#izone fluff

“Oh! I used to have these in my grandma’s house,” Minju pointed at the school of goldfish, which weirdly, were in a very huge tank.

“I think everyone had a goldfish at least once in their life. I did,” you said, eyes still on the tank.

“That’s not true. Some people had hamsters.” Minju replied immediately.

“That’s worse.”

She scoffed, turning to look at you. “How is that worse?”

“They die really fast and in the most random ways.” you laughed just by thinking about those stupidly fragile creatures.

Minju laughed sharp and sudden, then clapped a hand over her mouth like she hadn’t meant to be that loud. “Right! My cousin had one back then. It died in shock after her dad sneezed too loud!”

You snorted despite yourself. “See? They’re so fragile. That’s why many people have goldfishes,”

“Pfft, whatever smarty pants.” She puffed. “How many did you have? I had three: Kim, Min, and Ju.” She giggled.

“Really? You just named them after your name?”

“Of course I did!” Minju said, feigning offense, her fingers fidgeting with the strap of her bag. “It’s not like I could come up with better names at six years old. Besides, they fit them!”

You tilted your head, pretending to scrutinize the tiny fish darting through the water. Their scales glinted gold in the overhead light, little flashes of sunlight caught mid-swim, like coins tossed into a shallow fountain. “Could you even tell them apart? I only had two but I couldn’t even tell which is which so I just didn’t name them.”

Minju leaned closer, brushing her shoulder against yours. “Oh, come on, that’s lazy. Everyone can tell them apart if they try,” she said teasing you, eyes squinting like she knew she was getting under your skin, but not really.

You chuckled, letting your hand just brush with hers. “I tried. They all just looked like shiny little blobs swimming around.” But actually, you just couldn’t remember what you named those two orange blobs from your childhood.

She gasped dramatically, putting a hand on her chest. “Wow, you just called these cuties just shiny little blobs. Those two will be so disappointed in you.”

“Nah, they’re good. I mean, they’re dead… so…”

Minju huffed a laugh, rolling her eyes but nudging your side with her elbow. She glanced around and then grinned, wrapping her arm to yours. “Come on,”

You let her lead you through the dimly lit hallways to the curve of the glass tunnel. The overhead lights reflected off the water, casting shimmering patterns on the floor, walls, and the two of you. The distant bubbles made it feel like you’d stepped into another world. Well, not really because of the other people also walking around the tunnel.

Sharks swam, and schools of fish swirled around them. There were also stingrays that glided gracefully above the tunnel, wings rippling as if it was flying through water instead of swimming.

Minju slowed her steps, tugging your arm with her. “Okay, tell me that’s not cool,” she said, tilting her head back to watch a stingray glide above you. Its pale underside caught the light.

“It’s cool,” you admitted. “I’m not blind.”

She smiled smugly. “See? Aquarium dates are cool. You doubted me.”

Not that you were against going in an aquarium for a date, you just thought it wouldn’t be as enjoyable just looking at fishes in a bigger tank. But well, you didn’t really had much ideas to where would you go for this date so you just went on with her idea. She wouldn’t really stop talking about it for weeks now ever since she saw one IG reel of this place.

“I didn’t say anything,” you said, acting all innocent. “You’re the one who dragged me here.”

She scoffed, punching your arm. “Dragged you? You walked in on your own two feet.”

“Under protest.”

“Liar,” Minju said, glancing up again at the stingray that already drifted past, replaced by a scatter of silver fish that flashed and vanished like spilled light. “You’re enjoying this.” she sang, leaning into you closer. She slipped both arms around yours, clinging openly now, cheek nearly brushing your shoulder. “You’re so bad at lying. It’s cute.”

“You’re cute,” you said, playfully bumping her lightly.

“Iiiing…” Minju whined, stretching the sound as she squeezed your arm tighter, swaying a little side to side. “Don’t say it like that. You’re embarrassing me.” she pouted, squeezing her damn voice higher like a child.

“Now you’re the one embarrassing me,” you said, smiling as you leaned closer. “People are already looking.”

Minju narrowed her eyes at you, her pout faltering just before she smirked, letting out a soft, teasing giggle. “Hmph. You’re annoying,” she said, then suddenly her cutesy aegyoistic self coming back again, bouncing slightly on her heels. “Come on, you like it here! Admit it, admit it!” she squeaked, looking up at you with a grin, her whisker dimple digging on her cheek.

You rolled your eyes but couldn’t hide your grin. “Fine, fine… I like it. Happy now?”

“Tch… you only say that to shut me up.” that squeaky childish voice dropped deep, clearly unimpressed with your answer. She rolled her eyes as she freed herself from you, arms crossing trying to look away. Seriously, what even was the answer she wanted to hear? Everything would literally be a wrong answer for her.

You stopped walking, letting her pull ahead without you. She hasn’t even noticed as her focus was on the small goldfih following the bigger fih behind the glass. She was completely absorbed in the shimmer of the water, unaware that you were deliberately grinning behind her, watching her as she got a little far.

“Mingju,” you called softly, already recording her from your phone.

She froze mid-step, probably confused as why your call came from behind. You could see the imaginary question marks popping above her head as she turned side to side like a lost puppy, or perhaps a lost fox.

A smile formed on your lips, not to tease or annoy your girlfriend, you were simply just happy. She looked so pretty. How did you even manage to bag a solid 10/10 like Minju? Wait, more like a 1,000,000/10. About right? No, it was definitely more than that. You’d still choose her, love her till your next life, and the life after. You’d choose her eternally.

She turned a little more, scanning the tunnel with a faint frown, lips parted like she was about to ask something on someone. For a while, she genuinely looked misplaced, eyes drifting over strangers, fish, glass, anything but you. Then her gaze landed on that familiar figure with the familiar matching white shirt as hers.

“Yah!” she ran tiny hurried steps towards you, almost bumping on that little child that was wandering so carelessly unattended. And you were assaulted with a flurry of consecutive normal punches raining down your chest and shoulders. “You’re so annoying!”

“Minju,” you laughed, grabbing her wrists mid-swing before she could land another hit. “Calm down, that’s enough.”

She tried to tug free, still muttering complaints under her breath, but her glare softened when she noticed you weren’t laughing at her, just smiling like a complete idiot in love. Your eyes met, making her crack as she lose her character. “Yah, you’re so mean.” she whined, bottom lip jutting out.

“Sorry,” you murmured, leaning in to plant a kiss on her forehead. “Sorry,” you said again, followed by another kiss against the tip of her nose. “Sorry,” and finally, a peck on that ridiculous pout.

She blinked at the last kiss, pout melting into a flustered half-smile. “You think kisses solve everything?” Minju muttered, but she didn’t pull away. If anything, her fingers curled tighter into your shirt, tugging you closer.

“Most things,” you said lightly, dipping your head near her ear and whispered something. “Some things might require me to breed you—” you couldn’t even finish, Minju’s smack landed on your chest with more surprise than force. “YAH!” she yelped, swatting your chest with more shock than actual force, though her smile betrayed her.

You laughed it off, glancing down… then you dropped, one knee hitting the polished floor. Minju went still, completely, utterly still. “…What?” The word barely made it past her lips. Her eyes went wide, then wider. A woman walking past slowed. Someone behind Minju audibly gasped. The tunnel's fluorescent lights cast everything in harsh white, catching the shimmer forming at the corners of her eyes.

You looked up at her, not saying anything. Her hands flew to her mouth, eyes sparkling, cheeks floshed pink full of blood rushing up to her face. “Yah…” she squeaked, acting all excited, wobbling slightly on her feet as she stared down at you. “…Is this—?

You just let the silence hang, letting it stretch for a bit just to make her chest completely filled with butterflies. You held her gaze for a moment, letting the tension build, her smile creeping inuncontrollably, stretching so wide her eyes nearly disappeared. Then, just as dramatically, just as slowly, you reached into your pocket… then you pulled your hand out… and flashed a tiny finger heart.

“I love you.”

Beat.

“Your shoe’s untied.”

The bright and excited smile on her face was fast gone with yet the fourth? Or maybe the fifth frown of the day. “…Yah.” You watched realization crawl across her expression in real time, shock, confusion, then the slowest-building storm of indignation you'd ever seen, so you just worked on her lace before she could kick your balls off.

“YAH—” she shrieked, too loud that the couple who’d stopped by flinched. Her hands instinctively flied to her mouth, bowing on the passersby with a small “sorry” along. They shuffled off quickly, already whispering at each other.

Minju turned back to you as you stood, and the look on her face could've killed a man. “Don’t you fucking scare me like that!”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” you said, shrugging your shoulders.

Minju stared at you like she was plotting some unspeakable things to you on the spot. “You’re unbelievable,” she muttered, then jabbed your chest with her finger. “I actually thought you were serious. My heart—” she clicked her tongue, shaking her head. “You owe me.”

“For what?”

“For emotional trauma,”

You bit back a grin. "That's a stretch.”

“I hate you,” she muttered, but her arm was already slithering its way wrapping around yours. You stumbled after her as she marched slightly ahead of you, still grumbling to herself under her breath. “Next time you kneel, you better mean it. I almost embarrassed myself in front of strangers.” she said without turning to you.

“I just tied your shoe. You would have embarrassed yourself if you tripped so you’re welcome.” you said, still trying to play dumb with her. “Besides, you were already embarrassing,” you teased.

She whipped her head toward you. “What did you say?”

“Uhm, that you were embarrassing?”

“Say that again.”

"Em-bar-rass-ing.” you repeated each syllable slowly and annoyingly, and honestly, the look on her face made it worth whatever’s coming. She swatted, but you just dodged.

She tried swatting you and missed again, which made you hold back a laughter. And then, probably against her will, she started laughing too. Just a little at first, a sharp exhale through her nose, but it cracked her wide open. By the time you reached the vending machine near the tunnel exit, she was shaking her head at you like she couldn't believe she put up with this.

The machine hummed quietly. A few people milled around cylindrical glasses lined up in the darker room. Minju let go of you and stepped up to the machine, arms folding as she squinted at the rows of drinks inside.

“What do you want?” she asked, though you just watched her fingers as she punch two Milkis on the keypad without even waiting for you to answer.

“Why’d you even ask?”

A side eye followed by an eye roll is the only answer you got. She leaned down to grab the two cans clunked down into the dispenser. She straightened up with both cans in hand, holding one out to you like she was doing you a favor. But she pulled it back out of your reach before you could grab it, mouth curled up along with one eyebrow.

“So is that mine…?” you asked, darting your eyes to the can on her hand then back to hers.

MInju lifted her chin and turned her head slightly, her not floshed anymore cheeks facing you now. She didn’t say anything, maybe just letting you figure out what she was asking for yourself. You just stood there, though you’re not exactly clueless, you just want her to explicitly say what she wants. But well, Minju clearly wasn’t going to give you the satisfaction.

She tilted her head a little more, lips pressed together, eyes flicking pointedly to your mouth and then back to yours. Still stubbornly silent. You bit the inside of your cheek, trying not to laugh at her trying so hard to get a kiss.

You finally broke first, a quiet laugh slipping out as you shook your head. “You’re ridiculous,” you said. Minju’s eyes narrowed when you didn’t move, then clicking her tongue softly. Her stare grew more pointed, almost offended that you were enjoying this.

“Just ask what you want,” you laughed in between your words. But she’s still refusing to give in, so you just gave her the satisfaction and leaned in, planting one kiss on her cheek, then another, then another.

Her head turned fast with a wide grin on her face, no hints of any annoyance she was having just a second ago. “See? That wasn’t so hard was it?”

She popped open one of the cans, handed it over, then cracked open her own and took a long sip, eyes still on you the whole time. The cold fizz hit your tongue, sweet and sharp, and you downed half the can in one go just to give yourself something to do that wasn't staring at the way her throat moved when she swallowed.

Minju wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, then grabbed your arm again, her favorite method of steering you around, apparently. "Come on. I want to see the seahorses."

"Seahorses?"

"Yeah." She tugged you forward, weaving between a family with a stroller and some guy taking a selfie with a tank full of neon tetras. "They're cute. And they mate for life you know."

You raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to imply something?"

She glanced at you over her shoulder. "I don’t know.”

The seahorse exhibit was tucked into a smaller alcove off the main tunnel, dimmer than the rest of the aquarium. The tanks here were tall and narrow, lit from within by soft blue and violet LEDs that made the water look almost unreal. Inside, delicate seahorses drifted vertically, tails curled around strands of kelp, their translucent bodies catching the light in shimmering pulses.

You stepped up behind her, your chest brushing her back and peered over her shoulder. The seahorses moved in slow spirals, their tiny fins fluttering so fast they blurred. One of them was bright yellow, hovered near the front of the tank, bobbing gently.

You leaned a little closer, eyes drifting past the bright yellow one, then you spotted two seahorses near the back of the tank. Their tails were wrapped tight around the same strand of kelp… and around each other, moving slowly, suspiciously close. A smirk tugged at your mouth.

“Minju,” you said amused. “Look at those two.”

She followed your gaze, squinting at first. “Which— oh.” Her words stalled. “…Oh.”

The two seahorses swam together, bodies brushing, tails still linked like they had no intention of letting go. You bit the inside of your cheek, already losing the battle against your grin.

“Yah,” she whispered, then immediately slapped your arm. “Don’t make it weird.”

“I didn’t say anything,” you replied, already laughing under your breath. “They’re the ones doing all the work.”

“Why are you laug—” Minju cracked as her eyes met yours. Minju wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, then grabbed your arm again, her favorite method of steering you around, apparently. "Come on. I want to see the seahorses."

"Seahorses?"

"Yeah." She tugged you forward, weaving between a family with a stroller and some guy taking a selfie with a tank full of neon tetras. "They're cute. And they mate for life you know."

You raised an eyebrow. "Are you trying to imply something?"

She glanced at you over her shoulder. "I don’t know.”

The seahorse exhibit was tucked into a smaller alcove off the main tunnel, dimmer than the rest of the aquarium. The tanks here were tall and narrow, lit from within by soft blue and violet LEDs that made the water look almost unreal. Inside, delicate seahorses drifted vertically, tails curled around strands of kelp, their translucent bodies catching the light in shimmering pulses.

You stepped up behind Minju, your chest brushing her back and peered over her shoulder. The seahorses moved together, their tiny fins fluttering. One of them was bright yellow, hovered near the front of the tank, bobbing gently.

You leaned a little closer, eyes drifting past the bright yellow one, then you spotted two seahorses near the back of the tank. Their tails were wrapped tight around the same strand of kelp… and around each other, moving slowly, suspiciously close. A smirk tugged at your mouth. “Minju, look.” you said amused.

She followed your gaze, squinting at first. “Which—… oh.” Her words stalled.

The two seahorses swam together, bodies brushing, tails still linked like they had no intention of letting go. You bit the inside of your cheek, already losing the battle against your grin.

“Yah,” she whispered, then immediately slapped your arm. “Don’t make it weird.”

“I didn’t say anything,” you replied, already laughing under your breath. “They’re the ones doing all the work.”

“Why are you laug—” Minju cracked as her eyes met yours. She covered her mouth, shoulders shaking. "Cut that stupid smirk off your face."

“Come on, you’re literally the one making it weird. I just told you to look at them.”

Minju tried to hold it together, but the more she looked at them, the worse it got. She pressed her lips together, shoulders shaking, but she lost it and buried her face in your arm. “Stop looking at me like that,” she mumbled, laughing.

“You’re the one who dragged me to the seahorses,” you reminded her.

She straightened up, eyes glinting with mischief now that she’d recovered. “Well,” she said, folding her arms, “you know in seahorses the male carries the babies.”

“So?”

She leaned in closer, grin spreading. “So technically,” she said sweetly, poking your chest, “if we were seahorses, you’d be the one getting pregnant.”

“Well thank God we’re not seahorses then.”

"Aw, what?" Minju pouted, tilting her head with disappointment. "You don't want to carry my babies?”

You stared at her for a beat, then let your gaze drift deliberately down to her stomach, then back up to meet her eyes. "Pretty sure that's not how it works for us."

”Pshh, you’re boring.” her grin faltered.

"In fact," you continued, stepping closer until she had to tilt her head back to keep eye contact, "I'm pretty sure if anyone's carrying babies, it's gonna be you."

The smugness drained from her face in real time. "I—that's not—"

"What?" You tilted your head, copying her earlier tone. "You don't want to carry my babies?"

"That's different.” Minju's eyes darted to the side, to the seahorses, then back to you. Her face was already flushing.

“What’s different?”

She tried to say something, but couldn’t form it in words, so she just kept herself silent, shaking her head. “Why can’t I win any argument with you?”

You stepped closer, holding her face, her fingers intertwined as she wrapped her arms around your back. “Don’t worry, I still love you even if you’re like that. My Minjugattoo,” you leaned in and kissed her softly, breaking with a warm smile from her.

“I love you too.”

You lingered close, your forehead brushing hers while the low hum of the tank filled the quiet space. The seahorses drifted behind her shoulder, tails still curled together, unaware of the chaos they’d started.

Your eyes flicked past her for a second, then back to her ear as you leaned in. “We should try that position when we get home,” you whispered.

Minju froze, smacking your chest, eyes wide and burning. “Yah,” she hissed, trying not to laugh. “We’re still in public!”

A couple walking past slowed down, glancing at the two of you laughing quietly at a tank full of tiny drifting seahorses. Minju noticed and got off you, trying to look composed, only for her eyes to meet yours again, and she cracked up all over again, her laugh blending with the low hum of the aquarium around you.

“Let’s go.”

.

You followed Minju along the stone path that curved away from the tanks and toward the open river area. It had a much cooler air there, carrying the faint smell of the river’s fresh water. It wasn’t too sunny so it was a good weather for a picnic. Besides, there are others who were already sat down the grass as well.

“Here,” she said, pointing to a patch of grass nearby the riverbank where a line of short trees cast soft shade. The water moved slow and steady beside the stone edge, catching bits of light that slipped through the leaves.

She set her basket bag down, you took the thin blanket and spread it out, pressing the corners flat with both hands so it wouldn’t bunch up. A few families and couples sat farther down the river. There were kids by the small dock, throwing crumbs to the fishes that gathered close by. A few ducks paddling near the makeshift pond in the middle of the park.

Minju dropped onto her knees and reached for the bento box with a small, proud smile. “I woke up early for this,” she said, tapping the lid twice before opening it. There was a carefully but cutely placed small octopus in between the sliced fruits and veggies and rice that had cute small fishes like they’re swimming.

You just raised both your eyebrows, nodding at her statement. ”If you say so,”

Wrong answer, she smacked your arm with darting eyes. “Yah, what’s that supposed to mean?”

“You can barely follow a kimchi fried rice recipe without adding something else. One time you started frying with the fire off. So yeah sure.”

“That was one time, I was experimenting*.*” Minju defended as she took the chopsticks on the bag.

You snorted at the memory of that disastrous dish. It didn’t taste bad though, but not really as impressive. “The egg on the top was talking. That was quite an experiment.”

She took a small tentacle from her bento, but she moved her hand towards your face. “Ah,” you just surrendered and opened your mouth, taking the food and chewing it carefully. “Oh… It’s good!” you said, flashing two thumbs up of approval.

“Eunbi unnie helped me with this.” Minju smiled before taking a bite of her own.

“She helped you or you helped her?”

Minju’s eyes snapped up at you, already defensive. “I cooked,” she insisted, pointing her chopsticks at your face, probably wanting to stab you too. “She helped me.”

You stared at her for a second, then leaned back on your palms, the realization settling in. “Ah,” you said slowly. “So that’s why you suddenly had a sleepover at Eunbi’s place.”

She tried to hold onto the serious face, but it slipped. “Yes, so just shut up and eat.”

“Yes ma’am.”

She kicked your shin, but she was smiling now. You took another bite, the sweet carrot and rice mixing with the faint coolness from the park air. Minju watched you chew like she was waiting for a final verdict, pretending she didn’t care while inching closer until your shoulders pressed together again. You swallowed, then gave a small nod. And she’s already satisfied with that reaction.

The two of you settled into a comfortable rhythm, trading bites, pointing out ducks, watching a kid nearly fall off the dock before his dad caught him. Minju laughed at that, and you realized you'd been smiling unconsciously.

Minju had moved on from the bento to a bag of chips, crunching loudly while she stared out at the river. The orange dust was already collecting on her fingers. She'd pop one in her mouth, chew, then immediately reach for another. You watched her for a moment, the way the breeze kept pulling strands of hair across her face, the way she'd scrunch her nose every time she had to brush them away with the back of her hand. She looked happy, and so were you.

