Hybe Hunters

There was a strange feeling settling into his chest when he first stumbled across the organisation. Something about it had put him on edge, but he was willing to hear it out anyway. For people like him there was no such thing as community, but it was exactly what the organisation offered. For people like them, there was nothing like a safe haven, but they prided themselves on being exactly that.

Nearly convinced to join himself, he turned around at the last moment and walked away. He lived with the consequences of that action to this day.

He'd always had an inkling that nothing was what it seemed, but up until that moment, their intentions had merely been a speculation. Up until the message was transcripted, he was in the dark, comfortable and unknowing.

When he looked around, his confidants were silent. He could hear a pin drop. There was something etched into their faces that he hadn't seen before, not even when they arrived into his care.

Airu had the guts to speak up first on many occasions, but even they remained silent. Slumped in their seat, hand covering their chin and a part of their mouth, their eyes stared into nothingness.

"This is the first time they mention the 'One,'" Daphne cut through. Her eyes were like a clear crystal, shining in the light but almost unnoticable in the dark. "They preach it to us—" She interrupted herself with a tight smile. "them, but never to the outside."

His arms were crossed as he stared at the message. His mind was racing with possibilities but they flashed by him before he could process it, traded for the next like they were cancelling each other out.

"They're set on finding this person, then," Minsu concluded. "They're talking about someone that will arrive, not someone who has already joined."

The pressure on his chest lifted a little with one possibility eliminated.

His eyes darted to Airu, but they were still in their own head.

"If you look at it that way," Daphne spoke again. "I can't remember what they said about The One other than someone who will liberate us, and now we know that they're looking for a woman." When he looked at her, she had straightened her stance. "With the resources they have, they can get to her in no time."

"Which is why we need to be faster."

All eyes landed on him.

He looked at Minsu and shot a small smile. "I think I don't have to tell you what the next course of action is."

Minsu nodded and got up. "I'll get on it right away."

When he came back that following morning, he'd gotten his hands on a portrait. It was clear that it was all they had and on a continent as big as Talon, she could be anywhere. Minsu theorised that the possibility of her being in Qorath was slim, considering that there was little ground to cover for them here.

Chances of them ever reaching the Veiled Kingdom would mean that the collapse of Talon would follow quickly after. Nytheria was the thorn in everyone's eye, how he'd heard it being described. He'd never visited, but their history gave them all the right to act that way.

"I think I need to be in Thornmere," he finally said.

Minsu bobbed his head slowly. "Could be, but you're losing precious time if you're wrong."

"I'm actually pretty sure I need to be there." He nudged the younger. "I'll make up for lost time in the blink of an eye."

Minsu rolled his eyes, but a small smile tugged at his lips. "Go. There's no time to lose."

With the portrait in mind, he landed in the middle of a small town. The centre was swarming with people and there were overlapping yells coming from the distance. He stretched his neck as he moved along with the crowd, finding himself on a market.

All around him were vendors talking to the customers that were at their stands. He brushed past them, keeping his eyes on everything but the products. He'd spent hours wandering around the market, trying to find the person from the portrait that he memorised. The pressure in his chest was suffocting, but something told him that he came to the right place.

He left the market, following the road that brought him to the edge of town. There were a couple of houses, but the distance between them grew bigger with every house he passed. Kicking a pebble in the road, he felt his steps getting heavier.

Maybe he was just hoping too hard that he was right. That by sheer luck, he was in the right place at the right time and he could at least save the woman that they prophesized to be their saviour, compared to the many that were lost to the organisation.

He halted in his tracks when the door of the last house opened.

A woman walked out, her back faced towards him. A burgundy flowy dress hugged her plump figure, a corset accentuating her waist.

He looked the other way when she turned around and walked down the road. His eyes darted back up as she passed him and he offered a small smile. His heart stopped and he looked over his shoulder, but she picked up her pace.

He came to the right place after all.

“You cannot write this off as an accident, for it was a very deliberate move to make love to her.” You shook your head abruptly. "I will not involve myself in removing a human life, but if what your princess seeks is shelter..."

Vernon stared at you for a good second before his face flushed a furious state of red. “No. No! I have not–” His cheeks tinted a shade as red as your dress. “Gods, lady. What do you take me for? I am no animal!”

Blackspire's crown princess cleared her throat and you looked her way. Her cheeks were a light pink. "Vernon did not… um, insert himself. We are merely here for…" She paused and looked his way.

“A disguise,” Vernon added. “Your magic is strong enough to provide her with one.”

You arched an eyebrow and scoffed. “The princess didn’t even know your plan. I could be a spy for all she’d know, and believe me when I say that there are plenty.”

“This is important,” he insisted, your name rolling off his lips as a desperate plea. He was about to drop to his knees and beg at your feet if you didn’t know any better. “Will you help us or not?”

You eyes darted to the princess before landing on Vernon again. “You owe me. Again.” As you grabbed a book, you wandered to the kitchen. You had proved yourself on many occasions that your non-healing potions could be unreliable, but you weren't going to tell them that. Instead, you told them you were still improving.

It wasn't a complete lie, though.

As you rummaged through your cabinets for the right ingredients, their eyes burned into you. You swallowed and pushed the pressing feeling in your chest away.

Vernon came to you for a reason. It was dangerous and he knew the consequences of being seen with you, but no matter how much you tried to push him away, he always came back to you. You were almost tempted to call him a friend.

With a shaky breath, you closed your eyes and muttered the spell. The content of the pot glowed white and you sighed softly. As you poured it into a pot, you locked eyes with Vernon, who was watching you closely.

“This potion will wear off when you speak your real name out loud," you explained and gave the bottle to the princess. "Nobody will see your true form, except for Vernon. I made sure that he can see you at all times.”

She took it from you and glanced at Vernon. “If she tries to poison me, it’s on you.”

“I will take the fall, princess.” He bowed.

The look in her eyes made your chest sting.

You breathed a sigh of relief when the princess made way for a small, platinum blonde woman, eyes like the ocean peeking at you.

She smiled. "Thank you so much. I owe you."

You walked to your closet and reached for the back, pulling out a blue, purple and pink dress. You put them in a bag and gave it to her. "I don't wear them anymore, maybe it can help you."

The princess took it with a smile and nodded. "I won't forget your kindness."

You pressed your lips together and closed the door behind them.

Vernon was an idiot for seeking you out. He put the princess at risk — you didn't even want to know how or why the Blackspirian crown princess made it to Thornmere instead of sitting on the throne — and he risked his own life by associating himself with you.

You were not to be trusted. He knew that.

Over the following days, you stayed inside tending to your herbs. Your garden looked over the town's square, even though it was far away enough for people to keep their distance. Since they acted like you were a pest anyway, you didn't even bother to mingle with them. The only thing that kept you occupied was the market, where you bought vegetables, fruit and herbs every week.

When the day of the market came, you finally showed yourself.

You ripped your burgundy dress from the washing rack and covered it with a black corset. With your bag over your shoulder, you pulled the front door shut.

As you turned on your heel, a man was coming your way. Your heart stopped, but you pushed through the uncanny feeling crawling up your back. You walked in his direction, right past him like he didn't even exist to you. With calm strides, you made your way to the market.

You always lingered longer than needed, stopping by the stands that you had nothing to do with. You didn't do anything with wooden charms, but you admired the craftmanship that went into it.

Even though the vendors could not care for your opinion much, you still stopped to observe their goods.

As you made your way back, the man was gone. You breathed a sigh of relief and went back into the house, disappearing into the nothingness again.

You couldn't remember when everything shifted. When you were younger, you were surrounded by life. Your mother was the life of the party, your father a silent admirer of her spirit. Both had known the powers that you'd inherited and they taught you to embrace them, but they'd never prepared you for how the town would respond.

When they started to manifest, the people around you grew increasingly scared of what you'd be able to do one day. What your parents described as a blessing throughout your entire life had become your biggest burden.

And unfortunately, you couldn't stop them.

As you put the last of your vegetables on the fire, there was a knock on the door.

Your heart hammered in your chest as you hoisted yourself up. You tiptoed to the door and took a deep breath. Your hand trembled when you put it on the handle, pushing the handle down and peeking your head around the corner.

The man smiled at you, his black hair framing his face in silk curtains. His arms were crossed behind his back and his voice was soft and welcoming when he spoke.

"Am I interrupting anything?"

You swallowed and slowly shook your head.

His smile grew. "Glad to hear. My name's Joshua and I come here with a very urgent request."

"Whatever you heard, I can't help you," you said tightly and pushed against the door. "Good day."

"Your life's in danger." When your eyes fell on Joshua, his smile had faded. "I need you to come with me."

As you arched an eyebrow, you leaned against the door.

"I know you possess great powers," he continued and uncrossed his arms. "There's people out there that want to use them to their advantage, which is why I've come here to—"

You slammed the door shut and walked back to the kitchen. You stomped on the floor, boots clicking against the woodboard.

Joshua pounded on the door, but you ignored it, stirring the vegetables around in the pot. You added some water and let it sit, seating yourself in the chair with your spellbook.

Something that made creepy strangers go away, or turn them into hideous bugs perhaps.

When you were eating your homemade soup, there was another knock on the door. You didn't care how long he would stand there, he could wait for years and you wouldn't pay him any mind. It made you shiver that he knew about you.

The next day as you carefully peeked around the corner, he wasn't there anymore. You kept checking for every day after that until you were sure that he was gone. You tended to your garden, practiced your magic and reogarnised your cupboards.

You couldn't imagine what scared people off. Your magic was nature based, specifically focused on healing and using the earth to do so. Your parents called it elemental magic, and there were only a few people that were strong enough to wield all four elements; earth, water, fire and air. Your mother was one of them, loud and proud and fearless like she'd always been.

Your father was forced to bind his powers when they came after him. A pit formed in your stomach just thinking about it. You hadn't seen him using his magic since you were eleven.

Your parents were thoroughly convinced that you could do it too. The powers had never truly manifested with you and you were left with earth as your element. Grounding, stable and nourishing, that was your destiny in life.

Nothing more and nothing less.

You'd hoped that your parents were right. The elements, the world around you, it had always rumbled a fascination that you could not shake. You felt yourself drawn to the rain pouring out of the sky, to the fire crackling in your hearth, even by the way the wind blew through your hair. Whenever you flicked your fingers, it seemed to dance along with you, but you never followed through with trying again.

Instead, you found great satisfaction in helping others. Healing was something that had always come naturally to you, in any shape or form in fact. When your mother was upset over something, your remedy never failed to work. You credited your importance in her life, but she'd always told you it was something more.

A tear escaped your eye as you sat in the garden, the warm breeze dancing on your skin. Leaving your parents had left a gaping wound that would never mend. You didn't want to. Gods, it was the last thing that you wanted, but your parents needed to know you were safe.

You hadn't heard from them since your mother's last letter before winter came. Countless letters had gone unanswered since then, so you assumed the worst.

The next morning, you decided that the market would do you good. You never went so early in the morning, but you needed to clear your head. With the new stranger in town that seemed to have it out for you, you doubt you could.

There was no harm in trying, you assumed as you opened the door.

Joshua smiled up at you when you stepped outside.

You yelped and clutched your chest. "What—"

"Good morning," he greeted you and got up, brushing his pants off that was clinging to his slender legs loosely. "My apologies for startling you a couple of days ago, but I really need to talk to you."

You scoffed and clutched your bag, stepping on the gravel path. "No, thank you."

"I'm afraid this does not leave much room for choice."

You started walking down the road. There were crunching steps behind you that made your ribcage burn. With a deep breath and a roll of your eyes, you pretended he did not exist. Maybe by closing your eyes and making your wish, you would discover a new power that would make him fuck right off.

"Listen, I know you don't want to hear me out," he started.

With a scoff, you turned onto the market.

He called your name and from the corner of your eye, you saw him reaching for you. You turned around and held your hand out, but he already retreated his arm.

Joshua pushed his brows together before his face relaxed again. He shook his head with a small smile. "I didn't know you could do that."

"I did nothing," you said tightly and grabbed a bag of herbs. You slammed the coins on the table before he could insist otherwise and walked to the next stand.

"I know this must be scary, but at least hear me out," he spoke again, following you on foot. "I have everything to lose and nothing to gain by doing this, I can assure you that."

You shrugged before you turned to him with a smile. "Maybe you risked everything for nothing, then. I'm not interested in whatever you have to say."

Before Joshua could try to change your mind, you walked off. A vendor talked about you, but you tuned it out. Joshua tried once more when you ran into him at the vegetable stand and that was where you left him.

Something inside of you clawed at you when you did. Maybe Joshua was acting out of the best intentions and there you were, writing him off like you'd done with everyone else. He seemed genuine, he kept trying and he looked like he was incapable of losing his temper, unlike what you had almost done.

There was a pit forming in your stomach nonetheless. He might be preaching how he could save your life, but maybe his soft eyes, pretty smile and honey voice would lure you right into the danger he was trying to warn you about.

You pushed the feeling away and barricaded yourself into your home. You watched the clock while biting your fingernails until it stung. The wind blew a fresh breeze through your garden, but with every hour passing it seemed to grow stronger. The hearth was nearly in flames by the time you got to dinner, as if it was too strong to contain itself.

When you looked out of the window, it was pouring. The ground underneath you rumbled, buzzing through your body.

The knock on the door made you jump. A strike of thunder followed, then a muffled voice, but it drowned out by the rain tapping against your window.

You opened the door and your breath caught.

Water dripped from Joshua's hair and nose, his clothes stuck to his body. "They predicted nice weather today," he teased lightly.

"They had it wrong, then." You were about to close the door, but he grabbed it. With a sharp inhale you turned away, your heart hammering on the beat of every step you took inside.

Joshua followed you, but when you turned around, he froze in his tracks. His neck twitched and the smile on his face seemed to cost him more effort than usual.

You arched your eyebrow. "Well?"

He opened his mouth, but it was nothing more than a breathless whisper.

You scoffed and turned away from him.

"Please…" he said hoarsely, almost inaudibly. "let… me… go…"

You froze, flinching when there was a loud thud behind you. You let out a shaky breath and closed your eyes. Tears stung behind them, desperately clawing their way out as you tried to collect yourself.

Joshua coughed loudly, and when you turned around he was crawling up from the floor.

You hurried over to him and helped him up, putting him down on your couch. You avoided his curious looks and swallowed. "Let me make you some tea."

Without room for Joshua to protest, you put the kettle on the fire. You mixed chamomille with tumeric and muttered to the cup, watching it light up. You walked back with the cup of tea and gave it to him. "Drink up. It'll help with soreness."

He offered you a warm smile and wrapped his hands around it. "Thank you."

You brushed the folds of your dress and sat down next to him.

"You have elemental magic, don't you?"

You looked up at him curiously.

He set the cup in the palm of his hand and within seconds, it started floating. The tea stayed in the cup perfectly and when it came back down, he took a sip.

You watched in awe. "You're…"

Joshua smiled again. "I recognise your struggles, and it pains me to see how isolated you are. Not only do I want to get you to safety, but I want to give you the chance to be among your own people."

You swallowed. "What's the danger?"

"Have you ever heard of the Coven of the Silver Star?"

The name sounded familiar, you just couldn't place the feeling settling in your chest. You shook your head and shifted in your seat.

"They're based in Qorath, and they're under protection of the Royal Family," Joshua started and took a sip of tea. "As the name suggests, it's a group of witches just like us. They promote themselves as the place for us, to teach and guide us through our powers, to give us a sense of community."

His brows knitted together, his lips pressed into a thin line.

"You…" You cleared you throat. "…don't look like you're going to say something nice about them."

"I have reason to believe that they're not a coven at all, and when we received a message through one of our spies, I knew that I was right all those years, and that all the efforts I've been making haven't been in vain."

"What do you think they are, if not a coven?"

Joshua put the empty cup down.

You awaited an answer that didn't seem to come. You pressed him again, but he wouldn't budge.

"They believe in the legend of 'The One', their saviour and their salvation," he continued, leaning back in his seat. "Before I came here, we found out who that person is."

Your stomach turned.

Joshua offered you an apologetic smile. "I would never dare to disrupt your life as it is, but for your own safety…"

"You are very kind to say that, but I think you and I both know that coming with you is better than the life I'm leading right now," you replied tightly. You chuckled bitterly. "Everything's better than this, even if that Silver Star club would get a hold of me."

"That's exactly what they pry on, which is why we wasted no time to get to you first." Joshua got up and looked at you. "You can pack some belongings, if you'd like. Travels are not long so you have time to process all of this."

You cocked an eyebrow, but all he did was smile. You bobbed your head and walked to your bedroom, hoarding all the dresses and corsets that you could find. You packed your herbs and potions. Your fingers trembled as they laced in between the fabric of your mother's scarf, stuffing it in your bag.

When you looked at your garden, you could feel yourself shattering.

"There's a chance to grow some where we are," Joshua sounded behind you. "We can use them."

You nodded and hung your bag over your shoulder.

He held his arm out and you took it. "Ready?"

"Yeah, let's just go before I change my mind."

It didn't last more than a second before your living room switched out for an office.

Joshua let go of you and leaned against the desk, a wood so dark it was almost black. It was completely smooth, unlike the furniture in your house. You looked around and through the big windows, you looked out over a forest, trees perfectly aligned.

A pit formed in your stomach. Even if you wanted to, there was no turning back anymore.

Joshua had let you settle in for the week, assigning you to a room where you could stay for the night. Because you couldn't sleep, you'd taken yourself out for a tour and the next moment you had with Joshua, you trailed after him bobbing your head along to his explanation.

He showed you the personal quarters — you could pinpoint the hallway where you got lost on multiple occasions — introduced you to some of the residents and made sure you knew where the living quarters were. It was complete with a kitchen and a space to lay down and unwind, as if you'd stepped into a big inn instead.

Joshua took you to the gardens, where someone was bowed over the herbs and plants. He turned to you. "If you need anything, you can just grab it from here. We all share this space, despite having little healers amongst us."

You nodded and folded your hands over each other.

He motioned his head to the door and smiled. "Let me introduce you to some more members of our network."

Despite the eerie feeling settling in your chest, you followed him. Back through the hallways, but you took a left instead, back to the office you arrived in the day before.

Instead, Joshua opened another door. When he stepped in, three people turned around.

Your eyes immediately fell on a woman with eyes as blue as the Thornmere sky, her dark auburn hair in a thick braid down her back. She offered you a warm smile before she turned to Joshua.

"You managed to locate her," she spoke so soothingly, you feel your worries drifting away. "Well done, Joshua."

"Without your help, I wouldn't have been able to." Joshua's eyes darted to the man next to her. He bowed his head, which the man returned.

His gaze landed on you, but he looked away when you locked eyes.

"Welcome to the hideout," the last one spoke. When you turned to them, they wore a bright grin, strands of red and black hair falling in front of their face. "We'll take good care of you, don't you worry."

"Daphne, Minsu and Airu are my closest confidants," Joshua explained. He puffed his chest out a bit and there was a twinkle in his eyes you couldn't place. "Without them, I couldn't have done any of this."

"What exactly is 'this?'" You asked.

From the corner of your eye, Daphne shot him a glare.

"I couldn't exactly tell her that out in the open," Joshua said calmly. "You don't know what ears were listening."

Airu waved their hand. "Before you start arguing like divorced parents again," they cut in and turned to you, "we're spies. And witches. Spy witches. Spit—"

"We run an underground network that is set to dismantle the Silver Star," Minsu interrupted them and offered you a small smile. "And what Airu said is correct. We're all witches." He patted their shoulder. "Fire magic. You'll notice that it's very fitting for their personality."

"I'm a water witch," Daphne spoke up. "I recently found out I can heal with it."

You smiled and nodded.

She returned it warmly and glanced at her friends.

Airu slapped Minsu's back, who shot them glance. "Necromancer."

"So you can…" You made a kill motion.

Minsu chuckled softly. "My magic involves the usage of the death, through corpses and spirits."

You turned to Joshua, who was smiling.

"I hope you'll feel at home here." He pushed himself up and waved his hand. "We'll leave you to it. Let me know if you find something."

Airu saluted him, but Minsu pulled them back into work. They winked at you, to which you chuckled.

You followed Joshua to his office and stood in front of his window. You felt yourself drawn back to the forest, observing how the tree tops blew in the wind, how the leaves clung unto their branches as if it was nothing. You watched how all of them moved in the same rhythm like it was rehearsed.

You looked at your own hands before tucking them underneath your arms.

"A little too perfect, aren't they?" Joshua stood next to you. "Qorath has never been so keen of mistakes, and its scenery reflects that sentiment."

You hummed. "There is no way in which all those trees can be so perfectly aligned. And the way they're moving, it's unnatural and so…synced? Like they're just a replica of each other."

"You'll come to find that Qorath is unusually perfect." He pointed at the end of the forest, where the trees started thinning out. Right at the top was a tree that moved along with the wind. Not just the tip, not the leaves trying to stick to the branches, it moved with its entire being, unafraid to make the leaves dance in the breezes. "You just have to look for weak points."

You peeled away from the window and cleared your throat.

Joshua turned around to sit in the windowstill. "I want to formally apologise to you, about how I came to your doorstep unannounced."

"And for not leaving me alone," you added.

He rubbed his neck, his cheeks flushing a light pink. "And that, yes. It was very improper of me."

"A bit, yeah." You balanced on the back of your feet. "So, what will happen now that I'm here? You seem to run a very oiled machine in here."

Joshua chewed his lip. "You're at risk if we put you out there. I'm afraid the best I can do for you right now is giving you shelter and protection."

You swallowed the lump in your throat. With a tight smile, you excused yourself and stepped away from him. "I'll be in my quarters if you need me."

"Maybe you can join us for dinner tonight," Joshua suggested. "I'm sure they won't mind."

"I'll think about it." You offered a nod and turned on your heel. "Thank you for the invite, nonetheless."

"Always."

You made your way to the quarters and closed the door behind you. It was small, but it had everything you need: a bed, a desk, even a small closet to store your belongings.

On the desk was a small pile of papers and a quill, but the time when you touched it, you couldn't bring yourself to put the words onto the paper.

You kept looking at it, until the nagging feeling suffocated you. You turned away from it and laid down on the bed, swallowing the tears that had traveled with you since you left your own home.

If it could even be called home.

Your real home was like stepping into a comforting hug. You could remember your parents gushing over the powers you would possess when you were four years of age, but despite the burdens they placed on themselves, you could only feel the warmth spread through your chest. They never failed to make you feel heard and seen, even if your powers would never manifest at all.

They did when you were seven, right around the time most of the powers would completely manifest. In one of the coldest winters you remembered, without much thought, you had made the flowers in your garden bloom. It'd become evident to you and your parents that you had inherited your mother's powers.

Your real home was in the north of Thornmere, right at the border with Nytheria. You'd always been able to look over the mountains in the safety of your cabin, wondering how they got so high. You imagined yourself being on top of the mountain when you closed your eyes at night. One day, you would be so high up, too.

Childlike wonder, your mother had called it. In truth, that fascination had never left you after all those years. You often thought of that mountain and everything that went on behind it, even though you'd never seen it before. One day, you hoped you would.

When you walked into the kitchen, the four had already gathered around the table.

Daphne was the first to notice you and offered you a warm smile. "Please, join us. Dinner's just ready."

You inhaled the scent of a broth and hummed. "It smells nice."

"Joshua's specialty."

You glanced at the man, who'd replaced his black suit with the white collar with a loose blouse and a wide linen pants. His hair was fluffy, as if he'd just washed it, compared to how composed he normally wore it. Nothing about Joshua in that moment screamed that he was planning on getting back to work anytime soon.

"I'm glad you're joining," he said with a smile. He waved his hand before pouring another bowl. "I made enough for all of us."

"Such a mum," Airu teased.

You sat down next to them and their bowl was in front of your nose.

Their smile was small, but genuine. "Rookies first."

You nodded and pulled it towards you, letting the smell engulf you. Dinner was silent on your part. The most you'd done was answer questions that they fired your way, but most of their conversations were about their days, about things they heard and saw.

Work was off the table.

Daphne excused herself when she was done and dusted her flowy dress off. "I have to get some medicine to the children's wing. There's a bad flu again."

You wiped your hands on the napkin and got up. "Let me take care of it."

She offered you a small smile. "There's no need, love. Make sure you're settled in first." She turned on her heel and walked towards the door.

"I'm a healer."

Daphne's hand was on the doorhandle, but it stayed there. She looked over her shoulder and nodded. "Alright then. Follow me."

You excused yourself with a bow and followed her out. "Let us stop by my quarters first. I brought some potions and herbs."

"You possess powers of the earth," she concluded, to which you nodded. She smiled. "It suits you."

You nodded at her and grabbed your bag. As you fell into step with her, you spotted a tattoo of a star in her neck. As you opened your mouth, you were interrupted by a loud scream.

Daphne ran towards the wing and you had no choice but to follow her. She pushed through the doors and froze.

A handful of children, you guessed them no older than ten, were gathered around a bed. You could easily look over them to see a boy, lips almost as blue as ice. His forehead was covered in sweat.

You glanced at Daphne, whose eyes glimmered. As you put a hand on her shoulder, they shot to you like a deer in headlights. "Get the kids away from the bed, okay? I'll see what I can do."

She nodded and walked over to them, putting on a smile and leading them away to a couple of beds away.

You put your bag down by your feet and sat on the edge. When you felt his forehead, he was burning up. Your fingers pressed against the pulse in his neck, but it was barely there.

"Hey," you called out softly. "I'm here to help you."

The boy opened his eyes slowly.

You rummaged in your bag and grabbed a small bottle of light brown liquid. Your trembling hands wrapped around it and the bottle lit up. "I need you to take this for me, okay?" You helped the boy up and took the cork off. "Can you open your mouth for me?"

His jaw unclenched and you poured it in gently, pushing his jaw back shut. He winced, but you told him to swallow. He retched.

"I know, it's very bitter, but you will feel a lot better in the morning." You put the empty bottle back in the bag and caressed his cheek. "Get some sleep. Daphne and I will make sure the other kids know you're okay."

"Thank you," he croaked, his voice a bare whisper. Within seconds, he'd drifted off to sleep.

You looked at Daphne, who had a small boy in her lap. "He'll be okay."

She smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

You walked over to her and the kids and sat down next to her. "He had a very bad flu, but he will feel much better in the morning."

"The kids are still a little shaken," Daphne told you. "We should stay here until they're calmed down."

Your heart jumped when your hand suddenly touched a soft skin. You looked down and a girl traced the folds of your dress. You guessed her around six years old, long black hair in a high ponytail. Her big eyes — still wet from tears — twinkled when they locked with yours.

"You have a pretty dress," she said softly.

"Thank you." You offered her a smile. "I like yours, too."

She returned it shyly and let go of you, sniffling softly.

"Would you like a hug, love?"

She nodded and laid her head in your lap. You picked her up instead and let her press up against you, nuzzling her face in the crook of your neck. You rocked her from left to right gently and hummed. "Don't say no to the sad feelings, dear. They'll only come back stronger."

"I was very scared," she muttered.

"And you have all the right to be sad about that. It was very scary to see." You wiped her tears away as she looked at you. "How are you feeling right now?"

"Better." She smiled weakly. "I'm Yui, what's your name?"

You told her your name and she pressed herself against you again, muttering it back to you.

"Let's get you to bed," Daphne announced. "We'll come to check on you in the morning."

Yui climbed off your lap and shot you one last smile, and a sense of familiarity settled in your chest.

You returned the smile. "Goodnight, Yui."

She ran back to her own bed while you grabbed your bag from the floor, following Daphne out of the wing.

"I didn't know you housed so many children," you said.

"They're mostly saved from parents in Silver Star, or here with older siblings," Daphne explained. "It's not ideal and my heart breaks for them, but Gods know where else they would end up if we didn't take them in."

You hummed and crossed your arms.

"Let's join the others for a drink." She pushed through the doors of the living quarters. "I'm sure we can both use it."

You followed her regardless of your appetite. The room was dimly lit, but you recognised the silhouette of Joshua sitting by the window, a glass in his hand. When you shut the door, he whipped his head around.

"The kids are okay," Daphne told him. She tilted her head slightly. "Are you?"

"I'm fine, Daphne. Thank you." A small smile decorated his face and he put the glass down. "Did something happen? You look… troubled."

She opened her mouth, her eyes darting to you.

"One of the kids laid in bed with cold sweat and blue lips," you answered and folded your hands. "They were a little shaken up by it, but they're okay now. Back to sleep, I assume."

Joshua nodded. "Did you give him anything?"

"One of my potions." You waved your hand. "I use it against the flu all the time and it works like a miracle," you added quickly.

"And the kids love her already," Daphne said. When you looked her way, she grinned.

His smile grew. "Don't be afraid to help them more often, if they need you."

You nodded and motioned to his drink. "What are you having?"

"Homemade elderflower liquor."

"I'll have that, too."

Joshua nodded and got up from the chair. He told Daphne to sit down and poured two glasses. He held them out to both of you and grabbed his own. "Here's to a new chapter for Vault Nine."

You all raised your glasses and as you took a sip, you enjoyed the alcohol burning your throat. You couldn't remember when you dipped out, just that you wanted to look presentable the next morning. Your head pounded lightly as you hoisted yourself in a white blouse and black pants. You accentuated your waist with a black corset and did your hair the usual way.

And a potion or good measure.

As you were on your way to the children's wing, you heard footsteps behind you. You looked over your shoulder and smiled. "Good morning."

Joshua fell into step with you, his attire back to its usual black suit with the white collar. "Good morning, how are you feeling?"

You held up a potion bottle. "Good."

"So that means you were feeling bad before." He nudged you with a grin. "Isn't that considered bending the rules?"

"If I'm able to, why wouldn't I?"

Joshua chuckled. "Very good point." He opened the doors to the children's wing, pressing himself against the door. "After you."

You smiled and walked in, looking around the dormitory. The kids were already up, running around and laughing or they were on the beds talking to each other. Your eyes fell on the sick boy, who halted in his tracks when he saw you.

He offered you a bright smile before one of the other boys tapped him. He shouted and turned around to chase him.

Your name was called and you whipped your head.

Yui skipped over to you, her cheeks flushed red and her chest rising and falling heavily. "You made Vince better!"

You smiled. "I did."

Before she could open her mouth, Vince jogged up to her. His eyes fell on you and darted to Joshua before he looked back at you.

"You look like Yin and Yang," he pointed out.

Yui gasped. "Oh! She's Yin!" She pointed at Joshua frantically. "And Shua's Yang!"

You looked back at Joshua, who was smiling.

"I guess we do," he said and ruffled the boy's hair. "I'm glad to see you out of bed."

"The potion was gross, but it worked." Vince turned to you and smiled. "Thank you."

You returned it with a nod and watched how he walked off with Yui on his trail.

"So, Yin,"

You deadpanned Joshua, but the smile on your face was undeniable. "Yes, Yang?"

He chuckled and gave you a playful push. "I think Daphne was right when she said the kids love you."

"I think love is a strong word for someone they met last night," you countered and walked out of the dormitory. "They take a liking, that is all."

"All of us do."

You froze, and when you looked over your shoulder, he didn't even seem remotely remorseful. With a hard swallow, you walked out of the children's wing but his words stayed with you, no matter how hard you tried to shake them off.

After Daphne had practically disappeared for the day, you assumed she was busy. When she didn't show up for dinner and the frown etched into Airu and Minsu's faces, you took matters into your own hands.

You went into the garden for fresh herbs and took them back with you, combining them with the herbs from your own collection. As you knocked on Daphne's door, you heard shuffling on the other side of the door.

When you called out to her, it stopped.

Daphne opened the door and it was like a burden lifted off her shoulders. She smiled weakly and stepped aside. "Is there something you need?"

"I was hoping for the other way around, actually," you admitted with a small smile. "I haven't seen you today, so I came to see if you were alright."

She swallowed and shut the door. "Yeah, I'm fine." Upon the silence, she shuffled around.

"Can I interest you in herbal therapy?" You held the branches up. "It'll calm the mind, relieve your worries a little."

Daphne observed them closely before nodding slowly.

You sat down on the ground and patted the soft carpet. You muttered to yourself and a bowl appeared in your hand, which you put the herbs in. Your fingers brushed them gently when you let them go. Before you could even ask for a lighter, there was a flame.

You exchanged a glance with the older woman.

"You don't have to tell my anything, but you can if you wish to," you said instead. "All you have to do for me is close your eyes and focus on yourself. Let the scents guide you."

Daphne winced. "Gods, they are strong."

You chuckled. "You'll get used to it."

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"Would you like to talk about what's on your mind?"

"I feel guilty for freezing up on you last night," she answered softly. "I just… I don't know what came over me, but something transported me back to…" She paused and you could hear her breath catch. "I escaped the Silver Star about a year ago, and it still haunts me. The scared looks on their faces, the way they were are circled around Vince, it was like I was there again."

You rested your hands in your laps. "Did it resemble something you experienced in Silver Star?"

"It was like a ritual, something they do when they let go of members they do not deem worthy anymore." Daphne rolled her shoulders back and shuffled in her seat. "Everyone's there to watch, like it's a warning to everybody what happens if you step out of line, or if you don't follow the rules."

"And the way the kids stood around Vince…"

"Gods… I could only think about what I saw in there."

You told her to take a deep breath. "You're doing well, Daphne. Would you like to continue?"

She opened her eyes and a tear escaped. "They're dangerous, love. If Joshua tells you to stay low, follow his advice. We have no idea what they want to do with you."

You swallowed and nodded. "Okay, I will."

Daphne sniffled and smiled at you. "You're a good one. It would be a shame if someone like you got wrapped up in such a twisted environment."

"What exactly drew you in?" You asked.

"Where I lived, magic was a curse." She shrugged lightly. "I was not welcome in my village, and at one point my parents wanted to bind my powers. At least I could live a normal life, but I chose to ignore their wishes. I didn't want to be hidden… or… or be ashamed of who I was."

Daphne smiled through her tears. "Wouldn't you have done the same? If they came at your doorstep, telling you that your own people were waiting for you to join them?"

You swallowed, looking the other way.

"We can't blame the people for believing it. They pry on the vulnerable and lonely like that."

"If you weren't first…" You sighed and rested your chin on your knee, your eyes darting at the older woman.

She nodded in understanding before scooting over to you. "Thank you for the herbs. I feel better."

"You can ask if you need it another time." You dimmed the flame and got up. "Take your rest, alright? We'll see each other in the morning."

Daphne had returned to her usual duties after breakfast. It had been just you, her and Airu, Joshua too busy to join and Minsu nowhere in sight.

You joined Airu in their office and closed the door. "You wanted to speak to me."

"I need you to understand the gravity of your presence," they said, their voice rid of its usual playfulness. "If they can't find you, and they won't, they know that someone is working against them. They already have their suspicions of the local government, but we're completely independent from them."

You nodded. "I see."

Airu leaned over the desk. "The Silver Star is not just a simple villain in this chapter of our lands," they continued, their sharp eyes gazing at you like a hunter and its prey. "Their goal is much bigger than us witches. If anything, we're simply pawns in their game. You, however," their finger nearly poked your chest, "are their Queen. That was how it was prophesized. And if you're familiar with that branch of magic, you know the dangers of relying on divination."

"It's merely a fraction of the future," you said. "Whatever prophecy they might have seen, it will be only a moment that can still move in a thousand different directions."

They flashed a grin at you. "You know your magic, rookie."

"My father used divination until he bound his powers," you said. "He taught me everything I needed to know."

There was a sliver of recognition in Airu's eyes. "The Silver Star won't rest until their prophecy will be fulfilled."

You stood straight with a single nod. "So tell me what I should know about them."

"They're based here, in Qorath." They waved their hand to the map on the wall. "They reside where the Royal Family does, although we have reason to assume that it's actually the Silver Star. We just lack the evidence."

You observed the map, where the spot was marked with a star. "So they're pulling some strings to appear separate from the royals."

"Probably, yeah." Airu stood next to you and pointed at the castle. "Our theory is that they're puppeteering a fake King and Queen. The real Royal Family has been wiped out when Silver Star seized power and since then, they pretend that the land is ruled by a King and Queen while in reality, it's them."

You bobbed your head and looked at them. "Are you from here?"

"Born and raised." They nodded. "I've seen it all. They are too…"

"Perfect."

Airu looked at you in surprise. "Yeah, actually. It has always rubbed me the wrong way."

You hummed and stepped away from the map. "Do you have any information on what goes on inside?"

"Aside from the royals, they have a council," they told you. "Five high ranking members of Silver Star, each powerful witches. A lot of them are in the dark arts, but there's also an elemental witch. We're still trying to figure out what she can do."

Airu sat down at their desk. "They are like the leaders, but they all take advicd from who they call 'The One'. It's like an entirely new religion was created, apart from the Gods we already answer to."

"And that is me." You shuddered when they nodded. "I don't even know what they see in me, but the thought that I'm that worshipped irks me."

"Us all." They trapped you under their gaze, as if you were going to be killed for moving even a muscle. "They're launching an attack on Blackspire soon, when 'The One' has finally joined their side. The moment that happens according to them is three weeks from now."

"The attack?"

Airu nodded. "That means they're actively searching for you. We have to be wary."

"If it's not a coven," you wondered out loud, your eyes darting at them, "what is the Silver Star?"

"A cult." Their fist was clenched to the point their knuckles were white. "They take everything they can touch and rip it apart, families and lives alike. If I don't live to watch them burn, then this was all for nothing."

The conversation with Airu had stuck with you all the way through dinner. Minsu was still absent and by the way Daphne, Airu or Joshua didn't even remotely bat an eye, it was a common occurrence.

You were already seated when Daphne put the meat on the table. The other witches had joined, but everyone had split off into their own little groups.

Joshua was munching on a piece of meat when you turned to him.

"Where is Minsu?"

"Spying," he answered.

You raised your eyebrows. "He's inside?"

"How else do you think we get our information?" Airu grinned at you. "We can't call ourselves a spy network if we don't spy on them."

"And you all keep preaching to me how dangerous they are," you mumbled and stirred the vegetables.

The table fell silent, but you ignored it and ate your plate clean. All of them had looked at you funny at least once without reciprocation.

You opted for some time alone after dinner and sat behind your desk. The quill felt familiar in your hand, the branch smooth and comfortable to hold. You dipped it in the ink and put it to the paper.

Wherever you are, no matter the distance between us, I think of you every day. If you are able to, please give me a sign that you are safe. It has been a while since I heard from you.

Much love,

Your beloved daughter.

You put the quill down and stared at the words on the paper, drying up right in front of you. You grabbed the scarf from your bag and inhaled the scent, which was merely an afterthought since the last time your mother wore it.

You tore the paper, folded the letter together and placed it on the scarf. There was such a pressure heaving on your chest that it was easy to bleed your sorrows onto the paper. You wanted to tell your parents everything; from Joshua who stood on your doorstep to the network that was working against a cult.

The thought made the adrenaline pump through your veins and sent chills down your spine all at once. If your parents were that sought-after — there was no other reason why your father would take such drastic measures — there was no doubt in your mind that they knew as well.

You opened the letter and grabbed the quill again before you folded it back together. As you muttered the words, the letter lit up and before it disappeared with the blink of an eye, like it was sucked into a completely different dimension.

The herbs in your closet were rearranged as you went over everything you learned so far. It was a cult, based in Argentum. They resided with the Royal Family, or were the Royal Family, if you were to believe Airu. There was a council of five witches, but they all answered to a deity called 'The One'. But the deity was real. In fact, it was going to be you, according to their prophecy.

You slammed your closet shut and made your way to Joshua's office. No answer came when you knocked on the door and the door was locked. His quarters were your next stop, but he wasn't there either. When you arrived at the living quarters, the silence was welcoming and comforting. It was later in the evening, most of them would be asleep or in their own quarters.

Joshua was in his chair with the homemade liquor, the glass against his lips when you walked in. He downed the content in one go.

Watching him swallow, the way he was slouched in his seat with his legs spread and his sleeves rolled up, it made your breath catch.

You waved your hand. "Do you…"

He shot up and shook his head. "No, not at all."

You sat down across from him and placed your hands in your lap. You tilted your head and scanned every inch of his face, the way his lips were pressed together and his eyebrows hung low over his eyes. They were sunken, and drained.

The dim light that hit his face made him light up nonetheless.

"Are you alright?" You asked.

Joshua smiled softly. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm okay."

Against your instincts, you let the conversation dry out and looked out of the window. Even in the darkness, the trees danced in their perfect rhythm. You hummed. "Are you from Qorath?"

"Blackspire," Joshua answered. "I came here for the same organisation I'm now trying to dismantle."

You turned your head.

"Something didn't sit right with me so I backed out, and I quickly learned that it was the right decision." He pulled the cork out of the bottle and poured himself another glass. He held the bottle out to you, but you shook your head.

"How long have you been doing this?"

"Seven years now, I think." He stirred the glass. "It didn't start out this way, but I'm happy to be doing this for other people as well."

"A lot of our decisions don't end up how we made them."

Joshua leaned back in his seat, his fingers gripping the top of his glass as his arm hung over the edge.

You shuffled in your seat and cleared your throat. "I don't mean to pry…"

A small smile tugged at his lips and he closed his eyes. "I can assure you that I feel fine," he raised his head, "but if you have something on your mind?"

You shrugged and leaned on your thighs.

Joshua nodded and looked out of the window.

"Can you remember what your life was like before all of this?"

He turned his head back to you, his eyes scanning you curiously.

"Before I moved into that small cabin where you found me, I had a completely different life." Your gaze flicked to him and you saw him swallow. "It starts fading away from me the more time I spend away from it."

He nodded slowly, almost like he was afraid to say something else. He took a huge swig and let the glass rest in his hand.

You moved closer until your fingers brushed the back of his hand. "I have been here for a week, almost two, and I have learned nothing about you other than that you're the boss and you like to drink elderflower liquor late at night on your own." You offered him a small smile. "I know we started on the wrong foot and my behaviour has been hostile towards you, but I promise, I want to know more about you. You brought me here to safety after all."

You nudged him. "And I just learned you're from Blackspire."

Joshua looked away from you and chewed his lip. "I just…" He shook his head. "I don't really like to talk about it. It hasn't been serving me any good since I came here, reminiscing on the past."

"Yet, something has been troubling you about it."

"You're very good at this."

"I have my experience."

He stared ahead of him and rubbed his chin. "I was born in Blackspire, but nothing special. Just a witch disguised as a merchant, traveling around the lands to sell his goods at the markets, which were homegrown vegetables and fruit. The money was scarce, but we had enough for our necessities."

"Was it just you and your parents?" You asked. You watched how he exhaled shakily, followed by a weak shake of his head.

"An older brother."

You offered a weak smile.

"Our powers were different," Joshua continued, but his voice trembled. "I inherited mine from my mother, but my brother… he's just like you. Nature was his biggest source of inner peace, while I went out and about, often landing myself in situations that he would get me out of."

He chuckled softly. "One time, I got myself to the other side of the lands and just by the vibrations of the earth, he managed to locate me and got me back."

You tilted your head. "Is that how you were able to find me so quickly?" You stifled a laugh. "We got back here like time hadn't even passed."

