Our lives entwined
band!aespa x groupie!reader
Synopsis: Your relationship with the girls is strained after yours and Giselleâs argument. With graduation close by, you wonder about your new priorities, and the whether or not to move on with your life. Was it still worth spending so much time and energy on the famous band who barely seemed to acknowledge you?
Warnings: angst. soft smut. nsfw
Word count: 9.1k
Notes: part 4! ning's turn and last of this series <3
pt.1 | pt.2 | pt.3 | pt.4
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Idols were much like puppies: products made for the entertainment industry. As much as they may express strong opinions and feelings, they still thrive under validation. Itâs the reason they do it, after all. Exhausting their bodies for the desire to be seen, to be somehow perceived.
They yearned to be liked, loved, and adored.
Aespa was no different.
âShe's still acting so fucking weird,â Minjeong muttered with annoyance, approaching Karina with a rigid posture. She waited until the leader looked in your direction to add, âYou better fix it now, Jimin. Or else I'll talk to Y/n and solve this madness right now.â
Even after you had argued with Aeri, you were still showing up to Aespa's schedule, although with frequent absences you failed to notify them. As relieved as they were that you were still updating their content on your fansite account regardless of your disagreement with the band, the distance you insisted on maintaining drove the four girls insane. It consumed them, kept them up at night, and made them stare at their phones relentlessly, waiting for a message from you like old times.
Whilst they refused to apologize or acknowledge the issue, you kept silent, not sparing them such thing as a quick stareâ instead acting like setting up your camera's tripod for their recording was the most important thing you've ever done.
You were all too stubborn to recognize your mistakes.
The day was cool, and the fact that the chosen place for their photoshoot had been a lake area wasn't helpful either. As always, you came prepared: wearing a cool, thick lilac sweater that was perhaps too much for the weather, you weren't bothered by the sudden temperature drop.
Being sensitive to the cold was something the girls had always teased you for: they'd mock your trembling and pinch your nose bridge as you smothered them with hugs and cuddles, claiming it was necessary to warm yourself up.
They miss such warmness, now. It's all gone, along with your stare of adoration, one they thought would never be lost. You've always been impatient, ironic and lousy to everyone; to them, though, you were extra attentive, sickening sweet.
Now, it seems like their existence alone irritates your guts. Any attempts of reaching out have you rolling your eyes and answering sharply, eager to end the conversation and move on with your tasks.
There were others, naturally. Other groupies who spent 24/7 trying to gather their attention, following the band around and making sure they were noticedâ whether through their clothing choice or endless praises. Still, none of them were interesting enough.
They haven't been there from the start, when they were just a nugu band traveling around the country in a small car with barely enough money to pay for their staying. They weren't you.
âFine.â Karina asnwered, reminding herself of that. She sighed deeply before handing out her blanket to Minjeong and walking towards you with confident steps. âI'll do it.â
By the time Karina reached your spot, you were too engrossed with your phone to notice her strong presence. It drove her madâ who could you possibly be talking to? They were all here. You didn't need anyone else. Now, you became distracted, jumpy like you were allowed to keep secrets from them.
Like everything you did wasn't their business.
Instead of grabbing your phone and throwing it onto the lake like she so wanted to, Karina grunted. It works: you looked up, startled as you kept your phone on the back of your jeans.
âOh, hey.â You said, giving her a weak head shake, much to Karinaâs dismay. You shouldn't stare at her like she's a strangerâ not after everything you've gone through together. âEverything cool?â
Obviously not. Why the fuck haven't you apologized? It's been too long. You have to come back to us. She wanted to scream, shaking your shoulders until you realized how difficult you were being.
Since it wouldn't be the friendly approach she was aiming for, Karina sighed, fingers twitching aggressively as she hid them in her shortsâ pockets.
âCan we talk?â She asked, with a soft voice. Karina couldn't help put peak at your phone, which hadn't stopped vibrating ever since she arrived.
Your hands traveled to your hair, picking at your split ends as you bit your mouth, thinking about it. As upset as you were with the girls, it was still Karina, after all. You couldn't ever deny her anything. âI have to go now... But don't worry, I'll set up the recording and ask for Anna to turn it off once you're done with shooting your promo content so I can make a video and upload it on YouTube.â
âWhat?â She shot, tapping her foot on the ground. âYou can't go. We've barely started.â
What could possibly be more important than them?
You went silent for a few seconds, wondering whether or not to say anything at all. In the end, you decided to be honest, even if you didn't owe the leader any explanations.
âI can do whatever I want.â You tried to keep a low tone, despite the leader's demand striking a nerve as you tilted your head. Still, you took a deep breath, explaining, âSaerom unnie is playing at Music Station's festival soon. I have to rush or else I won't get a good spot to record her band's performance.â
As if the leader was in place of making such demands.
Karina was seeing red. She couldn't believe your words, or how insolent you were being. âWhy are you doing this, Y/n? What the hell? You already have our attention, there's no need to be whoring around just to piss us off.â
You huffed, surprised by her response. Is this what she thoughtâ what they thought was all about?
