#junhoe fluff

It was a dreary afternoon, and you walked through the rain, carrying a couple of grocery bags—each lightly dampened by the persistent drizzle. The rain had already drenched your umbrella, rendering it nearly useless. You let out a sigh and quickened your pace, hoping to reach your apartment before the rain grew heavier. As you crossed the street, you noticed an old record store tucked between a quaint café and a cozy bookstore. You glanced up—its faded sign read ‘Good Oldies,’ and a wave of nostalgia swept over you.

“Should I?” you asked yourself, hesitating a bit. You looked down at the groceries in your hands before a faint smile curled at your lips. They weighed you down, but curiosity got the better of you.

You pushed open the creaky door of the record store. A soft bell tinkled overhead as you stepped inside, greeted by the scent of old vinyl and the low hum of music from a vintage turntable. Rows upon rows of vinyl records filled the store. Their covers adorned with vibrant artwork and the promise of forgotten melodies. You set your grocery bags down and began flipping through the albums, each one a portal to a different era. Lost in the world of music, you finally picked out a Billie Holiday record, its cover portraying the singer in profile against a purplish backdrop. As you held the record in your hands, your gaze drifted to a tall figure browsing the ‘Rock’ section in the next aisle. Aside from the cashier patiently waiting at the counter, the two of you were the only customers inside. You couldn’t help but watch the mysterious man in front of you. He wore jeans, a brown corduroy blazer to match and a baseball cap in the same shade. You saw him pick up a Bob Dylan record, and when he turned around, you glanced up—finally seeing his face clearly.

You froze, eyes blinking in disbelief.  

Even with only half his face visible, you recognized him instantly. A jumble of emotions surged through you—surprise, longing… a knot of unease.   

Is it really him? No, it’s definitely him! Should I approach him? What if he doesn’t recognize me?  

Without further thought, you took a deep breath and cleared your throat. Just as he was about to head to the counter, your voice cut through the stillness of the near-empty store.

“Junhoe?” you called.  

He paused, glancing over with a hesitant look, his brows knitting together, puzzled.

You tried not to get discouraged by his reaction, so you pressed on, moving a little closer to him.

“It’s me, y/n,” you said carefully. “We used to live in the same neighborhood when we were kids.”

Junhoe turned to face you fully. Familiarity dawned in his eyes as he studied the stranger before him—from the contours of your face to the soft curve of your cheeks. Your long ebony hair was still damp from the rain. Your eyes were wide, bright with astonishment. You wore a long white sundress beneath an oversized baby pink coat, a Lady Satin album cradled in your hands.

“Y/n?” he mumbled—your name sounding foreign on his tongue.

You were his childhood best friend—until he dropped out in middle school and left for the city to chase his dreams. You were the one he promised to call, to write… but never did. When exactly had he forgotten you? He couldn’t even remember.

Now, as he stood before you, Junhoe sifted through faded memories—searching for the version of you that once radiated a carefree spirit, back when you were both young. You’d always been one of the boys in the neighborhood, your circle of friends unchanging even as school years came and went. He fondly remembered how you used to match his energy—and the boys’—effortlessly, which became part of the rhythm of his youth. As the oldest among the six of you, you naturally took on the role of protector. You stood your ground whenever any of them were picked on. You made them feel safe.

Junhoe’s gaze lingered, drawn to the subtle transformation in you—the soft changes in your style, the way your clothing reflected a new language of femininity. Your posture now carried a touch of maturity, but your features still looked youthful, untouched by the passage of time. Gone was the y/n who hunted for frogs and insects with him in her tees and Chucks.

“Yes, it’s me! I can’t believe it’s you.”  

“I can’t believe it’s you too,” he said, offering a warm smile.

************************************************************************

“You didn’t have to pay for this,” you said shyly to Junhoe, referring to the album he’d just bought for you at the record store. You could smell the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in the air as you and Junhoe sat across from each other in a secluded corner of the café. The clinking of cups, hushed conversations, and a mellow jazz tune formed the backdrop to your reunion.

“It’s not free! You’re paying for my coffee,” Junhoe teased, earning a laugh from you.

“You bet it’s my treat today!” you said with a grin. There was a brief pause before you added, “Thank you, Junhoe, for coming here with me. I’m not taking too much of your time, am I?”

Junhoe shook his head. “Oh no, y/n! I’m actually on vacation right now. I got here just a few days ago.”

So this is why he’s back, you mused.

Taking a sip of the hot caramel macchiato you’d ordered, you watched Junhoe over the brim of your cup—the white undershirt he wore suited his ensemble perfectly. The baseball cap perched casually on his head wasn’t just a simple accessory; it served as a shield, offering him privacy from the curious gazes of onlookers. Junhoe was still a celebrity, after all. You hadn’t minded ordering for him. You knew he’d wanted a spot away from prying eyes, which is why the two of you were now nestled in this quiet corner. It gave a discreet setting to catch up after all that lost time.

Junhoe peeked through the misty café window, where the rain seemed to have turned into a light pattering, before glancing back at you. “It’s been so long, y/n. I can’t believe we’re sitting here, after all these years.”

You smiled and set your coffee down with a soft clink. “Right? It feels kind of surreal. Life really pulled us in opposite directions, huh?”

Junhoe’s expression shifted, his gaze dipping slightly. “Yeah… I feel awful for not keeping in touch. Especially with how close we used to be.”

Your smile didn’t fade, but something softened in your eyes. “It’s okay, Junhoe. You chased what you loved, and you made something incredible for yourself. Not everyone gets to do that. We were always meant to take different roads… and I’ve always been proud of you.”

That last part seemed to catch him off guard. He looked at you with something flickering just behind his eyes.

“Proud?” he repeated, as if trying to hold onto the word a second longer.