"It barely had." Joshua inhaled sharply. "But I don't like to use it anymore. Not when I don't have to."

"Thank you for using it for me."

"I couldn't put an innocent life on the line." He shrugged and down the last bit of his drink. "I hope you got what you hoped for."

Before you could even utter a word, he got up and snatched his glass from the table. You got up as well, but Joshua left the living quarters without looking back.

His eyes widened in surprise when you stood in his office the following morning. He quickly closed the file on his desk and got up. "Good morning."

You had your arms crossed, trapping him under your gaze.

Joshua stepped away from his desk. "Before you say anything—"

"I'm not here to lash out at you," you interrupted him and leaned against the doorframe. "It was somewhat improper to leave without another word, but you must have your reasons for leaving so urgently that — despite my curious nature — I will not ask for."

Joshua bowed his head. "That is much appreciated, thank you."

"I am here, however," you stepped in, "to talk business."

He waved his hand.

"I can be of value to your cause."

"I'm very sure of that as well, which is why I won't put you right into the crossfire," he explained, the gentleness of his words crawling into your head like a soothing lullaby. "You have to understand that they have eyes and ears everywhere, and they know more about you than they let on. We have to be careful."

You pressed your lips in a tight smile. "Joshua, I am well aware that I'm at risk, but I'm still well in my right to decide to which extent I want my involvement to go and I'm telling you right now," you stepped up to him and looked him right in the eyes, "you're wasting resources by trying to shield me."

Joshua swallowed, his breath catching. "I don't want anything to happen to you while you're under my care."

"I can still care for myself, thank you."

His eyes clouded over, your name rolling off his lips in a way that sent chills down your spine. "I've spent the past seven years trying to dismantle them and you cannot begin to imagine how many people I've watched losing themselves to their message, or who got discovered and never returned. I cannot forgive myself if the same would happen to you."

You stepped closer until there was no distance left. "I will not let my abilities go to waste because you are too scared. I don't care if you send me out into the field or you'll give me something here. You will give me a task to fulfill so the Silver Star will burn. Once and for all."

Joshua stared at you. It was impossible to make out whether he was going to wrap his hands around your throat and squeeze or he was remarkably impressed by your sudden lack of care. One way or the other, the way his eyes burned into you, made you shudder.

He crinkled his nose and stepped back. "Alright, then. You'll work under me."

You deadpanned him. "Seriously?"

"You want to see them burn, I'm giving you the opportunity to do so." He held his hand out, and your eyes locked in a challenge. "Do we have an arrangement?"

You wanted action, you wanted to be in the crossfire. They were looking for you, after all. Why didn't they use you as bait? Or did they send you in, pretending that you had arrived for them? They worshipped you with every breath you took, wouldn't that make you the perfect person to spy on them?

The job Joshua had made up for you on the spot — or he was going to burden you with the stuff he had no time for — was unideal at best, but you feared it wasn't going to get any better than that.

With one simple handshake, your fate had been sealed.

There was a tension in the air when you first worked with him. Neither of you seemed entirely satisfied with the conditions you'd created for yourself; if anything, Joshua wanted you completely shielded from the things they were doing.

He found out that you already knew about the Silver Star's intentions, that you could only define it as a cult — even despite Airu's confirmations that it was, you didn't tell him that — and that the practices inside were dangerous, to say the least.

It was hard to pinpoint what led Joshua to such protective measures, as if he was going to lose you if he let you out of his sight. You had no doubt that it was why he let you work under him, whatever that would entail.

And from the bits and pieces he'd already told you before he shut his mouth completely, you had a feeling that his brother was involved.

Joshua kept himself occupied with decoding messages from the inside. Minsu was not the only one that had infiltrated the organisation. With him were three others that sent back messages, varying from simple daily routines to more details about their top.

At first, you just hung around in his office. Joshua appeared to be unsure of the tasks he wanted to assign, but if he did, he didn't show any desire to act accordingly.

You excused the first day as a day to settle in.

The next morning, Joshua wasn't even in his office. After turning the entire network inside out, you found him in the garden gathering herbs. You marched up to him, but halted in your tracks.

Instead, you left him alone and lend the second day to a sudden grief about his brother. You took the day to think about your parents as well.

From there on, every day that passed would be without excuses. Joshua was back on track, but all you did was watch him do his job. Once again, he seemed unsure — scared, even — of what he could let you do and you knew the words 'rearrange my office' were on his mind.

He knew better than to treat you as his maid.

You helped him decode a couple of messages by writing down its meaning when Joshua was too busy pondering over its meaning, but that was about it.

After a week of enduring your impatience, you still weren't doing anything meaningful.

The air grew thicker until you felt something snap.

"When you told me we had an arrangement, I best hope that didn't entail playing pretend with me," you told him tightly.

Joshua didn't respond, working through the code that he got from Minsu.

Your fingers were burning up when you stretched them. "If you really didn't want me to do anything, you would've fought harder but you didn't."

"We'll discuss this tonight after dinner."

You clenched your fists.

Joshua looked down and his eyes widened.

"What?"

He nodded his head at your hands.

The flames danced when you lifted them. "I…"

"I guess you were right when you said that resources are going to waste." Joshua pointed at you. "You're letting them go to waste, too."

You closed your hands and took a deep breath, the heat around your hands disappearing. "Are we even now?"

Joshua smiled weakly. "I'm not exactly used to working with someone."

"You're just a wuss."

He blinked a couple of times, to which you smiled. He clicked his tongue and stepped aside. "Alright, so Minsu sent a message about the Divine Priestess."

"Divine Priestess?" You asked. "Is that their leader?"

"We think so," Joshua answered as he scribbled the message down. "It has always been unclear what their top looks like, it seems to change every so often, but this is a name that keeps coming back."

"Would it be reasonable to assume that this Divine Priestess is leading everything, and the Royal Family, the Council, they're all a distraction from her?"

His head turned to your way. He narrowed his eyes and straightened his posture. "Elaborate."

"If we were to assume your theory about the King and Queen is correct," you started and pointed at the name, "who is to say that the Council is real? For all we know, the Divine Priestess could be orchestrating everything."

"It's plausible," he said with a hum and scribbled it down. "Thank you for your input. I think we can ask Minsu to find out more about it."

You nudged him. "You do know how to collaborate."

Joshua rolled his eyes playfully and closed his book. "I'll make sure to get the message back to Minsu. He'll be gone tonight."

"I'm going to check on the kids." You patted his shoulder and slipped out of his office towards the wing. You opened the doors and walked right into Airu sitting on a bed.

They looked up and waved at you. As they got up, a girl's voice told them to sit down. Yui popped up from behind them and shot them a glare.

"For a small girl, you have a loud voice."

"Not funny, Ru. I was braiding your hair."

You chuckled and sat down with them. "Yeah, Airu. You should sit still."

Yui shot them a gummy smile. "See? Yin gets me."

They waved her off and Yui continued on their hair. "How's working with Joshua?"

"Better. I cussed him out." You hummed. "What are you doing here?"

"I came to check if Yui wasn't terrorising the other kids."

"Mean," the little girl called from behind them, to which they grinned.

You looked from the oldest to the youngest and suddenly it dawned on you why Yui looked so familiar before.

Airu shrugged. "Sometimes you have to give your siblings some tough love, Yui. You'll understand when you're older."

Yui scoffed playfully, making you chuckle.

They turned to you, but she snapped their head back to the front. "I'm looking out for her, have been since our parents got wrapped up in the cult."

"Gods, Airu. I'm—"

"There's no need to say you're sorry," they interrupted you. "I'm not looking for pity."

You offered a small smile and placed your hands in your lap. "I know you're not. I just wanted you to know that I admire your courage and determination, by being here and making sure your sister is okay."

Airu's frown disappeared. They lowered their eyes and cleared their throat. "I don't see it as anything else than my responsibility."

"Done!" Yui popped into view with a bright smile. "Do you like it?"

They smiled. "I love it, thank you."

She deadpanned her older sibling. "You didn't even look."

"I don't need to. I know I love it."

That brought a smile to Yui's face. She pressed their cheeks together before pressing a big kiss to it. She slid off the bed and ran through the doors to the garden. Through the window, you watched her join the other kids in playing tag.

Airu looked on as well and hummed. "She can barely remember them. I have to keep their memory alive."

"Sometimes that's all we can do," you replied, to which they sighed.

"Ain't that the truth, rookie."

You offered them a warm smile and pulled the younger against you.

The doors opened and Joshua walked in. He halted in his tracks when he saw the two of you and shot you a small smile. "I… Forgot you were here."

"Rookie mistake," Airu told him with a grin. They got up and dusted their pants off. "Well, I'm going to make sure the kids won't kill each other. Some have discovered they can use magic and they are testing the limits."

They shot you a grateful smile and rubbed your shoulder before turning on their heel.

"I'm here for you, actually."

You looked from Airu to Joshua.

Joshua rubbed his neck. "I don't want to put you on the spot here…"

"She can hear it." They crinkled their nose. "What is it?"

"Minsu was able to locate your parents. Alive." He swallowed and offered a small smile. "I hope you have trained for this. It won't be easy."

They nodded and shuffled in their spot. It didn't take more than a second before they ran up to Joshua and flew around his neck.

He melted into the embrace and held them close. When he locked eyes with you, his brows were pushed together.

Your father told you to not climb the tree in your backyard when you were a child. It was dangerous because you would fall out and end up with a broken leg. You climbed the it anyway, wanting to see how high you could reach. To see what the world above had to offer you. Nothing had happened, until a branch broke on your way down and you fell. You landed on your feet and although it stung, your leg was okay.

A couple of weeks later, you woke up screaming in pain. After careful observation from your mother, she concluded that you had a fractured bone from the impact of your landing.

Minsu had tried. He'd tried until he was practically on his knees begging them not to go. He'd narrowly escaped discovery after locating Airu's parents, only the Gods knew what would happen to Airu themself.

Airu was determined — unsurprisingly — and went to the location that they were spotted at, disguised with help of your potion. As the hours passed and dinnertime came around, Minsu had nearly grabbed his bags when they suddenly stood in the living quarters. Their cheeks had been wet with tears, their eyes so bloodshot that you wondered what else they'd been doing.

Even for someone as unfazed as them, the Silver Star had a way of getting under their skin. Their parents had taken them through everything, they'd even forced their hand and made them stay for a ceremony.

You could only think of Daphne when Airu described the scene and with the recent information of the Priestess, you'd taken a mental note to dive into Joshua's notes.

With a bowl of herbs and a portion of good luck from Daphne and Minsu, you stood in front of Airu's quarters that night.

You knocked on the door softly and called out to them.

It took a while before Airu opened the door, their cheeks stained with tears. "I'm fine, thank you."

"I might have something that can help you take your mind off today."

"I love you and I know Joshua will string me on a tight rope for saying this, but I'm not interest in guru practices."

You set a foot in the doorway before they could close it. "I want to help, Airu. You're obviously plagued by today."

Airu observed you from head to toe before swinging the door open. They plopped down on their bed and watched you settle on their floor. "So, what are you going to do? Bless my room?"

You concentrated on your hands, but nothing was coming out. You tightened your muscles until they trembled, but all it produced was a small sparkle.

"Shit," they slid on the floor with you, "you can wield fire?"

"And air, I accidentally slam doors around here all the time." You shook your hands. "I just… I can't do it actively. The fire happened when I was angry at Joshua and hasn't come back since then."

"Emotionally driven magic is dangerous," Airu told you and opened their palm. A small flame danced in their hand. "You need to feel it inside of you to be able to channel it. Let your soul drive the magic, not your emotions."

You swallowed and opened your palm. "What if I set your room on fire?"

"We'll ask Daphne to put it out." They placed their hand on their chest. "Focus on what's in there."

You closed your eyes. Your mind wandered to your old backyard, to the big tree that you used to climb as a child. To the herbs blowing in the wind.

"Cute stone, but think of the other element."

You thought of the fire crackling in the hearth, the hours you spent in front of it watching it dance specially for you, the way you moved your hands and it would move along with you.

Your palm heated up and when you opened your eyes, the stone was replaced by a flame.

Airu's eyes were widened in surprise. "You turned the stone into a flame! Do you know how awesome that looked?"

"I had my eyes closed, so unfortunately not." You held the hand by the herbs until the flame was carried over. Your eyes flicked up at them. "Now it's your turn to close your eyes."

They did as they were told and hummed. "The scent is… nice, actually."

"Lavender, chamomile and passionflower." You crossed your legs and placed your hands in your lap. "You just focus on the herbs, you don't have to tell me about anything that burdens you, but I know from experience that it can help."

"All I can think about was how weird it was to be there with them," they started, their brows knitted together. "They… they just treated me like they would with anyone else but they were so different from how I remembered them."

"How do you remember them?"

"People who fought for their lives for our freedom and existence," they answered. "They thought, by joining the Silver Star, they would see a better life for me and my sister, but for all of the other witches as well. They weren't vulnerable as much as they were blinded."

You saw their fist clench from the corner of your eye. "Are you angry at them?"

"I was barely eighteen." Their eyes open and to you, spitting almost literal fire. "They told us to pack our bags and go with them, but I refused. I knew something sinister was going on, but my parents were already in too deep. They wanted to take Yui with them, but I told them I would burn the house down with us in it if they tried. Yui was merely a year old and I… I couldn't do that to her."

They chuckled bitterly, their eyes glimmered when the light fell on them. "I don't even know why I bother to let them live in Yui's memory. They don't deserve it."

"Why do you want to go in there?"

"So I can convince them to escape, for Yui. I don't care what lengths I have to go to. They have to be saved before they take part in the ceremony."

You offered a weak smile and nodded. "As long as you come back for your sister, you are well in your right to try."

"I will." They nodded and grabbed the bowl from the ground. "Do you mind if I keep them here?"

"Not at all." You got up. "Thank you for trusting me, Airu. I really appreciate it."

"You just make it so easy to do so." They bumped your hip. "Good night, Rookie."

Your father often showed you what his abilities could lead to, and as a child it was the most beautiful thing you'd ever seen. All you could do now was watch, knowing that the trajectory of fate wasn't something to tamper with.

And sometimes, it was better to do nothing after all.

Since you joined Vault Nine, you'd grown fond of the living quarters. So much so that you felt the walls closing in on you if you spent any longer than two hours in your personal quarters.

You were in the kitchen, bowed over a pot. The herbs were boiling in a brown liquid and a bitter scent penetrated your nostrils until you nearly gagged.

Lavender would do the trick, before nobody would drink it at all. You watched it dissolve before you muttered to it. The content of the pot lit up in a bright white before it returned back to its usual state.

You divided it over the empty bottles and dissolved the rest. As you were grinding the calendula, the door opened.

Joshua smiled and stepped in. "I thought I smelled something coming from here."

Your cheeks flushed and you pointed at the pot. "This is the last thing, I promise."

"You can take your time. I'll wait."

Your heart jumped, racing in your chest like it had somewhere to be. You watched how Joshua walked over to you, joining you behind the counter.

"What are you making?"

"Healing potions," you answered and poured the bowl of calendula in the boiling water. "These are for injuries, calming as well as anti inflammatory."

Joshua bowed over the pot, so close that you could smell the strawberry, white flowers and oud on him. Sweet, fresh and captivating, unable to pull away from. His eyes flicked to you and your breath caught, your cheeks flushing even hotter.

"We are lucky to have you here," he said softly, a warm smile tugging at his lips. His hand was on the small of your back as he reached over for a bottle. "Let me take one of those to our spies. One has a fever."

The heat pooled in your stomach as you nodded. "Of course."

His lips brushed against the shell of your ear and you shuddered. "Come to my office after you're done," he whispered. "I need your help."

You watched him peel away from you, clutching the small bottle in his hand. He tugged on his jacket, revealing parts of his bare chest. You swallowed and nodded. "I will be there as soon as I wrap up here."

Joshua nodded and grabbed the door handle. He looked over his shoulder before he left.

You didn't know how fast you needed to get out of there. If you didn't know any better, you would've left the potions for what it was. You were clueless to your sudden desires, but you credited it to your curiosity. He carried himself a kind of way when he came in, an uncharacteristic way that was. It was not more than natural to want to find out what he was up to.

You delivered the potions to the spies, telling them you'd be back to check on them before they went to sleep. Daphne offered you a thankful smile, but you were out of the wing before she could hold you up.

You fixed you corset and brushed the folds of your dress before you walked into his office.

Joshua was hovered over his book, his brows knitted together as he wrote. Strands of black hair fell in front of his face and you imagined yourself tucking them behind his ear, smiling at him when he looked up at you.

He would wrap his arm around your waist, pull you into his lap and his hands…

You cleared your throat, making him look up.

You couldn't help but notice the white blouse instead of the black jacket. You were sure it was a one time thing. Joshua and his jacket were inseperable, apart from his night attire you hadn't seen him in anything else.

He smiled. "Thank you for being here so quickly," he said and waved his hand. "As my right hand, I need your help making sense of these codes."

You tilted your head with a hum, a knot forming in your stomach. "I… Of course."

"Please, take a seat."

You did and he shoved the messages your way. They laid in your hand while your eyes flicked at him. The air had shifted again. That or you had imagined the way he behaved in the kitchen earlier. Nonetheless, something about Joshua had changed from when he found you in your cabin.

No longer was he the mysterious man trying to shield you from a force that you were unaware of, and no longer were you a damsel in distress to him. You wondered if that was how he'd viewed you in the first place, or that was just what you assumed wrong about him.

The ceremony has succeeded and the Divine Priestess has regained her strength.

"Airu has seen one of these up close," you said. "It's like a sacrificing ritual, something that happens willingly, but Daphne described it as something they do when they don't deem you worthy anymore."

Joshua's head came up. "You talked to Daphne about this?"

"She confided in me, yes, after what happened to Vince and the kids." You hummed. "Maybe they gather members they deem as unworthy — or too powerful, or even dangerous, perhaps — and convince them to give their life to the Priestess."

Joshua ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. "It's very upsetting to have to say it, but I think you're right."

"If she actually rules everything, and the Council and royal family are a pretense, she has to have a source of magic to turn to."

Joshua stayed silent, but his eyes flickered in a way you hadn't seen on him before.

"You and I both know that energy drains if you keep using so much magic at once, so if she has to keep looking for resources…"

"It has to run out eventually." Joshua blew his cheeks. "Gods, this is becoming more sinister by the day. I just fail to understand how we couldn't have found out this information before."

"These are unstable times," you said. "They're using it to their advantage and get as many people on their side as they can, especially now that the Blackspirian Crown princess has disappeared and the land will be under attack."

Joshua placed his hand over his heart. "Let us hope they will live to see another day."

You hummed. "We have a week until they attack and I fear their search for me won't stop anytime soon, since they can't find me anywhere."

"They're growing more and more suspicious of our spies," he told you. "They don't say it out loud but we have all the reason to assume that they're linking them up to their inability to find you. Minsu has even reported that they visited your cabin to find you're not there."

You opened your mouth, but Joshua shot you a look. You deadpanned him. "Maybe I can convince them not to attack, you just have to send me out there."

"No." Joshua took the messages back. "We have to find a way to dry out the Priestess' source of power."

"We have to get them out of there, then," you said and grabbed a piece of paper. "The spies are going back tonight. Give them the task to smuggle them out." You got up. "We can ask Daphne for people. I'm sure she knows a couple of names they can convince to come to us, start from there to thin out the organisation from the inside."

When Joshua stayed silent, you looked at him. There was that same twinkle in his eyes you saw in your first days, the smile on his face reaching his eyes.

You cleared your throat as the heat flushed to your cheeks. "My apologies, I got a little carried away."

"I'll get the message out."

Your head snapped up.

"There's a conviction in your words that I've never seen before, at least not when we first met." Joshua reached over and placed his hand on yours. "I believe you have found a new source of power inside of yourself. It makes you shine brighter than before."

"Are you flirting with me?" You teased.

He shrugged, a small grin tugging at his lips. He took the paper back and grabbed his quill. "Let me write the message. Thank you for your help."

You observed him. Any sign would do; flushed cheeks, avoiding eye contact, even a minor twitch of his lips, but it was like you weren't even there anymore.

As you got up, he lifted his head. His eyes scanned every inch of you until there was nothing left to look at anymore. "Where are you going?"

"I'm not of any help here anymore, so I will stock the potions in the children's wing," you announced and brushed the folds of your dress.

Joshua opened his mouth, but closed it. He smiled and nodded. "Let us meet at dinner tonight, then."

Even Daphne had raised her eyebrows when he walked in without his jacket, but she hadn't said anything. Neither would you.

Something hung in the air then, and that something bled into everything you and Joshua did together. Even a simple conversation made your knees buckle, your eyes wandering wherever he went to.

You walked into the children's wing and the eerie silence that fell over the dormitory made your heart drop. There was a loud scream and your head whipped to the window, a burden lifting off your chest.

In the middle of a crowd of children was Joshua. Still wearing his white blouse and a bright smile, still being his usual gentle and friendly self, but something was different once again.

With small steps, you made your way outside and hovered in the doorframe.

"There's only one rule in this game," you heard him tell the children. As soon as the last word rolled off his lips, he was gone.

The children were silent for a while. Heads turned to each other and soft mutters filled the front part of the garden.

A loud whistle silenced them.

You looked around curiously, your eyes landing on a figure tucked between the branches of a tree. Even from far away, you could see the grin on his face. You blinked and he was gone again.

Joshua appeared in front of the children again. "Catch me if you can."

The children erupted into roars as he made a run for it. At least a dozen footsteps bouldered after him, but Joshua disappeared again, popping up at the edge of the vegetable garden.

"We should split up!" Vince yelled. "He can teleport!"

The group broke off into four little clans, all running into a different direction. Vince ran straight towards the vegetables, but Joshua disappeared again.

You walked into the garden and sat on the porch by the window.

He sat on the roof of the playhouse, his legs dangling off the sides.

"That's unfair!" You heard Yui yelling at him. "Some of us are small!" She groaned when he disappeared again and trailed after the older girls.

Joshua popped up in every inch of the garden; between the herbs, in the playhouse, he even teleported himself up the roof. He was in the greenhouse, near the back entrance, everywhere and nowhere at once.

You watched with a smile, warmth spreading through your entire body.

Joshua appeared in the tree again, higher than he was before. He stayed there when all the children were gathered at the bottom. "What are you going to do now?" His voice echoed through the garden.

Yui flew into the air.

You shot up from the bench. You looked up at Joshua, but he just sat there watching. Your eyes scanned every one of the kids until you saw Vince, holding his hand up with his palm out. The higher he raised it, the closer Yui got to Joshua.

Yelps turned into giggles and soon, she sat in Joshua's lap.

Vince lowered his hand with a nod.

Joshua disappeared out of the tree, rejoining the children while Yui held his hand.

"Can we go again?!" Yui shouted and the children cheered.

He chuckled. "Let's do it another time, before my energy runs out. I need to get back to work anyway."

"Or are you going to Yin?" She batted her eyelashes at him with a sweet smile.

Joshua tapped her nose with a smile. "Yin is probably busy. She's taking very good care of all of us and that takes a lot of time."

"You should take care of her." She nodded determinedly.

"I will, dear." He stroked her hair and excused himself.

The children resumed to their playtime while Joshua came your way.

You waited for him, arms crossed and grinning. "You hear that? You should take care of me."

Joshua shot up, his cheeks flushing a shade as red as your dress. "Were you watching the whole time?"

"I'm happy to see you had fun with them." You bumped his hip before following him inside. "They have the power to let us be carefree again, don't they?"

"Yeah," he offered you a smile, "they do."

You halted him and placed your hand on his arm. "I was serious."

Joshua tilted his head.

"I am happy to see you like this. Less…"

"Stuck up?"

"Guarded."

He swallowed and dragged his foot back and forth.

You squeezed his arm lightly and smiled. "When I came here, I didn't know what to expect and to be surrounded by such… love, and care, it's the greatest gift of all. I have you to thank for that."

He wrapped his arms around you and you melted into his chest. And slowly, the pieces started to fall into place for you and him.

The network had been overridden by fear when one of the spies came back barely clinging onto their life. There was no doubt in your mind that the Silver Star was catching on and it could only mean how dangerously close to the truth you were getting.

You and Daphne spent the entire night doing everything you could to save her. She would be out for a couple of days, but she was alive. It was Minsu's example to Airu what could happen to them, but he proved himself incapable of changing his mind. Vault Nine had never been so close to the dismantling of the Silver Star, they made sure to leave their mark.

Daphne stayed with Minsu for the rest of the night, while you visited the children. The news had reached them as well and one of the members struggled to keep them calm. He sent you and Joshua on your way.

Yui clung onto you immediately alongside three other children.

Your heart shattered, but you kept yourself together for them. You kneeled down in front of them. "She will be okay. Daphne and I have taken good care of her, but she will need rest."

"We're scared…" Yui whispered. A tear rolled down her cheek. "Will they get us, too…?"

"We will protect you with everything we have," you told her. "And if they will get here anyway, you will hide like we talked about yes? Daphne will come and get you when it's safe."

You got up and brushed your dress off. "Alright, who wants to hear a fun story?"

The kids strolled your way, their eyes peeking at you curiously. They sat down in a half circle. Yui was at the front, holding one of the girls' hands.

"Once upon a time, there was a witch," you started and waved your hand.

The children gasped.

You looked next to you and a small figure had formed right where you hand was, shining a bright blue. Your eyes darted to Joshua, who was at the back of the room.

"She lived in a cabin near the woods, with a big tree in her backyard that she loved to climb." You waved your hand carefully and the figure was replaced by a tree, where she was hanging from one of the branches.

The children giggled.

"She had powers of the earth, and over the years she learned that she could do more than that," you continued. "She had the gift of healing. Healing wounds, healing plants, and healing people."

You glanced at Joshua, but looked away again. "But people were scared of her, scared of the things she could do, so she hid."

You created another figure, making the two meet with a wave of your hand. "One day, she met another witch, who saw more in her than she ever did. He made her see that she'd always been destined for more, to do and be more. She was surrounded by people like her, who made her feel pride instead of shame."

The figures disappeared and you closed your eyes. You thought of the crackling hearth, of the warm breeze, of the rain tapping against the window and the tree in your backyard. When you opened your eyes, the elements danced in your hand. When you looked at Joshua again, you smiled.

"She realised that she always had it in her."

The dread settled deeper into your bones with every second that passed. The urgency that Daphne rushed into your quarters with, the fear that flickered behind her eyes, you hadn't been able to shake it.

You had watched how she fell into Minsu's arms, who held onto her like she would disappear as well. They'd looked at you with such desperation and hope that all of your worries had disappeared in an instant. You couldn't afford yourself to crumble, not when they were already doing so.

Joshua showed little, if anything at all. His eyes flicked to you and he nodded. The words that left his mouth were as much a plea as they were an order. Four simple words that snapped you right back into focus.

'Do everything you can'.

You closed your eyes and hovered your hands above their body. They burned the closer you came to their abdomen and you swallowed. You placed your hands on their lower belly and beams of white seeped into their skin.

A faint breath of relief rolled off their lips.

When you felt again, your hands still burned. Their chest rose and fell in such weak motions that every one could be the last, every muscle in their body gradually relaxing.

You straightened up and it didn't take more than a simple look for them to understand.

Daphne collapsed to the floor in loud sobs.

Your eyes flicked to Minsu, who had one fist balled while his other hand stroked Daphne's hair. He gazed at you before looking at them. He peeled away from the older woman and walked up to the table.

You placed a hand on his chest and looked up at him.

Minsu scoffed and pushed your hand away, holding his own above the body.

"Think about what you're going to do now," you told him. When he didn't respond, you bowed your head. "Who is going to take their place? You?"

"If that brings them back, yes."

"You know it's not what—"

"You don't know what Airu would've wanted!" Minsu yelled. His eyes glimmered as his lip quivered. "How could you have known?! You've been here the shortest out of all of us and suddenly you know everything?!"

Joshua stepped forward, but you shook your head.

When you looked at the necromancer, his hands were glowing. "You know the rules, Minsu. The balance of nature is not something to tamper with."

"It'll find a way to repay me," he said tightly and closed his eyes.

"Airu never had plans to come back."

You snapped in Daphne's direction.

She wiped her tears and sniffled, scrambling up from the ground. She trailed over to Minsu, fresh tears rolling down her cheeks. "Airu never wanted to come back from this, you know that as well as I do. If they couldn't get their parents back, they would die trying."

Soft sobs escaped Minsu's lips. "I can't leave Yui all on her own… Airu needs to come back… For her…"

Daphne wrapped her arms around him and placed her head against his arm. "Bringing them back would only result in worse, dear… Leave them be…"

Minsu's pleading eyes locked with yours.

You offered him a weak smile and shook your head.

He ripped himself out of Daphne's arms and stormed out of the room. When she wanted to go after him, Joshua stopped her.

"Let's get the news to Yui before she hears it from someone else."

Daphne nodded and shot you a small smile before leaving the room.

You looked at Airu and crossed your arms over your body. "I didn't have the heart to tell them that there was nothing I could do apart from easing the pain."

Joshua slid a hand on your shoulder. "In that moment, it was everything."

You turned around and nuzzled your head in his chest, letting yourself be engulfed by him.

His fingers brushed through your hair. "Minsu tried to change their mind on many occasions, you know," he told you. "We all knew this day was coming, and inevitably, I think Yui knew this as well. She's a smart girl, and we will all take good care of her."

Your eyes welled with tears. "Gods, this is not how I wanted to spend my day."

"I think that makes all of us." He lifted your chin and cupped your cheeks. "Thank you, truly. Even if it was just to ease the suffering, I know that Airu would've appreciated your efforts."

You looked at Airu again. "We should fare them a proper goodbye."

"Airu wanted us to celebrate them."

"Then that's what we'll do." You peeled away from Joshua and walked up to their body. "We can bury them, but as a Fire witch, I can imagine that they would prefer to leave this land the traditional way."

Joshua pushed his brows together, to which you smiled.

"You'll see tonight."

In the garden, the network had gathered around a wooden construction you made with some of the kids, Airu on top of it. You stood in front, Joshua next to you with Yui holding his hand. The kids sat at the front, the adults standing behind them watching in an odd mixture of curiosity and grief. Only in the eyes of other Fire witches, you saw the recognition and most of all, appreciation.

"Thank you everyone for gathering here on such short notice," Joshua started. "This is not the occasion we would like to meet under usually. And in all honesty, it's still so early to truly grasp what has happened for all of us, I can imagine."

He glanced at you before his eyes flicked to the rest of the group. "I still want to take a moment with all of you to say goodbye to Airu." He looked down at Yui and smiled at her. "Would you like to tell us anything fun about your big sibling?"

Yui nodded. She let go of Joshua's hand and took a small step forward. "Airu is very funny," she started. It didn't take more than hearing her small voice for some to break out into tears. "Sometimes they think they're the funniest person on Earth, but I don't think that's true."

You chuckled weakly, along with the crowd.

"They visit every day and play with us. Sometimes, they stay so long that Minsu has to come get them because they forgot to work." Yui looked up at Joshua, who nodded at her. "Airu is also very sweet, and they do everything to protect me. And they make delicious cookies!"

He ruffled her hair. "Good job, dear." His eyes locked with yours and he nodded, taking Yui to the side with him.

You looked around the crowd. "The sight of what's behind me is probably a bit confusing to most of you," you said. "I didn't know Airu as you did, but I could see how proud they were of their heritage, of their powers and of their identity. When I just came here, I remember how Minsu told me that it would make sense and he was right."

Your eyes flicked to Minsu, who stared at the ground. "Airu embodied what being a Fire witch is all about: passion, adventure and determination. Albeit a bit stubborn, as well."

The crowd murmured and chuckled softly, followed by a choir of sniffles.

"And I've been here only a short time, but long enough to recognise how beloved they were in this network, and how great the impact of their passing will be on all of us."

You glanced at Joshua holding Yui in his arms.

He offered you a nod.

"To honour their memory and their legacy, we're going to do something that is traditional in the community of Fire witches." You locked eyes with some of them and smiled. "It would be my greatest pleasure if they could join me in doing this, for Airu."

Three came forward, one of which you recognised as one of the spies.

She nodded at you and stood in front of the altar.

You stepped aside with a smile, but they beckoned you. You laced your fingers together and stood in a half circle around the wooden altar. You closed your eyes and chanted along with them, the sensation burning in your chest as you watched the altar go up in flames.

The crowd was completely silent, watching the fire engulf Airu. The fire burned for the rest of the night as you lifted everyone's spirits by music, dancing and keeping the passion of Airu's legacy alive. And amidst all the celebration that they would've wanted, two new people had found their way to you by following the flames, as if the community had felt the loss of one of their own.

And when you finally had a chance to greet them, the resemblance had been uncanny.

You hadn't seen Minsu in such a frantic state before, not the way he was when the new people showed up. He had been yelling at Joshua all morning and you heard it all the way from the garden, where you were gathering the ash.

You put everything in an urn that you'd made.

"Thank you."

You jumped up, clutching your chest with a chuckle. "Gods, you scared me." Your face fell upon seeing the two people and you cleared your throat. "My sincere condolences for your loss once again. This must have been a strange sight to walk into."

"We held hope that they would've held out," the woman spoke. Her eyes were sunken in the back of their head, hair tied into a bun that nearly fell apart. Her body loosely hugged by a white dress with silver embroidery. Her breath was shaky when she exhaled. "Goddess, what have we done…?"

Her husband placed a hand on her shoulder as he looked at you. "We cannot do anything to erase or change the past, but we can redeem ourselves at Her mercy by doing what's right."

Your stomach turned upside down.

He held his hand out to the urn, but you held it against your chest. He smiled weakly. "I understand. Our redemption has yet to come."

You watched as they left the garden, the woman's cries fading into the hallway.

You made a mental note to speak to Joshua when you had the chance.

After a week, there was no news of the attack.

Minsu had gone back inside the Silver Star and you soon discovered that — once again — they found themselves in troubled waters with the Divine Priestess.

"That makes the time to strike right now," you said to Joshua. "She's weak. We can take her."

Joshua arched his eyebrow. "And who is 'we' exactly?"

"Me, anyone who wants to join. Who else?"

"I've told you before—"

You waved your hand. "I won't hear it anymore. I've waited long enough in hopes you would change your mind, but we can't just sit here and wait, Joshua. Sending Airu back barely clinging onto life was a message, and there's no doubt in my mind that their parents are our next."

Joshua run a hand through his hair and clenched his jaw.

You hated the way the heat pooled in your stomach.

"I have spoken with them on many occasions," he said gently, "they seem distraught, and most of all, lost. That's what we're here for."

"Then you know that they keep clinging onto their beliefs a little too hard. They're looking for redemption now, at my hands."

He shook his head quickly. "We're drifting away from our point, and mine stands."

"Mine, too." You turned on your heel. "I will leave tonight, and we will end this once and for all."

Before you were out of the office, Joshua's hand wrapped around your wrist. "I will not hear your pleas anymore. You have waited long enough now and we can't afford to wait any longer."

"I can't let you go so easily, not anymore."

Your breath caught, but you avoided his lingering gaze. "You have to," you whispered.

Joshua tightened his grip. "It would destroy me if something would happen to you. Their hold on everyone is so strong and I would never forgive myself if you suffered the same fate." He chuckled. "Gods… in all honesty? I don't know what I would do without you here, or who I would be. Change is already around us, and it's because of you."

He let go of your wrist, his hand moving to caress your cheek. "I have laid awake many nights, but since you have joined our forces I can't remember the last time that my mind was plagued with every little mistake I have made in my life. It's like you reside there, cradling me to sleep without a worry in my mind. Everything is you, and frankly, you are everything."

You felt yourself sinking when you looked up, the world that resided in his eyes swallowing you whole. There were no words that would ever describe the way you pressed your lips to his, ratio making way for desire and desperation. You had never realised the gravity of your statement until you melted into Joshua's touch the way you were meant to.

You clutched onto his white blouse, gripping it so tightly that your knuckles turned the same colour. As if he could come any closer, you pressed yourself against him. His hands traveled over your bare shoulders, brushing your hair to the side, leaving a trail of heat against the cold air.

He pulled away from you and kissed your neck instead, tongue swirling against your pulse. Your fingers laced in his hair and you tugged it softly, electricity shooting all the way to your core.

You lifted his chin and kissed him until your lips bruised. You felt your feet lift, light as a feather, as if the ground beneath your feet disappeared. You held onto his collar as you looked around.

Everything floated in the air, including you.

Joshua's chest rose and fell heavily as his eyes widened. "I…" He set you back on the ground and sat in his chair, pulling you on top of him.

"Let's hope I don't bury us underground," you said and kissed him again. You straddled his lap, your heart spiking when he moaned in your ear.

His fingers tugged at the cord of your corset until it came loose. His blouse followed and your nails trailed his bare chest, his muscles tensing underneath your touch. His hand traveled downwards while the other rested on your back, all the way up your inner thigh.

You lifted your hips, your eyes locked with his. His fingers slid inside of you, his thumb rubbing your clit. A wave of pleasure crashed over as you lowered on his fingers, your grip on his shoulders tightening. Your lips parted in a soft moan when you moved up and down.

"Fuck, you look so good like this," he said breathless. His lips found your neck again and your skin caught on fire.

The knot in your stomach tightened, making you throw your head back.

"Do I make you feel good?"

You responded with a moan, your climax crashing over you like a tidal wave. Your legs trembled when he pulled his fingers out.

"And that was just my fingers," he whispered against your lips. "I imagine what a mess you'll be after my cock and I get off on it."

You tugged on his pants, to which he chuckled.

"Eager?"

"Impatient," you shot back.

Joshua lifted his hips. His cock sprung free and the tip already leaked. He brought his hand down, but you pushed it away.

You stroke the length, twitching under your touch while you trapped him under your gaze. "You didn't need much to get so hard like this."

His breath caught, but he composed himself. The flicker in his eyes was desperate, nonetheless. "It was enough to see riding my fingers until you came."

You let the tip tease your entrance and bit your lip. "And that just your fingers," you whispered and sank onto his cock, feeling your core flutter.

Joshua's hands gripped your hips in a last attempt to keep himself composed. His hair stuck to his forehead, his chest rose and fell in heavy motions and his eyes pierced through you. He closed them when you brushed your hands through his hair.

You moved your hips up and down in a fatal rhythm, skins clashing against each other and your moans increasingly louder and needier. The deeper you felt him inside of you, the deeper you drowned in him.

When your lips connected in a last kiss, everything else around you died out. Your orgasm thundered over you until you saw stars. A broken moan escaped both of your lips and you crashed into his chest.

Joshua caressed your back and gently lifted your hips. Your thighs squeezed together when he pulled out, the heat pooling in your stomach. Your feet hit the floor, silky smooth under your touch. You looked down and tilted your head.

You plucked a flower from the ground and watched it fade in your hand. The rest of flowers disappeared like they had never even existed at all. When you looked at Joshua, your cheeks flushed. "Oops."

"Good to know that this happens."

"For future reference."

He chuckled and tucked a lock behind your ear.

You looked at him while he did. "Joshua, I—"

There was a knock on the office door.

Joshua hummed. He reached to the side and stretched his arm for his blouse. "Give us one moment," he called out and hoisted his arms through the sleeves.

You came off his lap and fixed your dress, tightening your corset around your waist.

He pressed a kiss to your lips and opened his book, his hand resting on the small of your back as he hovered over it.

You followed his example and kept your eyes on the letters dancing in your sight.

"I'm sorry to interrupt," you heard Minsu. Your cheeks flushed.

"What can I do for you?"

"We have to strike now if we want to stop them, Joshua." The pleading in his words struck a chord with you, making you look up. He held a letter in his hand. "I was able to intercept this message from the Council to the government of Qorath. They're going to launch an attack before dawn tomorrow."

You clenched your jaw and looked at Joshua, dread seeping into your bones.

He kept his eyes straight ahead, rubbing his chin absentmindedly.

"Joshua."

His eyes darted to Minsu.

"Now is our chance," he said urgently. "We have to do something."

"We don't have the forces."

You balled your fists, the crackling fire pulsing in your ears.

"Then I will gather them," Minsu told him determinedly. "Our window of opportunity is slim, and taking them by surprise is no option anymore."

Joshua shook his head. "I can't let you do this, Minsu."

"Then close your eyes and ears, because I will not let Airu's passing be in vain." Minsu turned on his heel and a blue light reflected in his face. He halted in his tracks and turned back, but his eyes were on you, blown wide open.

You gazed at him, the fire burning your hands.

"On the day that fire burns blue, The One brings forth everything true," Minsu muttered. His face hardened and he pointed at you. "You are going to destroy the Silver Star. It was prophesised and I'm not one to shy away from fulfilling prophecies."

Joshua grabbed your wrist when you wanted to walk out. He didn't say anything for a while, taking you in like you were the only thing in the world. He kissed your lips delicately and cupped your cheeks. "When you're done with them, search for a man with a golden ring around his neck," he whispered to you. "Tell him his little brother said hi."

The castle was on a suffocatingly high mountain, untouchable above the rest of the city.

From the large window, you looked out over Argentum in all its perfect glory. You refrained yourself from biting your nail, keeping up the appearance that you held yourself together while your heart was about to explode out of your chest. You were completely in white, a flowy dress that reached the floor.

Minsu was by your side, wearing a white cloak with silver embroidery. He held his head high, but his finger tapped against his palm in an unsteady rhythm. When the door opened, he whispered to play along and bowed.

You remained standing, staring right in the eyes of five similarly dressed witches. They all halted in their tracks.

"Council," Minsu greeted them stoically. "I have found her at last."

You looked from one to the other, but nothing seemed to indicate what you had learned before. They looked normal, sounded normal, there was no sign that anything was fabricated, or rehearsed in the slightest.

When you looked at the witch at the very end, his eye twitched. You turned your attention to him and took a step forward. "Good evening."

He immediately bowed.

You turned back around. "I was disturbed for this. Whatever do you need me for, if all people can do is bow at me?"

"Our apologies, Your Divinity," the tallest man said quickly. "We have prayed for your arrival for months, and as you can see we did our best to make your welcome unforgettable."

You lifted your nose in the air and waved your hands. The council came in motion and you followed them through the castle. You passed the Royal Chambers, but they were empty. They showed you the gathering spot for members, where they prayed and made offers to you.

You stomach turned when a statue of your own face stared back at you. They introduced you to members, who fell at your feet like you were their salvation.

When you looked over your shoulder at Minsu, he gave you a small nod.

"I have seen enough," you declared and brushed the folds of your dress. "Bring me back to the meeting room."

The Council formed a shield around you as you made your way back to the south end of the castle. The smaller of the men trailed next to you.

His eye twitched again.

You trapped him against the wall, the vines circling around his arms and neck. As the plants squeezed, he didn't move a muscle, dissolving into thin air.

When you looked behind you, the rest had disappeared as well.

"It can't be long until the Divine Priestess expects us," Minsu told you and grabbed your hand. He ran to the cellars and knocked a rhythm on the door.

From the other side, Daphne appeared.

You wrapped your arms around her neck and she returned the favour. "I'm happy to have you by my side."

