Good morning my love!

Here is your gift, FINALLY, after a month - I’ve kept you waiting a long time, right?  ㅋㅋ I promise (I hope) it will be worth the wait.

A little background into this project : some different moods with music accompaniment for all the things I imagine us doing together, all the adventures we’d find ourselves in. I want to see the world with you and hopefully this shows you just how much you mean to me. 

Here’s to so many more happy months together  ♥

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Instructions for listening:

↳ put on your headphones! (both sides)

↳ open the tumblr page (on desktop if you want to see the pretty colours!) 

↳ audio files are in order of excerpts in posts! Starting with “Breakfast” 

↳ refer to time stamps in each post for where each clip starts

↳ don't read ahead until you are listening along!!

『 Pancakes, Coffee & You | ♪ : Dabit ft. Hayana — Up & Down 』

timestamp ➤ 0:00 — 3:11

POV: It’s early Sunday morning, we’ve just woken up together and the sun is shining. You turn on the radio as we make breakfast together; I’ll crack the eggs and you’ll fry the bacon. Any morning is good with coffee but nothing beats a morning with you.

The shrill ring of the alarm jerks me awake. You’re already up, as usual, smiling at me — and I groan, as usual. I slept well though, your face pressed in my neck and the tender rhythm of your steady breaths lulling me to sleep. The sun greets us with its rays peeking through the blinds, the chirping birds a luxury I haven’t known until now; when everything is rosy, and calm, and perfect.

We’ll both be groggy, but we’ll laugh a little anyway; our hair looks so gross and our eyes so bleary but it’s the best feeling in the world to wake up to the one person you long to see day in and day out. You’ll share your bathroom time, the way you do — we’ll share silent smiles through the mirror and go on diligently, each making ourselves presentable again.

You’ll turn on the radio, that bright cheery song that comes on your favourite radio station playing yet again, but it gets you in a dancing mood and I love watching you dance. You’ll still be in my hoodie when I join you in the kitchen, and somehow there’s already egg on the table and peppers on the cutting board; our mornings never were the most organized, I know. But soon the smell of sizzling bacon fills the room, and I’m frying our eggs just the way you like it — runny yolks, sunny side up. The kettle is on for our tea, there’s coffee dripping away, and all I feel is the blissful unhurriedness of our Sunday morning routine.

What’ll we get up to today? It won’t matter, either way, because we’ll spend it together — hand in hand, arm in arm, your hips swaying like no one’s watching. One day, I think, I’ll make you breakfast in bed, but it’s nice when I get to have you beside me, our footsteps as in sync as our hearts.

『 Got Your Eyes on Me | ♪ : Gallant X Tablo X Eric Nam — Cave Me In』

timestamp ➤ 3:12 — 7:15

POV: It’s the day before our SM concert, and we’ve snuck into the venue the night before, leaving nothing on but the single spotlight that hovers above the stage. With the thrill in our veins and excitement in my toes, I get on stage and perform for you, only you, the choreography I made to this song. The only bigger rush than the adrenaline is the knowledge that you’ve got your eyes on me.  

You and me live like birds on a power line, hands gripping and our fingers fried God bless those Northern lights and our own devices, babe

Hearts in our throats, pulse drumming in our ears, every step feels too loud as we step into the wide, cold expanse of the theatre that will be brimming with screams and cheers and the smiling faces we love. There’s no one in here, just the echoes of our footsteps trespassing a ghost town and part of me should feel wrong, except it doesn’t; when I look into your eyes and I see the mischievous little glint and every fear I had is replaced with thrumming excitement.

Take a seat, I’ll whisper to you, watching you pick the very front row, somewhere you’ve always wanted to be, when the spotlight’s on you in every other scenario. I told you I’ve got a surprise, a little something I’ve been working on, just for fun — no one else will ever see this except you. I’m only just realizing now how immensely spacious this place is, when you’re up here alone; the depth of the stage feels so much more daunting without the synchronized stomps of the backup dancers. The spotlight is warm on my face, or perhaps it’s just my cheeks, tinged crimson with the grandeur of it all; the thought that this could one day be me, an artist, a soloist — but right now I’m none of those things. I’m just yours.

Baby, I want you to cave me in So maybe I won't have to admit it

And then the music starts, softly at first, the gradual crescendo of the intro quickly re-familiarizes me with every eight-beat rhythm ingrained into my head from my time and time again rehearsals in the practice rooms. It’s just a few steps in the beginning, letting my body move accordingly, shoes echoing across the black unpolished tile beneath me. I can see you if I squint, making out your slim figure situated right where you said you’d be — and you’re still staring, wearing that proud smile that’s reserved for me.

I can’t hear the lyrics after a while, each word fading into a dull murmur that goes in as a sound and exits as a twist, a turn, a side-step. Now my heart is pattering for a different reason; music is in my head, in my blood. Maybe one day we’ll be up there together, one day we’ll share that lone mic stand and I’ll get to smile at you, too. My love, my light, my superstar.

