#jumin fic

“I think that is enough wine for tonight,” Jumin said slowly, placing his empty glass down as the gentle breeze blew past them. 

“I never thought I would hear you say that,” she chuckled, finishing the last of her own glass as he eyed her. 

“Have you enjoyed yourself?” he wondered, tilting his head slightly. She smiled, glancing down at her lap for a moment before taking another look at the gorgeous vineyard spread out in front of them. 

“This has been incredible, Jumin,” she replied, reaching over to place her hand over his as it rested on the arm of his chair. He looked proud of himself, smiling back at her and turning his hand over so their fingers could intertwine. 

“I agree. There is something different about this vineyard compared to the farm back home,” he thought aloud, looking down at their hands as he ran his thumb over hers. She nodded, glancing back at the sun setting on the horizon. She had noticed that all the wine sampling they’d done today had aided in relaxing her fiancé. 

“For our next date, I think that Fiji would be a wonderful destination at this time of year,” he added, making her hand tense briefly before relaxing. 

“Jumin,” she sighed, unable to help herself from chiding him a little. He looked over at her, hearing the shift in her tone. 

“It doesn’t have to be Fiji,” he revised, and she immediately shook her head. 

“No, that’s not it,” she almost laughed, taking her hand from his and standing from her seat. She stepped over, placing herself down on his lap and setting a hand on his shoulder. He stared at her with wide eyes, wrapping an arm around her waist to secure her where she was. 

“Dates don’t always have to be trips to foreign countries or expensive outings,” she spoke softly, watching him relax just a little. “It can be as simple as spending time together,” she continued, smoothing the fabric of his shirt across his shoulder. He blinked at her in obvious confusion.

“We have spent the whole day together. Would you like the dates to last longer?” he wondered softly. She couldn’t help but laugh a little, shaking her head and leaning in to kiss him gently. 

“I am more than thrilled to be here with you, Jumin,” she clarified, watching his eyes open slowly to focus back on her. “Will you let me plan our next date?” she asked, placing her free hand on his other shoulder. 

“Of course, my love,” he agreed, pressing his forehead against hers. She observed him for just a moment, wondering what he could be thinking. 

“Do you trust me?” she asked, seeing his eyes open fully as he pulled away from her slightly. 

“Without a doubt,” he answered quickly, and she smiled, nodding. Leaning forward, she put her head on his shoulder, closing her eyes and already running through a list of ways they could simply spend time together. 

—

“Thank you, Driver Kim!” she grinned, offering a wave as Jumin closed the car door and stepped up onto the sidewalk with her. As the car pulled away, she turned to her fiancé, watching him look around in curiosity. 

“I’ve never been in this part of the city before,” he said, turning his attention back to her expectantly. She smiled, taking his hand excitedly. 

“I’m your personal tour guide,” she teased, admiring the way she’d had him dress down just a little so that they wouldn’t get as many stares. 

“Lead the way,” he smiled, tightening his grip on her hand as she turned to start walking with him. 

After getting off work that day, she’d surprised him at his apartment and let him know that she had finished planning their date. After helping him pick out a different outfit, they set out, their destination a complete mystery to Jumin.

They passed a few storefronts, soon arriving at a small, secondhand bookstore. Jumin would have walked past it if not for her anchoring hand pulling him back, making her giggle a little. 

“Here we are,” she said, seeing his eyes take in every detail. 

“Are you in need of a book?” he wondered, making her chuckle a little to herself.

“I like to come here to look every so often. There are a lot of books that I can’t find anywhere else that end up here,” she explained, opening the door for both of them. He stepped in after her, his eyes taking in all that they could. When he didn’t say anything, she led him into the first aisle, watching him from the corner of her eye. The set of his shoulders and jaw began to relax once they were surrounded by books. Once she’d let go of his hand to investigate a certain book, he leaned forward to look closer, becoming interested in a dark-brown bound book. 

“These books were previously owned?” he asked quietly, his deep voice sounding like part of the magic of the building they’d stepped into. 

“Yes. Once someone no longer needs them, this store will sell them for a discounted price,” she explained, setting her book down and continuing to look. Jumin hummed thoughtfully, flipping the book open in his hands and becoming quiet once more. She lingered nearby, finally giving in to her curiosity after a few minutes. 

“What did you find?” she wondered, leaning close to him to see the contents of the book. He turned it towards her, her eyes taking a moment to focus on the small text. 

“I’ve never seen a book on witchcraft from this year,” he commented, making her lips twitch up into a smile. 

“I love when I find treasures here,” she said, watching him nod and turn the page. She moved through more of the aisles, chuckling as he followed, still buried in the book. 