"I can't pass up the opportunity to watch this place burn," she spoke and smiled at you. "And your water magic still sucks."

You bumped her hip and followed the two through the dark hallways. As your eyes adjusted, you saw Minsu reaching in his pockets. Something shimmered against the faint light in the distance, followed by a rattling sound. A door opened and Minsu hurried you in. He closed it behind him and pushed you through the hallways until you ended up in front of a big door.

All three of you looked at it.

"This is it, then," Daphne said, her hand squeezing yours. She looked at you with a small smile. "We're right behind you, okay? Nothing can happen to you."

Your heart pulsed in your ears. This was the moment you'd been longing for since you came, but your feet were unable to move. You weren't sure whether the adrenaline that pumped through your veins was excitement or fear, maybe a disastrous mixture of both. You were waiting for the moment that somebody suggested to turn back and leave all of this behind.

You remembered the way Airu laid on that table, how you watched their body go up in flames merely a week before. You remembered Minsu coming apart at the seams, the way he nearly sacrificed himself so that Airu could come back.

There was a burning sensation behind your ribcage when you thought of all the children that were in their dormitory, anxiously awaiting the moment that the Silver Star would dismantle your operation instead. The fear in their eyes as you came to comfort them, until there was no story left to tell them anymore.

You thought of Joshua's endless efforts, of the way he was scared to see anyone go in and not return, just like his brother had done. His brother, if he was even alive at that point.

You stretched your fingers and rolled your shoulders back. You observed the door one more time before you waved your hands. It exploded out of its lock, falling forward with a loud bang.

High upon a throne, tucked near the back of the room, was a figure. A white dress fell over the throne almost ethereally, a big star dangling in the setting sun. It got up at your entrance, long and slender. The swaying of her hips with every step, her bare feet clashing against the stone stairs, you had trouble to look away.

She stopped right in front of you and lifted your chin. Her cheeks were sharp, a pair of doe eyes trapping you where you were standing. Her slender fingers traced your cheeks as a smile decorated her soft face.

She stepped back and bowed until her head nearly touched the floor. "I have prayed for your arrival since the day it was prophesised," she spoke. Her words held a beat of excitement to them that made your stomach turn. "All the sacrifices I have made were all in your name, and now you are standing before me and I can't help but feel I haven't done enough."

You looked down at her and lifted your index and middle finger simultaneously.

The woman rose to her feet, but kept her head bowed.

"Have you ruled this community in my name?" You asked.

She nodded. "With so much love and gratitude."

You nodded and observed her one more time. You stepped back and waved your hand.

Daphne waved her arms and the particles in the air formed a big ball of water around the Divine Priestess. She pushed her hands forward and the water hardened up into ice, trapping her there.

The Priestess chuckled bitterly. "And that after everything I've done for you, sweetheart. I have built an Empire in your name, a solace for all of the witches that are scrutinised, and made out to be vile, and cruel when they're not. Are you really going to let them all down?"

"I am part of a haven as well, and we certainly do not feel as if we should take over an entire continent to prove we are worthy of existing." You walked up to the woman. "And maybe you shouldn't rely so much on prophecies the next time," you whispered to her. "You will be blinded by your own mind."

Amidst the ice, something red started glowing, but the more Daphne pushed back the fainter it became.

"We killed the Council." You shrugged. "We have counted on your weakening powers so the job is much easier for us." Behind you, the vines started to crawl up the block of ice. "Silver Star is going down once and for all."

"I can't hold her much longer," Daphne said to you. When you looked behind you, the blue glow around her hands was fading. "Be ready, sweetheart. It's going to be messy."

You shot Minsu a look. "Take her out of here and save as many people as you can. I'll handle this."

The ice fell down in big waves, nearly sweeping you off your feet. The Priestess took that opportunity to send a flame your way, but you thought of being taken away by the breezes of the wind, floating on the clouds and you flew in the air.

The Priestess followed you and used her fire to create a whip, but you countered with a rock shield, pushing it her way. She was too late to dodge it and clattered back to the ground. A sharp pain shot through your ankle when you landed, but you scrambled up before she did. You wiped a stream of blood from your nose and rolled your shoulders back.

"I've waited for this moment," you limped up to her, "since I was recruited. And still, I feel somewhat merciful despite everything you've done."

She spit some blood on the ground and got up slowly. "Maybe that is the wrong feeling going into this fight." She trapped you the same way Daphne had done to her before. "I have built all of this for you, so you could lead us to greatness and now look at you, corrupted by the wrong side."

You wriggled back and forth, but it only tightened around you. You clenched your fists as you glared at her. "You have never done this for me. There is no doubt in my mind that you hated the prophecy and did everything to delay my arrival. You've never searched for me until you had to, before you would lose your own followers over the promises you made for them."

"You have quite the mouth for someone who has hidden away for so long." The Divine Priestess walked up to you. "Just like the rest of them, you are a nobody. It is why your parents told you to leave and why the village never liked you. You are something they're scared of, such unexplained powers you possess."

Images of the blue hearth flashed, a burning sensation around your hands that was unbearable. You tried to wriggle yourself out one last time, but to no avail.

"You should've stayed in that cabin, where you were safe. And alone. All of this… mingling, has done you nobody any good."

The ice around you evaporated. A sea of blue flames shot from your hands until they engulfed the entire room. Everything around you went up in flames and the screams of the Priestess echoed through every cell of your body. The last thing you remembered was seeing her burning body clattering to the ground before the world around you went black.

A sharp pain shot through your head when you sat up. The mattress formed a dent where your body laid, and the faint scent of lemongrass entered your nose. You got up from your bed and tiptoed out of the room. You stood by the door of the garden, and through the window you could see how your herbs had turned brown. Your vegetables had rotten or been completely eaten away by whatever animal had found them.

You turned on your heel and walked to the living room. The crackling fire made your heart drop and you held your hands in front of you, taking careful steps forwards. Your head pounded and spun all at once, turning your stomach upside down.

In the kitchen was a man, his back turned towards you. His hair was gray at the roots and thinning out at the back, his stump posture covered by a brown jacket and similar pants. He turned around and a pair of deeply brown eyes twinkled in the late afternoon sun.

Your eyes welled with tears as you ran up to him. You fell into his embrace. "Papa…"

"My sweet bug," he muttered in your hair and pressed a kiss to it. "We are so relieved to see you are awake. When we got your letter, we were so worried. We came to your cabin immediately, to find you were not there."

"I'm so sorry," you sobbed. "I'm so, so sorry."

"You saved our community, my darling. I would never ask you to apologise for any of that." He lifted your chin and smiled. "I heard you took after your mother after all."

When you opened your mouth, the door to your cabin opened as well.

Your mother dropped the basket and ran up to you, muttering your name as she cried in your arms. "Oh, my sweet child. I'm so happy to see you."

You eased into her tight embrace and laid your head on her shoulder. Your eyes flicked to the last person, lingering in the doorframe.

Joshua offered you a smile and closed the door behind him.

"We tried to take care of your home as much as we could, but as you can see…" Your mother's eyes wandered to your garden, making you chuckle.

"You never had green fingers, it's forgiven."

She smiled at you and wiped your tears away, pressing a long kiss to your forehead. "I am so proud of you, bug. Our people can live to see another day."

You looked at Joshua. "What about the people inside?"

"Most of them got out," he answered. "The most loyal ones died in the fire alongside the Priestess. The castle went up in flames."

You nodded and stepped away from your mother.

"Let us tend to your garden," your father took the basket from her with a smile, "we'll be there if you need us."

You watched how they walked into the garden and the warmth spread through your chest. When you looked at Joshua, the feeling died out. "I'm sorry I couldn't get to your brother in time."

"You have done everything you could to stop the Priestess," he told you and cupped your cheeks. "We were lucky to pull you from the flames. Daphne nearly killed me over going in, but it was worth it."

Your eyes flicked to his arms. The skin was raw, burning a hot pink. "Joshua—"

"I may not have found my brother, but I couldn't sit and watch you go as well." He offered you a small smile. "I love you. I love you so much that I couldn't bear the thought of doing nothing. Even if it was a mere attempt, I could learn to live with myself."

"I love you, too," you whispered through your tears. You chuckled and your voice got louder. "Gods, Joshua, I love you in spite all of the chaos and suffering we have been through since we met. I don't know if I can ever love someone else."

"I hope you won't," were the words that Joshua kissed you with. His lips moved against yours deeply passionate, but tender all the same. He held you like you would shatter completely, but his grip was firm like he didn't want you to leave.

You held onto his blouse and let yourself drown in him.

"We all sought shelter over the lands," Joshua muttered against your lips. "I hope I can stay with you because your mother already gave her blessing."

"Let me sleep on that."

He smiled and gave you a last kiss before peeling away. "The kids are safe with other members. Minsu has taken Yui with him and once everything has settled down, we will reunite to celebrate."

You placed your hands on his shoulders and rubbed them. "For now, we can lead normal lives again."

"I can't wait." Joshua smiled and tucked a lock behind your ear. "How do I do that, again?"

You chuckled and slapped his chest. "First, you make yourself likable for my parents so you'll be a part of the family. Otherwise I have no choice but to kick you out of there."

"I'm already eligible to marry you in your mother's eyes. I think I have nothing to worry about." Joshua squeezed your shoulders. "Let's join them in the garden. The weather is nice outside."

You were happy to be a family again, but the greatest joy was giving Joshua one to be a part of. And you hoped that, now you lived to see another day, he would find his own one back.

🏷️: @livmarauder ; @huiimoon ; @mochisdayone ; @frayaatiny

STUPIDITY KNOWS NO BOUNDS

You swear your boyfriends are stupid. You've always known that when boys get together, their intellect goes down by quite a bit but witnessing it in action… is a whole other story.

Minghao and Hansol came as a pair. It was rare to find one without the other and in the underground racing world, they were known as the deadliest and fastest duo there ever was. Sure, they were different in many ways — their unique styles in fashion being one of them — but if there was one thing that the both of them loved and shared, it was the thrill of the game. Hence, it wasn't that surprising when rumours started spreading that they also shared something — or someone — else.

Minghao's been on the tense side recently, having made a few minor mistakes in an underground race that he partook in a few days ago. To anyone else, it would've been fine but you know your boyfriend and Minghao is a perfectionist, through and through. He still won the race but you knew that those mistakes were tugging at the back of his mind every time he spaced out when he was home. Hence, he needed an outlet, which so happened to be you.

He mentioned this to you before during one of your solo dates, but your presence has a way of making everything calm. You just have a way to make everything feel easy and his mind that normally races with a hundred and one things, just quietens when he's in your comfort.

However, Minghao wasn't the only one feeling off this week.

Hansol is normally really easygoing. In the time that you've spent dating the two of them, you realized that nothing really phases him and he always thinks with his head, not his heart. However, you know that he's been having trouble with his cars and he's had a few shitty days of bad races on the other side of town. Hence, he needed your comfort just as bad as Minghao did.

This lead to the two of them almost fighting for your time. Normally, you thrive a little on it, loving the effect that you have on them but as the tension kept building over time, you knew that it would eventually overflow if they didn't talk about it.

And overflow it did.

It was a small glare here and there, the atmosphere being a little tense in the room if you weren't there but then it started to get a little more intense when they started to talk to each other with clipped tones over a tiny mistake or two.

You were worried but you knew that they won't get physical with each other because no matter how angry or upset they were with the other, they both were aware and rational enough to know that violence was never the answer.

Racing on the other hand… was a free game.

Which leads you to this moment where you are sat next to your childhood best friend, Joshua who also owns part of the underground street racing scene.

"This is so stupid." You mutter under your breath. Joshua gives you a side glance before smirking as he leans back in his chair.

"The racing or the fight?"

"Both." You scoff, rolling your eyes as you cross your arms, your eyes fixed on the monitor that has a multi-camera view for you to see the route plus a tracker on both cars to see who finishes first.

Joshua fixes you with a familiar intrigued and mischievous look. "And here I was, under the impression that they agreed to not race on the same track after what happened two years ago."

You grimace, remembering the reason for that decision. It involved you as well but it was more of a rational decision than an emotional one, a just in case if you will. It was a particularly bad and memorable race for the both of them. You remember waiting in the stands, your anxiety through the roof as the cars revved their engines to start. There were six racers that day, your boyfriends occupying two out of six of the slots. It had started raining while they were waiting for the race to start and although that normally makes the race more interesting as winning is more dependent on the driver than the car, you had a bad feeling in your gut.

Minghao and Hansol had assured you that they would be fine, the two of them giving you a kiss before sliding into their respective cars but, you still felt uneasy. You watched with Joshua from the main room (being both their race engineers) as they sped away, the ache in your chest getting more tense as they went sped down the narrow and wet roads.

It was during the second lap where you noticed something wrong with Hansol's car, causing your heart to drop further in your stomach as you radioed it in. Due to the rain though, the connection was particularly bad which meant that Hansol had trouble hearing you and by the time he connected what you were trying to tell him, it was too late.

His brakes stopped working and his car skidded straight into one of the barriers that was setup, knocking him unconscious. As if it couldn't be worse, you weren't able to convey the information to Minghao, causing the man to crash into the other side of the barrier a few meters away, just to avoid crashing into Hansol.

You felt your heart break as you immediately collapsed into Joshua's arms when you witnessed the crash from the screen in-front of you as you broke into a fit of sobs. Minghao made it out with a minor concussion and a few scratches, having already been prepared for the worst of it but Hansol on the other hand, was unconscious for a day in the hospital.

You refused to leave his side, no matter how much Joshua and Minghao tried to convince you, as you blamed yourself for this happening. If you had just pushed a little harder, convinced them a little harder about the bad feeling in your chest, maybe this wouldn't have happened.

Thankfully, you woke up the next morning with Hansol's arms wrapped around you, accompanied by his soft snores in his hospital bed. You cried tears of relief that woke him up, blinking blurrily at you before he gently comforted you, assuring you that it wasn't your fault.

When Minghao came in a few minutes later, having gone to get the three of you breakfast and saw you in that state, it only took a shared glance between your boyfriends for them to come to the consensus that the they weren't allowed to participate in the same race anymore. One of them always being by your side just in case the worst happened.

However, you guessed that rule went out the window the second they started yelling at each other in a quick fit of anger after you stepped out to do some grocery shopping for the two of them, only settling it when one of them suggested to race.

"I guess men's intellect and common sense really take a toll when they're together." You deadpan, letting out a frustrated sigh.

Joshua feigns hurt. "Hey!" He pouts. "You can't stereotype all men like that."

"I can when you and Jeonghan display the same exact energy when you guys are together."

"Aww and here I was thinking that I was your favourite, sweetheart." You resist the urge to roll your eyes as you glance behind you, seeing Jeonghan walking into the control room, dressed comfortably in a plain white tee with a bomber jacket, jeans and a beanie.

"I'm pretty sure Hao and Non will physically beat you up for even suggesting that, Hannie."

The older man sends you a smirk. "They don't have to know, sweetheart."

"You're dreaming if you think you're her first choice after us, Hyung." Minghao says, his voice crackling as it came through the control room speakers. "I also advise that you tone down on the 'sweetheart' calling, she's known as 'Rookie' and only 'Rookie' to you."

Jeonghan's mouth twitches as clicks his tongue. "Point noted, geez. Don't need to put your claws out." He teases, his hands raising in mock surrender even though Minghao couldn't see him. "Such possessiveness."

You roll your eyes before dishing out the headsets for both the men beside you to connect them to their respective drivers. When they had agreed to do this race, you immediately opted out of being a race engineer for either of them because you didn't want to get in between whatever this was (even though you were already in between it). Hence, you called your two older confidants to give the callouts and to make sure your boyfriends were safe, no matter who won the race. All the radios were connected to one singular channel but you think that each of them having their own space would also be good because that might help to resolve whatever was going on.

Or at least you hope it would.

You grab your own headset, placing it over your head before switching everyone to the general channel with the click of a few buttons on the control panel.

"Test, test. Can everyone hear me?" You ask, slightly adjusting your headset mic.

"Loud and clear, Baobei." Minghao's voice says first making you smile.

"Yep." Hansol clicks his tongue as you hear a little bit of shuffling. "Crystal clear, Angel."

You smile fondly to yourself before you purse your lips and look at the track.

"You know you both don't need to do this." You whisper into the microphone, gnawing at your bottom lip as you try one last time to convince them out of this. "We can talk it out here right now and then go home."

You feel Jeonghan and Joshua exchange a few glances behind your back but you try to ignore them and focus on what your boyfriends are going to say.

"We're already here, Baobei." Minghao says, trying to keep his voice light and airy so that you don't worry. "You also dragged Jeonghan and Shua Hyung here to help us so we might as well make the most of it."

"He's right, Angel." Hansol's voice cuts through and even though you can't see him, you know that he's nodding his head. "We promise we will be safe, we just need to settle this and this is the best way to do it."

Minghao lets out a hum in agreement, making you sigh as you pinch the bridge of your nose. You want to yell at them or tell them off because you can think of a hundred other ways to deal with this without either of them getting upset by the end of the night or in any injuries but, they're too far gone to listen.

"Okay." You steel your emotions, the tone of your voice going neutral. "Ground rules." You say, adjusting the mic once more as you spare a glance at Jeonghan and Joshua. "I want a clean race, you two. You two can shit talk each other as much as you want but if there is any sign of cheating, the two of you are sharing the couch till I say so."

The protest of your sentence is immediate. "What?!" They both exclaim.

"Baobei, you can't be serious." You roll your eyes.

"I am serious, Xu." You chastise, hating everything about this race. "If any harm comes to either of you that is inflicted by the other, I will be pissed."

The line goes quiet at that the tone in your voice indicating to your boyfriends that you are indeed not joking. "Moving on." You say, clearing your throat as you grimace, looking at the route that they chose.

V8.

You don't know whether it's ironic or poetic.

The race starts off with an uphill zigzag path, followed by a ton of different eight round bends that really test a street racer's skill and ends with what everyone calls the leap of faith which is a downhill slope that is so steep, it feels like you're taking a leap of faith.

You describe the course to your boyfriends — even though they probably know it by heart — before setting the race rules. "As you both are aware, there are ramps around as well as shortcuts but use them safely and at your own risk. Shua and I went through just now to remove debris because no one has used this course in months…" You click your tongue. "so, take everything with a pinch of salt and be careful."

"Jeonghan and Joshua are here to assist you guys with route guidance and route guidance only. They are not allowed to tell you how close the other is because that's F1 and we don't run motor sports here."

That gets a soft chuckle out of the four men with you as your lips twitch, a ghost of a smile wanting to form.

"Any sign of a Jump, will be considered a false start and the other person will be automatically considered the winner. Lastly, and because I need this fact to be drilled into both your heads, any sign of foul play, I'm calling the race off and both of you are sleeping on the couch. Understood?"

The line is silent for a little bit, making you slightly annoyed as you clear your throat. "Understood?" You ask again, your tone reflecting seriousness.

"Yes." The two of them reluctantly murmur out.

You lean back in your seat with your arms crossed. "Good." You say. "I'll start the countdown."

You click at a few of the buttons on the dashboard as you peer at the time.

11:39pm.

You let out a slow exhale, hoping that this race will end before twelve before you flick the starting switch for the countdown lights.

Red light illuminate the track as you peer at the two cameras beside you that show both your boyfriends in their respective cars.

"I love you both." You whisper out. "Please be safe."

The two of them simultaneously eye the camera that's in their cars as they give you a smile.

"We'll be safe, Angel." Minghao nods, echoing Hansol's sentiment.

"Regardless of the outcome of this race," Minghao starts, leaning in closer to the camera. "We both love you and each other very much, Baobei."

You should feel a little more reassured after Minghao says it and Hansol nods, but you can't help that same uneasy feeling in your gut and chest that something was just about to go wrong. However, you know that both of them are far too deep into this to stop now.

You close your eyes to steel yourself as you let out a slow exhale before you nod at the two older men beside you before you flick the second switch that officially starts the race.

A steady beep rings out through the speakers before the lights change to yellow as Minghao and Hansol rev their engines, which seem to charge your body as well, the antipation of the race leaving your body on edge. "Ready. Get set…"

Your adrenaline rushes and your heart pounds in your ear before the light switches to green and the resounding beep rings through the speakers.

"GO!"

The effect is immediate as your boyfriends speed down the zigzag paths, making you hold your heart race as you watch them from the monitor in-front of you. You silently tune Joshua and Jeonghan out as they advise your boyfriends, having been amateur street racers long before them and just watch the cameras as you will your heart to slow down.

They will be fine. You internally tell yourself as you gnaw on your bottom lip. Right?

You lean back into your seat as you close your eyes, letting the engines roar in your ear as you sigh.

It either ends really well or really badly.

THE EGO FUCK UP

Two laps in and everything is smooth so far. You wince every time one of them makes a risky drift or takes the shortcut that you aren't sure is cleared or not. You had to have lost around a decade of your life just sitting here and watching your boyfriends eagerly battle it out in cars.

"Your drift there was a little risky, wasn't it, Hansol?" Minghao's voice rings out in the joint channel as he smoothly overtakes the younger man. You spare at a glance at his monitor, grimacing as you see Hansol's jaw clenching as he lets out a dark chuckle.

"Just learning from your drift a round ago, hyung." Hansol says coolly. "I need to learn from my seniors, don't I?"

Minghao's face doesn't change but his knuckles turn white at Hansol's words, making you sigh as you click the button that deafens them from the three of you.

"It's going well so far." Joshua gently says, giving you a smile.

You scoff, shaking your head. "If you call the name-calling and insults that rile them up even more and make them reckless, 'going well'." You sarcastically quip, raising your hands to make quotation marks. "Then, yeah! It's going great!"

The two older men share a look as you sink further into your chair, the build-up of anxiety getting a little too much for you.

"Rookie." Jeonghan gently calls, giving you a comforting squeeze on your arm. "Did you try telling them how you feel about all this? I mean, you basically have a free card that you can pull in a few minutes."

You glance at the clock.

11:55pm.

You sigh, shaking your head. "I don't even know if they remember." You admit quietly. "They've been talking about this stupid competition for the last week and whenever they spend time with me, it's to rant about the other one and I'm genuinely so sick of it."

You watch Jeonghan and Joshua share a look before the younger of the two scoots his chair over to tug you into him, letting you rest on his chest. You lean into your childhood friend who is like a brother to you. "What if they actually forgot, Shua?" You ask quietly, your voice cracking slightly.

You feel Joshua sigh underneath you. "I'm sure they didn't, darling." He assures quietly as he presses a kiss to your temple. "They love and adore you too much."

"You can say that again." Jeonghan says with a playful scoff. "Do you not remember your big birthday bash two years ago where they rented out the whole go-kart place with arcade machines?"

You bite back a fond smile as you recall that, you offhandedly mentioned once that you were a big fan of surprises during one of your movie nights with them. You didn't notice it then but they had shared a glance when they heard about it and just started surprising you with things whenever they could.

A bouquet of your favourite flowers here and there. Sometimes they saw a book that you have on your 'to be read' and immediately bought it for next day delivery. They also loved to buy you little trinkets that reminded them of you to put in your display shelf (which is running out of space) in your gaming room.

The biggest surprise was the one that Jeonghan had mentioned where you confided in them that you wanted to try an arcade and go-kart place because you never had the chance to when you were younger. Being the overachiever boyfriends they were, they got you a two-in-one with all your friends.

The two older men beside you were right, there is no way that they don't remember. They hadn't mentioned any plans yet but that was normal if they were planning on surprising you again this year.

You peer upwards at Joshua offering him a soft smile before you do the same with Jeonghan. "Thanks guys." You softly say. "I needed that."

Jeonghan gives you a genuine smile as he ruffles your hair. "We always got you, Rookie. Don't you ever forget it."

Your smile grows wider at his words before something catches your attention from the corner of your eye.

You immediately sit up and stare outside the control room windows to see that it had started pouring. The uneasiness in your gut flares as you gnaw at your lips, looking as the rain hit the control room windows. You dial back into the call with Minghao and Hansol.

Your head spins as you go back into race mode, moving both boys back to the their respective calls with the older ones. "Check tire and car condition with both." You command, making the two older men nod before unmuting their headsets to talk to their respective drivers.

You monitor the route as the rain continues to pelt down heavily. You tune out the men beside you as you switch between the cameras that are left on their respective route. Your eyes flit around the screen as you flick through each camera scene. You let your eyes linger for a few moments to see if there's anything out of the ordinary before repeating the process with the next one.

All is good till you reach camera eighty-four that is right at the last infinity bend. You were about to pass it over when you notice one of the trees swaying a little too much to the side. Your eyes narrow, your finger twitching as it hovers over the microphone button to pull all of them into the collective call.

The tree stops swaying making you breath a sigh of relief before moving your hand from the button. However, your heart stops when you notice something rolling from the corner of your eye. Your eyes immediately flick to it to see a boulder rolling down the nearby mountain. Your blood runs cold as you watch it knock into the nearest tree, breaking it and causing it to tumble down onto the path that both Hansol and Minghao are racing through.

Your adrenaline surges as you press the button, bringing everyone into the general call. The call immediately fills with overlapping conversations from both groups. You vaguely hear them talking about different strategies but you couldn't care less, more worried about the blockage in the road.

"Boys!" You interrupt, immediately halting all the conversations. "I need you both to slow down right now."

There's a brief period of silence before they both immediately start protesting. Minghao is currently just slightly ahead of Hansol, trying his best to not block him.

"Rookie." Minghao calls, his voice serious. "What is it?"

"There's a blockade on the road so I need the two of you to pull out now." Your boyfriends go quiet as soon as you say that, their focus still on the road but you watch as they contemplate your words, as if they are trying to find a workaround to what you are saying.

Your eyes flicker between both the screens as your patience starts to wear thin, your anxiety shooting through the roof. "Hello?!" You ask, your tone one of panic. "Did you guys not hear what I just said? There's a blockade in the middle of the road that the two of you are going to crash into—"

"How big is the blockade, Rookie?"

You freeze upon hearing Hansol's question cut through your panic.

"I beg your fucking pardon?" You blurt out, unable to stop yourself as you feel your blood start to boil.

"The blockade, baobei." Minghao affirms but this time with the loving nickname, as if it could placate you from the annoyance you're starting to feel. "How big is it?"

"You guys can't be fucking serious." You answer, your fists slowly clenching on the desk as you feel your anger rising with each word they were saying to you. "Turn back, right now. I'm being serious."

You watch the gears turn in your boyfriends heads before Hansol speaks. "Hyung." He calls, completely ignoring your earlier sentence which makes your heart drop. "How far till blockade and how big is it?"

Joshua looks between you and Hansol's face on the camera footage in-front of you before his eyes flicker towards the route map where time to impact is stated.

Five Minutes.

"Shua." You warn, your tone wavering as you stare at him with a pleading gaze, hoping that he will back up your decision.

"Hyung." Hansol tries again as he takes the lead from Minghao who lets out a groan of frustration, his palm smacking the steering wheel as he watches Hansol pull ahead by quite a bit.

"Hyung." Minghao tries this time. "Time to impact so I know if I can overtake?"

Jeonghan hesitates, watching your head whip to him as he contemplates whether he should tell your boyfriend.

"Hannie." You warn before turning back to your boyfriends.

"Xu Minghao. Chwe Hansol." You warn as you stare at the time until impact on your screen. "If the two of you do not turn your cars around, there will be consequences."

Three Minutes.

"Rookie, we're in too deep to stop here." Minghao sternly says as he changes gear and tries to overtake Hansol.

Your heart lurches as you see how close the cars come to knocking each other. The rain pelts down harder and the road narrows as they round the last bend, meaning they were only a couple of kilometers away from the giant tree that's blocking them.

"Hyung." Hansol presses harder, his grip on the steering wheel tight as he tries to fight of Minghao's advance. "Time to fucking impact!"

Joshua stares at you, almost stunned that the two hopelessly in love men were not listening to you. Your boyfriends in the car start to overlap their yelling, demanding that their race engineers tell them the time from impact so that they can plan accordingly while you sit there, your face pale as your palms begin to sweat.

You're speechless as you watch them still fight it out despite all your words, your heart racing as you watch them get closer and closer to the thing that will be the death of both of them.

One Minute.

"Fuck it." You hear Minghao whisper before he reaches over to turn off the camera in his car. You watch from the monitor as he speeds ahead, causing Hansol to immediately break, to slow his car down before he hits the other male.

"Hyung." Hansol yells. "The fuck are you doing?"

"Winning." Minghao says smoothly as you hear him shift his gears before seeing the car speed up on the monitor.

"Mother—" With that, Hansol also turns off his camera meaning that the three of you are blind to the egotistical drivers that are down there on the track.

"What the fuck are you two doing?!" You exclaim, standing up now as you slam your hands on the desk, a last ditch effort to get the two of them to turn around. "Please." You plead into the microphone, your eyes getting slightly watery as you watch them get closer and closer to the tree.

"Fifty seconds." Joshua whispers as you fumble with the dashboard in-front of you, flicking through the different cameras there till you found one that showed you exactly where they were on the track.

When you find it, you hit a few more buttons to trigger the path following on the device as you watch the cameras change in-front of you to follow your boyfriend's cars.

They ignore you, still swapping positions with each other as you feel like throwing up, the anxiety in your chest getting too much as you watch them get closer and closer to the tree.

"Guys." You sob out, nearly begging at this point. "Please turn around."

"Thirty seconds." Jeonghan says softly, making you slam your fist against the desk as you watch the distance between them and the tree. You wonder why they're doing this, why they are silent and it hits you like a ton of bricks.

You heart races. They're wearing you down, wanting you to crack and tell them the impact timing because they know you care too much about them. You feel your heart crack as you watch them go down the road.

"Fifteen seconds." Joshua says, his voice in a slight panic as he stares at you.

You angrily wipe your tears away. "Fuck it." You mutter before putting your microphone closer to your mouth. "Ten seconds, blockage is the same size as the fucking truck we saw yesterday."

You sniffle, pushing down a sob. "Good fucking luck." Is the last thing you venomously whisper before you tap out, not wanting to see your boyfriends risk their life for some fucked up competition.

You rip the headset off and slam it down onto the control room dashboard making the two men beside you jump. Without wasting another second, you pick up your things before picking up and walk out the door. Joshua recovers first and is quick to follow, ripping off his own headset to chase after you as you try not to angrily break down.

You don't make it very far as Joshua catches up to you with his significantly longer legs. He pulls you into him with ease as you try to wrestle out of his grip, needing to get away for your own sanity. You're fighting a losing battle as he tugs you firmly into his chest and wraps his arms around your center to keep you from leaving.

When it becomes clear that you aren't able to break out from his grasps, you break down into it instead. Joshua's hand runs through your hair, soothing you as you sob into his chest, feeling all the tiredness and overwhelm that you've been struggling to keep at bay for the last week or so.

"I hate them." You whisper into his chest. "Why are they so fucking stupid."

Joshua sighs as he presses a kiss to the top of your head as he moves his hand to slowly run up and down your back. "Ego, darling." Is what he answers after a couple of seconds. The two of you don't say anything else after that, Joshua letting you focus on regulating your breathing so that you stop crying.

Stupid fucking ego.

The two of you stand like that for a while, Joshua letting you take as much time as you need as your breathing starts to even out. You both hear a scuffle of footsteps, making you lift your head from Joshua's chest to see Jeonghan with his hands in his pocket.

"Are they okay?" You whisper out, unable to help how much you care about your idiotic boyfriends. Jeonghan gives you a weak smile before nodding.

"They both reversed and took a shortcut a couple of metres back." He shoots you a sympathetic look. "The race did end in a tie though."

Your heart drops.

A fucking tie.

All that for a fucking tie.

You close your eyes, a heavy sigh already building in your throat. This couldn't be worse.

The loud sounds of engines revving and drifting makes the three of you turn to the entrance of the outdoor carpark. The lights make you wince as you squint to see your boyfriends arriving. They don't bother to park and just turn off their engines before getting out of the car.

You expect them to walk straight to you first but Minghao instead slams his car door shut hard and walks over to Hansol, cornering him to the side of his car.

"What the fuck was that there at the end, Chwe?!"

Joshua and you blink at the sight as Jeonghan grimaces, remembering how they almost ran each other off the road at the end there.

"Driving, Xu." Hansol replies, his tone dry and pointed as he shows no sign of remorse. "But I could ask you the same for what you pulled at infinity turn forty-eight."

Minghao's jaw clenches. "Watch your tone, Chwe." He venomously seethes, jabbing a finger into the latter's chest. "You forget that I'm the older one here."

"I don't fucking care." Hansol bites back, grabbing Minghao's hand tightly. "Your recklessness nearly ran both of us off the fucking road."

"You did the same fucking thing towards the end there, Hansol."

"Well, like I said, I'm learning from my senior."

Minghao scoffs before leveling Hansol with a glare. "Well, let's fucking go again then." Minghao says as the younger one folds his arms. "If you are that good of a driver and you learned everything from me, you should be able to beat me without the fucking helpline of the tree right?"

"Oh that's easy." Hansol says, a smirk on his face from riling up the older man. "At the end, you wish you had the fucking helpline of the tree as you did today."

You see Minghao fume as Hansol gets up in his space. He shoves Hansol backwards and opens his mouth, ready to tear him a new one.

"Both of you, shut the fuck up!"

The two men immediately freeze, hearing you yell at them before turning to face you, their faces a little pale.

You, on the other hand, are fuming.

"Are you two even listening to the words coming out of your fucking mouths?" You ask, your eyes stinging with hot tears. "You both tried to kill each other out there!" You angrily brush at your eyes as Joshua gives your shoulder a squeeze, trying to ground you.

"Breathe, darling." Joshua whispers into your ear as you glare at the two boys you love so much.

"I told you both that this was a fucking stupid idea and you two wouldn't even listen to me! Your girlfriend that's been with you both for the last three years." You shake your head, your words getting softer and softer as you stare at them, slightly defeated. "You both didn't need to settle this on the stupid track. The three of us talking it out would've solved everything but no."

You glance between the two of them. "The two of you needed to show the other that you were better and broke the promise that you made to me two years ago. Is proving your worth to each other that important?"

Hansol and Minghao share a look before Minghao steps closer to you cautiously.

"Baobei." He softly calls out as he reaches for you. "We didn't mean for this to happen."

Hansol nods, also trying to get closer. "We're sorry that we got angry at each other and for the race. I swear when we do it again tomorrow—"

You bitterly laugh as Joshua's hand tenses on your shoulder, sensing the oncoming rage. "Tomorrow?" You ask softly.

"Yeah, when we actually can find a winner."

Joshua internally sighs as his grip on your shoulder tightens, hoping that it will help to ground you so that you don't unleash fury on the two men in-front of you. His hope however, goes down the drain when you break out of his hold.

"What the fuck is wrong with you two?" You lash out, the tears flowing freely down your face from how angry you are. The two men are stunned again as they stare at you before you toss your hands in exasperation. "I'm fucking done." You say as a laugh with absolutely zero humour escapes you.

"If the two of you race again tomorrow." You fix them with a hard stare as your heart breaks with the next words that come out of your mouth. "I'm done with you two."

Before either of them could even process what you meant or stop you, you turn on your heel and walk off. It takes one look from your childhood best friend to understand what you need as he gives you a small nod before taking your hand into his and walking off with you to his car. Joshua tosses your boyfriends a look of disbelief before shaking his head at them.

Hansol and Minghao just watch as you get into Joshua's car and leave, speechless and unsure what they did wrong. They fix each other with a look as Jeonghan stands there, looking at the two of them in utter disbelief.

"What just happened?" Are the first words out of Hansol's mouth as he stares at Jeonghan, hoping he knows the answer. Minghao, on the other hand, runs through every possible scenario in his head.

Jeonghan lets out a scoff at the clueless expression on both their faces. "You two are really stupid, you know." He deadpans out, making the two look at him a little more exasperatedly.'

He sighs, realizing that he needs to spell it out for them. "Both of you need to put your fucking egos to the side for second and look at what just walked away from you." He points towards where you and Joshua were. "That girl has been so patient with the two of you for God knows how many weeks, listening to the two of you argue while trying to be the middle ground for you both. She's been dividing her time, without any regard for herself and her well-being and she even let you both proceed with this stupid race despite her begging you not to do it."

Jeonghan shakes his head. "You guys claim that she's the best thing to have ever walked into your lives but because of this stupid fucking race, the two of you forgot the one thing that you promised to continue doing despite however much you were angry at each other." He pins them with a hard gaze. "Both of you broke your promise of remembering important dates."

Hearing that, Hansol immediately pulls out his phone before looking at the date for today.

12:48am on the 29th of June.

Hansol feels his heart shatter as he lets out a wrecked gasp, the date finally clicking in his head. "Hyung." He calls out to his counterpart who looks at him as Hansol shows him the screen. Minghao's face pales as it clicks into his head, his heart dropping into his stomach as his mind races.

Jeonghan watches the two of them go through mixed emotions and the five stages of grief before sighing.

"You two better find a way to fix this." He softly says. "If not, you're going to lose the most important person in your lives."

You can't remember the last time you've felt this empty. After Joshua took you to his place last night, he immediately sprinted to his closet to pull out your favourite hoodie of his and a pair of sweatpants that you left the last time the two of you had a sleepover. He ran a bath for you before he ushered you to it, wanting you to relax as much as possible.

When you had enough of the bath, you walked out of the bathroom to see that Joshua had ordered all your favourites. Stir fried mala sits on the table alongside your favourite bubble tea order as he gives you a smile.

You had given him a look of surprise, knowing how he felt about such an unhealthy combo. He just gave you a simple shrug and responded with a soft, "Figured we could use it today."

Those words alone were enough to cause your eyes to water as your older brother figure immediately plated you a plate with all your favourite ingredients. He passed you the bowl before putting on 'How to Train Your Dragon'. The intro of the movie plays as you leaned against his sofa, staring at the bowl of mala with a frown.

"Do you think I was too harsh on them?" You ask which makes Joshua stop eating, his food halfway to his mouth. He fixes you with a soft look before shaking his head as he places his chopsticks back onto his bowl.

He makes you look at him. "Darling." He softly says. "They were being absolute idiots. You had every right to act the way that you did because they hurt you with their actions. If you didn't stand up for yourself back there, they would've continued acting like that and you were doing what was right for yourself." He fixes you with a look.

"If you didn't do that, I would've probably done it for you anyways."

A soft watery laugh escapes you, which makes a small grin tug on Joshua's face. His hand goes to ruffle your hair in a very elder brother way before he gestures to the food in your hands. "Eat." He softly says. "And watch the movie, we're missing the best part."

You give Joshua a small smile before you nod and scoop up a spoonful of mala to eat. You turn your attention to the movie but you can't help the feeling of emptiness in your chest as you do. You love your boyfriends, you really do but they really hurt you and you couldn't help but feel less important to them. However, you couldn't bare the thought of having to actually break up with them. You loved them, you were sure of that. They filled your life with so much joy that you can't imagine dating or loving someone, the way that you love them.

Yet, on the night where they were supposed to treat you like a queen, ringing in your birthday, you spent it on your best friend's floor with a broken heart.

You sigh as you shake your head, your recollection ending as you stare at the ceiling in the guestroom of Joshua's house. You contemplate just staying in Joshua's house the whole day but you immediately push that thought aside because it's your birthday, you should do something you want to do instead of rotting in your best friend's house.

Luckily, Joshua shares the same sentiment as you.

"That's an amazing idea, darling." He says as he packs a tea to go for you as you're finishing up the special birthday breakfast that he had prepared for you.

Bacon and pancakes with a side of orange juice.

You had smiled when you first saw it, it was a childhood favourite of yours and it definitely brightened up your day just a little more.

Joshua walks over to you, placing the thermos on the table. "You did say you wanted to finish up the car before August so that you could show it to your parents when you go back and see them."

You swallow your last bit of food before nodding, a small smile on your face.

"It's a good distraction for sure." You say quietly as Joshua gives you a sympathetic smile. He glances at your phone that had been laid flat on the dining table.

He raises an eyebrow at it, "They haven't tried contacting you at all?"

You spare a glance at it, the pit in your stomach deep as you shrug. "I don't know." You answer honestly. "Put it on do not disturb as soon as I came here last night." You shake your head. "I don't wanna hear any of their half-excuses at the moment."

Joshua gives you another sympathetic look before reaching over and squeezing your hand. "Well," His tongue darts out to wet his tongue. "Happy Birthday, Sweetheart."

You give your older brother figure a small smile before he leans and gives you a kiss on the top of your head. "I should get going." You say softly, standing up. "Before the calvary arrives because they think they've given me enough space."

Joshua lets out a soft chuckle at your use of words as you give him a quirky smile. You slide your phone into your back pocket as you sling your bag over your shoulders. Joshua stands up with you as he holds your thermos of tea.

"Let's get going then." He says, giving you a smile as he opens the front-door for you.

FIRST MEETINGS

Joshua drops you off at your workshop before he presses a kiss to the top of your head and speeds off with the promise of seeing you after he finishes the errands he needs to run. You bid him goodbye before digging through your bag for the keycard to your garage.

A beep is heard before you push the door open and breathe in the smell that you've grown up with your whole life, your body immediately relaxing at the familiar comfort.

While Minghao and Hansol seek the thrill of the drive, you prefer to know the ins and outs of the machine. You had always been in love with cars, your dad being one of the main engineers for street racers back in the day. You always hung around and helped him grab his tools, your eyes wide with awe as he always manages to find whatever was wrong with the car.

Hence, he trained you for it, letting you take care of the workshop every other day so that you get some hands-on experience. Funnily enough, that wasn't where you met Minghao and Hansol.

It was one of the slower nights in the workshop. You spun on one of the chairs in the garage as you tossed a wrench up and down, your boredom reaching a new high. You almost fell out of your chair when your phone rang, piercing the silence.

"Shua?" You asked, a little confused as to why your best friend was calling you.

"Hey, you busy?" Joshua asked as his background noise booms in the background.

You winced a little at the loud sounds. "No, but where the hell are you? Why is it so noisy?"

Joshua ignored you, telling you that he was going to send you an address and to be there as soon as you could before he hung up the phone. You stared at your phone, bewildered as you wonder what the hell was going on.

You sighed before you made your way to lock up. If there was one annoying thing that your best friend knew how to do, it was to entice you enough that you'd drop everything to see whatever he was doing.

You get out of the car and stared at the underground racetrack with a confused expression on your face. What the hell was your best friend doing here. You walked through the different areas, taking in all the details of the place while keeping a keen eye out for your best friend.

"Darling!" Your ears perked up as you turn to the source of the greeting. You smiled to yourself as you saw Joshua jog to your side before he pulled you into a tight hug. "You made it!"

You scoffed. "You knew that I would come, Shua." You flicked his forehead. "Don't act all surprised now."

Your best friend let out a yelp from the pain before a pout appeared on his lips as he rubbed the spot you just flicked. "You hate me." He whined out, making you scoff.

"If I did, I wouldn't have locked up the shop early for you, dummy."