“How do I even say this—” you murmured, eyes dropping to the lipstick stain on your coffee cup. It felt safer looking there than meeting his gaze. A faint heat crept into your cheeks, your fingers fidgeting with the hem of your dress. You didn’t want him to take it the wrong way, to think you were some sort of overzealous fan.

“I followed your journey as a singer, Junhoe,” you admitted. “Your rise to fame—it was like a whirlwind. Your voice was everywhere. I even went to some of your concerts… to be honest.”

Junhoe didn’t recoil. If anything, awe was evident in the furrow of his brow. There was no trace of judgment—only gratitude in his expression.

“I wish I’d known, y/n. Thank you,” he said gently, as if your words had reached somewhere he hadn’t expected.

“You were the closest friend I ever had,” you continued. “And I guess part of me always believed your dreams would come true. Even with all the time that passed… even when I stopped hearing from you… you still held a special place in my heart.”

Junhoe felt the weight of your words settle heavily in his chest, a swell of regret rising to meet them. He thought back to the bond you once shared—so close it had become the envy of the other boys in your circle. He had always felt chosen by you, like your connection had its own unspoken gravity. You were there for everything: cheering him on at school talent shows, filming his shaky audition tapes, standing offstage like his shadow with a quiet kind of faith. When he finally got that call from YG Entertainment, your joy had eclipsed even his. He could still picture it—you dragging the others along to send him off, beaming like it was your dream come true.

“I’m really sorry, y/n,” Junhoe said, his expression heavy. “Back then, everything moved so fast. My schedule, the pressure—it swallowed everything. I lost touch with a lot of people… including you.”

He struggled to find the right words, knowing they might sound like excuses—but they were all he had.

The fervent pursuit of his dream came at a cost of his friends slipping away like grains of sand through his fingers. Training demanded everything—his time, his energy, his entire focus. Eventually, the studio and dormitory became his world, cutting him off from the outside.

The silence between him and his friends hadn’t happened all at once. It came in fragments—unread letters, unanswered calls, moments missed. The milestones of lives he once knew passed him by, unmarked and unknown. As his debut day neared, the momentum of it all took over. The spotlight beckoned, and the weight of ambition pulled him forward without pause. Recording sessions, photo shoots, stage rehearsals—every day disappeared into the next. The cheers of fans, the camera flashes, the roar of the crowd—they all consumed him. Until the memories of his past dulled at the edges, familiar faces drifted like faint constellations in the night sky.

“Please don’t feel bad, Junhoe,” you said, trying to ease the weight in his eyes. “We were kids, and life changed. I never held it against you.”

There was comfort in your words, even as regret hummed beneath the surface of Junhoe’s expression.

“Thank you, y/n. That really means a lot," his voice was thick with sincerity. 

You hesitated for a beat, then spoke with gentle conviction. Your gaze returning to his face.. “I know this may sound like too much, Junhoe, but I knew then—you were meant to be a singer. You weren’t meant to stay in this town.”

That struck something deep. Junhoe hadn’t expected you to hold on to that belief after all these years—let alone follow his journey so closely. Your faith, your persistence, the way you had never let go of your friendship—it humbled him. Somehow, despite time and silence, you had never stopped believing in him.

However, at that moment, a haunting thought crept into Junhoe’s mind like an uninvited guest. A world he thought he’d left behind spun to life, casting a shadow of pain over him. A bittersweet memory—of a dream once within his grasp—vanished as swiftly as a fleeting breath.

“I didn’t expect you to retire from music,” you said to Junhoe, a hint of yearning in your voice. “You were at your peak… but I’m genuinely happy you still pursued other things.”

Junhoe leaned back in his chair, staring at the coffee he’d momentarily forgotten on the table. He sat suspended between vulnerability and the urge to protect the fragile facade he had built. A torrent of memories resurfaced as he wrestled with emotions threatening to break through. What-ifs and maybes crowded his thoughts.

“You’re kind to say that,” was all Junhoe could manage. His smile was thin, uncertain—but it was a quiet admission that your words had struck a chord. Still, he let his defenses take over, to keep in the truth he wouldn’t dare say out loud. Not when you had just found him.

You noticed how the atmosphere between you had become a little too sentimental, so you tried to lighten the mood.

“I really wanted a copy of your last poetry book,” you said with a chuckle. “I looked for it in every bookstore, but it sold out so fast!”

Junhoe appreciated your effort to break the tension. That, and the fact that you even knew he’d published a book, meant more than he could say.

“It was only printed in limited copies,” he explained, beginning to relax. “I might still have an extra one lying around. I’ll give it to you.”

“I’ll treasure that for the rest of my life,” you said brightly.

“As the president of my fan club, I expected more from you,” Junhoe teased, casting a playful side-eye. “How did you not snag one?”

“I failed you,” you replied dramatically, clasping your hands together in mock shame. “I hereby resign from the post, effective immediately.”

You both broke into laughter. And in Junhoe’s mind, he could only thank you again—for pulling him back from the spiral of thoughts he hadn’t meant to fall into.

“Enough about me—how have you been, y/n?” Junhoe asked. “Are you still close with Hanbin and the others?”

“Me? I’m a writer for a local lifestyle magazine,” you said with a cheerful spark, seamlessly going along with his change of topic. “And yes, I’m still close with the boys. Bin’s an elementary school teacher now, can you believe that?”

“Wow, really?” Junhoe’s eyebrows lifted in surprise.

“Yun’s a master chef at a luxury hotel in Seoul. Jiwon has a family now, and he and Dongie both moved to the U.S. after graduation—different states, though. Dongie even runs his own dance studio in L.A.”

A sense of comfort settled between you and Junhoe’s shoulders eased as he listened, the stories offering a welcome contrast from his former life in the spotlight. Hearing how everyone had moved forward filled him with both warmth and happiness.

And then he remembered he had been invited to this event—an opportunity he didn’t want to miss.

