#itzy x reader

this day has come

[You]

almost there ㅋㅋㅋ

come down

The light turned red at the intersection, giving you a brief pause in the fast-paced flow of city traffic. Your phone vibrated again and you looked down.

A few selfies appeared and you let out a soft laugh at those. Especially at the last one, Yuna was sticking out her tongue just a little, eyes looking in the other direction in that silly, intentional cute way she always did. You stared at the screen longer than you should, thumb hovering over the keyboard but not quite tapping it.

Heh, cute.

You’d been crushing hard on Shin Yuna since middle school. Back when you two sat together and she kept doodling on your notebook, back when she called you her “favorite idiot” and made it sound like a compliment. You loved it anyway. You and Yuna’d seen each other through every phase: middle school, high school and now university. This chaotic, human-form-of-sunshine girl who was still the same Yuna underneath it all.

And no matter how hard you tried to move on, your heart always circled back to her.

The light soon turned green as you tucked your phone face down in the cupholder and drove the rest of the way with a dumb smile on your face. Today was going to be a long day.

The turn to her apartment building felt like the start of something new, though you weren’t quite sure what. You pulled up near the entrance and barely had any time to park properly before the glass lobby doors burst open.

She stepped out with her red hair bright under the morning light like she’d just gone to the salon early in the morning just to get her hair done for this. A tiny pink handbag hung off her shoulder and she was waving her phone and sunglasses both in her hand. Like always, Yuna was stunning. Your eyes trailed involuntarily down to her outfit. She wore a cropped white tee and low rise baggy black jeans, hanging on her hips in that maddening way.

"Damn..."

You swore Yuna knew what she did wearing that. You’d known her forever, and long enough to know the difference between the usual playful Yuna and the dangerous Yuna. She’d done this a few times before.

That time last year she wore jeans two sizes too small and asked you to reach something off the shelf while stretching underneath you? Definitely not an accident. Or the way she somehow had to get up and go to the bathroom whenever you two hung out at a PC bang, brushing her hips against you every single time.

Yuna knew how dangerous she was.

And now here she was, swaying her hips toward your car like she had all the time in the world. The spring light shined over her hair as she skipped her way to your car. You gripped the steering wheel, heart thudding. Did Yuna know you liked her? Probably not... When Yuna got closer, she dashed toward the passenger side, yanking the door open with a giant grin.

“HELLOOO~!” she beamed in a singing voice. “Your princess has arrived!”

“This excited already? Dramatic, much?” you smiled helplessly.

“Shut up.” she huffed. “I’ve been dreaming of this moment since I passed that test. You’re so lucky you get to witness my debut.”

“Why me? Why not Ryujin-noona, Yeji-noona and… I don’t know, your dad?”

She pouted. “My dad doesn’t trust me enough with his car. Ryujin-unnie and Yeji-unnie didn’t either.”

“Oof. Very smart people.”

She narrowed her eyes and then smiled sweetly again, pointing at you.

“But you, my boy~”

“Mm hmm.”

“You’re my best friend. And you taught me to drive, remember?”

“That’s all?”

“Nope.” she said, tilting her head. “I also like your car.”

You rolled your eyes playfully. Yuna grinned at you from where she stood, hand still on the door.

“Now… get out~” she said, voice teasing but had that familiar stubbornness.

“Hmm?”

She nodded at your seat. “Out. Driver’s seat. Mine now.”

“I said you could drive when I decide it’s the right time.”

Yuna gave you that trademark whine of her, the one that she knew would always work on you. It’d gotten Yuna out of so many messes with you before.

“You said I could drive, didn’t you? Come on, bestie~” she stomped on her feet. “Move~ I’ve been mentally preparing for this day since I got the license.”

You groaned, pretending to be suffering. But you’d already unbuckled your halfway through her speech, Yuna was too cute to resist. A minute later, you both had swapped seats. Yuna bounced into the driver’s seat with a victorious squeal, adjusting the mirror with a proud grin. You watched her closely and sure enough, before she even started the engine, her hand was already resting on the gear selector.

“Yah, seatbelt.” you reminded her.

“Oh! Right, right.”

She reached for it lazily but you sighed and leaned over, already grabbing it for her.

“I got it.”

Your hand accidentally brushed across her bare midriff as you reached over for the seatbelt. Just a second of warm skin against your hand but it was enough to make your heart do somersaults in your chest. Your face hovered close to her. Yuna sat very still, too still for her extroverted self. You then clipped the buckle into place with a soft click, the silence suddenly louder than it should’ve been.

“There, now you can kill us safely.” you played it off.

“You wanted to touch me, didn’t you?” her eyes were shining, tongue sticking out at you.

You pulled back quickly, scoffing. “No, I did not.”

The playful Yuna was finally back with that smirk playing on her lips.

“It’s okay. I’ll allow it. You taught me how to drive after all.”

“Generous.”

“I know.” Yuna chirped and threw the car into drive. You held onto the armrest with a quiet sigh.

This ride is going to kill me.

Halfway through the drive, Seoul cityscape had long faded into rolling hills and stretches of beautiful empty road. Everything felt peaceful. Your car’s silent engine roar, the occasional sway of Yuna’s steering, the playlist playing low on the speaker.

“Shin Yuna, why Gapyeong?” you were curious.

Yuna’s eyes stayed on the road but you caught the small grin on her face.

“I dunno…” she said lightly. But you knew Yuna better than that, you knew she’d thought hard about it.

“Liar.”

That made Yuna glance your way.

“What, I can’t just want some fresh air and lake views?”

You just hummed and waited. Fresh air and lake views? What a load of bs.

“Okay… maybe because I remembered that one time we almost went. Back in high school.”

“The school trip we bailed on to go to Seongsu together?”

She laughed at the memory, eyes crinkling. “Exactly. We told everyone we were sick and then spent the whole day hopping cafes and pretending to be adults.”

“You wore those ridiculous sunglasses and called me ‘hubby’ in front of the barista.”

“I was committed to the role!” she argued with a pout. “Besides, you didn’t even complain when she gave us free cake.”

You shook your head, smiling as you stared out the window. “So now you wanna go?”

“Mm~ We never made it to Gapyeong. I figured now’s the time. New license. New us. And you’re my emotional support passenger.”

You looked back at her, watching the way her hands gripped the steering wheel a little too tightly.

“Nervous?”

“Only a lot.” she grinned wider. “But with my dummy here, I’ll survive.”

“You’re being weirdly sentimental today, Shin Yuna.”

“We’re going to Gapyeong today. It’s a beautiful place so I’m allowed!”

You chuckled. But Yuna wasn’t done, she began with a curious tone a few quiet moments later.

“So… why didn’t you ever date anyone?”

“Where is that coming from? All of a sudden?”

Yuna blinked, focusing on the road to avoid the question. “We’re out of the city and it’s quiet. The vibes are right, dummy.”

You hesitated, fingers idly on the armrest. “I don’t know. Guess I never felt the need. Maybe there wasn't anyone I seriously liked.”

“Not even Oh Haewon?”

You turned to her, surprise at the sudden mention. “You remember Haewon?”

Yuna nodded. “Yeah, she liked you. Everyone knew since you two looked close.”

“I mean… we were only project partners. She was nice, of course. Pretty cute but… uhm, I guess I wasn’t interested.”

“Why not?”

You leaned your head back against the headrest. “Maybe I liked someone else back then. She probably didn’t know.”

“Oh…”

“What about you? You’ve never dated anyone either.”

She bit her bottom lip. “Same reason. No one I really liked.”

“Boys lined up for you in high school, you know?” you added, glancing over at her. Yuna just shrugged.

“Yep. But I didn’t really like any of them. Hanging out with you was funnier. Better.”

“Better?”

“You were my free comedy show. Emotional support. Still are.”

“I guess I am.” you glanced at her again. “You’re interested in dating now?”

Yuna smiled. “I mean, I’ve got a license now. Gotta start checking things off the list.”

“Can I ask you something, then?”

“Shoot.”

You rested your head on the window.

“Why’d you always ask me if this guy or that guy was okay? Back in high school. Even last year, remember that older guy from our department?”

Yuna tilted her head, trying to read your expression while driving. “What do you mean?”

You exhaled, pointing for her to look back at the road. “You know what I mean, Yuna. Every time you were maybe slightly interested in someone, you’d bring it up casually. 'Is he okay? What do you think of him?' Things like that.”

She stayed silent. You didn’t say it out loud, but it always bothered you. Every time she asked, you’d say that the guy gave you a weird feeling or an ick, that he looked like a walking red flag. He wouldn’t get her humor or keep up with her energy. But you knew you were projecting - you liked Yuna too much.

“You always had something to say.” she said finally, eyes still on the road. “Didn’t like any of them?”

You laughed softly. “I mean, you should have high standards for your boyfriend. He should at least treat you better than I do. That’s the bare minimum.”

Yuna blushed at that, just the lightest shade of pink coloring her cheeks even in the passing shadows of trees outside. You watched the way her fingers tapped on the steering wheel, nervous energy leaking out.

“What? I said something wrong?”

“No…” she muttered. You leaned back in your seat, the corners of your lips curved out of amusement. “You sure? You’re acting like I just confessed or something.”

“Just… funny. That’s all?”

“What is?”

She hesitated for a second then said. “Thinking about how you always acted like some jealous boyfriend whenever I like someone. And yet...”

“And yet?”

Yuna shot you a side eye. “Yah! You don’t remember?”

“Remember what?”

She gripped the steering wheel hard. “Kissing Ryujin-unnie in highschool. You both are my best friends!”

“Ahhh…” you let out an awkward laugh. “That. Sorry…”

“Unbelievable.” Yuna scoffed under her breath. “Don’t even act like you haven’t got a clue.”

“I mean… It was just a one time thing.” you scratched the back of your neck. “We were bored, it was midterms and she said I looked kissable or something-”

“I would slam this car into a tree right now if I could!”

You chuckled. “Okay! Okay! I’m sorry.”

Yuna huffed. “Do you know how weird that was for me? I didn’t even want to look either of you in the eye.”

You were mixed with guilt and happiness, looking back at the memory. “I’m sorry! It was my first time kissing someone, you know that. I was curious… and it felt great.”

“YAH!” Yuna nearly swerved as she yelled, smacking your arm without taking her eyes off the road. “What do you mean it felt great? Are you bragging to me right now?!”

“Yah! Yah! Drive carefully! You’re gonna get us killed!” you shouted, both panicking and laughing.

Yuna groaned. “I swear, if I wasn’t the one driving right now-”

“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I get it.”

“You’re such a dickhead… Bragging about kissing my best friend like it’s something simple.” She muttered something under her breath, cheeks visibly pink.

“I’m not.” you said defensively. “It’s just- okay, maybe a bit. But I was like, what? I was curious, okay? Is it wrong?”

“I hated you so much for that.”

“You didn’t talk to me for a whole week after that. Must've really hated me..."

“I did…” her tone flat. “Kind of. Maybe? I don't even know anymore. I was just confused.”

You fell quiet, watching the way her lips pressed together. Yuna was holding back more.

“Still think about it? It’s been like two, three years now.” you teased, trying to light up the mood.

Yuna rolled her eyes. “No. But I still can’t believe you chose Ryujin-unnie over me.”

Huh?

“What do you mean I chose her? I didn’t choose anyone. Besides, you wanted me to say ‘I want to make out with you’ to my best friend dead in her face?”

“I would’ve respected it at least.” Yuna scoffed.

“You wanted me to just randomly confess that I want to kiss you? Out of nowhere?”

She shrugged, staring straight ahead. “Not randomly. But, I dunno… maybe back then, I wouldn’t have minded hearing you say it.”

Your heart skipped. What was she trying to say? After an awkward silence, you said, voice uncertain.

“You never said anything either, Shin Yuna…”

“I didn’t have to…” she said under her breath. “You always knew me better than anyone. I thought maybe you’d just know, as my best friend.”

You thought about saying something. You really did.

“Yuna-ah.”

“Mm?”

…

Right then, you leaned back in your seat, gaze drifting outside the window.

“Nevermind.”

The moment passed, just like it always did with the two of you. The vibe lingered until the road signs began to change. The trees got denser, the air cooler. Gapyeong welcomed you with its quiet streets and beautiful scenery of soft mountain silhouettes. Yuna slowly pulled into a small park parking lot, biting her lip as she scanned around for a spot.

“Ugh… Why is everything so tight?”

“Left. Turn the wheel more. No, no... More.” you said. “Okay. Keep going… go, go, just like that. Keep going, slow…”

She finally eased the car into place with a small jerk as she hit the brake.

“Good girl~” you said, already unbuckling your seatbelt as you pushed the door open. “Let’s go.”

Yuna whipped her head to you instantly, hands still gripping the wheel.

“What?” she mumbled, brain short-circuiting. You were already halfway around the front of the car, not even glancing back. "Good what?"

"Nothing~"

“Yah!” she called, cheeks burning as she scrambled to get out, not forgetting her pink handbag. “You can’t just say stuff like that and walk away, idiot.”

You grinned without turning around. “Hurry up. We’ve got to explore Gapyeong before it’s too late.”

Yuna shivered as a breeze swept past, the air here in Gapyeong was cooler than it had been back in Seoul. Her pink bag was slung over her shoulder, but she crossed her arm instinctively to warm herself up.

“Why didn’t you bring your jacket?” you frowned.

“I didn’t think it’d be like this!” she argued back, just for the sake of it. Typical Shin Yuna. You slipped your jacket off without a word then casually took her handbag off her shoulder.

“Here.” you said, slipping the handbag onto your shoulder with no hesitation.

“Still doing this?” she asked, brows furrowed but clearly flustered.

“Still taking care of you.” you said simply. “Arms out.”

She stared at you a bit longer. You held the jacket open between your hands. “Come on, Yuna. Arms out.”

Yuna slowly extended her arms and you gently slipped the jacket onto her, tugging it into place.

“There.” you said. “Now you won’t freeze to death before we even get to the river.”

Then you walked ahead without saying anything, hands in your pocket, pink handbag bouncing slightly against your side. Behind you, Yuna finally caught up with her soft footsteps soft on the gravel path. She then gently hooked her hand around your bicep.

“You know this is why people suspect we’re a couple all the time, right?”

“Are you complaining or confessing?” you glance at her sideways, a smirk tugging at your lips.

She let out a breathy laugh. “It’s a statement. Don’t get cocky.”

You started to walk a little slower to let Yuna stay close. After a few minutes of walking, Yuna tugged at your arm a little, gaze drifting to a row of pastel-colored bikes parked under a big tree.

“Mmm~” she whined.

You hummed, knowing it was her sign to beg you for something.

“Let’s rent a bike.”

“We both ride?”

“No, dummy. You ride, I’ll sit behind you.” she replied, giving you a judging look. “How are you gonna get a girlfriend if you treat a girl like this?”

“Bold of you to assume that I can get a girlfriend when you’re my best friend.” you laughed.

“True.” She chuckled. “I’m too pretty. They would be scared they’d lose you to me.”

“Wah, so humble today.”

Yuna looked at you, her face smug. She then flipped her hair dramatically.

“I’m just stating facts.”

“Facts, huh?” you muttered, already taking Yunah to the rental stand with you. “Pretty sure you just want an excuse to cling onto me again.”

“Is it working?”

You didn’t answer and picked out a blue bike with a wide back seat, testing the brakes.

“Hmm, this one’ll do.”

Yuna watched you with folder arms, smile bright. “You’re really gonna ride me around here?”

“I’ve carried your emotional baggage for years.” you said, throwing Yuna a playful glance. “A few more kilos won’t kill me, Yuna-ah.”

Yuna burst into laughter then climbed on behind you, hands wrapping lightly around your waist.

“C’mon! I’m excited!”

“Hold on tighter unless you want to fly off when I hit a bump.”

“You wouldn’t dare, you idiot.”

“I absolutely would. Try me.”

Yuna smacked your butt, laughing. “Let’s go~”

The bike wobbled for a second before you steadied it, feet pushing off the gravel as you two rolled off onto the shaded trail. You two passed through the trees, with soft sunlight pouring through the new spring leaves that fluttered beautifully in the breeze. The air smelled fresh and light, the perfect vibe to be with Yuna.

Yuna’s laughter rang out behind you, bright and carefree as she tightened her arm around your waist when you picked up speed. Her cheek rested on your back. Right then, you could feel Yuna’s smile just by the way her body leaned into yours. She trusted you more than you realized. The road then curved along the edge of the mountain park, lined with cherry blossoms blooming. Petals scattered like confetti in the wind, catching her hair, dusting the path behind you.

“You okay back there?” you called over your shoulder.

“Perfect!” Yuna shouted over the wind, her voice was filled with breathless joy. “Don’t slow down.”

And you didn’t. Yuna’s presence made you feel soft and warm. Her arms around you, head leaning on your back, laughter spilling out like she didn’t have a single worry in the world. Neither did you when you were with Yuna like this. In this moment, with her laughter in your ears, her heartbeat against your spine, the wind between you. You smiled without realizing it. You then felt Yuna shifting slightly behind you, her arms loosening for just a second before tightening again, this time with her phone in one hand.

“Hi~” she said to the camera, cheeks flushed. “I’m with this idiot right now.” she continued, angling the camera toward the both of you. You caught a glimpse of her phone from the corner of your eye.

“Don’t film me while I’m working.” you pretended to frown as you kept pedaling.

“He’s biking me around like I’m a princess.” she said with a smug smile, ignoring your complaint. Then she leaned close to you and whispered loud enough for the camera to catch. “He acts like I’m heavy but I know he likes it.”

You huffed a laugh. “Don’t spread lies on the Internet.”

She giggled and zoomed the camera on you. “Look at him. Acting cold but his ears are pink.”

You turned your head slightly, trying to dodge the frame. “You’re walking back to Seoul.”

“Liar.” she grinned, ending the recording and slipping her phone away. “You’d never do anything to hurt me.”

As the bike rolled to a stop near some hanoks, the peaceful sound of water and the rustle of spring leaves wrapped around the both of you. You steadied the handlebars and glanced back at Yuna.

“Wanna rest a bit?” you asked, nodding toward the small wooden pavilion that sat at the center of the pond ahead. The arched bridge leading to it made it look like something out of a drama. Yuna followed your gaze, eyes softening.

“That thing in the middle?” she hummed thoughtfully before smiling. “Looks romantic.”

“Romantic?”

She quickly slipped off the bike, brushing something invisible off her pants. “Mm hmm.”

Yuna then linked her fingers behind her back. “Like the kind of place where someone confesses they’ve liked you all along.”

“Too bad no one’s going to do that today.”

“Oh?” Yuna feigned surprise. “So you’re just bringing me to romantic spots for free?”

You rolled your eyes. “Let’s just go sit before you say something corny, Shin Yuna.”

Yuna walked ahead, still smiling. She looked at the calm water and the reflection of the pavilion ripping gently in the breeze. Then, her voice floated back to you, teasing.