âKarina.â You took a deep breath before answering, to avoid jumping on her neck and knocking some sense into her. âI have a life of my own. I don't do things simply for any of you. Stop being a bitch and grow the fuck up.â
Minejong walked in between them before Karina could argue back. Despite being smaller, the blonde has always managed to look down on you, somehow. Like you were a bug on her clothes, annoying and deliberate.
You could also throw her a punch or two, so she'd get back to reality. It was so irritating, how all of Aespa's band members thought you still gravitated towards them like years ago. That was long gone; you were too busy with other aspects in your life to follow Karina, Winter, Ningning, and Giselle around like a puppy.
Things have changed, yet they still struggled with seeing past their self-centered persona. The girls believed you still lived and breathed for them, so clueless it had you scratching and biting yourself to keep from releasing your frustrations upon them. Now, your only wish was to throw them all in the lake they were soon shooting on, as a cure for their cluelessness.
Instead, you rolled your eyes, crossing your arms on your chest as Minjeong continued, with a bored tone, âSo, did you two talk?"
âI don't have time for that.â You gestured to the improvised parking lot, where trailers, food trucks, and vans were parked, impatient. âIâve gotta ruâ"
âNo.â Minjeong cut you off, raising her hand to interrupt. âWe are going to have a conversation, Y/n. This desperate act of yours ends now.â
The argument's noise was starting to attract attention. Aespa's other fansitesâ stuck-up assholes whom you despised, failed miserably in sneaking glances and whispering to each other, attentive to the drama that was supposedly about to enroll.
If there was something you hated, was other people getting into your business. You've always been a private person, regardless of Aespa's loud persona.
The fact that the girls were now famous enough that other people chased them like you used to do, long before their fame, was something not at all pleasant to you. Fuckers, all of them. Karina, Minjeong, Giselle, and Ningning, specifically.
You couldn't help but gloat back, shooting a bored look in hopes of intimidating the other groupies and fansites so they'd go away.Â
Karina of course, noticed how distracted and jumpy you were, along with the glances you sneaked to the sides every so often.
âAre they bothering you?â She asked, waving to the group nearby without actually waiting for an answer. âCome, we'll go somewhere more private.â
Grabbing your hand, Karina dragged you directly to the small decorated deck where their photoshoot would occur, with Minjeong hovering behind like a plague. Blankets lay on the wooden space, along with light modifiers that had been previously installed. You couldn't help but sigh as Giselle and Ningning joined, too.
Everything was always some kind of spectacle, with the four of them. Of course, the rockstars make sure to turn every small thing into a big issue to be handled. So annoying of them.
You turned to Karina to tell her just that, but the leader had other plans. Cupping your face, Karina placed her lips on yours in a chaste, gentle kiss that immediately washed your anger away. It was so easy to forget everything and just give yourself to her, whenever she held you, and touched you with such care.
Still, you know better.
âThey'll be gone in a second if you want them to,â Karina assured you, pointing to the groupies and fansites who were now further away. âJust say the words, and I'll give you whatever you want, Y/n. But you have to let me know. Let us know.â
I just want you to care.
Wasn't it obvious? They were all so blind, so stupid. How was that even possible? You've seen how brilliant they were, writing lyrics and creating concepts and elaborating deep, complicated lore for their albums. Yet they were completely oblivious to your feelings.
Whenever you thought further about it, you realized you were in no mood to keep having this conversation over and over. They'd never understand.
âI have to go.â You repeated, trying to brush past Karina so you'd finally leave.
Instead, Giselle blocked your way, smiling like you haven't been ignoring each other ever since she visited your favorite cafe, weeks ago.
âWe have something for you, actually.â She said, with her phone in her hands. Behind her back, Minjeong made grand gestures while gesticulating in a heated phone call.
They were peeking your curiosity, but you couldn't disappoint your friend another time. And their insistence was starting to piss you off. âLater. After Saerom's perfâ"
âPlease?â Ningning asked, battling her lashes at you as she used Giselle as support to stand on her tiptoes. Now at your eye level, she pouted. âJust listen to what we have to say, Y/n. It'll be super quick. Then you're all free to go handle whatever it is that is more important than us.â
The maknae has always been your weakness, the sweetest girl you've ever met. And she made good use of how much you loved to spoil her rotten.
Because of how adorable she is, you sighed, nodding and taking a step back to listen. âOkay then. What is it?â
Surprisingly, it's Giselle who comes to you first. She hands you her phone, unlocked with a long document. A contract, you realize.
They thought you were upset about working for free and were offering you a spot as a part of their team.
Instead of being happy, like they were anticipating and wishing for you to be, you only felt trapped.
âIs that what you think this is about?â You gulped, scrolling through the contract's pages with a scowl. âMoney?â
The band members frowned at you too, confused by your reaction. They'd imagined you would've been jumping excitedly by now, hovering and being clingy like you always did after things went your way.
