#ten angst

Ten's delicate fingers travel over the smooth stone, following the curves of the carvings that bear your name. He looks at you with tears in his eyes, as he does every time. In an attempt to remove the dust from the letters, he briskly wipes his hands across the surface. “I’m sorry, I haven’t visited in a while, my little star,” he whispers.

He lies on the ground next to the headstone, wiping his hands on his jeans. Whilst a chill runs down his spine from the coolness of the ground.

He notices the dazzling stars as he looks up at the pitch-black sky. The few clouds begin to break almost as if on cue, and then there you are, shining the brightest of all, his little star, softly dazzling upon him.

The cool night breeze brushes over his skin as he shuts his eyes and tilts his face up to the sky. His heart aches, and tears are starting to run down his cheeks.

-

Ten suddenly feels something along his skin, just as if someone was tickling him. His eyes flutter open, revealing…you. with a single white chrysanthemum in your hand and a gentle smile on your face. rubbing it lightly across his cheek. Ten eyes widen as he sees you and for a brief moment his breath catches in his throat.

"Y-Y/N." He mutters in shock.

You carefully wipe his tears away as you keep looking into his eyes with a gentle smile. “Don’t cry…we’ll be alright” you tell him.

He holds your hand tightly; his hand feeling warm against your own. Then he pulls you closer and wraps his arms around your body. Still not believing you’re in front of him,

“you’re really here," he breathes out with a trembling voice. You can hear his heartbeat so loudly and clearly, as if his heart only just started beating because of you.

You run your fingers through his dark locks. It felt the same as always, and yet it felt so different to all the other times you’ve done it before. You can hear him sighing against you, clearly enjoying your touch. You both stay like this for a while. You don’t even know how much time goes by, nor do you care. However, everything feels familiar and peaceful, just like you've returned home.

You look up at Ten and see him looking back at you already. His gaze holds so much love for you but also immense pain. So much so, that you can feel your own heart crumbling down by look in his stunning eyes. His whole face had changed since the last time you saw him. The suffering had left its marks, taking away the glow that was once present. You knew it was because of you.

Cupping his face in your hands, you give him a soft kiss. So gently, as if he’d break if you were any harsher. Ten closes his eyes and kisses back. It only lasts for a few seconds, but it was enough to hold the cracks of your souls together for now.

“Shall we head out of here?” you ask him as you climb to your feet and pull him along. He's still holding your hand, fingers entwined, his thumb softly stroking your skin, and he gives you a nod.

With a mischievous grin on your lips, you sprint back to your car together. You both know exactly what the other is thinking about since you’ve done it countless of times before. A curt nod followed by the engine starting, and you're driving down the highway before you even know it.

With your windows down and the music blasting through the speakers. Both of your voices are overtaking the song as you scream at the top of your lungs. You can tell the few cars that are passing by are giving you looks but you couldn’t care less.

“Do you have the goods with you?” Ten asks even though he already knows your answer. “Would I ever not have the goods?”, you answer and hear him chuckle beside you.

Not too much later, you reach your destination, hop out the window, and open the trunk. Your usual assortment of spray bottles is all spread out, and you shoot Ten a playful look that asks him why he’d ever doubt you. You both take the bottles with you and step into the abandoned factory at the edge of town. Climbing up the ladder and entering the building through a broken window. Graffiti covered the walls, shattered glass was strewn all over the place, and dust was floating around the space like snow in a snow globe. It was perfect. Since it was your little secret spot.

A wave of nostalgia hits the both of you as you walk past all of the murals you have compiled throughout the years. On the enormous wall were the love doves that represented the beginning of your relationship that you’d painted on your first date. And as you went deeper into the building, all of your memories seemed to be displayed like you’re walking through a museum about your own love story. The old place appeared more alive thanks to the vibrant walls than when the space was still in use.

Entering the final, hardly standing room on the rooftop, you lay out your stuff and start your final piece. The location was illuminated by the distant town lights and the flashes from your phones. You both work quickly yet carefully. The air feels thick with paint fumes and perhaps something else too.

You both decide to inscribe your initials within a heart-shaped graffiti piece tonight. It was simple, especially compared to your usual extravagant work the two of you'd do. Yet the simplicity also held a lot of meaning, as it marked the very end of your journey. It seemed as though you were bidding your work of art adieu and saying, "Let's meet again sometime."

Ten keeps stealing glances at you whilst you work, and he swears that every time he looks at you, the butterflies explode more than the last time. You looked as gorgeous as ever as if no time had passed since you last saw each other. He lets his eyes follow your movements, as he can’t take his eyes off of you. He stands behind you when you are completing the last details of your joint project. His body feels hot against your own, and you can feel his lips brush your neck as he whispers in your ear, “So beautiful…”, causing you to shudder.

"Ten…" you exhale, as his hands begin to explore more of your body and his lips start kissing your skin. However, he stops when he hears sirens in the distance. He dashes to peer out of the opening that served as a window.

"Shit, they're heading this way," he lets you know as he rushes back to get you, before escaping. You both notice the red and blue lights getting closer as you sprint back to the car. "Give me the keys, I know a spot," he says but before you can do that the police catch up quicker than you both expect, so you duck behind some bushes and pray that they haven't noticed you yet. And just as if your prayer is answered, they drive past you.

“Come on” Ten says, and you both run away, not even bothering to take the car now. You turn around slightly and look up at the building to take a last glance at the ‘TEN + Y/N’ mural you left behind. Was it a bit childish? Yes. Did you care? Absolutely not. Because it was your final recollection of each other.

After walking for a few blocks, you burst out laughing. "I can't believe that we got away with this." "I was so sure they had us this time," you scream as the thrill of adrenaline shoots through you. Ten laughs along with you, “I know right? If they came even a second earlier, we’d be done for.”

The walk is filled with more laughter and a whole lot of reminiscing about the past. And although you two are beaming, each step you take still feels heavier than the last, you both feel it but neither of you brings it up, not wanting to add to each other’s pain.

The air feels chilly as you make your way down to the secluded lake, Ten had taken you to. It was surrounded by trees, and it looked like it was taken straight out of a fairy tale. You look around mesmerized, “What is this place? It’s amazing,” you exclaim.“I’ve been wanting to take you here for a while now. I discovered it when I was driving around one time, and I’ve been coming back ever since. It should be all ours for tonight because nobody else is ever here at this hour.”

He takes your hand, brings you up a little cliff, and asks you to close your eyes. You take a hesitant step forward, and he has his hands over your eyes. He tells you that you can look when you arrive at the edge, "Okay, we're here," and removes his hands to show you. You see the moonlight reflecting in the water as the lake flows by. The trees' leaves are softly rustling in the mild breeze, creating a soothing sound. You were in complete awe of the sight, which was only enhanced by the lights surrounding the area. “Oh my god…this is absolutely stunning…” you say still not over the view.

Ten chuckles besides you and you feel his arms sneak around your waist again. He looks at you instead of the scenery, “yeah…it’s absolutely stunning…” his eyes flicker to your lips and he leans in to kiss you. It’s filled with all of his love for you, and you can feel every emotion seep through. You both kiss for a few minutes until he pulls back.

“Now…are you thinking what I’m thinking?” he asks with a sly grin on his face. You look from him down to the water. “You’re kidding, right?” you say feeling nervous as you can tell exactly what he is thinking. The grin on Ten’s face only grows as he starts shaking his head. “ofcourse, I’m not kidding. Why? Are you scared?” he asks teasingly. You huff and cross your arms, pretending to be confident as you answer, "Not at all," but you can't help but swallow anxiously as you glance down at the water.

Ten gives you a comforting kiss on the head and giggles as he hugs you from behind. "If you really don't want it then we don't have to do it but I think you do want it," he states. "It's not like I don't want to…it's just so high up and- and what if there is something in the water?" You nervously ask. "Well, we won't know unless we give it a shot, will we? And we’ll do it together like we always do, it'll be ok.”

you nod slowly as you consider it. "Are we completely undressing?" you ask. Ten gives you a nod. "You're aware of the expression 'go big or go home', right? So, let's go big because we definitely aren't going home." Despite laughing at what he said, you still agree.

You both quickly stripped off your clothes. And the thrill of seeing each other naked still made your hearts race even after being together for so long.

Ten's eyes follow every movement you make. You looked amazing to him; every inch of your skin was flawless. You feel your body heat up as he admired you and you can't help but glance at him too. His toned body and tattooed skin made your knees weak. You turn back to the water, trying to hide how flustered he makes you.

Grabbing his hand, you quickly run hand in hand towards the edge of the lake and dive in. The cool water envelopes your bodies immediately. And you swim around, splashing each other and laughing the whole time.

