The oneshots are all standalones and aren't directly connected, but they all trace their roots back to this pivotal moment — the story that defines who they are and the complicated love they can never seem to let go of.

While Jaehyun’s character revolves around his idol life in Ilichil, Yuta and Taeyong will also play key roles, as their lives are heavily intertwined with the unfolding of Jaehyun and Y/N’s relationship.

Feedbacks are always welcome!

🍒 YUTA NAKAMOTO

Valentine’s Surprise #2 | wip

From Milan to Paris | wip

Remnants of the night

🌹 TAEYONG

Beneath the Chuseok Moon

Steamy Tokyo Holiday

🍑 JAEHYUN

We’re Unconditionally Timeless

This is the backstory of Jaehyun and Y/N’s tumultuous relationship, the foundation, the beginning of everything—where their relationship starts to unravel and set the stage for what follows.

One step at a time

Thread of a Promise

In the shadow of their love

Valentine’s Surprise #1 | wip

Shenanigans and Splashes

Misfit Love | wip

Love you too much

Heart Spilled Drunk

Jaehyun had attended their stylist Kim Youngjin’s wedding with Johnny, Doyoung, Jungwoo, and Mark. Knowing they’d likely be drinking during dinner, you offered to pick them up at the end of the night.

You arrived at the pickup point right on time, as Jaehyun had told you the ceremony would end then. But what you didn’t expect was to find your ever composed boyfriend, known for his high alcohol tolerance barely able to stand, with Johnny and Jungwoo on either side trying to keep him upright.

You quickly got out of the driver’s seat and hurried over. “Gosh, how much did he drink?” you muttered as you reached for him.

Jungwoo gave you a sheepish smile. “Sorry, noona... we really tried to get him to slow down.”

You let out a sigh, shaking your head as you looked at your very wasted boyfriend.

“We’ll come along too, if that’s okay,” Johnny offered. “We can help you get him upstairs.”

“That would be a huge help. Thank you,” you said sincerely.

The moment Jaehyun saw you, he reached out and latched onto your hand, refusing to let go.

“I’ll drive,” Doyoung said, gently taking the keys from your hand. “You sit with him in the back.”

“Well, looks like I don’t have a choice,” you replied, sliding into the backseat beside Jaehyun. “What would I do without you guys... Oh, where’s Mark?”

“He had a schedule and had to leave earlier,” Johnny explained as he buckled in.

Once everyone was settled, Doyoung started the car. Jaehyun leaned into you, eyes barely open, mumbling your name.

You rested his head on your shoulder, trying to keep him steady. The others chatted lightly about the wedding, how blissful the couple looked and laughed over how adorable Youngjin’s daughter had been as the ring bearer.

Then, Jaehyun mumbled, “Y/n… I really wanna marry you… but I’m not ready.”

You turned to him, stunned. The words hung in the air, heavy. You’d talked about marriage after his military service, but to hear this, in such a vulnerable state, made you question everything again.

The boys knew things hadn’t been smooth between the two of you lately. The tension in the car shifted instantly, and the conversation died.

But then Jaehyun muttered again, this time barely audible: “Youngjin hyung’s daughter was so cute… I want a daughter too… but we can’t have one, right…”

Another blow. You froze. The quiet mention of your fertility struggles, the very thing that’s been weighing on your relationship, it felt like a dagger.

You gently eased Jaehyun off your shoulder, though your touch was hesitant, almost as if you didn’t fully want to let go. You turned away, staring out the window, blinking rapidly to hold back tears. Jungwoo, catching the shift, pulled him toward his side of the seat.

Johnny glanced back, trying to ease the moment. “Don’t mind him,” he said softly. “He really just had too much.”

The drive home was quiet. Awkward, even. Tension hung in the air like mist, and no one dared break it.

With the boys around, you didn’t need to lift a finger. They helped Jaehyun out of the car and up to the apartment, with the kind of care that didn’t need explaining.

They brought Jaehyun into your shared room, laying him carefully on the bed. 

“It’s too late to get a cab home,” you said softly once everyone was inside. “Just stay the night.” They exchanged a few glances but nodded without hesitation.

As hurt as you were, love still anchored your hands. You changed him into more comfortable clothes, wiped him down, and tucked him in like you always did. Only this time, the routine felt different. He had no idea how deeply he'd wounded you, and yet your care hadn’t faltered.

You washed up in silence, then slipped under the covers and turned to face him. He was already fast asleep, his expression calm, unaware of the weight he’d left on your chest. You stared at him for a while, thoughts circling, emotions tangled. You were too exhausted to keep thinking, but your heart wouldn’t quiet. Sleep eventually found you, heavy and dreamless.

The next morning, you rose before everyone else and quietly prepared breakfast. The smell of eggs and toast slowly drew the others out of the guest room, one by one, each offering a soft “morning” as they settled at the table.

You joined them at the table, trying to keep your smiles light as the boys chatted casually, catching up with one another. Their laughter filled the space, warm and familiar, almost enough to distract you for a bit.

Then, footsteps echoed in the hallway. Steady and familiar. Jaehyun. 

Jaehyun entered the kitchen, hair tousled and eyes still heavy with sleep. He walked over and leaned down to press a gentle kiss to your cheek, just like he always did. “Good morning,” he mumbled, voice rough and soft.

You didn’t respond.

He frowned slightly and sat down, glancing at you again. “Are you okay?” he asked, this time more alert.

You didn’t meet his gaze. Instead, you set down your cup and stood slowly.

“I’m done,” you said softly, then turned and walked back to the bedroom, shutting the door behind you.

Jaehyun sat frozen in his seat, confused. He looked around at the others for an explanation.

Doyoung cleared his throat and finally spoke, “You don’t remember what you said last night… Do you?”

Jaehyun blinked. “What?”

“You said some things in the car,” Johnny added gently. “Things you probably didn’t mean to say. But you said them anyway.”

A sinking feeling settled in his chest. He didn’t know what he had said exactly, but the weight in the room and the pain etched on your face told him everything, whatever it was, it had wounded you deeply.

Jaehyun’s brows furrowed, confusion knitting deeper into his face. He looked from Johnny to Doyoung, then to Jungwoo, whose eyes were downcast.

“…What did I say?” he asked quietly, almost afraid to know.

The boys exchanged glances. No one spoke at first.

Doyoung finally sighed, putting his chopsticks down. “You said you wanted to marry her… but you’re not ready.”

Jaehyun froze.

“You also mentioned wanting a daughter,” Johnny added carefully. “… and brought up the fertility stuff.”

Jaehyun’s eyes widened. “I…what?”

“You were out of it, hyung,” Jungwoo said gently. “None of it came out like a conversation. It was more like… pieces. Thoughts. Things you’ve been holding in, maybe.”

Jaehyun sat back, the weight of their words sinking in. Shame washed over him like cold water.

Doyoung added quietly, “We know it’s been tough for both of you. But hearing it like that… it was painful.”

Jaehyun swallowed hard, “Did she hear all of it?”

Doyoung nodded. “Yeah. She didn’t say a word after. Just looked out the window the whole ride home.”

“She didn’t even want to push you off when you clung to her,” Jungwoo added. “She just… froze.”

He ran a hand through his hair, breath catching in his throat. “Shit… I didn’t mean any of this.”

“We know,” Johnny said carefully. “You should talk to her,” Johnny said gently.

With a slow nod, Jaehyun rose, feeling the weight of what he’d done settle heavily on him.

He knew he might have fractured something fragile, but facing it was the only way forward. He had to fix it, no matter what it took.

Jaehyun stood outside the bedroom door, his hand hovering just above the knob. The silence inside made the space between heartbeats feel longer. He exhaled slowly, then knocked, voice quiet.

“Y/N… can I come in?”

No answer.

Another pause. Then, the soft sound of the door unlocking.

He pushed it open slowly and stepped inside. You were sitting on the edge of the bed, your back turned to him, still in your sleep shirt, shoulders stiff.

He approached cautiously, unsure of where to begin.

“I… I don’t remember saying those things,” he said, voice strained, “but I’m not going to pretend they didn’t come from somewhere. I’m really sorry.”

You didn’t look at him. Your hands were in your lap, fingers curled slightly. He noticed your fingers curled slightly around a crumpled tissue, used.

“I wasn’t ready to hear them like that,” you whispered, your voice low and trembling. Not broken into half sentences… not slurred through the haze of too many drinks.”

“I know, and I’m sorry,” he said, sinking down to his knees in front of you. “I should’ve told you before. I should’ve told you everything.”

You finally looked at him, your eyes glassy with unshed tears, “So it’s true?”

He didn’t answer right away. He searched your expression for a place to land, but all he saw was pain, pain that he was the cause of.

“I do want to marry you,” he said slowly, honestly. “More than anything. But I’m scared, y/n. Not of you. I’m scared of messing this up. That I won’t be enough. Especially after everything we’ve been through.”

Your throat tightened. “And the baby?”

“Last night… Youngjin hyung’s daughter reminded me of what I want. What we want. And how much it hurts not knowing if we’ll ever have that,” he said, voice cracking. “I didn’t mean it to sound like it’s your fault. It’s not. None of it is.”

Your tears finally fell, slow and silent.

“I know we said we’d wait until after your enlistment to talk about everything again,” you said, “but hearing you say you’re not ready, after we’ve tried so hard to hold on these past few months… it really felt like the beginning of the end.”

“No,” Jaehyun said firmly, reaching out to take your hands. “Don’t say that. That was me at my worst. But us, what we have, it’s still everything to me. Even if we’re bruised, even if things aren’t perfect. I’m not giving up on us. I never will.”

You looked at him for a long moment, your silence louder than anything in the room.

“I’m not giving up on us either. I want us to come back to this with a full heart, not a bruised one. And you... you need to learn how to speak from your heart, before the hurt finds its way out first.” You admitted.

He nodded, swallowing hard. “I know I’ve hurt you… but I want to be better. For you. For us. I just… I need you to know I’m not letting go.”

There was a pause. Then you reached out and gently touched his cheek. 

“I love you” Brief, but grounding. Then quieter still, “I love you even more.”

Your voice trembled just slightly. “I don’t want to lose you,”

His hand came up to hold yours against his face. 

“You won’t,” he whispered. “I promise.”

All your calls went unanswered, and your countless text messages were left on read.

 "Jae, I’m really really sorry."  

 "Come home, please?"  

 "I swear I didn’t mean it."  

 "I know you wouldn’t do that."  

 "I just spoke out of anger."  

 "I’ll be waiting for you at home."  

 "I love you."

I'm so glad you love me, you're the only one who holds me I can understand what love is now 'Cause you showed me what love looks like My whole life has been a blessing since '99, ooh

Jaehyun had stormed out of the house, slamming the door behind him, and he hadn't returned since. It has been almost 24 hours, and you haven’t heard from him.

Growing restless, you called his manager, asking about Jaehyun’s schedule for the day. Only to receive an answer you knew wouldn't help, just a morning meeting, which he had attended but left immediately after. You tried reaching out to the boys too, but Jungwoo only said that Jaehyun mentioned he was heading to the gym, though he should’ve been long done by now.

Your instincts told you he had asked them not to reveal too much so you didn’t push them further.

If he wasn’t at the studio or the gym, there was only one other place he could be. The basketball court at Banpo Han River. A spot he always returned to, whether it was for a quick game with the boys or to simply disconnect with life for a bit.

You hurried there without thinking twice.

The sharp echo of the basketball pounding against the pavement met your ears before you even reached the court. The rhythmic thud, the squeak of sneakers pivoting, the occasional clang of the ball against the hoop, it all filled the heavy evening air.

And there he was. Along with Jungwoo and Mark, playing under the fading sunlight.

Mark noticed you first, freezing mid dribble as his eyes widened slightly, his face almost looked mortified seeing you walking towards them.

"Is there a ghost behind me, Mark?" you teased, forcing a small chuckle.

"Noona... sorry... hyung, he—" Mark stuttered, scratching the back of his neck awkwardly.

"I know. It’s okay," you said, smiling lightly to put him at ease.

By then, Jaehyun had seen you. He turned back to the hoop, aimed for another shot, but the ball bounced off the rim and missed. Frustration flickered across his face. Without a word, he threw the ball to the ground, the loud thud echoing through the court, and stormed off toward the bleachers where they had left their belongings.

"Mark, I’m thirsty. Let’s go get a drink," Jaehyun called out sharply, not even looking back.

"Hyung, we’ll go," Jungwoo quickly responded, catching on immediately.

Before Jaehyun could even open his mouth, Jungwoo had already grabbed Mark’s arm, tugging him away towards the convenience store.

You mouthed a small thank you to Jungwoo, who just gave you a supportive nod before jogging away, giving you and Jaehyun the space you needed.

Taking a deep breath, you made your way toward the bleachers, cautiously sitting down. Deliberately leaving a gap between you and Jaehyun, with their bags occupying the space between.

"Jae—" you started carefully.

"Just leave,” he said flatly, not even looking at you. “I don’t want to talk."

You knew how stubborn Jaehyun was, how deep he could retreat into himself when he was hurting, so you didn’t press him. 

"Okay. I’ll leave," you said gently. "But only after you eat this first." You pulled out a bento box you had prepared earlier and pushed it carefully into his hands.

"You haven’t eaten all day, have you?" You nudged the box closer to him.

As if on cue, his stomach betrayed him with a loud grumble.

"Eat" you insisted, your tone soft but firm. "Then I’ll go."

Jaehyun glared at the box like it had personally offended him. He remained quiet and looked away again. 