It's like they don't know the person standing in front of them. Which they probably don't.
âWhat is it, then?â Minjeong asked, with a mocking tone. Her patience was weary thin, as was yours. She didn't soften, not even after Karina elbowed her in the ribs as a warning. âIf not for the money. Are you just a petty ass bitch? Have you been acting like yourself this entire time?"
âWe figured you were upset for putting so much effort into us for years without getting anything back,â Karina added, giving your shoulder a gentle caress before you could curse at Minjeong properly. âAnd you were right. You've always been part of our team, anyway.â
âIt's only a matter of formality. Everything will stay the same.â Ning assured you, smiling excitedly.
Her words haunted you. Everything will stay the same.
It was the last thing you wanted, to have them keep taking from you while giving nothing back, as if you were nothing more than a puppet, an acquaintance. You've already done so much for the band to be treated like that.
There was no way you were allowing such treatment anymore.
With your muscles tensed, you shoved Giselle's phone into her chest. âThis isn't about fucking money. God, you're so fucking clueless. So stupid, all of you.â Tears started to cloud your vision, so you gulped hard to push them away. âI've been following you around like a fool for too long, now. It's time to move on with my life. Once I graduate, I'll have no time for this. I'm just a fan, nothing else.â You told them, sighing deeply. At last, you finished, with a dreary tone. "If you'll excuse me, now. You can keep your money, since it's all you care about. You Sick whores.â
This topic always left you in a train wreck, in a need of clearing your thoughts.
Thankfully, none of them tried to stop you as you walked away, aggressively brushing the tears that insisted on rolling down your cheeks. They always did that: took until you were exhausted and had nothing else to give. Of course, you thrived under their praise and at the slightest glimpse of validation they gave youâ which was what motivated you to keep trying your best for the band, but still.
Nowadays, it wasn't enough anymore.
In the end, you were just like all idols: you craved Aespa's validation, their sweet touches, and attention. Although deep down you knew you were nothing more than another fan for them. A pretty groupie and fansite, as they've proven to you so many times.
It should be enough. A blessing, even, to get to know and support your idols from day 1 and have such a close relationship with them.
Only you weren't cut off for that anymore. At this point, you were too codependent on the four girls whoâd never be able to give you what you truly needed. To them, you were probably just another one of the thousands of Aespa-obsessed fans.
It's highly unlikely that you'll be able to look presentable at Saerom's Music Station performance. Not when you've started to cry so hard hiccups join on your frenzy, as you got into your car and pressed your friend's contact in the screen's dashboard, hoping she wasn't warming up or rehearsing already.
Thankfully, she answered on the third ring. Saerom's joyful voice filled up the space, comforting you just by existing as you drove fast in hopes of making it to her performance on time. âHello? This is Saerom.â
"Hi, Saesae! It's Y/n.â You sniffled, trying not to sound as miserable as you were so she wouldn't worry. âI'm a bit late, but I'll get there. Tell me, are you done with rehearsals or is it still going to take a while?â
âOh, hi Y/n!â You could picture her smiling at her phone, always so adorable. âWe're actually⊠uhm, not going to perform anymore. I was just going to call you and let you know about it.â
âWait, seriously?â The car next to yours honked loudly as you lost the sense of direction, too surprised to focus on the road. âWhat happened? Are you okay?â
âYes, we're all okay.â She reassured as you breathed in relief. âNo one knows what happened, Y/n. We were all ready to go on stage for sound-check, and suddenly the staff was telling us there had been a change of plans and we weren't performing anymore.â Saerom's voice sounds irritated while adding, âIt seems like we've been replaced by ILL-IT, for some reason.â
Oh, Saerom must be fuming. Her shitty company was always sabotaging her band, Fromis_9, somehow, as if they weren't their only source of money. The CEO and managers made sure to make her duty as leader a living hell; you're amazed by how she keeps advocating for her band's rights even after so many years of mistreatment and neglect.
âWhat the fuck?â You muttered a few more curses under your breath, not driving so fast since you weren't running late. âWhy would they even do that?â
âLike hell I know.â The girl likely rolled her eyes, sighing once again. It was only then that she seemed to notice your quiet sniffles. âAre you okay, Y/n? How'd it go with the girls? Did you tell them you're leaving?â
Your grip on the wheel tightened. âYes, we talked. It wasâŠÂ well, you know how they are.â
Truthfully, you already spent so much of your time focused on Aespa the last thing you wanted to do was talk about your issues. It was frustrating and tiringâ Saerom was always so pissed about it, too. About the way they treated you, your complicated relationshipâŠÂ You didn't want to voice it out, at the moment. She'd tell you to just quit everything, like always.
And you so wished you were able to. Why did indulging the girlsâ every will make you feel so good? It was wrong; they were nothing but self-entitled assholes. Not that you were an angel, either. It was the reason you got along with them so well: you were all exactly the same.
Hot and rotten.
