#bayan x reader

Gromsko

Yeah y'all saw this one coming

Either an introvert's worst nightmare or just the person you'd need to balance out those behaviors. Still, you're coming out of that shell even if he has to drag you out.

If you're an extrovert? You'll likely just feed off each other's energies.

Your number one cheerleader - and he's loud about it. Getting this man to shut up about you or not show you off is like arguing with a brick wall (unless it genuinely makes you uncomfortable, but sometimes he still can't help himself-)

I feel like he's definitely the type to give surprise hugs too. It's hard to sneak around with his stature but it sure is jarring when you're on solid ground one moment and the next you're being scooped up multiple feet in the air with an all-too-familiar laugh booming behind you.

For how aloof he seems Sobie is very observant. He picks up on even the smallest things. Most times he won't press the issue if he believes something's wrong, instead giving a gentle reminder that he's there if you do need to talk about anything, but there is one instance where he' won't take any'd act immediately.

Physical injuries, no matter how small, are something he doesn't fuck around with. I'll probably write a separate blurb or fic about this later but with all that medical training he's absolutely going to put it to use.

Will lowkey mother-hen you no matter how much you protest.

Overall? 10/10, absolutely marriage material. (They all are, I'm just biased as hell)

Roach

Still haven't settled on whether or not he's completely mute or selective, but regardless he's not too much of a talker. Even with sign he still tends to keep it curt more often than not.

Besides, his expressions speak for him way more than he could ever convey-

His eyes get all soft whenever he sees you and it's almost like time stops for a few moments. He may as well change his callsign to 'moth' with how drawn he is to your radiance.

Easily flustered. His gear hides it for the most part but whenever he's caught without it? Oh, his face gets the prettiest shade of pink.

Has a bit of an artistic streak! If you ever manage to get a peek inside his journal you'll see little doodles amongst the entries or smaller blurbs. Some are hasty scribbles of things he might want to remember or something that just looked interesting, but others are more detailed.

Quietly affectionate. Could take or leave physical affection but likes being in the same room as you when he can. It's a lot of shared glances or simple touches, though in private he's a bit more cuddly.

Also get the idea that he loves heartfelt gestures and/or personalized gifts. He's not the type to turn anything down, but something that's tailored to him and his interest? He'd be so weak over something like that.

Bayan

Okay now we're getting kinda obscure,,,I think,,,

Right off the bat he gives the impression that he 'doesn't care about' his burn scars and the overall state of his face, but there's definitely some insecurity that bubbles up when any promise of romance finds him.

Despite this, most of the time he hates when any sort of attention is given to those areas. It feels like pity to him, either that or some superficial comfort. Unless it's an extremely rare occasion it's a definite turn-off for Bayan.

Is a little...headstrong. He's stubborn and has a short fuse, and while he tries to keep it under control with you this has led to at least a few arguments between you both.

Most times they're easy disputes to settle, either you'll both come together and talk it out or the source of the tension is forgotten and you'll both make up soon after the fact, but other times it can be a bit more difficult to patch things up.

Due to his past I get the idea that he might have issues forming close relationships - between his upbringing and how his career in the military went it seems like he's always been on his own. Self-sufficient.

When it comes to you, though? He's...uncertain on how to handle things. For once he actually cares about how his actions might affect someone else.

It may take some time, but he'll come back eventually.

Getting away from the angst, his affinity for cars as well as a lot of his experiences from previous jobs provided him with another way to blow off steam - driving. If he plans on going particularly fast he goes alone, but sometimes he'll invite you to come with him. These are the more scenic routes or have particularly breathtaking destinations.

Even if he is gruff and inexperienced, there is a bit of a romantic behind his icy demeanor.

Stiletto

Determined and no-nonsense, Salvatrice doesn't hesitate when she has her mind set on something. She treats everyday life just as she does her job.

Considering the particular missions she takes on, things relating to some very dangerous people, she's protective of you no matter how capable you may be.

She does keep your relationship under wraps, only allowing her most trusted allies to know she's seeing someone (it's even more rare for any of them to meet you, though if you're the one asking she might be persuaded), but instead of trying to hide you away completely she 100% will teach you how to defend yourself.

Hopefully it never comes to that, but at least she can rest a little easier knowing you have a fighting chance.

Is the type to be curt and no-nonsense around everyone else, but around you? It's not a complete 180 but she does soften up noticeably whenever you're with her.