“Y/n, would you want to come to an art exhibit with me tomorrow night?” he asked, barely able to hide his excitement. “You’re welcome to bring Bin, Yun, or anyone else too.”

Your eyes lit up. “I’d love to, Junhoe! That’s perfect—I really enjoy art.”

“Excuse me?” you asked the gorgeous, young receptionist who looked worlds better in a spandex crop top than you ever could.

“Hmm?” she chirped, shifting her gaze up to you. “How can I help?”

“Where do I go for personal training?”

The girl stood up, a beaming, friendly smile tugging at her lips as she replied, “Right over there!” and pointed to a closed-off area to the side of the main exercise room.

“Thank you,” you murmured with a slight grin before heading over there.

“Have a great session!” she called out cheerfully after you.

...How could you be that cheerful working in a gym?

I mean, obviously, a lot of people could be. But you couldn’t imagine it. The only place at which you’d be that cheerful to work would be... like, a candy store. Or a coffee shop. Definitely something to do with food.

Anyway. 

Your heart began to beat faster as you approached the personal training area, and you chewed the inside of your cheek when you realized your trainer -- whoever he or she was -- hadn’t shown up yet.

Then again, you were basically always early to anything and everything, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise that you’d arrived before your trainer.

You let out a soft sigh as you set your bag and water bottle down next to the wall of the fairly small, roped-off area designated for personal training, and then you slid onto a bench to wait.

As the seconds ticked by, you found your gaze wandering out into the main area of the gym -- who didn’t love people watching? Especially when you were just sitting somewhere waiting for someone else to arrive.

To your slight surprise, the ellipticals and bikes and treadmills were not occupied solely by buff guys and fit ladies. There were definitely some of those, but you also saw a couple of -- truly no offense intended -- average people running and cycling their hearts out. There was even an older, gray-haired man speed-walking on a treadmill, and it brought a tiny smile to your face.

At the very least, it made you feel better that you didn’t seem to be the most unfit person here.

Just as you turned back around, you caught a glimpse of someone walking toward the personal training area.

...Maybe your eyes were playing tricks on you, but you could’ve sworn --

You shook your head quickly to dispel the thought.

No. It couldn’t be.

“Hey,” you heard a voice call out.

And it was a very familiar voice.

Indeed, the familiar voice of the person you thought for a split-second you’d seen in your peripheral vision walking over here.

...Great.

You stood, your heart jumping up into your throat as you turned to face...

Him.

Junhoe.

Your ex-boyfriend.

As soon as he saw you, Junhoe stopped in his tracks. His eyes widened slightly, but it was enough to be noticeable.

What -- was he -- I mean, was he also here for personal training or was he --

“Are you my trainer?” you blurted out. Your nerves were very obvious in your voice, and you scolded yourself for letting your anxiety show right now.

Junhoe’s mouth fell open, but it took him a few seconds to actually answer you.

“...Yeah.”

Wonderful.

So, he was a personal trainer now? After your break-up a couple of years ago, you hadn’t kept up with him on social media (but you still stalked his sister on Instagram kind of regularly... not that you would ever admit that out loud), so you hadn’t even known he’d quit his job at the music store.

Now that you thought about it, going from working at a music store to being a personal trainer was kind of an odd jump.

But that was Junhoe for you. He was predictable in some ways, but in many ways, he absolutely was not.

That was ultimately why you’d ended things with him. The romantic aspect of your relationship had been great -- more than great, actually, but Junhoe just hadn’t been stable enough for you. He was too spontaneous for your schedule-loving, plan-everything-within-an-inch-of-your-life self.

But, looking at him now...

Good god, was he handsome or what? He always had been and, apparently, he always would be.

“Ah,” you replied somewhat breathlessly, your nerves slowly sucking all the air from your lungs. “Well. I -- I guess I’m your new -- trainee... person... thing.”

At that, Junhoe’s expression relaxed, and an amused smile appeared on his lips.

“Yeah, I guess so,” he replied with a soft chuckle. He then stepped closer to you, his eyebrows raising just a smidge. “...How -- how are you?”

“I’m good -- doing well -- just fine,” you replied, inwardly cringing at how awkwardly you’d answered him. “Nothing much has changed, really. Same job, same apartment, same cat.”

You knew from your Instagram stalking escapades that things had changed more for him than they had for you since your break-up. He’d moved in with his sister at one point, and he had adopted the tiniest, fluffiest puppy you’d ever seen. And, apparently, he now had a different job.

“That’s great,” he said. The grin on his lips was genuine, and it kind of warmed your heart to see that he really did think it was great that your life hadn’t changed. He obviously remembered how greatly you valued stability and routine and structure.

You were about to ask him how he was doing (despite the fact you had a good idea based on his sister’s Instagram), but he clapped his hands together and said, “Well, we should probably get started” before you got the chance to.

“Right,” you murmured, feeling your heart jump again. You had been nervous about starting personal training before, but now that your ex-boyfriend was going to be your trainer...

Despite the fact this was your first ever personal training session -- and Junhoe knew this -- he didn’t go easy on you.

Maybe he was still bitter about your break-up and had made you work super hard because he wanted you to feel as much physical pain as he’d felt emotional pain a couple of years ago.

...Or.

And this is the most likely option.

Maybe he was just a tough and passionate trainer who didn’t believe in easy exercising.

(You kind of still wanted to believe he was still bitter, though.)

(But no one needs to know that.)

After the hour was up (though, you were hard-pressed to believe it had only been an hour), you found yourself lying on your back, staring up at the gym ceiling, and trying to catch your breath.

The workout had just ended, but already, every part of your body hurt.

“Good job,” Junhoe chuckled, holding his hand out to help you up.

You closed your eyes briefly because you really did not feel like getting up yet. 

“Are you sure?” you panted. “It doesn’t feel like I did a good job. It feels like I did a horrible job.”

“No, no, you did good,” he assured you with one of his signature smirks -- you know, the same one that had been the first thing to make your stomach flip back when you’d met him. “Come on, let me help you up.”