âOf course.â Her experienced voice reverberated through your car. For a few moments, everything went quiet; none of you daring to say a thing. âYou always think too much, Y/n. You need to stop that for a while.â Seconds linger before she finally adds, with her voice barely in a whisper. So hesitant, not at all like your best friend. âMaybe you should go home. I can meet you there and help you with that. What do you say?â
You weren't stupid. The lust in her voice made her offer impossible to misunderstand. Saerom wanted you.
Perhaps she was right: you have lived strictly for Karina, Giselle, Ningning, and Minjeong for too long. It was time you thought about yourself, for once.
Being cared for was a feeling you haven't quite experienced before. Yet there was your best friend: beautiful and eager to do so for you.
âI think you're right.â Your tone was even lower than hers, as you took a turn to make your way home. The venue where Music Station was being held was on the opposite side of Seoul, so you had a long way back. âI'll wait for you, Sae.â
For once, the girls weren't the ones clouding your mind and trapping you in worries. The only thing you could think was how your friend tasted a thousand times better than the sweetest kind of strawberries, and the way her touches ignited fire wherever they traced their way against your skin.
Saerom's care made sure you couldn't think of anything other than her glorious mouth for the entire night.
â
It was a vicious cycle.
You'd hit your pillows in frustration, scream, and complain about Aespaâs members for the entire time you weren't with them, only to show up the next day and hover over them as you've always done. Fancams, vlog editing, extra content, tiktok challenges⊠You were in charge of all of it, even if the band already had proper staff to handle such matters. They still requested for you to do all of those things. Like an idiot, you relented, melting under their superficial praise.
The four girls will always be your weakness. It's a fact that irritates you like nothing else.
Such inabilityâ or perhaps unwillingness of yours to assert boundaries and clear limits was the reason you sat on a random Venue's marbled sink, praying it wouldn't fall off as you rushed to hide the marks on your neck.
For someone as collected as Saerom, she sure knew how to make a mess. You sighed, applying concealer over the dirty-looking hickeys that adorned your once pristine skin. Endless messages and phone calls bombed your phone, making your tardiness pretty obvious. Still, you took your time, doing your usual makeup routine while four very impatient girls were surely fuming on the upper floors.
What you didn't expect, though, was for the devil to be wandering around unsupervised.
âWhat is that on your skin?â Minjeong barged in on the restroom, unsurprised by catching you leaning on the unstable piece of marble. Her tone reeked of poison, as her hands went straight to the area you've spent so long trying to perfect.
As if it was the most natural thing she'd ever done, Minjeong's lean fingers closed around your neck, pressing at your pulse point with just the right amount of strength to make you slightly dizzy. It was so easy for her to take over and hove all over you.
You both know you'd let her.
Instead of moaning and begging for her to touch you further, you stayed quiet. It was only 8 AM, and you didn't want to argue with any of them yet. Even if the first member of the band you met for the day was Minjeong, the nightmare in form of blonde hair.
A metallic taste invaded your lips as you ducked and pushed Minjeong away with all your strength, fearing your next words if she kept pressing herself onto you like that. âI burned my neck with a curler. Not that it is any of your fucking business.â Your feigned disinterest got just the desired reaction: Minjeong's eyes grew darker, filled with annoyance. âWhat are you doing here, anyway? You're supposed to be at hair and makeup. Get out, you creepy weirdo.â
As always, Minjeong ignored your harsh words, taking a step forward. With a smirk, she curled her hand around one of your thick curls and tugged, with such strength you nearly fell on the floor.
âMinjeong, what the fuck?â You huffed, massaging your scalp.
âWanna try again?â She asked, looking at you through the mirror with her hands interlocked on her chest. Such a whore, always so self-entitled and demanding you couldâ âYour hair is already naturally curly, idiot. You never use any source of heat.â
Her words shut you up immediately. How could she know? The band was always too busy getting ready to notice whatever you did in the meantime. There weren't any witty remarks you could add to your banter. Your curses died in your mouth, leaving nothing but a bitter taste.
âWhat I do in my free time isn't any of your business, Minjeong.â You ignored her, focusing on your reflection as you applied mascara to your eyes. Thankfully, the band member's evil, negative presence wasn't enough to have you stop with your makeup routine. You were nearly done, now, and would be able to escape Minjeong's interrogation and go back to a place where you wouldn't be the center of her inquiry. âI'm allowed to have fun whenever I want to.â
Too bad she'd never let you go. Minjeong walked to you with careful steps, this time. She waited for your reaction, quietly reaching out until her head rested on your shoulder and you both stared at each other, through the mirror. For a moment, neither of you dared to breathe, afraid the brief, peaceful moment provided by the blonde's careful move would be broken.
After what seemed like an eternity, she spoke. âTell me it was Saerom, Y/n. Say it.â
You sighed, nudging her away as you looked for a brush to spread some color over your face.
