#hufflepuff!mc

“What's so different studying with that Jaemin guy, hmmm?” Beomgyu gnawed more than he should’ve with the sudden drop of questions. But again, he was curious. Especially how much Yumi was lured and insistent in hanging out with the dude to the point of dating him…

“The sexual tension?”

Beomgyu blinks at her directness.

“Psh… H-how—and how are you sure we don't have that? I mean the tension.” He blurts in attempts to one-up this “competition” at the top of his head? He’s confused as well. Argh— Beomgyu fidgeted in place, even tripping to miss hitting the book ends with his fist. Damn, that one word triggered him.

“Just laid out my best card first hand…” Yumi states, laying out her fingers and then polishing her nails, she then blinks to process what she had heard. “Wait… what do you mean by— so you’re saying there is a tension between us?”

The loading process is slower on both their systems than usual today. Beomgyu didn’t answer immediately as he looked at her, ridiculed. You were the one who already jumped at that answer? Gurl… As to why he stole her input in the “tension” part; solely that part only(!). 

“I'm not the only one feeling it.” He said as if to shrug it off. “It’s tension one way or another.”

He didn’t need to add a question mark on the end for that one.

Both their quietness was clear as water.

The water welling up in Yumi’s eyes that is. “Well, fuck, I don't want to talk about this Beomgyu.”

“Neither do I, but I know that we know this will get in our way of studying.”

Urghhhh, she hates how he's right. That leaves them no choice.  Fine— she struts, taking the lead. “Let's go somewhere private.”

“Is this where he's been taking you?” he pondered, he pocketed his hands like his thoughts to prevent them from wandering further.

“Shhh, shut your trap.” she dusted him off like the vacant seat in the back row. “Don't make it awkward, Beomgyu.”

“I'm just gonna tell you, this place ain't special. Every other house likes to occupy abandoned classrooms. One way or another…” He says in a ‘just putting it out there’ way to knock some sense into her brain. 

He puts his arms by the nape of his neck as they approach their seats.

“That's… actually an assuring thing to hear, thanks.”

Yumi breathes in but the musty atmosphere isn't lessening her nervousness, why is she even nervous? So suddenly—

“Okay, no more beating around the bush. I just feel guilty, that's all. I feel that I have swept it under the rug. On how I see it, I wasn't being a good friend to any of you guys when I got sucked into a relationship.”

Well, for Yumi’s defense, it’s even a new territory for Beomgyu as he never encountered Yumi going through a breakup. It always had been just crushes, and not so deep into the relationship realm for them.

So somehow he understands…

It’s his turn to sigh.

“I admire your awareness, but… why are you only giving your apology to me?” Beomgyu perks an eyebrow.

“You were the closest to me.”

“But I didn't need one…”

Yumi puts up her hand as if to cool him off. She then quickly shrugs as even she is confused in her own actions. “Again, I just felt like it.”

Beomgyu crosses his arms. “That's a bit off-putting that I made my best friend feel that way for pursuing her happiness.”

She lets out another aggravated sigh, averting her eyes along a pained biting of her lower lip. “I just… Didn't know how much it can get in the way of our friendship.”

“And you didn't like that?”

“Of course, Gyu.”

Beomgyu then nods, a way of acknowledging her. His arms remained cross but now, looking a bit more upright. “But were you happy with Jaemin?”

“Yeah, it was fun while it lasted.”

Beomgyu’s lips curled up, and he relaxed his shoulders in his seat, gesturing to her. “Then that's all that I wanted to hear.” 

Some kind of relief weighed off the air at that.

The topic subsides, and Yumi is left to look at her feet. Any other weight was released but… Her sense of avoidance of the guy still not choosing to turn away from her system. 

“Now what?”

Beomgyu purses his lips, eyes piercing through hers. “Well, anything else you want to open up while we’re at it?”

She swallowed, but her voice persisted through the dryness of her throat. 

“Why did you get distant,” she asked. “Was it really because of me being in a relationship?”

Now it’s his turn to freeze on the spot. Why the sudden cold feet?

Telling the truth or not— will be landing him in a pile of questions. Like a butterfly effect dispersing around them…

What a trap she unconsciously laid out…

Damn it, Yumi.

