Tinocotaetae

But if you are honest, you have bigger problems at hand now. Because before you can even blink, the line in front of you is already much longer, everyone asking you for a drink. You'd love to be able to split in half at the moment. It's always like this, and yet you are never ready for it. Rush hour is every halftime and end of the match for you.

You wave your hand to your colleague so she can collect the money, quietly praying for the beer cooler to work faster. There's not much for Dae to do when everyone is waiting for a drink — your specialty. And as much as you love being at the drinks duty, you regret not switching with her every time this happens.

Handing out one beer after another, you listen to the chatters about today's game. There are lot of praises passed around, creating a smile on your face. You might have not seen most of the game, but you know the guys killed it tonight again. How could they not with their talents finally being put to use with their new coach? You might be biased, but you do think they'll take it far this year.

"Sunshine, can you also pour me one when you have time?" You look up to meet your dad's eyes, nodding.

"You'll have to wait," you shrug, softly pointing your head at the line. He nods, waving you off like he doesn't care at all, reminding you to take your time. You wish more people would be like this. At least your family if no one else. But your uncle is a prime example of the behavior your hate when you are already busy. He pushes past the line, handing you his empty pint. "Yeah, yeah," you mumble, placing it down and focusing on the people that came before him.

You're not sure how much time passes, but you sit down again eventually. Plopping down with a heavy sigh, you exchange a glance with Dae. She gives you a sympathetic smile, glancing at your dad who has the same one as he leans against the wall with his beer in hands. "It's going to calm down again now. They won't all be coming at the same time."

You hum back, stretching your hands above your head. "How did it go? Did you finally figure out the rotation?"

"Pretty much," he nods. "I liked how they played today so if it continues like this, we got the perfect core five."

"That's good," your smile grows. "If nothing, then the points show they've gotten better since you started training them."

He rolls his eyes but you see the smile tugging on his lips. You like seeing your dad like this. He's always been happy no matter what category he was training, loving it when he could see the enjoyment on his player's eyes, but there is something different about watching him coach a team full of adults who could really take it far if they want to.

"Let's not assume how the rest of the season will go." You peek over when you hear Jake's voice, a smile on his face. "Who says I won't replace Seungkwan and give us the well deserved win."

"Not if you keep avoiding working out," your dad reminds him and Jake just shakes his head, mounting to you that he is lying.

You chuckle, "right, right."

He steps forward, still smiling as he opens his wallet. "Could you give me two? Promised Heeseung I'll buy tonight."

"He doesn't stay for stretching after trainings but he stays to get drunk?" You shake your head as you take the cash from him. "You should keep an eye on that."

"At least he stays to drink with us and team bond. Nishimura doesn't even look me in the eyes before disappearing."

"I think he is intimidated by you, coach," Jake explains and your dad's eyes widen in the most your dad way you know. He somehow manages to look shocked as well as not surprised at all, offended but also making fun of the situation. You've seen this look a lot. With his eyebrows raised and arms crossed over his chest, he looks exactly the same as whenever you tell him about a dumb date you've been on. The amount of times he's been surprised at something the guys you went out with said or did is not something you could count on both hands. Every time, the conversation ends with the two of you agreeing that guys just need more time to mature.

"By me?" He questions and you laugh as you pour Jake his two beers. "Tell him he'll be running ten extra laps for that." All four of you laugh, including Dae who has far from knowing anything about basketball.

Your dad leaves after a short moment to talk with the rest of the coach staff and some of the players while Jake stays with you, chatting with Dae about their upcoming assignment. You try to listen in but your attention starts drifting elsewhere, the debate about the physics paper they have to submit passing by you completely. Zoning out, you stare at the nearest wall, thinking about anything but the situation around you. For the first time today, you get to turn off and not worry about whether you gave the right change or not.

You are glad Jake and Dae found something in common when you introduced them for the first time. If they didn't, you'd never be able to just shut off like this, worried it would get awkward and would try your hardest to keep the conversation going. But when they met for the first time and found out they share a physic class, all your worries disappeared as you watched them talk about their lessons. Both of them still rely on you sometimes but you'd say they are good friends now.

It's good knowing your friends are getting along.

"I love you so much," Heeseung sings as he comes into your sight, making you snap out of your thoughts. You blink up at him, seeing four more players behind him. The foam on his beer has already fallen off but he doesn't seem to care, taking his drink from Jake with a grin on his face.

"Can I get a better one if I also tell you I love you?" Seungcheol smiles at you and you shake your head, standing up again and getting four pints ready, assuming all of them are here for the same thing.

"You can try," you shrug, a smile tugging in the corner of your lips as well. It only makes his smile grow wider.

"Sure he could," Joshua wraps his arm around his shoulder. "If he wants to die while explaining to his coach why his daughter is suddenly pregnant and needs to leave school."

"Now now," you quickly interrupt him, your eyes widening. "Don't even joke about that."

"Exactly," Seungcheol joins you, shaking the younger man off him. "If I knock anyone up in the near future I'll assume it's your curse and what will you do then? I don't have the time or resources to raise a kid right now."

"At your grown age?" Heeseung pipes from the side, grinning through his drink. Seungcheol ignores his comment but you chuckle.

"And here I was going to give you a tip," he sighs.

"Yeah? What kind?" Dae tilts her head innocently and you have to hold back a laugh, handing all four players their drinks while the eldest pays for them while exchanging a few words with Dae that you can't catch. You think you're glad you don't by the way her ears turn red.

Everyone on the team has always been friendly with you. Whether it's because you sell them alcohol or that your dad is their coach, you have no idea. But it doesn't really matter. As long as they keep being nice to you, then you don't need to know. It still feels a little weird being a part of conversations like these with them as if it was completely normal, but you're trying to get over that. And honestly, with the captain's welcoming smile and kind words — despite his friends joking about him making you pregnant — it's all a lot easier.

You'd say you are pretty close with the team. You are able to hold small talks and they often hang out with you and Dae here after their games. So while you can't say you consider all of them your friends, you aren't strangers either.

Well, expect for one man on the team.

Possibly the only one you've ever wanted to be close with.

It was a year ago, you think. Around the time the previous season started. The team gained a few new players — including Jake and Riki who you'd say you are the closest to out of all of them — and your eyes immediately locked in on one of them.

Kim Mingyu, tall, tanned, and handsome, was impossible not to look at.

It only took one game and you were hooked, unable to look away from him whenever he was on the court and you had some time to watch. His smooth movements, the control he has of the ball, and the incredibly beautiful smile on his face when he scores a point all made you so much more interested.

But you never got to talk to him as you wished you would. Because right after the game ended, you saw him with the only person you didn't want to see him with — Jungkook. Watching the guy you have a silly little crush on laughing with your ex boyfriend might have been the best way to get you to turn around again and reconsider talking to him.

You have no idea what or if Jungkook ever told him anything about you, but with the way Mingyu never even tried to talk to you outside a few hellos and ordering unlike the rest of the team, you think it's safe to assume he doesn't think of you nicely.

You and Jungkook didn't exactly end it on bad terms, you just both had different views on things. All you wanted was to focus on your studies and to do something with yourself, while all he wanted was a family to settle with as soon as possible. At twenty, the idea of turning your life around to make a family with your boyfriend was wild to you. It was simply never supposed to happen. You never spoke badly of him after the breakup but you also never talked to him again, so you have no idea how he and his friends look at you.

It's as if you've manifested them, the two of them coming into your sight of view. Jungkook doesn't come closer but you see him standing in the hall while Mingyu walks over to you. "I'll take two, please." He only meets your eyes briefly before Seokmin tugs him into their conversation. You glance at him a few times as you pour the beers, watching the easy smile on his face. Despite knowing it's not going to happen, you can't help but admire him. He is so handsome, it's unfair to you. How are you supposed to not look at him when he looks like that?

You quote the price to him, just like you've done many times today. Your fingers brush when he hands you the cash and you feel like you're going insane, the nervousness you suddenly feel driving you crazy. As if it wasn't enough, he practically holds your hand in his as he takes the drinks from you. You have to look up at Jungkook to remind yourself this is nothing, that Mingyu thinks who knows what of you and it's only your own delusion making this into something that it's not.

He doesn't stay for any longer, saying his goodbye to the rest of the team and leaving to hang out with your ex. Dae nudges you and you take your eyes off him, offering her a brief smile. It's been like this for a year now, so why do you unconsciously keep hanging onto a thread of hope?

"Sunshine." You nod when you hear your dad's voice, taking his pint from him to pour him his drink. "Thank you. What are you all standing here for?" He nods towards the team, all of them holding their own beer. "Good game today but how do you want to bond the team together if you aren't drinking with us?"

"We were just about to join you, coach," Seungcheol grins. "How could we possibly afford to miss the president's drunk blabbing about our game?" Your dad shakes his head and Seungcheol sends both you and Dae a wave, saying his see you later before leaving with the team to join the coaching staff in their staff room. You're sure they'll be back for another round but for now, as soon as you hand your dad his drink and he leaves as well, you are left alone with Dae and the thoughts of how much you want Mingyu to talk to you.

When your dad told you you'll be home alone on the weekend because he's got away games, you found yourself questioning how far you're willing to go for a stupid crush. You always liked watching sports, but not to the point you'd come out of your way for them. If you were already coming to the game to sell drinks, then you wanted to watch as well. If you were hanging out with your friends and you happened to find a group of people playing street basketball, you'd watch as well. But you never went to watch a game in your free time just because.

Which is also why your dad was so surprised when you asked him to come with instead of enjoying the free house. Still, he wouldn't say no to you, not even if he wanted to.

Humming along to your playlist, you watch the road ahead as your dad drives. He follows Joshua's car, who's taking most of the bench players except for Riki who sits behind you. Your dad's way of taking revenge and trying to intimidate him, you're certain. It seems to be working since he hasn't said a word ever since you picked him up, looking into his phone the entire time. No doubt texting his best friend.

There are two more cars behind yours — Seungcheol's and Mingyu's. You feel bad a little. If you weren't going, they could easily fit into just three cars and everyone would be comfortable. Your dad assured you they were planning on driving four cars either way and there is no need for you to worry but you can't help it.

"Jake's asking if we can stop by the nearest gas station." It's the first time you hear Riki's words since you said hellos and both you and your dad glance at him. You see him swallow his nerves when your dad's eyes find his, unable to hold back your laugh. It's funny to see him so freaked out when you know your dad is the sweetest person you know. Most of the players know it too, you're sure. It's only a matter of time before Riki realizes it too.

"Will we be on time?" You ask, biting back your laugh.

"We should be," you dad nods. "Let the others know as well. If they don't want to come with they can drive straight to the stadium but they better not get lost."

"Yes, coach," Riki nods eagerly and your lips form a straight line, your eyes closed as you do your best not to let the laugh out. Turning your head towards the window, you hide your smile behind your hand. You already know this will be a fun trip.

You all park in a line and Jake immediately rushes out, not bothering to look back once as he heads straight for the bathroom. Riki steps out as well, using the opportunity to breathe properly without your dad near. Shaking your head, you stretch your arms over your head, melting into your seat.

A knock on your window interrupts you and you glance to the side, your eyes widening when you see Mingyu leaning down besides you. Your dad rolls the window down and you want to curse him out for not keeping the barrier between you and him up. "I'm grabbing a coffee, do you want anything, coach?" He asks, his hands bracing the edge of the open window as he looks inside, and you can't help but watch his toned arms.

It's insane how invisible he makes you feel. You become one with the seat, looking down into your lap as your dad refuses his offer. A beat of silence passes and you look up again, finding Mingyu's eyes on you, waiting for your answer. "Oh," you breathe out. The feeling of invisibility disappears instantly. "Could you get me an ice coffee? I'll give you the money, wait."

He shakes his head, straightening his back again. "Don't worry about it," he brushes you off and leaves before you can argue further.

You pick your purse from the floor either way, finding your wallet. "He's not going to accept it," your dad says simply. You meet his eyes, tilting your head slightly. "I've tried before as well. He even bought me lunch one time last year when I was subbing for their assistant coach and he refused to take any money from me. I think he likes treating people."

"I don't want to owe him, though."

"You can give the money to me then and I'll do my best forcing it to him. If I fail, I'll just keep the money and we'll all be happy."

"Listening in on other people's conversation is not a great look, Lee," your dad warns him. Heeseung just smiles in return, copying Mingyu's pose from before and leaning down onto the window.

"Isn't it great when I overhear our opponents tactics, though?"

"You're terrible," you shake your head at him with a laugh.

"Tell me you use your time for better things as well. Like, for example, learning our tactics."

"You know I only do my best, coach," Heeseung assures him. "Which is why we've been singing out lungs out the entire ride." When your dad gives him an annoyed look, he clears his throat, immediately switching the playful vibe to a more serious one. "We'll focus on it for the rest of the drive." After one last look from your dad, he runs away again, mumbling something about starting to get it as he approaches Riki.

You scroll through your playlist, picking the songs for the rest of the ride as you wait. Jake comes back shortly after with a new hat, that you rather not question where he got from, and Mingyu right after him. He hands you your ice coffee and when you try paying him back, he dismisses you just like your dad said he would. A heavy sigh escapes your lips as you open the can, thanking him while Riki takes a seat in the back of the car again. You keep your eyes on the older man, your hands wrapped around the cold drink, cooling yourself at least that way when your entire body feels so hot.

