- Limerence ;

“In all honesty, I am pretty curious. I wonder what you think I’ll be proud of you for.” The last part was more to himself than to Yebin. He, of course, meant what he said about meeting up despite the possibility of his schedule being too packed in the coming weeks. “I think I’m free in a few days?”

He wasn’t sure why her response tugged on his heartstrings so much. How she laughed made him wonder if she took his joke seriously. “It was a joke, Bin…” His voice trailed off, still unsure how to approach this. Comfort was never his thing. Though her tone shouldn’t evoke relief, it did, considering the tone she was previously using. “Right back at you.” He used the moment of silence to finally leave the practice room, not even bothering to make his movements inconspicuous. The thoughts going through his head were just as consuming as the members left the building. Yebin’s question had clearly caught him off guard since another silence fell over them for a few seconds. “Uh… Actually, I was just thinking how different things are now.”

As she listened to him think out loud to himself, she drew her bottom lip between her teeth and smiled softly. “You’ll just have to wait and find out~” she teased him softly, regardless. Why was it that she was excited to tell him? It was strange, feeling guilty for being excited. Not that it was an entirely new concept to her. “Okay, just let me know. You know I’m flexible.”

Though she knew he was right, she couldn’t help but frown a little. Maybe she didn’t need to worry, but she did anyway. “I know… But I can’t help caring.” Her empathetic nature certainly got the best of her at times. Or, rather, a lot of the time.

At the mention of the newer group, Chingyi perked up a little bit. “Oh! Well, I’ve mentored them before… Can’t say much about their singing since we focused on choreography, but they seemed like nice guys.” She knew her opinion alone wasn’t going to make him take the offer, but it didn’t hurt to try. “So I’m being treated tonight?” Usually, they would cook together, but she wasn’t opposed to the change. As if on instinct, she wrapped her legs around him loosely once in front of her, looking up at him with a smile. “Anything you wanna do in the meantime?”

“Well, don’t worry too much about it, then.” That was an area where he and Chingyi differed greatly. Where she worried and cared about things that were out of her control, he was willing to accept that things just were the way that they were. He couldn’t be sure whether that was a positive thing or not, but for his own remaining mental well-being, he had convinced himself that it was. 

Jungsoo nodded fervently. “I was. Something about how you need to review every statement again in your conclusion. I’m tired though we’ve worked a lot hyung.” He says exaggeratedly as he reached save the draft and then closed the laptop in front of them. “I’ll finish later, on my own.” Jungsoo added with a quick smile as he turned on his chair to Jaewon entirely. He thought it had been quite obvious he’d had ulterior motives for inviting his former dance teacher here but apparently he hadn’t been able to see through them just yet. “No assignment. Can I buy you a meal hyung? Let’s go out.” For a persuasive effect he leaned in a bit, leaving only a small space between them. “Please?” 

She was about to protest, tell him it was out of place for him to be meeting her here but then he held up the ID. Apparently it had been in the exact place she feared it might be. When she discovered she’d lost it that morning there was a silent hope she might have left at her own place but unfortunately Jiwon now had another thing to tease her with. Yeseul snatched the card from his hand and hurriedly stuffed into her pocket. She kept her head down for a moment longer in the hope the blush on her cheeks would dissipate before she faced him again. “Thanks.” Yeseul muttered, quite reluctantly. “Is that all?” 

Taewon felt a surge confidence, happy with his succes of drawing Junseok in closer, even if he cheated a bit. The way Junseok seemed to panic and his cheeks immediately flush was incredibly cute and he most definitely wanted to see that more often. However his courage quickly fell through when the door bell rang. It was like reality slapping him in the face when all of this had felt like something of a fairytale. Taewon barely responded to the kiss, to caught up in his own panicked thoughts but he was thankful for Junseok’s quick reactions. 