Well. You had to get up some time, so it might as well be now. The sooner you left the gym, the sooner you got to take a hot bath with three pounds of Epsom salts sprinkled in the water.

Weakly, you lifted one hand, allowing Junhoe to grab it and hoist you up. You were basically dead weight because you were so exhausted, but he was able to pull you to a standing position all on his own. And quite easily, too. It was... pretty impressive.

Junhoe had certainly had a great body while he’d been your boyfriend, but you had no doubt his job as a personal trainer had only done good things to his physique. 

...Mm, nope, better not think about his muscles. It’s not good to think about an ex-boyfriend’s muscles. Especially when that ex-boyfriend is standing right in front of you.

“See you Wednesday?” he asked casually once you were (basically) on your feet, referring to your next training session.

“Y--yeah,” you stammered. “Wednesday. Absolutely.”

There was a pause, and you were just about to turn and grab your bag... but then Junhoe broke the silence.

“Listen, I -- if you don’t want me to be your trainer, I can ask --”

“No, it’s fine,” you interrupted, though... to be quite honest... you weren’t really sure why you said that.

Was it fine?

I mean, sure, your session had gone pretty well. In terms of your interactions, at least. You had felt awkward at first, but you’d gotten used to it after a while, and Junhoe hadn’t acted at all like an ex-boyfriend -- only a trainer.

But... still.

Did you really want to see him three days a week? After not seeing him at all for about two years?

(Not seeing him at all in person, that is. You’d definitely seen him in pictures since, as we’ve established multiple times, you stalked his sister’s Instagram.)

But Junhoe’s lips had already curved into a smile at your reassurance, and you would feel too guilty if you took it back now and asked for another trainer.

“Okay,” he murmured through his grin. “Well, then. See you Wednesday.”

You just nodded before hoisting your bag over your shoulder and beginning to make your way out of the personal training area and into the gym -- limping slightly as you walked, mind you.

It felt like it took you about five hours to leave the gym, get to your car, get inside your car, drive home, walk up to your front door, go to your bathroom, and draw a bath.

And now that you were in the bath -- the hot water and scented Epsom salts relaxing your muscles like nothing ever had before in your entire life -- you were pretty sure you were going to stay in here for another five hours.

You tilted your head back, letting the base of your skull rest against the edge of the tub and closing your eyes. You breathed in the healing aroma of the salts and sighed with content.

Truly, there was nothing better after a long day than a nice, relaxing bath.

...Well, actually. A nice, relaxing bath with some music playing.

Opening your eyes and lifting your head, you reached out and stretched your arm to grab your phone nestled in your discarded clothes on the floor.

Just as you opened up your music app of choice, though, your ringtone cut through the silence and made you jump.

Your eyes narrowed when you saw your brother’s picture on the screen, but your heart was still racing with fright as you answered and pressed your phone to your ear.

“What?” you asked irritably. “You interrupted my Me Time.”

“How was the gym?”

You couldn’t stop yourself from rolling your eyes because of course that’s why he was calling.

And you were just annoyed enough to be sassy about it.

“Well, my personal trainer ended up by my ex-boyfriend, so thanks for that.”

Your brother chuckled softly and said, “Junhoe? No way, what are the odds?”

“No matter the odds, it happened, and I’m blaming you.”

“No, no, no, Dear Sister. You will be thanking me when you have more energy and don’t get out of breath walking up two flights of stairs.”

“Okay, those were very long staircases!”

“You’re going back, right?”

You waited a few seconds... let out a long sigh... then replied, “I mean, I paid for two months of sessions. I don’t want to lose that money.”

“Was it super awkward?”

“Well, yeah,” you shrugged. “At first. It got better once we were actually training, but... still. It’s not like I had a pleasant time.”

Your brother chuckled softly and said, “Hey, you never know. Maybe it’s fate.”

You quirked one brow. “...Fate? What?” you asked, entirely unamused.

“You never know!” he repeated in a singsong tone. “Good luck on your next session, keep me posted, okay?”

“Whatever,” you murmured, though you could feel a smirk tugging at one corner of your lips.

“Love you, Sis,” he teased (but you knew he really meant it).

“Love you, too, Bro,” you teased back (but you obviously really meant it).

As soon as the call ended, you tapped on the icon for your music app and pressed shuffle on your relaxing Jazz playlist.

After tossing your phone back onto your pile of clothes, you leaned your head against the edge of the tub again and closed your eyes.

The bath, although it was starting to cool already, and the ambient music were doing wonders to ease your aches -- both physical and mental.

But... your brother’s words kept ringing in your head, for some reason.

You never know.

“If you’re sure, Mama,” Y/N replied. Her mother stood up, dusting off her gown. Y/N followed suit.

“Come, we mustn't keep our guests waiting.”

“Yes, Mama.”

Y/N followed her mother out to the main foyer where her aunt and uncle were handing their coats to the butler. She greeted them politely as her father and younger brother, Chanwoo, joined them. Her mother walked them to the ballroom, gossiping with her sister. Y/N stayed put, waiting patiently for the one guest she was most excited to see.

Minutes ticked by and there was still no sign of Uncle Drosselmeyer. The guests continued to show. Aunts, uncles, cousins, loved ones, friends, and esteemed guests sauntered through the front doors and into the ballroom where the party was in full swing. Y/N welcomed the guests along with the staff, playing the part of a gracious hostess as she waited.

But as minutes turned to hours, her hope of him showing slowly waned. Maybe the snow had piled too high and his carriage couldn’t make it. Or perhaps he had fallen ill and was too weak to travel. Or worse yet, what if had decided not to come? That thought put Y/N in quite a state. She tried her best to remain positive, but as fewer and fewer guests showed up, her spirit dimmed.