âIt's not any of your business, Minjeong.â Was all you offered. You'd keep repeating yourself until she listened. âGet fucking lost and stop being stuck in my ass.â
Minjeong stomped her feet, walking back and forth in the medium-sized restroom. The place was floors away from the crowded space where the rest of Aespa's members were to be found having breakfast and preparing their voices for the variety show they were soon to shoot. It had been carefully chosen for you to get ready quietly and with peace, preparing yourself for the hushed day ahead.
Clearly, the blonde girl who acted like you've ruined her morning just by existing was keeping you from all of that.
âIt is my fucking business, Y/n.â She scowled, clenching her jaw as she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to regain control of her rapid breathing. Almost naturally, her hands made their way up to the back of your neck, scratching your skin without meaning any harm. The blonde girl's grounding techniques always required physical contact, and you've always been so eager to volunteer for help. âIf that useless whore you call friend has touched my toy, then I'll have no choice but to destroy her life.â
You took a deep sigh, unable to look at her face. For a while, you let Minjeong feel the depth of her promise, peacefully collecting your makeup bags and supplies, even though your chest rested a rapid mess. Once you were done, you walked to the exit with slow steps, leaning on the door so she'd listen clearly.
The bassist looked so hot, especially when she was acting insane. You hated yourself for wanting her even more like this: looking so sloppy in only a simple flannel and oversized sweatpants, no makeup on her face, and creamy, yellow hair that desperately needed some hair dye.
A single touch was all it took for you to be all over her, gripping the sink as you chanted Minjeong's name and promised to do whatever she wanted if she made you cum on her fingers. A simple command, a phrase, and you'd drop on your knees and crawl to her.
Instead, you muttered. âIf you touch Saerom or do anything to harm her career, you might as well never talk to me again. Disgusting fuckers, all of you.â
Fuck their schedule, you decided. For the first time in so many years, you left without explanations or apologies.Aespa's members weren't worth any effort.
This time, you'd set yourself free.
â
The girls didn't reach out after your period of absence. The MAMA award ceremony was right around the corner, making it easy for the members to ignore the issue regarding your absence by drowning themselves in work. For a while, Karina, Minjeong, Ningning, and Giselle forgot about the absence of a certain groupie that seemed to be even louder when you weren't there with them.
Meanwhile, you were pretty busy yourself. Your graduation ceremony would occur on the same day as Aespa's MAMA performance, which you thankfully didn't have to deal with. The days were filled with fittings, rehearsals, and the anticipation of finally getting your diploma. You couldn't waitâ after all, you were an entire semester late due to your absences.
When the day came, you were all excited; It felt nice to have the spotlight for onceâ receive gifts, flowers, and balloons for your big day. The front row of the crowd was occupied by your family and two of the friends you managed to make throughout your academic journey. Saerom sadly wouldn't be present, as she was supposed to attend the award ceremony with her group, but she sent you a beautiful note, along with a huge bouquet of roses.
You're a superstar, Y/n. Shine bright, always <3,
Kim Saerom
You were glad to have her in your life.
The ceremony was simple yet sophisticated. It ran smoothly, with long, thoughtful discourses and a nostalgic feeling of fulfilling such a big accomplishment. You didn't cry, although so many of your classmates did. They've surely made good use of this universityâ made friends, explored the campus, worked on their networking, and expanded their views regarding their majors through classes and extra official events.
None of which you've done. Not when you were always so busy with Aespa. The band has always taken so much of your timeâ nit that you regretted it in the slightest. The lessons you've learned with the girls and through their choreographers, lyricists, photographers, and concept developers were ones you would've never been lucky to experience otherwise. As you sat through and waited for your turn to get your diploma, warm feelings filled your chest.
Looking back, you realize you wouldn't have it any other way.
When it came to your turn, you searched for your mother's incessant flashes, so you'd look at her camera and get good shots of the moments, just as she spent so long nagging you about.
It wasn't her pair of eyes you found, as soon as you looked up.
Four familiar faces stared at you, in a mix of feelings. Karina smiled, her eyes nearly disappearing as she clapped excitedly; Minjeong rolled her eyes, but bowed at you in acknowledgment; Giselle screamed your name, with her hands cupping her mouth so her strong voice would echo through the place; at last, Ningning jumped so energetically you feared she'd get scolded anytime. Your girls: possessive, annoying, unnervingâŠÂ but yours anyway. They knew how important this moment was to you, and came.
Regardless of the arguments, busy schedules, and hectic rockstar lives, they were present. For you, they showed up.
You didnât  waste any time wondering. As soon as the ceremony ends and you've all launched your caps to the sky, you squeezed through the crowd toward the Aespa girls. None of you spoke, for a moment. There was  only anticipation, as the four of them bit their lips and stared at you, looking for any signs of anger or disgust. They'd leave in a heartbeat if you wished so, this time.
It was your night; your turn to be in the spotlight. They'd never deny you of that.
All of which was nonsense. There was nothing you wished for more but to have the rockstars by your side. With a broad smile, you threw yourself into Karina's arms. It didnât  take a second further for the others to join, in a big hug that deprived you of airâ not that you complained. If anything, you only held onto them further, desperate for their touch after so long.