“As I said, I just felt like getting myself together but, it's not just you…” Beomgyu tries to lay out the appropriate words to say, but he’s shaken regardless. He tries to look into Yumi’s eyes to search for any sense that may be the same as what he’s thinking at this moment. “I felt that your relationship got in the way of our friendship as well. I know it's normal since we're opposite genders. But of course, it still stung. Just something inside me got shaken up that I was a coward.”

“A coward?”

Oh shit, that slipped. 

He should've stopped a few words back and it could've been a whole truth, still.

Fuck it— 

“That I can't stand seeing you with another dude,” Beomgyu said.

“Is that how it feels when I'm with Yeonjun or Taeh—”

“You know what I mean, Yumi,” he solemnly says, it made it harder for Yumi to look at his eyes. “But defending myself still even though you know me… I didn't stay being your friend to get to my real intention.”

Yumi’s eyes start wavering at him, the gradual realization still about to her, but not quite crashing on her yet. She remains intently listening.

He glides his hands on the armchair beside him to lessen the piercing gaze at him. 

“It was just one random fine day back then, it felt like a punch in the gut that I'm not the closest guy to your heart, and I wanted to beat myself up for thinking that because you only deserve the best.” His voice is starting to rasp but he has to maintain his ground. “I'm your best friend but I don't think I'm your best choice as I can't even overcome the first step… but it's also because I have to lose being your best friend if I want to be your boyfriend.”

Too soon.

The change of that single word made Yumi’s heart flutter, along with the butterflies she didn’t know were there… Was that the nervousness all this time?

Yumi’s palm unconsciously caressed the center of her chest, along with the steady heartbeat echoing in her ears.

She tried to swallow it all back, shoving every worry down the depths of her subconscious.

“You don't have to risk that, Beomgyu… You can still be my best friend but… gosh, can you let me think about this?” She can’t help but trample over her words, she released her voice too soon without properly laying out her game plan choice of words. 

Yumi didn’t expect herself to be this shaken. What the hell?

“No sweat but… I am incredibly sorry, I think it's such bad timing that I'm confessing.” A panicked chuckle escaped his lips, his palm meeting the cold sweat-filled sideburn of his. He breathes out of exasperation. “I don't ever want to be that asshole that comes along your way when you're clearly still heartbroken. I know I can be an ass with all that teasing and getting on your nerves but—”

“I know you, Beomgyu,” she cuts him off, quickly whilst breathing slowly as if to instruct him to mirror her. “So no need to get that so worked up.”

It was also a way to prevent her anxiety from taking over. Some part of her is scared to make the same mistakes she did with Jaemin, like jumping in too soon the moment some opportunity presents itself. And Beomgyu doesn’t deserve to get trampled along her recklessness. 

Yes, she thought that through before getting into a relationship with him. But she felt that she should’ve done more than just be carried away with mere chemistry.

But it's different with Beomgyu.

Yumi knows it but… why does it still feel like butterflies are raging in her caged chest?

She'll be honest then. This is Choi Beomgyu we’re talking about. The sincerity in his eyes stayed the same as his intent look on hers that didn’t leave her for a hot minute.

Her hands trail along his chest, she’s a bit agitated to even let a slight sliver of pump be heard by her. As she’s scared if it is as loud as hers right now. 

Her fingers found the fabric of his crimson and gold tie, it’s almost always crooked, reflecting how rowdy this lion could get. Yet he always seems to look strong and so welcoming. 

I guess some things remain the same as they did when they were in their first years together.

Some things remain and linger, it’s the same person still.

We’re both just growing up together. 

No wonder I’m afraid for it all to fade to dust in just a snap…

“I don't know when or how but…” she rasps, her eyes wavered with water for a moment. “Maybe I was just putting off the thoughts and chances to be with you because what we have is already too precious for me to lose.”

“You won't lose me even as your lover, Yumi,” Beomgyu responds. “Think of it like an upgrade from all the bantering we have, our bond remains the same….”

“What if I don't want it to be?”

Beomgyu slowly nods, blinking slowly to acknowledge her. “It's bound to change but it's still ‘Yumi and Beomgyu’ in it, right?”

She can’t help but chuckle at that, shaking her head in relief. A coy smile slightly agape is evident in her. “You really are good at convincing, Choi Beomgyu.”