Your hand drifted to your pocket. The small box pressed against your palm through the fabric, a weight you'd been carrying all day. You'd planned this weeks ago, texted Eunbi, coordinated with the aquarium staff, arranged everything down to the last detail. The fake proposal earlier had been part of it too, a way to throw her off, make her think you were just messing around. But now, sitting here in the dappled shade with chip crumbs on the blanket and her shoulder against yours, you felt your pulse kick up. You should do it now.

“Minju…”

“Mm?” she hummed, turning towards you.

“I’m gonna get us some sweets.”

“Mkay. Don’t take too long.”

You stood, brushing off your pants, and headed toward the small vendor cart you'd spotted earlier near the aquarium entrance. Your heart was hammering now, this is it, this is the moment, your moment. The vendor, a middle-aged woman who'd been briefed ahead of time, gave you a knowing smile when you approached. "The special order?" she asked quietly.

You nodded. She disappeared into the back of the cart and returned with two popsicles. One was normal, bright blue and already starting to sweat in the heat. The other looked identical from the outside, but you knew what was frozen inside, a small silver ring wrapped in a smaller plastic film so it won’t get sticky, just something simple and clean, exactly the kind Minju would like. You'd spent hours picking it out. Weeks, really, if you counted all the times you'd scrolled through jewelry sites pretending you were just browsing. You really owed Eunbi one for helping you out with picking the best one. "Good luck," the vendor said, handing them over.

You managed a tight smile. "Thanks.”

The walk back felt longer than it should have. Minju was right where you left her, chip bag now gone, legs stretched out in front of her, scrolling on her phone quietly. She looked up when you approached, eyes lighting up at the sight of the popsicles.

"Ooh, blue!" She reached for the one in your right hand, the normal one, but you pulled it back.

"This one's mine," you said, handing her the other. "Yours is this one.”

Her lips curled, glaring at you. “Pshh, what’s the difference? It’s literally just the same one.”

“Just take it, gosh.”

She huffed but accepted it anyway, tearing open the wrapper with her teeth. You sat back down beside her, your own popsicle forgotten in your hand as you watched her bring it to her lips. She took the first bite, or tried to. Her teeth hit something hard. “Ow— what’s that?” she pulled back, frowning at the popsicle.

Your throat went dry. "Why?”

"Is that a coin or something?" She bit down again, more carefully this time, and her expression shifted. She was confused at first, then her eyes went wide. She pulled the popsicle away from her mouth and stared at it. The ring was visible now, partially exposed in the melting ice. “What…”

You set your own popsicle down on the blanket and shifted, turning to face her fully. Her gaze snapped to you, and you watched the exact moment it clicked, her puppy eyes got redder, tears started to form slowly as she realized what that was.

“Minju,”

She didn't move, didn't speak, she just stared at you with those wide and disbelieving eyes, letting you speak your moment. You reached over and carefully took the popsicle from her hand, then worked the ring free from the melting ice. It came loose easily, cold and wet on your fingers. You teared the plastic film and held it up between you.

"I know I kinda faked a proposal earlier," you started, more sincere now. "And I know you probably think this is another joke, but well it's not.”

Minju just let you speak, a single teardrop fell from her left eye, already realized that it’s real this time.

"I've been thinking about this for a while," you continued. "Longer than I probably should've waited. And I know we're young, and maybe people will think it's too soon, but so what? I don’t care about them." You took a breath. "I love you. I've loved you since the moment I saw your beautiful smile. I love the way your whisker dimple appears whenever I make you smile. I love how you try to act cute when you’re embarrassed. I love how we love hating each other and be sweet the next second. I love that you dragged me wherever you go so we could see everything together. ”

She laughed, or maybe it was a sob. Her eyes were shimmering now, wet and bright.

"And I don't want to wait anymore, let me be the one to drag you now, into a future where we could be together." you said. "I don't want hypotheticals or someday or maybes. I just want you. Forever. Officially.” You shifted onto one knee on the blanket, and her breath hitched.

"Kim Minju," you said, holding up the ring. "Will you marry me?"

For a long moment, she didn't move. Just stared at you with her hand pressed to her mouth, tears spilling over now, tracking down her cheeks. The river moved behind her. A duck quacked. Somewhere nearby, a kid laughed. People gathering around now to witness this moment, the couple from earlier stood there too.

Then she nodded. Once, twice, fast and frantic like she couldn't get the words out.

"Yes," she finally choked out. "Yes, you idiot, yes—"

You barely got the ring on her finger before she launched herself at you, knocking you backward onto the blanket. She kissed you hard, messy, tasting like salt and melting popsicle and something sweeter underneath. Her hands were in your hair, on your face, everywhere at once. The people around started clapping.

When she finally pulled back, she was crying and laughing at the same time, wiping at her face with the back of her hand.

"You—" she started, then stopped, shaking her head. "You hid it in a popsicle? You’re so weird."

"I thought it was clever."

"It's ridiculous." But she was smiling so wide it looked like it hurt, staring down at the ring on her finger like she couldn't quite believe it was real.

"So is that a yes?" you asked, grinning up at her.

She hit your chest. "I already said yes, dumbass."

She kissed you again, softer this time, and when she pulled back her forehead rested against yours. "I can't believe you made me think it was a joke earlier.”

"Had to throw you off."

"I'm gonna kill you for that later."

"Sure you are."

She laughed, burrying her face in your neck. You wrapped your arms around her and held on, feeling her heartbeat against your chest, fast and strong and real.

"I love you," she whispered.

"I love you too."

She pulled back just enough to look at you, eyes still shining. "Forever?"

"Forever."

••••••••••

“Yeah, I’m sure.”

“Hitomi-yah, we might get caught.”

She presses her palm flat over you through your shorts. Closed-lip smile at the sky.

“But oppa, you’re already getting hard.”

“Because you just—”

“I barely touched it.”

“Tomi-chan...”

“Eeeee~” She rolls onto her side. Her hand slips under the waistband of your shorts in one casual move. “Oppa look at me. Is this really the time to complain?”

You stop complaining.

Her fingers wrap around you and she counts under her breath. Ichi~ Ni~ San~ Then she squeezes your cockhead and your hips lift off the blanket.

“There you are, found it.”

“Found what?”

“The spot.” Her thumb passes back over it, slower. “This right here oppa. Mhmmm... Okay~”

You roll toward her. Your hand finds the hem of her skirt and pushes up. She watches your face the whole time, eyes round and waiting.

“Mhmmmmm~” She presses her forehead to your shoulder. “That’s it oppa. Please don’t stop—”

You put two fingers inside her.

“—that’s good.” Her hand stutters on you. “That’s so good oppa.”

She finds her rhythm. You match yours to hers. Both hands working. Her hand is small and focused. Her free hand finds your jaw, holding your face.

“Oppa.”

“Yeah?”

“Let’s continue this at home later, ok?”

“Of course, Tomi-chan.”

She giggles into your neck, and her thumb skillfully goes over the base of you that empties your head, and you can feel her slick cunt tightening around your fingers at the same time. She lets out cute small giggles.

“Oppa, I think—mhmmmm, I’m cumming~”

She cums around your fingers first. She lets out a small surprised sound. She’s giggling and squeezing your fingers at the same time coating them with her slick. You don’t know how she’s doing both.

You finish into her palm seconds after.

For a while neither of you moves.

Then she lifts her hand, looks at her palm, looks at you, and gives you the biggest, most adorable smile.

“Love you Oppa~”

She wipes her hand on the grass next to the blanket. Her other hand stays inside your shorts, not moving, just resting against you. She tucks her head under your chin.

“Oppa.”

“Yes, Tomi-chan?”

“Thank you for not saying no.”

“You said you were horny.”

“Mhmm~” Her fingers curl gently around you again holding you but not stroking. “Just in case you want a second round.”

If only you could help, in any other way than just this.

Pull her closer, hug her tighter, squeeze out all the tears she's keeping deep inside. She grips you right back, wrapping her arms so tight around you like you'll slip away if she loosens. She takes fistfuls of your clothes in her hands all the while her face stays buried in your chest, breathing heavy and pushing out all the negative energy like she always does when she's upset. 

You don't need any more words, only the sobs that finally come as she tears off her professional mask and breaks down. Her sniffles accompany the far-off ticking of the clock in the other room and the silence that lets you hear it—only you.

As if it wasn’t enough that traffic was bad and she was an hour late to the set. Raining, tech issues, and all manners of delays came and went, and the whole team’s lunch hour flitted by and away like the tiny flame on her birthday candle atop the measly cupcake. Low spirits, empty stomach, and every loud “cut” in the director’s nagging voice still ringing in her ears, and the first thing she does as she walks through the door is call out for you.

So you meet her where she is—exhausted, overwhelmed, hanging by a thread—and you hug her back together. Wrap your arms tight around her stiff shoulders and the small of her back, plant kisses on the top of her head while trying to ignore the spent hairspray that starts to coat your lips. You start making mental notes of what you need for the next time the sun blazes high in the sky: detergent, wool balls, and clothespins, as well as ask her what brand of micellar water she uses. 

Yuri pulls away, still sniffling but breathing so much better, makeup unceremoniously torn away from her face like it should be after a rough day. You pat her hair down, and she takes your hands to cup her own cheeks with; your thumbs wipe away the tears that streak inky blackness down the sides of her cheeks, taking the stains anyway, and in that moment, she's as beautiful as she's ever been. Her eyes shine with a quiet flame behind them, heart willing to brave the blows of a universe that never seems to stop issuing her challenge after challenge. Her voice comes in melodious rasps in protest at how the world treated her this day, wanting to pay it back. Her lip trembles with an adamant weakness that has never known surrender, especially not next to someone who's only ever seen her like this and stayed. 