When Junseok returned to him after fetching the food Taewon had remained frozen in place. The worries in his head about what all of this would mean were all too overwhelming. It was Junseok’s gentle voice that pulled him out of it and despite his nerves having returned he took Junseok’s hand. Taewon followed silently, clinging to Junseok’s fingers as if they were they only thing keeping him alive. He’d always been so insistent about never falling for someone, never getting caught up in the hassle of relationships and now he found himself hear with Junseok who made his heart beat faster when he only looked at him. Taewon figured all his stress must’ve been getting through in his expression so in a hurry he tried to smile. “It looks good hyung.”

As he returned, Junseok noticed that Taewon hadn’t seemed to move. At all. It caused him to worry, and he found himself not being able to help but wonder what it was that was running through his mind. If there was anytime that he wished he was able to see what was happening in there, it was then. But he couldn’t. So all he could do was wait until Taewon took his hand and lead him the short way to the kitchen.

starter for @noxwrites:

As had become her daily custom, Joey waltzed into the small flower shop with a tiny smile curling her lips.  It didn’t matter how terrible her day was, the moment she walked into the floral oasis, it was all left at the door.  When she knew that he saw her, her smile widened into a more obvious expression as she browsed all of the different flowers, waiting for one to catch her eye.  She wondered if was already blushing, his cheeks tinting pink as they did every day for the last month during their brief little interactions.

She couldn’t even remember how it started, if truth be told.  She had wandered into the shop after having noticed it months ago when she had moved into the neighborhood, but never finding time to actually visit the interior.  Joey found an instant and odd peace among the dozens of flowers, her worries and stress melting away as she browsed the colorful offerings, occasionally reaching out to gently touch a delicate petal.  What she couldn’t quite recall was why her first purchase, a single flower, had been given to the man behind the counter.  

Had he been sad?  Was that it?  It was not beyond her normal character to try and cheer up a stranger in obvious distress, and a few dollars to do so was nothing, even if it was the last of her money for the week?  Had Joey simply been trying to flirt?  It was certainly what it had turned into - a coy, gentle style of flirting that was almost silent and wholly new to the woman.  And the man, whose name she’d learned from his name tag was Junseok, was certainly a sight to behold, but it wasn’t necessarily like her to be so spontaneous with a perfect stranger.

The memory eluded her even as she found a beautiful blue-violet bloom that caught her eye.  With gentle fingers, she plucked a single flower from its container and, with twinkling eyes, headed up to the counter.  “Hello, Junseok.”  They had never even held a real conversation, and they never talked about why she did what she did, but that didn’t stop her from visiting the shop daily, just to spend a few minutes picking a flower before ultimately handing it over to the gentleman and then leaving.  Today’s choice was an anemone, or so the little placard indicated.  “I hope you’re well today,” she offered, handing over a small bill that she expected to cover the blossom.

It had become a routine. He wasn’t sure exactly how it had happened, but he knew that he could count on her walking through the shop door every single day. It was so routine, in fact, that he would have been concerned if there came a day where she didn’t show up. It might have been a little strange to a passerby, but his boss had told him to encourage it - after all, even just a little bit of business was better than none. Not that he really did anything to “encourage” it. He was far too shy to even attempt to initiate any kind of conversation with her.

Color softly flushed his cheeks as he observed her looking for what was the perfect flower in her mind. He had been working in this particular shop for longer than he could even remember, but she had been the first person to offer him a flower. In or outside of work. And as time went on, the small action only caused his stomach to perform more and more somersaults. He wasn’t even sure what exactly had compelled her to offer it in the first place. But it was extremely kind. And if there was one thing that he was attracted to, it was kindness.

“Hello.” A friendly smile tugged at his lips as she approached, his cheeks still holding their soft pink tint. She was stunning - and he was always so nervous. Always. Even though every day she handed the flower to him, he never wanted to assume. What if one day she wanted to keep the flower for herself and he made himself look like a jackass? No, he wasn’t going to risk something like that happening. “I’m okay,” he told her, his voice both soft and shy, with the smile to match, “I hope you’ve had a good day.”

open to: m/f - older than 25 plot: Jungsoo ( 20 ) thinks he knows what love is and after reuniting with them is completely head over heels for your muse. ( inspired by the kdrama Something in the Rain )

