#florecial

𓏵𓏵

ok sorry guys this is kinda not great and it took a while to post but donthitme okay. Okay bye.

𓏵𓏵

𓏵𓏵

ok so I’m now realziknh that I might’ve not paced this out well..Jake WILL be stepping in to steal y/n’s man ty❤️

𓏵𓏵

Okay so. I’m sorry this took so long to come out I genuinely didn’t know what to do so I’m sorry that this isn’t the best..summer break is officially here tho so I plan to work on this more !!

Your apartment is loud.

Moka is on the edge of your bed, Stella and Keonho are rummaging through the kitchen, James is scrolling through social media because he’s adamant on knowing who’s face he’ll see at the party, and Seonghyeon is laying on the couch, convincing himself that it’s going to be a fun night.

“I’m only going because Keonho threatened to force mint chocolate down my throat.”

Keonho, leaning against the counter, mouth stuffed with chocolate, glances over at the boy on the couch. “And it worked.”

“Fuck you.”

“No, Sean,” you correct him. “You’re going because the four of them would physically force you to come, and you know it.”

If it wasn’t clear enough in the way you’ve been sulking for the past two hours, you did not want to go to this party.

You can’t seem to find any reason as to why Heeseung was forcing you to come besides pure hatred.

Your older brother must hate you.

You’d never been the type to enjoy loud gatherings or anything of the sort, so this was definitely something out of your area of interest.

But, as you told Sunghoon, you were going to step out of your comfort zone today.

And, unfortunately, you were feeling way too optimistic when texting him, because now, adjusting your top for a final time, you’re dreading the night ahead.

With a sigh, you grab your bottle of perfume, standing in front of the mirror.

Then, almost absentmindedly,

“…Soobin asked if I was going.”

Everyone, who’d now fully migrated into your bedroom, went silent for half a second.

Keonho shrugs. “So? Just ignore him.”

“Yeah, well..” you turn around to face the five of them, lips pressing into a thin line.

“It’s not that simple.”

“Yes, it literally is, y/n.” Moka gets up, grabbing your lipgloss off the desk. “What are the odds that he’ll find you through the crowd of what—two hundred people?”

You just stare at her while she puts the product on your lips.

James adds, “He is not going to spend his whole night searching for you. Trust me.”

“And if he does…” Stella walks over and gently nudges your shoulder.

“You have us,”

“..and Heeseung,”

“..and Sunghoon—"

“Shut up, Stella.”

She lets out a small laugh while you roll your eyes.

“He’s not my bodyguard.”

“Oh please!” Seonghyeon cuts in. “If you gave him the opportunity, he’d do it in an instant. He already acts like your personal bodyguard anyways!”

The comment causes a fit of laughter from everyone except you, who’s glaring at him.

“You’re supposed to be on my team.”

“I’m just telling the truth, y/n.”

You can’t help the small smile you let slip.

Everyone else is talking, and as you’re grabbing your phone to leave, you can’t help but feel a pit forming in your stomach.

While ‘clairvoyant’ felt too dramatic of a label, the sudden, overwhelming agita filling your mind was impossible to ignore.

Before leaving the door, James turns towards everyone a final time. “Cheers to the amazing night ahead, guys!”

“We don’t even have drinks in our hands.”

“Can you shut the fuck up? You’re ruining the vibe.”

Heeseung’s house is already packed when you and the others arrive.

People from every academic department of the school covered every inch of the house.

The deep, vibrating bass of whatever house song Jay had played.

The lights low and colorful.

Almost instantly, everyone starts to separate.

Moka rushes over to Jungwon.

James and Seonghyeon go to the first area where they see alcohol.

Ni-ki steals Stella.

Keonho—

You didn’t even want to think about what he was doing.

Biting at your lip, you grab your phone from your purse, typing frantically.

you: sunghoon wru

you: I’m here and idk where to go😣

He immediately responds.

sunghoon: kitchen

sunghoon: don’t worry, pretty girl. I’ll find you. 🤍

You start weaving through the heaps of people without even replying.

Sunghoon spots you before you spot him, and the second you reach him, your met with a grin and an arm around the waist.

“There you are.”

He pulls you closer to him, his gaze lingering over you.

He leans down to speak directly in your ear, your head instinctively tilting up to give him better access.

“You look beautiful, y/n.”