You voice it carefully, “I know, I know. Go,” as you usher her up towards the respectfully awaiting bed. She takes two steps up the stairs before looking back, only to find you waving her off to rest, and she knows you're excited and looking forward to falling in love with her all over again. “Yeah, I got it. 2 a.m., I’ll set your alarm when I come up.” And in that one shining moment, when her lips curl into the sweetest smile you could never, ever get tired of, you fall just a little bit deeper in love with everything she is. 

~~~

The door swings open without so much as a breezing creak, and peeking in you find Yuri already sitting on the edge of the bed and fighting for her life against nodding back off. Come in carefully, keep the breakfast tray balanced despite messing up the arrangement and presentation you've so painstakingly implemented for reasons you can't remember anymore. She looks up in annoyance yet with the slightest hint of curiosity, “You said you'd stay…” as she extends both arms toward you, trying to wrangle you back into her personal space. 

“You're supposed to still be asleep,” allowing yourself in, like she wants. You set the tray down easy on the bedside table, somehow successfully managing not to spill even a drop of her lemon black tea. Her arms wrap around your neck, and she takes a deep breath as soon as your neck is in range for all the sniffing she wants. She tightens her grip around you, making known how upset she is at waking up alone, telling you silently what it'll take to make up for it: she takes in your scent in breaths that reach the very bottom of her lungs, she nuzzles her face into your chest like leaving her scent on your shirt, she holds you tight so you never leave her again. 

She grunts back, “The deal was you stay until I wake up,” her hold tightens and threatens to rip your shirt clean off your back. But she relaxes almost right away, knowing even if the world was ending and everything she knew was wrong, the one thing you’d never, ever do was leave her alone. 

“No, the deal was we beat your alarm together—” before you decide it isn’t worth arguing when she’s being this needy. Luckily, you know exactly what to do instead: sit next to her on the bed, let her do her thing. She sniffs and sniffs and sniffs, moving to a new spot on you each time. It still tickles sometimes, when her hair gets in the way of the kisses she tries planting on wherever she decides to plant them, and especially when stray strands make their way against your nose. But you let her all the same, because you know like it's the simplest thing—because it is—that all she wants is you. 

The silence breaks, and both of you are reminded by your actual deal: her phone buzzes and rings with a soothing alarm, and you reach for it to turn off, fumbling around the bedside table in the process only because Yuri absolutely refuses to let go. “Alright, get up,” you chide, pulling her up by the underarms as she continues to insist on clinging to you. She shares warmth, knowing you love when it’s hers and you’d never turn her away, and it works just a little bit too well. 

“Five more minutes…” she mumbles into your neck, and honestly, how could you refuse? She stays quiet and still, plainly refusing to participate in the grand scheme of things and choosing instead, you. She makes small nibbles on your jaw, leaving light trails of kisses and saliva where she drifts over. And of course you'd want nothing more to indulge her, but not right now; she'll be late. 

“Yuri, please. Let's have breakfast, and when you get home tonight—” but she’s tugging you back down, and before you know it, you’re lying with her against your fluffy pillows and cotton sheets again. She keeps her eyes shut, knowing full well that she’ll fall right back asleep, and you have to shake her awake, to no avail. “You can’t be late again, sweetheart. Please, for me?”

You can feel her animosity at your reminder of her other commitments than you, and she peeks at you with only one eye before making a scene out of turning away from you with an adorable grunt. “You never listen to me,” she huffs, and you can sense even just looking at the back of her head that she’s crossed her arms and rolled her eyes at you already. God, you love her. 

Wrap your arms around her waist, pull her close to you. Her back meets your chest, her hair covers your face, but you wouldn’t have it any other way. Your thumbs rub against her sides, and you feel her hands drift on top of yours. She doesn’t fuss, doesn’t complain, doesn’t even move past snaking her fingers between yours. Gone is the tension that used to coat every single thing she did to get close to you, replaced with… nothing. Her hold on you is light and graceful, not at all like her gripping your shirt and keeping you still to get what she wants. There’s no urgency in the way she fixes her hair away from her neck to ask you for more of the kisses she could never get enough of, nor is there any hurry when she reaches behind and feels for your cheek to lead you where she needs you most. 

And Yuri knows you won’t refuse her like this, not when she’s being so cute about it. She pulls you closer by the cheek, still facing away, until your lips meet the pulse beating on her neck right where it meets her jaw. Like they always do, your kisses bring her giggles to the surface as you kiss her neck, and the last thing she wants to do is move, and making you stop only coming up as a very close second. 

So you stay with her, only if to make up for allegedly failing to hold up your end of the deal. You stay with her as she reorients herself to slip back into the world full of noise and stress and all things she could probably do without. And yet, she’s gracious when it comes to your apologies, “You owe me when I get back tomorrow,” she mumbles, and you can feel against your palm the gentle in-and-out of her belly as she talks and breathes and giggles. Yuri keeps your hand against her skin, right under her shirt, as if she’s trying to tempt you into another two hours of sleep, but you know by now she’s not. 

“I know, Jo Yuri. I’d do anything for you,” you promise, just as the alarm goes off again. She reaches for it herself this time, showing you 2:05 a.m. where she needs to be ready for her hair and makeup at 2:30, “I wish we could’ve seen the sunrise today,” and you plant one last kiss on her cheek before finally giving in to what she wants…

She turns to you, still keeping your hand securely under her shirt, now resting on the dip of her waist, “We have a million sunrises we can see. I’d rather miss one of those than a second with you.” Her fingers trace the outline of your face, drawing a line gently down your cheek as she feels you under her fingertip. “Are you even real? How did I get so lucky to get you to fall for me?” 

You can only chuckle back. “Whatever heroic benevolent deed I did in my past life, I wish I could do it again just to get you back the next time through.” 

“Just take care of me now, please? I’ll do anything I can to find you again in the next life.”

“Deal.”

Yuri scooches closer, up until her forehead is right against yours. She keeps her hand on your cheek, making sure you don’t get to look anywhere else, as if you’d ever want to. She caresses your temples with her thumb, plays with your hair, boops your nose just to watch you feign a blink. Above all else, she stays with you as you stay with her, letting the time pass. 

The breakfast gets colder, the bed gets comfier, and the moon covers more distance across the sky. In a few hours, she’ll be in some car, getting whisked too far away from you to be able to bear, off to the wide and wonderful world that sees the rising starlet Jo Yuri making a name for herself. You knew from the start that she’d always be destined for great things, and you were fine with not being a part of any of it at all. But when she asks that you stay, demands you spend time with her, begs to slow down and let the world spin without her, you start to come to terms with the fact that the million sunrises just about coming your way can wait, while she lets the moon stroll a little slower across the sky of the rest of your lives. 

Once upon a time, in the kingdom of the WakeOne, there lived a princess of such beauty that songs were sung across the land in her honor, countless poems had her name etched in ink, and many suitors wanted to claim her hand. Her hair shone of a beautiful gold, her eyes sparkled brighter than the royal jewels, and her voice was said to calm even the wildest storm.

But envy, as it often does, crept into the heart of a neighboring queen. In a fit of jealousy, she summoned a dreadful orc from the dark corners of the earth and ordered him to seize the princess. 

The monstrous creature obeyed, taking the maiden away and locking her in a dungeon deep underground, thirty layers beneath the surface, guarded by fearsome beasts and riddled with traps no ordinary man could hope to survive.

The king, stricken with grief, summoned his finest warriors and sent them to rescue his daughter. Yet no one returned. 

A young knight heard the announcement. He was the apprentice of the great general. Without further ado he set to find the girl. Desperate, the king issued a royal proclamation: “To whomever can brave the dungeon and save my beloved daughter, I offer treasures beyond imagination and her hand in marriage.”

When they returned, the kingdom erupted in joy. Bells rang, doves flew, and flowers rained from the sky (probably thrown by bards). A grand feast was held in the hero’s honor, filled with music, dancing, jesters, and roasted boar the size of carriages.

At the end of the celebration, the king summoned the knight and the princess to the royal chamber.

“Brave adventurer,” the king declared, rising from his throne, “you have defeated the beast, conquered the dungeon, and rescued my dearest daughter. For this, I am eternally grateful.”

The knight nodded politely. “Sure.”

“As promised,” the king said with a proud smile, “you shall have her hand in marriage.”

A moment passed. The knight rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah… nah, I’m good.” 

Wait, what? Why would you say such a thing?

“What?” gasped the princess, blinking in disbelief.

“…What?” echoed the king, eyes wide with confusion.

“Yeah, I’m not looking to get married,” you continued. 

“But why? You’d be a prince! You’d get a castle! You’d be the richest man in the kingdom!” the princess exclaimed, completely bewildered by your statement. She couldn’t understand why anyone in all the kingdom would come to such a decision.

“You ever tried maintaining a castle?” you replied in return.

“…No?”

“Yeah, didn’t think so. That’s because Daddy here pays for the roof repairs and moat cleaning. Pass,” you argued. “The cleaners, the maintenance, the horses…”

The royal advisor, who had been quietly sipping wine in the corner, choked a little at the mention of horses.

“But—but the wealth! The royal coffers!”

“I’m good on money. I already sold half the rare drops from the bottom floor of the dungeon. I’ve got my own brand now: Obscura. It’s niche, but it’s doing very well,” you said proudly.

Somewhere in the ballroom, a bard whispered, “I think I’ve seen that shop. Great cloaks.” Another guest shushed him.

“Thank you, sir. Remind me to give you a discount later,” you said.

“You risked your life to save us all,” the king said, his voice softer now, almost pleading. “Doesn’t that earn you a reward?”

“As I said,” you replied calmly, “I don’t need it. My shop is bringing me more than enough income.”

The king stared at you, baffled, as though trying to decipher a language he had never heard before.

“You’d refuse all this for some… boutique dungeon shop?” he asked, gesturing vaguely toward the grandeur around him: the throne, the gold, the royal court, the entire weight of the kingdom.

You met his gaze without flinching. “I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into that shop.”

“So what, you’re just going to keep killing monsters forever?” the princess said.

“With this sword? It’s too easy, I basically one-tapped that orc,” you said. 

What the fuck does that even mean?

The king glanced at his captain of the guard, who just shrugged. He didn’t know either.

“But… we could just give you the money!” the princess bargained.

“Yeah, but that comes with a royal wedding, right?” you asked.

“Well… yes.”

“Then no thanks.”

“Is it me? Am I not beautiful enough?” the princess said in desperation.

“Oh no, you’re gorgeous. But so are the girls in the red-light district.”

Not a good move, dude.

Gasps echoed through the throne room. One noblewoman fainted. The court jester dropped his lute.

“How dare you compare me to those—those common whores?!”

“Hey, easy. Those ‘common whores’ pay taxes. The same taxes that keep your castle from crumbling into a moss-covered ruin.”

“You! You should be on your knees thanking the gods for my interest, not questioning it! I am Princess Yuri, the most sought-after bride in the land. Kings and nobles have begged for the privilege of having me as their wife!” The princess rushed right into your face, livid, she couldn’t contain herself and dropped all manners. "And yet, here I am, offering myself to you. You should feel incredibly lucky!”

“If you have so many suitors, you could satisfy one of them,” you replied. “Surely there must be a handsome one out there.”

The king slumped back in his throne, looking like he had aged ten years in ten seconds. The princess looked as though she might breathe fire. You just adjusted your sword belt and stared off toward the window.

“Anyway,” you resumed. “I’ve got orders to ship. Later.” You moved to walk out of the room, but not before stopping and handing a little card to the bard.

“10% discount on everything.”

The bard, caught completely off guard, fumbled the card and caught it against his chest. He looked around nervously, clutching his lute. “Thank you, my lord,” he whispered, trying not to be heard.

The king narrowed his eyes and let out a long, weary sigh. Normally, such blatant disrespect would have earned a man the gallows, a swift beheading, or at the very least a cold, dark cell. But this time… nothing.

The royal guard didn’t move an inch. And honestly? Who could blame them? They weren’t paid nearly enough to pick a fight with someone who’d just soloed a thirty-layer dungeon and walked out without so much as a scratch.

When you were nearly out of the palace, you heard a series of steps hurrying towards you. You stopped and turned around. It was the princess. The princess was running, as fast as her heavy gown would allow. 

“What was that?!” she demanded, breathless.

“What, was I not clear?” you replied, barely turning.

She paused, frustration etched into every line of her face. “I understand what you said, but why were you so rude?”

“Sorry, my lady,” you answered, “but you were being too pushy. Sometimes, being blunt is the only way to get through to people.”

“You can’t just leave like that. You saved me. All knights aspire to marry a noble lady and become the owners of great lands.”

“You’re right,” you said and nodded. “I do want a great land.”

“Then marry me.”

“No,” you said simply, “your lands are almost barren. It’s a bad investment.”

She blinked, disbelief mixing with fury. “You’re unbelievable!”

“Why do you want to marry me so badly, anyway?” you asked, stepping to face her.

The princess drew in a deep breath, steadying herself. “I’ve been trapped in that dungeon for who knows how many years—”

“It was two weeks, actually,” you interrupted.

“Don’t interrupt me.” She cleared her throat, regaining her composure. “I’ve lived trapped in this castle just as much. From a young age, my mother forced me to walk with books balanced on my head, to keep my posture perfect at all times. I endured endless lessons in history, literature, music—”

“Yeah,” you countered, “and I had to kill a rabbit with my bare hands because my family didn’t eat for a week. So I guess we both endured a pretty tough life, huh?”

The princess faltered for a moment but pressed on. “What I’m trying to say is… every princess dreams of living a fairy tale. You’re my knight; you saved me. This is how the story is supposed to go!”

“Is it really?” you said.

 Actually, no. This is not how the story is supposed to go.

“And you get to decide that?!” the princess snapped, her voice sharp with frustration.

You don’t. But I do.

“Please, my lady,” you said, softening just a bit, “I’ve already told you I don’t want to live in that castle. You said it yourself. The people there are just…” you lowered your voice, “a bit boring.”

“I’ll leave with you,” she said.

“I really don’t think you should,” you said firmly. “However, if you want to visit my shop, here’s where it is.”

You pulled out a roughly drawn map from your cloak pocket and handed it over. “It’s a bit far from your castle, but with all the carriages you’ve got, it shouldn’t be a problem. Just one thing: don’t even think about asking for discounts. The next time I see your debt collector man, I’m chopping his legs off.”

You straightened your clothes, took off your hat with a flourish, and gave a respectful bow. “Farewell, my lady.”

"Fine! Go back to your little shop, to your dusty loot and your lowborn whores!" she snapped, her voice rising with each word. "I didn’t want you anyway! If I’d known you were this heartless, I would’ve gladly stayed in that dungeon!"

You waved your hand and kept walking. 

Your horse was waiting for you outside. You got up and rode away from the capital. The farther you rode, the less the world looked like it belonged to kings. Stone roads gave way to gravel, then to packed dirt, and eventually to nothing at all. You continued until you saw the outline of another town.

By the time you arrived at your home town, the sun had dipped low behind the hills. The town wasn’t much. Cobbled streets, leaning buildings, too many cats, and a lot of noise.

You turned down a narrow side street and just before the alley twisted into shadow, your shop came into view.

A sign above the door, painted by your own hand, swung gently in the evening breeze: “Obscura – Rare Goods, Monster Parts, and Slightly Cursed Trinkets.”

The lanterns inside were still glowing faintly. You pushed the door open and stepped in. The bell above jingled and the wooden floor cracked under your steps.

Inside, it smelled like ash, old leather, and faint magic. The shelves were cluttered with all manner of bizarre goods: wyvern teeth, cursed mirrors, enchanted cloth, potion flasks labeled in runes you barely remembered. 

You walked behind the counter, unhooked your sword belt, and tossed it into the back room.

Three orders were waiting on the desk. One from a traveling bard requesting powdered shadowbeast fur. Another from a guild novice looking for a soul-bound dagger, probably to impress someone. The third… written in shaking handwriting and sealed with a black wax crest. You slid that one aside for later.

A knock came at the weathered wooden door.

“Closed,” you called out.

“It’s not even dark yet!” came the muffled protest from outside.

“Still closed,” you replied, not bothering to move.

“I got 1000 golds,” the voice said urgently.

“Open!”

A man stepped inside, his cloak caked in dirt and dust from the long road. His boots, cracked and scuffed, left faint prints on the creaky wooden floor. He dropped a heavy leather pouch onto the counter with a dull thud, the coins inside jingling softly. His eyes darted around the cramped shop.

“That a dragon tooth?” he asked, voice low and rough.

You grinned, fishing the jar from the shelf. Inside floated a pale, twisted fang, suspended in a thick amber liquid that shimmered faintly in the flickering candlelight. “Real deal,” you said proudly. “Almost lost my ear getting it. You want it?”

He nodded, eyes narrowing. “Name your price.”

You set the jar carefully on the counter. “Fifty gold.”

He snorted. “I’m not made of gold.”

You leaned forward, resting your arms on the counter, the wood rough beneath your calloused hands. “Neither am I. But that tooth’s worth every coin.”

He hesitated, then grumbled, shoving more coins your way. “Fine.”

The man rolled up his sleeve, revealing a deep, ragged claw wound that still oozed dark blood. “Wyvern got me.”

You reached under the counter and pulled out a sturdy leather satchel, worn but well-maintained. Unbuckling it, you revealed neatly organized salves, enchanted bandages shimmering with faint blue light, and jars of rare herbs harvested from dangerous places. “This’ll fix you up good as new. Price? One hundred and twenty-five gold coins.”

He laughed, a rough bark. “Three hundred?! You’re trying to make me broke.”

You shrugged, a smirk tugging at your lips. “Hey, it’s also a whole kit. I’m not selling you just a single bandage. It’s going to last you a long time.”

You took out a small, dark glass bottle, its surface etched with faint runes that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. “I usually don’t let my customers bleed all over the floor,” you said. “I’ll let you try this one for free.”

The man eyed the bottle suspiciously but uncorked it, releasing a faint scent of herbs. He dabbed a drop on his claw wound. Within moments, the edges of the gash began to knit together, the dark blood retreating as the skin closed smoothly.

His eyes widened. “Well, I’ll be damned.”

“Told you.”

He huffed, but finally dropped two hundred fifty gold on the counter. “Ninety golds and one bottle of your strongest ale?”

You arched an eyebrow. “Make it one hundred, and the ale’s yours.”

He grunted in defeat, handing over the coins. “Done.”

“You got yourself a great deal. I have the best ale in town.” That was true.

His eyes drifted to the weapons rack: sleek swords, daggers tipped with enchanted steel, and axes carved from dragon bone. “Got anything that’ll take down a wyvern?”

You pulled a long sword wrapped in supple dragonhide from its place. The blade gleamed sharp, faint runes glowing along its length. “This beauty’s seen more battles than most knights, still sharp as the day I forged her.”

He raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Price?”

“Seven hundred gold.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “Seven hundred? That better fly itself!”

You met his grin, a challenge sparking in your eyes. “Name me a better price then.”

He crossed his arms, smirking. “How low are you willing to go?”

You tapped your chin thoughtfully. “Six fifty.”

He shook his head firmly. “Six hundred, no more.”

You paused, then nodded slowly. “Come on, you already bought enough. Six hundred it is.” That was a robbery; it took you five seconds at maximum to get that sword.

The man immediately slapped six hundred gold coins on the counter. “Deal.”

You packed his order with care, slipping a few extra herbs into the bag for luck and the bottle of ale you promised. He bid you goodbye and left. 

You stood back and watched the door close, “Another satisfied customer.”

Like you didn’t just rob that poor man.

You thought you were back to your relaxing stay at your shop; however, the next day, as you were busy tending the shop, a sudden commotion stirred outside. You heard people screaming—women mostly—a lot of running, horses, carriages.

Peeking through the window, you spotted a group of rough-looking men dragging a struggling figure through the street. Your eyes locked onto her bright gold hair. 

The princess.

Without hesitation, you grabbed your sword from behind the counter and pushed open the door, slipping outside. The townsfolk parted like waves as you sprinted after the kidnappers, your boots pounding against the cobblestones.

The chase led you out of town, past fields fading into the thick edge of the haunted forest. The air grew heavy, thick with mist and the scent of damp earth. The trees loomed into you, their gnarled branches twisting into eerie curved shapes. 

The dense forest finally revealed a dark cave, half hidden behind twisting vines and shadows. The kidnappers were gone now but you still heard the sound coming from the cave.

Two grotesque figures stood sentinel, their twisted forms part beast, part shadow. Their eyes glowed faintly in the gloom, and their snarls echoed softly against the stone walls.

One stepped forward and its voice lowly rumbled: “If you wish to enter, brave knight, you must answer our riddle. Fail, and your fate is sealed.”

You sighed. “Come on, what is this? Another one of those fairy tales?”

As a matter of fact, it is.

“Fuck me. Speak your riddle.”

The other growled: “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have nobody, but I come alive with the wind. What am I?”

You studied them for a moment the quiet hum of the forest around you. “I don’t know,” you said

What do you mean you don’t know? It’s obvious.

“I don’t know, alright!”

Just think about it. You built a whole business, and you don’t know how to answer a riddle?

“Just give me the goddamn answer. They might be torturing Yuri at this point.”

It’s an echo. 

“Ooooh, right. An echo,” you said.

The monsters hissed, exchanged a glance, then stepped aside with a grunt. “You may pass, but beware what waits beyond.”

The cave’s darkness swallowed you as you stepped forward, the faint glow of enchanted runes lighting your way. Suddenly, a booming voice echoed through the chamber:

“To pass, you must face the Trial of Wisdom. Answer true or face eternal darkness.”

“Come on. Another riddle?” you muttered under your breath.

Before you stood a massive stone pedestal, upon it a scroll sealed with crimson wax. You broke the seal and unfurled the parchment, revealing a puzzle written in ancient script.