When they passed by a table and chairs near the back of the store, a sudden meow startled the both of them. A thin, tabby cat was curled up on the table next to a pile of books, yawning at them and wriggling as it showed its belly in anticipation.

She cooed, reaching out slowly so that it could sniff her hand. Immediately, it rubbed its nose against her fingers, and when she began to pet it, the rumbles of purring resonated through the air. 

“Is this a marketing tactic as well?” Jumin wondered, watching the small cat nearly fall asleep again as she petted it. That made her giggle, her hands pulling away once the cat had curled into a ball again. 

“I think this one is a guest like us,” she smiled, saying goodbye as they continued. Jumin still had a strong grip on the book he’d picked up, his eyes searching for anything similar on the shelves as they passed. 

“Would you like to get that one?” she wondered, seeing him look at the book and then her. 

“I suppose I should. I’m not sure I would be able to find this version again,” he responded, running his hand over the front cover. 

She led him to the checkout counter, both of them respectfully greeting the older man who helped them. 

Once the book had been carefully wrapped in paper and placed in a bag for their convenience, they stepped back outside, seeing the beginnings of the sunset starting overhead.

“Where is our next destination, my love?” he asked, intertwining their hands once more and making her raise an eyebrow at him. 

“What makes you think there’s more to this date?” she wondered teasingly in reply, seeing him think for a moment. 

“I wouldn’t think that you would plan a date that would end so quickly,” he answered simply, making her heart beat twice in a row unexpectedly. 

“You’re right,” she smiled to herself, turning her head away slightly. “The next stop is only a few blocks away.” He nodded, letting her lead the way as they walked side by side. 

She thanked him as he held the door to one of her favorite cafes open, stepping in and taking a deep breath. Turning to watch her fiancé, she smiled as he looked around briefly. 

“Are you hungry?” he asked, knowing her all too well. 

“Their strawberry cake is something that I’ve never been able to find a better recreation of,” she nodded, pulling him over towards the counter. 

“How are you, Mrs. Park?” she asked, watching the older woman behind the counter soften.

“I haven’t seen you in some time! How are you?” she wondered, immediately reaching over to their glass display of treats to grab a slice of cake topped with fresh strawberries. 

“I’m doing very well. How is your husband?” she asked in reply, seeing Jumin examine the other treats they had on display. 

“He’s doing much better. Is this your fiancé?” Mrs. Park asked, eyeing Jumin knowingly. She couldn’t help but feel a little shy, nodding and looking up at him as he bowed slightly. 

“I’ve heard so much about you,” Mrs. Park grinned, tapping a few things on her register as she looked eagerly at Jumin. 

“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he replied, immediately taking his card from his wallet. “Please add another slice.” Mrs. Park nodded happily as MC looked up at him, quickly paying for their treats before she could even reach for her purse. 

They chose a table by the windows, watching as the streets became more and more crowded as the night began. She happily dug into her cake as Jumin examined his slice carefully.

“It looks simple enough,” he said mostly to himself. She smiled as he took the tip off the end, placing it in his mouth with practiced poise. She took another bite, seeing him place his fork down and glance out the window. 

“I thought it would be much too sweet,” he commented, looking down at his plate before meeting her eyes.

“That’s why I like it so much. It’s not too sweet, and the strawberry flavor is very fresh,” she nodded, seeing him nod along with her thoughtfully. 

Suddenly, he got up from his seat, walking back over to the counter as she stared after him in surprise. After a moment, Mrs. Park handed him a cake box, grinning widely and blushing as he handed her a tip.

She watched him in adoration, smiling as he walked back over and placed the box on the end of the table so it was out of their way. 

“You like it that much?” she chuckled as he sat back down and smoothed out his pants. 

“I would like for my chef to recreate it, and I would like to keep some at my apartment so you don’t have to travel so far to enjoy it,” he explained, pulling out his phone to text his personal chef. She giggled, her heart warming at his thoughtfulness. 

“You could have asked her for the recipe, Jumin,” she commented, seeing him raise an eyebrow and look up from his phone. 

“An even better idea,” he murmured, getting out of his seat once more to walk over to the counter. 

Once they’d received a handwritten recipe from Mrs. Park, who’d teasingly told them that if they leaked it she would take legal action, they stepped back outside. The sun had just set, the city lighting up and becoming more and more lively. Jumin held her hand protectively, using his other hand to balance the cake box and his wrapped book. 

“Where to next, darling?” he wondered, raising his voice slightly to be heard over the bustling noise of the crowds flooding past them.

