Daddy Jaebum

Series:

Bad Habit (M) (completed)

plot: she’s like nine to five, and you’re the weekend for jaebum lmao 

genre: smut, angst

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve / thirteen(finale)  / alternative ending for you weak hoes

Red Rose (M) (ongoing)

plot: turns out jaebum is a mafia leader after he ghosted you in college  genre: mafia, romance, angst

one / two  / 

Duff (M) (ongoing)

plot: you’re the duff and your bestfriend steals jaebum, until jaebum starts acting weird genre: angst, smut

one / two / three / four / five /

Holic (M) 

plot: jaebum was supposed to marry your sister, but due to last minute mishap, you are now Mrs Im Jaebum, and you don’t want to feel anything for jaebum. no matter how nice he feels at midnight genre: angst, romance, smut, drama

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine /  ten / eleven / twelve / thirteen / fourteen / fifteen / sixteen / discontinued- how it would’ve ended

Something Good (M)

plot: after your boyfriend cheats on you, you seek the help of the campus sex god Im Jaebum to help you... well, do sexy.  genre: smut

one / two / three / four / five / six /discontinued

Chubby (completed)

plot: you are getting bullied, and im jaebum (your crush) decides to help you, by fake dating you genre: angst, romance, drama

one / two / three / four / five / six / seven / eight / nine / ten / eleven / twelve / thirteen / fourteen / fifteen / sixteen / seventeen / / eighteen / nineteen / twenty (final)

Please (M) (completed)

plot: after a conversation with jaebum’s ex you realise that jaebum might not be attracted to you sexually, so you try to have rough sex with jaebum  genre: smut, angst

one / two / three / epilogue

Play (M) (completed)

plot: you and jaebum are friends, but you wanna to be more, even when he has a girlfriend.

one / two / three / four / five / six (finale)

Oneshots:

The Time I Loved You

plot: you are moving out of love, as jaebum starts falling in // cheating  genre: angst

Nothing 

plot: you finally accept that jaebum doesn’t love you anymore genre: angst

Wicked

plot: after aeons you, lilth, have returned back to the devil genre: fantasy??

Smoke

plot: young jaebum is about to give up on his dream but then meets a mysterious noona genre: fantasy??

Friends Forever 

plot: you’re a kid getting bullied and the new kid jaebum helps you genre: fluff? 

Friends (M)

plot: you and jaebum are just friends... right? genre: smut

Watch (M)

plot: When toys and punishments are your favourites, Jaebum finds a way to truly to punish you; making you watch him get himself off. genre: smut

Don’t (M) 

plot: jaebum and you return from a party, and Jb’s not happy with you dancing with the other boys genre: smut

Unspoken 

plot:  jaebum doesn’t show any emotions towards you, even though you have been in a relationship for a long time. You always knew that he liked you, but now you’re starting to doubt if he loves you or not. genre: angst, fluff

 The Blessed 

plot: high fantasy one shot about you dreaming about jaebum, but meeting the new blessed, jinyoung, at his welcoming ball

Stuck (M) 

plot: after a terrible incident you and jaebum feel stuck in a relationship rotting away. you can’t take a step forward or a step back, you’re only stuck in it genre: angst, smut

Blind 

plot: you overhear your boyfriend Jaebum, being an asshole, and his friends talking rudely about you.  genre: pure angst miss

Drabble / others:

MTL: hair petting while cuddling 

MTL: cunninlingus without asking 

Members and their kinks 

I don’t know what this is but its cute, i guess 

Skyway (wattpad book)

skyway intro / one / two / three

Bad Habit Scraps 

free written dirt / dialogue promt / alternative ending / another one / too soft 

I wrote a draco malfoy fanfic lmao

magic 

*let me know if the links aren’t working <3

The same man always wakes up twenty minutes after you. 

You always just happen you be halfway through the door when he enters the kitchen. 

It’s the same bus ride to the same glass building. The same cubicle, the same work, same fake smiles and laughs, same stories. Same everything. 

Tonight you decide to make stew for dinner. But is it really a decision when you make it at least five times a month?

He comes in at nine tonight. 

You tell him to put the dinner away. You get into your bed, and close your eyes. 

Sleep never comes easy, but you close your eyes anyway. 

Your doctor told you to close your eyes even if you’re not sleeping. 

Let the eyes rest. 

But you can feel it moving underneath your eyelids, and now you can feel a migraine forming at the front of your head. 

You feel the bed dip beside you. You remain on your side, ignoring him. You even out your breath, you are asleep. 

I am sleeping. You say it as a mantra over and over again. 

It works tonight. He faces the other side, you hear his phone click open. 

He stays on that phone forever. 

The sounds of the clicking on the keyboard, the endless Tiktoks. Your head is about to burst, you are about to burst. 

And just when you cannot take it anymore, he lets out an obnoxious yawn. You ease, and he relaxes and sleeps. 

You close your eyes waiting for sleep to take you away, but it does last long. 

A few hours, and then you wake up to your balcony again. 

The slippers slide onto your feet. Your pink brush remains where you left it yesterday. 

The cup you sip your tea from as you stare out the window is the same one as yesterday. You got it as a gift from your sister one birthday. It was one of those horrifically cringe ones that says ‘The Greatest Sister Ever.’ 

You both had a fight a day before your birthday. 

You were slipping into your heels when your husband enters the kitchen. 

“Thank you,” he says just like every morning. You give him a small smile. 

Normally that is the end of it, but today there is more, “We have to go to dinner tonight.” 

You still in your actions and look up to meet his eyes. It was like looking at a stranger but worse, you couldn’t even tell what he was thinking. 

But he could read the confusion on your face, “It’s my mum’s birthday.” 

You nod, before looking at the calendar behind him. Even from the door you could see the pink marker around the date. You give him another plain smile, “I’ll pick up a gift on the way back.” 

“It’s okay,” he says, and you’re thankful for it. “I’ll pick up something.”

“Okay,” you say, and slip your shoes on completely. You stand awkwardly for a second, and he looks at you too. How can you live with someone for twelve months and feel like complete strangers with them?

“Have a good day,” he says. Your lips part, and the silence stretches for a bit too long, but you finally manage,“You too.”

You escape before anymore awkward pleasantries pass between you. 

The bus is busy like always. You find a space and smile at the girl already sitting there. 

You let out a deep breath, and then inhale. You do it three more times, and a place a hand on your chest. Your heart was beating so fast, but you didn’t know why. 

Apart from the mild heart-attack (it wasn’t actually a heart-attack, you googled it), the rest of the day was the same. The court room was the same, you had lunch with the same two girls, at the same lunchroom. The bus ride was the same; awful, humid and tiresome.

But tonight when you went home, you didn’t cook dinner. 

Instead you showered, and changed into a pretty pale yellow dress. You did your hair into a nice pretty bun. You put on makeup and the lipstick that matches you so perfectly you save it for special occasions. 

You get on your knees and pull out the box with your special heels. 

You were going to meet your in-laws, you had to look nice. 

Once ready, you took a look in the mirror. 

You looked pretty. 

How long had it been since you dressed up? 

Your husband came soon after. He gave you a small smile as he took you in. You took in the pink wrapped box in his hand, and then your eyes went to the bouquet of flowers in the other. 

He placed them both on the table next to the fruit bowl. 

He went into the bathroom, and you stared at the flowers. 

You wanted flowers too. 

Growing up you never wanted to live in an apartment. You wanted to live in a house with a lawn or the country-side, somewhere where you could plant an entire garden. You would plant every flower you could get your hands on. It didn’t even have to look pretty as long as they bloomed you were happy with it. 

You made a few attempts to plant in the apartment when you first moved in. The proof of that lies brown and dry in colourful flower pots outside on the balcony. 

You didn’t realise you were staring at the flowers the entire time until he emerged from the bedroom. 

He looked good. 

He was good-looking. 

The white shirt and casual blazer you laid out for him, hoping he would wear it, looked good on him. 

You didn’t say anything though. He didn’t too, only, “Ready?”

It wasn’t a question really, more like ready or not here we go. He picked up the keys, the gift, and bunch of flowers. You picked up the tiny handbag you prepared for the night and followed him outside. 

Maybe Uber rides were more comfortable than this. 

The last time you set in one, they asked how your day was at the very least. 