The riddle read: “I’m always running, but I never walk. I have a bed, but I never sleep. I have a mouth, but I never talk. What am I?”

You furrowed your brow. “A road,” you said confidently.

A harsh laugh echoed off the walls. “Wrong! Now you must die!”

The chamber shook as shadows crept closer. You stumbled back. “Wait—what? I lost? Hey! I get another try, right?”

“Another trial? What a joke! Prepare to die!”

How did you get that one wrong? Yeah, he gets another try.

The voice hesitated, then, with a grudging tone: “Fine. Another try.”

You took a deep breath, focused, and reconsidered the riddle. “A river,” you said, this time with conviction.

Suddenly, the runes on the pedestal glowed brightly. The stone door before you rumbled open, revealing the path ahead.

As you stepped through the opened stone door, the cavern widened into a vast chamber, dimly lit by glowing crystals embedded in the walls. There, looming in the shadows, stood a monstrous figure: tall, grotesque, with eyes like burning embers and a mouth filled with jagged teeth.

The beast began to speak with terrible arrogance. “So, another foolish mortal dares enter my domain. Know this: none who challenge me leave alive. I am the guardian of this place, keeper of secrets and judge of all who trespass—”

Before it could finish its grandiose speech, you pulled a dagger from your belt and threw it right into the middle of his forehead. The blade struck true, embedding deep in the monster’s skull. The creature staggered, mouth agape, blood poured from the wound and he fell.

You wasted no time, stepping over the beast’s crumpled body and began rifling through its hoard: gold coins, gleaming enchanted trinkets, rare gemstones, and some ancient daggers. It was actually a pretty good loot.

Just as you pocketed a particularly rare amulet, a loud scream pierced your ears. It definitely didn’t come from a monster.

“Hey! You’re supposed to save me!” The familiar voice of the princess rang out.

You turned sharply, spotting her chained nearby. She was both pissed and relieved to see you.

“Right. Almost forgot,” you muttered, crouching down and breaking her chains. You grabbed her waist and threw her effortlessly onto your shoulder. “Let’s get you out of here.”

Her arms started flailing around as she grumbled, “Put me down this instant! I’m not some sack of potatoes!”

“Easy there, my lady,” you said. “Don’t waste your energies.”

She shot you a glare. “I should have stayed in the dungeon.”

“Sure, if you like mold and spiders,” you said..

“Do you even know how to carry a princess properly?” she huffed. “You’re all backward and rough.”

“Hey, I saved you from monsters and riddles, you’ll take what you get,” you replied. “Besides, this way you get the breeze.”

“Breeze? I’d rather get a proper horse ride.”

“I do have a horse, don’t worry princess.” You said as you reached the tree where your sturdy horse waited patiently. With a grunt, you lifted her off your shoulder and set her gently on the horse’s front, just in front of you.

The princess let out a satisfied sigh. “Now this is more like it. This is how a princess is supposed to ride: front and center, not squished on a saddle behind some sweaty knight.”

You laughed. “Don’t get used to it. Horses aren’t taxis.”

As you mounted behind her, you nudged the horse forward. “Hold tight, princess. The ride home’s just beginning.”

The horse started to ran back to your town. It was a bit far away from the forest. The kidnappers really took her far. Come to think of it, they must have been the two bodies that were lying in the corner. You didn’t bother checking though, it looked like they only had some copper on them.

Yuri seemed to be enjoying herself. You didn’t. Her hair was all over your face. She didn’t bother keeping it down, she was having her moment.

“So,” you began, “why exactly did you wander all the way to my shop if you were so keen to stay locked up in that castle? Did you try to kidnapped on purpose?”

She shot you a sharp look. “I was not trying to get kidnapped.”

“Uh-huh. Because the last time I checked, nobody kidnaps someone who’s just staying home.”

She rolled her eyes. “I wanted to see the world outside the palace walls, alright? And your shop was… intriguing.”

“Intriguing?” you repeated, raising an eyebrow. “That hut in the bittle of nowhere?”

She crossed her arms. “Well, it beats sitting around in fancy gowns and listening to your father’s endless council meetings.”

“Are you still upset about that marriage thing?” you asked.

She turned her head just slightly, enough for you to see the annoyed twitch in her brow. “I don’t want to marry you.”

You blinked. “You don’t?”

“That was before I knew how rude and disgusting you were,” she said, not even trying to soften the blow.

“Wow,” you said, chuckling. “Your tongue’s a bit sharp for a lady of your decorum.”

She huffed, tossing her hair. “Mmph. And you’re too much of a brute for a knight with such a reputation.”

“Brute? Please, I brought you out of a dungeon and a death cave. I saved you twice. That’s peak chivalry.”

She crossed her arms and scoffed. “You also threw a dagger into someone’s skull mid-monologue.”

“Look at you worrying about the feelings of a troll that almost killed you.”

She huffed again. “A real gentleman would’ve at least let him finish his sentence.”

“Oh, I’m sorry. Next time I’ll let the soul-devouring creature deliver its magnificent speech before it eats someone’s face.”

She continued to glare at you. “You’re so annoying.”

“And yet,” you said, leaning slightly closer, “you followed me all the way to my shop. Twice.”

“I was kidnapped the second time.”

You shrugged. “Sounds like excuses. Maybe you just like me.”

“I’d rather kiss a slime.”

You grinned. “Slimes are cute but they don’t carry you out of haunted forests.”

Her mouth opened, ready with a retort, but it didn’t come. Instead, she looked at you for a moment longer than usual, eyes narrowing slightly like she was trying to figure something out — or maybe, trying not to.

“Still don’t want to marry you,” she said finally, a little softer.

“Good,” you replied. “Neither do I, and besides, a beautiful princess like you shouldn’t be stuck chasing after dungeon shop owners.”

She blinked, caught off guard.

“You deserve better,” you continued, sincerely. “Like one of those perfect knights our mothers told us about—blond hair, sparkling blue clothes, riding a shining white horse.”

Her cheeks flushed a deep crimson. “I’m nothing like that,” she murmured.

“Exactly,” you grinned. “You’re far prettier. And far more annoying and unlady like: you keep yapping and always have your forehead wrinkled because of your bad mood.”

She was starting to smile but you ruined it.

“You could have any suitor you want,” you said quietly. “Any prince from any kingdom, but I’m guessing none of them can keep up with you.”

The princess laughed softly. “Maybe not,” she said. “Maybe not.”

You guided the horse along the dusty road, the princess balanced in front of you, arms crossed like she was trying not to touch you any more than absolutely necessary. The silence was pleasing. There was a soft wind caressing your skin. 

You were about 2 or 4 miles away from the town when she decided to speak. Again.

“Let me try riding your horse,” she said, tilting her head slightly without making eye contact.

You raised an eyebrow. “Oh? Why is that?”

“I’m just saying… I’ve ridden horses before.”

“In parades?”

“Yes.”

“With guards holding the reins?”

“…Yes.”

“That doesn’t count,” you said.

She turned halfway toward you, her expression offended and deeply regal. “I know how to ride a horse.”

“Princess,” you said patiently, “this isn’t the royal paddock. That was a warhorse earlier that bit a goblin in half. And his name is Muckbeard.”

“I don’t care if his name is Ratface, I want to ride alone,” she huffed. “I don’t want to be carried around by you.”

“You were fine for the last hour,” you said. “And you’re going to hurt yourself, princess.”

She narrowed her eyes. “Are you afraid I’ll ride better than you?”

“Oh, definitely. I’d be so humiliated, I might retire.”

“I’m serious.”

“So am I.”

There was a long pause.

Then she raised her chin and said it again with absolute confidence: “Let me ride the horse.”

“You’re absolute sure, my princess? There’s absolutely no doubt in your mind?”

She shot you a deadly glare. “Give. Me. The. Reins.”

You sighed. “As you wish, Your Stubbornness.”

You dismounted and helped her up onto the saddle. She waved your hand away halfway through the assist, like she’d done this a thousand times. The horse, being a sensible creature, gave you a look like are you really going to let this happen?

She sat up straight, proud and smug. “See? Easy.”

“Wow,” you said. “And here I thought royal training was all embroidery and tea sets.”

She turned her nose up. “My posture is impeccable. I rode in parades.”

“Parades,” you repeated, dryly. “Were those horses alive?”

She kicked lightly, and the horse trotted forward, faster than she thought it would. She tried to grab the reins but Muckbeak kept turning imaginary corners, until it stopped abruptly at a bump in the path.

She did not.

There was a startled yelp, a flail of limbs, a rustle of skirts, and then a very undignified thump as she landed squarely on her backside in the dirt.

You froze. The horse froze.

“Don’t,” she said from the ground, already glaring up at you.

You tried. You really did. But a snort slipped out anyway.

“Don’t you dare laugh—”

You were already bent over, wheezing.

“Stop it!” She picked up a rock and hurled it at your foot.

“OW! Okay, okay!” You wiped your eyes. “Seriously though, that was incredible. You flipped, like, mid-air. I’ve never seen someone dismount a horse like that before. You might have some talent.”

“Shut. Up.” She was red-faced, brushing dust off her dress.

You offered a hand. “Come on. Let’s get you back on.”

She took your hand reluctantly. “If you didn’t save me, you’d be dead by now.”

It was already early evening when you reached your shop. The streets were quiet, save for the occasional shout of a vendor packing up or a kid chasing a chicken. You guided Muckbeard through the main road until the old shop sign creaked above you again.

You dismounted and offered a hand to the princess, who huffed, ignored it, and attempted to get down with royal dignity. She mostly succeeded, if you ignored the part where she landed on your foot.

“We’re here,” you said, stretching your back. “I’ll have a carriage sent to take you back to the castle first thing tomorrow. Don’t touch anything in the shop.”

She didn’t move.

“…Princess?”

She turned her head toward the town square, eyes wide. There was music playing somewhere. Lanterns lit the cobblestone path. Kids ran past laughing. A woman sold roasted chestnuts from a cart. A drunk bard was asleep in a flower bed.

“I’m not going back,” she said.

You blinked. “What?”

“I’m staying,” she said, more firmly. “Just for a little while. I want to see the town.”

You stared at her like she’d sprouted wings. “This isn’t a royal vacation home. There are rats the size of goats. And pickpockets. And possibly more kidnappers.”

“I’ve spent my entire life in castles, towers, and dungeons. I want to see what normal people do. What you do.”

“I kill things and yell at customers,” you muttered.

She gave you a look.

You let out a long sigh and glanced toward your shop. “As stubborn as always, huh? Fine. But don’t expect to be treated like a princess alright?”

She looked at you expectantly.

“Alright, let’s go inside, Yuri,” you said, giving her a gesture.

Her jaw dropped. “How dare you?!”

You raised a brow. “What?”

“You don’t get to call me that.”

“But that’s your name, isn’t it? Jo Yuri?”

“It’s my full name. You’re not allowed to just use ‘Yuri’ like we’re friends or— ugh, peasants!”

You gave her a mock bow. “Apologies, Your Most Royal Highness Princess Jo Yuri of Castle of the WakeOne or whatever.”

“That was not sincere at all.”

“Well, Yuri, if you want to stay here, which was your request, you’ll have to blend in,” you said. “I can’t call you princess or my lady.

She pouted, then stole a glance at the warmly lit streets. 

“Come on, Yuri,” you teased. “You’ll fit right in.”

You guided Yuri into the shop.

From the outside, it was nothing more than a little timber hut wedged between two crooked buildings but the moment she stepped inside, she lost her breath. 

The walls seemed to stretch impossibly far. Strange trinkets glimmered under soft lanternlight: bottles filled with swirling liquid that shifted colors as she passed, blades suspended in midair, maps that whispered faintly in forgotten tongues. The floor was a patchwork of rich rugs from distant lands. The air smelled faintly of cedar, parchment, and a spice she couldn’t quite name. Yuri’s head turned from left to right, her gold hair catching the glow, as if she were a child trying to take in every wonder at once.

“You seem to like the place,” you commented.

“There are so much… stuff, inside here,” she said. “Where did you even get all of this? It must come from some distant kingdom.”

“Some of them do. I’ve met a lot of merchants while going to your dungeon. I collected most of these items in its floors.”

You put down your stuff in the back of your shop, leaving Yuri wandering around between the shelves.

“You can keep looking around. If you want to know anything, just ask me,” you said. “I’ll be attending to the last customers of the day.”

Yuri just hummed. She didn’t want to thank a guy like you. Her ego wouldn’t let her.

After settling the day’s customers and locking the shop’s creaky door, you led Jo Yuri upstairs to a small, modest room. You didn’t plant to have Yuri over but you did have a spare room just in case. The window was patched but let in the soft moonlight, and a rough wool blanket lay folded on the bed.

“This is as fancy as it gets,” you muttered, dropping a small candle on the bedside table.

She sat on the edge of the bed, eyes tracing the cracks in the plaster. “It’s… fine. Better than the dungeon.”

You nodded, stepping back toward the door. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”

Jo Yuri’s gaze flicked to the door, then back to the floor. After a pause, she spoke quietly, almost too quietly: “Actually…”

You turned your head.

 “Actually…” Her voice dropped low. Yuri was playing with her finger and couldn’t look at you in the eyes. “…Can I… come to your room instead?”

You froze, halfway out the door.

She looked away, cheeks flushed, voice tight. “Not because I like you or anything. Don’t be stupid. I just… I don’t want to be alone.”

You raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

She huffed, glaring. “Maybe I’m not eager to be kidnapped again. Being stuck in a dungeon is not my favorite pastime.”

“Fair,” you said, suppressing a grin. “Well, it’s your lucky night. Come on up.”

She followed silently, eyes on the floor but fingers twitching nervously. Once inside your room, she immediately sat on the edge of your bed, avoiding your eyes at all cost.

You leaned against the doorframe. “Hey, don’t worry about it. I get it. I’m not judging you.”

“Don’t look at me like that,” she snapped, though her voice wavered.

“I was just trying to comfort you, princess. I don’t think anyone would say no to have such a pretty lady in his room, right?”

She threw a pillow at you. You ducked just in time and it knocked a painting down.

“Stop,” she said, cheeks burning.

“Alright, alright.”

She sighed, the edge softening. “Thanks for letting me stay. Even if you’re a pain in the neck.”

“Don’t worry.”

You took off your boots and your jackets and laid down beside her. “We’ll have to get you some new clothes the next days.”

“Yeah.”

Both of you laid there, looking at the ceiling, without saying a word. 

Outside, the distant hoot of an owl and the soft rustling of leaves told you the sky was already dark. Yuri’s hands clasped tightly around her necklace, staring at the worn sword resting against the wall.

After a long silence, you finally spoke. “Yuri,” you said softly. “What’s on your mind?”

She sighed, looking away. “Even though I’ve risked my life. These days have been the most exciting of my life. I’ve always felt like I was behind a glass wall. People expect me to be perfect. To smile, to know the right things, to be kind and graceful all the time.”

You nodded slowly. “Must be exhausting.”

She bit her lip. “And I’m scared. Scared that if I’m not perfect… if I show weakness… people will stop seeing me as someone worthy. It’s true that my father is the king but if the people reject me…”

Your gaze softened. “Sounds lonely.”

“It is.”

“Yuri, you’re human. It’s normal to have imperfections. Actually, I don’t think it’s normal to worry that much about the way you act… Unless you act bitchy, that’s very annoying.”

Yuri elbowed your rib.

“Ouch.” you chuckled.

“You always have to ruin everything, don’t you?” she complained.

“But really… you can act however you want around me, Yuri. I won’t judge,” you said. “We’ve met briefly but I can tell there’s a lot more under that title that you hold. You’re unlike every noble person I’ve ever met. You got a soul.”

For a long moment, you both sat in silence.

Then Yuri looked at you, her eyes wide and soft, like a lost puppy hoping for a little kindness. That quiet, vulnerable look tucked on your heartstring. You felt something stuck in your throat. It was as if she was silently asking, Please don’t leave me to face this alone.

Pet her head, dude, pet her head.

You couldn’t help but smile. No wonder she was so famous. Reaching out, your rough fingers ran through her fiery hair, giving her head a gentle, reassuring pat.

Good job.

“As your knight, I’ll be always here for you.”

She leaned into the touch, letting her cheek into the cushion, a flicker of peace washing over her face. “Thank you.”

You grinned softly. “Don’t mention it. Now get some sleep. I’m not letting you stay for free, you’ll work tomorrow. And a lot.”

Yuri learned the job faster than you’d expected, though not without a fair share of chaos in the beginning.

At first, she could barely remember where anything was. She’d mix up all sorts of potions and sell cursed objects because they looked nice. But she asked questions, paid attention, and learnt.

She memorized the shelves by walking the shop over and over, tracing her fingers along the rows until she could point out where everything belonged without looking. All the studying she did in her castle paid off.

Her natural charm did the rest. A lot of male customers stopped over and over again, curious to see who was the pretty lady witht he gold hair. Sshe also won over the older ladies of the town, laughing with them about their gossips and teasing them into trying something new. They, in turn, brought her little gifts: fresh bread, fruit, the occasional knitted scarf as if she were their own daughter.

She still made some mistakes from time to time. She stood behind the counter, carefully holding a small, ornately decorated vial. She squinted at the label.

“Hey, Yuri,” you called out, wiping your hands on a leather apron as you leaned against a nearby shelf stacked with oddities from your last expedition.

She looked up with an eager smile. “Yes?”

You nodded toward the vial she held. “What’s that one?”

Yuri examined the bottled. “It’s a potion,” she said thoughtfully. “It helps older men… stay strong.”

You smiled. “You mean the ‘Elder’s Spark’?”

“Yeah!” she said brightly. “I thought it was about stamina. You know, for running long distances, or fighting monsters longer.”

You chuckled softly. “That’s one way to look at it.”

Yuri’s eyes widened as the realization dawned, her cheeks flushing a bright shade of crimson. “Wait—what does it do?”

You grinned and leaned in conspiratorially. “Let’s just say it’s more about performance in the bedroom, not the battlefield.”

Her jaw dropped, and she quickly tried to hide the vial behind her back, embarrassed but amused. “I almost sold this to the mayor yesterday.”

"Well, that probably would have saved his marriage."

She also got really comfortable around you. “You’ve been frowning at those swords for ten minutes,” she said. “Do you love them that much, or are you just mad they’re prettier than you?”

You glanced at her. “Funny. I was just thinking how these swords remind me of you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “Sharp?”

“Expensive and high maintenance.”

She scoffed and flicked a stray piece of paper at you. “I am not high maintenance.”

“You are.”

“And yet,” she said, standing straighter, “you keep me around.”

“It’s not like I have a choice…”

You also changed, although you hated to admit it.

It was just another afternoon when a tall man draped in an expensive coat walked into the shop. He pretended to glance at the products but really, his eyes went straight to Yuri who, in a light blue dress and with her hair loosely tied back, looked far too attractive for her own good.

“Good afternoon,” the man said. “I don’t believe I’ve had the honor.”

Yuri straightened behind the counter, tucking a loose strand of gold hair behind her ear. She even smiled, the nice smile she never used on you. “I’m Yuri. Welcome to our shop.”

The man’s grin widened. “A beautiful name. Fitting.”

Yuri laughed briefly. “Thank you, sir, how may I help you? Do you need some potions?”

He flicked a glance your way, dismissive, then leaned on the counter. “And what would you recommend, Miss Yuri?”

“Oh, well…” Yuri leaned forward slightly, pointing at the display right in front of her. “This one here is excellent for stamina, especially on long journeys.”

The man smirked. “And what about something… more invigorating?”

She laughed and your shoulder tensed. “We might have something for that, too.” She picked up a smaller vial and turned it in her hand, her fingers brushing his when she passed it over.

You muttered under your breath as you rearranged bottles over and over again. “Unbelievable.”

“Hmm?” Yuri looked up just enough to catch your expression. Her eyes lit up: oh no, she noticed.

She passed another potion across the counter. “You know,” she said to the nobleman, “some of our customers are very loyal. They keep coming back… even when they don’t need anything.”

The man chuckled. “I can see why.”

“Yuri serve the man, stop talking.”

She tilted her head at you, all innocence. “Oh? Are you… concerned for our customer?”

You didn’t answer, and that was all the confirmation she needed. A wicked smirk spread across her face.

She turned back to the man lowering her voice, but still making you sure you’d hear her. “You know, sir, I don’t usually have company this charming in the shop. It’s refreshing.”

Your grip tightened around the neck of a bottle.

Yuri’s eyes flicked to you briefly, catching the twitch in your jaw. Oh, she was enjoying this.

You know, I usually don’t let just anyone see the back room. But for a gentleman like you… maybe I’ll make an exception.”

The man’s eyes sparkled. “Is that an invitation?”

She batted her lashes and said, “Maybe it is. But only if you promise to behave.”

You felt a flicker of irritation. Behave? 

“Looks like you’re enjoying the attention,” you said. You glanced at Yuri, who was pretending not to notice but the amusement in her eyes was clear.

She laughed softly, folding her arms. “Well, someone’s jealous.”

“Jealous? Me? Please.”

Yuri’s grin widened. “Sure. Keep telling yourself that.”

The man shifted awkwardly, sensing he didn’t belong in the store anymore. “I’ll leave you to it then. Good luck with your… shop.”

You watched him go, then turned back to Yuri, who was still smiling like a fool.

“Alright, Yuri,” you said quietly, “don’t flirt with our customers. I don’t want this shop polluted with players and whatnot. It will hurt the shop.”

“Sure. For the shop, keep telling you that.”

You cleared your throat. “Obviously, for the shop. What else?”

Living with Yuri was starting to become enjoyable for the both of you but the situation couldn’t last forever, and you saw the first sign a couple of months after the start of her stay.

The bell above the shop door rang again, and you looked up from your the sword you were polishing. Inside stepped a bard, wearing something too fancy to belong to anyone from this town. You examined his face for a moment and remembered: it was the fellow you had slipped a discount card to back in the throne room. He still had his lute over his shoulder.

“Welcome,” you said, leaning over the counter. “Don’t tell me you’re here for the ten percent off special.”

He grinned nervously, “Guilty.” You laughed as he came closer to the desk. “Yep, I wanted to see if you had anything interesting…” His eyes drifted past you, around the shelves and then he froze.

Yuri had just stepped out from the back room, arms full of different types of clothes. The bard’s smile faltered; he dropped his jaw, seemingly having seen a dragon for the first time. “My… lady?” he whispered.

Yuri blinked and looked around. “Me…? Do I know you?”

“Princess Jo Yuri,” he stammered, assuming a reverent tone. “I… I thought you were kidnapped! The whole kingdom is looking for you!”

The color drained from Yuri’s face. “You—you must be mistaken,” she blurted.

The bard stepped closer, looking carefully at Yuri’s face. “I would know that face anywhere.” His gaze flicked to you. “What in god’s name is going on here?”

“Hey, man, calm down,” you said.

The bard’s gaze flicked to you. “Do you realize what this means? The court believes she’s missing! Gone! They’ve sent search parties, messages, knights… You have to come back, my lady.”