You'd like to say you don't think about Mingyu. In fact, you'd love to be able to say thinking about the way he is best friends with your ex made you snap out of it and you weren't looking at him as anything other than one of your dad's players.

But you apparently have no control over your emotions because while your head tells you that's an enough reason for you to give up on the idea of him, your heart does the exact opposite and just keeps thinking about him the entire car ride.

With your music on and free time, it doesn't take much for you to start daydreaming. A certain basketball player who towers over you and has arms the size of your head keeps lingering in your mind, all sorts of scenarios taking over you. If your dad and Riki manage to exchange some words, you don't hear any of them. All you can focus on is how great you know you'd be together if only things were a little different.

Shifting in your seat to make yourself more comfortable, you force yourself out of it, staring at the road ahead instead.

♡⸝⸝♡⸝⸝

It's a chaos as soon as you arrive at the stadium. While the guys go find their changing room — which you genuinely hope they'll be able to as the map at the entrance wasn't any helpful — your dad tries to convince the organizer to let him have two assistant coaches. It's not against the rules, you know that, so why is it that the opposite team's coach has so much trouble with letting you in?

"Okay," the organizer sighs. "We'll need to see your coach license and it won't be any problem. I'll talk it over with the Tiger's coach. As you said, the rules state up to maximum of eight extra people accompanying the coach and team members."

"Oh," you breathe out, panicking as you glance between the stranger and your dad. You do not have a coaching license. Why would you? You stopped being involved in this sport back when you were fifteen. Your dad realizes it as well. Deep down he knew trying to let you in on the bench was a bad idea since if anyone wanted to check, they'd know you have no previous experience. Still, he wanted to try in case he could have his little girl beside him during the game.

"To be honest, I think it'll be better if you just do it with Seojin. The two of you work well together and it'd be a chaos if there were three of us. I'll be watching from the audience," you smile, briefly stroking your dad's arm. Looking over at the organizer, you thank him again for trying to hard to make it work for you both.

"If that's what you guys want to do," he nods, pointing towards the audience entrance and telling you to go up the first stair you see. You nod, giving your dad a quick goodbye before disappearing into the hallway.

You need to hurry if you want to grab a good spot in the front. It's still early, forty minutes until the game officially starts, but people are already coming in and you don't want to risk a good spot. Not today when you already came all the way here to watch the team play.

Rushing through the hall, you don't pay attention to where you are going, accidentally bumping shoulders with one of the players. "Shit, sorry," you apologize quickly before glancing up, your eyes slowly trailing up his figure until they settle on the chocolate eyes you know so well.

Mingyu's eyes wander all over your figure as well as he shakes his head softly, assuring you it's okay. Look at where you are coming from and then back at you, he tilts his head in confusion. "Where are going? the court is the other way around."

"Ah. The audience— I'm going to watch from the seats."

He hums and you want to melt into floor beneath your feet. It's embarrassing. In the past year, you haven't talked to him outside of exchanging hellos and grabbing his order. You have no idea how you're supposed to talk to him like this, how to make it seem like you aren't an awkward loser. Even though, honestly, you might be.

A part of you wonders how he sees you. If your interactions today made his opinion on you final and he can now finally say with no trouble that you are weird and he's glad he never spoke to you before.

"Okay," he nods, and you swear you aren't imagining the emptiness of his words. Why even ask in the first place? You raise your head to find him looking at you, his eyes unlike his words the opposite of empty. You frown without properly realizing what you're doing, questioning why he is staring at you. "Your eyes," he points out, "they have a bit of yellow in them."

You blink up at him. Out of all the things you expected him to say, commenting on the color of your eyes was on the bottom of the list. "I…I guess?"

"Didn't you say you'd practice free throws before we finish changing?" Joshua calls as he nears the two of you, the rest of the team right behind him. Mingyu looks at them and takes a step away from you, naturally falling into pace with them and excusing how it's not his fault he couldn't even get on the court yet. You think you see him glance at you one more time before giving the boys his full attention but you're honestly not sure. It could be just your head playing tricks on you.

"Cheer loudly for us, okay?" Jake smiles at you as he passes you and you give him and encouraging nod, wishing them all good luck. The hallway gets empty again and you get back to why you found yourself here in the first place. You need to find good seats.

You sit right above their bench, second line. Most of the first line is already filled and you honestly don't want to be sitting between men your dad's age who have been eyeing you ever since you started wandering around the seats. So, you decide for a seat still close to the players but also comfortable. You'll just have to hope your luck isn't terrible and you won't find yourself squeezed between someone weird after all.

Your dad finds you with his eyes as soon as he orders for Seungcheol to lead the stretching, offering you one of his smiles. You return it, smiling at Seojin, his assistant coach, as well. He's been friends with your dad for as long as you can remember, and it's nice seeing them coach together now. Seojin has always trained the younger kids, teaching them the basics of basketball and how to handle a ball, but ever since the men's team has got a new coach, the entire staff needed an update as well. And from what you know, Seojin has always been on top of your dad's list.

"Is this seat taken?" You look up upon hearing a woman voice, relief washing over you immediately.

"Please, take it." She laughs softly, thanking you as she folds her jacket in her arms and sits down, resting her bag between her legs. She doesn't look much older than you. Twenty four if you had to guess. She is pretty, with her brown hair in a ponytail going down to the middle of her back, matching eyes gazing into yours and an adorable smile. You can imagine how easy it's for her to have guys folding at her feet. Especially if she is into their sports. "Who are you here for?"

"SK Knights," she answers, her eyes trailing the players on the court. "You?"

"Same," you grin, doing the same. "My first away game with them, kinda nervous," you joke and thankfully, she matches your humor, chuckling as she wishes you good luck. "I don't think I've ever seen you on their home games?"

"It's only been a few weeks since I started cheering for them," she explains. "I got interested when I saw them beat my brother's team. He hates them now, obviously."

"Obviously," you nod, unable to hide your smile. It's probably the excitement you feel from knowing you'll be able to talk about the game with someone similar to you and not a fifty year old man staring at your body instead of the game that makes you this giggly. You extend your hand out to her, your name falling off your lips.

"Bora," she shakes your hand with a smile. The two of you watch as Seungcheol controls the free throw drills before she nudges you with her shoulder, bringing your attention back to her. "So which one is it?"

"What do you mean?" You blink up at her.

"Oh come on," a knowing smile spreads on her lips as she eyes you up and down. "Sisters usually aren't that immersed into their brother's games — speaking from experience — so I crossed that option out. And that look in your eyes doesn't look like you're deeply analyzing the forms of the players or anything."

"Oh," you breathe out, glancing back at the court. Have you been looking at Mingyu without noticing? You did watch him and cursed a little under your breathe when he missed the shoot but were you that obvious? You quickly shake your head, getting the thoughts out of your head. There is no reason why you would be looking at him differently, you remind yourself. You have nothing to worry about. "The coach."

"The coach?" She blinks and you can tell she is surprised. "Well, you go girl then," she laughs quietly. "How big of an age gap is that?"

"God no! Not like that!" You interrupt her before her mind can wander further. "He is my dad. That's why I'm here," you finish your thought.

Bora sighs in what you could only classify as relief, "That makes so much more sense."

"And we have thirty years between us so please."

"Some girls are into that," she shrugs. "I couldn't but how am I supposed to know what your range is."

You think about it but don't answer her, your mind only coming up with the five years older player with annoyingly beautiful eyes and perfectly white teeth he shows every time he smiles. That seems like a reasonable difference. The last time your boyfriend was five years older than you it might have not lasted long but who ever said you are one to learn from your mistakes? You'll gladly try again and better if Mingyu lets you.

"Do you have a player you are here for? Or is it just the team in general?"

You watch her eyes flicker to the players, trying to follow her line of sight. But with everyone so close to each other right now, it's hard. "I think it was number twelve that caught my attention at first. But the entire team is great and I genuinely just want to watch a good game."

"Seungkwan?" Your eyes widen, less in a surprise and more in a pure excitement. Just based on what you know about him, you know he'd love her. But then again, who wouldn't? Looking at her, you might fall as well. "You should get his number after the game!" You encourage her. "You can come with me after and I'll introduce you."

"Please," she shakes her head, laughing. "I don't need his number. I'll be happy watching from the side lines and cheering the team on while my brother prays for my and their down fall. And if I were to get anyone's number tonight," she meets your eyes with a soft smile, "It'd be yours."

You shake your head at her as you pull your phone from your pocket, gladly handing it to her. Looking forward to all the games the two of you can watch together from now on, you are happier and happier you decided to join today's game.

The dopamine you feel as soon as the game starts is much bigger than you expected. The starting five is the same as at the last game — Seungcheol as center, Mingyu and Seungkwan as guards, and Jeonghan and Hansol playing forward. It worked last time, and with every inch of your body you hope it does today as well.

They had advantage last time, playing on home land, so if they work it out this time as well it'll mean your dad found the core five. Ever since he started coaching them two months ago, he kept on trying different rotations, trying to learn what worked together and what didn't. You watched him sit over his notes at home late at night sometimes and gave him your two cents when you had something to offer.

You were the one to point out how well Seungkwan plays when he has Hansol on the team with him, how relieved he seems knowing they have a strong defense that allows him to make risky plays. You're glad you did. They seem way more stable now.

You cheer for the team along with the rest of your section, frowning when they lose the ball, and raising your hands in the air when they score a point. It's incredibly loud around you but you don't mind, only focused on the play. Your dad has never been one to argue with referees or yell at his players about what they should do when they are in the zone, and that hasn't changed with the men. It's not your dad's voice that keeps echoing in your ears. But there one — two actually. Seungcheol leads his team on the court, with the help of Mingyu, who isn't scared to call for a ball or suggest a play.

Without having to see his face, you know your dad is proud. You know exactly what kind of look he has because the same one is on your face. There is a weird sense of accomplishment knowing they are doing well.

It's a close match, no one letting the other team get too far ahead. As soon as the gap widens more than they'd like, they pull a new move and turn it around again, leaving the entire audience in chaos. You watch with wide eyes, unable to take your attention off. This has got to be one of the best games you've ever seen. It makes sense why they play in the league now. While you were always a fan thanks to your little crush and one of your closest friends being on the team, it's moments like these that remind you the players aren't just hot but actually talented.

You know Bora feels it too, loud encouragements leaving her lips every time one of the Knights gets the ball. The team work is amazing, their passes perfect and shots clean. You can tell they are in a zone, likely only seeing the ball and the rest of the players on the court.

It's the second quarter that the opponents defense starts to be more aggressive, the referees having to stop the game because of fouls before you can comprehend anything. Luck seems to be on your side through, because every time they foul, it happens to be Mingyu they make contact with. Your smile grows more and more as you watch him take his place at the free throw line, knowing he'll make it without having to look.

If you know anything about him, it's that his cleanest shots are from the free throw line. You've never seen him miss in a game, but it's not only that. You know his stats. 98% success rate in free throws is fucking amazing. Based on the look on the opponent's faces as they take their positions, you know they realize it too.

He isn't missing.

Your section grows quiet as Mingyu dribbles the ball beside his leg briefly, getting the right grip of the ball before holding it in both hands. The ball leaves his fingertips and your eyes follow it eagerly, the loudest cheers leaving your lips when it goes straight in. Glancing at the score board, you high five with Bora when you see the 43:33. They made it to the ten point gap.

You seriously couldn't be prouder.

It's Riki's eyes you find first when the halftime begins. Jake joins him right after, both of them yelling at you how they hope you know they'd play way better if they were on the court before your dad dismisses them. You laugh, watching them get scolded over not knowing when to stop. It's all playful, they know it too, but it still must look heavy to everyone who doesn't know your dad personally. Thankfully, a lot of the people in your section have left when the second quarter ended to go to the toilet or buy drinks.

"You guys seem to be close," Bora nudges your shoulder and you roll your eyes with a scoff. Encouraging her to stand up, you both walk to the railing at the front, leaning forward and looking down at the players.

"We are close in age, it was natural," you explain, smiling at the two youngest

"If it isn't our two biggest fans," Seungcheol comes into view, offering you both a smile. "I'm pretty sure I could only hear your voices throughout the game." You doubt that's true but with the confident grin on his face, he could make you believe a lot. He looks around at his teammates to add to his words before he opens his mouth again, "Shouldn't we know the name of our biggest fan?"

Exactly what you expected. You shake your head at him as Bora introduces herself, praising their game play in the first half. You take the opportunity and scan the court with your eyes until you find what you've been looking at. You meet Mingyu's eyes briefly, smiling at him. A smile appears on his lips in return and it's impossible how weak your heart suddenly feels. Jesus. You need to get a grip.

His eyes don't stay on you for long though, the warm feeling in your chest leaving as soon as it came when he focuses his attention on Heeseung and calls him over so he'd practice passes with him. You're used to this, though. It'd be weirder if he kept his focus on you. You tear your eyes off him when Bora asks you if you want her to get you a drink and shake your head, joining her conversation with Seungcheol and Joshua.

Your eyes trail to number 17 every now and then, but you don't meet his eyes again until the very end of the halftime when you tell them all good luck.