After a long, heavy pause and with a reluctant huff, he finally took the chopsticks and the bento box from your hands. Not a single word escaped his lips as he ate, devouring the meal as though he hadn't eaten in days. You stayed silent, just quietly watching him from the side.

So very him. Jaehyun, a tsundere. Stubborn to the core, acting like he didn’t care, yet still accepting every piece of love you offered.

He ate quickly, almost aggressively, as if pretending he wasn’t hungry would make it less obvious how much he needed it. When he was done, he placed the empty container on the seat beside him with a little more force than necessary, as if trying to make a point.

You expected him to get up and head back to the court. But he didn’t move. Didn’t say a word. 

You gathered the container, tucking it back into your bag. You had promised you would leave, so you got ready to stand up.

But just as you were about to stand up, his voice stopped you.

"I hate you," Jaehyun said quietly.

—

The Night Before

The argument started innocently enough, a small comment, an offhand remark that spiraled out of control in seconds. It wasn’t even about anything serious, Just a bad day, a few misunderstood words, and your own temper snapping under pressure.

Jaehyun had been trying, really. You could see it, he was doing his best to hold it together, trying not to let the exhaustion from work and the weight of the day drag him down further. All he wanted after returning home was to take a long shower, cuddle in bed with you and have a peaceful night to unwind.

But somewhere between frustration and weariness, you threw the lowest blow without even thinking. You just refused to back down. 

Jaehyun walked through the door, his footsteps heavy from a long day at work. He dropped his bag on the floor, “Dinner ready?” was the first thing he called out. 

You didn’t turn around. “Y/N? You good?” he asked, noticing the silence in the air.

“Hi Jaehyun. Yes, my day was great, And yes, dinner is ready.” you replied, your words dripping with sarcasm.

His brow furrowed. “Where is this coming from?”

You can feel the frustration building inside you, like a dam that’s about to burst. 

Finally turning to face him, your voice tight with the weight of everything you’ve been holding in.

“Really? No hi? No how’s your day? You just come home and expect food on the table? What am I to you, Jaehyun? I just don’t understand why you’ve been so distant. Like, I’m here, trying to communicate with you, but you’re always so checked out.” you blabbered.

A flicker of confusion passing over his face.

“Checked out? I’m not, I’ve been working all day, Y/N. You know that.”

“Of course I know that,” you snapped, the frustration clear in your voice. “But it feels like you’ve been avoiding me. Like you dread coming home.”

Jaehyun let out a deep breath, his hands running through his hair as he stepped closer to you, trying to meet your gaze. “Y/N, that’s not true. I’m here, I’m trying. What do you want from me? What more do you need?”

“I need you to talk to me, Jaehyun!”

“I am talking to you,” he responded, his tone defensive.

You could feel the heat rise in your chest, frustration seeping into every word. “No, you’re not. You’re saying words just for the sake of it.”

Everything that had been building up inside you broke free. You set the ladle down harder than you intended, the clatter of it against the counter sharp in the tense air. 

“At least Jackson knew how to make me feel heard!” you blurted out, the words cutting through the room before you could stop them.

The moment the name left your mouth, the room dropped into an icy silence.

Jaehyun just stared at you, like he couldn’t believe what he'd heard.  

Your chest heaved with angry breaths, your heart hammering. But as the seconds ticked by, the weight of what you said sank in. 

You hadn't meant it. You hadn't meant it at all. But it’s now too late, you couldn’t unsay it.

You instantly knew you messed up, seeing the way Jaehyun froze, jaw tightened, his hands clenching into fists at his sides.  

He didn’t yell. Didn’t argue. He just stood there for a long second, breathing like he was trying to steady himself. And when he finally spoke he quietly said, "Okay," his voice was so low it barely made it across the room.

"Go back to him, then."

"Jae—" you gasped, stepping toward him, panic rising fast.

"No. You said what you meant." He cut you off, a humorless, broken laugh escaping him.  

You tried to reach for him, but he was already backing away, grabbing his jacket from the chair.

"You don’t have to worry about me not listening anymore.”

And before you could say another word, he was gone.

The door slammed shut, leaving you alone with your regrets echoing off the walls.

5 minutes. 5 minutes was all it took. Jaehyun had just stepped in the house and had barely settled down and now he’s left again. 

Both of you were caught in a communication breakdown. 

There was Jaehyun, exhausted and wasn’t as emotionally available as usual, then there was you, frustrated by the lack of communication, couldn’t find the words to express how you were feeling without sounding accusatory or defensive. You both spoke in frustration, not taking the time to really understand each other’s points of view.

—

Your eyes snapped up to him.

Looking at Jaehyun now, the tired slump of his shoulders, the way he had just devoured the meal earlier without even looking at you for one bit, guilt was gnawing at your insides.

You hadn't meant to compare. You never once wished Jaehyun was anyone else.

But in that one reckless moment, you'd made Jaehyun feel like he wasn't enough, like he was second best. And that was the deepest cut you could have given someone who loved you so much.

He wasn’t looking at you, his gaze was fixed far away, just staring out into the empty court ahead, his expression unreadable.

"I hate that you knew where to find me," he continued, his voice low and rough.

"I hate that you came here with food for me."

"I hate that you care so much for me."

"I hate that you love me too much."

'Cause your love is too much Too much, always I know you love me too much Too much, always I'd turn and leave myself today 'Cause finding you is worth everything Yes, your love is too much too much always Oh, your love is

He swallowed thickly, his next words cracking under the weight of the emotions he tried to hold back.

"I hate that no matter how hard I try to stay mad at you," he whispered, "I can’t." he finally turned to face you, eyes glassy.

The weight of his confession hung between you, thick and heavy. 

Neither of you moved, the only sounds filling the air were the distant thuds of a basketball being lazily bounced by Mark and Jungwoo somewhere farther off.

You set your bag down again and sat still, hands resting on your lap as you fiddled with your fingers. You were caught a little off guard for a moment, unsure of how to reply to him as you were scared of saying the wrong thing that might end up pushing him even further away.

Jaehyun let out a shaky breath, dragging a hand through his sweat damp hair, looking utterly exhausted. Not just physically, but from fighting with himself.

"I was so angry, Y/N," he said, his voice barely above a whisper.  

"I was so angry because it hurt. What you said… it hurt more than I thought it could."

"Jaehyun..." you started, your voice barely above a whisper, your throat tightening. "I know. And I'm so, so sorry." you said, the words raw and sincere.

He pressed his lips together, eyes dropping to the ground between his feet like the words he wanted to say were buried there.

"I wanted to stay mad," he confessed, his voice breaking again. "I told myself I should. That if maybe I stayed mad enough, it wouldn't hurt so much."

You slid a little closer, closing part of the space between you, but still giving him the room to choose. He didn't move away.

"It broke me, Jae. Watching you leave like that, knowing I caused it. I couldn't stop replaying it in my head. Wondering if I had lost you for good. I don't think I've ever hated myself more."

He let out a bitter chuckle under his breath, wiping at his face roughly with the sleeve of his shirt. When he finally looked at you, really looked, his eyes were glistening with unshed tears.

You reached out carefully, hesitating for just a second before placing your hand gently over his.  

He didn’t pull away.

"I really didn’t mean it," you pushed on, forcing the words out even though your throat burned.

Your gaze dropped to your hands, guilt weighing down on you heavier with each second.

"I don’t even think about him anymore. I haven’t in a long time. I swear." 

"You’re nothing like him," you whispered. "You’re everything he wasn’t. You listen. You care. You love me better than I ever thought I deserved. I know you’re doing your best for us. I just let my insecurities get in the way."

The words stumbled out of you in a messy rush, your heart speaking faster than your mind could catch up. "I get so scared sometimes when you love me too much, like I’m going to mess everything up because that's what I’m used to. People leaving. People giving up. But you… you’re different. You’re so good, too good for me and sometimes I just don’t know what to do with that."

"And I know you’re exhausted, you work so hard, and you give so much of yourself every day, I should be making it easier for you, not making you question if you’re enough."

Yeah, more than I can ever imagine

Jaehyun stared at you for a long, unreadable moment.

You could feel his eyes on you, but you couldn’t bring yourself to meet them yet.

"You can hate me all you want—" 

"Stop. Don’t say that." he cut you off sharply, the weight of his voice grounding you. 

Too much, too much, always (Yeah, yeah, than I can ever imagine) Yes, your love is too much, too much, always, ooh (Yeah, yeah, alright)

Then, with a broken sound from deep in his chest, he quickly closed the gap between you, pulling you into him. “I will never hate you.” he murmured against your hair.  

Your arms wrapped around him, tight and desperate, like you were afraid he might slip away if you didn’t hold on hard enough.  

"I’ve been so caught up in my own stuff that I forgot to take care of us, and I’m so sorry for making you feel unimportant. You mean everything to me."

I know your love is too much, I'm writing to you with love It's all for moments like this (Yeah, alright) I know your love is too much, I'm writing to you with love It's all for moments like this (Yeah, alright)

“You could break my heart a hundred times and I’d still choose you. Y/N, I love you so much”

I know your love is too much It's the only love worth fighting for I had to get this off my chest Right before I let this album end I know your love is too much I know your love is too much

Too much, too much, always

A little message to Mark Lee, 

Congratulations on your first solo album! I’m so grateful to have witnessed your journey as an artist, how you’ve allowed us to connect with you on such a personal level through your passion for music and by sharing this piece of yourself with us. May your music continue to touch more hearts and change even more lives. Thank you for sharing The Firstfruit with us. Thank you, Mark, for everything. 🫑🍁🐯💚

Jaehyun and you were like a couple out of puppy love, splashing around in the pool, the warm sun reflecting off the water as laughter echoed between the two of you. You tossed water playfully at him, watching his eyes narrow mischievously as he swam towards you “You think you can get me wet?” he teased, a confident smile tugging at his lips.

“Oh, for sure I can,” you replied, flicking another splash in his direction.

But just as you turned to escape from his counterattack, Jaehyun made a move, gently pulling you back toward him by your wrist. “Want to get you wet elsewhere, baby” he whispered into yours ears 

“Ha.ha.ha you wish!” You said sarcastically, swimming away from him quickly, the water rippling as you moved, but Jaehyun, being the competitive one, swam after you with ease. As you turned back to see him, he was already behind you. The cheeky grin on Jaehyun’s face never faded. Letting his intrusive thoughts take control, he swiftly tugged at the string of your bikini top, causing it to loosen.

Startled, you instinctively grabbed onto it, holding it close to your chest, shooting him a mock glare. “JAEHYUN!” you exclaimed, your voice a mix of mock frustration and laughter.

Jungwoo, who had been floating nearby, burst out in laughter at the sight of you scrambling to secure your bikini top. “Hyung, you are so dead,” he said between chuckles, shaking his head at Jaehyun’s antics.

The laughter caught the attention of the other members who had been lounging by the pool.

Jaehyun put his hands up in mock surrender. “Just a little harmless fun.”

In defeat, you made your way to the side of the pool, your eyes locked with Doyoung’s, who had been sitting with his legs dangling in the water, watching the chaos unfold. “Ugh help me, please,” you said, throwing him a pleading look, knowing that out of everyone, he was the one who might actually take your side.

He offered you a hand. “You’re lucky I’m in a good mood today” he said with a laugh, his voice teasing but sincere.

With one hand still holding onto the fabric of your bikini, you reached out to him, and he quickly lifted you up to sit on the edge of the pool. As you settled yourself on the ledge, you could still hear the faint echoes of Jaehyun’s laughter in the background.

Without needing you to ask again, Doyoung quickly got to work, his movements efficient and steady as he gently retied your bikini top with ease. His calm demeanor contrasted with Jaehyun’s and Jungwoo’s laughter still filling around the pool. 

“Is it secure?” Doyoung asked, his voice neutral as he glanced up at you and gave a brief, thoughtful look. His tone was matter-of-fact, with a touch of subtle attention to detail.

You nodded, relieved, and gave him a grateful smile. “You’re a lifesaver, Doyoung.”

“Baby,” Jaehyun called out to you from across the pool, his voice dripping with that familiar teasing tone. You could feel his eyes on you, but you ignored him, crossing your arms and pretending not to hear.

Doyoung just shot him a playful look, the corner of his lips twitching as he replied, “Next time, try to keep your intrusive thoughts in check.”

Suddenly, you felt a warm presence behind you. Without warning, Taeyong wrapped a soft towel around your shoulders, his arms gently resting on you as he gave you a comforting smile.

“Thank you, Taeyong,” you said softly, feeling warm and bundled up

Taeyong patted your shoulder lightly before looking over at Jaehyun, his expression also turning playful yet firm. He gave Jaehyun a look and said, “Try anything else, and you’ll have to deal with me.” His tone was light, but the underlying warning was clear.

“Noona, I’ll help you take revenge!” Haechan shouted with a mischievous grin, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Before one knows it, he pounced on Jaehyun from behind, pushing him underwater. Jungwoo quickly jumped in to join him, pulling Jaehyun down further as they both began to attack him together.

Jaehyun resurfaced, completely caught off guard. “Hey! Shouldn’t you guys be on my team?!” he exclaimed, clearly not expecting his playful banter to backfire in such a hilarious way.

Jungwoo, still clinging to his shoulder, cackled. “Not when you’re out here pulling bikini strings, hyung!”

Mark, always quick to join in, dove into the pool with a dramatic splash, sending water flying in every direction. “Aight, Spidermark is here!” he said, striking a playful pose as he resurfaced, looking every bit the superhero he claimed to be.