“No rush, I've waited for so long,” he chimes. “What's a few more times, right?”

Her mouth agape wider upon hearing that. “Since when…”

“Let's not mind the many chances slipped away of me being an idiot,” said Beomgyu, fast in brushing off any attempts to push the topic. At least not now.

“So it all goes back to you being an idiot huh….”

“Yumi…”

It's as if the way he said her name on his distracting lips sent alarm bells in her system. She advanced forward, leaning closer into his space.

To where the trajectory of her thoughts is aiming, she just wants to get closer to her goal either way. Yumi shuts both her eyes along her thoughts of the ever-pestering butterflies in her system.

Fuck it.

Yumi kisses him, square in the lips to prevent him from spurring further nonsense. This goes along with him no longer reverting to talk about his idiotic failed attempts, right?

Seeing his eyes flutter close and ease at her impromptu plan, he seems to agree along her way. His walls are cascading down as seconds pass.

His hand landed on the sides of her face, the other supporting the nape of her neck, while her other hand supported herself by the surface of the armchair nearby.

Feeling herself melt and her legs turning jelly, she swiftly grabbed on his coat to balance herself right up. Her whole body felt like it was suspending and levitating gradually on the warm sensation. It’s so quick to get lost into cloud nine on how sweet and tender every kiss gets with Beomgyu.

Even on how pent-up he was all these years, fuck… is this how gentle he treats me?

It’s the polar opposite of how his mouth can run kilometers worth of insults and gosh, the tantamount teasing, but he tastes sweet as candy once kissed.

Ah, she’s painted crimson red at the idea of being held gently like this by Beomgyu.

Why didn’t she dive headfirst sooner into his arms like this?

Like crashing into deep waters, Beomgyu’s current and effect on her body easily sweep her off her feet on how he touches her skin.

Beomgyu flopped her up on the seat as he continued to plant kisses on her face.

He looks at her momentarily, eyes soft and hazy all the same as if he lets his pupils do the talking, asking her for permission if he can touch her and explore her where his glances may land.

“Here?” she clarifies, almost breathless as their lips parted. Is this where he meant? Yumi guides his arms by her chest, her heart is thumping so loud it’s deafening in both her ears.

“I meant here…” He whispered, lowering his hands to her delicate waist. Yumi felt his fingers tapping patiently on her clothed hips. She buried her face momentarily in his equally loud chest.

His ears quickly stained red at how Yumi went there too soon.

“You have all of me.” Her voice was slightly muffled, but she quickly tilted her head upwards, and her kiss landed by his chin.

“Let’s take it slow.” He firmly holds both her shoulders, caressing it gently as if to calm her down. “We just confessed to each other, hmmm?”

“Right… sorry, I’m still new to this.” Her eyes shy away from his, actions evident of her impatience and persistence. 

She managed to just return her hands on his chest, to his necktie that she’s eagerly anticipated to remove since earlier. 

But she must restrain herself, for now.

“At least I’m not new to you…” he beams, his warm hands finally landing by her fingers, squeezing her hands endearingly. He placed a chaste kiss on the back of her hand. “Just… a new label of the relationship between us. But we’re still best friends, okay? Another status just added.”

“Thanks for reminding me that, it’s an easy to bypass thing even though that’s obvious.”

She hugged him, burying her face on his stomach. Yumi squishes him further then shakes her head deeper onto his torso. Beomgyu pats her head, kissing the top of her head while he caresses her hair down.

Beomgyu chuckles at her cute gesture. Still on cloud nine on any of this happening right now. 

They still had a lot to talk about, and the thoughts of today’s study session were tossed out the window.

“You guys are awfully quiet,” Yeonjun states the obvious, noticing the two averting their eyes at each other for the past hour or so and just focusing on their plates. Is the meat that good that they're speechless? 

The Slytherin also grabbed a handful by the serving to check for himself. 

But he digressed.

“A bit too quiet.” Yeonjun squinted his eyes at them, feeling the suspicious shift in the atmosphere. His eyes did not leave them for a second that it caused him to spill some of the sauce on the edge of his plate. Bora tsks her tongue on his mess.

Beomgyu just chewed on his food, giving him a brief glance but remained quiet.