You say your goodbye to Bora at the entrance after the happy win, your grin growing wider when you see her talking with Seungkwan before leaving, praising his game all over again. He seems frustrated, and you just know he'll be thinking about the interaction for a while. When he asks her if she'll be in the stands tomorrow as well, it only confirms everything.

"Let's go, we need to settle in," your dad calls for everyone to gather and they listen. The cars fill shortly after, Jake joining you this time so Riki won't be alone anymore. It's not like he was since you were in the car as well, but honestly, you enjoyed the tension between him and your dad too much to actually provide him some of the support Jake will by sitting in the back with him.

This time, your car leaves first. "We need to rearrange the rooms when we arrive," your dad reminds you and both of the guys peer up from their phones.

"Why?"

"I was booking for twelve, not thirteen. And I know since Seokmin ended up not coming today there is an empty bed, but it'd be uncomfortable having our only girl room with three men."

"Dad, I'm fine—"

You don't get to finish your sentence as he interrupts you. "It's uncomfortable for me."

You chuckle, shaking your head. "I'm okay sharing the room with the guys. We are all adults and I know them."

"Yeah, that's what I'm worried about the most. We should switch our room with yours so she can room with me and Seojin," he suggests, glancing at Jake in the back through the rear view mirror. "Heeseung can go instead of Seokmin and the two of you will take our room."

"No," you stop him immediately. "Dad, I'm not sharing a room with you and Seojin. That'd be uncomfortable for me. Let me room with the guys instead. It's fine."

He hesitates and you can see all kinds of thoughts running through his head as he stares at the road ahead. "Okay," he finally sighs. First win of the night for you. "You can take my room with one of the guys, but I'm not having you stay in a room with three of them."

"Yes, sir," you laugh.

"Shall we room together?" Jake leans forward, holding onto the seat in front of him. You glance back at him, nodding without a second thought.

"Sounds good."

"Wait, does that mean Heeseung and I will be in the room alone or what?" Riki leans forward as well and your dad's grin widens. Oh good god.

"No. Heeseung will sleep in the four people room like I said. The room switch also still stands. Just this time, you'll be the one in the room with us and not my daughter."

You watch as Riki's face gets pale, holding back a laughter. You can practically see the curse on his lips, needing to look away to hold it in. Things may not be working out for Riki, but this is one of the funniest trips you've ever had.

♡⸝⸝♡⸝⸝

Despite your dad's stare, Jake helps you carry your bag up to your room. You immediately jump on the closest bed, your arms and legs stretched out. "You wanted to room with me because you knew the room for coach staff would be the biggest one, didn't you?" You prompt yourself up to look at him and he laughs, dropping your bag besides your bed.

"Obviously. What did you expect? That I would want to share a room with three stinky men instead of enjoying my free space? Absolutely not."

You laugh as well, nodding. "Valid point."

"I'll go shower first, okay? I need to get all this sweat off me."

"Sure," you nod. "Go ahead."

"This is also what I love about this room," he says as he stretches his hands above his head, going to check out the bathroom. "I can just shower without waiting for everyone else to get it over with because they love to make things by age order."

"I hope you like using me to your advantage," you shake your head with a smile, taking out your phone from your pocket and looking at messages you missed while you were at the game.

"It's the best!" Jake yells before the bathroom door shuts behind him, the sound of the shower being turned on coming shortly after.

Jake has a towel wrapped around his waist when he comes back, apologies leaving his lips as he rushes to his bag to get a set of fresh clothes. You sigh heavily, ignoring his presence and continuing to scroll on your phone. He is gone again in a second anyway. He doesn't close the bathroom door fully this time, though, wanting you to hear him. "The guys have texted about wanting to go out for drinks. Do you want to come with? It'll be fun."

"Everyone's going?" You ask back and he agrees. Thinking about it for a moment, you go through all the possibilities of how tonight could go.

One, you get awfully drunk and embarrass yourself in front of everyone.

Two, you get awfully drunk and give into Seungcheol's joking and flirt back with him, all of it leading to one big, drunk, mistake.

Three, you get awfully drunk and call your ex just to ask him about what him and his friends think of you so you can know what your chances with Mingyu are.

Four, you get awfully drunk and confess your feelings to Mingyu, who will then turn you down and you'll spend the rest of the night heartbroken, not even wanting to come to the game tomorrow. Things will be weird, he'll talk to you even less than before, your dad will see that something is going on, and you'll have to explain to him what happen and feel embarrassed all over again.

Yeah, you don't think you want to drink tonight.

"I'll pass!" You call back at him. "I don't feel like drinking tonight."

He peers from the bathroom, fully dressed now. "Just come and don't drink then? I'd feel weird leaving you here alone while we are out having fun."

You wave him off. "It's okay. I won't stay here. I wanted to go out and explore the city a bit so you don't have to worry about that," you assure him. "You guys go have fun and I'll see you in the morning. Hopefully I won't be cleaning your puke by then."

"I promise you you won't," he laughs. "If you get bored and change your mind, just call me and I'll tell you where we are so you can come hang out, okay?"

"Okay," you nod.

Standing up from your bed, you reach for new clothes in your bag as well, going to steal the shower for yourself now.

You don't hear Jake leaving the room through your playlist, but when you come out again twenty minutes later, he is nowhere to be seen. You look at the time on your phone, deciding to go out as well and have something for dinner when you see the 7:53. It surprises you how fast time passes, but then again, it was a long game, and even longer settling into your hotel rooms.

It's only the end of March but the cold air has already been replaced. You brought a jacket with yourself in case you'd get cold but you don't think you'll be needing it after all. Walking through the quiet streets, you admire the city slowly. You've always loved exploring new places, so tonight is only looking more and more perfect. There is no rush, no one telling you to stop taking pictures of random stuff and just hurry so you can have dinner already, and you love that about it the most. You're glad you decided not to go for drinks with them tonight.

A part of you feels disappointed, the hope you still have for you and Mingyu lingering and telling you to go so you can get to know him more. But a bigger part of you knows you shouldn't. All your worries earlier were right, and you're not sure how you'd behave if the guys got you drunk. Kim Mingyu is hot when you are sober. You don't want to find out what you think of him when you're wasted.

Snapping a picture of a fountain you pass, you hide your phone in your pocket again when your eyes fall to a small restaurant nearby, the atmosphere pulling you in immediately. The only thing better than amazing food is amazing food with a nice vibe.

Jake and Riki both send you videos from the bar as you have your dinner, making you laugh out loud. One of the servers looks at you weirdly but you do your best not paying it any attention, refusing to let this good night be ruined by anything.

You take a different route on your walk back, checking your phone's map every once in a while just to make sure you aren't going in a completely different direction.

It's when you see an outside basketball court that you stop in your track completely, the urge to go and play growing with each second you're looking at it. It's still far so you can't see if anyone is there or not, but you surely hope there is.

It's been a while since you last played. Sure, there were PE lessons in high school and you'd play sometimes then, but it's been almost ten years since you played properly. You don't regret quitting back then, you still believe it was the right decision. Pushing yourself into doing something that was no longer fun would have only made you hate the sport, and you never wanted that to happen. You prefer this more — the feeling of still caring for the sport and wanting to play at times like these.

The sound of dribbles reaches you before you can see anyone. You debate texting Bora if she's free and doesn't want to come meet you so the two of you could play together, but as soon as your eyes land on the only person occupying the court, you rethink it. It would be fun to play with her and get to know her more, but if you're honest, you are more interested in playing and getting to know the person practicing free throws.

"I thought you guys went out for drinks," you say softly, trying not to scare him by suddenly breaking the silence you are sure he's gotten used to. Despite your attempt, you watch as he flinches when your voice reaches him, the ball changing trajectory and missing the hoop. "Sorry."

"No worries," he mumbles, jogging for the ball again. "They did go. I think Seungcheol said the bar was like five minutes from the hotel." You nod, awkwardly standing on the side as he comes back to the free throw line before locking his eyes with yours. "Wanna play?"

Before you can think it through, you are nodding, wanting nothing more. That's why you came here after all — to see if there was anyone you could play with. You surely didn't expect it'd be a league player but he'll have to do this time.

Mingyu watches you as you rest your jacket on a nearby bench before coming to him. He hands you the ball and steps aside so you can shoot as well. You seem nervous but he doesn't point it out, not wanting to make you uncomfortable. He takes the sight of you in as you stand at the line, trying to get into the same position you've seen him take many times during today's game. Your shirt rides up slightly but it's barely noticeable since a bit of your stomach was already revealed. You're wearing an off-shoulder blue shirt — a different style from the red tank top he saw you in at the game — that you tucked into what he assumes is your bra on one side, your jeans hugging your stomach unlike the baggy bottoms.

Your hair is the only thing still same, the brown locks reaching down your back. It's simple, and yet he can't help but think about how much he loves your outfit. Blue suits you.

The ball leaves your hands but doesn't go as you'd like, missing the hoop. You close your eyes shut in defeat, slowly trailing to pick it up again. "You need more power, Blue. Otherwise it was great."

You look over your shoulder when you pick up the ball, blinking at him confusedly. "Blue?"

"Oh," he breathes out, realizing he let the nickname escape. "That was just—" he hesitates as he takes a place at the free throw line again, extending his hands forward for you to make a pass to him. You do, giving him the ball and slowly coming to his side. "I noticed you wear it a lot, it kind of escaped."

It's you who is breathing out a quiet 'oh' this time, your heart doing weird back flips at the mention of him noticing what you usually wear. It's shocking since you always thought he avoided looking at you as much as he could. "I see."

His eyes find yours again as he takes a step to the left, encouraging you to come closer to him. He dribbles the ball besides him briefly before taking his position, letting you watch him from up close as the ball leaves his fingers again, this time landing in the hoop perfectly. You smile at the sight, unable to hide how you feel as he comes to stand under the hoop, passing you the ball.

You stand with the ball in your hands for a moment, trying to figure out what he's doing. "Come on, Blue. You just saw how it's done. You can do it too if you try. We aren't moving on until you make it in."

You knew you wouldn't need your jacket but now he just confirmed it. There is no way you'll get cold tonight when he makes you feel so hot, your entire body heating up over his words. Come on, Blue. Does he know you are crazy for him? If he did maybe he'd pay more attention to what he says. Playing with you is one thing, but trying to help you like this on top of giving you a nickname? He isn't fair to you at all.

You do your best aligning your arms perfectly, watching the hoop in front of you as the ball leaves your hands. As soon as it does, you know you missed. It felt wrong. Just like you thought, the ball falls short again. Mingyu catches the ball with ease, passing it to you right away. "Are you sure you want to be here all night? I'm not making it in. The hoop is too high."

"You are making it," he shakes his head. "What would your dad say if he saw you whining like this? The hoop is too high? Don't play dumb now." He tilts his head and it's the pretties you've ever seen him. With his dark short hair, a knowing raised brow, a comfortable sweats and a black tank, he is absolutely gorgeous. Maybe your crush on him isn't as little as you've been convincing yourself. You are obsessed. Obsessed with how he watches you right now, how he looks, and how he talks with you.

"I'm not playing dumb," you argue but still listen to him and try to get into position again.

"Then you're not as smart as I always thought you were."

God fucking damn it.

You are in no way Mingyu's strongest soldier, and he just keeps proving you that.

Shooting again, you get a better feeling than before. You miss again, but this time the ball at least hits the hoop. Maybe he is right and you can do this. "What happens when I get it in?" You wonder as he passes you the ball back.

You hold the ball under your arm while he thinks, waiting for his answer. "We move on to a real game. Match for ten points, hm?"

"I'm supposed to try to match a league player?"

"You came here to play, didn't you, Blue?"

You hesitate, averting your eyes from him. "This just seems like an unfair bet for you to jerk your ego," you mumble under your breath, shooting again. This one is terrible and you both know it but he doesn't say anything about it, simply passing you the ball again.

"It gets easier without all the complaining," he points out and you scoff, ignoring him as you try again.

It takes two more bounces off the hoop, but by your third try, the ball makes it in. You cheer loudly when it does, your hands raised in the air in celebration. Mingyu carries a similar proud smile on his face as he picks the ball again and dribbles over to you. "I knew I still got it," you scoff playfully, looking up at him to meet his eyes.

"Of course you did," he shakes his head, the grin never disappearing from his face. "With how great you are, you have no problem playing against me, right?"

A wave of nerves suddenly washes over you, your confidence dropping. You swallow, nodding, "Sure." Your voice comes out a lot quieter than you expected, the uncertainty clear as day.

"I'll give you five points to start, that's fair, isn't it?"

"Eight," you argue immediately and he raises his eyebrow.

"You need eight points difference to beat me?"

"If I need to beat you then I want to start with ten points right away otherwise I have no chance, but if playing for more than five seconds is what we want then eight points will do."

"You'll get seven. I can't underestimate you so much, what if I'd lose?"

"Then I'd need to tell my dad to reconsider your position on the team."

The atmosphere is easy, much more comfortable than you through the two of you would ever able to be. He steps behind the three point line, dribbling the ball around his leg while you watch him, trying your hardest to focus on the ball and not his face. Chasing after him, you do your best guarding the almost head taller man. It doesn't work, obviously, but both of you laugh at your attempts and that makes you feel a lot better than stopping him would.

