#mina angst

you can see mina laughing again. it’s not her polite laugh — it’s one where she uses her whole body to laugh, the corners of her eyes crinkling at the corners. she lets jeongyeon push her lightly, the two of them laughing and shoving each other on stage.

then, in just the blink of an eye, nayeon appears. the bubbly girl wraps her arm around mina’s, pointing to a sign a fan must be holding. nayeon grabs her face and leans in close for a kiss, one that mina doesn’t shy away from. you can already hear the crowds getting louder.

you ignore the throbbing in your chest. it’s just encore, you tell yourself. the girls are good at their jobs, of course — giving every bit of attention and fanservice that they can in the last few minutes of a concert.

you clench your jaw when nayeon doesn’t let go. she hugs mina from the back, her hands dangling dangerously close to her lower abdomen area. her head is rested on mina’s shoulders, her lips drawn in a wide smile. mina has a dreamy grin on her face as she looks out to the crowd, seeming oblivious to the fact that you’re watching all of it.

it shouldn’t matter. it’s just encore.

you repeat it again, firmer this time, like saying it louder will make it stick. but why the hell does it feel so personal? 

you wish you could just look away, laugh it off, and enjoy the last few minutes like everyone else backstage is. but you just can’t, because you remember the way you asked mina, soft and pleading. you’d said it quietly, trying it make it so that you weren’t asking for too much.

“just… not too much, okay?”

mina had smiled reassuringly, her eyes soft. “okay.” 

your laugh feels hollow now. not too much, your foot. 

on stage, you can see nayeon squeezing the japanese girl even tighter. mina’s hand comes behind the older girl, keeping her in place. 

something in your chest snaps. you curse under your breath, your jealousy spreading across your chest like poison. it’s not about the touching, or even about the kiss. it’s the fact that she’s not even trying. 

she doesn’t even bother to pull away after a few seconds or set boundaries, just like she’s promised to. it’s as if the conversation didn’t even happen for her.

your pulse pounds, hot and uneven. your arms cross tightly over your chest, nails digging into your sleeves as you force yourself to keep watching — like you’re punishing yourself, proving a point for a reason you can’t name. 

the ending segment starts to play, the sound booming through your body. you stand there, staring at the monitor, rooted in place. you don’t know why you expected anything different, or why all of it hurts more than usual. 

—

“great show, guys!” the staff next to you says when the girls come backstage. your face is blank, void of your usual grin after a show. 

mina comes up to you, her expression oblivious and blissful.

“what did you think?” she says enthusiastically. her grin is so wide it hurts, though it starts to falter when she notices you’re not reacting in any sort of way.

without another word, you grab her wrist and drag her into an empty dressing room.

you slam the door behind you, making the japanese jump a little.

“you fucking promised.” there’s hard anger in your voice, as if you’ve bottled your jealousy for it to explode at this moment. it infuriates you how mina’s eyes stay wide open, radiating innocence.

“i—”

you don’t let her say another word; you crash your lips onto hers, pressing her body against the wooden door. she yelps, a sound of surprise, before kissing you back. you aggressively attack her mouth, making her open up to you.

when you break apart, her cheeks are flushed, her chest rising up and down rapidly. 

“i bet you did it on purpose, huh.” your voice is low as you flip her to face the wall. your hands find the zipper and pull it down, exposing her bare skin to you. 

“did you have fun, baby? letting every single member touch you like that?” 

she whimpers when you pull her skirt down — it could barely count as a skirt anyway, the thing was so short that it barely covered anything. 

“look at you, baby — you’re dripping.”

mina’s folds are sticky with her arousal. you glide your fingers along her slit, smirking a little when she arches her back into you. she whimpers again into the wall, the sound needy and broken.

“is this for me or for your members, hmm?”

you slowly pump into her. her position of facing the wall allows you to fuck her more deeply, your fingers reaching her g-spot with ease.

you can tell mina’s holding back her moans — she’s biting her lower lip so hard that it looks like she might draw blood. you bring your free hand up to her mouth.

“don’t you dare,” you warn, running your thumb against her lip.

your other hand continues you thrust inside her — she’s so wet that a squelching noise echoes through the small space with each pump. now that she’s not actively trying to stay quiet, moans spill freely from her lips, the sound obscene and erotic. 

“that’s it baby, let them hear who’s making you feel this good.” 

the whimpers escaping mina’s lips hit straight to your core — though she doesn’t talk much, she was always noisy when getting fucked, her sounds needy and desperate.

“mmmh f-fuck,” she gasps. you wrap your arms around her abdomen to hold her up — you can tell she’s not going to last long by the way her legs are giving up on her.

“good girl, baby, just like that. you like this, don’t you?”

mina’s walls squeezes your finger as she comes, a broken cry coming from her lips. the sound is so loud that you’re sure the others can hear it.

“sorry — i’m sorry,” mina pants as her body turns limp. her thighs are quivering from the aftermath of her climax. you can feel her core pulsing against your sticky fingers and how the air smells of her juices and something musky yet sweet.

“don’t worry, baby. i’ll make you prove it to me.”

The apartment was a mess of open tabs, half-written emails, and the heavy, suffocating silence of your own indecision. You were sitting at the kitchen island, head in your hands, staring at two different job offers, three different lease agreements, and a life that felt like it was crumbling under the weight of a dozen maybe’s.

“I can’t do it, Mina,” you whispered, your voice cracking. “I can’t pick. Every time I think I’ve decided, I find a reason why it’s the wrong move. My head is just... it’s too loud.”

Mina didn’t offer a hug. She didn’t offer a glass of water.

“It’s loud because you’re letting it be,” she murmured. “You’re obsessed with the ‘what if’ instead of the ‘what is’ You need to clear the cache, Y/N. You need to let someone else handle the steering for a while.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” you snapped, the stress finally bubbling over into a heated, jagged edge. “I feel like I can’t even think for myself anymore.”

“Maybe that’s the problem,” Mina countered, her voice dropping an octave as she walked toward you. She didn’t stop until she was inches away, her presence filling your entire field of vision. “You think too much, and you do it poorly. You’re paralyzed. And it’s exhausting to watch you suffer through your own incompetence.”

“Incompetence?!” You stood up, your chair screeching against the floor. “I’m trying to make a life decision, Mina! Not pick a movie!”

“And yet, you can’t even do that,” she hissed, her eyes locking onto yours with a dark, unblinking intensity. She held up a hand, her index finger pointing directly at the bridge of your nose. “Sit. Down.”

The command was so sharp, so authoritative, that your knees buckled before your brain could even register the insult. You slumped back into the chair.

“Look at me,” Mina commanded, her voice softening. “You’re so tired of choosing, aren’t you? You want the noise to stop. You want to wake up and just... know what to do.”

“I... I do,” you breathed, your anger suddenly feeling distant, like it belonged to someone else.

“Then let the door swing open,” she whispered, leaning down until her forehead nearly touched yours. “I know what’s best for you, darling. I’ve always known. Your thoughts are just... clutter. And I’m going to help you throw them away. Now focus on my voice.”

Your eyes were fixed on Mina’s, and for the first time in weeks, your brain wasn’t shouting a list of pros and cons.

It was silent. And it was terrifyingly peaceful.

“There,” Mina whispered, her thumb brushing over your cheekbone. “See? No more ‘what ifs.’ No more ‘maybe next time’ Just my voice. It’s a lot easier to breathe when you aren’t suffocating under your own doubt, isn’t it?”

“It’s... quiet,” you breathed, your voice sounding small and distant, like it was coming from the bottom of a well.

“Good,” Mina cooed, her gaze dropping to the job offers sitting on the counter. She didn’t even look at the salary or the benefits. She just picked one up—the one that would keep you in the city, the one with the longest hours, the one that made you most dependent on her schedule—and tore the other one in half.

“You’re going to take the local offer, darling,” she said, her voice dropping into that authoritative register that made your spine feel like it was melting. “You’re going to call them tomorrow morning. You’re going to tell them you’ve made up your mind. Do you understand?”

“I... understand,” you murmured. The logic of it didn’t even matter anymore. If Mina said it was the right choice, then the clutter in your head couldn’t argue.

Mina leaned in, her lips ghosting against your ear. “And when people ask you why you chose it... you’re going to tell them it was your own idea. Because you’re a smart, capable girl who finally knows what she wants. Right?”

“Right,”

“Good girl,” she whispered, her hand sliding down to grip the back of your neck, grounding you in the trance. “Now, stay right here. I’m going to make us some dinner.”

The dinner plates were cleared, the wine was finished, and the heavy fog in your brain was finally starting to lift. You felt light. Almost too light.

Until you opened your laptop.

Your eyes scanned the sent folder. “Mina?” your voice was trembling, the anger bubbling up through the cracks of the fading trance. “What is this? Why did I…”

Mina was standing by the record player, flipping through a stack of vinyl. She didn’t flinch. She didn’t even turn around.

“You were overwhelmed, darling,” she murmured, her voice as smooth and cool as the marble countertop. “You asked for peace of mind. I gave it to you. The decision is made. The noise is gone. Isn’t that what you wanted?”

“I asked for help making a choice, Mina! Not for you to hijack my career!” You stood up, the chair scraping harshly against the floor.

Mina finally turned. She didn’t look guilty. She looked disappointed. Like a teacher watching a student fail a simple test. She walked toward you, her steps slow.

“You’re getting worked up again,” she whispered, stopping just inches away. “The static is coming back. It’s making you irrational. It’s making you... ungrateful.”

“I’m not being ungrateful, I’m being—”

“Shh,” Mina interrupted. She didn’t grab you. She reached out and took your hand, her touch feather rlight as she lifted your knuckles to her lips. She kissed each one, her eyes never leaving yours. “Your heart is racing. Let me help.”

“No, Mina, stop—”

“I’m just calming you down,” she cooed, her other hand sliding around to the back of your neck, pulling you gently toward her. She pressed a soft, lingering kiss to the pulse point below your ear. “Forget the email. Forget the job. It’s all just... background noise.”

You tried to pull away, but your muscles felt like they were turning to lead.

Your hands, which had been clenched into fists against her chest, slowly uncurled, your fingers snagging weakly in the silk of her blouse.

She pulled back just enough to look at you, her dark eyes blown wide, devouring the glazed, helpless look in yours.

She pushed you back against the cool marble of the kitchen island—the same place where she had dismantled your life only hours before. She pulled your shorts down with a rough, possessive tug, her thighs sliding between yours to lock you in place.

“You’re so much prettier when you aren’t thinking,” Mina whispered, her hand sliding from your neck to cup your jaw.

Her hand slid between your thighs, fingers tracing the edge of your panties, feeling how soaked they already were through the thin fabric. “Is that what you need, darling?”

Her fingers hooked into the waistband of your panties, pulling them down just enough to expose you to the cool air of the kitchen. “You’re so wet already,”

She knew you were sensitive when you were like this—pliable and needy. She could manipulate you so easily.

She pushed your legs apart and settled between them, her eyes locked on yours as she began to lick and suck at your sensitive pussy.

Mina ate you out like a starving woman, her tongue delving deep, her lips sucking hard on your clit. She knew exactly what you needed to make you whimper and squirm. She used her thumbs to rub your inner thighs, spreading you wider as she devoured you. “So yummy…”

She didn’t stay down there. She rose slowly, her eyes never leaving yours, looking like a predator who had just finished a very satisfying meal. Her lips were swollen and glistening, a stray drop of your own moisture clinging to her chin.

“Don’t close your legs,” she commanded, her voice a low, raspy velvet as she stepped back into your space.

Mina reached out, her hand sliding between your thighs and began to move her fingers in and out of you, the wet sounds filling the kitchen as she finger fucked you against the island. Her other hand gripped your hip tightly, holding you in place as she used her fingers to stretch and prepare you for something bigger. “It’s sliding in and out so nice,”

“Relax,” she murmured, pressing a third finger inside you. “Let me in.”

Your walls clenched around her, unaccustomed to stretching so wide, your head falling back against the marble as she curled her fingers just right, finding that spot deep inside that made stars form behind your eyelids.

“Good girl,” she praised, continuing to fuck you with her fingers, the pressure and pleasure overwhelming as she pushed deeper than before. “You’re taking it so well. Just a little more, okay? Just a little wider…”

Your thighs shook violently, your back arching off the cold marble. You gasped, your fingers clawing at the countertop.

She watched your face contort, her dark eyes hungry and predatory. “There’s my perfect little hole.”

She pulled her fingers out slowly, leaving you feeling achingly empty, exposed. She wiped her slick hand on your thigh, not caring about the mess.

“Stay right there,” she said, her voice back to that cool, untouchable ice. You watched, breathless and shivering, as she turned and walked toward the bedroom.

A moment later, she reappeared in the doorway.

She wasn’t empty-handed. In her grip was a heavy, realistic silicone piece—thick and far more daunting than her fingers. She had planned this. She always planned this.

“Watch,” she commanded, she ran the dildo through her fist, mimicking the motion of sex. “This is what’s going inside that pretty, stupid cunt of yours. You understand?”

You nodded weakly, mesmerized by the obscene display. “I said watch,” she snapped when your eyes fluttered closed. “Watch how easily this fucking toy is going to slide into your pussy. You’re so fucking wet for it.”

She lubed it up, impatient strokes, slicking it generously before pressing the tip against your entrance. She pushed slowly, letting you feel every thick inch as it stretched you open, filling the emptiness her fingers had left behind.

The groan that escaped you was ragged, needy. “Mina—”

“Shh, baby,” she soothed, though her hand gripped your hip possessively as she bottomed out, the silicone fully seated inside you. “You’re doing so good. Taking every fucking inch like you were made for it.”

She started to move it in slow, deliberate thrusts, angling it to hit that perfect spot. “That’s right.”

“You’re not thinking anymore, are you, darling?” She thrust the dildo deeper, her words sinking into your fucked out brain like a command. “Just my toy in your cunt, making you feel good. Isn’t that better than all that noisy decision-making?”

Your hips lifted off the counter, meeting her thrusts.

“Answer me,” she demanded, her hand gripping your jaw roughly, forcing you to look at her. “Isn't this better?”

“Yes—” you choked out, tears pricking at your eyes. “It’s —it’s better—”

“Good girl,” she praised, rewarded you with a hard, deep thrust that made your vision whiten.

“You’re just a needy little slut now, aren’t you? All that smart girl shit gone. Now you’re just taking my toy like a good fucking hole. Look at you—legs spread, back arched, begging for more.” She snapped her hips forward sharply.

“Pathetic.”

The insult only made you squirm more, your mind completely short-circuiting at the degrading words. She laughed darkly, enjoying your helplessness. “God, you’re fucking adorable like this. I wish I could keep you stupid and fucked out all the time.”