A ghost of a smile appeared on Joshua's face as soon as you said that statement as he feigned sentiment. You rolled your eyes before you grabbed his hand. "C'mon, show me whatever you want to show me." You muttered, which made Joshua let out a breath of a chuckle before he dragged you away from the current area.

"Why are you at a street racer course anyway?" You asked, raising an eyebrow at your best friend.

"Well, I own this establishment." Your jaw dropped open as you stopped walking, jerking Joshua back a little. He glanced at you, a confused expression on his face which meets your shocked one.

"You own an underground street racing establishment?" You asked, repeating the words slowly as if you had hoped that the words become more believable if you did.

Joshua chuckled at your expression and nodded. "Yep." He said, popping his 'p'. Without another word, he dragged you off towards God knows where as if everything was now suddenly clear.

You rolled your eyes at your best friend as you give up, letting him drag you wherever because you would have an easier time getting answers when Joshua was not so tunnel-visioned on where he wanted to go.

He dragged you through multiple crowds before the two of you appeared in-front of the VIP section. The security guard gave him a once over and a nod before letting the two of you into the closed off section.

"Shua!" A voice boomed over the music, making the two of you whip around to see a man with a leather jacket and jeans on, with a beer in hand. "Was wondering where you hurried off to."

The man glanced at you before a smirk appeared on his lips. "Well, well, well." He whistled out. "Looks like you brought a new friend."

Your best friend let out a scoff before he tugged you closer to him. "Out of your league, Jeonghan."

The man, Jeonghan, feigned a flabbergasted gasp as he placed his hand on his chest. "Ouch, Shuji." He muttered, a fake pout on his face. "Way to hurt a guy, why don't you."

Your best friend rolled his eyes before he said your name to the man in-front of you. "This is Jeonghan."

Jeonghan's expression did a full 360 as he gave you a smirk and a small salute with a wink. "Pleasure to meet you, sweetheart." His eyes twinkled with mischief. "I wonder why Shuji has been hiding you all this time."

"Probably because she's uncomfortable with you calling her sweetheart, Hyung." Your ears perked at the new voice that caused goosebumps to appear on your skin. You turned to see lanky, tall man, who was leaning against a nearby wall with blonde hair and a pair of sunglasses on the top of his head. He donned a white sleeveless shirt that effectively showed off his tattoos that dotted his arms and a pair of dark brown cargo pants with some timberlands.

He eyed you, making your pulse jump at the intensity of his gaze, feeling slightly warm under it. He was definitely one of the most attractive men that you've ever seen. Jeonghan scoffed, shaking his head as a ghost of a smile lingers on his lips.

"Minghao." He greeted, raising an eyebrow. "Where's your counterpart?"

Minghao doesn't answer at first, his gaze unwavered from your figure which makes you fidget slightly, a little exposed under his gaze. He noticed, his lips pulled up into a small smirk before he looked at Joshua and Jeonghan, acknowledging them for the first time since he had arrived.

"Hansol went to grab the two of us a drink." He answered easily before he pushed off the wall and made his way over to you.

"Are the two of you not racing today?" Joshua asked with a raise of his eyebrow. Minghao nods at that.

"We are. Hansol's just grabbing us some sparkling water before we have to head for the drive."

He stopped walking as he reached your side, his gaze calculated as he stared at you.

"Minghao." He said after a beat, reaching out his hand for you to grab. You blinked, a little stunned by how forward the handsome man was being before you took his hand into yours as softly replied with your name.

Minghao's lips quirked a little when he noticed your cheeks heat up as he tested how well your name rolled off his tongue. The air felt a little charged and dangerous as he held your gaze, your heartbeat in your ears before he pulled his hand back when someone held out a drink for him.

Everyone's gaze fell on the newcomer who made your breath hitch. There stood a man with the most gorgeous face and mullet that you've ever seen. He was dressed comfortably in a sleeveless ripped hoodie with ripped skinny jeans and a pair of gloves on.

"Ah, there he is." Jeonghan said, his gaze twinkled with mischief as he looked between you and the boys. "Hansol, meet Shuji's best friend."

Hansol's eyes pierced through your soul as he gave you a once over, just like Minghao had done before he held out his hand for you to shake.

"Pleasure to meet you." You felt hot under their gaze as you muttered the same, shaking the man's hand.

Jeonghan clapped his hands. "Right, not to be the weird party pooper here." He said cheekily, causing your cheeks to heat up more as he gave you a wink. "But I think our racers need to get to their starting positions and we should probably head up to the main control booth.

Jeonghan hooked an arm around Joshua's shoulders before he dragged him a little, making Joshua lose his grip on you. The older man gave the three of you a look before he dragged your best friend with him, despite his protests.

"Come find us when you're done, sweetheart." Jeonghan threw back to you with a shit-eating grin on his face. You silently cursed the man that you just met as you felt the heat of the two good-looking men's gaze on you.

You turned to them, a timid smile on your face as you shifted uncomfortably.

"Is this your first time at an underground race?" Hansol asked, noticing the minor fidgeting you were doing. You let out a nervous breath of a laugh as you nodded.

"Is it that obvious?" You wondered aloud as you eyed the two of them. A faint smirk appeared on Hansol's face as he nodded.

"Just a little, you look a little out of place." Your heart stuttered at that as you frowned.

"Like I don't belong?" You asked.

"Like you're a little too innocent for the likes of this." Minghao answered before he took a sip of his drink. The low rumble of his words made your stomach flutter as you willed for the heat on your cheeks to disappear.

"Is that a bad thing?" You asked, your voice soft as you peered upwards at the two of them.

The two shared a glance as you watched a common understanding pass through the two of them before they turned back to you as Minghao shook his head.

"Not at all, Baobei." He said, leaning in closer. The nickname made your heart stutter as Hansol leaned in as well.

"Just means we got a thing or two that we can teach you, Angel." The double meaning of his words and the low rumble of his voice made your stomach do flip flops as they stared intensely at you, making your knees feel weak.

A sound was heard from the speakers before you could even reply, which effectively broke the spell and hold that the two of them had on you. They glanced at the speaker.

"Well," Minghao drawled out. "That's our cue."

Hansol nodded as the two of them took a step back from you. "Will you cheer us on?" Hansol asked making you blink at them as they stared at you in anticipation.

"Probably." You answered. "I mean the two of you are the only drivers I know." You blurted out before even having the chance to stop yourself.

Minghao's smirk grew as he gave Hansol a look.

"Good." He said before he reached out and gave your hair a small ruffle. "Let's keep it that way."

You swear your heart skipped a beat or two after he said that as Hansol fixed you with a smirk. "See you after the race, Angel." He sealed off his sentence with a wink. "Can't wait to get to know you better."

With that, they left you standing there, a little dumbfounded as they prepared for their race. You stayed glued to the spot for a few minutes before you shook yourself out of it and composed yourself as your thoughts raced.

You had no idea what you had just gotten yourself into but as you recalled their faces through your mind, you bit back a grin.

What was the worst that could happen?

KISS AND MAKE UP

You don't know how many hours you've spent working under the hood of your dream car but when you pull yourself out from under it and actually check your phone after wiping your hands on the washcloth, it's already 5pm.

You sigh before you let your eyes drift lower to stare at your lockscreen. It's a picture of the three of you during one of the first few underground races after the three of you made it official. You feel your emotions get stuck in your throat as you see the big smile on your face as Minghao and Hansol just stared at you, a soft and fond smile on both their faces as they looked at you instead of the camera.

You feel your heart clench as you contemplate checking your notifications. You sigh before you turn off your 'do not disturb' and let the notifications roll upwards.

62 Missed Calls from Hansolie <3 48 Missed Calls from Hao <3 22 Unread Messages from Hansolie <3 24 Unread Messages from Hao <3 296 Unread Messages from 'The Reason We Drive'

2 Unread Messages from Hannie 1 Missed Call from Shua 1 Unread Message from Shua

You sigh, placing your phone back face down onto the desk as you smack your face lightly. "Get it together." You mutter to yourself. The amount of time you spent here really did help to clear your head but with all the muck and grease over yourself, you really need a shower before you even think about answering any of those messages.

You huff before pushing yourself off of the desk and tidy up your workspace before going to the washroom to take a shower, the dirt and grime making your skin crawl. You step out of the shower in a pair of ripped jeans, a fitting top with a windbreaker and sigh, feeling a lot more refreshed.

You walk back to your workshop, using the towel to dry off the remaining bits of water in your hair when you freeze, noticing the door to your garage open. You frown, recalling that you had shut the door behind you because you remember hearing the magnetic lock click in place after you did.

You slowly creep to the workshop as you hear some shuffling inside as well as some soft voices. You peak your head through the door before your heart stutters. Out of all the people you were expecting to see, Hansol and Minghao leaning against your workshop table, talking more than they had in the last few weeks, wasn't one of them.

"What the hell." Are the first words to leave your mouth, which alerts the two men who whip around to see you standing there, looking super confused.

The two man immediately scramble to stand up as they give you a nervous look, fidgeting every few seconds. You eye them skeptically as you slowly walk into the workshop, the towel still in your hands as you glance between them.

"How did you get in here?" You ask, a small frown on your face as you scrunch your eyebrows. "Better question, how the hell do you guys even know about this space?"

The two share a glance as you cross your arms.

"We might've dropped by Shua Hyung's house." Minghao admits, scratching the back of his neck. You raise an eyebrow at that, urging them to continue.

"We might've begged him to tell us where you were and when he wasn't looking, stole the keycard for your workshop." Hansol finishes.

Your eyes narrow. "How did you even know that keycard was for here?"

Hansol lifts up the keycard and stuck onto the card was a label which had your name and garage behind it in a cursive font. You roll your eyes. Of course your meticulous best friend had labeled the keycard so that he wouldn't forget what it was for.

The workshop has always been a sacred place for you, you never really told anyone about this place since your father had given it to you and it was a place for you to come to when you needed some sort of escape.

Joshua was the only one who knew about it because he had dropped by many times when the two of you were younger and after your dad had given it to you, it felt right to give him a keycard for access at all times.

"Well," You huff, unable to escape the inevitable conversation anymore. "You guys found me. I'm fine and you guys can go now." You try to step around them to retrieve your things when Hansol reaches out, gently grabbing your hand.

You've always been a little weak to either of their touch so it's no surprise when he's able to easily pull you back to stand in-front of them. You internally curse yourself for being a little easy but you still refuse to meet their eyes.

"Baobei." Minghao softly calls, ducking his head a little to try to meet your eyes. You stubbornly look away, making the older man sigh. "Can you look at us, please?" He softly begs, his tone sounding a little exhausted, almost as if he didn't sleep well.

You refuse, gnawing on your bottom lip which makes them change their strategy.

"Angel." Hansol starts, fidgeting with his hands. "We're sorry."

You stare at the floor as he continues. "We were stupid and let our egos get the better of us because we were frustrated at ourselves. We didn't mean to take it out on each other and more importantly…" You feel Hansol grab your hand, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. "We didn't mean to take it out on you."

You purse your lips, still refusing to answer as you feel Minghao approach you before he wraps his arms around you, pulling you into his chest as his head sits on your shoulder.

"We're also sorry for breaking our promise to you, to keep you happy and to always remember the special days. Even though we didn't mean to forget, it's no excuse because you mean the world to us and we're sorry that we didn't listen to you."

You feel Minghao brush a kiss to the side of your neck, causing a shiver to run down your spine. "Please forgive us."

You internally sigh before composing yourself as you pull out of their grasps to fully look at them. "It really hurt when the two of you wouldn't listen to me." You softly say as you fidget with the zipper of your windbreaker. "It felt like nothing I said mattered to you guys and I was just a personal comfort thing for both of you. It was like I didn't actually matter in this equation between the two of you when we're supposed to be in a relationship together."

You feel your eyes start to prick with tears as you sniffle. "It felt like I was just walking on eggshells in my— our own apartment, the one place that I am meant to feel the safest and I… I grew tired of it." You glance between the two of them as you watch their faces crack, the guilt in their eyes evident. "I was only there when you needed someone to rant to or someone to affirm what you guys were angry about. Neither of you asked me about my day or even cared enough to see if I had eaten. Even when I was tired, I still felt like I needed to cater to you two because I love you both so much and seeing you both fight really broke my heart."

You see their hands twitch, especially Hansol's, who wanted nothing more to reach out for you, to comfort you, but they were waiting for you to finish, not wanting to interrupt you.

"I don't really care that the two of you forgot my birthday." You admit softly, taking a step closer to the two of them. "I just didn't want you to get hurt because I love you both with everything I am and I can't imagine my life without the two of you."

As soon as you finish your sentence, Hansol is up from the desk and he all but tugs you into his warm embrace, his breathing a little shaky as his whole body wrecks with emotions.

"Angel." He softly breathes out into your ear, his voice shaky and soft, as if he was scared that you were going to disappear if he spoke any louder. "We're so sorry. We didn't mean to make you feel like you needed to take on the weight of the world. It was stupid of us and we were only thinking of ourselves and we know that it's no excuse but we want to make it up to you, please."

You bit the inside of your cheek, to will the tears that dot your waterline to not flow over as you breathe in Hansol's comforting woody scent before you smell a hint of an earthy light scent as Minghao wraps his arms around you as well, placing a soft kiss to your temple.

"He's right, Baobei. You have every right to be angry with us and you should care that we forgot your birthday. It's the one day where we're meant to celebrate you. Not that we shouldn't celebrate you everyday anyway, but it's the one day where the universe blessed us with you by bringing you into this world. We can't imagine not having you in our life and we're sorry that we let our ego get the better of us. We shouldn't have fought over who is more worth your time but be grateful that you choose to spend your time with us and love us despite how flawed we both are."

You peer upwards at the older man who gives a soft kiss to your forehead. "We love you." Minghao says, his voie barely above a whisper as he pulls back from you and gets on his knees, making your eyes widen as Hansol does the same.

"Please forgive us."

You glance between the two of them on their knees for you as a bewildered giggle escapes you as you smile at them, wiping away the tears in your eyes.

"You're both idiots." You say as you reach for both of them to tug them up. "Please get off the floor."

A ghost of a smile of relief lingers on Minghao's lips as he shakes his head. "We can't." He says, tugging you closer to the two of them, which makes a surprise giggle escape from your lips. "You need to forgive us first, Baobei." He says, bringing your hand to his lips as he brushes a kiss onto them.

Hansol nods, as he places his hand on the back of your thigh, making you squirm a little as he looks up at you. "Please say you forgive us, Angel."

You glance downwards at them as you realize the position that the three of you are in. Heat pools on the underside of your belly as you see the way that they catch on too, their eyes darkening beneath you.

You swallow before feigning a ponder, trying to keep your heart from racing. "Well…" You drawl out as you look between the two of them. "Maybe the two of you should show me how sorry you are." You softly say, letting your eyes pierce into theirs as you watch their pupils dilate slightly. "Then maybe, I'll forgive you."

There's silence for a little bit as they share a glance before they turn back to you with a smirk on both their faces.

"With pleasure, Baby."

Those are the last words that fall from Hansol's mouth before your boyfriends move. Minghao stands and pulls you into a searing kiss that elicits a gasp from your lips, making him groan as he slides his tongue into your mouth. Hansol, on the other hand, moves his hand upwards and under your shirt before he pushes himself up slightly on his knees to be able to kiss all around your stomach.

You feel yourself getting wetter at their touch as they continue to overstimulate you with their touch, each making your knees weaker and weaker. You let out a whiny moan as Hansol starts to tease your nipples, pushing your bra upwards for easier access. Minghao bites lightly on your bottom lip, making your mind blank as he continues to kiss you as if you are providing him with the oxygen to breathe.

Minghao pulls away, pressing two chaste kisses on your lips as the two of you catch your breath before your boyfriends move you towards where your car is. Hansol rips the canvas off of the car and lets out a low whistle as he catches the make and model of it.

"Damn, Angel." He looks at you, his eyes filled with lust as he gives you a smirk. "A baby blue 2004 Mazda RX-8?" You blink at him, slowly registering his question as you nod, your brain still foggy.

Minghao sends his partner-in-crime a smirk as he pulls you toward the car to lay you on the hood of it. He hovers above you as he eyes you up and down and devilishly smirks at how wreckced you already look.

"What a perfect car," He hums as he unbuttons your pants and pulls it down along with your underwear in one swift motion, making you gasp as the cold air hits your wet pussy. "To fuck you on."

Before you even have a chance to register his words, his mouth is on you, eating you out like a starved man. You gasp as your back arches and your eyes bulge. Hansol is next to you in a matter of milliseconds, his hands tight on your waist which effectively stops your squirming.

"Shhh." Hansol coos as he spots a few tears leaving your eyes. "Be a good girl and let Hyung eat you out like you deserve." Those words make your mind blank more as Minghao captures your clit into his mouth and sucks as it, groaning a little which sends a wave of pleasure through you as the vibrations roll through your body.

Your eyes roll as Hansol takes the opportunity to lift your shirt and bra up fully and over your head, his one hand still steady on your waist before he dips his head and wraps his mouth around your right breast.

You let out a loud moan as Hansol massages your breast while sucking and nipping at your right one. Minghao takes that chance to dip his tongue into your hole, fucking you with his tongue that makes you lose all sense of your sanity.

"Fuck." Minghao drawls out as he glances upwards to see Hansol switching and continuing his ministrations on your other breast. "You taste so heavenly, Baobei."

You whimper at his praise as he dips a finger into your folds, making you let out a gasp as he gathers your wetness onto them.

"Want a taste, Hansol?" Hansol is quick to pull away and take Minghao's fingers into his mouth, sucking erotically as he eyes you, making your jaw drop open as that gesture causes you to clench around nothing.

Minghao notices and smirks as his pupils dilate more. "Think you need a better taste, Non." Minghao all but whispers as he pulls his fingers out of Hansol's mouth with a soft 'pop'. "Want it?"

Hansol nods, making Minghao smirk as he pulls Hansol in for a kiss, licking into his mouth to let the younger man taste the remnants of you on his lips. You, however, are not forgotten as Minghao sinks two fingers into you without warning, making your eyes roll backward as he fingers you, hard and fast.

Your boyfriends pull away from each other, panting as Minghao gestures his head towards you. "Go on." Minghao goads, his voice low. "Eat her out while I finger her, Hansol."

That's all the command that Hansol needs before his mouth is on you, making you let out a loud broken moan, your legs shaking as their touch brings you closer and closer to the edge. Minghao, who notices that you are pursing your lips, a tell that you are almost close, immediately angles his fingers until they hit your g-spot inside of you.

The first time he hits it, you nearly cum on the spot from the shock of it, your body wretching upwards and making Minghao's angle change.

He looks at you with a slightly disappointed look as he shakes his head before his other hand moves to pin you to the car. "Be good, Baobei." He says sternly as he fixes you with a pout. "We can't make it up to you if you thrash around like that, so be still and let us give you what a birthday girl deserves."

Before you could even sob out a reply, Minghao captures your lips into a searing kiss as he re-angles his fingers to hit the same spot, harder now. You whine into his mouth as he licks and nips at your lips as Hansol sucks on your clit hard.

You feel yourself getting closer to the edge, your right hand gripping and pulling at Minghao's hair which indicates that to him. He pulls away from your lips before leaning down to your ear.

"Be a good girl and cum for us, Baobei." He whispers, his voice rumbly and low.

That command is all it takes as you let out another whiny moan before the coil in your stomach snaps and you cum all over Hansol's mouth. Hansol doesn't complain. In fact, he does the opposite and groans into your pussy as he begins to lap up at your elixir, not wanting to waste a single drop.

You feel like you've just seen the stars as Minghao coos sweet words at you and gives you soft pecks as his fingers still move inside of you, chasing the high of your release. You lets out a whine, your body shuddering as you feel the start of the overstimulation, making your hand fly to Minghao's arm.

He glances at it and nods before he nudges Hansol, lightly with his foot. Hansol immediately pulls away from your pussy, the lower half of his face shiny with your slick, making your cheeks heat up as he gives you a slightly dazed smile.

You whimper as Minghao's fingers slide out of you, still sensitive from cumming. He brings his fingers to his mouth and leaks them clean while staring straight into your eyes making the butterflies in your stomach flutter as he groans.

You glance around for Hansol who is back at your desk, digging around your table for a little bit before he finds what he is looking for. He returns with some wipes and a bottle of water from his bag as helps you to sit up. He opens the bottle in one quick twist before placing a straw into it.

"Slowly." He gently mutters as he watches you drink the water. "Don't want you to choke."

Your heart warms at his concerns as he opens the wipes and hands one to Minghao. You watch, with the bottle in hand, as your boyfriends wipe you clean, making sure to be extra careful around your private parts as they don't want to overstimulate you. Minghao helps to pull up your underwear and pants as Hansol helps you adjust your bra and your shirt, brushing it downwards so that it doesn't wrinkle.

Hansol presses a chaste kiss onto your lips as he helps you to fix your hair, causing you to give him a small, lovesick grin which he returns before he plants a kiss onto your nose, making you giggle.

Minghao smoothens out your ripped jeans before rising and planting a kiss onto your forehead. "Do you forgive us, Baobei?" He wonders softly, looking at you at eye level as you give him a soft grin before nodding.

"I do." You say, giving him a quick peck on his lips. A cute smile appears on his face which makes your heart race as Hansol takes the bottle of water from your hand and shifts the straw for himself to drink.

"Good." Hansol hums after he gulps the water down. "Would be pretty awkward for the two of us to go to your birthday dinner without you."

Your heart flutters at his words as you glance between the two, a smile of excitement appearing on your lips. "Really?"

The two of them look a little offended by your question as they crouch down to meet your gaze a little better as you still sit on your dream car.

"Angel." Hansol starts, grabbing your hand into his. "We were serious about making it up to you. We will never ever forget your birthday again for the rest of our lives and if we do, you have full permission to leave us."

That pulls a soft giggle out of your lips, making Hansol crack a small smile as Minghao continues. "We love you, Baobei. We were in the wrong and we also re-promise that the two of us will not be on the same track ever again. Just because we always want one of you to be here with us because baby, you might not need us, but we both sure as hell need you."

You feel your chest ache at their words as you squeeze both their hands. "Silly boys." You mutter glancing between the two of them. "I sure as hell need you both too. So don't ever say something silly like that ever again."

Your boyfriends flash you smiles before you stand up, tugging them up with you.

"So…" You eye the two of them eagerly. "Where are we going?"

Your boyfriends sneakily glanced at each other before giving you a knowing smile.

"You'll see."

FOREVER AND ALWAYS

"I love you both so much." You sigh out, glancing at your boyfriends who are lying on either side of you on the grassy hill that they took you too. "This is absolutely perfect."

Minghao gives you a grin as he pushes himself up, leaning on his elbow. "Well, we know that you didn't want a big birthday bash this year so we decided that it should just be the three of us. Plus," He darts his tongue out to wet his lips. "Hansol and I had a lot of apologizing to do."

"And I forgive you both." You mutter. "You both planned an amazing birthday for me."

It's true, they had.

After they helped you to pack up the rest of your garage, you guys dropped by Joshua's house to give him back his key, which led to a twenty minute sigh-lecture fest from your childhood best friend before you physically had to push your boyfriends out of the door so that he doesn't rip them a new one for stealing from him.

You promised the two that they would get keycards from you in the coming days because you trusted them and it was honestly something that you should've given them a year or two ago.

Hansol was particularly interested in that because he wanted to help you out with fixing the car and learning from you. "It will probably help me to be a safer and better driver." He hums out in the car. "Not many racers have the knack for knowing what's going on in the organs of the car."

Minghao had scoffed at Hansol's word choices but was excited to see you in action, all the same.

They drove you to one of the nearby taco truck that is your go-to and ordered a few before they drove you to 'Lover's Hill'. A stargazing spot that had been on their mind for ages.

The three of you ate happily as they asked you to talk about the car before you guys started to stargazing at the beautiful night sky.

"It's our pleasure, Baobei." Minghao softly says as he leans in to press a kiss to your temple. "You are the reason we do this, y'know?"

You tilt your head to the side. "To do what?"

"Drive." Hansol answers, making you peer at him as he too, leans on his elbows. "You're the reason we drive."

You swear you're going to break down into a second fit of sobs if they continue to say things like this to you. "I love you both, so much."

Hansol and Minghao grin at you. "We love you more, Angel."

"Forever and always, Baobei."

You smile up at them before giving a thought crosses your mind, making you give them a small smirk. "Y'know…" You drawl out, pushing yourself up and leaning on your palm as you glance between the both of them. "This hill is called 'Lover's Hill for a reason…"

Your boyfriends share a glance before turning back to you, small smirks on both their faces.

"Oh, really?" Minghao asks softly, leaning in closer. You nod, your breathing hitching slighly at how close they're getting.

"Maybe you should enlighten us, Angel." Hansol says, his tongue swiping over his bottom lip.

You look between the two men in-front of you and smile to yourself at how much love the three of you have for each other and looking at them, you honestly see forever.

"With pleasure."

©livmarauder2026Thank you guys so much for reading my v8 birthday fic! I do hope you guys truly enjoyed reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it! <3 More fics to come!! Like my work? Join my Permanent Taglist! All my fics are 18+, which means blogs without age or age indicator will not be tagged! If you like this, please consider reblogging or liking! It really makes my day! <3 Thank you for showing our hyperpop v8 street racers so much love!

FLOWERS WILL BLOOM

Jeonghan would like to say that his interest in flowers started when he was eight, on the day of his sister's birthday. His sister wanted to go to a flower garden for her birthday and much to Jeonghan's dismay (at first), she got to. Jeonghan had thrown many tantrums about it because he said he's a boy and being caught dead in a flower garden would surely make Seungcheol and Joshua tease him to no end about it. However, he lost that manipulation tantrum and sulked all the way until they reached the garden that his sister had been talking about for months.

He dragged his feet as he sulkily trailed after his parents who were hand in hand with his sister who was looking at the flowers with her eyes as big as saucers. She rattled off some statements about how pretty the flowers were which made Jeonghan scoff as he folded his arms and looked away from them.

His eyes wandered until they widened, seeing a familiar face a few feet away between a section of red and blue flower who looked just as unamused as he was.

"Mum!" Jeonghan's mother turned around, facing her son with a look of surprise etched onto her face as she saw the visible difference in his posture and face.

"Yes darling?"

"Can I go over to play with Seungcheol?" His mother's gaze flicked towards where the other unamused boy stood, slightly hunched over a little girl by his side and immediately understood the reason for Jeonghan's posture change.

With a sigh, she nodded. "But you can't throw a tantrum when I say it's time to go later, okay?" She warned him making the boy absentmindedly nod, already on his way to bother the older boy that he had his sights on.

"Cheol!" Seungcheol, the boy in question jolted before he whipped his head around to see his gremlin of a best friend, which made his eyes widen.

"Jeonghan?" Seungcheol blinked as he fully turned his body towards him. "What are you doing here?"

Jeonghan rolled his eyes and gestured to his sister who was walking further away with their parents in tow. "Su Bin wanted to come and see the flower festival for her birthday." He turned back to Seungcheol, "Why are you here?"

Seungcheol opened his mouth to answer when a soft voice captured both of their attentions. "Who are you? Are you trying to steal my brother?"

Jeonghan peered down to see a little girl with bangs and pigtails. She donned a flower dress and had a small frown on her lips as she clutched Seungcheol's right arm, tight into her own. Jeonghan's eyebrows furrowed at the expression on the girl's face before he glanced at his best friend. Seungcheol, however, just looked at the girl with a slight fondness as he shook his head.

"He isn't stealing me away." He assured the girl and used his free hand to pat her head. "This is Jeonghan, the one that I have told you many stories about. He's oppa's best friend."

It suddenly clicked in Jeonghan's brain who this girl was. You were Seungcheol's younger sister by two years. He had only heard stories of you where his best friend had referenced you as Violet. It was a nickname that Seungcheol had coined when you had gotten lost at the age of four and ended up being found in a bed of violets, sleeping away.

Your eyes locked with Jeonghan's as you tilted your head to the side, almost calculating the man in-front of you. Jeonghan felt a little apprehensive under your gaze as he felt your boba eyes pierce his soul and made him feel something… he didn't know what it was exactly but it made his heart race and his chest uneasy.

"Did he come to play with us?" You asked your brother, your gaze unwavered as you continue to star down Jeonghan. Seungcheol spared a glance towards his best friend before a smirk appeared on his face that made Jeonghan's eyebrows furrow, not liking the look in his eyes.

"I think he came because he wanted to learn more about flowers, Violet."

Jeonghan felt his heart drop as soon as the words came out of his best friend's mouth and felt his jaw drop open. "N-no! That's not—" He had tried to sputter out but then he noticed your reaction and his words got caught in his throat.

Your eyes had widened as you looked between your brother and his friend excitedly. "Really?" You had asked him, your tone laced with awe. "You want to know more about flowers?"

Jeonghan felt his mind blank at the sheer excitement in your voice as all the words that he was going to say immediately disappeared from his head. He felt his throat dry up as Seungcheol detached himself easily from your hold — now that you were distracted by a new 'willing' subject, a smug expression on his face. Jeonghan, however, did not notice his best friend's delight and was just laser-focused on you as you moved closer to him.

"Do you?" You had asked him again, when you were just a few meters away from the boy. Jeonghan didn't know what was wrong with him, if it was any other person, he would scoff in their face and sulk or manipulate his way out of the situation. However, he felt himself nod at your words, almost as if you had placed him under a spell.

If it was even possible, your eyes lit up even more as you reached out and took his arm into yours and tugged him to your side. Jeonghan stumbled as his eyes widened, you were really strong. You excitedly jumped up and down as you stared into the hesitant eyes of the boy you had just met a couple minutes ago.

"C'mon!" You said as you pulled Jeonghan towards the red flowers. "I'll make sure you have a favourite flower by the end of today!"

Jeonghan gulped as he peered behind him to see Seungcheol stood there, a delighted expression on his face as he gave a wave. Jeonghan glared at his best friend as the cogs finally clicked in his head. He had planned this from the very start. Seungcheol had basically used him as bait to get out of your flower talk.

Jeonghan felt you literally tug him out of his thoughts as you squatted down to get a closer look at the flowers, effectively making the older boy squat as well. Jeonghan rebalanced himself, his eye twitching in the process as he tried very hard to not toss a glare your way, annoyance filling his tiny body.

He opened his mouth and was ready to turn to you, to spout some bullshit excuse when he saw you gesture to the red flowers in-front of you.

"Look."

Jeonghan looked up, analyzing the flower with an unimpressed expression on his face before he noticed that he had gotten mud all over his new shoes that he had begged his mother to buy. He felt his blood boil with annoyance and turned to you, niceness be damned, he was going to chastise you.

However, when his eyes locked with your frame, all the words he wanted to say died on his tongue and his mind blanked for the second time that hour.

You stared at the roses with a gentleness and softness on your face as your eyes lit up, the more you analyzed the red flower in-front of you. You even went as far as to stroke the petal of the one closest to you as a small, cute smile appeared on your face.

"This is a rose." You softly said, as you absentmindedly rubbed a dew off of the petal of another flower. "Did you know my mummy said that there are more than one hundred and fifty species of roses?"

Jeonghan felt his head shake at your question, an action that he didn't have full control over. "My mummy also told me that all flowers have different meanings." You chirped.

There was silence for a little while until Jeonghan's curiosity got the better of him. "What does violets mean?"

You were quiet for a bit before you opened your mouth and replied with a simple, "My mummy said that they represent modesty and faithfulness." Your nose scrunched up, "I have no idea what that means though."

Jeonghan was silent as he spared a glance at the red roses in-front of the two of you. "Did your mummy also tell you what roses mean?"

Jeonghan looked back at you as you nod with your eyebrows scrunched, almost as if you were trying to recall what exactly she had said.

"She told me about the red ones…" You started. "She said that they mean love and are mostly given from two people who love each other." With that, you turned to the older boy, your head tilted to the side, a small frown on your face.

"I bet you find that disgusting though." You state softly, recalling your older brother's words. "Because you're a boy and oppa always says that boys don't like roses because love is weird and disgusting."

If Jeonghan had paid a little more attention, he would've scrunched up his nose and agreed with your brother's words that echoed in your head. However, as he stared at your little pout and your shiny boba eyes, he felt his mouth run before he had the chance to stop it.

"No." He admitted. "I think roses are cool."

You blinked at the older boy as he processed the words that had just left his mouth with a red flush on his cheeks.

"Really?" You asked, slightly in awe which made Jeonghan's cheeks flush even more at the intensity of the way you were looking at him.

"Y-yeah." He stuttered out as his gaze shifted from your eyes to the red roses, unable to hold your gaze for much longer. "I think the red is cool and…" His voice softened. "They're pretty I guess."

His heart thundered in his ear as all he was met with from you, was silence. His face grew hotter every second that you didn't answer. He was going to save some dignity and pull back when he heard you giggle.

He turned back to you, his eyes wide as he watched as your eye lines crinkle. He felt the same uneasiness in his chest as earlier and blinked at you, unsure of what to do until you finally stopped laughing and just fixed the boy with a big smile.

"You're funny." You admitted, the smile on your face getting impossibly bigger as Jeonghan blinked at you again. "We're friends now!"

Jeonghan eyes widened even more. "F-friends?"

You nodded, a determined expression on your face. "Anyone who likes roses is my friend. So," You leaned closer to the boy as your eyes shimmered in the sunlight. "We're friends now."

Jeonghan felt the tips of his ears become hot as he turned away from you, unable to bare the intensity of your boba eyes. It was almost as if they stared into his soul, He hoped you didn't know the effect that you had on him, because if you told your brother about it, Seungcheol or Joshua would never let him live it down.

Unbeknownst to him, you were a smart cookie. You knew the effect you had on people and Jeonghan wasn't any different. You smiled to yourself before you tugged the boy up to his feet as you drew his attention back to you.

"C'mon Hannie." You said, the nickname rolling off your tongue with an ease that made Jeonghan's heart ache. "I got more flowers to show you!"

Jeonghan didn't know why but he let himself get tugged for the second time that day towards a section of yellow flowers. He spared a glance down towards your co-joined hands then peered back at the red roses that the two of you were leaving behind. He took another look at you and the big smile you had on your face as you dragged him off and felt his body warm.

Maybe. He thought to himself. Flowers weren't so bad after all.

A small smile appeared on his face without him noticing.

Or at least, Roses aren't that bad.

THORNS PROSPER MORE THAN THE BLOOMS

Jeonghan would say that he's a charmer. He also knows that it's a fact that is definitely undisputed by everyone around him.

"Aigoo!" Jeonghan exclaims, jogging over to Mrs Tam, a regular at his flower shop. "Mrs Tam! What did I tell you about opening doors for yourself?"

Mrs Tam, an elderly woman in her seventies let out a chuckle as Jeonghan pushed opened the door for her, helping her with her trolley in the process. "That I should always wait for one of you boys to do it for me?"

Jeonghan clicks his tongue as he flashes her a dazzling smile whilst taking her hand to help her inside the shop. "Bingo!" Jeonghan shoots her a wink. "I knew you were a smart cookie when you first came to the shop."

Mrs Tam laughs heartily and pats his hand with her free one, her eye lines crinkling as she gives him a smile. "You're such a charmer, my dear boy." Her eyes twinkle. "It's a wonder that you don't have a girlfriend yet… Would you like me to set you up with someone? I'll have you know that my granddaughter and her husband have been going strong for three years because I introduced them to each other!"

Jeonghan shakes his head, the charming smile on his face never leaving. "Aigoo." He cooes out, patting the elderly lady's hand. "I can't ask you to do that for me, Mrs Tam. Besides," He looks around at the store before leaning in. "If I get a girlfriend, Shua will feel really alone and I can't let that happen."

"I heard that." Comes an unamused call from the counter, making the two turn to see Joshua leaning against the counter, who rolls his eyes as soon as the two look at him. "I think I have a better chance at finding a girl than you do, Hannie."

Jeonghan shares a glance with the older lady before smirking at Joshua. "Wow." He whistles out. "Sensitive, aren't we?" He is met with another eye roll as Joshua pushes himself off the counter.

"You're lucky Mrs Tam is here." He calls out to Jeonghan who lets out a laugh before shooting her a wink.

"Saved my life again, Mrs Tam." He gives the elderly lady's hands one last squeeze before letting her go and ushering her to the counter. "What can I do for you today?"

Mrs Tam's smile grows bigger as she pulls out a picture from her wallet before passing it to Jeonghan for him to see. He takes the picture from her and his eyes widen as his jaw drops open.

"Wah!" Jeonghan exclaims, reaching over the counter to squeeze the older lady's hand once more. "Congratulations Mrs Tam!"

Joshua peeks out from the storeroom, confusion written all over his face as to what the commotion is about. Jeonghan turns and shows Joshua the picture of the ultrasound with Mrs Tam's grandaugther's name written at the top left hand corner.

Joshua's eyes widen as a smile appears on his lips as he walks over to Mrs Tam to give her a hug. "Congratulations Mrs Tam!" He pulls away and gives her a smile. "You'll make an amazing grandmother."

The older woman's smile gets bigger as she looks between the two boys, her eyes shining.

"You two are too sweet." She says before turning back to Jeonghan. "That's why I am here today! I wanted to get them a bouquet of flowers to congratulate them and I knew that you two would be able to curate a bouquet that is perfect for the occasion."

Joshua fondly smiles at Mrs Tam. "I'm sure Jeonghan has something just right for you." He shoots a teasing glance towards the slightly older man. "Don't you, Hannie?"

Jeonghan meets his teasing smile with a smile of his own as he gives Mrs Tam a reassuring nod. "I got the perfect arrangement for you, Mrs Tam. Give me a few moments to arrange and wrap it for you."

With that, Jeonghan walks around his sunlit store, weaving through the different sections grabbing a few different flowers as his mind spirals with what arrangment style he could arrange this in. All the while, Joshua ushered Mrs Tam to sit at the tea table they had and offers her a soothing green tea while she waits.

Jeonghan, in full concentration makes his way back to the counter after collecting all the flowers he needs and gets to work.

After a couple of snips and snaps and sounds of wrappers being used, Jeonghan places his palms on his hips as he looks down at his creation with a satisfied smile on his face.

He adds a finishing touch of a spritz of a citrus scent on the packaging to elevate it a little more before grabbing it and making his way over to where Mrs Tam and Joshua are quietly chatting.

Jeonghan holds out the flowers in-front of Mrs Tam with a prideful smile on his face. "Here you go!" He chirps out as Mrs Tam lets out a gasp and takes the bouquet into her hands, looking at the full floral arrangement in awe.

"This is beautiful." She breathes out, making Jeonghan's smile grow bigger. She glances up and locks eyes with Jeonghan. "What do they mean?"

Jeonghan lets out a hum and begins to point out the different flowers.

"This bouquet signifies new beginnings. These," He points to the pink flowers. "Are pink carnations. Pink carnations are known to represent maternal care so her receiving her first ones from you will mean the world to her." He moves on towards the purple flowers.

"Tulips." He said with a certain smile on his face. "Signifies joy, happiness and the promise of new life." They shift to the white flowers. "Gerbera daisies are famous for being joyful and uplifting, perfect to celebrate a bub-to-be." His breath hitches slightly as his eyes fixate on the last flowers in the bouquet.

"White and pink roses." He all but whispers out, "is the symbol of peace, unconditional love and new beginnings." Jeonghan stares at the pink and white flowers for a beat longer before he clears his throat and flashes Mrs Tam a disarming smile, trying to ignore Joshua's knowing eyes on him. "Definitely a good way to bring forth new changes and fresh beginnings."

Mrs Tam's eyes twinkle as she glances at Jeonghan, her grip on the bouquet gentle as she takes in the beautiful arrangement once more. "My dear boy." She says, her tone watery. "This is outstanding work."

Jeonghan's smile changes into a more genuine one, softer around the edges as he nods. "I'm glad that I could make it happen, Mrs Tam."

The clock chimes on the wall, making the elderly lady glance at it before letting out a soft 'oh'. "I think that's my cue to leave, my dear boys." Jeonghan nods in understanding as Joshua stands up to help Mrs Tam with her belongings.

"Let my walk you out, Mrs Tam." Joshua says softly. As soon as they reach the door, the lady turns around to face the elder of the two.

"The roses are a really lovely touch to the bouquet, Jeonghan." She says, her eyes twinkling with a certain shine that causes Jeonghan's breath to hitch as he gives her an uneasy smile.

"Yeah." He says, his voice a little raspy, as if he had just found it. "I guess they are."

With that, Mrs Tam gives the boy one last smile before bidding Joshua a 'thank you' and 'goodbye'. The bell chimes as the door shuts, silence enveloping the shop once more as the afternoon sun shines through the multiple windows of the shop, painting the shop in a lovely golden hue.

"Roses, huh?" Joshua asks, the question not really a question with his knowing tone as Jeonghan stands up and pushes his chair back under the table, actively not meeting his best friend's eyes.

"Yeah." He answers, short and sweet, leaving no room for further comments. Joshua just lets out an easy hum, walking back to the tea table to place the two teacups back onto the tray so that he can bring it to the back.

Joshua spares a glance towards his best friend who starts sorting inventory and unpacking deliveries, a serious expression on his face. Joshua internally sighs before he tries to lighten the mood.

"Can't believe Chan and Seungkwan are both late today." He says easily, exaggeratedly scoffing as he gets Jeonghan's attention. "I swear, if they were both out drinking last night…"

Jeonghan lets out a soft chuckle which makes Joshua smile to himself, pleased that he managed to get the other man out of his head a little.

"Well," Jeonghan starts, turning to cast a glance at him. "wouldn't be the first time."

Joshua shakes his head, "They're learning too much from Soonyoung." He lifts the tray to bring it to the back. "All the bad habits, might I add."

Jeonghan smiles at that. "You know how much Channie looks up to him." He runs a finger down the list before scanning the shelf in-front of him, looking for the yellow carnations. "I hope they're here soon though, we have an order for Kay's Jewels in about an hour and a half and Izzy's Emporium right after that." He glances towards the delivery shelf to find it half-full. "And Seungkwan hasn't actually finished the arrangements for that."

Joshua lets out a hum. "How many orders for each is there again?" He makes his way over to Jeonghan. "Maybe I can do one or two so that he doesn't have that much work later."

Jeonghan clicks his tongue as he flips through the sheets of paper on his clipboard, trying to find the order. As he finds it and opens his mouth to share the details with his semi-co-owner, the bell chimes as the door flies open, making the two jolt.

They immediately turn towards the door to see the two younger men, their hairs slightly disheveled as they panted, looking as if they had just sprinted a marathon to get here.

"Sorry we're late!" Seungkwan apologises between breaths as Chan nods, looking as if he would pass out if he actually said something.

The two owners share a glance, their minds running on the same frequency as they immediately turn back to the two, the only goal in their mind being 'torture' and shenanigans. Joshua is the first to speak, putting their plan into action.

"Well, well, well…" Joshua drawls out, crossing his arms. "Did you two finally remember that you have jobs?"

