨β¨Over your sisterβs head, his gaze found yours.β¨β¨His expression was so openly alarmed that a laugh burst out of you.β¨β¨Your sister released him.
βWhatβs funny?ββ¨β¨βNothing.ββ¨β¨Seungmin stepped immediately towards you.β¨β¨You were still laughing as he took the bag of food from your hand and placed his other arm securely around your shoulders.
Your sister glanced between you.β¨β¨βText me when youβre home.ββ¨β¨βI will.ββ¨β¨She looked at Seungmin. βYou have my number, donβt you?β
βNo,β he said.β¨β¨βOh.β She paused. βI thought you did.ββ¨β¨βWhy would he?β you asked.β¨β¨βIn case of an emergency.β
Seungmin nodded. βIβll call emergency services.ββ¨β¨You choked on another laugh.β¨β¨Your sisterβs mouth tightened.β¨β¨βI only meant if something happened with you.β
βHe has Mumβs number.ββ¨β¨βAnd her Dadβs,β Seungmin added.β¨β¨βAnd Chanβs,β you said.β¨β¨βAnd Minhoβs.β
βHe doesnβt need your number.ββ¨β¨Your sister folded her arms.β¨β¨βYou make everything sound strange.ββ¨β¨βYou asked my boyfriend whether he had your number.β
βFor emergencies.ββ¨β¨βRight.ββ¨β¨Seungmin gently steered you through the doorway before either of you could continue.β¨β¨βThank you for lunch,β he called politely.
Your mother called goodbye from somewhere inside the house.β¨β¨Your sister remained at the door while the two of you walked down the path.β¨β¨You could feel her watching.β¨β¨Seungminβs arm stayed around you until you reached the pavement.
Then he leaned close.β¨β¨βDonβt look now.ββ¨β¨You immediately looked back.β¨β¨Your sister was still standing in the doorway.
She lifted her hand when she saw you turn.β¨β¨You waved.β¨β¨Seungmin sighed.β¨β¨βI specifically said not to.β
βI donβt take instructions well.ββ¨β¨βI know.ββ¨β¨The door finally closed.β¨β¨You walked several more steps in silence.
Then Seungmin said, βYour sister wants me.ββ¨β¨You stopped.β¨β¨He stopped beside you.β¨β¨The solemn expression on his face lasted less than a second before you both started laughing.
βYour confidence is disgusting,β you told him.
౨ΰ§
Your sister arrived at your flat on Saturday afternoon wearing heeled boots, a fitted coat and enough perfume to announce her presence before you had even opened the door.β¨β¨You looked at her.β¨β¨Then at the small handbag hanging from her shoulder.β¨β¨Then back at her.
βYou said you were coming to borrow my straighteners.ββ¨β¨βI am.ββ¨β¨βAre you planning to straighten your hair here?ββ¨β¨βNo.β
βThen why do you look like youβre going somewhere?ββ¨β¨She frowned. βIβm meeting someone later.ββ¨β¨βYou didnβt mention that.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt realise I needed to submit an itinerary.β
βYou donβt.ββ¨β¨βThen why are you interrogating me?ββ¨β¨βI asked one question.ββ¨β¨βYou asked three.β
You stepped aside to let her enter.β¨β¨She walked past you, removing her coat as she went.β¨β¨The outfit beneath it was somehow even more carefully chosen.β¨β¨You watched her smooth the fabric over her waist before checking her reflection in the hallway mirror.
Interesting.β¨β¨Very interesting.β¨β¨βYou could have texted,β you said, closing the door. βI wouldβve brought the straighteners to Mumβs tomorrow.ββ¨β¨βI was nearby.β
She wasnβt.β¨β¨Your sister lived nearly forty minutes in the opposite direction.β¨β¨You decided not to point that out.β¨β¨From the living room, Seungmin called, βWho is it?β
Your sisterβs posture changed almost imperceptibly.β¨β¨Her shoulders pulled back.β¨β¨Her expression softened.β¨β¨You stared at her.
She ignored you.β¨β¨βYour favourite person,β you called.β¨β¨There was a pause.β¨β¨Then Seungmin replied, βFelix?β
You gasped.β¨β¨Your sister laughed.β¨β¨You marched into the living room, already preparing several punishments.β¨β¨Seungmin was sitting cross-legged on the floor beside the coffee table.
A pale blue fabric headband held his hair away from his face, and there was a thin layer of clay mask drying across his cheeks because you had told him his skin looked tired.β¨β¨He had complained for eleven minutes.β¨β¨Then he had asked whether there was enough left for his forehead.β¨β¨Your left hand rested carefully on top of an old magazine while Seungmin held your right between both of his.
Three of your fingernails were painted.β¨β¨One was half-painted.β¨β¨The fifth had somehow acquired a streak of polish across your skin.β¨β¨Seungmin looked up as you entered.
The smile on his face widened.β¨β¨βThereβs my second-favourite person.ββ¨β¨You stopped in front of him.β¨β¨βSecond?β
βFelix bakes for me.ββ¨β¨βI cook for you.ββ¨β¨βYou once burned instant noodles.ββ¨β¨βThe packet was confusing.β
βYou forgot the water.ββ¨β¨βIt didnβt say when to add it.ββ¨β¨You placed one foot against his thigh and pushed lightly.β¨β¨Seungmin caught your ankle.
βNo kicking near the nail polish.ββ¨β¨βYou deserve worse.ββ¨β¨βYou asked me to do this.ββ¨β¨βAnd youβre doing a terrible job.β
He looked down at your nails.β¨β¨βTheyβre beautiful.ββ¨β¨βThereβs polish on my knuckle.ββ¨β¨Your sister appeared behind you.
Seungmin glanced towards her.β¨β¨His expression flickered with surprise before settling into a pleasant smile.β¨β¨βOh. Hi.ββ¨β¨βHi.β
Your sister looked him over.β¨β¨Her gaze paused at the headband.β¨β¨Then the face mask.β¨β¨Then your hand resting in his.
Her smile faltered, only slightly.β¨β¨βI didnβt know you were here.ββ¨β¨You turned your head towards her.β¨β¨She knew.
You had mentioned it the previous evening when she asked what you were doing this weekend.β¨β¨Seungmin did not appear to remember that.β¨β¨βI live here sometimes,β he said.β¨β¨βYou donβt,β you replied.
Your sister moved further into the room.β¨β¨βYou look comfortable,β she said.β¨β¨Seungmin touched the edge of the headband.β¨β¨βThis was forced on me.β
βYou asked whether the bow should go in the middle,β you said.β¨β¨Your sister laughed, lowering herself onto the sofa behind him.β¨β¨βIt suits you.ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked up at her.
βThe face mask?ββ¨β¨βThe headband.ββ¨β¨He touched it again.β¨β¨βThanks.β
Her smile brightened.β¨β¨You watched her tuck one leg elegantly over the other.β¨β¨Seungmin returned his attention to your hand.β¨β¨βStop moving.β
βIβm not moving.ββ¨β¨βYouβre moving now.ββ¨β¨βBecause you told me not to.ββ¨β¨He tightened his fingers around yours.
βIf you smudge this one, Iβm starting again.ββ¨β¨βYouβve already smudged it.ββ¨β¨βThat was intentional.ββ¨β¨βWas the polish on my skin intentional too?β
βYes.ββ¨β¨βWhat was the artistic vision?ββ¨β¨βAnnoying you.ββ¨β¨You tried to pull your hand away.
Seungmin held on.β¨β¨βStay still.ββ¨β¨βYouβre enjoying the authority.ββ¨β¨βI rarely have any in this relationship.β
βBecause you canβt be trusted.ββ¨β¨Your sister leaned forwards.β¨β¨βYou let him paint your nails?ββ¨β¨You looked at her.
βHe volunteered.ββ¨β¨βI was coerced,β Seungmin said.β¨β¨βYou said you could do it better than me.ββ¨β¨βI can.β
You lifted your hand.β¨β¨He immediately lowered it again before the wet polish could run.β¨β¨βThat remains to be seen.ββ¨β¨Your sister tilted her head.
βIβd never ask my boyfriend to do something like that.ββ¨β¨You glanced at Seungmin.β¨β¨He glanced at you.β¨β¨There it was again.
That tiny shared pause when both of you noticed something and decided, without speaking, whether it was worth reacting to.β¨β¨You smiled.β¨β¨βGood thing he isnβt your boyfriend, then.ββ¨β¨Your sisterβs expression tightened.
Only for a second.β¨β¨Then she laughed.β¨β¨βI only mean Iβd feel bad making him do something so feminine.ββ¨β¨Seungmin inspected your thumbnail.
βYou think painting nails is feminine?ββ¨β¨βUsually.ββ¨β¨βThen Iβm doing a very poor job of it.ββ¨β¨You snorted.
He blew gently across your nail.β¨β¨Your sister watched his lips purse.β¨β¨βItβs sweet,β she said. βI just wouldnβt have expected it from you.ββ¨β¨βWhat did you expect?β Seungmin asked.
βI donβt know.ββ¨β¨She did know.β¨β¨You could tell by the way she leaned towards him.β¨β¨βSomething more masculine, I suppose.β
Seungmin looked down at himself.β¨β¨He was wearing grey jogging bottoms, an old sweatshirt and your fluffy skincare headband.β¨β¨βIβm devastated.ββ¨β¨βYou know what I mean.β
βI really donβt.ββ¨β¨She smiled as though he were deliberately teasing her.β¨β¨βYou seem like someone whoβd usually want a very feminine girlfriend.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs brush paused.
You looked at your sister.β¨β¨She was looking at him.β¨β¨Not you.β¨β¨He lifted his eyes slowly.
βI do.ββ¨β¨Your sisterβs smile widened.β¨β¨Then Seungmin returned his attention to your hand.β¨β¨βThatβs why Iβm dating her.β
You pressed your lips together.β¨β¨Your sister glanced at you.β¨β¨You smiled pleasantly.β¨β¨Seungmin dipped the brush into the polish.
βShe isnβt exactly what most people would call feminine,β your sister said.β¨β¨You raised your eyebrows.β¨β¨Seungminβs hand stopped again.β¨β¨Your sister gestured towards you.
You were wearing one of Seungminβs old shirts, a pair of shorts and fluffy socks. Your hair was twisted into a loose knot that had begun collapsing an hour ago.β¨β¨There was a faint smudge of clay mask beside your jaw where you had attempted to kiss Seungmin before it dried.β¨β¨You looked extremely comfortable.β¨β¨That had apparently become a flaw.
βIβm not?β you asked.β¨β¨βI didnβt mean it badly.ββ¨β¨βOf course not.ββ¨β¨βYouβve never cared about being girly.β
βIβm getting my nails painted.ββ¨β¨βBy your boyfriend.ββ¨β¨βYes.ββ¨β¨βSo?β
βSo that feels relevant.ββ¨β¨Your sister rolled her eyes.β¨β¨βYou know what I mean. Youβre not someone who gets dressed up around the house or worries about always looking attractive.ββ¨β¨You looked down at yourself.
Then at Seungmin.β¨β¨His gaze had settled on your face.β¨β¨You recognised the slight narrowing of his eyes.β¨β¨Not anger.
Not yet.β¨β¨Attention.β¨β¨Your sister continued, βI just think itβs brave.ββ¨β¨βBrave?β you repeated.
βTo be that comfortable so early in a relationship.ββ¨β¨You and Seungmin had been together for nearly two years.β¨β¨Apparently that remained early enough to maintain a constant state of glamour.β¨β¨βHow does she normally dress at home?β Seungmin asked.
Your sister seemed pleased to have his attention again.β¨β¨βLike this.ββ¨β¨βRight.ββ¨β¨βSheβs always been a little careless.β
βWith clothes?ββ¨β¨βWith everything.ββ¨β¨You laughed quietly.β¨β¨Your sister looked at you.
βWhat?ββ¨β¨βNothing.ββ¨β¨Seungmin placed the nail brush carefully inside the bottle.β¨β¨Then he lifted your hand and examined his work.
βPerfect.ββ¨β¨βItβs uneven.ββ¨β¨βSo are your fingers.ββ¨β¨βMy fingers arenβt uneven.β
βOneβs shorter.ββ¨β¨βTheyβre supposed to be different lengths.ββ¨β¨βConvenient excuse.ββ¨β¨He brought your hand towards his mouth.
You frowned.β¨β¨βWhat are you doing?ββ¨β¨βChecking whether itβs dry.ββ¨β¨βWith your lips?β
βYes.ββ¨β¨βThat makes no sense.ββ¨β¨Seungmin pressed a delicate kiss to the side of your index finger, avoiding the wet nail.β¨β¨Then he kissed your knuckle.
Then your wrist.β¨β¨A smile pulled at your mouth despite yourself.β¨β¨βDry,β he announced.β¨β¨βYou didnβt touch the polish.β
βIβm an expert.ββ¨β¨βYouβre an idiot.ββ¨β¨He kissed your wrist again.β¨β¨Your sister shifted on the sofa.
βYou two are veryβ¦β She paused. βAffectionate.ββ¨β¨βThat sounded judgemental,β you said.β¨β¨βIt wasnβt.ββ¨β¨βIt sounded a little judgemental,β Seungmin agreed.
βI only mean you donβt seem like the clingy type.ββ¨β¨She was speaking to him again.β¨β¨Seungmin leaned back against your legs.β¨β¨βIβm not.β
You looked down at him.β¨β¨He looked up at you.β¨β¨βYouβre currently using me as a chair.ββ¨β¨βYouβre comfortable.β
Seungmin smiled lazily, reaching behind himself until his hand found your knee.β¨β¨You threaded your fingers through his hair, careful not to disturb the headband.β¨β¨He immediately tilted his head into your touch.β¨β¨Your sister watched him do it.
Something in her expression hardened.β¨β¨βYou always liked being fussed over,β she said to you.β¨β¨You looked at her.β¨β¨βWhat?β
βWhen we were younger. You always needed everyoneβs attention.ββ¨β¨The comment was casual.β¨β¨Almost playful.β¨β¨You knew better.
βI donβt remember that.ββ¨β¨βYou used to follow Mum around constantly.ββ¨β¨βI was six.ββ¨β¨βYou cried whenever she left the room.β
βI was still six.ββ¨β¨βYouβve never liked being alone.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs thumb stroked once over your knee.β¨β¨You shrugged.
βGood thing I donβt have to be.ββ¨β¨Your sisterβs eyes flicked towards his hand.β¨β¨βThatβs what I mean. You need a lot from people.ββ¨β¨There was a quietness beneath the words.
An implication she wanted Seungmin to catch.β¨β¨You were needy.β¨β¨Difficult.β¨β¨Exhausting.