A small giggle leaves your glossy lips.

You gently push him back to look at him fully, then put a hand on his chest.

“I could say the same about you, Sunghoon.”

His ears flush a deep shade of pink at the compliment, the flesh underneath your hand teem with butterflies, and in an effort to avert your attention away from him, he reaches for the closest drink.

“Here,” he holds it out to you, grabbing one for himself.

“To help you “step out of your comfort zone”, like you said you would do, right?”

You grin, grabbing the cup and taking a long gulp.

With a sigh, you lick your lips, responding with nothing but a subtle nod.

He presses you to his side again, walking away from the kitchen to talk to other people.

“Hey, y/n! How’ve you been, girl?” A girl you recognize as Yunjin, who’s in the grade above you, exclaims, arms open to embrace you.

“I’m doing great. What about you?”

“Oh, I’m doing wonderful!” She cheers, slugging back her drink. “Oh! By the way..”

She glances at Sunghoon, who’s still behind you, watching you in admiration.

“That pink Dior shirt you wore in that post the other day..” With theatrical flair, she throws a chef’s kiss towards you.

“Absolutely beautiful. How did you manage to get a vintage Dior top?!”

Sunghoon bites back a grin.

Oblivious, you look over your shoulder at Sunghoon. “Actually, he got it for me. As a gift..”

Yunjin gasps, then proceeds to look between the two of you.

“Oh, babes—"

She pauses, stumbling over her own designer heels.

“If I were you, I’d immediately get with the guy.”

You choke on your own words, and the only thing you can manage is another small laugh.

“Well—I mean—"

“It was nice seeing you two! Just a heads up, the room upstairs, fifth one to the right, is empty!”

With that, she disappears into the crowd, leaving you and Sunghoon speechless.

Well, before she had fully disappeared, she winked knowingly at Sunghoon. But you didn’t know that.

Imperceptibly, Sunghoon clears his throat and leads you deeper into the crowd to distract from the blunt comment Yunjin had made.

For the next half hour, he makes it his mission to keep you from clinging to one corner of the house.

He introduces you to people you’ve only ever seen in passing or have sold desserts to.

He drags you into conversations you would never willingly put yourself in (not that you mind, he looks so excited every time you tell him you enjoyed a conversation).

He makes you play a round of beer pong despite the fact he knew he’d lose horribly with you on his team.

Not that his goal was winning the game itself.

Eventually, you stop in your tracks to turn and look at him, leaning up so he can hear you clearly through the music.

“Hoon, as much as I’m loving your enthusiasm about introducing me to everyone you know, I need a drink. Please.”

He stares at you.

Without responding, he gently tugs you towards the back door.

Outside, everything is much quieter.

You nod your head towards the outdoor bar, where Moka and Jungwon are making out.

“That was bound to happen, wasn’t it?”

He chuckles. “Obviously. He’s wanted her for so long, he just didn’t know how to say it.”

You guys make it to the bar, and without bothering the two, Sunghoon pours you a drink.

While he’s making it, Jake, Jay, and Sunoo shout from a distance.

“Sunghoon!”

He looks up, nodding at them.

They reach the bar, and pause their conversation to talk to you.

Jake ruffles your hair, pulling you in for a side hug.

“Never thought I’d see you at one of Heeseung’s parties. Someone pinch me!” He says dramatically, earning a laugh from Sunoo.

“Oh, if I had the option to stay home, I would. Don’t get your hopes up, Sim.”

Sunghoon slides the drink across the bar towards you, then finally, while drying his hands on a towel, turns his attention to the three guys.

“What’s up?”

Jay twirls his keys on his finger.

“Can you help us get the rest of the cases from the car? I went back and bought a shit ton of seltzers.”

Sunghoon sighs, looking between you and the guys.

“Y/n..”

“Don’t worry about it, Hoon. Go help them.”

“I’ll be right back, okay?”

You smile, sipping your drink.

“Take your time.”

The other three start walking back towards the gate, and Sunghoon takes the opportunity to quickly turn back to you, pulling you into a quick hug.

“Don’t..” he pauses, pulling back. “Don’t go anywhere. Stay here.”

“I won’t go anywhere. Promise.”

He sighs in relief, then reluctantly lets go of you to jog over to the guys.

—

You wait a minute.