Chan and Seungkwan share a look, opening their mouth to say something but Jeonghan cuts them off, shaking his head as he feigns disappointment with a small pout on his face. "How could you both?" He asks, the pout deepening. "We were swamped with orders this morning and both Kay and Izzy called to double their orders!" He shakes his head again, slower this time to give it the added 'disappointment' effect before locking eyes with the two again.

"I can't believe you two would do this."

The two younger men's eyes widen as they begin to stammer out apologies, saying that they would pull extra shifts as well as do overtime for free when Joshua and Jeonghan's facades break, making them launch into a fit of chuckles.

Upon seeing the break, Seungkwan groans, catching on faster than Chan who just stares at the two in shock.

"You two are terrible." Seungkwan says, shooting them a glare. Joshua smirks walking over to the man, putting an arm around him as he tugs him closer.

"Aww." He drawls out, feigning a pout as he ruffles Seungkwan's hair. "That's not a nice thing to say."

Seungkwan rolls his eyes. "Well, only nice people deserve nice things said to them."

Jeonghan exaggeratedly gasps, placing his hand on his chest as he feigns hurt. "Hey!" He exclaims. "I'm nice!"

Seungkwan shoots him a look. "Nice like the devil maybe." Seungkwan mutters, shoving Joshua off of him which makes the older man laugh before trekking to the back, to probably get started with the delivery orders.

The two gremlins fix their gaze onto Chan who awkwardly shuffles in place, making Jeonghan walk over to him and sling an arm around his shoulder, tugging the younger body into his chest.

"Aigoo." He coos, tucking his clipboard under his arm as he ruffles Chan's hair. "Why were the two of you so late today?"

Chan looks between Jeonghan and Joshua, letting out an awkward chuckle before he swallows, unsure of how to answer which makes the two gremlins share a look.

"Were you out drinking again last night?" Joshua asks, his smirk teasing as the tip of Chan's ears turn red, indicating that Joshua had been right on the ball.

Jeonghan feigns a disappointed sigh as he shakes his head, tutting in the process. "Were you two out with Kwon again?" Jeonghan asks, his eyebrows raising. "You both do know that he's a bad influence on you right?"

Chan's eyebrow furrow slightly as he shakes his head. "No, we weren't with him last night." He answers, glancing between the two interrogators. "We were drinking with Mingyu and Vernon last night."

Jeonghan's eyebrows scrunch up. "Mingyu and Vernon?"

Chan's nod only makes the two even more confused. Vernon, they understood. He had grown up with Chan and Seungkwan, being next door neighbors and all but Mingyu had been apart of Jeonghan and Joshua's circle in high school, sure they had drifted apart a little bit but Mingyu wasn't known to hang around the Do Re Mi trio.

"That's interesting." Is Jeonghan's reply as he lets go of Chan, still slightly confused. Chan rubs the back of his neck as he nods, his eyes twinkling which makes the older boy's eyebrow raise. "You have some gossip to share, don't you?"

Jeonghan had hired Chan and Seungkwan right off the bat after high school when Joshua and him were talking about starting this business. It was a brush off of an idea at first, a drunken night where Joshua brought up the idea during one of their weekly meetups with Seungcheol. Jeonghan rolled his eyes at the suggestion but played along with the idea and playfully said that if he were to do that, Joshua would be his second in command.

They had laughed it off while Seungcheol was in the bathroom but the more Jeonghan thought about it, the more it made sense as an overall idea. The town was small, the only flower shop they had was a bit of a drive away which meant that a lot of the older people had to either opt for delivery (which was done by their children or grandchildren) or they drove out there themselves. Jeonghan also had taken an interest in flowers and due to his photographic memory, he actually remembered a lot of the facts that he had read when he was trying to impress someone back then.

So, after a bad hangover the next morning, Jeonghan started to actually craft out a plan and asked Joshua to help him with it. Joshua agreed to help the moment he had asked him about it and was in-charge of logistics, deliveries, standard operating procedure and the most important of all — keeping Jeonghan in check.

Hence, what started as a small idea grew into something that Jeonghan holds close to his heart. 'Roses Are Red' was built and has been an integral part of the community for the past eight years and Jeonghan couldn't be prouder. This also meant that he knew his employees like the back of his hand, so when Chan's eyes light up like that, it usually means that Chan had some hot gossip to share.

"I do!" Chan says, an excited grin on his face as he starts to buzz a little. Jeonghan lets out a breath of a chuckle before waving his hand at him.

"Alright," Jeonghan starts with a sigh as he turns back to inventory, "Let us hear it."

"Okay! So-" With that, Chan launches into how Mingyu had actually appeared with Vernon last night because they were having dinner just an hour earlier and because Mingyu knew Seungkwan and Chan or had talked to them before, Vernon invited him to their hangout.

He recalled how he and Seungkwan had been confused at first because Vernon doesn't normally invite people to their weekly get-together. However when Mingyu had arrived and they had started drinking, their words getting a little looser, it turned out that Mingyu had actually offered Vernon a job.

"A job?" Joshua repeats, a little confused. "I thought Mingyu's business was strictly a family one?"

Chan nods at that, getting more excited as he unpacks more of the story. "That's what Seungkwan and I thought as well! But it turns out, Mingyu's friend is coming back to town and Mingyu is helping them sort out all of the business stuff because they haven't been here for ten years."

Jeonghan had been absentmindedly listening to the story Chan was unpacking for the last ten minutes, more focused on the inventory in-front of him but those last few words pulls him out of it. His hand immediately halts as he feels his body go rigid.

It couldn't be. Is the first thought that rushes through his head, amongst many others. It has to just be a coincidence. Surely Seungcheol would've told him and Joshua if you were coming back to town. Him especially.

He thinks back to the last few weeks and how Seungcheol had been looking at him and also acting a little weirdly. Seungcheol had been on the look-out for apartments which had caused Jeonghan and Joshua to share a few glances whenever he had mentioned it because Seungcheol was already living in a house that he owned. However, they didn't push, thinking that Seungcheol wanted to get into the business of real estate and if it was something important, Seungcheol would voluntarily tell them about it anyways.

"Ten years?" Joshua repeats Chan's words, the cogs in his brain turning as he spares a quick glance at Jeonghan. "He said someone was coming back?"

Chan nods eagerly at that, "Yeah!" He snaps his fingers. "When we asked him who it was, Mingyu was a little unsure if he wanted to tell us at first but he confirmed that it was a girl."

Jeonghan feels his blood run cold as his grip on his pen involuntarily tightens.

Joshua's eyebrows scrunch. "Why?"

"Apparently it's meant to be a secret." Chan says nonchalantly as he puts a hand on his chin to think. "I remember him saying that I shouldn't be telling someone about it but..." He grimaces. "My head's a little foggy on the details."

"Anyway, after we begged him a couple more times, he told us about her and here's the kicker!" He looks between the two, his hands raised in anticipation as Joshua holds his breath. "She's apparently Seung—"

Chan gets cut-off by Seungkwan barrelling into him like a tornado. The latter slams his hand over Chan's mouth as he shoots him a warning glare.

"What are you doing?" Seungkwan hisses at Chan, taking a shifty eyed glance towards the two older ones in the room. "We weren't supposed to tell them."

Chan blinks blurrily at Seungkwan when Jeonghan turns to face them, his clipboard and pen still clutched tightly in his hand that both his knuckles were starting to turn white.

"Seungkwan." Jeonghan calls with an eerily calm and serious voice making the whole room feel a thousand times colder. "When Mingyu said the girls name. Was it Violet?"

Seungkwan hesitates, taking a glance at his boss before shifting his eyes downwards. Joshua steps in.

"Han." Joshua says, his voice careful as he looks over his face. "I don't think you want to—"

Jeonghan shakes his head, cutting Joshua off. "No." He says quietly. "I need to know."

Seungkwan glances at Joshua who looks at Jeonghan with a calculating gaze, analyzing to see what the latter is thinking about when Joshua sighs and takes a step back.

Jeonghan locks eyes with Seungkwan, his face unreadable. "So," he starts, "was it Violet?"

Seungkwan gnaws on his bottom lip as he casts a glance towards Joshua. He thinks back to Mingyu's words about Seungcheol's sister. Seungkwan had heard stories of a girl and Jeonghan when they were first starting high school and how they were something out of a fairytale. They were the dreamy 'It' couple. However, somewhere along the lines, it didn't last and she left. No one knew why and in such a small town where gossip spreads like a wildfire, it was unheard of.

Seungkwan lets his eyes drift, seeing Jeonghan's white knuckles, the slight tick in his jaw as well as the unevenness of his breathing before he sighs.

"Yes," Seungkwan admits quietly. "It was."

A tense silence envelopes the room as Seungkwan sees Jeonghan grip the pen even tighter, his hands shaking. The older man quietly takes a step back and hangs the inventory sheet back next to the rack before he turns back to the other three, eerily calm.

"Make sure the orders are ready before the next hour so that they can be delivered on time." Chan and Seungkwan blink at the seriousness in his tone, making Jeonghan raise an eyebrow at their blank expressions. "Is that too much of an issue?"

Seungkwan recovers first, shaking his head with his hands up. "N-no!" He clears his throat. "Chan and I will get them and deliver them."

Jeonghan gives the two younger ones a firm nod before turning to Joshua, his serious and unreadable expression never wavering. "Deal with the inventory for me?"

The latter nods, giving Jeonghan an easy smile. "Of course."

Jeonghan nods before he grabs his jacket and walks out of the store without another word. The tense atmosphere breaks when Seungkwan lets out a breath that he didn't know he was holding as soon as Jeonghan's car pulls away.

"We are never drinking again." Seungkwan deadpans, glaring at Chan who raises his hands in surrender.

"It wasn't my fault!" Chan defends, his voice slightly pitchier than normal.

"It so was!" Seungkwan scoffs. "You and your big mouth! Why did you even need to bring it up?!"

"I didn't think it would be that big of an issue!"

Joshua tunes the two younger ones as they continue to bicker, keeping his gaze firm on where Jeonghan had just driven off with a small frown on his face.

He makes a mental note to call Seungcheol later to ask him for drinks and to give the oldest man a piece of his mind. He knows why Seungcheol didn't tell them, but with how Jeonghan had rushed out of the place, Joshua knew that he felt blindsided and would be missing in action till he collected all his thoughts.

Joshua internally sighs, already feeling a headache on its way as he mentally prepares himself for the next week when Chan breaks his train of thoughts.

"Hyung." Chan starts, making Joshua turn to him, tiredly. "Was whatever happened really that bad?"

Joshua gnaws on his bottom lip as he glances back out the window.

"Sometimes, the thorns prosper more than the blooms."

VIOLETS ARE BLUE

You never realized how tiring moving was until you're doing it for the second time in your thirty years of living. The first move you did when you were eighteen was one of the easiest things you did logistically speaking. You were young which meant that you didn't have a lot of stuff to move because most of them were your parents things and they were also filled with memories that would hurt more if you brought them with you.

Hence, when Seungcheol helped you that time, it was just a couple of boxes and one luggage. Now, it was at least triple that.

"I don't know how one person can have so many things." Seungcheol grunts as he pushes another box into the trailer that you had rented for the move. "Plus, you were living alone."

You roll your eyes at his whining as a small frown appears on your lips. "I wasn't living alone." You glance at your baby samoyed that you had gotten a year ago and point at her. "Mandu's with me."

Seungcheol raises an eyebrow as he gives you the big brother look of unamusement. "You're telling me that because of Mandu, you had to buy triple the amount of stuff that you used to have?" He asks, gesturing to the trailer that is almost filled to the brim with boxes and bubble wrapped pieces of furniture.

"Yes."

Seungcheol scoffs. "You're such a liar."

You open your mouth to argue when a sigh interrupts you.

"Can we please finish packing first before you two go at it again." Minghao deadpans, carrying a box that was labeled, 'Books #2'. "I cannot spend another night on Violet's hardwood floor."

You roll your eyes at his statement. "Firstly, its seven in the morning, Hao. I don't think we need another night to get two or three more boxes into the back of the trailer. And secondly," You frown before you ask. "What's wrong with my floor?"

"The fact that we're sleeping on it, is what's wrong with it." Minghao says, his eyebrows furrowing as the frown deepens. "I can't believe the three of us were able to fit on the floor."

"Years of college have taught us better." Seokmin states, wrapping an arm around Minghao's shoulders with a cheeky smile on his face. "Besides, Violet's floors were definitely better than whatever our dorm floors were back then."

"I did offer up Cheol's room as well." You state, sparing a glance towards your older brother. "Not my fault that he's a little selfish."

Seungcheol scoffs. "I'm not selfish." He defends, "I just don't think that all of them should be sleeping in my room."

"Oh and my room floor is fine then?"

"Yeah-"

Minghao lets out another tired sigh as the two of you start to squabble like chickens again. He walks around the two of you to get to the trailer and places the second last box into it. He turns to Seokmin to see him watching you and Seungcheol argue with a fond smile on his face before shaking his head.

"Does Mingyu have the last box?" Seokmin's eyes flit towards Minghao before he nods. "He was taping up the last bunch of things in the kitchen. He told me to come out and see if the disaster siblings needed any help but…" He takes a glance at the two of you, a more amused smile appearing on his face. "I think they're fine."

Minghao spares a glance towards the two of you and rolls his eyes. "Can't believe we're almost thirty and these two still go at it as if we're in high school." Seokmin lets out a chucle at Minghao's words as Mingyu comes out of the house with the last box in his hand, pressed into his side.

"Alright!" He exclaims out, getting everyone's attention as he flashes one of his signature pearly white smiles. "The whole house is packed and," He walks up to the trailer and places the box on-top of the one Minghao had just placed down, "loaded!" He finishes, his tone filled with pride.

Your best friend turns to you, a teasing smile on his face. "Aren't you glad Cheol brought us along to help you pack?"

You roll your eyes at his words, "Glad might not be the word that I would use." However, even as you say it, your face betrays you as a grateful smile appears on your lips as you look at the four men. "But this process was a lot faster because of you four. Thank you for coming to help me pack on such a last minute notice."

Seokmin waves you off before slinging his arms around both Mingyu and Minghao's shoulder, pulling them closer to him with a big smile on his face. "Of course!" He chirps, his eye lines crinkling. "We're so excited to have you back in town after so many years! We also can't wait to be the biggest supporters of your flower shop."

You smile at that as Seungcheol ruffles your hair. "Its about time for you to come back anyways." Your older brother says, a knowing look on his face.

His words and expression causes your resolve to falter as your nerves spike. You knew your move to this town was always going to be temporary. At first, you did it because you had to, every part of your hometown reminded you of him and after a while, it felt suffocating. You needed the fresh air and a fresh start.

Hence, you applied for a college in the city, opting for a fresh new start. It was fun for a while but, you knew your heart always longed to go back to your hometown.

You just haven't decided how you were going to face him.

"Yeah." You softly say, peering upwards at your older brother. "I guess it is time to go home."

Seungcheol notices your faraway gaze at the house and gives your shoulder a squeeze making you peer upwards at him. "Do you want to take one last look around?"

You gnaw on your bottom lip before shaking your head, "No, I'm ready to go."

Seungecheol mirrors your smile before giving you a kiss on the top of your head. "Alright." He says, patting your hair. "Let's go."

You whistle for Mandu who immediately perks up and gives you a pitchy bark in response before she pads her way over to you. You squat and pick her up in one smooth movement, cradling the little samoyed to your chest. You smile softly at her as she nuzzles into your hands making you coo at her.

Seungcheol opens the passenger door for you, letting you slip into the seat with Mandu in your arms before he rounds the car to slide into his seat. The car starts up with a hum before Seungcheol pulls out of your street in one swift movement.

You spare one last glance at the house through the window before your brother clears his throat, getting your attention.

You lock eyes with him through the rearview mirror, his eyes glinting with empathy before they shift into something cheekier and more older brother like. "So," he starts, enticing you with a smile making you raise an eyebrow. "Ready to see your shop?"

Its around the five hour mark of driving when you see the familiar sign that welcomes you back to your hometown making you smile as it whizzes past you.

Seungcheol squeezes your intertwined hands making you glance at him as he gives you a smile while his eyes are still focused on the road. "Welcome home."

You feel your heart soar with excitement and slight anxiety as you see the familiar spots of the front of your hometown. Feeling the wave of nostalgia hit you, you begin to point out spots with Seungcheol who reciprocates by pointing out a few of his favourite ones making the two of you momentarily break out into fits of giggles as you both recall the old memories together.

"Could we drop the stuff off at the house and then maybe go check out my shop?" Seungcheol quickly glances at you before flashing you a smile.

"Of course." He hums out. "I think the guys would want to come with you as well so how about you let them know."

You hum out in agreement before shooting Seokmin a quick text about the plan.

No more than an hour later, you slam Seungcheol's car door close as Mandu does a shake of herself, warming up her body as she takes in the new environment around her.

"Don't look!" Mingyu calls out to you from behind making you giggle as you avert your eyes downwards, not looking at your store, no matter how much you want to. Mingyu jogs over to your side before placing his hands over your eyes making you let out a small squeal as you try to pry his hands off of your face.

"Gyu!" You exclaim. "Your hands are cold, get them off my face!"

Mingyu chuckles before he relents and puts his hands on your shoulder after meticulously checking that you didn't have your eyes open. "You ready?" You hear him ask, his voice buzzing with excitement as you let out a giggle before nodding.

"Show me what you found for me, Gyu."

As it was a last minute plan to move back to your hometown, you had asked the guys for help in setting up your new shop with around half of the savings that you had saved up from your previous soul-sucking corporate job. Mingyu had taken on the task of finding the perfect place for you to set up the flower shop of your dreams while you continued to pack for the move of your life.

Mingyu guides you to the storefront as you cautiously walk in the direction that he's leading you in. You hear the guys trail behind the two of you before Mingyu firmly grasps your shoulders, signaling for you to stop. Your heart pounds in your chest as your best friend begins a countdown for you before whispering, "Open."

You look upwards and open your eyes before it locks onto the signage, making your heart swell with joy as your jaw drops open.

"Oh my god!" You exclaim, your hands flying to your mouth as you take a step forward, not quite believing your eyes. "It's so pretty!"

What sits at the top of the store is a vibrant blue and purple blend with the words, 'Violets Are Blue' written in a gold cursive with your logo that Minghao helped you design at front. You are speechless as you stare at it before you feels someone brush your arm.

You peer upwards to meet Minghao's eager eyes as he gives you a small smile. "Do you like it?"

You give him a look of disbelief as you gape at him. "Like it?!" You wrap your arms around him. "Hao, I love it!" You affirm making the taller man giggle as he wraps his around you, hugging you back tightly.

"I'm glad, Vi." He says, giving you a small kiss on the top of your head as you pull away with watery eyes.

You take a step backwards to admire the whole shop as a whole. Along with the beautiful signage, your store has a golden trim with a lovely light blue and purple gradient walls. They are accompanied by four beautiful stained glass windows that are definitely a Minghao DIY because of how personalized and homemade the designs look.

You feel tears well up in your eyes at the sight of the shop before you hear a set of keys jingling behind you. You turn to see your older brother and your best friends standing in a row, looking at you with a big proud smile as Seungcheol walks forward with the keys in between his fingers.

He steps forward with a proud grin on his face as he holds out the keys towards you.

"It isn't much." He says quietly. "The inside isn't finished because we want you to be able to decorate the shop in your own vision." He uses his free hand to grab yours and outstretch your palm so that he can place the keys into it before he wraps his hands around yours, encasing them.

"However," he continues, "we're here to help you move furniture and put everything in place, exactly the way that you want it."

You swear your eyes get wetter as you lift your hand to wipe away all the stray tears. "I love you guys." You softly admit, going back to admire the store. Your store.

It feels unreal saying it aloud.

The four gaze at you fondly as you continue to take it in as Minghao peers behind before leaning into Seungcheol. "Are we not going to tell her about the problem right behind us?" He whispers out, loud enough for only Seungcheol to hear as he keeps a cautious eye on you.

Seungheol purses his lips, taking a glance at the shop behind him. "I'll tell her later." He assures the younger man. "Right now, she needs to focus on—"

His words get cut off by the sound of the familiar bell chime from behind them, across the street making the four men's bodies tense up.

You, however, peer backwards to see where the source of the noise is coming from.

You blink as you spot what looks like another flower shop across the street whose colour scheme looks exactly the opposite of yours. You frown, turning to fully face the shop as you spot a person — the owner you presume — sweeping the front of the shop, gathering the fallen leaves from the nearby trees.

You turn to Mingyu and Seungcheol whose faces look paler than before. "How come you guys didn't tell me that there was another flower shop in town?"

Mingyu internally, starts to panic. They didn't plan for this. It is a Tuesday and according to the information that Mingyu had gathered from Chan and Seungkwan last week, they said that Jeonghan always leaves the shop to Joshua on Tuesday.

So why the hell is he, sweeping the floor right behind them?

Mingyu sees you get more suspicious by the second and panics more. He is unsure of what to stammer out as he glances at Seungcheol, hoping that the older man has some kind of plan.

You frown as you stare at the guys share knowing looks and glances at each other. "Are you guys okay?"

"Of course!" Mingyu says, his brain scrambling. "Just peachy!" They only had a couple of seconds to maybe turn you around before either you or Jeonghan spot each other. So, he enacts the plan and reaches out to you, to try to swerve you back to your shop.

"How about we—"

However, Mingyu didn't have a chance to enact any plan when the owner of the flower shop turns around, feeling eyes on him.

You freeze, immediately feeling your heart drop into the pits of your stomach as you stare at the older man across the street, your jaw dropping open.

Yoon Jeonghan blinks as he catches your eye, the exact same shell-shocked expression as yours, overcoming his features.

You feel time stop as you stare at the man that was your first love. All the memories and feelings rushing back, as if you were twenty again, gazing into his eyes while you both were on too of 'Lovers Hill', stargazing under the night sky.

You know he's thinking about it too, it may have been ten years since you last saw him but his eyes still hold the same calculating gaze that you have a love-hate relationship with. He looks good, definitely grown more into the boyish features that you fell in love with.

You feel your heart thunder in your chest as he turns to fully face you, his mouth opening and closing like a fish as he tries to figure out what to do. You feel your feet move on their own, taking a step forward towards him as you watch him do the same. His gaze is intense as he swallows, opening his mouth to finally say something. However, before you have the chance to figure it out, a car whizzes past, breaking the spell between the two of you.

Jeonghan rapidly blinks as if he finally realizes what he was doing before he takes a step backwards and turns to briskly walk back into his store without a second thought.

You stand there for a few moments, staring at the place where Jeonghan had stood a couple of seconds ago, feeling your heart beat unsteadily in your chest. Seungcheol drags you out of your thoughts as he brushes his hand against yours, making you jolt slightly before you peer up at your older brother.

Seungcheol has a knowing look on his face as he gives you a small frown. "Are you alright?" He asks you softly making you purse your lips as you glance around, seeing the other three men also staring at you with the same apprehensive expression on their faces.

You swallow your nerves before forcing a smile that doesn't quite reach your ears on your face. "Y-yeah." You clear your throat. "C'mon, I want to see the inside of the shop."

Before anyone can say anything else, you turn around and walk to unlock the door, doing your best to ignore their eyes on you as well as the secret glances that you're sure that they're giving each other, all of them unsure of how to approach this situation.

You knew that the second you saw Jeonghan, that he would hate your guts or give you the cold shoulder. You spent the last week in your house, pacing around your bedroom and practicing what you will say to him the first time that you see him after all these years. However, the second that you did, all that practice went out the window.

You internally curse, feeling disappointed in yourself as you unlock the door.

You steel your nerves and put on a brave face before turning to your entourage, "Well." You try to jest, a teasing smile on your face. "The shop isn't going to decorate itself, is it?"

THE NICKNAME ROSE

You realized that you had a crush on your brother's best friend at the age of thirteen when his teasing started to make you a little more flustered than annoyed, when his boyish smile made your stomach do flip flops and when seeing him made your heart thunder in your chest as you willed for the floor to swallow you whole.

You blame it on your best friends, Izzy and Kay who were over at your house for a playdate when a few figures breeze past your room to go to your brothers room which was right next to yours. You ignore it, knowing that it was just your brother and his best friends when you feel a presence to your right and a soft knock accompanied with it.

The three of you peer upwards to see Jeonghan stood there, dressed in his normal school attire with his tie undone, hanging loosely around his neck as he leans against your doorframe.

"Rose." He greets, the nickname rolling off of his tongue making you scrunch your nose at the older boy.

"Don't call me that."

A smirk curls onto his lips. "And why not?"

You roll your eyes, frowning at him. "You know why."

Jeonghan hums, feigning a thinking motion. "Maybe, you should enlighten me again."

You scoff, crossing your arms in front of your chest as you glare at him. He shrugs, the cheeky smirk on his lips growing as he turns to your best friends.

"Kay, Izzy, nice to see you girls."

Your best friends cast a glance at each other before blinking at the boy as you raise an eyebrow.

"Hannie." You deadpan, slightly exasperated. "What are you doing here?"

He gives you a small frown. "Am I not allowed to say 'hi' to my best friend's sister?"

Your eyebrows furrow at that but you keep your guard up. You know Jeonghan well enough that he likes to lull people into a false sense of security before doing something unexpected. Your brother was normally the victim of Jeonghan and Joshua's pranks, the two of them being nicknamed as the evil twins by all the kids in the area for a reason.

"You are." You answer cautiously. "But Cheol said that the three of you have a rather intense amount of board games to play today."

"We do."

You grow even more confused. "So…" You glance out of your room. "Aren't you like late?"

Jeonghan hums in agreement before he gives you a boyish smirk and walks into your room. He crouches down to your level making you jolt backwards a little, realizing how close he is to you.

He scans for your face for a few moments as you hold your breath, feeling your nerves spike as your throat dries up. You open your mouth to ask the boy what he wants when he reaches his hand out from behind him and tucks something behind your ear.

You blink, feeling yourself freeze as Jeonghan gives you a soft smile.

"There." He breathes out making you blink at him, confusion written all over your face.

"What?" You dumbly blurt out. Jeonghan's smile curls a little more as his gaze never wavers from your face making your mind go blank.

You watch his eyes flit around your face for a little bit before he mutters. "Pretty."

The effect that one word causes is immediate as you feel your jaw drop open and your face flush. Your face makes Jeonghan's genuine smile turn into a cheeky smirk. He pats your head before he stands up to walk out of the room, as if he didn't just cause your brain to combust.

"See you later, Rose." He calls, giving you a small wave before he disappears down the hallway to your brothers room, his footsteps getting softer by the second.

Silence envelopes the room as you blink at the door, your brain fried from trying to process whatever just happened.

"Wow." Kay breaths out, breaking the silence. "He has a crush on you."

At their words, you immediately whip your head towards them and blink, your mouth agape. "N-no!" You manage to sputter out, "He so does not."

Izzy raises an eyebrow at your sputters, a small smirk on her face. "Are you sure? He literally just called you Rose and gave you a rose."

Your eyebrows furrow as you stare them down. "What? What are you—"

Your two best friends point towards the mirror making you turn mid-sentence, the sight of yourself making you halt your words. Your eyes widen as you spot the flower in your hair.

A rose to be more precise, just like Izzy said.

"What in the world." You mutter out to yourself, bewildered beyond means as Kay and Izzy exchange a cheeky knowing grin.

"Looks like you got yourself a boyfriend." Kay cooes out making your cheeks flush as red as the rose in your hair.

"W-What?!" You sputter out making your two best friend's smirks grow wider as they continue to tease you. In retaliation and a desperate attempt to get them to stop, you grab at the pillow on your bed before smacking them both with it hard, making them both squeal before it turns into a full-fledge pillow fight.

The three of you continue to yell, squeal and giggle as you all continue to attack each other with the fluffy pillows but Jeonghan's words never leave your mind.

Maybe… just maybe, you like the nickname Roses more than you thought you would.

GETTING STUCK IN THE BLOOM

You frown as your recollection of the memory ends as you stare dumbly at the homemade resin bookmark in your hands. You gently run a finger over the smooth edges of it as memories of how you made it come rushing back.

You recall researching the best ways to preserve flowers and begged your mother to bring you to the nearest arts and craft stores to get resin so that you could preserve the flower that the older boy had given you. You smile fondly to yourself as you let your eyes flit around the bookmark, the golden sparkles glinting as you let the light shine onto it.

How did you and Jeonghan even get to this point.

You internally sigh, knowing that you were the reason as to why it got to this point.

You glance downwards at your feet, where Mandu was snoozing and smile to yourself, thinking how cute your samoyed was. She's a ball of sunshine in your life. You jolt out of your thoughts when the front door to your store slams close making you immediately jump to your feet, feeling your nerves spike before it settles as you see Vernon appear in your vision.

Mandu perks up at the sound before noticing the younger boy as well. She wags her tail happily, stretching before making her way to his side. You breath out a sigh of relief as Vernon places down the box of little trinkets that you had gotten to brighten up the shop and give it more personality.

"I think this is the last box of stuff." Vernon says with a soft huff as he dusts his hands. Mandu paws at his legs, wanting to be picked up making Vernon smile softly at her. He crouches down to pick her up, cradling her in his arms.

You flash Vernon a fond smile as you give his arm a quick squeeze. "Thank you, Non." You sing-song, making the younger boy give you a gummy smile as he continues to scratch Mandu behind her ear making the dog keen at the younger boy. You check the stock with a soft hum before your eye catches the clock at the corner of the store. Your eyes widen, noticing that it was almost half past six.

"Oh my god!" You exclaim, frowning as you turn to the taller boy. "I'm so sorry, I didn't notice the time."

Vernon's eyebrows furrow as he shakes his head, crouching to put Mandu down. "It's no issue at all." He assures you as you shake your head, grabbing your wallet out of your pocket.

You dish out a few bills from it before giving it to the younger boy whose eyes widen in surprise. "Here." You say, holding it out to him with a smile. "Buy yourself dinner on me please! For the extra overtime that I made you do."

Vernon shakes his head as he holds up his hands, shaking them too. "It's really no probl—"

"Non," You say sternly, pressing the bills into his open palms. "I insist."

Vernon looks between your face and the bills that you pressed into his palms before he sighs and pockets the money. He was playing a losing game and he knows it with how stubborn you are, knowing that even Seungcheol — who is pretty stubborn — will always lose to you on that front.

"Fine." He huffs as you give him a smile of triumph. He peers behind you, taking a look at your desk that is filled to the brim with stuff. "Do you still have a lot of things to finish?"

You spare a glance at your desk before you shake your head, giving the younger boy a tired smile. "Not really." You assure. "Just a bunch of logistical stuff for the grand opening this weekend."

Vernon nods. "Are you excited?"

You ponder for a moment, taking a look around the store that had been decorated with so much love the last few days. You had gone out shopping with the guys the last two weeks, purchasing and assembling all the furniture and shelves that you needed as well as sorting out all the inventory stuff with Mingyu and Seokmin.

You were re-introduced to Vernon a day after you came back into town, having seen the boy around in high school once or twice. You had taken quite a fond liking to the boy who was nicknamed as your personal assistant as he started to help you with whatever task you needed.

Since the rest of the guys and your brother had actual full-time jobs, they were only available after a certain time — which was usually at night — where they helped you to put together furniture, set up shelves in the store as well as carry new inventory into the store.

It was just a lot of back and forth and since the grand opening was less than two days away, you had told them that you would be able to handle the rest of the logistic by yourself. They had checked in a couple of times, seeing if you needed their help but you always denied, saying that you also needed to find your own footing for this.

However, Vernon was stubborn and turned up anyways, insisting on helping you get the inventory that slipped your mind or some thrifty things that made the shop feel more you.

You smile fondly at the cozy space that all of you had managed to create in the last two weeks and nod at Vernon. "Yeah." You breathe out. "I am."

Vernon nods before giving you a soft smile. "Good." His phone chimes making him peer downwards to pull it out of his pocket. His eyebrows furrow as he checks it before letting out a soft breathe of a chuckle, shaking his head.

"Friends?"

He nods showing you the message that Seungkwan sent to him. You giggle seeing a selfie of him and Chan in one of tent bars just a few blocks away with a few messages after asking where Vernon was.

"You should go." Vernon frowns at that, giving you a knowing look.

"Are you sure?"

You quickly nod, ushering the younger boy out of the door. "Just because I'm working overtime and don't have a social life, doesn't mean that you shouldn't have one either."

Vernon frowns and is about to reply when Mandu barks, panting slightly making you glance downwards at your little companion. You gesture to her before giving Vernon a teasing smile. "See, even Mandu agrees."

"But—"

"Hansol." You say, the same stubborn tone as before shining through making Vernon lift his hands up in surrender.

"Alright," he breathes out. "Geez, you don't need to bring out the full government name."

A smile pulls at the corner of your lips as you see Vernon trying not to smile as well as you open the door to the store for him. He goes through but leans against the door, peering back at you with a serious expression on his face.

"Call me if you need anything okay?"

You nod, biting back a teasing smile as you push the man further out the door. "Go already! Seungkwan's going to sulk if you aren't there in the next twenty minutes."

Vernon breaths out a chuckle as he lets you push him out the door before he gives you and Mandu a wave, biding the two of you goodbye. You pick up Mandu to use her paw to give him a small wave as well making the younger boy laugh before he fully turns and walks down the street.

You watch him go with a fond smile before turning to your little fluff ball in your arms.

"Let's finish all this overtime, huh?" Mandu lets out a little pitchy bark as you place her down onto the floor before putting on some music to get to work.

You didn't notice how much time had passed until your playlist playing had started to loop, the first song you put on softly flowing through the speakers. You glance at the clock, noticing that it was just after one in the morning making you let out a sigh as you stretch.

Seeing Mandu back in her spot underneath your desk makes you realize that maybe it was time to wrap up for the day. You stand up, rolling your neck as you let out a satisfied sigh, feeling good about the amount of work you had gotten done for the day.

Mandu lifts her head up from her spot making you give her a fond smile as you crouch down to give her a scratch behind her ears which she happily accepts.

"We can go soon girl." You coo out. "I just need to put all the inventory down in the basement and then we can go alright?"

Mandu lets out a soft bark making your smile grow bigger before you stand up to open the door, airing the store out and begin to tidy up. You huff out a grunt as you place the last box in the storeroom, right below your shop.

You brush away a few strands of your hair that was falling in-front of your eyes as you look at the amount of stock and inventory that occupies your little basement. You smile, feeling your nerves in a bit of a flux as you think about how your grand opening is just in a few days.

You couldn't be more proud of yourself. You walk up the low-bearing staircase and place your hand onto the doorknob before going to twist it.

You freeze when you feel the doorknob get stuck in it's path making you panic internally as you try to jiggle it loose.

"C'mon. C'mon." You repeat to yourself, whispering as you use your strength to jiggle it more. You let out a frustrated grunt, realizing that the doorknob would not budge as you go to dig for your phone in your pocket, hoping that someone would still be awake at this ungodly hour.

However, your blood runs cold when you find nothing in your pockets. You dig deeper and check more than once in both of your pockets, patting yourself down to come up empty.

You let out a exasperated sigh, realizing that you had left your phone on your desk. Meaning that you are stuck here until someone realizes you went missing in action or till God knows when.

You sigh as you take a seat on one of the more stable boxes before leaning back as you stare at the ceiling, your thoughts running wild.

You had a little hope in your chest that someone will come and find you soon but you know that it might be at least an hour or two before that happens. Seungcheol was definitely asleep, needing to wake up early today because he had an important client meeting. Seokmin was doing some drunk karaoke with Soonyoung, Jihoon and Kay and the last time he checked in two hours ago, the four of them were already incredibly wasted which meant that they won't be coming to your rescue anytime soon. Minghao, Mingyu, Izzy and Vernon were with Seungkwan and Chan and having last checked in with them not even more than twenty minutes ago, they will definitely not be checking back for at least another hour.

You sigh, running a hand down your face.

What were you going to do?

SERENITY AND MANDU

"Are you sure you don't want me to stay and help?" Joshua asks Jeonghan, a skeptical look on the younger man's face as he eyed his best friend.

Jeonghan rolls his eyes as he all but pushes his chief operations officer out of the door. "Yes." He answers shortly, growing more impatient by the second at his best friend's worrying. "As I said the last two times that you asked me, it's just a few payslips that I need to file and accounts that I need to account for that I, can handle."

Joshua frowns as Jeonghan pushes his bag into his hands.

"And you're sure?" Joshua asks, his tone confused as he stares at the amount of papers on Jeonghan's desk. "There's no shame in asking for help, y'know."

Jeonghan internally sighs. Of course he knows there's no shame in asking for help. The amount of papers that have been piling up on his desk is enough to give him a migraine for a week. However, Joshua's been hovering over him like an overbearing mother goose the last two weeks, after he had made the mistake of going into the store looking as if he had seen a ghost.

When in actuality, he just saw you.

Jeonghan made the mistake of telling Joshua everything, airing out all the feelings that was brought on from seeing you again for the first time since prom night, ten years ago. He knew that Joshua is just trying to be a good friend. He knew and appreciated that more than anything but, he hasn't had a moment of peace since then.

Joshua was always around, he made sure that Jeonghan wasn't thinking about you by trying to distract him with new orders with the help of Izzy, Mingyu's girlfriend who definitely ordered more than enough bouquets to last her for the next year of her life. Kay and Soonyoung also had a part in it, the two constantly calling Jeonghan to ask about really weird flower facts when Jeonghan was just trying to work in peace.

Instead of helping him take his mind off of you, it just highlighted the problem even more and Jeonghan spent every other moment when he was supposed to be working, thinking of you instead.

So, enough was enough and he needed to put his foot down.

"I'm fine, Shua." Jeonghan deadpans, ushering his best friend towards the open door. "I just really need some peace and quiet today to finish all the paperwork that I am behind on."

Joshua looks like he wants to argue but thinks better of it as he stares at Jeonghan's tired expression, looking like he might combust at any second.

"Okay." He says, slinging his bag over his shoulders. He steps out onto the street, pauses and turns to face Jeonghan with a sympathetic expression on his face.

"Han." Joshua calls out, making Jeonghan raise an eyebrow as he hums out in response. "Call me if you need anything, okay?"

Jeonghan gnaws on his bottom lip at Joshua's tone before giving his best friend a reluctant nod, knowing that he's just looking out for him. The two bid each other 'goodbye' before Jeonghan closes the glass door, locking it and pulling down the blinds.

He lets out a long exhale, feeling the weeks fatigue catch up with him as he closes his eyes for a second, letting the weight of everything rush through his veins. He finally had some peace and quiet.

Jeonghan opens his eyes, walking to his desk to connect his phone to the speakers and scrolls till he finds the playlist he's looking for, putting it on as it softly flows out of the overhead sound system. He sits down at his chair, feeling slightly more at ease before he opens the first stack of papers that he needs to compile.

"Alright." He whispers to him. "Let's do this."

About three to four hours past before Jeonghan looks back up at the clock again, blinking in surprise to see that he's almost been doing the paperwork till almost two in the morning. He closes the file in-front of him and counts the amount of files that he still needs to work on.

Realizing there is only four left, he lets his shoulders drop as he sighs and spins his chair around while his eyes are closed. He should go home now, it's Joshua's day off tomorrow which meant that he needed to be around for both Seungkwan and Chan to be able to get into the store to prepare the multiple delivery orders for a wedding in the next town over.

Jeonghan feels himself freeze at the word wedding. He hadn't thought about that in a long time, always pushing the word and it's entailment to the back of his mind. He lets out a frustrated groan as he runs a hand over his face, feeling more fatigued and unfocused by the second.

"Alright." He mutters, standing up to pack up for the night. He tidies up all the loose papers on his desk, writing himself a little post-it note to remember where exactly he left off so that he can just continue when he comes in the morning.

He grabs his hoodie and his bag before switching off the store lights and locking the door.

Jeonghan inhales, filling his lungs with fresh air as he closes his eyes, feeling said air course through his veins, rejuvenating him more by the second. Jeonghan feels a small smile appear on his lips as the night ambience seems to soothe him. When he was younger, he never really enjoyed the serenity of nights but now that he was older, he learned how to appreciate the quietness and the ambience of it, realizing how much more at ease he felt during these hours.

He allows himself a few more seconds to soak in the quietness when his eyebrows furrow hearing a pitchy bark coming from across the road. He peers across to see a white little fluff ball padding about, looking for something… or someone?

His eyebrows scrunch more as he slowly approaches the little dog that's pacing the front of… your flower shop? Jeonghan gets more confused by the second as he approaches the little dog.

"Hey girl." Jeonghan mutters out, crouching down so that your dog could sniff his hands and get familiar with him. The samoyed does a circle around Jeonghan, sniffing him cautiously before nudging his hands with her head, licking it once.

Jeonghan lets out a soft chuckle as he picks her up, cradling her in his arms before stroking her stomach, her collar moving as he does. He peers at the name on it before rolling his eyes.

Of course you would name her Mandu. He shakes his head before noticing that you had left the door to your store open. He peers downwards at your dog, internally wrestling with himself.

He could just put Mandu back into the store and then close the door behind him so that he doesn't have to deal with you because apparently ten years and two weeks was still not enough for him to deal with the complex feelings that he has for you.

However, he couldn't deny the unexplainable pull that your shop had, almost as if it was tugging him to go into the store. With one last glance at Mandu who was in the midst of licking his free hand, he sighs, steels his nerves and walks into the store.

Upon entering, he notices how the interior is just very much you, the coziness and how everything was organized was just a reflection of you as a person. Everything had it's own little space, the shelves were organized but in organic places to make it more natural. The different trinkets that you had placed around reflected more of the homely and cozy feel that you were going for and all the inventory that was on the shelves were organized according to different categories.

Jeonghan smiles to himself. You really hadn't changed that much. He wanders around the store more, cradling Mandu more as he looks around for you, his face getting more confused by the second as he is unable to find you. He approaches your desk, frowning more when he sees your phone there. He looks around, placing Mandu down as he places his bag on your desk.

He calls out for you, your name slipping past his lips making him cringe slightly. "Violet?" He tries again, feeling a little awkward as the unfamiliar nickname passes through his lips. Your phone buzzes making him glance over at it, seeing a text from your groupchat with Mingyu, Minghao and Seokmin appear on the screen.

However, what Jeonghan sees behind that is what causes him to freeze. The background image being something that he recognizes instantly.

It was a picture of you and him on your first date together where you had gone for a flower garland making workshop together. He remembers scrambling to find something perfect for your first date and came across this poster for a flower garland workshop that was happening that very weekend. He was also so delighted to find out that the workshop took place in the flower garden, the very same place where the two of you first met.

He made sure that everything was perfect, checking the weather every other hour, preparing food, snacks and drinks for the two of you to enjoy as well as begging Joshua and Seungcheol to find the perfect place for the two of you to have a little spring picnic after the workshop.

Joshua had instantly agreed to it but Seungcheol was a little more reluctant, not sure if he wanted to help set up his sister and his best friend more than he already needed to but after Joshua talked to him, Seungcheol sighed and agreed to help.

The picnic setup was the least of his worries though because on the day itself, Jeonghan felt like he was losing it. His palms kept getting sweaty everytime you looked at him and that caused the flower garland that he was working on to slip out of his hands every other minute. He scrambled to pick it up everytime, praying that you didn't see it or notice but he knew better than that. He knew that you noticed everything.