âWhat are you doing here?â You huffed, looking at each of them with furrowed brows.
They shared a knowing giggle before allowing their leader to take a step forward and explain. Karina caressed your arm, âIt's your graduation, Y/n. We had to come.â
âYour big day.â Giselle nodded, with her hands on your waist as she brought you close. The girls touched everywhere they could reach, starved from being apart from you for so long. You hadn't realized how much you craved it, missed them until they were stating the same thing. âCongratulations, Y/n.â
You smiled even brighter if it was even possible. Before you could even express how much you've missed them, Ningning turned with a heavy, grand vase in her hands.
It was nearly her size, and the maknae sighed deep in relief once you retrieved it. âIt's a protocol to bring flowers to a graduate. But, well, you've always fussed so much over the ones we get from the fansâŠâ
âYou won't have to bitch around about how they've been cut from the roots and are soon going to die. See?â Minjeong said, pointing to the vase. âThis one will grow out if you take proper care of it. Which I don't know if you can, given your limited QIââ Her bickering was interrupted by Jimin, who pinched the blonde girl's arm. âHey? Fuck, Jimin!â
Laughter filled the place as you looked further into your gift. A green, beautifully grown orchid rested on your hands; your favorite flower, which you didn't remember ever mentioning to them. Still, you didn't question, too enamored to care.
âOrchids light up a room,â Karina said, adjusting the cap on your head with soft, delicate hands. âThey're imposing, difficult to grow, yet incredibly delicate.â With a quieter voice, she added. âLike you, Y/n. We love you.â
The leader's voice, trapped in a quiet confession, was enough to silence all the other lousy sounds in the ceremony. It all ceased; there was only the two of you, as Karina's big eyes stared at yours with such love your legs grow weak.
âHey, sis.â Your brother broke the moment, grabbing your shoulder as he mildly turned you around and gestured to where your family was waiting. âCongrats.â
Your family, of course. They certainly wanted a word. âSure, Gyu.â You gulped, straightening your posture and waving him away. âI'll be there shortly. Just give me five more minutes.â
Time was up. With a sigh, you prepared to say goodbye to the girls. Surely they'd have to rush like lightning, to get into MAMA on time. The most logical thing would be to come to your ceremony with their hair and makeup done, saving time. Yet, they looked soâŠÂ normal. Not at all like they were attending one of Korea's most prestigious events so soon.
âThank you for coming.â You bowed, avoiding their eyes. It was well known you wouldn't beg for them to stay. You'dnever beg for anything. âI appreciate it so much. And for the flowers.â With the elaborate vase in hand, you turned around to look for your family.
You barely managed a step before being stopped by Giselle. âDon't worry, Y/n. There's a rumor of an after-party with some cake and music to celebrate the new graduate around. We'll see you in a few.â
It was true. Your mother had insisted on holding a celebration dinner, along with a big party at your house to show off yourâ or better, your parents' newest accomplishment. Despite making a few decisions about the event's color palette, you hadn't done much for it to happen. And it most certainly wouldn't be possible for them to attend, not with them being the award ceremony's most expected band to perform. So why was she saying such nonsense?
âYou're going?â You raised a brow, ogling your eyes at them. âBut what about MAMA?â
Minjeong rolled her eyes, picking on invisible wrinkles in her suit. âCome on, Y/n. Donât be stupid.â For the first time, she sounded sincere, straight to the point as she muttered. âThis is more important than any award. You are more important than any award.â
Your hands gripped your gift with unnecessary strength. Beomgyu rushed you away before you could even say anything back, pushing through the crowd as you were caught in between your family members, being complimentedand making as much small talk as you could.
Not once did your thoughts waver from the four girls waiting next to the door, wondering what could they possibly be up to as you smiled and made small talk with your relatives.
â
It didn't take much wandering around your house to find them. The four girls stood on the garden deck area, each contently holding a glass of champagne as they smiled and chatted politely with the other guests. Despite your lack of enthusiasm for the event, the deck had been carefully decorated for the after-party: a warm set of lights had been hung on the trees, whilst the usually bland white seats and marbled tables had white and gold stripes attached to themâ your university colors. The pillows and blankets that rested on the seats were changed to match the theme for the night, as well.
âHey.â You said, keeping your hands behind your back. It was awkward, but you didn't know how to act around them by now. It wasn't like the five of you were exactly on good terms, so a quiet tension hung thin in the air.
Although there seemed to be a collective agreement on ignoring the obvious uneasiness going on, by the way they all smiled brightly as soon as you reached them.
âThere she is,â Karina said, stretching her arm out so you'd come closer. Still quiet, you did as expected, leaning on the railing to hear them out. The leader's voice was soft, and calm like they had all the time in the world. âWe have another gift for you.â
You didn't enjoy receiving gifts that much. Usually, people would just pick mindlessly, buying something your picky, rigorous self didn't particularly like and was set to forget or throw it away anytime soon. However, it had always been different with Aespa's band members. They knew of your likes and dislikes, sometimes better than yourself.