“You better not ruin the mood~”

You shook your head, grinning as you pushed the bike aside and followed her across the wooden bridge. The pavilion stood quietly and empty, wrapped in the soft scent of blooming cherry blossoms and distant trees. Yuna settled onto one of the benches in it, legs swinging slightly as she looked toward the sky. She pulled out her phone and settled it on the rail before clicking the record button.

“Feels like a dream~”

You sat beside her, a little closer than necessary. “Feels like it when you’re not the one riding.”

“Even that was kind of perfect.” She turned to you with a smile. You looked at her. Face lit by the spring light, red hair catching in the breeze, her eyes sparkling.

Maybe it does feel like a dream.

“You held on to me the entire ride here.”

“I had to. You ride like you’ve got something to prove.”

“Maybe I did. Your ass seemed to enjoy the scenic ride.”

Yuna shot back quickly. “I was trying not to die.”

You laughed. “You were laughing the whole time.”

“I laugh when I’m scared.”

You leaned in just slightly, teasing. “Is that what it was?”

Yuna shrugged, eyes back to the phone, still recording.

“Maybe. Or maybe I just like holding on to you.”

“Is that so?”

She turned to face you again, her smile gentler this time. “Mm. Don’t get used to it though.”

You smirked. “Too late.”

The breeze brought over the romantic vibe of spring as the two of you sat there, quiet. Yuna’s phone continued to record. Cherry blossoms around, the glimmer of sunlight on her skin, your shoulders brushing slightly. Then she leaned in to rest her head on your shoulder.

“Let’s not post this one.”

“Why not?” you slipped your arm around Yuna to pull her even closer.

Yuna blushed. “I… want to keep this for myself.”

Your chest warmed. “Okay…”

After a moment, Yuna asked softly.

“Are we feeling the same thing?”

...

You looked at her, head still on your shoulder.

“Maybe. Are you?” you said, almost smiling.

Yuna didn’t answer right away. Her eyes drifted to your lips before moving up to meet your eyes, searching. Then, instead of answering, she leaned in. And you met her halfway there. It wasn’t dramatic. Just a quiet kiss that tasted like cherry blossoms and spring air, a secret meant only for the two of you. When Yuna began to pull away, you gently pull her back in, not ready to let go yet. She let out the softest laugh, smiling into the kiss as her hand came up to rest on your chest.

When the kiss finally ended, the space between you was smaller than before, hearts louder, breaths softer. You looked at Yuna, still close.

“Mmm… what are we?” you asked quietly.

Yuna smiled, a little shy, a little breathless.

“I’m not sure. But I don’t want to see you with anybody else.”

“Me neither.” you laughed softly. “I hate it when you ask me about other guys. I hate the thought of you being with anyone but me.”

She blinked, looking down with her cheeks flushing pink. Her hand still didn’t leave your chest. “Guess we’re both a little selfish.”

You tilted your head, brushing your nose against Yuna’s.

“Or maybe we just know what we want?”

“Are you free next week?”

You nodded without thinking much. “Yeah. Why?”

She hesitated, then smiled a little.

“Do you wanna go somewhere? Just for two days. Just us.”

You raised a brow. “To do what?”

Her eyes flicked away, shy all over again.

“To… figure out what this is? Us only. No distractions.”

“Fun.” you leaned back slightly, eyes playful.

“Fun?” Yuna’s lips twitched into a smile.

You shrugged. “I mean, being alone with you in a cozy homestay, no one around, spring weather, maybe a fireplace…”

Yuna swatted your arm.

“Yah! Don’t get any ideas.”

“What?” you grinned. “I just said ‘fireplace’. You’re the one who’s taking it somewhere else.”

Yuna glared at you, clearly flustered. “You said it like that on purpose.”

“And if I did?” you leaned back in. Her lips parted but no words came out. Instead, her gaze dipped down to her laps and that was all the answer you needed.

“Relex.” you chuckled. “I’ll be on my best behaviour.”

“You better be.” Yuna muttered, but the way she was smiling made it clear she didn’t really mean it. “But… I’m excited. Just us.”

You nodded, serious this time. “Me too.”

────── ⋆⋅⋆ ──────

After your quiet, romantic moment under the cherry blossoms, something changed between you and Yuna. The kiss lingered in both your minds long after it ended. And without officially labeling anything, the way you talked to each other also changed.

That same night, Yuna texted you first. Not just once, but a lot. Your phones were practically buzzing nonstop as you joked nonstop, teased and opened up more than usual. It wasn’t playful like before when you two were best friends. There was a new underlying warmth in everything, a softness in every ‘what are you doing?’ and ‘did you eat?’

The next day, you found yourself on a video call with her while brushing your teeth, something neither of you would’ve bothered doing before. She was still in bed, hair tied up in a messy bun, cradling her grey cat hi one arm.

“Say hi to my cat.” she murmured, turning her phone so you could see the sleepy cat blinking at you through the screen. You gave a little wave with your toothbrush. Then, Yuna looked at the cat and whispered, shy. “You might have a dad soon if this thing goes well.”

You laughed mid brush, staring at the screen with foam still at the corner of your mouth.

“I heard that, Yuna.”

She smirked, not denying it with her cheeks turning just a little pink. “I didn’t say it to you.”

“I know.” you smiled. “I still liked it.”

That night, just as you were about to sleep, your phone buzzed again with a notification.

신공듀👸has invited you to a shared album - 너와 나 (You and me)

Inside were memes, blurry photos and old photos of you and her that she took during high school and past hangouts. Some you didn’t even know existed, like that one of you dozing off on the bus, or the one where your hand was reaching out mid air and hers was already halfway meeting it. At the end was a grainy selfie of Yuna, looking slightly annoyed but still soft. She even captioned it: ‘Thinking of you, I guess? Ew’

[You]

what do you mean ew? 🤬

[신공듀👸]

you know what i mean

[You]

you were the one who told your cat he was getting a dad soon

[신공듀👸]

shut up

that’s between me and my cat 🤭

[You]

i have the right to see him if i'm his dad, u know?

if not i’m suing u

[신공듀👸]

ughh stoppp 😖😖

why are u making me smile again this is so annoyinggg

A few seconds later, another message came through, an old selfie of Yuna that she'd never sent you before. Her hair was slightly tousled. She was laying on her bed in her white tank top, lips pouting.

"Damn..."

[신공듀👸]

this is revenge

sufferrr

[You]

i’m smiling so hard rn

[신공듀👸]

don’t u dare

i’m already regretting sending u that

[You]

too late, shin nayu~

it’s saved in my brain forever now 😘

She didn’t reply for a while. When you thought Yuna might’ve gone to sleep, another photo popped up - this time of the cat curled up beside her.

[신공듀👸]

your kid is sleeping. goodnight, fake husband 😘

don’t dream of me too much, okay?

[You]

goodnight my fake wife ❤️

no promises ㅎㅎㅎ

Moments later, Yuna sent you a voice message. Her voice was a little hushed, saying.

“Okay, but seriously? I smiled like an idiot putting that album together. I hate you for that.”

You fell asleep that night with a smile on your face.

Between your errands and Yuna’s lazy Wednesday off, you two kept texting, about nothing and everything. She sent you a voice note of her yawning dramatically. You replied with a photo of your half burnt omelette. By late afternoon, she was lounging in her room, bare face and hair tied up, sitting with her cat curled up in her lap again during another video call. That was when it happened. Yuna was talking about some dream she had. Mostly nonsense about missing a train, losing her shoe and being yelled at by a random stranger. Then, she just casually said it.

“Oh, and I had a dream where you introduced me as your girlfriend.”

“Oh~ And?”

Yuna paused for a bit too long.

“I… didn’t hate it.”

Just when you were about to say something, she scrunched her nose and changed the subject.

“Anyway~ I found a picture of you from high school where you look like wet seaweed, should I send you it?”

“Dropping a nuke like that and just dodging it?”

Yuna smiled and didn’t deny a thing.

By Thursday, your chat history already looked like just liked a couple’s chat log, except you two still hadn’t put a label on whatever this thing was. That afternoon, Yuna sent a photo of two beanies. One black, one grey. Both were simple, cuffed.

[신공듀👸]

what if i said couple beanies

would that be cute or icky?

just wondering 🤔🤔

asking for research purposes

[You]

hmm

you work as a model so i’d trust your taste

i call dibs on black tho

[신공듀👸]

excuse me??? black is mine???

[You]

not anymore ㅋㅋㅋ

too slow

[신공듀👸]

fineee i’ll take grey

but i better look good next to u

[You]

you always do, especially in grey

[신공듀👸]

stop doing that 😡

i swear i’m actually gonna throw my phone away

[You]

so… do we wear them this weekend or what?

Yuna sent a selfie of her in a hoodie, grey beanie already on.

[신공듀👸]

just tried it. thoughts?

────── ⋆⋅⋆ ──────

That morning, you arrived at Yuna’s apartment that she shares with her close friends a few minutes early, holding two iced americanos in hand. You rang the bell and waited. The door opened with Yeji standing there, smiling.

“Oh! You’re here. Come in, come in. Yuna’s still doing her hair.” she said, waving you inside. You're here too often to feel awkward, too close with everybody in this household.

“Good morning~” you smiled and stepped in. Chaeryeong was seated at the dining table, reading something on her tablet.

"Hello~ Sit, sit. You know Yuna takes forever.”

You smiled and waved to her. “Hi, noona.” Then you walked over to sit across from her, setting the iced americanos you brought on the table. “I came prepared.”

Chaeryeong chuckled, setting her tablet down. “She’s been in front of the mirror since breakfast.”

"That sounds like her."

Yeji returned from the hallway. “Yuna’s doing her hair again. This girl...”

You tried not to smile too much at that. Just then, her cat had strutted out from the hallway and leapt up onto your lap like he owned the place. He made himself comfortable, kneading your jeans a little before settling down with a soft purr.

“Oh?” Yeji laughed. “Looks like he missed you.”

Chaeryeong glanced over. “It’s been a while since you visited and he still loves you.”

You chuckled, gently scratching under the fluffball's chin. “I don’t know why.”

“I’m coming, I’m coming~” Yuna called out.

She stepped out with her hair sliding smoothly over her shoulder. The stripped sweater clung softly to her top while the black skirt gave her overall outfit a clean edge. The black bag hung from her shoulder, its sharp design added to the effortless vibe that she was going for. Something about the way she'd dressed herself so fancy just for the drive made you hitched your breath.

Turning the corner to the kitchen table, her eyes landed on you and the cat comfortably settled on your lap.

“Oh~” Yuna said, stopping in her tracks with a little tilt of her head. “He misses you.”

“He jumped on his own. I didn’t bribe him or anything.”

Yuna smiled, walking over as she adjusted her jeans. “He always does that when you’re here. I think he likes your voice.”

Yuna laughed softly, crouching down to scoop the cat in her arms but the cat gave a lazy meow. He clearly didn’t like it.

“Sorry but I need him now.” She stood up and looked at you. “Got your keys?”

You nodded and stood, smoothing out your jeans. “I thought I was gonna drive.”

Chaeryeong spoke up even before she could answer. “Yuna’s not driving, is she?”

Yuna let out an exaggerated sigh. “Unnie…”

She turned to you. “Did she drive okay last week? When you two went out?”

“Yuna… uh, got us there in one piece.”

“That’s not exactly reassuring.”

“I drove fine!” Yuna protested. “You act like I crashed into something.”

“You almost hit the parking pillar once, dummy.” Yeji called out.

“It was a gentle turn, unnie.”

“I think she’ll be okay under my watch, noona.” you stepped in calmly, glancing at Chaeryeong with a little smile. She gave you a long look, as if pleading you to rethink your life choices before putting your life in Yuna’s hands. You then picked up the two iced americanos you’d brought and handed one to Yuna. “Here. Before you start another argument.”

“You won’t regret it.” Yuna took it with a small grin.

You walked to the living room and picked up her weekend bag, slinging it over your shoulder with ease. It was heavier than expected.

“Did you pack for a week?”

“Essentials, dummy.” she said defensively. “We gotta be prepared.”

“For what? The end of the world? Zombie apocalypse?”

“You never know~” she said, then took a sip of the drink. Yeji shook her head fondly with a sigh as you both headed toward the door.

“Drive safely and let me know when you arrive, okay? Have fun but be responsible if you h-”

“Shut up~” Yuna called back cheerfully, just time to stop Yeji from saying what you both knew she was going to say. "We're grown, unnie. We know what to do~"

When you both had said goodbye and closed the door, Yeji immediately turned to Chaeryeong.

“Are these two dating?”

“I think they’ve been dating since high school. They just didn’t realize it.”

“Still calling each other best friends?”

“Give them time. They’ll get there.” Yeji smiled to herself.

“They better.” Chaeryeong picked up her tablet. “At this rate, even her cat’s figured it out before they have.”

Outside, the sun had climbed a little higher, shining down over the driveway. It felt great, having the opportunity to spend time with Yuna like this. The perfect time to figure out what ‘this’ was between the two of you. You walked side by side down the steps with Yuna sipping her iced americano with a happy hum. Just as you reached the curb, you felt a sudden tug at your side, Yuna’s hand slipping smoothly into your jacket pocket.

“Yah, what are you doing?”

She grinned as she pulled out your car keys and held them up triumphantly. “Securing the car keys, fake boyfriend.”

“That title doesn’t come with driving privileges, you know.”

“Too late~” Yuna sang, already strolling ahead toward the car like she owned the vehicle. Her bag bounced on your shoulder as you followed behind.

“They really didn’t want you to drive, Yuna-ah.”

“They're just dramatic~” she sang and unlocked the car with a beep. “They're not ready for me to grow up yet.”

You just chuckled and surrendered to Yuna, placing her bag gently in the back before sliding into the passenger side.

“You did drive okay last week though, so…” you muttered, fastening your seatbelt. “I’m trusting you.”

When Yuna got in, she didn’t start the engine right away. You glanced over and found her sitting, arms crossed like she was waiting for something.

“Hmm?”

She huffed, turning her head dramatically to the other side.

“Waiting for a certain someone to fasten my seatbelt for me. Apparently he’s too dumb to notice it.”

“Wow~ Woke up feeling like a princess today.”

“No.” Yuna sniffed, already fake crying. “I woke up hopeful. But now I’m just cold and betrayed.”

“Needy.”

You leaned over and reached for her seatbelt. As your arm brushed against her side, she sat up a bit straighter but didn’t move or help at all. Then you clicked the buckle into place.

“There. Her young highness, the royal princess is now safely buckled in.”

“Finally.” Yuna mumbled, still facing away like she hadn’t enjoyed every second of it. Then, right before you pulled back, you pressed a quick and soft kiss to her cheek. You leaned back with a small grin, already excited for the trip.

“Already acting like a spoiled girlfriend.”

Yuna slowly turned to you, touching her cheek.

“I didn’t say you could do that.” though she wasn’t annoyed, at all.

“Want me to take it back?”

“Nope.” She faced forward now, adjusting the rearview mirror. “You make it hard to pretend we’re just friends, you know. People really think we’re dating.”

“We’re on this trip to figure this all out, remember?” you smiled.

Yuna hummed in agreement, tapping her fingers lightly against the steering wheel. As the trip began, Seoul slowly gave way to open skies and emptier roads.

“Yah.”

“I'm listening.”

“I think I already know.” Yuna spoke up, voice soft as she kept her eyes on the road.

“Know what?”

“You and me.” she shrugged with a small smile on her lips. “It doesn’t feel confusing anymore.”

You looked over at Yuna, at how comfortable she looked, at how hopeful she was thinking about the possibility of you two becoming more than just “best friends”. Without saying much, you then rested your hand on the center console, tapping it a little to get Yuna’s attention. Yuna glanced down at it, then back at you. You still kept your hand there, waiting. After a second, Yuna lifted one hand from the wheel and slid it over yours, letting her fingers slip between yours. Both of you knew what this meant, both of you’d been waiting for too long.

Seoul was now long behind you. And with every meter you passed, it felt less like you were leaving something and more like you were heading toward it.

Together. With Yuna.

MINJU first saw the pinkish building while walking out of her company, it's comfy and welcoming design got her inside the place without even meaning to. she just wanted to take a quick look inside and maybe order a piece of chocolate cake. but once she saw you, her body froze, and for a moment she couldn't speak. you were so pretty. minju only managed to speak once she heard your—oh so beautiful—voice asking what did she wanted to order. that was the first time she forgot her usual order, saying the first thing her mind came up with before timidly walk back to a seat.

WONYOUNG can be a flirty girl. it's not uncommon to have the idea of her being extra smiley around someone she may be wanting to see more than not. but it was even worse once she heard of you. there was just this... cute aura in you that made wonyoung want to get closer. when she ordered for the first time in your bakery, she couldn't keep herself from occasionally sending you a few smiles, her heart beating faster once you smiled back.

LIA heard about the bakery when one of her group members, yuna, mentioned it. the way people have been talking about the place got her curious, leading her to lia going there after a long day of practicing. she was enchanted from the moment she stepped inside, your eyes meeting hers as you greeted her with so much kindness. lia accidentally spent five minutes talking to you until someone else was behind her and she had to walk away, but as she waited for her order, she'd make sure to tell her members about this place as well.

MIYEON is a very loud and extroverted person, so when her friends begun talking about this lovely bakery with the cutest owner ever, she just knew she had to go there and see with her eyes. to say she liked it was an understatement. miyeon stayed in your bakery for about two hours, ordering small snacks so she could spend most of her time talking to you when you weren't doing anything in particular. she is so coming back here.

GEHLEE wished she had known about this bakery way sooner, especially because of you. she wasn't even caring to hide the flirtatious tone in her voice as she talked to you, asking for a pudding, something you could make that was fast, but also gave her a reason to sweet talk to you. gehlee has just found you so adorable, she couldn't help herself, she needed to see your reactions on everything she says.

WINTER was hesitant to go to your bakery at first, especially when karina herself has said things about how you're so, so sweet to everyone. but her experience there was beyond good. winter couldn't keep her eyes off of the cute baker who always flashed a smile to every person who showed up. and maybe she's giving herself false hopes, but she is very sure your smile was a little bigger than the others when it was directed at her.

KAZUHA was excited to finally see for herself what her friends were talking about. the bakery itself was amazing on it's own, however, her attention's fully on you, working so gracefully while talking to people. she doesn't know how do you manage to be so happy all the time. it's not even like a persona, you're just... friendly. and kind. kazuha had to talk to you in person and know more about this lovely bakery.

𝗍𝖺𝗀𝗀𝗂𝗇𝗀 : @minho4luv

YJ: I’m coming to your room later. Don’t fall asleep first :)

Somehow just reading it again immediately made something in my chest loosen. Then suddenly— another notification appeared across the screen. Different contact this time. Jihyo. Interesting. I opened it immediately. “Are you free for a quick video call? John’s here too.”

Excellent. Parental supervision. I sent her a reply. “Do we have to include John?” an instant reply suddenly pinged before I could get up to turn on my PC “You hurt his feelings…” hilarious.