Then two.

Then five.

Until eventually—

Your phone buzzes in your purse. When you pull it out, you notice it’s a text from Sunghoon.

sunghoon: hi I’m so sorry this is taking so long

sunghoon: Jay bought forty fucking cases. I’m speed running them tho don’t worry.

You quickly heart his message, reassuring him that it’s fine.

Besides, over the last five minutes, you’ve grown the sudden need to use the restroom.

After finishing the last of the drink Sunghoon made you, you go back inside, squeezing through the crowd to the bathroom.

You try the doorknob—

Locked.

“Okay..” You mumble to yourself, turning around. “There’s another one across the room..”

By the time you’ve made it there, another couple already slipped inside.

“Fuck.”

You groan, running a hand through your hair.

You’ve been to Heeseung’s house enough times to know that there are plenty more bathrooms upstairs.

And it’s likely that one of them isn’t occupied.

But you’re also smart enough to know that the upper level is definitely occupied by horny college students and couples.

You absolutely did not want to witness that, so, you decided to ditch the bathroom after all.

“It’s fine, it’s not an emergency..” You convince yourself, turning around to go back outside.

Maybe it’s the heat of bodies pressed together and the drinks settling into your bloodstream, but the sudden feeling of eyes burning into your back is unbearable.

You glance behind you—

Nothing.

You sigh, continuing your journey towards the back door.

Just as you reach for the handle, a familiar voice fills your ears.

“Still wearing the same perfume, huh?”

Every muscle in your body stiffens.

No.

Absolutely not.

You slowly turn around.

Soobin.

Choi. Fucking. Soobin.

Standing right behind you, smirk only growing wider by the second like you’re good friends.

Like he didn’t absolutely tear your heart into pieces the last time he’d seen you face to face.

You don’t answer.

He takes the opportunity to step closer, leaning forward.

“Thought you hated stuff like this. Y’know, parties and all.”

“What do you want?”

He pauses, eyebrows slowly raising in amusement at the sound of your irritation.

“What do I want?” He repeats, tone devoid of any real emotion, like his affectless self had always been.

“Isn’t it obvious, baby? I just want to talk.” He smiles again.

“I don’t.”

“You owe me it, y/n.”

You scoff, trying to compose yourself and steady your voice that’s threatening to tremble.

“I don’t owe you anything, Soobin.”

His laugh is imperturbable and makes your stomach twist in disgust.

“I’ve missed you, baby.”

“Stop calling me that.”

“Why should I?”

You glare at him, shocked at his lack of care.

This is just a game to him.

A sick and twisted game.

He takes your silence as an opportunity to keep talking,

“Why would I stop when you and I both know you don’t want me to? Why do you keep lying to yourself, y/n?”

He leans in close again, lips just barely brushing your ear.

“You’ve always been so fucking stubborn, haven’t you? But it’s obvious, baby.” His saccharine-silky voice sends a shiver down your spine.

“Fuck you!” You raise your voice, shoving him back.

He barely moves.

Instead, the action only seems to thrill him.

“You’re still the same dramatic girl you’ve always been.”

Crossing your arms over your chest, you glance back outside, eyes desperately searching for Sunghoon.

He still wasn’t back.

As if Soobin could read right through you—which—as much as you hated it—he definitely could—he leans over to look outside with you.

“What’s his name?”

“That’s none of your concern.”

He paused, then kissed his teeth.

“It’s that Sunghoon guy, right? The one who’s fucked around with half of the campus body?”

“Shut the fuck up, Soobin.”

“So he’s my replacement?” He chuckles, eyes darkening in jealousy.

You turn around, eyes ablaze. “He’s not replacing you.”

“Really?” He hums, arm slinging over your shoulders.

“Because from where I’m standing, where I’ve been standing for months..” he pauses, leaning impossibly close.

“It seems like you’re trying real hard to forget about me.”

—

“Dude, she’s going to be fine without you by her side for ten minutes.” Jake shouts across the road from where he’s standing next to Jay’s car.

Sunghoon is carelessly tossing the cans into coolers while Sunoo, Jay, and Jake carry the last few boxes into the back.

He’s barely listening to the guys, because in his mind, the only thing he’s worried about is the fact that he lied to you.

He had been gone far longer than “real quick”.

He keeps staring through the glass sliding door, trying to find you in the crowd.