It was one of the few times you noticed their care. Whenever they'd get some plushie of your favorite color or a bracelet in the shape of your favorite animal. Small, simple things, yet you cherished those more than anything.
âShould I close my eyes?â You asked, playfully. It was only when they kept looking at you in expectation that you realized. âOh. Okay.â
With your hands leaning through the air, you waited for their cue. Instead of your gift, steady hands scratched the center of your chest, pointy nails searching for something that hadn't been with you for a long time, now.
âIt seems like you've lost your necklace.â A raspy voice said, with a tad of resentment. Giselle's, naturally. âWhat a shame. It looked pretty on you.â
You smirked, tensing your muscles to keep from reaching out and interlocking her fingers with yours. âI threw it away. There was no use in keeping it when you were acting like such annoying cunââ
Another set of hands gripped your mouth, harshly trapping your lips so you wouldn't speak. You felt a light weight on your hands, and some more fingers brushing your eyes. âDon't ruin this, Y/n. Open your eyes.â
The box wasn't flashy; not that you paid it much attention. Inside rested a golden necklace, with a solitaire sapphire resting in the center.
Simple and elegant. You couldn't have picked it better yourself.
You looked up to find Karina, Minjeong, Giselle, and Ningning wearing four matching ones. The small gems shone brightly against their skin, looking like they'd always belonged with them. More than stunning, they looked like every bit of the successful women they were.
âIt'sâŠâ You whisper, but Karina cut you off, nervously squeezing her hands against each other.
âWe're sorry, Y/n.â Her words seemed to lift a weight on all of your shoulders. It was instant: you felt lighter and less upset. âFor not realizing how upset you were, before. Fuck, Y/n, we do care so much about you. Our band wouldn't be what we are without your help ever since day one. Without you. We're nothing without you.â
âYou were indeed kind of creepy in the beginning, stalking us when we were nugus, getting into fights whenever someone made negative comments about usâ being a possessive freak,â Minjeong muttered, shaking her head. Surprisingly, you all laughed, not taking her seriously. She then added, with a cautious tone, âButâŠÂ Jimin's right. We are lucky to have you by our side. And it fucking sucks that it took us so long to acknowledge that, Y/n. We really are sorry. You are someone important to us.â
Giselle chimed in, twisting her necklace around her neck, âHow could we not have fallen in love with you, Y/n? Youâve got a terrible habit of running your mouth, being loud, bossy, unapologetic and so possessiveâŠÂ just like us. We're the same, and maybe that's why we love each other so much. So yeah, we care. We care about the way you're terrible at waking up in the mornings, how you never charge your phone, how you're scared of heights,â She clocked her head, examining you from head to toe. âYou're extremely protective of the ones you care about. You're kind, fierce, and selfless. You'd do anything for the people you love. Fuck, Y/n, you spent months ignoring us and we can't even go a week without your presence. So yeah, we care.â
At this point, you couldn't face them anymore; You focused on the ground, trying not to let any tears fall off. Small arms hugged you, offering comfort through the best caress. Ning hummed, still smiling brightly even if you could see her eyes sparkling, too. âWe know it's something you show through actions and not words. Don't worry, Y/n. We'll show you just that.â
âWe are one,â Karina said, at last. At her cue, they all followed, touching their necklaces with a faint smile. âThere's no Aespa without you, Y/n. We've known that from the start. This necklace is for us to never forget that. All of us.â
Karina, Minjeong, Giselle, and Ningning are such important figures in your life. There's nothing you wouldn't do for them.
âWe are one,â You repeated, holding yours in your hand as you sealed the promise, kissing each of them with care. âNo more distance, no more stupid people getting in the middle of us.â
âDeal.â The four of them declared, in unison. As you shared another strong hug, you couldn't help but feel peaceful, and so loved.
It was so freeing to know they felt the same way about you, too.
â
âI refuse to close my eyes again.â You said, laughing with Ning as she guided you to the dining room. It was nearly empty, with the table and the chairs being moved outside to accommodate the guests. Strangely enough, a single chair lay forgotten in the center, which Yizhuo guided you to sit with confident steps. âAlso, you seem unsurprised by the haunted chair in the room, which I'm pretty sure wasn't here before since, well, Mother made me and Gyu drag everything outsââ
âY/n!â Ningning snapped her fingers in front of your face, trying to get you quiet once and for all.
âSorry.â You straightened your posture, smiling excitedly at the exasperated girl. âGo on with my third gift of the night. How lucky am I, hm, to have Aespa's Ningning is right in front of me.â
The maknae rolled her eyes, shaking her head in disapproval. âIf you keep talking, I'm just going away and leaving you behind.â
âNo, no!â You shook your hands, signaling you'd do as told. âI'll behave, promise. Please continue, Ningie.â
She was suddenly shy, then. Tugging at her shirt, Ningning bounced back and forth, âWhen I was practicing for my solo, I ended up writing this song, and⊠well, I kind of thought of you while producing it. It won't make it to the albumâ Kenzie and I picked up another one instead. But Gigi got so excited when she listened to it, we made up a silly choreography. I'd like to show you. Only if you promise not to judge my dancing skills, though!â
You raised a brow, curious. âNever, Ning. You're amazing at everything you do. Please show me what you've been working on.â
Ningning nodded, turning on the song on her phone's speaker as she closed her eyes to focus for a moment.