This might be a surprise considering how hellbent she is on ending the drug trade, but she is incredibly sympathetic and supportive towards those struggling with addiction. Will be among the first to help/give out resources/etc. This goes doubly so for her partner no matter how messy it might get.

Is also someone who's self-conscious of her facial injury, but any special attention to it will fluster her.

Despite her tenacious and professional demeanor she loves physical affection - . It's a 50/50 on who ends up in whose lap.

Lockpick

The physical embodiment of 'you want it? you've got it'.

She's a master thief and you expect her to not spoil you? You're out of your damn mind.

Despite her dishonest ways Elodie is very family-oriented. While she's not as close with what living family she has left due to her criminal behavior it's likely she still keeps an eye on them from afar just so they don't get tangled up in any of her affairs.

She treats her relationship with you in a similar matter with a couple differences - more contact and spontaneous gifts, even some surprise visits if you're lucky.

There's been plenty of times where she lets herself in to wherever you're living or staying at the time, acting like she owns the place.

Hell, if you've been together long enough she just might own it.

Is a provider at heart, but definitely appreciates being on the receiving end once in a while. Sure, there's not a lot that you can get a woman who has just about anything she could want, but it's the thought that counts.

Being promoted after only eight months of being a lower ranked sampae (삼패) and jumping straight to a high ranked Ilpae (일패) has been quite the culture shock of an opportunity only a few girls your age could only ever dreamed of achieving after years of hard work.

"It's just, I never imagined I'd make it this far in such a short time."

Despite the anxiety in your body, the pounding in your chest lessened as you spoke. "Compared to the beauty and talent of the higher ranked courtesans, I'm just average." Not the most positive words but they were yours and true to how you felt.

"Y/n." Bayan cooed.

"Y-Yes, my lady?" You stammered, the nervousness wracking at you again.

Bayan placed a hand under your chin, gently lifting it for your eyes to meet hers. Her fingertips inches away from your lips, making your heart race with anticipation.

"Your beauty is something extraordinary in its own way." Bayan held both of your hands, her thumbs massaging your calloused knuckles. "And I wouldn't ever trade it for anything in the world."

From that moment forward, Her Majesty's affection for you became more and more clear and left you with so many thoughts.

The picnic that had been arranged had been placed close enough to get a wide but safe view of the lake. Sitting down against the thin cloth material as an array of sweets and sandwiches were laid out by the same three servants that dressed and washed you this morning, you just now realized that Her Majesty wasn't being accompanied by her usual guard, perhaps the Emperor's hidden assassins were keeping watch from a distance.

The two of you sat across from each other with food in between, covered by the shape of a few trees with pink and white Mugunghwa surrounding you.

A gentle breeze washed over the both of you as the conversation lengthened and the laughter began. You got to know a lot about Bayan and where she came from but there were more sensitive parts that she left vague and you got the hint not to press for anymore information.

Then she shifted the conversation to you.

"Oh, me?' You scratched the back of your head with a nervous laugh. "There's not much to say. My great grandparents were farmers and my grandmother and mother are first and second generation Kisaeng and eventually that got passed down to me."

You recall your time back home in the village. Your friends. The sights and smells from the marketplace. How your mother taught you how to bake and sew and the books you heard from your late grandmother to help you read and write since your family couldn't afford an education. Looking back at it all, it really did lessen the mistreatment from more socially high standing nobles and the harsh poverty you were so accustomed to.

"Even though the role of Kisaeng was passed down to me by the law and my mother worked hard to care for me, I always saw this sadness in her eyes whenever she smiled." There's a tightness in your chest, a melancholy feeling that almost tempts you to cry but you don't. Instead you smile through it.

Bayan's eyes softened, practically wanting to cry for you as she too understood the love of a mother doing everything to make sure her daughter was taken care of long after she's long gone. Even if it means she has to smile through the pain.

To your surprise, Bayan arms have suddenly wrapped around you, pulling you in tight. You are startled at first but steadily relax to the rhythm of your heartbeats syncing up and pulsing against one another.

"I-I hope I didn't upset you, my lady." You start stammering again. Your face becoming flushed with heat. "I--I don't usually speak about my personal life to anyone even if the ladies in my rank probably have similar stories."

"It's nothing like that, y/n," Bayan mumbled, "It's just I want you to know I understand where your coming from and a lot of what you said reminded me of my mother."

Eventually Bayan let go and the two women stared at each other for a moment. Awkward giggles and slowly eaten sweets to lighten the mood between them.

Somehow, the chocolate sweets made the moment that much sweeter, leaving a new found lightness in your chest as you played a song on the flute gifted to you from Bayan herself.