“I texted Driver Kim, and he should be here any moment,” she told him, leaning closer to speak into his ear. Jumin turned to look at her, nearly frowning. 

“Is the date over?” he wondered, making her smile and melt a little at how disappointed he sounded. 

“No! No, I just would rather spend more time somewhere quiet,” she explained, watching his shoulders lose their tension as he took a breath and nodded. 

“It will be good to get this cake into the refrigerator,” he added, stepping forward as he was able to spot Driver Kim pulling up from over the crowd. He pulled her along, maneuvering through the throngs of people and opening the car door for her when they arrived. 

On the ride home, Jumin opened his book once more and read her some excerpts that he found interesting. She listened intently, always content to watch him talk about something he was interested in. 

“Are there more places that you have had positive experiences at around the city?” he wondered as the elevator doors closed slowly. They began their ascent up to his penthouse as she chuckled, nodding immediately. 

“There are so many places that I would like to take you to, Jumin,” she replied, looking up at him just in time to see a hint of excitement flash across his face. 

“If you’re interested, I think it would be reasonable for us to alternate. One date can be your planning, and the next can be mine,” he proposed, glancing down at her for approval. She couldn’t hold back her smile, taking his hand again excitedly. 

“That sounds perfect. I can’t wait,” she gushed, reaching up to place a quick kiss on his cheek. 

“I’m glad you like the idea,” he said through a growing smile, holding her hand a little tighter as the doors opened on the top floor. 

“Love it,” she corrected, stepping out first and pulling him along. 

Once the cake was in the fridge and they finished discussing dinner plans, she invited him over to the couch where Elizabeth the 3rd was eagerly waiting for them. 

“She is so cute,” MC cooed, sitting down to pet her as Jumin came to sit in the spot just beside his fianceé. He ran a hand up and down her thigh absentmindedly, bringing her attention back to him as she turned to face him.

“Is there anything you would like to watch?” she wondered, seeing him move his gaze to the television on the wall in front of them. 

“Is watching television another part of spending time together?” he wondered, and she nodded, reaching for the remote. 

“It can be. No thoughts? A movie, a drama, anything,” she prompted. He reached his hand out to ask for the remote, and she placed it in his palm as he sat back against the couch. 

“Since we’ve spent such quality time together, it would only be fair to end the night with a quality classic,” he said softly, quickly pulling up a drama that immediately recognized.

“Stairway to Heaven?” she asked, glancing over at him to gauge if he had already watched it.

“A classic, like I said. Do you disagree?” he asked teasingly, placing an arm across her shoulders as she smiled and shook her head. 

“Not at all. I’m just surprised,” she admitted, leaning against him as he pulled her closer. The opening scenes began, and she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed by how happy she was. 

“Thank you for coming out with me tonight,” she smiled, sitting up to look directly at him. He searched her eyes, blinking slowly. 

“Thank you for planning this. My eyes have been opened,” he murmured softly, gladly leaning forward as she moved to kiss him. She hummed against his lips, sitting up just a little more as his hand pressed into her cheek gently. 

When she pulled away, he quickly kissed her cheek, making her heart skip as she blinked at him. He smiled, kissing her briefly before pulling away. 

“You’re very distracting,” he whispered, making her grin as she curled back into his side. 

“I’ll let you watch your drama for now,” she teased, feeling him tug her closer as she curled her legs up onto the couch. His hand moved further down until he poked her side, tickling her before she tried to push away. He pulled her back, chuckling deeply and kissing the top of her head as they finally settled. 

As the first episode started, they both relaxed into each other, completely forgetting their dinner plans as they dozed off in each other's arms.

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thank you so much for reading! i wrote this one quickly today, and I'm not super satisfied with it, but I hope there was something enjoyable about it! I'm going to continue working on tomorrow's entry tonight, so hopefully it will be a little more polished!

again, thank you so much, and I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day!

He knew what kind of hold you had over him and would give in to you without a second thought. You were the person he loved. You were the person he admired. You were the person who knew the exact things to say to stimulate both the intellectual and sentimental parts of his brain that no other person could, except for Jihyun. If it weren't for social constructs, Jumin would gladly roll out a red carpet wherever you went and worship the ground you walked on.

Elizabeth the 3rd was treated like a princess. You, a human whom he cherished above all the fortune he possessed, should receive a treatment fit for a queen. Racking his brain for more things to give and do for you was his daily routine.