She picked up the pace, the dildo sliding in and out of your pussy with wet, lewd sounds. “Jjust little moans and whimpers. Look, you’re even drooling a little.”

Your orgasm crept up on you like a wave, silent and devastating. Your body clamping around the toy as you came with a broken sob, your eyes streaming.

“Mina—” you gasped, your thighs locking around her “I—I came—I didn’t—I didn’t get permission—”

“Shh, shh,” she soothed, though her thrusts didn’t stop—she kept fucking you through it, drawing out every last pulsing wave. “It’s okay, darling. You’re allowed. You’re always allowed. Don’t apologize for being a good girl.”

She leaned down and kissed your forehead softly.

The movie had been paused for twenty minutes, the blue glow of the TV washing over the mess on the coffee table.

Chaeyoung shook the whipped cream can with a mischievous glint in her eyes while Mina sat elegantly at the edge of the sofa, nibbling a chocolate-covered strawberry and watching you.

“Open up,” Chaeyoung chirped.

Before you could protest, she sprayed whipped cream onto your lips.

You laughed, reaching for a napkin, but she caught your wrist.

“Nope,” she murmured. “Mina, look.”

Mina set the strawberry down and leaned in, movements fluid and deliberate.

Instead of wiping it away, she steadied your cheek with her thumb and slowly licked the cream off your lips, tongue swirling once before she pulled back with a faint smirk.

“Much better.”

The air shifted instantly.

“My turn,” you breathed, dipping a finger into the chocolate sauce and dragging a dark line across Chaeyoung’s bottom lip.

Her breath hitched.

She didn’t wipe it off.

Instead, she crawled into your lap, knees pinning your thighs. “You’re getting bold, Y/N. I like it.”

She scooped vanilla ice cream and held it to your lips — then tilted the spoon, letting the cold dollop fall onto your collarbone.

You gasped at the chill, back arching.

Chaeyoung only leaned down, lips grazing the freezing mess on your skin.

“It’s melting,” Mina whispered as she moved closer, hands sliding under your shirt, palms hot against your ribs. “We shouldn’t waste it.”

Chaeyoung traced the chocolate on your lips with hers while Mina kissed along your neck, clearing the ice cream slowly.

Their heat erased the cool air in the room.

“You’re shaking,” Chaeyoung murmured against your mouth. “Is it the ice cream or us?”

“I think you know,” you rasped, pulling her closer.

Mina hummed against your throat, trailing kisses upward. “Good.”

Her lips brushed your earlobe as her hands slipped lower beneath your shirt. “You’re overdressed,” she breathed. “That won’t do.”

They shared a look before moving together — Chaeyoung lifting your shirt, Mina unhooking your bra with practiced ease.

“Look at you,” Chaeyoung whispered, eyes dark as your torso was revealed.

Mina’s hand skimmed over your breast, thumb brushing until you reacted under her touch. She leaned in, mouth replacing her fingers as her other hand slid your shorts down.

Chaeyoung helped, pushing your clothes away until you were bare between them — their clothes still perfectly in place.

And the imbalance made your pulse race.

The dynamic was intoxicating—being completely exposed while they remained clothed, their control absolute.

Mina’s mouth stayed at your breast, slow and deliberate, while Chaeyoung dipped the spoon into the melted ice cream with a mischievous grin.

The cold press of metal against your nipple made you gasp, your back arching instinctively.

“That’s our good girl,” Chaeyoung teased.

Mina only hummed before switching sides, her warmth chasing away the chill. “Let’s see if we can make you even more sensitive.”

Chocolate drizzled over your chest in slow, messy lines.

Chaeyoung leaned down, licking a stripe up your skin. “Mm… you’re dripping,” she murmured. “Can’t let it go to waste.”

Mina even moved lower. Her hands slid down, pushing your legs apart with quiet confidence.

“So wet for us,” she breathed, her gaze dark. “Tell us what you want, Y/N.”

Chaeyoung pulled back just enough to blow softly over your sensitive skin. “Answer Mi-tang. What do you want, love?”

You swallowed, hips shifting helplessly. “Both of you,” you managed. “Everywhere.”

“That’s our girl,” Mina praised.

She leaned down, pressing an open-mouthed kiss to your pussy, her tongue lapping at your wetness.

Meanwhile, Chaeyoung bent her head, sucking one of the chocolate-drizzled peaks into her mouth.

Mina’s mouth was a different kind of heaven, her lips and tongue working in tandem with her fingers to drive you wild.

“You taste like sweet cream, baby,” Mina murmured against your pussy.

She sucked your clit into her mouth, the sensation so intense that your back arched dramatically.

“Spread wider for us,” Chaeyoung commanded, her voice muffled around your nipple.

Mina obliged, pushing your legs further apart and hooking them over her shoulders.

This position left you completely exposed and vulnerable to their mouths and hands.

Mina added a second finger, scissoring them inside you. She could feel your walls tightening around her fingers, and she knew you were close.

The combination made your head fall back against the cushions.

“Let go,” Mina urged softly. “Come for us.”

You couldn’t hold back anymore.

Your orgasm crashed through you like a wave, your thighs clamping around Mina’s head as you came with a broken cry.

Chaeyoung caught your head, pressing kisses to your jaw and throat until the last tremor passed through your body.

“There we go,” Mina whispered against your skin.

They both hovered over you, their faces flushed and smiling, breasts still heaving slightly from the effort of making you come so hard.

Mina’s fingers were shiny with your juices,

Chaeyoung’s lips glazed with saliva and chocolate from sucking your nipple so thoroughly.

“Was that good, love?” Chaeyoung asked softly, brushing your hair back from your forehead.

Your chest rose and fell rapidly, nipples still peaked and wet from their mouths, pussy throbbing gently from your intense orgasm.

You looked thoroughly used in the best possible way.

You could only nod, chest rising and falling, still buzzing from the intensity.

Mina pressed a soft kiss to your temple. “You did so well for us.”

Jagged sharp edges of what life used to be with no excitement for what it would become, with no hope of seeing her again. Just a blur of days and nights, never really fully being present in the TV static that your life was.

It had been months since she left, yet the gray still followed you, trailing behind you like a shadow, only really finding peace in the bottom of a bottle.

It’s no way to live.

The only thing that seemed to erase the etchings of Tzuyu in your mind was the burn of the liquor. Even with the stinging of the alcohol, she still floated into you memory more often than you’d prefer.

The soft mornings of waking up next to each other no longer in reach, the lazy days on the couch and the evening dates to random places around town…the happy memories clouded by that final memory.

The phone call from her that constantly replayed in your mind like a broken record.

“I…I just don’t think we can do this anymore…”

“But…why?” the whisper catching the lump of tears in your throat trying to escape from this pain that was erupting from your chest.

“I’m just…not happy anymore…I thought it would be different but…” hesitation in Tzuyu’s voice feels like a wet weighted blanket dropping itself from the third story of a building right onto your shoulders.

“But…?”

You wish you never asked her to finish that sentence.

“I…”

The silence that follows was far worse than any house full of ghosts, haunting you from one moment to the next, even now. Seemingly stretching two minutes into two hours and draining you of any ounce of happiness that would have been present in your body.

“Y/n…I’m sorry…I met someone else…and I really want to explore that.”

That statement…the way she said it so blatantly, the despair it causes within you shatters your being…and then the stone cold silence.

Numbness replacing all the love that previously burned so brightly between the two of you.

“You…met someone else?” confusion palpable in the question, you were not prepared for what was to follow.

“Yeah…it’s the girl I met volunteering at the shelter…Jeongyeon.”

Tzuyu had mentioned the name a couple times, stating that she was just a friend and there would never be anything to worry about. Going to dinner after volunteering and hanging out with her on the off days.

There was no reason you shouldn’t have believed her when she said they were just friends, especially considering you and her had been together for two years and no one has ever come between you before.

“We…were about to sign a lease together, Tzuyu…” your voice breaks, the tears start to fall as you realize that this is really happening.

“I know…I’m so sor-”

“Tzu…did you cheat on me?” the burning question cuts her off, slicing her words like a dull knife.

“What?” annoyance very present in her voice, you could almost see her facial expressions as she tries to navigate the questions she didn’t expect.

“Did you cheat on me with her?” voice cracking through the short sentence, the avoidance she’s displaying makes your stomach churn.

“Y/n…is this a serious question?” you can taste the disbelief in her tone, like she’s spitting it at you.

“Answer me.” the stoic nature of your tone was the complete opposite of the tears falling down your face, trying to keep your voice strong even if you couldn’t physically hold it in.

“Y/n…you can’t be se-”

“Answer me!” raising your voice at her, which you had never done before.

More silence ringing in from the other end of the phone, more than likely out of shock for the way you yelled…hopefully no other reasons.

“…It was only once…” so soft and small you could barely hear her when she said it.

A serrated dagger to the chest, sawing through each rib individually would’ve been less painful than hearing the admission of her stepping out of your relationship and into the arms of someone else.

“I’m sorry…I just…she is so kind and lovely. We were drunk after dinner one night and…” the excuse fades into silence, her guilt ringing like church bells through every single syllable.

“I can’t believe you…two years of our lives…our future plans…just gone?!” the rage in your voice even scares you for a moment.

How could she do this to your relationship?

Betrayal dancing through your mind, each step another heart string ripped out of it’s place, and falling directly into the void - taking the light and love with it.

“…She kissed me…it didn’t go farther than that, I swear…but I felt it…I felt the spark and I just…I can’t just ignore this…I have to see it through.” Her voice cracks as she states the truth.

It sounds like it was just as hard to say as it was for you to hear.

“You could’ve said no…You just don’t kiss someone without hints that the other person wants to be kissed, Tzu. You could’ve stopped this…all of this. “ full blown sobs now as you get the feelings off your chest.

“And all of this for what?”

“Stop this! You’re making it sound like this was planned? Obviously it wasn’t.” annoyance rings through the sentence, you don’t give a single shit.

“You’ve been pulling away from me…” the realization sinks in, the distance between you two that she brushed off as just being tired…the phone calls that were her “Mom”, the constantly being on the phone…

“How long has this been going on?” disbelief so thick, if it were fog you wouldn’t be able to see three feet in front of you.

“She kissed me last weekend…”

“No…how long as the emotional cheating been going on.” the emotional rollercoaster of all of this has you so nauseous. Alternating between numb, sick, rage and sadness - just to repeat the cycle over again when she speaks.

“…I started feeling it a year ago.”

“Goodbye, Tzuyu. I hope you find whatever it is you’re looking for.”

-click-

A shaky memory from that night 3 months ago, echoing like a sonic boom through your chest every waking moment of every hour of every single day.

How are you supposed to learn to live without it?

It’s not like you and Tzuyu had the most healthy of relationships…but you were fighting so hard to keep it alive. Trying your best to make sure you communicated as much as possible and really put the work in so you could make it.

It’s not like Tzuyu ever listened to what you would communicate either.

That conversation, over the phone after two years of dating was the biggest slap in the face. How were you supposed to tell your friends what happened…

Not that she wanted your business aired out in that way, you always just told them it didn’t work out…that you weren’t what she needed and it was better if you split.

That you were her just a place holder and she was your favorite color.

That’s just something you had to except.

It wasn’t what she wanted.

She didn’t care in the same way.

These were all the things your brain already knew, but your heart did not want to look at the facts splayed out before you.

So you drank to coat the betrayal in honey so it was easier to digest…or maybe it was to cover it completely so you could forget about it.

Either way, it wasn’t working and you are sure it’s hard for your friends to watch.

How were you supposed to look something like this in the face without breaking?

Breaking just isn’t an option.

—

Sitting on the couch in your apartment was the way you chose to spend your evening, until the memory of the call seeped into your brain again.

Would you ever find peace with it? Or would the knock of it constantly rear it’s ugly head? Your brain taunting you with every thought of her was just so overwhelming. You didn’t need a reminder that she wasn’t around anymore, you could feel it in everyday life.

Spending most of the hours dissociating and trying to talk yourself out of remembering, you decided doom scrolling through socials would distract you enough to let the hours pass faster until it was time to sleep and dream of her again.

The only place you were happy lately was in your dreams, when her face would show up and you could feel her touch again. The warmth of her skin and the butterflies it would sift through you was something you couldn’t seem to shake, not that you wanted to. Life was hard enough but at least in your dreams, she was the person that you thought she was and no who she turned out to be.

And while you dreamt of her holding you, thinking it was serenity, it was really just another nightmare because you would eventually wake up and remember.

Scrolling through instagram and seeing your friends live their lives was torture. Jealousy seeped through you as you watched reels and saw photos of them existing happily with their spouses, exploring the world, and having fun with their other friends.

Why couldn’t that be something you could do?

Why did your happiness get taken away from you?

That’s when you saw it.

The hard launch of Tzuyu and Jeongyeon on her instagram feed.

Multiple pictures of them at the shelter posing with the dogs and the caption was a green heart…posted 5 minutes ago.

Inhale.

Exhale.

Deciding to swipe through the pictures was easy until you hit the last one. The final picture in the bunch was one of them kissing.

Staring at it was like attached the knife to a drill and pulling the trigger, being the one to let it swirl and tear your flesh apart.

Taking in every pixel that burnt into your screen, seeing the smile on Tzuyu’s face…she looked so happy.

That’s what made your chest ache even worse. You couldn’t give her what she wanted, no sparks left, no love present…and you didn’t even know.

You double tapped your screen, liking the photo and then tossed your phone on the couch harshly. Emptiness attempting to consume you again and at this point, you might as well let it right?

Wrong.

Turning to face the back of the couch, you jump over the backing and head for the kitchen, there is liquid courage there.

Opening the liquor cabinet to find nothing but empty bottles, you sigh in frustration and slam the door. Placing your back against the counter, you curl yourself up - knees to your chest and heels to your butt, wrapping your arms around your legs and letting your head lean down on your knees.

It starts softly, letting little teardrops trickle down your cheeks and drip onto the fabric of your jeans, lightly tapping as they pour out faster until suddenly you are sobbing on your kitchen floor again…like you did every single night this week.

You allow yourself to drain your eyes, letting all the tears fall that need to fall. Once you had your breath caught up, you wiped your face off with your sleeve and stood up. Walking through the kitchen to the living room to get your phone off the couch, you’ve got 3 messages.

One from your best friend, Nayeon.

One from a spam number- Something about a discount on car insurance.

and the other from Tzuyu…

Your heart sinks…this is the first time you’ve heard from her since your break up…and the state you’re in…you probably shouldn’t read it.

But on the other hand…

Opening the message was easy, it was reading it that was hard.