As you float on your backs, the silence of the night crept up on you pleasantly. Feeling completely content with each other's company, that’s filled with lingering gazes and rapidly beating hearts.

However, as you continued to swim, your innocent amusement soon evolved into something more passionate.

You swim closer and closer together until your bodies become entangled. The beautiful swaying of the water only fuels your desire for one another.

Your kisses are deep and strong, and your hands freely move across each other's bodies. You had never felt so alive, so engulfed by one another.

His hands rest on your waist, and he moves closer to you until you feel his chest press against yours. You feel yourself heating up, and the cold water appears to affect you a lot less now. Placing your arms around his neck, you close the distance until you are just inches away from each other. He notices how you’re biting your lip and it only turns him on more.

"Let me do that for you," he says against your lips before kissing you deeply. It was more passionate than any other kiss, and you could feel your entire body tingle. His skin melted into yours, and your lips fit together flawlessly as if you were only made for each other. The kiss became more intense as you felt his tongue glide into your mouth and start moving against yours. His hands went down to your hips, and you let out a gasp when you felt him squeeze your butt.

Ten begins kissing down your neck and sucking on your skin, leaving a trail of red marks. Your breath becomes heavier the lower he goes. His wet tongue glides against your collarbones, making you shiver. His mouth travels down to your boobs, and you can feel his lips wrap around one of your nipples. You can't help but moan at the feeling as you grab onto his hair. Taking his time with your hard nipple, he circles his tongue around and sucks hard, leaving you gasping for air.

"Does that feel good, baby?" he asks as he begins rolling your other nipple between his fingers. The way your back arches and the moan that escapes your mouth tells him enough. He switches hands and lets the other travel down your body, touching all the right places until he reaches your core. And lets his fingers glide against you teasingly.

"Ten…please…" You beg for more of his touch. "Please, what?" he asks with a seductive smile, pressing his thumb on your clit.

"Please touch me," you pleaded. His smile widens, and he begins playing with your folds. His fingers are getting coated with your juices as he gently starts rubbing your clit. You let out a loud gasp and grabbed his shoulders whilst grinding against his hand, wanting to feel more.

“I don’t think it’s the water that got you this wet,” he says with a smirk, clearly amused by how wet you already are when he has barely touched you.

You let out a small whimper as you try to press yourself more onto his fingers, knowing he is still teasing you by not giving in completely. "Do you want more?" he whispers to you. You nod at him, but he only chuckles, "You have to use your words, darling. Tell me what you want, and I will give it all to you.

"I need your fingers inside of me," you breathe out. The glint in his eyes darkens as he kisses you again, pushing a finger deep inside. The way you moan into the kiss tells him you didn't expect him to give in so quickly, which only makes him smirk more.

Ten raises your thigh and wraps your leg around his waist with one hand, as he starts to slowly push his finger in and out of your pussy. “You’re so fucking tight, sweetheart,” he tells you, picking up the pace. The feeling of his cold metal rings against your core only adds to your pleasure.

"Fu-uck," you whimper as he circles your clit with his thumb. You're dripping down his hand, and you can feel your walls tighten around his digits. "Hmm, so wet for me," he hums, adding another finger and curling it deep into you. Hitting your sweet spot so well. Turning you into a moaning mess.

Ten groans against your neck as he feels you clench around his fingers, and he takes it as a sign to fuck you faster. You can feel the knot forming in your stomach but not wanting to come yet you hold his hand still. When you do this, his brows knit together as he glances at your face. "I want to come with you inside of me," you mutter, gazing at him with glazed eyes and and heavy breathing.

He lifts your body and carries you out of the lake while you hold onto him. As you emerge from the water, your bodies glisten in the moonlight, there is a rawness and vulnerability between you that you've never felt before. It was as if the night had taken away all of your inhibitions, leaving only your love for each other.

He lays you down on the soft grass and caresses your cheek, locking his gaze with yours. "Are you sure about this?" he says, carefully examining your face for any symptoms of discomfort before he does anything.

You smile at him and pull him towards you, “I want you so badly. Please…I need you to fuck me” you say. When you tell him this, he wastes no time as his lips find their way back to yours, kissing you deeply. He settles between your legs, pushing them open. A string of curses escapes his breath as he sees your cunt completely soaked.

He strokes his cock a few times and spreads around the precum leaking from his tip before gliding it along your slit. His smirk returns to his handsome face as he watches how your face contorts in pleasure when he rubs his cock against your clit. Your breath hitches, and you buckle your hips up, wanting to feel him inside of you.

He aligns himself with you and slowly pushes in. "Ten…f-fuck," you moan as he fills you completely. He kisses your skin and holds still for a few moments, allowing your walls to stretch around his length.

"You okay, my love?" he asks, stroking your hair. You nod and tell him he can now move. His hips start to roll against yours. You can feel him sliding in and out of you, pushing deeper each time. You're dripping down his length, as your juices cover every inch of his cock.

"You feel so good…taking me so well," he murmurs as his movements quicken and the lewd sounds of skin on skin become louder.

Your bodies now completely connected in every way possible, as you make love underneath the stars. You moved in perfect harmony, the gentle lapping of the water providing a rhythmic backdrop to this moment.

As you pull him closer to you, the deep feeling in your stomach appears for a second time tonight. "I'm going…fu-uck Ten, I'm-" You can't even finish your sentence as your orgasm overtakes you completely, making you come so hard. The feeling of your walls clenching around him sends him over the edge too. And you feel his cum shoot up your core, filling you up as a raspy deep moan escapes his lips.

He slowly pulls out and lies beside you, trying to catch his breath. He draws you into his arms, “you did so well for me. That was amazing,” he states, still breathing heavily. Smiling at him, you let him know you enjoyed it as much as he did.

He wraps you in his jacket and brings your head to his chest. You snuggle up to him, and you both stay silent for a while. The coolness of the water is now a distant memory as you enjoy the warmth of each other's embrace. "You do realise we're going to catch a cold, right?" you ask after some time. Ten chuckles, "Yeah, probably, but it's well worth it. Everything with you is worth it." You scrunch up your nose at his remark, which only makes him laugh loudly.

"We'll have another excuse to cuddle up," he adds. You listen with a drowsy grin on your face. As time passes while you lie in each other's arms, a sense of melancholy fills the air. You can both sense it deep within your hearts. "I wish we could have more time together," you mutter quietly, eyes glistening with tears. "If only we had more time, maybe things would have been different."

Ten shakes his head slowly, refusing to accept the truth of your words. "I know, darling," he says with a sigh. "I wish it too." You take his hand and squeeze it tightly, hoping to savour every second you have left together.

He can feel your warmth pouring through his fingers as he holds your hand. "I don't want to let go," he whispers, his voice breaking.

Your eyes meet, and a wave of sadness washes over the both of you. You both know that you were about to part ways forever. So, you lean closer and kiss his cheek wanting to mend his broken heart even if it’s just a little bit. It's quiet between you again, and the air still holds your breath. Your chests rise and fall together, sharing the same heartbeat. The moonlight beams on your faces, casting an ethereal glow on the grass where you lie. It felt as if time had stopped just for you two.

Slowly, you open your eyes and glance at him again. For a split second your memories travel back to the first time you met him. It was years ago, when you met him unexpectedly at a time you thought you’d never find someone like him. You never believed in 'love at first sight,' but looking back, you realise your heart has loved Ten since the very beginning.

He never strays his eyes away from yours because he knows this is it, but he's not ready to let go. Running his fingers through your hair he can feel your breath on his lips. He has so much to say, yet the words never seem to come out properly. So he stays silent, wanting to remember this moment forever and seal it in his heart.

Each beat of your heart's echoes in the other’s chest when you wrap your arms around him, wanting to feel his body against your own one more time.

Your eyes fill with pain, knowing that you will have to let go of each other and return back over to your respective worlds. You exchange one more kiss as the clouds cover the sky, bringing an end to your brief yet beautiful rendezvous.

Looking into his eyes for the last time, you can feel the emotions well up inside of you as you see him cry. You want to tell him how you feel, how you've always felt, and how you'll always feel for him, even if you're apart. Because there is no one else you'd rather be with than him.

“I may leave you behind in this world, but I’ll never leave your heart. My love for you will never change. Even if my body is taken from you, my soul will always be with you.”

You tried to smile as you tell him, but the tears streaming down your cheeks make it hard. You couldn’t bear to see him cry and you couldn’t bear the thought of leaving him behind either. But the darkness creeps in even if you don’t want it to, and your voice wavers as you can’t keep your eyes open anymore.