So maybe Jungsoo had asked them over with different intentions than actually wanting help on his english essay but that was something he’d keep to himself. He’s hardly listening, instead his eyes are trained on their face and this fuzzy feeling in his stomach is pleasantly overwhelming. “Do you have plans tonight?” Jungsoo cuts them off without shame, it’s not like he’s actually going to get anything done with them here in his dorm room anyways. His eyes are wide, puppy-like, lips forming the slightest pout and he hasn’t even asked his real question yet.

open to: m - younger than 24 plot: Yeseul ( 29 ) and your muse recently started dating. She feels insecure about the age gap and has been trying to keep it a secret. ( inspired by the kdrama Something in the Rain )

The elevator is going much too slow for her liking. Normally Yeseul is calm and patient but when he’d called saying he was standing outside her office building she went into a mild panic. If it wasn’t for the high heels on her feet she would’ve considered rushing down the stairs instead. A minute later Yeseul finds herself at the entrance. As soon as she spots him she’s grabbing his arm, dragging him to the side of the building so they’re not in view of the stream of people entering and exiting. “Are you crazy? What the hell are you doing here!” There’s a light swat of her hand against his chest but it’s more of a scolding than with intent to cause any hurt. “You better have a damn good explanation.”

Despite how boring the three-hour ride to Busan was, the fans made it worth it.  It was fairly hot, so Chingyi wanted nothing more than to come home and take a shower. That was the thing, she was really starting to think of Jaeyeon’s apartment as home.

After showering, she headed straight for the kitchen to accompany Jaeyeon, situating herself on the countertop instead of pulling up a chair. She couldn’t help but watch him with a small, fond smile. “It went well! But it was hot, I hope the fans were okay…” The last part was softer than the rest, concern laced in her tone. Leaning her head on one of the cupboards, she found herself admiring him for a moment before continuing, “How’d it go for you? Any new work?” After the success Trickster had with Dreams Come True, it wouldn’t surprise her if he was requested to do more for the other artists under their label. Although she should be happy to be sitting back for once, Chingyi couldn’t help but get restless as she watched him prepare their food. “Do you need any help?”

At that point, Jaeyeon didn’t even think twice about Chingyi choosing to sit on the counter rather than in a chair. It was just one of those things about her that he had become accustomed to. He arguably might have been more surprised if she had chosen the chair. “I’m sure they were fine.” His tone wasn’t dismissive, but rather matter-of-fact. “If they didn’t check and prepare for the heat, then that’s not your fault. And there’s nothing you could do about it anyway. So there’s no reason to worry over it.” That was just his thought process. If there was nothing to be done, there was nothing to worry about. 

Taewon was thankful for Junseok’s steady embrace as he was still simmering down. He felt protected, cared for and living alone with about a handful of friends that wasn’t something he experienced often. Now that he was getting a taste he could carefully admit to himself that he might have missed it. If this was anyone but Junseok he would have pushed them away but he had always been sincere with him, too kind for it to be anything but genuine. 

His brows furrowed suddenly hearing Junseok apologized. Besides obvious worry there was confusion, Taewon couldn’t think of anything he would have to apologize for. As Junseok continued he came to understand but also immediately shook his head in protest. “Yah hyung, I told you, no more sulking. Do you really think I’m angry over that? I know I’m petty sometimes but I like to think I’m not that bad.” Taewon managed a playful grin, trying his best to keep the mood light. His arms tightened around Junseok’s waist, a bit forceful in attempt to make him topple forward. “Hyung,” He started, voice more sincere this time. “You’re the only one that has a shot with me.” 

As soon as Taewon started speaking, Junseok fell silent, his gaze shifting downwards for just a moment at the gentle rebuke. But soon his solemn expression turned a little mischievous, his eyes darting to the side as he chewed the inside of his lip. “I mean.. You are kind of petty-” he teased. His attempt not to smile only accentuated the upward curve of his lips, his gaze not meeting Taewon’s in a pointed manner. However, just a moment later his entire facade changed in a heartbeat as he gasped softly at the unexpected pull from the younger. He had absolutely succeeded in causing him to topple. His hand moved to the couch in instinct to prevent himself from falling too hard against Taewon, his cheeks turning bright red. “I’m sorry,” he found himself saying in a momentary panic, even though he realized that had probably been his intention, “I’m sorry-”

After waiting for what felt like forever for her to continue, her final answer sparked a bit of curiosity in him, especially with the tone she used. “You’ll have to tell me about it next time we see each other, then. Since it seems to be of importance.” As he spoke, he made sure to sound like he didn’t believe her though he did. A small roll of his eyes followed suit. “Whatever.”