This was one of the few rare occasions you and your husband were made to be in each other’s company completely. Normally, the timings never matched up or there was someone else, or some other distraction. 

People said this is common in arranged marriages. Reassurances and promises of everything working out were passed out to you like candies to a kid on Halloween. 

You just stared out the window, you wished you could put the window down. 

You wished you were in an Uber. 

Your in-laws were good people. 

Your mother-in-law, Jenny, always was in good hopes. She shared the same smile as her son and daughter, but you saw it more on her than anyone else. 

Your husband handed you the gift and kept the flowers for himself. You hand her the pink box and she gushes, excitement evident in her voice, but she still reassures you that you shouldn’t have. 

You’re polite with them. You smile, you laugh, you talk. 

Whenever you’re with them or your own family, or whenever anyone else is around you and your husband, it feels like you’re outside your body. This woman is not you, it’s your husband’s wife. 

“My son,” she places a sloppy kiss on your husbands cheek, he grimaces but his smile is bigger making his eyes disappear. Your heart feels like a mini heart-attack again, but its nothing, google said it was nothing. 

You hug your sister-in-law Jae-e, instead. She hugs you back tightly, before complementing your lipstick, and your smile is true this time. 

Your lipstick was made for you. 

“Justin has come a long way,” you agree after Jae-e finishes her fifteen minute monologue about Justin Bieber’s highs and lows. She was a firm supporter of Selena, but she believes love changes and happens where it needs to, and Justin and Haley are together now. 

You didn’t know much about Justin, you did back in middle school. Your best friend was a die-hard fan. 

“Who’s Justin?” Your husband asks. 

“Justin Bieber,” Jae-e rolls her eyes annoyed with her brother. Your sister and you were the same, it was like you were always teenagers no matter how much time passed. 

“He only knows one JB,” she slides the comment towards you, you snort slightly, and her brother ignores it. 

Or at least he tries to because he begins asking her about her new book. 

The betrayal in her eyes is so funny, you had to bite your lip to hide your grin. 

“It’ll probably be done before I get the chance to play with mum’s grandchild,” she’s proud of her reply, but instantly regrets it when her mother’s head snaps towards you and your husband. 

You are frozen in place, your eyes on the sizzler plate. You wonder if it was still hot; and if so, how much would it burn the big mouthed twat. 

“Yes!” Your mother-in-law gushes, and you start screaming inside. You’re surprised no one can hear you, in a way you are lucky no one can. She continues her loud words and each word makes your ears bleed, “WHEN DO I GET TO PLAY WITH MY GRANDCHILD?!”

She goes on and on. Some other couple who got married after you already has a kid. Another just announced their pregnancy. 

You sat there staring at the plate, and then at the white table cloth. 

White table cloth is so impractical. It basically just highlights all the mistakes a person makes. This family of five does not know how to take out their dishes properly and now there’s stains all over.   

It was your father-in-law who finally stepped in, and said “That’s enough. This is not table conversation.” 

You liked your father-in-law. 

You bow and say goodbye to your in-laws. It was about time. 

Your stomach was so full you were going to explode, and the heel straps were cutting into your skin. You were sure your lipstick had faded away by now. 

All you wanted to do was go home and sleep. 

But you have work tomorrow- no, tomorrow is Saturday!

But you were still excited to feel sleepy, maybe you’ll actually sleep and knock out completely. 

Your thoughts got cut-off when you opened the door of your car. 

“Oh,” you gasped as you picked up a flower from your seat. You showed it to your husband who stood there on his side of the car. “This must have fallen out.”

He bit his lip and then nodded, “Must have.” 

He entered the car. 

You were smiling when you buckled into your seat. You hummed along to songs playing, and looked out the window. You were okay with having the windows up. 

The entire ride, you twirled the flower between your fingers, the yellow petals fluttering with each turn. 

You wanted flowers. 

When you get home, you head straight to the bathroom. The twenty steps increase by three as you place the flower into the cupholder. You stare it for a good minute. 

You strip, shower and change into your pyjamas. 

You watch as your husband as he goes into the bathroom. 

Tonight you wanted it. Tonight you were not going to fall asleep. 

Tonight you watched the light beneath the door. Tonight you didn’t realise as sleep took over you. 

You woke up the next day. No alarm. 

Your slippers sliding onto your feet. Twenty steps around your bathroom. 

The cup- oh. 

You halted in your steps. 

The cup on the table, breakfast spread out and ready. 

Your husband putting on his shoes as he’s rushing out the door. He looks frantic. You want to call out to him, what do you call him? 

He catches sight of you before that, “Office emergency.” 

You nod, smiling, telling him its okay. 

He hesitates, and then the door closes behind him. 

You look over the breakfast. 

Same cup. Same bread and toast. Same egg. Same table. Same room. Same apartment. 

That son of bitch was about to rub sunscreen onto that girl's back. 

He inched closer to her, and you could almost feel the heat of his body radiate against your back. As his hands touched her skin, his body leaned closer to hers, his lips close to her ears; you turned away.

Something lodged in your throat, and you tried to gulp it away as you stared at the branches of the palm tree swaying lazily above you.

You bit back a groan and closed your eyes. It didn't stop the ridiculous giggle from the other side of the pool though. Her voice stabbed your ears, causing you to clench your teeth.

You tried to will their presence away. You wanted Jaebum and all of him in that light blue loose shirt to disappear into the sea breeze, just like how it was meant to be. Just as this trip had always been, with just you and Heather.

It was always just the two of you, under the sun, deliciously warming your skin before you escaped into the cool water. It was always flirting with strangers on the beach and then cocktails until sunrise. It was a time to relax, unwind, to celebrate hot girl summer.

But it was far from that now.

Now the dreamlike days had been tarnished with demons she had invited with open arms. It was supposed to be quite sunshine and the dancing of palm trees. But now it was grating giggles and annoying assholes who wouldn't leave you in peace.

"Any harder, y/n and your teeth will turn into dust," you hated the way your body reacted to his velvety voice.

Speak of the devil.

You ignored him, but it was not that easy to shake him off.

"Was the big hat necessary?" He chuckled. You brought a hand up to your sensible white hat and turned to him with a glare.

"Sun damage is no joke, Jinyoung," you told him, unable to come with a better comeback. But kill them with knowledge.

An endearing smile bloomed onto his lips as he said, "I'm sure, y/n."

You looked away from him and tried to blame the sun for the heat creeping up your cheeks. The heat only grew as you felt his gaze remain on you. You turned to him, and his dark eyes behind those light shades watched you with that same smile that made your heart flip.

"Go away." You said simply, before relaxing on your back again.

Of course, Park Jinyoung wouldn’t just leave because you asked him to. Instead, the pool bed creaked as he settled into it beside you.

You tilted your head to find him sprawled comfortably, with his hands behind his head. The distant memory of his hands behind his head, while you were on your knees in front of him, flashed before your eyes. He smiled almost as if he could see what was happening in your head.

Silence enveloped you both as you lay in the cool sea breeze. The voices from the chatter around the pool floated in the atmosphere, and someone yelped as the sound of water splashing reached you. If you closed your eyes it wasn't that bad. 

And at least, the grating giggles had somewhat stopped now. You tried to search for Jaebum’s voice but it was to no avail. Another flick of anger licked your belly as you thought of him whispering in that girl’s ear, talking softly to her as she batted her eyes up at him. 

“Do you remember that time we went to Fiji?” Jinyoung spoke, pulling you out of the green slime you were sinking into. 

You kept your eyes closed as you hummed, “I remember the blissful times when you weren’t annoying me.”

You heard him chuckle, before he continued, “This reminds me of the private villa we had.” 

You remembered the villa. You remembered the days and nights spent together doing nothing but being lost in each other. Everyone thought you were on your honeymoon, and maybe it was. It was the last time you both were so incredibly happy together. As soon as you landed back home, you had found about his engagement to the heiress. 

Jinyoung kept talking, “We had just come back from exploring the village when you decided you wanted to take a swim.” You couldn't help the smile itching at the corner of your lips. You knew exactly what he was talking about. He must’ve seen your grin, because you could hear him smile and shake his head, “I thought you were going to die. Your scream was straight out of a horror film.”

You laughed with him this time. You turned towards him, your heart hurting as you saw him laugh so freely. You missed him laughing like this so many times over the years. His shoulders shook as chuckled, “And then- then-” 

He couldn’t continue because he was laughing so hard. You reached over slapping his broad shoulder, “It was a reasonable reaction.” 