Tonight, both of you were inebriated from the numerous glasses of alcohol—champagne for you, wine for him—swiped from the corporate gala tonight, you considerably more so than him. With your red heels strewn out on the polished marble floor, the strap lacing trailing behind and stray confetti stuck on the sole of the right stiletto, you left them as they were while you slumped against the side of the white sofa. It had been a long night, and the back of your feet was throbbing. Elizabeth the 3rd was nowhere to be seen, but she was most likely asleep in her bed of posh design and hand-carved frame.

Jumin had crashed on the floor alongside you when your knees buckled from exhaustion. You had entered the penthouse together, his arm around your waist, steadying you as you snickered at things incomprehensible to anyone but you. You waved languidly at the bodyguard posted outside the door while Jumin gave him a brisk nod.

How the bodyguard didn't appear weary at this ungodly hour was beyond you. You grinned at him and threw a hearty good night! before you went in. If there was anything you knew from being with Jumin, it was that everyone could use a little bit of kindness. The irony of maintaining a stoic, emotionless mask was more taxing than living freely was not lost on you.

In your drunken haze, you registered that Jumin had put away his dress shoes and transferred your clutch onto the glass coffee table, a preventive measure to keep you from tripping over them. It wouldn't be the first time you made a fool out of yourself by having poor muscle coordination. The mistakes just had never been made public and you intended to keep it that way. For Jumin, he only wished to keep you from sustaining more injuries.

During the gala, Jumin had noticed the raw chafed skin on your ankles when you made rounds and exchanged amicable banter with the people you had learned only hours before, courtesy of the guest list Jaehee had put together. However impressed Jumin was with you, he couldn't stay still after catching glimpses of you wincing when you thought nobody was watching. Immediately, he requested Driver Kim to retrieve a medical kit.

But despite the pain you were enduring, you glimmered. Your gold sequin dress swirled around your figure as you conversed with other guests, making polite enquiries and occasionally tilting your head back in laughter when the topic entertained you. You had the talent of making your conversation partner felt important and welcomed, like everything they said was interesting and worth your time. You were an attentive listener and an even more suave speaker.

Jumin knew this easy-going character was a front you put up to support him. Although he had reminded you that you needn't play the part of a charmer to boost his image and win him more contracts, you couldn't be dissuaded. The last things you wanted were to stumble and fail spectacularly in front of a respected crowd and tarnish Jumin's reputation. If Jumin had done this his whole life, the least you could do was to understand his ways of survival.

Besides, there was a part of you that found this amusing. It was new and different, and you always welcomed a challenge. And who was to say this was not the real you? You were an amalgamation of everything you wanted to do and everything you had done, and this was one of them. As much of a charade as it was, it was also moulding your personality into something with more depth and complexity. Truthfully, you were tired of always being the same person you were before you met Jumin. You needed a change.

Even if you were not yet as well-versed as Jumin, you were determined to carry yourself with elegance and your head held high. The two of you were a sight to behold. He possessed an assertive demeanour that led him from one person to another with definitive strides, while you lured people in with the unique flair that belonged to you alone. Together, you were a force impossible to break. Everyone knew you had each other's back without making an ostentatious display about it. No one would dare to touch you.

Albeit you had spent the evening largely separated from Jumin, there were times when you would search for the one familiar face in the room that you loved, only to find him already looking at you. Stealing glances amidst the faceless crowd was a game you liked to play. Whenever he caught your eyes, his stern expression would soften, a soft, genuine smile that was exclusive to you would grace his lips, and his shoulders would lose their tension.

A few seconds would pass before he assumed the original stance with his conversation partner. But during that short time, the faces around you would blur and the mindless prattle would fade into the background. It felt as if you and Jumin had entered a peaceful bubble invisible to outsiders, and you could finally breathe. Even when you were not physically attached to his side, Jumin had brought you all that was safe and sound. That few seconds were all you needed to power through the evening. You knew it was also the case for Jumin.

Beneath the opulent crystal chandelier and melodious tune of live jazz, you weren't nervous about navigating the crowd alone. Although you were not the most outgoing person alive—it was exhausting to speak after dabbling in small talks with five people—you were glad that Jumin trusted you enough to handle your part alone. In the beginning, he used to fuss over every little thing, worrying that attending these parties would bring discomfort to you. He reassured you that if you ever needed help, you could signal him and he would come right by your side.

Of course, you knew he would stay true to his word, but you wanted to be capable. If you had to live in this corporate world that Jumin had introduced you to, you would have to adapt and hone your skills. You didn't want to hide behind his protection. Yes, it would be easier if you simply passed all the problems to Jumin and let him handle them, but you also loved yourself, and that meant fortifying yourself enough so that you could hold your own in the face of the public.