The kind of girlfriend who demanded face masks and painted nails and constant affection.β¨β¨Your sister, naturally, would never require so much effort.β¨β¨Seungmin looked up at you.β¨β¨βDo you?β
βDo I what?ββ¨β¨βNeed a lot from me?ββ¨β¨You pretended to consider it.β¨β¨βWell, you could make more tea.β
βI made the last one.ββ¨β¨βYou drank half of it.ββ¨β¨βIt became ours when you let me taste it.ββ¨β¨βThatβs not how sharing works.β
Your sister exhaled through her nose.β¨β¨βYou make everything into a joke.ββ¨β¨βYou make everything very serious,β you replied.β¨β¨βIβm trying to have a conversation.β
βWith my boyfriend?ββ¨β¨βWith both of you.ββ¨β¨βYouβve mostly been looking at him.ββ¨β¨The room went still.
Your sister blinked.β¨β¨Seungminβs eyebrows lifted.β¨β¨You hadnβt intended to say it quite so plainly.β¨β¨You werenβt upset.
Not yet.β¨β¨You were mostly curious to see what she would do when someone acknowledged the obvious.β¨β¨She recovered quickly.β¨β¨βIβm looking at whoeverβs speaking.β
βHe hasnβt been speaking.ββ¨β¨βHe literally just was.ββ¨β¨You smiled.β¨β¨βAll right.β
Your sister folded her arms.β¨β¨βYouβre being strange again.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt say anything.ββ¨β¨βYou implied something.β
βWhat did I imply?ββ¨β¨βYou know exactly what.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs hand slid around the back of your knee.β¨β¨His fingertips squeezed gently.
You looked down at him.β¨β¨He gave you a small, private smile.β¨β¨There was no concern in it.β¨β¨He knew you werenβt jealous.
Mostly, he appeared entertained.β¨β¨βYou came for straighteners,β you reminded your sister.β¨β¨βI know.ββ¨β¨βTheyβre in the bedroom.β
βCan you get them?ββ¨β¨βYou know where they are.ββ¨β¨She hesitated.β¨β¨Her gaze moved towards the hallway, then back to Seungmin.
βI havenβt been in your bedroom since you moved things around.ββ¨β¨βYouβll survive.ββ¨β¨βI donβt want to go through your things.ββ¨β¨βYouβve never had an issue before.β
Her mouth tightened.β¨β¨You smiled sweetly.β¨β¨βIβll show you.ββ¨β¨You gently extracted your hand from Seungminβs grasp, holding your fingers carefully apart.
He immediately caught your wrist.β¨β¨βWhere are you going?ββ¨β¨βTo get the straighteners.ββ¨β¨βYouβll ruin your nails.β
βIβm walking, not digging a tunnel.ββ¨β¨βYouβre very clumsy.ββ¨β¨βYou painted them five minutes ago. Theyβre dry.ββ¨β¨Seungmin tightened his grip.
βWait.ββ¨β¨βWhat?ββ¨β¨He reached for the bottle of top coat on the table.β¨β¨βYou need this.β
βYou didnβt mention top coat before.ββ¨β¨βI forgot.ββ¨β¨βYou just donβt want me to leave.ββ¨β¨βThatβs ridiculous.β
βYouβre holding my wrist.ββ¨β¨βTo protect my work.ββ¨β¨βSay youβll miss me.ββ¨β¨βYouβll be gone for thirty seconds.β
βThen it shouldnβt be difficult.ββ¨β¨Seungmin narrowed his eyes.β¨β¨Your sister watched the exchange.β¨β¨You waited.
He looked away first.β¨β¨βIβll miss you,β he muttered.β¨β¨You grinned.β¨β¨βWhat was that?β
βYou heard me.ββ¨β¨βI donβt think I did.ββ¨β¨βIβm not repeating it.ββ¨β¨βThen I suppose Iβll have to stay.β
Seungmin looked back at you suspiciously.β¨β¨You lowered yourself onto the floor in front of him.β¨β¨His expression brightened.β¨β¨Then you reached for the top coat.
He held it out of reach.β¨β¨βYou said you were staying.ββ¨β¨βTo do my own nails.ββ¨β¨βNo.β
βGive it to me.ββ¨β¨βYouβll ruin them.ββ¨β¨βTheyβre already ruined.ββ¨β¨Seungmin gasped.
You grabbed for the bottle.β¨β¨He leaned away.β¨β¨You lunged across him, careful to keep your painted hand lifted.β¨β¨Seungmin caught you around the waist with his free arm.
You tried to reach behind him.β¨β¨He shifted again, pulling you further into his lap.β¨β¨Your sister cleared her throat.β¨β¨You both looked towards her.
She was still sitting on the sofa.β¨β¨Watching.β¨β¨You had briefly forgotten she was there.β¨β¨βSorry,β you said, although you werenβt particularly sorry.
Seungmin rested his chin on your shoulder.β¨β¨He still had one arm wrapped firmly around your waist.β¨β¨Your sisterβs gaze dropped to it.β¨β¨βCould you get the straighteners?β she asked.
βYou know where they are,β you repeated.β¨β¨βI already told you I donβt.ββ¨β¨Seungmin lifted his head.β¨β¨βI can get them.β
Your sisterβs face brightened.β¨β¨You turned towards him.β¨β¨He was already beginning to stand, carefully guiding you off his lap.β¨β¨Your sister rose too.
Seungmin paused.β¨β¨He looked at her.β¨β¨Then at you.β¨β¨You pressed your lips together to keep from laughing.
There was no reason for both of them to go.β¨β¨Your sister apparently believed your bedroom contained an unusually complicated straightener-storage system that required Seungminβs personal guidance.β¨β¨βI know where they are,β he said.β¨β¨βIβll come with you.β
βYou can stay here.ββ¨β¨Her smile faltered.β¨β¨βI donβt mind.ββ¨β¨βI do.β
The answer was so immediate that you made a small choking sound.β¨β¨Your sisterβs patience finally snapped.β¨β¨βCan someone please get them?ββ¨β¨You and Seungmin both looked at her.
She smiled tightly.β¨β¨βThe straighteners.ββ¨β¨βRight,β you said.β¨β¨Seungmin pointed at you.
βDonβt touch anything.ββ¨β¨βItβs my flat.ββ¨β¨βMy nail polish.ββ¨β¨He disappeared down the hallway.
Your sister waited until he was out of earshot.β¨β¨Then she looked at you.β¨β¨βYou donβt have to perform every time Iβm here.ββ¨β¨You stared at her.
βPerform?ββ¨β¨βThe constant touching. The little jokes.ββ¨β¨βYou think thatβs for you?ββ¨β¨βI think youβre trying very hard to prove something.β
You looked towards the hallway.β¨β¨Seungmin was rummaging through the bathroom cabinet, apparently having forgotten that you kept the straighteners inside your wardrobe.β¨β¨You turned back to her.β¨β¨βIβm sitting in my own living room wearing his shirt while he paints my nails.β
βExactly.ββ¨β¨βWhat am I proving?ββ¨β¨βThat youβre comfortable with him.ββ¨β¨βI am comfortable with him.β
βYou donβt need to make it so obvious.ββ¨β¨A laugh escaped you.β¨β¨Your sisterβs expression darkened.β¨β¨βWhat?β
βI genuinely donβt understand what youβre accusing me of.ββ¨β¨βYouβre acting territorial.ββ¨β¨βI havenβt stopped you speaking to him.ββ¨β¨βYou donβt have to. You just keep interrupting.β
βThis is my flat.ββ¨β¨βSo?ββ¨β¨βHeβs my boyfriend.ββ¨β¨βI know that.β
Mostly.β¨β¨But something sharper had begun pressing beneath your ribs.β¨β¨Your sister had always competed with you.β¨β¨Clothes. Friends. Attention. Compliments.
Anything you possessed became evidence that she deserved something better.β¨β¨You had simply never expected her to become this obvious.β¨β¨βYouβre imagining things,β she said.β¨β¨βAm I?β
βYes.ββ¨β¨βThen why did you come dressed like that to borrow straighteners?ββ¨β¨Her face changed.β¨β¨Only for an instant.
Then she scoffed.β¨β¨βI told you Iβm going out.ββ¨β¨βWhere?ββ¨β¨βWhy do you care?β
βI donβt.ββ¨β¨βYou clearly do.ββ¨β¨βYouβve travelled forty minutes to borrow something you could buy for twenty pounds.ββ¨β¨βI was nearby.β
βNo, you werenβt.ββ¨β¨She folded her arms.β¨β¨βSeungmin doesnβt seem to mind me being here.ββ¨β¨There it was.
You looked at her.β¨β¨She looked pleased with herself.β¨β¨βWhy would he mind?ββ¨β¨βHeβs been friendly.β
βHeβs usually friendly.ββ¨β¨βNot with everyone.ββ¨β¨You nearly smiled.β¨β¨Your sister had known Seungmin for one afternoon.
Apparently she had already developed an extensive understanding of his social habits.β¨β¨βHe complimented me last time,β she continued.β¨β¨βWhen?ββ¨β¨βHe said my dress was nice.β
βMum told him to.ββ¨β¨βThat doesnβt mean he didnβt think it.ββ¨β¨βNo, Iβm sure he has very strong feelings about the dress.ββ¨β¨βYou donβt have to be jealous.β
You stared at her.β¨β¨Then you laughed.β¨β¨You couldnβt help it.β¨β¨The idea was so completely detached from reality that amusement overwhelmed everything else.
Your sisterβs face hardened.β¨β¨βIβm serious.ββ¨β¨βSo am I.ββ¨β¨βThen why are you laughing?β
βBecause you think Seungmin complimenting your dress means I should be worried.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt say you should be worried.ββ¨β¨βYou said I was jealous.ββ¨β¨βYouβre acting like it.β
βTrust me.β You leaned back against the sofa. βIβm not.ββ¨β¨Your sister opened her mouth.β¨β¨Seungmin returned before she could answer.β¨β¨He was holding the straighteners in one hand
He handed the straighteners to your sister.β¨β¨She accepted them.β¨β¨βThank you.ββ¨β¨βNo problem.β
Her fingers lingered against his for a moment.β¨β¨Seungmin looked down at their hands.β¨β¨Then politely extracted his own.β¨β¨βI should probably go,β your sister said.
You looked at the clock.β¨β¨She had been there for less than twenty minutes.β¨β¨βYour plans?β you asked.β¨β¨βYes.β
She picked up her coat.β¨β¨Seungmin returned to the floor beside you, already reaching for your hand.β¨β¨Your sister watched him pull you down beside him.β¨β¨Your sister opened the front door.
βIβll text you,β she said to you.β¨β¨βOkay.ββ¨β¨She looked towards Seungmin.β¨β¨βIt was nice seeing you.β
βYou too.ββ¨β¨βYou look good, by the way.ββ¨β¨Seungmin glanced down at his sweatshirt.β¨β¨βThanks.β
βThe headband especially.ββ¨β¨His hand rose to the blue bow.β¨β¨βRight.ββ¨β¨She laughed softly.
Then she left.β¨β¨You waited until the door closed.β¨β¨Silence settled over the flat.β¨β¨Seungmin stared at it.
You stared at him.β¨β¨He turned slowly.β¨β¨βWhat?ββ¨β¨You broke first.
Laughter burst out of you so suddenly that you nearly knocked over the nail polish.β¨β¨Seungmin caught the bottle.β¨β¨βCareful!ββ¨β¨βThe headband especially,β you repeated.
βStop.ββ¨β¨βYou look good, by the way.ββ¨β¨βI said stop.ββ¨β¨You twisted in his arms until you were facing him.
Seungmin was kneeling over you, one hand planted beside your shoulder and the other wrapped securely around your waist.β¨β¨You looked up at him.β¨β¨βI like your headband.ββ¨β¨βThank you. I already have a beautiful girlfriend.β
You nodded.β¨β¨βVery natural.ββ¨β¨βYouβre ridiculous.ββ¨β¨βAnd youβre obsessed with me.β
βThere it is.ββ¨β¨βThere what is?ββ¨β¨βYouβve been waiting to say that all afternoon.ββ¨β¨βI havenβt.β
βYou have.ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βYes.ββ¨β¨You tried to push him away with your forearm.
Seungmin remained exactly where he was.β¨β¨βAdmit it,β he said.β¨β¨βAdmit what?ββ¨β¨βThat youβre jealous.β
βIβm not.ββ¨β¨βJust a little?ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βNot even when she touched my hand?β
βI thought about breaking her fingers.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs eyes widened.β¨β¨You hooked one leg around his hips and attempted to roll him onto his back.β¨β¨He anticipated it, shifting his weight before you could gain any leverage.
βYouβre cheating,β you complained.β¨β¨βHow?ββ¨β¨βYouβre stronger.ββ¨β¨βThat isnβt cheating.β
βIt is when Iβm losing.ββ¨β¨He laughed.β¨β¨You used the distraction to push at his shoulder again.β¨β¨Seungmin caught both your wrists.
Your breath hitched, more from surprise than anything else.β¨β¨He pinned them lightly above your head, careful not to let your nails touch the carpet.β¨β¨His hair had begun slipping free from the headband.β¨β¨The clay mask had cracked faintly near the corners of his smile.
He looked completely ridiculous.β¨β¨And unfairly lovely.β¨β¨βStill think I enjoyed it?β he asked.β¨β¨You pretended to consider your answer.
His eyes narrowed.β¨β¨βChoose carefully.ββ¨β¨You bit back a smile.β¨β¨βShe is very feminine.β
Seungmin lowered his face closer to yours.β¨β¨βWrong direction.ββ¨β¨βAnd confident.ββ¨β¨His grip tightened slightly around your wrists.
You laughed.β¨β¨βAnd sophisticated.ββ¨β¨βDo you want to keep your newly painted nails?ββ¨β¨βThat sounds like a threat.β
βIt is.ββ¨β¨βYou worked so hard on them.ββ¨β¨βI can start again.ββ¨β¨βYou wouldnβt.β
βI have nowhere to be.ββ¨β¨You squirmed beneath him.β¨β¨He shifted, trapping you more securely without putting his weight on you.β¨β¨βYouβre impossible,β you said.
βYou started this.ββ¨β¨βSheβs your type.ββ¨β¨Seungmin stared at you.β¨β¨Then he released one of your wrists.
You immediately tried to escape.β¨β¨His free hand found your side.β¨β¨You squealed.β¨β¨βNo!β
βTake it back.ββ¨β¨βYou canβt keep doing this!ββ¨β¨βI can until you learn.ββ¨β¨His fingers dug gently into your waist.