“I thought you were going to get brutally murdered, y/n.” 

“I’m sorry I’m not used to seeing goats lounging around the pool,” you protested, glaring at him. But you couldn’t keep a straight face for long as another round of laughter escaped you. 

“Well, I wasn’t the one that got chased around by a dog,” you snorted at him. His eyes widened as his mouth fell open. 

“You were supposed to take that to your grave, y/n,” he tutted, his eyes glistening with amusement. 

“Well, technically it was a puppy,” you clicked your tongue, smirking. 

“A puppy?!” He chocked, making your grin widen. “That thing was not a puppy or a dog. That monster is used to protect the gates of hell.” 

This time you laughed entirely. You threw your head back as belts of laughter left you. You gasped for air trying to calm down, when he continued, “I swear I still wake up shivering from nightmares about it.” 

“Jinyoung,” you gasped, hitting his shoulder, giving him a silent plea to stop.

You both slowly lulled to a stop. The air between you thick with emotions you both were feeling. You could feel the same heaviness in Jinyoung that was slowly settling over your heart. 

You spoke first, "Why did you come here, Jinyoung?"

He stared at you for a long moment, before shrugging, “Heather invited me.”

Something close to betrayal shot through your chest as you stared at him, shocked.

"Why?" you whispered in a low voice.

The smug look on his face melted as he brought his hands close to yours. They loomed over your hands that were turning white from your tight grip on the frame of your chair. Finally, they settled tightly onto his lap. 

"For business," he cleared his throat. You didn't reply as your mind finally began to register that Park Jinyoung was actually here. At your hot-girl summer trip, but so was Jaebum, Bambam, and some other people. This was not a hot girl summer trip; this was something else.

Jinyoung continued taking in your silence, "It's a rich kid event. We all are heirs of big fortune, so we're networking."

You didn't answer again.

You didn't understand why, but you felt utterly betrayed being invited here. Heather knew you didn't like the elite crowd. You didn't like the way they looked down at the poor, how they flaunted their money, how easily they got out of trouble. You hated how immune they were to their own consequences.

But what hurt the most was Heather knew Jinyoung would be here, and she still invited you. She hadn't even given you a heads up. She had just invited you and left you to the wolves.

You scanned the area, searching for her. She was easy to spot in her red hot swimwear. Just like Jaebum, she had her own circle of groupies surrounding her. They were all laughing at something, and your cheeks flamed brighter.

You felt stupid being here. You needed to get away for a bit.

"Hey," Jinyoung's hand touched your arm. You turned to him with wide eyes, the frown on your lips deepening. You felt the frustrated tears building up as you brushed his hand away.

He let it hang there for a second before drawing it back.

"Sorry," he cleared his throat, "I was calling out to you, but you weren't listening."

You shot up from your seat instead of answering him. You grabbed the bag next to your chair and began walking away.

"Hey! Where are you going?!" He yelled quietly, trying not to draw any attention.

You just shook your head and continued walking. 

You didn't fit in this crowd. 

Even now, when you didn't mean anything to Jinyoung that could taint his reputation, he was still trying to hide his association with you.

You weren't thinking about where you were going. But all those summers spent at Heather's summer house had made you very acquainted with the area that you were sure you wouldn't get lost. You quickly found your way to the beach and stared at the near-empty beach.

"What a shame," you looked out to the sea, covering the glare of the sun with your hand, "It's just a nice day."

You pulled out your blanket to lay onto the sand. 

Anyone can call you crazy, but you like to be prepared for anything. Hence your handy summer bag that had gone through countless trials and errors until it became the perfect summer bag.

The blanket resulted from a terrible day a couple summers ago when you and Heather had stumbled onto the beach and decided it was a beach day. The lack of a towel led to sand in areas that took days to get rid of completely.

You positioned yourself underneath one of the giant umbrellas and opened the blanket onto the sand. Two solid, tanned hands straightened the other side.

"Thanks," you smiled, finding a handsome man smiling back at you.

"No problem," his smile widened as he took in the hello kitty print on the blanket. His eyes flickered back to you as he smirked, "Cute."

"Thanks," you replied, as you bit your lip feeling embarrassed.

"Aye, come on," he clicked his tongue, with a teasing smile he said, "I wasn't teasing."

Even if you wanted to, you couldn't stop the smile spreading over your lips, as you nodded, "A-ha-"

Before you could say respond, a voice interrupted you.

"There you are."

His chest heaved as he tilted his head at you.

"What are you doing here?" You asked, confused.

Jaebum didn't answer you as he came to stand beside you. His sunglasses were pushed up on his head, his eyebrows drawn in concentration as he focused on you. 

“You can’t just leave without telling people-”

“I told Heather.” You cut him off with the lie. Of course, Im Jaebum didn’t believe you, he could see straight through your lies all the time and it annoyed the hell out of you. 

One time, when you were both working together, he had given you some of the lunch he had prepared himself. It was horrible, tasted like bitter acid, but you still took many bites and tried to act like it was nice, but he saw right through it. Or the times when you on the edge of a breakdown from all the stress, and even though you would say you were fine, Im Jaebum would give you the most absurd errands like going up to the rooftop and recording the sky for him for ten minutes. 

Even though you both seemed to bicker every time you talked, he was always smiling at you. 

But he wasn’t smiling right now. He looked somewhat pissed, and you really couldn’t understand why, because frankly, what you did was none of his damn business. You were just about to tell him this when someone coughed drawing your attention away from Jaebum. 

“Oh,” you remembered the stranger standing in front of you. 

"Sup," Jaebum did the little nod thing to him, smiling as if he had known him his entire life. You rolled your eyes at Jaebum. How could he look so pissed one second, and then be this happy chap the next? "I'm JB."

"Like Justin Bieber?" The stranger chuckled, and you almost rolled your eyes at the lame joke. Jaebum didn't seem to mind; he just shrugged, smiling, "Not quite."

"Ah, I'm Jackson, dude," he introduced himself.

Dude?

"Nice, dude, like Micheal Jackson?!" Jaebum teased him back, and the two laughed. You stood there, wanting to drag your blanket away and go lay down somewhere else in peace.

"Nah, bro. MJ was a crazy dude. I can't compete."

"Rubbish!" Jaebum gushed as he turned to you with raised brows. "What do you think, y/n? Is he any less than MJ, the crazy dude?"

You bit back the smile threatening to grow on your lips as you met his dark eyes in challenge.

"Y/n," Jackson cut in before you had to reply. He said your name like he was tasting it on his tongue. 

"Yeah, hi," you replied, tucking your hair behind your ear. The sea breeze was really strong here, making your hair fly into your mouth. 

You smiled up at Jackson, who smiled back. 

Jaebum cleared his throat, drawing your attention. His gaze remained on Jackson as he said, "So what are you doing here?"

"Surfing, bro," he pointed his thumb behind to the waves and group of people on their boards. "Came here with some mates. Do you surf?"

"Y/n loves surfing," Jaebum replied before you could answer. You punched his stomach, making him groan before turning to Jackson, "No, I actually don’t know how to."

"I can teach you," Jackson said, leaning towards you.

Your cheeks flushed as his eyes scanned your face. You suddenly felt bare, as if you had not gotten ready this morning.

"Maybe you can teach a couple of us," Jaebum spoke, making you both turn towards him. His eyes didn't look at you as he continued to talk to Jackson. "I have a couple of bros who would love a lesson too."

"Oh, it was just for-" Jackson rose his brows.

"We'll pay you," he interrupted with a charming smile. "Of course."

"Yeah?" Jaebum nodded in reply. His eyes bounced between you and Jaebum, before he nodded with a grin, "Alright, take my number..."

And that was your cue; you tuned them out.

You stepped away from the pair and stood on your blanket. You brushed away the bit of sand that had flown onto it before standing up straight. You grabbed the first button of your dress and began to open it, suddenly feeling too hot as frustration began burning inside you.

Sometimes you forgot Jaebum was just another spoilt rich brat.

The soft material slid off you, revealing the yellow swimwear you had on. You rolled the dress into a ball and placed it under your head as you lay onto the blanket.