Tzuyu: Hey. Can I call you? 9:12pm

This has to be a joke…

Closing out the message, you sneer slightly and roll your eyes and then click on the text from Nayeon.

Nayeon: Hi babes! I just wanted to check on you. You doing okay? 9:08pm

You: I sure am not. Meet me at the bar down the road in 20? 9:15pm

You: I need a drink…or seven. 9:16pm

Locking your phone and sliding it into your pocket, you grab your wallet and keys putting them in the pockets they belong in and slip on your sneakers before shutting the lights off and heading out the front door.

—

The bar wasn’t far from your house, about two blocks down the road. Walkable distance, so you set off. Plus with the way you were feeling, you probably won’t be able to drive home when you’re finished for the evening and some fresh air will do you good.

Humming to yourself as you walk down the street, you watch as the cars pass you by and take in the cool air of the night.

It’s summer, so the days are hot and the nights are just right, even if the city lights washout the sky so you can’t see the stars, you imagine they are there just to guide you down the road.

The bar was packed and loud. It wasn’t anything special, but it was the bar closest to your home so of course it was the one you frequented weekly.

The bar rats are here, as always. Playing pool in the back corner with their beer bottles in hand, laughing and giggling among themselves.

Making your way to where everyone is gathered around for drinks, all the chairs seem to be taken except for one on the far end by the bathrooms.

Also seeing that your favorite bartender is on tonight. She waves to you and points to an open seat, which you sneak into quickly.

“The usual?” the cute little bartender asks.

“Yes please!” As cheerfully as you can muster.

The tiny tattooed girl with long dark hair and a smile that could put the sun to shame quickly throws some ice and tequila in a glass with some pineapple juice, places the glass down in front of you smoothly.

“Thank you, Chae…how’s tonight been?” Sipping the drink and wincing.

The sadness on your face must be very visible because this drink is strong.

“Ah, you know.” Tossing the rag over her shoulder and shrugging with a smirk.

“Normal night I suppose but it is pretty busy even for a Friday night.” Loudly to you over the sound of the crowd and the music playing in the background.

“Excuse me!” A gentleman from the other end of the bar waves at Chaeyoung.

“That’s my queue. I’ll come check on you in a little while. I want life updates!” Winking at you before going to get the man a drink.

“There are none!” Shouted back before you turn around and look to see what’s happening around you.

A lot of new faces mixed with the familiar faces, scanning to see if Nayeon had arrived yet.

Tugging your phone out of your pocket, you check your messages.

Nayeon: Give me 40! 9:20pm

And another text comes in as you read, banner dropping to reveal its her…again.

Tzuyu: I know you’re upset with me and it’s been a while… 9:30pm

Tzuyu: I’ve heard you aren’t doing to well. 9:31pm

You click into the message to tell her to fuck off but see she’s still typing…and even if you were upset with her…she was still Tzuyu and you were still weak for her, even in the mix of this mess.

Tzuyu: I just want to make sure you’re okay…please y/n say something. 9:31pm

You scoff at the message and down the entirety of the drink you got, using the small straw to stir the ice around before finally deciding your reply.

You: Worry about your girlfriend. 9:33pm

You: And fuck you. Don’t text me again. 9:34pm

You giggle, feeling validated in your response.

Why was she checking in on you anyway? It’s not like she didn’t know what was bothering you. It’s not like she was completely unaware that she broke every ounce of trust you held for her and now the only thing you feel is sorrow and anger for this person, who it became very clear, you did not know.

Mourning the loss of someone who doesn’t exist, the person she showed you she was - it’s not her and it never was.

And to that, you drink.

The door to the bar swings open, cutting your rage in half and catching your attention.

The sound that the door made when it hit the wall behind it startled just about everyone. The woman who walks in after the crash is not even close to what you would anticipate.

Long wavy dark hair framing a beautiful porcelain face, petite in nature but you could see the outline of her abs even in the dull light. A black cropped tank top with a leather jacket adorned her body, the jeans she was wearing fitted, and the sneakers just finishing off the look.

Chae swoops in, replacing your drink and saying something that you did not hear.

You were too fixated on the stunning woman who just walked in.

Chaeyoung follows your eyes, seeing the woman and whistling lowly to you.

“Damn…she’s hot.” nudging you with her elbow.

“She sure is.” taking a swig of the drink, this one is much stronger than the first.

“Why don’t you go talk to her? You know what they saaaaaayyyy! Sometimes getting over someone means you ge-”

“Get under someone else, I know I know.” rolling your eyes at her playfully and smirking.

“Well? What are you doing still talking to me? She is just your type…” She’s really trying to push you to talk to this woman but you’re just watching and waiting to see what she’s here for.

“Maybe. Maybe. I’m waiting for Nayeon to get here…so I don-”

“You’re stalling! Pussy!” cackling to you before someone flags her for another drink.

“Go!” shooing her to her next customer.

You just sit and watch and the girl with the dark eyes takes a seat in the corner of the bar by herself. She’s scanning the room when you hear the sound of breaking glass.

Turning your head to see what the commotion was, you see that Chae dropped a glass and was telling everyone it was fine.

Looking down at the floor behind the bar, you see splinters of translucent shards scattered across the floor, looking up at Chae to make sure she’s alright but she’s already got a broom and is sweeping away the sharp splinters.

Your eyes tilt up and back over to the woman.

Her eyes lock with yours - neither of you refusing to break the eye contact from across the bar. The mysterious woman smirks at you, tilting her head slightly before winking at you.

Swallowing harshly, all the hair on your body stands on its end and you feel a flash of pure heat burst through your skin. You wonder if you were to visit the sun, if this is what it would feel like.

There’s also a fear present. Something you cannot explain as you feel your face flush red.

It’s not the same as being nervous or having gay panic…it’s screaming at you to run. A shockwave of “You better get out of here right now.” Similar to what you’d feel if you were treading water in the open ocean or standing on the outside ledge of a 80 story building.

In the middle of this trance you found yourself in, a man bumps into your shoulder. Seemingly drunk and out of it. Your drinks clink together and you’re startled by the sudden presence of someone next to you.

“Oh my -hiccup- gosh! I’m so so so sooooooo sorry, ma’am!” he smells of alcohol and cigarettes, the flannel he is wearing, sleeves rolled to his elbows, is crusty and old - colors washed out long ago.

His fingernails are dirty and you want to get away from him.

“It’s fine.” stoically said, you know your face is contorting in disgust before you can even stop it.

“You’re pretty” slurred to you through the sound of the bass of the song that just started playing.

“I’m not interested.” looking back to see if the pretty woman crafted by god himself was still sitting where she was.

She wasn’t. Taking a moment to scan the room where she had just been, you don’t see her at all. Nodding your head a little, you expected luck to not be in your favor, but the hope was present even if only for a moment.

Sighing heavily at the silent defeat, you turn around to find that the man hasn’t taken his eyes off you.

Lifting your drink and chugging it completely, you place the glass down on the bar and pull $25 buck out of your wallet and place it under the glass, more than you should have but it’s Chae.

Chae sees you do this and tips her head at you while making drinks for others, motioning that she will call you later.

“We will go for lunch soon!” shouted to you as she sees you leaving.

“Where are you going? We are just starting to have fun!” The man grabs your arm and tries to stop you from leaving.

The grip is tight enough to bruise but you were never one to show weakness…especially to a man.

“Excuse you?!” The glare and the volume of your voice must be enough because he lets go, but the malice is painted in his eyes.

He looks around, seeing that it’s drawn a bit of attention, surely he doesn’t want a scene.

“I’ll see you later then.” spite slithering through every letter in the sentence but this doesn’t shake you, not even a little.

“Doubtful.” rolling your eyes and flipping him off.

Confidently, you take your steps towards the door - everyone’s eyes on you after the fearless display just seen.

Before stepping out, you turn to see if you can spot the dark haired woman…but she’s no where to be seen. You were hoping she might’ve seen what just happened and maybe come to ask you if you were okay, just to strike up a conversation but it seems she had left before any of this happened.

Maybe she will come back another day.

—

Walking was harder than expected.

You texted Nayeon and told her not to come as you were leaving and the crowd was a little too much tonight.

By the time you looked up from your phone, something was off.

The streets were emptier than normal, creepily quiet as it began to drizzle. The light taps of the rain on your skin felt strange…cold and sharp as it falls, you notice every drop that touches you. An intense sensation that you can’t help but focus on…until you look up.

The colors were a little too bright, blurring into themselves as you take your first steps. Your legs feel weak and jelly like.

You couldn’t have drank THAT much, could you have?

Two doubles was not enough to have you in this state…what is going on?

This isn’t what drunk feels like…this isn’t what drunk feels like at all.

“Shit” as you stumble down the sidewalk towards your apartment.

Two blocks.

You just need to make it two blocks.

Left foot, right foot.

You have made this walk drunk many many times, surely you could make it under the influence of something else, right?

“Maybe…maybe I should call Tzuyu…” slurred to yourself, you pull your phone out and click the text chain that had been started by her that day.

The phone chirps until you hear her voice.

“Hey, this is Tzuyu! Leave me a message and I’ll call you back! beep”

Calm washing over you, brows furrowed in annoyance at how her voice still has such a way of wrapping around you like a warm hug.

“Hey Tzu, it’shh me. I’m shorry about earlier and I hate to call you but shhomthin-”

Your eyes were starting to feel heavy, a war against whatever this was waging through the left and right of your legs, or the attempt your legs were making.

“Hey baby! Where are you going to fast?”

Your blood runs cold as fear pulses through you violently. The scruffy voice is familiar and not for good reasons.

“I’m being f-followed. Call me, pleassshe” hanging up the phone quickly and shoving it into your pocket before he could notice.

It’s the man from the bar.

Hearing his foot steps run up behind you to catch up to you, he grabs your arm and slung it over his shoulder. Placing his other arm around your waist, he pulls you into himself - holding you up while you continue the battle to stay lucid.

“Shhtop!” you slurred out, throwing your arm up weakly to try and get him away from you.

“You look tired, lets take you back to my place.” the evil shit eating grin on his face can he heard in how he speaks, you didn’t need to see it to know what the plan was.

Recalling him bumping into you, your glasses clinking together…that must’ve been when he slipped you something.

“I’m going to be shhick.” partially from the blurring of your eyes and partially from the idea of this putrid man touching you.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take you to my house and we can make sure you’re okay. You’d like that, wouldn’t you, sweetheart?” The sickly sweet tone of his voice has the most vile undertone, rancid implications taint any sugared words out of his mouth.

“Fuck you” practically whispered while you push him weakly again, but you’re not strong enough to fight him off.

“Hey! You listen to me you fucking bitch!” grabbing your forearms, getting in your face, and spitting venom a little to close for comfort, not that anything about this was comfortable.

“And what do we have here?” a delicate voice rings past your ears, so soft and angelic…it sends a chill down your spine, adding another layer of fear but somehow contributing to comfort all in the same swipe.

“Nothing, mind your business.” the man doesn’t let go of you, you’re too far gone to even try to fight him.

“It doesn’t look like nothing…” chimed through once more against the filthy pig holding you.

“Help” whimpered out to the entity, a small plea to show this was not something you were consenting to.

Your vision is fading faster with each passing second, you can’t fight anymore- no matter the panic your brain is in, no matter the sense of danger leeching into the atmosphere.

Your body simply doesn’t want to comply with the one exception being your hand, reaching out to the voice who interrupted this man’s nefarious behavior.

“I said…mind your fucking business, bitch!” the man spits harshly in the direction of the velvet voice, turning around so his back was facing where the voice was coming from.

“What a large vocabulary.” sarcasm? at a time like this?

“You have a choice here.” How is this voice suddenly menacing?

“You can wake up tomorrow.” a chill runs through the mans spine, you feel his bones rattle as his grip loosens slightly.

“Or you dont.” he freezes, it seems like he’s unsure if he believes this to be true.

“Make your choice.” The sound of soft steps circle around you and ease you, but only for the reason of it striking fear into this man and knowing that there is a witness.

Wishing you could just punch the man and run, you try to struggle against him again but you are helpless.

And that voice is salvation.

The silence between the three of you is muffled, only by the suddenly irregular heart beat of the man who won’t let your arms go. Thumping faster and faster as he stands his ground, challenging the delicate footsteps.

“What are you doing?” hearing the panic is his voice was delicious enough on it’s own but you wished you could see it on his face.

“How are you doing this?!” his chest is throbbing in the most irregular of patterns, you’re confused on why this is happening…palpitations? It’s not like he was anxious, considering the situation you found yourself in.

“Make. Your. Choice.” the angelic voice contorts into a deeper more malevolent one, growling the words into the night.

The criminal realizes what he’s up against in that moment.

Suddenly, his hand disappear from your forearms and you are falling backwards. Two arms come out to catch you…they’re small underneath you but seem to have a stronger presence than any pair of arms you’d ever been in.

“Stop!” The man screeches, panic now in his voice.

Your eyes are fluttering to quickly, fighting whatever is in your system to see him gripping his chest between numerous blinks.

The arms around you manuver you into a more comfortable position when you hear the heavy footsteps of the man who just tried to kidnap you walking towards you.

Some shuffling takes place behind you though the presence around you never moves.

What the fuck is happening?

“She won’t be happy about this!” A similar vocal contortion erupts through his words, gnawing at the human-like voice and tearing it open with each letter passed.

The person holding you snarls, a guttural, primal vibration erupted deeply from within. Following this sound was gasping and then a heavy thud to the concrete.

A very loud gust of air and crackling follow, the smell of sulfur and matches creeps into your nostrils, you don’t have the energy to cover your nose or even scrunch it.

Something so small, you feel like you’ve taken for granted with how little you can function.

The person carrying you adjusts to lift you bridal style, you feel slender arms hook under your legs and raise you from your attempted standing position into a fetal position against their chest.

Jolting lightly at the sudden movements before letting yourself rest your head on the strangers shoulder.

They smell of jasmine and honeysuckle, quite the contrast from the burnt smell in the air.

Who is this?

Your eyes flutter open for a moment, trying to catch the person in questions face.

When she fell into your blurred sights, it shocks you.

The petite dark haired woman from the bar…and she’s carrying you without a single drop of sweat?

Stunning beauty incarnated into this person who was way stronger than she looked. A million questions rush through your brain before dulling out into a light buzz.

No energy to hold you up any longer, just laying in her arms with a panic pulsing through you that you were actively trying to fight.

Whatever was in your system was wearing you down further and further with each passing second, trying to keep your mind active was near impossible.

“Don’t worry…I’ll keep you safe.” lowly coming from her perfectly shaped lips before your eyes finally stop fighting and everything around you fades to black.