A few minutes later, my PC rested open on my table while the video call connected successfully. And unfortunately— both of them were already staring at me like emotionally intelligent vultures. “Why do you look exhausted already?” Jihyo asked immediately.

“That sounds emotionally invasive.” “It’s Ben, that is his resting face.” John added helpfully.

I rubbed lightly at my forehead afterward while Jihyo narrowed her eyes slightly at the screen. “Just a bit tired from… recent events.” Meanwhile Jihyo looked seconds away from developing a migraine already. “Anyway,” she continued before John could worsen the situation further, “we just wanted to check how things were going after the comeback schedules.”

I leaned farther back slightly afterward. “Honestly? Better than expected.” That part at least wasn’t a lie. The schedules themselves had gone smoothly. The members looked happier overall. More stable too. Which honestly made the emotional complications significantly harder to justify professionally.

Jihyo seemed to notice the shift in my expression afterward too.

“You’re overthinking again.” “Why does everyone keep saying that.” “It’s not without merit, try smiling more.”

Then eventually John leaned slightly closer toward his camera afterward while narrowing his eyes suspiciously. “You look weirdly happy though?”

“I don’t look happy.” “You absolutely look happy.” “That sounds emotionally fabricated.” “That sounds like denial,” Jihyo added calmly.

Great… Professionally cornered by two emotionally evolved psychopaths. Then before I could continue defending myself— the door behind me quietly opened. Softly enough that I barely noticed at first. But then suddenly— a figure suddenly appeared on my side, carelessly placing themself on my lap while I was sitting in the chair, not noticing I was talking to someone on the PC.

Ah. Excellent timing. Very professionally survivable situation. I froze instantly. Because apparently it was Yeji and had decided subtlety was no longer a priority tonight. “You’re still awake,” she murmured softly against my shoulder afterward before resting her chin lightly there “Good”. Meanwhile— the silence from the PC became catastrophic.

Yeji however remained completely unaware for approximately two more seconds while hugging me comfortably giving John and Jihyo a good show, those two were suspiciously quiet.  “I missed you, Benjie…” she muttered quietly afterward. “The gala was exhausting.” Then finally— she noticed the PC. Yeji’s eyes slowly widen to the realization that both John and Jihyo saw and heard everything.

 Because now Jihyo was staring at the screen with visible secondhand embarrassment, John looked spiritually vindicated, and Yeji had gone completely motionless against my back.  Outstanding. Then eventually John spoke first “…Well.” Nobody answered. Then Jihyo immediately covered part of her face with one hand afterward while visibly trying not to laugh “We’re going to end this call now”. Jihyo left the call before I could defend myself.

Yeji meanwhile looked seconds away from evaporating from existence entirely. Honestly it was a very cute reaction. Then finally before disconnecting, John pointed toward the screen once more “Use protection”.  The call ended instantly afterward. Then slowly— Yeji buried her face into my chest while groaning softly in embarrassment “…I hate both of them.”

The room stayed quiet for another few seconds afterward while Yeji continued hiding her face against my chest like complete bodily disappearance was still a viable survival strategy. Unfortunately for her it was not. I eventually let out a quiet laugh beneath my breath before lightly running one hand through her hair afterward.

“They’re never letting us live that down.” “I’m aware,” Yeji muttered into my shirt immediately. “That sounded emotionally defeated.” “That’s because I just accidentally gave Jihyo unnie and John a live demonstration of my attachment issues.”

I felt her laugh quietly against my chest afterward despite the embarrassment still actively consuming her alive. Then eventually Yeji tilted her head slightly upward afterward before narrowing her eyes at me suspiciously.

“…You think John was serious?” “I refuse to comment on that without context.” “The protection comment.”

I rubbed lightly at my jaw afterward. “That unfortunately sounds exactly like something he’d say seriously and as a joke simultaneously.” Yeji snorted softly afterward before finally relaxing more comfortably against me now, one arm loosely wrapped around my waist while the earlier embarrassment slowly faded. “You make a fair point.”

Then eventually “…How was Ryujin?” That sounded like a very dangerous question. Not because of jealousy. That was the important part. Yeji’s voice hadn’t carried accusation, insecurity, or resentment. Just honest curiosity. I looked down toward her quietly afterward.

“She’s adjusting.” “That sounds evasive.” “That’s because the full answer feels professionally catastrophic.”

Yeji laughed quietly at that. Then eventually she shifted slightly in my lap afterward before speaking again. “She likes you.” Interesting. Very direct observation.

“I’m aware.” “No.” Yeji shook her head lightly afterward. “I mean she really likes you.”

Truthfully, she wasn’t wrong. Ryujin might refuse emotional labels, relationship structure, or softness. But the attachment itself? That was becoming significantly harder to ignore. I exhaled slowly afterward while Yeji watched me carefully now.

“You’re thinking too hard again.” “That sounds familiar.” “That’s because you do it constantly.”

Then eventually Yeji’s expression softened slightly afterward “…I knew something like this was probably going to happen eventually”. There it is. The emotionally devastating honesty. I stayed quiet while Yeji continued absentmindedly tracing small patterns against my shirt now. “I think part of me already accepted it after everything with us happened,” she admitted quietly. “It still feels weird sometimes.” Then immediately afterward “But I don’t hate her.”

“She makes you happy too,” Yeji added softly afterward before finally looking back up toward me again. “Just differently.” That somehow landed significantly harder than expected. Because she understood it completely. Not every detail. Not every complication. But the emotional shape of it? Absolutely yes.

Then suddenly— Yeji shifted slightly in my lap afterward before the corner of her mouth curved faintly upward “…Although”. That word alone immediately felt threatening. I narrowed my eyes slightly.

“That sounded ominous.” “Maybe a little.”

Then before I could ask further— Yeji stood slowly afterward before taking a few steps back from the chair. And only then did I finally notice the subtle nervousness in her expression. Because Yeji almost looked… shy. Then finally she spoke again quieter this time. “I bought something during the gala trip”. I leaned farther back slightly while watching her carefully now.

“That sounds financially dangerous.” “It wasn’t THAT expensive.” “That sounds like a lie already.”

Yeji rolled her eyes softly afterward before looking away for half a second “…It was supposed to be a surprise later.” And then slowly— Yeji reached for the hem of her outer shirt afterward. “…But after hearing about Ryujin…” She bit lightly at her lower lip before laughing softly at herself. “I suddenly don’t feel very patient anymore.”

Yeji stood a few feet away, the dim light of the room catching the nervous flicker in her eyes, her knuckles white. She didn't pull it up immediately. Instead, she lingered there, the fabric bunched in her grip, her gaze flickering from my eyes to the floor and back again. The confidence she had displayed seconds ago—the daring "although"—was evaporating, replaced by a fragile, endearing hesitation.

"You're shaking," I noted. "I'm not shaking. I'm... vibrating with anticipation," she countered, though the tremor in her voice betrayed her.

She took a sharp breath and lifted the shirt in one fluid motion. Underneath, she wore a set of midnight-black lace that looked like it had been designed specifically to ruin my composure. The bra was a delicate plunge, barely containing the soft swell of her breasts, the lace tracing the curves of her pale skin with surgical precision. Matching panties sat low on her hips, a sheer sliver of fabric that left absolutely nothing to the imagination. The contrast of the dark lace against her creamy skin felt like a physical blow to my chest.

Yeji let the shirt fall back down, but she didn't let go of the hem. She looked up at me, her eyes wide and searching, a flush creeping up her neck to stain her cheeks a deep crimson. The seductive persona had completely collapsed, leaving behind the girl who loved me with a terrifying, honest intensity.

"I wanted... I wanted you to remember," she whispered, her voice small. "I know you spent the weekend with her. And I know you... you have that with her. The fire, the challenge. I'm okay with that. I really am." I tried to speak, but she stepped closer, the scent of her perfume—something like vanilla and rain—filling my lungs. "But I wanted to remind you that I'm the one who knows how you take your coffee, when you're doubting yourself despite being composed. I'm the one who knows the exact silence you need when the world gets too loud," she said, her lip trembling slightly. "I don't want to compete with her, Ben. I just want to be the place you come home to. Emotionally. Always."

The analytical part of my brain, the part that categorized every interaction as a professional or emotional risk, simply shut down. I looked at her—really looked at her—and saw the sheer weight of the choice she made every single day. She didn't just happen to be in my life; she chose to stay, chose to adapt, and chose to love a man who spent half his time overthinking his own existence. I didn't move. I couldn't. The sight of her—this woman who acted as my emotional anchor, now standing there trembling in lace because she wanted me to remember where my heart always returned—did something to my chest, a pain that felt worse than any physical blow would. I reached out, my hand cupping the back of her neck, pulling her forward until our foreheads touched.

"You think you're reminding me of something I've forgotten," I murmured, my voice rough. Yeji blinked, her long lashes brushing my skin. "Haven't you?" "Yeji, look at me." She shifted her gaze upward.

"I care about everyone in ITZY, but you? I love you and nothing will change that. What I have with them is complicated. But what I feel for you has never been confusing. To Ryujin, what she does with me, to her it's a game, or a way to blow off steam. But you..." I paused, the honesty feeling like a raw nerve. "You're the only person I've ever actually let inside. I love you. Not because of what you do for me, but because of who you are. Because you're the only person in this entire chaotic ecosystem who makes me feel like I don't have to perform. I love how you always choose me, and I’m sorry that I haven’t said it until now. But I love you, and I will always choose to love you."

Yeji’s breath hitched. A single tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek. She didn't sob; she just leaned into me, her body molding against mine, her heart hammering a frantic rhythm against my ribs. "You really mean that," she breathed. "I've never been more certain of anything in my life."

I didn't give her time to overthink it. I tilted her head back and captured her lips in a kiss that tasted of desperation and relief. It wasn't the kind of kiss that sought to conquer; it was a homecoming. My tongue slid against hers, tasting the salt of her tear, our breaths mingling in the quiet of the room. Yeji let out a soft, needy whimper, her arms winding around my neck, pulling me closer as if she feared I might vanish if she loosened her grip.

The tension that had been building since the video call snapped. The desire was there, thick and heavy, but it was wrapped in a layer of profound tenderness. Yeji pulled back just an inch, her eyes hazy with love and lust. She sank to her knees in front of me, the movement slow and deliberate. She didn't look away this time. With steady fingers, she reached for the button of my trousers.

"I want to take care of you," she whispered. She slid my pants and boxers down in one motion, freeing my dick. It sprang forward, already hard and leaking a bead of clear pre-cum that glistened under the room's dim lighting. Yeji gazed at it for a moment, her expression one of pure adoration. She leaned in, her warm breath ghosting over the sensitive head of my cock, making me quietly moan through my teeth.

Then, she wrapped her lips around me. The sensation was electric. Yeji didn't just suck; she used her tongue to swirl around the rim of the glans, her mouth creating a tight, wet vacuum that threatened to undo me instantly. I groaned, my fingers digging into her shoulders, grounding myself as she slid deeper, taking the length of my shaft into the warmth of her throat.

The sounds filled the room—the wet, rhythmic sound coming of her lips sliding against my skin, the soft squelch of saliva as she increased the suction. She looked up at me while she worked, her eyes hooded, her cheeks hollowing as she pulled. I could feel the muscles of her throat pulsing around me, a tight, rhythmic squeeze that drove me toward the edge.

"Yeji... fuck, Yeji," I gasped, my head falling back against the chair.

She didn't stop until I was shaking, my hips involuntarily thrusting into her mouth. Just as the first wave of climax threatened to break, she pulled away with a playful, wet pop. She stood up, her lips glistening with my pre-cum, a triumphant smile on her face. "Not yet," she whispered.

She stripped out of her remaining clothes with a slow, agonizing grace. The black lace fell to the floor, leaving her completely naked. Yeji’s breasts were perfect, her nipples supple and erect, peaking in the cool air. Between her legs, her pussy was already glistening, a sliver of pink flesh peeking through a dusting of soft hair, drenched in her own arousal.

I stood up, my hunger now an ache. I grabbed her waist and lifted her, her legs instinctively locking around my hips. I crashed my lips onto hers again, our tongues battling for dominance, swapping saliva in a messy, passionate exchange. I carried her to the bed, laying her down on the sheets, but I didn't stop kissing her. I trailed my lips down her jaw, her neck, and then lower, my tongue circling one nipple before sucking it deep into my mouth. Yeji arched her back, a loud moan escaping her as she gripped my hair. "Ben... please. Now. I need you inside me."

I moved between her legs, my cock brushing against her soaking wet folds. The scent of her—musk and sweetness—was intoxicating. I didn't just plunge in; I teased her, rubbing the head of my penis against her clit, dragging it through the creaminess of her juices. "You're so wet for me," I whispered against her ear. "Because I love you," she whimpered. "Please, Ben. Fill me up." I gripped her thighs, pinning them back to the point her legs were point up, and pushed inside.

The fit was perfect. The walls of her pussy clamped around me, hot and tight, welcoming me home. I let out a long, shuddering breath, burying my face in the crook of her neck. We stayed still for a moment, just feeling the connection, the physical manifestation of everything we had just confessed.

I began to move, slow and deep. Every thrust was a promise. I focused on the sensation of my glans hitting her cervix, the way her internal muscles rippled and contracted around me with every slide. The sounds of our bodies interacting were visceral—the wet slap of my balls hitting her perineum, the air being pushed out of her as she gasped for breath. I shifted my position, rolling her onto her side and pulling her back against my chest, my arm hooked under her neck. I entered her from behind in a modified spooning position, allowing me to reach around and stimulate her clit with my thumb while I drove into her.

Yeji let out a high-pitched scream, her body shuddering. "Oh god, right there! Ben, right there!" I accelerated the pace, my thrusts becoming more urgent, though I never stopped kissing her shoulder, her neck, her cheek. I wanted her to feel me everywhere. I could feel her peaking, the walls of her vagina beginning to pulse in violent, rhythmic spasms.

"I'm... I'm coming!" she cried out, her voice breaking. Her orgasm hit like a tidal wave. Her entire body stiffened, her pussy gripping me with an intensity that nearly pushed me over the edge. I felt her release, the internal contractions milking my shaft, drawing the seed out of me. I surged forward, burying myself as deep as possible. I came with a violence that left me breathless, my cock pulsing inside her as I flooded her womb with hot, thick ropes of cum. I felt every spurt, the warmth of the liquid filling her, bonding us in the most primal way possible. Yeji whimpered, her head falling back against my chest, her breath coming in ragged sobs of pleasure.

We lay there for a long time, the only sound the synchronized thumping of our hearts. I didn't pull out; I wanted to stay connected, to feel the slow ebb of the climax. "I love it when you do that," Yeji whispered, her voice thick with exhaustion. "When you stay inside."

"I'm not going anywhere," I replied, kissing the top of her head.

But the fire hadn't fully died. As the minutes passed, the friction of our skin and the lingering warmth of the semen inside her reignited the spark. I felt myself stirring again, my cock refusing to soften, still humming with desire. Yeji felt it too. She shifted, turning in my arms to face me, her eyes shimmering. She reached down, her fingers tracing the line of my hip. "Again," she breathed. This time, it was different. The desperation was gone, replaced by a slow, luxurious hunger. I pushed her onto her back and knelt over her, my movements deliberate. I kissed her deeply, our tongues intertwining in a slow, rhythmic dance that mirrored the movement of my hips.

I entered her again, the lubrication of my first climax making the slide effortless. We moved together in a seamless harmony, a slow grind that focused on the friction of our pubic bones rubbing together. I watched her face—the way her eyes fluttered shut, the way she bit her lip to keep from screaming. "You're mine," she whispered, her voice a command and a plea. "Emotionally, spiritually... always mine."

"Always," I groaned, increasing the speed. The tension built again, but this time it felt more expansive, more fulfilling. Yeji’s second orgasm was slower, a rolling wave of pleasure that seemed to vibrate through her entire frame. She clung to me, her nails digging into my back, her voice calling my name like a prayer.

As she peaked, I followed her. I felt the build-up in the base of my spine, the inevitable rush. I thrust one last time, pinning her to the mattress, and released a second torrent of cum deep inside her. I felt the heat of it, the sheer volume of it spilling over, filling her to the brim. I collapsed on top of her, my weight supported by my elbows, breathing hard. We were both drenched in sweat, our skin slick and smelling of sex and love.  Yeji wrapped her arms around my neck, pulling my face down to hers for one final, lingering kiss. It wasn't a kiss of passion, but one of peace. "I feel... safe," she murmured, her eyes closing.

I tightened my hold on her, burying my face in her hair, the scent of vanilla and rain now mixed with the musk of our union. The world outside—the schedules, the other girls, the professional chaos—felt miles away. In the silence of the room, there was only the two of us, and the quiet, absolute certainty that no matter how complicated the ecosystem became, this was the only place I ever wanted to be.

Yeji stayed there quietly for a while afterward, still tangled against me beneath the sheets while my fingers traced slow patterns along her bare back absentmindedly. The room smelled faintly of sweat, perfume, and rain from the earlier storm outside. Somewhere beyond the curtains, the city continued moving like nothing important had happened tonight.

Meanwhile my entire emotional stability had probably just permanently relocated into the woman currently half-asleep on my chest. Dangerous development honestly.

“You’re staring again,” Yeji murmured quietly without lifting her head. “That sounds emotionally fabricated.” “You stopped blinking for like ten seconds.” “I was appreciating the view.” “That’s worse.”

I smiled faintly afterward before tightening my arm around her slightly again. Yeji only huffed softly in response before lazily tracing small circles against my chest with her fingertips. Comfortable silence settled afterward. Not awkward. Not heavy. Just warm. Eventually though, Yeji shifted slightly before letting out a small reluctant sigh.

“I should probably go back to my room before the others wake up.” “No.” Yeji lifted her head immediately afterward, visibly amused already. “No?” “Stay.” “Ben.” “I’m serious.”

She laughed quietly under her breath before resting her chin lightly against my chest again. “You say that now until Ryujin starts emotionally harassing you over breakfast.” “I can survive Ryujin.” “You say that like she didn’t psychologically dismantle you two nights ago.” “That was one time.” “I doubt that.” “Emotionally unnecessary thing to bring up right now.”

Yeji grinned against my skin before trying to sit up slightly only for me to immediately pull her back down against me again. She let out a surprised laugh afterward while I buried my face into her hair once more.

“Ben.” “No. I like this.” “You’re clingy after sex.” “You’re emotionally rewarding after sex. This is your fault.” “That’s not how accountability works.” “Feels correct to me.”

Yeji snorted softly afterward before relaxing back against me fully again despite herself. I could already tell she wanted to stay too. Honestly she was holding onto me just as much at this point. Then eventually she spoke again, quieter this time. “You know… John did tell you to use protection.”

I groaned immediately. “Please don’t bring John into this bed.” Yeji laughed properly this time, shoulders shaking lightly against me. “I’m serious though. What would you even do if I got pregnant?” I stared toward the ceiling for approximately two seconds afterward.