Jumin adored the fire in you.

Once he realised you were never going to relent, he offered personal tips and helped you practice as you eased into his world, all of which you gratefully received and implemented. It was unrealistic to sit back and hope for the best when it was only a matter of time before the media criticised you for being a gold digger disguised as an unfortunate damsel. Malicious rumours had begun to circulate the moment your dating news was made public, and it would continue to escalate unless you did something. You had to take control of the narrative before they could define you.

At the present moment, the ghost of the raucous chatter fell away as you felt Jumin's cold fingers wrapped around your ankle and carefully rested it on his crossed legs. "Don't move, darling," he chided. "Your feet are bleeding. Allow me to clean your wounds."

The penthouse was quiet and you were safe. You could let down your shield now.

The only light switched on was in the hallway by the front door. It poured into the living room, its yellow gleam illuminated Jumin's concerned face. The sight of him in his three-piece formal suit while gently dabbing rubbing alcohol on your injury was a pleasant thing to see. Even after a long night, he still looked put together, not a hair out of place.

You didn’t even complain about those heels during the ride home, yet he noticed. You felt love, so much love. "I feel like I am consumed by love. It's like love is coursing through my veins and exploding with fireworks inside." You let out a worn-out giggle. "If you cut me open and study my organs, I bet you could see how much I love you. I bet there would be a whole fiesta going on in my bloodstream and muscle tissues."

Jumin gave you an amused look before plastering a bandage on your ankle. "I do not have to witness you spilling your internal organs to feel your love." He put down your leg and lifted the other onto his lap. "The things you say, truly."

You relished in his tender touch, feeling its cold against your warm skin, running from your exposed calf up to your thigh where the slit of your dress fell off, a golden rumpled sea of glitter around you. "But imagine tiny cells wearing party hats running around inside me. How absurd!"

"Now, where did you get this idea from?"

"The tiny cells just announced it with trumpets and drums in my brain."

"God." Jumin shook his head, but not without good humour.

"Am I scaring you away? Do you fear my"—you let out a dramatic gasp—"unbidden thoughts?"

"I fear for the people who mean you harm. You, however, are still as mesmerising as ever," he said, his striking grey eyes studying your face. "You were captivating tonight. I had to fight off the physical urge to make you the sole focus of my attention. It is so easy to forget about everyone else when you are there." Jumin had finished bandaging your left foot and placed both your legs on top of his, running his fingers up and down across yours.

Shivers crawled up your spine. "So were you. You have the same effect on me."

"You were the highlight of the party. Have you any idea how many compliments I received on how seamlessly you fit into this society? People had been waiting for your downfall, but you put yourself above everyone instead." Jumin smiled at you. "And you didn't even have to try."

"What can I say? I'm a natural charmer."

"And very humble too."

You closed your eyes, a wan smile painted on your lips. The alcohol was catching up to you, and everything seemed to move in slow motion. "No, actually, it was the opposite. I tried very hard." You sighed. "I wasn't always this polished before I took your advice."

"I must be frank with you. I don't think you need all those extra lessons. You have always been excellent at being yourself." You weren't looking at him, but his voice alone spoke of total adoration.

You had never been on the receiving end of such affection. How fortunate you were to cross paths with him, to be loved by him. He had never given you any reason to doubt him and had always treated you well from the moment you met. You were not a believer in fate, but you believed in him.

You flailed your arms at him, motioning him to sit beside you. You yearned to feel the warmth from his body. "How about you? How well do you think you are at being Han Jumin?"

He put your legs down and obliged, shifting to your side, your shoulders nudging each other. There was a stretched silence as he pondered your question. You rested your chin on your tucked knees and gazed up at him.

"There are two Han Jumins in the world—or are there three? The first one is what I present to the public. The second is a mixture of the dutiful son and the loyal friend. The third one is the man I am with you."

The wine must have also brought out the pensive side of him. You had half-expected him to bludgeon your question with his usual brand of self-assurance, listing out his achievements and strengths. You preferred this vulnerable honesty, however rare it was, over the stoic image he put on in front of people.

"I like all versions of you," you said, offering him your own honesty.

"It's unfortunate that I have to create multiple personas to meet everyone's expectations." Jumin craned his neck down to look at you. "There are times I fear that I might lose myself if I play a certain part for too long, but this fear is a paradox in itself."

"A paradox?"

"Which persona is my true self? Have I split myself into too many pieces that they've become indiscernible? If I can't tell which piece is real, then who am I masquerading as this whole time?" He took a deep breath. "Who am I, if I couldn't be put back together?"