—

The soft whisper of birds echo through the room like a secret when you finally open your eyes again, finding yourself wrapped in a large blanket that’s fluffier than anything you had found yourself curled up in.

Thoughts of Tzuyu ring through your mind immediately -like most mornings-, you hardly move in this unfamiliar place before your thoughts are consumed with her. Wishing you were waking up next to her in some lavish hotel instead of alone in a luxurious room by yourself.

Rolling over in the big bed, you realize that you actually have no clue where you are. The walls are a burgundy velvet and the bed frame is wood with filigree delicately carved into the poles holding up the canopy. The furniture following suit and matching.

The comforter is red, full of feathers and one of the most comfortable blankets you’ve ever touched, the sheets and pillows also cased in the crimson color.

Tzuyu would hate this style so much but there was something comforting to you about the darkness. The modern gothic feel with a Victorian edge was something you thought was cozy.

“What even happened last night?” groggily stated to the empty room before sitting up and viciously rubbing your eyes until an array of colors danced behind your lids as the headache

A breeze slips past you, causing a shiver to trail down your spine and reverberate through your entire body. The realization sets in that you are not wearing what you were last night.

Looking down, you see your bare chest and the pair of underwear you had worn the night before but nothing else. It didn’t take much searching to see the cloths folded neatly on the black and burgundy chair that sat by the window with the curtains pulled tightly shut…but how did you end up mostly naked?

Flipping your legs to the side of the bed and shifting your weight down so your feet land on the floor, you stumble slightly. Still weak from…something?

Remembering little to nothing from last night, you try to push the fog from your brain and resurrect something from the night before but the only thing you can muster is the feeling of being intoxicated and uncomfortable.

Quietly making your way to the attached bathroom, your head starts to pound harshly against your skull, pulling nausea to the front of your mind. Flicking on the fluorescent lights did not improve that.

Standing in the bathroom in just your underwear, trying to decide if you’re going to pee or vomit first when your body decided for you.

Quickly throwing the lid open, you wretch violently into the bowl, you can’t help but with Tzuyu was there to comfort you in this moment.

Resting your face against the seat probably wasn’t the best idea, but in the state you were in, it was the only option.

Sitting and waiting for the nausea to pass, making sure to listen to your body was the only thing you could do in that moment. Your mind raced with thoughts of Tzuyu mixing with thoughts of panic as you tried to recall how you ended up in such a place.

Once your stomach decided it was okay for you to stand, you carefully pulled yourself up using the sink. Turning the water on and splashing your face with the cool water that ran and taking small sips out of your hand.

The taste of the water divine compared to the bitter film clinging to your teeth and tongue.

Next step is to get dressed. Stepping out of the bathroom and back over to the chair, you slipped on the pants you were wearing the night before, jumping a little to get them all the way up. You notice a piece of cardstock on the side of the bed that remained mostly untouched.

Walking over to it, you pick it up and read what’s written.

“Make yourself at home. - M”

“Who the hell is M?” whispered to yourself before placing the card back where you found it and continuing to get dressed.

—

Once completely dressed, you take a step out of the room and find yourself in a hallway that looks equally as vintage. The walls are a darker green from what you can see through the many picture frames that adorn it.

The frames seem to span between wood and metal, all having an elegance about them. Typically, you would stop and admire such displays but after such a night, you wanted to get out of this strange house, not particularly caring who M was or wanting to face that shameful moment.

Looking around to see if you can find hints towards the exit, you see the railing of a staircase beginning a few paces to your left. Heading for it without hesitation.

The house was quiet, a pin drop would sound like a bomb being set off so you were sure to keep in mind the volume of your steps as to not alert anyone of your departure.

Going down the stairs cause the old wood under your feet to creak and moan like they had been used religiously for 400 years, which matched the aesthetic of the house so it doesn’t shock you. It only sparks a further need to get out the front door.

Once you approach the door, you turn the massive brass lock to the side and fling it open, the cracking of the weather strips is loud, mimicking the sound of Velcro ripping against itself in a hurried fashion.

Quickly stepping over the frame and closing the door behind you quietly, you take a moment to sigh in relief while you make your way to the barred black gate keeping unwelcome intruders out while leaving slots to see through.

The gate feels warm to the touch, more than likely from the sun being out - the sky gives late morning light, assuming that it’s before noon. Latching open the gate, and stepping out of it, you don’t recognize the street you are stepping onto.

Blinking and squinting your eyes into the distance seemingly was a bad idea.

You find yourself in an unfamiliar kitchen with dark wood cabinets, the floor is made of the same dark wood and the counters are a smooth polished marble. A blend of modern

“Uhm….what?” adrenaline rushes through you, harshly slapping its way through your body in a whiplashed movement.

How could you have just been outside and some how you are now in a kitchen?

Whipping around, you see a backdoor leading to a garden full of black roses and various orchids, labyrinths of shrubbery that seem like endless puzzles.

“Okay, let’s try this way.” to yourself as you turn the knob and step outside.

The sun hits your skin, the warmth can be felt through your clothes but you remain cautious either way, not wanting to end up back in the house…

But you blink again.

Finding yourself back in the foyer of the house with the creaky staircase, you’re flabbergasted.

“Am I dreaming? Or losing my mind?” out loud to what you thought was an empty room.

“What if it’s neither?” chimes in from the shadowy corridor that opens behind the stairs you just walked down moments ago.

The soft angelic voice hits your ears in a way that’s familiar. Mind melting and flustering as it was when you first heard it. Flashes of the night before come into your mind. This voice and another husky masculine one that causes your chest to tighten, clenching to guard you from the dangers that sparked through you when the memory that hazily crept its way back into your mind.

“It’s okay. You are safe.” As the voice stepped out of the darkness holding a book and twirling a lock of long wavy black hair, wearing a beige romper that resembled a trench coat and a gold chain around her neck.

You recognize her immediately as the beautiful woman you saw in the bar last night and swoon to yourself at her presence.

But the sentence itself rings in your ears, a faint memory of this voice and the last sentence you heard before you were consumed by the darkness.

Her movements were slightly too fast, the mysterious woman suddenly standing in front of you with a stoic face and a haunting aura that didn’t feel perfectly comfortable despite her lovely appearance, you weren’t ready to completely trust her just yet.

“Mina.” her hand raises up in front of you, appearing to be for the standard greeting but a pang in your stomach tells you to run…why would you need to run from such a beautiful human?

Hesitating to reach for it, you stare at it for a moment before finally raising your hand up to meet hers.

“…Y/n. Nice to meet you.” her hand is cold to the touch, goosebumps raise over your skin and a warmth rises in your stomach.

A work of art standing in front of you, statuesque in her features.

Almost too perfect.

“We have already met…You really don’t want to know what happened, do you?” head cocking to the side with one brow raised, curiously watching the confusion drip off your face.

“You were drugged and followed out of the bar…and truthfully, I had my eye on you before that… And when I saw that vile creature slip that powder into your drink, I followed you. I’m sure you understand.”

Eyeing you up and down as your hands are held together in this shake - there’s something more sinister in the way her sights trail your body and face.

“Do you know a way out of here?” pleasantries aside, you were ready to go home and bold confusion has left you completely out of energy.

Mina doesn’t let go of your hand, just letting a smirk creep onto her lips before responding.

“Beg.” slowly pulling you into her with each passing moment, you’re losing yourself in her eyes.

“Excuse me?” shocked at what she just said, but no where near offended - it just seems a little forward considering the situation.

“If you’d like to leave…you’re more than welcome to go.” tugging you into her so your bodies are pressed together tightly and your faces are mere inches from each other.

“However…” Mina seductively tilts her head to the side, eyes glancing up to yours and then down to your lips.

You are completely frozen.

Is it gay panic?

Is it actual fear?

Is this actually happening?

“I’d like to keep you.” one of her fingers trails gently down the side of your neck as she speaks this secret to you like a small heated gust of wind breezing past the both of you.

Your body instantly fills with lust, circulating even faster than the fear that followed.

A perfect stranger wants…to keep you?

Mina bites her lip like she can feel the neediness running through you, sizing you up without moving back at all - you can feel her breath against your lips and you want so badly to lean in.

Her eyes are hypnotizing. Pulling your face closer and closer to hers - to the point where your noses are touching and you want her to make her move- when suddenly her face is no longer in front of yours.

Mina’s hand is on the back of your head in the blink of an eye, her tongue quickly races up the skin of your neck, leaving a numb tingling sensation in it’s wake.

That’s when you feel it.

A pressure you never experienced before, a chilled rush slipping through your body in frozen pulse of ecstasy. Skin bowing at the puncture, Mina’s hand trails from the back of your head to your jaw, pushing your neck up- seemingly to get a better angle…then you feel it.

The ice cold substance slithering through your veins, feeling as though it’s crystalizing as it makes it’s way through every square inch of your body painfully catching every bend on it’s way through. Fear pulsating as you are frozen in it, your heart is racing pumping panic through you when an unexpected flash of heat bursts through your core, fire suddenly consuming what was once frozen.

What the fuck is this?

The fire in your stomach, coiling so tensely that even ovulation couldn’t compare to the ache and primal desire that is now consuming every single cell in your body.

Gasping harshly, your nails dig into her shoulders and your hips rut aggressively as you try to fight this onslaught of neediness suddenly at the forefront of your mind.

Mina licks your neck once more, catching the trail of blood dripping down your neck onto your shirt - soaking the collar of it- before pulling back and watching your squirm.

Pulling back to catch your eyes, she watches as you try to swallow this feeling of pure desire. Eyes blown out as she stares into your soul as you try to stop yourself from contorting, the small huffs you’re making only fuel her own fire.

“Awh…you’re scared of me, aren’t you?” Tucking a lock of hair behind your ear while licking your blood off her lips.

“I can smell the adrenaline pulsing through you…among other things…” winking at you like she hadn’t just completely hypnotized you with…whatever this was.

“Don’t worry…it’s not the time…but I will see you again…That’s a promise.” Mina snaps her fingers and you feel something tighten around your neck, not too tight but tight enough to notice it through the bursts of flames under your skin.

“What the fuck did you just do to me?!” panicking as you reach up to feel what was around your neck.

Mina leans into your ear, her cheek grazing yours as she moves.

“I’ll tell you in time, darling.” it would be soothing had you not been in this circumstance.

“But until then…” kissing your cheek before raising her hand.

“Don’t forget…you belong to me.”

“You could have said no? That an arranged marriage in this day and age is a stupid idea? That you’re already in love with someone else?” You argue back. 

“And let my dad go to jail?” Mina turns to you with tears running from her eyes. “You think I wanted to call it off? That I wanted to get set up with some snotty, multimillion dollar company nepo baby that probably never had to lift a finger in his whole life? I had no choice.”

“We could have fought them.” You stand up. “If it’s a criminal case, I could have handled it. Hell, if I couldn’t, I know a few good lawyers that would have helped us, Mina. There had to have been some other way.” Your voice starts to soften after seeing her in tears. 

“It wouldn’t have worked.” Mina turns back to the window. “The dirt that they had on dad was… damning. Borderline disturbing. I was already in disbelief when they just told me. Imagine my horror when they actually showed me. More importantly, I didn’t want you getting roped in the mistakes my family made. Your career’s barely started and getting muddied in my family’s dirt isn’t going to help you.”

She made sense, but sense and logic wasn’t on your mind right now. You stand up with the ring in hand. You move behind her, hugging her tight with no intention of letting go. You hold on to her hand and slip the ring back on her. She looks at you with tears in her eyes.

“You already said yes. And I know we both probably haven’t even thought about our vows, but when you said yes and wore the ring, my promise already started.” You held her hand tighter.  “From that day forward it will always be you and me. In sickness and in health. For richer or for poorer. For better or for worse, Mina. You’re the only one for me, until my dying breath.” 

Tears continue to run down Mina’s face as she turns and buries her face in your chest. You continue hugging her, bringing her closer, holding her tighter. “So I don’t care what dirt they have on your dad or your family. It doesn’t matter to me. I’ll fight it as long as you stay with me, for as long as you’ll have me.” You bring a hand to her chin to have her look up at you. “We’ll fight it. Together. Like how it should be.”

Mina didn’t reply. Honestly, you didn’t want her to. Or maybe you didn’t need her to. Sure, you were afraid of what she might say. Maybe she might agree with you, and fight the problem together. Or maybe she might tell you to move on and forget about her. Either way, your heart was already set with what you wanted to do. You’re not letting go of her and of your relationship. You're holding on for dear life, because you can’t imagine living without her.

The two of you stand there in complete silence. You’re lost in her teary eyes, the city light coming in from outside has her glowing in the darkness of the hotel room. It’s been minutes since you finished saying your piece. Minutes since either two of you have moved from each other’s embrace. You hesitate in making any move or sound, fearing her suddenly vanishing from your grasp. Instead, Mina makes the move for you. 

Mina’s hands race from your chest towards your nape. Her fingers lock behind your neck, pulling your head down for a quick kiss. When she pulls back, your eyes meet once again. It looked like she was waiting for your reaction, almost wondering if this was the right time. Mere minutes ago she had called off your engagement, but now she just kissed you. You had every right to be angry and upset with the mixed signals she’s been sending you. So what do you do? You kiss her back. Not a quick one, like the one she gave you a second ago. But a longer one. A deeper one. A more passionate one. Your lips were clashing for control. Your tongues lapping at each other for a taste. She pulls you down deeper, you lift her up higher. The desperation in your actions were evident. The tight grip around her waist, bringing her in closer with every chance you get. You wanted her to stay. You wanted– no, needed her to know that. What worried you was how you didn’t get the same feeling from her. 

When you both pulled back, no words were spoken. Mina was the first to act. She took your hand as she started making her way to the bedroom. Her free hand reached back and undid the zipper of her gown. With every step she took, the silk fabric slid down her slender frame. Her bare back slowly joined her already exposed shoulders. When she got to the bedroom door, she stepped out of the pooled white gown in nothing but her lace panties. All the while, you make quick work of your own clothes. Your suit jacket thrown carelessly on the couch. Your shirt tossed on the dining table. Your pants pooled beside her dress. She opens the door before turning around and holding both of your hands. She walks backwards slowly, guiding the both of you to the bed. She lies down, but you remain standing.

You tower over Mina as she looks up at you. The both of you pause for a moment. An eerie silence grows in the room, save for your shared heavy breaths. She looks up at you with a curious gaze, wondering what your next move will be. You, on the other hand, take this moment to do more than just look at her. You try to memorize all the little details about her. All the little imperfections that actually made her perfect. You do your best to take in this moment as if it was your last chance to. 

You were about to get lost in your thoughts before your body acted on its own. You drop to your knees before Mina and hold on to the bands of her panties, pulling them slowly down her toned legs. You come face to face with her entrance, ready to start with your routine of intimacy before she sits up and holds your face. “No time.” She whispers to you. “I need you. Now.”