“Then I guess we’re disappearing together.” Yeji blinked once before immediately bursting into laughter against my chest again. “That answer came out way too fast.” “I already committed emotionally. Might as well commit to disappearing from public society too.” “That’s concerning.” “I’d do great actually. I could raise goats somewhere.” “You can barely take care of yourself.” “Unbelievable lack of faith from ITZY’s leader.” “You’re the one talking about vanishing into the mountains because of one hypothetical baby.” “Not hypothetical. Our hypothetical baby.”

Yeji made another offended sound somewhere between laughter and embarrassment before lightly hitting my chest. “That somehow made it worse.”

“You asked.” “You answered too confidently.” “Well yeah.” I glanced back down toward her afterward, fingers brushing lightly through her hair again. “It’s you.”

The teasing in Yeji’s expression softened slightly afterward. Then slowly— she tucked herself closer against me again. Honestly that alone almost destroyed me emotionally.

“You’re ridiculous,” she murmured quietly. “You love me.” “…Unfortunately.” “That sounded very emotionally dishonest.”

Yeji smiled faintly before finally tilting her head upward just enough to kiss me softly once more. Slow. Warm. Unhurried. Then afterward she rested her forehead lightly against mine. “I want to stay.” That honestly hit harder than the sex somehow. So instead of answering immediately, I simply tightened my arms around her again before pulling the blanket higher around us both.

Outside, the city lights continued flickering quietly through the rain while somewhere down the hall the building remained silent for once. No schedules. No chaos. No emotional disasters yet waiting outside the room. Just Yeji beside me. And for tonight at least— that was enough.

I woke up the next morning to warmth. Not metaphorically either. Actual warmth. Because sometime during the night, Yeji had somehow completely attached herself to me in her sleep. One leg tangled with mine beneath the sheets while her arms stayed loosely wrapped around my waist, face buried against my chest comfortably like she belonged there.

For a few seconds I simply stayed there quietly, fingers brushing lightly through her hair while soft morning light filtered through the curtains. The rain from last night had already stopped sometime during the early morning hours, leaving the room calm and unusually peaceful. Then eventually Yeji stirred slightly against me before letting out a sleepy sound somewhere between a sigh and a groan.

“…Why are you awake already?” “That sounds accusatory.” “You’re staring again.” “I’m appreciating the emotional consequences of my life choices.” “That sounds dramatic.” Yeji smiled faintly without opening her eyes yet.   “It’s accurate.”

She finally looked up at me afterward, still visibly half asleep while her hair remained completely ruined against the pillow. Honestly adorable enough to permanently alter my decision making abilities. Then slowly— her expression softened again. “Good morning.”

“Good morning,” I murmured back quietly.

For a while neither of us moved again. Just laying there comfortably while Yeji lazily traced shapes against my shirt absentmindedly. The kind of silence that only really exists when two people stop trying to be anything around each other. Eventually though reality returned unfortunately. “We should probably get up,” Yeji murmured quietly afterward. “Ryujin and Lia are probably awake already.”

“That sounds like a future problem.” “You say that until Ryujin starts making comments.” “I survived John. I can survive Ryujin.” “That’s not remotely the same threat level.”

Still— neither of us actually moved for another several minutes anyway. Eventually Yeji sat up first, stretching lightly before immediately realizing she was still wearing one of my shirts from last night. She looked down at herself briefly before glancing back toward me afterward.

“…You’re smiling again.” “I’m having a very normal reaction.” “You look emotionally compromised.” “That sounds medically serious.” “It should be.”

Yeji laughed softly afterward before climbing off the bed completely while I watched her walk toward the bathroom. Honestly that alone almost restarted several problems immediately.

A while later, after both of us managed to become at least somewhat presentable for society again, Yeji quietly slipped her hand into mine the moment we stepped out into the hallway. That somehow affected me more than expected too. The Top Floor itself remained unusually quiet for once when we entered the kitchen area afterward. Only two people were currently there.

Ryujin sat sprawled lazily across one of the chairs while eating cereal directly from the box with absolutely zero shame. Meanwhile Lia stood near the counter preparing coffee quietly while still dressed comfortably from her day off. Both of them looked up the exact moment Yeji and I walked in holding hands.

Ryujin blinked once. Then slowly lowered the cereal box “…Wow,” she finally muttered afterward. “You two stopped pretending fast.” Yeji only smiled calmly before squeezing my hand slightly. “We were already terrible at hiding it.”

“That’s true actually,” Lia added quietly while trying—and failing slightly—not to smile into her coffee. Meanwhile I considered turning around and professionally evaporating from existence. Ryujin however looked entirely too amused now. “So.” She leaned back farther into her chair afterward while gesturing vaguely between the two of us. “Are we emotionally labeling things now or are we still pretending this is a workplace environment?” “Ryujin,” Yeji warned lightly. “What? I’m trying to understand the ecosystem.” “That somehow made it sound worse.” “It IS worse.”

Then eventually Ryujin shrugged lightly afterward before grabbing another handful of cereal. “For the record,” she continued casually, “I’m not trying to steal your boyfriend, Yeji.” I nearly choked on air. Yeji however remained surprisingly calm. Ryujin continued before anybody could recover emotionally.

“I just happen to enjoy getting my brain reset by him.” “Jesus Christ,” I muttered immediately. “That’s honestly the cleanest way to describe it.”

Lia physically covered part of her face afterward while laughing quietly into her cup. Meanwhile Yeji sighed softly before leaning slightly against my shoulder. “I already figured eventually everyone would need something different from him,” she admitted quietly afterward. “I just didn’t expect things to escalate this fast.” That immediately shifted the atmosphere slightly. Then eventually silence settled briefly again before Lia spoke unexpectedly.

“I don’t think it’s admiration anymore.” Everybody looked toward her afterward. Lia remained calm externally, though I noticed the way her fingers tightened slightly around her mug afterward. “And honestly…” she continued softly, “…I’ve been trying very hard not to think about that.”

Ryujin immediately understood. “You were doomed the second he started emotionally checking on you,” she muttered casually before eating another piece of cereal.

“Ryujin.” “I’m right.”

Unfortunately she absolutely was. Then slowly— Yeji looked toward Lia afterward, expression softening slightly. “I already knew,” she admitted quietly. Lia looked up immediately. Yeji smiled faintly afterward. “You look at him the same way I do sometimes.”

The silence afterward became devastatingly gentle. The most terrifying part was that nobody in the room seemed angry about it anymore. Lia looked like she regretted saying it aloud almost immediately afterward. Not because anybody reacted badly. Because neither Ryujin nor Yeji looked shocked anymore. If anything, the two of them looked like they had quietly reached the same conclusion long before Lia herself allowed the thought to fully settle in her head.

Meanwhile I was currently experiencing what could only be described as a professionally catastrophic amount of emotional awareness before breakfast. Lia let out a small breath afterward before lowering her gaze briefly toward the mug in her hands. “I know what you two are,” she admitted softly. “And I know things are already complicated enough.” She smiled faintly afterward, though there was something tired beneath it. “I wasn’t planning on saying anything.”

Ryujin immediately pointed toward her with the cereal box. “See? That right there is exactly why you were doomed.”

“Can you stop saying doomed like we’re discussing a terminal illness?” “I’m emotionally committed to the phrasing now.”

Yeji meanwhile remained leaning lightly against my shoulder before eventually speaking again. “You don’t have to feel guilty for feeling something, Lia.” That made Lia visibly pause. The way Yeji said it carried absolutely no resentment. Which somehow made the entire conversation feel even heavier emotionally. Lia laughed quietly under her breath afterward. “That’s unfortunately the problem.”

“What is?” Yeji pressed on, Lia hesitated briefly before answering. “That part of me feels relieved hearing you say that.”

Yeji understanding meant Lia no longer had to keep emotionally suffocating herself pretending nothing was happening. Ryujin noticed it immediately too. “You really like him,” she muttered casually. Lia immediately looked horrified. “Ryujin.”

“What? We’ve already emotionally detonated the conversation. There’s no reason to act subtle anymore.” “She has a point,” Yeji admitted softly. “I hate that both of you are weirdly calm about this.” I pointed out. “That’s because you’re the only one still trying to emotionally behave,” Ryujin replied instantly. Brutal but accurate.

Lia sighed quietly afterward before finally looking toward me directly for the first time since the conversation started. And immediately I understood why this felt so much heavier than Ryujin’s situation. Because Ryujin looked at me physically. Lia looked at me like she was trying not to emotionally fall any farther than she already had. “I’m trying to be realistic,” Lia admitted quietly afterward. “I know you love Yeji.”

My chest tightened slightly at how plainly she said it. Then slowly— Lia smiled faintly again. “But I think part of me still wanted to know if it was okay to feel this way anyway.” The room fell quiet afterward. The fact that Lia sounded more worried about hurting Yeji than herself almost made the entire situation worse emotionally.

Then finally Yeji stepped away from my side slightly before walking closer toward Lia. “You know what the funny part is?” Yeji murmured softly afterward. Lia blinked once. “What?”

“I think I stopped being surprised a long time ago.” That caught all three of us off guard honestly. Yeji laughed quietly afterward before folding her arms loosely across her chest. “I already accepted a while ago that Ben was eventually going to become emotionally important to everybody here in different ways.” She glanced briefly toward Ryujin afterward. “Some more physically catastrophic than others.”

“I still think that’s emotionally disrespectful phrasing.” Ryujin trying to act hurt. “You literally described it as getting rammed so hard that your brain resets.” “Fair.”

Then eventually Yeji looked back toward Lia again. “And honestly?” she continued softly, “if somebody else was going to understand him the way I do…” her smile softened slightly afterward, “…I’m glad it’s you.” That completely broke whatever emotional composure Lia still had left. The kind of expression somebody makes when they’ve been carrying guilt for too long and suddenly somebody removes part of the weight without warning.

Meanwhile I stood there, completely emotionally unequipped to handle the sudden shift in the room. It felt like the air had been sucked out of the kitchen, replaced by a heavy, humming awareness that made the hair on my arms stand up. I was the only one in the room currently experiencing a total system failure.

Ryujin noticed immediately. She leaned back in her chair, her eyes dancing with a predatory sort of glee. “You look like your brain just blue-screened, Ben,” she noted, her voice dripping with amusement. “That’s because all of you are terrifying,” I replied, my voice sounding an octave higher than I intended. “Emotionally? Or generally?” Ryujin pressed. “Yes.”

That finally made Lia laugh properly. It wasn’t the polite, reserved chuckle she usually employed; it was a genuine, melodic sound that softened the edges of the tension. She turned her gaze toward Ryujin, her expression one of elegant, calculated curiosity. “So,” Lia began, her voice calm but carrying a distinct edge of interest, “are you going to keep everything to yourself, or are you going to tell us what you did to the poor man when you took him hostage during the weekend?”

I immediately pointed a finger at Lia, my eyes wide. “See? This is exactly why emotional honesty was a mistake. I’m being framed as a victim in my own life.”

“Nobody asked you,” Ryujin replied instantly, not even glancing my way.

The movement was subtle, but I felt it. Yeji slowly turned toward Ryujin. It wasn't the look of a suspicious girlfriend; it was worse. It was the look of a lead investigator arriving at a crime scene involving her favorite person. Her eyes narrowed, her focus sharpening until Ryujin was the only thing in her field of vision.

“So something DID happen,” Yeji muttered, her voice low and dangerously curious. “Obviously something happened,” Lia added helpfully, a small, knowing smile playing on her lips.

Ryujin looked completely shameless. She didn't flinch; she thrived. She just shrugged, her shoulders moving in a slow, casual motion that suggested she had all the time in the world to dismantle my dignity.

“That silence somehow made it worse,” I muttered. “It should,” Ryujin countered. I didn't wait for another prompt. I immediately started backing away toward the hallway, my hands raised as if I were retreating from a live bomb. “Nope. Absolutely not. I am professionally removing myself from this conversation for the sake of my remaining sanity and my employment contract.”

I almost made it. I was three steps away from the sanctuary of the hall when a hand clamped around my wrist with the precision of a steel trap. I looked down to see Yeji’s grip, her fingers locking around me. It was an outstanding betrayal from my beloved. “Sit back down,” she commanded.

“I actually have a work email I need to— I think there's a crisis with the stylists— I might have left a stove on in a house I don't even live in—”

Yeji didn’t even let me finish. She didn't raise her voice, but she gave me the coldest, most focused smile I had ever seen. It was the smile of a leader who had already won the war and was now just deciding how to distribute the spoils.

“Benjie, my love,” she interrupted calmly, “sit down.” The fight left me instantly. I slumped back into the seat beside her, my shoulders dropping in total defeat.

“Yes, babe. Whatever you want.”

I felt the weight of the moment. This was it. The exact second I realized I had been fully domesticated. Ryujin lost her composure entirely, letting out a loud, barking laugh that echoed off the kitchen tiles.

“Wow, hasn’t been an entire day and Yeji already has you on a leash,” Ryujin wheezed, pointing at me. I looked at Yeji, then back to Ryujin, and leaned into the absurdity of it.

“Oh yeah she does,” I admitted, pointing a thumb toward Yeji. “And I also bark for treats. I can do a little dance if the mood is right.”

Ryujin doubled over, her laughter becoming a series of breathless snorts, while Lia physically covered part of her face with her hand, though her eyes were crinkling with mirth. Yeji, meanwhile, looked horrifyingly pleased with herself. She leaned into me, a smug warmth radiating from her. “As you should,” she replied calmly. “This relationship has become psychologically dangerous,” I sighed, leaning my head back against the chair.

“That sounds like accountability,” Ryujin managed to choke out. Eventually, Lia looked back toward Ryujin. The humor was still there, but the curiosity had won. She leaned forward, her chin resting on her hand, her gaze fixed on the other girl.

“So seriously,” Lia continued, her voice returning to that soft, probing tone, “what exactly happened during that weekend?”

“I’m seriously leaving now,” I announced, attempting to slide out of the chair again. “No you’re not,” Yeji replied without even looking at me, her hand simply returning to my wrist to anchor me in place. “See, this is emotional imprisonment. I’m calling a lawyer. I’m calling the union.” “Benjie, heel.” “Yes, ma’am.”

Ryujin looked like she was seconds away from falling out of her chair. She finally leaned back, shrugging casually, her eyes flickering toward me with a memory that made my stomach flip. “Well,” Ryujin started, her voice taking on a narrative quality, “We drank. We argued. We fought for dominance a little.”

Lia blinked once. Yeji’s eyes narrowed further, her focus intensifying. “…You make that sound significantly more concerning than it should,” Yeji noted.

“It got competitive,” Ryujin added. “That somehow made it worse,” I muttered.

Ryujin looked entirely too entertained. She shifted in her seat, her voice dropping an octave, becoming more visceral.

“You should’ve seen how rough he was after the third round,” she said, her voice devoid of any hesitation. “RYUJIN,” I hissed, my face heating up.

“He had his way with me,” she replied shamelessly. She paused, glancing at me and then back to the girls, trying to put on a face of mock-fragility. She fluttered her eyelashes, her voice becoming a forced, breathy whisper. “I was just… a poor, helpless girl, completely overwhelmed by his… intensity. I couldn't help it. I was simply swept away by the tide of his masculinity.”

Lia let out a small, skeptical snort. It was a terrible performance; Ryujin looked less like a damsel in distress and more like a predator describing her favorite meal.

“You drained the life out of me,” I countered. “That’s not how my body remembers it,” Ryujin replied, her voice returning to its usual bluntness. “Oh my God,” Lia muttered, laughing into her coffee, though she didn't look away.

Yeji had gone suspiciously quiet beside me. The silence was heavy, a sudden vacuum of sound that felt more dangerous than any of Ryujin's shouting. Slowly, very slowly, Yeji looked toward Ryujin.

“…Wait,” Yeji said.

That tone made me freeze. It was the tone she used when she found a flaw in a choreography that needed to be fixed immediately. Ryujin smirked. This was mutual psychological warfare, and I was the battlefield.

“You let him throw you around that much?” Yeji asked carefully. Ryujin shrugged, her eyes gleaming. “I got curious.”

“That is NOT the wording to use,” I groaned. “And?” Yeji pressed.

Ryujin grinned, resting her chin in her hand. “And honestly? It was kind of insane. At first, I thought I could handle him. I thought I could keep the lead. I was riding him, trying to set the pace, thinking I had him figured out. But then the switch flipped. He didn't just take control; he seized it. He flipped me over like I weighed nothing, pinned my wrists above my head, and just… hammered into me. No more games. No more teasing. Just this raw, punishing rhythm that had me sobbing into the pillows.”

I wanted to professionally disappear. I wanted the floor to open up and swallow me whole. But the girls were leaned in now, the atmosphere in the kitchen shifting from comedic to electric.

“He wouldn't even let me breathe,” Ryujin continued, her voice becoming more detailed, more graphic. “The sound was the worst—or the best, depending on how you look at it. Just this constant, wet squelching every time he drove deep, the slap of his skin against mine. He didn't just fuck me; he claimed me. He had me on all fours in front of a mirror, forcing me to watch as he buried himself in me over and over again. I could see my own face in the glass—eyes rolled back, mouth open, completely broken. He spanked me until my skin was humming, and every time I tried to protest, he just drove deeper, hitting my cervix with a bluntness that made my brain go completely blank.”

Lia’s coffee cup stopped halfway to her mouth. Her eyes were wide, her breathing becoming a bit shallower. She was no longer just observing; she was visualizing.

“And the cum,” Ryujin added, her voice a low purr. “He didn't pull out. Not once when it mattered. He just kept filling me up. I could feel the heat of it pulsing deep inside me, over and over. By the end of the night, I felt like I was made of his cum. I was a complete mess, drenched in it, and the best part was that he didn't stop. Even in the morning, the second I woke up, he was already hard. I tried to be the one in control, tried to wake him up with my mouth, but he just took over again. He used my throat like a toy until I was gagging and watering, and then he just… erupted. It was everywhere. My face, my chest. I looked like a painting of absolute ruin.”

The silence that followed was deafening. I stared straight ahead, my jaw clenched, wondering if it was too late to flee to a remote village in the Alps and raise goats.

Yeji was motionless. She wasn't looking at me; she was staring at Ryujin, her pupils blown wide. There was a mix of shock and a very specific, shimmering kind of envy in her eyes. She wasn't jealous that Ryujin had been with me; she was envious of the sheer, mind-numbing pleasure Ryujin had described.

“He… he did all that?” Yeji whispered, her voice sounding slightly strained. “Every bit of it,” Ryujin replied, looking entirely too proud of herself. “He’s a beast when he stops thinking. You should see him when he stops being the ‘manager’ and starts being the man.”

Yeji slowly turned her head to look at me. The gaze was different now. It wasn't just love; it was a hunger that made my pulse spike. She looked at me as if she were seeing a stranger—or a version of me she had only glimpsed in fragments.

“…You know,” Yeji murmured, her voice a soft, dangerous caress as she glanced at me. “I kind of wish you’d lose control like that with me sometimes.”