You couldn’t help but laugh, your sulkiness fading completely as you watched the boys defend your honor in the most ridiculous, over-the-top way. They were fully committed, attacking Jaehyun with all their might. 

“You guys are insane,” you said between giggles, thoroughly entertained by the sight of Jaehyun desperately trying to escape their grip.

As the playful chaos continued, Johnny and Yuta strolled in from the clubhouse, towels slung over their shoulders with their drinks in hand. They stopped short at the edge of the pool, watching Jaehyun getting tag-teamed by Haechan, Mark, and Jungwoo.

Johnny raised an eyebrow, watching Jaehyun flail in the middle of the water as Haechan and Mark relentlessly splashed him. “What did I miss? A full-blown mutiny?”

“You had one job, Jaehyun. One. Job.” Yuta chuckled, crossing his arms as he leaned casually against the railing. Johnny, always the protector, grinned, clearly amused by the antics going on in the water. 

Haechan, clinging to Jaehyun’s back like a koala, yelled, “And that job was to behave! But nooo, horny hyung was activated!”

Johnny gave Jaehyun a mock salute. “Prayers up, bro. You’re on your own.”

Jaehyun, who had been trying to dodge the attacks, was now surrounded, his laughter mixing with their playful taunts. And somewhere behind them, Mark let out a maniacal laugh as he cannonballed onto Jaehyun again.

“You’re done for, hyung!” Haechan laughed, sending another wave of water in Jaehyun’s direction.

The pool had officially become a splash battleground, and Jaehyun? Completely outnumbered. The members had him cornered, every time Jaehyun tried to break free, someone pulled him back—Haechan grabbing his arm, Jungwoo pushing from behind, Mark drowning him with splashes. 

Taeyong looked every bit the disappointed parent. “Ten bucks says he tries to bribe us for backup in the next five minutes.”

“Five?” Doyoung raised an eyebrow. “I bet he’ll start crying in three.”

Johnny chuckled, leaning back against the poolside. “I give him two, tops. He’ll be begging for mercy before you even finish counting.”

Sure enough, as if on cue, Jaehyun, now fully submerged in water with Haechan clinging to his leg and Jungwoo refusing to let go of his waist, shot them a look of desperation.

You just sat there, wrapped in Taeyong’s towel, laughing so hard your stomach hurt. 

"Baby, help me please!" Jaehyun called out for you, his voice tinged with agony as he tried to wiggle free from the tangled mess of limbs in the pool.

"You deserve that!" You glanced over at him, arms crossed, trying to keep a straight face. But you couldn't help the smirk that tugged at the corners of your lips.

Jaehyun flashed you his best puppy-dog eyes, water dripping down his face, and his hair plastered to his forehead. "I promise I'll be good! I'll be good for you in bed tonight. Whatever you want."

The members chuckled at the absurdity. Even as he fought for his freedom in the pool, Jaehyun was still clutching onto his horny little agenda like it was a life raft.

Haechan, bobbing in the water like a smug little duck, shot Jaehyun a look. “Hyung, even when you’re drowning, the horny never dies!”

Jaehyun dramatically slapped the water, sending a splash in Haechan’s direction. “It’s not my fault I’m consistent!” he huffed, trying to untangle himself from Mark, who was now straddling his neck with his feet like he was riding a wild water buffalo.

“Consistently down bad,” Mark snorted, clinging on tighter with zero intention of letting go. “Seriously, hyung, it’s like you’re ovulating or something.”

The pool erupted with laughter. “Mark!” Doyoung choked, nearly falling backward from where he was perched on the ledge. “You can’t say that!”

“I said what I said!” Mark grinned. “I fear no man… except maybe Jaehyun’s inner thoughts.”

Johnny, now casually floating on a pool noodle, raised a hand. “Let’s be honest, Jaehyun’s inner thoughts are a public safety concern at this point.”

You, from your cozy seat at the edge of the pool, just sipped your drink and laughed. “That’s what you get for messing with me.”

“Not even a little sympathy?” Jaehyun pouted. 

You leaned back slightly, the corners of your lips twitching up as you feigned ignorance, “Sympathy? Oh baby,” you said sweetly, “you lost that privilege the second you pulled on my bikini top like it was a drawstring bag.”

Jaehyun clutched his chest like you’d stabbed him. “Wow. Betrayed by the love of my life. How heartless!” he muttered.

“You’re lucky I didn’t body slam you like Jungwoo did,” you replied dryly, though a small smile tugged at your lips.

“Still would’ve been worth it,” he grinned, water dripping from his eyelashes as he blinked up at you.

Haechan fake gagged. “Okay. Someone please drown me in bleach. I can’t swim in this pool anymore.”

Taeyong looked skyward. “God, it’s me again. Please send stronger brain cells to our Jaehyun.”

“Down bad and defeated,” Yuta called out, shaking his head in mock disappointment. “Truly tragic.”

After what felt like an eternity, Jaehyun finally slipped free from their hold as the boys began to lose steam. He dramatically flopped onto the green floatie, arms sprawled, staring up at the sky, “What’s the point of being good looking if I can’t have a little fun?”

“You’re so good looking, you forget that you also need self awareness,” you quipped, giving him a playful side eye. “It’s called balance.”

Jaehyun turned his head toward you, his grin returning, eyes twinkling mischievously. “You’re my balance, babe. Without you, I’d be a hot mess... actually, I’m still a hot mess, but at least you make it look good.”

“Keep going, and I might just let you keep some dignity... but don’t push it.”  you teased, crossing your arms.

Johnny, still on his pool noodle, raised a brow. “Dignity’s long gone, my guy.”

Jaehyun’s grin only widened, clearly unfazed by your playful threat. “I’m not pushing it, I’m just stating facts. I’m charmingly reckless, and you very much love it.”

“Reckless? More like dangerously clueless,” you shot back, but there was no denying the warmth in your smile.

He waggled his eyebrows. “Dangerously charming, too.”

An echo of groans and exaggerated scowls came from the boys, who were all too familiar with Jaehyun’s confidence.

“Come here, my love,” Jaehyun said, floating toward you with a dramatic flair, holding out his arms like a knight on a horse, ready to sweep you off your feet.

You rolled your eyes, but couldn’t hide the amused smile tugging at your lips. “You’re such a dork,” you muttered, but the magnetic pull of his over-the-top charm was impossible to ignore.

You couldn’t resist. And just like that, you gave in, swimming towards him and joining him on the floatie. The moment you settled beside him, he wrapped an arm around you, grinning like he had just won the battle. You were equally down bad for him, and you both knew it.

"Don’t act like you weren’t already planning this," Jaehyun teased, resting his chin on your shoulder while sneakily planting kisses along your neck. "You know I’m irresistible."

“Don’t get too comfortable, keep your hands to yourself, yeah?” you said, trying to sound stern, but the soft smile on your face betrayed you. “You’re still on probation, your dick is not getting out of your pants.”

"Excuse you, we are still here!" Taeyong’s voice echoed from the edge of the pool, making everyone burst into laughter again. 

The room was dim, lit only by the warm glow of the Tokyo Tower lit up the skyline in a brilliant orange blazing outside your window, amber and molten like it had caught fire just for the two of you. But your eyes weren’t on the view, they were on him.

Taeyong stood at the glass, shirtless, arms lifted with his digital camera in hand to take pictures of the scenic view from your room. The curve of his back caught the golden light, muscles shifting with each subtle movement, casting long shadows across the hotel floor. You watched him from the bed, heart thrumming louder than the faint hum of the city below.

His buzzed hair was still damp from the shower, little droplets tracing down the nape of his neck and disappearing into the small of his back. Every breath he took fogged a faint outline onto the glass. He was quiet, focused, lips pursed slightly as he framed his shot. But even in silence, he had you absolutely undone.

“You’re staring again,” he murmured while still looking out the window.

“You’re giving me too many reasons.” You responded.

He lowered the camera and glanced over his shoulder, smirk curling lazy and sinful across his lips. “Come here.”

The covers slipped from your skin as you stood and walked to him, bare feet padding softly on the floor. 

Then, without turning around, he murmured, “You know what I missed the most?”

He didn’t say anything as you pressed yourself into his back, arms sliding around his waist. You rested your cheek against his shoulder blade, skin to skin, pulse to pulse. “Tell me,” you said.

“This,” he whispered. “Being somewhere with you. No schedules. No interruptions. Just this.”

You pressed your lips to his shoulder, and he finally turned his upper torso toward you, eyes heavy and soft. His hands found your neck and pulled you close until your foreheads touched. Behind him, the Tokyo Tower glowed like a guardian, witnessing everything, the stolen kisses, the quiet heat, the way he looked at you like you were his entire world.

Each movement of his hands was unhurried, a careful worship of every part of you. Like every inch of your skin deserved its own moment, its own attention. The bed behind you beckoned, but for now, the window was enough, the city alive beneath your feet and his body pressed warm against yours.

“Don’t move,” you whispered. “Let me keep this moment.”

His hand found yours, interlacing your fingers gently over his stomach. “Take it,” he said, voice low. “Take all of me. I’m yours this whole week.”

Your hand slowly shifted down to his waist to remove the towel that was wrapped around him. His breath hitched as your fingers brushed against his skin, the heat between you palpable. As the towel slipped away effortlessly, you were met with the full, raw beauty of him, his military trained muscles taut beneath your fingertips. 

The night went on, each moment stretching into the next with a fluidity that felt almost timeless. As the city lights flickered through the window, casting soft shadows across the room, the two of you became lost in each other, every touch, every breath, and every kiss felt more intense than the last. 

Like two bunnies in heat, tangled in sheets and breathless laughter, bodies moving with a rhythm all their own. Time seemed to fade as you melted into each other, the night drawing on with no desire to end.

It wasn’t until a soft beam of sunlight crept in through the curtains, that you finally noticed the time.

The first thing you felt wasn’t the sun. It wasn’t the Tokyo Tower still aglow in the early dawn or the soft sheets tangled around your legs. 

Taeyong’s arm was slung lazily over your waist, his chest rising and falling against your back in slow, sleepy rhythm. But what stirred you awake wasn’t his breath on your shoulder or the way his fingers flexed in his sleep, it was the unmistakable heat pressing firmly against the curve of your lower back.

You bit your lip, barely moving to not wake him up. 

However, his morning wood was impossible to ignore, even through the thin cotton barrier of your sleepwear. It pulsed softly against you, unbothered by the sunrise, alive with its own quiet need. You couldn’t hold it in anymore when you subconsciously began to subtly grind your ass against him. As you shifted ever so slightly, testing the waters, a low hum escaped him, not quite awake, but not fully asleep either.

“Mm... you’re gonna do something about that?” you teased softly, your voice still thick with sleep.

He groaned, burying his face in the crook of your neck, his voice gravelly. "I didn’t even dream properly, and I’m already like this…"

"Has little Taeyong recovered from last night’s marathon?" you teased, your words hanging in the air, the playful tension between you palpable. As he nestled deeper into your neck, the heat of his breath against your skin sent a shiver through you.

"Mind you, little Taeyong is not so little," he muttered, his lips brushing against your skin with every word.

You couldn’t help but laugh softly at his words, feeling his pulse quicken against your skin. His hands slid down your bare thighs, fingers grazing the soft fabric of your panty, sending a spark of heat through you.

“Is that so?” you whispered, arching slightly, pressing your body closer to his, the movement deliberate, calculated to create more friction. The movement elicited a low groan from him, and you could feel the tension in his body rise with each subtle shift. His grip on your hips firmed, his fingers digging into the garment as if to anchor himself against the storm brewing within him.

He responded by shifting his hips, just enough to make his growing need more obvious. His voice, now deeper and more urgent, rumbled against your skin. “You have no idea, do you?” 

“Maybe I want to find out.” You leaned in, brushing your lips against his ear as you whispered.

You turned to face him, eyes meeting his, still half-lidded, lashes casting soft shadows, and lips curved into that devilish smirk he tried to save for the stage. 

“I only have a few days,” he murmured. “Let me spend every second ruining you.”

His hand drifted lower, fingertips ghosting along your skin until they brushed over the fabric between you. The featherlight touch sent a ripple through your body, your breath hitching as anticipation sparked in your core.

He watched your reaction closely, eyes darkening with quiet satisfaction. “Still sensitive? You’re already so wet.” he murmured, voice low and teasing, the pads of his fingers tracing soft, coaxing circles.

Your moan slipped out, soft and involuntary, breaking the quiet of the room like a spark in still air. His eyes flicked up to yours instantly, dark and intent, the sound clearly igniting something deeper within him.

“You really like that, yeah?” he murmured, his thumb brushing over the same spot again, a little rushed now but still gentle and purposeful.

Your fingers gripped at the sheets, breath catching in your throat as his touch grew bolder, more confident. Every slow movement stoked the fire between you, the unspoken tension thick and electric.

He leaned in, lips brushing your ear. “I could listen to you all morning.”

You woke up with a throbbing headache and sore legs, your hand instinctively reaching to the side to find the person responsible. Yuta’s soft breathing was the only sound filling the room as you turned, your groggy eyes meeting his relaxed, content expression.

Looking a little more rumpled than usual. His hair was tousled, eyes half-lidded from the remnants of his own hangover, the faint traces of exhaustion still evident in his features. There was a gentle crease in his forehead, likely from the way he’d been sleeping,

“Morning, baby. You alright?” He muttered softly, his voice laced with a hint of concern as he gently caressed your arm. Yuta was still a little sluggish, but the warmth and slight roughness in his voice made it clear he was just as affected by the night as you were.

