#verivery x reader

You had taken your time fixing the creases and lines through your foundation, and watery mascara that had started to run. You didn’t want your family to notice your upset state. It had nothing to do with them. It, honestly, had nothing to do with anyone.

You were just upset without a specific reason. And you could already hear your husband's words saying that, it was okay to not be okay sometimes. He would always tell you that you were allowed to cry and feel all the feelings if that’s what you needed.

He’d be there for you, he vowed to.

You could also hear quiet laughter, your husband and daughter obviously playing somewhere—probably the living room—as you removed your shoes. The noise was comforting in your own familiar way.

The foyer was clean, the hallway the same. There was a sweet aroma wafting into your nose too and you wondered what it was. You hadn’t really eaten much in an upset state but you could feel the claws of hunger grasping your stomach.

Just as you were hanging up your coat a familiar voice (if not the most familiar voice) greeted you. “Hey baby,” he said, wrapping an arm around your waist and pushing his head into the crook of your neck. You didn’t look, in fear of him being able to read you like a picture book. You also thought you might start crying again, being overwhelmed by being overwhelmed.

He kissed your skin briefly. “How was work?”

Oh, he knew.

If there was one thing about your husband, it’s that he always figures you out.

“Fine,” you kept it short. “Had lots to do.”

He hummed, taking the coat from your hand and finishing the job you ceased to do.

“Yeah?” he spun you around by your hips, finally face-to-face. “And, are you okay?”

You bit the inside of your cheek, weakly nodding. He eyed you suspiciously, not saying what you were both hearing inside your head: you don’t have to lie.

And, you don’t know why you did. Maybe it was to make it seem less real, like it was all just inside your head. If you denied it enough, maybe that would become the truth.

“Actually…no.”

Through a soft tune leaving his mouth, he smiled. “I figured, you usually call on your way. You don’t like taking the subway alone, remember? I do.”

And remember every little thing about you, he did; Like the twenty-four hours in a day. Like the sun against his skin. Like simple multiplication, and exponents before parentheses. He remembered all the things that you’d do because that’s why he fell in love with you, and continues to fall as hard as the first time he realized he couldn’t live without you.

“Mommy!” Your daughter's voice rang out, the pattern of bare feet against hardwood following it down the hall. You’ve never pulled yourself together faster, straightening your spine in his embrace, and smacking a smile onto your face. “Mommy, you’re home!” She jumped into your arms, reuniting your little three-piece of a family.

You kissed her temple, adjusting her to sit against your hip better as Gyehyeon ruffled her hair, causing the girl to giggle.

It’s like a weight was lifted off your shoulder, and you felt ten times lighter than when you walked through the door alone.

If your husband was your safety-net, then your daughter must’ve been Arcadia.

“You can play with us now!”

Your husband put a gentle hand on your kid's cheek. “Princess, your mom had a tough day at work, how about we let her rest?”

She pouted a moment, seemingly also pondering up something in her imaginative child-brain, then nodded conclusively.

She pushed from your arms, and you took the hint to put her down. Then her feet stomped, one planting in front of her and one behind her as she struck a mighty (cute) pose, arm flying out into the air like she had a sword clutched within her grasp.

“Then I’ll save you from the giant…frog!”

Your face contorted in amusement. “Frog?” you reiterated, and she motioned to the man beside you—she meant your husband, her father, was the frog you needed saving from. You couldn’t help but laugh, releasing just a little bit more of the tension you’d been holding.

“Am I a princess then?” you asked, playing along. She hummed aloud, still eyeing the villain of the story like he’d pounce at any moment. And knowing how playful he could become with her, you think he morphed into the role quickly, ready to spring into action. “Or are you the princess?”

“You’re the princess, mommy! Get back! I’m a princess-knight, I’ll save you!”

You gave Gyehyeon one last look before quickly cowering in mock-fear behind the small girl, crouching down, and lightly holding her shoulders.

“Save me princess-knight, I’m so scared of the frog, he’s so…” your voice died out for a second as you thought of an adjective. “frog-like?”

Very creative. How do you come up with this stuff?

She started shouting things that she’d seen in movies or read in books, as your husband took it upon himself to act like a monster instead of a frog. You choked back giggles, remaining serious during this very dire situation. It was life or death for the princess (you) afterall.

Finally, he attacked the princess-knight, grabbing her and slinging her over his shoulder—using his special skill (which he announced first, obviously): tickle attack.

Your daughter shrieked, laughing hysterically and flinging herself in his arms.

“Oh no!” you yelped. “My savior, you caught her! What ever will I do now?”