With a heavy heart and a sigh, Y/N turned to join her family and the rest of the guests in the ballroom. The party was in full swing when she arrived. Everyone was dancing as cheerful music filled the room. The young children were off to the side, playing with the toys they’d received and laughing joyously. Y/N smiled softly, walking around to the edge of the dance floor to where her favorite aunt sat. Her aunt wore a beautiful green gown made of silk and styled unlike anything she’d ever seen before. An interesting man sat with her, dressed in the strangest clothing she’d ever seen.

“Speak of the Devil. Y/N, I was just talking about you,” her aunt greeted, holding out a hand for her. Y/N curtsied, taking a seat next to her aunt. “Y/N, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine, Song Yoonhyung. He traveled very far to be here tonight.”

“Thank you, sir, for coming. I hope your journey was pleasant,” Y/N said. Song Yoonhyung smiled, taking Y/N’s hand in his and placing a quick kiss to the back of her hand.

“The journey was worth such a wonderful party and beautiful company,” he replied. Y/N’s aunt giggled.

“Oh Yoonhyung, you are quite the charmer. Don’t you agree, Y/N?” her aunt asked, shooting her a suggestive stare. Y/N said nothing, smiling politely at Song Yoonhyung. “Oh don’t mind her. She’s waiting for our uncle. He always brings the most amazing gifts. You know, he’s a very skilled clock and toy maker. When he arrives, I’ll be sure to show you his craft.”

“How do you know he’ll be here?” Y/N inquired. Her aunt smiled, patting her cheek affectionately. She turned back to Song Yoonhyung, not answering her niece’s question. Y/N sighed, turning to watch everyone dance.

“Would you care for a dance?” Song Yoonhyung asked. Y/N turned to find Yoonhyung staring at her. She glanced at her aunt who was giving her an encouraging smile. Y/N smiled politely, slipping her hand into his outstretched one.

Song Yoonhyung led Y/N to the dance floor, twirling her around to face him. Another song began and he led her in a graceful waltz. He was a handsome man, there was no doubt about that. Handsome as he was, he simply didn’t match her type. At least, that’s what she told herself and others. In truth, she didn’t know her type, but when she met him, she would know.

“You seem distracted. Am I not good company?” he asked. Y/N gasped.

“No, you’re lovely, really. As my aunt mentioned, I’m waiting for our uncle. He should have been here by now, but I fear this may be the first party he can’t come,” Y/N said. Song Yoonhyung nodded, then laughed. “Have I said something funny?”

“No. I’m sorry. You just remind me of a friend of mine,” Yoonhyung said. The song ended and Song Yoonhyung and Y/N bowed to each other. They returned to Y/N’s aunt who sat chatting with another relative. Her aunt turned to her, smiling brightly.

“You two were absolutely amazing. You danced beautifully together.” Y/N smiled, taking a seat.

“Thank you,” Y/N said. “Aunt, where did you meet Mr. Song?” Her aunt smiled, sparing a glance at Song Yoonhyung.

“You know I’ve never been one to settle somewhere for too long,” her aunt began. Y/N nodded, scooting closer. “Well, I was traveling throughout Asia when my carriage broke down. So there I was, stranded in a country I wasn’t familiar with, when a dashing man came to my rescue. He stopped his carriage, asking me where I was from and where I was going. He invited me to a ball the emperor was having later that night. Of course I didn’t have any of the socially appropriate attire of their country, but I put  on my best gown.

“Yoonhyung was there and approached me. We began talking and I found him quite agreeable. Then a hush fell over the room. The imperial family was to be announced. Yoonhyung led me as close as we could, but all the young ladies had gathered around to see the emperor’s son. They all swooned when he came, but then I saw the emperor. He had been the dashing fellow who invited me to the ball and rescued me from my damaged carriage.

“The room was still as he descended the stairs. He was halfway down the stairs when we made eye contact. We stared at each other without ever looking away. The sea of people parted as he made his way to stand in front of me. He bowed deeply before asking me for the first dance.”

“Did you say yes?” Y/N asked excitedly.

“Well I couldn’t say no to the emperor,” her aunt laughed. Y/N sighed.

“That sounds so exciting! You must have felt like a princess! I wish I could have been there,” Y/N said. Her aunt and Yoonhyung shared a look.

“Maybe next time, you can come with me,” her aunt suggested. Y/N sighed again.

“Oh I wish I could, but Mother and Father would never allow it. It’s not sensible for a girl to travel around.” Her aunt laughed.

“Oh my dear child, it’s not sensible for a young woman to be cooped up with no knowledge of the world. There’s so much more to life than being pretty and marrying rich. My dear child, there’s a world out there that you deserve to see,” her aunt said. Y/N hugged her aunt, smiling. “There’s my happy girl.”

“Uncle Drosselmeyer!”

Y/N turned to the ballroom doors and, sure enough, her Uncle Drosselmeyer stood there. He was covered in snow, and he was carrying a giant sack. Excitedly Y/N jumped from her seat, rushing with her younger cousins to greet him. He laughed, waving to everyone as the adults chuckled fondly and resumed their previous activities.

“Hello children!” Uncle Drosselmeyer’s voice boomed. The children greeted him back loudly. Y/N stood off towards the back, but close enough to see the wonderful gifts he’d made. He passed out colorful gifts to each of the children. Immediately they went and tore the paper off, squealing at the hand-crafted gift. Chanwoo stood next to Y/N, watching along with her.

“What do you think of this year’s gifts?” he inquired. Y/N smiled.

“I think they’re wonderful, don’t you?”

“Of course. It’s not truly Christmas without Uncle Drosselmeyer’s presents.”

“It’s not truly Christmas without Uncle Drosselmeyer.” They giggled.

“Here are our gracious hosts. Young Mister Chanwoo! Miss Y/N! How are you two? My oh my, you’re both a head taller.”

“I was afraid you wouldn’t make it this year,” Y/N confessed, hugging her beloved uncle. Chanwoo embraced him next, grinning from ear to ear.