“I love you, with every beat of my fading heart.”

-

Ten opens his eyes, and his tears keep rolling down his face as he searches for you in the night sky. A broken smile spreads across his face as his eyes find you again, shining so brightly. He holds up the single white chrysanthemum and whispers,

“I love you too, my little star”

---------------------------------------------------

Disclaimer:

They're sad at first that they aren't you drooling on their body, but maybe cause WinWin's have the charm that anyone can't resist, that even any party or gathering WinWin's is the main attraction, that sends both Ten and Jun is being neglected and ignored, sending them jeolous that even in sex with strangers, WinWin's is the one that they like to have sex intercourse with them, while Ten and Jun is only the 3rd and 4th party when Winwin having a date or having sex to a girl or boy. Of course they use condoms for protection for AIDS and HIV that doesn't want have it, it's just that they think y/n's is a special case that they can take a risk for unprotected sex intercourse, after all they doesn't taste a older than them just few years, cause Ten the oldest in he's friends is 27, while Jun the tallest just for few meters on he's friends height is 26, last the youngest Winwin is 25 year's old, maybe this is also the reason that between three, Winwin is the one is being like cause is that some people don't like older than them, in a relationship or just Fubu short for Fuck Buddy. Unfortunately y/n's also one of the people that like to taste a younger people in a relationship or having sex, or just that doesn't take a bath when they meet them in person, that unfortunately WinWin's do, and when a person doorbells like y/n's he open it while towel is being the one that covers he's lower half of he's body, that sends of almost all people dreaming he's half naked buddy, or just that their friend is always forgets that he's finished he's bath, that sends the three in difference, cause Ten is a cat lover more so he doesn't time to have a long relationship, while Jun is very rough in he's past relationships, some likes it but some doesn't like it even a bit, luckily Winwin they being treat as a princess and a human. That sometimes humans is can't be respected each other, after all sometimes humans doesn't like exists in a toxic society now, that if you're did something wrong is your life is over, but it's true it's isn't right, that's the difference between the three of them, but now Ten and Jun will proven it to their friend Winwin, that he's charm is effective everytime by having y/n's sex that he ever have. But they slowly taking your clothes one by one, because Ten and Jun putting love mark's all over your body, sending you moaning from pleasure that you're getting by them, it's being see's by them sending them almost in victory, that their friend Winwin is doesn't care after all he's said to celebrate the New Year countdown with them, not fucking you in the New Year countdown, but maybe because he's friends have enough, enough that all enough is in their friend Winwin attention, maybe that's their problem that they forget Winwin invite you for New Year countdown, besides he doesn't care if you're drooling to he's body, cause he's only interested on make you he's friend and as a older brother to him and to them.

Or a friendly date to you and maybe a serious relationship to you, even you're older to him in just a few years, now age is doesn't matters, in the name of love, maybe for people that can judge others but they can't judge themselves or look to the room everyday, but back to the story where Ten and Jun is proving something, or just they forgets Winwin invited you to celebrate the New Year. While Ten and Jun who puting the love marks on the oldest, we're y/n's is enjoying the pleasure that he gets from pleasure that he gets, getting from younger Ten and Jun that are forgets that he's being invited by Winwin, only to celebrate the New Year countdown with them, not fucking him and celebrate the New Year countdown, but were back to the story were Ten and Jun is proving to their friend, but theirs no proving something to him and you. But you're being drugged that you don't even want to participate, after all Ten and Jun just don't want their friend only have people attention to him, but just their minds is to prove something, proving that both can be popular too like their friend Winwin buy fucking y/n, and just like that you're moaning non-stop from being penetrated by Jun and Ten, proving that both can make them like too so much like Winwin, just like Winwin he's friends just jerk that he's friends is popular in their own way. But Winwin just turned on of penetratin your hole with their big cock, we're you're sucking Jun cock and being penetrated by Ten's cock like their mind of change your mind to them, sending both them moaning from pleasure that they're getting to your tight mouth and hole, "fuck!!! your hole is like melting my cock because of your hot mouth" said Jun enjoying your hot mouth sucking he's cock, while Ten is enjoying your hole squeezing he's cock, while he's penetratin it non-stop sending your prostate non-stop.

Sending your cock twitching nonstop from pleasure of Ten's cock, before both Jun and Ten spoke "ohh fuck i'm gonna cum~" said Jun, penetratin your mouth rougher than before sign that he's ready to cum to your mouth, before you noticed that Ten cock too getting bigger and ready to burst he's cum inside your hole "fuck me too~" said Ten and just like that both Ten and Jun cummed deep to your mouth and hole. Before both is exhausted and hard to get some oxygen, but y/n's doesn't feel he's not will have rest, cause Winwin is puting he's cock that has Ten's cummed, luckily Ten's cum is making Winwin's cock easily in and out to your hole, that you're now bouncing to Winwin's cock sending you moaning enjoying being fucked again after Ten and Jun doing threesome and penetratin your mouth and hole. But both noticed that you're moaning non-stop of Winwin's cock, that both are turned again so both asked for a blowjob but unfortunately you can't so you sucked either Jun or Ten's cock, while the other is being wanking by y/n doing a foursome with this two Chinese and one Thai stud's, while all three are enjoying the pleasure of hot mouth and hand's last is your tight hole that has cum of Ten's cum, before WinWin's cummed inside your hole and being mixed with some Ten's cum, that send's some drippin to your hole. While he's penetratin your hole so he can feel he's satisfied, before he removed he's cock to your hole while Jun and Ten cummed to your face and mouth, before Winwin's cock is fully inside your hole again, but shocked and sending you sweating cold of Jun putting it, after all it's already occupied with Winwin's cock and Jun putting he's own, y/n's doesn't have experience of double penetratin in he's life, and it's he's first time sending you afraid of your hole not close if Jun's put he's cock.

Something warm bubbled within him, almost unpleasant if not for the smile that tugged at the edges of his lips. “You need to get better before you compete against me.”

“Uh, don’t get cocky.” The ping pong ball soared with the ferocity of a bullet, hitting him in the leg and he winced despite himself, trying to discreetly rub the area of impact. “I let you win.”

“ You get too cocky,” he couldn’t help but retort, narrowly dodging yet another ping pong ball that threatened to go straight through him. “What’s the score?”

“8:3,” Hoseok replied, placing his paddle down onto the table as he stretched - arms behind his back while Ten stared for a moment before changing his line of sight and hindering his desire to linger on the taunt muscle. “I admit defeat.”

“Step into the ring,” she said, Hoseok moving aside to let him into his space, the faint smell of leather lingering in the air. Ten ignored it, choosing to keep his peace of mind intact.

With his body in the arena, he prepared for the storm - the category 5 hurricane that came in the form of a ping pong ball being shot at his stomach with force enough to bruise.

“Are you trying to kill him?” Hoseok quipped, leaning closer as if to see if the ball had seared a hole through the sinewy muscles.

Not even a glance up was offered as she batted the ball back that Ten served. “Does he look dead?”

Despite himself, a small smile made the corner of his lips twitch when Hoseok looked at him. “Are you dead?”

He hummed, tilting his head so soft, honey skin was exposed. “Do you want to check?”

The flustered expression on the older man was worth it.

As much fun as badminton had been, there was something so much more fun about a game where he wasn’t continuously dominating. Though, strangely, ping pong was proving to be more tiring than he thought it would be.

This time, he lost on the best to best to ten, failing when he was distracted by Hoseok for a split second as the mansquirted water into his mouth from his squeezy bottle.

The phone buzzed and Hoseok stepped aside, disappearing to the bathroom to answer the call before returning once again. “I have to go.” He looked at his phone, a pensive expression on his face. “Eomma is asking for me.”

“Oh, is she okay?” She asked, paddle dropped onto the table and Ten watched it bounce, the sound ringing in his ears before it fell still. Her eyes remained on Hoseok, the man’s nod almost missed had Ten not glanced at him at the last second.

Yet… there was something strange that nagged at him, a feeling that Hoseok wasn’t being honest. But he had no basis for this, and he had no intention of antagonising someone who was his friend’s close friend.

The phone was shoved into his pocket. “Yes, don’t worry. I just don’t want to keep her waiting.” Brown eyes met his, and Ten blinked - surprised by the sudden and unexpected eye contact. “Sorry for leaving early. I’ll make it up to you.”

“No, it’s okay. You should prioritise your mother.” He waved off the apology, not seeing a need for it (be it sincere or otherwise). “We’ll see you later.”