"Shit," you heard Jackson mutter, and you tried to ignore it. Suddenly feeling too exposed, but you didn't cover yourself. Instead, you cast your gaze over to the two boys.

Jackson was trying to hide it his glances towards you, but not Im Jaebum.

He was looking at you; unmasked. 

"Okay, I'll see you later, bro."Jackson cleared his throat as he cast you one last look. "See you around, y/n."

You got onto your elbows and waved him goodbye with a grin.

You watched him walk away, slowly becoming smaller and smaller on the horizon.

Jaebum who was looking into the distance now, and lay onto your back again. A few moments later, you felt him lay down next to you, and you tried to ignore him. But the words were right on your tongue, stinging to be let out.

"You didn't have to flaunt your money at him, you know."

Jaebum let out a snort, "I wasn't the one flaunting."

"What do you mean?" You got on your elbows again and glared at him.

Jaebum rose an eyebrow, a bitter smile on his lips as he dryly chuckled up at you, "This is one way to get over your ex, y/n."

"Ex? What?" You sputtered, confused. You took your sunglasses off, "What the fuck are you on about?"

"You cling onto the first thing that comes your way to--"

"Excuse me?" You choked. 

"Oh, alright then," he corrected himself like it made a fucking difference. "Flirting with the first guy who gives you the tiniest bit of attention."

"I wasn't-"

"Are you that desperate for attention?" He rose up to meet your eyes.

You didn't answer him. 

Your chest hurt. His words shouldn't hurt so much, but they did. They burned you.

"Are you that willing for a distraction that you'll take it from anyone?" You didn't answer him. You just stared at him as his jaws locked and eyes hardened. He leaned onto his side, facing you perfectly.

His eyes finally left yours and went to his hand that reached for you. 

You watched him as the back of his hand grazed the slope of your neck. You watched him, follow his hand, and watch you, as your chest heaved at the ghost of his touch spreading through your body. 

His hand traveled lower, down the middle of your breast, making your breath hitch. His fingers splayed on your hip as his fingertips dug into your skin.

"Can't that someone be me?" he whispered. His dark eyes finally meeting yours.

A slow breath left you as you leaned in closer, getting lost in the way the velvety darkness in his eyes flickered with heat. His eyes fell to your lips, then back to your eyes. His fingers tightening on your hips, stinging.

You were so close to him that your could paint the gold flecks in his eyes, and count every dark lash that kissed his cheekbones when he blinked. Your gaze fells to his lips, parted and waiting; and then you stopped. 

A bucket of cold water fell over you as you pulled away from him. Your eyes prickling with tears as you gasped.

It was so small you would've missed it. You could've easily mistaken it for excitement, but you knew him. You knew that smile all too well. That winning smirk that itched the corner of his lips.

It was all a game to him.

"You bastard," you breathed. Your stern gaze met his stunned ones. He flinched at your words. You moved away from him, and lay on your back.

"You are cruel," you gritted out, trying not to show the way your heart was shattering, "a complete asshole."

Just another rich sick snob.

You tried to distract yourself by staring at the sky. "There are no clouds today."

"Cloudless skies are better, anyway." He answered, his voice tight.

"The more I get to know you, the more I despise you." You told him, honestly.

Jaebum chuckled at that, settling back to become comfortable. His warmth of disappearing instantly as he drew his fingers away, "Well, you're not the first to experience that."

You didn't answer.

None of you spoke for a long time.

"Who was that girl by the pool?" You swallowed, your throat painfully dry.

"Who?" He asked, amused.

"It certainly wasn't Heather," you said.

"No, it wasn't." He said after a long moment.

"How could you do that to her?"

He stayed quiet for a long time before saying, "How can you, y/n?"

You could hear Bambam protest his innocence in the background. You didn't smile as you heard him groan as Heather no doubt whacked him.

If he messed the plans up that lead you to this situation, he deserved it. 

"Hey! Be careful; I could crash!" His muffled pleas echoed over the line.

Heather didn't acknowledge it and spoke to you instead. Your gaze remained down as you played with a loose thread from the skirt you wore.

You hummed in reply as Heather continued from the other side, "It's okay, though. As soon as we meet at the beach house, everything will go according to plan. Hey, can you pass the phone over to JB for a second?"

"Sure," you nodded with a tight smile even though she couldn't see it. 

You turned in the rich leather seat towards Jaebum, who was leisurely driving his SUV. You held out the phone to him, "Here, Heather wants to talk to you. I’ll put it on speaker-"

You were about to press the speaker button when Jaebum’s cool touch stopped your actions. His hand wrapped around your wrist, his skin burning yours, as his breath tickled your wrist. Heat rose onto your cheeks as you stared at him with wide eyes. 

Jaebum seemed completely oblivious and unaffected as he lifted your hand to his ear. 

The phone pressed against his ear, and he laughed at whatever Heather was saying to him. 

You couldn’t hear anything. 

Your body went into overdrive, becoming hyperaware of Jaebum’s presence. Even the slightest touch of him heightened to the point of blinding you to everything else but him. 

The ends of his dark locks tickled your fingertips, the heat of his skin kissed your inner wrist. The corners of his eyes crinkling as he smiled and talked, his eyelashes brushing against his high cheekbones as he blinked. His lips curling into a smirk. 

His eyes landed on you for a second, and the smirk grew into a smile as he spoke into the phone. 

You couldn't pick up his words. All you could hear was your heart beating loudly in your ears as your head filled with giddy haze as you took Im Jaebum in. 

Maybe it was the time away from him that made him more attractive to you. 

It was like seeing him afresh. There was no trace of the CEO from the office you had left five months ago, and there was little of the cocky guy you met at the club the first night too. It was almost as if the five months had changed him just as much as it had, you.

After the charity night, you disappeared from his life. Jaebum no longer existed for you. It was surprisingly easy to wipe his existence from your life, given the way it hurt you to do it.

It seemed as if you carried the pain of his missing presence with you everywhere. The wound in your heart tightening everytime Heather would mention his name, or when something reminded you of him. 

It seemed surreal seeing him in person again. It made all those nights spent crying in your bedroom silly now, mourning over a person who continued to live so happily.

The truth was that night at the ball scared you. 

It frightened you how much you wanted his words to be true. How much you wanted him to hold you in his arms, to hide you away from this world and somewhere deep inside his heart. It scared you, that for him, you might give up everything.

You were scared that if he asked, if he even breathed the words, you would choose him over the world, over yourself, over Heather.

The car pulled to a stop at the red lights as Jaebum said, "Okay, bye Heath."

He let out a chuckle at whatever Heather said from the other side. 

Jaebum turned his gaze to you. 

He didn't say anything. 

Something shone golden in his eyes as he looked at you, and you couldn't breathe. 

The corners of his lips lifted as he noticed the way your breath got caught. His thumb brushed the light skin off your inner wrist, as an emotion swirled in his dark eyes as he stared in your eyes.

You gasped as you tugged your hand away from him. You tucked your palm underneath your thighs to stop yourself from reaching out to him. 

You could feel his gaze lingering on you, and you tried to control the tremble running through you. After a few minutes you hissed as you turned to him, “What?” 

“What?” 

“I can feel you staring at me,” you glared at him. It surprised you how easily anger wrapped around you whenever you were around Jaebum. 

Maybe it was because out of all the emotions you felt for him, anger was the easiest to control; it was the least dangerous. 

“I can feel you stealing glances at me too,” he replied, clicking his tongue. He pushed his shades higher up his nose feeling proud of himself. 

You snorted at him and how attractive that ridiculous action looked on him. You shook your head as you folded your arms in front of you, “Well, that’s only because I can feel you looking at me. It’s human nature, you tend to look at people when they’re looking at you.” 

“Well, I guess I am looking at you cause you were looking at me first,” he shrugged. 

“No! What? I didn’t look at you first,” you huffed from your seat. Jaebum remained calm and cool; the smile on his lips widening as he took in how annoyed you look. 

“It’s nice to see you haven’t changed much, y/n,” his gaze skipped between you and the road. 

You felt your face flush as you took in his words. You cleared your throat and looked out the window as you unfolded your arms, “Well, you’re still as annoying as before.” 

Jaebum laughed, his voice melting whatever anger you had. 

You closed your eyes trying to ignore the way your tummy fluttered at the sound. You turned to your side facing away from Jaebum, “I'm going to sleep.” 