You didn’t tell him you had went inside.

When he came back out and noticed your absence at the outdoor bar, he was immediately looking around.

Jay notices.

“She’s not going to disappear, Sunghoon.” He sighs, stepping on the empty cardboard boxes to flatten them out.

“I know.”

“You are physically incapable of taking your eyes off of the door.”

“I know.”

Sunoo snorts.

“You’re acting like she’s a child.”

Sunghoon shrugs.

“I told her I’d be quick.”

Shutting the cooler after the last can is tossed inside, Sunghoon immediately stands straight, making his way towards the door to go back inside and find you.

When he makes his way inside, he’s searching the crowd for you.

From across the house, he finally spots you near the bathroom.

He practically exhales every ounce of anxiety he had.

The relief is quickly replace with confusion.

You’re talking to some guy.

He figures it’s someone you’re friends with.

Then he fully takes in the sight.

Soobin.

His arm is slung around your shoulder, head leaning impossibly close to yours, speaking directly in your ear.

Smirking.

Smirking in that confident manner that indicates nothing but intimacy.

Smirking like he knows you—has known you for a while.

Like he’s done this hundreds of times before.

Like he’s been in this exact position hundreds of times before.

Sunghoon’s stomach sinks.

The overwhelming feeling of his heart growing heavy makes it difficult for him to turn around and walk back outside.

He opens up the cooler he’d just filled up, grabbing a drink and immediately downing it.

The image is burned in his brain.

Soobin holding you close.

Soobin having his arm around you.

Soobin being mere centimeters from your face.

Soobin.

You.

Soobin.

You.

You.

You and Soobin.

His chest aches even more as he reaches for another can.

He feels stupid.

Like an utter fool.

Because of course he’d misunderstood everything.

Of course he over analyzed everything.

He convinced himself that every smile, every laugh, every hangout, every flirty comment, every time you’d picked him specifically, every late night, every study session—everything meant something.

All of it was a lie.

Maybe you had just seen him as an amazing friend.

Maybe you were just growing fond of him, or comfortable enough to be around him.

Maybe he was convenient enough for you to reach out to him.

Maybe you’d only given him the time of day out of pity because it was obvious that he had feelings for you.

Maybe there was never anything there to begin with.

—

“Get off of me!” You shout, shoving Soobin for the second time.

“You really think some random guy can satisfy you like I did?”

“Soobin, we have been broken up for half a year. We are done.”

“Yeah. Because of you.”

“You fucking cheated on me!”

His jaw tightens.

“You blew it out of proportion.”

“Are you serious?” You reply, eyes wide with pure anger.

“You were nothing but toxic. I cried for weeks because of you!”

“Y/n, I—"

“And now that I finally have my shit back together, now that I’ve found someone who makes me feel amazing, you think it’s fine to try and squeeze back into my life?”

“Listen—"

“Fuck you, Soobin!”

Before he could stop you, you turn towards the back door, slamming it shut behind you.

—

Once outside, your eyes immediately search for him.

The moment you spot him, standing near the bar, a shaky breath you didn’t even realize you were holding escapes your lungs.

There he is.

Finally.

“Hoon,” you call out softly.

He turns at the sound of your voice.

The first thing you notice are his glossed-over eyes.

Red around the edges.

The second is the drink in his trembling hand.

Your heart sinks.

Without a single thought, you walk closer and pry the half empty can from his fingers.

“Sunghoon, that’s enough..”

He doesn’t respond.

He doesn’t even protest when you take the drink.

Something about that scares you more than if he had argued.

You reach for his wrist with a small smile, trying to lighten the suddenly dark mood in the air.

You try pulling him to a chair, but he doesn’t budge.

You look at him over your shoulder,

“Come on, sit down with me for a bit, Hoonie.”

You try tugging him down again.

He doesn’t budge.

Your smile fades.

“Sunghoon?”

Nothing.

You then realize that his eyes hadn’t met yours once since you came outside.

You feel an overwhelming sense of nervousness wash over you.

“Is something wrong? Are you feeling sick? Do you need medicine or anything? Do you need to leave? I can call us a ride, we don’t need to stay any longer—"

“Y/n.”

His voice is so quiet you almost miss it.

You pause in your tracks instantly.

He swallows hard before opening his mouth to speak again.