“And miss seeing you, my dear? Never. What a preposterous thought!” her uncle laughed.

“Uncle Drosselmeyer, are there any gifts in there for Y/N and I?” Chanwoo asked, peeking into the large sack that laid on the floor, almost completely empty, save for two gifts.

“How could I not bring gifts for our gracious hosts?” Uncle Drosselmeyer reached into the bag, pulling out a circular box wrapped in shiny red paper with a gold bow on top. “For you, Chanwoo.” Chan grabbed the present excitedly, ripping the paper apart. “And for you, dear Y/N.” He handed her a rectangular box, wrapped in dark green paper with a silver bow. Carefully, she unwrapped the box before removing the lid. Inside was a nutcracker with ivory skin, dark hair, brown eyes, and a red uniform.

“Oh Uncle Drosselmeyer! He’s absolutely breathtaking! Thank you.” She gave her uncle a hug before disappearing to show off her gift. Her young cousins gathered around, staring at the nutcracker with wide eyes. Chanwoo came up, carrying a handful of nuts.

“Care to try it out?” Y/N grabbed a nut, placing it in the nutcrackers mouth. Carefully she pushed down on the lever until its jaw split the nut open. The children clapped excitedly. She continued to do so until there were almost no nuts left.

That was when Chanwoo grabbed the nutcracker, bored of one nut at a time, he put the rest of the nuts into the nutcracker’s mouth and pressed down on the lever as hard as he could. There was a resounding gasp, followed by the gasps of the children. Y/N stared in horror. The nutcracker’s jaw was broken. She quickly snatched the nutcracker from Chanwoo, rushing to find Uncle Drosselmeyer.

Uncle Drosselmeyer sat with her aunt and Song Yoonhyung. They were deep in conversation when Y/N arrived. She handed the nutcracker to him, pleading for him to fix it. Uncle Drosselmeyer took the nutcracker, and from what seemed like thin air, produced a white handkerchief.

“I don’t have my tools now, but I’ll have him fixed in no time,” he assured her. Y/N smiled, wandering off to put the nutcracker in the safety of the parlor room where Uncle Drosselmeyer would be able to fix it with complete ease.

Once she returned to the party, she rejoined her aunt, Uncle Drosselmeyer, and Song Yoonhyung for the evening. Y/N liked to pretend she could be a proper lady of the house, but adult talk bored her so. However, her aunt and uncle were anything but boring adults. They didn’t discuss trivial things such as weather and politics. Instead, they talked about adventure and traveling and passion. Yoonhyung seemed to enjoy the same topics of conversation. Most gentlemen were focused on themselves and their estates and settling down to find a suitable wife, at least that’s what Y/N assumed. She’d never heard the conversations between gentlemen. Chanwoo was still much too young for such topics.

Soon the clock struck eleven, alerting everyone that the evening was done. The guests began to gather their things and leave. Children were scattered around the house, fast asleep from the night’s activities. Y/N’s parents stood at the door, bidding everyone a good night. Y/N and Song Yoonhyung hung back, making idle talk.

“You must come and visit, Y/N,” Yoonhyung said. “It’s such a different, well, everything. The people, the clothing, the culture, it would be a shame if you didn’t see it.” Y/N nodded.

“That sounds absolutely wonderful. Maybe you could convince my parents to let me go,” Y/N said. Once they had reached the door, Yoonhyung turned to Y/N’s parents, bowing respectfully. He turned back to Y/N taking her hand and pressing a quick kiss to it. She dipped into a quick curtsey, waving him off.

The only guests to remain were Y/N’s aunt and Uncle Drosselmeyer. Chanwoo and his mother had retired to their chambers, much too tired from the night’s activities. Y/N, her father, her aunt, and Uncle Drosselmeyer sat in the parlor, chatting next to the roaring fire.

“I must ask my dear, what were you and Yoonhyung discussing before his departure? It seemed most interesting,” her aunt said, taking a sip of brandy.

“Mr. Song has invited me to see his home land,” she said. Her aunt clapped excitedly.

“Brother, doesn’t that sound lovely?” her aunt said. Her father hummed, taking a huff from his pipe.

“What business does a young man have asking to take my only daughter, my prized jewel, away to another country?” he asked, a playful glint in his eye.

“Oh Papa,” Y/N said, moving to crouch by the side of his chair. “You must put such thoughts from your head. Nothing of that sort happened or would. I simply want to travel. I want to see the world Papa.” He cupped his daughter’s cheek, stroking it with his thumb affectionately.

“Then see the world you shall, my pet. How can I deny my daughter her deepest desire?” he said. Y/N grinned at her father. “But their is the matter of your mother--”

“You leave her to me,” her aunt interjected. “I know how to speak to her.”

“Then it’s settled,” Uncle Drosselmeyer laughed. “Y/N shall see the world! She shall dance! She shall explore! She! Shall! Live!” Uncle Drosselmeyer had jumped from his seat and was dancing around the room with new jubilance. Y/N’s father sighed deeply, bringing a hand to massage his temples. Y/N and her aunt giggled.

“Uncle Drosselmeyer, please, pace yourself. You shall wake up the whole block!” her father scolded, though she could see the hint of a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“Oh poppycock. Let them wake, for our darling little girl is off to become a woman. Oh the wonders you shall see my dear. You shall never want to return, or settle down for that matter. I mean, take your beautiful aunt. She chose to travel and has she settled?”

“When you put it like that, maybe you shouldn’t travel,” her father said. Y/N turned to him, pouting, then back to Uncle Drosselmeyer.

“Oh don’t give me that look. You should travel, but you should also settle down. Find a suitable husband and have children,” Uncle Drosselmeyer said. Y/N wrinkled her nose at the notion. “Your mother thought the same thing. That was, until she met your father.”