You dissolved into laughter, twisting helplessly beneath him.β¨β¨βThe mask!β you gasped. βYouβll crack the mask!ββ¨β¨βI donβt care.ββ¨β¨βYou were worried about it two minutes ago!β
βYouβve pushed me too far.ββ¨β¨You kicked at the rug.β¨β¨Seungmin caught your leg beneath his knee.β¨β¨βYouβre evil!β
βAnd?ββ¨β¨βControlling!ββ¨β¨βAnd?ββ¨β¨βObsessed with me!β
His fingers stopped.β¨β¨βThere we go.ββ¨β¨You glared up at him, breathless.β¨β¨βThat isnβt fair.β
βItβs completely fair.ββ¨β¨βI was supposed to say you donβt want her.ββ¨β¨βI know I donβt want her.ββ¨β¨βYouβre supposed to reassure me.β
βAre you worried?ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βThen why do you need reassurance?ββ¨β¨βBecause I enjoy compliments.β
Seungmin smiled.β¨β¨The teasing faded gently from his expression.β¨β¨He released your other wrist and settled his hand beside your head instead.β¨β¨βYouβre very pretty.β
βThat was basic.ββ¨β¨βYouβre especially pretty when youβre wearing my clothes.ββ¨β¨βBetter.ββ¨β¨βYouβre funny.β
βI know.ββ¨β¨βAnd irritating.ββ¨β¨βThat wasnβt a compliment.ββ¨β¨βItβs one of my favourite things about you.β
You looked up at him.β¨β¨His thumb brushed lightly over your cheek.β¨β¨βYouβre my favourite person to come home to,β he continued. βMy favourite person to annoy. My favourite person to do absolutely nothing with.ββ¨β¨Your smile softened.
Seungminβs did too.β¨β¨βAnd,β he added, βIβm so obsessed with you that I let you put this stupid thing on my head.ββ¨β¨You touched the bow.β¨β¨βYou love the headband.β
βI tolerate it.ββ¨β¨βYouβre avoiding the important part.ββ¨β¨βWhat important part?ββ¨β¨βThe part where you admit Iβm obsessed with you.β
You laughed.β¨β¨βYou just admitted it yourself.ββ¨β¨βI want to hear you say it.ββ¨β¨βYouβre obsessed with me.β
βAnd?ββ¨β¨You stared at him.β¨β¨He waited expectantly.β¨β¨βAnd you donβt want my sister.β
βObviously.ββ¨β¨βAnd?ββ¨β¨A slow grin spread across his face.β¨β¨You realised what he wanted.
βNo.ββ¨β¨βSay it.ββ¨β¨βIβm not saying it.ββ¨β¨βYou know you want to.β
βI donβt.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs fingers hovered threateningly near your waist.β¨β¨You recoiled.β¨β¨βDonβt.β
βThen say it.ββ¨β¨βYouβre abusing your power.ββ¨β¨βIβm waiting.ββ¨β¨You glared at him.
He looked delighted.β¨β¨βAnd Iβm obsessed with you too,β you muttered.β¨β¨βWhat was that?ββ¨β¨βYou heard me.β
βThe face mask is restricting my hearing.ββ¨β¨βThat isnβt how masks work.ββ¨β¨βSpeak clearly.ββ¨β¨You tried not to smile.
βIβm obsessed with you too.ββ¨β¨βThere we go.ββ¨β¨He bent and kissed you.β¨β¨It began soft.
A pleased little press of his lips against yours.β¨β¨Then you reached for the back of his neck and accidentally brushed one wet nail against his cheek.β¨β¨Seungmin pulled away.β¨β¨You froze.
A bright streak of polish now cut through the dried clay mask.β¨β¨For one second, neither of you moved.β¨β¨Then you burst out laughing.β¨β¨Seungmin stared at you.
βYou ruined it.ββ¨β¨βIβm sorry!ββ¨β¨βYou did that on purpose.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt!β
βYou attacked me.ββ¨β¨βYou were on top of me!ββ¨β¨βBecause you accused me of wanting your sister.ββ¨β¨Seungmin touched his cheek.
His fingers came away with polish on them.β¨β¨His mouth dropped open.β¨β¨You laughed even harder.β¨β¨βYou look beautiful.β
βYouβre sleeping on the sofa.ββ¨β¨βItβs my flat.ββ¨β¨βThen Iβm sleeping in your bed alone.ββ¨β¨βYou wouldnβt last ten minutes.β
βIβd sleep perfectly.ββ¨β¨You grinned.β¨β¨Seungmin tried to maintain his glare.β¨β¨He failed.
A laugh escaped him.β¨β¨Then another.β¨β¨He lowered his head until his forehead rested against your shoulder, both of you shaking with laughter on the living-room floor.β¨β¨You wrapped your arms around him.
βYour mask really is ruined.ββ¨β¨βI know.ββ¨β¨βAnd the polish is definitely smudged.ββ¨β¨βI know.β
౨ΰ§
Your sister invited herself shopping with you three days later.β¨β¨Technically, she asked whether you had bought your mumβs birthday present yet. When you told her that you and Seungmin were going into town on Sunday to find something, she replied that she had been planning to go that day too.β¨β¨You had stared at the message for several seconds.β¨β¨Seungmin, lying beside you with his head on your stomach, had tilted his phone away from his face and asked, βWhy are you making that expression?β
βMy sister wants to come shopping with us.ββ¨β¨He had gone silent.β¨β¨You lowered your phone to look at him. βThat was a very long pause.ββ¨β¨βI was trying to think of something polite.β
βAnd?ββ¨β¨βI couldnβt.ββ¨β¨You laughed and ran your fingers through his hair. βWe are shopping for her mum too.ββ¨β¨βUnfortunately.β
βSheβs my mum.ββ¨β¨βThatβs why I said unfortunately. I like your mum.ββ¨β¨βYouβre horrible.ββ¨β¨Seungmin had turned his head and pressed a kiss to your stomach through your shirt. βTell her she can come.β
βYou donβt sound very enthusiastic.ββ¨β¨βIβm thrilled. Maybe she can tell me more about what kind of woman I usually prefer.ββ¨β¨You had flicked his forehead.β¨β¨He had bitten your finger.
The matter was settled.
౨ΰ§
Your sister arrived twenty minutes late.β¨β¨You and Seungmin had already been standing outside the shopping centre long enough for him to complain about the cold four times, steal one of your gloves and attempt to warm his other hand by shoving it beneath the back of your jumper.β¨β¨You had slapped him away.β¨β¨He had waited thirty seconds before trying again.
βYour hand is freezing,β you complained, twisting out of his reach.β¨β¨βThatβs why I need your body heat.ββ¨β¨βYou have pockets.ββ¨β¨βTheyβre not as warm as you.β
βThey donβt want you touching them either.ββ¨β¨Seungmin smiled and caught the belt loop of your jeans when you tried to step away. βCome back.ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βYouβre abandoning me.β
βIβm moving half a metre.ββ¨β¨βThatβs still too far.ββ¨β¨You rolled your eyes, but you let him pull you backwards until your shoulder rested against his chest. He wrapped both arms around your waist and tucked his chin over your shoulder, immediately pleased with himself.β¨β¨βYouβre very clingy today,β you said.
βItβs cold.ββ¨β¨βYou were clingy yesterday too.ββ¨β¨βI was tired.ββ¨β¨βYou fell asleep on top of me. I couldnβt breathe.β
βAnd yet you let me stay.β His laugh warmed the side of your neck.β¨β¨Your sister found you like that.β¨β¨She slowed as she approached, taking in Seungminβs arms around your middle and the way your hands rested over his.β¨β¨Then she smiled.
βSorry,β she said, although she did not sound particularly sorry. βThe train was delayed.ββ¨β¨βYou said you were driving,β you replied.β¨β¨She paused.β¨β¨Seungminβs face disappeared briefly against your shoulder. You felt the silent shake of his laughter.
βI changed my mind,β your sister said.β¨β¨βClearly.ββ¨β¨She looked at Seungmin. βHave you been waiting long?ββ¨β¨βLong enough for her to attack me.β
βI moved your freezing hand away,β you said.β¨β¨Seungmin tightened his arms around your waist. βExactly.ββ¨β¨Your sister laughed, her gaze lingering on him a little too long. βYou poor thing.ββ¨β¨Your sister looked at you with a small, knowing smile. βYouβve always been like that.β
βLike what?ββ¨β¨βRough.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs eyebrows rose.β¨β¨You looked down at your outfit as though you might find evidence of roughness on your coat. βI pushed his hand away.β
βIβm only joking.ββ¨β¨βRight.ββ¨β¨βSheβs very frightening,β Seungmin said solemnly. βI live in constant fear.ββ¨β¨Then he kissed your cheek and released you, taking your hand instead. βCan we go inside before I lose feeling in my fingers?β
βYou stole my glove.ββ¨β¨βIt wasnβt enough.ββ¨β¨Your sister walked beside him as you entered the shopping centre.β¨β¨You ended up on his other side.
It was not immediately strange. The pavement narrowed near the doors, people moved around you, and your sister had always been skilled at placing herself exactly where she wanted to be without appearing deliberate.β¨β¨But once you were inside, she remained there.β¨β¨She asked Seungmin what he thought you should buy. She asked whether he enjoyed shopping. She asked which shops he liked, whether he cared about clothes and whether he usually chose his own outfits.β¨β¨He answered politely.
Mostly.β¨β¨When she asked whether he had a favourite designer, he said, βWhoever makes comfortable trousers.ββ¨β¨When she asked what colours he liked on women, he said, βNormal ones.ββ¨β¨Your sister frowned. βI was asking a normal question.β
βI know,β you said. βHis answer was stupid.ββ¨β¨Seungmin swung your joined hands between you.β¨β¨Your sister glanced down.β¨β¨βI think youβd suit darker colours,β she told him.
βI wear dark colours.ββ¨β¨βI know. They make you look more mature.ββ¨β¨You looked across him. βWhat does he look like now?ββ¨β¨She ignored you. βYou have a very classic face.β
Seungmin turned towards you. βDo I?ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨He looked offended. βYou didnβt even think about it.ββ¨β¨βI look at your face every day.β
βAnd youβve never thought it was classic?ββ¨β¨βIβve thought it was annoying.ββ¨β¨βThat isnβt a facial structure.ββ¨β¨βIt should be.β
Your sister sighed softly. βYou never take compliments seriously.ββ¨β¨βShe rarely gives them,β Seungmin said.β¨β¨βI complimented you this morning.ββ¨β¨βYou said my hair looked less strange than usual.β
βThat was generous.ββ¨β¨βYou also said I looked tired.ββ¨β¨βYou did.ββ¨β¨βYou make me feel very cherished.β
You stopped in the middle of the walkway and placed both hands around his face. βYou are beautiful.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs eyes narrowed suspiciously. βYouβre mocking me.ββ¨β¨βNever.ββ¨β¨βYouβre smiling.β
βBecause youβre beautiful.ββ¨β¨He stared at you for another second before his mouth betrayed him.β¨β¨A reluctant smile appeared.β¨β¨βThere,β you said, squeezing his cheeks. βPretty.β
Seungmin caught both your wrists and pulled your hands away. βDonβt touch my face in public.ββ¨β¨βYou love it.ββ¨β¨Your sister had gone quiet.β¨β¨You released Seungminβs face and started walking again. He slipped his hand into yours as though the interruption had never happened.
The first shop was useless.β¨β¨The second was worse.β¨β¨Your mum had said she wanted something for the house, which sounded simple until you were faced with fifteen aisles of objects she might already own.β¨β¨Your sister suggested a decorative vase.
You reminded her that your mum had six.β¨β¨Seungmin picked up a tiny ceramic dog wearing a crown.β¨β¨You told him to put it down.β¨β¨βSheβd love him,β he said.
βSheβd ask why we bought her rubbish.ββ¨β¨βHeβs cute.ββ¨β¨βHeβs ugly.ββ¨β¨βHe can hear you.β
Your sister smiled at Seungmin. βI think heβs cute.ββ¨β¨You looked at her.β¨β¨She was not looking at the ceramic dog.β¨β¨Seungmin, apparently unaware or pretending to be, placed the ornament carefully in your hands. βHold him.β
βNo.ββ¨β¨βHe likes you.ββ¨β¨βYou like him.ββ¨β¨βHe reminds me of you.β
You stared at the dog.β¨β¨The dog stared back with badly painted eyes.β¨β¨βYouβre sleeping alone tonight.ββ¨β¨Seungmin smiled. βYou say that every week.β
βOne day Iβll mean it.ββ¨β¨βNo, you wonβt.ββ¨β¨Your sister picked up a sleek glass vase and held it towards Seungmin. βWhat about this?ββ¨β¨He glanced at it. βItβs nice.β
βShe already has something similar,β you said.β¨β¨Your sisterβs smile tightened. βNot exactly like this.ββ¨β¨βItβs almost identical.ββ¨β¨βItβs more modern.β
βMum doesnβt care about modern.ββ¨β¨βShe might.ββ¨β¨Your sister looked at Seungmin. βWhat do you think?ββ¨β¨He looked between you both.
Then at the vase.β¨β¨Then at the ceramic dog still in your hands.β¨β¨βI think we should buy the dog.ββ¨β¨You laughed.
Your sister did not.β¨β¨βYouβre both impossible,β she said, returning the vase to the shelf.β¨β¨βThat keeps coming up,β Seungmin replied.β¨β¨You carried the dog for another two aisles before secretly placing it on a display of cushions.
Seungmin noticed immediately.β¨β¨βWhere is he?ββ¨β¨βWho?ββ¨β¨βThe dog.β
βI donβt know.ββ¨β¨βYou abandoned him.ββ¨β¨βHe wasnβt ours.ββ¨β¨βHe could have been.β
βNot everything you like has to come home with us.ββ¨β¨βYou came home with me.ββ¨β¨Your sister laughed.β¨β¨You turned towards Seungmin slowly. βWas that meant to be sweet?β
βYes.ββ¨β¨βIt sounded like you found me beside a road.ββ¨β¨βI rescued you.ββ¨β¨βFrom what?β
βYourself.ββ¨β¨You shoved him lightly towards a stack of towels.β¨β¨He caught your elbow and pulled you with him, making you stumble against his chest. His free arm wrapped around your waist before you could fall.β¨β¨You tried not to smile.
You failed.β¨β¨Your sister walked ahead.
౨ΰ§
After nearly an hour, you found a set of handmade serving bowls that your mum would genuinely like.β¨β¨Your sister thought they were plain.β¨β¨Seungmin thought one of them looked like a hat.β¨β¨You thought both of them needed to stop talking.
You were waiting at the till when your sister announced that she wanted coffee.β¨β¨βThereβs a place downstairs,β she said. βIβll go.ββ¨β¨βIβll come,β you replied. βI need the toilet anyway.ββ¨β¨Her expression flickered.
Only slightly.β¨β¨Then she smiled. βYou can stay with the bags. Seungmin and I can get them.ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked up from the receipt in his hand.β¨β¨You looked at her.
She looked at him.β¨β¨There was a small silence.β¨β¨Then Seungmin said, βShe knows my order.ββ¨β¨Your sister recovered quickly. βYou can tell me.β
βIβll forget something.ββ¨β¨βItβs coffee.ββ¨β¨βHeβs very demanding,β you said.β¨β¨Seungmin nodded.