“I think…”

He rubs his jaw.

“I think it’s best if we stop talking.”

The words don’t seem to register to you at first.

You blink.

“..What?”

He looks away, because he knows he’ll break if he looks at you any longer.

“I think it’s better if we stop seeing each other.”

A nervous laugh escapes your throat, because it’s the only thing you can think to do.

“…What are you talking about?”

“You heard me.”

“No, Sunghoon, I—"

You shake your head rapidly, swallowing the lump in your throat.

“I don’t understand, Sunghoon. Are you okay? Has something happened?”

He covers his eyes with his palms, exhaling shakily.

When he lowers his hands, you immediately notice the unmistakable gloss of tears forming behind his eyes.

“Y/n, listen to me.” He speaks up, voice trembling.

“Please..don’t make this harder.”

“Harder?” You repeat, your voice cracking miserably.

“What the fuck are you trying to say right now?”

He finally looks at you.

Directly at you.

His eyes are filled with so much emotion that it almost knocks the air out of your lungs completely.

His hands then raise, gently cup your face so you have no choice but to look at him.

His hands are cold.

Cold and trembling.

“..I don’t think this is working.”

Your brows furrow.

“What do you mean? What’s not working..?”

He exhales, long and heavy and shaky.

“Us.”

Your chest tightens impossibly more.

He opens his mouth to speak, then pauses.

Like the words are hard to get out.

“I don’t think..” A pause. “I don’t think we’re on the same page. Or want the same things.”

“Sunghoon..”

Tears begin to blur your vision.

“Why are you saying this..?”

He quickly shakes his head, sniffling.

“Please. Please don’t make this difficult.”

His voice splinters with every word.

“Please. It’s already killing me.”

His thumbs brush the delicate skin under your eyes one more time before dropping to your shoulders.

“I like you.”

You don’t respond.

“I like you so much more than I had ever meant to.”

Silence.

“I tried convincing myself that I was just going crazy, but I wasn’t.”

His laugh is wet and humorless.

“I fell for you, y/n. I really fell for you.”

You freeze, grabbing his hands that rest on your shoulders.

“So why are you doing this?”

“Because,” he swallows dryly, eyes trailing behind you.

“It’s obvious.”

“What’s obvious?”

He smiles gently.

It’s the most devastating smile you’ve ever seen.

“You and I aren’t on the same page.”

You automatically stand straight.

“What? What are you talking about? I’m not—"

“You don’t have to do that, y/n.”

“I-"

“You don’t.”

He doesn’t let you finish the sentence.

He shakes his head again.

“I understand.”

His voice is too calm for the subject matter.

“You don’t owe me anything. Not a single thing.”

“And you’re deciding that for me?!” You raise your voice, tears finally spilling over.

He raises a hand to wipe your tears, his own expression crumpling.

“No.” He whispers, sounding as if he was trying to convince not just you, but himself as well.

“This is for me. For us. This is out of care.”

After another moment, he stands straight, checking his phone.

“I already ordered an uber.”

You stare at him in disbelief, vision blurred.

“I sent you money for one as well.”

“Sunghoon!”

“This is what’s best.”

“Why?!”

“I saw you inside, y/n. With Soobin.”

Your blood runs cold.

You shake your head, reaching out to grab his arm.

“No, Sunghoon, you don’t understand—"

“It’s okay, pretty.”

He laughs again.

“Maybe I’m just drunk and overly sensitive,” he pauses. “But we shouldn’t talk right now.”

“Sunghoon, you’re not understanding!”

“Listen, y/n.” He takes your hands, rubbing slow circles on your knuckles.

“I can’t keep pretending I’m okay with where I stand.”

“Where do you think you stand?”

“Y/n, stop crying. Please.” He sighs, ignoring the question.

“I think I’ve just been holding onto something that wasn’t there. And I’m sorry for that.”

You could kill him.

You really could.

“Sunghoon, you’re wrong! You’ve clearly misunderstood everything, and you’re not letting me explain!”

“Sunghoon, turn around!”

“Look at me!”

“Sunghoon!”

Your pleading is drowned out by the heavy music inside the house, and the farther Sunghoon steps away from you, the harder it is to see him in the dark.

Your sobs seemed to worsen, racking your eyes.