He couldn’t help but laugh dryly at her accusation. “Oh, sweet, gullible Yebin…” The way he shook his head was evident in how he spoke. At that point, he was smiling fondly to himself. Sometimes it felt a little out of place for someone that cute to be friends with someone like him. Not that he was a complete prick, but he was no saint either. “It’s more fun doing the teasing than receiving, I thought you’d know!” The fondness in her voice did absolutely no help for his own fondness, the urge to say something was almost overwhelming. It wasn’t as if he couldn’t call his best friend cute - he’s done it countless times - but things were very different now than before they fought.

At his tone, Yebin found herself rolling her eyes as well. “Well, I guess I will have to. It sounds like you’re dying to hear about it as it is.” Her voice was exaggerated just a bit too much, in order to make it clear that she was only teasing him. But still, it was hard for her to tell whether he meant what he said or not..

Taewon watched with wide eyes, almost seeming entranced. The way Junseok moved so easily, shamelessly until he was perked up and looking pretty in Taewon’s lap. While he’d been thinking of his confession over and over not once had his thoughts dared to go as far as this, it was almost dreamy. His arms instinctively tightened around Junseok’s waist and he let himself lean in to touch of finger in his hair. Instinct seemed to be the key. No thinking, just doing, giving into whatever first impulse he felt. “Much better.”

He heard his name falling from Junseok’s lips but instead of angry, happy or anything in between it just sounded fragile, almost like fear. Still Junseok moved, there was a hand on the back of his neck and before Taewon knew it he was leaning in and finally, finally, their lips met. It was simple, much too short for his liking, but oh so sweet. No one had ever kissed him with so much emotion and it excited but also terrified him to no end. Still he relied on that instinct, no worrying for right now, he’d just enjoy the moment. So when Junseok leaned in again Taewon’s arms tightened around his waist to draw him closer and he kissed back with an intense eagerness. He wanted to feel just Junseok, wanted to taste him.

It lasted for a minute until he felt himself going light headed with the lack of oxygen. As he pulled back he gasped but a moment later laughter fell from his lips. A feeling of happiness and relief coursed through him and Taewon swore it would be better than any high a human could experience. His forehead rested on Junseok’s shoulder as he couldn’t deny feeling tired after the rollercoaster of emotions. He waited until he caught his breath again to pull back, meet Junseok’s eyes. “You’re amazing hyung.” The words were entirely sincere, his gaze fond as it roamed over his face. “Thank you for being so patient with me for so long.” 

It would have been impossible for Junseok not to pour every emotion he was experiencing into the moment that he was sharing with Taewon. Finally, after so many long months, he found himself able to release some of what he had been keeping bottled up. His worries, his fears, his concerns - they didn’t matter anymore. Because now Taewon knew how he felt, and he had more than just good reason to believe that it was reciprocated. It was as though a weight had been lifted from his shoulders. No more worrying if he had taken something too far, or wondering if a gaze had lingered too long or if a touch wasn’t welcome. It was liberating.

“More please, more hyung.” Taewon answered without hesitation for once. Even though his voice remained soft, almost silent, it was like he had a new found determination.  Which might have been true. They were nearly pressed together and yet everything in Taewon’s body was asking to be drawn closer, held tighter.

Feeling fingers run through his hair Taewon shivered under the touch. This was closer to matching his needs, foreheads resting together but it still didn’t seem to be enough. He adjusted himself impatiently, frowning slightly at Junseok’s words. “Don’t get over me.” Again there was determination his tone, so strong it came close to sounding desperate. He knew he had to ask for it, no matter what, unfortunately Junseok wasn’t quite able to read his mind. It took some preparation, nervous hands clinging onto the fabric of Junseok’s shirt while he tried to somewhat even out his breathing. Why did it have to be so nerve wrecking? 