Your sister laughed, although her eyes stayed on him. βI think I can manage.ββ¨β¨You could have refused.β¨β¨Part of you wanted to, not because you thought anything would happen, but because your sisterβs intentions had become so transparent that allowing her to proceed felt almost embarrassing.β¨β¨Then curiosity won.
You handed the shopping bag to Seungmin. βFine. Get me something sweet.ββ¨β¨βWhat?ββ¨β¨βSurprise me.ββ¨β¨βThat always ends badly.β
βOnly because you make poor choices.ββ¨β¨Seungmin stared at you.β¨β¨You smiled.β¨β¨He sighed. βFine.β
Your sister looked pleased.β¨β¨Far too pleased.β¨β¨You kissed Seungminβs cheek before stepping away. βDonβt let her buy me anything with coconut.β
౨ΰ§
Seungmin watched you disappear into the crowd.β¨β¨He knew exactly what you were doing.β¨β¨You had kissed him in front of your sister on purpose.β¨β¨Not because you were worried.
Because you were a menace.β¨β¨A message appeared on his phone before he and your sister had reached the escalator.β¨β¨Donβt fall in love while Iβm gone xβ¨β¨He smiled despite himself.
Your sister noticed.β¨β¨βWhat?ββ¨β¨βNothing.ββ¨β¨βWas that her?β
βYes.ββ¨β¨βWhat did she say?ββ¨β¨Seungmin put his phone away. βNothing important.ββ¨β¨Your sister stepped onto the escalator beside him.
For several seconds, she was silent.β¨β¨Then she said, βShe checks on you a lot.ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked at her. βDoes she?ββ¨β¨βSheβs always texting you.β
βWe text each other.ββ¨β¨βI know. I just mean she likes knowing where you are.ββ¨β¨He considered the comment.β¨β¨βShe sent me a joke.β
βWhat joke?ββ¨β¨βOne you wouldnβt find funny.ββ¨β¨Your sisterβs mouth tightened. βYou donβt know that.ββ¨β¨βI know her sense of humour.β
βAnd mine?ββ¨β¨βNot really.ββ¨β¨The escalator carried them down another floor.β¨β¨Your sister rested one hand on the rail. βYou and her are very different.β
Seungmin looked ahead. βYouβve mentioned that.ββ¨β¨βI donβt mean it as an insult.ββ¨β¨βYou keep saying that too.ββ¨β¨She laughed softly. βYou remember.β
βI have a good memory.ββ¨β¨βYou do seem observant.ββ¨β¨βSometimes.ββ¨β¨βThatβs why Iβm surprised.β
He turned his head.β¨β¨βBy what?ββ¨β¨She looked briefly uncertain, as if she had expected him to understand without making her say it aloud.β¨β¨βNothing.β
Seungmin faced forwards again.β¨β¨The coffee shop was busy. A line curled away from the counter, giving your sister more time than she probably needed.β¨β¨She moved closer to him as they joined it.β¨β¨βIβve always wondered how she ended up with someone like you.β
Seungminβs expression did not change.β¨β¨βSomeone like me?ββ¨β¨βSuccessful. Disciplined. Mature.ββ¨β¨βYou think she isnβt those things?β
βI didnβt say that.ββ¨β¨βYou implied it.ββ¨β¨Your sister sighed. βYouβre very defensive of her.ββ¨β¨βSheβs my girlfriend.β
βI know.ββ¨β¨βThen why are you surprised?ββ¨β¨βIβm not surprised. I just think you misunderstand me.ββ¨β¨Seungmin shoved one hand into his coat pocket. βThen explain.β
Your sister glanced towards the counter. The line had barely moved.β¨β¨βSheβs always been the sweet one,β she said. βThe one people feel protective over. Iβve always been more independent.ββ¨β¨βOkay.ββ¨β¨βShe needs more reassurance.β
βDoes she?ββ¨β¨βYouβve seen how she is.ββ¨β¨βI have.ββ¨β¨βAnd that doesnβt get tiring?β
Seungmin looked at her properly.β¨β¨His tone stayed light, but his eyes sharpened. βNo.ββ¨β¨Your sister held his gaze. βYou donβt have to pretend with me.ββ¨β¨βIβm not.β
βShe can be a lot.ββ¨β¨βSo can I.ββ¨β¨βYouβre different.ββ¨β¨βYou donβt know me.β
The words landed more firmly than anything he had said before.β¨β¨Your sister blinked.β¨β¨Seungmin looked back towards the counter.β¨β¨The line moved forward.
For a few seconds, she said nothing.β¨β¨Then she tried again.β¨β¨βShe doesnβt tell people this, but she used to get overlooked a lot when we were younger.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs jaw tightened.
βOverlooked by who?ββ¨β¨βPeople.ββ¨β¨Your sister exhaled, clearly frustrated by his refusal to fill in the gaps for her.β¨β¨βBoys usually noticed me first.β
Seungmin waited.β¨β¨She smiled faintly. βShe never minded. At least, she pretended not to.ββ¨β¨He looked at her.β¨β¨βAnd?β
βAnd nothing. Iβm only saying itβs probably nice for her to be the one someone chose for once.ββ¨β¨Seungmin stared at her for a long moment.β¨β¨Your sister interpreted the silence as an opening.β¨β¨βYouβre kind,β she continued. βYou probably donβt even realise how much that means to her.β
βI noticed her.ββ¨β¨The sentence was quiet.β¨β¨Immediate.β¨β¨Your sisterβs smile faltered.
βI didnβt say you didnβt.ββ¨β¨βYou said people didnβt.ββ¨β¨βI said they usually noticed me first.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt.β
Something sharp passed across her face.β¨β¨Then she laughed.β¨β¨βYou hadnβt met me.ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked at her.
The confidence in her smile returned.β¨β¨It was not difficult to understand what she meant.β¨β¨If he had seen her first, things might have been different.β¨β¨If he knew her better, he might recognise what he had missed.
If you had not reached him before she did, perhaps he would have made the correct choice.β¨β¨Seungmin almost laughed.β¨β¨Instead, he said, βIβve met you now.ββ¨β¨Your sisterβs smile remained fixed.
The line moved again.β¨β¨She stepped closer.β¨β¨βI think we have more in common than you realise.ββ¨β¨βDo we?β
βWeβre both ambitious.ββ¨β¨βSo is she.ββ¨β¨βWe care about how we present ourselves.ββ¨β¨βShe does too.β
βShe doesnβt care what anyone thinks.ββ¨β¨βThatβs one of the things I like about her.ββ¨β¨Your sisterβs eyes narrowed. βYou turn everything into a compliment about her.ββ¨β¨βYes.β
The answer was so simple that it left nowhere for the conversation to go.β¨β¨Your sister looked away.β¨β¨Seungminβs phone buzzed again.β¨β¨He checked it.
Is she seducing you yet?β¨β¨A second message appeared.β¨β¨Blink twice if you need rescueβ¨β¨Then:
Actually donβt. I canβt see youβ¨β¨He laughed under his breath.β¨β¨Your sister glanced towards the phone.β¨β¨βSheβs checking again?β
He raised his eyebrows slightly.β¨β¨For the first time, she seemed uncertain whether he was joking.β¨β¨Then he smiled.β¨β¨Not warmly.
Not cruelly either.β¨β¨Just enough to make the question impossible to challenge.β¨β¨Your sister looked towards the menu.β¨β¨βWhat did she want?β
βSomething sweet.ββ¨β¨βThat isnβt very specific.ββ¨β¨βShe likes trying new things.ββ¨β¨βI know.β
βDo you?ββ¨β¨Your sister frowned. βSheβs my sister.ββ¨β¨Seungmin slipped his phone into his pocket. βThen choose.ββ¨β¨She looked at the display board.
After a moment, she suggested a coconut latte.β¨β¨Seungmin stared at her.β¨β¨βWhat?ββ¨β¨βShe hates coconut.β
Your sister hesitated. βDoes she?ββ¨β¨βShe told you five minutes ago.ββ¨β¨βI forgot.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt.β
He ordered your favourite instead.
౨ΰ§
You returned to find them sitting at a small table near the window.β¨β¨Your sister was speaking.β¨β¨Seungmin was looking at his phone.β¨β¨That alone told you almost everything you needed to know.
He was never rude enough to ignore someone without a reason.β¨β¨When he spotted you, his entire expression changed.β¨β¨His shoulders relaxed. His mouth curved into a smile. He put his phone down and lifted one hand towards you.β¨β¨βThere you are.β
You slid into the seat beside him.β¨β¨Seungmin immediately hooked his fingers through the belt loop at the back of your jeans and tugged you closer.β¨β¨βI was gone for fifteen minutes.ββ¨β¨βIt was difficult.β
βYou seemed fine.ββ¨β¨Your sister looked between you.β¨β¨You picked up the drink in front of your seat and inspected it. βWhat did you get me?ββ¨β¨βTry it.β
βWhat is it?ββ¨β¨βIβm not telling you.ββ¨β¨βWhy?ββ¨β¨βYou said to surprise you.β
βI donβt trust you.ββ¨β¨Seungmin pushed the cup closer. βDrink.ββ¨β¨You took a cautious sip.β¨β¨It was sweet, creamy and familiar.
Your favourite.β¨β¨You looked at him.β¨β¨He smiled smugly.β¨β¨βYou didnβt choose something new.β
βI chose something youβd like.ββ¨β¨βThat isnβt a surprise.ββ¨β¨βYou were surprised.ββ¨β¨βI was surprised you made a good decision.β
Seungmin leaned towards you. βSay thank you.ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βSay it.ββ¨β¨βYouβre very demanding.β
βI carried the bowls.ββ¨β¨βTheyβre in one bag.ββ¨β¨βA heavy bag.ββ¨β¨βTheyβre ceramic, not concrete.β
Your sister interrupted. βHe remembered your order.ββ¨β¨You looked at her.β¨β¨There was something brittle in her voice.β¨β¨Seungmin rested his chin briefly on your shoulder and stole a sip of your drink.
You pushed his face away.β¨β¨βOf course he did,β you said. βHe orders it more than I do.ββ¨β¨βFor you,β he corrected.β¨β¨βYou steal half.β
βIt tastes better when itβs yours.ββ¨β¨βThatβs because youβre a thief.ββ¨β¨He smiled against your cheek.β¨β¨Your sister looked away.
You could practically feel the conversation you had interrupted sitting between them.β¨β¨You waited until Seungmin sat back.β¨β¨Then you asked, βDid you have a nice chat?ββ¨β¨Your sister reached for her coffee.
Seungmin looked at you.β¨β¨His eyes were bright with the effort of not laughing.β¨β¨βVery informative.ββ¨β¨βOh?β
βI learned that Iβm successful, disciplined and mature.ββ¨β¨You nodded solemnly. βOne out of three isnβt bad.ββ¨β¨Seungmin kicked your foot beneath the table.β¨β¨You kicked him back.
Your sister sighed. βI was complimenting him.ββ¨β¨βI know.ββ¨β¨βShe thinks Iβm mature,β Seungmin said.β¨β¨βShe doesnβt live with you.β
βI donβt live with you.ββ¨β¨Under the table, Seungminβs knee pressed against yours.β¨β¨You tapped it once with your own.β¨β¨He tapped back.
Your sister watched the movement.β¨β¨βI was only saying that youβre lucky,β she said.β¨β¨You looked at her. βAgain?ββ¨β¨βYou are.β
βI know.ββ¨β¨βShe thinks youβre lucky someone finally noticed you,β Seungmin added.β¨β¨The words were delivered with deceptive casualness.β¨β¨Your sisterβs head snapped towards him.
Your hand stilled around the cup.β¨β¨Seungmin lifted his drink.β¨β¨You looked at your sister.β¨β¨She looked suddenly furious.
βI didnβt say it like that.ββ¨β¨βHow did you say it?ββ¨β¨βI said people usually noticed me first when we were younger.ββ¨β¨You raised your eyebrows.
Your sister leaned back. βIt was relevant to the conversation.ββ¨β¨βWhat conversation?ββ¨β¨βWe were talking about relationships.ββ¨β¨βYou were talking about mine?β
βShe asked whether dating you was tiring,β Seungmin said.β¨β¨You stared at him.β¨β¨He took a calm sip.β¨β¨Your sisterβs face reddened. βThat isnβt what I asked.β
βIt was very close.ββ¨β¨βYouβre twisting my words.ββ¨β¨βI remember them quite clearly.ββ¨β¨You looked between them.
The ridiculousness of it arrived before the hurt could.β¨β¨Your sister had finally managed to get Seungmin alone, and she had apparently used the opportunity to explain why being with you must be exhausting.β¨β¨A laugh slipped out.β¨β¨Your sisterβs mouth tightened. βWhy are you laughing?β
βBecause you had fifteen minutes.ββ¨β¨βWhat?ββ¨β¨βYou finally got him alone and that was your strategy?ββ¨β¨Seungmin choked on his drink.
Your sister stared at you.β¨β¨You turned towards him. βAre you all right?ββ¨β¨He held up one hand and coughed into the other.β¨β¨βYouβre horrible,β he managed.
βYou were thinking it too.ββ¨β¨βI was trying to be polite.ββ¨β¨Your sister placed her cup on the table more firmly than necessary. βNothing happened.ββ¨β¨You looked at her. βI know.β
βThen stop acting like you caught me doing something.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt catch you. He told me.ββ¨β¨Your sister stood.β¨β¨The legs of her chair scraped against the floor.
βIβm going to look at another shop.ββ¨β¨You glanced at the untouched coffee. βWe just sat down.ββ¨β¨βI remembered something I need.ββ¨β¨She grabbed her handbag.
Seungmin watched her.β¨β¨Your sister looked at him, waiting for something.β¨β¨An offer to come with her, perhaps.β¨β¨An apology.
A private look that confirmed all the things she had decided existed between them.β¨β¨Seungmin lifted his hand.β¨β¨For one hopeful second, she smiled.β¨β¨Then he pointed towards her cup. βAre you taking that?β
Her smile disappeared.β¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βCan I have it?ββ¨β¨You elbowed him.
βWhat?β he asked. βShe isnβt drinking it.ββ¨β¨Your sister walked away without answering.β¨β¨You watched her disappear into the crowd.β¨β¨Then you turned slowly towards Seungmin.
He was already reaching for her abandoned coffee.β¨β¨You slapped his hand.β¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βShe said she didnβt want it.β
βYou donβt know whatβs in it.ββ¨β¨βCoffee.ββ¨β¨βShe might have poisoned it.ββ¨β¨βWhy would she poison her own drink?β
βShe sensed rejection.ββ¨β¨Seungmin laughed.β¨β¨You folded your arms. βWhat did she actually say?ββ¨β¨He gave up on the coffee and leaned back in his chair.