With every remaining ounce of strength left in you, a final scream rips through your heart, echoing into the dark.

“Park Sunghoon, you fucking asshole!”

𓏵𓏵

Hey guys. !!!!!!

Guys…!!!!

Guys don’t hit me!!!

Isn’t this so cute !!!!🤍🤍🤍🤍🤤🤤🫣🫣😂🙃🙃

Thsi chapter is so cutesy!!!! Don’t kill me

Also guys Choi Soobin doesn’t act like this in real life don’t worry he just had to take one for the team🤍🤍🤤

(If you can’t tell, I can’t write emotional stuff at all this isn’t that good I’m sorry.💔)

𓏵𓏵

THERE ARE CERTAIN LAWS OF NATURE THAT EVERYONE AT NYU UNDERSTANDS.

The earliest classes usually started at 8 AM and the latest ran until 9:30 PM.

You should never go to a frat to find a long term relationship.

That you should never walk under the Washington Square Arch during freshman or sophomore year, because the “arch curse” is a very terrifying superstition.

And one that only a handful of students understand—

Nobody should ever distract Y/n Lee while she’s baking.

Ever.

Unfortunately, your friends seemed to disregard this rule one too many times that it’s become a bit outdated.

Heeseung still stole frosting, Keonho would eat half a batch that was supposed to be sold, Stella would eat all of the chocolate chips—the list could go on for ages.

When Sunghoon learned the hard way, because he accidentally nudged you while piping meringues out on a tray, he swore to never interrupt you when you were in baking mode.

When you had even given him the role of your sous chef, which really only entailed working on building and decorating and rarely touching the food, you didn’t expect this.

Sunghoon has been working on the floor for three hours.

Three.

Not including the hours he stayed up sketching designs for the stand.

Not including the time spent wandering around craft stores, arguing with employees because “No, that’s too dark to be ivory, and that’s too powdery to be peony pink. I need ivory and peony pink.”

Not including the entire week of scrolling on his phoen to find the perfect inspo photo.

Three straight hours of painting, gluing, sketching, and trying not to get distracted by the addictive aroma of cupcakes whirling around the place.

To be quite clear, you weren’t asking him to do anything this difficult.

You expected a basic stand that he could complete in an hour.

Unfortunately for him, you seemed to hold him under a certain spell that made his brain shout “ABSOLUTELY” at anything you could ever ask.

And you had actually admitted to liking the words “I’m in love with her” coming from him, which is grounds for going insane over such a simple task.

Doing this for you, to him, was equal to a royal decree.

You now stand in the kitchen, piping whipped cream onto the third batch of cupcakes while trying—and obviously failing—to contain your laughter.

“Hoon,” you sigh, leaning against the counter, staring at him in amusement.

“Hm?”

You pause for a moment to admire the sight.

The stand is starting to resemble that of an actual bakery.

And Sunghoon..

His brows furrowed, tongue barely poking through his lips in deep focus, and—

“Why the fuck do you have measuring tape?”

Without sparing a glance, he responds.

“..So it’s even?”

You blink, tilting your head.

“It is a sign, Sunghoon. Made out of cardboard.”

“And? That doesn’t mean it should be crooked.”

“It’s a menu for cupcakes.”

He finally looks up at you, frowning, as if you had genuinely offended him with your disregard towards said sign.

You bit back a smile, because as much as you hated admitting it, he was so adorable.

The sign had been redesigned four times before he came to the conclusion that it was perfect.

The first one was too plain.

The second didn’t match the color palette.

The third was “clashing with everything else around it”.

The fourth had to be remade because he got a singular drop of paint on it and was firm on starting over.

Technically, he’d made five signs.

For a bake sale.

A university bake sale.

You rub your temples, turning back to the oven where two more cupcake trays sat.

“As much as I love that you’re doing this, nobody is going to care about the sign this much.”

“Yeah, well,” a pause. “I care.”

You look at him over your shoulder, and suddenly, he seems to find interest in his paint-covered hands.

“That—came out wrong.”

“No it didn’t, Sunghoon.”

Grabbing the spatula with excess raspberry whipped cream on it, you walk bsck towards him, grinning.

“I think that came out exactly as you wanted.”

He clears his throat, ears flushing pink immediately.

“I mean it because you’re my friend. That’s all..” He mumbles.

“Mhm.”