When Hoseok left, it was with an air of swiftness, his jacket half off his body as he left, giving them both one more glance before bowing his head and heading through the door - the sound of it closing echoing through the room.

Ten picked up the paddle, an eyebrow raised in invitation and she took it after a moment of watching the door. He ignored the way his stomach knotted.

“You look at him like you like him.” The words were light with a teasing lilt, though he focused intently on her expression, trying to decipher even the faintest flutter of her lashes.

The paddle was held up across her body, like she was preparing to launch the most powerful smack of all time onto him. “You look like you need to shut up.”

“Is that confirmation or denial?”

“I like him as a friend,” she replied, and the knot tightened.

For some reason, he couldn’t help but push on this. “Really?”

“I mean, I wouldn’t mind being more but we’ve never spoken about it and I’m not going to be the one to bring it up.”

God. He should have just dropped it.

“I see.” Ten batted the ball, lacking the lustre he had just a few minutes ago. When he looked up, she didn’t meet his gaze. “Does he not show interest?”

“I don’t know. We’re the same as always.” She shrugged and Ten forced his mouth shut, not wanting to ask anymore questions that he wouldn’t like the answer to. “Hoseok’s really nice, yeah. I honestly thought you’d like him. He seems like your type.”

Now, Ten couldn’t help but furrow his eyebrows. Sure, he thought Hoseok was extremely handsome, as did anyone with eyes, but his type…? “What do you mean?”

“You know, you said you liked older men, the kind and strong type. He’s basically that, no?”

For once, he was unsure of what to say. “I guess.”

The ball hit his face, her laughter following. “If you like him, I’ll wing woman for you.”

“Shut up.”

“Ten and Hoseok sitting in a tree-”

By now, he should have been used to her stupid comments. They normally passed right over him, but this one was getting on his nerves. “Don’t even finish that.”

Her hands were held up in surrender. “Yes, Sir.”

This silly woman…

Ten smiled despite himself, passing the ball to her again and they resumed their match - the ball never once leaving its designated area. He tried to focus on the back and forth, attention locked on the flicks of her wrist as she tried to get him out with random bursts of energy or pathetic swipes.

But, his mind was occupied. “What does Hyung work as?”

“He’s an insurance broker at Sachin,” she replied, gaze flickering between the table and him.

He mouthed the words, tasting them on his tongue and they left a strange after taste - one that was difficult to discern. “That’s really good. How long has he been there?”

“For a long time, actually. I think he got in on an internship when he was a teen?”

That achievement was impressive, especially considering how lucrative Sachin was with their staff and hiring process. “Wow. He must have been really lucky to get in.”

The ping pong ball flew past his arm in the split second of distraction. “Lucky like me”-Ten rolled his eyes-“yeah. But he’s told me he doesn’t know how he feels about the job anymore. I mean, it was obvious. He works part time but he’s really burnt out.”

“Why doesn’t he quit?” Hoseok hardly seemed like he was struggling for money, considering the random luxurious items he would catch on the man, from the diesel cut out shirts to the Graff watch on his wrist.

“He’s in a contract with them for another 4 years, and it’s not worth the hassle to get out of it, supposedly.”

Ten nodded, knowing a little too intimately what it was like to be trapped at a dead end. “Oh. I hope it gets better.”

“Yeah.” She served once again, the ball flying by and she laughed loudly. “You’re losing your touch already.”

Oh hell no. He was not taking that lying down!

20 minutes later, with their time almost up, they had scraped their way into a draw that was unbeatable. Even though they wanted to play another round, the people were already outside and waiting for the hand to hit the hour.

“Next week I’ll beat you,” she promised, tucking the rackets away as Ten wheeled in the table, pretending to crush her between it and the wall. “Sore loser.”

“You didn’t even win.”

“Don’t care.”

With one last side eye, Ten parted ways with her at the reception desk - watching her leave through the revolving doors.

Just as he was about to leave, his eyes caught onto the record book, and something told him to go closer. Ten glanced at the page, flickering through them all before he stopped on the comment he had left weeks ago after the hall was left a little messy.

Underneath, in neat, meticulous writing was a note he had neglected to see: ‘Sorry for the mess ㅠ_ㅠ. Hope it was better for you this time! - Hoseokie-Hyung ♡’

"Do you really enjoy being here?"

"Couldn't have imagined a better way to spend my Monday," his smirk widens into a grin.

"I'm not coming with you."

He has the audacity of throwing you a look full of innocence, "I didn't say anything."

"But that's what you came here for isn't it?" you scowl back.

He pouts then, breaking all semblance of nonchalance as he holds up his clasped hands in an attempt to beg, "a night is all I ask. Please."

"We barely know each other, even less support each other's presence. This is recipe for disaster," you lean back, slide the counter door closed before looking over at him, "what do I even get from this arrangement?"

"This body as your boyfriend, and free food," he quickly adds when he sees you're about as murderous as chucking him out of the bakery altogether, "and my parents don't care who, trust me. They won't even notice."

Your scowl could've murdered him, "Why are you asking me?"

"Because you're the only option I have. The other girls will use this to their advantage--"

"Wow Ten," you let out an exasperated chuckle, "way to make me feel special."

"Well you shouldn't have asked--"

"If we do that, you'll cover my shifts for the next two months," you interrupt before he can retort back, "and give me all your free coupons that you get."

"Uh last time I checked I'm supposed to work up to thirty-five hours--"

"Do we agree or not?"

In the end, he had no choice but to comply to whatever ordeal you'd asked of him and you briefly wonder how bad are his parents for him to be so desperate. It isn't like Ten to ask for favours, especially not those that concern being his fake date for his cousin's wedding. According to Ten, his parents had been badgering him for ages to get himself a date or else they'd present him to someone else altogether -- someone fitting -- and fearing that they'd push him into the arms of whatever businessmen's daughter they could find, Ten had called for help out of desperation.

To say that the situation was out of hand is definitely an understatement. It's not that you don't know Ten. You do, having gotten acquainted during the last year of university when you'd decided to join the dance club, only to find that the said cocky asshole in question was actually talented, more so than others.

You're not quite sure yourself how you'd gotten such a bad first impression of Ten Lee. To be honest, nothing major had sparked fireworks between you, apart from the fact that you spent the first hour of dance class being picked apart and mocked for your lack of dancing skill.

"No, you're doing it all wrong. It's this way."

"A little higher. You need more power in your muscles."

"Do it again. No, not like that--"

It had been torture. It hadn't been fun anymore. And you'd already made up your mind to run away. Nevermind that you loved dancing in your free time. You found dancing in your bedroom much more peaceful and satisfying.

Alas, it seemed like the universe loathed youe plans for every time you tried escaping, you'd manage to bump into Ten himself. Needless to say that he dragged you to class whether it was against your will or not.

"I really don't think I want to continue--"

"Why not?" He'd raised an amused brow, "scared?"

"No, it's just--"

"Just what?"

That had done it. Never in your whole life had you been so determined to prove this little shit wrong. And so you stayed.

Now though, as you comb through your wardrobe in search of something to wear, it becomes increasingly apparent how bad of an idea this is.

The wedding is a monumental event in the Lee family. The celebrations last for three whole days, three whole evenings of family dinners and having to put on airs for people he doesn't actually like. But he does it, because of his unwavering loyalty to his family name and if not that, his grandmother, whom you learnt -- a few days before the wedding -- had been the mother figure he'd leaned upon his entire life.

"So you're telling me that nobody really matters, apart from your grandma whom I should impress?" you ask him one evening at Baro Baro as you're busy stacking the rest of the baked goods away in the storage area, "well, that doesn't put any pressure at all. Thanks for that."

"My grandma is...special. She doesn't usually speak much, so we never know what she might be thinking," Ten answers, "so I wouldn't advise you to say anything you don't mean."

"And yet, you're straight-up lying to her face?" is what you ask with a raised brow.

He has the decency to flush, "that's different."

"She wants you to get married?"

"Who doesn't?" he snorts, "practically everyone in my family is begging me to at this point, ever since Anong announced her marriage."

"What a tough life you have," you say dryly, cackling when he tosses the cleaning rag at your head, "I'm curious though...why me?"

"C'mon Y/N, use your head a little. Why you, of all people?"

"Even with logic that doesn't make sense Ten," you cast him a scowl, "so please, do enlighten me."

"For starters, you're not my type--"

Ouch. Well that didn't hurt at all. You scowl.

"--and there's no way I'm yours--"

"Damn right about that," you grumble out, reaching into the room behind the said young man to make a grab for the broom.

He follows you around the counter as you start sweeping at the floor, "--second, you have no attachments to me or my family, so that shouldn't be a problem when we have to break-up. Third, none of my family actually knows you, so we can practically make things up."