He attempted an evil laugh, though it made you snort instead.

“Do you think if I kissed the frog—as a princess—he’d become a knight or a prince?”

You’d try anything to save your noble princess-knight.

He stopped moving at the insinuation, puckering his lips immediately. You continued to laugh, exaggerating a peck against his awaiting lips. Your daughter gagged, spewing out disgusted words at her parents' PDA.

“Did it work?” you asked as she looked up from her position on his shoulder; Head closest to your side. “Is he still a frog?”

She gave him a look as best she could before stating: “Yeah, still frog-like.” And stabbing him with her imaginary sword. He mocked it hurting him with a groan, putting the girl down safely and falling to his knees until he died a very, very dramatic death; Mimicking looking to the white-light before sprawling onto the floor, limbs in every direction.

Your daughter brushed off her knees like it was all in a days work. You were almost in awe. “Great job princess-mommy, you distracted him.”

But little did she know that the distraction was completely her doing, and she saved you from the metaphorical villain.

Who knew the story of The Princess-Knight and The Giant Frog had a happy ending? But, you’re glad it did.

The other was taken aback by his sudden question. "Wh... What? Of course I have!" He then awkwardly scratched his cheek, "We went out to eat like... last week-?" His voice rose a pitch. 

"Kangmin!" his friend exclaimed. "I meant an actual date. Not just taking them out to lunches or dinners--" Except Kangmin quickly interrupted him, "Didn't you take your partner out to lunch yesterday?"

"This isn't about me!" He protested. Then, he sighed, "It doesn't have to be somewhere real fancy. Something simple, even better if it matches their interests." Kangmin tilted his head to indicate he wanted to hear more. Dongheon couldn't hide that little smile from growing; he loved knowing his advice will actually be heard. "For example," he continued, "my partner loves movies, so we often go to the theater, then we find somewhere to wind down and talk about it." Almost too quickly, the man lost the plot and began to gush over his partner. Luckily, Kangmin tuned him out so he could think.

Somewhere that matches (y/n)'s interests, huh... He suddenly recalled a past conversation with you, one where you were sitting on the floor and endlessly scrolling on your phone--

Kangmin was laying on the couch behind you as he caught up on something he was reading. Except he started to feel his eyelids become heavy. In the middle of a yawn, you gasped then mumbled, "I want to go," He forced an eye back open to see what you were talking about. "Mm? Oh, there? I heard they just opened a new exhibit." he spoke softly.

"Mhm," you responded, "I've been wanting to go there for a while though. Just once."

Another yawn from him. "Maybe we'll go someday..." His eyes closed again; he heard shuffling as you quickly replied, "Really? You mean it?" Except he heard nothing more as he quickly fell asleep.

He held his head with a hand. How long ago was this conversation? Oh man, he felt like a complete jerk for stringing you along like this! It's decided, then. He whipped out his phone to swiftly search up the name of the place and buy tickets. 

Dongheon seemed to finally notice and paused in his rambling. "Figured it out?" 

Kangmin nodded and gave him a smile. "Yep! Thanks, Dongheon!"

"Of course!" the other beamed, "What kind of big brother figure would I be if I didn't have good advice?"

"So, is the big brother going to pay for the drinks?"

The two of them turned their heads to Yeonho behind the bar, who held a mildly annoyed expression. "You two been sitting here, taking up space for the past 2 hours. And all you ordered was lemonade. At least leave a good tip." he huffed. 

Kangmin was quick to point at his "big brother," "He invited me here."

Dongheon couldn't even argue. He sighed in defeat. "Fine..."

***

Within hours, you found yourself outside with an excited Kangmin hovering his hands over your eyes. "What?" You couldn't help but laugh lightly at his giggling. He blew up your phone to ask if you were home, and when you said you were, he arrived at such speed. He told you that you were going out; the sudden news almost overwhelmed you, but he looked so eager to go; you had no choice but to entertain him.

"Can I look now?" You asked with a playful huff. 

"Mhm!" He finally pulled his hands away. You squinted from the light of the setting sun hitting you, but once adjusted, you noticed the most important word - aquarium.

You stared at the building with your mouth slightly agape. There's no way he... Did he actually...? You felt a small lump forming in your throat, but you shoved it down, for everyone's sake. "We're really going?" You questioned in a soft voice. 

His brow furrowed. "Of course we're going! See?" He pulled out his phone to show the e-tickets. "Sorry for it being last minute, but..."