That should have been the first red flag for you. She never turns down foreplay, not like this. You relent and climb on to the bed with her as she continues to hold your face. She pulls you into another kiss as you position yourself between her legs. The both of you were restless as you started making out. Your exposed cores rubbing against each other, getting you to full mast while getting Mina wetter with every second. Her hands still rest on your cheeks, not letting go of your face. Almost as if she’s afraid of you leaving. When you finally manage to pull away, the both of you pause and stare into each other’s eyes. 

If you could count how many times you’ve gotten lost in Mina’s eyes, you’d rather try to count the number of stars in the night sky instead. At least you know that has a definite end. When it came to Mina, you would find yourself getting lost in her eyes every other moment. Her pupils contained galaxies, ones you would have loved getting lost in for the rest of your life. 

You’re brought back from being lost in your thoughts by Mina when she closes the gap and crashes her lips on to yours again. She’s being impatient. You can feel it through the kiss. There’s desperation in her movements. She was clinging on to you harder. Gripping you tighter. Like she doesn’t want to let go, but she knows she has to. At this point, it should have hit you already. You should have known.

When Mina relents and pulls away, she gives you the slightest nod of permission. You understand. With your shaft in hand, you trace her lips with your tip, up and down, before settling at her entrance. There was some slight resistance before she welcomed your advance. You ease into her slowly, with the familiar feeling of her velvet walls molding around you. With every inch you pushed into her at an agonizingly slow pace, you could feel her pull you in and get wetter. When you reach the hilt and she’s taken you entirely, you pause as you both need a moment. A shared guttural moan escapes from your mouths, followed by some panting and whimpers. You couldn’t see her face since she buried it deep in the crook of your shoulder and neck, but you could tell the pleasure was making her close her eyes tight and grit her teeth. When she graces you with the view of her beautiful face again, she holds your face in her hands as she plants a soft kiss on your lips. She then places her forehead on your own, mixed droplets of your sweat and hers running down and falling. In the softest voice possible, she whispers against your lips: “Go.” That’s all you needed to hear. You start pounding into Mina. At first going slow, sensual, and deliberate with your actions. You take your time to savor each moment of your dick sliding out of her folds before being sucked back in. You feel her velvet walls warp around you, welcoming your shaft before snapping back around it. Every time you pull your hips back and crash back into her, you do your best to remember the feeling. Both physically and emotionally, you wanted it imprinted on your brain. Every little detail, her small reactions, the way sweat starts running down her skin, the grip her fingers had on your arms. You want to remember it, all of it. 

When you feel that you’ve prolonged Mina’s wait enough, you start ramping up the speed of your thrusts. Your hips pull back and snap back into faster each time. You could feel your tip reach her deepest parts, earning moans and shrieks from her. She has you in a vice grip, her legs wrapped around your waist and ankles locked behind your back. Her arms were wrapped around your shoulders, her hands pushing you into the crook of her neck. You couldn’t see anything, barely hearing her moans and whimpers. The only sense working was taking in her scent. A mixture of her perfume and natural sweat. Despite being deprived of the other senses, her smell alone was enough to keep fueling your hunger and passion. It urges you to continue pistoning into her, every thrust growing faster than the last. You could barely hear her muffled moans and whimpers, but you can feel them vibrate against your neck. When her grip on you loosens, you’re able to pull back from her neck and finally experience the rest of her reactions.

Mina’s eyes were still shut tightly as you continued to plunge back into her over and over again. Each time you hilt into her makes her moan and shriek. Each time you feel your tip hitting her most sensitive parts. When she finally opens her eyes, you’re graced with the view of her hazel colored galaxies. She lets go of your neck and holds your face again. You slow down a bit, as you feel her caress your cheek with her thumbs. She gives you a nod before she pulls you in for a kiss. Enough of a permission to get the both of you to the finish line. 

You start pumping into Mina at a break neck pace. There’s desperation in your actions. Your movements telegraph what’s going through your subconscious mind. You want her to stay. You want to stop her from leaving. You wonder if fucking her well would be enough. You wonder if letting her know how much you loved her— no, letting her know how much you adored her would be enough to make her stay. This cluster fuck of thoughts would have scattered throughout your brain, but Mina brought you out of the trance again.

“C-close, so close. Harder. Please.”  She weakly says to you in between moans.

“Me too -fuck- Me too.” You reply as you pick up the pace.

“Together. Inside. Please!” Mina shouts.

You do your best to pull it together. Anything you could do to get the both of you over the finish line. Your thrusts grow erratic, varying from deep and hard to shallow and light. Mina’s nails scratch your back in response, leaving a trail of red marks. You go back to sucking and kissing her neck while she buried her teeth into your shoulder. It only took a few more pumps before the two of you hit the final crescendo of your relationship, you just didn’t know it yet.

Mina reached her peak first. A cry muffled by your shoulder before being released into the world after she stops biting you. Her eyes shut tightly as her head falls back. Her body arches away from the bed, into yours as you continue to thrust into her. Her hips buck against you, some of her release gushing out each time you pull back. Her walls convulse around your shaft, working in tandem with your thrusts, pulling you in deeper each time. The feeling of her contracting around you, her juices gushing against your member, all of these sensations working together trying to get you to your peak as well. And they get the job done. When you reach your climax, you lose all sense of yourself. You manage to thrust into Mina one last time. Going hard and deep before the first of your release shoots out into her waiting womb. You end up seeing white, grunts and profanities escaping your mouth as you grit your teeth. You use all your remaining strength to keep your arms holding you up. Mina wraps her legs around you, making sure to stop you from slipping out of her. Her walls don’t stop contracting around you as you continue filling her up. She’s milking you dry, but it seems like your peak has no end. Her hands find your face again, bringing you in for another deep kiss. Your lips never leave each other as the two of you continue to ride out your shared orgasm.

When you feel the last of your release sputter out into Mina and she starts to settle down, your strength finally gives out. You fall onto your back beside her, both of you breathing heavily from the intense physical toll that the past few minutes needed from you. You’re left staring at the ceiling. Silence fills the room, aside from the occasional pants that escape your mouths. As if on cue, you both turn your heads towards each other. Your eyes lock with each other, tension sharp enough to cut the air. You’re both waiting– anticipating each other’s first movement. After a minute of dread, you decide to act.

The only thing on your mind at that time, even after the past near hour of sex, was Mina. How you wanted to hold her. How you did not want to let go. So you do. You reach out, bring her close, and lock her in an embrace. Her arms couldn’t wrap in response, her hands resting on your chest. You hold her close. You hold her tight. You feel her hot breath against your bare chest. Her fingers tracing shapes against your skin. In the silence, in a moment of weakness, you make one last plea to Mina. Against her silk-like, black hair, you whisper your final cry. “Stay. Please Mina. Just... just stay.”

Without even seeing her face, you knew it got to her. You felt her breath hitch against your chest. She looks up at you, a tear falling from her eye. The hazel colored galaxies piercing through you. She reaches up, a hand on your cheek, and gives you one last kiss. Not as deep as the past few ones, and certainly not as long, but the meaning remained. You felt the love, the reassurance. It gave you the slightest sliver of hope that she’ll stay. Because she will, right?

Right?

- - - -

The sun’s bright rays break through the curtain and hit your face. You groggily turn over, trying to avoid the light when the realization hits you.

The bed feels lighter.

You shoot up to a sitting position to check where you last saw her. Grasping at the area as if she would magically come back. You jump out of bed, speeding towards the bathroom in the hopes she was just there taking a shower, or in the living room watching the TV. Unfortunately for you, she wasn’t there. Again, there was still some sliver of hope. A chance that she just went out for food or something. A foolish wish, but a wish nonetheless. Yet, any hope you had gets wiped away when you return to the bedroom. On the nightstand, you see her engagement ring along with a note.

being born into a family of successful doctors meant one thing above all else: reputation. in the myoui family, reputation came first, always.

mina was the perfect child, or so everyone said. she excelled in academics, possessed a natural talent for music, and moved with effortless grace in ballet. she was everything any parent dreamed of.

from the moment she was born, her path was already set—to become a doctor. and so she did. she studied relentlessly, specializing in neurosurgery, and rose to become one of the most respected names in medicine.

her life seemed flawless—or so she believed.

she lived by her mind, trained it to think with sharp precision.

but no amount of logic or discipline could prepare her heart for what was to come: falling in love.

—

mina had just finished an interview and retreated to her office. she glanced at her tablet—an endless flood of emails and a packed schedule glaring back at her from the screen. with a sigh, she switched it off, sank into her chair, and closed her eyes.

she took a deep breath, trying to ease the weight pressing down on her chest. her family’s reputation rested heavily on her shoulders.

reputation.

she could collapse from exhaustion, and her parents would only worry about how it looked to the outside world.

the painful truth settled over her like a shadow. she opened her eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling.

then her phone vibrated, breaking the silence.

without hesitation, she reached for it, opened the message—and a smile slowly spread across her lips.

she immediately shoved her phone into her back pocket and slipped off her lab coat, replacing it with a soft brown casual jacket. her keys jingled as she grabbed them from the desk, switched off the lights, and slammed the door shut behind her.

mina stepped out of the hospital and headed toward the parking lot. her eyes caught sight of a figure leaning against a car, and she quickened her pace.

the figure looked up as she approached, a warm smile spreading across their face.

mina returned the smile before being enveloped in a hug that wrapped her in warmth, security, and comfort. she sighed softly, melting into your arms.

“rough day?” you asked, tilting your head back to meet her gaze.

you lifted a hand to brush stray strands of hair from her face, gently tucking them behind her ear.

mina hummed softly, then looked up at you.

“as usual.”

you pressed a tender kiss to her forehead, and she smiled in response.

“kiss me?” she whispered.

you chuckled softly.

“let’s go home first.”

“but you’re my home.”

you shook your head, smiling, though your ears and cheeks flushed with color.

“sweet talker,” you mumbled, sliding into the driver’s seat. mina followed, settling into the passenger side.

the drive home was quiet in a comfortable way, punctuated only by the occasional small talk that either of you sparked.

when you two arrived at your shared apartment, neither of you wasted a moment peeling off your layers of clothing before slipping into a warm bath together.

mina leaned back against you, her back resting softly against your chest. you both sank into the soothing warmth of the water, letting the tension of the day slowly dissolve.

you had just finished a mountain of paperwork, and you already knew new stacks would be waiting on your desk by morning. the thought tightened your chest, but you said nothing—this was the life you had chosen.

mina shifted beside you, pulling you gently from your thoughts. you watched as she stood, turned to face you, and straddled your lap.

your hands instinctively found their way to her waist, while hers settled on your shoulders—one hand threading through your hair, occasionally scratching your scalp in a tender rhythm.

her eyes searched yours, seeing the heaviness lurking behind them.

“what’s wrong?” she asked, her voice soft, almost a whisper.

you closed your eyes, letting your forehead rest gently against mina’s.

“the world... everything...” you murmured.

“even us?”

her question made you open your eyes, meeting the brown orbs glistening with unshed tears. your hands rose instinctively to cradle her face, your thumb brushing tenderly over her cheek.

“you, my love, are the most wonderful thing that’s ever happened to me,” you whispered.

“so please don’t ever think that we’re wrong for each other...” you added, pressing a long, soft kiss to her forehead.

“the world tells me we aren’t.”

you pulled away slightly, your eyes clouded with sadness, threatening to spill tears.

“i’m sorry, i—i’m just afraid of—”

“of people knowing about us?” you interrupted gently, stopping her.

she looked at you, sighed, and closed her eyes as a tear traced down her cheek.

“i love you so much it hurts, every day, having to hide you away—from my world, from your world,” she said, her voice breaking, shaky with emotion.

you wiped the tears from her cheeks, rubbing them softly with your thumbs, trying to soothe the ache you both felt.

"i love you too, mina, i do," you whispered, your lips barely brushing hers.

mina let the tear fall as she returned the kiss, pressing closer, her arms coiling tightly around your neck, one hand tangling in your hair.

your arms wrapped firmly around her, pulling her impossibly close. your bare skin flushed together, radiating warmth in the steamy bath. the heat fogged the glass around you as you shared a deep, passionate kiss.

—

you dropped mina off at the hospital, the same spot where you picked her up just last night.

she pressed a long kiss to your lips before pulling away and disappearing into the massive building. you watched until she was swallowed by the doors, then turned and drove to your office.

when you arrived, your eyes caught a brown envelope resting atop the towering piles of papers on your desk, as if daring you to open it first.

you picked it up carefully, noticing it bore no markings or professional insignia.

as you peeled it open and pulled out the contents, your heart plummeted—and so did the photos inside.

they spilled across the floor, scattering like a storm. you froze, heart pounding wildly as you scrambled to gather every single one.

you couldn’t deny what—or rather, who—was in the pictures.

it was you and mina.

photos from last night: from the moment you picked her up at the hospital, to when you both entered your shared apartment.

your hands trembled as you sank back into your chair, the walls closing in around you. your breaths grew shallow, panic tightening its grip.

“no... no...” you muttered, voice barely audible.

“mina...”

you looked up, eyes wide with dread.

—

mina arrived at her office, but she wasn’t expecting her father to be there.

seeing his back turned to her sent a chill down her spine—it usually meant something was wrong.

“father?” she called softly.

the man, hands clasped behind his back, slowly turned to face her. his expression was unreadable, eyes cold as they locked onto hers.

mina’s heart quickened, her mind racing with questions, searching for reasons why he was here.

her father shifted his gaze, and mina’s eyes landed on a stack of photos spread across her desk. her brows furrowed as she stepped closer, but when she saw the images, her steps faltered and a gasp escaped her lips.

they were photos of you and her—from the moment you picked her up at the hospital to when you both arrived at your shared apartment.

“disgusting,” her father sneered, voice thick with disappointment and contempt. “to think i raised you to be a perfect lady, and yet you turn out to be a lesbian.”

mina was frozen, unable to defend herself. her father’s voice cut through the silence again, firmer this time, leaving no room for argument.

“you will end this disgusting act. you will move back to the mansion, under my watch.”

without another word, he strode past her and slammed the door shut, leaving mina shattered—her fragile world breaking into pieces too small to ever be put back together.

you rushed to your shared apartment, pushing yourself to the limit. but when you arrived, it was too late.

what once felt like home—a safe haven for your love with mina—was now a wreck. furniture lay broken, photos smashed, every memory destroyed and tainted.

standing in the middle of the chaos was your father.

when he saw you, he marched forward. before you could react, a sharp sting burned your cheek.

then came the bitter taste of blood.

he had slapped you—hard enough to cut the inside of your cheek.

you met his angry, disappointed eyes without flinching.