“Finally,” Soobin says under his breath, feeling the need to blow off some sarcasm. He hasn't done one for his streak yet for today.

“Like some peace and quiet huh?” Kai added fuel to the fire, he chortles as Soobin smirks his way.

Bora nudges them, quickly putting off the usual, running-their-mouths ambiance.

Strangely without the usual participation of the Top Two Banterers of the group.

The Ravenclaw joins Yeonjun in staring at the two. Bora did notice their odd behavior since they gathered in the Great Hall. But it's unlikely any of their arguments occurred that they turned sour like this. It's been years since they lost it, and took weeks to reconcile like little kids. They're already in their final year for goodness sake. Or is it? Like what the hell is up with these two now?

Yumi was first to finish eating and carries off her plate but Beomgyu beats her to it, cleaning her space.

She just perks her brow at him, no means of verbal interaction left their mouths as they conversed with their eyes. Spoken like two close best friends.

Beomgyu just brushes off her glares.

And the gang is left pondering over their strange quietness.

They gathered by the side of the hallway, parting ways as some had classes to attend to. Yumi still checked on them though.

“We're heading to the library, wanna come?” Yumi asked in the most casual tone of hers, looking nonchalant as she was right beside Beomgyu.

Like you two? Yeonjun asks in his mind. He stares at them momentarily, back and forth in an animated way to get his point across without speaking.

The group exchange looks.

Taehyun lays out his hand declining, landing at Beomgyu’s neatly pleated tie. His eyes landed on Beomgyu's chin, a tinge of pink smeared on his skin. Similar to the shade Yumi was wearing…

Taehyun perks a brow then grins at the two. “Nah, we wouldn't want to get in the way of your date. Go on.”

“Huh?” Yumi's face is in sync with Beomgyu’s upon hearing that. They might've rubbed onto each other too much.

She just shakes her head, looking at the others if they have the same thing in mind and if they're going or not. 

They also implied negative. 

“Suit yourself,” she says, shrugging off while Beomgyu again initiates to take her bag off her shoulder.

The two start at their own pace to walk away from the group.

“Bora-yah,” Taehyun whispers to his fellow Ravenclaw while he gestures to her to follow their gaze at them till the two leave. 

When the coast is clear, he utters. “See? They didn't even deny it.” Taehyun gestures to his chest and necktie. “And… Beomgyu almost always never neats his tie that way… unless…?”

Bora turns to him, mouth agape as she’s putting together the puzzle pieces. “OMG. Are you for real?”

BECAUSE I WANT MORE FLUFF!

I bust my ass for the past 3 years and some months in college while dealing with personal crap, I deserve.

Lol, okay enough defensive aggression.

If anyone of you guys are familiar with the backstory I created for Judith and Talbott, you would recognize this scene. Their “first” kiss from when they were kids. Talbott does kiss her back, but Judith was the one who initiated it so I drew that.

I’m so stupid proud of this picture, like you don’t understand 🥰😍🥺

LOOK AT THEM! PRECIOUS BABIES! 💙💛

Ugh, I’m a weak woman...

-----

Judith

It had taken a while for the two of them to explain the differences and similarities between their respective styles but Rowan had hung on their every word. Excitedly writing down notes and asking various follow-up questions. Even after it had ended, their fellow Hufflepuff still eagerly went over her bullet points.

David had even seemed a bit interested in hearing about Tae Kwon Do and she couldn’t deny, Muay Thai certainly seemed effective as a fighting style. Then... despite something they could have potentially bonded over, David had opted to sleep the rest of the journey off. 

Judith was somewhat glad for the relief from the awkwardness on though she couldn’t deny she was somewhat miffed at his rudeness. Although, with him softly snoring as his head was lolled back, and Penny having fallen asleep against him, now would be the best time to ask Rowan anything she needed to without the threat of interruption.

“Rowan, what were you going to say before?” She asked. Immediately, her friend stiffened, turning to face her like a deer caught in headlights.

“Nothing.” She answered quickly.

“It didn’t sound like nothing.” Judith retorted quietly, her tone making it clear she wasn’t in the mood for games.