"You're a fucking walking cliché, Ten Lee."

"Wha--I am not a cliché."

"This is literally what romance novels write about."

"Are you saying I'm a romantic?" he grins at you, eyes sparkling in mischief and you grunt, shoving him out of the way in favour of finishing up your work. In all honesty, your bed sounds pretty damn tempting.

"You wish."

You've never really assisted at a wedding before -- the ones you went to as a child don't count -- so to say that you're not bothered at all would be a lie because admittedly, you're really quite curious about how this whole thing plays out.

"A wedding?" Your mother's stare is piercing, eyes boring holes into your skull. You, on the other hand, force yourself to keep gulping down your toast, "whose wedding is it?"

"Someone's cousin."

"And why are you invited?"

You try not to choke on your toast, coughing and quickly downing it with some scalding coffee that burns your tongue, "uhm--I--well, this-- my friend. It's my friend's cousin and he asked all of us to go."

"Who's this friend of yours?"

"Oh you don't know him, he's--" your mind panics, trying to scramble for any kind of information you know from your supposed boyfriend, "he's part of the dance crew I go practice with."

Your mother doesn't seem convinced, but doesn't push further and for that, you're grateful.

"We probably should go over the basics," Ten says as he walks you to the subway station after the night time shift. Part of you wonders whether he has another job, a stable income, or whether he's judt trying to figure out life, like you.

"Like how we met?" Your nose crinkles in distaste.

"We don't have to change all the facts. We met during dance class, and--and we staeted working on a piece together. For a competition."

"We'd have to make up an imaginary competition to prove it to them."

"Ah shit, you're right. Uhm, how about...we were working on something for...uh..." he's struggling and you would've mocked him if you weren't in the same boat.

"End of year performance," you shrug when he sends you a look, "it's not like we'll last till the end of the year. We're breaking up after three days."

"Yeah yeah, that works. Okay so, couple dance. And bam, we fell in love. I fell for your--uh--"

The way he glances over you makes your jaw roll. Does he really have to make it obvious that you're not his type? As if you're not aware of that already.

"Let's say I fell for your amazing sense of sarcasm."

You're not certain why it hurts, hearing it from him. But you brush it aside quickly, not wanting to dwell on it too much.

"No wonder you don't have a girlfriend," you snort.

"No. Don't and can't are too different things. In my case, I just don't want it."

"Yeah, because no one wants you," you mutter, before continuing in a louder voice, "and I fell for your sense of humour. Let's leave it at that."

"Deal."

"You owe me. Big time."

---

A few days later finds you decked in one of your sister's dresses, biting your lip nervously as you take in your reflection in the mirror. It's a simple one; black with a boat neckline that shows off your shoulders, curving along your chest, waist, all the way to your mid-thigh. One might think that it's a little too plain for such a thing as a wedding, but it's not like you'll be the center of attention. On the contrary, you wish to blend in with the background and if the dress helps, then so be it.

The doorbell ringing jolts you out of your small reverie. Casting one last look at your reflection, you sling your purse of your shoulder before wobbling your way down the stairs only to find your mother already opening the door.

Terror washes through you. Shit, you think to yourself as you quickly scramble the rest of the way down just in time for the door to reveal Ten's face.

"Hello! I don't believe we've met before!" your mother cooes in that sickeningly sweet voice of hers that makes you want to push her into the kitchen and away from the said young man, "you're Y/N's friend?"

"Indeed I am," Ten's lips curve into a smile as he bows slightly, "it's nice to meet you."

"Well if I knew that Y/N had such a handsome friend, I would've invited you over sooner!"

He laughs, "we actually work together so we're--"

And that's when his eyes find you.

There's surprise. Then shock, mixed in with something you can't quite decipher as he takes you in, your dress, down to the heels adorning your feet.

"What?" you half-bark at him, tearing your own gaze away to fidget with your purse when in truth, you just don't want to gawk at how handsome he is in his suit and tie.

"You clean up well," is what he replies, that same old infuriating smirk dancing across his lips and if you had imagined his shock a few seconds earlier, it's all replaced by his usual playful banter.

"Shut up--ow!" you recoil as your mother whacks the back of your head, "where are your manners, Y/N? Is this the way to talk to someone who's inviting you out?"

"Sorry," you don't mean it though, your scowl deepening as you notice Ten's face lighting with a devilish grin, "and stop smiling like that, it's fucking creepy."

"Apologies your highness," he bows in mock salute, before motioning toqards his car, "shall we?"

It doesn't occur to you that you're actually doing this, actually going to fake date for Ten Lee's sake, until you're sitting in his car and glancing at his side prpfile every now and then. It seems that Ten is just as wary, for he doesn't tease you as he normally does, for once actually allowing the silence to speak in his stead.

"Hey," his voice brings you back to reality. You blink at him, catching sight of the slight curl of his lips, "you look like you're about to shit your pants."

"Well maybe it didn't occur to you, but I don't particularly like lying to people," you reply snarkily.

"Who says we're lying, baby?" And with that, he makes a grab for your hand, intertwines your fingers together, and brings it up to press a chaste kiss on your knuckles.

You can't help but flush slightly, though you don't dare rip your hand out for fear of his driving skills.

"See?" He continues, dropping your still-entangled hands in his lap as hr turns a corner, "not that hard to fool people if you keep blushing like that."

"Oh fuck off," you really hope he can't hear how loudly your heart is beating.

He doesn't drop your hand until he has to park the car, swinging his entire arm back and giving you a glimpse of his collarbones peeking out of his shirt as he does so. You avert your eyes adamantly, cursing inwardly at yourself to just calm the fuck down.

Dim fairy lights illuminate the path up to the hotel venue where the celebration is taking place. Beautiful victorian pillars adorn the entrance that cascades with light flooding from the chandelier above. All around hanging from the ceiling are an assortment of potted plants, vines twirling down with such majestic beauty that it makes your breath away.

"How much did you say your family spent on this?" You croak out as you walk past the reception area in your wobbly heels. Ten, as if sensing your hesitances, places a hand on the small of your back, causing you to jolt at the sensation.

It's not unpleasant. Though it is strange, to have the warmth of his palm close to your skin.

"I don't even want to remind myself," he answers as he guides you down the white marble steps leading to a pavillon billowing with white trails.

People are already chatting by the makeshift stands adorned with the same vines, probably waiting for the said bride and groom themselves to appear. Ten leads you over to a pair of women, one older and sporting grey hair, the other looking like a younger version of herself, and you do not miss the way they glance at each other with smiles that suggest they're falling straight into your trap.

"Ma," it's when Ten calls her name that you manage a forced smile on your face, "grandma. How are you?"

"Chittaphon," His grandma is quick to embrace him, his mother following close behind.

"Hey grandma, this is Y/N. Y/N," Ten motions towards the said woman, "my grandma."

"Lovely to meet you," your throat feels dry athow intensely she seems to be studying you.

"And is this the girl you've been telling me about all this time?" His mother asks.

"Ma," Ten whines out, though the permanent grin on his face says otherwise, "you don't have to call me out like that."

"Oh as if she doesn't know," his mother retorts and without warning, makes a grab for your hands as she smiles up at you, "it's lovely to finally meet you Y/N. Ten's been telling me all about you from the moment you started dancing together."

"Oh did he?" You relish in Ten's sudden embarrassment as he is quick to splutter out, "that's not true!"

"Totally is," his mother replies, "and what a fine couple you make. When can I expect the grandkids? I'm not going to be there forever you know!"

"Ma!"

Ten's face is practically fire engine red at this point and though you should technically feel just as embarrassed, you can't help but cackle at his face. Cute.

No! Your mind screams out, no way.

But you don't have time to ponder over the new flurry of feelings when the wedding march starts blasting through the entire room and in a bout of panic, Ten's arm shoots out to drag you in the seat beside him, just behind his family.

He leans over, mouth barely brushing over your ear, "just a warning; my mother will probably ask you to ask me to propose." He shoots you a piercing glower, "don't you dare say anything."

"Aw, but she's just looking out for her son," you wriggle your eyebrows, loving the sudden turn of events, "wasn't aware that you'e already introduced me to your family before asking me out. How cute."

"Shu--"

"Chittaphon!"

A loud hush from his mother is enough for Ten to close his mouth, opting to throw you a scowl instead as you cackle silently. It seems that you've won...for now.

The ceremony is, undoubtly, beautiful and everything that a woman would ever want and you can't help but get caught up with emotion at the speech delivered by the grrom, a knot forming in your throat at the way he looks down at his soon-to-be wife like she's the most precious thing on this earth.