It wasn't the cute, baby girl Ning you knew who turned around. The girl who swayed her hips confidently along with the melody was much different.
Her performer persona wasn't unknown to you, but having Yizhuo messing her hair as she turned around and showed you her perfect arch was a vision not even your dirtiest, most perfect dreams would do the right justice. The music'slow, sensual pre-chorus led Ningning to put her arms up, freeing herself from her shirt before lowering herself on the ground and crawling her way to you.
By the time the last lyrics of the song were up, Ning stood in between your thighs with half-opened lips and rapid breathing, smiling at you with breezy eyes. âSo⊠what did you think, Y/n?â
âStunning.â Your answer came immediately, as you urged her up to your lap. Ningning's hands went to the hem of your dress, making sure there was no fabric keeping her from touching your skin. âYou're perfect, Ning. Looked so pretty and talented, too.â
Neither your hands assaulting her titsâ twisting and pinching her nipples as your mouth grew dry, nor the way you kept pressing your thighs onto her sex, encouraging the maknae to rock back and forth against your skin seemed to bother her. If anything, Ningning only pressed further, humming faintly onto your neck as she gave you small, wet kisses.
âDid I make you wet?â She asked, pouting. As innocent as she looked, her fingers had no good intentions as they traveled down to your panties. Ning made no move to get them out of the way, caressing your pussy with a single finger.
âGuess.â You said, rolling your eyes as you opened your legs so she could get better access to your sex. Ning giggled, finally pulling your panties to the sides so she could get a taste of your wetness.
A frustrated moan left your mouth just as Ningning's fingers refuse to enter your needy cunt. Instead, they ghost your entrance, definitely not thrusting enough as she brought them to her mouth, licking her fingers clean.
âYou taste so good, Y/n.â She commented, pulling you in for a kiss almost immediately. âEven sweeter than usual.â
Kissing Ningning felt much like her personality: calm, slow, and a tad messy. Saliva drooled from your mouth as you tasted yourself on her lips, content with having such a pretty girl on your lap. The absence of her touches was driving you crazy. Your skin was already burning; and your cunt was hot and bothered, soak waiting for the maknae's touch.
âI'm not going to beg.â Your warning came soon as you both parted, gasping for air after nearing devouring the drummer.
To your surprise, Ningning laughed, letting her head fall behind her.
âDon't worry, Y/nnie.â She promised, spitting on her fingers as they finally entered you. âIt's your big day, after all. Besides, pretty girls always get what they want.â
You gasped, carving your fingers on Ning's shoulders in a silent ask for more. Thankfully she was fast to keep up with it, fingering your pussy at a hard, fastened pace. The familiar feeling that built up deliciously on your lower abdomen deepened, sending waves of pleasure through all of your body. Ningning's thumb went to your clit, rubbing it in circles with just the right amount of pressure.
It felt so goodâ Ningning always knew the right places to touch you. You curled your toes as she did the same with her fingers, fasting her pace on both your hole and your clit. The tingling sensation spreading over your body only depended, as did your breathing. Ningning seemed attuned to that, too, since her fingers then made scissoring motions on your pussy as you kissed once again.
âCum for me, please, Y/n. I want to make you feel good.â She pouted, but you kissed it away.
Ningning sucked on your neck, using her free hand to brush against your clit even harder and faster. The stimulation sent you over the edge: your orgasm was deliciously good, erupting pleasure throughout your entire body as you chanted the drummer's name over and over. You were quick to pull her hand away, closing your legs and clenching your fingers to avoid the overstimulation.
The maknae seemed to have other plans. Almost immediately, Yizhuo dropped to her knees, forcing your legs open as her tongue licked your pussy without any rush.
âNingâŠâ You whined, grabbing her hair but not yet pulling it. âLater.â
Laughing at your trembling thighs, Ningning laughed, pressing small kisses to your inner thighs instead of sucking on your clit like she wished to. When her smiley eyes looked up to meet yours, her pretty mouth glistened with your juices.
âRelax, Y/n. I'm just making sure you don't leave like a mess.â You smirked back at her answer, shaking your head as Ningning helped you up and pulled your dress back down, kneeling so you'd get your panties on properly. Only then, Ningning grabbed her shirt, covering herself as she winked at you. âIt's still your big night, after all. You must look pristine.â
You laughed, interlocking your arms as you both left the room with giggles and loud jokes. Back to Karina, Minjeong, and Giselle, who loved and adored you wholeheartedly. In your own possessive, twisted way, you understood each other perfectly.
In the end, you wouldn't have it any other way.


