He easily makes a point in and you rush in to get the ball. He lets you dribble to the three point line without guarding you, slowly walking to you only once you cross it to make your way towards the basket. As soon as he reaches you, you know you don't stand a chance. You knew he was big, but standing against him now, as he guards you so you don't get to the basket, he is fucking huge. Not only does he hover over you, you also feel like you suddenly grew smaller when he outstretches his hands, easily blocking both sides. You dribble back again, cursing quietly as you try to figure out a way around him.

The only possibility you see is trying to shoot from the three point line, but there is no way you're making that in. With how long it took for you to get the free throw in, a three pointer will seriously take all night — if you'd even manage to get it in then.

Is this how he wins his games? By intimidating his opponents until they run away and settle for the last possible option just to lose the ball? Fucker. An incredibly tall and handsome fucker. You never want to stand on the opposite side of the court against him again.

You try to run around him but he blocks you again, this time stealing the ball from you. He runs behind the line with ease, making his way past you even easier before dunking the ball in, scoring another point for himself. "I don't want to do this," you groan. He chuckles, passing you the ball as a small pay back. But it's no use when you won't be able to shoot anyway.

"Just try, hm? What's the worst that happens?"

"I embarrass myself in front of you," you mutter, not meeting his eyes as you try as he said, dribbling around him.

"In front of me? Who cares what I think," he shakes his head. "Just have fun, Blue. Play around, miss the shots or make them in, lose or win — it doesn't matter." He doesn't stand in your way this time, his eyes following you as you dribble to the basket before shooting your shot once you are close enough to confidently make it in. The shot is clean, the ball falling through the hoop perfectly. "What matters is that you keep that smile on your face and don't worry yourself with anything."

It's easy for him, isn't it? You want to argue that you can't possibly stop worrying about what he'll think of you but you stop yourself in time, realizing just how wrongly that conversation would go. Your best shot today is to just listen to his words and try to enjoy this as much as possible. Even if you do lose at the end.

You never went into this considering you'd win so it should be fine. You can have fun with Mingyu without worrying yourself with anything.

Once you let go, you feel a lot better. Laugh fills your ears — both your own and his — accompanied with the sound of the ball hitting the hoop and bouncing off. You stopped playing for points a long time ago, Mingyu easily scoring ten more points before you could get another one in. But because Kim Mingyu can't be anything if not perfect, he encourages you to keep trying, cheering you on as you keep trying to get around him to shoot. Eventually, you give up on trying to be perfect and just shoot from your spot. The ball won't make it and you know it, but he seems to believe in you a lot more as he turns around to watch the ball go.

Taking your chance, you run past him and catch the ball as it falls short, shooting again once you have the right grip. It's only then that he realizes what you did, rushing to you to stop the ball from going in. But he is too late, and the ball falls into the hoop before he can catch it.

"Yes!!" You yell loudly. "Did you see that?? I figured it out! I outplayed you for real!"

He laughs as he turns to face you, nodding. "I saw that," he assures you. "You did great, Blue."

Your cheeks heat up as soon as your eyes lock with his, his words making your heart do spins for the nth time today. It's incredible how he makes you feel, and how much more you want him to talk to you. He's always been attractive, but now, when you know you enjoy spending time with him as well, you are just so much more interested. It's been a while since you felt like this, and even then your feelings weren't as strong as they are now.

"Let's take a break," he suggests, motioning to the bench you laid your jacket on before. "I've got water in my bag, you should hydrate yourself." You nod, unable to argue as you follow him to the bench. Taking a seat on the edge, you watch him reach into his backpack, handing you his water bottle. You take a long sip before handing it back to him, prompting him to do the same.

You lean back in your seat, looking up at the night sky. The stars are much clearer from here than Seoul. Taking a seat besides you, he rests the bottle of water between you in case you want to drink again, following your line of sight.

"How come you didn't go drinking with them?" You wonder out loud.

It stays quiet for a second so you glance his way, finding him looking up at the sky. "Didn't feel like it," he shrugs when he feels your eyes on him. "I wanted to practice more and coach said there was a court nearby, so I found this." You hum back. "Why didn't you? I'm sure they asked you to join."

"Yeah, but I didn't want to get drunk in front of them," you explain. "Jake kept texting me to come join them after all but it didn't feel right." It didn't feel right to get drunk and confess my feelings to you, but you don't finish that sentence. After all, not going ended up being the better option. When else would you get a chance to play basketball with him?

"Jake is nice," he hums.

"Yeah," you agree, trying not to sound too confused. "He is great."

"How long have you been together?" Mingyu wonders next and you almost choke on your saliva.

"What??" His eyes shoot to you when he hears you coughing, quickly patting your back in an attempt to help. "We aren't together," you correct him as soon as you can breathe properly again. "We are friends. Just friends."

"Oh?" He blinks, a little confused. "I thought you guys— never mind."

"You thought we what? Does it look like we are together? God, do people seriously think that?" You groan and his lips curve up at your panic.

"No," he shakes his head. "I guess it was just me who thought so," a soft, almost disbelieving, chuckle leaves his lips. The realization slowly settles in, all the interactions he's seen you have with his teammates — the jokes and conversations — making much more sense now.

A beat of silence passes by as the two of you sit under the moonlight, watching the night sky together. "Can I ask something?" You break the quiet, too nervous to even look at him.

His eyes rest on you though, wondering what you're thinking about. "You just did," he teases, trying to ease the situation when he sees how anxious you seem. It doesn't help at all. You fidget with your fingers, trying to find the right words as your eyes fall down to your lap. Mingyu's eyes follow yours, his brows furrowing when he sees you playing with your nails. "Ask me away, Blue."

You're suddenly rethinking everything you did today; how you look, how you acted, how you played, even how you're sitting right now. Putting yourself out there is your least favorite thing. You usually don't mind having attention on yourself, at least not to the point where it would actually influence your behavior. But as you sit here now, wondering what goes inside Mingyu's head when he looks at you, you feel like throwing up as soon as the words leave your lips. "Why do you never talk to me?"

"What do you mean?" He tilts his head.

You still don't meet his eyes, staring holes into your thighs. "Like— the team talks with me after games or whatever but we barely say hi to each other," you quickly blurt out, unsure if he can even understand you. He sighs and you finally look up. "Is it because of Jungkook?"

"Jungkook?" His frown deepens. "What does he have to do with anything?"

"Is he not—" you stop yourself from finishing the sentence, cursing yourself mentally as you gaze into his confused eyes. Jungkook has nothing to do with it. He never had anything to do with it. You're not sure if that makes you feel better or worse. Why has he been avoiding you like the plague then?

"I didn't mean to avoid you," he assures you, his gaze dropping to your fingers again. You are still playing with them, but it's gotten better now. "To be honest, I didn't even think you noticed we weren't talking."

"I did," you mumble. "I wanted to talk to you."

"You did?" He questions and your cheeks heat up, nervousness washing over you again.

"You are part of the team and others talk to me so I just—" you quickly try to excuse it, hoping he doesn't notice how red your ears are. "I didn't want anything to be awkward between us, so I wanted to get to know you as well."

He chuckles, nodding. "I'm sorry I made you feel like it was ever awkward between us." His eyes soften as he looks at you, all your previous interactions crossing his mind. He understands why you could think he didn't want to talk to you or that he feels indifferent towards you, but that was never his intention. "I never had anything against you — actually I always thought you were pretty damn cool based on how the guys talk about you — but I didn't want to overstep because I thought you were with Jake and it could make him uncomfortable."

"I'm not with Jake," you remind him again.

He laughs, "Yes, I know that now."

"Okay, good. Just remember that."

"I will," he shakes his head in amusement, a smile on his face as he takes the sight of you in again — no longer fidgeting with your fingers and wearing a smile on your face.

He likes you like this much more. You are pretty when you are happy.

By the time you came back to your room last night, it was already midnight. You'd love to blame it all on Mingyu, but you didn't want to leave either. The longer you could spend time with him, the happier you were. The two of you played again — and this time he actually allowed you the advantage of eight points — betting on who'd reach ten points first. You lost, obviously.

You probably should have been sad you lost, but somehow, you were glad. Because losing and having to keep your word that the winner gets a wish, means you'll have to talk to him again. It means you'll have an excuse to talk to him and get to know him further. The fact you need to fulfill his wish is just a minor disadvantage.

The two of you walked back together, chatting about anything and everything that came to mind. You're not sure how much he remembers, but you told him a lot about yourself and he did the same in return, the questions you've always had for him slowly disappearing just for new ones to appear with every answer. You think it's safe to say you're interested him.

You're not sure when Jake came back to the hotel room, but it was long after you were already asleep. Luckily, he didn't throw up or anything, keeping his promise, but he still ended up hung over in the morning, whining your ears off.

"Is there anyone sober?" Your dad complains. "I don't have players to play with if you guys don't do something about yourself right about," he looks at the watch on his hand to add to his point, "now."

"We are all pretty much sobered up," Seungcheol argues. "My head does hurt though."

You laugh quietly as your dad contemplates his choices to be their coach. "Coach, me and Vernon stopped drinking before midnight, we are good to play."

"I also feel good," Riki pipes up.

"Nishimura, you'll see my daughter married before you play on the court," your dad deadpans and your eyes widen, unsure if you should question what he means by that or laugh at your friends misery.

"I didn't drink anything last night, coach," Mingyu joins the conversation and your eyes find him immediately. He stands with his hands in his pockets, dressed in comfortable gray shorts and a black graphic shirt, sunglasses sitting firmly on top of his head. Have you mentioned yet how attractive he is? Because if not, maybe you should get your laptop and start writing a book about it.

"Exactly why you're my favorite player," your dad snaps his fingers, visibly excited. "We can work with this. Okay, whoever can drive will drive, we'll stop at a gas station and everyone will try to sober up as best as they can. Only if I know no one will want to test you for alcohol is when I let you guys on the court."

A loud, "Yes, coach!" is heard from everyone, making you blink in surprise while Seojin besides you looks pleased, expecting nothing less from their team. When you see the look in his eyes, your eyes soften, a small smile tugging at your lips.

You settle yourself in the passenger seat of your dad's car, Jake and Riki right behind you again. You watch as Mingyu gets into his car, Seungcheol right behind him. Seojin drives Seungcheol's car this time, taking in Jeonghan and Heeseung, while Seungkwan drives Joshua and Hansol in Joshua's car. Every part of you wants to switch with Seungcheol and sit besides Mingyu, watch him drive and talk with him the entire ride, but there's no way you'd be able to do that with your dad around.

Fastening your seatbelt with a heavy sigh, you bring the attention of all three to yourself. Quickly shaking your head when you notice them, you brush them off, claiming you just sighed because you feel tired. As soon as your dad hums and focuses on the road again, you send Dae a quick text about how you'll need to talk with her about Mingyu when you come back before switching chats to the one with Bora you started last night, asking her to wait for you in front of the stadium when she arrives.

Jumping out of the car as soon as it comes to a stop, you join the guys, planning to buy yourself coffee and your dad a soda per his request. You swear it's not on purpose, that you have nothing to do with it, but as you walk you find yourself by Mingyu's side, the two of you trailing together at the very back.

"Hi," you smile up at him. His smile is gentle as he greets you back, his chocolate eyes finding yours with ease. You love his eyes. "Did you sleep well?"

"Surprisingly fell asleep shortly after showering," he nods. "The guys were a mess when they came back, though. Shua and Hee were singing for the entire floor to hear before Hansol and I shut the up." You chuckle at the imagine in your head. You'd love to see that as well. "It was little after three when they got back but they fell asleep as soon as their faces hit the bed so it wasn't too bad."

"How are they even functioning right now?" you ask, more curiously than judging them. Even though, considering the situation, you do hate it on behalf of your dad. Despite them winning the yesterday's game, they still need to do their best today, which is not something that can happen with half of his players under the influence. If anyone finds out, they could be in serious trouble.

"They are used to it," he shrugs. "Not to say they are alcoholics, but it's not the first time celebrations were like this."

"Do you usually no drink with them?"

"Oh no," Mingyu laughs as you enter the store together. "I drink with them way more than not. I just wasn't in the mood last night. And, to be honest, I did not want to risk having alcohol in my system for today's game. I want to be at my best today."

"When are you not at your best?" You mumble, taking a turn to the right immediately to browse the drinks they offer. Mingyu blinks at you curiously, your words repeating in his head. There are a lot of moments he could answer with, but he likes the fact you believe in him so much to think he does no wrong. If anything, it's a great motivation.

"Hand it to me," Mingyu encourages when you reach the counter to pay. You look up at him, eyebrows furrow in confusion as you hold the bottle of coke for your dad. You give it to him hesitantly, watching as he hands it to the worker for her to add it to his bill.

Your eyes widen immediately, "Wait, Mingyu, no, I'm buying that."

"It's fine. Did you want anything else?"

"Mingyu," you shake your head. "Stop buying me stuff every time we stop somewhere," you try your best to sound convincing, but by the lazy scoff that leaves his lips, you don't think you managed anything. "Can you please take it off? I'll pay for it myself. And I'll also get a latte please."

"Add the coffee as well. How much is the total?" Mingyu smiles innocently at the girl behind the counter. He really is no good for you. While you want to keep arguing with him, fight him that there is no reason for him to buy you drinks, the tingly feeling in your chest when he does stops you.