//

The luxury cars sure were another level of comfort. You woke up to a blanket over you, and the car parked on the side of the road. You clenched the thick colourful fabric in an attempt to get a grip of your heart that skipped a beat.

You lifted your gaze and looked to the driver's seat to find Im Jaebum missing. You looked to the back to find him not there too. Finally, you looked out to the front and gasped. In front of you was the endless ocean stretching across the horizon.

You got out of the car and instantly shivered in the ocean wind. An overcast had rolled over, hiding the sunny day you had fallen asleep to. You wrapped the blanket around you as you stepped around the car.

You found Jaebum quickly, standing right at the edge of the lookout. He must've been so deep in his thoughts that he didn't notice you close the car door or the tiny dry rocks crunching under your shoes.

You didn't think about it much and stood next to him.

His eyes drifted to you and he cleared his throat, “Planning to push me?” 

“As tempting as that is,” you sighed looking out to the view, “going to jail for you would be the stupidest thing anyone could ever do.”

A tiny snort left Jaebum and that was all before silence wrapped you both.

Jaebum didn't look over to you again. 

His eyes remained lost somewhere in the ocean as the salty breeze brushed through his hair. His skin had tainted pink from the slight chill, and you felt an urge to place your palms on his cheeks to warm them.

But your hands remained tucked around you as you followed his gaze and got lost in the ocean. 

It was so beautiful and so terrifying at the same time. The mesmerising shades of blue that made your soul swell was what made your heart tremble as you witnessed its immensity.

You peered down, and your heart raced as the colossal waves crashed powerfully against the rocks at the feet of the cliff. 

You imagined falling off and landing into the blues between the stones. How ethereal it would be in the start, the silence, the beauty. And then how cruel the beauty could become; burning your lungs as it drowned you, pushing you down under its waves.

"Doesn't it scare you?" Jaebum's voice drags you away from the rocky foot. You lifted your eyes to him to find his gaze still lost, staring into the endless ocean.

"It would be weird if it didn't," you reply, with a slight snort; earning a chuckle from him.

"I used to have nightmares of drowning when I was little," he said, the dry chuckle fading as he continued. "I would be on this boat, fishing, sailing so happily under the sun. Then suddenly, it'd become dark, and the waves kept on getting bigger and bigger. I would cling onto the boat and it would change into a wooden raft that didn't stand a chance in the oncoming storm.

"And then, I would hear my mother. I would turn, terrified, but I always knew what I would see. My mother reached for me to grab her hand. My father beside her, holding onto her reaching for me. And I would think if I could just hold their hand, it'd be okay, the raft would carry us, we could last the storm. Just as my fingers were about to touch my mother's, this massive wave comes and takes us out.

"I'd wake up, sweating and scared. I stayed in bed for a couple of seconds and stared at the ceiling, reminding myself I'm at home. I'm safe. I used to sneak into my parents' room to see if they're still there. My mother would always wake up and call me in next to her. As I grew older, my father kept on disappearing from the bed. And when I would panic, my mum calmed me, saying he'll be back before I wake up."

You stayed quiet, watching Jaebum as he shifted through his memories. Finally, he shook his head, "I haven't thought of that dream in forever."

You nodded, looking back out at the blue, "Can you swim?"

"Yeah, my father made me get over the fear."

Your heart broke for him and the way he said those words. You imagined a little boy crying as the Chairman ignored his pleas.

Jaebum looked over at you. His eyes met yours, and you didn't look away.

"Can you?" He asked.

You shook your head, "I learned in primary but haven't tried since then. It's a toss-up, might sink or swim."

"It's always a toss-up with you," he said, a smile growing on his lips as his eyes roamed over your features. 

You flushed under his scrutinising gaze but didn't look away.

Your eyes went to his lips, "Where's your lip ring?"

He shrugged, and you rolled your eyes.

Jaebum flinched ever so slightly as a wave loudly crashed against the rocks. You would've missed it if you hadn't been looking at him. The smile on his face vanished as he looked at you and took you in slowly.

It felt as if you were on that raft with Jaebum, and he needed you to reach out to him.

Your eyes fell to his lips. You watched them part, the rosy pink inviting you as his minty breath pulled you in closer. You gulped as you cast your eyes down as your heartbeat thundered in your veins.

You couldn't kiss him, not like this.

You lifted your hand and imagined wrapping it around his hand. You imagined his velvety warmth wrap around your hand. And you knew you wouldn't be able to stop. You would want his hand to touch your hair, your cheek, your neck.

You lifted your hand up to him before pulling the fingers down into a fist.

Jaebum stared at the fist in front of his face, and then an eyebrow quirked in surprise as you sprung out your pinky finger.

"Here," you said to him with a happy smile, "hold my pinky."

"A promise?" He asked, raising both brows this time as he linked his pinky with yours without protest. You chuckled, shaking your head, and you dropped your hands, pinkies still intertwined, and stared out at the ocean.

"Not a promise," you said, not looking at him even though his gaze remained on you. "A fuck you, instead."

"A fuck you?" He chuckled beside you. You looked over to him with a growing smile.

"Okay, no, a pinky promise," you lifted up the intertwined fingers up in front of him. Jaebum was utterly lost and captivated but nodded, smiling unsurely. You smiled back, "Don't judge me. You do it too, and we never speak of this again because it is embarrassing as hell. Promise?"

Jaebum's unsure eyes met yours, but nonetheless, he nodded, "Promise."

"Okay." You looked out to the ocean and took a deep breath, filling your lungs with the salty air. You closed your eyes, your pinky tightening around Jaebum's as you gathered all your energy. You opened your eyes, opened your lungs and screamed, "AHHHHHHH! FUCK YOU!!!"

You heard Jaebum gasp in surprise before letting out a chuckle. You ignored him and continued.

"FUCK YOU!!!"

Jaebum laughed and then gathered all the breath the ocean would allow before letting it all out.

“AHHHHHHHHHHH!!” He screamed.

You chuckled this time but did stop as you both screamed your lungs and minds empty into the endless ocean that soaked it all in. Your pinkies intertwined tightly, gaining strength from one another as you yelled everything out into the world.

//

You tried to stop shivering as Jaebum pulled into the driveway of the beach house. He had frantically tried to heat up the car to stop you from shaking, but you just couldn't stop. You were sweating, just as Jaebum was, but your teeth kept chattering as the adrenaline still rushed through you.

You felt the cold electricity still churning inside your chest.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Jaebum turned to you, concerned. This was the hundredth time he had asked in the last twenty minutes of driving to the beach house.

You nodded at him and began getting out of the car. Jaebum stopped you with the slightest touch on your arm over the blanket.

It didn't help; if anything, it made you shiver more vigorously.

Jaebum thankfully didn't notice and appeared on your side of the car, opening the door.

"Here," he said, holding out a hand.

"I can still function, Jae," you bit back, slipping your hand into his warm ones and feeling the icy cold begin to melt from your chest. You ignored it and shifted away from him as soon as you got out of the car.

You wrapped the blanket tighter around you as you followed him into the beach house. You smiled at the humble name beach house for this mansion that stood in front of you.

For the first time, someone else was joining you on Heather on your yearly trip.

Heather must've been notified because the door swung open, and her flames followed behind her as she ran towards you in a purple bikini suit. She was already in vacation mode, and by the looks of it, had downed a couple cocktails already.

"Baby," she sang, her arms opening towards Jaebum.

You tried not to look at Jaebum to see the anticipating expression on his face as he waited for Heather to wrap his arms around him. Instead, you turned to find his eyes on you, looking at you with concern.

Heather's arms wrapped tightly around you, taking you by surprise.

"You're here!" She leaned back, kissing your cheek, "Come on, you have to catch up with me."

"Heather, y/n isn't--"

You cut off Jaebum as he began taking a step towards you, you shivered through your excited scream, "Yes! Let's go, baby!"

Heather didn't notice the blanket, or if she did, she didn't think much of it, "I love you! Let's go get you all sexy and drunk! WOOHOO!"

You weren't drunk enough, but you didn't care as you crackled loudly and let her lead you into the house. Her warm body pressed towards your side as she pulled your towards her. The cold electricity began melting away just as it did when Jaebum touched you. 

You blinked trying to will away the ache in your chest.

"I guess I'll get the bags," Jaebum called out behind you.