"Are you sure I can keep it? I-It's lovely but--"

"It's yours, y/n." Bayan assured, holding your hands again and curling your fingers around the instrument. "You may simply thank me by playing to heart's content." Her gaze lingered on your lips. "And please, call me Bayan from now on. There's no need for formalities between us."

Your eyes sparkles, your chest pounding with excitement. "Th-ank you, Bayan."

As you played to your heart's content through the course of your time together, Bayan plucked a nearby Mugunghwa and placed it into your hair and when the picnic was over, she just had to leave a goodbye kiss on your soft cheek as a thank you for spending the day with her.

It was a morning of renewal, the first day of spring, and the air was laced with the sweetness of blooming flowers—pink and white Mugunghwa blossoming all around the palace gardens. The distant sound of laughter from courtiers and the occasional chirping of birds made the palace seem almost serene. You could feel the warmth of the sun as it kissed the surface of your skin. Today was an important day, one you had been preparing for with trembling hands and a heart racing with anticipation.

Her Majesty, Empress Bayan, had personally requested your company for an afternoon picnic. It was not unheard of for the Empress to call upon Kisaeng, but something about this felt different. You weren’t simply a courtesan today. You were her guest.

Why me? The question lingered in your mind, casting a shadow over your excitement.

As much as you had climbed the ranks quickly in only eight months, becoming an Ilpae (일패) felt almost surreal. Many girls worked years for this status. And here you were, an enigma to yourself, invited by the Empress herself.

The palace servants had arrived earlier to dress and prepare you, bringing the finest hanbok you had ever worn—emerald green with pastel pink accents, delicate embroidery, and a handmade gold hairpin with two dangling white pearls. The intricate design left you in awe. Surely, this is far too luxurious for someone like me.

But there was no time for doubt as you were led through the palace to the Empress’s quarters, every step heavy with the weight of expectation. When you arrived at the appointed spot by Gwahae Lake, you were met by the sight of Her Majesty, sitting beneath the shade of a cherry blossom tree, the soft petals falling around her like confetti.

Bayan’s presence was radiant, her calmness commanding. She wore a serene smile as her eyes met yours, their warmth piercing through your nervous exterior. Her royal hanbok shimmered with delicate silk, shades of purple and silver, making her appear almost otherworldly.

You swallowed hard, forcing yourself to speak despite the knot tightening in your throat. "I—I cannot thank you enough for your kindness, my lady," you stammered, lowering your head into a deep bow, arms stiff at your sides.

The Empress paused, her eyes softening. "There is no need for such formality, Y/n," she said gently. "Please, come and sit. The day is far too beautiful for us to be weighed down by titles."

You blinked, feeling your chest tighten as she called your name. No titles? Her voice had a way of disarming your nerves, even as your heart pounded in your ears. Slowly, you raised your head and stepped forward, your hands trembling as you sat down on the cloth beside her.

"I—I'm honored, truly," you continued, your voice faltering. "I never imagined I’d make it this far in such a short time. I’m not like the other high-ranked courtesans, not as talented or skilled as them. It feels… undeserved."

There was a silence that followed your words, the kind of silence that made you want to shrink into yourself. Why did I say that? Self-doubt gnawed at you, but before you could say more, Bayan’s voice cut through the tension.

"Y/n," she said softly, her tone firm but compassionate. "Do you truly believe that?"

Your breath caught in your throat, and you found yourself unable to look away from her gaze. Her hand reached out, gently lifting your chin so your eyes could meet hers. "Your talent is what caught my eye, not your title. It is your ability to captivate those around you, whether through conversation, art, or song. You have a rare gift, one that cannot be taught. And that is why you are here."

Her fingers brushed lightly against your chin, and you could feel the warmth of her touch ripple through you. She thinks I’m talented? The disbelief mixed with a strange flutter of excitement in your chest, your breath hitching at her words. Her sincerity felt like a balm, soothing the insecurities that had plagued you all morning.

"My lady, I…" You tried to find the words, but your voice faltered, caught between gratitude and disbelief.

Bayan smiled softly, her hand moving to hold yours, her thumbs gently tracing the calloused skin of your knuckles. "Do not let doubt cloud your heart, Y/n. Talent cannot always be measured in the same way. You are extraordinary in your own right."

The sincerity in her voice stirred something deep within you, and for the first time, you allowed yourself to believe it—if only for a moment. You nodded, unable to find words, a faint smile tugging at your lips. Extraordinary… in my own way.