“Hyung,” he started carefully, swallowing thickly before he continued. “Kiss me. Please. Don’t get over me. Just kiss me.”

“More?” Junseok's eyes widened in surprise at Taewon’s sudden change in heart. Where just a moment ago it felt like a fight to get anything out of him, now it seemed he was letting everything out. And Junseok enjoyed everything about it. His head was swimming and his heart was racing - sometimes missing a beat here and there. If he had any doubt left that he was being sincere, Tae’s restless little fidgeting cleared his mind of any uncertainty. “Oh, Tae, okay-” There was nothing subtle about the desperation in his voice. After all, all of his cards were already on the table, anyways. How could he say no? Carefully, he moved away from him just long enough to be able to turn and bring a leg up and over his lap. Cheeks flushed as he realized the placement of Taewon’s hands only became more noticeable as he straddled his lap. One hand moved to run through his hair again - the shiver hadn’t escaped his attention - while the other arm snaked around his neck once again as he pressed himself against him. “Is this-” Suddenly his nerves caught up to him, causing his words to get stuck in his throat. He took a steadying breath before trying again. “Is this better?”

The command was gentle, almost more of a question yet combined with Junseok’s gentle touch it seemed the work wonders on Taewon. The gentle weight of hands on his shoulders made them sink, not quite relaxed but most certainly less tense than before. His eyes were now trained on Junseok, as if he could somehow escape all these overwhelming feelings by perhaps completely going up in them instead. 

“Maybe.” His answer was still hesitant but it was great progress from another excuse as maybe clearly meant ‘yes’ in this case. Taewon’s hands found their own place to settle, right on Junseok’s hips. As he came closer really he wasn’t left with much a of a choice but at the same time he couldn’t find himself to mind. While it made his heart race and his head feel like it was swimming there was a certain satisfaction and comfortableness that he could not get enough of.

Junseok leaned in and Taewon swore he could feel his breath on his face, only inches apart. In any other situation he would’ve shied away maybe even gotten angry, but instead his fingers clenched onto Junseok’s shirt as he felt arms wrapping around his neck. “I’m not. I’m really not.” He answered in a heart beat, head shaking fervently. While he wasn’t an experienced romantic he knew what this meant and where it was going. He only wished he had the courage to take it there himself but that was one step too much. “I’m not hyung.” Taewon’s voice was quiet, a little shaky but there was sincerity behind his words. His eyes caught Junseok’s and he was probably looking like a deer caught in the headlights, however he didn’t run, not this time. “Please.”

The fact that just the gentle weight of his hands on his shoulders was enough to visibly loosen some of the tension Taewon felt came as a relief to Junseok. He didn’t want to see the younger so uncomfortable. What he was less satisfied with, however, was the answer that he received. ‘Maybe’. The feeling of Taewon’s hands on his hips nearly erased the thought from his mind, but he still managed to mumble out an uncertain “Should I take that as a yes?” as his cheeks flushed with color.

But as Taewon continued on, Junseok was convinced that his heart was going to beat right out of his chest. If anything, he had been expecting him to pull away, to put an end to what had been building up. But instead he was given just the opposite. He was given the reassurance that it wasn’t just a game - and a sincere and automatic reassurance, no less. He sounded nervous, yes, but he sounded honest. He couldn’t fault him for being nervous. Because truth be told, he felt the exact same way. “Please..?” he found himself repeating the other’s final word, not being able to pinpoint exactly what he meant, “Please what?”

The sudden change in his demeanor told her that she had not answered the question he way that he wanted. The truth was, she didn’t know how to answer the question. So when she had tossed it back to him, and he didn’t answer, it wasn’t terribly helpful for her to figure it out. The idea of a permanent relationship was frightening, but not because she was afraid of being with someone for the long term. It was the fear of putting so much stock into one person and having that person leave without another word. She didn’t think lowly of Hyunseok. He was a good person, he had a big heart and she found that she fit perfectly there.