You groaned, squinting against the morning light that seemed to intensify your headache, still half-dazed. “What do you think, Yuta? Let’s not do this drunk again please I don’t think I can handle it a second time...”  

Yuta chuckled, his voice still husky from sleep. He turned onto his side, propping himself up on one elbow as he looked at you with his signature smirk.  

“You had zero complaints last night though.” he teased, brushing a stray strand of hair from your face.  

You groaned, burying your face into the pillow. “Yeah well last night me was clearly not thinking about today me.” 

“Sure you weren’t. But I gotta say, you were really irresistible. Clearly doing it on purpose, huh? Showing up in that tight dress then getting me intoxicated.” Yuta laughed, his fingers tracing lazy circles on your back.

You peeked at him from the pillow, narrowing your eyes. “You’re enjoying this way too much.”  

“Can you blame me?” He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to your shoulder. “How about I make it up to you with breakfast? Let me go wash up real quick.” Yuta murmured, pressing a soft kiss to your cheek before getting up and stretching. 

You couldn’t take your eyes off him as he made his way toward the bathroom, wearing nothing but a boxer. The soft light from the morning hit his body just right, and for a moment, you forgot about everything else. But just as he reached the door—

“WHAT THE FUCK? NAKAMOTO YUTA!” you shrieked in horror.  

Yuta whipped around, glancing over his shoulder with a confused look. “What? What’s wrong now?”  

You pointed at his back, mouth agape. “Your back… it’s completely scratched up! Why didn’t you stop me?!“

Realising what you meant, Yuta let out a low chuckle. “How could I? My princess was having the time of her life.”  

You groaned, running a hand through your hair. “Gosh, Yuta, didn’t you say you have a photoshoot this afternoon that requires you to be topless?”

Leaning against the bathroom door frame, he shot you a smug grin. “And that’s how I’ll let everyone know I fucked my lady real good.”  

Your jaw dropped at how crude he sounded. “Yuta. What are you going to do? You can’t go to the shoot looking like that.”

“Just leaving it as it is, I guess...” Yuta shrugged, completely unbothered. 

“YUTA NAKAMOTO!” you practically screeched, staring at him in disbelief.  

He smirked, arms crossing over his chest “Babe, chill. I don’t like how you’re screaming my name like that. It sounded much better last night. I want to hear that again.”

You grabbed the nearest pillow and threw it at him, groaning. “Seriously, you are the death of me.”  

Yuta dodged effortlessly, laughing. “And yet, you keep coming back for more. You love it don’t you!”

“How about round two later? You know… to even out the scratches,” Yuta said, turning his back to the vanity mirror and inspecting the marks with a smirk.  

“Quit playing, Yuta, I’m serious… How are you going for the shoot later?” you huffed, arms crossed.  

Yuta met your eyes through the mirror, completely unfazed. “Y/N, I’m also serious about round two later.”  

You rolled your eyes. “Yuta…”  

He chuckled, walking over to you and tilting your chin up with a finger. “Relax. My manager left a message—shoot’s canceled.”  

Your mouth fell open. “And you’re only telling me this now?!”  

Yuta grinned. “Figured I’d let you stress a little first. You look so fuckable when you’re flustered like that.”

You smacked his arm, making him laugh. “Yuta, I swear—”  

“You were so worked up about it, it was kinda cute.” He leaned down, brushing his lips over yours teasingly. “But since I have the whole day free now… what do you say?”  

“Say to what?” You narrowed your eyes. 

His hands found your waist, pulling you close. “Round two, obviously.”  

Gently shoving his face, you groaned. “You’re unbelievable.”  

Yuta only grinned, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Yet you love me anyway.”  

You huffed, pretending to think. “Hmm, debatable.”  

Yuta gasped dramatically, clutching his chest. “Wow. Wounding my pride first thing in the morning?”  

“You’ll survive.” you teased, turning toward the bathroom to escape.  

But before you could take a step, Yuta scooped you up effortlessly, throwing you over his shoulder. “Oh, you’re not running away that easily, princess.”  

“Put me down!” You struggled in his embrace, smacking his back.

He only laughed, carrying you back to the bed. “Not a chance.”

In the spur of the moment, you swiftly slipped your hands into his boxers, thinking his limbs would go soft, allowing you to escape from his grip.

Instead, his grip on your hips tightened, his forehead pressing against yours as he groaned. Yuta’s breath hitched as your fingers wrapped around him, stroking him teasingly slow.

“Fuck, Y/N…” he exhaled, his voice thick with desire. “You really don’t want to tease me like that.”

You smirked, tilting your head slightly. “And if I do?”  

His eyes darkened, a dangerous glint flickering through them. “Then I’ll just have to remind you who’s in control.”  

Before you could respond, he pushed you back down onto the bed, pinning your wrists above your head. His lips ghosted over your skin, trailing kisses down your jawline, then to your neck, leaving a trail of heat in their wake.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, princess.” he murmured against your skin, his teeth grazing your pulse point.  

Your breath hitched, anticipation curling in your stomach. “Maybe I like the risk.”  

Yuta chuckled lowly, his grip tightening slightly. “Then let’s see how much more you can handle.”

“Wait, what about breakfast?” You tried to divert his attention, though you knew it probably wouldn’t work at this point.

“Princess, appetizers always come first.”

Jaehyun and you made it a habit to visit his parents every month, spending the weekend at their home since it was nearly a two-hour drive to the other side of Seoul.  

Jaehyun always seemed more at ease during these visits, slipping into a relaxed version of himself, no longer the idol or the actor, but simply a son enjoying the warmth of home in his parents’ presence. These weekends had become a refuge, a time when the world slowed just enough for him to feel truly grounded.

His parents had also grown incredibly fond of you, claiming you as their daughter-in-law long before Jaehyun even called you his girlfriend. 

In the mornings, you would accompany Eomma to the market or stroll through the department store, chatting about anything and everything as she guided you through her favorite spots.  

Meanwhile, Jaehyun would spend the morning catching up with his dad at home, sometimes helping with small tasks around the house, other times simply enjoying coffee together with their favorite LP spinning softly in the background.  

Afternoons were spent at home, relaxing and unwinding. Preparing banchan with his mom for you two to take home or just lounging around, savoring the warmth of family time.  

Evenings were reserved for a cozy, home-cooked family dinner, followed by a movie night where Jaehyun always let his mom choose the film, even if it meant rewatching one of her old favorites.  

Later, the two of you would take a quiet walk around the neighborhood, hands intertwined, breathing in the crisp night air as Jaehyun brings you to his favourite pocha for supper as he reminisced about his childhood. How he used to race his bike down these very streets or stop by the corner store for ice cream after school

If not for you insisting on this routine early in your relationship, Jaehyun would likely only see his parents every few months or on special occasions. Over time, he grew to appreciate your effort, cherishing these visits as a way to recharge and spend quality time with his loved ones despite his busy schedule.

This particular weekend, however, was different than usual. You and Jaehyun had a little argument the night before, left unresolved before both of you went to bed. It lingered in your mind, keeping you up all night, tossing and turning, waking up every few hours until you couldn’t take it anymore. You glanced at the clock and it was 4:30AM. Needing some space to clear your head, you decided to start the day early and drive down to his parents’ place on your own.

You left Jaehyun a message on the counter before making your way out, “Already on my way to your parents.”

With that, you grabbed your keys and quietly stepped out, hoping the fresh air would give you the space to sort through your thoughts.

With the roof down on your convertible, you let the cool morning air brush against your skin as you cruised along. The chill R&B playlist set the tone, its smooth beats filling the car as you navigated through the quiet, early morning traffic. You arrived at the house just as the sun began to rise, casting a soft, golden light over the quiet suburban street. You turned off the engine and sat in the car for a while, allowing yourself to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and feeling the stillness of the morning. 

Eomma was already up, watering her little garden in the front yard, while Abeoji sat in his usual corner by the side of the house, engrossed in his morning reading.

“Oh my, Y/N! What brings you here so early? Are you by yourself? Where’s Jaehyun?” Eomma asked, glancing behind you with surprise, clearly wondering why you were here without him.

“Morning, Eomma. Morning, Abeoji. Jaehyun had some things to do, so he’ll make his way here later.” you replied casually, brushing off her question about why you were here so early. You weren’t ready to dive into that just yet.

“Have you had breakfast? We were just about to finish up here and go prepare. Let’s go inside.” Eomma said, gesturing toward the house with a warm smile.

You nodded, feeling the comforting familiarity of being in their home. “That sounds great, Eomma. Thanks.” You helped clean up the little garden tools, placing them back in their designated spots before following her inside. The door opened to the inviting smell of food already steaming on the stove. 

The three of you sat down at the table, and the meal was wiped off in no time, the conversation flowing easily as you ate. Afterward, you took charge of washing the dishes while Eomma and Abeoji cleaned up the table. You could hear Eomma chatting away with Abeoji, their voices a comforting backdrop to the sound of running water as you scrubbed the dishes, lost in thought.

Eomma came into the kitchen, and you turned to her with a bright smile, “The market’s about to open, let’s go together after this!”

Eomma paused, giving you a knowing look. “Y/N, you’ve been yawning away during breakfast. You clearly didn’t sleep well last night, which explains your early visit. It’s still early, go catch some sleep, alright? No need to accompany me today.”

“B-but I…” you began, not wanting to back out.

“No buts.” she interrupted gently but firmly. “Abeoji will go with me today, okay? Just stay home and rest. We will be back shortly.” With a soft but purposeful gesture, she turned you around and gently pushed you out of the kitchen, as if to say, “That’s enough for now.”

“Thank you, Eomma,” you said softly, giving her a grateful smile as you made your way out of the kitchen. It felt nice to be looked after, and for a moment, the weight of everything from the night before seemed to lighten. With a sigh, you made your way to the bedroom, ready to take her advice and catch up on some much-needed rest.

You dozed off immediately as your head hit the pillows, the exhaustion from the night before catching up to you. Before you knew it, you were stirred awake by the soft, familiar melody of The Carpenters drifting in from the living room. Which only meant one thing, that Jaehyun had arrived.

You freshened up and made your way out of the bedroom. As you entered the living room, you spotted Jaehyun sitting on the couch, talking to his parents. Without a second thought, you walked over to him and wrapped your arms around him in a tight hug. 

Jaehyun froze for a moment, stiffening at the unexpected gesture, but then he relaxed and returned the hug, understanding that you were trying to shield his parents from sensing anything out of place. The embrace was brief, but in that moment, it was enough to create a sense of normalcy in front of his family. You pulled away and smiled, trying to ease the tension before turning to his parents, who seemed none the wiser.

To avoid any conversation between the two of you, you quickly shifted your attention to his parents. “I suggested to Abeoji that we have samgyeopsal tonight. Eomma, what do you think?”

Eomma’s eyes lit up at the suggestion. “That sounds perfect, it's Jaehyun’s favourite! We should already have everything we need in the fridge.” She beamed, clearly excited at the idea of a hearty family meal.

Abeoji chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. “Good choice, Y/N! Adeul, my daughter-in-law really knows you so well.”

Jaehyun just gave a small nod but didn’t push any further. His lips curled into a small smile as he looked at you, the atmosphere a bit lighter now with the focus back on his parents and the meal ahead. The subtle tension from earlier seemed to ease, if only for a moment.

The rest of the afternoon was spent catching up on Culinary Class Wars, the show his parents had recently become hooked on. You found yourself laughing along with them as they debated the contestants’ cooking styles. The light-hearted conversations and the warm atmosphere washed off the tension that you and Jaehyun had the night before.

TIme passed quickly and it was already time for dinner. The sizzling sound of the samgyeopsal on the grill filled the room as you all gathered around the table, ready to enjoy the meal together. Jaehyun was cooking the meat while you sat beside him, helping to arrange the banchan and pour drinks. Jaehyun’s quiet focus on grilling the meat was a stark contrast to the lively conversation happening around the table.

The folks were chatting away, enjoying the food and laughing at something Abeoji had said. Even though you were still charging at minimal conversation with Jaehyun. You glanced at him and noticed how relaxed he looked, his figure no longer tense, and his smile a little softer.

As you passed the cooked meat to Eomma, she smiled at you. “See, Y/N? You’re already fitting right in with our family traditions. It’s time to make it official, don't you think?” she said warmly, causing Jaehyun to glance at you briefly while you gave an awkward smile. 

Jaehyun’s gaze lingered on you for a moment, his expression unreadable, but you could see the subtle shift in his demeanor. The weight of his mother’s words hung in the air, but neither of you spoke for a few seconds, the room suddenly feeling a little quieter.

Eomma, sensing the slight awkwardness between the two of you, chuckled softly, trying to smooth things over. “I’m just teasing, Y/N. No pressure at all.” She reached over to gently pat your hand, her smile still warm and welcoming.

Abeoji, ever the relaxed one, joined in with a playful grin. “It’s always good to have you here, Y/N. We’re glad Jaehyun found someone who loves him as much as we do.”

“Thanks, Abeoji, I’m also very happy to be here.” You said while offering a soft laugh to break the tension.

Jaehyun put some banchan in your bowl gently. “Here, your favourites.” he said quietly, his voice no longer strained.

You nodded, accepting them with a light smile “Thanks.”

Jaehyun, though quiet, seemed to relax a little more at the shift in tone before returning to his task of grilling the meat, his focus back on the task at hand. As the night wore on, the atmosphere became even more comfortable. The soft clinking of the glassware filled the space while Eomma and Abeoji joked around and shared stories as the meal continued.