A giggle passed through your lips as he dropped it for the umpteenth time in the last ten minutes alone causing him to peer upwards at you, his blood running cold.

'Good job, Jeonghan.' He thought to himself. 'Now she thinks you're the biggest loser on the planet for not being able to hold a flower garland properly.'

However, you surprise him by placing the flower garland that you made onto his head, a shy smile on your face.

"Pretty." You breath out, causing Jeonghan's eyes to widen as his jaw drops open. The familiar turn of events effectively frying his brain which causes you to giggle more as you raise an eyebrow.

"You going to give me your flower garland or what?"

He blinked at you before placing the uneven flower garland on your head, gnawing his bottom lip as he did so. It was safe to say that his flower garland skills could use some work.

However, you didn't seem to mind, a rosy blush blooming on your cheeks as you gave Jeonghan a soft smile. "How do I look?"

Jeonghan thinks that question is moot. You looked ethereal, you always do but something about the spring sunlight today and maybe just being on this date with him. You looked more beautiful than he ever thought was possible.

"Beautiful." He remembers blurting out. "You look beautiful."

Your cheeks had flushed more at his admittance, your smile widening as your eye lines crinkled causing Jeonghan's heart to flutter.

"Thank you." You softly say, giving his hand a little squeeze.

Jeonghan felt his throat go dry, darting his tongue out to wet his lips as he opens his mouth to speak again but was interrupted by a crackle in the sky.

The two of you peered upwards to see the once beautiful sky turn gray as it starts to drizzle.

Jeonghan felt his heart drop as the drizzle slowly transitioned to a full on rain making the two of you scramble for your stuff. The two of you dashed underneath a tree close to the roses, standing there as the rain began to pick up more.

Jeonghan internally cursed as he pulled out his phone to see two messages from Joshua and Seungcheol telling him that they had packed up the stuff a couple minutes earlier because they noticed the clouds coming in.

He was too enthralled by you to even notice the change in the weather. He shoved his phone back into his pocket before he peered at you. Your baby blue dress had a few splatters of rain on it, turning it into a darker blue as your hair was slightly damp, sticking to the side of your face.

However, Jeonghan thought you never looked prettier.

"I'm sorry." He found himself blurting out. You glanced upwards at him, your eyebrows furrowed which caused him to continue. "I constantly checked the weather and it said it was going to be sunny the whole day but it turned into this and now your dress is ruined and—"

You cut his ramble off by stepping closer to the boy with a small frown on your face. "Are you seriously apologizing for the weather?"

Jeonghan blinked at you, his throat dry as a flush crept up his face from his neck. He realized how stupid it sounded now that you phrased it like that. Before he had the chance to make a fool out of himself further, you giggle.

Jeonghan felt his heart rate pick up as you stepped even closer to him, your flowery scent filling his nose as you peered upwards at him, your eyes locked onto his as you scan his face.

"Breathe, Hannie." You said softly, giving the boy a small smirk. "You look like you're going to pass out."

Jeonghan didn't even realize that he was holding his breath until you pointed out, causing him to slowly exhale and inhale as he tried to steel his nerves, the effect you have on him very obvious.

"Sorry." He muttered out which caused your smirk to curl more as you hummed out an 'it's okay'. Jeonghan felt like he was losing it, your scent overwhelming his senses as he had the biggest desire to kiss you, his eyes involuntarily flicking downwards.

He watched you dart your tongue out to wet your lips causing him to inwardly groan at the sight, the desire to kiss you growing more by the second.

"Don't." He hoarsely stated.

"Don't what?"

"You know what."

Your lips curled into another smirk as you tilt your head to the side, feigning innocence. "I'm not sure I do."

Jeonghan felt his hand twitch at his side as he watched your own eyes flick to his lips. "If you continue to act this way." He whispered out as he leaned in a little. "I might not be able to control myself."

He watched your eyes flick downwards to his lips once more as you dart your tongue out to wet yours before saying. "Then don't."

Jeonghan immediately felt his resolve snap as he pulled you flush into him, his lips on yours. You gasped into his mouth which Jeonghan used as an opportunity to deepen the kiss, slipping his tongue into your mouth to massage against your own. Jeonghan groaned as he pulled you impossibly closer to him, his hands firm on your waist.

You pulled away a couple seconds later, panting a little as you rest your forehead against his. He watched you gnaw on your bottom lip which caused him to inwardly groan again.

"You're doing it again." He muttered out causing the cheeky smirk to appear on your lips again as you breathed out a giggle.

"Am I?" You asked as nonchalantly as you could, your smirk giving you away making Jeonghan nod. You pulled back, meeting his eyes again as you tilted your head to the side.

"What are you going to do about it then?"

Jeonghan rolled his eyes before bringing you in for another searing kiss as the rain continued to pour down, drenching the two of you more by the second but the two of you didn't care.

Because what else was meant to matter when you both were in each others arms?

Jeonghan feels Mandu pawing at his leg, bringing him out of the memory as he sighs, still unsure as to where you are. He hears a shift of something beneath him making him tense slightly as he tries to listen for it again. He glances to the corner of the room before noticing that there was a staircase there.

He peers at Mandu. "Stay." He tells her sternly. She pants before tilting her head to the side, a habit that she had no doubt, picked up from you.

Jeonghan trudges down the stairs to find a door. He swallows his nerves before lifting his hand and knocking on it.

"Violet?" He calls out. "Are you in there?"

There's silence for a bit causing him to frown so he tries again.

"Vi?" He calls out, louder this time as he knocks a few more times. "Is that you in there?"

"Hannie?" The nickname causes him to involuntarily shudder, sounding so sweet as it falls from your lips. "Is that you?"

"Yeah. Are you alright?"

"No." He hears you say with an exasperated scoff. "The door won't budge so I've been trapped in here for god knows how long."

He frowns. "Alright, hang on!"

You wait patiently behind the door, palms getting sweatier by the second as you internally prepare to see your ex-boyfriend for the first time in two weeks. The doorknob jiggles a little before it turns and your heart races as you see Jeonghan appear as soon as the door opens. He's dressed in a comfortable black hoodie and sweatpants, looking like he just got off work with a beanie on top of his head.

He blinks a little, his eyes adjusting to the dark room before they lock onto you.

Silence wraps around the two of you as you just stare at each other, a weird tension filling the room. You swallow as you feel Jeonghan eye you up and down, feeling yourself getting warmer by the second.

Mandu's high pitch bark interrupts whatever weird moment the two of you have going on as she wanders past Jeonghan and hops down the steps to get to you. She doesn't get far though, missing one of the steps as they were bigger than her, causing her to fall.

Your heart drops as you scramble up from the box you were seated on. "Mandu!" You exclaim, reaching out for her. Jeonghan reacts faster, immediately jumping down a few steps to crouch down and scoop her up into his arms, causing the door to slam close.

Your blood runs cold. "No." You whisper as you push past Jeonghan to get to the door, trying to turn the doorknob again.

"Fuck." You swear, jiggling the doorknob more by the second, realizing that the door wasn't opening.

"We're stuck!" You exclaim, tossing your arms up in an exasperated gesture.

You watch Jeonghan freeze with Mandu in his arms as he eyes all over your face to see if you were joking or not. When he finds no humour in your features, he immediately hands Mandu over to you and tries to jiggle at the doorknob.

"You gotta be fucking kidding me." He deadpans, muttering under his breath as he rips his beanie off to run a hand through his hair.

He turns to you, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Why didn't you tell me the door was broken?"

Your eyebrows furrow as you hug Mandu closer to your chest. "I did."

"No, you told me the door was jammed! That isn't the same thing as can't be opened from the inside."

"What the fuck is your definition of jammed then?"

"When both sides don't work because there's something stuck in there!" Jeonghan exclaims, growing more frustrated by the second. "Not whatever the fuck this is." He gestures to the whole door, his arms waving animatedly.

"Well, I'm sorry!" You yell back at him, getting tired of him blaming this situation on you. "I didn't think you would go and save Mandu."

He glances at the fluff ball in your arms and gives you an 'are you being serious' look before he pushes past you, shaking his head.

"Yeah." He answers shortly. "Is that why you left? Because you think I don't like animals as much as you do?"

Your heart stops at his statement, unsure of how to answer him as he goes to sit on the floor, leaning against one of the inventory boxes.

"No." You softly breathe out, Mandu feeling ten times heavier in your hand as you adjust her awkwardly in your hold.

Jeonghan scoffs, bringing his knees up to his chest as he places his arms on them.

"I left my phone on your desk." He mutters, not looking at you. "You might as well get comfortable because I think we'll be here for a while."

You purse your lips before trudging down the steps. You sit a few feet away from him, leaning against one of the other boxes as you lay Mandu down in your lap, playing with her little paws as she pants happily, unaware of the tension in the room.

You continue to stroke her as you try not to look to your right at the man who you figured held a grudge against you. Mandu slowly dozes off in your lap, her breathing getting heavier by the second as her eyes close, keening more into you.

You smile softly at her, patting her once more before you fully lean against the boxes, gazing upwards. You blink at the ceiling for a couple of seconds before you risk taking a glance at the man who has plagued your thoughts for the last two weeks. His knees were still pulled to his chest his beanie still in between his fingers with his head bowed, covered by his knees.

You let your eyes scan him, his physique to be more specific. He had grown more muscular since the last time you saw him, his hoodie pressed against them, leaving little room for imagination. You let your eyes drift lower to admire the beanie in his fingers, realizing that it was one you had bought for him when the two of you were still together. Your heart clenches at the realization as you gnaw on your bottom lip.

You let your eyes drift upwards to get the shock of your life when Jeonghan suddenly lifts his head up, locking eyes with you. You jolt a little as he raises an eyebrow at you, a ghost of a smirk on his lips.

"Want to take a picture?" He asks, his tone dry as he tilts his head to the side. "I heard they last longer."

You feel your cheeks heat up as you turn away from the boy. "Shut up."

Jeonghan snickers at your reaction. "You were the one that was staring."

"And I regret it now."

"Do you?"

You feel your breath catch in your throat before you clear it and nod, knowing that his eyes are on you. "Yeah." You breath out, your voice low making Jeonghan scoff.

"You've always been a terrible liar, Rose."

The nickname causes your breath to hitch, your head immediately turning to the man to your right. "Don't call me that." You mutter out, almost on instinct.

Jeonghan blinks at you, his face unreadable as he stares at you. "And why's that?"

"You know why Jeonghan, don't play dumb now."

Jeonghan scoffs. "Can't believe you're still affected by the nickname because of Titanic."

"There was enough room on that door for the both of them!"

Jeonghan shakes his head, a breath of a chuckle escaping.

Rose is the nickname that Jeonghan coined for you after that day at the park. You had qualms about it because of Titanic. You watched it when you were younger and thought it was really selfish of the leading lady to not move a little more so that her boyfriend had more space on the door.

Hence, you didn't like the nickname.

Jeonghan, on the other hand, seemed to thrive more off of your hate for the nickname, making him use it more than your actual name or Violet which was the general nickname that everyone else called you. Even your parents used it.

But to Jeonghan, that nickname that didn't sit right so he used Rose every chance he got.

You grew to love the nickname when you and Jeonghan were dating because you learned that he called you Rose because you are his love and you've been since the two of you were kids and that he was enamored by you.

The effect of the nickname is so great that even after ten years of not seeing each other, that nickname still causes your stomach to flip.

"Are we really not going to talk about it?" Jeonghan asks softly making you tense up as you stare at the gray floor in-front of you.

"Talk about what?" You cringe the second the question leaves your mouth, knowing that it was a stupid thing to ask.

"Don't play dumb with me, Rose." He says making your heart race. "I think you forget that I know you like the back of my hand. Even if we haven't seen each other for the past ten years."

He was right. The two of you had grown up together and dated for almost five years before you left. He knew you, in and out. The two of you were each other's first for everything.

First kiss (from experimentation), first relationship, first real couple fight and you both even took each other's virginity.

Everyone thought the two of you were it for each other, despite your young ages. Everyone wanted what the two of you have and you two were glued to the hip that everyone always referred to you as a pair, never seeing one without the other.

But, that's probably the reason you left.

"I know." You whisper out.

"Since we're not going anywhere." Jeonghan says, moving his legs downwards to sit cross-legged in-front of you. "I think we have plenty of time to talk about prom. Don't you?"

You feel your pulse pick up as all the blood rushes from your face, gnawing at your bottom lip before you face him.

"Okay." You whisper out. "Let's talk about prom."

LET'S TALK ABOUT PROM

Prom.

If you were to ask anyone which day the seniors were most excited for, everyone's answer would be prom. It was such a monumental occasion that missing it would be the most devastating thing as a senior.

However, prom to you would always be something that had to end.

You and Jeonghan had been dating for around four years at this point. The two of you were constantly glued to the hip and everyone in the school knew that the two of you were together, including the teachers. Despite your age difference of two years, you still had a lot of common friends, your best friends integrated well into his group with consisted of your brother, Joshua as well as Jun, Soonyoung and Jihoon who were a year younger than them and a year older than you.

You loved Jeonghan. You realized that you loved him during one of the dates he took you on where you both went to a meadow just a little out of town that was filled with a bunch of different flowers and he just let you ramble on and on about their meanings with a lovesick grin on his face.

You loved him but you were also twenty, trying to figure out what you wanted and where you were meant to go in this big world. You always knew you were going to leave your small hometown, no matter how much you wanted to stay, your heart always strayed for something further. For something that couldn't be found in this small town that you called home.

So, you applied for colleges out of this small town, the only people knowing being your best friends and your family members. You didn't tell Jeonghan because it wasn't set in stone yet. It wasn't something that you wanted him to worry about or try to make sense of because to him, you were always going to stay.

So, when you got a letter, detailing how you were accepted into one of the courses that you applied for, five hours away, you were at a lost for words.

You remembered bringing the letter to Seungcheol's room and the two of you sat on his bed, staring at the letter as you cried in his arms. You didn't want to go. You didn't want to leave Jeonghan behind but you had to.

Which leads you to the night of prom, also known as your last night in town.

You had ordered a rosy red dress months ago, realizing that it's Jeonghan's favourite colour on you as it went so well with your skin colour and just made you look like the most ethereal person in the room.

The theme for prom this year was coincidentally spring so your dress was perfect. You applied the finishing touches to your makeup with shaky hands as Kay and Izzy shared a glance with each other.

"Babe." Kay said gently, taking the mascara brush from your hands, putting it back into it's case. "You're crying."

You let out a soft sob, unsure of what to do. Izzy dabs at your eyes, removing some of your makeup but you didn't care. Not when you were staring at your childhood room filled to the brim with memories of you and Jeonghan but you couldn't bare to bring any of it with you, opting to leave it here just like you were leaving him.

Your closet was empty for the most part, you only bringing a set of toiletries, clothes and some memorabilia that you couldn't bear to part with that were all packed in Seungcheol's car.

"You need to stop crying, babe." Kay breathed out as Izzy helps you to touch up your makeup. "If not, Jeonghan's going to know that something's wrong."

You sniffled, looking in the mirror to see that Izzy had managed to fix your makeup as if you hadn't cried at all. You felt sick in the stomach.

"He's going to know." You whispered out as you shook your head. "He knows me like the back of his hand guys… It's going to be so hard to hide it from him."

Your best friends shared a glance with each other. "Then why can't you tell him, babe?"

"Because it's going to break his heart on what's meant to be the happiest occasion of high school."

Your best friends were silent at that, unsure of what to say. Before they could though, a soft knock was heard at your door. The three of you turned to it, to see Seungcheol stood there, leaning against your doorframe.

"Hey." He greeted softly as he pushed off the door to walk over to you. He gave you a once over, a prideful smile on his face. "You look beautiful." He whispered out making a small smile appear on your face.

"Thank you, Cheol." Seungcheol gave you a soft shoulder bump.

"I didn't mean to interrupt the three of you but Hannie and Gyu are already here, so I figured that we should get going."

You felt your heart drop at the information but steeled your nerves as you stood up from your bed shakily. The three in the room all shared glances as they looked at you as you put on your best brave smile.

"Let's conquer prom."

The four of you made your way downstairs as two loud voices other than your parents met your ears. You reach the bottom to see Jeonghan and Mingyu stood there chatting with your parents, their hands in their pockets as they laughed at something your father said.

Mingyu was the first to notice you and your entourage, his eyes immediately locked on Izzy as he took her in. "Wow." He breathed out, making the girl in question blush.

"Shut up." She muttered out, but from the way she was trying to hide her smile, you could tell that she was enjoying the attention.

However, you weren't really paying attention to the soon-to-be couple at your side, instead more focused on the angel of a man that was stood in-front of you.

Jeonghan was clad in a black stunning fitted suit that left very little for imagination. His mouth was agape as he stared at you, his eyes shiny as he tried to figure out what to say.

"Gosh." Is the first word that left his mouth as he continues to gape at you. Your cheeks are definitely flushed at this point as you gave him a shy smile. "You look absolutely breathtaking, Rose."

"Really?" You asked, your voice small as you try not to allude that you were crying. Jeonghan doesn't seem to notice, completely enthralled by you as he took your hands into his, bringing your dominant hand up to his lips as he brushed a kiss onto it.

Your heart raced as he brought you closer to him. "Of course, baby." He lowly says. "I'm so lucky to have you."

You felt your heart crack slightly at his loving words but you fake a smile all the same as you gave him a soft kiss on the cheek. "You look so handsome." You told him. "Can't believe you're all mine."

He gave you a devastating smile before his eyes lit up. "I almost forgot." He walks to the nearby table before he returned with a box, a shimmery rose inside. He gestured for your hand, which you gave him without a second thought. With the help of your father, he opened the box and carefully slid the rose corsage onto your non-dominant wrist.

"I made this." He softly admitted making your eyes widen as you glanced downwards as the perfectly shaped corsage.

"You did?"

Jeonghan gave you a nod, a nervous smile on his face. "I wanted your prom to be special. So I took a little workshop a few days ago to lear how to make the corsage for you." He held up your hand in his as he brushed his fingers over your knuckles. "Do you like it?"

Your heart raced at his question. "Like it?" You whispered out before you pulled him closer to you. "I love it, Hannie. Thank you." You tugged your hand out of his before you sprinted to the kitchen, grabbing the boutonniere that you had prepared the night before.

You made your way back over to Jeonghan before you showed him the boutonniere in your hands. He gawked at it before a genuine smile appeared on his face.

"No way." He breathed out making you giggle.

"Way." You replied, stepping closer to him as you pinned it onto his suit with as much care as you could. "Now," you breathed out, stepping backwards to admire your handiwork. "We match."

The two of you did match. You wanted to create a boutonniere that would go with your corsage and it didn't take rocket science to figure out that Jeonghan would probably give you a rose corsage considering that it was your nickname for him.

"I love it." Jeonghan stated before he gave you another dazzling smile and holds up his arm for you to curl into. "Shall we?"

You gave him a nod, your smile not quite reaching your eyes. "We shall."

Music is the first thing you hear as soon as you and your friends entered the prom hall. Mingyu and Izzy immediately moved towards the end of the banquet table where Minghao looked like he was about to have a heart-attack from how many eclairs Seokmin was stuffing into his mouth.

Kay and your brother made their way towards where Joshua was with his date, the four of them immediately picking up a conversation which left you with your dear boyfriend whose heart you were about to break.

Jeonghan scrunched his nose at the loud music and noises. "It's really loud in here, huh?"

You rolled your eyes as you continue to scan the room. "It's prom!" You shout over the music. "What did you expect?"

He gave you a shrug before he cocked his head to the middle of the room. "Dance?"

You giggled at his smirk before nodding. "You're on."

The two of you giggled as you dance with each other to the funky tunes that were playing. It only took two songs before the rest of your friends joined the two of you. Seokmin ended up starting a weird dance competition which Mingyu also took part in that caused almost all of you to end up on the floor in a fit of giggles.

You stare at your wonderful group of friends and smiled fondly to yourself, feeling a little teary eyed, knowing that tonight was the last night that you had with them until you went off to college. You had always imagined going to college with your best friends, unsure of what you would do without them but you were following your dreams and sometimes sacrifices had to be made in order to do it.

A shoulder nudged yours which brought you back to reality as you peered to your right, seeing your boyfriend stood there, looking as devastatingly handsome as always.

He leaned into you. "Tired?" He whispered, loud enough only for you to hear.

You shrugged. "A little, but not too bad."

Jeonghan nodded at that before he cocked his head to the exit of the gymnasium. "Want some fresh air really quickly?"

You glanced at the time and at Seungcheol who was watching you, knowing that you had less than an hour before you had to leave. However, if this was the last night that you had with the love of your life, you would willing say—

"Yes."

The fresh cold spring air rejuvenated your body as soon as you stepped out into the moonlit night. You and Jeonghan walked hand-in-hand to the back of the bleachers, both of your favourite spot to hangout at during lunch hours.

"Can't believe you're graduating next week, Rose." Jeonghan said as he bumped your shoulder, taking a seat on the metal benches. "Felt like yesterday when I was just graduating."

You forced out a soft laugh as you took a seat as well, hoping that it would just miss Jeonghan's ears so that he wouldn't suspect anything. "Yeah." You softly said. "I can't believe it either."

Silence enveloped the two of you as you both watched the stars glint in the sky. You were nervous, your eyes flickering to your phone every few seconds to see if Seungcheol was going to call you and break this bubble that you were in with the love of your life.

"Rose."

You whipped your head to your boyfriend, seeing that he was already looking at you, his eyes filled with nervousness and something else that you couldn't name. You raise an eyebrow at the man.

"Hannie." You cautiously breathed out. "Did you do something?" You deadpanned.

A soft chuckle passed Jeonghan's lips as he shook his head 'no'. "I just have something for you."

You looked at him a little more suspiciously as he dug through his pockets before he pulled out a box. A velvet red box to be exact.

You felt your heart rate speed up as Jeonghan scratched the back of his neck nervously. "Rose." Jeonghan said gently. "Before you freak the fuck out, take a deep breath with me and let me explain."

You hadn't realized that you held your breath this whole time as soon as Jeonghan had produced the box in-front of your eyes so you slowly breathed in and breathed out, regulating your breathing back to normal before you locked eyes with Jeonghan.

He popped the box open to show two rings in there, one that was slightly thicker than the other. "I know we're much too young to get married now, Rose." Jeonghan breathed out, his hands shaking as he held the rings for you to see. "However, after knowing you for so many years and dating you for some of it. I know another things that's for sure is that you're it for me." He said softly, his eyes on your face as he watched your eyes continue to flicker between the two rings.

"This is a promise ring. It's a promise that no matter what happens, no matter how many fights we get into and no matter how many times I push your buttons and piss you off, no matter how many days we go without seeing each other…" He lets out a shaky exhale. "That I will always love you and that I will never stop loving you until the day that I breathe my final breath."

A full fresh set of tears have brimmed your eyes at this point which caused you to involuntarily let out a watery sob that has Jeonghan wiping the tears from your eyes.

"Don't cry, baby." He cooed out.

"You can't say shit like that and expect me not to cry, Yoon Jeonghan."

He chuckled at your use of his full government name as you lifted up your hand. "Slip it onto my finger already, you asshole."

Another laugh bubbled out of his throat before he met your demands all the same, taking the rose studded ring and slipped it onto your middle finger, the traditional place where promise rings sat before he did the same with his own ring.

The two of you placed your hands side by side, comparing the two rings together before you pulled Jeonghan in for a kiss. He groaned into it, immediately gripping tightly onto your waist as you slowly moved your hands up from his chest to the back of his neck, messing with the back of his nape.

He let out another grunt, pulling you flush against him as he deepened the kiss by slipping his tongue into your mouth, tasting the strawberry mint that you had earlier. The two of you made out for what felt like an eternity before your phone rang, making the two of you jolt apart.

Still dazed and panting from the remnants of the kiss, you scrambled for your phone to see your older brother's caller ID on it.

Your heart dropped. This was it.

You turned to Jeonghan who blinked at you before he tilted his head to try and peer at who was calling you. You moved your phone away from his eyes before you cleared your throat. "It's just Cheol asking where we are."

He eyed you suspiciously but didn't press as he nodded before he stood up. "I guess I have stolen his little sister away for too long." He cheekily said, wrapping an arm around your waist. "Shall we go back inside?"

You gave him a brief nod, knowing that if you did anything else, you might crack under the pressure and just admit to him that you were leaving in the next ten minutes. He gave you a forehead kiss before he led you back into the building. The two of you were about to enter the gymnasium when you pulled away.

"I need to use the bathroom, baby." You said, careful with your tone so that it wouldn't waver as you gave him a smile. "You go on ahead, I'll see you inside."

Jeonghan eyed you for a few seconds before he nodded, letting go of your hand. "Don't take too long." He called out to you as you trailed down the hallway to the bathroom. "I got some mean moves to show Seokmin that might win me his weird dance competition."

You flashed him a small. "I can't wait!"

You watched as he turned and walked back into the loud booming room and your whole facade broke, a wretched sob escaping your throat as you remove your heels to walk back down the hallway.

You spared a glance into the gymnasium where you spot Jeonghan with the rest of your friends happily talking to each other and let your eyes drift further down his figure to the ring that sat on his right middle finger before ypu glanced at your own.

This was the right decision.

Is the last thing you thought to yourself before you slip out the doors of the school to your brothers parked car where you were about to leave your whole life behind.

"Are you alright?" Seungcheol asked as soon as you slipped into the passenger seat, dumping your shoes into the backseat.

You let out a shaky exhale as you shook your head 'no'. "But." You breathed out, recalling how good Jeonghan looked on your last day together. "I'll be alright."

Seungcheol said nothing as he put the car in drive and pulled out of your high school carpark, leaving behind what was meant to be the best day of your high school year and the love of your life.

You recall the whole story to Jeonghan who has scouted closer to you in the time that you had told it. He had been silent the whole time so when you finished the story, not a single word came out of the man.

You tuck Mandu closer to your chest as she keens slightly, fluffing around for a bit before settling again as Jeonghan lets out a bitter laugh.

"So," He states, eerily calm. "You're telling me this whole time, you could've told me and we could've just done long distance?"

You feel your blood run cold as he repeats the situation back to you as he stands up and begins to angrily pace the room.

"Jeonghan, I—"

"No." Jeonghan cuts you off. "You don't get to sit there and try to fucking defend yourself when you left like that, Rose." He chuckles lowly as he runs a hand through his hair, the beanie now abandoned on top one of the boxes. "Why couldn't you have just told me?!" He exclaimed. "Did you think I wouldn't understand? Did you think I wouldn't be happy for you?" He asks, agony deep in his tone.

You feel your throat go dry as you place Mandu down onto the ground to try to be on the same level as the man.

"N-No." You stammer out, lifting your hands in a surrender position as you try to appease the man in-front of you. "I was just scared and I didn't want to hurt you, Hannie."

Jeonghan scoffs at that. "You didn't want to hurt me?" He shakes his head. "Well, congratu-fucking-lations. You managed to do it anyways, Rose." You wince at his words as you feel tears brim your eyes.

"I thought it was the best thing to do." You softly admitted.

"I don't fucking understand, Rose." Jeonghan breathes out, locking eyes with you. "I told you I loved you, I told you that you were it for me. Which part of that statement did you not understand or get? That I would be happy for you no matter what you were doing or what you were going to do?" Jeonghan stops pacing to stand in-front of you. "That I would be able to die a happy man just because I have you by my side?"

You feel your heart stop as he admits that, staring intently into your eyes as you let out a shaky exhale. "I didn't want you to wait for someone who wasn't sure if they were going to come home or not, Hannie." You softly admit. "I was wrong. I'm sorry that I made the decision on behalf of the both of us when you were right and we should've talked it out."

"Yeah." Jeonghan replies. "We should have talked it out, baby. I would've told you that I was happy for you, that I would drive down every other weekend to see you. That I would bring you flowers every weekend to brighten up your bedroom so that you have reminder to smile even when everything looks bleak."

He shakes his head. "I would've done it all if you had just let me in."

You let out a soft sob as you imagine all of that, thinking how it would've been different if you just told him. If you didn't make the decision on your own and assuming on your own.

"I guess it would've been a lot different." You softly admit, sniffling a little. "If I had just told you."

Jeonghan sadly looks at you. "I guess we will never know now." He softly says, his words getting softer and softer by the second.

"Yeah, I guess not."

The two of you stand in a semi-tensed silence for a couple more seconds before Jeonghan steps closer and reaches out, his fingers brushing your chin upwards so that you are now looking at him. His eyes scans yours before he sighs, brushing his forehead against yours.

"It's been ten years." He softly whispers. "Yet you still make me feel the same way you did when I first met you in the park where I hated flowers."

You feel your heart rate pick up as you finally realize how close the two of you were now, his familiar floral and citrusy scent filling your nose as you stare into his irises. You didn't notice the two of you leaning in until the the door to the basement cracks open making the two of you jolt apart.

The two of you whip your heads to the door to see a few figures standing there, looking between the two of you, unsure of what to make of the situation.

"Erm." Chan starts, his eyes shifting between the two of you. "Did we interrupt something?"

Jeonghan takes that moment to regain his composure as he shakes his head. "No." He answers shortly, sparing you a glance before he grabs his beanie and makes his way towards the staircase. "You didn't interrupt anything at all."

His cold answer makes your heart drop as he trots up the stairs. "Excuse me." He mutters out as Seungkwan and Vernon share a glance before letting the older man leave. Your friends watch Jeonghan pick up his bag from your desk before he walks out of your store, the door slamming behind him without another word.

All attention turns back to you as Minghao cautiously walks down the stares, approaching you who looked like you had just seen a ghost.

"Vi." Minghao breathes out, getting your attention as he meets your eyes with his soft doe ones. "Are you alright?"

You break, reaching out for Minghao who catches you before you cry in his arms. The taller man soothes you, running a hand up and down your back as he whispers comforting words to try to get you to stop crying.

"I really messed up, Hao." You admit between sobs. "He loved me so much and I hurt him so badly by just leaving. Why didn't I just talk to him?"

Minghao's hand on your back pauses for a millisecond before he strokes your back again. "We've all made stupid decisions in our lives, Vi." He softly admits, moving his hand up to pat your head. "We've all been there because we're rash and we're young and we make decisions based on our emotional states sometimes. Yes, we may make mistakes but making mistakes is what makes us human. If we don't make a mistake here or there, how do we know we're making good decisions?"

His words make you think as you continue to sniffle into his shoulder. "Let's take a rainy day for example." Minghao softly starts. "How do you know sunny days are sometimes better than rainy ones without experiencing both?" He pulls back from you to meet your eyes. "Living is about experiencing, even if you experience the wrong thing or make mistakes, the important thing is to learn from them and to not repeat the same mistake twice."

Minghao eyes you for a couple of seconds. "If you thought leaving instead of telling Jeonghan was the best decision, it would've continued to be the best decision because it was already in your mind, Vi. It was meant to happen and I think you learned a lot from it because it happened."

Minghao in all his glorious wisdom is right.

"Since when did you get so wise." You breath out making the man chuckle as he rolls his eyes.

"Aren't you lucky to have such a wise person in your friend group that can actually relate to whatever you're saying?"

A scoff is heard from behind the two of you making you glance up to see Seungkwan's face scrunched up. When he realizes that both your eyes are on him, his face immediately flushes as Mingyu smacks him on the back of his head.

"Way to ruin the moment." Mingyu chastises, causing Seungkwan to flush even more. You let out a watery giggle at their bickering, a teary smile on your lips. Minghao reaches out to wipe some of the stray tears that didn't get picked up by his sweater.

"Feeling better?"

You purse your lips. "Not at the moment." You honestly admit but give him a small all the same. "But I'll be alright."

He gives you a sympathetic smile, placing a hand on the small of your back as he leads you to where the entourage of Mingyu, Izzy, Vernon, Seungkwan and Chan stood. He gives you a tiny kiss on your hairline before snapping his fingers at Mandu to get her attention to follow him.

"Let's get you girls home."

THE CHAOTIC TRIO

Jeonghan swears that he's never had trouble getting out of bed before. After last night though, he thinks that going to the store might make him combust instead of providing the serenity that used to.

Before he went home last night, he dropped Joshua a text asking if they could swap their off days just for the week. Joshua who was not sleeping sent a question mark before agreeing, saying that Jeonghan was lucky that he didn't have any prior plans.

Hence, that's why Jeonghan is at home and just staring at the ceiling, his mind blank with a body that is unwilling to move. He barely got any sleep, his mind plagued by your proximity last night and how the two of you had almost kissed.

He places his hands over his face and groans into them before hiding into his pillows. He wants the ground to swallow him hold. Ten years of not seeing you and the second time that he does, he almost kisses you.

'Stupid.' He thinks to himself. That's what he was.

He can't believe he hasn't gotten over you. He's tried dating. Joshua has even tried setting him up on one or two blind dates but after the second one was a bust, Jeonghan just swore off dating and hid his heart behind his dazzling charm to protect himself.

But the truth of it all is that he still loved you with his whole entire being and that is definitely not changing anytime soon.

He sighs into his pillow, willing himself to go back to sleep to maybe wake up in an alternate reality where you didn't leave.

"Are you trying to melt into the bed or something?"

Jeonghan's nearly launches himself off the bed when he hears the stern voice coming from his room door. Luckily, he manages to catch himself before he did and just stops a few centimeters from the edge of the bed.

"Jesus!" He exclaims, holding a hand to his chest as he wills his heart rate to slow down. "How the fuck did the two of you get in?"

Seungcheol and Joshua share a glance before the latter holds up a key in between his fingers. "Did you forget that you gave me a spare key in case of emergencies?"

Jeonghan scoffs. "What kind of fucking emergency is this?"

"The self pity kind." Seungcheol answers without a second thought as he walks into Jeonghan's room and flops down onto his bed with a soft groan, stretching a little.

Jeonghan frowns, smacking the older boy with the bolster that he has near him. "Get off my bed."

Seungcheol lets out a yelp when the bolster makes contact with him but doesn't move, instead eyeing Jeonghan with a knowing look. "I will if you talk to us about what's going on."

The heartbroken boy doesn't know if he wants to laugh or cry at his best friend's statement, considering Seungcheol is tied deeper into this than he thought.

"What's going on is that your sister came back into town and somehow opened a flower shop right opposite me. We got stuck in her basement last night and I finally learned the reason why she left on prom night and you somehow, knew everything about it but decided to leave me in the dark for all of it." Jeonghan rants, his voice getting louder by the minute as he continues. "What's the fucking cherry on top is that you knew about the promise ring and still told me to give it to her anyways!"

He glares at Seungcheol as his voice goes low. "Did you want me to get heartbroken that badly?"

Seungcheol is silent for a few moments as Joshua just observes, leaning against Jeonghan's desk.

"I wanted her to stay." Seungcheol admits quietly. "I thought that if you gave her the ring, she would forgo whatever she wanted to do and stay because she's so in love with you, Han."

Jeonghan doesn't reply, giving Seungcheol the cue to continue. "I should've known that she's too much like me to do that though. You should've seen her the night that she came into my room with the letter, Jeonghan. She was so heartbroken. She had just gotten into the college program of her dreams and she was heartbroken because she had to leave you." He lets out a sigh as he sits up. "Maybe it was wrong of me to not tell you, maybe it was wrong of her to leave like that but I think she knew that if she talked to you about it, she wouldn't have gone through with it. You would've told her to go and she wouldn't have because she's that in love with you."

He flashes his best friend an apologetic smile. "Again, I'm sorry that I didn't tell you that she was leaving or that she was coming back and there's no excuse for my actions and I hope that you forgive me someday but," Seungcheol looks around Jeonghan's room before his eyes settle on the printed out collage of photos of you and Jeonghan together from an array of dates that you've been on.

"Are you going to let the supposed love of your life slip through your fingers again?"

Jeonghan wants to yell and defend himself or deny that he's still in love with you but Seungcheol fixes him with a hard gaze.

"Don't even try to lie to me, Hannie." He says. "You forget that I've been your best friend longer than you've known my sister. I was here first."

At that, Jeonghan's mouth snaps close because as infuriating as Seungcheol was, he was also infuriatingly right.

"I hate you." Jeonghan deadpans with as much venom in his tone that he can muster. Seungcheol rolls his eyes.

"Yeah yeah." He tugs at the sulky boy's hand. "C'mon, Shua brought some beer, we're going to drink and we're going to have a good time."

Jeonghan frowns, not budging from his spot. "First of all, its one in the afternoon. Secondly," he turns to his chief operations officer. "if you're here, who is managing the store?"

"Well, we only had two delivery orders today which Seungkwan and Chan finished pretty promptly in the morning even though they looked so hungover." He clicks his tongue. "So I made the executive decision to send them home, close up shop and come over to make sure that you're okay." He glances between Jeonghan and Seungcheol before a cheeky grin appears on his lips. "Besides, I didn't want to touch the amount of paperwork on your desk."

Jeonghan lets out a scoff at that, shaking his head. "You lazy ass."

Joshua feigns hurt. "Says the one whose only role is to do paperwork."

Jeonghan opens his mouth, ready to argue when Seungcheol sighs, having had enough of this and yanks Jeonghan off the bed in one swift movement, barely letting the man get his bearings before he uses his other hand to tug at Joshua's hoodie.

The two of them let out sounds of protest but Seungcheol just drags them to the living room where three six packs sit. He let's them go before opening the carton for himself as the other two stare at him.

"If you two are going to fight." Seungcheol says, lifting the beer in a 'cheers' motion. "I'm going to need a drink to get through it.

Jeonghan and Joshua share a look before they took a pillow each off the couch and turn to the smart alec in the room whose eyes widen before he takes off sprinting, the two hot on his tail.

As yells, swears and laughs were heard for the next few hours, Jeonghan couldn't help but keep Seungcheol's words at the back of his mind.

Will he really let you slip through his fingers for the second time?

IF THE UNIVERSE GRANTS IT

You swear you could feel your own nauseous clawing at your throat with how nervous you are. It's the day of your grand opening and a sizable amount of people had turned up making your nerves spike more than it did before.

"You're going to put a hole in your newly furnished store if you keep pacing like that." Seungcheol states as he watches you go back and forth with just five minutes before you officially open.

"I feel like if I stop, I'm going to throw up." You state, not stopping your pacing for even a second.

Mingyu who was on clean-up duty today pales as he looks between the two of you.

"That doesn't mean you wear out the floor before your customers even have the chance to come in." Seungcheol deadpans as Mingyu tosses a glare his way.

"Keep pacing if it helps for you, Vi." Mingyu says gently, tossing Seungcheol another dirty look. He did not want to clean up any messes that big for free, during something as big as the grand opening.

"You're going to do fine, Vi." Seokmin calls out from behind the counter, his role being cashier today that sends the customers off with a warm smile or a good laugh. "The shop also looks splendid! This is going to go so well!"

You give the tall man a slightly constipated smile as Vernon appears from the back with a clipboard in his hands, in-charge of making sure everything was stocked up. "Done with last minute stock check." He gives you a small smile. "We're all ready to open up when you are."

You take a glance over the store, your eyes briefly landing on Minghao for a second as you spot him messing with the angle of one last trinket, his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. When he finally finds the right spot for it, he smiles to himself before turning to you to give you a thumbs up.

Your heart swells with warmth as you admire the store that you and your friends had spent the last two weeks building. Every detail and placement intimate as you take a deep breath.

This is it.

You steel your nerves and put on the bravest face you can muster as you unlock the glass door and open it to see a bunch of customers already waiting outside, peering through the open door to see what all the fuss is.

"Let's do this." You say making all your friends nod as you open the door, welcoming all the new customers in and the official start of your journey.

It's mid-afternoon when sales start to slow down and you feel exhaustion creeping into your bones as it begins to drizzle outside. You don't remember another time where you had to stand for such a long period of time. You stretch as the rest of your friends lean against the front desk, chatting happily.

You smile fondly at them as they recount all the funny stories of the morning as Minghao looks through which flowers were the best flowers of the morning. You peer through the windows too admire the rain and the serenity of it all.

You let your eyes drift before they land on the store across the street from yours which had their blinds down. You frown, tilting your head to the side. You vaguely remember Seungcheol telling you that Jeonghan and Joshua only officially close the store on Tuesdays because it's a good time for them to catch up on paperwork as well as restock inventory from the weekend rush.

However, it's a Sunday today, meaning that they should be open.

"Hey Cheol." You call, getting your brother's attention as he breaks away from the group, your curiosity getting the better of you.

"Yeah?"

"How come Jeonghan and Joshua aren't open today?"

Seungcheol follows your gaze to their shop before his eyebrows furrow. "I don't know, they didn't mention anything when I saw them."

You frown but try to push it out of your thoughts as Mingyu gets your attention.

"Yeah, Gyu?"

"You had a letter delivered with the bills." You tilt your head to the side as Mingyu passes you it to you.

You analyze the letter as you try to figure out who it is from, flipping it in your hands. It just had your name on it, written in cursive with a wax rose seal at the back. Your heart thunders in your chest as you carefully open the envelope to reveal the letter and its contents.

Rose,

I know you probably weren't expecting a letter from me but I think this is a better way to articulate whatever I want to say without getting too emotional or too invested in the way that you're looking at me.

Let me start this letter off by saying I love you.

I know we've said it a few times when we were together but I don't think you ever knew when it was because I never told you, I wanted to save it for when we get married but then you left ten years ago and now, I'm here saying 'Fuck it, what's the worst that could happen?' You leaving me a second time?

Sorry bad joke…

I knew that I loved you the second you showed me the roses in that godforsaken flower garden that I truly did not want to go to. I guess I have Su Bin to thank for dragging us there that day because if she didn't, we would never have met.

Maybe we would have at a later date considering Seungcheol and I were friends but I think I wouldn't have fallen in love with you that early if we hadn't met that day. If I wasn't bait for Seungcheol's plan to get away from flower talks with you, I wouldn't have learned about what Roses meant and I wouldn't have learned what it was like to fall in love with you.

I wouldn't have spent ten years of my life after that yearning for you, four after that getting the experience of loving you and another ten after that waiting for you to come home.

Which is actually why I opened the flower shop in the first place. I couldn't bear to be without you so I made something that might get you to come home, back to me and choose me again. Roses are Red would never have been built if I never met you.

Which is why I'm proposing that we give our relationship another shot.

Don't get me wrong, I'm still heartbroken by you and it'll definitely take a lot of time to rebuild that trust so that I don't think you're going to leave me again but… I realize that the universe doesn't make mistakes.

We, humans can make mistakes but the universe doesn't.

It wasn't a mistake that Su Bin managed to convince our mother to bring us to the flower park that day, it wasn't a mistake when Seungcheol roped me into becoming bait to meet you, it wasn't a mistake that it rained during our first date and… it wasn't a mistake that you left the same day that I gave you the promise ring.

Maybe this is a bad decision and maybe our relationship will be in tatters after this but from how I see it, I still love you. I spent a long time thinking about it the last few days and I realize that I'm not ready to give you up just yet.

Because I know that deep down, you still love me too.