"This vulnerable Jumin seems pretty real and whole to me." You took his hand into yours, massaging his palm. "But don't you think it's normal to don multiple masks to survive? I'm not saying we have to be fake, but that's how humans navigate life."

"I'm afraid I don't understand what you're getting at."

"See, I am more reserved and polite in front of strangers. I'm careful not to offend people and filter which things to say. But with the RFA, I can be more relaxed and let go of myself. And with you, well, I have no qualms about saying anything that comes to my mind."

"I can attest to that." Jumin chuckled. "But if politeness is a charade, then can we really be genuine in treating people?" You cocked your head to one side. "You may recall that I am trying to be more considerate with my employees."

You scoffed. "I am positively drunk, Jumin. My memory is impaired." You knocked on your temple in quick succession with your knuckle and yelped. Your head instantly felt heavy and your vision spun.

At no time, Jumin was already checking and caressing your head. "Be careful, love. Are you all right?"

You waved it away. "It will pass." You let him continue to card his fingers through your hair. It was therapeutic; every touch from him was. Recalling his musing earlier, you shared your thought, "Even if the act of being polite is a faux gesture—which I don't think it is—doesn't the feelings of the receiving party matter more?"

"Do elaborate."

"When you're polite to someone, you extend your respect to them. You treat them like a decent human being. It feels good to be treated well, you know." Lowering his hand from your head, you slung his arm around your shoulders and leaned against him. "I know you are indifferent towards niceties because people tend to only be nice to you out of fear or greed, but please hear me out before you debate me on this."

"I am listening to you." Jumin rubbed your arm, giving you a reassuring squeeze. "My experience doesn't cancel out yours, and I'm interested in what you want to say."

You rested your head against his chest, vertigo already subsiding. "I remember when a salesperson tended to me with patience and smiles even when I asked a lot of questions. I felt sorry for that, but it made my experience better than if I had to face a rude person who looks down at me for my ignorance."

"And that improved your feelings."

"You know how when you're having a bad day, everything becomes a chore?" You tucked in a stray strand of hair behind your ear. "Standing underneath the shower is tiring. Making your bed is almost impossible. Talking with people at work makes you feel like you're drowning further in the mess that is you. Nothing can be smoothed out. Everything is creased."

"I have my maid to tidy up my bed, but I understand the sentiment," Jumin said in all seriousness.

"Well, I was having a bad day, but those three minutes of friendly exchange, even when they were out of obligation, had lifted my mood for three minutes. I had this thought, 'Ah, that wasn't too bad. Maybe I shouldn't shun this life just yet.' Then, my day became a little more bearable."

Jumin placed a kiss on your forehead and murmured, "I would like to meet this person and thank them."

"It was a long time ago, so I can't remember who it was. I remember how it made me feel though, so I reckon politeness has more worth than being a superficial act."

Jumin squeezed your hand three times. You had shown him an article about the gesture, informing him that it meant I love you. Since then, the two of you had made it into a habit to do so. "Your observations never cease to amaze me. I love this about you." He was also in the habit of proclaiming his love for you every now and then. "You bring your thoughtfulness wherever you go, that even if you wear thousands of masks, you wouldn't be in danger of losing yourself."

"I didn't know that's how you see me."

"It is. You are so grounded in you that it unnerves me to realise what it says about me."

"What does it say about you?" you asked softly.

"That I am not as connected to myself as I had thought." From the way you were practically lying on him, you could feel his chest rise and fall. "I know who I am. I know my likes and dislikes, my strengths and weaknesses. But knowing things aren't the same as owning them."

"Because they don't feel like they are part of you?"

"I don't know if they are true to my character. I slip on new faces quite easily," Jumin went on. "You know how I used to deal with contracts."

You remembered what Jaehee said aeons ago when you just joined the association. Jumin was a businessman who used his good looks to hook potential business partners into signing contracts with him, especially women who clambered onto him without the slightest shred of dignity, only to quit cold turkey on them once the contract was over.

It wasn't the most morally correct thing to do, but you also thought it was an apt response to people who merely wanted to take advantage of his wealth. "It's a necessity for you. If you have the leverage, why not use it?"

"You seem to contradict yourself," Jumin said. "This competitive edge had left many women heartbroken, as I recall."

"Maybe I just feel inclined to defend you and put your happiness first." You shrugged. "And once again, I am drunk."

"You are running out of chances to use the drunk card."

You hummed while tracing the buttons on his white dress shirt. "How many chances do I have left?"

"One."

At this, you straightened up and swivelled your body to face him. "What kind of rule is that?"