After everyone had their fill and the food was cleared. You, Jaehyun, Eomma, and Abeoji moved effortlessly through the cleanup, working together in a rhythm that felt almost like second nature. 

And once everything was done, you decided to call it a day and excused yourself to the room. Jaehyun followed you behind, intending to address the issue from the night before and talk things through with you. But before he could gather his thoughts, you were already out to the bathroom for a shower, leaving him alone, waiting for you to return.

As he settled himself on the bed, there was a gentle knock at the door. Jaehyun glanced up to see Eomma standing there, holding a plate of fresh fruit.

“Adeul, eat some fruit. Make sure to leave some for Y/N.” she said with a warm smile, offering him the plate.

“Thank you, Eomma. You’re the best.” Jaehyun said, taking the plate from her gratefully.

Eomma gave a playful smile. “Yes, I know I’m the best. But I also know something’s going on between the two of you. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

Jaehyun chuckled, a bit sheepish. “Hahaha, your son’s an actor, and he still can’t deceive you.”

Eomma raised an eyebrow, her tone turning more serious. “Cut the nonsense already. What’s wrong?”

Jaehyun sighed, leaning back on the bed as chewed on his fruit. “It’s nothing really, just a small argument and we didn’t really resolve things last night.” he admitted quietly, his tone heavier than before. “But I’ll handle it. Don’t worry.”

Eomma’s gaze softened as she looked at Jaehyun, sensing that there was more to it than he was letting on.

“Are you sure?” she asked gently, her voice filled with concern. “Y/N’s been off all day.”

Jaehyun hesitated for a moment, his eyes flickering towards the bathroom door outside of the room where you’d gone in. He took a deep breath, his fingers gripping on to the fruit skewers tightly. Eomma studied him carefully, her motherly instincts sharp. She set the plate of fruits down on the nightstand and moved closer, gently placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“You don’t have to handle it alone, Jaehyun.” she said softly, her voice full of concern. “You know we’re always here for you. But sometimes, talking things out is the best way to make it right. That’s the way to a happy marriage.”

Jaehyun let out a sigh, his eyes flickering toward the bathroom door again afraid that you might walk in any minute. “About that, Eomma… can we not talk about this in front of Y/N for now?”

“Why, Jaehyun? I don’t understand. Both of you have been together for almost five years. Isn’t it time to start thinking about a family? Y/N has always wanted children, hasn’t she? And you too. What’s holding you back?”

Jaehyun ran a hand through his hair, visibly struggling with the weight of his emotions. “Okay, fine… I’ll tell you, but promise me you’ll stay calm.”

Eomma nodded, “Go on.” her voice laid with concern. 

“Y/N was pregnant…” Jaehyun’s voice cracked slightly, and he paused, gathering himself. “But it wasn’t meant to be. It was an ectopic pregnancy. She had a miscarriage last month.”

Eomma’s hand dropped from Jaehyun’s shoulder, expression shifting from concern to something deeper, something harder to read. She placed a hand over her heart, trying to collect herself from the news. The silence between them grew thick as she absorbed his words.

Jaehyun’s voice wavered, guilt evident in his eyes. “Eomma, I’m very sorry. Apart from that, I… I cheated on Y/N earlier on. And she found out right after the miscarriage. She didn’t take it too well at that point.”

As the hurt from the miscarriage was still palpable in her eyes. Her eyes widened in shock, her hand instinctively covering her mouth trying to collect herself, but she couldn’t and burst out in tears. 

Her tears flowed freely as she struggled to catch her breath, her sobs shaking her body. She hit Jaehyun’s chest lightly, her fists weak from the weight of her emotions. “Jeong Yuno, how could you? ” she cried out. “How could you do this to Y/N… the woman who loves you wholeheartedly. Especially when she was already going through so much.” She said as she choked on her words in between her sobs.

Jaehyun stood there, frozen, his chest aching from the blows, but he didn’t flinch. He deserved every bit of it. His head hung low, eyes watered while the guilt suffocated him, as he stood in front of the woman who had raised him, who had always been a steady source of love and support.

You paused in the doorway, eyes wide as you took in the heartbreaking scene before your eyes. Seeing Jaehyun standing there with a pained expression while his mother was crying in front of him, your heart clenched as you understood what had just happened. Jaehyun must’ve told his mother everything.

Sensing someone by the door. Eomma’s tear-streaked face met your gaze, and it didn’t take long for the realization to dawn on her. She wiped her eyes quickly, attempting to gather herself, but her voice trembled with a mixture of sorrow and concern. “Y/N, I’m so sorry. I didn’t know… I didn’t know about any of this.”

Not moving, you stood there, lips pressed tightly together. The storm of emotions you had been holding back finally began to break through. You had known about the cheating before, had found out about it in the most painful way possible at the worst time, but hearing it from Jaehyun’s own lips still struck a raw nerve. 

Seeing the pain it caused Eomma, it was like everything crashing down at once. The weight of her words hung in the air. You cast a brief glance at Jaehyun, eyes betraying the hurt that you had been holding inside. “It’s okay… It’s not your fault, Eomma.”

Without saying anything else, you moved towards Eomma, pulling her into a warm embrace. Eomma stiffened for a moment but then leaned into you, the sobs quieting as you guided her away from the room. 

As you left, your chest tightened with each step, mind swirling with emotions you had tried so hard to keep buried. You took deep breaths, willing yourself to stay composed. For Eomma’s sake, if not your own.

You gently guided Eomma to sit down, hands steady despite the storm within yourself. Without a word, you poured a glass of warm water and placed it into Eomma’s trembling hands.

Eomma looked up at you, eyes still glistening with unshed tears. “I should’ve known.” she whispered, her voice heavy.

Offering a small, sad smile. “You couldn’t have. And even if you did, it wouldn’t have changed anything.”

Eomma took a sip of the water, her grip tightening around the glass. “But I could have been there for you.”

“You’re here now.” you said softly. “That’s all that matters.”

Eomma's voice wavered as she reached for your hands, her grip firm yet full of sorrow. “Y/N… I sincerely apologize for my son’s behavior. I failed as his Eomma.” Her eyes brimmed with regret, her pain evident in every word.

You shook your head immediately, the hold on Eomma’s hands tightening in reassurance. “Please don’t say that. You are not to blame for his actions.”

Eomma let out a shaky breath, her shoulders slumping as she whispered, “I raised him to be better than this.”

“You did.” saying softly. “He made his own mistakes, Eomma. This isn’t your burden to carry.”

Tears welled up in the older woman’s eyes again, but this time, there was something else in them, an unspoken gratitude, an understanding that even in heartbreak, kindness still remained. 

You gave her a small, reassuring smile, squeezing her hands gently. “Don’t worry about us, Eomma.” you whispered, “We’ll be okay… somehow.”

Eomma’s tears slipped down her cheeks, but she nodded, seeing the quiet strength in your eyes. “You’ve always been so strong,” she murmured. “Stronger than I could ever be.”

“I don’t know about that. I just… I have to be.” Letting out a small, bittersweet chuckle. 

Eomma reached up, cupping your cheek with a mother’s warmth. “No matter what happens, you will always have a place in my heart, Y/N. Always.”

Swallowing the lump in your throat and nodding, blinking back your own tears. At that moment, words weren’t necessary. The love and understanding between the both of you spoke louder than anything else ever could.

It took some time for Eomma to calm down, and eventually, exhaustion from crying lulled her into sleep. Gently, you draped a duvet over her before quietly retreating to the bedroom, closing the door softly behind you.

You stood by the door for a moment, watching Jaehyun’s figure tremble as he tried to stifle his sobs. The sight of him like this, so vulnerable, so unlike the man you had known for years, made your chest tighten.

Jaehyun wasn’t one to cry, not openly or to you at least, not even when things got unbearably difficult. But here he was, breaking apart in the dim light of his childhood bedroom, his back to you as if he couldn’t bear to let you see him this way.

A sigh left your lips, barely audible, but it was enough to make him freeze. He didn’t turn around, didn’t try to wipe away the evidence of his grief. He simply sat there, shoulders hunched, waiting, perhaps for your words, perhaps for your touch, or maybe just for the silence to swallow him whole.

You took slow steps forward, stopping just behind him. For a second, you hesitated. Then, despite everything, the pain, the betrayal, the lingering wounds. You reached out, rubbing your hand lightly on his shoulder.

Jaehyun inhaled sharply at the contact, his breath unsteady. “I’m sorry.” he whispered, voice thick with emotion. “I’m really sorry for everything, Y/N. You never deserved this.”

You closed your eyes, letting his words settle between you. You weren’t sure what to say, or if there was anything left to say at all. But at that moment, with his body shaking beneath your touch, you simply stayed.

He looked up, eyes meeting yours for a moment, and though neither of you spoke, there was a quiet understanding that you were both doing your best to navigate the unspoken spaces between the both of you. And in that instant, whatever composure he had crumbled. A shuddering breath escaped him as he broke down once again, the gravity of his actions hitting him like a tidal wave.

You instinctively wrapped your arms around him and hushed him softly, gently guiding him against your body, offering quiet comfort as he let his tears flow freely. You stayed like that for a while, the silence between you heavy but healing. Crying to yourself every day after everything unfolded a month ago, you had become numb at this point, the emotional toll so overwhelming it felt like a part of you was detached, floating just above the pain.

“I didn’t mean for things to escalate like that.” He muttered over your shoulders.

Pausing for a moment, letting his words settle in. Slowly, you turned to face him. There was an intensity in his eyes, a silent plea, but beneath that, you could see the raw vulnerability.

“I know you didn’t,” you replied softly, your voice steady but carrying the weight of your emotions. “I really don’t want this to affect our relationship, and I didn’t want to keep dragging it on either.”

Jaehyun’s gaze softened, his brow furrowing as he reached out, his hand trembling slightly as it brushed against yours. “Y/N, I wish I could take everything back. Especially the things that made you feel this way.” His voice broke with sincerity, his eyes brimming with regret.

You could feel his pain, but your heart weighed even more with the same confusion, the same ache. You took a deep breath, trying to keep your composure. “I know, Jaehyun. But some things... can’t just be taken back. It’s not about the apology anymore.”

His hand tightened around yours, his chest rising and falling with every shaky breath. 

You looked at him, trying to find the words that didn’t feel like empty promises. “I need time. To heal, to understand everything. And so do you. We both need time to figure out how we can move forward from here.”

He nodded, his face a mix of guilt and helplessness. “I’ll wait. I’ll wait as long as it takes.”

Jaehyun's eyes softened as you spoke, the weight of your words hanging in the air between you both. He took a shaky breath, the tension in his shoulders easing ever so slightly.

"We will figure it out," you muttered, more for yourself than for him, but it seemed to bring him some comfort. "We will be okay."

He nodded slowly, his expression weary but determined. "I’ll do whatever it takes, Y/N. To make things right." His voice was steady now, though it still carried the remnants of the pain he had been holding onto.

You squeezed his hand gently, offering a small, reassuring smile. “We both will.” It wasn’t a promise of immediate resolution, but it was a promise of trying, of not giving up on each other just yet.

For a moment, there was only heavy silence between you both, the space filled with unspoken emotions, unaddressed fears. You didn’t have all the answers, and neither did he. But maybe, just maybe, time was the only thing that could help heal the wounds that had been left behind.

17 September 2024

Jaehyun had just left for the airport, departing for Milan for Prada’s SS25 show. With Chuseok in full swing, you sighed, resigning yourself to another holiday without him.

Just as the quiet of the day settled around, your phone buzzed, breaking the silence. Glancing at the screen, a familiar name flash across it, “우리 엄마이” (My Eomma Lee) was calling.

A small smile tugged at your lips as you picked up the call.

“Good morning, my darling Y/N. Come over for dinner tonight with Jaehyun, okay?”

You instantly smiled at the warmth in her voice. “Morning, eomma. Happy Chuseok! Jaehyun left for an overseas schedule, so I’ll come by myself tonight. Do you need anything? I can pick something up on my way.”

“Ah, that’s a pity,” Taeyong’s mother sighed. “I’ll see you tonight then. Just bring yourself—we’ve prepared more than enough food. Sonwoo will be so happy to see you.”

A wave of comfort washed over you. Even with Jaehyun away, you weren't alone, you still had family waiting for you.

You grew up as an orphan until Taeyong’s parents welcomed you into their home through foster care. At first, you thought it would be temporary, a place to stay until you were old enough to be on your own. But as time passed, you found something you never expected, a family. They loved and cared for you like their own, and even after you aged out of the system, they invited you over for every holiday, making sure that you always had a place to belong.

Being a year younger than Taeyong, both of you got along very well. Taeyong was a quiet and reserved boy, never one to stand out in school or make many friends, but he had you by his side. Both of you attended the same school, trudging through assignments together as you navigated the ups and downs of adolescenthood together. 

With no afternoon plans, you decided to head over to the family home earlier than planned. You wanted to pitch in with the dinner preparations and, more than anything, spend some quality time with Taeyong’s family. Over the years, you had grown especially fond of his little nephew, Sonwoo, who had taken an instant liking to you ever since he was born. As the boy grew older, the bond you shared only deepened. You found herself cherishing the moments filled with his laughter and playful energy, looking forward to the warmth and joy he never failed to bring.

When you arrived, you were greeted by the familiar scent of the home and the sound of your favorite chatter filling the air. Opening the door, a pair of little feet came rushing toward you, and before you could even step inside, Sonwoo leapt into your arms.

“Imo-oooo! I missed you!” he exclaimed, his voice full of excitement.