If all this is said and true, I'm waiting for you at our spot, Rose.

Don't overthink it and if you are going to, overthink it with me. There's enough space on that door for the both of us.

~ Hannie <3

You stare at the letter for a couple more seconds, not believing your eyes as your mind races with a million thoughts per second. You jolt out of them when Minghao puts a hand on your shoulder, an easy sympathetic smile on his face.

"This is the part where you run, Vi."

You feel your heart rate speed up as you nod, immediately hopping out of your chair as you fling the door open and run out into the street not caring about the rain. You sprint down the street as the rain dampens your clothes, making your way to the flower garden that you knew by heart since you were six years old because if there's one thing you knew for sure:

If the universe gives you a second chance, you have to take it.

Jeonghan feels at ease as he stands under the tree where the two of you had your first kiss. He thought that he shouldn't be feeling like this, since there's a chance that you wouldn't have read the letter that he had passed to Seungcheol this morning when he was closing up the store.

There's also a chance that you did read the letter and he was wrong, you didn't love him anymore and the last couple of days was just a fluke.

But as he stares at the spring rain falling on the trees and his umbrella, he knows that you're going to come.

He hums to himself as he patiently looks around, before he hears hard but fast footsteps just a couple feet away from him. He smiles to himself, knowing who those footsteps belonged to because he's always kept a listen out for it.

He turns to face you, who looked almost the exact same as you did that day when he first kissed you. Your hair's damp, sticking to each other and parts of your face and you sported a rosy red dress with a white knit sweater that just brought out the rosiness of your skin and a pair of sneakers.

Even though your makeup was lesser than that day of prom or on your first date, Jeonghan swears that you've never looked more beautiful and 'his' in this moment.

"Are you crazy?" Is the first words to leave his mouth as you end up under his umbrella. "You're going to get sick."

"Don't care." You reply, looking at the man in-front of you with as much love as you can express. He doesn't seem to catch it though, ranting about how you're so stupid to run here without an umbrella as he sheds off his jacket, placing it onto your shoulders.

"— do you have any idea what a common cold does to people? This is the stupidest thing you've ever done, you could've driven here, you could've at least taken an umbrella when you left the store. Like are you saying that you don't have any at the store because that's — mmph!"

You cut him off by pressing your lips against his, your hands going to the back of his neck as if it was just muscle memory. Jeonghan stands there frozen for a few seconds before his eyes flutter close, the umbrella forgotten as he lets it go, his hands more invested with being around your waist than keeping the two of you dry.

He groans into the kiss and you take the opportunity to deepen it, sliding your tongue into his mouth which he gladly reciprocates with his own. His grip on your waist tightens as he pulls you flush against him, not caring about how your wet clothes were soaking his own. You hum, smiling into the kiss as the two of you continue to make out.

Only when the two of you remember that oxygen is a thing, is when you two pull away. Jeonghan's lips pressing three more chaste kisses onto yours as if trying to remind himself that this isn't a dream and you are actually standing in-front of him, saying that you want to give your relationship another shot.

He bumps his forehead with yours before he leans his forehead against yours, a small teasing smile on his face.

"If I knew you missed me that much, I would've convinced you to take that photo of me in the basement the other day."

You roll your eyes, a soft scoff escaping your lips. "You wish."

"I do, Rose." He admits, without a second beat, the genuine honesty surprising you a little. "I wished that you missed me everyday in hopes that you would come home to me."

Your heart drops at that as you stare into Jeonghan's eyes that are filled with love and vulnerability.

"Hannie." You softly breathe out. "I'm sorry for making the decision for both of us and leaving without giving you a chance. There's no excuse for my actions and I thought I was doing it because it was the best decision for the both of us. However," you shake your head. "I realized that it was stupid of me to do so because it hurt a lot more than if we had just talked it out."

"I was so badly homesick during my first year in college that I wanted to dropout and come home to this town, come home to my family and friends but more importantly, I wanted to come home to you. However, I was scared that you weren't going to want to talk to me, that you hated my guts for what I did and I couldn't bare the thought of that happening."

You take a deep breath before tugging at the chain necklace hidden under your dress, taking it out of it to reveal the promise ring that Jeonghan gave you ten years ago.

"I never took it off." You softly admit as Jeonghan stares at the necklace, his eyes wide. "It was the one thing that kept me sane during college and what got me through the worse of the worse when I was working in corporate. Because every time I looked at it, I found my life a little less bleak and a little more hopeful, because I was thinking about you."

Jeonghan looks slightly teary eyed as he gazes into your watery ones. "If you let me, I'll spend the rest of my life hoping that you would forgive me. I'll work hard for all our dates, I'll plan and pay for every single one if you let me and I will always go the extra mile for you, just so that you know that I love you and that this is something that I want because like you said." You give him a soft, cheeky smile. "Humans may make mistakes but the universe doesn't."

Jeonghan stares at you for a few seconds, his eyes flitting around your face as if he's trying to commit your features to memory before he reaches into his own shirt neckline to pull out a chain similar to yours. Your eyes widen as you see the same promise ring nested on the chain as Jeonghan gives you a soft smile.

"I've been in this since I first saw you at the park, baby." He whispers out, letting the chain now rest on his neck, the ring glinting in the spring rain. "Let's just take it slow and see how it goes."

You nod, a soft smile overtaking your features as you lean more into the man that you love.

"So," You ask, wrapping your arms tighter around Jeonghan's waist. "What's the first step in taking it slow?"

Jeonghan's eyes lit up with a familiar mischief as he feigns a ponder before leaning closer to you, eyeing your lips.

"I can think of quite a few."

©livmarauder2026 Thank you guys so much for reading my collab fic for svthub! Be sure to check out all the other amazing works in this collab <3 Another fic will be coming out in a bit... be sure to watch out for that! <3 Like my work? Join my Permanent Taglist! All my fics are 18+, which means blogs without age or age indicator will not be tagged! If you like this, please consider reblogging or liking! It really makes my day! <3 Thank you for showing yearner jeonghan so much love!

Throughout the following weeks, his days became harder to bear with every passing hour. He thought of himself as pathetic for letting it affect him so much, as if someone else’s happiness should be his shortcomings. Still, seeing life play out in front of him so frequently made him wonder how much he was missing out on.

Seungkwan entered the shop early in the morning, storing the load that had been delivered and updating inventory like any other day. He greeted his coworkers that came in after him, helping him set up the shop, per usual. He helped the regulars of that day, watched customers whip in, look around and leave, never seeing them again.

He went home, made the same dinner, watched the same show or hung out with the same friends and he came to realise: his life was actually becoming a bore. He needed some action.

Seungkwan was behind the counter, making the new seasonal bouquets when one of the regulars stood in front of him. He watched her lean on her hand with a cheeky smile, waving his hand to the back. “My coworker is right over there. He can tell you about our new recommendations,” he spoke and held the flowers up. “I’m busy.”

“And what if I want to hear it from you?”

“Then you’re clearly trying to make me feel better.”

She nudged him. “Come on, Droopy. What’s going on with you?”

Seungkwan shook his head with a small smile. “Nothing, just doing long days now business is booming.”

The regular and friend narrowed her eyes, but left it at that. She nodded and pointed to the back of the shop. “I’ll leave you to it then. Your colleague can help me as well.”

He nodded and turned back to the flowers, neatly spread out over the counter. He stuck two sunflowers in the middle, grabbing a bush of thistle and tucking it in gently. With a lily and some dahlias, he finished it off and put it to the side. With another handful of sunflowers, he made one with a variety of yellow flowers with green branches in between.

Sunflowers were the highlight of the summer, resembling them in a way that no other flower could. Happiness, loyalty, adoration and hope, a symbol of optimism that dragged him through the slums of the day.

His coworker slid past Seungkwan and did the checkout with his friend. He cut the branches a little shorter and smiled at her.

As she walked out, someone bumped into her on the way in. She made way for the new customer before flying out of the door, but Seungkwan’s attention was on the flowers again. He put them in a bucket and moved them to the shop window.

Pride rang in his chest when his bouquets were on display. He was at his best when he was assembling them, carefully curating where each flower would go.

Seungkwan heard his coworker sending someone over to him, but he perfected the display until it was showing its best side. When he turned around, someone grabbed his arm for stability.

“Sorry,” a warm voice said to him, chuckling softly. “I didn’t realise you were going to turn around so soon.”

His heart stopped. His eyes darted everywhere but at the person in front of him. His thoughts were racing a million miles per hour and he was unable to make sense of anything. He thought he was over it, he really was.

You smiled at him when finally looked at you. Until it faded a little he was happy that you did, but a pit formed in his stomach when you observed him closely.

Seungkwan felt his face flush– no. His entire body flushed. He rolled his shoulders back and cleared his throat.

“Seungkwan,” you said gently, the hint of surprise in your voice made his heart drop. You looked around and chuckled. “Well, it makes sense that you’re here.”

He chuckled nervously and crossed his arms behind his back. “I… Well, here I am.”

You smiled, your entire face lighting up when you did. Your cheeks glowed, your eyes twinkled the same after a decade, scanning every inch of his face.

He could barely stand on his own two feet anymore.

You shook your head. “Sorry, um,” with rosy cheeks, you smiled. “I actually came here for a bouquet. Your colleague said you could help me with that.”

Seungkwan looked over at Chan sticking his thumb up. He pressed his lips into a thin smile before turning to you. “Yes, I can. Do you have something in mind?”

“My manager is going through a tough time,” you said with a small smile. “I know she loves flowers, so I want to give her a nice bouquet to let her know I’m there for her.”

Seungkwan’s stomach tingled, a smile tugging at his lips. “That’s very thoughtful of you, actually. I’m sure she’ll appreciate it.”

You wrote it off as basic human decency, for Seungkwan it was his reminder why he was in love with you once.

He motioned for you to follow him and took you to the back of the shop. “I have some bouquets ready to go, but you can also assemble one yourself if you want to add your personal touch,” he explained and turned to you.

You glanced at your watch and offered an apologetic smile. “I don’t have long, so one of yours has to do this time.”

This time. Seungkwan’s mind started racing with possibilities again.

He stepped aside. “I’m sure there’s something that catches your eye, but I have special bouquets for your situation if you’d like me to point them out.”

You watched them curiously. “You do?”

Seungkwan couldn’t help but smile and nodded. He pointed at the white and green bouquet. “All of these flowers represent support, strength or resilience, like the white chrysanthemum for example, and the green rose.”

When he locked eyes with you, his cheeks flushed. “Um… but you can also go for something more cheerful? Yellow flowers, or her favourite colour perhaps?”

Your lips twisted into a smile. “The white bouquet is beautiful, Seungkwan. I’ll take that.”

He nodded and took it from the bucket, taking you back to the counter. “Would you like a card with it?”

You rummaged in your bag and held one up.

“Thought of everything, huh?”

“Ah, well.” Your cheeks tinted a light pink and put it back.

Seungkwan smiled and wrapped the bouquet in foil before placing it on the counter, putting the order in the register. “Would you like to grab a cup of coffee soon?” He heard himself ask. His fingers hovered above the buttons as his eyes darted your way. “I… Mean… We haven’t seen each other in so long so I thought, maybe we can catch up?”

“I would like that,” you answered with a smile and pointed across the street. “That place looks nice. We can meet there around this time next week?” You proposed and held your card against the reader. “I wish I had a gap this week, but I’m packed–”

“Next week is perfect,” he assured you and handed you the bouquet along with the receipt. “I’ll make sure to be there.”

You took it and thanked him.

“You can tell me how much she liked it,” he added with a wink, to which you chuckled.

“Just tell me if you want me to feed your ego.”

“I’ll never say no to that.”

You smiled and waved. “See you next week, Seungkwan.”

He watched you walk out of the shop and his entire body felt like it was on fire. He smiled to himself and fell back into his usual rhythm.

The rest of the week flew by in a blink of an eye. As quickly as Seungkwan opened the shop in the morning, he could close it when the afternoon was almost over. He wasn't looking forward to the moment he would be able to go home. In fact, for the first time in months he was sad to leave the place behind for the night.

Seungkwan kept an eye on the coffeehouse across the street, leaning against the counter. He fixed a loose hair in the shop window, but his eyes darted back quickly. He clutched his shirt, heart galloping in his chest as the time crept closer to 10am.

“You know,” Chan started, “when you asked me to cover for you, you could’ve stayed home.”

“I’m across the street,” Seungkwan answered with a shrug. “Just dropped in to see how you were doing.”

“You’re way too concerned over a business that is doing well.”

When the clock struck ten, he pushed himself up. He tapped the counter and nodded at Chan. “Call me if something comes up.”

“I hope I won’t have to,” Chan replied with a grin. “I would hate to interrupt your date.”

Seungkwan rolled his eyes, but his cheeks flushed. He walked out of the door and crossed the street. He looked around for a sign of you before he went inside. The smell of coffee and pastries greeted him at the first step. He waved at the barista and walked towards the back.

He halted in his tracks and when you locked eyes, the world stopped spinning.

You were on the couch, two coffees in front of you. Your smile lit up the room, your eyes twinkling.

He swallowed and walked over to you.

You held a cup up. “Iced Americano?”

Seungkwan thought of all the times people told him that he was too clingy, that you would get tired of him being around you all the time, but how could he not when this was how you waited for him?

He took it with a bright smile. “How did you…”

“I hoped I was still right,” you answered and pulled your cup towards you quickly. A grin formed on your face. “Guess what I have, though.”

“Let me think.” He sat down with a hum. “Is it… a cappuccino with oat milk and an extra shot of espresso?”

You lit up and Seungkwan became a puddle at your feet, even though your feelings had long withered away.

“Are you back in town?” He asked and stirred his americano with the straw.

“Since a month,” you answered with a hum. “I got an incredible job offer that I simply couldn’t refuse.”

He looked up at you, a grin tugging at his lips. “‘If you ever catch me returning to this shithole...’”

“Yeah, yeah,” you rolled your eyes with a chuckle, “very hypocritical, I know.” With your hands wrapped around the cup, you leaned back in your seat. You looked out of the window. “It has changed a lot since the last time I was here. I didn’t know it was capable of change.”

“Yeah, well, when a lot of citizens and small business owners leave because you’re putting them at a disadvantage, you have to do something.” He tapped the table with his index finger. “Before this coffee house, there were at least four different stores. We’ve seen them all wither from the other side of the street.”

You hid your smile behind the cup. “Means that your business is doing well at least.”

“I guess it does, yeah.” Seungkwan put his cup down. “What did your manager think of the flowers?”

You put the cup down in a hurry and slapped your hands on the table. “That’s what I needed to remember!”

He tilted his head with a hum. His eyes remained strictly on yours, before he would lose himself in you.

“She loved them!” You exclaimed excitedly. “She asked me where I got them from so I explained, but she’s on the other side of town so she’d never heard of it and I lost your business card.”

Seungkwan’s lips twisted into a smile. “I can give you one later? Is that what you wanted to ask?”

“Yes!” You rubbed his hand and took a sip. “You’re a doll.”

His hand tingled. A buzz shot through his body and his cheeks flushed. “It’s no problem, really,” he managed to tell you. “I mean, we have plenty so it’s not like I’ll miss one.”

You looked at each other for a second before you broke into a grin.

Seungkwan looked away and cleared his throat. “Anyway.”

“Hey.”

He looked your way again, watching your eyes soften.

“It’s good to see you again, Seungkwan.”

Seungkwan nodded and scratched his neck. “Of the same.”

You ordered another round and shared a slice of red velvet cake before you had to part ways. Seungkwan had his entire schedule cleared, even though deep down he knew it wasn’t necessary.

“I have to pick up an order for mum, then I’m meeting with my old friends for lunch, I’m squeezing a workout in there and tonight, I finally have a night to myself,” you told him as you were crossing the street. “Any fun plans on your end?”

“Hoping my colleagues didn’t burn the shop down.”

You pushed him playfully. “Don’t be mean. I’m sure they’re taking good care of it in your absence.”

He didn’t have the heart to tell you that he was barely absent.

Seungkwan pushed through the door and let you pass. He walked up to the counter for a business card, ignoring the look he got from Chan.

Him altogether, actually.

He joined you back at the front of the shop and gave you the card. Watching you observe the flowers made a warmth spread through his chest.

You looked up at him. “These carnations are adorable.” You hovered over them and inhaled. “And they smell amazing.”

Seungkwan nudged you. “You know your flowers.”

“I learned from the best.” You came up. “Can I take some for my mum? She will love the pink ones.”

He reached for the bucket and grabbed some. “I think they will pair well with white.”

“Perfect!”

Seungkwan smiled and grabbed some baby’s breaths and kamini’s to fill the bouquet up, slipping behind the counter to assemble the bouquet.

“He has trouble not working when he asks for a day off,” he heard Chan telling you, followed by your chuckles.

His heart skipped a beat.

“Always had that,” you responded.

“Do you know each other?”

“We dated until I moved away for college,” you said to Chan.

Seungkwan’s cheeks were a furious shade of red, feeling his coworker’s eyes on him. He crouched to grab a piece of paper and wrapped the flowers together.

“For how long?”

“Four years.”

Chan’s eyes burned into him by that point.

Seungkwan gave the bouquet to you. “I’ll take care of it.” You opened your mouth, but he spoke ahead of you. “As long as you tell your mum hi from me, I’m satisfied.”

You took it from him with pink cheeks. “Thank you, Seungkwan. She’ll be very happy to hear from you again.”

He watched you leave, a smile carved into his face that wouldn’t go away for the rest of the day.

Even though he had no way of contacting you.

Seungkwan was a wreck when he found that out. If fate was a thing, you’d walked back into his life five years ago. He’d never stopped to think about which phone numbers got lost when he got a new number, if they even got lost at all.

He never realised that you couldn’t even reach him even if you wanted to, taking it as a sign from the universe to get over himself.

He’d gotten the chance to love you once. His karma had to be incredible for him to be able to love you a second time.

Seungkwan was in the warehouse, spitting through inventory and noting down everything he had to order. He threw out flowers that were withering, putting buckets aside that he would take back to the front when he was done.

His rhythm was back to its dull, unadventurous way.

With a pen tucked behind his ear, he reorganised the storage. Thoughtless, for once, only worried about efficiency and structure.

He grabbed some of the buckets and dragged them back into the shop, putting them by his feet and observing them closely. His heart skipped a beat when he saw white carnations again, but he pushed the thought away.

When he was at the back for the remaining bucket, Chan called out to him.

Seungkwan walked back and shot him a look.

You shot him an apologetic smile. “I’m so sorry to bother you at work.”

He quickly shook his head and smiled at you. “What’s up?”

“I don’t have your number.”

His breath caught in his throat, his heart jumping in his chest. Seungkwan scrambled to get his phone out of his pocket and gave it to you. He cleared his throat and rubbed his hands off on his pants. “So, how did your mother like the bouquet?”

A smile played on your lips. “As predicted, she loved it. She started bombarding me with questions about you which I could not answer.”

"We have to text a lot, then."

"We'll be caught up in no time." You gave his phone back and pointed to the door. "I need to head to my friend's. Thank you for making time for me."

Seungkwan smiled. "Always."

You waved and walked out of the door.

After taking a week off — his colleagues begged him to before he collapsed — Seungkwan was back at the shop before the weekend would ring in. He was at the back while Chan stayed out front, taking care of the deliveries that had just been made and storing them properly. He took some of the buckets to the front with him to make bouquets, placing them in the shop window for display.

As he was working on a sunflower bouquet, the shop door opened.

Seungkwan looked up an his heart skipped a beat. "Hey."

"Hey there, holidaymaker!" You waved excitedly and walked up to the counter. "Happy to be back here?"

"Back where I belong," he answered with a smile. "What can I do for you?"

"My colleague's retiring." You placed a hand on your chest with twinkling eyes. "I was put in charge of getting a present and I wanted to do a bouquet on the side."

Seungkwan nodded and put the bouquet to the side. "Anything particular in mind?"

"She loves the colour yellow?"

He smiled and moved away from the counter, motioning his head at you. As you followed him to the left side of the shop, he spoke. "Yellow is a very common colour these months, so you're in luck."

"It's a very positive colour."

He agreed and pointed at the buckets. "You can do a sunflower bouquet, or you get a mix of yellow and orange flowers to give her. It's whatever she prefers, and what catches your eye the most, of course."

You bobbed along. "Can you tell me about the yellow flowers?"

Seungkwan felt the heat flushing his cheeks. "Yeah, of course." He cleared his throat and grabbed one out of the bucket. "I put a sunflower in the middle here as a focal point. It expresses admiration, loyalty and a non-romantic love."

He pointed at the flower next to it. "I put some marigold in it to represent happiness, some orchids for well wishes and orange roses to break up the yellow. They stand for enthusiasm and energy, in this case."

As he grabbed the other bouquet, he locked eyes with you. His stomach tingled when you smiled.

"I also made one with a yellow dahlia as focal point, but they more so represent a commitment shared forever in this case, as well as the pansies and the yarrow. It's rather a love bouquet, to keep it short."

You pointed at the one in the bucket. "That one fits the occasion more, I'd say."

Seungkwan agreed with a chuckle and grabbed it, walking back to the counter.

"God, it's gorgeous," you breathed out as you followed him. "I almost want to keep it myself."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

"You definitely should." You held the card against the reader. "Seungkwan, you're a doll. Thank you so much!"

Seungkwan watched you leave with flaming hot cheeks.

Later that week, he got a text from you telling him how much she loved the bouquet. You even forwarded the picture of your colleague, where the bouquet was standing on the saloon table in the living room.

He felt himself slipping away the more he talked to you.

Seungkwan came back from his lunch break, a cup of coffee in hand when he halted in his tracks.

You stood at the counter with a smile, declaring that your friend was getting married and you wanted to congratulate her with a bouquet. Once again, Seungkwan spent his time talking to you about the bouquets he made until you settled for a white one, keeping it simple but thoughtful.

The smile you left with was the same.

Chan watched the interaction and flashed him a grin. "She's becoming our biggest source of income this way."

After the weekend, you stood in front of his nose again. For the first time, you were there for yourself, opting that you needed a nice bouquet in your living room.

Seungkwan didn't mind having you wander around the store for thirty minutes if that made you happy with the bouquet you made. He told you he would take care of it for you and your smile had lit the room up.

That same night you video called him, showing the bouquet standing in your living room. Seungkwan only hung up when you declared you needed to go to bed. If he didn't, you would've stayed up until the middle of the night to talk to him.

Every day that passed since then, Seungkwan hoped that you would walk through the doors.

After two weeks of absence, you were there again. Your mother's friend wanted a bouquet with pink and white carnations just like the one you gave to your mother.

Seungkwan happily obliged and yet again, you were the happiest woman on earth when you left the store. He watched with the heat spreading through his body, smiling to himself before he went back to work.

"That's the fourth time this month alone," Chan commented and turned to his colleague. "And coincidentally, she comes in when you're at work."

Seungkwan arched an eyebrow. "Meaning?"

"That — for some bizarre reason — she keeps seeking you out." When he stayed silent, Chan deadpanned him. "Oh, come on. You can't tell me that you hadn't noticed."

He shrugged and wrapped the small rose bouquet together.

"I can say with absolute certainty that even Minghao has noticed."

"What have I noticed?"

Seungkwan's head shot up.

Minghao halted in his tracks, a flannel shirt loosely hugging his slender body and blond hair partially hidden under a cap. His sharp eyes peeked at him curiously.

"Seungkwan has a not-so secret admirer," Chan said without missing a beat. "His ex-girlfriend has been coming in here constantly." He held four fingers up. "Four times this month."

"In my defence, we split up on good terms," Seungkwan cut in. "Ten years ago."

Minghao bobbed his head. "So Seungkwan likes her back, I assume."

Chan turned to him and smiled sweetly, but he just scoffed and put the bouquet in the display.

"That's a yes."

"Chan is convinced she's here for me, but I think she just wants to be sweet to the people around her." Seungkwan shrugged. "That's how she's always been. She's caring, loves seeing people happy. It's not uncharacteristic for her to stop by so often."

"Like the talking isn't uncharacteristic either, just like with you."

He glared at his colleague.

"So just return the favour and give her a bouquet."

Seungkwan's eyes darted to Minghao.

"You seem to know what she likes, you like her. I don't see why not." He grabbed his package from the counter and smiled. "From what I hear, she seems to be seeking you out on purpose. You'll miss out if you don't."

Seungkwan was the only one left in the shop later that week, still pondering over what his friends had said about you. He hated that he was convinced of their case, how it made his heart beat faster. He wanted to find out, to see how you felt about him. He needed to know how much was still left of what you once had.

When he looked at the clock, it was a little over 4pm. He still had two hours to kill until the shop would close, it was as good as cleaned and there hadn't been a customer in over an hour.

Seungkwan decided to put the order in early and grabbed his laptop from out back, setting it on the counter. As he was selecting the flowers, the door opened. He looked up and smiled. "Good afternoon."

You turned around and waved at him. "Hi, Seungkwan!"

He stumbled over his words before he was able to get something out, making you chuckle. God, that was the best sound in the world.

"I'm here for a bulk order, actually," you said and leaned your elbows on the counter. "Is that possible?"

Seungkwan bobbed his head and put the order through before shoving his laptop aside. "It's a minimum delivery time of two weeks, though, depending on our inventory."

"It's in a month so we have time!"

He heard his friends in the back of his mind, his heart pulsing in his ears and for some reason, his ability to think before he spoke magically left him.

He flashed you a grin. "You know, you can just say you want to see me."

"Yeah, actually. For the bulk order."

Seungkwan cleared his throat and shifted his weight to his other leg. "Right, so. We can deliver roses, or multi flower bouquets…"

You nodded. "Well, um, it's a business event so something professional, but fun."

"White, pink and orange?"

"Yep, perfect."

Seungkwan scribbled it down. His eyes darted up at you, but you looked away. "Any preference for flowers?"

"Nope. Go crazy."

He wrote your name above the notes and came up. "I suspect a normal delivery period, but we'll notify you if something comes up."

"Could you send them over to the venue actually?" You asked. "The day before would be perfect."

Seungkwan nodded and wrote it down. "We'll keep in touch."

Your fingers drummed on the counter before you stepped away. You took small, slow steps towards the exit, looking around as if you hadn't seen the store a thousand times before.

He called out to you.

You looked over your shoulder, your hand on the door handle.

"You don't have to keep coming here if you want to see me," he said.

Your cheeks flushed a rose pink. "I like to see you at your best." With those words, you left the shop. You locked eyes through the window one more time and you smiled at him shyly before you disappeared into the crowd.

Seungkwan was reminded of everything that he loved about you.

He was on edge, even more so than before. He was in the shop more than he was scheduled for, all to try and put his mind to anything else before he was consumed by you. His coworkers looked at him funny and he was sure they whispered behind his back, but he could not bring himself to care.

Seungkwan told Chan he would be in to make the new bouquets on his day off and did just that. If Chan refrained from speaking his mind or he sensed that Seungkwan really needed the distraction, he didn't know. Once again, he couldn't bring himself to care.

As he was assembling a rose bouquet, the door of the shop opened.

Seungkwan looked up, watching how Minghao strolled up to the counter. "I was wondering if my favourite regular was ever going to come back," he teased.

Minghao chuckled, sliding his hands into his pocket. "Duty never stops calling. I'm here for a bouquet, like usual."

"I've just been making them." He held a rose bouquet up.

"I don't have to look any further, then."

"Makes my job easy." Seungkwan grinned and wrapped it in foil for him. "Any special occasion?"

"Not really." Minghao hummed and got his card out, holding it against the reader. "Just an 'I love you.' She deserves it every day, but otherwise her apartment would be filled with flowers and she'll go back to hating them."

His grin was replaced by a warm smile. "I'm very sure that she'll love it." He gave his friend the flowers. "Tell her I said hi."

"I will." Minghao saluted him and turned on his heel. He looked over his shoulder and smiled before walking out of the store.

Seungkwan looked down at the flowers. When the bouquet was laying in front of him, he swiped his own card against the reader and put it in the back.

The thought of your smile was enough to make the heat pool in his stomach before it spread through the rest of his body.

He was about to get himself into dangerous waters.

That night, Seungkwan sat in the car in front of your apartment block, hands clutching the wheel. He told himself that there was no reason to be nervous. In fact, this was by far not the first time he'd stood on your doorstep unannounced, but after all those years…

He shook his head, took a deep breath and got out of the car. He grabbed the bouquet from the backseat and shut the car, walking up to the door. His finger trembled when he rang your bell, and his breath hitched when there was crackling on the other side of the line.

"Hello!"

Your excitement etched a smile into his face. He leaned forward into the microphone. "It's me."

"Seungkwan! What are you doing here?"

"Do I need a reason for a visit?"

Your chuckles made the heat pool in his stomach. "I'll open the door for you."

The door buzzed and Seungkwan pushed it open, walking straight into the elevator. As it brought him to the fourth floor, he fixed the collar of his blouse and ran a hand through his hair.

Seungkwan stepped into the hallway and turned to the left, knocking on the apartment at the end of the hall. His heart ached for you, reigniting a spark that he thought had long died out. That he thought he'd left behind when you broke up.

When you appeared in the doorway, he proved himself wrong.

"You'll never guess what I brought you," he spoke, to which you pretended to think.

"I would say flowers," you finally said and leaned against the frame. "Couldn't be too sure."

Seungkwan smiled and held the bouquet out.

You observed it as you took it from him. You lit up, making his stomach tingle. "My favourite flowers! How did you know?!"

"I just hoped nothing had changed."

Your arms flew around his neck, your face nuzzling in the crook.

Seungkwan clung onto your waist for stability. He closed his eyes and hummed softly. "Sorry for barging in unannounced. I just… I don't know. I had to see you."

"Apology rejected."

He chuckled softly and pulled back when you did, observing every inch of your face. When a lock blocked your eyes, he tucked it behind your ear.

Your cheeks flushed, a bright smile tugging at your lips. You leaned in, pushing yourself up on your tippy toes.

Seungkwan met you halfway in a kiss that sealed him forever. Every memory you made flashed before his eyes. It all seemed so innocent at the time, his sisters had even told him that first loves would never last. Theirs hadn't, why would his?

And for years, he believed them. When you left for college and the distance would be unbearable for the both of you, Seungkwan had told himself that it would blow over. You would find someone new, and he would, too.

But after ten years, on that faithful day that you walked through the doors of his shop, he realised that his heart still beat for you. And it never stopped doing that for you.

When you pulled back, his eyes stayed shut.

"I'm free tonight," you whispered.

Seungkwan smiled as they fluttered open. "We should get dinner, then."

Your head shot up and Seungkwan regretted opening his mouth. You observed him closely, narrowing your eyes. They disappeared under a bright grin. “Boo Seungkwan, are you asking me out?”

“Would you say yes if I did?”

There was a challenging look in your eyes that made his heart beat faster. You could feel it if you moved your hands closer. “Shall we try?”

He locked eyes with you and leaned forward. “Would you like to go on a date with me?”

"Lead the way."

Seungkwan took you to an Italian restaurant just out of town. He discovered it on his way home, when he needed to take a detour. Overridden by hunger, he went in. Since then, he never went to another Italian restaurant again.

It was cozy, almost like you went into the owners' home. A couple of people were seated here and there, the smell of fresh pasta and garlic dancing all around you.

You looked around you and muttered underneath your breath. "This is adorable!" You told Seungkwan. "And it smells nice."

Seungkwan smiled and placed a hand on your back. "Come on, let's search for a table." He looked down and cleared his throat. He retreated his hand and folded it behind his back.

Your cheeks tinted a light pink and you looked away from him.

He mentally cussed himself out. At least he was making his intentions clear if he let his hand sit there, but the last thing he wanted was to make you uncomfortable. Maybe you were just there to see what there was to rekindle between you.

Seungkwan watched you plop on the couch and smiled, sitting across from you on a chair. "How about we order a bottle of red wine to share between us?"

"I do love a good red wine," you answered and rubbed your chin. "Do they have Primitivo here?"

"The best I've ever had."

You nodded with a smile. "Perfect. We'll get that then."

He gave you the menu that sat on the table and leaned back in his seat. His heart warmed when he saw you mouthing along the words, your brows knitted together. Every once in a while, you bobbed your head. You hadn't even properly registered that Seungkwan ordered a bottle of wine until you had a glass in front of your nose.

Your head shot up and you shot him a small smile. "I was so engulfed in the menu. Thank you for ordering."

"I always eat the same thing here so I don't even have to look."

"I expected as much."

Seungkwan cocked an eyebrow, but you just shrugged. He leaned forward. "Are you saying I don't try new things?"

"Considering your days are always the same." Your eyes flicked up. A smile played on your lips and you slapped his hand lightly. "It's not a bad thing, Seungkwan. Not everyone needs to have an adventurous life."

He stayed silent.

"Maybe that's their way of saying they don't have the right people around them," you said and leaned back with your glass of wine. "Maybe the reason people are chasing the limits is because they're scared to settle down and have enough with the ones closest to them. You never know."

"I didn't know college had made you so wise."

You hid your smile behind the wine, but he saw the corners of your mouth peeking out through the glass.

Seungkwan leaned on his hand and looked at you. "I'm happy to have you back in my non-adventurous, boring life."

"And this time I won't leave." You held your pinky out.

He laced it together with his and pressed a kiss to it.

You were right; he didn't have to lead a thrilling life to be happy, or to make you happy for that matter. In all truth, he was content with where he was. The flower shop was running well and you were back in his life.

Back in his arms.

Seungkwan couldn't remember the last time he looked forward to doing inventory, cleaning the storage or having to order new flowers. His day-to-day tasks became an adventure in itself.

With your bi-weekly visits to the shop, his colleagues were jokingly calling you the mother of the shop. You embraced your new title with open arms, even helping out whenever you had the time.

You were helping to close the shop, dragging the buckets to the back and wiping the floors clean.

Seungkwan couldn't help but admire you as he was finalising his order. When you looked his way, a pool of heat formed in his stomach before spreading through his entire body.

You skipped over to him and pressed a kiss to his lips. "Ready when you are."

He wrapped an arm around you, locking you into his side. He listened as you talked about the event. He smiled when there was a skip in your step, excitement ringing in your voice.

And suddenly, when he looked around him, the world was a little brighter than it was before.

THE CHILDHOOD PROMISE

Joshua would say that a part of him always felt like something was missing.

At the age of eight, he remembers traveling to Seoul for the first time with his mother. It was a spontaneous trip, something that his mother had decided just a week before. However, Joshua was young and going anywhere felt like a new journey.

As he held onto his mother's hand, he remembers his eyes widening at the sight of all the cherry blossoms in the park and pointing them out to his mother.

"Mum! Look!" He said, glancing upwards towards his mother. "There's so many of them!"

His mother laughed as Joshua tugged her towards the trees, eager to get a closer look. A breeze swept through the park, making the cherry blossoms sway as a couple of loose ones fell around the two of them.

Joshua pulled his hand away from his mothers as he began jumping up and down, trying to catch a few, intrigued by how pretty the blossoms looked. His mother watched, her smile widening more if possible as she felt her heart swell at how cute her son looked at this moment. His tiny bunny hops increasing by the minute as he kept reaching for a singular cherry blossom to land in his hand.

Her hand covered her mouth as she tried her best not to giggle at Joshua's little disappointed grunts, each time the cherry blossom floating past his hand. She wondered how long it will take for him to give up on his quest and pick one up from the ground instead. However, she knew her son well enough to know that Joshua was never one to let adversity get him down, that he was stubborn enough to continue until he got his way.

A trait that he no doubt picked up from her.

Joshua, oblivious to his mother's stares, stopped his jumps, trying to figure out how to complete his mission. He gazed at the falling blossoms before his eyes locked onto two that were coming right towards him. He narrowed his eyes and bent his knees before he jumped as high as he could, his hands reaching out as high as he could, feeling as if they were going to rip out of their sockets before clenching his fists so hard, he knew his hands were going to turn red.

Joshua's mother watched as her son missed his footing and landed on his bum with a hard thump, making her eyes widen as she raced over to him.

"Joshua?!" His mother exclaimed as she reached his side and crouched down beside him. Her eyes darted from his face to his bum and legs as she assessed him for any injuries. "Are you alright?!"

Joshua, however, didn't hear any of his mother's questions and just peered at his hand. His heart pulsed hard in anticipation as he slowly opens both his hands, feeling something in both of them.

His eyes widen, lighting up as he feels the silky smooth petals in both his palm as his endorphins skyrocket.

He whipped his head up to meet his mother's eyes, giving her a slight shock at the big grin on his face.

He eagerly shoved his hands in-front of her eyes, making his mother's head tilt backwards as she peered at the light pink petal in one of his hands and two white ones in the other.

"I got them!" Joshua said giddily, his hands animatedly swaying a little from the excitement that was rushing through his veins. "I actually got them!"

His mother's face changed to one of relief and amusement, feeling the worry seep away from her veins from her little boy's bright grin as he showcased the flowers in his hands. She let out a breath she didn't know she was holding as she helped Joshua stand up, dusting off his pants as he did.

"Be more careful next time." Joshua heard his mother mutter as she gave him one last look. "You almost gave me a heart attack."

Joshua furrowed his eyebrows at her words, a frown on his lips as he felt a little bit of guilt seep into his veins. "I'm sorry." He softly said, his doe eyes shimmering which makes his mother sigh as she shook her head.

"It's alright, sweetheart." She said, brushing his hair softly.

"I just wanted to catch one to give to you because it was pretty." Joshua muttered, his eyes flitting down to his shoes for a split second as he lifted the hand with the pink petal in it, stretching it towards his mother.

Her heart warmed at the sight as she watched Joshua gnaw on his bottom lip nervously. She reached out and took the cherry blossom in between her fingers, a small smile appearing on her face as she did so.

"You're such a sweet boy, Joshua." She softly stated, her eyes pricking a little with tears as she watched Joshua peer upwards at her.

"Really?" He asked softly, his doe eyes melting his mother more which made her nod, her smile getting bigger by the second.

"Really." She placed her hands on her knees as she stood up, stretching a little as she does. She spotted an ice cream cart not too far from them, giving her an idea. "And since you're so sweet," She peered downwards to her son. "I think you deserve a sweet treat. Don't you agree?"

Joshua's eyes widened at her words, spotting what his mother was talking about as he nodded excitedly. Joshua's mother lets out a laugh at how excited he was.

"How about you sit down underneath the cherry blossom tree and wait for me?" His mother suggested sweetly as she gestured towards the tree that was not too far away from where they were standing. "I'll be back in ten minutes."

Joshua nodded frivolously at his mother's words before he sprinted towards the tree and plopped himself onto the ground, eager to please his mother as he excitedly waited for his sweet treat.

He brings up his right hand that held the two white petals that he caught before, pride blooming in his chest as he felt the texture in between his fingers. He smiled, feeling the smoothness of the petals as he peered up to take in what the world had to offer.

The birds were chirping, the petals were gracefully falling and he felt as though he was on top of the world. Nothing was going to break the serene, peaceful environment that he was in.

"MUMMY? DADDY?"

Except for that.

Joshua jumped, hearing the yells as he whipped his head around to the source with his eyebrows furrowed.

Who was doing all that god-awful yelling?

That was when he noticed you.

You looked around his age, maybe a year or two younger than he was, in a fluffy polka-dotted skirt with a pink unicorn top as well as… bunny ears?

Joshua frowned at the weird get-up, not knowing why you were doing all this yelling before he noticed that you were crying. The realization made him frown even more as he analyzed you. Why were you crying?

He watched you clutch the bunny that you had in your hands, tighter to your chest as you sniffled and looked around anxiously.

Joshua's eyebrows furrowed even more as his emotions wrestled internally at the sight. Should be go up and talk to you?

His answer came to him as he heard you let out another watery yell, this one more distressed than the last which pushed away all thought of going back to pretending as if he didn't see you. Because that's not how his mother had raised him to be.

He stood up, dusted off his pants just like his mother did a few minutes ago before he walked over to you, concern etched onto his face with a frown to tie it all together.

You, on the other hand, were trapped in your own world. You didn't know how you had gotten here. One moment, you were holding hands with your mother and your father, admiring all the cherry blossom trees, the next, you were all alone. You did get slightly distracted by something that looked an awful lot like a bunny and left them but you were smart! You retraced your steps as your parents had taught you but when you had reached the cherry blossom tree that they were at, they weren't there.

Panic had started coursing through your veins at the thought of being left behind, making tears prick your eyes as you called out for them. You were tired, hungry, and just wanted to go home at this point. You rubbed away a few stray tears, ready to give up when a voice broke all your thoughts.

"Are you alright?"

You jumped at the sudden voice, whipping around to see a boy with the prettiest doe eyes that you've ever seen, dressed in a comfortable woolly jacket that was a little too big for him, denim jeans as well as some really cute sneakers. You looked at his face and how concerned he looked before shaking your head in response.

"No." You sniffled out. "I can't find my parents."

Joshua's eyes widened in response as he started to whip his head in every direction, trying to see if there were any distressed parents who were looking for you, as you had just been looking for them.

"Where did you last see them?" He asked softly.

"Under this tree." You admitted, hugging your bunny impossibly tighter to your chest as you tried to soothe your nerves. "I was bad... I saw this bunny and ran off when they weren't looking so it's all my fault."

Joshua frowned more at the admittance as he stepped closer to you before bringing you into a hug, just like his mother had taught him to do whenever he saw someone that was upset. He felt you soak his woolly sweater a little with your tears but he didn't care at that point. All he saw was this sad and scared little girl who needed a hug.

He pulled away, making you peer up at him with your boba shaped eyes.

"I am sure they are looking for you!" Joshua reassured before gesturing over to the tree. "Do you want to wait with me? My mom will be back soon with ice cream!"

Your eyes widened at that, "Ice cream?" You asked, hope in your tone which made the boy nod eagerly before taking your free hand into his and flashed you a gigantic, handsome grin.

"Let's go!"

He tugged you back to his spot under the tree as he plopped back down onto the ground before he pat the empty space next to him, a gesture that he wanted you to take a seat as well. You sit, placing your stuffed bunny on your lap, fidgeting slightly with the ears when Joshua spoke up again.

"My name is Joshua and I am eight years old this year!" He introduced, the smile on his face never fading as he held up eight fingers for you to see, just to solidify his point. You repeated his name making Joshua's smile grow even wider as he nodded at your pronunciation. "What's yours?"

You chewed on your bottom lip before softly telling him your name and that you're six years old this year. He repeated it, just like you had done before with his.

"That's a really cool name!" He admitted making your cheeks flush a little at tho boy in-front of you, who seemed so excited at just any words that leave your mouth.

"Thank you." You responded shyly, your hands still fidgeting with the bunny ears. Joshua buzzed a little with excitement at the fact that he had made a new friend, his mother would be so proud of him!

"We're friends now!" He said, nodding with a big smile on his face as your heart soars at the thought of making a new friends, your nerves slowly melting away.

Joshua gave you a once over before pointing to your bunny. "Does your bunny have a name?"

You glanced downwards to the stuffed toy in your hands before looking back up at him and nodding. "Her name is Penny." Joshua smiled at you as you outstretched your arms out to him with Penny in them, letting him have a better look at your support toy. "My mummy got him for me when she went to America last week!"