My brain didn't just blue-screen; it suffered a total hardware failure. Lia actually choked on her coffee, a small spray of liquid hitting the counter, while Ryujin lost it, laughing so hard she nearly fell off her chair again.

I stared at Yeji in complete emotional betrayal. “Babe, you can’t just ask me to manhandle you in bed like that in front of others!” I exclaimed, my voice a mixture of horror and desperation. “Benjie, please,” Yeji replied, her smile innocent but her eyes predatory. “The people who heard that already know. There's no point in modesty now.”

“That doesn’t make it safer!” Yeji smiled, leaning her weight against my shoulder, her warmth seeping through my shirt. “What?” she asked calmly. “I’m just saying it sounds fun. The idea of you… just taking over. No thinking. No professionalism. Just you and me.”

“Fun,” I repeated weakly. I felt like a man standing on the edge of a cliff, and Yeji was the one gently pushing me off. Ryujin, meanwhile, looked spiritually vindicated. She leaned back, crossing her arms with a satisfied grin.

“Oh, he is STRUGGLING,” she announced to the room. “I hate all of you,” I muttered. “No you don’t,” Lia replied immediately, her voice returning to its calm, melodic tone, though there was a new, shimmering heat in her eyes as she looked at me.

Lia laughed softly into her drink, her gaze lingering on my lap for a second too long before returning to my eyes. Yeji, however, didn't look away. She stayed pressed against me, her mind clearly already running through a list of "experiments" for the next time we were alone.

A few days later, the Top Floor had settled back into something dangerously close to normal again. Which, in hindsight, only made the whole thing feel more suspicious.  The schedules leading toward Waterbomb preparations had gradually started taking over everybody’s routines.

It was a whirlwind of chaos: outfit fittings that lasted six hours, rehearsals that left them drenched in sweat, frantic calls with stylists, and the kind of high-tension group discussions about stage arrangements that usually ended with someone sighing in defeat. It was the usual professional storm ITZY survived every comeback cycle, and I was, as always, the one holding the umbrella.

Meanwhile, the emotional ecosystem underneath the Top Floor had quietly become catastrophic. Yeji had grown more openly affectionate around me when the others weren’t around. It started with small things—resting her head on my shoulder during five-minute breaks, casually stealing my drinks without asking, or holding my hand briefly whenever we crossed paths alone in the hallway. It was as if the conversation in the kitchen had unlocked a door she hadn't known was there. She didn't just want the emotional anchor; she wanted the fire.

And Ryujin? Ryujin had somehow become worse. She had decided that physically invading my personal space was now a constitutional right. It didn't matter where I was. If I was sitting on the couch, Ryujin would arrive and simply displace me, shoving me to the side to take my spot. If I was in a lounge chair, she’d practically climb into my lap just to reach the remote.

One afternoon, I was sitting in the common area, trying to review the final setlist for Waterbomb, when Ryujin wandered over. Without a word, she stepped between my legs and sat directly on my thighs, leaning back against my chest and stealing my tablet right out of my hands. “You’re doing it again,” I sighed, my voice muffled by her hair. “Doing what?” she asked, scrolling through the list with an expression of total indifference. “Treating me like a piece of ergonomic furniture.”

Ryujin shrugged, her back arching slightly against my chest in a way that felt entirely too deliberate. “Consider it the trade-off every time you make it difficult for me to walk. This is your responsibility now. You broke the machine, Ben. Now you have to provide the seating.” I looked up at the ceiling, wondering if any of this was covered under my health insurance.

“I’m a manager,” I whispered to the empty room. “I am a professional. I have a degree in psychology.” “You’re a footstool,” Ryujin corrected, her voice smug.

Just then, Yeji walked into the room. She stopped, her eyes landing on Ryujin perched on my lap. A few weeks ago, this might have caused a flicker of tension. Now? Yeji just smiled. It was a slow, knowing smile that told me she wasn't bothered—she was just calculating.

“Is he being a good footstool, Ryujin?” Yeji asked, her voice light and playful. “The best,” Ryujin replied, glancing back at me with a wink. “Though he’s a bit stiff. I think he needs another ‘reset’ soon.”

I felt Yeji’s gaze shift to me. The look was heavy, suggestive, and entirely too focused.

“I agree,” Yeji murmured, her eyes darkening. “I think we should schedule some… overtime.”

The air in the common area didn't just thicken; it solidified. Ryujin, still perched on my thighs, didn't move. Instead, she leaned back further, her spine arching, pressing her backside firmly against my crotch. I could feel the heat of her through the fabric of our clothes, a deliberate, grounding weight that made my heart hammer a frantic rhythm against my ribs. I tried to maintain my composure. I tried to reach for the sarcasm that usually served as my armor.

"I’m pretty sure overtime is against labor laws in this specific ecosystem," I managed, though my voice lacked its usual stability. Ryujin let out a low, throaty chuckle, her head tilting back to look at me. Her eyes were shimmering, predatory.

"Since when do you care about the rules, Benjie? Especially when the boss is the one requesting the shift?" Yeji didn't answer immediately. She stepped closer, her movements slow and feline. She didn't stop until she was standing directly in front of us, her presence enveloping me. She reached out, her fingers grazing my jawline, her touch light but electric. The scent of her—that familiar mix of vanilla and something crisp—filled my senses, warring with the scent of Ryujin’s proximity.

"I’ve been thinking about what Ryujin said," Yeji whispered, her eyes locked on mine. "About you… losing control. About the way you look when you stop managing everything and just… take."

I swallowed hard. My psychological defenses were starting to fray. It wasn't just the sexual provocation; it was the way Yeji was looking at me. There was no jealousy there. There was no hesitation. There was only a raw, shimmering curiosity that felt far more dangerous than Ryujin’s blatant lust.

"Yeji," I breathed, my voice rough. "You don't have to—" "I want to," she interrupted, her voice a soft command. "I want to see it. And I think," she paused, her gaze flickering to Ryujin, who was watching her with an expression of amused intrigue,

"I think I want to experience it with her."

The world seemed to tilt. My brain, usually so quick to categorize and analyze, simply stalled. I looked from Yeji’s affectionate, daring expression to Ryujin’s shameless, expectant grin.

"Wait," I stammered, the manager in me making one last, desperate stand. "Are we—is this actually happening? Like, logically, emotionally, are we crossing that line right now?"

Ryujin laughed, the sound vibrating through my thighs. She reached back, her hand sliding up my chest to grip the back of my neck, pulling my face closer to hers.

"Stop analyzing the line, Ben, and just cross it. Unless you’re too scared to handle both of us at once?" "I’m not scared," I countered, though my shaking hands betrayed me.

"Then prove it," Ryujin whispered. Yeji leaned in, her lips brushing against my ear, her breath hot. "It’s okay, Ben. We both want you. Just… let go."

That was the trigger. The emotional permission. The weight of their combined trust and desire crashed over me like a tidal wave. My composure didn't just slip; it shattered. I didn't think. I didn't plan. I simply reacted.

I gripped Ryujin’s waist with a sudden, bruising intensity, pulling her flush against me, while my other hand shot out to wrap around Yeji’s wrist, pulling her closer. "Fine," I groaned, the word sounding more like a growl. "You both want this? You have no idea what you’re asking for."

Ryujin’s eyes widened, a flicker of genuine excitement crossing her face. "Oh? Is the beast finally waking up?"

Yeji didn't speak. She simply smiled, a slow, knowing expression, and pressed her lips to mine in a kiss that tasted of longing and liberation. The transition from the living room to the bedroom was a blur of frantic movement and desperate touch. We didn't make it to the bed without shedding half our clothes in the hallway. Ryujin was a whirlwind of physical greed, her hands everywhere—tugging at my shirt, sliding into my waistband, nipping at my neck. Yeji was the steady flame, her kisses deep and grounding, her hands tracing the lines of my muscles as if she were memorizing me all over again.

By the time we hit the mattress, I was emotionally spent and sexually starving. I collapsed onto the sheets, the two of them descending on me like beautiful, hungry predators. Ryujin was the first to escalate. She pushed me back, her knees pinning my arms for a fleeting second as she looked down at me, her chest heaving. She was completely naked now, her skin pale and glowing in the dim light, her nipples were fully erect.

"Look at him, Yeji," Ryujin panted, her voice thick. "He’s vibrating. He’s so fucking overwhelmed he can barely breathe."

Yeji crawled up beside me, her movements fluid. She rested her head on my chest, her hair spilling across my skin, while her hand slid down to the bulge in my trousers. "I can feel it," Yeji murmured, her voice a soft purr. "His heart is racing. He’s terrified and excited all at once."

I let out a shuddering breath, my head falling back into the pillow— I gasped.

"Good boy" Ryujin whispered. She shifted, her hand sliding down to unzip my pants and pull them down in one swift motion. My cock sprang free, already rock hard and leaking a thick bead of pre-cum that glistened under the lamp. Ryujin gazed at it with a hunger that was almost frightening. She didn't go for it immediately. Instead, she looked at Yeji.

"Do you want the first taste, or should I?" Yeji lifted her head, her eyes hooded. She looked at my cock, then back at Ryujin. A small, daring smile played on her lips.

"I think we should share," Yeji replied.

The first crossing was an explosion of sensory overload. Ryujin leaned down, her tongue swirling around the head of my glans, tasting the salt and the heat. Simultaneously, Yeji shifted, her mouth finding my other nipple, sucking it deep into her mouth with a rhythmic intensity that made my hips jerk upward.

The sounds filled the room—the wet, rhythmic slurp of Ryujin’s tongue, the soft, needy whimpers escaping Yeji, and my own ragged breathing. I felt like I was being pulled in two different directions, my nervous system unable to process the dual stimulation.

"Fuck," I groaned, my fingers digging into Ryujin’s hair. "You’re… you’re both… I can’t…" Ryujin pulled away for a second, her lips glistening with my fluids. She looked up at me, her expression smug. "You can’t what, Ben? You can’t handle two girls? The great manager is failing his performance review?"

She didn't wait for an answer. She slid down, taking the entire length of my shaft into her mouth. The suction was incredible, a tight, wet vacuum that threatened to undo me instantly. I could hear the squelch of saliva as she moved, the sound visceral and raw. While Ryujin worked on me, Yeji didn't stay passive. She shifted, her pussy rubbing against my thigh, the wetness of her arousal soaking through my skin. She reached down, her fingers finding Ryujin’s hair, guiding her, encouraging her.

"He loves it, Ryujin," Yeji whispered, her voice trembling. "Look at his face. He’s completely gone." and I was. It felt like floating in a sea of white noise and heat. The feeling of Ryujin’s throat pulsing around me, combined with Yeji’s soft, affectionate touches and the sight of them together—two women I cared for, collaborating to bring me to the edge—was overwhelming.

I reached out, grabbing Yeji’s waist and pulling her up so she was draped across my chest. I captured her lips in a messy, passionate kiss, our tongues battling for dominance, swapping saliva while Ryujin continued to milk me with a ruthless efficiency. The triangle was complete. The air was thick with the smell of sex, sweat, and an electric tension that felt like it could ignite the room.

"I can’t… I’m going to…" I gasped, my body stiffening. Ryujin felt it. She didn't pull away. She pushed deeper, her throat tightening, her eyes locking onto mine with a look of absolute triumph.

I erupted with a violence that left me breathless, thick ropes of cum flooding her throat. I felt every pulse, every spurt, my body shaking with the intensity of the release. Ryujin swallowed hard, taking as much as she could before finally pulling away with a wet, satisfying pop. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, a predatory grin on her face.

"Round one goes to the beast," she whispered. But the release didn't bring the usual crash. Instead, the adrenaline remained, fueled by the sight of Yeji watching us, her eyes blown wide, her chest heaving. She looked at the remnants of my cum on Ryujin’s lips and then looked at me.

"My turn," Yeji breathed.

The shift in momentum was palpable. The first round had been about the shock of the crossing, but now, the restraint was gone. The manager had clocked out the moment the bedroom door closed. I rolled over, pinning Yeji beneath me, my movements sudden and dominant. I didn't ask. I didn't hesitate. I grabbed her wrists and pinned them above her head, my body crushing hers into the mattress.

"You wanted to see me lose control, Yeji?" I growled, my voice an octave lower. "Look closely." Yeji let out a sharp, needy gasp, her back arching. The look of sheer, unadulterated desire on her face was the final nail in the coffin of my composure. I trailed my lips down her neck, biting the sensitive skin of her shoulder, while Ryujin crawled up behind me, her breasts rubbing against my back, her hands sliding down to grip my ass.

"Yes," Ryujin whispered into my ear, her voice a low purr. "Break her, Ben. Show her exactly what you did to me." I moved down, my tongue finding Yeji’s clit. She was soaking wet, her juices tasting of sweetness and heat. I licked her with a rhythmic, punishing intensity, my tongue flicking against her most sensitive point. Yeji screamed, her body shuddering, her legs locking around my waist.

"Ben! Oh god, Ben!"

While I focused on Yeji, Ryujin wasn't idle. She shifted, sliding her hand between our bodies, her fingers finding my cock, which was already stirring back to life. She began to stroke me, her grip tight and fast, her nails lightly scratching my skin.

"You’re so hard again," Ryujin whispered. "You really are a monster, aren't you?" I pulled away from Yeji, my breath coming in ragged gasps. I looked at the two of them—Yeji, flushed and trembling, her eyes hazy with pleasure; and Ryujin, shameless and greedy, her body practically vibrating with need.

I grabbed Ryujin, flipping her over in one fluid motion and shoving her onto her hands and knees. I didn't waste a second. I positioned myself behind her, the head of my cock brushing against her soaking wet folds. The sound of the first plunge was a loud, wet squelch.

"FUCK!" Ryujin shrieked, her head snapping back.

I didn't hold back. I drove into her with a raw, punishing rhythm, the slap of my balls against her perineum echoing in the quiet room. I was no longer thinking about professionalism, or boundaries, or the emotional weight of the situation. I was simply a man responding to the overwhelming physical demand of the woman beneath me.

Yeji didn't just watch. She crawled forward, her body pressing against Ryujin’s side. She reached around, her hand finding Ryujin’s clit, stimulating her in sync with my thrusts. The sight was intoxicating. Ryujin’s face was buried in the pillow, her muffled moans filling the room, while Yeji’s eyes were locked on me, her expression a mix of awe and hunger.

"Do it harder, Ben!" Yeji urged, her voice strained. "Give her everything!" I accelerated, my thrusts becoming shorter and more violent. I could feel Ryujin’s insides clamping around me, her pussy milking me with an intensity that nearly pushed me over the edge.

"I’m… I’m coming!" Ryujin wailed, her voice breaking. Her orgasm hit like a tidal wave, her entire body stiffening as she peaked. I felt the violent contractions of her pussy, and I surged forward, burying myself as deep as possible. I came with a violence that left me gasping, my cock pulsing inside her as I flooded her with a second torrent of hot cum.

I collapsed onto Ryujin’s back, both of us drenched in sweat, our breathing synchronized and heavy. But as I lay there, I felt a hand on my cheek. Yeji. She had moved, her body now sliding underneath me, pushing Ryujin aside with a gentle but firm insistence. She looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with an emotional intensity that hit harder than any physical act.

"I love you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "I love how you look right now. I love that you’re mine, even when you were flooding her insides with seed just now."

That was the moment the physical and emotional fully merged. The dominance, the greed, the shame—it all melted into a profound sense of connection. I looked at Yeji, then at Ryujin, who was still shaking from her climax but already looking up at us with a restless, hungry gaze.

I entered Yeji slowly this time. Not with the violence I had used on Ryujin, but with a deep, searching intimacy. I felt her walls clamp around me, hot and welcoming. We moved together in a seamless harmony, a slow grind that focused on the friction of our pubic bones rubbing together.

"You’re so tight," I murmured, kissing her forehead. "Because I’ve been waiting for this," Yeji whimpered, her arms winding around my neck, pulling me down.

Ryujin, unable to stay still, crawled back into the fray. She positioned herself in front of Yeji, her breasts brushing against Yeji’s chest. The two of them began to kiss, their tongues intertwining in a slow, rhythmic dance while I continued to drive into Yeji from behind. The image was a masterpiece of desire. The two women I loved most in the world, entwined and open, sharing me and each other. I felt a surge of emotional adrenaline that pushed me past the point of exhaustion.

"You're both so perfect," I groaned, my voice cracking. "Stop talking," Ryujin murmured against Yeji's lips, her eyes flickering to me. "Just keep fucking her, Ben. I want to feel you shaking while you do it."

I shifted my position, pulling Yeji up so she was sitting on my lap, her back to me, while Ryujin lay beneath us, her legs spread wide. I entered Yeji again, but as I did, I leaned forward, my mouth finding Ryujin’s. We were a knot of limbs and heat, a singular entity of pleasure. The sounds were a symphony of shlicking, squelching, and desperate gasps. I could feel Yeji peaking again, her body vibrating against me, and as she let out a high-pitched scream of release.

I pulled out of Yeji at the last second, the momentum carrying me forward. I gripped both of them, pulling them close, their bodies pressed side by side.

"Look at me," I commanded, my voice rough.

They both looked up, their eyes hazy, their faces flushed. I erupted, spraying thick, hot ropes of cum across their stomachs and chests. I didn't stop until I was empty, the white liquid stark against their pale skin, marking them both as mine in the most primal way possible.

We collapsed into a heap of tangled limbs and spent energy. But the silence didn't last. The air was still electric, and as I caught my breath, I felt Ryujin’s hand slide back down to my thigh. "You're not done," Ryujin whispered, her voice a challenge.

"Ryujin, please," I panted, a weak laugh escaping me. "I'm a human man, not a machine." "I don't care," she replied, her eyes narrowing with that insatiable hunger. "I can still feel you. I can feel that you want more. You're just trying to be the 'responsible manager' again. Stop it."

Yeji let out a soft, amused sigh, her head resting on my chest. "She's right, Ben. You're not the manager in this room. You're just ours. And look at you... you're already waking up again." I looked down. Despite the exhaustion, the sheer weight of their shared desire was acting like a stimulant. My cock was stirring, pulsing against the sheets. The sight of them covered in my cum, their skin flushed, their eyes longing—was too much to resist.

I sat up, the movement sudden. I grabbed Ryujin and flipped her onto her back, her legs flying up. I didn't enter her immediately. Instead, I looked at Yeji. "You wanted to see her lose it, right?" I asked, my voice low. "You wanted to see what I do to her?" Yeji nodded, her breath hitching. "Yes. Show me."

I drove into Ryujin with a sudden, brutal force that knocked the wind out of her. I wasn't being gentle. I wasn't being intimate. I was being a storm. I gripped her hips, my fingers digging into her skin, and hammered into her with a relentless, driving pace.

"Oh god! Yes! Right there!" Ryujin shrieked, her back arching off the bed. The sound was raw, guttural. Ryujin wasn't the poised idol now; she was a mess of desperation and euphoria. She was sobbing, her head tossing from side to side, her voice breaking into incoherent whimpers as I pushed her further and further toward the edge. While I destroyed Ryujin, I kept my eyes on Yeji. I reached out, pulling Yeji's face close to mine, my lips brushing hers.