“are you trying to ruin me?” he demanded.

you swallowed the tears threatening to spill, anger simmering beneath your skin.

“how does loving someone ruin you?”

his slap came again, louder this time.

“disgusting. i didn’t raise you to be like this,” he spat, every shred of respect and love you once had for him vanishing.

“you never raised me,” you said, voice steady and defiant.

“disrespectful woman!” he barked, swinging at you—only to be stopped by his men, who you hadn’t even noticed standing behind him.

“house probation until you’re fixed—no, wait. i’m taking away your license until you get your mind straight!” he declared before storming out, leaving you alone in the wreckage of a home that once sheltered your love with mina.

—

soon after your father left, his men returned. they dragged you out of the apartment like a lifeless doll. you, drained of any strength to struggle, let yourself be pulled—muscles slack, eyes hollow.

now you’re here: a sterile, sprawling house in a secluded forest.

no telephone. your phone, shattered in the car. no laptops. no way out. just cold marble floors, vaulted ceilings, and the suffocating silence of a gilded cage. guards patrol the grounds, their footsteps crunching gravel in relentless rhythms.

you sit on a stiff velvet couch, staring at the fireplace. the taste of blood still lingers on your tongue.

your mind was a hollow storm, filled with nothing but two words—why, and mina.

mina.

tears blurred your vision, spilling freely as you let the pain in your chest unravel, raw and endless. you cursed the world, fate, your family, and most of all, yourself.

why was i born into this life?

why couldn’t fate be kinder?

the silence around you swallowed your sobs, but inside, the ache only grew sharper.

mina had moved back into the mansion, holding her emotions tight until she was finally alone in her room.

her tears spilled endlessly, streaming down her face as she sank to the floor, leaning against the cold wall. she reached for her phone and tried to call you—for the hundredth time.

no answer.

in a fit of rage and despair, she threw the phone across the room, a frustrated grunt escaping her lips. she collapsed back against the wall, crying her heart out as if tears could somehow work a miracle.

and maybe they did.

her phone suddenly rang. mina scrambled to pick it up, not even questioning the unknown number flashing on the screen. her mind and heart filled with hope—it was you.

you had managed to beg a guard during a routine check. thankfully, he was kind enough to lend you his phone for one last call.

one last time.

it rang once, then picked up. your heart pounded wildly as you waited for her voice.

“mina?” you whispered, voice breaking.

a gasp, then broken sobs came through the line, and you cried too.

“yn? is that you?”

you nodded, tears falling. “yes... yes, it’s me, love...”

you heard mina’s cries through the phone, and it shattered your heart.

“i’m sorry...” she whispered, guilt heavy in her voice, though neither of you were to blame.

you shook your head, voice trembling. “no... no, mina, don’t... we’re not at fault, okay?”

your heart ached knowing you couldn’t be there to hold her.

“please, baby, don’t cry...” you pleaded softly, voice barely more than a whisper.

“where are you?” she asked, her cries fading into silence, but the pain in her voice still clear.

“i don’t know... they took me somewhere far. and i’m guessing they did the same to you?” you answered, staring out at the endless stretch of trees beyond the window.

“i’m under my father’s watch, back at the mansion...” she sighed, her voice heavy with defeat.

“this will be the last time we talk,” you said, and you heard her breath hitch before the sobs broke free.

“i knew our love would end... just didn’t think it’d end like this...”

“but i don’t regret a thing,” you whispered, eyes fixed on the ceiling.

“i’m grateful i met you, and that you let me love you. i love you, mina. i really do.”

“i love you too, yn,” she replied immediately, her voice cracking as she cried.

“we weren’t wrong for loving each other...” you said.

“we just happened to love each other at the wrong time,” she added, and you let out a bitter chuckle.

“maybe soon, when all is well... i hope to see you again... and maybe, love you again,” you whispered.

“yn?” she asked softly.

you hummed.

“i love you. i really, really do. thank you for staying with me through all my ups and downs, for being my anchor when doubt tried to pull me under. you, my love, are a one in a million...” you smiled, though your heart ached.

“i love you too, mina. goodbye.”

“goodbye."

the line went dead, and mina slumped against the wall, letting her heart cry out in the silence.

you returned the phone to the guard and let your tears fall freely.

it was supposed to be peaceful.

myoui mina had chosen this apartment complex specifically for its quiet atmosphere, its well-maintained spaces, and—most importantly—its pet-friendly policy. her golden retriever, ray, deserved the best. he was calm, well-behaved, and never caused trouble. the perfect companion.

and she lived in nothing but tranquility and routine.

mina had always been a creature of habit. her mornings were predictable: a cup of black coffee, a quiet stroll with ray, a few moments of peace before the chaos of the world demanded her attention. she liked it that way. routine. order. silence.

and so, she lived in nothing but tranquility and routine.

that was, until apartment 117 was occupied and she heard them before she saw them—the sharp, repetitive barks that shattered the usual tranquility of the hallway.

ray, ever the gentle soul, flinched at the noise, pressing himself closer to mina’s leg as they stepped out of their apartment. the culprit stood across the hall, all lean muscle and pure untamed energy, a doberman with sleek black fur and a glare that could cut through steel, instantly making his presence known.

apartment 117 had been empty for months, and mina had enjoyed the serenity. now, however, it seemed peace was a thing of the past.

“chance, sit,” a voice called out, and mina’s gaze snapped to the person holding the leash.

her new neighbor.

you stood there, tugging at chance’s collar with one hand while the other clutched the key dangling from the door. you looked… disheveled, to say the least—sweat clinging to your skin, your hair a mess from the effort of managing your overenthusiastic dog. mina should have been irritated. she was irritated. but god, were you attractive.

it didn’t take long for mina to realise that ray and chance were natural enemies.

and if ray represented mina’s personality, beliefs, characteristics, then chance was a representation of you.

and so, mina concluded, you and her were enemies, too.

not that it excused the noise.

and with that, mina turned around on her heels and marched back into her apartment, ray more than happy to enter the comfort of his house.

⸻

it had been a few days since you had moved into 117.

and through the thin—paper thin, mina concluded—walls, she could hear you talk to the menace, voice dripping with nothing but pure adoration to mina’s horror (she was convinced you’re insane), she could hear the devil’s incarnation bark, and whine, and run, and tap his god-forsaken, wretched claws against the floorboards as he moved.

but nothing—zilch, nort, absolutely nothing— could’ve prepared her for the first time she came face to face with the devil’s spawn and the devil.

⸻

tuesday. 18:07. mina tried connecting the dots. she wasn’t expecting anybody. so who was knocking at the door?

gently moving ray’s head from her lap and grabbing her phone from the table before getting up from where she sat, mina made her way to the door with precaution and worry in all of her tip toes.

she slowly twisted the door handle and opened the door to be met with you, smiling at her, face angled down ever so slightly so you could see her, holding a small box.

“hi,” you started, way too cheery for a tuesday mina noted, “i’m y/n, the new resident in 117, i thought i would come introduce myself to apologise for disturbing the peace, which is why, i brought you some pastries,” you lifted up the pale pink box in your hand and pushed it slightly towards mina. “and you know, we’re neighbours.”

mina was sure she was going to go insane.

she held back a sigh and a roll of her eyes, before forcefully lifting up the corner of her lips. “thank you,” mina said, taking the box out of your hands before making the mistake of looking down to see—to her complete dismay—your hand holding the leash beling to an ominous, sinister hazard: chance.

the corners of her mouth dropped and mina could only hope you didn’t see the split second of grimace that covered her face.

you followed her gaze and looked at chance, sitting patiently next to your legs, grinning, tongue out.

“oh,” you almost gasped. “how could i forget?” you looked back up at mina for a second before looking back at chance. “this here, is chance, my doberman.”

mina’s fingers tightened around the pastry box as she stared down at the doberman in front of her.

chance, as if sensing her distaste, let out a sharp, singular bark that echoed down the hall.

ray, from behind her, lifted his head at the sound but didn’t move from his spot on the couch. ever the calm one. unlike chance, clearly, she thought.

“right,” mina said, voice tight. she lifted her gaze back to you, trying to ignore the way your smile seemed to widen at her clear discomfort.

“he’s really sweet once you get to know him,” you offered, giving the leash a small tug as chance’s tail wagged excitedly. “a little loud, but harmless, i promise.”

mina wasn’t convinced. she eyed chance warily, as if expecting him to lunge at any moment.

“if you say so.”

silence settled between the two of you. mina shifted her weight from one foot to the other, fingers drumming against the pastry box, silently debating how quickly she could end this interaction. she wasn’t in the mood for small talk, least of all with her new, obnoxiously loud neighbour.

but then, ray decided to involve himself.

a soft thud sounded behind mina, followed by the telltale sound of paws against hardwood. a second later, ray was at her side, nosing at her thigh before his gaze flickered up to chance.

and, like clockwork, chance barked again, tail wagging harder this time, body vibrating with energy.

ray barely reacted. he simply blinked, then let out a long, exasperated sigh through his nose, as if he had already decided he was far too old to be dealing with this nonsense.

mina could relate.

“oh, come on,” you huffed, looking down at chance. “that’s not very neighbourly of you.”

mina snorted, despite herself.

“he doesn’t seem very apologetic,” she said, nodding towards your dog, whose entire body language screamed excitement.

“he’s trying,” you defended. “this is just… how he is. but, he’ll calm down once gets used to it here. hopefully we’ll be here for a long time.”

great.

mina hummed noncommittally, glancing down at the box in her hands, the weight of the pastries suddenly heavier now that she had no choice but to acknowledge your thoughtfulness.

finally, she sighed.

“well,” she started, shifting slightly. “thanks for the pastries, i guess.”

you grinned, seemingly pleased by the reluctant acceptance. “anytime, neighbour.”

mina pursed her lips, unimpressed. “let’s not make this a habit.”

you only winked before stepping back, tugging chance along with you. “no promises.”

mina shut the door before you could say anything else.

and mina wasn’t sure on a lot of things,

but one thing she was sure of was the uphill battle she would would have to fight with ray against you and satan.

⸻

despite her best efforts, mina kept running into you.

you and the damn clown.

once, in the laundry room, when she had been pulling her clothes from the dryer only to turn and find you loading yours in, dressed in sweats and humming to yourself. you had greeted her like you hadn’t spent the past week making her life hell, and she had only given you a nod in return.

then, at the supermarket, where she had caught sight of you struggling to decide between two brands of dog food, mumbling under your breath about ingredients. she had pretended not to watch, but her eyes lingered a little too long.

and then—possibly the worst of all—she came home from work one evening to find you just outside your apartment, hair damp with sweat, stretching as chance sat patiently beside you, ready for his walk.

mina knew she should have looked away. should have just gone inside.

but her gaze caught on the way your shirt clung tightly to your tan skin, the way you pushed your hair from your face, breath still a little uneven from whatever workout you’d just finished, chest ever so slightly heav-

you noticed her then, flashing a tired but bright smile. “hey, neighbour.”

she swallowed. “hi.”

chance, as if sensing the moment, barked. loudly.

mina sighed.

it was going to be a long, long year.

⸻

despite every logical part of her brain telling her to ignore you, mina kept noticing things.

like how you always carried extra dog treats in your pocket, even though that damn fiend clearly didn’t need any more energy. or how you hummed when you folded your laundry, completely oblivious to the world around you. or how, despite being an absolute menace, chance always listened when you gave him a quiet command.

it was infuriating.

so when she found herself in the elevator with you one evening, she told herself she wasn’t going to talk to you. she would stand in the corner, eyes on the floor, and wait for the ride to be over.

except, of course, chance had other plans.

the moment the doors slid shut, he whined, his gaze flicking between mina and ray like he was desperate to cause trouble.

ray, as usual, remained unbothered, sitting at mina’s feet like the perfect angel he was.

“seriously,” mina muttered, arms crossed. “does he ever stop?”

you grinned, barely fazed. “he just likes attention. don’t you, bud?” you reached down, scratching behind his ears, and mina tried not to stare at the way your shirt rode up just slightly.

she cleared her throat. “maybe you should train him better.”

“maybe you should give him a chance.”

mina scowled. “i see what you did there.”

you laughed, nudging her lightly with your elbow. “c’mon, you don’t actually hate me, do you?”

she didn’t answer right away, but the truth sat heavy on her tongue. no, she didn’t hate you. she wanted to. really, she did. but it was getting harder every time she saw you smile like that.

before she could respond, the elevator doors opened, and you stepped out first, chance trotting happily beside you. you turned back, walking backwards as you waved. “see you around, mina.”

she exhaled.

the doors slid shut again—despite mina needing to get off too—leaving her alone with ray and the uncomfortable realisation that she was in trouble.

she didn’t hate you. she knew that much now, no matter how much she wished otherwise.

what she did hate was how aware she had become of you—how you existed in every inch of her periphery, how your voice was starting to weave itself into the fabric of her daily life.

and worst of all, how she wasn’t sure she minded anymore.

ray huffed beside her, as if sensing her inner turmoil.

“don’t look at me like that,” mina muttered, pressing the button for her floor. “this is your fault too.”

ray simply blinked, unimpressed.

she was in trouble. deep trouble.

⸻

the universe, as it turned out, was not on mina’s side.

because the very next day, as she walked out of the building lobby after a particularly draining shift, she found you again.

only this time, you were drenched in sweat, leaning against the railing outside with your hands on your knees, catching your breath. chance sat beside you, panting happily, his tongue lolling out of his mouth as if he hadn’t just dragged you through what looked like an exhausting workout.

mina should have kept walking.

she meant to keep walking.

but you looked a little too good, and it had her hesitating.

just for a second.

which, unfortunately, was enough time for you to notice her.

“mina!” you beamed, standing up straight, swiping at the sweat on your forehead with the back of your hand. “perfect timing.”

mina narrowed her eyes, already wary. “for what?”

“i was about to take chance for another round,” you said, tugging at the leash as your dog perked up. “join us.”

mina blinked. “no.”

you grinned. “why not?”

“because,” she started, adjusting the strap of her bag over her shoulder, “i don’t do jogs. or runs. or whatever you’re doing.”

you chuckled, glancing down at chance, who was practically bouncing on his feet. “he could use a walk. you could use a bit of fresh air.”

she didn’t respond straight away. you were standing there, all sweaty, flushed with the effort of whatever madness you’d just put yourself through, and it was hard to ignore the way your energy seemed to draw everything around you in.

she cursed under her breath.

“i don’t have time for this,” she muttered, stepping to the side, hoping you would just drop it.

but of course, you didn’t.