“And—because you asked for my help.”

“Yeah.”

“So, obviously,” he finally looks back up at you, “I’m gonna make it look amazing.”

“Definitely.”

“Would you stop that!” He whines, finally noticing the teasing tone of your voice.

“I’m not doing anything, Hoon.”

He huffs, subconsciously wiping flour off of your shirt. “You’re grinning.”

“Can a girl not grin?”

“..Not like that.”

You laugh, putting the spatula to his lips. “Shut up and try the whipped cream, please. Raspberry flavor.”

He licks the spatula, and immediately, his eyes widen.

You frown. “Is it bad?”

“Y/n, my sweet girl,” he snatches the spatula, licking it again,

“This is fucking amazing. Better than a blunt. So good. I could write a song about this.”

You sigh in relief, grabbing the spatula after he finishes devouring the whipped cream.

“Thank God.”

“Okay,” he glances back at the almost finished sign, “you go work on those cupcakes. They already look and smell amazing.”

You hum, and subconsciously, your hand lifts to wipe away excess raspberry cream from his lip, bringing it to your own lips.

“I’ll do that, then.” You reply quietly, turning back to the kitchen.

Sunghoon freezes, hand slowly reaching for his lips where your touch lingered.

“Damnit, y/n..” he huffs under his breath, forcing himself to go back to working on the sign.

The truth was, Sunghoon had not shut up once about being picked by you for the job.

The moment you casually asked—well—forced him to decorate the booth for you, his heart skipped a beat. Or twenty.

Even Jake noticed his excitement, asking him why he looked like a kid on Christmas.

Sunghoon’s answer was simple:

“She picked me.”

As if that was the explanation for his sudden joy.

Which, to him, it absolutely was.

He wouldn’t be anywhere else but on your floor, cutting out tiny paper flowers and gluing them together with the concentration of a neurosurgeon.

While taking the trays out of the oven and placing them on the stove to cool, you couldn’t help but avert your eyes towards him again.

“You’re weird, Hoonie.”

“I’m literally working for you.”

“No, like, in an admirable way. You’re treating this like a presidential campaign.”

“As I should.”

“For a bake sale?”

“Yours. Your bake sale.”

The room went dead silent besides the low hum of the kitchen hood.

Sunghoon wished he could turn back time and make himself shut up.

For the second time that day.

Because apparently, every word spoken around her became a confession of his love if he spoke for long enough.

You clear your throat, hands on your hips.

And because you couldn’t dare acknowledge what he had said, you switch the topic.

“You’re just overly focused on that sign, huh?”

“I am not.”

“Sunghoon—"

“Hush.”

“The $260 purchase from Michaels says otherwise.”

He rolls his eyes, grabbing his energy drink from the table, the third that day, and taking a slow, long sip.

He sets it back down and stares at you.

“Everything I bought was a must-have. The fairy lights, the glue gun, the tablecloths, the cupcake liners, the edible glitter, the piping tips that you claimed to have thousands of—"

He’s interrupted by your laughter filling the place, the cupcake in your hand nearly falling onto the floor.

His face softens without him noticing.

The sight in front of him—of your eyes crinkled from laughter, dimples deepening—it did something to him.

Something he couldn’t quite describe.

It scared him, because every time you’d laugh he’d catch himself losing his train of thought, distracted by the sight of you.

“What?”

He blinks, realizing that you’ve caught him staring.

“Oh—nothing.” He scratches his jaw. “Forgot what I was about to say.”

“You lost your train of thought and ended up staring into my soul?”

“Shut up..”

“What were you thinking about?” You place another cupcake down, grabbing the piping bag with chocolate ganache.

“Nothing..” he mutters, gluing on the final paper flower.

Because he can’t say he was thinking of you.

“Sure..” You scoff, eyes focused on the chocolate cupcakes in front of you.

“Don’t.” He insists, leaning back against the wall.

“Oh, please. I didn’t say a thing.” Simpering, you finally look up from the tray to meet his eyes.

“I know that smile, y/n.”

“What smile? I’m just happy.” You giggle, tilting your head.

“The one where you’re about to say something flirty and then laugh in my face.”

You laugh again, eyes softening in an endearing manner.

“Don’t you have to finish building the actual stand itself, too? We have an hour!”

“Oh,” he hums, immediately abeam.