"Mingyu," you try once more.

His gaze drops to you, his smile widening. "Yes, Blue? Just accept the offer when I'm making it, okay? You can buy next time." You both know next time will look the same, that he'll fight you for paying again, but neither of you say anything about it. You sigh in defeat, nodding when the cashier asks you if she should ring him up with your drinks on as well.

"I think you misunderstood the terms of our bet," you mumble as you walk outside again, sipping on your coffee. "Since you won, I'm supposed to fulfill your wish. Not the other way around. There is no reason for you to be doing this."

Mingyu shrugs, not a single care in the world. "I know what we bet on. Trust me, I'll use my wish well when I figure out what I want. But for now, I'm simply bribing my coach by buying him and his daughter a drink."

"So this is what it's about?" You fake gasps and he nods, biting back a smile. "What would happen if he found out you're using me like this? Your good boy image would fall off."

"I don't need a good boy image when I am in fact a good boy," he sends you a wink that makes you feel like your heart will jump out of your chest before sending you off with a grin on his face, getting back to his car.

Kim Mingyu is so terrible for your health.

He is also, apparently, a good boy.

♡⸝⸝♡⸝⸝

Your eyes land on Bora's figure as soon as you step out of the car. You're not the only one looking at her, though. Watching as Seungkwan takes the sight of your friend in with a smile on his face, you have to smile too. They might not know what awaits them in the future, but you can already seem them getting together and being happy. Seungkwan deserves this, and you root for him with everything you have.

"We'll go in first," you wave at your dad, locking arms with the brown haired girl waiting for you. "Let's pick good seats."

"Let's go," Bora nods eagerly.

You tell her about the guys' celebration yesterday and how your dad was pretty annoyed in the morning, not knowing who to send on the court without risking a penalty for a player under the influence. You leave out the fact Mingyu was the only one not drinking because he was with you, shrugging and saying that he probably just didn't feel like drinking when she asks. There is a somehow proud smile on her lips when you tell her that Seungkwan is one of the players ready to play today, making you roll your eyes. She's super obvious.

A part of you wonders if you look the same when you think or hear about Mingyu. If you wear a similarly adorable smile without even realizing. While you have a feeling you do, you hope it's not like this in your case. Because if it is, everyone probably knows what goes on in your head, and that's not something you want.

You find seats in first row this time. It's not that huge of a change from yesterday's game, but it still feels like you are a lot closer to the players. Your dad and his assistant coach are the first ones to appear on the court, quickly finding your seats before settling at their own bench.

"I saw this video last night, I wanted to show it to you, wait," Bora says as she opens her phone quickly, easily getting your full attention again. There is forty minutes until the official start of the match, and you spend the entire time talking with her, barely noticing other people come in and occupy the seats around you. You talk about things you have in common, what interests you, and she also tells you about her family and how she's been into the sport her whole life thanks to her brother. Explaining how you grew up around basketball thanks to your family as well, you bond over your experience all over again. You're convinced you'll keep this girl in your life as long as you can, and you just hope she feels the same about you.

The starting five is different this time, just like you assumed when you saw how Seungcheol was doing. You've seen worse before, but with how tired he seems and how he's been complaining about his head hurting, it makes sense for your dad to swap him out. What you didn't expect was for Jeonghan to be sitting this time as well. He looked fine to you, but who knows what your dad was thinking.

Mingyu, Seungkwan, Hansol, Heeseung and Jake all come onto the court along with five players from the opponent's team, Mingyu taking his place in the middle circle instantly, getting ready for the jump ball. With his tall figure, it's only natural for him to be doing it. Despite other players often being around his height as well, his jump ability gives him the needed advantage. You watch him from your seat, looking forward to the play he shows today.

Waiting for the referee to take position as well, Mingyu takes his time scanning the crowd. He looks at all of their fans, noticing the red color in the audience a lot more than the opponent's green. You matched color to his team today as well. Your jeans are black, the same ones you wore to the game last night, and your shirt red. It's not a bad look, the opposite actually, but it's not blue.

"On three." Mingyu snaps out of it, his eyes immediately flickering to the referee besides him. Nodding, he gets ready, briefly looking at his opponent before focusing his attention on the ball. He doesn't hear the count anymore, only jumping once he sees the ball being tossed in the air. His opponent is shorter than him this time but it doesn't stop him from jumping as high as he can, stealing the ball into his side. He hears your cheers from the side but he doesn't have the time to look, instantly running forward so they can score the first basket.

Becoming friends with a guy you've liked for around a year is not for the weak. It seems like the dumbest thing ever when you think about it, but that doesn't change the fact your heart skips a beat at any and every mention of him.

It was a follow at first. Once you told Dae about your weekend and how you played basketball with him late at night, she immediately encouraged you into messaging him, claiming you should strike the pot while it's still hot. You didn't have the nerve to text him yet, but you sent him a follow, one he returned in the span of a minute. Deep down you know it doesn't mean anything, but at the moment, when the following turned into friends, you couldn't be more excited.

You exchanged simple likes after, a smile on your face every time you'd watch the stories he'd post. It's mostly pics from the trainings or his friends, but a picture of him in the gym occasionally pops up and you're down bad for him again. Even with his forehead full of sweat and tired eyes, he is just as attractive as ever.

Mingyu can't give you a moment to rest, though. So as soon as you started getting used to his notification popping out every time you'd post something — because he apparently is the nicest person on earth and likes everything he sees — he found a new way to get you jumping up from your seat. After posting a picture of you and one of the little girls you met at your internship, holding the drawing she made for you, he popped into your messages for the first time, asking about it.

You spent the next two hours on the phone with him, talking about your internship and all the kids you've got to teach so far, as well as some other things you've manage to learn thanks to your classes. To your surprise, you don't feel nervous at all talking to him. Maybe it's because of the topic, or how excited you always get when someone asks you about teaching. He is eager with his follow up questions as well, reassuring you he truly cares every time he interrupts you to ask something that caught his attention.

When he interrupted your texting by calling you the first time, you almost didn't pick up at time, but the more you talk to him, the more at ease you feel. If you could pick one thing you like the most about him, it would be how important he makes you feel every time.

You stayed on the phone with him until he made it to the sport hall, hanging up only because he needed to change and start training.

Ever since then, the two of you somehow managed to turn your calls into something normal, usually at least texting a few times during the day if you weren't calling later. If someone told you just a month ago that you'd be talking to Mingyu on the daily, you wouldn't believe them. It's something you once dreamed of, so having it now still feels out of this world.

Smiling as you send him a quick message, laughing at the picture he sent of his spilled coffee. Turns out, Mingyu is the clumsiest person you know, stuff like these happening to him on the daily. From spilling drinks, to breaking stuff or bumping into things. You're honestly surprised he is still alive at this point.

He sends you a pouty selfie right after seeing your laughing emoji, your grin only widening. "That's a boy!" Your eyes widen and you immediately turn your phone off, turning around to see Jiho, one of the loudest kids you look after.

"A boy?" Jia peers up instantly, blinking at you curiously. She's adorable, every part of you wanting to tell her all about the boy in your phone when you meet her big brown eyes.

"A boy," you nod. "Just like Jiho is a boy, and like Sunghoon is a boy."

"No!" Jiho argues quickly. "That was a grown boy! Like my dad!" You know he probably doesn't mean it that way, but thinking about how he just compared his dad, who is in his late thirties, to your Mingyu, makes you laugh.

Your Mingyu. You like thinking about him that way.

Before you can blink, a small group of kids surrounds you, all of them looking at you as if you just introduced them something foreign. Awkwardly smiling at them, you search for your supervisor, begging her with your eyes to come and help you out. She just smiles at you from across the room, leaning against the wall in amusement. Taking a deep breath, you prepare yourself for the wave of questions about to come.

"Was that your husband?"

"I don't have a husband," you shake your head quickly, raising your left hand to show off that it's empty. "See this finger? What do we call this finger?"

"The ring finger!" Jooyoung yells immediately.

"Exactly!" You grin happily, proud of her for getting it right. "And since there isn't a ring on this finger, it means I don't have a husband."

"Then it's a boyfriend, right? My sister says she needs a boyfriend all the time!"

"The boy Jiho saw isn't my boyfriend either," you answer her question, trying not to get swayed by the idea. "He is a friend of mine. He is nice to me, which is why I like him so much and talk to him. You guys remember how we talked about friendships last week, right?"

Everyone around nods and you do as well. "Great. Can anyone tell me what a friendship is?"

"When two people share their toys together!"

"When we play together!"

"When we are nice to each other!"

"Yes, yes, precisely," you agree. "So how about you all gather your friends, and go play with them?" It works better than you expected. All the kids glance at each other before running off with a laugh, making you breathe out in relief. You're glad you managed to get out of it so easily.

"That was great," your supervisor, Mrs. Choi, says as she joins your side. Looking up at her from your chair, you offer her a brief smile as well. "You took care of it well."

"I'm sorry for being on my phone while working," you lower your head again with an apology. Truth is though, you don't regret it. You never regret texting Mingyu and learning what he's doing.

"At least say it like you mean it," she scoffs playfully, pulling out a chair besides you and sitting down. "It's okay if you answer some texts when you're not busy, just please don't let it distract you to the point you aren't paying attention to the children."

"I won't," you promise instantly. "It could have waited and that was my fault."

She shakes her head, brushing you off. "Back when I was your age, I also couldn't wait to answer the phone when a boy I liked texted me. And look at me now, I'm still doing the job and I married him," she points to her ring finger. "So believe me when I say I'm okay with you being on your phone from time to time."

"It's not like that," you try to argue, but by the knowing smile she wears you don't think she believes you. To be fair, you don't believe yourself either. Talking to him every day, constantly texting and laughing at things together, it's impossible not to hope for something more. It's incredibly easy to love Kim Mingyu.

"Darling, eyes are the one and only thing that doesn't lie."

♡⸝⸝♡⸝⸝

"Blue."

You're fully convinced you'd recognize his voice anywhere. Looking up, your eyes widen when they meet the chocolate ones you fall in love with every day more and more. "Mingyu?" You blink confusedly, standing up and dusting your jeans off. Glancing at the kids — who are watching you curiously instead of focusing on their drawings — you debate what the right move here is. "What are you doing here?"

"That's him!" You hear Jiho exclaim, quickly grabbing Mingyu's sleeve and pulling him with your outside.

"Woah, woah, ask me out to a dinner first," he laughs but still follows you voluntarily. You don't answer him, not stopping until you are far away from everyone.

"What are you doing here?" You repeat your question, slowly letting go of him.

His eyes briefly fall to the piece of fabric you were holding until now, a move you notice and only makes you more confused. "I texted you but I don't think you saw my messages," he meets your eyes again, an easy going smile on his face as he fixes the gym back hanging on his shoulder.

Pulling out your phone from your pocket, you scan the new messages truly waiting for you. He asked when you finish and if you want to go home together, as well as sending you updates on his position so you know when to expect him. "Shoot," you mutter, apology written all across your face as you look up. He simply shakes his head, assuring you it's okay. "I'm sorry I didn't answer and you walked all the way here for nothing," you frown. "I have another hour left until I can leave."

"I can wait," he shrugs. "I don't mind."

"But—"

Mrs. Choi calling your name interrupts you and you peek over Mingyu's side to see her, quickly apologizing to her for rushing out like that. "It's okay," she shakes her head, a calming sign you saw from Mingyu just seconds ago. "Who may this gentleman be?"

"Kim Mingyu," he introduces himself with a grin, extending his hand forward for her to shake. She gladly does, the knowing smile of hers making you close your eyes in regret. "I'm sorry for interrupting like this. I thought I'd come by and walk her home."

"Oh, please, come inside," she encourages him and your eyes widen. Inside? You can't leave right now, she knows that as well. The kindergarten is opened until three and you just promised the kids you'll draw with them. "I can make you a cup of coffee and you can wait comfortably there. No need to wait outside."

"Mrs. Choi—"

She completely ignores you, nudging Mingyu in while talking about how grateful she is to have you here and is glad you won't have to go home alone. You sigh, watching their backs as they disappear in the door. This could go terrible. You do feel bad about keeping him waiting for you, but you also can't stop thinking about the fact he decided to come here and pick you up, not even batting an eye when he found out he has to wait an hour if he wants to go with you.

With your cheeks flushed and heart beating out of your chest, you quickly fix your hair before following the two of them back inside.

Mingyu is crouching down at the same spot you were when he showed up, a smile on his face and a pencil in hand as he helps Jooyoung draw on her paper. It's not the first time your body has reacted to Mingyu, but it certainly is the first time your ovaries are dancing this much, all because he is doing the same thing you love the most — teaching.

Good God.

"What are you guys doing?" You ask softly, your eyes flickering between the drawing and Mingyu as you gently pat Jooyoung's hair, your other hand resting on Gyu's back instinctively.

"This kind sir is helping me draw a flower," she explains and you laugh when his shoulder's tense at the name.

"Call me Mingyu, hm?" He smiles at her before shooting you a look for laughing at him.

"Mingyu sir," Sujin besides her smiles.

A snicker escapes your lips and you quickly hide your face behind your palms. "Looks like you are getting old, Mingyu sir," you tease, unable to stop laughing.