“come on,” you pressed, stepping closer with that infectious grin. “it’ll be good for you. and ray could use the exercise, too. i’m sure he’d love it.”

mina glanced down at her dog, who was calmly sitting by her side, tail twitching only slightly. ray wasn’t exactly a fan of physical exertion unless it was a slow, quiet walk in the park.

“ray isn’t exactly built for that,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest. ‘and neither am i.’ she added inside her own head.

“neither is chance, but here we are,” you replied with a wink, looking down at your dog.

mina shifted uncomfortably. there was something disarming about the way you stood there, waiting for her response like it was the most natural thing in the world to be this friendly, this persistent.

but she couldn’t just let you get under her skin.

“fine,” she said after a moment, giving in despite herself. “but i’m not jogging. and if your dog tries anything, it’s on you.”

you grinned widely. “deal.”

with that, you started walking, the leash in your hand lightly tugging you along as chance explored. mina followed suit, ray trotting behind her, keeping pace with his usual measured steps.

for a while, neither of you said anything. the only sounds were the occasional huff from ray and the soft click of chance’s paws on the pavement.

but then, out of nowhere, you spoke up, voice light and teasing.

“you know, you’ve got that ‘don’t talk to me’ vibe down to an art.”

mina scoffed, glancing over at you. “so why are you talking to me?”

“i’m just persistent,” you replied with a shrug, the glint of mischief in your eyes.

“does that actually work on people?” mina asked, raising an eyebrow.

you smirked. “depends on the person.”

mina couldn’t help the small, reluctant smile that tugged at her lips. damn it, she thought, she was supposed to resist this.

but as the two of you walked in silence again, side by side, her heart didn’t seem to mind the quiet proximity as much as she expected.

maybe it was time to stop pretending she didn’t enjoy these moments, however reluctantly.

⸻

over the next few weeks, interactions with you became routine.

you saw each other in the mornings when you took the dogs out, exchanging small talk despite mina’s best efforts to stay distant. you ran into each other in the lobby, in the mailroom, even at the tiny café down the street where mina sometimes stopped after work.

and then, one evening, there was a knock on her door.

when she opened it, you were standing there, looking sheepish, chance sitting at your feet.

“i need a favour,” you said.

mina raised an eyebrow. “absolutely not.”

“you didn’t even let me finish.”

she sighed, already regretting this. “what?”

“i have to go to this work thing, and my usual sitter bailed. can you please watch chance for, like, two hours?”

mina stared at you like you’d grown a second head. “you want me to watch that?” she pointed at chance, who wagged his tail, oblivious.

“he’ll be good,” you promised, clasping your hands together in mock desperation. “i swear.”

“what if he eats my couch?”

“he won’t. he’s already eaten.”

“what if he eats ray?”

“he definitely won’t.”

mina glanced at ray, who looked just as skeptical as she felt. but then the desperation showed in every nook and cranny of your face, and mina felt herself wavering.

she exhaled. “fine. two hours. if he destroys anything, you owe me.”

you grinned, handing over the leash like you’d already won. “deal.”

as mina watched you walk away, she sighed, glancing down at chance.

he wagged his tail.

ray sighed.

mina pinched the bridge of her nose.

she was definitely in trouble.

⸻

mina regretted saying yes almost immediately.

the moment you left, chance began sniffing around her apartment like he was on a mission to destroy something.

ray, ever the dignified gentleman, sat on his bed and watched the doberman with a look of pure disapproval.

mina crossed her arms and looked at chance through dark, narrowed eyes. “look, i don’t like you, and you don’t like me.”

chance ignored her, trotting over to ray’s food bowl.

“nope.” mina grabbed his leash before he could get any ideas, steering him away. “don’t even think about it.”

he huffed but, surprisingly, didn’t put up a fight. instead, he plopped down dramatically on her rug, stretching out like he owned the place.

ray let out a quiet sigh, turning his head away as if to say, i’m not dealing with this.

mina could only wish she could relate.

⸻

to mina’s complete and utter surprise, the two hours passed without a single disaster.

chance hadn’t chewed anything—not the couch cushions, not the shoes, which mina had half-expected to be strewn across the floor by now. he hadn’t started any fights, either, despite his initial excitement at meeting ray. instead, he had spent the better part of the time wandering around, sniffing curiously at the apartment, then curling up in a spot on the rug with an audible sigh of contentment.

and—most shockingly of all—he’d actually fallen asleep halfway through.

mina had been bracing herself for chaos the entire time. she had sat stiffly on her couch, watching him with a vigilance that bordered on paranoia, as if any moment he would spring to life and start tearing the place apart. but no. the only sound in the apartment had been the quiet tick of the clock and the occasional soft huff from ray, who was stretched out lazily at her feet, seemingly unimpressed by all the energy that had been bouncing around only hours before.

she kept glancing over at chance, half-expecting him to wake up and wreak havoc, but he just lay there, tail flicking occasionally as he slept soundly.

maybe she’d underestimated you.

so when the knock finally came at her door, mina’s heart skipped. she stood up too quickly, knocking the coffee mug from the table in her haste to get to the door. as she opened it, she was half-tempted to just shove the leash at you and be done with it.

but instead, she found you standing there, looking far too pleased with yourself.

“he survived?” you teased, glancing past her to where chance was stretched out, yawning and shaking off the remnants of his nap.

mina stood there for a moment, staring at you with a mixture of disbelief and begrudging respect. she couldn’t help the corner of her mouth that quirked upward at the sight of chance, utterly unbothered.

“barely,” mina muttered, her voice flat, but the weight of her words didn’t match the faint smile tugging at her lips.

you laughed, a full, genuine sound that seemed to bubble up effortlessly from you. you crouched down beside chance, gently scratching behind his ears as he leaned into your touch with a satisfied grunt.

“told you he’s not so bad,” you said, your voice warm with amusement.

mina rolled her eyes, crossing her arms as she leaned against the doorframe. “yeah, well, don’t expect me to invite you over again any time soon.”

you looked up at her, eyebrows raised in mock disbelief. “you’re not enjoying my company, then?”

“oh, no,” mina said dryly, “i’m just thrilled.”

you laughed again, clearly unfazed by her sarcasm. it made mina want to sigh in exasperation and turn around, but instead, she stood there, unable to suppress the smallest of smiles, even as she tried to keep her face stern.

“thanks again, mina,” you said as you stood up, brushing the dirt off your knees. your voice softened, and for just a second, there was a sincerity that didn’t go unnoticed by her. “i owe you one.”

mina waved a hand dismissively, her usual aloofness returning in full force. “whatever.”

but even as you turned to leave, she could feel her gaze lingering on you a little longer than necessary. something about your smile—the way it was effortless, natural—kept lingering in the back of her mind. it was the kind of smile that left an imprint, one that didn’t fade with the passing hours.

and, for the rest of the night, despite her best efforts to focus on anything else, mina couldn’t stop thinking about how that smile made her feel.

⸻

mina had a problem.

and that problem was you.

it had started small—just an annoying awareness of your presence, the way your voice stood out even in a crowded room, the way her eyes always seemed to find you first when she stepped into the lobby. but now, it was worse. much worse.

now, she found herself listening for your laugh through the thin apartment walls. now, she noticed when you changed your shampoo because you smelled just a little different when you walked past her in the hallway. now, she thought about how your lips curled when you smiled, how your fingers brushed against hers when you handed her mail that had accidentally ended up in your box.

and she hated it. hated that she couldn’t just ignore you like she had planned.

but she wasn’t the only one struggling.

because you were noticing her too.

⸻

the first real proof came on a lazy sunday afternoon.

mina had decided to take ray to the small park a few blocks away, hoping for a quiet stroll before the week began. it was peaceful—the sun warm but not overbearing, a gentle breeze in the air. ray trotted beside her happily, tail wagging as they walked along the path.

and then she saw you.

you were sitting on a bench, dressed in loose sweats and an oversized hoodie, chance sprawled out beside you. you looked half-asleep, lazily scrolling through your phone, one hand absentmindedly scratching behind chance’s ears.

mina told herself to keep walking.

but then you looked up, and your face immediately lit up.

“mina!” you called out, grinning as you patted the empty space beside you. “what are the odds?”

she hesitated, but ray—traitor that he was—led her forward until she had no choice but to sit down.

“do you always come here?” you asked, leaning back against the bench, looking completely at ease.

mina shook her head. “not really.”

you hummed, stretching your arms out before resting them behind your head. “it’s nice, huh? sometimes i come here just to sit. chance likes to watch the birds.”

mina glanced at the doberman, who was, indeed, staring at a nearby group of pigeons like he was plotting something.

“of course he does,” she muttered.

you laughed, nudging her knee with yours. “you know, i think he’s starting to like you.”

mina scoffed. “doubt it.”

“no, really,” you insisted, tilting your head. “he doesn’t bark at you anymore.”

she blinked, processing that. now that you mentioned it, chance had stopped barking every time she walked past.

before she could respond, you leaned in slightly, voice teasing. “so, does that mean you’re starting to like me?”

mina nearly choked.

you grinned, eyes twinkling with mischief. “i’ll take that as a yes.”

she turned away, pretending to focus on ray. “shut up.”

but you just laughed, and mina’s stomach flipped in a way she wasn’t ready to deal with.

⸻

from then on, it only got worse.

she saw you everywhere.

in the elevator, where you’d stand just a little too close, the scent of your shampoo messing with her head.

at the grocery store, where you’d sneak things into her basket when she wasn’t looking (“trust me, you’ll love it”).

in the hallway, where you’d knock on her door at odd hours, claiming you needed to borrow sugar, or coffee, or—one time—just to say hi.

and the worst part? mina didn’t mind.

not even a little.

⸻

one night, there was another knock on mina’s door.

she hadn’t been expecting it—at least, not this late. and not after everything that had happened before. she opened it with the same cautious reluctance as always, preparing herself for some absurd excuse or another.

but when the door swung open, you weren’t the same confident, teasing person she was used to.

you seemed different.

your usual grin was missing, replaced with something a little more vulnerable—almost hesitant. your posture was less sure, and you scratched the back of your neck nervously, eyes not quite meeting hers.

“hey,” you said, the simple greeting almost uncertain, as if you were searching for the right words.

“hey,” mina echoed, raising an eyebrow, waiting for the inevitable.

you took a deep breath, your fingers tightening slightly around the leash in your hand, and then—after a long pause—let it out in a slow exhale.

“do you wanna go out with me sometime?”

mina froze for a second. she hadn’t expected that. not from you, not in that way. her heart skipped—just for a moment—and she had to blink to process the words.

“like… out?” she asked, her voice coming out a little higher than usual, betraying the sudden flutter of nerves in her chest.

you gave her a crooked, almost sheepish grin that made her pulse quicken, your usual teasing nature still present but softened, like you were waiting for her to decide if you were being serious.

“yeah. like a date,” you confirmed, voice steadier now, though the slight blush on your cheeks betrayed your own nervousness.

mina stood there for a beat, her mind racing. the quiet between you stretched on, leaving her with only the sound of her own breathing. she hadn’t expected this—this—from you.

then, finally, the words came, though they weren’t exactly what she thought she would say.

“if i say yes, will you stop knocking on my door at midnight?” she asked, her lips curving into an amused, half-exasperated smile.

you let out a soft laugh, the tension in the air easing just a little. “no,” you said, your voice light, but there was an edge of hopefulness in it, like you weren’t sure if she was serious

mina rolled her eyes, but she couldn’t hide the small smile that was creeping up. despite herself, she was already leaning toward yes.

“fine,” she said, trying to sound as exasperated as possible, though the playfulness in her tone couldn’t be hidden. “one date.”

the grin that spread across your face was instant, wide, and utterly genuine—like a weight had been lifted from your shoulders.

“you won’t regret it,” you said, your voice filled with an unshakable confidence, but there was still a flicker of uncertainty in your eyes.

mina watched you turn and walk away, her gaze lingering on your retreating figure for just a moment too long.

as she stood there, the door halfway closed, she felt a strange pull in her chest. something she hadn’t expected.

you were right. she probably wouldn’t regret it.

⸻

mina had made a mistake.

a terrible, terrible mistake.

because agreeing to one date with you? yeah, that was the start of her downfall.

⸻

the date was supposed to be casual. something simple, something low-stakes, something that wouldn’t keep her up at night, thinking about how very into you she actually was.

but of course, you had to ruin that.

you had picked a cozy little restaurant just a few streets away, tucked between a bookstore and a flower shop. the kind of place that wasn’t fancy but had dim lighting and candles on the tables, which felt suspiciously romantic.

mina should have been suspicious from the start.

but then you showed up, dressed a little nicer than usual, a shy smile tugging at your lips, and all her suspicions melted into something much more dangerous.

because you looked good. really, really good.

and worse? you kept looking at her like she was the only person in the room.

the night went by too smoothly. conversation flowed easily, your laughter filled the air, and mina found herself smiling more than she had in weeks. you told stories about chance, about your job, about the time you accidentally got locked out of your apartment and had to bribe the building manager with cookies.

and mina—who had sworn up and down that she did not like you—found herself listening. really listening.

at one point, your hand brushed against hers on the table, and she didn’t move away.

she was doomed.

⸻

the walk home was quiet, comfortable. the streets were nearly empty, the cool night air a welcome contrast to the warmth in her chest.

when you reached her door, you hesitated, shifting on your feet.

“so,” you said, grinning. “was that painful for you?”

mina rolled her eyes, but there was no real annoyance behind it. “shockingly, no.”

your smile widened. “good. ‘cause i wanna do it again.”

mina hesitated. not because she didn’t want to—because god, she did—but because this was dangerous.

but then you tilted your head, waiting, and she realised she was already too far gone.

“…okay,” she muttered.

you beamed. “tomorrow?”

mina huffed a laugh. “you’re ridiculous.”

but she didn’t say no.

and when you leaned in, pressing a quick, warm kiss to her cheek before stepping back with a wink, she knew she was officially screwed.

because for the first time since you moved in, she wasn’t annoyed that you were her neighbour.

she was relieved.

⸻

mina had never been like this before.

she prided herself on being composed, distant when necessary, never the type to fall so easily. but with you? it was impossible to keep her walls up. you had waltzed into her life—loud, chaotic, infuriating—and somehow, against all logic, mina had let you in.

and now?

now she was sitting on her couch, staring at her phone, heart pounding because you had just texted her.

y/n (the menace): i’m outside.

mina blinked. outside?

before she could even process, there was a knock at her door.

she groaned, but it wasn’t out of annoyance. not really.

when she opened it, you were standing there, dressed casually in a jeans, tank top, and leather jacket, chance sitting patiently beside you.

“what are you doing here?” mina asked, crossing her arms.

you grinned. “felt like seeing you.”

mina hated the way her stomach flipped.