βExactly what I told you.ββ¨β¨βShe asked whether I was tiring?ββ¨β¨βShe implied that you need constant reassurance, said youβre a lot and suggested I probably chose you because Iβm kind.ββ¨β¨Your amusement faded a little.
Seungmin noticed immediately.β¨β¨His foot slid beside yours under the table.β¨β¨βShe also told me men usually noticed her first,β he added.β¨β¨You looked at the crowd beyond the window. βShe loves saying that.β
βI asked which men.ββ¨β¨That made you smile.β¨β¨Seungminβs knee pressed more firmly against yours.β¨β¨βShe couldnβt name them.β
βYou interrogated her?ββ¨β¨βI asked good questions.ββ¨β¨βYou never ask good questions.ββ¨β¨βThatβs unfair.β
You looked back at him.β¨β¨He was watching you closely.β¨β¨Not pushing.β¨β¨Just waiting.
βWhat else?β you asked.β¨β¨Seungmin hesitated. βShe implied I might have chosen differently if Iβd met her first.ββ¨β¨A strange little ache settled beneath your ribs.β¨β¨Not because you believed it.
The idea of Seungmin choosing your sister felt almost comical.β¨β¨But because she believed your entire relationship could be reduced to timing.β¨β¨That you had simply arrived first and seized something that should have belonged to her.β¨β¨You looked down at your cup. βAnd what did you say?β
βThat Iβve met her now.ββ¨β¨Your mouth twitched.β¨β¨βThatβs all?ββ¨β¨βI thought it was enough.β
βIt is.ββ¨β¨βShe didnβt like it.ββ¨β¨βIβm devastated for her.ββ¨β¨βI also told her I noticed you.β
Your fingers tightened slightly around the cup.β¨β¨Seungminβs expression softened.β¨β¨βWhat?ββ¨β¨βNothing.β
He leaned closer, lowering his voice. βI noticed you.ββ¨β¨You fought a smile.β¨β¨You covered his mouth with your hand.β¨β¨Seungmin kissed your palm.
You pulled it away immediately.β¨β¨βThatβs disgusting.ββ¨β¨βYou liked that too.ββ¨β¨βYouβre so pleased with yourself.β
βI handled a difficult social situation and bought you the correct drink.ββ¨β¨βYou want a medal?ββ¨β¨βA kiss would be appropriate.ββ¨β¨βYouβre asking for payment?β
βI did hard labour.ββ¨β¨βYou stood in a coffee queue.ββ¨β¨βWith your sister.ββ¨β¨You considered that.
Seungmin lifted his eyebrows.β¨β¨You leaned over and kissed his cheek.β¨β¨He turned his head at the last second, catching the corner of your mouth instead.β¨β¨You pulled back.
βThat was cheating.ββ¨β¨βYouβre slow.ββ¨β¨βYou tricked me.ββ¨β¨βYou still kissed me.β
βBarely.ββ¨β¨βYou can try again.ββ¨β¨βIβm not rewarding bad behaviour.ββ¨β¨Seungmin rested one elbow on the table. βThen Iβll have to live with the memory.β
βYouβre dramatic.ββ¨β¨βI suffered for fifteen minutes.ββ¨β¨βYou were texting me.ββ¨β¨βThat was my lifeline.β
You laughed and nudged his foot beneath the table.β¨β¨Seungmin caught your ankle between his.β¨β¨βYou know sheβs going to tell herself you only rejected her because you knew I was coming back.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs expression became thoughtful. βDo you want me to say it more directly?β
You looked towards the direction your sister had disappeared.β¨β¨Part of you wanted him to.β¨β¨Part of you knew she would turn even that into evidence of something else.β¨β¨βShe hasnβt actually admitted she wants you,β you said.
βShe invited herself on our date.ββ¨β¨βWeβre buying Mum bowls.ββ¨β¨βA highly romantic date.ββ¨β¨Seungmin reached for your hand across the table.
His thumb brushed slowly over your knuckles.β¨β¨βIf she says something properly,β he said, βIβll answer properly.ββ¨β¨βYou have answered.ββ¨β¨βI mean without being polite.β
βThat sounds frightening.ββ¨β¨Seungmin squeezed your hand. βTell her that when she tries again.ββ¨β¨You looked at him.β¨β¨βWhen?β
He smiled.β¨β¨βYou think sheβs stopping?ββ¨β¨You glanced once more towards the crowd.β¨β¨βNo.β
βNeither do I.ββ¨β¨There was a pause.β¨β¨Then Seungmin brightened. βCan we go back for the dog?ββ¨β¨βNo.β
βHe could be part of your mumβs present.ββ¨β¨βShe would hate him.ββ¨β¨βSheβd learn to love him.ββ¨β¨βYou only knew him for ten minutes.β
βThat was enough.ββ¨β¨Seungmin smiled and lifted your hand to his mouth.β¨β¨This time, he kissed your knuckles slowly.β¨β¨You let him.
Your sister returned ten minutes later carrying nothing.β¨β¨Neither of you mentioned it.β¨β¨Seungmin did, however, remain close to you for the rest of the afternoon.β¨β¨His hand at your waist when people passed too close. His fingers laced through yours on the escalator. His chin briefly resting on your shoulder while you examined candles. His mouth near your ear when he whispered that one of them smelled like βan expensive wardrobeβ.
Your sister tried to walk beside him.β¨β¨Seungmin kept drifting back towards you.β¨β¨She asked his opinion.β¨β¨He asked yours.
She suggested shops.β¨β¨He followed wherever you went.β¨β¨By the time you left the shopping centre, your sister had stopped speaking unless someone addressed her directly.β¨β¨The three of you stood near the station while she checked the time.
βMy trainβs in five minutes,β she said.β¨β¨Your sister adjusted her handbag and looked at Seungmin. βIt was nice spending time with you.ββ¨β¨βYou too.ββ¨β¨βWe should do it again.β
You looked at him.β¨β¨He looked at you.β¨β¨Your sister noticed.β¨β¨βWithout making it into a whole family thing,β she added.
You raised your eyebrows.β¨β¨Seungmin slipped his arm around your shoulders. βI think she comes with me.ββ¨β¨Your sister laughed. βYouβre allowed separate friends.ββ¨β¨βI have friends.β
βShe means her,β you said.β¨β¨βI know.ββ¨β¨Your sisterβs cheeks coloured.β¨β¨βThat isnβt what I meant.β
βWhat did you mean?β Seungmin asked.β¨β¨She looked at him.β¨β¨He waited.β¨β¨His expression was pleasant.
Curious.β¨β¨Entirely unwilling to rescue her.β¨β¨Your sisterβs train arrived with a rush of noise behind her.β¨β¨She glanced towards the platform.
βI have to go.ββ¨β¨βYou should hurry,β you said.β¨β¨She hugged you briefly.β¨β¨When she turned towards Seungmin, he lifted the shopping bag between them.
Your sister stopped.β¨β¨He smiled politely.β¨β¨βBye.ββ¨β¨For a moment, she looked as though she might push around the bag and hug him anyway.
Then she stepped back.β¨β¨βBye.ββ¨β¨You watched her hurry towards the train.β¨β¨As soon as she was out of earshot, Seungmin lowered the bag.
βYou used Mumβs bowls as a shield,β you said.β¨β¨βI panicked.ββ¨β¨βYouβre very brave.ββ¨β¨βShe hugged me last time.β
βTerrifying.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt know what else to do.ββ¨β¨βYou could have hugged her.ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked horrified. βWhy would I do that?β
βSheβs confident and sophisticated.ββ¨β¨βStop.ββ¨β¨βMore your type.ββ¨β¨He pointed at you. βWe discussed this.β
βShe only needs an opportunity.ββ¨β¨βYouβre becoming annoying.ββ¨β¨βBecoming?ββ¨β¨βMore annoying.β
You smiled.β¨β¨Seungmin stared at you for a second.β¨β¨Then he hooked one arm around your waist and lifted you just enough that your shoes left the ground.β¨β¨You yelped.
βPut me down!ββ¨β¨βTake it back.ββ¨β¨βWeβre in public!ββ¨β¨βI donβt care.β
You grabbed his shoulders, laughing as he carried you several steps away from the platform.β¨β¨Seungmin lowered you carefully to the ground.β¨β¨His smile softened.β¨β¨Seungmin took your hand again, swinging it once between you before pulling you towards the station exit.
βCome on,β he said. βWe have to go back.ββ¨β¨βFor what?ββ¨β¨βThe dog.ββ¨β¨βWe are not buying the dog.β
βHeβs waiting for us.ββ¨β¨βHeβs ceramic.ββ¨β¨βHeβll think we abandoned him.ββ¨β¨βYou said I was the abandoned animal.β
βI can rescue both of you.ββ¨β¨βYou already complain that I take up too much space.ββ¨β¨βHeβs small.ββ¨β¨βI hate you.β
Seungmin kissed the side of your head.β¨β¨He smiled and kept walking.β¨β¨You followed, because the station exit was in the same direction as the shop.β¨β¨Not because you had agreed to buy the dog.
Definitely not.β¨β¨When your mum opened her birthday present a week later, she found a beautiful set of handmade serving bowls.β¨β¨And, tucked between them, a tiny ceramic dog wearing a crown.β¨β¨She stared at it.
You stared at Seungmin.β¨β¨Seungmin looked unbearably pleased.
౨ΰ§
By the time you finished getting ready, Seungmin had changed his shirt twice, complained about both options and somehow blamed you for the fact that neither looked right.β¨β¨βYou said the black one was nice,β he reminded you from the bedroom doorway.β¨β¨βIt was nice.ββ¨β¨βAnd then you told me to wear the blue one.β
βBecause the blue one is nicer.ββ¨β¨βSo the black one was ugly.ββ¨β¨βThat isnβt what I said.ββ¨β¨βItβs what you implied.β
You turned away from the mirror and looked at him. He stood with both shirts hanging from one hand, his hair still slightly damp from the shower and an expression of genuine betrayal on his face.β¨β¨βYouβre having a crisis over two nearly identical shirts.ββ¨β¨βThey arenβt nearly identical.ββ¨β¨βOne is black and one is very dark blue.β
βExactly.ββ¨β¨You stared at him.β¨β¨Seungmin stared back.β¨β¨Then his gaze drifted slowly down your body.
The offence disappeared from his expression.β¨β¨You had chosen an outfit that made you feel good. You suspected you would regret that decision later, but Seungminβs reaction made it worth it.β¨β¨He looked at you for long enough that you lifted an eyebrow. βWhat?ββ¨β¨βNothing.β
You tried not to smile. βHave you not seen me before?ββ¨β¨βNot in that.ββ¨β¨βYou watched me put it on.ββ¨β¨βI was distracted.β
βBy what?ββ¨β¨βThe shirt crisis.ββ¨β¨You laughed and turned back towards the mirror. Seungmin abandoned both shirts on the bed and crossed the room, wrapping his arms around your waist from behind.β¨β¨βYou look pretty,β he murmured, resting his chin on your shoulder.
βOnly pretty?ββ¨β¨His eyes narrowed at your reflection. βDonβt become demanding.ββ¨β¨βYou stared at me for thirty seconds. I expected something better.ββ¨β¨βYou look very pretty.β
βThatβs the same thing with an extra word.ββ¨β¨βYou look so pretty that Iβm reconsidering letting you leave the flat.ββ¨β¨You smiled. βBetter.ββ¨β¨βI knew you were fishing.β
βI enjoy compliments.ββ¨β¨βI know.ββ¨β¨Seungmin kissed the side of your neck, then another spot slightly lower. You tilted your head instinctively before remembering you had spent far too long getting ready.β¨β¨βDonβt ruin my makeup.β
βIβm nowhere near your makeup.ββ¨β¨βYouβll work your way up.ββ¨β¨βThat sounds like encouragement.ββ¨β¨You caught his wrists and pulled his arms away. Seungmin resisted just enough to make it difficult, then released you with an exaggerated sigh.
βYou donβt love me anymore.ββ¨β¨βIβm trying to get us to the party.ββ¨β¨βChan said eight.ββ¨β¨βItβs quarter past.β
βExactly. Weβre early.ββ¨β¨You looked at him through the mirror. βFor what?ββ¨β¨βA party.ββ¨β¨βThat started fifteen minutes ago.β
βSocial events have a grace period.ββ¨β¨βYou invented that because youβre never ready on time.ββ¨β¨βI was ready.ββ¨β¨βYou arenβt wearing a shirt.β
Seungmin looked down at his bare chest, then at the two shirts abandoned on the bed.β¨β¨Your phone buzzed on the dressing table.β¨β¨You picked it up.β¨β¨Your sister had messaged.
Are you there yet?β¨β¨A second message followed before you could reply.β¨β¨Is Seungmin going straight from yours?β¨β¨You turned the screen towards him.
Seungmin read both messages. His face remained blank for one beat, then he placed his chin back on your shoulder.β¨β¨βShe misses me.ββ¨β¨βShe saw you last week.ββ¨β¨βA long separation.β
βShe didnβt ask whether I was going straight from mine.ββ¨β¨βShe knows youβll be there.ββ¨β¨βShe also knows youβll be there.ββ¨β¨βThat must be why she asked to come.β
You laughed and nudged him backwards with your hip. βPut the blue shirt on.ββ¨β¨βThe black one makes my shoulders look better.ββ¨β¨βThen wear the black one.ββ¨β¨βYou said the blue was nicer.β
βSeungmin.ββ¨β¨He smiled and kissed your cheek before finally retrieving the blue shirt.β¨β¨You replied to your sister while he dressed.β¨β¨Weβre leaving soon. Bring the drinks you promised Chan.
Her response came almost immediately.β¨β¨Whatβs Seungmin wearing?β¨β¨You looked up.β¨β¨He was buttoning the blue shirt.
You considered sending her a photograph of the black one lying empty on the bed.β¨β¨Instead, you typed:β¨β¨Clothes xβ¨β¨Seungmin glanced over. βWhat did you say?β
βNothing important.ββ¨β¨βYouβre smiling.ββ¨β¨βIβm entertaining myself.ββ¨β¨βIs she seducing me remotely now?β
βApparently she needs to prepare.ββ¨β¨βFor what?ββ¨β¨βTo be more your type.ββ¨β¨Seungmin finished the final button and walked towards you. βYouβre enjoying this far too much.β
βItβs funny.ββ¨β¨βUntil she touches my arm fifteen times.ββ¨β¨βMaybe she thinks thatβs where your romantic feelings are stored.ββ¨β¨βThat would explain why I keep trying to get away.β
You laughed, and Seungminβs smile softened. He reached out to fix the chain of your necklace where it had twisted, his fingers careful against the back of your neck.β¨β¨βTell me if it stops being funny,β he said.β¨β¨The words were quiet enough to change the air between you.β¨β¨You turned.