Yuri shifted uncomfortably, biting her lip. “I don’t want to go back,” she admitted.

The bared stared at her in disbelief. “Princess, you can’t just stay here! You belong to—”

“Don’t tell me where I belong,” Yuri snapped.

“My lady, a woman of your caliber cannot stay in this poor dirty town.”

“If you truly serve the crown, you’ll stay quiet about this,” Yuri said. “I’m still your princess and I order you to keep this a secret.”

“My lady, this—I don’t know…” The bard scratched his head nervously as he glanced between the two of you. “Princess Jo Yuri herself hiding in a potion shop? Do you have any idea what would happen if word got out?”

“How?” you said. “Most people have never seen the faces of the royal family. They don’t even know the face of the King. It’s all tales and songs.”

The bard nodded. You had a good point. After all, she’d stayed here for months and nobody said anything.

Yuri crossed her arms and lifted her chin. “I’m not hiding. I’m living here.”

“Sorry, I don’t think I’ve heard you properly. You call this living?” He gestured to the shelves of potions. “You, who used to dine on silver and silk, selling weird potions to farmers and servants? God knows what would happen if a crazy drunk came in here.”

“That’s why I’m here,” you said. 

“That’s true but…”

“Don’t worry about it, she’s all good.”

The bard rubbed his temples. “You don’t understand. That doesn’t change the fact that half the kingdom’s searching for her. If I keep quiet, I’m risking my neck.”

Yuri had gotten closer to you, putting her left hand close to yours, holding you. Her other hand was nervously playing with her apron. “Please. I don’t want to go back. You know it’s more dangerous there. People want me dead.”

The bard thought for a long moment, then he exhaled heavily, shoulders slumping. “Fine. I’ll keep your secret. But saints help me, if someone else recognizes you, I won’t be able to stop the chaos.”

“We’ll deal with it when it comes,” Yuri said, though her voice trembled just slightly.

You shifted closer, feeling her hand tightening against yours, and put your arm lightly around her shoulders. She didn’t pull away. Her messy bun was slipping loose, and you could see the fear in her eyes. You squeezed her gently.

The bard groaned, dragging a hand down his face. “Unbelievable. I’ll be damned. You’re married now, right?”

“No.”

“Not yet.”

He leaned across the counter, lowering his voice. “You’d better make it worth my while. I expect a larger discount.”

“Larger? You’re getting everything for free.”

The bard blinked. “For free?”

“Yeah,” you said, patting Yuri’s hand as you held it. “Because if anyone asks, you were never here.”

The bard laughed nervously, stepping back from the counter. “Gods help me, I think I just sold my soul.”

The bard was good enough not to empty the shelves, though he certainly didn’t leave empty-handed. Still, you didn’t complain—he was doing you a huge favor. Keeping his mouth shut was worth far more than a few bottles of potion.

“You really think we can trust him?” she asked softly.

You glanced at the door where the bard had disappeared, then at her. “Not completely,” you admitted. “But he owes us now. And besides…” You reached out and adjusted the apron string slipping from her shoulder. “I’ll handle it if things go wrong.”

It wasn’t long until you had to deal with it again. 

You’ve noticed some people hanging some posters around the city. You took one of the copies that they were trying to put on your door, shooing away the man. 

“What’s the point of this? No one in this city can read,” you huffed. 

“I can read,” Yuri said.

“You’re a princess Yuri. I’m clearly not talking about you, you airhead,” you said. She gave you a look and stopped talking. “Hey, look at what it says here.”

Yuri sighed, put down her stuff and went beside you.

You smoothed it across the counter and read the bold letters:

[Prince Damian seeks the most beautiful woman in the kingdom to be his bride. All maidens are encouraged to present themselves at the capital.]

You whistled. “Well, guess you’re in trouble, Yuri.”

“Trouble?”

You waved the poster at her. “Says here the prince is looking for the prettiest woman in the land. You’re sitting right at the top of that list.”

Her cheeks flushed, and she quickly turned back to her shelf. “D-Don’t say ridiculous things. Plenty of women are prettier.” 

Then she cleared her throat, frowning. “Didn’t you once say there were whores as pretty as me?”

“Oh, you still remember.” You tried for a grin and cleared your throat. “You know I didn’t mean it. Besides, the whole town comes here just to look at you. You’re clearly the most beautiful woman around.”

She shot you a glare. “Flattery won’t make me forget what you said.”

“Anyway,” you said, shrugging, “what are the odds the prince ever finds you? Out of all the women in the kingdom?”

A trumpet blast blared outside.

You and Yuri froze.

The door slammed open, and in strode a tall man dressed in royal blues and gold, a sparkling emblem pinned to his chest. His hair glinted like polished copper in the sunlight, and behind him, a pair of armored guards tried to squeeze into the tiny doorway.

“I have been informed,” he declared in a deep, sonorous voice, “that this establishment houses a maiden of rare beauty.”

“Oh, come on, this is not possible,” you groaned, dragging a hand down your face. “It’s like one of those dramas again.”

Sorry, you are in one. Story was getting too boring.

Yuri was standing behind the counter, sleeves rolled up, a smudge of ink on her cheek from the ledger she’d been writing in. Her hair was loosely tied, a few strands falling against her face as she leaned over the desk. Just an apron, a little messy, and completely absorbed in her work.

Prince Damian stopped dead, as though struck by lightning. “By the saints,” he whispered. “I’ve found my angel.”

Yuri blinked at him, baffled. “Um… can I help you?”

Damian cleared his throat. “I… I beg your pardon. Forgive my forwardness. It is simply—such beauty, I thought it only existed in songs.”

Yuri’s face reddened. She tugged at her apron, edging back. “I’m really not—”

“Please,” Damian said earnestly, “come with me. Be my wife. I promise you riches, power—anything you desire.”

“No.” Yuri shook her head. “No thank you. I’m not interested.”

“That’s not how this works,” Damian said. His eyes turned dark, and he snapped his fingers.

The two giants moved before you could react. One grabbed your right arm, the other your left. “Hey! You brutes!” you shouted, legs kicking helplessly. “Put me down!”

“Do something!” Yuri cried, backing up as Damian advanced on her. “You’re the one who cleared the dungeon!”

“I would do something!” you grunted, struggling against the iron grips on your arms. “But in case you haven’t noticed—” you jerked your chin toward the guards, “—these guys are double my size! How am I supposed to move?!”

Yuri stomped her foot. “That’s not an excuse!”

The giants shoved you towards the shelf, knocking down all of your bottles. “That’s worth a fortune, you bastards!”

Damian ignored you, eyes fixed on Yuri as he reached for her hand. “Don’t be afraid, my lady. Your proper place is at my side.”

“Proper place?!” Yuri slapped his hand away. “Get away from me!”

He snapped again. More guards burst in. They grabbed Yuri despite her thrashing and hauled her outside.

“Rob the place,” he said casually. “Take whatever looks valuable. Burn the rest if you like. And as for him…” Damian’s gaze flicked to you, still wriggling uselessly under the grip of the giants. “…take him far from here. Somewhere no one will hear him whining.”

One brute grinned, showing missing teeth. “Forest’ll do.”

“Good. The darker the better.” Damian adjusted his cloak and left the shop.

You thrashed again, fury boiling. “You fuck—”

A fist like a sledgehammer struck your stomach, knocking the words and breath out of you. Your knees buckled, but the guards didn’t let go; they just dragged you out, boots scraping the floor. The door slammed shut behind you, the bell jingling mockingly.

The world blurred as they hauled you down the street, through alleys, past the faces of townsfolk too afraid to intervene. The further they carried you, the fewer people there were. The cobblestones gave way to dirt, the dirt to roots, until the towering trees of the old forest swallowed you whole.

After halfway through the journey, you heard the horses leave. The two giants carried you alone through the forest. You figured it was because of the rumors about the monsters the resided inside its trees.

“Here,” one grunted. “Nobody comes this far. Perfect for dumpin’ trash.”

The two brutes shoved you hard, and you hit the dirt beside the crooked stone well. They loomed over you debating how to finish the job.

The bigger one cracked his knuckles. “We could end him right here. Damian won’t care.”

The second nodded.

You groaned, rolling to one side, then forced out a laugh. “Yeah, sure, kill me. Brilliant idea. You’ll be eating grass and drinking mud before the week’s over.”

That made them pause.

You grinned through the blood on your lip. “Damian isn’t sending a carriage back. The guards already left you. Without me, you’ll starve in a week.”

The smaller brute frowned. “…We’ll find food.”

“Really?” You cocked your head. “Do either of you know which berries kill you? Could you even make a fire with those bulbous hands? Lucky for you, I can hunt. Keep me alive, and you’ll survive.You want to kill me, fine, but then you’ll starve to death right next to my corpse.”

The brutes exchanged a long, uneasy glance.

“Damian won’t like it…”

But finally, the smaller one grunted. “Fine. But if you try anything—”

“Yeah, yeah.” You lifted your hands.

The two giants eventually agreed to keep you alive. That night, they forced you to make fire. You built it easily, and slipped into the forest to hunt some rabbits. You thought about running away but the forest was too thick and they’d find you before you were out.

“Dinner’s served, gentlemen,” you said cheerfully, stirring. 

They ate like starving dogs, not leaving anything to you. Their greed would be their death. The big one belched, then frowned. His stomach growled, loud. The other groaned, clutching his side. “What the hell… did you—”

They both toppled over.

The larger brute tried to curse you, but his words turned into a gargle. Within moments, the forest was quiet again except for the crackle of the fire.

You sat back, wiped your hands and looked around to figure out where you were located. “Now to figure out how the hell I get back to Yuri…”

You trudged through the forest, muttering curses under your breath. The firelight was long gone behind you, and the only companions left were the trees and the few animals of the night.

That’s when you heard it.  A faint, lilting tune, carried by the breeze. You froze. It wasn’t just noise, it was music. A lute, paired with a soft humming voice.

“No way…” you muttered, following the sound.

And there he was, sitting cross-legged on a rock by a small fire: the bard. 

He looked up, nearly dropping his lute when he saw you. “Mr adventurer. You look awful.”

You staggered closer, half laughing, half desperate. “I could kiss you right now, miracle man.”

“Please don’t.” He raised a hand and wrinkled his nose. “You smell like mushrooms and dog shit.”

You dropped beside his fire, catching your breath. “Yuri—Damian’s men—they took her. Two brutes dragged me out here to die, but… I saved myself.”

The bard’s face hardened. “Damian? The prince of the West?”

You clenched your fists. “Yes. And if I don’t get a horse right now, God knows what Damian will do to her.”

The bard whistled. From the shadows, a sleek black horse trotted into the firelight.

You stared, then nearly laughed. “You’re a lifesaver.” You hugged him.

He stiffened. “It’s my duty to serve the princess. I’ll send word to the king. But Damian’s county isn’t close. You’ll have to ride hard.”

“Wouldn’t be the first time.” You swung into the saddle. “Thank you, friend.”

“Try not to die,” the bard said dryly.

You tugged the reins. The horse surged forward. Two days, no breaks, nothing but potions to keep you and the horse going.

You stopped just short of the castle gates, already knowing you couldn’t fight your way in. Two giant guards in polished armor crossed their halberds in front of you.

“Halt. State your business.”

You held your hands up casually. “My business is inside. I have to meet Prince Damian and—”

“No entry without writ or seal,” one of them cut in. “Orders are strict. The prince doesn’t want interruptions.”

You sighed, patted your belt pouch, and let a few coins jingle. “Well… perhaps the prince doesn’t want interruptions. But you gentlemen don’t strike me as the kind of men who want to stand in the cold all night without a little… warmth in your pockets.”

The guards glanced at each other. One cleared his throat. “It’s not that easy—”

You dropped a handful of silver into the man’s gauntleted hand. The weight clinked nicely. His eyes softened.

“…Maybe easier than I thought,” he said.

The other guard leaned closer, frowning. “What about me?”

You groaned. “Fine. Both of you.” You split the pouch, handing the second guard his share.

They both stepped aside in unison, their halberds lifting like a grand ceremony. “Welcome, traveler.”

Inside, the castle was alive with light and music. You slipped through the outer hallways, quiet as a cat. A lone servant rounded the corner, carrying a tray of fruit and wine. Bad timing for him. Before he could scream, you grabbed him by the collar and gave him a quick thunk against the wall. He slumped like a sack of potatoes, the goblet of wine rolling across the floor.

“Sorry, buddy. Nothing personal.”

You stripped him of his fine doublet and ridiculous feathered cap, tugged it all on over your own clothes. The outfit fit poorly, but with a little tugging, it would pass. Before going, you had to get a couple of bites of whatever was on that tray. You haven’t eaten in a while. Of course, you had to fix it a bit around so it didn’t look empty. You adjusted the cap and marched down the corridor. 

A pair of guards stopped you again.

“Where are you going?”

You gave them the most condescending look you could muster, like you’d been wearing silk your whole life. “To see the prince, obviously. Do you want to explain to him why his refreshments are late?”

The guards stiffened immediately. “No, sir.” They moved aside at once.

You strolled past. “That’s what I thought.”

In the meanwhile, Damian was trying his best to court Yuri. His rose hovered in front of Yuri but she didn’t take it. Instead, she leaned back in the chair, arms folded tight. “You’ve got some nerve,” she said coldly.

Damian blinked. “Nerve?”

“You kidnapped me.” Her voice was flat, biting, every word like a slap. “And now you’re offering me flowers? Do you think I’m that stupid? That if you dangle a shiny petal, I’ll just forget the part where your thugs nearly snapped his spine and dragged me here against my will?”

Damian’s jaw tightened. “I only did what was necessary. For someone like you, a crown, a castle, it is destiny. I—”

“Oh, spare me,” Yuri cut in, rolling her eyes. “Destiny? Please. You brought me here because you want a pretty prize to sit beside you. That’s all I am to you, isn’t it? Something to show off.”

Damian’s face flushed red. “You misjudge me. I only—”

“No,” Yuri snapped “I’m not some fragile doll you can shove in a corner and crown with jewels. And if you think I’d ever marry the man who thought kidnapping was the way to win me, then you’re even dumber than your stupid posters.”

You burst through the door, heart hammering, and skidded to a stop in the middle of the room. The dining room quieted. All the nobles and servants turned around to look at you. Damian looked up as well at the armed servant.

“Take your hands off Yuri!” you barked, stepping forward. “She’s mine!”

Yuri’s eyes widened for a split second before a giggle escaped her lips, soft and airy, like a little girl caught in a game. She covered her mouth, trying to hide it, but it only made it worse.

Damian arched a brow, unbothered, and leaned back in his chair. “Yours? A bold claim.” He rose smoothly, his smirk cutting. “Nothing belongs to you. Everything in this land is mine.” His fist slammed onto the table, rattling goblets and plates.

You squared your shoulders. “Then prove it. Fight me. Defend your honor—if you have any.”

The nobles stirred, whispering and glancing at each other. Damian’s pride was on the line, he couldn’t refuse. “A duel, then. The prince never backs down.”

Yuri gave a helpless laugh, cheeks pink, her eyes darting between the two of you.

“Enough talk,” you snapped. “Draw your weapon.”

Damian raised his hand. A servant rushed forward, bearing a polished rapier whose steel gleamed in the torchlight. Elegant, deadly. You looked at your own weapon: a short, unimpressive dagger stolen from a distracted guard. It felt like a toy in your hand.

“…Hardly fair,” you muttered.

“Then kneel now,” Damian sneered.

“Never.”

“Begin!”

He lunged with startling speed, the rapier whistling inches from your face. You twisted aside, heart pounding, and the crowd gasped.

“Fast,” you admitted, circling, “but have you ever fought anything that wasn’t a wooden mannequin?”

Murmurs rippled through the hall. Damian’s lips curled back as he struck again, graceful arcs that would have looked beautiful on a practice field. You ducked, scraped your dagger against his blade, and jabbed for his ribs. He twisted away, silk sleeve hissing.

Steel rang out, sparks flashing as he slashed at you again and again. You retreated step by step, deflecting blows with desperate scrappiness, your dagger screeching against the rapier. Each strike rattled your bones, but your quips made the nobles laugh and whisper.

“You’re stalling!” Damian spat, his breath ragged with frustration.

“Of course I’m stalling,” you panted. “I’ve got a butter knife if you haven’t noticed, you fool.”

Damian’s face flushed crimson. He redoubled his attack, the rapier a blur of silver, driving you toward the wall. Your shoulders brushed cold stone. He thrust, and you rolled under the blade at the last second.

The rapier stabbed into the wooden beam behind you with a deep crack. Damian tugged hard, veins bulging, but the blade stayed wedged fast.

The hall went silent.

You rose, and taunted him again. “Now that’s embarrassing.”

The crowd cooed, and Damian’s fury boiled over. He let go of the rapier and swung at you bare-fisted. His knuckles grazed your jaw. You staggered, caught yourself, then rammed the hilt of your dagger into his face. He stumbled back, roaring in rage.

He lunged with a tackle, but you sidestepped and kicked his knee. He buckled. You followed with a boot to his gut, driving the breath from his lungs. Then, for show, you spun and swept his legs out from under him.

The prince crashed flat on his back, gasping, armor clattering against stone.

The nobles pressed closer, their whispers like the hiss of snakes. Some cheered. Others looked horrified. Yuri’s laughter had vanished, her eyes were wide now, lips parted in a worried gasp.

You planted your boot on Damian’s chest and pressed your dagger to his throat. “It’s over.”

“Go to hell!” he snarled.

For a heartbeat, silence. The crowd leaned in.

Then you drove your dagger into the unguarded gap of his armor. His eyes widened, lips parting soundlessly. A shudder ran through him, and then he slumped still beneath your boot.

Yuri jumped down from her perch, running towards. “Ooooh! You did it! You won! That was amazing!”

Panting, you threw the dagger down at the floor and looked at her, exasperated and laughing at the same time. “Please tell me you’re not giggling over the fact he’s dead.”

“Of course I am!” she squealed like a little girl, grabbing your arm. “That was the best duel ever! You were so brave! And strong! And amazing! Finally you’re acting like a proper hero!”

You pinched your nose between your fingers, trying to keep a semblance of composure. “I… I guess that means I won, huh?”

She giggled, pressing close. “Oh, yes! You won me!”

“I would have preferred some gold, to be honest,” you joked.

Yuri shoved you. “You always have to ruin everything, don’t you?”

The castle gates thundered open. You barely had time to catch your breath from the duel when a full retinue of armored knights stormed into the hall. At their head rode the King himself, his armor gleaming, crown set firmly upon his head.

His eyes swept the room, taking in the chaos, before settling on you. He blinked once, momentarily startled by your attire—you looked more like a wandering jester than a knight. His attention shifted to Damian’s lifeless body. He understood what happened.

“You killed Damian, didn’t you?” the King said, his voice calm but firm. “He has troubled my kingdom long enough. You’ve truly done me a favor.”

A long exhale escaped you, tension slipping from your shoulders at last. Behind you, Yuri stepped forward, hands clasped nervously.

The King’s eyes softened as they met hers. “Yuri?” His voice was gentle, tinged with relief. “You—”

“Yes, Father. I am safe now,” she said, her words steady.

“And you…” His gaze turned back to you, piercing and deliberate. “You are the adventurer, the one who rescued Princess Yuri from that dungeon months ago… and refused my offer of marriage.”

You inclined your head. “Yes, Sire. I could not accept then… but I could not let her be taken again.”

The King’s stern expression softened, giving way to gratitude and relief. “Twice you have risked your life for my daughter. I am indebted to you.”

You just removed your hat and bowed.

Yuri stepped closer, brushing her hand against yours. “Father… I no longer wish to remain a noble. I want to leave with him.”

The King raised an eyebrow, concern flickering in his gaze. “Do you understand what it means to live among the common people?”

“Yes, Father. I… I’ve been living with him these past months, helping in his shop,” Yuri confessed, cheeks flushing. “I escaped the castle myself.”

The King’s eyes widened in surprise, then shifted between the two of you. After a long pause, he nodded slowly, a quiet approval in his gaze. “Very well. It seems I don’t have to be worried as long as you’re with him.”

Yuri’s shoulders relaxed, a small, grateful smile playing on her lips.

“And… have you decided to marry my daughter now?” the King asked, a hint of amusement in his tone. “After all you have done?”

You looked at Yuri, exhaled, and smiled. “Yes. I will marry her.”

A gasp escaped Yuri’s lips before she flung herself into your arms, kissing you and clinging tightly. You laughed softly, holding her close.

And so, hand in hand, the princess and the knight left the castle behind to live a life of their own. Together, you rebuilt the shop, free of the harassment of the IRS, and business flourished with your wife at your side. And thus they lived happily ever after.

THE END

Written, 12 July - 18 August 2025

Author's note

It was golden. The afternoon was dispersing rays of honey through the café blinds — warm light cutting into the cold, brushing against your skin like a memory you didn’t ask for, but secretly needed. The kind of coziness that wraps around your chest and makes you forget that you’re older now. That things aren’t the same.

"Okay..." You tapped your fork against the table, eyes wide, dramatic. "...Tell me this isn’t one of the best chocolate cakes we’ve ever tasted?" You made a face so exaggerated it would’ve made Willy Wonka proud.

Across from you sat Kim Minju — your childhood best friend, your constant.

"The one from that old lady back on our street still wins," she said, already smiling before the memory could finish replaying.

"Ah, but they went out of business, right?" you asked, turning to her, that usual sparkle in your eyes.

"Yeah, unfortunately..." Her voice dipped slightly, softer now. She looked down at the chocolate cake and took a bite. "...But yeah, this one’s decent. There’s this café near campus too — their desserts are really good."

"Oh, really?" you perked up, voice full of that gentle, boyish giddiness that still felt like middle school sometimes. "My girlfriend would love that. I should take her. What do you think?"

And just like that — Minju’s smile faded.

It was the smallest shift — a twitch at the corner of her lips, a pause in her hand — but it was there. That soft, traitorous ache behind her ribs. That name again. That reminder again.

Your girlfriend. Not her. Never her.

But who cares? She’s just a friend. A long-time one. The one who knows your coffee orders, your ugly crying face, your worst haircut in 7th grade. And maybe that’s all she was ever supposed to be.

"Yeah…" she forced the smile back onto her face, careful, gentle. "She’ll like that for sure."

Then she zoned out. Your voice drifted off, became background noise, like rain on a window. Her eyes stayed on the cake but her thoughts ran elsewhere. Somewhere blurrier. Somewhere quieter.

"Hey, Minju? Are you listening?" Your hand waved in front of her, snapping her back.

"Yeah. Sorry…" She smiled again — smaller this time, like she was using the last of it.

You tilted your head. "You can have the rest. I’m not into sweets that much anymore." You slid the plate toward her, the cake now half-finished and slightly melting under the warmth.

THE NEXT DAY.

It was that sweet spot between classes, not quite lunch, not quite dismissal. The golden hour hadn’t arrived yet, but the light was already shifting. Warm and gentle, it made everything feel softer than it really was.