“you saw me yesterday.”

“and?” you teased, rocking back on your heels. “is there a law that says i can’t see my favourite neighbour two days in a row?”

mina rolled her eyes, but the heat creeping up her neck betrayed her. “you’re ridiculous.”

you just smiled, looking her over. “were you doing anything important?”

mina hesitated. she could lie. could say she was busy, could pretend she had a full schedule and couldn’t possibly entertain you.

but the truth was, she had been doing absolutely nothing. just sitting there, thinking about you.

“…no,” she admitted.

your grin widened. “perfect. let’s go.”

mina raised an eyebrow. “go where?”

“you’ll see.”

⸻

somehow, she ended up in your car, chance sitting happily in the back while ray (who had absolutely not been given a choice) sat beside him, looking like he regretted everything.

mina turned to you, suspicion in her eyes. “if this is some kind of elaborate kidnapping attempt, i will fight you.”

you laughed, hands steady on the wheel. “relax, mina. you’ll love it.”

she highly doubted that.

⸻

but, to her surprise, you were right.

you took her to a lookout point just outside the city—a quiet, open space where the lights stretched out below like stars. the air was crisp, the kind that made her want to breathe in deep and just exist for a while.

she stepped out of the car, looking around. “…okay. this is nice.”

you grinned, leaning against the hood. “told you.”

she rolled her eyes but didn’t argue.

the dogs settled near your feet, ray curling up while chance, ever the troublemaker, sat alert, ears perked as if waiting for something exciting to happen.

mina glanced at you. “why’d you bring me here?”

you shrugged, looking out at the view. “just felt like it.”

she frowned. “that’s not an answer.”

you turned to her then, something softer in your gaze. “i like being around you, mina.”

her breath hitched.

you had always been teasing, always flirty, but this? this was different.

real.

mina swallowed, looking away. “…you’re annoying.”

you laughed, bumping her shoulder lightly. “you like it.”

she didn’t respond.

but she also didn’t deny it.

and when you reached for her hand, intertwining your fingers with hers, she let you.

“i like being around you, too, y/n.”

⸻

the night was quiet. too quiet.

mina had been enjoying the peaceful moment—your fingers tangled with hers, the cool air against her skin, the distant hum of the city below. but then, chance’s ears twitched. his body went still, muscles tensing.

ray, ever the calm one, lifted his head, sensing the shift in energy.

mina barely had time to process before chance let out a low, warning growl.

her stomach dropped.

you straightened immediately, your grip on her hand tightening. “what is it, bud?”

chance’s stance changed—no longer relaxed, no longer playful. his gaze locked on the tree line just beyond the railing of the lookout point, hackles raised. another growl rumbled from his chest, deeper this time.

mina’s pulse quickened.

“okay,” she murmured, trying to stay calm, “what the hell is going on?”

you didn’t answer. instead, you took a slow step forward, eyes scanning the darkness beyond the trees.

and then—snap.

a branch breaking.

somewhere, just out of sight.

ray let out a low whimper, moving closer to mina’s legs, but chance? chance stood his ground.

his growls turned into sharp, warning barks, his entire body tense with protective energy. his stance was different from his usual chaotic, overly excited self—this was serious.

mina swallowed hard, heart hammering in her chest. she didn’t believe in ghosts or anything supernatural, but something was out there. something was watching them.

“y/n,” she said quietly, “i think we should go.”

you didn’t argue.

“yeah,” you muttered, slowly backing up, keeping your eyes on the trees. “good idea.”

but chance wasn’t moving. he stayed in place, barking sharply, a clear warning to whatever was out there. his tail was rigid, his body like a coiled spring, ready to lunge.

the air felt heavy, charged with something mina couldn’t explain. her breath came short and quick.

and then—just as suddenly as it started—the feeling was gone.

the trees stilled. the air settled. the tension faded.

chance stopped barking, though he stayed alert, ears flicking. after a few more seconds, he huffed, seemingly satisfied, and turned back to you, nudging your leg like he had personally saved your life.

you let out a nervous laugh, exhaling. “holy shit.”

mina placed a hand over her chest, trying to steady her heartbeat. “what the hell was that?”

you shook your head, still looking into the darkness. “i don’t know. but whatever it was, chance wasn’t letting it get near us.”

mina stood there, her heart still racing, trying to shake the remnants of tension from her body. the cool night air felt less calming now, and she kept glancing over her shoulder, half-expecting something to emerge from the darkness. but, for the moment, everything was still.

as her breath began to steady, she felt a soft nudge at her leg.

chance.

he was standing beside her now, tail wagging gently, his eyes bright and intense, as if waiting for her to acknowledge him.

mina’s heart melted just a little, and she crouched down instinctively, her hand reaching out to scratch behind his ears, just like she had earlier.

but instead of just accepting the attention, chance—much to mina’s surprise—nudged her hand away gently, his gaze fixed on her face, almost like he was assessing her, making sure she was okay.

“what is it, bud?” she asked softly, her voice still shaky from the adrenaline.

chance’s eyes never left hers, and before mina could process it fully, he nuzzled into her, pressing his head against her chest as if seeking reassurance. he wasn’t his usual chaotic self now—there was something different in the way he was behaving. it was almost like he was checking to make sure she was okay.

she froze, her heart swelling.

“hey…” mina whispered, feeling an unexpected warmth spread through her. “you’re okay, right?”

chance let out a small whine, his body pressed against hers as he leaned in closer. mina could feel the steady rhythm of his breathing, and for the first time, the bond between her and the dog she’d barely tolerated felt real.

she chuckled softly, reaching down to give him a good scratch behind the ears. “you’re so weird, but i guess you’ve got a soft side after all.”

chance huffed contentedly, his tail giving a lazy wag as he finally pulled away, just enough to look up at her with his deep, dark eyes. his posture softened as if he was satisfied, and mina couldn’t help but smile.

it was a small moment—just a few seconds where everything else in the world seemed to fade away—but for mina, it felt like a little piece of warmth amidst the unease of the night.

she felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to find you standing there, watching the interaction between her and chance with a soft smile. you had a slight, teasing glint in your eye, but there was also something warm in your expression—almost proud, in a way.

“he’s really taken a liking to you, hasn’t he?” you said, your voice quieter now, as if you didn’t want to interrupt the moment.

mina chuckled, still kneeling down beside chance, who had now flopped comfortably at her feet, his head resting in her lap. “yeah, well, maybe i’ve been too hard on him. he’s… not so bad when he’s not trying to tear the place apart.” she scratched behind his ears again, feeling the soft thrum of his contentment under her touch.

chance let out a soft sigh, his eyes closing in utter relaxation, and mina felt a flutter in her chest.

“guess i owe him an apology,” she muttered, mostly to herself, but she was sure you could hear her.

you stepped closer, holding ray’s leash, nudging her playfully with your elbow. “so, are we best friends now or what?”

mina gave you a sidelong glance, a small smile tugging at her lips. “we?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow. “i think he’s the one you should be thanking.”

you laughed, the sound light and easy, before kneeling beside her, looking at chance with a mock serious expression. “alright, bud. i get it. you’re the favourite now.”

chance lifted his head slightly, ears perking up at the sound of your voice, before he yawned and nuzzled deeper into mina’s lap, clearly uninterested in entertaining anyone else.

“he’s definitely got a soft spot for you,” you said, smiling at the scene.

mina couldn’t help the small, affectionate laugh that escaped her. she hadn’t expected to feel this… connected, with either you or your dog—especially your dog.

“yeah,” she replied, gently running her fingers through chance’s fur, “he’s alright.”

there was a brief, quiet moment between the two of you, watching as chance lay peacefully at her feet, content. and as she glanced up at you, she saw the way you were looking at her—not just with the playful teasing you were known for, but with something softer, something genuine.

mina swallowed, feeling the sudden weight of the moment.

“you know,” she said softly, her voice almost hesitant, “if you hadn’t shown up tonight…” she trailed off, unsure of how to finish the thought.

you looked at her, your smile fading just a little as you processed her words. then you reached over, brushing a strand of hair from her face, your touch gentle, like you were trying to comfort her without saying anything more.

“if i hadn’t shown up tonight,” you repeated, your tone quiet and sincere, “i think i’d be the one regretting it.”

mina’s heart gave a small jolt at the sincerity in your voice. for a moment, everything around them felt suspended, the weight of the night’s events giving way to something a little more delicate, a little more real.

she found herself leaning into the moment, the feeling of your warmth beside her, the trust in the air. she wasn’t sure where this was going—or if she was ready for whatever it was—but she knew one thing for certain: it felt good.

chance let out another contented sigh, nudging his head further into her lap, and mina’s heart softened even more.

you finally relaxed, looking at her with a sheepish smile. “so, uh. i guess next time we go on a late-night adventure, we bring a flashlight?”

mina rolled her eyes, still shaken but managing a small smirk. “or maybe we just don’t.”

you grinned. “where’s the fun in that?”

mina sighed, squeezing your hand. she wasn’t sure what had just happened. wasn’t sure if it was an animal, a person, or something she really didn’t want to think about.

but she was sure of one thing.

if chance hadn’t been there, things could’ve ended very differently.

⸻

mina sat on the couch, the silence of the apartment stretching around her like a heavy blanket. ray’s absence was still a wound she hadn’t fully healed from, and she wasn’t sure she ever would. the soft hum of the apartment was different now—quieter, emptier without his calm presence.

chance, however, was there, his head resting in her lap as he snoozed contentedly. his once chaotic energy had mellowed with time, and she found herself running her fingers through his coat, absentmindedly scratching behind his ears. but even in his relaxed state, he felt different too—more attentive, more protective. as though he could sense how much she missed ray, and in his own way, he was trying to fill that empty space.

mina sighed, looking down at him, her fingers still moving slowly through his fur. she couldn’t help but remember the early days—the time when she had both of them, ray and chance.

ray had always been the quiet one, the steady presence. she smiled softly as she remembered how he would sit so patiently, barely reacting when chance would bark at shadows or tumble into things. ray’s calmness had balanced out the chaos that chance brought with him. back then, it had been chaos and peace coexisting in the same space, and it had worked.

there had been so many moments she had taken for granted—the way ray would curl up beside her, his quiet breathing a constant companion, and how, when he was still alive, chance had followed him like a shadow, mirroring his calmness in moments when they’d both lay side by side on the couch.

she remembered one morning, a few months before ray had passed. the sunlight was soft, filtering through the curtains, and both dogs were nestled by her feet, asleep, tangled up in each other’s limbs. there had been no barking, no running around, just peace. she had smiled to herself then, thinking how lucky she was to have both of them, even if things weren’t always perfect.

“you know,” mina whispered to chance, her voice soft, “i didn’t realize how much i’d miss him. i didn’t even think about it.”

chance stirred slightly but stayed asleep, his tail thumping once on the couch in acknowledgment.

she smiled through the tightness in her chest. “he was always there… like a shadow in the background. quiet. steady. always making sure i was okay.”

the apartment felt quieter now, without ray’s presence—without that grounding calmness that had once made everything feel stable.

“i don’t think I’ll ever get used to it,” she murmured. her voice trembled slightly, but she quickly wiped her face with the back of her hand, swallowing the lump in her throat. “but i guess… you’re here now. and that counts for something.”

chance, as if on cue, opened his eyes and stared up at her with those deep, knowing eyes. it was like he understood—understood the pain, the loss, the space that was left behind—and he shifted closer to her.

“we’ll be okay,” mina whispered to him, her fingers gently scratching his head. “just you and me now.”

chance’s tail thumped again, a quiet affirmation.

mina smiled softly, her gaze shifting towards the bedroom door. she could hear the faint sounds of you stirring inside, the rustle of sheets and the slow, sleepy murmur of your voice as you slowly started to wake up and wonder why she wasn’t next to you.

mina wasn’t in a hurry—there was no rush. she just liked knowing you were there, that the day was about to start, and that she wasn’t alone.

for the first time in what felt like ages, mina allowed herself to relax, the quiet weight of chance’s presence beside her filling the room. he couldn’t replace ray, not ever, but maybe—just maybe—he could help fill the emptiness, one quiet moment at a time.

⸻

the sun had risen higher, casting a soft glow through the windows of mina’s apartment. she was still curled up on the couch, a warm mug of tea in her hands, with ray’s old spot on the floor feeling unusually empty beside her. but she wasn’t alone—chance, your doberman, was curled up beside her, his head resting gently against her lap.

mina absentmindedly scratched behind his ears, running her fingers through his fur. it was still odd, having your dog with her in the mornings like this, but she had to admit, she was starting to get used to it. in his own way, chance had become her quiet companion, filling the silence in a way that felt comforting.

she glanced at the bedroom door as it creaked open, and you stepped into the living room, looking a little disheveled but still smiling, your hair messy from sleep.

“good morning,” you greeted, voice still thick with sleep as you stretched, your body clearly not ready to leave the warmth of the bed.

“morning,” mina replied, her lips curving into a soft smile. she took a slow sip of her tea, glancing at you fondly. “sleep well?”

you yawned and shuffled over to the couch, your eyes half-closed as you stretched. “yeah, but it’s way too early for me to be awake.”

chance lifted his head as you approached, tail thumping gently against the couch. mina smiled as she watched him eagerly turn his attention to you. the bond between the two of you had only deepened since you’d moved in, and now it seemed like he could never get enough of your attention.

you leaned down, scratching behind his ears. “hey, buddy,” you said softly, your voice carrying warmth. chance’s whole body relaxed under your touch, and he let out a low, contented growl, completely at ease.

mina chuckled softly, glancing down at her dog. “he’s been keeping me company this morning.”

you gave her a playful smile, taking a seat beside her on the couch. “oh, i see how it is. abandoning me for my dog, huh?”

“he’s been better company than you,” mina teased back, the corner of her lips lifting.

you laughed, leaning back against the couch. “well, i was tired. but now I’m awake, so what’s the plan?”

“i think we’re both still figuring that out,” mina replied, her eyes softening as she looked at chance. “he’s been a good distraction, though.”

you ran your fingers gently through chance’s fur, who sighed contentedly, his eyes half-closing as he basked in the attention.

mina’s voice was quieter now, softer, as she watched the two of you. there was something oddly comforting about it, seeing your dog so content, so trusting. she’d never really expected to bond with chance like this, but now that she had, she didn’t want to lose it.

“he’s not usually this calm with new people,” you said quietly, almost to yourself. “but he’s been… better with you.”

mina smiled, leaning back slightly. “guess he’s really warming up to me. i can’t blame him—who doesn’t love a morning like this?”

chance let out a soft whine, and mina smiled, running her fingers through his fur again.