Seungmin let his hands settle at your waist.β¨β¨βI will.ββ¨β¨βPromise?ββ¨β¨βYou already made me promise.β
βIβm making you do it again.ββ¨β¨βVery controlling.ββ¨β¨βVery caring.ββ¨β¨βDebatable.β
He squeezed your waist. βPromise.ββ¨β¨You rested both hands against his chest. βI promise.ββ¨β¨Satisfied, Seungmin kissed your forehead. Then he leant back and examined his shirt in the mirror.β¨β¨βDo my shoulders look strange?β
You pushed him towards the door.
౨ΰ§
The party remained civilised for approximately forty minutes.β¨β¨Then Changbin brought out the shot glasses.β¨β¨Chan saw them from across the room and immediately shook his head. βTake it easyββ¨β¨βYou bought the alcohol,β Changbin reminded him.
Jisung appeared beside the kitchen counter as though summoned by the word drinking. βShots are normal.ββ¨β¨βYou said that last time and threw up in my shoes.ββ¨β¨βThat was unrelated.ββ¨β¨βIt was directly related.β
Felix slid into the space beside Jisung and began examining the bottles. You followed closely behind him, your own drink already mostly gone.β¨β¨Seungmin caught your wrist before you could reach for anything.β¨β¨βYouβre not doing shots.ββ¨β¨You looked at his hand around your wrist, then at him. βExcuse me?β
βYouβve already had three drinks.ββ¨β¨βSo have you.ββ¨β¨βI can still walk in a straight line.ββ¨β¨βI can walk in a straight line.β
Seungmin released you and pointed towards the hallway.β¨β¨You stared at him.β¨β¨He lifted his eyebrows.β¨β¨βYou want me to demonstrate?β
βYes.ββ¨β¨You placed your empty glass on the counter and turned towards the hallway with as much dignity as you could manage.β¨β¨Felix and Jisung watched in complete silence.β¨β¨You took three perfectly respectable steps.
Then your hip struck the edge of the sofa.β¨β¨You stopped.β¨β¨Seungmin smiled.β¨β¨βThe sofa moved.β
βItβs been there all night.ββ¨β¨βIt knew I was trying to prove something.ββ¨β¨Jisung nodded seriously. βFurniture can sense weakness.ββ¨β¨Minho, sitting nearby with his ankle resting over one knee, looked at him. βThat explains why you keep walking into doors.β
Jisung placed a hand over his chest. βWhy are you attacking me?ββ¨β¨βBecause you make it easy.ββ¨β¨Jisung abandoned the counter and dropped onto the sofa beside him. Within seconds, his legs were stretched across Minhoβs lap.β¨β¨Minho glanced down but made no effort to move them.
You pointed towards them. βHe canβt walk straight either.ββ¨β¨βHeβs sitting,β Seungmin said.β¨β¨βHe was walking badly earlier.ββ¨β¨Changbin began pouring.
Hyunjin took the bottle from Changbin before he could overfill the glasses. βAt least make them even. Youβre pouring like youβve never seen liquid before.ββ¨β¨βIβm being generous.ββ¨β¨βYouβre trying to kill Jisung.ββ¨β¨Jisung lifted his head from Minhoβs shoulder. βYes please.β
Minho pressed one hand against his forehead and pushed him back down. βYou accept nothing.ββ¨β¨You managed to claim a glass before Seungmin could stop you.β¨β¨Felix took one.β¨β¨Jisung reached for another, but Minho lifted it out of reach.
Jisung stared at him. βGive it.ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βYou arenβt my father.ββ¨β¨βThank fuck for that.β
βYou canβt control me.ββ¨β¨Minho looked at the legs still resting across his lap. βStand up, then.ββ¨β¨Jisung considered it.β¨β¨βNo.β
βThought so.ββ¨β¨Felix passed Jisung his own glass beneath the edge of the table.β¨β¨Minho saw.β¨β¨He allowed it.
You caught his eye.β¨β¨Minho shrugged and took another drink.β¨β¨βTraitor,β Seungmin told him.β¨β¨βIβm off duty.β
βYou were never on duty,β Chan said.β¨β¨βExactly.ββ¨β¨Changbin raised his glass. βTo Chan finally letting us have fun.ββ¨β¨βThis is my party.β
βThen act like it.ββ¨β¨Chan swore at him, but lifted his drink anyway.β¨β¨Everyone crowded closer.β¨β¨Your friend remained beside your sister near the end of the counter, amused but still slightly removed from the intimacy of the group. You caught her eye and held up your glass.
She lifted hers back.β¨β¨Your sister barely noticed.β¨β¨She was watching Seungmin.β¨β¨He stood behind you with one hand resting against your hip, his thumb moving absently beneath the hem of your top.
You leaned back into him.β¨β¨βTo being hot,β Hyunjin said.β¨β¨Jeongin nodded. βFinally, something relevant.ββ¨β¨Chan looked around the group. βCan we toast to something normal?β
βNo,β everyone replied.β¨β¨The shot burned on the way down.β¨β¨Felix coughed.β¨β¨You squeezed your eyes shut and grabbed the first solid thing you found.
It was Changbinβs arm.β¨β¨βFuck.ββ¨β¨Changbin laughed. βYou agreed to it.ββ¨β¨βThat tasted like paint stripper.β
βYouβve never tasted paint stripper.ββ¨β¨βMaybe I have.ββ¨β¨Seungmin pulled you backwards against his chest. βAnd this is why you werenβt doing shots.ββ¨β¨You turned in his arms. βI did one.β
βYou nearly died.ββ¨β¨βI recovered.ββ¨β¨βYouβre still holding Changbin.You could have held me.ββ¨β¨You looked down to find your hand still wrapped around Changbinβs bicep and slowly released him. βCome back when youβve got biceps, bud.β
Seungmin stared at you for a beat before catching you around the waist and pulling you firmly against his chest. βYou seemed perfectly happy with mine earlier.ββ¨β¨You placed a hand against his arm as though inspecting it. βTheyβre all right.ββ¨β¨His grip tightened. βAll right?ββ¨β¨You smiled. βMaybe a little better than that.β
౨ΰ§
Someone suggested a drinking game.β¨β¨Nobody later remembered who.β¨β¨You all ended up sitting in a loose circle around the living room with bottles, half-empty glasses and bowls of food scattered between you.β¨β¨Your friend sat beside your sister on the sofa. You were on the floor between Felix and Seungmin, with your back against Seungminβs legs. His hand rested loosely at the base of your throat, occasionally brushing your hair aside.
Jisung had begun the game beside Minho.β¨β¨By the third round, he was mostly sitting on him.β¨β¨βNever have I ever,β Jeongin began, smiling in a way that immediately made Chan suspicious, βlied to get out of plans with someone in this room.ββ¨β¨Nearly everyone drank.
Chan stared at the group. βAre you serious?ββ¨β¨βYou make too many plans,β Seungmin said.β¨β¨βI ask whether you want dinner.ββ¨β¨βThatβs still a plan.β
You lifted your glass.β¨β¨Seungmin looked down at you. βWhen did you lie to me?ββ¨β¨You took a long sip.β¨β¨His fingers tightened gently at the back of your neck.
βWhen?ββ¨β¨You smiled into your drink. βNext question.ββ¨β¨βNo. Weβre staying here.ββ¨β¨Felix laughed. βShe said she was ill once because she wanted to watch a film with us.β
Seungmin stared at you.β¨β¨βYou exposed me,β you told Felix.β¨β¨βI forgot it was a secret.ββ¨β¨βYou chose them over me?β Seungmin asked.
βYou were working.ββ¨β¨βYou still lied.ββ¨β¨βYou wouldβve sulked.ββ¨β¨βI am sulking now.β
You twisted around to look at him. βDo you need a kiss?ββ¨β¨Seungmin considered the offer.β¨β¨βYes.ββ¨β¨You kissed him quickly.
He kept one hand against your jaw and prevented you from moving away.β¨β¨βThat was inadequate.ββ¨β¨Everyone groaned.β¨β¨You laughed against his mouth before kissing him again, slower this time.
When you finally pulled away, Changbin threw a crisp at Seungminβs head.β¨β¨βSome of us are single.ββ¨β¨βYou donβt have to watch,β Seungmin said.β¨β¨βYouβre in the middle of the room.β
βLook somewhere else.ββ¨β¨Hyunjin placed one hand against Changbinβs cheek and turned his face away. βThere. Problem solved.ββ¨β¨Changbin bit his palm.β¨β¨Hyunjin screamed.
The game continued.β¨β¨βNever have I ever had a crush on someone in this room,β Felix said.β¨β¨Silence fell.β¨β¨Then Jeongin drank.
Hyunjin drank.β¨β¨Changbin drank.β¨β¨Jisung lifted his glass, looked around and drank twice.β¨β¨Minho looked at him. βTwice?β
Jisung rested his chin on Minhoβs shoulder. βI contain multitudes.ββ¨β¨Minho took Jisungβs glass and drank from it.β¨β¨The room erupted.β¨β¨Jisung stared at him, eyes widening. βWas that your answer?β
βIt was your drink.ββ¨β¨βYou have your own.ββ¨β¨βI wanted yours.ββ¨β¨βThat is not an answer.β
Minho smiled into the rim of the glass.β¨β¨You turned towards Felix.β¨β¨He was already looking at you.β¨β¨Both of you burst out laughing.
βDonβt,β Minho warned.β¨β¨You covered your mouth with both hands.β¨β¨Seungminβs chest shook behind you.β¨β¨Your sister remained completely still.
You could feel her watching.β¨β¨Felix nudged your knee. βYou didnβt drink.ββ¨β¨βIβm dating someone in the room.ββ¨β¨βThat doesnβt mean you never had a crush.β
Seungminβs fingers slid beneath your chin and turned your face towards him.β¨β¨βYou had better drink.ββ¨β¨You stared at him. βWhy?ββ¨β¨βBecause you had a crush on me.β
βThat was never confirmed.ββ¨β¨βYou asked Chan for my number.ββ¨β¨The group laughed.β¨β¨Your sisterβs glass stopped halfway to her mouth.
Seungminβs eyes flicked towards her, then back to you.β¨β¨Your smile softened despite the alcohol.β¨β¨Felix made an emotional noise.β¨β¨Minho pointed at him. βDonβt fucking start.β
Felixβs eyes had already begun shining.β¨β¨βIβm fine.ββ¨β¨βYouβre about to cry.ββ¨β¨βI just think theyβre cute.β
Seungmin felt you sniff.β¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βIβm not doing anything.ββ¨β¨βYouβre crying.β
βFelix started it.ββ¨β¨Felix wiped beneath one eye. βIβm happy.ββ¨β¨βThat makes it worse,β Seungmin said.β¨β¨You twisted and threw your arms around him.
He caught you automatically.β¨β¨βI love you.ββ¨β¨Seungmin sighed, but his arms tightened around your waist.β¨β¨βI love you too.β
౨ΰ§
The music became louder after that.β¨β¨So did everyone.β¨β¨Chan lost control of the playlist when you, Felix and Jisung began shouting over every song until he played something you liked. By then, the coffee table had disappeared beneath bottles, crushed cans and bowls of snacks nobody remembered opening. Somebody had spilt something sticky beside the sofa. Changbin had taken his shirt off for reasons nobody understood, and Hyunjin kept threatening to throw it out of the nearest window.β¨β¨You, Felix and Jisung dragged one another into the middle of the room.
At first, you actually danced.β¨β¨Felix knew what he was doing even while drunk. Jisung knew what he was doing until something distracted him, which happened every ten seconds. You possessed confidence far beyond your ability and therefore believed you looked incredible.β¨β¨Changbin encouraged that delusion by cheering whenever you moved.β¨β¨Hyunjin attempted to correct your posture once.
You told him to fuck off.β¨β¨He looked deeply wounded. βIβm trying to save you.ββ¨β¨βI donβt need saving.ββ¨β¨βYouβre dancing like your limbs have separate plans.β
βTheyβre expressing themselves.ββ¨β¨Felix laughed and caught your waist before you could stumble into the coffee table. Jisung pressed against your back, shouting the lyrics directly beside your ear while the three of you moved with very little coordination and enormous enthusiasm.β¨β¨From the sofa, Seungmin watched you.β¨β¨His blue shirt had come unbuttoned slightly at the throat, his hair had fallen across his forehead and his cheeks were warm from the alcohol. One hand rested around his glass while his eyes remained fixed on you.
Your sister sat only a few feet away.β¨β¨She attempted to speak to him twice.β¨β¨He answered politely, but barely looked in her direction.β¨β¨When you caught his gaze, you smiled and crooked one finger towards him.
Seungmin shook his head.β¨β¨You did it again.β¨β¨He lifted his drink as though that explained why he could not move.β¨β¨You pouted.
That worked.β¨β¨Seungmin put the glass down and crossed the room.β¨β¨Felix released your waist with a grin. Jisung remained attached to you until Minho appeared behind him, hooked an arm around his middle and pulled him backwards.β¨β¨Jisung laughed and twisted in his hold. βJealous?β
Minho murmured something into his ear.β¨β¨Whatever it was made Jisungβs face turn bright red.β¨β¨Felix screamed.β¨β¨You screamed because Felix did.
Seungmin caught your face between both hands. βWhy are you shouting?ββ¨β¨You pointed vaguely towards Minho and Jisung. βSomething happened.ββ¨β¨βNothing happened,β Minho said without looking at you.β¨β¨Jisung buried his face against his shoulder.
You grinned. βSomething definitely happened.ββ¨β¨Minho gave you a warning look.β¨β¨You immediately turned back to Seungmin and began adjusting his collar as though that had always been your intention.β¨β¨βCoward,β Seungmin murmured.
βYouβre supposed to protect me.ββ¨β¨βFrom the consequences of your own behaviour?ββ¨β¨βYouβre my boyfriend.ββ¨β¨βThat isnβt what that means.β
His hands slid to your waist as the song changed. You pulled him closer, and although he continued pretending not to dance, his body fell easily into the rhythm of yours.β¨β¨βThere,β you said. βYouβre dancing.ββ¨β¨βIβm standing near you.ββ¨β¨βYouβre moving.β
βYou keep dragging me around.ββ¨β¨βYou love it.ββ¨β¨Seungmin lowered his mouth beside your ear. βI love you.ββ¨β¨The softness of it caught beneath your ribs.
You turned and kissed him.β¨β¨He kissed you back without hesitation, one hand spreading across the small of your back while the party surged around you. Someone wolf-whistled. Someone else shouted at them to shut the fuck up.β¨β¨You suspected one of them had been Changbin.β¨β¨When you pulled away, Seungmin followed far enough to steal another brief kiss.
βYouβre clingy,β you murmured.β¨β¨βYou called me over.ββ¨β¨βAnd you came.ββ¨β¨βYou pouted.β
βThatβs all it takes?ββ¨β¨βUnfortunately.ββ¨β¨You smiled and kissed the edge of his jaw.β¨β¨His eyes closed.