"I love you, Yeji," I whispered, the words a stark contrast to the violent sounds of my body slamming into Ryujin. "I love you so much. You're my everything."

Yeji's eyes widened, a tear escaping as she witnessed the duality of the moment. I was giving Ryujin the physical ruin she craved, but I was giving Yeji the emotional devotion she lived for. It was a paradox that seemed to drive both of them wild.

"Ben... oh god, Ben..." Yeji whimpered, her hand sliding down to touch herself, her fingers working in rhythm with my thrusts. "Look at her, Yeji," I groaned, my pace accelerating. "Look at how much she wants it. Look at how she's begging for me."

Ryujin was indeed begging. "More! Please, Ben! Fill me up! I want your cum! Give it to me!" The shamelessness of her plea pushed me over the edge. I didn't pull out. I drove deep, pinning her to the mattress, and let out a roar as I came for the third time, flooding her depths with everything I had left. Ryujin's orgasm hit simultaneously, a violent, shaking release that left her limp and gasping, her eyes rolling back in her head.

I collapsed on top of her, the scent of our combined sweat and fluids filling the room. I was shaking. My muscles were screaming. But as I shifted to breathe, I felt a soft touch on my back. Yeji had crawled over, her body sliding against mine. She looked at Ryujin, who was in a state of absolute, horny euphoria, her chest heaving, a dazed smile on her face.

"She really is... something else," Yeji whispered, her voice full of awe. "She's a monster," I breathed, kissing Yeji's temple. "And you're the only one who can tame her," Yeji replied.

I felt a sudden surge of protectiveness, a need to ground us both. I rolled off Ryujin and pulled Yeji into my arms, entering her with a slow, agonizingly deep slide. This wasn't about dominance or ruin. This was about possession.

"You're mine," I murmured, my voice thick. "Always mine." "Always," Yeji gasped, her legs locking around my waist, pulling me deeper.

We moved in a slow, grinding circle, our bodies slick with sweat and cum. Ryujin, recovering quickly, didn't stay on the sidelines. She crawled up between us, her breasts pressing against Yeji's, her mouth finding Yeji's nipple.

The sight of the two of them— my lover and Ryujin— sharing a moment of intimacy while I was buried inside Yeji was the final break. I felt a heat build in my gut that I hadn't felt in years.

"I can't stop," I groaned. "I don't think I CAN stop." I shifted, pulling Yeji up so she was on her hands and knees, and I entered her from behind. I mirrored the intensity I had used with Ryujin, but with a layer of tenderness, kissing the small of her back, whispering how beautiful she was while I drove into her.

Ryujin shifted, sliding her body beneath Yeji's chest, her tongue working on Yeji's breasts, her hands massaging Yeji's thighs. The synergy was perfect. Yeji was screaming now, her voice joining Ryujin's in a chorus of pleasure.

"I'm coming! Ben, I'm coming! I can feel it!" Yeji wailed, her body shuddering. I didn't pull out. I wanted her to feel every pulse of my release. I surged forward, my cock throbbing inside her, and I came with a force that felt like it was draining the very soul out of me. I felt Yeji's internal muscles clamping around me in a desperate, rhythmic grip, milking me dry. As I slid out of her, a thick trail of cum followed, coating her thighs. I fell back, exhausted, but the cycle wasn't over.

Ryujin was already there. She had crawled over to me, her eyes flashing. She didn't say a word. She simply knelt between my legs and took me into her mouth. The sensation was electric. After the emotional intensity with Yeji, the raw, physical focus of Ryujin's mouth was exactly what I needed to reset. She worked me with a professional intensity, her tongue swirling, her throat tightening, her eyes looking up at me with a predatory hunger.

Yeji joined in, her hands guiding Ryujin, her own lips finding my chest, kissing the sweat and salt from my skin.

"We're not letting you go yet, Ben." Yeji whispered. "I don't think I could leave even if I tried." I managed to gasp.

I felt myself hardening again, the sheer adrenaline of the situation overriding my physical limits. I grabbed Ryujin's hair, pulling her head back, and then I looked at Yeji.

"I want to see you both together," I commanded. "Right now."

I pushed them together, their bodies colliding. I watched as Ryujin kissed Yeji, a deep, hungry exchange of saliva and desire. I felt a surge of power, a sense of absolute ownership and trust. I moved between them, my hands gripping their waists.

I entered Ryujin again, but this time, I held Yeji close, her breasts pressed against my chest. I was the bridge between them, the center of their shared world. The rhythm was hypnotic. The sounds of shlicking and squelching filled the room, accompanied by the desperate whimpers of two women who had found their match. "You're so... fucking... good," Ryujin gasped, her head snapping back against my shoulder. "I fucking love this." I groaned, the words a mantra.

I felt the build-up again, a tidal wave of sensation that felt larger than any before. I pulled out of Ryujin at the last second, the momentum carrying me upward.

"Open up," I commanded.

They both looked up, their mouths open, their eyes hazy. I erupted, spraying thick, hot ropes of cum across their faces. It coated their cheeks, their lips, their chins. I didn't stop there. I grabbed Yeji's chin, pulling her toward Ryujin.

"Kiss her," I whispered. "Share it."

They didn't hesitate. They pressed their lips together, their mouths meeting in a messy, passionate kiss. I watched, mesmerized, as they swapped the taste of my cum, their tongues intertwining, their faces smeared with the evidence of my release. It was the most vulgar, honest, and intimate thing I had ever seen.

As they finally pulled apart, breathless and coated in white, I collapsed beside them. The silence that followed was heavy, but it wasn't the silence of exhaustion alone. It was the silence of a boundary that had been not just crossed, but demolished. I lay there, my chest heaving, the world slowly coming back into focus. I felt emotionally hollowed out, but in the best way possible. The manager was gone. I was just Ben, and for the first time, that was enough.

Yeji curled into my side, her head resting on my shoulder. Her breathing was slow, her body still trembling slightly from the aftershocks of her orgasms. I wrapped my arm around her, pulling her close, kissing the top of her head.

"You okay?" I whispered. "I'm perfect," she breathed, her voice small and contented. "I've never felt so... seen."

I held her, giving her the tenderness she needed. I traced patterns on her skin, whispering promises of love and stability, anchoring her back to the world after the storm. This was the aftercare she required—the emotional reassurance that despite the chaos, she was still the center of my world.

Ryujin, however, was not the type for quiet cuddles. She was lying on her back, staring at the ceiling, her chest still heaving. She looked over at us, a smirk playing on her lips. "You know," Ryujin murmured, her voice still raspy. "That was a good start."

Yeji lifted her head, looking at Ryujin with an expression of genuine shock. "A start? Ryujin, we've been at this for hours. Ben has cummed... how many times? Six? Seven?"

Ryujin shrugged, her hand sliding down to her own hip, her fingers tracing the line of her muscle. "I'm still a little restless," she admitted, her eyes flickering toward my cock, which was finally, mercifully, beginning to soften.

"I mean, she's incredibly insatiable. This guy’s finally blacked out, but I THINK I could try push for another round.” “Make it two, AT LEAST." Ryujin slowly reached for my dick, demanding the impossible from it.

Yeji stared at her, then looked at me, then back at Ryujin. A look of utter defeat crossed her face.

"I give up." Yeji whispered, a soft laugh escaping her. "I officially admit defeat. I didn't think it was biologically possible to be that hungry for sex. I don't know how your body even works, Ryujin." "It works perfectly," Ryujin replied, leaning over to kiss Yeji's cheek, a gesture of unexpected tenderness. "And it works even better when we have Ben’s magical cock to keep up with me."

“Can you at least try to sound like my dick is the only thing you like about me?” I groaned, burying my face in the pillow, but I couldn't stop the smile from forming on my lips. "Don't even think about it, Ryujin," I mumbled into the fabric. "I am officially retired for the next forty-eight hours."

"We'll see about that," Ryujin whispered, her hand tried to jerk my cock awake, giving it a playful squeeze.

As the moonlight filtered through the curtains, casting long shadows across the room, the three of us drifted into a deep, exhausted sleep. The world outside—the schedules, the fans, the professional chaos—still existed, but for the first time in my life, it felt irrelevant. In the silence of the room, wrapped in the scent of sex and the warmth of two women who truly saw me, I finally found the only thing I had ever actually been looking for: a place where I didn't have to be the manager. I just had to be theirs.

The next morning, I woke up feeling like my soul had been used as blunt force trauma. Somewhere beside me, Yeji was still asleep against my chest, one arm lazily wrapped around my waist while Ryujin remained sprawled across the other half of the bed like a battlefield survivor who somehow won anyway.

Meanwhile my body felt approximately ninety percent muscle pain and ten percent emotional regret. Actually no. Correction. Zero regret. Physical regret only.

I carefully tried slipping out from underneath Yeji’s arm afterward with the stealth of somebody attempting tax fraud under government surveillance. Unfortunately—

“Benjie,” Yeji mumbled sleepily without even opening her eyes. I froze instantly. “Heel.”

Outstanding.

Ryujin immediately started laughing into the pillow while I slowly stared at the ceiling in spiritual defeat. “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Yeji finally opened one eye afterward, clearly amused now.

“Where are you going?” “To disappear permanently.” “Denied.”

I sighed dramatically before leaning down to kiss her cheek anyway.

“Yes babe” I muttered weakly. “Good boy.”

Ryujin nearly fell off the bed laughing. “This is actually insane,” she wheezed. “It hasn’t even been twenty-four hours and she already trained you like a golden retriever.”

“I volunteered emotionally,” I defended immediately while pulling a shirt back on. “There’s a difference.” “Whatever helps you sleep at night, footstool.” “I hate this building.” “No you don’t,” Yeji replied instantly.

Unfortunately? Emotionally accurate. Eventually, the three of us managed to migrate out of the bedroom. We walked in a strange, quiet formation—Yeji leaning into my side, her hand interlaced with mine, and Ryujin trailing slightly behind, walking with a slow, deliberate gait that suggested she was still feeling the aftershocks of the previous night.

The moment we stepped into the common area, we stopped.

Lia was sitting alone at the kitchen table. She looked like someone who had survived a prolonged campaign of psychological warfare. There were dark, bruised circles under her eyes. A half-finished cup of coffee sat before her, stone cold. She was staring into the middle distance with the expression of a woman who had witnessed things beyond human understanding and was currently deciding if she could ever un-see them.

I stopped in my tracks.

“…Lia?”

Slowly—very slowly—Lia shifted her gaze toward us. Her eyes narrowed, her pupils reflecting a mixture of exhaustion and deep, simmering judgment.

“Oh good,” she said, her voice flat and devoid of hope. “The demons are awake.”

Ryujin instantly lost her composure, leaning against the wall and barking out a laugh. I, however, felt a genuine surge of fear.

“Wait,” I said carefully. “What happened?” Lia stared at me in complete disbelief. She slowly put her coffee cup down, the ceramic clicking against the table with an ominous finality.

“What happened?” she repeated, her voice rising slightly. “Ben, the three of you were loud enough to qualify as a public emergency. I didn't just hear you. I felt the vibrations in the floorboards. I’m reasonably sure the neighbors a few floor below are currently discussing the sudden onset of seismic activity in the Top Floor.”

Yeji immediately buried her face into my shoulder, a flush of deep crimson staining her cheeks. Ryujin, meanwhile, looked completely unrepentant, her grin widening.

“I had to stop Yuna from coming upstairs twice,” Lia continued, pointing an accusing finger with her coffee cup. “The first time, she thought she heard a cat being murdered. The second time, she was genuinely concerned that a piece of furniture had collapsed. And Chaeryeong? Chaeryeong literally asked me why somebody kept hitting the wall with such rhythmic, violent persistence.”

I covered my face with my hand, the heat radiating from my skin.

“Oh my God.” “You’re welcome,” Lia replied flatly. She leaned back in her chair, exhaling a long, tired breath. “I spent six hours as an unpaid security guard and a professional liar. I deserve financial compensation.” “You deserve a medal,” I corrected immediately. “That too.”

Ryujin casually dropped onto the couch, sprawling herself out with a shamelessness that was almost admirable. “Honestly, at this point, Ben should just build us a soundproof sex dungeon somewhere else,” she suggested.

Lia blinked once. Yeji choked on a breath. I physically pointed at Ryujin in utter disbelief. “See?” I exclaimed. “THIS is why professionalism died in this building! We are discussing architectural plans for a dungeon before breakfast!”

“Professionally speaking,” Ryujin replied calmly, “your walls are too thin. It’s a structural failure, Ben. Not a moral one.” “That sentence alone should get you fined by the company,” I muttered.

Lia rubbed her forehead, her eyes closing for a moment. When she opened them, the judgment was still there, but it was now accompanied by a shimmering, dangerous curiosity. She looked between Yeji and Ryujin, her gaze lingering.

“…Okay, but seriously,” she muttered. “How bad did things actually get? Because based on the acoustics, I’m assuming there were things involved that aren't covered in a standard health manual.”

“No,” I replied instantly. “Yes,” Ryujin replied at the exact same time.

I immediately started backing away toward the hallway, my hands raised in a gesture of surrender. I needed to escape. I needed to find a hole and crawl into it for a decade. Unfortunately, Yeji’s hand clamped around my wrist without her even looking at me. Her grip was firm, an anchor that dragged me back into the line of fire.

“Benjie,” she said calmly. I froze. “Heel.”

Ryujin collapsed sideways on the couch, laughing so hard she was practically vibrating. Lia physically covered her face with both hands, though I could see her eyes peeking through her fingers, eager for the details. I slowly returned to Yeji’s side, leaning down to kiss her cheek in a desperate attempt to buy some mercy. I sighed dramatically.

“Yes babe,” I muttered. “I love you too.” “Good,” Yeji replied softly, a small, triumphant smile playing on her lips. She finally looked back toward Lia, her expression shifting into something that looked like she was about to reveal classified military intelligence. I had never felt more emotionally outnumbered in my entire life. Lia narrowed her eyes, pointing toward me with a stern look.

“No,” she repeated. “He’s staying right there. He is the primary witness and the main attraction. He doesn't get to flee the scene of the crime.” “This is emotional imprisonment,” I protested. “This is accountability,” Lia countered. “That sounds legally questionable.”

Ryujin looked entirely too comfortable, curled into the cushions, while Yeji rested against me, clearly enjoying my suffering significantly more than any partner should. Then, slowly—dangerously—Lia leaned forward.

“I spent an entire night protecting all three of you from discovery,” she said, her voice dropping to a low, probing tone. “I think I’ve earned the right to ask questions. I want every single detail. The good, the bad, and the parts that make me want to bleach my brain.”

I looked toward Yeji desperately. My beloved traitor immediately avoided eye contact, humming a small, innocent tune. Outstanding. Ryujin, however, looked delighted. She sat up, her eyes gleaming.

“Oh, this is gonna be fun.” “It absolutely is not,” I groaned.

Lia ignored me completely, looking toward Ryujin first. “…Okay,” she said carefully. “How exactly did this even start? Because the noise didn't start at a simmer. It started at a rolling boil.” Ryujin grinned.

“Technically? Ben blue-screened first.” “That is not what happened,” I snapped. “You literally stopped functioning when Yeji suggested overtime,” Ryujin countered. “I watched the light leave your eyes for a second. You looked like your soul had just been evicted from your body.” “Because both of you were behaving like psychologically dangerous women!”

“That’s fair actually,” Lia admitted quietly, a small smile touching her lips. Yeji finally spoke, her voice softer, more reflective. “It wasn’t really planned,” she murmured, playing lightly with my fingers. “I think… after everything became more open between us, I just got curious. I wanted to see if the fire Ryujin talked about was something I could handle too.” Ryujin smirked.

“Oh, she was VERY curious. She didn't just want a taste; she wanted the whole buffet.”

Yeji physically shoved Ryujin’s shoulder, laughing in embarrassment.

“Stop helping!” “No.”

Lia was now dangerously invested. Curiosity had officially defeated her morality.

“So what,” Lia continued, her voice fascinated. “You just suddenly decided to share him? Like, in the moment?” My brain attempted a second evacuation. Unfortunately, Yeji tightened her grip on my hand.

“Sit down.” “Yes babe.” Lia stared at me in complete disbelief. “You actually listen every time. It’s almost impressive how quickly you fold.” “I value my survival,” I replied. “That is the least convincing thing you’ve ever said,” Ryujin snorted.

Yeji sighed softly, looking at Lia. “It wasn’t really about sharing him,” she admitted. “At least not in the way it sounds. I already knew Ben cared about Ryujin. And I’d already accepted that Ryujin wanted him physically. I think I just realized I wasn’t scared of it anymore. I wanted us to be… a unit. For one night.”

The room went quiet for a few seconds. Even Ryujin stopped joking. Lia looked at Yeji with an expression of emotional understanding mixed with complete psychological exhaustion.

“…That’s actually kind of insane,” Lia whispered. “I know.” “And weirdly healthy.” “That part scares me more,” I admitted.

Ryujin burst out laughing again, the tension breaking. Then Lia looked toward Ryujin, her eyes sharpening. “…Okay, but seriously,” she muttered. “How bad was he? Because based on the screams, I’m assuming he went full beast mode.”

“LIA!” I hissed. “What?” she replied instantly. “I’m curious now! I spent six hours listening to enough noise pollution to qualify as trauma. I deserve context. I need to know what exactly was making those sounds.” “That’s unfortunately fair,” I sighed, defeated.

Ryujin leaned back, her expression one of pure, unadulterated mischief. She looked at me, then back to Lia.

“Oh, he was gone,” Ryujin started, her voice taking on a descriptive, narrative quality. “The second we hit the mattress, it was like a switch flipped. You know how he is—all managed, all polite, all 'yes, this is professionally acceptable'? Yeah, that guy died. In his place was this… animal.”

Lia leaned in, her coffee forgotten. “Tell me,” she commanded. Ryujin grinned. “Well, for starters, he didn't just fuck us. He claimed us. He started with Yeji, and God, it was like he was trying to merge their souls. He pinned her wrists above her head, his body crushing hers into the mattress, and he just… hammered into her. I could hear the wet, rhythmic slap of his skin against her backside, that thick, squelching sound of him burying himself deep in her over and over. Yeji was just a mess, sobbing into the pillows, her voice breaking into these high-pitched, needy whimpers.”

Yeji hid her face in my shoulder again, but she didn't stop Ryujin. In fact, she let out a small, shaky breath.

“It was… intense,” Yeji whispered. “Intense?” Ryujin laughed. “He was ruthless! And then I got in. I crawled up behind him while he was still driving into Yeji, and I just started tasting him. I was licking the sweat off his back, biting his shoulders, while he was still filling Yeji up. The sound was the best part—the combination of Yeji’s screams and the wet noises of him sliding in and out of her. It was like a symphony of desperation.”