Minju sat beneath the old acacia tree near the west side of the courtyard. It was the usual spot, a little slope of grass with enough shade to keep her bento from turning into soup. Around her, a few friends lazed with their legs stretched out, backpacks half-zipped, laughter drifting with the breeze.

Yuna was lying flat on her stomach, giggling over a guy from her lab class. Chaewon sat cross-legged, editing a TikTok with serious concentration, the phone close to her face. Minju, meanwhile, hadn't touched her food.

She was staring, unfocused, past the crowd.

Not at the buildings. Not at the fountain. But at you.

You were sitting on the stone bench by the café steps, the one with the faint crack running through the middle. You always called it the lucky bench, because it was where you once passed a midterm you swore you’d fail.

Now you were sitting there with your girlfriend. Her head rested on your shoulder, and your fingers were lazily interlaced. You were laughing at something she said, that familiar laugh Minju had known since the fifth grade. The kind of laugh that crinkled your nose and made strangers glance up.

And you looked happy.

"Earth to Minju." Yuna waved a spoon in front of her face. "You’ve been staring into space for the past ten minutes. What’s up?"

Minju blinked, startled. "Nothing. Just zoned out." She smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.

Chaewon followed her gaze and smirked. "Oh. The legendary best friend and his dreamy girlfriend." She stretched her arms overhead. "They look like a Pinterest board."

"Yeah," Minju said, trying not to sound as flat as she felt. "They’re cute."

Yuna gave her a side glance. "Weren’t you lowkey in love with him back in high school?"

Minju didn’t flinch. She’d practiced this.

"That was years ago," she replied, casually opening her lunch box. "I don’t even remember."

But she remembered everything. How you used to sneak her gummy bears during math class. How you waited with her under the rain because she forgot her umbrella. How you’d text her dumb jokes at 3AM because only she would get them.

Minju picked at her rice without tasting it. The wind brushed a few loose petals from the tree above. One landed in her lap, then fell to the grass.

Across the courtyard, your girlfriend playfully smacked your arm. You leaned into her, your cheeks flushed with laughter.

And something in Minju’s chest curled up.

A quiet late morning in the main hallway of the university’s arts building. It’s not crowded yet — just scattered students walking with half-finished coffee cups, tote bags, and sleepy eyes. The tiles echo lightly under every step.

"You’re late."

Minju raised an eyebrow as you jogged toward her, backpack lopsided, a piece of toast comically sticking out of your mouth.

"Not true," you said, words muffled as you took the toast out. "I’m fashionably on time. There’s a difference."

She sighed, crossing her arms. "Class starts in five minutes."

You held up two fingers. "Still time to grab an iced americano."

"You don’t even drink coffee," she said, deadpan.

"Yeah, but I wanna look cool holding one."

She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. This was the version of you she always loved best — the idiot, the goof, the boy who made even waiting outside a lecture hall feel like a sitcom scene.

You walked side by side down the hall, your shoulder brushing hers every now and then. Students passed by, some nodding, some whispering. The two of you had been "those two" since freshman year — always together, always bantering.

"Did you study for the quiz?" she asked.

"Define study."

"Don’t tell me you’re winging it again."

You shrugged. "I remember stuff better under pressure."

She scoffed. "You remembered Pi as '3.14159 Hotdog' last time."

"Hey," you said, grinning, "it worked, didn’t it?"

Minju rolled her eyes again, but her laugh was real. The kind of laugh that slips out before you can think, the one that makes the back of her hand lightly smack your arm.

You opened the classroom door for her like you always did, bowing dramatically. "M’lady."

"Please disappear," she muttered, but she was already walking in, cheeks slightly warm.

You slid into the seat beside her like clockwork. No questions. No asking. That seat was always yours.

As the professor began the lecture, Minju glanced at you.

You were already doodling in the margins of your notebook, humming a song you both used to sing during high school field trips. She didn’t even have to ask. You just knew.

And for that moment, everything was okay again.

No girlfriends. No aching. No distance. Just the two of you. Minju and you.

Best friends.

Lunchtime. The open-air cafeteria is buzzing — students laughing over rice bowls, trays clattering, a speaker playing soft indie-pop no one’s really listening to. Minju and Y/N sit at their usual table near the edge, shaded by an umbrella half-broken from last month’s storm

"You seriously packed instant noodles again?" Minju asked, staring at your tupperware like it offended her.

You grinned. "Adds spice to my life. Literally and emotionally."

"You’re going to burn a hole in your stomach."

"It’s a fun way to go."

Minju poked your container with her chopsticks, making a face. "You had time to memorize memes but not to cook rice. Impressive."

You were mid-slurp when your phone buzzed on the table. You didn’t even check it — just glanced at the screen, let it buzz again, and flipped it face-down.

Minju didn’t comment. Not at first. But she caught the way your jaw clenched for a second. The way your chopsticks slowed down.

"Everything okay?" she asked, casually, almost like she didn’t mean anything by it.

"Yeah," you said quickly. "Just… nothing. Just her again."

Her. No name. No warmth.

Minju blinked.

"She’s mad I didn’t text her during class," you said, trying to brush it off with a half-laugh. "Even though she knows I have back-to-back lectures."

Minju tilted her head slightly. "Did you tell her that?"

"I did." Your voice dropped an inch. "But you know how it is. Everything becomes an argument lately."

You smiled right after, like that made it better. But Minju didn’t smile back.

She watched as you shoved your phone deeper into your bag. Watched as your eyes darted across the cafeteria like you were checking for exits. You were tired. She could see it — not in your posture, but in the way you faked your usual energy. Like someone playing a role they didn’t want to admit they were tired of.

"You ever feel like…" you started, but trailed off.

Minju looked up. "What?"

You shook your head. "Never mind. Just me being dramatic."

She didn’t push. She just opened her packet of seaweed and slid a few sheets onto your tray. Like always.

You looked at them, then at her.

"Thanks."

Minju smiled. "Don’t mention it."

You started eating again, and the moment passed. But something had shifted.

Minju couldn’t unsee it now — the way you hesitated. The way your smile didn’t reach your eyes when you mentioned her. The way you seemed lighter when you weren’t answering her texts.

And for the first time in a while, Minju didn’t feel jealous. She felt sad. For you.

Late afternoon. The courtyard is quieter than usual. Most students have gone to class or tucked away into cafés. Minju walks across the main path, earbuds in but not playing anything, sipping a convenience store iced tea. She’s on her way to the library for a group project

She wasn’t looking for you. But she found you anyway.

You were standing just outside the covered walk behind the campus auditorium. Alone — or so she thought.

Your girlfriend was there too, her voice sharp, hushed but intense. And you? You looked different.

You weren’t smiling. You weren’t cracking jokes. You weren’t you.

Minju stopped walking, instinctively hiding behind the pillar next to the vending machine. She didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but something about your posture froze her in place.

"I told you I was in class," you said, voice low. Firm, but tired.

"But you always have time for her, don’t you?" your girlfriend snapped back. There was venom behind the words — not the playful kind. Real, bitter, unfiltered jealousy.

Minju’s stomach dropped.

"Don’t bring Minju into this," you said, voice cracking a little. "She has nothing to do with it."

"She’s always around. You act different when you're with her. Lighter. Happier."

There was a pause.

Minju didn’t breathe.

"You think I don’t notice?" your girlfriend continued. "She looks at you like you’re her whole world, and you just let it happen."

"It’s not like that."

"Isn’t it?"

Silence. Minju couldn't see your face anymore — you’d turned away, head low, one hand on your temple like this wasn’t the first time. Like it was exhausting.

Then your girlfriend’s voice dropped to a whisper.

"You only laugh like that when you're with her."

And that was it.

Minju stepped away. Quietly. Carefully. Back down the path, iced tea forgotten in her hand. Her heart was thudding too loud to think. Not from guilt. Not even from hope.

But from something worse.

You didn’t even realize you were unhappy.

And maybe, just maybe — you didn’t realize that you were already breaking apart.

Campus hallway, two days later. The vibe is different now. The hallway's still noisy, filled with students heading to lunch or back to class, but there’s a strange quiet that follows you around — like something’s missing

"Wait, where’s Minju?"

You looked over your shoulder, tray in hand, scanning the crowd outside the cafeteria.

Chaewon glanced at you from across the lunch table. "Didn’t she tell you? She’s been eating with her film group lately. Something about a deadline."

You frowned. That was the third time this week.

"Right..." you muttered, but the words felt too light in your mouth. No message. No call. Not even her usual ‘save me a seat’ text.

You thought maybe it was just a busy week — until you started noticing the little things. She started switching seats in class. Started taking the long way to the building. Started replying with just one-word answers when she used to send full-on essays and memes.

Minju was avoiding you.

You didn’t know why. And that bothered you more than it should have.

The same day. She’s seated on the library floor, laptop open, pretending to work. There’s a group chat open beside her script doc, your name at the top, unread.

She could feel it. The guilt. The confusion. The ache of you looking for her, even if you never said it out loud.

But she couldn't go back. Not yet.

Not when she’d seen it — how broken you looked behind that bench. Not when your girlfriend accused her of being the reason for your smile. Not when she knew how badly she wanted that to be true.

So she pulled away. Skipped lunch. Dodged hallways. Stayed behind on purpose.

Because if keeping her distance meant your relationship had a fighting chance... Then she’d do it.

Even if it meant pretending she didn’t miss you. Even if it meant watching you drift without ever knowing why.

Friday afternoon. The sun is starting to dip, casting warm light through the campus trees. Minju sits with her friends at the grassy hill near the Fine Arts building, the kind of place students go to unwind before the weekend — notebooks open but barely used, drinks half-empty, playlists playing softly through someone’s speaker

Minju sat cross-legged on the grass, resting her chin in her hand as Yuna went on about her disaster of a group project.

"So I said, ‘You can’t just ghost the entire group and come back with a Canva slide that says “Trust the process.”’ Like, what process?!"

Chaewon snorted, sipping her milk tea. "It’s always the marketing majors."

Minju smiled, nodding at the right beats, her other hand absently plucking at the grass. Her drink was untouched beside her, condensation dripping down the side.

And then she saw you.

Down by the paved pathway near the parking lot. Your girlfriend looped her arm around yours, playfully tugging you close. You laughed — the kind of laugh that made your shoulders shake, your head tilt back. She reached up and fixed your hair with both hands, and you let her.

It was nothing. So normal. So couple-y. So public.

It hurt anyway.

Minju’s gaze didn’t linger too long. Just long enough.

Long enough to notice how tightly your girlfriend gripped your wrist. Long enough to see how your eyes flicked away right after you laughed.

But she said nothing. Just looked away and grabbed her drink.

Yuna noticed. "You okay?"

Minju blinked. "Hm? Yeah."

Chaewon raised an eyebrow but didn’t press it. They’d noticed the shift — how Minju had been more distant, quieter around you. How her phone buzzed less. How she smiled like she was somewhere else.

"Do you wanna go to the movies tomorrow?" Yuna offered. "My treat. I need serotonin."

Minju nodded. "Yeah. That sounds nice."

But her eyes found you again. And for a split second, you looked up too.

You didn’t smile. You just blinked, like you were trying to figure something out. But then your girlfriend tugged your sleeve and said something, and your attention snapped back to her.

Minju looked away for good this time. Buried the ache beneath another sip of her drink. Because being your friend meant watching from a distance now. And pretending that was enough.

A bustling movie theatre on a Saturday night. Neon signs glow over ticket booths, the scent of buttered popcorn clings to everything, and couples, friends, and students chatter as they shuffle into screening rooms

"This is the dumbest movie I’ve ever bought tickets for," Chaewon muttered, balancing a soda in one hand and a jumbo popcorn in the other.

"You literally picked it," Yuna said, laughing. "Own it."

Minju just smiled, tugging her hoodie sleeves over her palms as they entered the dim screening room. The cool air of the theatre hit her skin instantly — comforting, familiar. They found their seats, middle row near the back, a perfect view.

"Minju, hold this," Yuna said, shoving the candy bag into her lap while wrestling with her jacket.

Minju took it without a word, glancing around the theatre before the lights dimmed.

Her eyes paused for a second.

Across the aisle, two seats down and three rows forward — a guy was leaning back with his arm stretched behind the girl next to him. They were laughing quietly, heads close together.

It wasn’t you. But for a moment, it looked like you. The way he leaned in, the way she smiled up at him — it mirrored too many memories.

Minju turned away quickly, facing forward just as the trailers began.

She forced herself to focus.

She laughed when her friends laughed. Chewed on candy she didn’t even like. Held the popcorn when it was passed to her. Everything looked the same on the outside.

But her mind betrayed her.

This seat used to be next to you.

She remembered sneaking snacks past the theatre guards, you cracking dumb jokes during the trailers, your sleeve brushing hers in the dark. She remembered crying over a movie once and how you nudged her, whispering, “You cry over this but not when I failed calc?”

And she laughed through her tears.

Now she was here. Surrounded by friends, but feeling like a stranger in her own skin.

And she hated that one empty row of seats could make her feel like something was missing.

You weren't even here. And still, you filled the whole theatre.

11:48 PM. The city is quieter now. Just the occasional tricycle passing, music playing faintly from a nearby bar, and the crunch of footsteps along the sidewalk. The girls walk together, arms linked, shoes in hand.

"The movie sucked," Chaewon said, kicking a pebble down the street.

"Totally. But worth it for the popcorn," Yuna grinned, brushing sugar dust off her sweater.

Minju was quiet.

She hadn’t said much since they left the theatre — just nodded, laughed a little, smiled when spoken to. The kind of smile people wear when they’re trying not to say what’s really on their mind.

Yuna noticed. She always noticed.

"You okay, Min?" she asked softly, her tone more careful this time. "Your head’s been somewhere else lately."

Minju looked up at the night sky, the stars barely visible behind the city glow. "I’ve just been thinking too much."

Chaewon fell into step beside her. "About?"

Minju hesitated. She could lie. She could say school, or sleep, or that dumb movie. But she didn’t.

She clutched her hoodie sleeve tighter.

"About him," she said quietly.

The group didn’t react right away. Just silence. The kind that let her keep going.

"I know he’s happy. I know he has a girlfriend. I know I’m just his best friend and I should be okay with that." Her voice didn’t shake, but it was softer than usual. "But it’s hard, you know?"

Yuna slowed down a little, walking closer. "You still love him?"

Minju nodded once. "I don’t even know when it started. It wasn’t like this huge moment. It was just… one day, I looked at him, and everything felt different. And then it never went back."

She let out a quiet laugh, brushing hair from her face.

"And the worst part? I tried to stay close. I wanted to just be his friend and be happy for him, but every time I see them together..." She paused. "It hurts. And I hate that it does. Because I don’t want to ruin anything."

Chaewon placed a hand on her shoulder. "You’re not ruining anything. You’re just feeling something real."

Yuna gently bumped her side. "You’re allowed to hurt, Min. You’re not selfish for wanting something more."

Minju swallowed. "I’ve been avoiding him. And I know he notices. I just… I don’t trust myself not to want something I can’t have."

They walked in silence for a bit after that. No judgment. Just the sound of slippers hitting the pavement and distant music humming from somewhere nearby.

Minju looked up again. The sky hadn’t changed. But she felt lighter. Just a little.

Maybe tomorrow would still ache. But for tonight, she wasn’t holding it all in alone.

Campus basketball court, early evening. The sky’s turning pale orange, the echo of bouncing balls and shouting players fills the air. You and your friends just finished playing a game — sweaty, tired, collapsed on the side bench with water bottles and tired laughter.

"Bro," Jaemin said, wiping sweat from his brow, "I swear, if I miss one more free throw, I’m deleting my number off the team group chat."

You chuckled, leaning back on your arms, catching your breath.

The group settled into silence for a few minutes, watching the next batch of players take the court. The mood was easy, until Seungmin suddenly spoke up.

"Dude. Can I ask something?"

You nodded, grabbing your water bottle. "Yeah?"

He hesitated. "Are you and your girl even... like... good?"

You froze a little, mid-sip. "What do you mean?"

Jaemin glanced at Seungmin, then at you. "You just don’t look like yourself, man."

"You’re quieter. You snap more often. You don’t even make fun of Jaemin’s ugly form anymore."

"Hey—"

"Let him cook," Seungmin said.

You sighed, running a hand through your hair. "It’s just been rough lately. She gets mad over small stuff. Everything turns into a fight."

Seungmin nodded slowly. "You think you still love her?"

You blinked. The question hit a little harder than you expected.

"...I don’t know," you admitted. "I think I’m trying. But sometimes it feels like I’m just trying to not mess up."

Jaemin leaned forward. "Can I be honest?"

You gave him a look. "Since when do you ask?"

He smiled — just a little.

"I think Minju’s more suitable for you," he said quietly. "She gets you. Like, actually gets you."

You opened your mouth, but nothing came out. So he kept going.

"I’ve seen how you look at her, bro. And how she looks at you? That girl would throw herself in front of traffic if it meant keeping your day from going bad."

Seungmin added, more gently, "When you’re with your girlfriend, you always look like you’re performing. But with Minju? You just exist."

You sat in silence for a moment. Thinking.

You hadn’t told them about the fight. Or the ones before that.

And still, they knew.

They saw it. The exhaustion. The way Minju made you laugh without trying. The way you only ever looked like yourself when she was around.

You stared out at the court again. You weren’t ready to say it out loud yet. But something shifted.

Because maybe… just maybe…

They were right.

After the basketball games, you started walking home, Streetlights are starting to flicker on. Students bike past or chatter on sidewalks. You’ve got your hoodie up, hands in your pockets, and your phone buzzes once. Twice. Then again.

You ignored the first vibration. Then the second. By the third, you knew who it was.

You pulled out your phone anyway, thumb already dragging down the notification bar.

[9 Messages from Her]

You exhaled through your nose. Opened them.

“Seriously?” “No text all day again?” “I saw your story. You had time for basketball but not to check on me?” “It’s like I don’t matter anymore.” “You didn’t even react to my post.” “But I bet you replied to Minju again, didn’t you?” “Whatever. Enjoy your little circle.”

You stopped reading.

You stood there, just outside a small bakery that had already closed. The warm light inside had been switched off, replaced by your own reflection on the glass. You looked… drained.

And the worst part?

You weren’t even surprised.

Not shocked. Not hurt. Just… tired.

Tired of the way she made you feel like you were always doing something wrong. Tired of walking on eggshells, of making yourself smaller to keep things from exploding. Tired of being accused of things you didn’t even realize you could do wrong.

You opened your messages.

Typed something. Erased it. Typed again.

Then locked your phone without sending anything.

You started walking again, slower now. The weight in your chest more noticeable with each step. Every word she sent echoed behind your thoughts, but all your mind could picture was—

Minju.

Her voice when she laughed. The way she looked at you like you were someone good. The way her presence never asked for anything — and still gave everything.

You crossed the street just as the signal turned red behind you.

Maybe it wasn’t supposed to feel this heavy. Maybe love wasn’t supposed to be this hard. And maybe… maybe you were starting to understand that.

Alone, under the yellow streetlight, you walked into the quiet — not knowing if you were walking toward an ending… or finally, a beginning.

You pass by the neighborhood 24/7 convenience store — its fluorescent light buzzing softly against the blue of early night. The bell above the door jingles just as you’re walking by

You barely noticed the door opening. But when you glanced up —

There she was.

Minju.

Gray hoodie, reusable tote bag slung over her shoulder, a bottled coffee and a pack of Chocopie in her hands. Her hair was loosely tied back, no makeup, just… her.

You froze.

And she did too.

Her eyes locked with yours for the briefest second — wide, startled — like you’d caught her doing something she shouldn’t have.

"Minju?"

It left your mouth before you could stop it. Half-whisper, half-hope.

But she didn’t answer.

She blinked once, looked down fast, and stepped around you like she didn’t hear.

Didn’t even look back.

Your heart sank, the cold air suddenly sharper against your neck.

You turned to say something, maybe ask if she was okay, maybe call her name again — but the bell jingled one more time, and she was already out of reach.

She was gone before you could understand why it hurt so much.

You just stood there.

In front of a glowing convenience store, still full of quiet music and freezer hums, watching the empty sidewalk where she used to be.

You didn’t chase after her. Not because you didn’t want to. But because you didn’t know if she wanted to be caught.

And the worst part?

For the first time in a while — you didn’t feel tired from the fight with your girlfriend. You felt tired because Minju walked away.

Yuna’s apartment, around 8:30 PM. The girls are sprawled out on the floor again, nursing instant noodles and cold soda, the TV playing some random reality show in the background. But Minju’s been quiet since she arrived — really quiet

"Minju," Chaewon said softly, finally breaking the silence. "You haven’t touched your food."

Minju blinked. She’d been staring into her bowl for the past ten minutes, chopsticks in hand, unmoving.

Yuna leaned over. "Did something happen?"

There was a long pause.

Then Minju whispered, "I saw him."

Chaewon and Yuna exchanged a look.

Minju’s eyes stayed fixed on the swirling broth in front of her. "Outside the convenience store. Just... randomly. I wasn’t expecting it."

"And?" Yuna prompted gently.

"I panicked." Minju let out a shaky breath. "I walked past him like he was a stranger."

"You ignored him?" Chaewon asked, surprised.

Minju nodded slowly, her lips pressed tight. "I didn’t mean to. My heart just— I don’t know. It started beating so fast. And I thought if I said one word, even just his name, I’d cry or say something I shouldn’t."

She dropped her chopsticks with a soft clatter. "And he looked at me like..." Her voice cracked. "Like I broke something."

The room was quiet for a few seconds. The show on TV kept playing — some cheesy confession scene between reality show contestants. It made the moment feel even more surreal.

"I’ve been so scared of getting in the way," Minju whispered. "So I avoided him. I distanced myself. I told myself it was the right thing to do. But now I’m starting to think I just hurt both of us for nothing."

Chaewon got up and sat closer, placing a hand over hers.

"Min," she said gently, "you didn’t hurt him by having feelings. You hurt him by pretending you didn’t."

Yuna added softly, "And maybe... it’s time to stop pretending."