"My rule. I can do anything I want if it contributes to my happiness, as you very kindly declared." Jumin smirked.

Your brain was too muddled to come up with a counter-argument, so you merely huffed and sat back in silence. Jumin picked up the skirt of your dress that had bunched up between you two, rolling the sequins from one finger to another. The only sound wafting through this nearly dark penthouse was the crinkle of the gold coins embedded on your dress.

You wished every night was like this. Being together in peace, talking about things you would barely remember the next day. The dim yellow light cast long shadows beneath the outline of your figures, and you knew that this moment would stay forever bursting technicolour in your mind.

"You're judging yourself too harshly," you said after a while. "You just started discovering your emotions and learning how to dissect these layers that you had long buried. It's not fair to yourself if you expect an immediate result by using my progress as your benchmark. Not when I've been in touch with my inner self for longer than you have."

"Except I'm usually a fast learner."

"Usually." You bumped his leg with your toes. "It's about time you're not the best at something."

To your surprise, Jumin laughed at your statement. It was a crisp, freeing laugh that you had never heard before. You jumped at the sound, but it only made him laugh harder. His voice sent tremors down the hollow of your bones. Then suddenly, you also cackled, imagining all the bones in your body quivering because of him. What a ridiculous thought! But how funny!

Soon enough, none of you could stop the fits of laughter. You, doubling over with a hand on your stomach, the curtain of your hair streaking over your already blurred eyesight. Jumin, shoulders shaking from trying and failing to stop, one arm rounding your body, the other straightened out, hand clenching at his thigh.

Nothing made sense, but nothing had to.

Years later, after you and Jumin had moved out of the penthouse for a place that you owned together, this was what you would remember: in the dead of night, two souls were alive with giddy lightness, as bubbly as the champagne you had downed, as intimate as the mutual understanding you had shared. In your long span of life to come, this was the memory you liked to come back to. This one evening with him might be brief, but it made your life more bearable.

That was the only thing that mattered.

-

You couldn't move a single muscle even if you'd wanted to in the first place. The ribbons colored ironically soft were keeping your wrists in a tight manner against the cool metal of the bedframe.

Contradiction after another, it's not like you asked for gentle touches and gushy words whispered lovingly into your ear underneath the oh so beautiful moonlight. You didn't seek comfort spoken like prayers into the nighttime for the soiled purpose of happiness.

The cold sweat running down your heated body, the chill wind passing through the window into the burning bedroom, the firm hands on your body that usually took hold of living so thoughtfully. The extreme opposite in the situation itself caused, or rather forced shivers down your spine.

His eyes pierced through your every inch, you're able to tell depsite the blindfold keeping your seeing senses out of play. Your lips parted slightly and the way your cheeks won on red shade whenever he touched you somewhere unexpected. It's a chase you had chosen for yourself in the most dirty way possible.

He seemed to enjoy it as much, though. Were you the bad one for encouraging his potential intensity or was he the wrong one for putting it out on display the very first time after meeting in person? Who's wrong and who's right? Did it even matter at this point? Most likely not.

Your legs twitched from the nails dragging over your sides, breath caught in the back of your throat the second your head pushed further into the pillows. It's possessive in manner; there's a touch of sadism when paying good attention to the way he tried dragging out the moments that caused you to hiss loudly.

Thinking a businessman with well-mannered composure ended in a position that's more than just animalistic, perhaps the fault on your part was a tad bigger than on his account. You smiled through gritted teeth when he pulled the same type of ribbons around your neck next, the fabric comfortable until it began to itch from the heat.

It felt god-awful good being owned; who were you denying your inner voices like this. And he found control in something other than a pet or contract, Jumin surely left you speechless with the ways he handled and embraced that will you showed so submissively. It's addicting, you're uncertain who of you both's ruined the most.

He scanned your body from head to toe; dark blue eyes almost soaking in the every curve of your body without a hint of shame behind it. He ran his hand up to your throat in order to lift your head up just a little higher, seeing your back arche off the bed in response.

His low voice mumbled something; yet you're too blurred in the rush of desire to actually receive to the meaning behind them. Instead the tone alone echoed inside your mind, leaving the hair on your neck to stand up. It's close to being unbearable, so close to have you tear up.

But that's how you wanted it, you thought to yourself in all honesty available. He'd been the one offering the idea so where's it your fault for taking advantage of exact words if they're already laid out on a silver platter for you. You laughed absent-minded as you felt the grip around your throat tighten for not listening properly.