Lia’s eyes were wide, her breathing becoming a bit shallower.

“And then,” Ryujin continued, her voice dropping an octave, “He flipped the script. He grabbed me and just… launched me. He had me on all fours, my face pressed into the sheets, and he entered me from behind with a force that literally knocked the wind out of me. I felt the head of his cock hit my uterus with this blunt, punishing rhythm. I was just shaking, my internal muscles clamping around him like a vice. Every time he thrust, I could hear the air being pushed out of my lungs in these ragged gasps.”

I tried to interject. “I think that’s enough context for one morning!” “Shut up, Ben,” Ryujin and Lia said in unison. “The best part,” Ryujin added, ignoring me. “Was when he had us both. He had Yeji sitting on his lap, her back to him, while I was underneath them, my legs spread wide. He was buried deep in Yeji, but he was leaning down, his mouth on mine, our tongues fighting for dominance while he just… grinded into her. I could feel the heat of them both, the smell of sex and sweat filling the air. Yeji was arching her back, her nipples rubbing against my chest, and she was screaming his name like it was a prayer.”

Lia let out a small, shaky laugh, her gaze lingering on my lap.

“And the finish?” Lia asked, her voice almost a whisper. Ryujin’s grin became predatory.

“Pure chaos. He didn't just cum once. He came over and over. The last time, he pulled out of Yeji and just… erupted. He sprayed thick, hot ropes of cum across both of our stomachs and chests. We were just lying there, drenched in it, shaking, completely ruined. I’m pretty sure I forgot where I was for about twenty minutes. I just lay there in a puddle of his cum, feeling like my brain had been completely reset.”

The silence that followed was deafening. I stared straight ahead, my jaw clenched, wondering if it was too late to move to the Alps. Lia looked at me. Her expression wasn't judgmental anymore. It was a mixture of awe and a very specific, shimmering kind of hunger.

“You growled?” she asked softly. “I did not growl,” I lied. “He totally growled,” Ryujin confirmed. “It was like a low, guttural sound in the back of his throat right before he hit the finish line. It was honestly the hottest thing I’ve ever heard.”

Lia choked on a small sip of her coffee, a bit of liquid spraying onto the counter. Yeji physically folded into my shoulder, laughing silently.

“I hate this floor,” I muttered. “No you don’t,” Yeji murmured affectionately, her hand tracing a slow circle on my arm.

Then, quietly—far more softly this time—Lia looked toward me. The teasing had vanished, replaced by something raw and honest.

“…Were you happy, Ben?” The question caught me completely off guard. The room softened immediately. Ryujin stopped joking. Yeji looked up at me. The conversation didn't feel like a roast anymore; it felt like an admission. I looked between the three of them, exhaling slowly.

“…Yeah,” I said, my voice quieter than I intended. “I was overwhelmed. I was emotionally terrified the entire time. I felt like I was breaking every rule I ever set for myself. But yeah. I was happy.”

The silence that followed was warm. It wasn't the silence of embarrassment, but the silence of a boundary that had been demolished and replaced with something stronger. Then, naturally, Ryujin ruined it.

“Cool,” she announced casually. “Anyway, I still think we need a soundproof sex dungeon. Like, with leather restraints and maybe a mirror on the ceiling so we can watch Ben’s face when he’s losing his mind.” “RYUJIN!” “What? I’m thinking long-term here! We have a brand to maintain, and 'Extreme Bedroom Noise' isn't part of the image.” “You are never allowed near architectural planning again,” I groaned. “That sounds oppressive,” she countered.

Lia finally gave up, burying her face into the couch cushion while laughing tiredly. Yeji stayed comfortably pressed against my side, her warmth seeping through my shirt. As the morning sunlight filled the common area, I looked at the three of them. The sex had been wild, the aftermath had been embarrassing, and the lack of professionalism was catastrophic. But for the first time, the ecosystem didn't feel fragile. It felt real.

“I’m still waiting for my financial compensation, by the way,” Lia murmured from the cushion. “I’ll buy you a very expensive coffee,” I offered. “Make it a bottle of wine and a massage,” Lia replied, glancing up with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Because I think I’m going to need a lot of support to handle the next time you three decide to have a 'public emergency'.”

Ryujin laughed, Yeji squeezed my hand, and I simply leaned back, accepting my fate as the most emotionally outnumbered man in the building.

The laughter eventually settled into something softer afterward. Ryujin had somehow migrated halfway across the couch while still complaining about being hungry enough to “financially ruin a steakhouse,” Lia looked one sarcastic comment away from collapsing into a medically concerning coma, and Yeji remained comfortably attached to my side like separating from me had become personally offensive overnight.

Meanwhile my body still felt catastrophically destroyed. Honestly? Deserved.

Then quietly— somewhere in the middle of the chaos I realized something. The three of them looked exhausted. Not emotionally. Physically. Which honestly made sense considering

Lia spent the entire night running covert damage control. Ryujin apparently treated sex like an Olympic endurance sport. And Yeji somehow emotionally and physically overloaded herself simultaneously.

Outstanding ecosystem management all around. So eventually I sighed before reaching for my phone. Lia immediately narrowed her eyes.

“…Why do I suddenly feel nervous?” “I’m exercising managerial authority.” “That sentence has literally never improved any situation.”

So, this how it feels to be on the receiving end of that line… Huh. I ignored her completely afterward while opening the schedule planner. Then calmly—

“I’m suspending the rest of today’s activities.” The room immediately went quiet. Ryujin blinked once. “…You can do that?” “My job title is literally your manager.” “That feels deceptive.” “It’s called executive privilege.”

Yeji smiled softly against my shoulder afterward while Lia stared at me like I had just announced the collapse of capitalism.

“Wait,” Lia said carefully. “You’re serious?” “Yes,” I replied while already sending messages into the staff group chats. “The three of you need recovery.”

Ryujin looked deeply offended.

“Excuse you. I feel fantastic.” “You couldn’t walk correctly thirty minutes ago.” “That sounds judgmental.” “Because it is.”

Right then the front door opened. Yuna stepped inside first looking mildly exhausted from schedules while Chaeryeong followed behind carrying drinks and snacks for everyone.

Both of them immediately stopped after seeing

Lia spiritually deceased, Ryujin horizontal, Yeji attached to my side, and me looking like I survived military combat.

Yuna narrowed her eyes immediately.

“…Why does this room feel suspicious?” “Don’t worry about it,” Lia replied instantly.

That somehow made it significantly more suspicious. Chaeryeong blinked toward me afterward. “…What happened?”

“Nothing,” I answered immediately. “Too fast,” Yuna replied. “That was way too fast.”

I pointed toward her immediately.

“Stop inheriting Ryujin’s behavior.” “Impossible,” Ryujin replied proudly from the couch. “I’m inspirational.”

Yuna narrowed her eyes again afterward before glancing between me and Ryujin suspiciously.

“…Did Ryujin finally apologize for busting your balls twenty-four seven or something?”

The room went completely silent. Lia immediately folded into the couch laughing. Yeji physically buried her face into my shoulder while Ryujin looked moments away from falling off the couch entirely. Meanwhile I stared directly at the ceiling because apparently God enjoyed watching me suffer personally. Chaeryeong blinked once.

“…Why is everybody reacting like that?” “No reason,” four different voices answered immediately.

Outstanding teamwork honestly. I immediately redirected before the ecosystem collapsed permanently.

“Anyway,” I continued quickly while reaching toward Yuna afterward. “Your schedules are cancelled for the rest of today too.”

Both of them froze.

“…What?” Chaeryeong asked. “You’re free,” I repeated calmly. “Go relax. Go shopping. Go eat somewhere expensive. I genuinely don’t care.”

Yuna looked suspicious immediately.

“…You’re being weirdly generous.” “That sounds accusatory.” “Because it is.”

I sighed dramatically before forwarding a contact toward her phone. Yuna looked down at it. Then slowly back up at me.

“…Why is your accountant saved as ‘Emotional Damage Control?’” “Because it’s accurate.”

Lia physically started laughing again while Ryujin nodded approvingly like this was completely normal behavior. Then finally I pointed toward Yuna’s phone once more.

“Tell him it’s under the ITZY recreational fund.” “That’s a REAL thing?” Lia asked in disbelief. “Yes.” “There’s absolutely no way JYPE approved that.” “They didn’t. It’s from my own pocket.”

That somehow made the room significantly quieter. Then calmly “Today’s password is ‘Sorry Not Sorry.’” Ryujin immediately started wheezing into the couch. Meanwhile Yuna looked moments away from financially abusing freedom irresponsibly. Which honestly meant this was probably a terrible decision. Chaeryeong however looked at me softly afterward.

“…You’re really okay with this?”

I looked around the room afterward:

Ryujin finally relaxing properly, Lia smiling despite the exhaustion, Yeji warm against my side, Yuna already plotting expensive chaos, Chaeryeong looking lighter than usual.

“Yeah,” I admitted softly. “I think all of you deserve a day where you don’t have to think about work for a while.” The room softened afterward. That was probably when the idea stopped feeling temporary. The six of us existing together without pretending to be okay for once. Then naturally the peace lasted approximately four seconds.

“Hotpot,” Ryujin announced immediately. “No,” Lia replied just as fast. “You’ll order enough meat to financially destabilize a country.” “That sounds like quitter mentality.” “I watched you eat three ramyeon cups at three in the morning.” “That was recovery nutrition.” “That was demonic behavior.”

Meanwhile Yuna was already scrolling through shopping apps beside Chaeryeong like somebody who had just been granted legal permission to become economically dangerous.

“…Wait,” Yuna muttered suddenly while looking up from her phone. “How rich ARE you exactly?” “That question has never ended safely.” “Because this recreational fund thing sounds fake.” “It’s not fake,” Lia replied immediately. “I’ve seen him use it before.”

I slowly turned toward her.

“…Why do you know that?”

Lia blinked once. Then calmly “You bought Yeji an entire luxury mattress after comeback week last year because she kept sleeping on the couch.”

The room went silent. Yeji immediately looked toward me.

“…You never told me that.”

I stared directly at Lia in betrayal.

“That was classified information.” “You named the receipt ‘leader preservation initiative.’”

Ryujin completely folded over laughing while Chaeryeong looked moments away from emotional collapse from secondhand affection.

Meanwhile Yeji’s expression softened in the most dangerous way possible.

“You’re ridiculously soft.” “That sounds slanderous.” “It’s literally documented.”

Yuna slowly lowered her phone afterward before looking at me suspiciously.

“…Wait. So all this time you’ve secretly been emotionally micromanaging everybody?” “That sounds significantly more manipulative when you phrase it like that.” “That’s because it IS manipulative,” Lia replied calmly. “I prefer ‘supportive infrastructure.’” “Psychology major detected,” Ryujin muttered.

Unfortunately? A fair criticism. Then eventually I clapped my hands once before the conversation spiraled again.

“Alright,” I muttered. “Get dressed. We’re leaving in an hour.”

Ryujin narrowed her eyes. “…Where exactly are we going?” I looked toward her calmly. “Somewhere expensive enough that none of you can emotionally recover there for free.”

Yuna gasped immediately.

“Oh we’re committing luxury today.” “Stop making it sound illegal.”

The private spa resort somehow looked even more expensive up close. Not flashy expensive either. Worse. The kind of rich where the lobby smelled faintly like luxury candles, the staff spoke in calming voices,  and there was apparently an indoor waterfall for absolutely no practical reason.

Yuna stopped walking first.

“…Oh this place has generational wealth.” “That sounds judgmental.” “There’s a waterfall INSIDE the building, Ben.”

To be fair— there WAS a waterfall inside the building. Meanwhile Ryujin looked dangerously energized already, which immediately activated my survival instincts. I pointed toward her instantly. “No.” Ryujin blinked innocently.

“I didn’t even do anything yet.” “That sentence alone proves malicious intent.”

Then calmly— very seriously— I pointed toward her again.

“If you fuck around too much today or even THINK about trying something, I’m going to make your entire schedule filming TikTok aegyo challenges with JYP for the rest of the year.”

The silence afterward was immediate. Ryujin stared at me in genuine horror.

“…You wouldn’t.” “I absolutely would.” “Ben,” Lia muttered quietly beside us. “That might legally qualify as psychological torture.”

Even Yeji looked disturbed. Meanwhile Yuna physically folded over laughing while Chaeryeong nearly dropped her bag from secondhand emotional damage. Ryujin pointed at me accusingly.

“You can’t weaponize that man against me.” “Someone here clearly wants to post TikToks with JYP doing aegyo.” “That is NOT funny.” “It’s a little funny.”

Ryujin looked spiritually betrayed. My inner peace restored immediately. Then eventually the staff guided us farther inside while explaining the recovery packages, massage rooms, hot springs, and private lounge areas. Yuna immediately looked toward Ryujin afterward.

“You’re coming with me.” “That sounds dangerous.” “I want to see how rich people waste money properly.”

Ryujin looked emotional instantly “…You understand me.”

Meanwhile Chaeryeong quietly looked toward the calmer side of the resort before exhaling softly. Then almost immediately Lia noticed.

“You want the quiet area too?” Chaeryeong looked mildly embarrassed at being read that quickly “…A little.”

“That’s fair honestly.”

Then naturally the two of them drifted toward the tea lounges and garden spa section together while Yuna immediately dragged Ryujin toward whatever expensive chaos waited deeper inside the resort.

Which somehow left me and Yeji standing alone beside the massage reservation desk. Outstanding. Absolutely survivable situation. Then the receptionist smiled politely.

“We still have one couples treatment room available if you’d like.”

My soul immediately left my body. Meanwhile beside me Yeji stayed suspiciously calm.

“Oh?” Yeji said casually. “That sounds relaxing.”

I slowly turned toward her in complete disbelief. Meanwhile Yeji looked entirely too innocent. Which honestly meant she was about to psychologically destroy me somehow.

The receptionist smiled politely again.

“Would you like me to reserve it?”

I opened my mouth. Nothing came out. Outstanding professionalism.

“You’re overthinking again,” Yeji murmured quietly enough that only I could hear. “That sounds emotionally invasive.” “That sounds accurate.”

After all this chaos a quiet room with Yeji suddenly sounded dangerously tempting. So eventually I sighed in defeat. “…Fine.” Yeji immediately smiled to herself like somebody who had already expected victory from the beginning. Terrifying woman honestly.

The massage room somehow looked calmer than the rest of the resort combined. Low lighting. Warm stone floors. Soft music somewhere in the background. The kind of environment specifically designed to emotionally disarm people against their will.

I hated how effective it was immediately. Meanwhile Yeji looked entirely too comfortable already while settling into one of the lounge chairs near the window.

“You look nervous.” “I’m alone in a couples room with you after the week we’ve had. Of course I’m nervous.” “That sounds like a you problem.” “That IS a me problem.”

Yeji laughed quietly afterward before the staff eventually returned carrying robes and explaining the treatment setup. Then naturally the universe decided my suffering still wasn’t complete.

“Would you prefer side-by-side massage beds or the private relaxation setup afterward?”

My brain physically stopped functioning. Meanwhile Yeji calmly answered before I could process language anymore.

“Side-by-side is fine.”

Then eventually the staff finally left us alone briefly while the room settled quiet again. For a few minutes neither of us really spoke while the sound of water echoed faintly through the room. Then quietly Yeji looked toward me again.

“…You really needed this too, you know.”

I leaned farther back into the chair afterward before exhaling slowly.

“Coaches don’t get to play, and managers don’t get recovery settings.” “That sounds unhealthy.” “It’s the entertainment industry. Everything is unhealthy.” “That’s fair honestly.”

Then softly Yeji reached over afterward before lightly fixing the collar of my robe where it had folded awkwardly. Small gesture. Easy to miss. But instinctive. And somehow that hit harder emotionally than it should’ve. Because she wasn’t doing it to flirt. She was just— taking care of me back. Then quietly she smiled faintly afterward.

“You take care of everyone so automatically that I think you forget people can do the same for you.”

That shut my brain down significantly faster than expected. Outstanding. I looked toward her afterward while she rested her chin lightly against her hand, watching me with that same calm warmth that always made me feel emotionally transparent against my will.

“…I think I’m still getting used to it.”

Yeji’s expression softened immediately afterward. Not dramatic. Just gentle.

Then naturally— because the universe apparently refused to let sincerity survive uninterrupted— the room door suddenly opened. Ryujin walked in holding two luxury dessert boxes while Yuna followed behind looking violently excited about something financially irresponsible.

“There you are,” Ryujin announced immediately. “We found gold-covered cheesecake.”

I stared at her in disbelief.

“…How did you even find this room?” “I followed emotional tension.” “That’s not a real navigation system.” “It worked though.”

Meanwhile Yuna pointed directly at me afterward.

“Your accountant approved unlimited dessert spending.” “What the fuck kind of vixen magic did you do to convince him?” “Firstly, rude. Secondly I just told him that you told me to go crazy today.” “He also called me ‘young miss.’ I think I’m inheriting wealth now.” “I am so firing him.”

Then finally Ryujin narrowed her eyes toward the massage beds. The room went silent. Absolutely catastrophic silence. Then slowly—

“…Oh.”

I immediately pointed toward her.

“Don’t.”

Ryujin looked moments away from spiritual ascension.

“Oh this is a COUPLES room.” “RYUJIN.”

Meanwhile Yeji physically folded into the couch laughing while Yuna looked between us suspiciously again. Not fully understanding. But definitely observing. Then Chaeryeong quietly appeared behind them holding tea with Lia beside her looking significantly more emotionally alive than earlier.

Lia took one look at the room. Then at me. Then at Yeji. Then immediately sighed.

“…I leave you people alone for ONE hour.” “That sounds judgmental.” “That’s because I’m judging you.”

Meanwhile Ryujin had already opened one of the dessert boxes without permission.

“Oh this is expensive-expensive.”

Chaeryeong immediately leaned over her shoulder.

“…Wait why is there gold on the cheesecake?” “Because rich people fear seasoning.” “That somehow makes sense.”

Chaeryeong quietly laughed into her tea while Lia physically pinched the bridge of her nose again.

Watching the five of them naturally fill the room with noise somehow made the entire place feel less sterile immediately. Then eventually Yuna suddenly pointed toward the hallway outside.

“Wait there’s a rooftop infinity pool.”

Ryujin looked up instantly.

“…We’re financially abusing this resort.” “That’s the spirit.”

Then naturally chaos resumed immediately. Ryujin grabbed the desserts. Yuna grabbed Ryujin. Chaeryeong apologized to the staff out of instinct. And Lia looked moments away from accepting death peacefully. Before leaving, Lia paused beside me briefly afterward.

“You owe me another spa day after this.” “That sounds extortionate.” “For baby-sitting them on your behalf so you can play ‘married’? That sounds earned.”

Then finally the door closed behind all of them again. And for the first time all afternoon— silence returned properly.

Outside the windows, the city skyline glowed softly beneath the late afternoon light while the sound of distant water echoed faintly through the room. Then quietly beside me, Yeji exhaled softly before leaning back against the chair again.