Minju blinked fast, like she was trying to push the sting back down.

"I think I love him," she said. Finally. Not to herself. Not just in her head. Out loud. In the air. In front of people who mattered.

And it felt terrifying.

But also, just a little bit like relief.

12:17 AM. Your bedroom. Lights off, just the blue glow of your phone screen illuminating your face. You’re lying sideways on your bed, pillow half-tucked under your arm, blanket pulled just above your chest. The night is quiet — but your mind isn’t

You stared at the chat for a while now.

Minju 🐰 Last seen 11:49 PM.

Your thumb hovered over the keyboard.

Just say something.

“Hey.” Or “Sorry, did I do something?” Or even just “You okay?”

Anything.

You didn’t care if it sounded needy. Or sudden. You just… wanted to talk to her again. You wanted to fix what you didn’t even fully understand.

You slowly typed:

You: “Min—”

[New message: Her 💬]

“I thought you were asleep? Why is your status online.”

You sighed.

Closed your eyes. Reopened them.

Another message came right after.

“Funny how you’re always quick to reply to her.”

You didn’t respond.

You couldn’t.

You backed out of the conversation without typing anything back. The irritation was sharp in your throat. It wasn’t even about Minju. It was about control. About being questioned. About being monitored.

Your screen still sat open on Minju’s chat.

You stared at it again. Her little profile picture, her last seen status. Her silence after seeing you earlier.

You locked your phone. Unlocked it again. Typed.

You: “Are you awake?”

Deleted it.

Typed again.

You: “Sorry. I didn’t mean to—”

Deleted again.

You shut your eyes and sank deeper into the pillow, heart aching in that quiet, unnameable way.

For someone still so close, Minju suddenly felt miles away.

And beside you, your phone buzzed again.

But this time, you didn’t check.

You weren’t sure whose silence hurt more anymore — Minju’s… or your own.

3:17 PM. A weekend afternoon at the mall. The food court buzzes with chatter and clattering trays. Jaemin, Seungmin, and the rest of the gang are crowded around a table with soda cups, half-eaten fries, and shopping bags at their feet.

"Bro, these onion rings are crazy," Jaemin said, mouth full, pushing the basket toward Seungmin. "You’re missing out."

Seungmin picked one up. "Still wild that Y/N’s not here though. It’s been forever since we had a full hangout."

"He said he couldn’t," another friend added, rolling his eyes. "Because she didn’t want him to. Again."

Jaemin frowned. "Dude, I get being a good boyfriend or whatever, but that’s not even a relationship anymore. It’s house arrest."

They all laughed lightly — but there was tension beneath it. A knowing frustration.

Then Seungmin paused, fries halfway to his mouth.

"Wait."

His brows furrowed.

"Isn’t that...?"

They all turned to where he was looking — just across the floor, near the milk tea stall. A girl. Your girl.

And she wasn’t alone.

She was leaning against the counter, laughing. Not just casual laughing — flirty laughing. Her body turned toward the guy she was with, his hand lingering at the small of her back.

They all went quiet.

Jaemin squinted. "Isn’t that the dude from her course? The one she swore she wasn’t close with?"

The guy reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear.

Everyone saw it.

Everyone saw her smile. The way she looked at him like no one else existed. The way she didn’t even check her phone. Didn’t act like she was hiding anything.

"She told Y/N she was studying today," Seungmin muttered, stunned. "And she didn’t let him come with us because she ‘wanted space.’"

No one said anything for a long second.

Then Jaemin stood up, fists clenched around his soda cup.

"That’s it," he said. "I’m done being quiet about this. He deserves to know."

"Are you gonna tell him now?"

"I’ll give her a chance to explain," Jaemin muttered. "But if she lies — we’re showing him everything."

As a renowned actress, you had left your romantic mark on the drama world with your unparalleled talent and range, seamlessly transitioning from supporting to lead roles in countless hit series. Your latest portrayal of a cunning criminal villain left audiences swooning over your acting prowess. Now, during a brief hiatus from your acting career, you found yourself on an unexpected and delightful journey as a co-MC for Music Bank alongside your younger sister, Eunchae.

Eunchae, a radiant and outgoing idol star, had already charmed the industry as an MC for over a year. She happily took it upon herself to guide you through the ropes of hosting and interviewing various artists and groups. As a seasoned performer, Eunchae had built a strong network and formed friendships within the industry. This included participating in dance challenges for the artists' and groups' social media channels, a task that seemed daunting to you due to your contrasting personality. Despite your initial butterflies, your sister remained confident in your ability, reminding you that your acting skills would allow you to shine under the spotlight.

The day you were to make your debut as a co-MC finally dawned, and the atmosphere was electric with anticipation. Your reputation as a top-tier actress and Eunchae's elder sister only stoked the flames of excitement, as the audience keenly awaited to witness the unique dynamic between siblings on stage.

As you stepped onto the set, the idols already present couldn't help but stare in awe. "She's even more beautiful in person," someone whispered. Your radiant beauty, articulate speech, modest demeanor, and flawless etiquette left them spellbound.

After the cameras stopped rolling for commercial breaks, one of the artists approached you with an earnest smile. "I've been following your career for years," she confessed. "Your work in 'The Rose Garden' moved me to tears."

Another performer chimed in enthusiastically from across the room. "And that villain role you played in 'Shadows of Betrayal'? Absolutely chilling! You're truly versatile."

Their words weren't just empty flattery—they were genuine expressions of admiration for your extensive body of work in the drama industry, their respect for your diverse roles evident in their sincere praises.

Several artists unexpectedly offered an enticing proposition for you and Eunchae to join them in creating dance challenge videos. Your initial reaction was one of trepidation, your self-declared deficiency in dance skills holding you back.

"ChaeChae, I can't dance," you confessed, a nervous chuckle punctuating your words.

Eunchae's eyes sparkled with amusement as she retorted, "Oh come on sis! You're not that bad. Plus, it'll be fun!"

Her confidence in you was infectious, and the prospect of interacting with your fans and the artists' followers became increasingly tempting. So with a shaky agreement, you decided to take the leap.

With full determination, you poured your energy into perfecting those dance routines, surprising even yourself with the amount of satisfaction and joy you found in the task. The feedback from all parties involved was incredibly positive and encouraging.

"Wow! You guys are amazing!" one artist exclaimed after watching your performance.

Your fans and the artists' fanbases showered you with praise and appreciation. "We loved seeing you let loose!" a fan commented enthusiastically online.

The flood of encouragement made the experience all the more rewarding, leaving an indelible mark on your heart.

When you stepped onto the stage for your first live broadcast as co-MCs, Eunchae squeezed your hand gently—her eyes sparkled with excitement and support. You returned the gesture, feeling a rush of warmth and gratitude for your sister's unwavering belief in you. The energy of the crowd washed over you, and you couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation in your chest.

Throughout the show, you found yourself stealing glances at Eunchae constantly, marveling at her natural charm and grace. You couldn't help but feel a swell of pride in your chest as you watched her effortlessly interact with the guests and the audience. During a commercial break, you leaned in close to whisper a few words of admiration in her ear, swelling with pride for your talented younger sister.

As the show ended, you and Eunchae shared a heartfelt embrace, congratulating each other on a job well done. You couldn't help but feel a sense of happiness and fulfillment washing over you as you basked in the glow of your sister's love and support. The audience erupted into applause, and you couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this unexpected and delightful journey.

Descending away from the spotlight and off the stage, Eunchae had looped her arm through yours, her warmth had seeped into your skin. She leaned in close, her breath tickling your ear as she whispered, "You were absolutely radiant up there, sis. I knew you'd be a natural."

You couldn't help but chuckle, having felt a mix of relief and exhilaration coursing through your veins. "Natural? I felt like a fish out of water trying to dance in stilettos."

Eunchae's laughter, light and melodious, filled the air. "Oh, please. You had everyone eating out of the palm of your hand. Did you see how the idols were practically tripping over themselves to talk to you?"

A hint of blush had crept up your neck as you recalled the eager faces of the young performers. "They were just being polite. I'm sure they were more interested in you, Miss Veteran MC."

"Hmm, I don't know about that," Eunchae teased with a mischievous glint in her expression. "I overheard some of them gushing about how they'd love to act alongside the 'captivating criminal' from your latest drama."

You playfully swatted at her arm, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and pride. "Stop it, you small potato. I'm just glad I didn't trip over my own feet during those dance challenges."

"Oh, speaking of which," Eunchae's voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper, "I may have promised a certain boy group that we'd join them for another challenge next week. Something about recreating iconic movie scenes?"

Your jaw dropped in mock horror. "Eunchae! You didn't!"

She grinned, unrepentant. "I did. And before you protest, just think of the views. Your fans will go wild seeing their favorite actress in action, even if it's just a TikTok."

You groaned, but there was no real annoyance behind it. "Fine, but on one condition. You have to help me practice my 'Blue Steel' look. I refuse to be outshined by a bunch of pretty boys half my age."

Eunchae's laughter echoed through the hallway as she steered you towards the dressing room. "Deal. Now, let's go celebrate. I hear there's a new fusion restaurant nearby that's to die for. My treat?"

You smiled, feeling a surge of affection for your sister. "Lead the way, co-MC extraordinaire. But fair warning, I might just order the most expensive thing on the menu."

"I wouldn't expect anything less from my diva of a sister," Eunchae quipped, her smile had been bright enough to rival the stage lights you'd just left behind.

When the last streaks of sunlight surrendered to the encroaching darkness, a tangible sense of anticipation hung heavy in the air. The moment had been long awaited—the rising girl group IVE was about to promote their new album on Music Bank, and you were privileged to be their interviewer.

As you stood across from them, Yujin and Wonyoung's eyes bore into yours with an intensity that sent ripples of excitement coursing through your veins.

The interview flowed seamlessly. Their answers were thoughtful and articulate, punctuated by bouts of laughter and shared glances between members. After the cameras stopped rolling, they couldn't contain their excitement anymore.

"Your latest drama series is incredible!" Wonyoung gushed, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. "Your performance was so moving."

Yujin chimed in enthusiastically, "Yeah! We've been binge-watching it during our breaks."

Their words stirred a warm blush to your cheeks—a mix of pride and embarrassment at such high praise from these up-and-coming stars.

Then came the unexpected twist—Yujin and Wonyoung approached you discreetly after the others had left for their dressing rooms. A nervous energy surrounded them as they exchanged glances before Yujin finally spoke up.

"Y/n, we were wondering... Could we possibly exchange phone numbers?" she asked hesitantly. "We'd love to be friends with you if that's okay."

Wonyoung added quickly, her cheeks flushed pink under the studio lights, "Despite our slight age difference... We really admire you."

Their earnest request caught you off guard but also filled you with warmth. You agreed without hesitation—eager to forge a bond with these talented young women just as your younger sister had done before.

In the span of ensuing days, your digital world pulsated with the intoxicating rhythm of playful exchanges and coy innuendos. Yujin's texts danced on your screen with audacious witticisms and jovial teases, her words wrapped in a cloak of vibrant emojis that seemed to mirror her infectious energy.

"Can't wait for our next encounter y/n-ie 😉," one message from Yujin read, punctuated by a cheeky wink emoji. The boldness of her statement was as endearing as it was surprising, rendering you speechless for a moment before an involuntary smile tugged at your lips.

On the other hand, Wonyoung's messages were laced with sultry undertones and provocative suggestions. Her words slithered into your thoughts like velvet whispers, leaving trails of anticipatory goosebumps along your skin.

"Looking forward to seeing you again y/n-ie 💙," Wonyoung's text appeared on the screen, followed by a blue heart emoji that seemed to encapsulate her mystique perfectly.

Their distinct charm seeped through each pixelated word they sent you, pulling you deeper into their captivating orbit. With every notification chime that echoed in the silence of your room, anticipation coiled tighter within you - their digital presence becoming an unexpected comfort and an exhilarating thrill all at once.

As the calendar pages fluttered away, your relationship with Yujin and Wonyoung underwent a beautiful metamorphosis. It transitioned from simple camaraderie to a dizzying blend of emotion and desire. Yujin was like a compass needle pointing towards your heart, her potent cocktail of assertiveness and unwavering loyalty pulling you in, much like an innocent moth drawn to the hypnotic glow of a flame. Her unique sense of humor—an unpredictable rollercoaster ride—often found you doubled over in uncontrollable fits of laughter.

"Oh, please y/n-ie," she'd chide, her eyes sparkling with playful mischief as she gently bumped your shoulder with hers. "Admit it—you love my corny dad jokes."

Wonyoung was another puzzle altogether. She was vibrant and audacious, her dauntless spirit encased in an irresistible form that defied resistance. She possessed an uncanny knack for eliciting peals of laughter from you until tears traced rivulets down your cheeks, only to swoop in and capture your heart with just one roguish smile.

"Listen," she'd murmur during the hushed hours when night blanketed the world around you three. "Did I ever share the time I read every letter of a keyboard smash reply from one of our fans for a questionnaire segment?”

The ensuing laughter that bubbled forth from these ludicrous revelations was pure enchantment—spontaneous moments that added effervescence to life's mundane routines.

Together they were a magnetic duo, each bringing something distinctive yet equally mesmerizing to the table. Their individual charisma intertwined effortlessly with their collective rapport generating an intoxicating magnetism that left you completely spellbound.

One evening, as you sat on your couch watching a movie together, Yujin snuggled close to you--her head resting on your shoulder. The softness of her hair tickled your cheek, and the sweet scent of her perfume filled your nostrils. Wonyoung, not wanting to be left out, wrapped her arm around your waist and leaned in—her breath hot against your ear as she whispered sweet nothings.

"You know, I never thought I'd be sandwiched between two rising K-pop stars on my own couch," you murmured, your voice a mix of amusement and disbelief.

Yujin chuckled, her breath tickling your neck. "Well, consider yourself the luckiest filling in this idol sandwich."

"Mmm, and what a delicious filling you are," Wonyoung purred, her fingers tracing lazy circles on your waist.

You felt a blush creeping up your cheeks. "I'm starting to think you two are more dangerous off-stage than on."

"Oh, you have no idea y/n-ie," Yujin teased, her lips quirking into a mischievous grin. "We're full of surprises."

Wonyoung had nodded, her silky hair brushing against your shoulder. "Like how Yujin can tie a cherry stem with her tongue."

"Wonyoung!" Yujin gasped, pretending to be shocked. "You promised not to reveal my secret talents."

You couldn't help but laugh. "And what about you, Wonyoung? Any hidden skills I should know about?"

She leaned in closer, her voice dropping to a sultry whisper. "I'm excellent at... unwrapping presents."

The implications of her words sent a shiver down your spine. "I'll keep that in mind for your birthday," you managed to reply, your voice slightly breathless.

Yujin shifted, her warmth pressing closer against you. "Speaking of presents, your drama was a gift to us all. That scene where you danced in the rain? Breathtaking."

"Oh please," you scoffed, trying to deflect the compliment. "I looked like a drowned cat."

"A very sexy drowned cat," Wonyoung countered playfully yet sincerely.

You rolled your eyes but couldn't suppress your smile. "You two are incorrigible."

"Big words from the actress," Yujin teased. "Care to use that in a sentence?"

"How's this?" you retaliated. "I find myself incorrigibly drawn to two impossibly charming idols."

Wonyoung's laugh was like music. "Now that's some impressive wordplay."

Your fans and the artists' fandoms couldn't get enough of this unexpected love triangle, often sharing pictures and clips of your interactions on social media. The sight of your genuine connection with the IVE members only added to their admiration for you, and you were grateful for the support and encouragement you received.

When you scrolled through your phone, a notification popped up—another article speculating about your relationship with the IVE members. You couldn't help but chuckle at the headline: "K-pop's Hottest Love Triangle: Who Will Win Her Heart?"

Wonyoung, peering over your shoulder with her silky hair brushing against your arm, startled you. "They really don't get it, do they y/n-ie?"

Locking your screen, a mischievous grin played on your lips. "Oh, you know the media. They'd ship me with a potted plant if it got them clicks."

Sprawled across the couch, Yujin let out a snort. "I'd pay good money to see that headline. 'Breaking News: K-drama Star Caught in Steamy Affair with Succulent!'"

You tossed a cushion in her direction. "Don't give them ideas," you groaned. "Next thing you know, they'll have us in a torrid love quadrangle with Ms. Leafy over there."

Wonyoung's giggle was light and airy, like wind chimes in a summer breeze. "Well, you have to admit, it's kind of flattering. They think we're all irresistible."

Catching the cushion mid-air, Yujin quipped back at Wonyoung. "Speak for yourself Wony," she said smirkingly. "I'm clearly the catch in this fictional romance."

Your eyebrow raised itself into an amused challenge, glinting at Yujin's confidence. "Oh really? And what makes you so sure about that, Miss Confident?"

Yujin sat up. Her oversized sweater slipped off one shoulder as she struck a dramatic pose. "It's simple, y/n-ie. I've got the moves, the charm, and let's face it—I look fabulous in anything."

"Or nothing," Wonyoung muttered under her breath, causing you both to burst into laughter.

While the giggles subsided, you found yourself caught in the warmth of their presence, the air thick with unspoken tension and possibility. It was moments like these that made you wonder if there was some truth to those sensational headlines after all.

On a serendipitous day, when the three of you had managed to escape your hectic lives, Yujin and Wonyoung surprised you with a sentimental date. They arranged for a private aquarium visit, recalling your shared fascination for marine creatures. The tender gesture left you feeling cherished and eager for the day's adventures.

Upon entering the aquarium, a refreshing, damp breeze had caressed your skin, and the calming sounds of water and distant aquatic creatures captivated your senses. The dim, ambient lighting created an intimate setting as if you had discovered a hidden underwater sanctuary. Yujin, with her effervescent charm, guided you through the exhibits eagerly, her eyes gleaming with fervor and tenderness as she shared her love for various fish species.

"Look at these hammerheads," she whispered into your ear, tickling it with her breath. "They're so...misjudged, you know? People think they're ugly, but they're just beautiful in their own peculiar way." Her enthusiasm was contagious; you found yourself smiling at her loving gaze towards the so-called "ugly" sharks.

You and Wonyoung exchanged glances that showed both amusement and endearment by Yujin's affectionate nicknames for the creatures. As the three of you posed for selfies near the exhibit, Yujin pulled you closer gently, pressing you between herself and Wonyoung. Your laughter echoed through the quiet aquarium; it was a testament to your deepening connection.

Later, while continuing to explore the underwater world, Yujin leaned in and whispered into your ear again. "Hey, you know what I love most about you, y/n-ie?" Her voice was soft, barely audible over the bubbling water.

You shook your head, your heart pounded with anticipation.

"It's your smile y/n-ie," she confessed while tracing the outline of your lips with her fingers. "It lights up the entire room. It's... beautiful."

Your cheeks flushed with a blush as you searched for the right words. Yujin's eyes gleamed with admiration and Wonyoung beamed at your side, making the aquarium seem smaller in comparison. The air was charged with an electric energy that quickened your heartbeat.

Lost in the moment, Yujin leaned in and captured your lips in a tender, lingering kiss. You reciprocated with your arms wrapping around her waist instinctively as the world around you faded away. Wonyoung's gentle touch on your shoulder brought you back to reality, and you turned to face her; your heart swelled with love and desire.

As your lips met Wonyoung's, the kiss was intense and passionate – a reflection of your deep, unspoken feelings. Yujin caressed your hair with her hands while whispering words of adoration against your neck—her breath was hot. The three of you were entwined in a dance of love and devotion—the aquatic backdrop was a fitting symbol of your connection: a perfect harmony of emotions, boundless and free.

Before departing, the three of you had decided to explore the aquarium gift shop. You had generously picked out an array of souvenirs and plushies for Yujin and Wonyoung as a heartfelt token of gratitude for the magical day spent together. Their eyes had sparkled like the sea, illuminated by the joy of your generosity.

In return, Yujin had presented you with a delicate turtle necklace, its charm mirroring the one she wore, a symbol of your shared connection. Wonyoung, with a sly smile, had surprised you with a matching heart bracelet, the intricate design of which seemed to dance around your wrist.

"These are beautiful," you whispered, your voice cracking with emotion as you cherished the tokens that now held a unique place in your heart and memory and became additions to your wardrobe.

When the aquarium rendezvous reached its conclusion, both Yujin and Wonyoung had looked at you with hopeful eyes, their voices blending together in a harmonious chorus, "Will you... be our girlfriend y/n?"

The world seemed to pause for a moment, as your heart swelled with affection, leaving you breathless. With a wide grin, you uttered a sincere, "Yes."

Yujin enveloped you in a warm, enthusiastic hug, her arms conveying her joy and happiness. As you basked in the embrace of her warmth, soft lips found their way to yours; they belonged to Wonyoung. The taste of her sweet lip gloss lingered on your lips as you shared a loving, celebratory kiss, exchanging a plethora of emotions that became ingrained within you.

With a sigh echoing longing and anticipation, Yujin's words tumbled against your ear: "I've wanted this y/n-ie… We’re so happy you’re ours."

Wonyoung traced the curve of your jaw with trembling fingers and pronounced her love aloud, "I couldn't imagine life without you now y/n…"

After the captivating aquarium date, your now girlfriends, Yujin and Wonyoung, surprised you with a reservation at an upscale Michelin-starred steakhouse. The enticing aroma of seared steaks wafted through the softly lit restaurant, and you reveled in the delectable menu. The Tomahawk steak was a masterpiece of tenderness, each bite bursting with juicy flavor, while the Wagyu beef simply dissolved on your tongue. The crisp fillet mignon, accompanied by an array of tantalizing side dishes and desserts, left you in a state of culinary ecstasy.