Rowan paused, glancing at the two friends opposite her while briefly mulling it over, and answering nervously, “Alright, fine. We’re looking into the Cursed Vaults. David didn’t want anyone else involved so I didn’t tell you...” She trailed off, noticing her friend’s fists had curled up.

Judith took a deep breath to calm herself. Her first year had been uneventful aside from bullying that came from being Jamal’s relative. She hadn’t uncovered anything about the vaults and now she knew why. David Willows had been keeping secrets. 

“Judith, I’m sorry-” Rowan began but was swiftly cut off.

“I’m not mad at you, Rowan.” Judith said reassuringly, “Any issues I’ve got is between me and David.” Rowan seemed to accept that answer, distracting herself with looking out the window as the train weaved through the countryside. The sky being lit up orange indicated it wouldn’t be long before they reached Hogwarts.

Judith focused on David. On one hand she could understand him not bringing her into the fold in searching for his brother. On the other, if Jacob Hall was found, then maybe Jamal wouldn’t be far behind. If there was a chance of getting her own brother back, she would gladly take it. She’d need to get him alone, the question was how.

That was something she would need to ponder...

------

David stirred from his sleep, being awoken by the high-pitched screech of the train’s brakes as it pulled into Hogsmeade station. Blinking sleepily, he could have sworn he saw Judith staring at him, though her head was turned away from him by the time he next looked so he couldn’t be too sure.

There was no rush for any of them, their path being blocked by throngs of students eager to be off the train. From bright-eyed first years to seventh years who looked quite nostalgic at the thought of this being one of their last journeys on Hogwart’s Express.

Eventually, the crowd cleared, leaving their group straggling behind as they tried to follow the flow of the crowd. Hagrid’s tell-tale call for the first years sounded out as they stepped into the chilly air of the September night. In contrast to the first years who would make their voyage across the Black Lake, the older Hogwarts students would be taking carriages up to the castle grounds.

They made their way through the lit, paved streets of Hogsmeade, Rowan excitedly pointing out some of the wizarding village’s landmarks such as the Three Broomsticks. One of the carriages passed by, bound to pick up students that were further ahead. David wondered if they were enchanted, seeing as there was nothing pulling them.

Penny broke into a light jog as they approached the lane the carriages would initially travel down, waving for one of them to hold on. There was just one issue, the carriage in question already had four students, there were just two seats left for any additional passengers. 

“Sorry everyone.” Penny said, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.

“David and I can stay behind.” Judith offered, taking a hold of his arm. David gave her a puzzled look, prompting to lean in and whisper in his ear, “There’s something you and I need to talk about.”

He understood, keeping her out of the loop had finally caught up with him, “Pen, Ro, go ahead.” David spoke up. Reluctantly, Penny and Rowan climbed aboard the carriage. 

David turned to Judith as the transport pulled away, not speaking up until the clicking of the wheels had disappeared. Leaving the two of them alone on the paved lane, “What do you want?” He asked shortly.

“Answers,” Judith shot back, “I know you’ve been looking into the Cursed Vaults, I want in on it.”

“I dunno what you’re talkin’ about.” He answered curtly, hoping that would throw her off.

“Rowan told me.” She clarified.

“Listen to me,” David began after a brief pause to gather his thoughts, “The vaults are my business, no one else’s. If I had my way, no one but I would’ve gotten involved in them.”

“And now you have at least Rowan helping out, so what difference does one more person make?” Judith asked rhetorically.

“Because my brother-” David began before Judith cut him off.

“Our brothers, like it or not David, you’re not the only one with a personal stake in this. Please, I want to find my brother just as much as you want to find yours, it makes no sense for us not to work together.” She stated, “Look, Rowan and Penny like you, so I want to trust you, all you need to do is trust me.” She finished, sticking her hand out.

Having more people to help out could be beneficial but still David was unsure...

“Please.” Judith sniffled, sounding somewhat desperate.

David was take aback by that, feeling a pang of sympathy for his fellow Hufflepuff, this really was important to Judith. He sighed in resignation before clasping Judith’s hand with his own.

“Fine, I don’t know how this is goin’ to go between you and me but if you’ve got my back, I’ve got yours.”

Judith’s face lit up in gratitude at his answer, nearly knocking him off his feet as she slammed into him with a brief hug, 

“Thank you.”