You laughed, scooping him up effortlessly. “I missed you too, little one.” you said then kissing the top of his head as he wrapped his small arms around your neck tightly.

As you made your way further into the house, you spotted Taeyong’s dad sitting in front of the TV, relaxing. “Abeoji annyeonghaseyo! Happy Chuseok!” You smiled and greeted him. 

He looked up with a bright smile and nodded, “Ah, Y/N! You’re early! Happy Chuseok to you too!”

Moments later, Taeyong’s mom came out of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a towel, her face lighting up as she saw you. “My Y/N! I’m so happy you’re here.” she said, enveloping you in a tight hug.

Taeyong’s sister smiled warmly as she approached you. “It’s been too long, Y/N!” she said, pulling you into a hug. “I’m so glad you could make it tonight. It’s not the same without you here.”

You chuckled, squeezing her back. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. You know I love spending time with all of you.”

Taeyong’s sister beamed, stepping back slightly to look at you properly. “We’ve all missed you. It’s always so much fun when you’re around! Sonwoo’s been asking about you all week.” she added with a playful tone. 

With Sonwoo still hugging tightly onto your leg, with no intention to let go, you smiled, looking down at him. “You’re not letting me go, huh?” you said, gently patting his head.

He looked up at you with his wide, innocent boba eyes—just like Taeyong had—and shook his head dramatically. “No, Imo! I just missed you toOOOooo much!” he whined, stretching out the words as if to prove just how much he meant it.

You bent down to lift him into your arms once again. Taeyong’s sister chuckled at the sight, shaking her head. “You’ve got him wrapped around your finger, Y/N.”

“I think I’m the one who’s wrapped around his finger!”

You then made your way towards the kitchen, eager to help with dinner. But Taeyong’s mom immediately stepped in, blocking the doorway with a playful yet firm smile. “Ah, no, no, Y/N. You’ve done enough already just by being here. Go relax and enjoy yourself.” she said, her voice warm but authoritative.  

Raising an eyebrow. “But I want to help! I’m not going to just sit around.”  

Taeyong’s noona appeared behind you, crossing her arms with a teasing smile. “You can help by staying out of the kitchen, Y/N.” she said, glancing at her mom. “We’ve got everything under control right Eomma?”  

You looked between the two, pretending to pout. “You’re both ganging up on me!”  

Taeyong’s mom shook her head, her eyes twinkling with affection. “You’re here to enjoy the evening, not to work. We’ll call you when we need your expert taste-testing skills.”  

“For now, relax and hang out with Sonwoo.” Taeyong’s noona added, laughing. 

With a playful sigh, you relented, knowing there was no arguing with the two of them. You turned back towards the living room, with Sonwoo still in your arms. “Guess I’m stuck with you for now!” you whispered to him, earning a giggle from the little boy.

After spending some time coloring, it was time for Sonwoo’s nap, and you knew the routine well enough. As you tried to set him down in the bed, he clung on you like a little koala, looking up with puppy eyes. “Imo, lay down with me please.” he said with his tiny hands gripping your sleeve.

You smiled, heart melting at his request. “You want me to nap with you?” you asked, voice soft.

He nodded eagerly, giving you pleading eyes filled with hope. “Yes, Imo. Stay, stay!” he insisted, patting the spot on the bed just next to him.

You just couldn’t resist him. “Alright, alright. Just for a little while ok?” you said, lying down next to him.

Sonwoo immediately snuggled close, resting his head on your chest with a content sigh. His little fingers twitched in sleep, and soon enough, the peaceful rhythm of his breath filled the room.

You lay there, smiling softly, feeling the calmness of the moment wash over you. Despite everything happening in your life, this simple moment with Sonwoo made everything feel right.

5:00PM came around when Taeyong walked through the door, his tired but warm smile lighting up the room as he greeted his parents and sister. “I’m home!” he said, slipping off his shoes and heading towards the living room.

“Noona, where’s my baby Sonwoo?” he asked, his voice growing tender at the thought of his nephew.

Taeyong’s sister, who had been sitting on the couch, looked over at him with a playful grin. “Your baby is currently snuggled up with his Imo for a nap,” she said, nodding towards the hallway.

Taeyong raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Oh, Y/N’s here?” He couldn’t help but wonder aloud. Why wouldn’t she be? He thought to himself, but the question had slipped out before he could fully process it.

His sister smiled knowingly at him. “Yeah, she’s been here for a while. You know how she is with Sonwoo, she’s practically his second mom! She’s been spoiling him all afternoon. I’m pretty sure she fell asleep with him too.”

He went upstairs to the bedroom and peeked in to see you and Sonwoo, both peacefully asleep, the little boy curled up against you. A smile tugged at Taeyong’s lips as he soak in the quiet moment, feeling a deep sense of warmth fill his chest. 

But just as he was about to step back, Sonwoo stirred, his little eyes fluttering open. His face lit up, and he excitedly shouted, “Samchon is home!!!!!”

Taeyong quickly held up a finger to his lips, leaning in slightly. “Shhhh, quiet down, buddy. Y/N is still asleep.”

Sonwoo blinked, his excitement tempered as he nodded, but his wide grin didn’t fade. He looked over at you, as if waiting for you to wake up.

You subsequently stirred at the sound, eyes slowly opening to the soft murmur of voices. You blinked, trying to adjust to the dim light, and soon enough, your gaze landed on Taeyong standing by the door.

“Taeyong-ah…” you mumbled, rubbing your eyes, still half-dazed from the nap.

“Hey, sorry to wake you,” Taeyong said, his voice low and soft, a fond smile on his face. “Didn’t mean to disturb your nap with Sonwoo.”

You stretched, hand running through your hair as you sat up. “It’s alright, I was probably getting too comfortable.” you said with a sleepy smile. Sonwoo immediately bounced up, reaching his arms toward you. “Imo, Imo! Samchon’s home!”

You laughed softly while Taeyong pulled Sonwoo into his arms. “She can see that, buddy.”

Taeyong set himself down on the bed beside you, his voice soft but laced with an underlying concern. “How have you been? You stopped calling…”

Releasing a breath, only now realizing you'd been holding it. Awareness floods back in as you fully regain consciousness. The words hung in the air, and as they did, a familiar awkwardness settled between you and Taeyong.

You hadn’t expected him to bring it up so directly, but now that he had, you couldn’t avoid it any longer. You hadn’t seen each other in a while, and ever since Taeyong had left for the military back in April, things had changed. You had met a few times after he enlisted, but you had slowly begun distancing yourself from him.

Texts got drier, and calls got less frequent… and eventually, neither of you reached out.

Hands fiddling with the hem of your sleeve, a small sigh escaped your lips as you avoided his gaze. “I’ve been fine.” you replied, voice more fragile than intended. You took a deep breath before continuing. "I guess I got lost in my own head and let the distance get in the way… I didn’t know how to keep things the same."

The air between both of you thickened as you struggled to find the right words. It wasn’t that you didn’t care, but something in you had shifted. The distance you set in wasn’t just physical, it was emotional too. Suddenly having to be away from your best friend had taken a toll on you. 

Taeyong tilted his head slightly, studying your face for a moment, trying to make sense of your words. There was a quiet sadness behind his eyes, and he almost didn’t know how to navigate the space between you and him. Fifteen years of friendship, of growing up together, of knowing each other’s quirks, fears, and dreams, had never prepared him for this kind of distance. 

“You don’t have to explain, Y/N,” he said, his voice calm but carrying a hint of vulnerability. “It’s just… one day, you were there, and then…” He trailed off, leaving the sentence unfinished.

Fifteen years should’ve meant something. They had been inseparable, walking through every stage of life together. So how did they drift apart so suddenly?

You swallowed hard, throat tightening. You could hear the hurt in his voice, and it tugged at your heart. “I’m sorry, I really didn’t mean to pull away,” you whispered, finally meeting his gaze. “You being away had just been harder than I expected, Taeyong.”

He nodded slowly, looking at you with a mixture of understanding and uncertainty. “I get it.” he said softly, though the heaviness between them still lingered. “I’ve missed you. I wish we didn’t have to tiptoe around each other like this.”

Letting your gaze fall to your hands, which were now resting in your lap. “Yeah…” Voice was barely above a whisper. “It just felt like we were drifting, and I didn’t know how to fix it. I didn’t want to burden you with… everything.” You paused, chest tightening as you thought about the quiet distance that had grown between the both of you.

Taeyong’s brow furrowed as he listened, a deep sigh escaping him. “You should’ve told me. I never wanted to make you feel that way.” he said, a hint of regret in his voice. “I thought you were just going through something. But when you stopped reaching out, I started thinking maybe you didn’t want to talk to me anymore.”

You closed your eyes for a moment, trying to gather your thoughts. Feeling the sting of the silence that had built up. “I wasn’t sure if it was even the right thing to do,” you admitted. “I just can’t pretend like everything was fine when I was feeling so lost. And I didn’t want to drag you into it.”

The vulnerability in your words hung in the air, and Taeyong’s gaze softened. “Y/N, I don’t want to be someone you avoid or distance yourself from, especially when you’re struggling.” He reached out, gently grazing your hands. “We’ve always been able to talk things through. Haven’t we?”

Looking up to meet his eyes, a wave of relief washed over you as you remembered how much you had missed him. You gave a small, tentative smile, but as the emotions began to flood back, your eyes started to water. You hadn’t realized how much you had been holding in until now, when the familiar presence of Taeyong was right here, grounding you once more.

Sonwoo, who had been nestled in Taeyong’s embrace, had been quietly listening to the conversation between the two adults. His innocent eyes blinked as he tilted his head, processing everything around him. Then, with a little pout, he piped up, “Samchon, you made Imo cry!”

You couldn’t help but chuckle at his earnestness, lips trembling slightly as you wiped your tears with the back of your hands. “No, silly.” she called out softly, shaking her head. “I’m crying because I’m just happy to see your Samchon.”

Sonwoo looked between the two of you, still unsure of the situation but clearly happy to see his Imo smiling again. Taeyong, chuckling lightly, reached out to ruffle the little boy’s hair, his expression softening as he caught the tender moment. “I didn’t mean to upset anyone.” he teased gently, his voice carrying a warmth that eased the tension in the room.

Just then, the door opened with a soft creak, and Taeyong’s Noona peeked her head in, "Sorry, am I interrupting? Sonwoo-ah, come out here. Let’s give Samchon and Imo some time together. By the way, dinner will be ready in 10!"

Sonwoo, clearly reluctant to leave his cherished spot between the two adults, looked up at his mom with a pout. “No! I want to stay with Imo and Samchon!” Standing in the doorway, his mom raised an eyebrow and gave him a soft but firm nod. With a small sigh, Sonwoo climbed off the bed on his own, casting one last hopeful glance back at you and Taeyong. 

“We’ll catch up with you later, buddy,” Taeyong said with a smile and his voice warm. You smiled at the little guy too, waving as Sonwoo exited the room, with his mom following behind.

As the door clicked shut behind them, you blinked away the last of your tears, feeling a warmth in your chest that wasn’t just from the physical closeness, but from the genuine connection you shared with them both. “I missed you all” you murmured, voice steadier now. “It’s good to be here, with all of you.”

Taeyong nodded, his gaze holding yours and not letting go, as if silently agreeing with your sentiment. “We’ll make sure it’s not such a long time again,” he promised quietly, voice filled with sincerity. Then, without another word, he reached out his arms and pulled you into a tight hug.

You melted into his embrace, head resting against the crook of his neck. You could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the familiarity of the warmth he radiated, a comfort you had missed more than you realized. 

Taeyong’s voice broke through the silence, soft but sure. “I missed this. I missed you.”  He pulled away from the hug, his hand resting lightly on your arm before leaning in and pressing a soft kiss on your forehead. 

Hesitating for a moment, you meet his gaze before slowly closing the distance, returning a soft kiss to his lips. Taeyong deepened the kiss, both hands gently cradling your face, pulling you closer as if trying to make up for lost time.

The door abruptly opened with a high-pitched voice calling out, “Halmeoni says dinner is ready!”

Both of you quickly pulled away, eyes widened in surprise, hoping you weren’t caught. Taeyong turned his head towards the direction of the door. “Yes, Sonwoo, we’ll be out in 30 seconds.” he called out, before shifting his attention back to you. “Let’s… continue after dinner?” he asked, a playful yet hopeful tone in his voice.

“Yes, of course. I missed you so much, my navy soldier. Now let’s head down before…” 

“I’m going to faint of hunger!” you were cut off by Sonwoo’s dramatic declaration.

He exclaimed and immediately attached himself to Taeyong as the both of you stepped out of the room.

“The most dramatic 4-year-old ever.” Taeyong remarked with a grin.

“Yeah, I wonder who he got it from.” you teased, glancing at him with a knowing smile.

26 August 2023

It was d-day of NCT’s first ever concert as a whole group, NCT Nation: To The World. 

You got up at the crack of dawn, determined to prepare your signature kimbap for the boys. It was your way of cheering them on, and in your words, the kimbap would give them the extra energy they needed for the big night. You had always believed that food had a magical way of bringing people together, especially when it was made with love.

It took you a while to prepare the food, glancing at the clock every now and then to make sure that you were on schedule. After carefully wrapping each roll and feeling satisfied that everything was in order, you packed the kimbap into its containers before cleaning up the kitchen and putting everything away. With the kitchen now spotless, you then went to get yourself ready for the day. 

Once everything was packed and prepared, you set off on the drive to Incheon, eager to deliver the carefully made kimbap to the boys.