βAgain.ββ¨β¨βYouβre demanding.ββ¨β¨You kissed his jaw again, and Seungminβs grip tightened around your waist.β¨β¨Across the room, your sister emptied the rest of her glass.
You barely noticed.β¨β¨Seungminβs attention had already wandered from dancing to pressing lazy kisses against whatever part of you happened to be closestβyour temple, your cheek, the corner of your mouth.β¨β¨When his lips brushed beneath your ear, you laughed and pushed lightly at his chest. βYouβve completely stopped dancing.ββ¨β¨βI never started.β
βYou came over.ββ¨β¨βYou summoned me.ββ¨β¨βI moved one finger.ββ¨β¨βVery controlling.β
His hand settled lower against your back, holding you close when somebody squeezed past.β¨β¨You reached up and fixed his collar again. βYou look messy.ββ¨β¨βYou made me messy.ββ¨β¨βThat sounds suggestive.β
βIt was meant to.ββ¨β¨His smile turned slow and pleased.β¨β¨Before he could say anything worse, Felix collided gently with your side and caught your hand. βI need her.ββ¨β¨Seungmin kept one arm around you. βYouβve had her for three songs.β
βThe next oneβs important.ββ¨β¨βTheyβve all been important,β you said.β¨β¨Seungmin looked at Felix. βYou sound like her.ββ¨β¨βThatβs why she loves me.β
Felix pulled. Seungmin held on.β¨β¨You found yourself stretched between them.β¨β¨βDonβt make me choose.ββ¨β¨Felix smiled. βYouβll choose me.β
Seungminβs eyebrows lifted. βChoose carefully.ββ¨β¨You pretended to consider it before twisting out of Seungminβs arm, kissing him quickly and letting Felix drag you away.β¨β¨βCoward,β Seungmin called after you.β¨β¨βYou still got a kiss!β
βBarely.ββ¨β¨You laughed as Felix pulled you back into the crowd.β¨β¨The next hour dissolved into heat, noise and flashes of movement.β¨β¨Hyunjin danced as though someone might be filming him. Changbin attempted to copy him with enough force to make the floor shake.
Nearby, Minho took the glass out of Jisungβs hand and drank from it himself.β¨β¨Jisung watched him. βYou said I couldnβt have that.ββ¨β¨βYou canβt.ββ¨β¨βBut you can?β
βYes.ββ¨β¨βThatβs hot.ββ¨β¨Minho looked away, but not before you saw him smile.β¨β¨Someone produced two microphones.
The karaoke began badly and deteriorated almost immediately.β¨β¨You, Felix and Jisung chose a song all three of you knew, which would have helped if any of you had agreed on when to start. Jisung came in too early. You missed half the first line. Felix attempted to hold the performance together and ended up laughing so hard that he could no longer sing.β¨β¨Changbin provided backing vocals without a microphone.β¨β¨Hyunjin acted out the lyrics from the sofa.
Chan kept trying to lower the volume and being shouted at whenever the music became even slightly quieter.β¨β¨By the second song, you had abandoned any pretence of performing well. You and Felix shared one microphone while Jisung used the other for increasingly dramatic ad-libs that had nothing to do with the actual song.β¨β¨Halfway through the chorus, you passed close enough to the sofa for Seungmin to hook his fingers around your wrist.β¨β¨He pulled.
You landed sideways across his lap, and the microphone struck his shoulder.β¨β¨βShit. Sorry.ββ¨β¨Seungmin took it from you before you could hit him again. βOuch.ββ¨β¨βIβm performing.β
βYouβre screaming into expensive equipment.ββ¨β¨He placed the microphone safely on the table.β¨β¨Felix shouted your name.β¨β¨You tried to stand, but Seungmin held your waist.
βI have responsibilities,β you told him.β¨β¨βYou have absolutely no responsibilities.ββ¨β¨βFelix needs me.ββ¨β¨Felix and Jisung had abandoned the song and were arguing with Chan about whether the lyrics on the screen were wrong.
Seungmin looked towards them. βThey seem busy.ββ¨β¨βThen I need to help.ββ¨β¨βYou need to stay here for thirty seconds.ββ¨β¨βWhy?β
βI missed you.ββ¨β¨Your expression softened before you could stop it.β¨β¨Seungmin smiled, knowing he had won.β¨β¨βYouβre manipulative.β
You settled more comfortably across his thighs, one arm circling his shoulders. Seungmin rested his face against your chest and closed his eyes while your fingers moved through his hair.β¨β¨Across from you, your sisterβs gaze remained fixed on his hand resting against your thigh.β¨β¨Your friend was speaking to her.β¨β¨Your sister nodded without listening.
By one in the morning, the party had split between the living room, the kitchen and the balcony.β¨β¨The music remained loud enough to vibrate through the floor. People drifted between conversations with drinks they had not poured and jackets that did not belong to them. Someone had opened a window, but the room was still hot with too many bodies and the sharp mixture of alcohol, perfume and whatever Changbin had sprayed after insisting he smelled fine.β¨β¨Your friend remained mostly with your sister.β¨β¨She laughed whenever the group became loud enough to include everyone, but she never tried to force herself into the easy physical closeness surrounding the boys.
You checked on her whenever you remembered.β¨β¨Each time, she assured you she was fine.β¨β¨Your sister always said the same.β¨β¨The fourth time you approached, your friend caught your wrist. βYou are incredibly drunk.β
You looked down at yourself. βIβm standing.ββ¨β¨βBarely.ββ¨β¨Your friend laughed.β¨β¨Your sister did not. βSheβs been throwing herself around for hours. She always gets like this when she drinks.β
There was something dismissive beneath the words.β¨β¨You recognised it even through the alcohol.β¨β¨Your friend did too.β¨β¨βShe looks like sheβs having fun,β she replied.
βIβm having an incredible time,β you announced.β¨β¨βI can tell.ββ¨β¨Your sister glanced across the room towards Seungmin. βHe must be exhausted.ββ¨β¨You followed her gaze.
Seungmin was beside Chan, listening to Changbin explain something with far too much hand movement. He caught you looking almost immediately and lifted one eyebrow in silent question.β¨β¨You smiled.β¨β¨He smiled back.β¨β¨βDoes he look exhausted?β you asked.
βHeβs spent the whole night following you around.ββ¨β¨βHe likes me.ββ¨β¨βIβm aware.ββ¨β¨Before the conversation could sharpen, Felix appeared behind you and looped an arm around your shoulders. βThere you are.β
βIβve been here.ββ¨β¨βYou disappeared.ββ¨β¨βI was checking on them.ββ¨β¨Felix glanced towards your friend and sister. βEverything good?β
Your friend nodded. βWeβre fine.ββ¨β¨Your sister smiled at him. βWe were talking.ββ¨β¨βGreat. Iβm stealing her.ββ¨β¨βYou always steal her,β your sister said.
Felix laughed as though she had made a joke. βEveryone does.ββ¨β¨He pulled you towards the kitchen.β¨β¨You looked back once.β¨β¨Your friend gave you a small, reassuring smile.
Your sister was already watching Seungmin again.β¨β¨In the kitchen, Jisung was sitting on the counter while Minho stood between his knees, holding a glass out of reach.β¨β¨βThatβs mine,β Jisung complained.β¨β¨βIt was yours.β
βIβm not finished.ββ¨β¨βYou said the room was spinning.ββ¨β¨βIt stopped.ββ¨β¨βWhen?β
βWhen I closed one eye.ββ¨β¨Felix immediately took Jisungβs side. βGive it back.ββ¨β¨Minho looked at him. βYouβre a terrible influence.ββ¨β¨βYouβre drinking too,β you pointed out.
βI can handle it.ββ¨β¨βSo can I.ββ¨β¨Minho gave up and handed the drink to you instead.β¨β¨Jisung gasped. βThatβs mine.β
βYouβre too drunk.ββ¨β¨βSo are you.ββ¨β¨βIβm handling it better.ββ¨β¨Felix took the glass from you and drank before either of you could protest.
Minho laughed.β¨β¨It was becoming obvious that he was far drunker than he appeared. His movements were still controlled and his words remained clear, but his eyes had softened and he was smiling much too often.β¨β¨You stepped into the space beside him and wrapped both arms around his waist.β¨β¨Minho looked down. βWhatβs this?β
βIβm appreciating you.ββ¨β¨βYouβre crushing my shirt.ββ¨β¨You rested your cheek against his chest. βYou smell nice.ββ¨β¨βNone of you are getting another drink.β
βYou ruined it,β you complained.β¨β¨βHe ruins everything,β Jisung agreed.β¨β¨Minho caught Jisungβs chin and tilted his face upwards. βYou can barely keep both eyes open.ββ¨β¨βI only need one.β
βFor what?ββ¨β¨βTo look at you.ββ¨β¨Minho stared at him.β¨β¨You buried your face against Minhoβs shoulder to hide your laughter.
Jisung looked unbearably pleased with himself.β¨β¨Minhoβs ears turned pink. βYouβre a fucking menace.ββ¨β¨βYou love me.ββ¨β¨Seungmin entered the kitchen before anyone could comment.
He looked at Minhoβs arm around you and Jisung hanging over his shouldersβ¨β¨Then he looked at Minho. βYouβve collected them.ββ¨β¨βI didnβt.ββ¨β¨Seungmin approached and slid both hands onto your hips. βYou keep disappearing.β
βYou were talking.ββ¨β¨βI can talk while holding you.ββ¨β¨βThat sounds inconvenient.ββ¨β¨βIβm talented.β
Minho nodded towards you. βTake her before she asks for another shot.ββ¨β¨You turned in Seungminβs arms. βHeβs trying to get rid of me.ββ¨β¨βYouβre attached to his shirt.ββ¨β¨βI like him.β
βYou like everyone tonight.ββ¨β¨βI like everyone every night.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs expression softened.β¨β¨The next drinking game began in the kitchen because nobody could be bothered to move.
It was meant to be truth or drink.β¨β¨Within minutes, it became an excuse to ask invasive questions and shout whenever somebody refused to answer.β¨β¨Changbin joined first, followed by Hyunjin and Jeongin. Chan arrived last, realised what was happening and attempted to leave.β¨β¨You caught his wrist. βNo.β
βIβm hosting.ββ¨β¨βYouβre hiding.ββ¨β¨βI need to check the living room.ββ¨β¨Jeongin looked towards the doorway. βItβs still there.β
Chan appealed silently to Minho for help.β¨β¨Minho poured him a drink.β¨β¨βTraitor.ββ¨β¨βYou chose to host.β
Everyone crowded around the counter and floor.β¨β¨You ended up sitting between Minhoβs legs with your back against his chest because the chairs had disappeared beneath coats and bags. Seungmin sat in front of you, one hand wrapped loosely around your ankle. Jisung remained tucked against Minhoβs side, his head on his shoulder and one leg draped over yours.β¨β¨Changbin pointed at you first. βTruth or drink?ββ¨β¨βTruth.β
βWhatβs the most embarrassing thing youβve done because you were jealous?ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked interested.β¨β¨You looked at Changbin. βIβm not jealous.ββ¨β¨The entire room laughed.
βThat wasnβt the question,β Hyunjin said.β¨β¨You raised your glass. βThen Iβm drinking.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs hand tightened around your ankle. βAnswer.ββ¨β¨βYou donβt get to interfere.β
Everyone shouted.β¨β¨βCoward,β Changbin said.β¨β¨βThatβs the point of the game.ββ¨β¨βThe point is to expose yourself.β
βThat sounds like a different game,β Jeongin said.β¨β¨You chucked at thatβ¨β¨The questions became worse from there.β¨β¨Felix refused to reveal who had received a flirtatious message he sent to the wrong person.
Changbin demanded to know whether anybody had ever hooked up somewhere they could have been caught.β¨β¨Half the room drank.β¨β¨Chan stared at everyone with a raised eyebrow. βIn my home?ββ¨β¨βNot necessarily,β Jeongin said.
βThat did not reassure me.ββ¨β¨Jisung claimed he had never done anything humiliating because he was horny.β¨β¨The entire group drank on his behalf.β¨β¨βFuck all of you.β
Minho leant close enough to murmur something beside his ear.β¨β¨Jisungβs face turned red again.β¨β¨You twisted around. βWhat did he say?ββ¨β¨βNothing.β
Minho looked unbearably pleased.β¨β¨Your sister stood at the edge of the kitchen beside your friend.β¨β¨She watched Seungminβs hand move slowly over your ankle. Then she watched Minhoβs arm settle across your middle when you leant back against him.β¨β¨Perhaps she expected Seungmin to object.
Instead, he reached forward, caught your chin and tilted your face towards his.β¨β¨βMy turn,β he said.β¨β¨You kissed him.β¨β¨The kiss was brief, but intimate enough to inspire several dramatic complaints.
When you pulled away, Seungminβs thumb brushed once beneath your lip.β¨β¨Your sister looked away.β¨β¨The game ended when Chan realised the music in the living room was loud enough to make the glasses vibrate.β¨β¨Everyone returned to dancing.
By then, nobody pretended it was organised.β¨β¨You, Felix and Jisung shouted lyrics you barely knew with your arms around one another. Sometimes you danced. Sometimes you merely jumped during the chorus and trusted somebody to catch you.β¨β¨Changbin joined whenever the song was good.β¨β¨Hyunjin joined whenever he considered the song worthy.
Jeongin joined only to make everyone else look worse.β¨β¨At one point, Minho caught your hand as you passed and spun you beneath his arm.β¨β¨You nearly completed the movement gracefully.β¨β¨Then you lost your balance.
Minho caught you against his chest. Jisung caught you from the other side.β¨β¨The three of you laughed, tangled together.β¨β¨Seungmin appeared behind you and closed both hands around your waist.β¨β¨βYouβre stealing my girlfriend,β he told Minho.
Minho shrugged. βShe came willingly.ββ¨β¨βHe spun me.ββ¨β¨βYou asked,β Minho reminded you.β¨β¨Seungmin looked down at you. βYou ask everyone for things.β
βAnd they give them to me.ββ¨β¨βThatβs because youβre spoilt.ββ¨β¨βBy you.ββ¨β¨βMostly.β
He kissed your forehead.β¨β¨You leant into him, suddenly overwhelmed by the warmth of the room and how much you loved everyone in it.β¨β¨Across the room, your friend smiled at the sight.β¨β¨Your sister finished another drink.