“As much as I’m sure she’s happy to have settled, I don’t want to. The times are changing, and I want to be there to see it.” Her aunt sat back, looking between her father and Uncle Drosselmeyer. Her father gave a resigned sigh.

“I blame this almost entirely on you,” he said, pointing his pipe at his sister. She shrugged, not the least bit concerned.

It was almost midnight when Y/N had fallen asleep on the couch in the parlor. Her aunt draped a blanket over her, placing the nutcracker next to her. Her father pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before ushering his sister and Uncle Drosselmeyer out. His wife would surely scold him for letting Y/N sleep in the parlor, but he couldn’t bring himself to wake her. She had seemed so peaceful, asleep with the thought of traveling the world nestled deep within her.

At the strike of two, the most extraordinary thing occurred. First, a hazy glow settled across the parlor room. With each strike of the clock, the haze thickened. Then, a hole, the perfect size for a mouse, appeared in the wall, right next to the Christmas tree. In neat columns of two, mice, dressed as soldiers and carrying weapons. They marched into the parlor, stopping in the middle of the room. Finally, the nutcracker awoke. He blinked several times before sliding off the couch, landing on the floor with a thump.

The thump was enough to wake Y/N from her slumber. Yawning and rubbing the sleep from her eyes, she glanced around the parlor room. She let out a gasp at the scene before her. Dozens of mice were on her floor, and her nutcracker was fighting them. Her nutcracker was fighting them? Her nutcracker was fighting them! But he was just one nutcracker against dozens of mice. Y/N had to help him!

She threw off her covers, quickly kicking the mice away from the nutcracker. The mice squeaked loudly, flying around the room as she did her best to help her nutcracker. More mice came from the hole, all of them making a beeline for the nutcracker.

-

"Where are you taking me?" All you could see through the black blindfold that blocked your sight was random lights that peeked through.

"You'll see." You heard your friend say as you were stopped to a halt. "We have a 21st birthday girl here."

You heard a door open and music blaring out as you friends dragged you along once again. Once you were inside the blindfold was ripped off and your vision came back slowly as laser lights and sweaty people dancing everywhere.

"You said you never came to a club before so we thought it was a good idea for your birthday." It's not like you were a stranger to drinks but it was officially accepted legally. "And maybe you can finally get laid tonight."

Your other friends whistled.

"Back off." You laughed and they guided you to the bar.

...

About an hour of dancing you felt exhausted and went back for another drink. "One please." You said out of breath as you gave the man your shot glass.

You looked around as you noticed a guy glance at you from the end of the bar. He was very attractive and he smiled as soon as he saw you.

"Thank you." You took your drink and gulped it down. As soon as you put the glass down the attractive guy was by your side.

"You want another?" He asked and all you did was smile. "Double?" He told the bar tender.

"I've never seen you here before." He spoke.

"You come here often enough to memorize every girls face that hangs around?" You flirted.

"Only ones that catch my eye." He flirted back.

"It's my first time here actually. It's kinda my birthday."

"Happy birthday. You having a good time?"

"It's getting better." You bit your lip.

"It's really your birthday?" He squinted as he leaned closer.

"Yes."

"You over 21?"

"To be exact." You confirmed.

"I work at the the crescent moon down the street. Since it's your birthday your entitled to a free show." He sipped his drink.

"I'm sorry, I'm new to all this." You blushed.

"It's a performance, plus I can get you free drinks."

"Oh cool, may I invite my friends?" You asked.

"Of course." He said and you were quick to grab them.

"This guy I met works at the crescent moon and he said since it's my birthday we can get in for free."

"Are you fucking kidding me. That place is impossible to get in." Your one friend said.

"So you know it?"

"It's like the most famous club around here." She said not believing you had no clue.

"Let's go meet your new friend." Your other friend said.

"Hi, these are my friends Siyeon, Chaehyung, and Haekyung." You smiled. "And this is.....actually I never got your name." You blushed.

"It's Junhoe." He smiled. "And these are my friends."

You are your friends waved to the other attractive guys. "You ready? The next show starts at 10."

"Hell yeah." Siyeon cut in. "Let's go."

Junhoe smiled at you as you all followed them to the club.

....

"You guys are late." The guy at the door spoke.

"We found you some V.I.P's." Junhoe began. "Birthday."

"Alright, alright. Come on in ladies." He let you in.

Junhoe went the opposite direction causing you to stop him. "Wait, where are you going?"

"I need to put on my uniform." He said and you nodded taking your assigned seat. All the seats were filled with ladies of all kinds.

"So he works here? What does he do exactly?"

"I don't know he didn't say. He said free drinks on him so maybe he's a bartender?" You shrugged.

"Welcome ladies." A guy walked out on stage. "You all ready for the show tonight?" The girls all cheered.

"Now I heard we had a birthday girl in the building. Seat A5, how you doing?" That was the seat you were in. The light shines on you and you gave an awkward wave as your friends were whistling by your side. "Don't worry hun, this will be a birthday you won't forget."

And then he walked back offstage and the music started as some guys came out of stage and started dancing.

"Oh my god. This is a strip club?" You said shocked as the guys were losing clothes by the second.

"Of course it is, what did you think?"

"When he said performance I was thinking like a play." You said innocently.

"(Y/N) you have a lot to learn." Chaehyung laughed. "You are so pure."

The guys were were basically dry humping the stage causing you to blush like crazy. Throughout the show you saw no sign of Junhoe.

"This next performance needs a volunteer." The host spoke up. The girls were shooting their hands up as you tried to hide in your chair. The other parts of the show with volunteers were basically having sex on stage and you rather not have that kind of attention. But of course, faith liked to work against you. "Birthday girl, come on up."

Your friends were practically pushing you towards the stage.

I don't want to do this....

"Have a seat here, beautiful." You sat in the chair, front and center. "So how old today?"

"21."