"No! No, it's okay." You took a deep breath. "Let's go." He smiled at you in return and offered his hand, which you slowly took. You had always wanted to go to an aquarium. You've seen so many videos online and heard people's stories, but for one reason or another, you never had the chance to go through one yourself. And, honestly, you had not expected Kangmin to have paid so much attention. You mentioned it mostly in passing... Was he really that attentive?

You tried not to think about it too much. For if you do, well... you frankly really don't want to cry in front of people, let alone him. 

You could only stare in amazement as he happily pulled you along. There were smaller exhibits that contained a variety of fish and pond creatures. It was hard to suppress the wide smile from spreading across your face. Although, Kangmin did have to quickly usher you away from the frogs at one point. You're not the biggest fan of them -

The further you traveled through the aquarium, the darker the colors became. It was a bit unnerving, honestly, so you stayed close to Kangmin. Meanwhile, he was reading off the information on his phone. "Ohh, so it's getting darker because we're going deeper into the ocean. Cool! We-" he paused upon noticing your behavior. "Hey," he stopped his walking to turn to you. He tilted his head to try and meet your gaze. "You okay?"

"Yeah, I just... got nervous, is all." You begin to chew on your nail. "Also, is this a bad time to say I have, like, a deadly fear of sharks?" The words rolled out rapidly, so you were unsure if he even understood. Silence lingered for a few moments until he let out a quick chuckle. "No, it's not a bad time at all! Although..." he awkwardly scratched his cheek, "having a fear of sharks is kinda ironic..."

"Right?" You laughed anxiously. "But yeah. We haven't seen sharks yet, so I'm kinda getting-"

"Scared?" He answered for you. All you could do was nod. 

"Aw, don't be scared," he kept his smile. "Look, the sharks can't hurt you. They're behind a glass, and you can always use my hand to cover your eyes if it's too much, okay?" He raised a hand and silently asked for permission to touch your face. You gave him a nod, allowing him to rest it against your cheek. "This is supposed to be fun," he muttered to you, "but if it gets too overwhelming, don't be afraid to let me know. I want your comfort to come first."

It took everything within you not to cry right then and there. Despite only being together for less than a month, he's acting as if the two of you have been together for years. He's too sweet... You shake your head to stop even a single tear from escaping. "Okay, I'm ready." You told him. 

He retained his warm smile and kept a gentle hold on your hand as he tugged you into the next exhibit. The area was not as dark as you had expected it to be. You had kept your eyes forward, footsteps echoing as you walked. However, out of the corner of your eyes, you spotted a wide tank that took up most of the current area. Your blood suddenly ran cold, and you sharply turned your body away. 

"Ah, there're the sharks," Kangmin sighed. "Come on, I can guide you thro-"

"N...No, I want to see them." You surprised yourself at the words spilling out of your mouth. You continued, "It's like you said, they're just behind a glass. They can't... They can't hurt me." You silently curse to yourself at your voice trembling. Kangmin squeezed your hand. "If you're sure, then... we can just stand right here, okay? We don't have to get any closer."

"Look," You stiffened slightly at his hand covering your eyes, "I'll turn you around," he explained, "And you can peek through my fingers. I'm right here with you,"

You took a deep breath then sighed. Your eyes were glued shut as he slowly shifted the two of you into position. You rubbed sweaty palms against your clothes as you kept repeating to yourself - they can't hurt you, they're behind a glass, they can't hurt you-

Kangmin is right here.

You almost jumped as the thought shot through your mind. But it's true; he's being incredibly patient with you and trying to sort things out. The least you can do is try...

"Okay," you slowly peek an eye open. The shark swam into view. At first, you shut your eyes again, but you repeated your little mantra as you regained the bravery to peek once more. The second time wasn't as bad - you managed to keep your eyes open for more than 10 seconds before shutting them again. 

As you prepared to do it a third time, you felt Kangmin's hand shift. You panicked for a second, thinking he was removing your shield, but then you shuddered feeling his whispers tickle your ear, "You're doing great, (y/n)."

If you weren't in such a precarious situation, you would've pulled away at lightning speed. You were stuck between feeling flustered and absolutely scared shitless. You weren't sure now if you were trembling from the sharks, or from feeling the warmth of his body barely pressing against your back. Hah, you even had the thought to not open your eyes ever again, if only just to stay in this exact moment a bit longer.

Eventually, your eyes open again for a third time. Through the gaps between his fingers, you watched the shark peacefully wade through the water. Other, smaller fishes tailed under it, going in endless circles. The longer you stared, the more your heart began to relax. 