"Oh yeah?" He taunts, dropping the pencil in his hand on the table and pushing himself up, instantly towering over you. "I'm getting old? Aren't you little daring, miss?" He leans down, his face only inches from yours. It's hot. Is it only you who feels hot right now? Swallowing, you open your mouth in an attempt to answer, but no words leave your lips.

"Ew! Mrs. Choi, they are about to kiss!"

You've never taken a step back as fast as now, forcing more space between you when you hear the complain. You were not just about to kiss him. Definitely not. Just like you definitely aren't staring at his lips, and how it definitely isn't distracting you to the point you don't know where you're putting your foot. Your eyes widen as you step on something, losing your balance.

Fortunately, you don't hit the ground like you expect to. A strong arm wraps around your waist, catching you just in time. He looks panicked, his cheeks flushed and eyes wide as he stops you from falling. Exhaling in relief, he helps you stand on both of your feet again, ignoring all the groans and complains coming from the kids. "You okay?"

"Yeah," you breathe out, trying to blink out of the shock and look anywhere but at him. "Thank you."

"I got you," he smiles again, slowly letting his hand fall back to his side.

You clear your throat, clasping your hands together as you look around the room, refusing to meet eyes with your supervisor, knowing exactly how she's looking at you right now. "Alright, guys! Who wants to have Mingyu give them a piggyback ride around the room?"

Mingyu stares ahead confusedly, wondering if he's heard you right. But when he looks at you and sees the smile on your face as you encourage the first kid to come forward, he can't complain about anything.

It's probably the most you've laughed in a while. Watching Mingyu get dragged around the room, all of the kids wanting to play with him, has you absolutely head over heels. It's adorable, he's adorable. Grinning at you every chance he gets, seemingly proud of how well he is doing, you fall for him again. You're sure a lot of the kids feel the same, refusing to let go of him even when their parents come pick them up. They only let go once he promises to play with them even more next time, and while deep down you know there won't be a next time, his words manage to spark hope in you as well.

"Thank you so much for today," Mrs. Choi smiles at Mingyu warmly, handing him back his sports bag. "The kids really loved spending time with you."

"I'm glad to not have been a burden," he smiles before glancing at you. "It was nice learning what it's like to take care of a group of children like this."

"Hopefully it's not the last time we are seeing you here."

"I hope so too," he nods and you bite back your smile, trying not to show how excited that makes you. "Let's get you home?" He tilts his head and you nod, unable to meet his eyes as you grab the rest of your stuff and say your goodbyes to Mrs. Choi, following him out.

You walk side by side, your hands sometimes brushing each other on the way. Neither of you pulls away though. You try to convince yourself it doesn't mean anything and that he probably doesn't even notice the electricity his touch sends through your body, but it's hard to believe it's all just coincidence. He has to feel something too, right? You don't want to get your hopes up, that's the last thing you'd want, but why would he be doing all this if it was only meant to lead you on?

"You really didn't have to wait for me," you mumble, your voice barely loud enough for him to hear. "I could have just called you once I was done or something. You didn't have to walk me."

"I wanted to," he states casually. "It doesn't bother me at all, Blue," he assures you when he sees the look in your eyes. "I wanted to walk with you so I did what I could to walk with you. Don't even think for a second that you are bothering me or anything like that."

He shuts you up immediately, your lips forming a straight line as you look down at the ground beneath your feet. How does he manage to mess with your head so easily? "You're too good to me," you whisper.

Shaking his head, he allows himself to lace his fingers with yours, careful not to freak you out. Your head shoots up immediately, your eyes finding his in surprise. "If there is anyone too good for someone, it's you, Blue." His eyes drop to your tangled fingers and you do the same. He's holding two of them, his large hands covering them fully. "Who else would sit on a call for hours with me and listen to my ramblings?"

You could name girls. You are certain if he wanted to, he could have any girl he wants doing the same. Loving Mingyu is easy for you, so why wouldn't it be for other girls? "Have I ever told you you confuse the hell out of me?" You slowly lift your eyes again, your expression a mix of happiness and fear. You watch something flicker in his eyes, something you can't name at the moment. It makes him drop your hand, though, and that's all you need to know.

Clearing his throat, he averts his eyes from you, "Let's go. I'm sure you have things you need to do instead of just standing here with me."

A part of you wants to argue with him and tell him that you don't care what you are doing as long as you are with him, but then you remember the look in his eyes and decide not to, nodding instead. "Yeah, let's go," you agree, not waiting for him to lead this time and simply stepping forward. It takes him a second to pull himself again but he catches up to you, doing his best to stay calm in the bothersome silence that embraces you afterward.

The walk isn't exactly awkward, but it doesn't feel nice either. You both feel it. While you gently kick the rocks under you, coming in terms with the answer you just got, Mingyu eats himself alive for his earlier reaction. It was far from what he wanted to do, but he can't figure out how to tell you what goes in his head. For now, he'll just have to hope you don't hate him too much after this.

Despite the way your last real interaction with Mingyu went, nothing much has changed. As soon as you closed the door behind you, finally able to breathe alone, you were convinced that was the end of what you managed to build together in the past weeks. You hated the idea of it, of not spending hours on the phone with him anymore and hearing his voice through out the day, or not being able to text him when something would happen, having to deal with it on your own.

But he never stopped interacting with you like before, constantly texting you and calling you at night to talk about your day. It almost made you feel like he didn't reject you back then.

Almost.

But truth is the memory crosses your mind every time the call gets quiet enough, every time you aren't busy focusing on something and your mind gets a moment to think. You still see his eyes clearly, the fear of what your words mean and the instant pull back when he processed it.

At times, you feel like you are losing your mind thinking about all the moments you thought meant something. They didn't, you need to remind yourself. Mingyu is the nicest guy you know, and even though you don't want to blame him, it's because of that that you're left feeling like this. Maybe if he wasn't so nice, if he wasn't so good for you, it wouldn't hurt this much to admit to yourself it isn't happening.

"You need to stop drowning in that pain," Dae's voice makes you snap out of your thoughts. You turn to face her, forcing a smile on and shaking your head gently. "He wasn't all that anyway," she waves her hand, trying to cheer you up. "If you ask me, Seungcheol — who has been flirting with you this whole time mind you — is much better."

You chuckle, your eyes following hers and locking on the very man you are talking about, his jersey sitting on top of a white shirt that hugs his biceps perfectly as he dribbles across the court before passing it to someone you can't see from your place. "It's all jokingly," you remind her. "You should know that the best, hasn't he been flirting with you? Like, actually flirting."

Her cheeks catch the color red and you already know the answer. "That's jokingly as well," she tries to brush you off. Raising an eyebrow at her, you eye her up and down. "Come on, you know him better than I do. Shouldn't you know he flirts with everyone? I don't need that."

"I do know that," you shrug. "But I still think he flirts a tiny bit more with you. Who knows, maybe if you gave him a shot, the two of you could have something great."

"Sure," she rolls her eyes at you. "Just like—" she stops herself before finishing the sentence, swallowing the rest of her words.

"Just like what?"

"Nothing," she blurts out quickly.

Narrowing your eyes at her suspiciously, you try to see through her. "Were you just going to mention my failed….whatever with Mingyu?"

"No!" She argues.

"You were!"

"I wasn't!" She raises her hands in the air, shaking her head so hard you think it'll cramp soon. "I was just, you know, talking faster than I think. I don't know what I was going to say."

"Sure," you sigh. It's okay if she was going to mention it. She'd only be voicing what you've been thinking anyway.

"Do you want to watch the game? It doesn't look like anyone will come anytime soon so let's just step out for a moment," she suggests, wanting to make you feel better. You hum, standing up from your place and following her out of the stand, settling at the entrance. You see the entire court now instead of just half of it, your eyes quickly scanning the score board before dropping to the players.

They are doing amazing as always. The score is sitting at 64:61, but you have no doubt they'll win. They are your favorite team after all. No matter what happened or still awaits you, your cheers for them won't change. You've been their fan all throughout last year while crushing on Mingyu as well, so why wouldn't you be now?

You watch the exact moment Hansol and Seungkwan get into it, running faster than before and getting past all the blockers with ease. Passing the ball around until they make it under the opponent's basket, it's all perfect. Cheering loudly, you watch as Seungkwan jumps in the air, the ball leaving his fingertips precisely. The ball makes it into the hoop, the score board switching to 66:61 in a second.

It's time to go into defense, but thankfully the guys don't lack there either. Hansol gets to work again instantly, doing his best not to let them get past him. Getting in the player's way, he blocks him until he steps out of the line, the referee's whistle ringing in your ears immediately.

There aren't many referee signs you remember, but the ball going out of the bounds is one of them. He points towards the sideline that was crossed, pointing out the violation of rule eight. Your dad tried to teach you these signs before, but all you ended up remembering was this one and the one for a player taking steps without dribbling. It wasn't like you necessary needed to know them when you were still playing.

Just like that, the ball goes to the Knights again, allowing them the opportunity to make another great play.

Dae besides you cheers when Seungcheol gets the ball, yelling tactics at his team. They are making Mingyu score. You've seen your dad planning enough to know what his words mean. So while the opponents might be confused on what their next move is, you know exactly who the ball is going to.

Seungcheol makes a low pass to Mingyu, who jumps without any hesitance, aiming at the basket before shooting the ball out of his hands, landing on the three point line again. You watch as the ball spins on the hoop, knowing exactly how to make the entire crowd tense. The whole court is silent as they wait if the ball makes it in or bounces off, until a loud cheer erupts in your ears again as the Knights gain three more points.

You watch Mingyu jog to the other side of the court quickly, getting ready to defend. His eyes find you briefly, but you quickly break eye contact, turning around on your heel and excusing yourself so you can go to the toilet. Dae doesn't question you at all, her eyes still glued to the game as you leave to the back.

Despite your heart aching when you look at him, you are still his biggest fan. You think you'll be for a while. Unless he plans to break your heart entirely.

♡⸝⸝♡⸝⸝

Just like you thought they would, the guys won tonight. Celebrations were hard, especially on you with the amount of people needing a drink. But you managed, and an hour after the game finished, you are finally cleaning up.

"What about these?" You ask your dad, holding up the knifes and paper towels left here. There aren't any home games planned for the time being, so there is no need to be leaving your things here.

"Take them to our changing room, there is a box in the back for towels and things like this." Humming, you let him wash the counter as you walk around him, heading straight for the changing rooms. The men's changing room is still where it was when you grew up, remaining the only changing room dedicated to the team. Other teams usually just take whatever room is free when they arrive, including your children teams.

You stop right in front of the door, unable to walk inside when you hear the familiar voice. You don't know if they are changing at the moment or not, but you aren't risking it. Taking a step to the side, you settle besides the door, waiting for the guys to finish before you go put this away.

"Bora is amazing," you hear Seungkwan tell the guys and your lips immediately turn up into a smile. From what you know, they've been talking lately, and you love that they are getting along. The only other pair you need now is Dae and Seungcheol, but that might need a lot more effort than Bora and Kwan did. "She couldn't make it today but I can't wait to see her again next week at the ball."

"Are you two going together?" Seokmin question, the grin on his face obvious in his tone.

"Yeah," Seungkwan answers sheepishly and you cheer internally. You're just as happy to have Bora on the ball as he is. It's something you've been looking forward to for a while.

"What about you?" Jeonghan is asking this time. "Are you coming with Blue or are you both going on your own?"

"Don't call her Blue," Mingyu grumbles immediately. You suddenly feel like you are invading their space. You should go. You should go and act like you never heard anything.

Your feet don't move, though. Despite your head telling you to go, you stay glued in place, unable to leave. "Someone is possessive again," Seungcheol laughs.

"I'm not," Mingyu argues, clearly annoyed. "And she's going with coach, I think. We didn't talk about it."

"Why not?" Seokmin wonders. "You should just ask her to come with you. We all know you'll be together all night anyway. Ever since you started talking to her, you have been unable to be with anyone else."

"You're acting as if you mind," Joshua scoffs. "All his girls are falling at your feet now."

"I know! It's great!"

You should really leave. You aren't supposed to be a part of this conversation. If they knew you are outside the door, they wouldn't be talking like this.

"I don't get why you don't make it official," Jake shakes his head. "It's clear you like her, and we both know she likes you as well, so why are you hesitating so much?"

"Is it because of coach?" Riki adds another question.

"It's not like that," Mingyu finally huffs, the sound of a locker being slammed shut following right after. "We aren't like that. We are friends. That's all there is. We both feel that way, so can you stop saying things like this?" You swallow as you listen to his voice, the last bit of hope you have searching for any sign of him lying as he speaks. "Even if anything you guys think we have going on was true — which it's not — it's not like we'd ever be anything. We have a championship to win. I have a clear goal I need to reach. I can't have anything holding me back. Especially not my coach's daughter."

There goes the last bit of hope you had. It leaves out the window, your eyes closing shut as you take a deep breath. If his answer weeks ago wasn't enough for you, this certainly is. There is nothing between you and Mingyu. Never was and never will be. You are friends at best. Even though you aren't sure if you want that after tonight.

"What are you doing here?" Dae tilts her head confusedly and you finally push yourself forward, quickly walking to her.