Jumin blew breath to your jaw, the feeling rushing through your veins like needles. Especially after he tied brand new ribbons around your ankles; leaving you completely defenseless to anything he'd decided to do with you. Or to you, for that matter. The thought's showering you in anticipation for any rough treatment to come.

“Well, that’s going to change today! Because I am going to show you the best homemade recipe known to man this Christmas.“ 

In turn, he puts the apron on you. And adds a small kiss of your forehead after he finished tying the strings. 

He stands in the middle of the kitchen as he watches you in wonder as set up what all you need

“Well, princess, what would you like me to do?” You felt your cheeks begin to burn because of the name he called you.

Not as bad as ‘kitten’ though

That name shall not be in this fic though

“Uh.. right! I’ve already started the oven. So, you can mix these together!”

You pick up the flour, baking soda, and salt, setting it at an empty section of the counter. 

To make it easier on him, you pour the amount of each ingredient into the bowl.

Jumin only watches you from behind, amused, yet still mildly unsure of what he’s doing.

You could barely notice the slight hesitation as he takes the bowl and the whisk from your grasp.

Unable to hold back, you laugh softly, moving back towards him.

“It’s just like this…” Laying your hand on top of his, you guide him to the mixing bowl and begin stirring the ingredients.

Feeling his hand begin to work without your guidance, you let go.

But instead of leaving, you stop to look at him. It’s almost amusing, the amount of determination you can see on his face.

You don’t laugh, however. The sight just warms your heart. 

You wrap your arms around Jumin from behind, feeling the low hum he emits resonant from within. 

Jumin pulls you around to face him. His arms position themselves around her waist as yours made their way up to his cheeks.

You two stay in that embrace, wholly captivated by the other, for what felt both like an eternity and yet not long enough.

You completely forgot what you were doing, both lost within one another until the oven begins beeping.

The sound startles you, jumping in reaction to the sudden noise.

Seeing you, Jumin chuckled, letting you out of his grasp. He picks up the bowl and begins mixing once again. 

Now flustered, you go back to mixing the remainder of the batter. Not long after, Jumin walks up beside you. 

You look over at him, first seeing the now finished mixture, then to his face, laced with a small amount of doubt as he looks down at his bowl.

“I think it’s ready…” 

You giggle softly, nodding towards him as you take the bowl from his hands.

With him just watching, you combine the two bowls together, blending the two mixtures evenly until the dough was finally ready. 

“Then like this,” You pick up a small chunk, rolling it into a ball, “and just set it on the pan!” 

Beckoning him to join, the two of you work on the cookie dough together, enjoying the silence and the closeness of the other.

Soon you both had finished, with no more dough in the bowl and a sticky feeling on your fingers.

“That’s all there is to it!” You say, looking at him cheerily. “Now, we put it in the oven, and we’ll come back in eight minutes, and they should be set!“

You turn, intending to wash your hands after placing the pan in the oven and setting the timer.

Turning on the water, you absentmindedly lick a small amount from your finger, just to see how it tastes before washing your hands. 

You can’t tell me you’ve never eaten cookie dough

But off the side, you hear his breath hitch.

You give Jumin a mischievous look as you approach him.

“I’m sorry, did you want a taste too?”

Jumin looks at you, a small smirk on his face

Without even waiting for a reply, you lean into him, your lips landing onto his own.

Jumin lets out a satisfied sigh, wrapping his arms around you tightly.

You move yours to cling onto his neck.

With another kiss, you slide your fingers into his hair, earning a shudder from your partner.

Gaining in need, you share another kiss

And another

…and another 

Sure this isn’t time to use ‘Kitten?’

Yes, it is not this kind of story!

Until, once again,

Beep beep beep beep~ The timer goes off, alerting you to the cookies that were now ready to be taken out. 

“The cookies are ready” You whisper as you both catch your breath. 

“They aren’t going anywhere…” Jumin replies, trailing kisses from your cheek to your neck.

You freeze, struck by the sensation. The feeling of his lips on you is absolute bliss. 

You know if you don’t leave now, the cookies will burn.

And we all know if you didn’t stop now, you wouldn’t have ever stopped 

Reluctantly, you separate yourself from Jumin, rushing over to the oven to take out the cookies.

The aroma is almost heavenly and you can’t wait till they cool for him to be able to able to try his first-ever homemade chocolate chip cookies, 

As you set them down, you look over at Jumin. And the smile on his face. 

And it warms you. That he can look just that happy.

It makes you excited for the next time you can make them.

And for the next time that you will get to see that look on his face.

Ahh!! Thank you again!! I loved getting to write this.

My requests are still open! And I am (slowly) going through all of the ones I have been given, so thank you for your patience! 😘😘