Just as you were adjusting, Kangmin started to pull his hands away. Instinctively, you grabbed hold of them to keep them over your eyes. He chuckled softly. "Okay, the fear's not totally gone, but hey, it's a start!" He turned you around so you had your back to the tank before removing his hands. "I'm really proud of you," he squeezed your hands. "And I think we've had enough for today-"

You silently nodded, starting to feel exhaustion wash over you. He could only laugh quietly to himself as he guided you back out. But not before making a stop at the gift shop. You furrow your brow as he told you to wait outside, but you obliged. 

It didn't take him that long to return with a brown bag. A bag that he selfishly kept to himself until you both made it back to your place. "What's in the bag?" You asked for the 10th time.

"Geez, we barely made it in!" He laughed at your slight glare. "Okay, okay, here-" He finally handed it to you. "A reward for today."

"Reward?" You echoed curiously but otherwise took it. From within, you pull out something soft - an adorable plush of an orca. You gasped softly and wrapped your arms around it, hugging it tight. "This is so cute...! Thank you..." Your smile grew wider as he pressed a quick kiss against your head. 

he chuckles. "believe me, the pleasure is all mine. i know you saved my nation from calamity, so it’s the least i could do. i’m glad we could finally sit down for a proper meal.”

"yongseung, there's no need to thank me, it was the right thing to do," you say with a smile, beginning to fill your plate with various foods. “it's just nice to talk like this. i know we’re always so busy, especially you. ”

he sighs, and stares briefly at the vast expanse of hills, especially vibrant during the spring.

"sometimes i wish i weren't. thousands of years of work can be quite taxing on the soul."

the waiter stops by your table with two cups of hot tea and a kettle, and you briefly stop conversation to bow politely. you take a sip, relishing its taste. even after all this time traveling, your love for any sort of tea remains constant.

"oh, you old man! when you have the chance, you should travel the world with me—there's quite a lot to see."

yongseung raises an eyebrow. "you're quite old too, remember? but maybe i will take you up on your offer one day, if i feel comfortable to leave my nation in the hands of the people."

"sightseeing would do you some good. i feel 5,000 years young after running around all sorts of worlds! only the heavens know how long it's been since i've visited another..."

you stop yourself before you go on another one of your excited (and nostalgic) rambles. yongseung's still listening to you intently, though.

he carefully takes a sip of his own tea. "and here i thought you were just an ordinary human traveler when we first met, although i was quickly proven wrong. there is nothing ordinary about what you've been able to accomplish with your powers."

you smile amusedly while trying not to take all the jjajangmyeon noodles. he's busied himself with eating the meat, namely the pork belly.

"eh, everyone thinks so unless i tell them otherwise. you still treated me well regardless. or how should i put this, normally. i'm thankful for that. and in many ways, i'm no better than a mortal until i complete my goal on this planet."

it's a little sad, really. you miss your sibling. you've never lost sight of why you started your journey across the various nations of this world in the first place.

the god stares at you, his face containing traces of melancholy. "how selfish of me to say, but i find eternity to be a little less unbearable when you're here."

ah, what a sap. you love him, though. he's not so tough when you're around.

"then, i'm glad my time on this world has not been a waste."

at the start of your journey, you had told yourself that you wouldn't make many attachments to those you met, as it would make it harder to leave.

first and foremost, you wanted your sibling by your side so that you could traverse the galaxy together again. you just happened to help people along the way—nothing too deep.

but things were a little different with yongseung. despite being one of the gods that helped oversee korea and its people, he was someone you could now call a dear friend. the thought of saying "goodbye" to him, even if it only had to be temporarily, wasn't a fun one.

you've gotten used to encountering him every so often, studying some book or on a walk to clear his mind from all of his duties.

he smiles peacefully, and you're glad to see the expression. "i'll always remind you that your time is well spent with me."

at that, you pause to take in the rustling of the wind, the beautiful colors of sunset, the design on your napkin, and the reflective glint of yongseung's cubical necklace charm.

to think, that you might never have this exact view again. it's quite a bittersweet feeling, thinking that the day would come where you would leave earth. yongseung's well aware of this too, but logically, there was no point in thinking about it so much.

it'll be a long while before that day comes, as there are still so many questions for you to answer about this world.

so, until you have to move on again, you'll both cherish the memories you've made together. and maybe, just for a while, this can be eternity for you.

—

a/n: oh dear lord this is way overdue for @restlessmaknae's coexistence collab. i underestimated how tired this year would make me. i'm not that dissatisfied with the fic, but i wish my brain could come up with better sentences sometimes. i was thinking about how some people stay in one place their whole lives and how others move around so often, and how they would each perceive the other type of person. it's so different, isn't it? just food for thought. and also, my fantasy brainrot is too much.