“Jungwon and that one dude you’re friends with that smokes are building it.”

“KEONHO?”

Startled, his smile slowly drops.

“..yes? Jungwon and Keonho. I paid them $25 to do it. They’re high, they aren’t mad. Don’t worry.”

“Oh I’m not worried about any grudges. I’m worried that it’ll fucking collapse after five minutes.”

Sunghoon yawns, then quietly, “I’ll demand a refund..?”

“Go wash your hands, Sunghoon.”

“Yes Ma’am.” He obsequiously replies.

While he’s walking to the bathroom, you look around, a small sigh escaping your lips.

He had done all of this for you.

Not because it was necessarily important to him.

Not because you personally requested pastel flowers and cursive.

But because you simply asked.

And to him, that was enough to get his hands stained pink and white.

“Well look how the tables have turned.” His mocking tone interrupts your train of thought, and you immediately look away, turning your focus towards the cupcakes.

“Shut up and look at the final results.”

He walks over and peers into the heaps of boxes filled with cupcakes, and immediately, his stomach growls.

“What’s on the menu today, Miss Lee?”

You grin, clearing your throat.

“Here, we have vanilla-bean citrus cupcakes infused with blueberry syrup, with cream cheese frosting on top, and lemon and blueberries to decorate.”

“Sounds delicious, pretty. Go on.” He leans against the counter next to you, looking at you instead of the cupcakes.

“Then there’s the basics; red velvet, vanilla-coconut, cappuccino..” you go on and on, and his smile only grows wider.

You’re clearly proud of how everything turned out, and it shows in the way you’re fidgeting with your bracelet in excitement.

“Hoon, are you listening?” You question softly, eyes now back on him.

“Of course, pretty. Go on.”

“So then over here—

Gosh, you were killing him..

“Five hundred..five fifty..” you murmured, counting the wad of cash in your hands.

“Oh, y/n made bank today! Sunghoon, post that dick picture of Jake now!” Heeseung cheers, slinging an arm over Jake’s shoulders.

“Dude, fuck off!” Jake whines, biting into another raspberry-chocolate cupcake.

While your brother and his friends are standing near the corner of the stand, Seonghyeon, Keonho, James, Moka, and Stella are standing behind the table with you, eating the stuff they bought.

A cupcake-muffled “Sugar mommy!” comes from Stella, making you turn around and laugh at her.

“All five of you have cupcake remnants like literally everywhere.”

“I don’t give a fuck..” Keonho’s dramatic sigh echoes across the courtyard while he takes another bite. “I’m starving.”

Meanwhile, with Sunghoon, the other six guys are forcing him to give a play-by-play of the entire day.

“I got whipped cream on my lip when she was making me try it, and dude..” he runs a hand through his hair, eyes blown wide, like even thinking of the moment made him relive it.

“She wiped it off without even asking, and then licked it.”

Immediately, Jungwon, Ni-ki, Jake, and Sunoo scream and holler, catching the attention of other vendors around.

“SO WHEN ARE YOU GONNA START DATING?” Jungwon squeals, leaning against Jay for support.

Sunghoon quickly shushes him, seeing Heeseung’s glare through the corner of his eye.

“Uh—too—too early for that, man!” He blurts out, ears turning pink.

“It’s complicated..” He sighs.

“YOU GUYS HAD SEX?!” Ni-ki gasps, his mouth immediately covered by Jake’s hand.

“WHAT? NO!” Sunghoon cries, looking over his shoulder to check if you heard him.

You stare right back, lips curving into a small smile.

“Heeseung, you can relax. We did not have sex, guys.” You calmly respond, placing the cash onto the table in front of you.

“Not YET.” Stella interrupts, and everyone has to bite back their laughter.

“Stella!” You gasp, covering your face with your hands.

“What? The sexual tension is so obvious! Even my grandma could tell!”

Seonghyeon pauses. “But..I thought she—

“Yeah, she died. That’s exactly my point.”

“STELLA.”

𓏵𓏵

Holy moly hi guys..uh..long time no see..🤗 I hope u enjoy this was NOT PROOFREAD AND I AM TIRED I WAS AT A FOURTH OF JULY PARTY LEAVENEALONE..

Happy fourth to my Americans 🥺🥺 ok bye. Jake pick will be posted in 5…4…3..

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