By the time you needed the bathroom, you were far beyond pleasantly drunk.β¨β¨You were still awake, still talking and technically capable of walking, but the room tilted whenever you turned too quickly.β¨β¨Seungmin noticed you heading towards the hallway and followed.β¨β¨You looked over your shoulder. βWhere are you going?β
βWith you.ββ¨β¨βI can piss alone.ββ¨β¨βIβm making sure you reach the bathroom.ββ¨β¨βThatβs insulting.β
Seungmin caught your waist before you walked into the wall. βExactly.ββ¨β¨You allowed him to guide you down the hallway, although you complained the entire way.β¨β¨At the bathroom door, you planted both hands against his chest. βYou canβt come in.ββ¨β¨βI wasnβt planning to.β
βYou looked like you were.ββ¨β¨βI was opening the door.ββ¨β¨Seungmin smiled and kissed your forehead. βIβll be here.ββ¨β¨βWhy?β
βBecause youβll forget where the living room is.ββ¨β¨βItβs one hallway.ββ¨β¨βAnd yet.ββ¨β¨You narrowed your eyes and disappeared into the bathroom.
When you came back out, your sister was standing in front of him.β¨β¨One hand rested against the wall beside his shoulder.β¨β¨Seungmin was leaning away.β¨β¨βYou could come upstairs with me,β she said.
He blinked at her. βWhy?ββ¨β¨You stopped in the doorway.β¨β¨Even through the alcohol, laughter rose immediately in your chest.β¨β¨Your sister looked at him as though he were deliberately being stupid. βYou know why.β
βI genuinely donβt.ββ¨β¨She moved closer, forcing Seungminβs back against the wall.β¨β¨βWe could have sex.ββ¨β¨For one long second, Seungmin simply stared at her.
Then his gaze found yours over her shoulder.β¨β¨You covered your mouth.β¨β¨The expression on his face made it impossible not to laugh. His eyes widened slightly, one corner of his mouth twitching as though he could not decide whether to be horrified or offended.β¨β¨Your sister followed his gaze and found you standing there.
Her face hardened.β¨β¨βOh, please. Donβt act like itβs ridiculous.ββ¨β¨That made you laugh harder. βIβm sorry. His face.ββ¨β¨βYouβre not helping,β Seungmin said.
βYou asked why.ββ¨β¨βIt was a reasonable question.ββ¨β¨βShe invited you upstairs.ββ¨β¨βShe couldβve needed something.β
βAt one in the morning?ββ¨β¨βI didnβt know what she meant.ββ¨β¨βYou did,β your sister snapped.β¨β¨Seungmin looked back at her. βApparently not.β
She folded her arms. βYou havenβt even considered it.ββ¨β¨βNo.ββ¨β¨βWhy?ββ¨β¨He stared at her.
Then he gave one short, humourless laugh. βBecause I donβt want to.ββ¨β¨βYou donβt know that.ββ¨β¨βI do.ββ¨β¨βYouβve never given me a chance.β
βIβm not required to.ββ¨β¨Your laughter faded.β¨β¨Your sister stepped closer and reached for his chest.β¨β¨Seungmin caught her wrist before she could touch him.
βStop.ββ¨β¨The word was calm.β¨β¨Firm.β¨β¨He moved her hand away and released it.
Humiliation sharpened your sisterβs expression as she turned towards you. βYou think this is funny because you assume heβd never choose me.ββ¨β¨βI donβt assume it.ββ¨β¨βYou should stop speaking for him.ββ¨β¨βIβm standing right here,β Seungmin said.
She ignored him. βYouβve always done this. You get something and act smug because you know somebody else deserves it more.ββ¨β¨The alcohol inside you turned suddenly heavy.β¨β¨You steadied yourself against the bathroom door. βSomebody else?ββ¨β¨βYou know what I mean.β
βNo. Say it properly.ββ¨β¨Her eyes travelled over you.β¨β¨Your clothes had shifted from dancing. Your lipstick was smudged. Your hair was a mess and your balance remained questionable.β¨β¨You had never felt happier.
βLook at you,β she said. βYouβre completely wasted. Heβs spent all night following you around while you throw yourself over every man in the room.ββ¨β¨Seungminβs expression hardened.β¨β¨You laughed softly. βIs that what this is about?ββ¨β¨βIβm saying he could do better.β
βWith you?ββ¨β¨βYes.ββ¨β¨The certainty would have been impressive if it were not so pathetic.β¨β¨Your smile disappeared.
Your sister noticed and pushed harder.β¨β¨βIβm prettier. I know how to behave. I donβt need eight men constantly touching me and telling me how special I am.ββ¨β¨βNobody is taking care of me.ββ¨β¨βYou can barely stand.β
βIβm drunk at a party.ββ¨β¨βYouβve been climbing into their laps and letting them put their hands all over you. Itβs embarrassing.ββ¨β¨Seungmin stepped away from the wall and moved to your side.β¨β¨His hand settled securely at the back of your waist.
Your sister watched it.β¨β¨βShe hasnβt embarrassed me once,β he said.β¨β¨βSheβs been all over Minho. Felix practically had his hands under her clothes earlier.ββ¨β¨βSo?β
Your sister blinked.β¨β¨Seungminβs thumb moved slowly against your side.β¨β¨βShe loves them,β he said. βThey love her. I know exactly where I stand.ββ¨β¨βYou should have more self-respect.β
His eyebrows rose. βYou asked me to cheat on her beside a bathroom.ββ¨β¨βYouβve spent the whole night trying to fuck my boyfriend,β you said, βand somehow Iβm the slut?ββ¨β¨Your sister glared at you.β¨β¨Seungmin continued before she could answer. βDonβt talk to either of us about self-respect.β
βYou only say that because sheβs standing here.ββ¨β¨βI rejected you when she wasnβt.ββ¨β¨βYou knew sheβd find out.ββ¨β¨βI knew because I was going to tell her.β
βWhy?ββ¨β¨βBecause sheβs my girlfriend.ββ¨β¨Your sister shook her head. βYou donβt have to keep settling because she got to you first.ββ¨β¨Seungmin went still.
There it was.β¨β¨The belief beneath every comparison and every attempt.β¨β¨You had simply reached him first.β¨β¨Had she met him earlier, dressed better, tried harder or pushed for long enough, he would eventually recognise that he had chosen the wrong sister.
Seungminβs arm tightened around you.β¨β¨βI noticed her,β he said.β¨β¨Your sister scoffed. βYou hadnβt met me.ββ¨β¨βIβve met you now.β
The hallway became very quiet.β¨β¨Music still thudded beyond it. Someone laughed in the living room. Your friend called your sisterβs name once, distant and uncertain.β¨β¨Seungmin looked directly at her.β¨β¨βAnd I still choose her.β
Your sisterβs face changed.β¨β¨For a moment, she appeared almost sober.β¨β¨Then the anger returned.β¨β¨βShe isnβt better than me.β
βThis isnβt about whoβs better.ββ¨β¨βIt always is.ββ¨β¨βNo,β you said quietly. βItβs always been that way to you.ββ¨β¨She looked at you.
You could feel Seungmin watching your face.β¨β¨At first, it had been funny.β¨β¨Her unnecessary outfits. Her fake excuses. The way she interpreted Seungminβs basic manners as secret attraction.β¨β¨Even now, the idea that he might accept remained ridiculous.
But the joke had always required you to ignore the part where your sister could not want something without explaining why you deserved it less.β¨β¨βYou can want him,β you said. βI donβt care. Itβs humiliating for you, but it doesnβt threaten me.ββ¨β¨Her mouth twisted.β¨β¨βWhat pisses me off is that you canβt admit you want him without telling him Iβm ugly, exhausting, childish or not good enough. You donβt flirt with him. You campaign against me.β
βIβve never called you ugly.ββ¨β¨βYou keep telling everyone youβre prettier.ββ¨β¨βI am.ββ¨β¨Seungmin made a disbelieving sound.
You glanced at him.β¨β¨βWhat?ββ¨β¨βNothing. Iβm trying very hard to remain polite.ββ¨β¨Your sister folded her arms. βSee? Youβve turned him against me.β
βI didnβt have to. You did that by ignoring him every time he said no.ββ¨β¨The words landed.β¨β¨Your sister looked at Seungmin.β¨β¨His expression did not soften.
βI thought you were being loyal,β she said.β¨β¨βI was being clear.ββ¨β¨βYou were trying not to hurt her.ββ¨β¨βI was trying not to humiliate you.β
Her cheeks flushed.β¨β¨Seungminβs voice lowered. βYouβve made that impossible.ββ¨β¨Your friend appeared at the far end of the hallway.β¨β¨She looked between the three of you, taking in your sisterβs expression and Seungminβs arm around your waist. βWhat happened?β
βNothing,β your sister said immediately.β¨β¨You laughed tiredly. βShe asked Seungmin to have sex with her.ββ¨β¨Your friendβs eyes widened.β¨β¨βYou didnβt have to say it like that,β your sister snapped.
βHow should I say it?ββ¨β¨βSheβs drunk,β your friend said carefully.β¨β¨βSo am I.ββ¨β¨βI know.β
Your friend approached and touched your sisterβs arm. βCome and sit down.ββ¨β¨Your sister pulled away. βEveryoneβs acting like Iβve done something terrible.ββ¨β¨βYou propositioned my boyfriend after he repeatedly told you he wasnβt interested.ββ¨β¨βYou donβt own him.β
βNo,β you said. βI donβt.ββ¨β¨That stopped her.β¨β¨You rested more heavily against Seungminβs side but kept your eyes on her.β¨β¨βHeβs a person. He said no. That should have mattered even if I didnβt exist.β
Your friend looked at your sister. βSheβs right.ββ¨β¨Betrayal flashed across your sisterβs face. βYouβre supposed to be here with me.ββ¨β¨βIβm here because she invited me.ββ¨β¨The answer was gentle but firm.
Your sister looked between you.β¨β¨Then she laughed bitterly. βFine. Everyone thinks Iβm pathetic.ββ¨β¨Nobody answered.β¨β¨That seemed to hurt more than any denial would have.
Your friend held out her hand. βCome on.ββ¨β¨After a moment, your sister accepted it.β¨β¨She allowed herself to be led back towards the living room without looking at either of you again.β¨β¨You remained in the hallway.
Seungmin rubbed one hand slowly over your back.β¨β¨You watched them disappear.β¨β¨Then you looked at him. βYou really asked why.ββ¨β¨His mouth dropped open.
The laughter returned before you could stop it.β¨β¨Seungmin stared at you. βYouβre impossible.ββ¨β¨βYour face was so confused.ββ¨β¨βShe was vague.β
βShe had you against a wall.ββ¨β¨βShe said upstairs.ββ¨β¨βAt one in the morning.ββ¨β¨βThat could mean anything.β
βName one other thing.ββ¨β¨Seungmin opened his mouth.β¨β¨Nothing came out.β¨β¨You waited.
His expression grew increasingly offended.β¨β¨βExactly.ββ¨β¨He caught your waist in both hands and pulled you closer. βYouβre very annoying.ββ¨β¨βYou love me.β
βIβm reconsidering.ββ¨β¨βNo, you arenβt.ββ¨β¨βNo,β he admitted.β¨β¨Your smile softened.
The alcohol made it difficult to hold on to one emotion for long. Amusement blurred into exhaustion, which blurred into the ache your sisterβs words had left behind.β¨β¨Seungmin noticed.β¨β¨He always did.β¨β¨βHey.β
You looked at him.β¨β¨His expression had gentled, eyes warm despite the alcohol. βAre you okay?ββ¨β¨βIβm extremely drunk.ββ¨β¨βI know.β
βSheβs a bitch.ββ¨β¨βShe is.ββ¨β¨βI canβt believe she said I throw myself over everyone.ββ¨β¨βYou do,β Seungmin said, completely unbothered. βLuckily, everyone seems very happy to catch you.β
βWith all of you.ββ¨β¨βI know.β His hand settled more firmly at your waist. βIβve never complained.ββ¨β¨βAnd you donβt care?ββ¨β¨Seungmin looked genuinely confused. βWhy would I?β
You shrugged. βBecause she saidβββ¨β¨βI donβt care what she said.ββ¨β¨The answer came quickly enough to interrupt you.β¨β¨Seungmin lifted your hand and kissed your knuckles.
βI know you,β he said. βI know them. I know what all of this is.ββ¨β¨His free hand gestured towards the living room, where Felix was shouting the chorus to another song while Minho told somebody to turn the music down without making any effort to do it himself.β¨β¨βYouβre my girlfriend,β Seungmin continued. βThat doesnβt mean you stop belonging with them too.ββ¨β¨Something warm tightened in your chest.
βThat was disgustingly sweet.ββ¨β¨You kissed him.β¨β¨His hand slid to the back of your neck, keeping you close as the kiss deepened. Nothing frantic. Nothing performed for anybody else.β¨β¨Just familiar affection in a dim hallway while the party continued metres away.
When you pulled back, Seungmin followed for one more kiss.β¨β¨Then another.β¨β¨βYouβre doing too many,β you murmured.β¨β¨βIβve lost count.β
βYou always say that.ββ¨β¨You laughed and rested your forehead against his.β¨β¨βThere she is,β he murmured.β¨β¨Footsteps sounded behind you.
Felix appeared first, followed by Jisung and Minho.β¨β¨Felixβs expression changed when he saw your face. βAre you okay?ββ¨β¨You nodded.β¨β¨Jisung looked unusually serious. βYour friend said something happened.β
βMy sister asked Seungmin to sleep with her.ββ¨β¨Jisung stared at Seungmin.β¨β¨Then at you.β¨β¨Then back at Seungmin.
βWhy?ββ¨β¨You burst out laughing.β¨β¨Seungmin pointed at him. βSee? Reasonable question.ββ¨β¨βThat isnβt what I meant,β Jisung said quickly. βWhy would she think youβd say yes?β
βThat sounded better after clarification.ββ¨β¨Minho stepped closer and touched the side of your face. βAre you actually all right?ββ¨β¨You leant into his palm. βMostly.ββ¨β¨βMostly isnβt yes.β
βShe was being a bitch.ββ¨β¨βI gathered.ββ¨β¨From the living room, Changbin shouted, βIf you lot are done fondling each other, weβre doing another round.ββ¨β¨Chan shouted back that nobody was doing another fucking shot.
Jeongin appeared in the hallway holding four.β¨β¨The party carried on around you.
Can confirm, sister really is a bitch. Loooooves this btw. Ugh just so mature and sophisticated ππ also love how clear he was the whole time and how he kept his gf in the loop to avoid shit like miscommunication and misunderstanding
listen he's always been attractive to me (like always) and he used to be really quiet really polite and then he went on a trip with my brother and became this whole other person
but he's just so cute and like I don't want to like him, putting me out there for him to see me and then clock that it's me
right?!
(I need to know if he liked me first and then we can go from there)
I'm from New Zealand, nowhere demographically close to America but I know what a confederate flag is. I'm not an expert on it in any sense of the word but I know how fucked that is. Love Mark always will but ngl wish I didn't. The apology was shit too. Nope.
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I had such a good celebration for him today, I went to a murder mystery birthday party where I played an androgynous role
I never wear makeup like I don't know how to apply it or nothing BUT I'm so proud of myself cause I did and I oddly suited it and it looked really good apparently