“…There,” she murmured. “Finally.”

I laughed quietly under my breath afterward.

“You sound relieved.” “I am.”

Then after a pause she glanced toward me again.

“I like them.” “That sounds concerningly emotional.” “I mean it.”

Her voice softened slightly afterward. “I like seeing everyone relaxed like this.”

Truthfully, so did I. Maybe that was why the room suddenly felt warmer now that everything finally slowed down. No schedules. No pressure. No pretending. Just us existing for once. Then quietly Yeji shifted closer again before resting her head lightly against my shoulder. No teasing this time. No hidden agenda. Just comfort. And after the emotional disaster of the past few days, that alone felt dangerous enough already.

For a while neither of us moved afterward. The room stayed quiet except for the soft music somewhere beyond the walls while the city lights slowly brightened outside the windows. Then eventually Yeji shifted slightly beside me before glancing upward.

“…Come here.” “That sounds suspicious.” “Ben.”

I sighed dramatically afterward before finally giving in and sliding farther down beside her on the lounge seat. Immediately Yeji curled comfortably against my side like she had been waiting for that exact outcome the entire time.

Then softly she reached up afterward before brushing part of my hair back from my forehead. It was a gentle feeling, the kind that somehow felt more intimate than everything else that happened this week combined.

“You look tired,” she murmured quietly. “That sounds observant.” “That sounds concerning.”

I laughed quietly under my breath afterward before leaning farther back into the chair.

“I think my body is filing formal complaints internally.” “That’s fair honestly.”

Then softly— Yeji smiled to herself afterward before resting her chin lightly against my chest.

“You know,” she murmured quietly, “this is probably the most normal we’ve felt in weeks.” I looked down toward her afterward. “Normal?”

“Mhm.” “You’re in a luxury spa hiding from schedules while your members have coerced my accountant into commit financial crimes somewhere upstairs.” “That sounds pretty normal for us actually.”

Fair point honestly. Then eventually the room settled quiet again afterward. Not empty. Comfortable. And somewhere in the middle of it, Yeji suddenly laughed quietly to herself.

“What?”

She shook her head slightly before looking up at me again.

“I just realized something.” “That sounds dangerous.” “You always look at everyone else first.”

That caught me slightly off guard. Yeji noticed immediately.

“Whenever we walk into a room,” she continued softly, “you check if Lia’s stressed first. If Ryujin’s too restless. If Chaeryeong’s comfortable. If Yuna’s causing problems.” “That last one feels medically necessary for my sake too.”

Yeji laughed quietly again before her expression softened.

“But when it’s just us…” she murmured quietly, “you finally relax.”

That hit harder than expected. She wasn’t wrong. And apparently my silence answered enough already because Yeji’s expression softened even more afterward.

Then gently she reached up and held my face lightly between her hands. Her expression full of warmth.

“I’m really happy,” she admitted quietly.

My chest tightened immediately. Not because the words were dramatic. Because they were honest. Then softly she smiled again afterward.

“And I know things are complicated,” she murmured. “But when it’s you… I don’t really mind anymore.”

That almost destroyed me emotionally on the spot. So naturally I coped the only way I knew how. “…You realize saying things like that should legally require a warning first.” Yeji immediately laughed again before leaning upward just enough to kiss me softly.

A real kiss. The kind couples share when nobody’s asking anything from them. Then afterward she stayed close enough that our foreheads rested together naturally. And quietly for the first time in what felt like forever— neither of us needed to pretend we were okay. Because somehow, somewhere along the way we actually became okay.

By the time all six of us regrouped for dinner, the sun had already disappeared behind the skyline completely. Everybody looked significantly more human again. Yuna returned carrying enough shopping bags to qualify as organized crime while Ryujin looked spiritually refreshed for the first time in days. Meanwhile Lia had apparently slept long enough to regain basic faith in humanity again and Chaeryeong looked calmer than she had all week.

That was worth every financial crime committed today. Then immediately upon sitting down, Yuna pointed toward me across the private dining table.

“I need you to know your accountant fears me now.” “That sounds earned.” “He asked if there was a spending limit.”

I narrowed my eyes slightly. “…And?” Yuna smiled proudly. “I told him you said ‘follow your dreams.’”

“I absolutely did not say that.” “The emotions implied it.” “I am going to start looking for a new accountant tomorrow.”

Ryujin immediately raised her hand.

“In her defense, the vibes WERE generous today.” “That sentence alone lowered my credit score.”

Meanwhile Lia quietly sipped her tea while watching the entire conversation unfold with visible emotional exhaustion. “I think this is the first meal in weeks where nobody’s mentally preparing for schedules afterward.”

The table actually went quiet for a moment. She was right. No rehearsals afterward. No meetings. No interviews. No flights. No cameras waiting somewhere outside. Just dinner. Then softly beside me, Yeji smiled faintly to herself while looking down at the menu. And the way she looked so calm and at peace, that alone made the entire stupidly expensive day feel worth it.

Then naturally the peace lasted approximately twenty seconds. Ryujin looked up from the menu afterward. “…Can we order irresponsibly?”

“No.” “…Oppressive.” “You already abused the dessert section of this establishment, even the staff is traumatized.” “That sounds judgmental.” “Because it is.”

Meanwhile Chaeryeong quietly laughed into her drink while Yuna immediately started trying to negotiate luxury beef quantities like a woman preparing for economic warfare. Watching all of them relaxed like this felt strangely surreal. Not because they looked different. Because they finally looked off-duty. No idol masks. No pressure sitting behind their eyes constantly. Just them.

By the time we finally left the restaurant, the city outside had already gone fully quiet. Yuna immediately started complaining about being too full to walk correctly while Ryujin argued that “second dinner” should still legally exist.

Meanwhile Lia looked one warm blanket away from falling asleep standing upright. And beside me, Yeji stayed close enough that our hands brushed briefly once while walking back toward the car.

The ride back to the Top Floor ended up significantly quieter than the rest of the day. Not awkward quiet. Just tired.

Yuna had fully crashed halfway through the drive and was now asleep against the window while still loosely holding one of her shopping bags like a financially irresponsible security blanket. Meanwhile Ryujin somehow remained awake entirely through spite alone. Honestly medically fascinating.

“…I still think we should’ve ordered more steak.” Lia slowly looked up from where she’d been resting her eyes. “You said that after the third platter too.”

“And I stand by my values.” “That cow already died just for you to show biblical levels of gluttony.” “No better death for beef cattle, honestly.”

Chaeryeong immediately started laughing quietly again while Yeji leaned back comfortably in her seat beside me, exhaustion finally catching up to her properly too. Seeing all of them felt strangely grounding.

Then eventually we finally made it back to the building sometime close to midnight. The second the elevator opened onto the Top Floor, Yuna groaned dramatically.

“…I’m too rich and tired to function.” “That sentence alone makes me want to calculate which one of my businesses I need to sell to financially recover.”

Ryujin immediately pointed toward me.

“This is YOUR fault.” “That sounds inaccurate.” “You introduced her to luxury.” “That sounds educational.”

Meanwhile Lia had already started slowly walking toward her room before pausing briefly afterward. Then quietly she looked back toward me “…Thanks for today.” a simple sentence.

Softly said. But honest. I smiled faintly afterward.

“Get some sleep, Lia.” “That’s the plan.”

Then naturally Ryujin ruined the emotional atmosphere immediately.

“Don’t let them start cardio again tonight.” “RYUJIN.”

Chaeryeong physically froze. Yuna blinked once in confusion. And Lia immediately folded against the hallway wall laughing into her sleeve. Meanwhile I stared at Ryujin with the exhausted expression of a man reconsidering every life choice that led him here. Ryujin looked completely unrepentant.

“What?” she asked innocently. “I’m advocating for adequate rest.” “That’s definitely one TikTok with JYP.”

The silence afterward was immediate. Ryujin’s expression dropped instantly into genuine horror.

“…You wouldn’t.” “Oh I absolutely would.” “But I behaved all day” “First of all, barely. Secondly, the day isn’t technically over.” “You’re evil.” “You brought this upon yourself.”

Then calmly I pointed toward her again.

“And if you refuse, I’m shutting down the recreational fund permanently.”

Yuna gasped immediately.

“Okay no, she crossed the line. I side with Ben.” “TRAITOR,” Ryujin yelled immediately. “You threatened my luxury lifestyle.” “That’s fair honestly,” Lia admitted while still laughing weakly.

Meanwhile Chaeryeong looked completely lost now.

“…Why does the recreational fund sound illegal every time you mention it?” “Because it spiritually is,” Yuna replied immediately. “You didn’t seem to think like that when you traumatized my accountant. He filed for an emergency leave.”

Ryujin however narrowed her eyes afterward before crossing her arms dramatically. “…Fine.” I relaxed slightly. Then she pointed toward me.

“But I’m ONLY doing it if JYP suffers too.”

I immediately nodded once.

“That can be arranged.” “NO IT CAN’T,” Lia protested instantly before breaking into laughter again.

Meanwhile Yuna physically collapsed against the hallway wall while Chaeryeong looked moments away from actual concern.

“I’ll buy JYPE if I have to just to make it happen.”

That finally shut everyone up. Including Ryujin. Then slowly Lia looked toward me again afterward. And what visibly scared her wasn’t the joke itself. It was realizing from my expression that I had already mentally considered the logistics.

Apparently I had become the type of person capable of hostile corporate acquisition out of spite. Lia pointed toward me immediately.

“That right there is EXACTLY why nobody should encourage you financially.” “That sounds judgmental.” “That sounds CORRECT.”

Meanwhile Ryujin looked horrifyingly emotional now.

“…You’d really psychologically destroy JYP for me?” “You started this.” “That’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for me. Marry me, now.” “Your standards for marriage concern me deeply.”

Yuna physically grabbed Ryujin afterward before the conversation could somehow become even more catastrophic.

“Nope. We’re leaving before Ben starts discussing shareholder percentages.” “That sounds responsible honestly,” Lia admitted.

Eventually the group naturally started dispersing afterward. Yuna dragging Ryujin away before financial crimes escalated, Chaeryeong still trying to process whether any of that conversation had been real, Lia retreating for self-preservation, and the Top Floor finally settling back into quiet.

Then finally it was just me and Yeji left standing near the hallway. Soft city light spilled faintly through the windows while the silence slowly returned after the chaos of the day. Then quietly Yeji adjusted the sleeve of her hoodie before glancing toward her room briefly.

And honestly the thought of ending the night alone suddenly felt strangely heavy. So before I could overthink it into oblivion— I reached out quietly and caught her hand. Yeji immediately looked back toward me. Then softly enough that nobody else could possibly hear “…Stay with me tonight?”

Very softly— she smiled. The kind of smile that always made something in my chest loosen instantly. “…Okay.” That was it. No dramatic confession. Just certainty.

Then naturally Yeji stepped slightly closer before lightly squeezing my hand once. Small gesture. Easy to miss. But somehow it still felt like the most intimate moment of the entire day.

As the two of us quietly disappeared down the hallway together while the Top Floor finally settled into silence— I realized something. Maybe peace didn’t always have to be grand. Maybe sometimes it was just knowing someone chose to stay.

The Top Floor stayed quiet afterward. No arguments from Ryujin. No suspicious questions from Yuna. No teasing from Lia. No schedules waiting tomorrow morning. Just soft city light spilling through the hallway while the rest of the world kept moving somewhere far below them. Then eventually Yeji disappeared into my room beside me without another word, her fingers still loosely intertwined with mine like letting go simply wasn’t necessary anymore.

“Ryu!” You say, still quiet but slightly more urgent.

“Shhh, baby.” She mutters behind you.

You feel her slip her pinky under the waistband of your panties. “What are you—”

“Wanna finish what I started last night.” She kisses the back of your neck, snapping the waistband against your skin.

You jump, “W-what are you talking about?’

“You remember, babygirl.” She drawls, voice still rough with sleep. “I wanna make you feel good.”

You feel her smirk against the nape of your neck, running a slender finger over your clothed heat.

“You’re wet.” She teases her fingers over your sensitive bud. “You want me to help you?”

“Ryu, I don’t—”

“Come on, baby. Let me help.” She starts to make small circles over your covered clit.

You gasp softly, biting your lip, “P-please.”

Ryujin pulls away and as you open your mouth to protest, she slides two fingers between your lips. You whine, sucking on them enthusiastically.

“Such a good girl.” Ryujin purrs into your ear.

Once her fingers are sufficiently wet, she brings them back down between your legs, pushing your panties to the side. She teases a slender finger between your lips, already slick with your juices.

“So excited already…” She slowly starts her ministrations on your clit again, the sensation more intense without the barrier of your underwear.

You shutter as Ryujin starts to speed up. Your whines get louder, though you try to bite your lip. 

Ryujin slides her arm under your head and holds her hand over your mouth before pressing two fingers into your dripping cunt. Your eyes roll back and you can help but rut into her hand, whining against her hand.

“I know, I know, pretty girl. It feels too good, huh?” She whispers in your ear as she speeds up again. You can’t help but squirm, Ryujin only holds you tighter against her.

Her fingers curl deliciously against that spongey spot inside you, the one you were never able to reach, she runs her fingers back and forth over it before starting to pump in and out.

You started to get louder—whining and moaning—so Ryujin replaced her hand with her lips, swallowing your moans. Her lips were soft, even in the early morning, moving against yours in that now familiar way. Your breathing got heavy as she picked up her speed—fingers gushing ludely—and you pull away, head lulling back.

“You gonna cum, baby? Can you come for me?” Ryujin peppers your jaw and neck with kisses.

“Please… Please Ryu—please don’t stop—”

“You’re being so good for me baby, it’s okay, come on my fingers like a good girl.”

“Ryu—oh my god!” You gasp, heart pounding against your chest as you reached your high, Ryujin’s pace never faltering. You squirm in her arms, euphoria spreading over you, eyes squeezed shut, clamping down on Ryujin’s fingers as your walls fluttered around her. She pulls out, letting you catch your breath. You’re too out of it to move but when you open your eyes Ryujin is hovering over you. 

She grins down at you, cat-like. “Open up, baby.” You part your lips, letting her slide her slick fingers across your tongue, making you taste yourself. “I love seeing you like this. You have no idea how long I’ve dreamt about it…”

She pulls her fingers away from your lips, replacing them with her own. You move to cup her cheek, letting her deepen the kiss, but she pulls your hand away and pins it to your side.

“Ryu—” You whine into her lips, struggling against her hold, “Wanna touch—”

“Mmh.” She shakes her head, taking your other hand and pinning them above your head. “Not yet. Be a good girl and keep them there.”

She lets go, and you obey, gripping the headboard as she trails her lips down your body. She pushes up your t-shirt, teasing her fingers along your sides—making you squirm. She pushes it further up, revealing your tits. Your nipples harden as they’re exposed to the cool air, she smirks. Her lips are smooth on your skin, licking and nipping as she kisses everywhere but where you want her. You whine, squirming a little. Ryujin takes pity on you, bringing her lips to your nipple and sucking lightly. You bite your lip, fingers tightening around the base of the headboard. Her tongue flicks over the bud and you whimper, back arching into her. Ryujin chuckles lowly, pulling off and moving to the other side. She takes her time kissing all over your skin, surely leaving a few marks behind, before she slides her tongue across your nipple.

“Ryu—” You whine again.

“Shh, baby.” She mutters against your skin, gripping your hip with one hand and massaging your breast with the other.

She slides down your body, pressing kisses to your skin before stopping at the hem of your panties. She looks up at you, sliding them down your legs and sitting up on her knees.

“Keep quiet, or I’ll push these damp panties between those pretty lips of yours.” Ryujin hangs your underwear from her finger, smirking down at you. 

You nod, shuttering as she leans back down. She peppers your inner thighs with kisses, keeping them spread with her hands, her nails digging in lightly. You let your head fall back on the pillow, closing her eyes as she teases around your dripping core.

You jump when she blows cold air across your cunt, shuttering as she licks a stripe up your center. You bite back a moan, holding onto the headboard for dear life.

“You taste so good, baby.” She mutters, leaning in again to circle your clit with her tongue.

She gets sloppy, lewd noises filling her room—dirty, wet, obscene, the constant sucking and dragging licks. Her tongue drank you in as more wetness spilled out. You break when she presses her tongue inside, your hand breaking away from the headboard and gripping her hair.

She stops, ripping your hand away and sitting up, “What did I say?”

“‘m sorry, I didn’t—”

Ryujin ignores you, reaching up to take off your top completely. She brings both your hands back up and uses it to tie them to the headboard.

“I’ll make you regret that.” Ryujin smirks down at you.

“Ryu—” She shuts you up with a stare.

You fucked up.

Your jaw dropped in a silent scream as your third climax washed over you. Ryujin hums against your skin and the overstimulation hits suddenly. Your back arches off the bed, legs shaking, clenching around nothing.

“You did so good, baby.” Ryujin kisses her way back up your body before connecting your lips. You could taste herself as she pressed her tongue into your mouth, possessive and domineering. You were too fucked out to kiss back but she didn’t seem to mind.

“Come on, pretty girl.” Ryujin unties your hands, sliding off the bed and pulling you to her.

She carries you into the bathroom and sets you down on the closed toilet, turning on the shower to let it warm up. She kneels down in front of you, taking your chin between her fingers, “You okay?”

She nod, “Tired.”

“I know, but you were such a good girl for me.” She smiles up at you, the fondness clear in her eyes.

She stood with you in the shower for a while, letting the warm spray fall over the pair of you. Then she cleaned you up, washing your hair and your body before doing the same with herself. She bundled you up in a fluffy white towel and let you sit on the counter while she dried your hair.

“Are you just going to go back to normal after this?” You mutter.

She freezes, turning off the hair dryer, “What?”

“Does this… change anything? Like… I don’t know.” You stare at your lap, picking at your nails.

She takes your hands in hers, making you look up.

“What are you talking about, baby?”

“I mean… What is this? Us.”

She stares at you for a long moment, looking from your eyes to your lips, to your joined hands, then back up to your face, “What…do you want it to be?”

“I want this… But you keep pushing me away.”

“Baby, I—”

“You won’t let me tell you how I feel, you just kiss me to shut me up and act like it never happened. You don’t like it when other people flirt with me but you won’t tell me why.”

“I… I know I’m not the best at talking about how I feel.”

You give her a knowing look and she chuckles.

“Okay, yes, I suck at it.” She takes a deep breath, bringing one hand up to cup your cheek, “I’m crazy about you, baby. I… I want you to be mine.”

Your heart skips a beat and you can’t hide the smile spreading across your lips.

“If you’ll have me…” She continues.

You nod and she smiles, leaning in to kiss you. It was different from kisses you’d shared in the past. It wasn’t rushed, it wasn’t aggressive, it was slow and sweet—full of adoration and longing.

You pull back, forehead pressed to hers, “Took you long enough.”

“I’m sorry, baby. I promise I won’t leave you guessing like that ever again.

You peck her nose, “I’ll hold you to that.”