A brief thought crosses your mind; will there be anyone that will look at you like this?

Claps erupting through the pavillon makes you blink back to reality only to see the newlyweds walk by with brilliant smiles. Congratulations are thrown about in-between peals of laughter and, feeling Ten's hand weave through yours, allow him to tug you to the outer steps where everyone is gathered.

"What's happening?" You ask Ten in a murmur.

His lips quirk up, "oh best part, doll. Just wait," before he cocks his head towards the bride.

You turn towards the said beaming woman, bouquet clasped to her chest and before you know it, she's thrown it in the air with a whoop as the crowd gasps.

And it lands. Right in your arms.

Shocked, you drop it, scramble to pick it back up as cheers erupt through the crowd like an excited buzz.

"Congrats!"

"Oh my god, you're next!"

Ten's mother appears, beaming as she says, "so you will be next, I knew it!"

"Oh, uh--well, I'm not quite sure--" your words are interrupted by Ten's cousin rushing in to offer you his congratulations, "what an honour, Y/N! You have my blessing!"

It's so overwhelming that you freeze on the spot, unable to process that information until Ten manages to pull you away from the crowd around the corner of the pavillon, where you manage to catch your breath.

"Jesus," you can feel your heart hammering against your ribcage, voice breathless, "what was that all about?"

"Like I said, they really want me to get married," Ten shrugs, "you catching the bouquet doesn't help by the way."

"Well what was I supposed to do?" You glare down at the flowers as if hoping they'd combust if you glared hard enough, "give them back?"

He laughs at that, and surprises you by reaching over to push your hair away from your face before grabbing hold of your hand for the nth time that evening.

"Come on," his grin is wide, reaches his eyes and makes your stomach flip over, "let's not miss out on dinner. They have amazing sushi here."

True to his word, Ten is right about the sushi, for it all but melts in your mouth in a mixture of bold flavours that explode on your tongue. Even the main course -- either the option of a steak, grilled fish or beautifully cooked lentil burger for the vegans -- cannot compare to those tiny rolls of delight that make your mouth water with every bite.

Your table, despite being filled with his family, makes you feel at ease. They welcome you with huge smiles and friendly pats on the shoulder, before engaging you in conversation that makes your heart all warm and giddy. It doesn't matter that Ten doesn't love you as he should, you've never felt so comfortable with a group of people that should have picked your every flaw apart like vultures.

Instead though, they ask you about your own family, about where you grew up and what you want to be. His mother doesn't hesitate to pile up your plate when she notices it's empty, his uncle ready to pour wine the moment you're done with your glass. His cousins all fawn over you, telling you stories about Ten's childhood and his inability to make friends back when he was still young and wasn't accustomed to the country.

"He used to be so shy and reserved. I don't know what happened to him afterwards," one of the younger girls says with a snort, "he used to have girls over all the time."

"Wha--really now?" You can't help but raise a brow at Ten, who's in mid-action of grabbing some pork slices to add to his rice mountain.

"What?" He asks innocently.

"Apparently, your reputation precedes you."

"That's--stop feeding her lies!" He bursts out, half in annoyance and half in embarrassment as said cousins fall into peals of laughter, "you were always so fun to tease, Ten."

"Don't make me tell your mother about your secret night dates with that guy from your science class," he points an accusatory fork across the table.

"You wouldn't dare."

"Try me."

It's funny to see Ten in such an environment, away from your usual surroundings and from the way his eyes glow and the way his entire face crinkles up when he laughs, it seems that this night means more to him than he makes it out to be.

He catches you staring during the groom's speech after the dinner is cleared, and raises a brow in question before leaning closer, "you're drooling, doll. Speak up." He smirks.

You shove his shoulder with a scowl, "you're actually tolerable when you're not trying to be a know-it-all."

"Funny, I could say the same for you."

"Wow, nice comeback."

"See, you were doing so well up till now. One might even think you're in love with me."

The speed at which your cheeks colour deep red is instantaneous and you look away, hoping that he wouldn't see past the hair falling across your cheek.

But Ten is faster, leaning over his chair to catch a glimpse of your face, "aw," he coos at you, "you're blushing."

"Fuck you."

"Right now?"

The image is so vivid in your head that you can't help but swallow thickly, forcing your eyes to the happy couple feeding each other wedding cake as you grovel out, "you wish."

As if on cue and thankfully saving the tension building between the two of you, another round of applause fills the room as the newlywed couple makes their way to the dance floor. You focus your gaze on the pair, try hard not to let yourself cringe at the heat of the young man's eyes intense on yours.

And it's easier that way, to ignore the sensation of butterflies fluttering through your ribcage wih feelings you can't quite place into words.

You're glad when one of Ten's aunts drag him away to introduce him to some other family friends, leaning back with a soft sigh as you relish the quiet moment of peace. Because a little bit more and something would've shifted in the air between you, something dangerous. Something you cannot quite look in the eye yet.

And that something, in retrospect, is a mistake.

---

"Care for a dance?"

A few hours later finds you in the courtyard overlooking the lush green plains surrounding the villa, closing your eyes to enjoy the pleassnt hum of circadas and the gentle brush of the night breeze tingling the back of your neck.

It's where Ten finds you, on the bench amidst the foilage, high heels discarded at your feet while humming along to the distant beats coming from the dance floor.

You look up in surprise, eyes flitting to his extended hand to his face, "I'm not much of a dancer."

"You're literally in my dance crew, Y/N."

"Well, maybe I just don't feel like dancing today."

You'd hope that he wouldn't push further and just get back to the party. But as insistent as he is, you shouldn't have been surprised when he makes a grab for your wrist, pull you up as his other arm quickly cages you against his chest.

"We can dance here, no problem," he grins down at you, that same grin that makes your heart soften at the edges, "plus, you can't go to a wedding and not dance or you'll get seven years of bad luck."

"You just made that up."

"I just did," his grin turns bashful, "but hey, you're dancing aren't you?"

As much as you don't wish to give him the satisfaction, his smile is infectious. Soon, you find your own mouth curling up at the edges, "have I already told you how insufferable you are?"

"More times than I can count."

"It's not a compliment."

He bursts into laughter and you chuckle, shaking your head as he tugs you even closer as if on instinct, "you really are something, aren't you?"

You blink, "are you complimenting me?"

He wriggles his brows but doesn't answer, causing you to pinch his shoulder, "ow!" He jumps at the contact, a pout forming on his lips, "what was that for?!"

"For being an ass," you mutter while leaning into his shoulder and effectively hiding your embarrassment. In all honesty, Ten has been nothing but the best tonight and it's nothing but your pride that is holding you back from admitting such a thing.

That maybe Ten Lee isn't all that bad.

Oh come off it, your brain screams at you. He's been tormenting you all these years. One single night doesn't change anything.

You're so wrapped up trying to come up with a plausible excuse about Ten Lee that surprise jolts through you upon feeling the weight of his cheek pressing against the side of your head. His hand, initially at your wrist, brings it up to settle upon his shoulder before his other hand joins itd pair around your waist.

He'a humming, the softest tune of the music under his breath that makes you feel all tingly and giddy from goosebumps suddenly eroding across your skin. As much as you hate to admit it, being in his arms had never felt so...good.

Clearing your throat, you bite down on your lower lip as your cheek rests against his shoulder, "this is nice," you can't help but admit grudgingly, "you're not so bad of a partner."

He chuckles, "you're just saying that because it's cold and I'm warm."

You grimace, "I was trying to be nice."

A comfortable silence settles over you as a thought starts nagging at your subconscious. One that you cannot help to voice out after some time.

"You know," you murmur, "we don't have to pretend when nobody's around."

There's a pause. Then, he says:

"I know."

But he doesn't loosen his hold. Nor do you step away. And in the silence, there's some kind of understanding that blooms. It's warm, and crackling with a heat that sends liquid warmth down to your stomach.

Still, you stay in his arms, trying -- and failing -- not to enjoy the moment.

At some point, you're reminded of the wedding party still ongoing and reluctantly pull away when Ten suggests that maybe you shouldn't absent yourselves for so long. Though you have to admit to yourself that you're slightly disappointed as you walk back into the big hall, hanging a few paces back when he runs into some other family of his so as not to disturb their little reunion.

A pat on your shoulder causes you to turn to the source, only to find none other than the bride beaming at you.

"Hi!" She waves for good measure, a dimple on her left cheek, "I'm so glad you could make it, honestly. Y/N right?"

"Thank you for inviting me," you smile back, eyes unwillingly finding Ten's figure twirling a child in his arms on the dance floor. Cute. "Your wedding is lovely."