"Can you put this inside?" You hand her all the stuff you are holding, only confusing her further. "There should be a box or something in the back. Or maybe the guys know if you ask them." Your eyes flicker all over her, unable to stay focused on one thing for too long. "I'm going back to the stand to check if we got everything and then leave, okay? I'll see you next Saturday at the ball."

"Wait—" She turns after you as you rush off, blinking into the empty space as your back disappears from her sight. You feel sorry for leaving so abruptly, but you need to get home and into your bed. You need to get as far away from Mingyu as you possibly can and do something with yourself so you can act like you didn't just overhear their entire conversation.

"Are you sure you want to be getting ready with me?" You ask again, eyeing Bora from your bed. "Aren't you going with Seungkwan?"

She brushes you off, "I told him we'll meet there. There is no need for us to come together, anyway. And, I want to get ready with you. Do you know how long it's been since I last went out with a girl who wasn't fucking my brother?" You shake your head at her, standing up to help her grab her things. "But if you think fucking my brother might help you stop looking so gloomy all the time, I'm pretty sure he is single at the moment."

"No, thanks," you laugh, hanging her dress on the open door of your room. "But if Seungcheol doesn't dance with Dae the entire night, offer it to her. She'll need it."

"I thought you said she doesn't expect anything out of it?"

"She says she doesn't," you correct. "But I know better than anyone she hopes he asks her out instead of just flirting with her all the time, trust me." Bora sighs, plopping down on your bed. "Don't give me those pitiful eyes," you warn her.

"How can I not? If you didn't want me to hate his guts, you shouldn't have told me what was happening with you and Mingyu. He's an ass!"

"He isn't," you roll your eyes. "I get him, really. It's fine. I never expected anything out of it in the first place."

"Liar," she calls you out. "I saw you when you were telling me about how he makes you feel. Which is even more of a reason for you to be mad at him. You can't just excuse him and act like what he said wasn't terrible. Who does he even think he is?" she huffs and you chuckle, shaking your head.

"Feel free to hate him all you want while I go take a shower, but I hope we aren't still talking about this when I come back so we can start getting ready."

"Yes, ma'am," she salutes, both of you laughing as you leave your bedroom to go to the bathroom at the other side of the hall.

As you stand in front of your mirror, Bora beside you, you feel happy for the first time in the last week. You feel pretty. Your hair falling in soft waves thanks to her help and your brown dress hugging your curves perfectly, you aren't his Blue tonight. You are just you. Your makeup turned out well as well, and you truly couldn't be more excited tonight.

Your cat, Snowy, seems to think the same as he rubs his head against your feet, all loving. You smile as you look at him before checking yourself again, making sure everything is perfect.

While deep down you don't think you look too different from your usual self, Bora certainly does. You are used to her hair being up and her clothes being sporty, so seeing her hair fall down the length of her arms and her body hugged by her purple dress is a blow. You already know Seungkwan will be falling to his knees when he sees her. She is perfect.

"Girls! Let's go!" Your dad calls from downstairs just in time. Bora nudges your side, picking her purse from your desk. You do the same, quickly collecting your phone and wallet before heading with her down. Your dad is already waiting at the door, a smile on his face as he watches you walk the stairs with your friend.

You know organizing this ball with the rest of the staff was hard, so it's nice to see him so happy now. Grabbing your jacket from the hanger, you pull it over your shoulders. "Let's go," you encourage with a smile.

It's not too far from your home, so you all walk together, enjoying the fresh air. The walk back will be perfect for sobering up. You can't wait to get drunk tonight. To be honest, you've been needing it. You need to get some alcohol into your system and enjoy your night freely without wondering what Mingyu is doing or who he's dancing with.

You avoided his calls all week and only answered his messages briefly, so you are hoping to keep that up tonight as well and have fun without him. It'd be great if he'd only leave your head fully and you wouldn't be thinking about him all the time.

You swear you don't do it on purpose. One second you are focused on something and your head is empty, but then you breathe again and he is everywhere, annoying every inch of your mind. No matter where you look, you see him. One night without drowning in pain is all you ask for tonight.

Giving the worker in the dressing room your jacket, you step aside as soon as you are done, waiting for Bora and your dad. You take a look around in the meantime, admiring the decoration. Everything is in the team colors, and it looks amazing with the lights. Red and black line the walls, balloons attached anywhere they could put them and the music from the main hall playing in your ears even out here.

"It looks awesome!" Bora exclaims as soon as you are all together again.

"It truly is," you agree. "You guys did a great job with the decorations."

"It was all the club president," your dad shakes his head. "He made this all happen. I don't think we would have been able to restore this tradition without him."

You can't remember when the last ball organized by the basketball club happened. It was definitely when you were still little, barely paying attention to these things. You are glad they decided to start planning events like these again. You'll have to praise the president for his hard work when you see him later.

"Let's find out table," your dad encourages.

Nodding, both of you follow him into the main hall. "And drinks right after," Bora whispers into your ear, making you giggle. Who cares if Mingyu likes you or not when you have your girls you'll be spending tonight with?

You do. You care. You absolutely do. Because as soon as Seungkwan shows up, he steals Bora from you. They both assure you they don't mind hanging out with you — Bora keeps asking you to stay with them on the contrary — but you know when you are being a third wheel. You'll be happy if they just enjoy themselves. You don't need them to keep you occupied.

You find Dae shortly after, linking your arms with her instantly as she leads you towards the bar, offering to buy the first drink. You don't tell her it's already your second one, grinning as she hands you a shot glass. You grimace as the liquid goes down your throat. Dae has a similar expression, settling the glass down on the bar again.

"Let's dance!"

"I'm not drunk enough for that," you shake your head no, making her roll her eyes.

"Just say you want another drink, no need to find excuses."

You giggle softly, "anything but what we just had please."

You stay near the bar with her, talking about anything that comes to mind while drinking together. You're both just mostly complaining about school, the other nodding in understanding. The only difference between your usual hangouts is the music playing in your ears.

"Have you told her yet about the terrible physics assigment we have for next week?" You look up when you hear Jake's voice as he joins Dae's side. She groans at just the mention of it, making you laugh. "What are you guys drinking?" He wonders, looking at the empty glasses in your hands. You were so busy talking you didn't have time to order another one yet.

"Are you buying?" You raise an eyebrow in question.

"No, but I'm sure you guys can just wink at Seungcheol and you'll have your drinks for the rest of the night secured," he smiles. "You both look amazing, by the way."

"Thank you," you and Dae chant in union, smile spreading on your lips. "You don't look too bad yourself," Dae shrugs and he fixes his tuxedo, suppressing his grin.

You shake your head at him, looking around the room to find the rest of his teammates. Seungcheol is standing with Jeonghan and Heeseung in the line, chatting about something as they wait for their turn to order. "Shall we try our luck?" You nudge Dae's shoulder, her eyes following your line of sight.

You leave Jake behind for now, making your way past the crowd to reach your new favorite players. To be fair, you think that'll be anyone who buys you drinks tonight. As long as that someone isn't Kim Mingyu. In that case, the person buying you drinks won't be your favorite. Not that you plan on letting him buy you any tonight either way. The only plan you have for tonight is to keep avoiding him and forget all about the pain you feel when you think about him with alcohol.

Heeseung whistles as soon as the two of you come into his sight, his two older teammates turning around instantly. Jeonghan offers you a warm smile while Seungcheol's eyes take their time taking all of Dae in. You have to fight back the urge to tell her you were absolutely right about him looking at her differently. While Seungcheol is known to be a flirt, getting girls anywhere he goes, there is a difference in the way he looks at them and your friend.

"Let me see a spin," he grins, raising his hands in the air for the two of you to hold and spin under. You brush him off, shaking your head. It makes him roll his eyes, but both of you know it doesn't mean anything. Just like you know it's not actually both of you he wants to see from the back. Dae doesn't give into his tactics either though, blinking at him innocently as she covers her ass with her hands and slowly turns around. All he can see is her hair, but he doesn't seem to mind that either. "Beautiful as always. The both of you."

"Think you can manage to keep it in your pants tonight, Choi?" Your eyes close shut at the familiar voice. You refuse to look his way, but even then you know there is a beautiful man towering over you.

Seungcheol raises his hands in defense, a lazy smile on his lips. "I was just about to buy them a drink. You don't possibly have anything against that, do you?"

There is a moment of silence before Mingyu grumbles a whatever, cutting in line and finding his place behind Heeseung. You don't acknowledge his presence, standing with your back facing him as you ask Seungcheol for a drink. You catch his eyes flickering between you and Mingyu in a question but you ignore it, pulling Dae into the chat instead.

As soon as you get your drink, you leave the group, heading towards Joshua, Seokmin and Jake, who you catch leaning against one of the tables. Dae follows you, leaving the four guys behind. Avoiding Mingyu means having to avoid some of his teammates at times as well, no matter how much you want to hang out with them.

"Your idea worked," you raise your glass for Jake to see, catching his attention as you join their table.

"Didn't even need to show him my ass," Dae smiles, making you chuckle at the memory of her spinning. "I call that a win."

"No idea why we got blessed like this but I'm glad we did," Seokmin grins, ear to ear.

"Where do you have Hansol and Riki? They are the only ones I didn't see yet," you wonder, looking around the place to prove your point.

"I haven't seen Hansol since we came either," Joshua shrugs.

"Who I've seen though," Jake starts, the smirk on his face telling you he knows something, "is Riki."

"He's with a girl, isn't he?" Dae reads right through him and Jake nods as he takes a sip of his drink. "I think I caught a glimpse of him before."

"He started talking to a girl as soon as we arrived. He wanted to dance and it worked. I left him then because I didn't want to third wheel," Jake explains. You immediately reach your hand to him, offering him a fist bump, saying you understand that quite well. "You know you don't need to third wheel tonight, though, right?"

"What do you mean?" You tilt your head, your eyebrow raised.

"I'm pretty sure there is a guy who is dying to talk to you," Jake points somewhere behind you and you turn around, your eyes widening when you see the group you left earlier. They are in the middle of a conversation and somehow, it's you who Mingyu has his eyes set on. Swallowing a lump in your throat, you quickly avert your eyes.

"We should go dance. You still want to dance, right Dae?"

She nods to your question and you look at the guys hopefully, needing to get out of here. "I'm not risking that," Seokmin shakes his head as he looks at you, his eyes flickering to who you can only assume to be Mingyu. "Seungcheol I'll gladly rile up, though. May I?" He extends his hand towards your friend, palm up. She giggles at his smile, holding his hand in hers and letting him pull her towards the dance floor.

"Guys," you plea, glancing between Jake and Joshua. They lock eyes together, neither one looking like they plan to dance with you tonight.

Jake meets your eyes again, debating what he should do. He is one of your closest friends and you'd like to think he won't let you down like this, but judging by his expression, you can't tell for sure. "Okay, wait here. I'll get you someone who doesn't have anything to lose by dancing with you."

"And what do you have to lose?" You grumble, annoyed. He is already gone, though.

"Don't take it to heart, please," Joshua offers you a comforting smile. "It's not like you did anything wrong, but we don't want to be the ones delivering the final blow. I'm not sure what happened between the two of you," he hesitates for a second, looking at the rest of his teammates, "but Mingyu has been ticked off since you stopped talking to him. It just feels like we are waiting for a bomb to go off."

You blink at him confusedly, your brows furrowing together. "And why would dancing with me have anything to do with it?"

Joshua gives you a knowing look, telling you you know exactly why that's connected. You open your mouth to argue and tell him that it's stupid, but no words come out. Thankfully, you don't have to look at his pitiful expression anymore though, your attention drifting away when you feel someone's hand settle on your lower back. You instantly relax when you see Seungcheol and Jake standing behind you, blinking up at them curiously.

"I told you I'd find you someone who doesn't fear the consequences," Jake shrugs when he meets your eyes.

"They are exaggerating," Seungcheol rolls his eyes.

"Thank you! I think so too," you nod.

Jake and Joshua exchange a look again but you don't pay it any attention, asking Cheol if he wants to dance with you. "I thought you wouldn't ask," he laughs, offering you his arm and tugging you away.

The music is loud in your ears as you sway your hips in the rhythm, laughing. Unlike Jake and Joshua, Seungcheol doesn't make you feel weird about the situation at all, acting as if nothing happened. He makes you laugh and forget about everything, doing exactly what you wished for tonight. You don't think about anything, only focusing on the man in front of you.

Seungcheol's arms stay on you, whether it's on your waist or simply holding your hands in his. You don't mind, barely noticing the touch. It doesn't feel like anything unusual or what you should be paying attention to. The two of you are friends after all.

You keep inching towards him due to the group of guys dancing behind you, trying your best to get further away from them so you wouldn't be bumping your ass into them every time you move. With the amount of space behind Seungcheol, there isn't much to do, the two of you naturally ending up close. You don't think anything of it, but Mingyu certainly can't say the same.

It's one thing for you to avoid him at all cost, but it's a completely different one to be climbing his friend's body while he is forced to watch from afar.

When Jake came to their group, wrapping his arms around Seungcheol while trying his hardest not to make eye contact with Mingyu, he already knew something was wrong. Turns out, everything was wrong. When Jake asked if Cheol would mind dancing with you because you are looking for someone who'd take you for a spin, he wanted nothing more than to interrupt their conversation and say he'll dance with you. Before he could, Seungcheol agreed and left with the younger one, leaving him there with Jeonghan and Heeseung.