"You're not dating anyone I hope." He began and you just shook your head. "Good, we don't need that on our conscience." He laughed and left your side. "Next is our newest star performer. Believe it or not, our most requested dancer and he only joined us a month ago. You know him, you love him, and we know most of you cougars want him but it's time to let this little birthday angel have him tonight."

"Have fun." He whispered next to you giving you chills and then the music started.

The girls were cheering as the performance clearly started behind you that you were too nervous to even look. You felt the presence come closer as he danced and he grabbed your hand pulling it up his naked torso that you finally got a glimpse of his beautiful face. It was Junhoe. You were a mess before but this was a whole new ball game. You only met the guy an hour ago and he already had this crazy impact on you.

He was gyrating his hips towards you as he made you hold on to his undies. He pulled you slowly bringing yours lips towards his in a hypnotizing kiss that had you unbalanced. He lifted you up and carried you off stage taking you to a private room.

"Oh ladies, how you wish you were her." You heard the host speak as he started the next performance.

Junhoe shut the door behind him and placed you on this big circular red sofa bed. The room was small and on the darker side since the only lights were neon. There was also a pole in the middle of the room.

What was he gonna do? You were in a daze as he towered over you bringing his lips to yours. He came up and was still putting on a show as he was gyrating his hips in a sexual way.

You couldn't keep your eyes off his bulge as his hips danced in your face. You moved your hands touching his toned abs, slowly moving further down where they don't belong.

Once you got dangerously close he grabbed your hand placing them back up towards his torso. "Are we going to-"

"I'll get fired." He looked at you stopping.

"What?"

"Having sex with a customer is against the rules if that's what you're asking."

"Oh." You said blushing. You felt annoyed with yourself that you even brought it up.

"Besides I hate to pull you away from your friends." He looked at you leaning down to kiss you once again, moving his hips along with yours. He continued down pleasuring your neck more, getting closer to your chest.

"I'm not even allowed to kiss you. I'll get a warning after the show for doing it on stage. I just couldn't help myself." He whispered.

You felt his bulge get bigger as he continued moving against you. He stopped suddenly and looked down causing you to snap out of your daze. "This never happens." He said concerned.

"Can I take you to my place." He whispered.

You nodded immediately without a thought but still wanted to ask. "Why not here?"

"Every private room has cameras." He got up and pulled you up with him. You both stepped outside the room and walked to the back. "Wait here." He said and disappeared. He came back in a few minutes ready to leave with you until his name was called back to the back.

He handed you his keys. "Take this and go out this back door. Just hit the button and you'll find my car. I'll meet you there in 5 minutes."

You nodded and did what he asked.

"You leaving so soon?" His boss asked as he stepped back inside. "We always go out for a drink after.

"Sorry man, I have plans." He simply said.

"You know I have to lecture you right?" He began and Junhoe nodded. "You can't be kissing on stage or every woman is gonna want the same treatment."

"I know."

"One inspector, we can be shut down."

"I know. Won't happen again." He said in a rush.

"Alright, go on." He cleared.

"Hey Jinhwan." He called over his fellow colleague. "Tell the girls in seat A3- A6 that they're friend will get home safe and sound."

He smirked and left.

...

You bounced your legs impatiently as he drove to his place. You were only in the car for 10 minutes but your nerves were getting the best of you.

Once you arrived he lead the way in a rush and once that door shut. He pampered you in a way you couldn't even describe. This time he was stripping your clothes instead of his own. The cold air was a bit uncomfortable as you were in nothing but your panties.

"You cold?" He felt the goosebumps on your arms.

"A little."

"Follow me." He guided you to the living room where the fire place was starting. "I'm gonna get us some drinks."

He left for a second as you warmed up, the fireplace was small but very warm. The couch was soft and had a fuzzy blanket draped over as you covered yourself up.

"Here." He hand you a wine glass with what you guess was white wine.

"Thank you." You took a sip. It was pretty strong and bitter but still tasted fine for the moment.

"It's your birthday. Any request?" He was already hovering over you causing you to feel lustful again.

"You still on the clock?" You flirted.

"No but everyone should feel good on their birthday."

"Surprise me." You bit your lip.

"Are you giving me consent to touch you in any way or form?" You nodded and he began tugging down your panties.

He grabbed your left leg placing it to rest against the back of the couch and started to gently kiss up the other one. He moved slowly and sensual as he made his way up to your moist core. He worked his touch throughout causing your extreme pleasure. You couldn't stay still from your lack of experience. You always imagined what it could feel like but never thought it was this amazing. You never wanted it to end.

He was doing things you couldn't even explain. He placed two fingers in and began pumping them causing you twitch as he held you down still sucking every last drip. You were a moaning mess.

You felt a rush coming up quickly disappointing you from how soon it was going to be over. You moaned out reaching your high letting him finish you down slowly. "This your first time?"

"You can tell that bad."

"You're more sensitive then I thought." He chuckled but he was finding you cute the more he knew you.

You sat up and began pulling on his briefs feeling impatient. "It's not about me tonight babe." He stopped you from touching him.

"But I want you to feel good too."

"We can do that another time. It's about you feeling good tonight."

He pulled off his briefs anyway but he was quick to pull a condom down. "Turn around for me hun." He was such a gentleman in the way he talked you couldn't help but blush. Once you turned around he grabbed your hips placing his member to your already soaked center. He tapped you a few times before entering slowly. He pushed up against you as he began moving your hips along with his. He was slow and steady until you were fully adjusted. Once the momentum kicked in he held you down, pinning you to the couch as he pounded from behind. You cried out as the pleasure was building up once again.

You felt sore already from the pressure of his pace going faster and faster. The build up was coming up more intense then before causing you to squirt out. Your breathing was unsteady as he continued to thrust until eventually reached his high shortly after.

"You are one fine women Miss (Y/N), I hope you let me take you out."

"Birthday breakfast?"

"Of course." You smiled.