While they relished their preferred intoxicating libation, Yujin's countenance flushed with a radiant blush, her eyes sparkling with satisfaction. Her tender caresses cascaded waves of heat along your flesh, and the infectious nature of her laughter amplified with every swallow of her champagne concoction. The manner in which she slanted towards you, her head nestled on your shoulder, felt akin to a delicate, fluffy cloud encasing you.

Wonyoung, meanwhile, exuded a sultry allure as she sipped her red wine, her eyes darkening with desire. She draped herself over you, her silky hair cascading down your chest. Her fingertips traced delicate patterns on your arm, sending shivers down your spine. Her hushed whispers tickled your ear, making your heart race. You could feel their hardened arousal pressing against your thigh, making it hard to focus on anything else.

The bill was placed on the table, and the girls immediately jumped to their feet, insisting on paying. Their determination was evident in their expressions. Yujin pouted her plush, pink lips, her eyes begging you to let her treat you. Wonyoung, with a self-assured smirk, tossed her luxurious waves of hair back as she declared that she would cover the entire cost. It was futile to resist their irresistible persistence, so you compromised and agreed to let them pay if they stayed overnight at your penthouse.

Driving them back to your place, you couldn't help but grin at their playful banter and giggles. Yujin had argued that she should be the first to have her way with you since she was the older one between the two, her fingers playfully tapping your shoulder. Wonyoung had counter-playfully, her hand resting on your thigh, that Yujin didn't have the nerve to dominate you. To ease their squabbling, you had promised they could take turns, eliciting squeals of delight from both.

Navigating through the labyrinthine, dimly lit underground garage and into the private, mirrored elevator, you performed a delicate balancing act—keeping the thinly veiled lust of the tipsy pair from spilling into public territory. Their insatiable hands eagerly explored you and passionate, breathless kisses made it a challenge to concentrate, but you successfully escorted them to your lavishly adorned penthouse. Stepping inside, the nostril-tickling scent of vanilla and cinnamon welcomed you. The flickering candles, arranged with careful precision earlier in the day, set the stage for an intimate evening that promised to sizzle.

While you tripped into your opulent suite with a charming stumble, restraining the libido-driven idol members became an uphill task. Their tenacious hands and hungry kisses followed you from the elevator's brushed steel doors to the plush master bedroom, leaving streaks of discarded clothing that marked their unbridled carnality.

Wonyoung claimed your lips in a fiery rush of desire, her tongue engaging in a sensual dance with yours as she moaned into your mouth. Simultaneously, Yujin whimpered about wanting a taste too, resorting to peppering sultry kisses along your jawline and neck. Fumbling with your clothing in their drunken fervor, they worked feverishly to divest you of your crisp shirt and tailored blazer, relishing the feel of your soft skin beneath their roaming fingertips.

Finally stripped down to just your undergarments, their eyes gleamed with ravenous desire at the sight of you. Their hands mapped every inch of your body as you squirmed between them. You found yourself dizzy with desire sandwiched between your girlfriends—every touch had sent electric sparks zinging through your veins.

"Please," you had begged them to shed their own clothes too, Wonyoung having cooed at your plea. Chuckling, she had offered a proposition—you behaved, and they would indulge your request. Eager to please, you had nodded like an obedient puppy. A shared heated glance between the two women had led you to the heart of your king-size bed. A sweet kiss from Yujin was your parting gift before she joined Wonyoung at the foot of your bed.

They began to strip in tantalizing slow motion, each piece of clothing peeling off to reveal their perfectly chiseled bodies. Each defined muscle and curve were an exquisite testament to their rigorous training. Wonyoung had traced her fingers down her neck, grazing her ample cleavage before resting at the waistband of her tight compression shorts. Yujin mirrored these erotic movements, biting back a moan as she cupped her growing bulge through her boxers.

The sight was overwhelmingly erotic, and you battled to resist the urge to pleasure yourself. However, just as you were about to succumb, Wonyoung intervened with a stern glance. She approached with predatory grace, grasping your jaw firmly and tutting at your disobedience.

"If you misbehave baby," she warned with a sinful smirk, "we'll bring you to the edge of climax, only to cruelly deny you while we cum anywhere we please."

You whimpered at the threat, pleading with them to stop this torturous tease and finally take you. Drenched in arousal and throbbing for release, you feared that your orgasm would come shamefully quickly once they finally laid their hands on you.

Yujin smirked at your predicament; her playful giggle echoed in the room as she joked about how close she came to getting you into trouble. Your eyes begged for mercy and she finally gave in—Yujin peeled away her boxers, revealing every bare inch of her body to your starving gaze—her sculpted physique could make angels weep with envy. Sliding behind you, she nestled against the headboard and guided your bare back finding comfort against her fit front. Her muscular legs encompassed either side of your torso and you twisted around to fuse your lips with hers.

Wonyoung rolled her eyes at Yujin's easy surrender but followed suit by stripping off her remaining garments. Like a tigress stalking its prey, she had crawled towards you over the satin sheets. She clasped your ankles and began placing dewy kisses from your feet to your calves, then up along your enticing thighs. Each felt like a delicious burn that ignited a flame inside you.

She delved her fingers under the damp waistband of your ruined underwear and slid them down, unveiling your slick folds to her smoky gaze. She leaned in close enough to take in your intoxicating scent before tracing a languid path from the base to the crest of your slick valley with her tongue.

Her initial movements were slow and measured, as if she was reveling in both the anticipation of the act and the intoxicating taste of you. The soft sound of her pleasure-filled moan vibrated against your folds as her silken tongue ventured deeper into your core. As if to add fuel to the already blazing fire, her nose rubbed deliciously against your swollen nub.

Yujin heaped praise upon you for your obedience, her hands kneading and marking your breasts as you writhed in pleasure—you rocked your hips and mewled into her mouth, withdrawing to gasp for precious air. Your moans bounced off the walls as the talented flick of Wonyoung's tongue targeted your sweet spot—your body trembled with pleasure and you were sent over the edge in an instant, your essence flooding onto her relentless tongue. She lapped up your juices greedily, sucking on that sensitive pearl to extend your orgasmic bliss, humming her approval at your sweet taste.

Still riding the waves of ecstasy washing over you, you panted heavily as Yujin guided you to straddle her face. Without wasting a moment, she licked you clean, relishing the remnants of your arousal. Her hands kneaded your round ass cheeks as she continued her feast with appreciative moans.

You reveled in the tantalizing sensations as Yujin indulged in your sweetness, you experienced the fervent clasp of her hands on your luscious curves, prying them apart. Startled, you gasped as her skillful tongue began a bold exploration of your most intimate sanctuary. She painted slow, tantalizing circles around your puckered hole before daring to penetrate. The intense sensation left you whimpering and moaning as she ventured deeper into your untouched depths.

Meanwhile, Wonyoung repositioned herself on the bed beside you, her arousal evident with every hard throb. She leisurely stroked herself, eyes locked onto the pre-cum that oozed from her tip. "Open those pretty lips for me, baby," she commanded and tapped her throbbing length against your parted lips. You obeyed instantly, letting out a muffled moan as you widened your mouth to accommodate her impressive size.

Initially, it was a challenge swallowing around Wonyoung's girth and a reflexive gag sounded as she hit the back of your throat. But Wonyoung didn't let up, she held your head steady with a firm grip and dived deeper. Her fingers weaved into your hair and pulled you closer until your nose nestled against her toned belly—forcing you to adjust to her size while whispering devilishly, "Be a good girl for me, y/n-ie."

The feeling of your warm mouth enveloping Wonyoung shot bolts of pleasure through her body as she started to thrust, gently at first then gaining momentum. She gathered your hair in a ponytail—pulling you closer onto her length—the erotic symphony of Yujin’s tongue defiling your tight hole and the slurping sound of your constricting throat echoed around the room.

Wonyoung lost herself in the pleasure, pumping into your eager mouth with abandon, her hands clenched in your hair pulling you closer. You felt her nearing her peak, her member pulsating in your mouth as she groaned your name longingly. Yujin selected this moment to strike your most vulnerable area, drawing a muffled moan from you that vibrated around Wonyoung's thickness. Taking it as an invitation, Wonyoung thrust deeper into your mouth triggering another surprised gag.

Unexpectedly, you felt Yujin's fingers join her tongue, sliding effortlessly into your tight hole as she readied you for climax. Overwhelmed by the sensation of being filled completely, you whimpered and moaned unabashedly. Wonyoung’s thrusts grew ragged signaling her imminent release. You braced yourself for the downpour and sure enough, she pulled out with a wet pop just in time showering your waiting tongue with her creamy goodness—you swallowed what you could relishing the tangy taste and letting the rest paint a decadent picture on your lips and chin.

Your own climax built as Yujin continued to stimulate your sensitive spot and you rutted against her face, crying out and choking slightly as you swallowed the remaining white essence of Wonyoung. A sudden rush of ecstasy made you squirt again, which landed messily on Yujin’s flushed face—you collapsed onto her with trembles of ecstasy coursing through your body. As your breathing steadied, you felt Wonyoung's gentle caress in your hair and her soft kisses on your forehead.

"You're so perfect baby," Wonyoung murmured in a voice husky with satiation. "You made me cum so hard."

Your heart swelled with contentment as you basked in post-coital bliss. Suddenly realizing you'd been smothering Yujin under your weight, you quickly shifted aside before draping yourself across her panting form—exhausted and yet, the insatiable need for more keeping you going. A soft chuckle escaped Yujin as she kissed you gently, her fingers threading through your tousled hair—Wonyoung collapsed next to you, chest heaving as she recovered.

While your breathing returned to normal and that post-orgasmic relaxation seeped in, it hit you that Yujin was yet to reach her orgasmic peak. You cooed at your adorable girlfriend, who was pouting ever so cutely, a rosy blush spreading across her cheeks—her unsatisfied desires glaringly obvious. With passion evident in each movement, you reassured her with a kiss while your hand ventured down her chiseled abs until you found the tantalizing hardness between her legs—it twitched at your touch. Guided by instinct, you stroked it a few times toward your slick entrance before slowly impaling yourself onto her throbbing member—gasping at the sudden intrusion and moaning at the delicious stretch.

In a fit of playful jealousy, Wonyoung grumbled about Yujin enjoying you first. With a mischievous glint in her eyes, she asked if she could claim your ass instead. But before you could form a response, Yujin pulled out her throbbing cock, only to plunge it back inside your soaking core forcefully, extracting a throaty moan from you. Chiding Yujin for her impulsive lust, Wonyoung reminded her to let you have your say. As Yujin's hardness remained buried deep inside you like a secret, the two girls bantered and bickered over who would have the privilege to cum inside you first.

Through pants and mewls induced by their touches, you suggested a solution—they could both share you equally. Agreeing with your proposal, Wonyoung positioned herself snugly behind you, ready to take part in an intimate act only three can perform. She splayed your legs apart, settling them along the sides of Yujin's heated body. Meanwhile, Yujin's pulsating member stayed nestled within your snug walls, twitching but remaining still. Wonyoung coated her length with some of your juice, which leaked profusely from where Yujin was buried deep inside you. Delicately working the plump head of her shaft into the tight constriction of your rear brought moans of delight due to the overwhelming sensation of fullness. After pausing for you to accommodate their girths, Wonyoung guided Yujin to begin moving in sync with her.

Your cognition had been swallowed by a fog of ecstasy as your girlfriends established a chaotic rhythm, each taking turns penetrating you. Yujin engaged you in a passionate, sloppy lip-lock while Wonyoung's hands latched onto your shoulders and waist, rammed into your ass with relentless fervor. The room had reverberated with the symphony of slick kisses, flesh smacking against flesh, and euphoric moans and cries. As both girls teetered on the edge of climax, they cried out—spilling your name into the tense air before flooding your depths with their heated release. You had been left in a state of euphoric haze, your body pulsed with pleasure and contentment as you convulsed tightly around their girths and writhed in pleasure, leaving them drenched in your juices.

While the night bled into dawn, you lost count of the times your girlfriends had brought you to climax or how many times they had filled you with their seed—on your flushed face, sated body, and deep within you. But what stuck in your mind were their declarations of love for you, and their joyous exclamations of possession over you. Awakening later in the day, your body ached but it was a satisfying kind of soreness that reminded you of the night spent entangled with your loving girlfriends, Yujin and Wonyoung. Lying between them, a feeling of immense gratitude washed over you for these two women who had brought torrents of happiness and passion into your life.

Epilogue

After reluctantly disentangling yourself from the embrace of your beloved girlfriends, you pressed a soft morning kiss—or rather, an afternoon one—to Yujin's plush lips and then to Wonyoung's equally inviting ones. You made your way to your master suite bathroom, a satisfied smile played on your lips as you took note of the various love marks and bruises that Yujin and Wonyoung had left on your body. A sense of pride washed over you as you admired the evidence of their affection, wishing that you could have shared these marks with the world as proof that they were yours. While you freshened up in the shower, you delighted in the sensation of the warm water cascading over your skin.

You towelled off and slipped into a comfortable bathrobe, remembering to leave hangover medicine and glasses of water on your nightstand for the two of them. As you headed to the kitchen to cook up a hearty meal for your girlfriends, you didn't notice them entering the room until they were already beside you, wrapping their arms reverently around your waist and greeting you with sweet kisses on the lips.

"Good afternoon, my loves," you said, smiling fondly at them. "I hope you slept well."

Yujin pouted at you, her dark eyes flashing with playful anger. "Why didn't you wake us up y/n-ie?" she asked, her voice lacing with mock outrage.

Wonyoung giggled and leaned her head against your shoulder. "Yeah, we wanted to spend the morning with you in the shower," she said, her voice soft and sweet.

You gently reminded them that it was already afternoon and asked them to take a seat at the dining table, but they refused to leave your side. You couldn't help but shake your head fondly at their clinginess.

Once you finished cooking and setting the table, all of you sat down to enjoy the delicious meal together. You sat between your two girlfriends, who took turns feeding you and being fed by you. The atmosphere was warm and loving, and you felt a deep sense of contentment being surrounded by these two beautiful women.

As you ate, Yujin leaned in and whispered in your ear, "I love you so much, you know that y/n?" Her breath was hot against your skin and sent a shiver down your spine.

You turned to her and smiled, your heart swelling with love. "I love you too, Yujinie," you said, pressing a tender kiss to her lips.

Wonyoung looked at you with puppy-like eyes. "What about me baby?" she asked, her lower lip trembling slightly.

You turned to her and pulled her into your arms, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Of course I love you too, Wony," you said, your voice filled with affection. "I love both of you more than anything."

Yujin and Wonyoung smiled up at you, their eyes filled with love and adoration. "We love you too y/n-ie," they said in unison.

A couple of days passed, and you planned to meet up with your younger sister, Eunchae, at the charming coffee shop just around the block. As you pushed open the door, a bell jingled above your head, and the smell of freshly brewed coffee and soft jazz music wafted through the air. Eunchae was already sitting at the corner table by the window, her face lighting up as she caught sight of you.

"Hey sis," she greeted, her smile wide and genuine. "I've ordered your usual."

You grinned and slid into the seat across from her, feeling a warmth spread through your chest. Eunchae knew you better than anyone, and her thoughtfulness never failed to touch you.

"Thanks, ChaeChae," you responded, taking a sip of the steaming latte she had placed in front of you. "So, I have some news."

Eunchae raised an eyebrow, her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Oh really? Do tell."

You took a deep breath, feeling your heart race in your chest. "I'm in a relationship...with both Yujin and Wonyoung."

Eunchae's eyes widened for a moment, then she started to laugh. "I knew it!" she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. "I saw it coming; those two texted me nonstop asking for advice on how to win your heart."

You laughed, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. "They didn't!"

"Oh yes, they did," Eunchae confirmed, grinning widely. "But I'm so happy for you, sis. You deserve all the love in the world."

Your heart swelled at her words, and you reached across the table to squeeze her hand. "Thanks, ChaeChae. I'm truly happy too."

Eunchae’s eyes gleamed with excitement. "So when's the wedding? And I'm calling dibs on being the only maid of honor!"

You laughed, feeling a sense of joy bubble up inside you. "We'll see, baby sis. But you can definitely be my maid of honor.”’

Eunchae grinned and leaned back in her seat. "I can't wait to see the three of you together; it's going to be so cute."

As you chatted with Eunchae, you couldn’t help but feel grateful for the love and support of both your younger sister and your new girlfriends. You looked forward to seeing what the future held for all of you.

Later that night, you found yourself in your girlfriend’s apartment, curled up on the couch with Wonyoung by your side. Yujin's hand rested on your thigh, her thumb traced circles on the fabric of your jeans. Wonyoung's head was resting on your shoulder, her breath was warm against your neck.

"So what did your sister say when you told her?" Yujin asked in a voice husky and laced with curiosity.

You smiled, a feeling of warmth spread through your chest. "She was genuinely happy for us. She even wants to be the only maid of honor at our wedding."

Wonyoung laughed, her hand reached up to tuck a stray hair behind your ear. "That's so sweet. Your baby sister is amazing."

Yujin's hand moved higher up your thigh, her fingers brushed against the sensitive skin there. "I can't wait to live our lives together y/n-ie," she murmured, her lips lightly touched your ear.

You shivered as desire washed over you. "Me too darling," you whispered back, and turned your head to capture Yujin's lips in a kiss.

Wonyoung's hand moved to your waist, pulling you closer as you deepened the kiss. You could feel her heart racing against yours; short gasps escaped from her lips.

"I love you y/n," Yujin confessed into the kiss, her voice trembled with raw emotion. Her hand came up to cup your face, holding it with tender care.

“I love you too Yujin,” you responded, sincerity made those words slip easily from your lips.

Wonyoung’s lips sought out your neck, each kiss leaving a trail of fire on your skin. “And I love you y/n,” she murmured so softly that it was barely audible.

“You always say that.”

“And you don’t have to worry about preparations.”

“You always say that too.”

“I just want you to relax and enjoy your special day, that’s all—”

“—I care about, yes, I know! Geez, babe, you sound like a broken record, year in, year out.”

You press a quick kiss on her lips to shut her up. Good thing that noone is watching; you two just engaged in the cringiest, cheesiest couple behavior. It’s so cringe, the two of you burst out in laughs and continue to share kisses and hugs that can remove all work and life stress. Even if every year or month or day repeats itself like a broken record, with Minju it will be—

“Okay, fine,” Minju sighs in defeat, hands on your nape as her eyes, soft like silk, go over your features. Oh no, she must have read your thoughts, at least some of them. “At least promise me one thing.

“Don’t worry too much and enjoy yourself too.”

“I promise.” Kiss her forehead. “I love you, Minmin.”

“I love you too.”

#

“This is the best birthday ever!” Minju exclaims in thrill when the waiter brings her a stack of beautifully crafted, maple-syrup covered, buttery pancakes. “Babe, you are the best.”

“Glad you like it, Minmin,” you say nervously, but you’re not sure your words reach the girl, as she digs into the treat. For the past eight hours, the two of you have walked through this city you’ve spent your entire lives in. 

Through meticulous planning, you’ve found spots that you believed to be completely unknown to Minju. These hidden gems were aligned for a perfect route; from a hotel where you can play and cuddle with dogs to a shop with cute but expensive jewelry to a small cinema where you can cook the food shown in the movie to a backyard park, perfect for winter strolls. 

Minju beamed with the brightest of smiles since the morning breakfast and gifts you gave her, and her squeals of joy at every new surprise spot is addictive. It’s so addictive, you are almost able to keep the promise you gave her: don’t worry too much and enjoy yourself.

“These pancakes taste so good!” Minju reaches over the table and pinches your cheek, still red from the cold outside and from your endless love for this wonderful girl. “How did you find all these places?”

“I had to travel the seven seas to find hidden treasure chests with maps inside them,” you joke and Minju falls back to pout sweetly.

“Babe, your sarcasm is showing again. Not cool.” Now it’s your turn to lean forward, but instead of pinching, you cup her face and taste some of that delicious maple syrup on her lips. A deep breath leaves her nose and finally, a bit of pressure and anxiety about today leaves your body; it leaves because Minju looks truly happy.

“Happy birthday, Minmin,” you whisper. “When you are done with those pancakes, I have a final spot we need to check out.”

“Baaaabe~” Minju’s voice melts like the butter on her favorite dessert. This saccharine tone that can warm you, even on the coldest February night.

#

Luckily, tonight it’s not too cold. It’s perfect winter jacket and wooly hat weather with not a cloud on the entire night sky. You and Minju finally reach the top of the pancake shop, a fairly tall building, surrounded by small houses and large skyscrapers everywhere you look. From this point, the city around you seems to never end, infinite concrete, lights and snow.

“This is a nice view,”Minju says in awe, her breath forming faint vapor in the air.

“Minju.” You point somewhere. “Look at the city, it’s lights first. Imagine all the people that live at these lights. They party, they work, they eat—

“—now look up. Do you see the moon, the stars?”

“Yes,” Minju sighs melancholically. “But I can barely see them. The light from the city is too strong and we can never see the life that might be up there.”

You faintly laugh, your nerves almost returning. You rub the sweaty palm of your hand on your thigh and look at Minju, who seems a bit dreamy, lost in the stars she tries so hard to see.

“Close your eyes. Imagine the city lights turned off. How bright are the stars now?”

Minju smiles, her nose directed at the infinite universe, eyes gently closed. Your breath halts. “They are beautiful, strong, and I don’t want to look at anything else anymore.”

“Kim Minju…”

She opens her eyes, you’re on one knee.

“...I love you.”

You pull out a silky blue jewel case and with a click, it opens.

“Will you marry me?”

The ring sparkles in Minju’s starlit orbs. Her answer, your unbelievable joy.

“Oh my God, babe—”