After nearly an hour and a half on the road, you arrived at Incheon Munhak Stadium, where the concert would soon take place. As you pulled into the parking lot, one of your manager friends was already waiting to hand you the backstage pass.

With the pass secured, you wasted no time making your way to the waiting room, greeting the staff along the way and handing out the kimbap you had prepared for them. You also made sure to pack portions for the Dreamies, Visions, and Wishes as well, passing them to their respective managers. 

As you reached the door to Illichil's waiting room, Haechan was the first to spot you.

“Noona! You’re finally here! We thought you weren’t coming.” he exclaimed, bouncing on his feet.

You let out a small laugh, adjusting the bag in your hands. “Sorry! Got caught in traffic, but there’s no way I’d miss this.”

Haechan grinned, stepping aside to let you in. “Good, because we need all the energy we can get today.” he said, peeking into the bag you were carrying. “Wait—don’t tell me… is this what I think it is?”

“Of course. My kimbap is your secret weapon, right?” you chuckled.

Just as Haechan was about to respond, the rest of Illichil turned their heads toward the door. “Did I just hear someone say kimbap?” In an instant, Jungwoo appeared at the doorway, his eyes lighting up when he saw you. “You really did bring it!”

“You act like I wouldn’t.” you teased, handing him the bag of food. “You guys need all the energy you can get today.”

Yuta, who had been lounging on the couch, smirked as he stood up and stretched. “Our lucky charm never disappoints.”

Jaehyun, still in the midst of getting his makeup done in the corner, kept his eyes on you through the mirror, silently waiting for you to meet his gaze. When you finally did, your smile faltered. It was only a brief glance—almost dismissive, as if he wasn’t even there.

His grip on the armrest tightened slightly, but before he could dwell on it, Taeyong walked in, his presence instantly shifting the atmosphere. “Hey, you’re here.” he said, his voice gentle while pulling you into a hug. “We really appreciate this.”

“You always take care of us.” Doyoung added, already opening the containers to set up the table with the neatly rolled kimbap. 

“Someone has to.” You forced a small smile, nudging him lightly. 

Jaehyun remained quiet, still seated at the dressing table as the room buzzed with energy. The members gathered around the table, chatting excitedly as they got ready to dig into the kimbap you had brought.

Mark, fresh from finishing his makeup, walked over and glanced at Jaehyun on his way. “Hyung, come eat!” he called, motioning for him to join.

Jaehyun hesitated for a brief second before finally getting up, strolling over at an unhurried pace. His eyes flickered to the empty chair beside you, the only available seat left. It was clear the members had left it open for him.

But instead of sitting down, he turned to Haechan. “Haechan-ah, go over.” he said casually. “I want to sit under the fan.”

Haechan blinked up at him. “Huh? But—”

"Just move." Jaehyun muttered, his frustration evident as he gestured for Haechan to switch seats, choosing the spot furthest from you.

You didn’t react, merely continuing to pass out the food with an unreadable expression. 

The tension between you and Jaehyun has been building for a while now. It had been a week since you last spoke—ever since he stood you up on your date for the third time.

On the morning of your scheduled date, you were having your weekly breakfast with Taeyong when your phone buzzed. You glanced down to find a message from Jaehyun: “Something came up. I’m sorry.”

Frustration bubbled up inside you, and without thinking, you slammed your phone face down on the table.

Taeyong raised an eyebrow, sensing something was off. “What’s wrong?”

You tried to mask your disappointment with a forced smile, brushing it off. “Nothing’s wrong. You’re free tonight, right? Let’s go catch a movie.”

“Aren’t you going on a date with Jaeh— he canceled again, didn’t he?” Taeyong’s eyes narrowed as he connected the dots.

You nodded, a quiet sigh escaping your lips.

Taeyong shook his head in understanding. “A movie it is, then. I’ll pick you up after practice.”

No attempt to reschedule, no effort to make it up to you. That was when you made up your mind. You weren’t going to keep making excuses for him. You didn’t even bother confronting him when you saw him the next morning. He briefly apologised again and tried to initiate a conversation, but you ignored him, giving him the silent treatment for the rest of the week.

For days, you didn’t answer his calls or messages. Every attempt he made to reach out was brushed aside, deliberately giving him the space to sit with the consequences of his fault. He didn’t try to fix things. Sometimes, Jaehyun was just dense. Not even realizing the depth of what he’d done or why you were pulling away. It was as if the effort to understand never crossed his mind, and that’s what hurt the most. The feeling that maybe, he never really cared enough to notice.

You’d always face issues like this with silence. Jaehyun knew that. The silent treatment was how you usually processed things, how you created distance when words failed, and when you needed him to feel the weight of his actions.

You understood that with the upcoming concerts and the intense preparation for Golden Age, his schedule was packed. But that was exactly why you had requested a date night weeks in advance, knowing things would only get busier. You had planned ahead, making sure to accommodate his schedules, and yet, he still couldn’t make time for you.

The first time, you let it slide. The second time, you reassured yourself that it wasn’t intentional. But the third time? That was when you finally ran out of patience. It hurt more than you'd like to admit, this feeling of being invisible, like you were just another part of his busy routine. But you weren't about to beg for scraps of his attention. Not anymore. 

Taeyong, who was sitting directly across from you, observed the interaction in silence.

When your eyes briefly met his, he gave you a knowing look, subtle but unmistakable. Without breaking eye contact, Taeyong offered you a small, reassuring smile. 

As Johnny rummaged through the bag of food, he found a container of side dishes at the bottom, marked with a simple ‘J’. Recognizing it was meant for Jaehyun, he slid it towards him with a grin, hoping to lighten the mood. “Jaehyun, Y/N made this for you. You should eat up.”

“I didn’t ask her to. You guys can have it.” Jaehyun said while not even sparing it a glance. 

“It’s not his.” you interjected coldly. “I wasn’t sure if the kimbap would be enough, so I just made some extras.” The sharpness in your voice made the room go quiet for a moment.

Sensing the tension, Jungwoo quickly cut in, clapping his hands together. “Jal meokgetseumnida!” he said cheerfully, prompting the others to follow suit.

Haechan, oblivious to the weight of the situation, piped up, “Jaehyun-ah, you’re seriously the luckiest having Y/N as your girlfriend.”

A swift nudge from Yuta promptly silenced him.

Jaehyun didn’t respond. He merely set down his barely-eaten kimbap, stood up, and walked out onto the balcony. The room fell into an awkward silence as the balcony doors shut behind him. The tension that had been simmering beneath the surface finally boiled over, and you had reached your limit.

“Excuse me.” you said coldly, pushing your chair back as you got up to follow Jaehyun.

The air outside was cooler, a stark contrast to the heat of your frustration. Jaehyun stood by the railing, one hand gripping the edge and with a cigarette in another. He didn’t turn around when he heard the doors open, but he knew it was you.

“You really couldn’t help yourself, could you?” you said, crossing your arms.

Jaehyun exhaled, running a hand through his hair. “I didn’t ask you to do anything for me. And mind you, you were the one giving me the silent treatment all week. Aren’t you still mad at me? Why are you even here?”  

“Yes, you’re right. I am still mad at you,” you shot back. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. And it definitely doesn’t mean I’d break a promise I made, that I will be there for every single one of your shows.” You let out a bitter laugh, shaking your head. “But I guess it was all in my head, wasn’t it?”

He finally turned to face you, his expression unreadable.  

“Jaehyun, I’m mad because you keep pushing me away. Every time you cancel, it feels like you don’t even care to fix things, like I’m not worth the effort. Because no matter how much I try, it’s never enough for you.”  

His eyes flickered with something, guilt, maybe. But he remained silent.  

Without giving him a chance to speak, you let out a sharp breath, frustration bubbling over. “I get it. You’re busy. You have a lot on your plate. But don’t treat it like I’m forcing myself into your life when I’m the one who’s been left hanging over and over again.” you continued, voice shaking slightly.  

Jaehyun finally spoke, his voice low. “I never wanted to make you feel that way.” He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know I’ve been messing up, and I hate that I keep disappointing you. I’m sorry, Y/N. The last thing I ever wanted was for you to feel like you’re not enough.”  

You shook your head, blinking back the sting behind your eyes. “If you hate it so much, then why does it keep happening, Jaehyun? Why do I still feel like I’m the only one fighting for this?”  

“I don’t know.” he admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know how to fix this.” 

You met his gaze, your eyes narrowing. “What do you even mean by you don’t know?” you asked, the anger laced in your voice. "Do you even want to fix this?" The words came out more sharply than you intended, but the hurt that had been building up inside you couldn’t be contained any longer.

Jaehyun’s breath hitched at your words. His gaze flickered with hesitation before settling into something firmer. Determination. “Baby, of course I do.” he said, stepping closer. “I want us. I just… how can I make up for all the times I hurt you?”

You sighed, crossing your arms and looking away, not saying anything.

Jaehyun exhaled deeply, rubbing the back of his neck, his gaze dropping to the ground. Shame flickered across his face as he hesitated, struggling to find the right words. He knew he had hurt you, had pushed you away when all you ever did was try to be there for him.

As if afraid of wasting another second, he stepped forward. “Can I start making it up to you now?”

Before you could respond, he reached out, his hand brushing lightly against your arm, sending a familiar chill through you. He paused, his eyes searching yours as if asking for permission, his breath still carrying the faint trace of tobacco, an oddly comforting scent that immediately brought you back to so many memories. Then, without another word, he leaned in, pulling you into a kiss.

His lips were warm, tender, but there was an undeniable urgency behind it, as though each second counted. The taste of the cigarettes lingered, mixing with the softness of his kiss, a contrast that made your heart ache with longing. His hands were gentle, but his grip on you tightened as if afraid to let go, as if this moment was something he feared losing. You could feel the heat of his body pressed against yours, the rhythm of his heartbeat syncing with your own, both of you craving something that had been missing for too long.

“I’m sorry, Y/N. I’m really sorry.” he murmured against your lips, his forehead resting against yours as he pulled back slightly. His hands cupped your face gently, his eyes searching yours. “For making you feel like you weren’t enough when you’re in fact the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

Your heart softened, the anger and hurt slowly unraveling in his arms. You let out a small sigh, your fingers lightly gripping his sleeves. “You have lots to do, Jaehyun.”

He let out a quiet chuckle, his grip on you tightening just a little. “I know.” pressing his forehead against yours. “And I’m going to do it right this time.”

His sincerity was written all over his face, in the warmth of his touch, in the way he held you like he never wanted to let go.

“You better.” you mumbled, though the fight in your voice had faded.

Jaehyun smiled, tilting his head slightly. “Starting with this.” And before you could question him, he kissed you again, soft and tender, a silent promise in itself.

When he pulled away, he laced his fingers through yours. “After the concert, let me take you home.”

You arched a brow. “And?”

“And…” He squeezed your arms, his voice low as his fingers grazed your skin. “Then, let me repay you with a show.” His hands slipped under your shirt, sending a spark of warmth through your body.

You chuckled shyly, shaking your head. “Funny. You have a bigger show to run later.”

Jaehyun paused, a mischievous grin forming on his lips. “True,” he said, his tone teasing. “But the biggest show will always be for you, Y/N. You’re worth it.”

His touch caressing on the bare skin of your waist, his eyes softening. “I promise.”

You felt your heart flutter at his words, the heaviness of the past weeks melting away in that moment. You smiled, “I’ll hold you to that.”

Jaehyun leaned in, pressing his forehead to yours once more, his lips just inches from yours. “Then I guess I better make this concert count, huh?”

You laughed softly, feeling the tension between you two finally dissolve. “Yeah, I hope you remember that when you’re up on stage later.” you teased, playfully squeezing his cheeks.

“I definitely will.” Jaehyun said, his voice low and steady. “But right now, all I can think about is you.”

The firm, reassuring pressure of his hand on your waist made you feel the weight of all his unspoken words. There was still so much left unsaid, but for now, his actions spoke louder than any apology could. He pulled you into another kiss again, not willing to let go.

As the kiss deepened, you felt the world around you blur, all the worries and the time apart fading into the background. 

You noticed the distant sound of the crowd from inside the stadium, signaling that the concert was about to begin. “Go get ready.” you said, pulling his hand out and giving it a gentle squeeze. “The concert’s about to start, and I think the rest of the guys are expecting you.”

Jaehyun hesitated to let go of you, his gaze holding yours for a moment before he snaked in one last kiss, as if to savor every second. “Thank you, Y/N. I love you so much.”

“I love you even more, Jeong Jaehyun. I’ll be waiting for you after the show,” you said, squeezing his hand one last time before stepping back, giving him space to return to the hectic atmosphere inside.

Jaehyun smiled softly, his eyes holding a mix of affection and warmth. "I'll see you soon." he said, giving you a final hug before stepping back. His presence seemed to linger in the air, even as he turned to walk back towards the waiting room. You watched him go, heart still racing from the moment you shared.

You felt a smile tug at your lips, knowing he was out there living his dream, exactly where he belonged, doing what he loved. And in some small way, you were part of that. For the first time in a while, everything felt right again.

Disclaimer: I am aware that the portrayal of fertility, IUDs, and miscarriages in this context is not medically accurate or representative of real-life experiences.

Y/N and Jaehyun had always been practical, understanding that their complicated lives, with his idol career, her unpredictable health, and the uncertainty of the future, made starting a family a difficult prospect for them. 

Despite using birth control, Y/N’s uncommon condition caused contraceptives to fail. She had always known that pregnancy was a possibility, but it came with its own heartbreaking pattern—miscarriages.