Joshua's eyes widened, "Wait really?!" He asked, excitedly scooting closer to you. You nod, a little confused by his outburst.

"I'm from America! My mummy and I are here on holiday!" He watches as your eyes widen at his words, your jaw dropping open.

"That's so cool!" You managed to get out, making the boy nod along with your words. He watched you fidget with the bunny ears once more before pointing upwards at the trees.

"Do you like the pretty trees?" Joshua asked as he peered upwards to see more cherry blossoms failing over the top of your heads as another gust of wind blew past.

You eyes lit up a little at the question as you nodded. "My mummy said that they're called cherry blossoms." You stated, peering upwards as well to look at the pretty blossoms that were cascading downwards. "She also said that there are over two hundred different ones!"

Joshua's eyes widened at your fun fact as his jaw dropped open slightly. "Two hundred??" It was a lot for his little eight-year old brain to comprehend. "That's more than the numbers that we learn in class!"

You let out a giggle, caught off-guard at the exclamation which made Joshua's heart soar more. He made you laugh! He was pleased with himself, he was doing everything that his mother had taught him about being a good gentleman.

Joshua continues on his tangent, distracting you as you shared more fun facts about the spring season with him. You giggling every once in a while which spurred Joshua on more. Your nerves and panic slowly seeped away from your veins as you continued to talk to Joshua, getting more and more interested about the boy in-front of you.

"Do you live here in Seoul?" Joshua asked, making you nod.

"I live pretty close to the park." You softly admitted, looking up to scan at the different buildings before pointing in a direction. "Over that way!"

Joshua's eyes widened at your admittance before his hand flew to yours to tug it back down. "You can't tell people where you live!"

Your eyebrows furrowed. "I'm not telling people… I'm telling you."

Joshua shook his head at your words. "But what if I'm a total stranger! You shouldn't be going around telling people that."

"But aren't we friends?" You asked softly, tilting your head to the side and making Joshua's heart jump a little. He internally frowned at that motion, unsure of why his heart was acting this way but he pushed it away in-order to correct you.

"We are!" He corrected, raising his hands in surrender, scared that you were about to cry once again. "But you shouldn't tell people that."

Your eyebrows furrowed even more, opening your mouth as you were about to retort when a woman's voice interrupts you.

"Shua, here's your ice— oh!" The two of you turned towards the sound of the voice, seeing Joshua's mother stood there with two cups of ice-cream in her hand. "Who is this?"

Joshua smiled before gesturing towards you proudly. "My new friend!" He admitted making you nod shyly as he tells his mother your name.

His mother looked between the two of you before giving you a smile. "Nice to meet you!" She said softly as she passed Joshua his ice-cream. "Where are your parents, sweetheart?"

Joshua watched as your smile dropped before going back to fidgeting with the bunny ears before he turned to his mother. "She lost her parents a little while ago." He admitted softly, glancing at you as he said it, hoping that it wouldn't set you off crying again.

His mother's expression changed to one of understanding. "Ah… I see." She turned to you, crouching down to your height, her eyes filled with empathy as she analyzed you. "Do you know their phone number by any chance, sweetheart? Anything that we could use to call them?"

You thought for a moment before nodding your head. "I know my daddy's number." You softly admitted which made Joshua's mother's eyes light up.

"Wow! You're such a smart girl." She cooed, patting your head as she took a quick glance at Joshua. "I've been trying to get Shua to remember my number for over a year now and he still forgets."

"Mom!" Joshua whined, making you giggle as his mother shoot you a wink and handed you her phone for you to put your father's number into before she turned to her son.

"But it's the truth!"

Joshua pouted at his mother's words but it cracked slightly as he watched you giggle, feeling his heart warm at the sight of your toothy smile.

He glanced down towards the cup of chocolate ice-cream in his hands before outstretching it out to you. "Would you like to share?"

He watched you blink in surprise. "You want to share with me?"

Joshua nodded eagerly at your question. "Of course! We're friends now." He said, scooting a little closer to you. "Being friends means that we share everything! Including ice-cream." He glanced up at his mother. "Isn't that right, mum?"

His mother felt pride bloom in her chest at her son's words and actions before she nodded. "That's right, sweetheart."

Joshua smiled at his mother's answer before placing the cup of ice-cream between the two of you and offered you the first bite. You shyly take the spoon from him before you scooped up a small bit of the ice-cream and placed it into your mouth.

Your eyes widen at the burst of sweet flavours coating your tongue as Joshua let out a giggle as he watched you take more of the ice-cream before playfully telling you that you needed to share.

His mother's heart warmed at the sight of the two of you sharing that singular cup of chocolate ice-cream. She felt her lips tick upwards, a small smile gracing her face before she dialed the number on her phone.

Not more than twenty minutes later, your parents arrived, their faces etched with relief at the sight of you happily playing with a boy who looked slightly older than you were.

"Bunny!" The childhood nickname and voice made you perk up as you turned to see your parents race towards you. You jumped up, your heart beating fast as you met them halfway and jumped into your mother's warm embrace.

Your mother cried a little as she patted your head, smoothing out your hair as your father went up to Joshua's mother, shaking her hand and rapidly thanking her for taking such good care of their daughter.

Joshua felt himself internally wrestle with the feelings in his chest. He was happy that your parents were here to get you and you looked so relived that they did, but he wasn't sure if he was ever going to see you again. Him and his mother were leaving back to LA in a few days and they had a lot of plans.

A slight tug at his sweater brought him out of his thoughts as he noticed you were standing right in-front of him, your head tilted to the side as you gave him a quizzical look.

"Are you okay?" You asked, your voice soft and sweet which brought a smile to Joshua's face as he nodded, obscuring his sad emotions and thoughts from you.

"Of course!" He hummed out, glancing behind you to see your parents and his mother talking. "I'm glad your parents are here."

You nodded, a small smile on your face as silence enveloped the two of you.

"Will I ever see you again?" You asked him softly, your eyes locked with his as they shimmered with a pretty sparkle sheen. Joshua felt his heart sink at the question, knowing that he had just wondered that a few minutes ago before you brought him out from his thoughts.

"I'm not sure…" Joshua answered honestly, making you nod, a little sadly, a small pout forming on your lips. Joshua gave you a once over as your eyes stayed locked on your shoes, obviously a little sad that you had to go and you might never see the doe-eyed boy again when he got an idea.

He fished around his sweater pockets and pulled out the two white cherry blossoms that he had caught earlier in the day.

"Here." He said softly, outstretching one of the petals towards you. Your eyes widened as you glanced upwards at the taller boy. "Something to remember me by." You shakily take the petal from Joshua, running your fingers across the petals gently as Joshua held up his own.

"See, now we're matching." Joshua told you, a small on his face that didn't quite reach his eyes. You continue to stare at the petal, stoning a little which made Joshua a little nervous. "Don't tell me you're going to miss me already?" Joshua joked, trying to lighten the mood as his nerves spiked from how you weren't looking at him.

He wanted to add on another light jab to lighten the mood when you surprised him by wrapping your arms around him, nearly tackling him to the ground. He let out a grunt as you hit his chest with a hard thud, almost knocking the air out his chest as he stabilized the two of you.

Joshua slowly wrapped his arms around you, feeling the sad emotions that he tried to push away, overwhelm him a little more as he felt your warmth envelope him.

"I'm going to miss you." He heard you mutter out, slightly muffled as you bury your head deeper into his woolly sweater. He sighed, burying his face into your hair.

"I'll miss you too, Bunny." He whispered out, using the nickname that he heard your mother call you by. It was really apt for you, with how soft spoken you were, how you quietly observed everything around you. Joshua couldn't help but feel that the nickname was just meant for you. That the word was designed just for you.

"Tell you what." Joshua started softly, pulling away from you a little to see your face. "For as long as you keep that petal." He gestured to the white cherry blossom in your hand. "I will always find you."

Your eyes widened at his words before you pulled away completely, lifting your hand up to the boy, with your pinky being the only finger out, waiting for the boy to give you a pinky promise.

"Swear on it!" Joshua couldn't help but laugh at the sight of you and how serious you were taking this, but, he lifted his own hand and joined his pinky with yours.

The childhood promise sealed between a six year old girl with the nickname Bunny and an eight year old boy who had eyes like Bambi.

"Can I call you Bambi?" You wondered aloud which made Joshua blink at you before he let out a soft laugh as he nodded. "Sure, Bunny."

The two of you let out a fit of giggles before your mother called for you, gesturing that you needed to go. You looked between her and your father before looking at the boy in-front of you, not wanting to leave so soon.

Joshua, however, sensed the hesitation in your figure. He didn't want you to leave yet either but it was getting late and he knew that your parents wanted to get you home and safe and make it up to you so he gave you a reassuring smile.

"You should go." He said softly, giving your head a small pat. "I'm sure your parents are taking you out to eat something really nice."

He watched you chew on your bottom lip before you nod and squeezed Joshua in one last hug before you step away from the boy.

"See you soon, Bambi."

Joshua's heart warmed at the nickname. "See you soon, Bunny."

You gave him one last glance over before you ran over to where your parents stood, taking your mother's hand into yours as Joshua's mother walked back over to his side.

You and your parents started to walk away, towards the pathway where the small stream and bridge were. Joshua felt his mother grab his hand and laced their fingers together but his focus remained on you and where you were.

He watched you take one last pause as you turned to look at him as you gave him one last wave which he returned, the smile on his face turning into a sadder one. With that, he watched you turn back around and exit the park with your parents, going the way that you had pointed out earlier when he had asked where you lived.

His heart felt heavy and he didn't know why. The two of you had just met. However, something told the eight year old boy that he would see you soon. He didn't know when or how but he had hope that he would. He had to.

"Ready to go?" His mother asked, the question gently coaxing the boy out of his thoughts. Joshua nodded, giving his mother a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Yeah." He softly admitted, letting himself take one last glance towards where you had been just moments ago. "Let's go."

Joshua felt around in his pocket as he gently caressed the white blossom in it as he and his mother exit the park. His wrist felt warm for some reason, but decided to attribute it to the sweater and moved on to wonder about something happier, like what he and his mother were going to have for dinner.

Unbeknownst to him, a few months later, he would find a small mark on his wrist that looked oddly like the white cherry blossom that he had given the little girl to make sure that she would always remember him.

What a twist of fate.

THE THING ABOUT SECOND CHANCES

The next time Joshua arrived in Seoul, he was eighteen years old.

Fresh out of high school and having just been scouted by Pledis Entertainment. He anxiously rubbed the white cherry blossom mark on his wrist, a habit that he picked up after it had appeared.

He didn't remember when it had appeared or why it did but after having so many talks with his mother and the doctor or specialist that his mother had taken him to. He had a soulmate, someone with a similar mark on their wrist.

Joshua had grown up hearing about soulmates from his mother. It wasn't uncommon to have a soulmate but only about fifty percent of the world had one. Joshua didn't know if it was luck or not to be one of the few to have one because he didn't even know who it was. He had a feeling he knew but he didn't know if he would ever see you again.

You plague his thoughts every once in a while. He isn't even sure if you remember him but he remembers you. The soft spoken girl from under the cherry blossom trees that he had given the white cherry blossom to. It had to be you and he had asked his mother to try and reach out to your father, the number having been dialed in her phone before but it seemed that when she did, your father had changed his number.

So he had lost all hope of ever getting into contact with you again. Until the Pledis global auditions came and now, he was actually in Korea.

He had been here for a few months, training tirelessly with the rest of his members and learning more Korean at the same time. It definitely wasn't as good compared to when he was younger but he felt himself getting better by the day with the help of Vernon and the other members who volunteered to teach him sometimes, in exchange for learning some english.

Safe to say, he might be doing better at learning Korean than the rest of his members who wanted to learn English. He chuckled a little at the memory as he prepared to go out for the day.

It was one of the rare few days off that the company had given them, having passed all the auditions to get into Seventeen and actually make the line-up. The company decided to give the day off before they needed to return to prepare even more tirelessly for their debut.

He fidgeted with the bracelet that his mother had given him, made out of white cherry blossom that he had caught that faithful day almost ten years ago.

"What are your plans for today?" Joshua turned, seeing Seungcheol leaning against the doorframe to his shared room with Seokmin and Seungkwan.

Joshua took a quick glance towards his wrist before his eyes flitted back up to meet Seungcheol's. "Thought about going to see the cherry blossoms today." Joshua answered coolly, a small smile on his face.

Seungcheol's eyes flit downwards to Joshua's wrist for a split second before he nodded towards it. "Hoping to see her again?"

Seungcheol and Jeonghan were the only two to know about Joshua's mysterious mark. Joshua hadn't meant for any of the members to find out, but he had been careless, and the makeup that he had put on the wrist had gotten wet by accident. He shouldn't have chosen to not use a waterproof concealer that day. It resulted in not only the general leader seeing the mark that stained his skin, but Joshua's evil twin as well.

Seungcheol and Jeonghan had pulled Joshua right after that to reapply the makeup, careful to not let the staff see them or the cherry blossom. Seungcheol shot the two of them a look which stated that they would talk about this later. Hence, Joshua instead told the both of them everything right after practice, in the safe space of Seungcheol and Jeonghan's dorm room that they shared with Mingyu and Jihoon.

The two of them had been understanding (to Joshua's delight) and also a little annoying about it (to Joshua's dismay). Jeonghan had taken the opportunity to do a small little jab every time one of the other members brought up even the idea of having a soulmate to the others.

Seungcheol would shoot a warning look towards Jeonghan the first few times it happened, but after many unsuccessful tries of getting Jeonghan to quit it, he decided to join him instead.

If you can't beat them, join them.

Joshua spared another glance towards his wrist. "Yeah." He answered truthfully. "It's been ten years but… I'm still holding out hope that I will."

Seungcheol was quiet at that, an unreadable expression on his face before he sighed. "Just… be careful." He sounds out, the double meaning of the sentence not lost on the younger man.

"I will." Joshua assured which makes Seungcheol look over him once more before nodding and leaving the room.

"Remember to bring an umbrella." Seungcheol called out from the hallway. "The forecast said that it's going to rain."

Joshua's eyebrows furrowed at his words, turning his head to look out at the bright clear sky that showed no signs of rain at all. Joshua let out a sigh as he shook his head. Seungcheol has definitely been spending too much time around Jeonghan. Hell, Jeonghan probably put him up to this to see if Joshua would actually bring an umbrella out because he knew better than to trust Jeonghan after the raincoat incident.

Joshua glanced at the umbrella at his desk before shaking his head at it and shouldering the sling bag that he had packed his camera into and wearing the bracelet that his mother made for him.

He stepped out of the dormitories, the sun greeting him with it's warm glow making him take a deep inhale of the spring air, feeling himself get more refreshed by the second. He smiled to himself as he started heading towards the park.

On a beautiful day like this… what could go wrong?

The answer was everything.

Absolutely everything.

The minute Joshua had arrived at the faithful park, the sky had dimmed and the beautiful morning that he had seen was immediately replaced with the darkest clouds the world has ever seen.

As soon as he stepped off the bus, it had started to drizzle and then it started to pour making Joshua realize that Seungcheol had been right. It was forecasted to rain today.

And when it rains, it certainly pours.

Which is how Joshua ended up here, underneath the faithful tree that had brought the two of you together that day and under the pouring rain. Spring rain was definitely a sight to see. It was his first time experiencing spring after he had moved to Korea but it was his second time overall. The first being ten years ago which was where he had discovered that he loved rain in the first place.

Joshua let out a sigh as he inhaled the smell of the rain, instantly feeling more relaxed than he did a few moments before. He really loved the rain. It was refreshing and walking in the rain was definitely an experience that makes him feel at peace.

His members called him crazy for that but there was just something about the rain that brought out the tranquility of his soul. It reminded him a lot of home and spring rain was definitely the best kind of rain that anyone can experience because April Showers had definitely become a favourite of his.

He felt the urge to go back out into the rain and just let it cascade down his body and hair when he was interrupted by the sounds of squeaky sneakers coming from behind him. He peered around the tree and noticed a girl, slightly younger than he was, dressed in a pink raincoat that had cherry blossom sketches around it and… bunny ears?

His eyebrows furrowed at the unique combination as he heard the girl huff out a breath.

"Stupid spring rain…" He heard the girl mutter as she ruffled her raincoat, trying to get the excess water off. "I normally really love you but I didn't want it to rain today…"

Joshua didn't know whether to be scared of the girl who was talking to herself but she looked like she was having a bad day. "Are you alright?"

The girl jumped at his sudden question, shocking her and himself as she places a hand over her heart.

"Geez, dude!" The girl yelled out. "Where did you come from?!"

Joshua blinked at the girl. "Erm." He looked around the two of them. "I was actually here first."

The girl blinked at him before giving him a deadpanned look. "Whatever, dude." She muttered out as she crouched down to play with the grass. "Stupid rain."

Joshua stared at the girl for a few more seconds. "Do you hate the rain or something?"

The girl scoffed at his words before shaking her head. "Not that it's any of your business." She began, poking around the grass still. "I actually really love the rain."

"Then why—"

"Because it's the start of the blossoms today." She softly admitted, picking up one of the semi-muddy cherry blossoms that had dropped off the tree because of the rain. "My mother really loves them and I wanted to take a few pictures of them to frame as a surprise for her birthday next week and today is the only free day that I have open."

Joshua took a few moments to digest the words coming out of the girl's mouth and let out a sound of understanding. "That's sweet." He said, making the girl let out a hum.

"Well, but the plan is ruined now…" She muttered out, losing more and more interest in the grass as the seconds whizz by. "I guess I won't be getting her a present this year."

Joshua frowned at the girls words, feeling slightly empathetic for the girl before his mother's teachings kicked into his being. He peered upwards at the sky, seeing it begin to clear slightly before turning back to the girl in distress.

"Does your mother like the spring rain too?" He found himself asking making the girl whip around, a frown etched onto her face as she tilted her head to the side in confusion.

"Yes." She frowned even more. "But I don't see how that would—"

"Give me your camera." Joshua finds himself saying, making the girl stare at him, slightly stunned.

"I'm sorry?" She asked, wondering if she had heard the boy wrong.

Joshua pointed at the camera in the girl's backpack. "What if we use your camera to frame you, the cherry blossoms and the ending of the spring rain in one picture?" He gestured to the clouds above as the rain starts to slow down. "The spring shower is ending soon and I think it will create the perfect opportunity for me to help you snap a photo because of the effect that the April shower will create."

He watched as the girl digested his words and the cogs turned in her brain before her eyes widened.

"You're a genius stranger!"

Joshua couldn't help but laugh at the nickname the girl gave him as they scrambled to get the shot set up.

By the time that the rain had almost totally slowed down, they were ready, with the girl's camera in Joshua's hands and the girl standing a little uncomfortably in the shot.

"Are you sure, she would want me to be in the photo?" The girl found herself asking the stranger in-front of her. "She might just want the April shower and cherry blossoms you know?"

Joshua shook his head stubbornly and surely. "I can assure you, this is the best present for her."

The girl shot him a skeptical look before begrudgingly accepting her fate and posed in-front of the cherry blossom tree with her pink bunny raincoat.

Joshua snapped a few shots here and there, giving her a bit of direction every now and then as he felt his synapses in his brain fire around it. The more that he looked at this girl, the more she looked kind of familiar to him.

He tried brushing that thought aside, thinking that he was crazy as he took one last final photo for the girl as the sky began to clear and the rain drizzled to the a stop.

"And…" Joshua trailed off, looking at the last photo that he took, a satisfied smile on his face. "We're done!"

The girl rushed over to Joshua's side, eager to see the photos that the boy had just taken. As she clicked through them, her eyes widened as they flitted between the camera screen and the boy standing next to her.

"Woah." She softly stated as she continued to flip through the photos. "These are really good." She turned to Joshua, a toothy grin on her face. "Thank you so much."

Joshua gave her a grin back as he shook his head. "Small thing." He said as he gestured to the photos. "You did all the hard work by modeling for it!"

The girl lets out a laugh as the sun peeked through the clouds that were still in the sky. She peered downwards at the watch that was on her wrist before letting out a heavy sigh.

"Well, I need to get going." She said, shutting her camera down and putting it into her backpack. "Thank you so much for helping me with this."

Joshua waved her off. "It was my pleasure."

"Is there anything that I can do to repay you?"

Joshua pondered for a moment before his mind went back to you which made him glance at the cherry blossom tree.

"Know any fun facts about cherry blossom trees?"

The girls eyebrows raised in response. "That's a weird question." She stated, giving him a weird side-eye. Joshua shrugged in response.

"I just like fun facts."

The girl stared at him for a few seconds before she opened her mouth and said, "Did you know that the the biggest cherry blossom capital in the world is actually in Macon, Georgia, which holds over three hundred thousand cherry trees?"

Joshua's eyes widened at her response. "Wait that's so interesting."

The girl gave him a satisfied smile, "My mother is a big cherry blossom nerd." She said, picking up her backpack. "She shares a lot of different fun-facts with me and also made me this."

She pulled out a pendant from inside her clothing that was tied to a necklace. Joshua gazed closer at the pendant as his eyes widened bigger.

"Is that a white cherry blossom infused into the resin and made into a pendant?"

The girl nodded proudly. "Yep!"

"That's insane." Joshua commended, taking a step away from the girl. "I really commend your mother."

"Yeah." The girl let out a satisfied hum. "She is pretty cool." The girl smiled at the fond memory of her mother giving her the necklace. "She made this necklace for me because some boy gave me this cherry blossom many years ago when they thought that I went missing or something."

Joshua felt his whole being freeze when she said that and blinked at the girl in-front of him who was fidgeting with the pendant around her neck.

"What?" He heard himself whisper aloud making the girl nod.

"Yeah, he was really sweet and nice and he apparently shared an ice cream with me." The girl took another glance at her watch before her eyes widened, becoming as big as saucers.

"Holy shit!" She yelled out as she slung her backpack across her shoulders. "I'm late!"

Joshua found himself panicking slightly. "Wait—" He said, trying to get your attention.

You, however, gave him one last smile before waving goodbye to him. "Thank you again for your help!"

Joshua felt the words on the tip of hid tongue, die in his throat as he watched you run away from him like your life dependent on it, making him sigh.

He huffed, running a hand through his semi-wet locks before his phone rang.

"Hello?" He answered, sighing as he heard Seungcheol's voice over the phone. "Yeah." He said, his gaze still fixed on the spot where you once were. "I'm on my way back. I'll see you and the rest in thirty."

Seungcheol let out a hum of understanding before he hung up the phone, leaving Joshua to his own thoughts as he went on auto-pilot and picked up his sling bag as he felt frustration course through his veins.

So much for second chances.

THIRD TIMES THE CHARM

On the spring of Joshua's twenty second birthday, he finds himself back underneath the faithful cherry blossom tree. The only difference is that it is eleven at night. He had just finished a team dinner with the rest of the group, celebrating a big win that they just had with the release of one of their newest albums. All that hard work and tireless preparations had paid off and they were now celebrating the fruits of their labour.

Seungcheol and Jeonghan were by Joshua's side when they had exited the restaurant but for some reason, Joshua felt a little bit restless, like something was tugging on his soul that he shouldn't go home just yet.

With that, Joshua bid the two older men goodbye and headed off to his safe space, a space that the members had coined as the soulmate spot after Joshua finally gained the courage to tell his members about his soulmate and the cherry blossom story that came with it.

Joshua leans against the tree that is still flourishing even though it was coming to the end of spring. The petals still had that sheen that told the story of the start of spring till nearly the end as they were going into fall, the week after next.

He sighs, feeling the restlessness start to seep away from his bones. Just being in this spot was comforting for him because he felt connected to you. After you had taken off that day four years ago, Joshua hadn't seen you since.

Not for the lack of trying as well.

Joshua had just gotten so wrapped up in the life of being an idol that he was traveling more often, spent a lot less time in Korea and he felt that each practice was more intense than the last.

He still tried to stick to his outstanding bi-weekly date that he had with the cherry blossom tree but with all the new promotions and practices that seemed to be popping up from left, right and center, he had definitely missed a few during the last four springs.

However, looking at how serene the park looked at night with the crackling streetlamps as well as the fairy lights that are no doubt a new addition, Joshua feels at peace at the fact that nothing else has changed about his favourite safe spot.

He had quite a few of them… one being a corner of the practice room where he always sat during the breaks with his earbuds in. Another being a corner in Jihoon's office that he uses whenever the world got too overwhelming (and that Jihoon let's him use by just pretending that he isn't there) and the last but definitely not the least, was the cherry blossom tree.

He closes his eyes, just taking in the ambience of the park and listening to the crickets chirping, the static flickering of the streetlamps and fairy lights and allowed himself to breathe.

He wasn't Joshua Hong, one of the two American members of Seventeen.

He was just, Joshua.

"Is this spot taken?" He hears someone softly ask from in-front of him. Joshua opens both his eyes to see a girl about his age, a hood obscuring most of her face as she leaned down slightly, no doubt to ask him the question.

Joshua panicked for a moment, wondering if the girl had noticed who he was but then remembered that he was wearing a baseball cap as well as a mask, concealing about sixty percent of his face.

He internally let out a breath of relief before shaking his head no as he gestures to the spot next to him. "You can sit if you like." Joshua states, not really sure of the words flowing out of his mouth at the moment.

On any other day, Joshua would've probably not offered the space next to him to a total stranger that he has never seen or met before. However, today had been a long day and his walls were all the way down after a long day of practice than the award show and then the team dinner.

If he wasn't feeling restless, he would've probably called it quits and been back at the dorm, in his comfy bed.

The stranger mutters out a small 'thank you' before plopping down next to him. The sound of the rustling plastic bag catches Joshua's attention, having not noticed the convenience store bag that the girl had in her right hand.

Joshua's eyes flit downwards to where his phone lied on his lap and did a quick click of the side button to see that it was 11:30pm. His eyebrows furrow as he looks back at the girl who takes out an aluminum wrapped roll of kimbap.

"Is that your dinner?" Joshua found himself asking, shocking himself and the stranger who gives Joshua a sideways glance before nodding her head. "Why are you eating so late?"

"You always ask this many questions to a stranger you don't know?" The girl replies after swallowing her first slice of the kimbap.

Joshua, a little taken aback by her question, lets out a low and tired chuckle as he shakes his head. "No." He answers honestly, "I was just wondering why a girl is wandering around at 11:30pm and eating a roll of kimbap underneath a cherry blossom tree with a stranger."

"Because this is my safe space." The girl admits nonchalantly, without a second thought as she eats another slice of her kimbap.

Joshua blinks a few times at the girl's answer. "Weird." He states. "This is my safe space too." He finds himself admitting, unsure why he is telling a random stranger. But it had been a long day and Joshua's guard is down.

At his words, the girl stops eating and turns her head towards him for a few seconds, analyzing him. "You always this trusting to strangers?"

Joshua scoffs, "You admitted that in a heartbeat as well, mind you."

The girl just shrugs and continues to munch on her kimbap as the wind breezes past them, making a few of the loose cherry blossom petals fall.

Joshua watches them slowly drift down, smiling a little to himself as it brings back memories of his first spring in Seoul.

"Did you know that there are over two hundred varieties of cherry blossom trees?" Joshua hears the girl mutter out making his eyebrows furrow, his brain synapses firing.

Has he heard this before?

"I did know that actually." Joshua admits, making his company let out a hum of acknowledgement. "Did you know that the cherry blossoms and their tea leaves are actually edible?"

He watches the girl nod, pulling down more of the aluminum foil to unwrap the last three slices of her kimbap. "They're used in like Japanese sweets, teas as well as desserts right?"

Joshua nods, closing his eyes. "My favourite is the sakura mochi."

There was silence for a few moments before the girl replied with a, "No way, that's mine as well."

Joshua hums. "You have good taste."

Joshua hears the girl beside him let out a laugh at his quip making his chest warm a little. The girls laugh reminded him of you in a way, the soft laugh that you had let slip past your lips four springs ago still etched in his mind.

"Did you also know that the the biggest cherry blossom capital in the world is actually in Macon, Georgia, which holds over three hundred thousand cherry trees?"

Joshua feels himself freeze at that statement. Now he had definitely heard that one before.

His eyes widen as he gets transported back to that faithful day under the rain where his soulmate had slipped through his fingers for the second time in his life.

You continue to yap on about fun facts that your mother had shared with you about cherry blossoms, unsure of why you were telling a random stranger this information, but it was a long day and this stranger felt… safe to you?

You couldn't explain why.

"Did you know that some varieties have more than five petals for their blossoms? Like the Kanzan can have up to twenty-eight petals per flower? That makes it look so much fuller with a pom-pom like appear—"

"Bunny?"

You pause your tangent upon hearing the childhood nickname that your mother still uses every now and then, feeling your blood run a little cold at the stranger saying it.

You whip your head towards the stranger who is now sitting fully up-right and facing you as your eyebrows furrow. "Why did you—"

The stranger doubles down and whispers out your name, making you freeze as you scoot back a little, fearful for your life now. The one time you choose to trust a stranger and it turns out that he might be a stalker?

How low is your social awareness that you didn't seem to realize that the man beside you might've been stalking you all this time? Were you about to die? How were you going to get out of this? What was the best exit—

Your spiral gets interrupted when the stranger removes his cap and mask, allowing you to see the bambi doe-eyes that you have been dreaming about for the last few springs. The warmth and comfort in them, still as persistent as you remember.

"Bambi?" You breathe out, the nickname that you gave him when you were six, rolling off your tongue easier than you thought it would. "Joshua, is that you?"

Joshua nods eagerly, seemingly frozen in place as he watches you take him in before you jump into him. He catches you easily, seemingly a little more prepared than the last time when he was eight years old as he buries his face into your hair, just like he did that day, fourteen years ago.

"I can't believe I found you again." He mutters out into your hair as he feels you let out a watery laugh into his sweater that he was wearing. He pulls away a little, noticing that your hair is a little ruffled from the hoodie being launched off after you had jumped into him. He feels you shiver a little and goes to pull the hoodie back up for you to protect your ears when he notices the bunny ears sewed onto the hood.

A wide grin appears on his lips as he internally shakes his head at the fact that he didn't notice them before, deeming it to the long day that he just had.

"I've only seen you on television." Is the first words to come out of your mouth after the whole affair, which makes Joshua giggle as he pulls away fully to look you in the eyes. "That's the first thing you say to me, your soulmate, after years of not seeing each other?"

You couldn't help but laugh at his dramatic outburst as you pull him back in for another hug, the necklace that you are wearing, the pendant hitting him in the chest, which makes a smile adorn his face at the memory of what the pendant is made out of.

The two of you stay like that for a few moments more before you pull away to get a good look at Joshua's face. You were telling the truth, you had only seen Joshua through YouTube videos and whenever the various Music Award Shows were on, always silently cheering him on.

You had recognized him after they had their first debut show on TV, the doe-eyes immediately speaking to you as he came onto stage. You had know that you were his soulmate, right after the mark had appeared on your arm ages ago.

Your parents also had a long talk with you about it but after your father's phone had gotten smashed during a really bad day of work, there was no way to contact him or his mother. So, you went the next ten years not knowing if Joshua had remembered you, the weirdly dressed girl with bunny ears and soft toy.

Until that april shower when you were sixteen, you didn't realize you were talking to him until you were twenty blocks away from the park, eager to get to your next tutoring teacher's class.

You had cursed yourself for being a little too oblivious but as you stared at the white mark on your wrist, you realized that the timing probably wasn't right just yet for the two of you and you just needed to wait for fate to push you both together once again.

That faithful day is today.

"No." You answer truthfully, shaking your head at Joshua's question. "I think our first order of business should be to get each other's numbers so that we don't have to wait for fate to bring us dumbasses back together for the fourth time."

Joshua lets out a laugh at your answer, nodding with a cheeky grin on his face. "They do say third time's the charm."

You roll your eyes at his cliche answer but deep down you silently agreed with it.

Maybe it truly is, third time's the charm.

THE GOING SEVENTEEN TWIST

"Ugh." You mutter out, messing with the bunny patterned mask on your face, getting a little frustrated with how hot it is underneath the mask. "I don't get why we need to keep wearing a mask if your company has booked out the entire park for your Going Seventeen episode."

Joshua lets out a chuckle at your frustrations as he rubs your forearm soothingly, a tactic that he picked up a few years ago when he realized that it was the fastest way to calm you down (other than food of course).

"Well," Joshua starts, adjusting his own mask and cap in the process. "We rented out the park but that doesn't mean the general public still won't recognize us because the area isn't covered."

You let out a huff, knowing that he is right.

"It also doesn't help that Hoshi yells like a maniac and gathers the attention of said general public." You mutter, making Joshua laugh at your whines.

He looks around before lowering his mask to give you a small kiss to the top of your head before pulling it back up, just as one of the managers calls for him.

He spares the manager a quick glance before his attention is back on you, to make sure that you are okay with him leaving.

"Go." You assure him, nudging him slightly in the direction where the manager is waiting for him. "I've been around these shoots long enough to know the procedure by now."

Joshua's eye lines crinkle, a sign that he is smiling as he nods.

You weren't wrong, you had been coming to the Going Seventeen shoots for almost the entirety of your relationship with Joshua. The two of you weren't really public but you two weren't private either.

Your relationship wasn't a secret and Joshua had brought you up a few times before, mentioning you here and there in some interviews that he has done with Vogue or Cosmopolitan.

You had also become a small little mention in the Going Seventeen videos where sometimes Joshua would let something small about you slip past his lips. It was a routine at this point and the fans had been using this to their advantage, creating many different videos such as; "A compilation of all the times Joshua has mentioned Bunny" or "Joshua being the biggest simp for his girlfriend/soulmate for 4 minutes and 48 seconds."

But, it was good.

The fans had accepted that the two of you are together and Joshua was more open with his soulmate mark and talking about you now to the point where he doesn't conceal the white cherry blossom mark on his wrist anymore.

Now he wears it with pride, just like the bracelet that ties the both of you together.

You fidget with your pendant, recalling all those memories with a smile. Thanking the universe for bringing the two of you together that day eight years ago.

"Right!" One of the directors call out, knocking you out of your thoughts as you move from yours and Joshua's cherry blossom tree, realizing that they are about to begin their filming.

Joshua appears beside you, moments later looking more dolled up and refreshed compared to half an hour ago making you grin as you notice his hair sticking up slightly.

Without a word, you step forward to him, his arms wrapping around your waist habitually as you fix your eyes on the cow-lick in his hair. You brush it down, not noticing the way that Joshua is watching you as you fixate on his hair, brushing it till it looks perfect for the shoot that they are doing today.

"What's the shoot for today?" You ask him, softly, fixing a few strands of stray hairs that the stylist didn't manage to get. Joshua let out a hum, his hands warm on your waist.

"We're filming something special." Joshua admits shyly. "That's why I asked you to get a little more dolled up than usual today."

He had told you that the night before. It was unusual for Joshua to be this quiet about the shoots that he and the rest of the members were meant to film. Joshua would at least tell you beforehand what the shoot was about and the premise of it but for this particular shoot, he had been quiet.

All the information you had was that you might have to appear once or twice as emotional support for your boyfriend. The rest of the members had also brought along their significant others or girlfriends as well and when you had asked them about what the shoot would be, they had side-eyed each other and shook their heads, seemingly not knowing what it was as well.

"You've been acting weird lately." You mutter out to your boyfriend, messing with one last stubborn strand of hair that was sticking upwards. You side-eyed your boyfriend, "You aren't doing a secret horror episode today are you? You can't do that in our safe space."

Joshua lets out a laugh at your imagination before shaking his head, a big toothy grin on his face. "I love your imagination sometimes, Bunny."

You raise an eyebrow at his words. "Yet," you start. "You did not deny it."

Joshua gives you a mischievous grin, that you have seen one too many times making you roll your eyes at how mysterious your boyfriend was being.

"I guess you just have to wait and see."

"Fine." You relent, finally get that strand of hair to get down. "Keep your secrets."

Joshua leans in closer to you, surprising you a little as you watch his eyes scan your face, from the top of your forehead, to the slope of your nose to your chewed lips that you had been gnawing on since you had arrived because you weren't sure what to expect today.

You feel your cheeks heat up from how intense his gaze is before he surprises you once more by leaning in and giving you a peck on the lips, a lovesick grin on his lips right after he does.

You blink at your boyfriend, unsure of how to react to the quick peck. The two of you had set boundaries beforehand about PDA and everything else that was related to the public.

Kissing or pecks were a gray zone in a sense where you could do it but only if the members, cameras as well as the rest of the world was not around.

However, Joshua broke that rule today by kissing you in the middle of the set where everyone can see.

"Did you just…" You trail off making Joshua nod, seemingly more relaxed than you are.

"Yeah."

"But—"

"I just wanted to." He nonchalantly admits, shrugging his shoulders as he does so. "You looked so cute focusing on me that I wanted to kiss you as soon as you were almost done fixing my hair."

"Your hair is done by the way." You admit, the words coming out of your mouth faster than you could have processed them, making Joshua bark out another laugh at how slow your brain was comprehending information.

"I love you." Joshua admits softly, after he was done laughing. Your heart warms at his words as you give a once over to the set before leaning in to give Joshua a peck.

"I love you more."

The producer of the episode immediately signals that it is time to start filming making you step away from your boyfriend's embrace as you give him a confident smile that tells him that he's got this.

Joshua gives you a smile before nodding and making his way over to the rest of his members.

You, on the other hand, walk towards the rest of the girlfriends who were engaging in some other small talk. They made room for you and were talking about the newest thrills that their boyfriend seem to have been into when a producer calls your name.

You perk up, slightly confused as to why you were being called out for until you realize that Joshua is standing in-front of your cherry blossom tree, with his hands behind his back.

"Before we begin today's filming." The producer starts, looking between you and Joshua. "Joshua would like to say a few words before we kick-off this weeks filming." He turns to Joshua with a big smile on his face before passing him the microphone.

Joshua clears his throat before speaking into the microphone.

"Bunny." He softly calls out making you peer out of the area you were sitting in. "Could you please come forward to where I am?"

You skeptically look at the love of your life but proceed to join Joshua at the front. As soon as you had moved there, you immediately ask a slew of rapid questions to your boyfriend to which he only replied with his shinning smile.

"Bunny." Joshua breathes out, turning to face you completely as he blocks out the rest of the world. "When I first saw you at the age of eight, I thought you were the biggest crybaby on the planet."

You feel your cheeks heat up as he says that, about to retort when he beats you to it.

"However, you were so unique and different that I was intrigued by you." Joshua softly admits, "I spent majority of my life searching for you ever since I had gotten this mark that ties us together and every time I tried, the universe always had something to say about it until that day where you had stumbled under the cherry blossom tree to eat kimbap at 11:30pm." That got a few giggles from the Going Seventeen team as Joshua continues. "I always knew that something in my life was missing. I've known that since I was eight years old and after I met you, I realize that you are the missing piece that I've been waiting for."

Your eyes widen as you realize why he is saying all these things.

He pulls out a velvet box from behind him and looks at you with the doe-eyes that you had grown to love more and more, everyday of your relationship.

"You complete me and my life, Bunny." Joshua softly admits, rolling the velvet box in his hand as he locks eyes with you, making you pulse quicken as you realize that he is about to do it. "So," Joshua starts, handing the microphone to you before he gets down on one knee, making you let out a gasp you didn't know you were holding. "Will you make me the happiest man alive and marry me?"

"Yes." You breath out into the microphone. "A thousand times yes."

A toothy grin appears on Joshua's face before he launches himself forward slightly and captures your lips with his, making your heart soar at the thought of calling Joshua your fiance.

The two of you pull away, hearing all the loud cheers and whistles from the Seventeen members, their significant others as well as the staff members on set which makes you giggle a little.

"So the whole shoot is a lie?" You softly ask making Joshua nod his head. "We just needed to get you down to this location so we disguised it as a shoot because if we had told you anything else, you would've figured out the surprise."

His words make you warm as you shake your head, a soft smile on your face.

"You're such a nerd."

"I am your nerd for the rest of your life." Joshua goofily admits making you roll your eyes, a small giggle escaping your lips as you tighten your grip around him, "Hello, fiance." You softly say, looking up at Joshua who peers downwards at you, the grin on his face never fading. "Hello to you too, fiancee."

You peer downwards at the box that Joshua is holding, making you clear your throat as you fixated him with a mischievous grin.

"So are you going to put the ring on me or what?"

THE FUTURE UNDER THE CHERRY BLOSSOMS

"And that is the story of how your mummy and daddy met and got married before we had you guys." Joshua finishes as his daughter bounces slightly on his lap. "The End!"

"Do you think I will ever get a soulmate, daddy?" His daughter asks, her bambi, doe eyes shining and making Joshua's heart melt.

"Of course, sweetheart." Joshua admits, giving his daughter a little once over as the wind blows past them, making the cherry blossoms fall of the tree. "If you are anything like your mother, you will definitely get one, baby."

"What lies are you feeding our daughter this time?"

Joshua looks up, spotting you waddle over to the picnic blanket and his heart soars even more. "No lies." He admits, the mischievous grin on his face never fading. "Just telling her how you were absolutely in-love with me when we first met."

You roll your eyes at your husbands words as he gestures for you to take a seat next to him. "That's such a lie." You breath out, looking straight at your husband. "We both know it was you who was in love with me the first time we both met."

Joshua barks out a laugh as your daughter stands up from his lap, in awe of the pretty cherry blossoms that are cascading down.

"Mummy! Daddy!" She exclaims. "Look!"

The two of you share a quick glance at each other and smile. "Aren't they pretty, baby?" You ask her making her nod, her doe eyes still shimmering as she tries to catch one of the blossoms.

"Did you know that there are two hundred different variants of cherry blossoms trees, baby?" Joshua asks your daughter making the little girl stop her jumping as her eyes grew as big as saucers.

"That's bigger than the numbers we're learning in class right now!"

You couldn't help but laugh at her answer, shaking your head as the fond memories begin to flood your mind.

"Is that where you got my name from, mummy?" You tilt your head to the side as you take a quick glance at Joshua.

"What do you mean, sweetheart?"

"Well, my name is Cherry. Did you name me after the pretty trees?" Joshua grins at his daughters question and nods fondly.

"Yes." He admits. "We did because you're so precious to us and we can't wait to see you blossom and grow."

"Would I become as pretty as the pretty flowers?" Cherry asks making Joshua scoff as he grabs her and pulls her back into his lap.

"Cherry." Joshua coos, patting her head. "You're going to be prettier than any other flower that will ever grow, you know why?"

Cherry shook her head before Joshua locked eyes with you. "Because the reason of how your name came to be and the story behind it, is the best and prettiest thing that we could've ever asked for."

@livmarauder2026 Thank you guys so much for reading my spring collab fic! Be sure to check out all the other amazing works that this collab has to offer! New fics should be hitting tumblr very very soon... Like my work? Join my Permanent Taglist! All my fics are 18+, which means blogs without age or age indicator will not be tagged! If you like this, please consider reblogging or liking! It really makes my day! <3 Thank you for showing loverboy joshua so much love!