“I don’t know,” she admitted softly, looking into his eyes. She didn’t want him to think that she wanted him to go. She didn’t. She wasn’t sure what she would do if he suddenly got up and left. Which was a lot of the problem that they were having. “It’s scary to think about being in a permanent relationship. Even though I know you’re not the kind of person that would just run away… I guess I’m still afraid of that,” she said, glancing away from his eyes and more towards the center of his chest.

Suji reached out and put a hand on the side of his neck. “That’s why I’m asking you what you want to do, what you want us to be. Because I know that you’re better than me at coming up with solutions. I’m terrible at pretty much everything that has something to do with emotions.”

At her explanation, Hyunseok found himself tilting his head as she spoke. He, personally, couldn’t understand or relate to the particular fear that she was talking about, but he had to remind himself that her circumstances were so much different than his own. “Still afraid of me running away?” It was hard not to notice how she averted her gaze. His hand found its way under her chin, gently tilting it up in an effort to catch it again, to regain that contact. “Well, I haven’t yet, have I?” he questioned with a smile tugging at a single corner of his lips.

But the smile was short-lived as she continued on, and a soft sigh escaped him as he thought about his options. “The thing is,” he began, reaching out to take her free hand in one of his own, “I don’t want to make a decision for you. Because this is just as much about you as it is about me. And I don’t want to come up with a solution that would make you unhappy or uncomfortable or unsatisfied.” He himself found his gaze turning towards the floor as thoughts whirred in his mind.

“I told you it’s just cause I don’t do this often!” It was his immediate response, excuses, he couldn’t help himself. The truth was too embarrassing no matter how much he wanted to share it. Taewon dwelt on that, wanting to share it. The thought brought him back to earlier that night, just how much he’d regretted letting Junseok go. Hadn’t he told himself this was his second chance? And now he was still too much of a coward to use it.

Junseok’s hand on his harm somehow felt like it was burning his skin, Taewon was painfully aware of the touch even as his body deflated in defeat. This never ending battle inside himself was exhausting. He leaned into the touch, leaned into Junseok as if it might help sway his mind toward the decision to confess.

“I guess, I don’t know, maybe there’s something else, I just-” He’d started now, fuck, he’d started and there really wasn’t a good excuse to get him out of it this time. Taewon panicked, back suddenly straightening out and shoulders tensing up. The flush that had been resting just on the tips of his ears was now spreading to his cheeks. “I really didn’t like it when you said you had a date.” The words came out fast, muttered on his breath to make them nearly inaudible if it wasnt for the deafening silence in the apartment. Taewon felt like his heart might beat out of his chest, either that would kill him or he’d melt on the spot. Had someone taken the oxygen out of the room?

Junseok’s eyes widened slightly at Taewon’s sudden exclamation, but it wasn’t long after that his smile returned - if not a bit sadder. “Tae, it’s alright.” He found himself uncurling from his position on the couch, choosing instead to move closer to the other. After all, Taewon hadn’t flinched away from his touch. Quite the opposite, actually. He took that as silent permission to continue. And the urge to push how far he could take it was overwhelming. Why was it so hard to breathe?

It was hard not to notice how he tensed as he spoke. Junseok was putting it together - but it was hard to know whether he was right, or if it was that pesky glimmer of hope just telling him he was. “Relax, please.” The command was about as forceful as his voice was loud as he whispered, placing his hands on Taewon’s shoulders as if that were enough to will them to loosen. But his gaze locked on the younger’s as he continued speaking. Had they not been sitting so close, he might have even missed them. “Is that why you wanted me to stay late?” Junseok found himself asking. He had noticed the color that had come to rest on Taewon’s cheeks, but didn’t dare comment on it. After all, he was certain he was just as flushed.

At some point, he had brought himself closer. If he tried to move any nearer, he would have found himself in Taewon’s lap. How could he function like this? His heart was pounding in his chest, yet at the same time he felt as though it was lodged in his throat. Thoughts whirred through his mind so quickly he could barely catch them. If he couldn’t even understand what was going through his own head, then why pay mind to reason? He wouldn’t be able to catch up to it, anyways.