"Trust me, it was anything but lovely," she sends you a pointed look, "anyway, I'm glad I got to meet you now. Ten has been raving about you for so long that we started thinking you didn't even exist!"

Oh. Now that's interesting. You try to keep a poker face on, "raving about me? Are we talking about the same Ten here?" You try to joke.

"Please Y/N, that boy is whipped for you. If you knew how highly he spoke of you all the time, you'd marry him in a heartbeat."

Your chest tightens. You bite down on your lower lip, not sure how to respond to such a praise when in truth it's the furthest thing from the truth.

"And I have to say," the bride continues, not noticing your silence, "that I've never seen Ten so happy. I don't know what you're doing, but I think you're doing it really well--"

"What is Y/N doing really well?"

You don't have time to turn when sudden arms lace around your waist, a chin dropping upon your shoulder as you stiffen on impulse.

Ten, meanwhile, seems completely at ease pressing you to his chest, ignoring the pointed stare you're throwing his way.

Something jittery flutters in your stomach.

"None of your business," his cousin sticks out her tongue playfully, "we were having girl talk. Right Y/N?"

"Y-Yeah," and then, in a soft mutter that only Ten can hear, "what the fudge are you doing?!"

"Hugging you," you don't have to look at him to know that his smirk is there.

"Anyway, I guess I'll leave you two lovebirds to it," she winks at you, before throwing her cousin a dirty look, "make sure you get a ring on her finger soon. She's a keeper."

You make sure she's out of earshot, then proceed to elbow Ten in the stomach. He grunts, letting you go so that you can turn to throw him a scowl.

"What the fuck was that about?"

Hurt flickers through his face, but you go on nevertheless, "and don't tell me that was for your cousin. That was clearly unecessary."

"Chill babe," he holds up his hands in surrender, "just playing the part, is all."

"Well maybe you should've asked me before doing stuff like that."

"You were fine with me holding you earlier," Ten answers, a frown furrowing his brows, "so I thought that was fine too--"

"You don't get to decide that."

"Okay okay," his frown deepens, emotion swirling in his brown orbs as he lowers his hand, "fine. Sorry I did that, and--"

"And what's all this about you being crazy over me?" It seems like a dam has suddenly flooded through you, all sense of self restraint thrown out of the window as the words slip out like the sharp sting of knives, "your cousin thinks we're in love with each other! And she--she thinks there's a chance we might get married and-- what the actual fuck Ten, have you been lying to them all this time?"

Ten's mouth opens. Then closes. He opens it once more, only to fall short in the silence that prevails.

And as if this couldn't get any worse, a familiar soprano rings through the air, slicing through with an icy coldness.

"What is going on?"

You turn, and sure enough, terror rips through your chest as you spot none other than Ten's grandmother standing before you.

Oh shit.

----

You're not really sure what happened that night. After his grandmother found you screaming your head off at her grandson, she'd asked him for a private chat and before you knew it, Ten's mother had bundled you up in a taxi, smiling apologetically as if she knew about your little plan gone to wreck all along.

You hadn't seen Ten since, nor have you heard from him. A few days after the incident had you caving in to send him a simple text to ask whether he was okay, only to receive nothing in return.

Today marks a week and he hasn't turned up for work either.

You're not sure how you should feel about the whole ordeal, for it is true that he'd lied to his family, yourself, and had made a complete mess out of things. He should be reaping what he sowed.

And yet, part of you wistfully wondered whether the way he'd spoken to you, held you that night, had been built on a lie. His touch had been gentle, tender, almost affectionate.

And you find, to your utmost horror, that you don't mind it.

That night, you don't get a wink of sleep.

Maybe he's guilty and embarrassed by what he's done, and trying to disappear off the face of the earth, which means ignoring you completely. Although, since you had taken part in his whole masquerade, weren't you technically allowed to know whether he wasn't losing his mind, at least?

Your mind keeps on turning and sifting over everything that had occurred between the two of you that night, so focused on remembering how his arms had felt around your waist that you don't even realise there's a presence at the counter until they speak.

"Y/N."

You jump, a yelp dying at the back of your throat when you whirl around only to see the said young man, decked in a light blue hoodie and white-washed jeans.

Ten.

Your heart flips. There's a brief thought of panic; you wonder if you ook dishevelled.

Oh come on, Y/N. Who cares?

"Ten," your voice comes out as a weak murmur and you feel like slapping yourself for sounding like a wanton maid. Clearing your throat, you straighten, "thanks for ignoring me. Thought you got shipped to another country."

"Sorry, I was busy sorting out...stuff," he has the decency to look embarrassed for once, hand rubbing the back of his neck as he lookd around in an attempt to find a distraction.

Biting the inside of your cheek, you don't bother answering. Instead, you lower your eyes to the till, hands clenching into fists at your sides.

When Ten speaks again, it's a very soft-spoken proposition.

`"Look, I...I'm really sorry. About the lies, about everything really. I...there's no excuse and--" he stumbles over his words, pauses, starts again, "I'm really sorry, Y/N."

Your eyes flutter up to his then, and the amount of emotion swirling through his eyes makes your chest pinch with sympathy, throat tightening with emotion.

"Why?" You finally manage to croak out, "why the lies, Ten?"

A pause where he chews on his bottom lip, the silence ringing through your ears as awkwardness settles in the air.

"I was being stupid," he breathes it out, a broken echo of a murmur, "I thought that convincing my family beforehand would make it justifiable and I didn't realise until it was too late that I actually--actually like you, see you that way and...and next thing I know you're on my arm with that pretty dress and looking like everything I've ever wanted. And I'm sorry if I got carried away with it. I know you didn't like me that way and I--I wanted to at least have this night to daydream about what it would actually be like," he swallows thickly, takes another shaky breath, "to be with you."

You take in his words in silence, shocked at first at what he'd meant. And it isn't just about what he'd said but how he'd said it that resonates with you and makes your heart suddenly cartwheel in your chest.

The more you replay his words, the more it becomes clearer to you; standing in front of you, for a moment, isn't just Ten the boy who always finds faults, who always mocks you for everything that you are, but just Ten, the boy who got your heart beating like crazy when you danced together, the boy who flirted with you throughout thr wedding and who, without shame, is spilling out his hesrt for you take or break however you like.

He's probably anxious about the thoughts running through your brain and doesn't waste time to say, "I don't want anything out of this Y/N. Do with it whatever you like, but you deserved an explanation, at least."

Still, you open your mouth, only for nothing to come out.

"That's all I wanted to say," he turns away slightly, eyes quickly finding yours before dropping away, "I won't bother you again. Sorry."

And you watch as he turns his back and strides for the door, heartbeat suddenly roaring through your ears, blood pulsing along your brain as a knot coils in your stomach.

He's leaving, and he's going to leave without giving you the chance to even say something back, to give him an answer to his sudden confession.

You don't wait.

Your feet jolt forward and you barely realize you've called his name until he turns, just in time for you to hook your fingers onto his shirt and tug him in close enough that your noses brush.

The sight makes your breath stutter. You take a shaky inhale, feeling Ten's own body stiffen slightly, before he lets out a soft breath of his own.

Time stops on its axis, a pocket of infinity carved out for you and him as you softly allow your lips to press against his.

Warmth blooms, spreads through your limbs. Ten's gasp is silent, dying at the back of his throat.

Pulling back slightly, your teeth find purchase on you bottom lip as your orbs flit up to his in fear of what you'd find there.

Only to find nothing but deep, naked affection.

Your own breath staggers. Chest tightens, goosebumps blossom along your skin.

Ten holds your eyes as a silent question hangs in the air and after what seems like eternity, you open your mouth only for his hand to slip up to your cheek, cupping it in his palm before pulling you in.

He kisses you.

Fireworks ignite behind your lids. He tilts your head and you comply without much effort, quickly surrending to the way his lips move against yours, a rythm that drowns out the entire universe altogether. Your chests press together as one of his hands grips your waist, fingers pressing into the small of your back through your shirt, and a gasp falls from your mouth.

He swallows it up, mouth slotting against yours intimately as your hands find their way up his shoulders to wrap around his neck. He grunts softly as you kiss back, sighing into the kiss once your fingers card through his hair and doesn't hesitate to part your lips with his tongue to kiss you longer, harder. Deeper.

It's overwhelming, exciting. You can't get over how good it feels, about how good this feels.

You don't realise that he's backed you up to the counter until the cool wooden surface presses against your back, and as your lips part in distraction, Ten doesn't hesitate to wrap his arms around your frame to haul you up before stepping between your legs.