As the servants finished setting up the picnic, you and Bayan settled into a comfortable conversation. The lake sparkled in the afternoon sun, and a gentle breeze rustled the leaves above. An array of delicacies had been laid out: sweet rice cakes, fresh fruit, and small sandwiches prepared with precision.

You glanced around, noting the lack of guards. Normally, Bayan’s personal retinue would be close by. Perhaps they were watching from the shadows, or maybe she had chosen to have some semblance of privacy for the day.

"Tell me about your life, Y/n," Bayan asked, her voice gentle but curious. "I wish to know more about the woman behind the title."

"Oh, me?" You scratched the back of your head with a nervous laugh. "There's not much to tell. My family were farmers—my grandmother and mother were Kisaeng before me, and it became my path as well." You paused, smiling softly at the memory of your home. "My mother worked so hard, always with a smile on her face, but… there was a sadness in her eyes, even when she smiled."

The words came out softer than you intended, and you felt a pang in your chest, a melancholy that you had never fully confronted. The weight of inherited duty, the life of a Kisaeng passed down from generation to generation. The tightness in your throat threatened to overwhelm you.

"I suppose we all have burdens to bear," you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

Bayan was silent for a moment, her eyes filled with understanding. Then, without a word, she reached out and wrapped her arms around you, pulling you into an embrace. You froze for a moment, startled by the sudden contact, but soon found yourself relaxing against her, your heartbeats syncing in a gentle rhythm.

"You carry so much on your shoulders, Y/n," Bayan whispered, her breath warm against your ear. "But you do not have to bear it alone."

Your eyes widened as you melted into her arms. Her embrace was comforting, like the warmth of sunlight on a cold day. She’s so close… The realization of her tenderness made your face flush with heat, your mind a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions. You had not expected this level of intimacy, and it left you feeling both vulnerable and cherished.

"I hope I didn’t upset you, my lady," you stammered, your voice faltering as you pulled away slightly, though her arms remained loosely around you.

Bayan shook her head, her gaze soft and reassuring. "You did not upset me. I only wanted you to know that I understand." Her eyes held yours, and you could feel the weight of her words. "My mother was much the same."

There was a shared sorrow between you, an unspoken bond of understanding that made the moment feel heavier, yet somehow lighter. For a while, the two of you sat in silence, the sounds of nature filling the gaps where words could not.

Eventually, you smiled, the weight in your chest lifting as you reached for the flute she had gifted you earlier. "Are you sure I can keep it? It's lovely but…"

"It's yours, Y/n," Bayan said, her hand curling around yours, pressing the flute into your palm. "You may thank me by playing it to your heart’s content."

Your heart skipped a beat at her words, the warmth in her gaze sending a thrill through you. "Thank you, Bayan," you whispered, daring to use her name without a title.

As the day went on, you played a gentle melody on the flute while Bayan plucked a nearby Mugunghwa flower and placed it in your hair. The two of you lingered in each other’s presence, sharing sweets and quiet laughter until the sun began to dip below the horizon.

Before you parted ways, Bayan leaned in, her lips brushing against your cheek in a soft, lingering kiss—a farewell that left you blushing, your heart fluttering with the memory of her touch.

That night, as you lay awake, your mind raced with thoughts of the day.

You had never been this close to someone of such importance before. Her touch still lingered on your skin, a soft warmth that refused to fade even as the cool night air seeped into your room.

You replayed the kiss over and over in your mind, the gentle brush of her lips against your cheek, the way her fingers lingered in your hair as she placed the Mugunghwa there. The Empress had always carried herself with grace and dignity, but this… this was something far more personal, far more intimate.

What did it mean? you wondered, staring up at the wooden ceiling above your bed. You had been trained to entertain, to charm, but this was different. This was not the role of a courtesan—this was something deeper, something that made your heart race and your mind whirl with confusion. Was it affection? Friendship? Or something more?

Her words echoed in your mind: “You do not have to bear it alone.” There was a tenderness in the way she had spoken those words, as though she saw past your role, past the title of Kisaeng, and saw you—the real you.

You shifted in your bed, pulling the blanket tighter around yourself as a soft sigh escaped your lips. Could it be that Bayan, the Empress of the nation, truly saw you as someone more than just a performer? The idea sent shivers down your spine, both thrilling and terrifying.

The next few days passed in a blur of routine and duties. You were busy with lessons, performances, and entertaining officials, but your thoughts kept drifting back to that afternoon by the lake. Every time you closed your eyes, you could see Bayan’s smile, hear the softness of her voice, feel the warmth of her touch. It was maddening, how much you thought of her.