『 Sinners For a Night | ♪ : DEAN X Dok2 — I Love It 』

timestamp ➤ 7:17 — 11:08

POV: We’re on a night out, in a nightclub, bass pumping louder than our pulses. No one knows us here — we’re in a sea of strangers, your body pressed to mine and the music tonight is making us feel some kind of way. There’s a private room too, maybe we could hide out there, and I’ll show you everything words can’t say. 

I love it and I like it Messy traces everywhere

Grinding, swaying, rolling; alcohol flowing through our veins, sweaty bodies littered on the dance floor. It’s late, and it’s dark, and we’re both a little tipsy but your lips look so sweet, your skin so tempting; your eyes flash blues and greens and I think I’m a little lost in the way you smirk at me, thighs wrapped so sinfully in the jeans you know I love.

My head is a little fuzzy, my inhibitions gone; the air tastes of desperation and the cocktails we had earlier — I don’t usually like crowds, but this is kind of nice — where no one knows our names, where I can put my hands on you; feel the way your heart beats under the milky expanse of your neck. Could I kiss you? Would I get lost in your lips the way you pull me in every time, would you kiss me back and like it?

You love it and you like it When I unbutton my shirt

It’s so hard to think under this music, thoughts so muddled with the chatter and the buzz. We don’t need to care for one night; surrounded by strangers, melting into the throng of bodies so seamlessly it makes us feel invisible for the first time in years. I’m really loving the vibe tonight; like the DJ knew what was on our minds, and you move so tauntingly slow against me, so sensually — you know what you do to me and you know exactly how to get it.

There’s a room in the corner; maybe it’s the bathroom, maybe it’s the hallway. Maybe it’s the private oasis we seek in the chaos of tonight. So I say it; let’s get out of here. lips pressed to your ear, hips grazing your backside, I’m thinking maybe we’ll take our time, kiss each other slowly; let the euphoria of the music be our guide. Run away with me. Let’s be sinners just for tonight.  

『 Dedicated To You | ♪ : David Choi — By My Side 』

timestamp ➤ 11:09 — 15:20

POV: We’re on a date outside and you discover a cute little café we’ve never been to before. We step inside and there’s a band in the corner playing for open mic night; he’s taking requests so I ask them to play something, just for you, as you order our croissants. The swirls on our lattes are perfect, the pastries at our table are decadent, and I think maybe we’ve just found our new favourite spot.

I think of you with every breath I take, I need to feel your heartbeat next to mine You're all I see, in everything

The chimes above the door jingle a little tune in greeting as we step through, sound as clear as the sunny day outside. We could smell the pastries from down the block, the hissing of the espresso machines lighting up our grins like a child on Christmas day. We’ve never been on this corner before, the marbled brick of the café structure a perfect backdrop to the fluttering awning, laden green with vines and fairy lights. It’s undeniable how attractive the strawberry cakes and banana loaves look in the glass case, amongst the vast selection of treats scribbled neatly on the chalkboard above.

There’s more, I notice, the lone singer set up on a small stage on one end of the shop, acoustic guitar in hand and mic stand stood proudly in front of a stool; and the way he strums with a smile makes me think about all the times I’ve seen you play. Judging by the line that’s quickly accumulating by the cashier, we won’t have many seats left, so I let you order for us and maybe there’s one more detour I need to take — to find our new friend the guitarist before I find our table.

All the fears you feel inside, and all the tears you cry they're ending right here; I'll heal your heart and soul; I'll keep you all so close

You’ll join me right after, arms burdened with our vanilla lattes, the aromas alone ready to be enjoyed with the chocolate croissant on my plate, and the matcha genoise on yours. Soon the music starts up again, his honey vocals reverberating so sweetly it turns heads. This one’s for you, I’ll whisper instead, like it’s our little secret, entangled with the fingers that slip between my own. I hope you’ll hear the lyrics, just like I hope you’ll hear my heart.

The pastries are delicious, and you’ll get shy, but I love the way you concentrate when you’re busy tasting something amazing. So I’ll sit back and stir my coffee, bask in the warmth this song and this café wraps us with. And just like the lyrics, my favourite place will always be right here — with you by my side.

『 Underneath the Mistletoe | ♪ : Ariana Grande ft. Liz Gillies — Santa Baby 』

timestamp ➤ 15:21 — 18:27

POV: It’s finally snowing, and we’re doing some last minute Christmas shopping – if only for an excuse to see the bright colours, the glowing lights littering every tree in the streets, and the jovial cheer it seems to put in everyone. You see a horse-drawn carriage by the road, and we climb on, one more thing checked off our bucket list as they pull us through the city, jingle bells ringing in the air. The outdoor speaker beside the mall blasts cheesy holiday tunes, and I’m already excited to experience our very first Christmas together.