"Ten!" You can't help but gasp at his boldness, but he only grins back, that same crooked smile you'd glimpsed of the night of the wedding.

"What?" He murmurs, breathless, nose skimming down to your neck and nuzzling the skin there. Liquid warmth pools to your core as you shiver, flushing upon feeling his fingers slipping underneath your shirt to rest on your naked skin.

His eyes are dark, intense with emotion as they lock on yours. Tilting his head and nose brushing yours once more, he doesn't hesitate to land another chaste kiss. And another. And another. Until your head is spinning. Until all you can feel, see, smell, is Ten. And Ten alone.

And when he leans in for another kiss, tongue dancing with yours, you welcome him with open arms, a small whimper muffled into the kiss.

Ten's chest rumbles before he presses againts you, and the contact makes you whine out his name in breathless stupor, a sound that causes him to smile into the kiss.

You part for air after some time, chest heaving as you lean back. The young man takes this as his chance though, lips finding their way to your jaw and presses a string of kisses right up to your ear.

It makes your toes curl in delight, even more so when he murmurs out, "I wish I could've done that sooner."

Bright red spots of colour bursts across your cheeks and your body squirms in reaction, trying to turn your head away as embarrassment rushes in, "well maybe if you weren't such a dick, you--"

You inhale sharply as his lips cage in the sensitive skin at your neck, a slow bite causing a whimper to fall from your mouth,

"T-Ten--" you try to stammer out, only to fall short with another strained gasp when he slowly starts suckling on the said patch of skin.

Your body jolts, hands grabbing fistfuls of his hair to pull him closer. You feel, at the back of your mind, the slow sensual caress of his fingers up your spine to trace the underside of your bra. You can't stop yourself from melting in his touch, head falling back to give him whatever he wants and the satisfied growl that leaves him makes your heart giddy, your stomach knot up deliciously.

It's only when he finally halts his attack and draws his mouth away that the realization hits you; you're making out with Ten Lee, in Baro Baro Bakery, and loving every second of it.

He must feel you stiffening in his arms, for his head tilts to the side in hopes of catching your gaze. And when he does, you blink at the rosy blush littering his cheeks.

"What is it?" He whispers, unconsciously stroking up and down your naked spine.

You shiver in his hold, though you lean into him as if it's second nature, "nothing," you mutter into his neck, "it's just weird."

"Weird?" He laughs.

"Yeah," you pull back slightly, "it's weird to think that just a week ago I could barely look at you without wishing to slap your face."

He scowls momentarily and you can't help but giggle, "don't look at me like that. It's true."

"Yeah maybe for you," he mutters, loud enough that it reaches your ears.

That causes your eyebrow to perk up curiously, "oh? Care to elaborate? Are you confessing something here?"

"Y/N, I literally just confessed to you."

"And I seem to have short term memory," your grin widens, loving how flustered you seem to make him with all those poignant assumptions, "are you blushing?"

"You are," he retorts hotly.

"Look at yourself, honey--"

Ten yanks you forward, chest pressing against yours and lips hovering over your own. His eyes are dark, stormy with self-restraint and that's enough to shut you up.

You swallow thickly as the corner of his lips curl up, teasing, "I could say the same for you. You're all talk until I make you speechless, aren't you?"

"Don't use my words against me."

Chuckling, Ten proceeds to press a chaste kiss on your forehead, "I'm not, doll. I'm teasing you."

Heat springs through the back of your neck and you try piecing words together to distract yourself from how close he is.

"So, uhm--" you stammer out, hating how his grin widens at your struggle, "you said something about liking me?"

"I did. And I recall you telling me you did too."

"I never said such a thing."

"Right. Yeah. You were too busy snogging my face off--" Ten's words cut off in mid-laugh while he catches your arm aiming to slap his shoulder, "oh god, you're so fun to mess around with."

"Fuck off, Ten!"

His laughter just increases tenfold and it's so catchy that you join in, grinning as you push away some of his hair away from his eyes, "you're an idiot," is what you declare.

His grin is so wide it's almost blinding, "am I yours, though?"

"If you want to be."

He moves so close he can kiss you if he tilts his head, "I want to," he whispers.

A smile breaks across your face and before you know it, your arms wind around his neck once more before you bring him down into a kiss.

----

“So you’re actually together?”

That is the first thing that bursts out of Ten’s mother’s mouth as her eyes dart between you and the said young man as if she can’t quite believe it herself. Your hands, clenched until white in your lap, are starting to sweat underneath the pressure of her gaze. It’s not that you fear her, quite the contrary, you’ve no doubt she’s an amazing mother with kind gentle eyes and never having raised her voice all her life at her children. But from the impression that you’d left that night at the wedding, there’s a very little chance that Ten’s mother actually wants to accept you back with open arms.

“Yes,” Ten’s hand slide into yours for good measure, breaking your fingers away as he keeps his gaze on his mother’s, “we didn’t start on a good foot, and I did ask her to accompany me because I — because I didn’t want you to worry. But whatever I said about likingY/N— this part is true.”

Silence descends as his mother’s eyes flicker from his face, to yours, then back to him. It’s clear that she’s confused. Heck, you would be too if your son suddenly turns up to say that he’s finally going out with his fake date after having caused a ruckus. Maybe she doesn’t want to trust you anymore. Maybe she’s already started finding someone else for Ten, someone more suitable, someone who doesn’t lie in the first place.

But all those thoughts fly straight out of the window the moment her face breaks into a grin too wide to be faked.

“Finally!” She claps her hands together in childish glee, her eyes crinkling up into half-moons, “I’m so happy for you! Wait till Grandma knows this! Oh Ten, I knew there must’ve been something more all along!” There's no way this could have been all fake."

Your head ducks shyly at her reaction, “I’m really sorry about that night,” you murmur out, eyes quickly straining to the edge of the table.

"As long as Ten is happy and you both are finally together for real,” his mother beams, “that’s all that matters, hm?”

You swear you could’ve hugged her. The thought is so strong it makes your eyelids water slightly.

You quickly blink the emotions away as you mumble out your thanks along with a shy smile that she answers tenfold. That is followed by Ten’s fingers squeezing your own gently, but firmly, a reminder that he, too, is here for you.

"Anyway, would you two like some mangoes? We just received a fresh batch from the neighbours," she's already standing up before you have a chance to say anything, quickly toddling out of the kitchen like it's her main mission.

"Your mom is so cute," you murmur out to Ten, who can't help but grin back at you. That same, crooked grin that makes your heart flutter in your chest.

"You know where I got my genes from?" He wriggles his brows, making you bump your elbow into his shoulder with a chuckle.

It's safe to say that your relationship has smoothened out ever since his confession. No more mockery or hatred, and that makes you wonder if there ever was any hatred to begin with, or just tension. Your sister likes to think you're the epitome of enemies-to-lovers trope and for once, you're not the one to stop her. Because it's clear from Ten's teasing demeanour and mischievous behaviour that it had always been his way of demonstrating affection.

"I was flirting with you all along Y/N," is what he says when you ask him about it while he walks you back to your house that night. His arms are full with sweets from their homeland that his mother had insisted you take, "you were just too blind."

"Well then, you suck at flirting."

He scoffs, "uh no? You're the one who can't take a hint."

"Making fun of how awkwardly I dance in front of everyone is not flirting."

He can't help but grin cheekily at the memory, "you were pretty funny though, admit it."

You show him the finger as response, which only makes him laugh even louder before landing a quick peck on your cheek, "c'mon, that was ages ago. Don't sulk with me now."

"I'm not sulking."

"You so are."

You growl at him, making him laugh even harder at the situation. And despite everything, you grin at the happiness stretched across his face like an ephemeral painting you wish to keep forever.

He's so beautiful. How have you not noticed that before? It's not his face, but more the way his face transforms whenever he's genuinely happy.

You wish you can engrave that picture in your head forever.

"Well, that's me." You stop in front of your house and without looking at your watch, know that you're thirty minutes after curfew. Though...your mom doesn't mind. Not when Ten is responsible.

His fingers catch yours, essentially drawing you back to him as he flashes you a sweet smile, "see you tomorrow?" He murmurs, bringing your knuckles up to press a kiss atop your skin.

You try not to let your blush show, "being all smooth now, are we?"

"If it's gonna make you blush, why not?" And he tugs you even closer until your foreheads touch. Then, in a movement so gentle you fear he might break, he allows his mouth to catch yours.

You all but melt, arms slipping around his shoulders as you deepen the kiss with a sigh. Ten grunts in response, pressing one last chaste kiss on your lips before pulling back to hug you against his chest.