Heather waved her hand not looking back, "Don't worry, honey! I'll send the boys to help."

She turned around and blew him a kiss.

You turned around to see his reaction, and like always, his eyes were on you.

You were always struggling.

But then you learned the secret to life.

In all honesty, it's pretty simple, just three words that have surrounded you since you were a child: let it go.

Let that toy go, and you won't have to fight with Lily and feel sad anymore.

Let that crush go, and you will stop hurting over someone who doesn't even know you.

Let go of that expectation that isn't even your dream, and you'll be free.

Whenever something is bothering you, you let it go. It is really that simple.

You might not be as successful or wealthy as your younger self and parents had hoped, but you were happy. You could be in the crappiest, smoke-filled apartment and be happy. You didn't mind the loud music, the loud sex, the lazy roommate you had.

It didn't bother you cause you let it go and did not bother you.

But some things you couldn't let go of. For example, your roommate's sleazy boyfriend trying to hook up with you, and when you refuse him, he flips the switch on you. And then your roommate believes him over you when you tell her that he is a creep.

She lets you go, and you let the apartment go.

Now, you were standing outside the apartment of some girl named Jihyo, ready for a new adventure. If anything, this was a gift, a sign, to leave that apartment that drained the energy out of you. You were so convinced that you wouldn't find another place as cheap as that apartment that you never tried.

Your certainty was not misplaced, though. You had spent hours online trying to find an affordable and pleasant place that wasn't a trap by a creep or in worse condition than your last apartment.

Just as you were about to give up, a miracle happened, and you found an apartment in a new building three blocks away.

The rent was thirty dollars cheaper, and the apartment was stunning in the photos. You cyberstalkered Jihyo to make sure she was a real girl and not a catfish.

When you saw her LinkedIn, you were satisfied that this girl was real.

You rang the door of her apartment and waited for her to answer. You looked at your phone and saw you were three minutes earlier than the decided time. And then those three minutes passed, and no one answered the door.

You hesitated and rang the bell again.

You pulled out your phone to message her when the door swung open.

"Hi-" the friendly greeting died off as you took in the male who opened the door. You were expecting Jihyo to answer; maybe this was her boyfriend. You cleared your throat and drew the smile back again, "Hey, is Jihyo home?"

His sharp eyes glared as he took you in, and you unconsciously took a step back. He rose an eyebrow at you in question, and he didn't say anything else. You peered over his shoulder and into the apartment in hopes of seeing Jihyo.

"She's not here," he replied gruffly. You followed his fingers as they ran through his dark wet hair.

"Okay," you averted your gaze down to your phone to avoid his intense stare. You looked at the time and licked your lips nervously, "When will she be back?"

"Three months, maybe," he shrugged nonchalantly, almost leaning on the doorframe.

You just stared at him blankly as your entire world drowned in silence. This has to be a joke.

"Hahaha," you spoke the laugh politely, "You have a good sense of humor. I was supposed to meet her today for the apartment."

"Oh," his brows furrowed together as if something clicked in his mind. He pulled out his sleek black phone from his back pocket and looked up to you, "You're Mark's girlfriend?"

"What?" It was your turn to furrow your brows.

"His sister then?" you stared at him blankly. "Friend?"

"No," you said slowly, as you looked over to the bags and boxes against the wall of the corridor, "I am Mark."

"You are... a girl..." he trailed off, looking up from the luggage you had gestured to. And then his eyes widened as he rushed out quickly, "Shit. Did I misgender you? I am so sorry-"

"No, it's okay-"

"-Nah man, that was stupid of me."

"No, I am a girl."

"And your name is Mark?"

"Actually, that's just my username; it's Bae-Mark."

He started at you for a long time as you held your breath, waiting for him to say something. You looked down the hall towards the elevators and hoped Jihyo would walk through it any moment and solve this whole thing.

"Bae?"

"Before Anyone Else Mark," you muttered, embarrassed. "He's a really talented idol."

The guy in front of you closed his eyes and took a deep breath in. You watched his lips twitch as if he was trying to hold back a laugh.

"We thought your name was Bae Mark." he opened his eyes and pursed his lips.

"That's understandable," you nodded with a tight smile, "I messaged Jihyo my real name after we finished talking."

"I didn't get a notification," you followed his gaze as he frowned at his phone.

"I texted her number, not on the app."

"Oh, right," he drew his lips into a line again.

The elevator dinged open, and you twisted your neck so fast you almost cracked it. You were hoping the girl from the profiles you stalked last night would come out, but it was a couple of middle-aged women who didn't disguise their fascinated stares as they walked by.

"Um, can I come in and wait for her inside?" You looked back at the dark-haired boy.

"She's-- Yeah, come in," he signed, nodding his head. He stepped outside to help pick up your boxes. He weighed it in his arms and looked at you as you picked up the large bags, "How did you get all this here?"

"I bribed a couple of kids fifty bucks and ice cream." You heaved the bag in. You turned back to see him making his way in behind you. "Which way is the room? I'll just put this in there now."

He looked startled and perplexed for a moment, and you almost yelled at him to speak faster as the handles of the bag painfully dug into your skin.

"It's the door on the left, over there," he gestured to the right with his head.

//

"Thanks," you smiled at him as he gave you a can of coke. You cracked it open, taking a big swig of it, and then tried not to burp as the cold liquid slid down your throat. You looked up to find the guy leaning against the counter, "I didn't get your name."

He looked up to your smiling face and replied with a tight smile, "Im Jaebum."

"I'm y/n," you replied, and he nodded, looking at his can with interest.

The silence fell over you once again, and you wanted to disappear into thin air.

You looked at the door, hoping that Jihyo would walk in any moment.

"So, what time does Jihyo get home usually?" You wanted to ask about his relationship with Jihyo, but you didn't want to overstep your boundaries. You knew he wasn't a roommate here since the ad said you'll only be sharing with one person.

If you had to guess, you'd say boyfriend or brother or a really close friend, from the way he looks completely at home leaning against the marble top counter. And his hair was soaking wet when he opened the door, so he was probably taking a shower here too?

Has to be a boyfriend.

"Actually," he started, licking his lips nervously. You observed him as he physically cringed and continued with a pained expression, "I think there has been a mistake."

Oh god, no.

You were going to lose this house. He had beat you into getting the apartment. That's why he was showering and already knew the way around the place. When the hell did he even get here to be so familiar? Cause last night when you talked to Jihyo, she was happy to have someone finally move in.

And why did he let you move your bags into the room? That psycho, he was probably getting off by making a fool of you.

When you didn't say anything, he continued hesitantly.

"We thought you were a guy," you nod at his words; you had already covered that at the door. But isn't it better for a girl to share with another girl, so what's the problem there?

"And you thought you were going to live with a girl- with Jihyo."

You stared at him as the words sung in.

"I am not living with Jihyo then?" You thought out loud, looking at him confused. And then the realisation hit you, and he must have noticed it because he shot you a distressed look.

You pointed at him, and he nodded.

You bit your lip and let everything sink in. You were going to share an apartment with a boy. A very, very nice apartment, with cheap rent, and a great location.

You took in the male in front of you, and you realised he was gorgeous. You had realised he was attractive the moment he opened the door because you weren't blind. But looking at him carefully, he was beautiful.

He belonged in a magazine cover with his shape features and dark locks curling around his neck. Even in his home clothes, he was undeniably stunning.

So your decision was simple and easy.

"I don't have a problem with it," you told him with a blank expression. You raised your eyebrows at him. "Do you?"

He looked at you for a long moment before scratching the back of his head and stating, "I guess it's okay for a few days."

"Few days?" You frowned. "Would you be uncomfortable with it?"

"N-no," he stammered, looking away as his cheeks flushed pink.

"How about we have a trial period?" You smiled at him to put him at ease. He relaxed slightly at your words. "How about a month? I should be able to find another place in that time if things don't work out."

"Yeah, okay," he nods, staring at his can again. You stare at him curiously. Was he nervous, or was he not interested?

It felt as if the temperature of the room dropped as a cold silence dragged between the two of you.

He wasn't like this a moment ago...

And then you understood the reason for his sudden change.

"You're not my type, by the way, so don't worry about that," you told him, putting him to ease. You took a sip of your coke and looked out the ceiling to floor window. "The view from here must be amazing during nighttime."