Santa baby, just slip a sable under the tree for me, been an awful good girl Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight

Our feet crunch noisily over the freshly-fallen snow, sprinkled over the city like icing sugar on cake. We both love shopping, but even the mall was too loud; overrun with last-minute shoppers all scrambling for the gifts their loved ones have yet to receive. It’s much cooler outside, despite the winter frost that kisses your ears pink, our noses running beneath the thick woolen scarves and knitted beanies you insisted we adorn. I forget how crazy Seoul gets around this time of year — every street lit with reds and greens and bows and ornaments for couples and kids alike; and maybe I enjoy them a little bit more this year because I’ve got you to tug along with me.

Next year, I could be just as good If you check off my Christmas list

Hot chocolate has to be our first stop, of course, rushing into the corner shop that serves them with whipped cream and marshmallows. We drink them outside anyway, shopping bags piled high on the painted bench we plop into. Suddenly a carriage pulls up — how long has it been since we’ve seen one of these? Two white horses lead the procession, majestic silver manes billowing in the breeze as they trot along, harnesses decked out with golden bells. A Christmas carriage!

The city really does look different from here; everything is bigger, and brighter, and this feels touristy but I’m having the time of my life. Today we’re letting ourselves indulge (how many opportunities will we get?) and experience our home through fresh new eyes. I can feel my fingers again, at least, and I spend the day gripping yours. Once we get home we’ll sit by the heater, wrap ourselves in blankets, and set up the tree with our own little playlist in the background. We’ll exchange presents too — even if I think I’ve forgotten to wrap mine. Merry Christmas, Byun Baekhyun.

『 Away On Adventure | ♪ : Shaun ft. Conor Maynard — Way Back Home 』

timestamp ➤ 18:29 — 21:57

POV: We bought tickets to the train on a whim, an adventure out of the country with no particular destination. We’ll see things we’ve never seen, go places we’ve never been, and anywhere we end up, we’ll make memories the way we do — together.

Remember when I told you, no matter where I go I'll never leave your side you will never be alone

Let’s go on an adventure, you said one day, and I said yes, anywhere with you, — I meant it, and I still meant it last night when we bought two tickets, packed our bags and hoped for the best. I love when we’re spontaneous, you’ll say, and I’ll just smile; because we are, and because we don’t need a destination to be free spirits, not today.

The train station glows with the first crack of dawn, like even the sun knows we’ve got our happiness ahead. I’ve never been on a train like this; the shrill whistle of the horn waking even the chirping birds in the distance. And then the conductor would ring his bell, the chimney would toot its steam, and we’ll be off to chase adventure like autumn chases the golds and crimsons of the summer branch.

And I told you right from the start, you just say the word and I'll go No, it doesn't matter how far ‘cause your love is all that I know

We’ll climb aboard, into our cabin, the click-click-clacketing hum of the spokes stuttering against the tracks. I’m surprised with how smooth it sounds, even when it chugs dutifully up the hill; the passing scenery whizzing by. You’re feeling so calm, I can tell, the delighted chime of your chuckle faced out the window but matching my own. Are we being crazy? I’ll ask, and you’ll just shake your head, the way you do, because you’ll always indulge me, and I’ll always ask you to come along, like the partners in crime we were meant to be.

We can stop anywhere, find somewhere new to get lost in whenever you like. We’ll take photos, so many of them, and we’ll keep them for ourselves; frame them in places only we can see. We’ll sit side by side, sharing earbuds, charging our souls with promises of new discoveries.

『 The Music of the Rain | ♪ : Stephanie Poetri ft. Jackson — I Love You 3000 II 』 

 timestamp ➤ 21:59 — 26:10

POV: You’re on your way home after work, the rain pelting the roof of your car with fat droplets. But you’re driving home to me, and the rain just makes the best background noise with the song I sent you to listen to on days like these. It’s been a long day, but you know I’ll always be waiting with open arms and a smile.

Baby take my hand, I want you to be my best friend 'Cause I’m your Iron Man and I love you 3000

You unlock the car with a single beep, its sounds echoing hollowly in the parking garage before you pull it outside onto the darkened streets. It’s already far later than usual, your schedules kept you out today and your legs are heavy, thighs sore. Soon the steady rhythm of the drizzle outside pitter patters on your hood, like dancers in a ballet; the tracks they leave on the glass racing each other in aimless formation.

You get a text from me — get home safe baby, it says — along with the link I attached, and every time I hear this song it makes me think of you, hopefully you enjoy it too? Traffic must be a nightmare again, and your windshield wipers are working hard. You’ll roll down your window, the way you like to in the rain, the brief lull of silence echoing with the hum of tires on wet pavement. I’ve never been a fan of the rain, but when we’re inside, and safe from the storm, it’s always been a source of cozy tranquility for our lazy afternoons.

On the day that we met, I wanted to ask If you'd be by my side forever

The drive home is usually one of your favourites, because it’s you time, and a moment of calm after a day of insanity. hang in there, I’ll be waiting here, I’ll text again, hoping you see it safely, of course, but hoping it makes you smile. And when you get home, I really will be waiting, your favourite meal on the table, freshly folded pajamas pulled out from your drawer for after your shower. Even in the worst of weather, there’s some comfort in knowing that you’ll always have your favourite person to come home to; your sanctuary away from the rain.