Her health made it difficult for her to carry a pregnancy to term, as she was prone to ectopic pregnancies, resulting in a miscarriage each time. This pattern not only shattered her hope but also took a toll on her heart and body. No matter how much she tried to prevent it, her condition meant that even a successful pregnancy would come with significant risks.

She had tried everything to avoid it, but it seemed the universe had other plans. The doctors had offered little in terms of a solution, and the only option left was the IUD—a chance at some peace, to finally prevent the pregnancies that led to such painful endings. But there was a catch. The IUD could give her the security she needed, but it also carried the devastating truth that it would make it harder for her to conceive naturally in the future, should she ever want to.

It was a decision she had been wrestling with for months. It wasn’t a choice she wanted to make, but it felt like the only way to protect herself, to avoid the possibility of more heartbreak. And yet, the thought of never being able to have children when the time was right, when she and Jaehyun were ready to start a family, haunted her. How could she make a decision that could potentially rob her of a future they had once dreamed about?

Then came Jaehyun’s military enlistment, a turning point neither of them had anticipated. His enlistment was brought forward, and everything changed. The idea of a break had always been there, something they knew was coming, but neither was prepared for the magnitude of it. They were still living in their shared apartment, but the distance between them felt palpable. They had decided to take a break—not a clean break, but one that left space for doubt, confusion, and unspoken emotions.

Even though they were no longer officially together, their lives remained intertwined. They lived in separate rooms, yet still shared a home. Jaehyun would return during his military leave, and there were nights when the boundaries they had tried to set between them blurred. In those moments, they found themselves back in each other’s arms, knowing they weren’t supposed to, but unable to stop the pull they had toward each other. It wasn’t easy, but it was their reality.

Y/N thought about it all, about Jaehyun, about the future, about the pain of every miscarriage. And with the weight of it all, she came to a decision that it was time to get the IUD. Their relationship was no longer the same, and with Jaehyun away for his military service, it felt like the right moment. There were too many uncertainties ahead, and this, at least, would provide her with some stability.

She knew that the future wasn’t guaranteed. She didn’t know if she would ever be able to have children naturally, or if Jaehyun and she would ever be able to come back to each other in the way they once had. But for now, this was the decision she had to make. The IUD might offer protection, but it also sealed her fate in a way of accepting that, for now, she was alone in making these choices, in navigating her body and her future without the certainty of the man she once believed she would build it all with.

Jaehyun happened to be back home the weekend before Y/N’s appointment on Monday. She knew it was ultimately her choice, but for some reason, she felt like Jaehyun needed to know. So, the night before her appointment, she told him. 

Jaehyun was seated up against his bed frame reading a book when y/n knocked on the door. “Hey, sorry to disturb but I need to tell you something.”

Jaehyun looked up, setting his book aside as he took in the sight of her standing at the doorway. There was a familiar weight in Y/N’s voice, one he recognized all too well. “No, no, it’s okay. Please, come in. What is it?”

Y/N hesitated for a second before stepping inside. She moved towards his bed, sitting on the edge with a careful distance between them. She inhaled deeply before speaking. “I’m going to the gynae tomorrow… to get an IUD put in.”

Jaehyun felt his breath hitch. He swallowed thickly before responding.“Wait? That means?” He kept his voice even, but the sinking feeling in his stomach betrayed him.

“Yes, like what they said previously…” she murmured, fingers twisting in her lap. “there will only be a 40% chance for me to conceive naturally in the future.”

A suffocating silence filled the room. Jaehyun’s hands curled into fists on his lap as he processed her words. “If I hadn’t come back this weekend” he finally said, his voice quieter now, “were you only going to tell me after you’d done it?”

She let out a sharp exhale. “Please don’t make this about yourself.”

Jaehyun ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his expression. “Y/N, we promised to build a family together. Don’t you want that with me anymore?”

His words stung, and he knew it. Y/N let out a bitter chuckle. “Jae, we are not even together anymore. I don’t even know why I’m here telling you this when I don’t even need to.”

“No.” His voice was firm. “Cancel the appointment. I do not approve of this.”

She stared at him in disbelief before standing up. “You do know you don’t have a say in this.” Y/N fought back. 

Jaehyun stood too, his voice desperate now. “We are only on a break, Y/N. We made promises. We can’t say for the future.”

Y/N shook her head, her chest rising and falling rapidly. “I can’t believe you right now.” Her voice wavered, but her resolve didn’t. “Will you stop being so selfish? Have you thought about how I’ve gone through five miscarriages? Five, Jaehyun.”

His face paled. The mention of it alone felt like a blade through his chest.

“You know how it was.” she continued, her voice breaking. “I really do not want to have to go through that ever again.”

Y/N blinked away her tears before turning on her heel and walking out the door before Jaehyun could say anything.

Jaehyun sat frozen, the weight of Y/N’s words pressing down. Five miscarriages. He had been there for every single one, watching helplessly as Y/N’s hope shattered each time. The pain in her voice was something he couldn’t ignore, yet a part of him couldn’t let go of the future they had envisioned together.  

He sprang up from the bed and rushed out of his room, catching up to Y/N just as she was reaching for her bedroom door. “Y/N wait, wait” he pleaded, grabbing her wrist gently. “Please, don’t walk away like this.”

Y/N sighed, turning to face him, her expression unreadable. “What do you want me to say, Jaehyun? That I’ll change my mind? That I’ll put myself through that pain again just because we made promises when we thought things would be different?”

“I just…” He hesitated, his grip loosening. “I don’t want you to think you’re alone in this.”  

She turned to face him then, her eyes filled with exhaustion. “Alone? Jaehyun, I was alone. Every single time.” Her voice wavered, but she held his gaze. “You were there, but you didn’t feel it the way I did. I was the one lying in hospital beds, the one waking up in the middle of the night feeling empty, the one who had to pretend to be okay while my body reminded me of everything I lost.”  

Jaehyun clenched his jaw, his chest tightening with guilt. “I know I can’t fully understand what you went through,” he admitted. Jaehyun’s throat tightened. He wanted to tell her that he had suffered too, that every loss had broken him just as much. But it wasn’t the same, and he knew that. “But that doesn’t mean I didn’t grieve, Y/N. It doesn’t mean I didn’t lose something too. I thought we were in this together,” he voice barely a whisper.  

Y/N sighed, running a hand through her hair. “I know, Jae. I know you hurt too. We were in this together. But I can’t keep putting myself through this, hoping for a different outcome every time.”

His hands dropped to his sides, his mind spinning with everything he wanted to say but couldn’t. He knew he had no right to dictate her choices, but the fear of losing the life they had dreamed of together terrified him. 

“So that’s it?” he asked, his voice tinged with desperation. “You’re just… giving up on us?”

Her expression softened, but there was a finality in her eyes that made his heart ache. “I’m not giving up on anything, Jaehyun. I’m choosing myself for once.”  

Jaehyun felt his heart drop. He wanted to fight, to say something, anything. To make her change her mind. But deep down, he knew this wasn’t a decision Y/N made out of anger or impulse. It was something she had thought about for a long time, something she needed.

He nodded slowly, swallowing the lump in his throat. “Okay,” he murmured, barely able to get the word out.

Y/N gave him a small, sad smile before turning toward her bedroom door. She hesitated for just a moment, as if waiting for him to stop her one last time. Finally, she whispered, “Good night, Jaehyun.”

But when he said nothing, when he made no move to reach for her, she exhaled softly, more to herself than to him, before stepping inside and closing the door behind her.

Jaehyun stood there, staring at the closed door, feeling like the woman he had loved and still loved, had somehow slipped through his fingers again.

The next morning. 

Jaehyun pushed himself out of bed, the absence of the usual noise of their shared mornings hanging in the air. His footsteps were quiet as he made his way into the kitchen, where he saw Y/N sitting by the window, sipping her tea, her gaze fixed on the quiet world outside.

“Morning,” Jaehyun said awkwardly, his voice still thick with sleep.

Y/N looked up, her eyes softening slightly when she saw him, but there was a hint of tension still there, like a thread pulling between them that neither had quite figured out how to untangle. “Oh, hey,” she replied, her tone easy but her attention still half on her tea. “Weren’t you supposed to head back to the barracks an hour ago?”

Jaehyun shuffled closer, his hands slipping into the pockets of his sweatshirt. “I’ve requested for another day off,” he said, his voice softer than usual. “I… I want to go with you. To your appointment.”

She turned slightly, eyeing him with a mix of surprise and frustration. “Jaehyun, you don’t have to do this.”

“I want to.” he replied simply, stepping further into the kitchen. He leaned against the counter, watching her. “I know you don’t need me there, but I want to be.”

Y/N sighed, her attention shifting back to the steaming mug of tea in her hands. “Jae… this isn’t something you can fix by just showing up.”

“I know,” he admitted, his voice soft. “But you really shouldn’t be by yourself today.”

Y/N didn’t speak for a moment, as if weighing the decision in her mind. Jaehyun waited, studying the way her shoulders tensed, the way she hesitated before speaking.

Finally, she exhaled, her shoulders dropping slightly. “Jaehyun, I know you care. But you can’t just come back and pretend like everything’s fine.”

Jaehyun flinched at her words, though they weren’t harsh. They were just the truth, a truth they had both been dancing around. “I’m not pretending,” he said quietly, taking another step toward her. “I know things are different now, but that doesn’t mean I don’t still care. I can’t just leave it like this. I don’t want you to go through it alone.”

Y/N didn’t respond right away. Instead, she stared at her cup, tracing the rim absently with her finger.

“You don’t have to fix everything, Jae,” she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “Some things can’t be fixed. You’ve been gone for so long, and we’re just… we’re just not the same anymore. Also, I’ve been doing things alone for a while now.” she said finally, “I had to learn how to be okay without you.”

Jaehyun swallowed hard. He knew that of course, he did. He had left, after all. And though it wasn’t by choice, though he had tried to hold on to her before he enlisted, the distance between them had grown too wide.

Jaehyun’s chest tightened. He could feel the weight of the words, could feel them like a physical presence, pressing down on him. “I don’t need it to be the same. I just want to be here, with you, for whatever it is we have now. I regret leaving things the way I did,” he confessed. “I thought, maybe after my service, we could figure things out. But now it feels like…” He trailed off, unsure how to put the ache in his chest into words.

Y/N’s hands paused, her grip tightening around the mug. Her eyes flickered up to meet his, her gaze steady but distant. “You don’t get to regret something that you walked away from. I didn’t get to choose when I had to live without you. And now you want to come back and make it right, but it’s not that simple, Jaehyun.”

Jaehyun’s heart sank, her words cutting deeper than he anticipated. He wanted to argue, to say that things were more than what she was making them seem to be. But he couldn’t. She was right. They weren’t the same anymore, and no matter how hard he tried, it wasn’t going to change overnight.

He stepped back, his voice barely above a whisper. “Even if we’re not the same, I still want to be by your side.”

Y/N’s eyes lifted to his again, her expression unreadable. “You really want to do this? After everything?”

Jaehyun nodded, his voice steady now. “I do.”

For a moment, the silence stretched between them like a chasm, both of them uncertain of the next step. 

Setting the cup down on the table, she said “Fine,” her voice gentle but firm. “You can come with me. But this doesn’t change anything, we can’t just pick up where we left off.”

He nodded, understanding the weight of her words. “I don’t need it to.” he said while stepping toward the table to sit down. “I just need you to know I’m here. For whatever it is we have now.”

Y/N gave him a small, almost imperceptible nod. “Let’s just get through today, okay. No promises, no expectations.”

Jaehyun’s chest tightened, but he didn’t protest. Today was all they could handle, and maybe that was enough for now. “Okay,” he murmured. “Let’s just take it one step at a time.”

The heaviness of everything they’d been through clung to the air, but for a moment, there was a quiet understanding between them. For now, though, the only thing that mattered was that he was here. And he wasn’t leaving, not just yet.

Y/N had always known that being with an idol came with sacrifices—missed calls, last-minute cancellations, and stolen moments in between his schedules. But she had never prepared herself for the day she would find out he had cheated. The pain was suffocating, like a weight pressing down on her chest, but what hurt more was that she should’ve seen it coming. The distance between them had been growing for a while. His career always came first, and she had been left trying to convince herself that love alone was enough.

So she did the one thing she knew would hurt him back.

She slept with Yuta.

At first, it was about revenge—a way to take back the power that Jaehyun had stripped from her. But as the guilt faded, she realized something else: she felt free. The thrill of it, the rush of doing something selfish for once, was intoxicating. And so, she didn’t stop there. Taeyong had always been a constant in her life, her best friend, someone who understood her better than anyone. When one thing led to another, she didn’t hold back.

Jaehyun knew.

Of course, he knew. They never kept secrets from each other for long, no matter how much they hurt. But instead of anger, he gave her something unexpected—permission.

He told her that if this was what she needed, he wouldn’t stop her. His career had already taken so much from her, from them. If this was her outlet, if this was how she coped with the emptiness he left behind, then he wouldn’t stand in her way.

But the arrangement wasn’t as simple as it seemed.

Their relationship unraveled into something messy, undefined. They weren’t together, but they weren’t apart either. Because no matter who she was with, her heart still belonged to Jaehyun. And despite everything—despite the choices they had made and the people they had let into their relationship—he still wanted her, still needed her. They needed each other. It was as if they were stuck in an endless cycle—one neither of them knew how to break.

Maybe that was why, despite knowing they had long since stopped making sense, they still clung on to each other.