You heard shuffling him behind you as he replied, "Yeah, it's pretty good."

You turned back to find him sitting on the barstools, a lot more comfortable now.

So that was it, you thought. It was so easy to guess the issue with the living arrangement. He was scared you were using this opportunity to get it on with him. He was so gorgeous; you don't feel offended by his accusation for a moment. He must have a lot of girls and guys trying to find ways to get closer to him.

But what you said was true too.

Good-looking guys, really handsome guys, were not your type. They were bad news wrapped in gold.

"So who is Jihyo, exactly?" You ask him as he swirls side to side in his chair.

"She's my older cousin sister." He answers, and you think that's all, but he continues. "She's working in the States right now."

"Oh, I thought she came back?" You tilted your head to the side, confused. You were sure you saw recent pictures of her here. Jaebum's eyes widen in fear, and you chuckle, realising how you sound. "Oh my god, I sound like a stalker. Actually, I did stalk her profile last night to make sure she was a real girl person and not a creepy dude luring girls being a catfish."

"Are you calling me a creepy dude?" He askes.

You stared at him and then realised what he was kidding. You chuckle and smirk at him as you answer, "Definitely."

He chuckles, shaking his head, and you realise how easy it might be falling for this guy. He was good-looking, no matter how long you looked at him, and he was soft-spoken and polite.

But you knew boys like him, and you didn't like boys like him.

You get up from your seat after a long moment of silence, "I should go unpack."

"Okay," he nods. "Let me know if you need anything."

"Sure, thanks," you give him a brief smile and walk into your room. You look at the bed and shake your head. It looked like a bed from heaven, as if it was stolen from an ad on tv for the comfiest bed ever.

You look at it longingly for a moment longer before sighing and looking at the boxes, "Work first, relax next."

Jaebum pov:

"Yes, he is very good-looking, Lily."

He didn't want to stand there and eavesdrop, but something about the way she said it stopped him. She said it like being attractive was a bad thing.

Her laugh carried through the wooden door, and he picked up the sarcasm quickly.

"Just because he looks like a work of art, it doesn't change anything," he overheard her say.

He wasn't phased by her words; he had heard all kinds of variations about his looks since he could remember.

But the following words made him frown, "There is no way a guy like him could turn my head. You know I don't like boys--"

Suddenly she laughed, and he smiled wider as he walked towards the bathroom.

He really didn't have anything to worry about.

You turned towards Jaebum who was watching you already. You felt the golden glow of the lights outside flow into the unlit car, and somehow you could see something glint in his dark eyes. 

“It’s so beautiful, isn’t it Mr Kim?” you looked out the window again, to see the sparkling lights making a rendition of Van Gough’s starry night. You smiled to yourself a bit, “It might be a bit cliche and basic, but starry night is my favourite piece of artwork.” 

The driver hummed in reply, saying something about taking a picture for his daughter.

Jaebum didn’t reply, and you didn’t mind. Him and you weren’t exactly on friendly speaking terms, well at least not in your books. 

Since that day in the office, Jaebum had tried to talk to you numerous of times, but you avoided him. You didn’t want to hear his empty apologies or empty excuses or empty flirty, or whatever meaningless, empty words he wanted to say to you because he was feeling bored. 

You didn’t even think he would pick you up today, but when you called up your driver, Jaebum had pulled up in his sleek black car. It was a moment that you seen in movies, where the male lead sees the female lead with her makeover for the first time, and he’s blown away. 

But Im Jaebum wasn’t blown away. He wasn’t even fazed, if anything he found you so unappealing that he couldn’t bear to look at you for more than two seconds without looking away in pain. 

Was he always such an asshole?

He probably was, but back then he was trying to charm you with his sweet words. Maybe, he was a sicko who liked girls who weren’t into him, and as soon as you showed him any interest he vanished into the night. 

The car stopped at the red carpet laid out at the entrance, and you began to check your outfit and lipstick for the last time before reaching for the door. Your hand was reaching for the handle when the door swung open, and a hand reached in for you. 

You placed your hand in theirs, and carefully got out of the car. 

You stepped out to find yourself chest to chest with Jaebum. His fingers gripping onto your fingers as you stared up at him. 

You cleared your throat and began taking a step away from him, when he reached out and pulled your body against his by your waist. Your hands laid flat against his chest, the black material feeling rich on your skin. HIs dark eyes drifted to your lips, before they looked away purposefully. 

You turned around to find the car driving off behind you that you were about to bump into. You looked up at Jaebum, your cheeks tainting pink, “Thanks.” 

“Watch where you’re going,” was all he replied, as he let you go. 

Your heart once again sank at the lack of endearment, but you ignored it and adjusted the dress before you began following Jaebum into the mansion. 

Jaebum was instantly surrounded by people. People lining up around him, trying to play it off as they waited for their turns for introductions. You were right next to Jaebum, introducing him to everyone. 

The first hour was spent just like that, making introductions and standing next to Jaebum and pretending like you were invisible. The other important people only gave you a passing glance before looking away, no one stared for too long. You weren’t worth their time. 

You didn’t mind though. 

You enjoyed the architecture of the building and the artworks hanging around the hall. This must have really been a castle at some point you concluded after an hour of staring at the walls. You wondered which kind of ruler lived here before, but you knew for certain whoever it was wasn’t a good person; no in power ever is. 

Jaebum and you had drifted away about fifteen minutes ago, but you kept an eye out for him. He was currently taking to Paul from work, so you thought he was in safe hands. You took another mini-sausage roll before washing it down with another glass of expensive champagne. 

You didn’t like that taste even though it was exquisite. All it did was remind you of the night Jinyoung engaged to that woman in front of you, after telling you he loved you a few hours ago. 

“I finally found you,” a deep voice spoke behind you. His voice fell over you like velvet, and you struggled to breath. 

You turned around, already annoyed, “What are you doing here, Jinyoung?”

“You’re casual and feisty today,” he chucked, moving to stand next to you. He picked up a mini-sausage and popped it into his mouth, before waving a hand around, “This is my party, incase you’ve forgotten, y/n.” 

You snorted, “How can I forget with this champagne? Tell me, was this your favourite before you chose her or did it happen after?” 

“Woah,” Jinyoung tried to take the glass from you, but you moved it out of his reach, “How many of those have you had?”

“None of your business,” you gave him a straight smile. “None of these people are drinking anything anyway. And I needed a drink, it’s just been so hard lately.” 

You leaned your head on his shoulder, but straightened your spine right away, “I’m not drunk, Jinyoung. I just don’t have the energy to fight or pretend, at least not with you, not tonight.” 

“I don’t know if that is a compliment or not,” Jinyoung clicked his tongue, playfully. “I kind of like it when you fight with me.” 

“God, you’re such a perv, Jinyoung,” you groaned, and he laughed. 

“Come on,” he said, holding out his hand and gesturing to the dance floor. “Dance with me?” 

“No, thanks.”

“Why not?” 

“Are you sure you want to dance with me?” You asked him, with a knowing look. “I know this is a party, but I am still just an assistant here. Are you sure your reputation won’t hurt from dancing with someone like me? I’m not made of money like you, Jinyoung.” 

“Beauty and wealth are both welcomed here, y/n,” Jinyoung took your hand in his, “And you have a wealth of beauty, my dear.” 

He brought your hand to his face, his lips brushing over your knuckles. 

“Oh, right,” you chuckled, your heart sinking slightly. “You think I am pretty.”

Your gaze went to Im Jaebum who didn’t spare you a single glance. Your eyes fell on the girl he was talking to, and you couldn’t help but notice how different she was to you. You couldn’t but notice how different Jaebum looked talking to her; kind and well-mannered. 

“I’ve always found you beautiful, y/n,” Jinyoung said, drawing your attention back to him. “That’s why I was drawn to you in the beginning, and when I got to know you... well, I guess that was the end of me.” 

You laughed lightly as you placed your hand on his shoulder, and the other in his hand. His hands rested on the curve of your clothed hip. 

“But today,” he smiled at you, “You looked absolutely gorgeous.”

“Don’t exaggerate, Jinyoung. If you were so taken by me,” you laughed, teasingly, giving him a look. You continued your words turning sour, “You would’ve chosen me.” 

“You know how things were back then, y/n,” Jinyoung sighed, he closed his eyes to take a deep breath. He opened them to stare into yours with so much emotion, you couldn’t breathe. 