You tried to push the thoughts aside, reminding yourself of your place. You were a Kisaeng, trained to please, to perform. There was no room for personal attachment, especially not with someone of Bayan’s status. But no matter how hard you tried, the memory of that day lingered, wrapping itself around your heart like a vine.

Several days later, just as the cherry blossoms began to fall in full bloom, you received another invitation. The royal messenger had arrived at your quarters early in the morning, presenting you with a scroll bearing the Empress’s seal.

You unrolled it carefully, your heart pounding as you read the elegant script:

Y/n,

I find myself longing for your company once more. Join me this evening in the gardens. There is much I wish to discuss with you.

- Bayan

Your breath caught in your throat. Longing for your company… The words sent a flutter through your chest, and for a moment, you simply stood there, staring at the scroll in disbelief.

Without wasting any time, you prepared yourself, your mind a whirlwind of possibilities. What could she want to discuss? Had something changed since your last meeting? Was this a formal summons, or something more personal?

As the evening approached, you found yourself once again standing in the palace gardens, the setting sun casting a warm golden glow over the landscape. The air was filled with the soft scent of blooming flowers, and the distant sound of a waterfall trickled through the quiet.

Bayan was waiting for you under the same cherry blossom tree where you had shared your first afternoon together. She looked even more radiant in the evening light, her hair loosely pinned up, her hanbok flowing like water as she stood to greet you.

"Y/n," she called softly, her voice carrying through the air like a melody. "I’m glad you came."

You bowed deeply, trying to keep your composure. "It is always an honor to be in your presence, my lady."

Bayan smiled, her eyes crinkling slightly at the corners. "I told you before, there’s no need for formalities between us." She gestured for you to sit beside her, and once again, you felt that strange mix of excitement and nervousness as you obeyed.

For a moment, neither of you spoke. The silence was comfortable, filled with the sounds of nature and the soft rustling of the wind through the trees. You stole a glance at her, admiring the way the evening light danced across her skin, the way her eyes sparkled with something you couldn’t quite place.

"I’ve been thinking about you, Y/n," Bayan finally said, her voice soft but firm. "Since the day by the lake."

Your heart skipped a beat. "You have, my lady?"

She nodded, turning her gaze to the horizon. "There’s something about you that draws me in. It’s not just your talent, though that is undeniable. It’s the way you carry yourself, the way you speak, the way you seem to understand the world with such depth. It’s… remarkable."

You blinked, taken aback by her words. "I… I don’t know what to say."

"You don’t need to say anything." She smiled, her eyes locking onto yours. "I just wanted you to know."

A heavy silence fell between you, and for a moment, you weren’t sure what to do. Her words sent a flurry of emotions through you—pride, confusion, fear, hope. Did she see you as more than just a performer? Was there something deeper behind her compliments?

Bayan reached out, taking your hand in hers, her fingers warm against your skin. "Y/n," she said softly, "I don’t want you to feel as though you’re only here because of duty or obligation. I invited you here because I enjoy your company. Because… I care for you."

Your breath caught in your throat. "My lady, I… I’m not sure I understand."

Her hand tightened around yours, her eyes searching yours for understanding. "I know this must be unexpected for you. And I know our positions make things… complicated. But my feelings for you are real, Y/n. You’ve stirred something in me that I haven’t felt in a long time."

You felt your heart hammering in your chest, a mixture of fear and elation swirling inside you. "I… I don’t know what to say," you whispered, your voice barely audible.

Bayan smiled softly, her thumb brushing over your knuckles in a soothing gesture. "You don’t have to say anything now. I just wanted you to know how I feel. I don’t expect anything from you. I just… wanted to be honest."

For a moment, you could only sit there, stunned by her confession. The Empress of Joseon, the most powerful woman in the land, had just confessed her feelings for you. It was overwhelming, and yet… there was a part of you that had longed for this, a part of you that had felt the same way but had been too afraid to admit it, even to yourself.

Slowly, you nodded, your eyes meeting hers once more. "Thank you… for your honesty, my lady," you said quietly. "I… I’m honored by your words."

Bayan smiled, her eyes softening with relief. "Take your time, Y/n. There’s no rush. We have all the time in the world."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting the gardens in a soft, golden glow, you sat there with Bayan, hand in hand, sharing a quiet moment of understanding and possibility. For the first time in a long while, you allowed yourself to hope—for connection, for something more, for a future that felt uncertain but full of promise.