“I looked for you, you know,” he spoke over the music. You couldn’t blink or breath as you stared at Jinyoung. His brows creased as if he was rethinking a painful event. “After I decided to end the engagement... after I broke it off, I looked for you. I searched for you, but I couldn’t find you anywhere.” 

“I- I went back home,” you whispered. You saw yourself laying in a pool of your vomit and urine, and your mother and father crying around your limp body. “I couldn’t stay here. Everyone was talking about you... it was too much.” 

“Y/n,” Jinyoung said, softly. You looked up to meet his gaze. “It’s nice to have you back. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.” 

“Jinyoung-” 

“May I cut in?” 

“Always interrupting us, isn’t he, y/n?” 

You turned to find Jaebum glaring holes into Jinyoung’s head. 

“What if I say no?” Jinyoung pouted, teasingly. Jaebum sighed, his patience running thin. You looked around to see people already turning this way. 

“Stop it,” you gritted through your teeth at the both of the them, your lips holding a smile. “People are starting to look.” 

“I’ll dance with him for a bit,” you smiled at Jinyoung, “Thank you Jinyoung.” 

Jinyoung smiled back at you before giving you a cheeky wink. You chuckled watching him walk away. 

“You both seem closer than last time,” Jaebum said from behind you. You shrugged stepping closer to him placing a hand on his shoulder and the other in his hand. You were holding Jinyoung the same way a few moments ago, but somehow this felt different. 

The soft velvet of his jacket, the heat of his skin, the short hair tickling your fingertips at the nape of his neck. It was all somehow more intense, more intimate. 

Jaebum’s warm hands wrapped around yours as he took another step closer towards you. HIs other hand rested on your waist, pulling you in closer as it rested on the small of your back. His thumb caressed the exposed skin from your dress and you drew in a sharp breath. 

You didn’t say anything as you looked up at him. His dark eyes bore into yours, his lips drawn and tight. His jaw clenched and sharp, his black eyelashes gently fluttering across his cheekbones. 

He was beautiful. 

He was a sin in this all black suit made to precision for him. His hair was styled in-between completely swept back and lazy natural. His lips were rosy pink, and even without his lip-ring you wanted to taste them between your lips. 

You leaned closer to him. HIs thumb gently caressing your back, electricity dancing up your spine making your head spin. You welcomed his minty breath falling over your lips, as your eyes fell to his lips. And to his neck, watching as he swallowed nervously. Your gaze fluttered up to meet his eyes fixed on your face. 

You looked away from him feeling your cheeks flush, “Are you having a good time tonight, sir?” 

Jaebum only hummed in reply, his dark eyes still trained on you. 

Your eyes met his intense gaze for a moment before looking away instantly, “It’s a beautiful place, isn’t it?” 

“Yes, it is,” Jaebum said. You didn’t say anything more and bit your lip wondering if you should continue to dance with him or excuse yourself. 

You looked up at Jaebum, your hands letting go off him. 

Jaebum’s hand held yours tighter as he pulled you in closer by your waist. Your front was completely pressed against him now, and your body shivered as he leaned his lips close to your ear. 

You felt his warm breath caress the slope of your neck, and you closed your eyes letting the feeling sink deep within your bones. 

Jaebum drew his lips higher, his softness brushing against the shell of your ear as he whispered, “Thank you for everything, y/n.” 

You remained like that for a moment. Soaking in his presence, his heat, his touch, his breath, him somewhere deep inside your heart, and then you leaned back. 

“Thank you for giving me this opportunity, Mr Im,” you smiled up at him. 

Jaebum stared at you with an unreadable expression as his lips parted. 

“You must be glad you’ll be getting a proper secretary now,” you laughed, but there was no humour between you two. 

“I might not stay.”

“I know,” you nodded, “But if you do, I think it’ll be the biggest win for the company.”

Jaebum might be an asshole, a player; a complete fuckboy. But he was also hardworking, intelligent and gave his all into his work and accomplished a lot within the last three months you were working with him. 

“Loosing you is probably the biggest loss,” he said, pausing for a moment. “For me.” 

“I’m sure there are more qualified then me for this job.” 

“But I only want you, y/n.” 

You breath got caught at his words. Your wide eyes met his that stared at you as if you were the stars and the moon. As if once again you were presented to him as impossible puzzle, and he wanted to get lost in trying to solve you. 

He moved in closer, and lowered your gaze to avoid his heated ones. 

Jaebum lifted his hand from your waist. His fingertips brushed your cheeks with the slightest touch as he whispered, “You look beautiful, y/n.”

“Jaebum, stop it.” You began moving out of his arms, but he pulled you back in. His fingers digging into your waist as he held you steady in front of him. 

“Why?” His fevered breath fell over your face as you looked up at him. His eyes were wild with darkness, but it didn’t scare you. It only made you mad, so terribly horribly mad. 

“Why?” You spat, quietly. Your chest was heaving as you tried to control the anger that had been swelling inside you over the past month. 

“Don’t you think we’re past these little games of yours?” You sneered up at him. Your hand on his shoulder tightened as you tried to control yourself. “We already know I fell for it. Do you wanna see if I’ll fall for it again after being rejected once?” 

Jaebum didn’t say anything so you snorted. The sneer on your dark lips growing as you looked down your nose at him, “I won’t let you lead me on again, only to make a fool of me like that. I’m not going to play this sick game of yours.” 

Jaebum’s fingers bit harder into your waist making you gasp as he pulled you flush against him. HIs nose almost brushed against yours, as he breathed harshly, “A game? You think all of this was a game for me?” 

“What else could it be?” You snickered at him, both your hands flattening on his shoulder, trying to push him away with attracting any attention. But he wouldn’t budge a centimetre. You gritted through your teeth as you glared up at him, “Why else would you pretend to be into me? Play with me like that?”

Play with my feelings like that?

Jaebum’s hands rested on your exposed back as he held you steady against him. His jaw clenched, his eyes furious as he tried to control his breathing. 

“It wasn’t a game for me.” 

You ignored his words. 

“Then what was it?” You bit back. “You made it seem like you felt the same way only to reject me when I-”

“I didn’t reject you,” Jaebum cut you off. 

You began laughing mockingly, and Jaebum shook you slightly to make you look at him.  

You didn’t say anything and looked up at him, your lips parted in surprise. 

“Do you,” Jaebum whispered, leaning in closer to you as he leaned his forehead against yours. His eyes stirring golden as they stared into yours, his fingertips softly dancing on your back, causing fire to dance through your vines. “have any idea how crazy you make me, y/n?” 

Suddenly it was all too much. His touch, the way he was looking at you, the things he was saying. The lights shining down upon you two, the chattering of people around you. It all became to loud too much. Your heart beat loudly in your ear as you took a step away from him. 

Jaebum looked at you, expectantly. You stared him, unable to hear a single bought. The only thing you could hear was your heart beating thumping loudly in your ear. 

Your lips parted, you were going to say something. You weren’t sure what. Jaebum’s gaze fell to your lips, waiting for you to the say the words. You took another step back, not saying a single word. 

The smile on Jaebum’s lips dropped as your brows creased as a sudden panic before settling in your chest. You needed to get away.

“I-” you began. 

“Y/n!” You turned to saw a fury of red first, and then her smiling face as she jumped in front of you. “I didn’t know you were coming here.” 

Heather turned to Jaebum, placing a kiss on his cheek. His eyes remained on you, his face void of any emotions. 

Heather smiled at you, “Go away, JB. I won't let you steal my best friend.” 

// 

You were next to Heather the rest of the night, but your eyes still followed the man in the black suit. His sharp eyes met yours throughout the night, but every time you looked away. 

You were looking at him once again. There was something pleasant about his lips when he talked, and the way those whiskers appeared on his cheeks when he would smile or laugh brightly. You couldn’t look away from him no matter how hard you tried. 

You watched him talk to Park Jinyoung with a frown on his face, that deepened when Jinyoung looked your way and winked. His hard glaze travelled to you, as his lips drew into a straight line. 

You looked away once again, your cheeks on fire. 

“Are you okay?” Heather asked. You looked towards her to find her following your gaze to the pair of males. 

“Mhmm,” you nodded, taking a sip of the champagne.

You watched Heather take a sip too, but you noticed that knowing smile on her lips.