Having to watch Seungcheol take your hand in his and lead you towards the dance floor has to have been one of the worst things he's had to see. Well, turns out it wasn't. Watching you actually dance with him and letting him touch you however he wants is much worse.

Gripping the glass of beer in his hands, he keeps his eyes on the two of you, completely ignoring the conversation Jeonghan and Heeseung are having beside him. He honestly could not care less about the training schedules in the upcoming week.

It hurt seeing Seungcheol take your hand and dance with you, but he could live with that. He could bear watching you dance with Seungcheol because you were having fun, and he would never wish to take away your fun. But now, you are just forced to squeeze together with him because the guys around you are being asses and he is sure it's making you uncomfortable.

So, logically speaking, he isn't ruining your fun anymore if you are already uncomfortable.

Plus, he really hates the sight of you and Seungcheol together. Somehow, he thinks if it was Jake in his place, he wouldn't care so much. Maybe because of the amount of times you made it clear to him there is nothing going on between you and Jake. He liked seeing you convince him so eagerly.

Seungcheol's hand slides down your back, resting dangerously low. There is a lazy grin on his lips as he talks to you, and it's the first time he's wanted to beat up his friend so bad. He can't see your expression since you are standing with your back to him, but he can see his friend's hand and that's all he needs. Even if he might be destroying your fun, he'll manage. He'll take whatever you throw his way, whether it may be your screams or punches. He'd much rather have you yell his ears off than continue watching you and his friends climb each other. At least then you'd be talking to him.

"Here, have this," he mumbles, handing his beer to Jeonghan. "I'm not drinking anymore."

Mingyu doesn't wait for his friends' response, not giving a damn if they are watching him or not as he makes his way through the dancing crowd, needing to get to you.

"Hey," he interrupts your giggles, his blood boiling for some reason at the idea of you laughing at something Seungcheol said. Both of you look his way, your big eyes staring right into his. It makes him feel a bit better about the situation for a moment, at least until you avert your eyes again. He wishes you'd look at him for longer than two seconds just once. He's been watching all night, unable to take his eyes off. It'd be nice to know you watch him too.

"Hey," Seungcheol slowly drops his hands to his side, wrapping one around Mingyu's shoulder. Mingyu sends him a glare, not playing with him at all. He snickers when he sees the serious look on Mingyu's face, taking his hand away again. "What are you doing here?"

Mingyu ignores him completely, only looking at you. "It's late, Blue."

You swallow hard upon hearing his voice, closing your eyes as if that'd magically make him disappear. Spoiler alert: it does not. "We should go home."

You frown, meeting his eyes. "We," you point between the two of you, "aren't going anywhere. I'm dancing if you haven't noticed. So if I'm going anywhere with anyone, it's Seungcheol."

"Blue," it comes out as a warning, only making you feel worse. He has no right to talk to you right now. He has no right to command what you do and who you do it with.

"I'm not going anywhere," you state, redirecting your attention to Seungcheol. "Plus, why do you even care?" you huff, resting your arms around Seungcheol's shoulders.

Mingyu's annoyance only grows. Pulling your hand away from the older man, he forces you to look at him again. As soon as he notices the look in your eyes he loosens his grip, allowing your hand to slip away. Fuck. He found another thing he hates more than being forced to watch you be so close with someone else. He absolutely despises how you look at him right now, like he is hurting you.

"Leave me alone, Mingyu," you beg him.

"Please just come with me, Blue," he pleads in return, completely forgetting about Seungcheol beside him. All he sees is you, everything else blurred together and forgotten.

"I don't want to," you whisper, your voice strained as you shake your head.

"Love," he tries again, desperate. His eyes widen as soon as he realizes what he just said, yours not doing any better. He shocks the both of you, but it seems to work as you slowly offer him your hand. He doesn't hesitate for a second, lacing his fingers with yours and tugging you away, as far from everyone as possible.

He only stops once you are standing outside and you slip your hand away again, hiding it behind your back. "I was having fun," you mumble, staring at the ground beneath your feet. "Do you hate me so much? Is that what this is about?"

"I don't like you having fun with Seungcheol of all people."

"Then let me go have fun with someone else!" You look up, locking eyes with him. You hate this conversation with every inch of your being, and you're sure it shows in your expression. You just want to go back and pretend this never happened, that you didn't just give in to him so easily again after everything. You were doing so good. So good. But he just had to ruin it again. He had to remind you he exists. "Since you can't even look at me all night, so why do you even give a fuck?"

"I wasn't able to look anywhere but at you tonight," he corrects you.

"Stop lying to me, dammit! I'm going back there, I'm having a drink, and I don't care if you like it or not!" You huff, turning around on your heel. You don't get a chance to walk away, though, his hand wrapping around your wrist and stopping you. It only takes him one swift tug to pull you flush into him, your hands landing right on his chest to stop yourself from falling.

"Please don't go," he begs again, his voice getting more and more desperate each time. You hate that you know it's coming from his heart, that he needs you to stay here with him and talk to him again. "Can't you just like me for the night, Blue?"

You'd like to blame it on the drinks you had tonight. You'd like to say you're hallucinating things by this point and this entire conversation is just a figment of your imagination, but you know damn well it's not. It's not even the alcohol in his system speaking and making him do dumb things. You hate him. You hate how easy it is for him to make you feel like this. Like you are on cloud nine.

You're lucky he can't see your face. Your cheeks are flushed, and most definitely not because of the liquor you had. You like him much more than he realizes, and you hate that as well. It'd be a lot easier if you knew how to pretend like you don't care, like you don't feel happiness when you are with him, and like his words don't effect you. But truth is, it never sucked more than in the past week when you were repeating his words in your head over and over again.

"Aren't you the one who doesn't have time for relationships?" You mumble. "Who would never date his coach's little daughter because it's not worth it?" You feel his arms stiffen on your back, the realization of what your anger is about settling in. You try hitting his chest, hoping to get him to answer, but your punch comes out more like a gentle nudge.

Tightening his hold, he embraces you in a warm hug. Pulling away from you, just enough to see you better, you are forced to look up at him, your eyes watery. "Is this what's been troubling you?" He asks, his voice gentle. He cups your face, his thumbs slowly stroking your cheeks. "What I said to the guys in the locker room?" He sighs heavily, every regret he felt in the past week regarding you in that little exhale. "I was stupid to think I could ever push aside my feelings towards you and focus on anything but those beautiful eyes of yours."

"Blue, my blue," he continues, refusing to break eye contact with you again. "This past week when you were ignoring me? Was so much worse for me than anything else I ever had to go through. I could not go a single minute without thinking about you, wondering what you are up to, and if someone else gets to enjoy your attention instead."

"That week fucking sucked," you complain.

A tiny smile appears on his lips, "Yeah," he agrees with a nod, his eyes dropping to your lips. "I'm sorry for being an idiot. I'm sorry you had to doubt anything and that I wasn't the one dancing with you tonight. But most importantly, I'm sorry for not realizing how important you are to me sooner." He finished his speech by leaning down and pressing his lips to yours. You melt in his touch instantly, the softness of his lips on yours helping you forget about everything that was bothering you until now.

It's the first time a kiss makes you feel like this — as if the world peace just happened. It's the happiest you've been in a long time, and you cannot express how grateful you are it's with Mingyu of all people. You did think about the slim chance of going home with someone later tonight, but truth is, you couldn't bring yourself to smile at the idea of anyone other than him having you like this.

Mingyu cradles your jaw, tilting your head for a better access. You slowly glide your hands up from his chest, wrapping them around his neck. It's the best kiss you've ever had. Maybe because it's the one you've felt the most during. Jungkook was nice, but he could never compare to how much you love Mingyu.

"Don't go up there again," he whispers against your lips, only to kiss you again. "Stay here with me."

"It's cold here," you tease him, knowing you'd stay anywhere with him right now.

"I'll warm you up," he promises, his hands moving from your face down to your back, feeling your curves before resting on your ass, giving it a squeeze as his lips meet yours again. He needs to get in all the kisses he missed out on by convincing himself you were nothing more than a friend he cared deeply about. He doesn't think it'll be a problem. He is getting addicted to you already, unable to let you go. As much as he loves kissing you, though, he pulls back again. "Please."

You don't answer him right away, looking up at him. He's truly beautiful from up close. Have you mentioned that yet? You don't think you say it enough. The mole on his nose, the brown of his eyes, the lips, he is the definition of perfect. "I can't just leave," you sigh. "I came here with my dad, remember? He'll be looking for me."

"Can we please not talk about my coach while I'm getting hard," he groans, throwing his head back and exposing his Adam's apple. Oh yeah, he is gorgeous.

Your eyes drop down to his crotch, not even hiding it as you gaze at the boner. Oh-oh. "Oh yeah, let's not talk about him," you shake your head.

"My eyes are up here, Blue," he reminds you.

You nod, "I know where your eyes are, Mingyu."

His chuckle bubbles in your ears as he leans down and presses a kiss to the top of your head. "Please, baby. Stay with me just for tonight. Tell your dad you'll stay with Dae and be with me. Let me catch up on what I missed."

Meeting his eyes again, you nod this time. Honestly, you want nothing more than to go with him. Not only because your core is aching now thanks to the outline you got to see through his dress pants, but also because you've been longing for this — to be able to be with Mingyu as more than friends. You want to kiss him all night long, cuddle until you fall asleep, and wake up with him still in the bed. You want to do all the domestic things couples do when they are in love.

A part of you also thinks you need to fully believe it's not just the heat of the moment for him. You need to see it happen with your own eyes before you truly believe there is a future and he won't change his mind later again, remembering where his priorities lay.

"My jacket and purse are still up there," you tell him and he nods instantly.

"I'll get them."

"I can go for it," you argue but he just pins you down with his look, showing you there is no way you are going anywhere right now.

"Please just stay here and look pretty for me, hm? I'll get it. I'll be out before you can start missing me."

That's not possible. You miss him all the time, even when he is right there with you. You don't tell him that, though. You need to keep his ego in check a little, take your time before you show him just how much you love him.

"Mingyu," you call as he jogs away towards the entrance. He turns to face you, his eyes finding yours curiously. "Don't let other girls see that boner, will you?"

He laughs, a sound so pretty you want to keep listening to it. "That's only for you, my love." He adjusts his clothes to prove his point before disappearing inside. You watch the door close behind him, his words echoing in your ears. Tonight will be a long night.

♡⸝⸝♡⸝⸝

You are quite certain your driver hates you. Mingyu managed to not only grab your things, but also call a taxi and find Dae to beg her to cover for you. As he told you, she was dancing with Seungcheol at that moment, so he also had to apologize to him, only for him to brush him off and focus on the girl holding his forearms again. You told him you were glad Cheol got some sense and asked her for a dance as well, which only lead to Mingyu kissing you all over again because he didn't like you talking so much about his friend.

Jealousy looks good on him. So good.

Kissing him back, you held his hand on top of your thigh the entire ride, trying to ground yourself as to not ask him to fuck you right then and there in front of the driver. That'd be embarrassing.

But truth be, you wanted nothing more but.

Mingyu leads you inside his apartment, kicking his shoes off as soon as he steps inside. You bent down to undo your own heels, but he stops you before you can. Blinking up at him, you watch him confusedly before he hooks his hand around your waist and picks you up, throwing you over his shoulder as if you don't weigh anything. A yelp escapes your lips, a disbelieving laugh following right after as you frantically look over his apartment. His hands are wrapped around your thighs as he holds you in place, a clear goal in his mind.

You only get off him once you are in the bedroom, your back hitting the softness of his mattress. Prompting yourself up on your elbows, you watch him from his bed. It's the one place you dreamed about a lot before. It's so much better than you imagined, though. You're not sure if it's on purpose, or if he even realizes it, but his sheets are navy, his room decor matching it. His walls are white, lined with all kinds of pictures and posters of basketball players. If you were to explain his room in two words, you'd use blue and basketball. Your smile grows. It suits him.

Just like the suit he is wearing does. God. As he stands in front of the bed, his hair messy from when you ran your fingers through it as you kissed him in the car, you are unable to look away. "Why am I in my shoes still?" You tilt your head without breaking eye contact.

"Because they look so fucking good on you I need to look a bit more." He doesn't hide how hungry he is as his eyes scan your whole, from your ankles up to your face.

"They are uncomfortable, though," you complain and he doesn't hesitate any longer, climbing onto the bed to you, bending your knees and forcing them up. The bottom of your dress covers your view of him, making you frown. "Mingyu," you call, wanting to see him.

He hums, bringing one of your feet to himself, slowly undoing the heel and slipping it off. You stretch your leg out, clearing your view again. Pressing your foot to his chest, you watch as he wraps his hand around your ankle before dipping under the hem of your dress. He caresses your calf, eyes gazing into yours. Following the same process, he gets your other shoe off as well, releasing you of the pain.

"You look stunning tonight. I'm sorry for not telling you sooner," he presses a kiss to your ankle, looking up at you. You bite back a moan at the sight, shaking your head. "I should have done so many things earlier, I'm sorry."

You don't get a chance to answer before he is scooping you up and pulling you onto himself with ease, putting you right where he wants. This time a moan escapes you as you crash your lips with his, stranding his lap. He groans at your reaction, gripping your ass tightly and helping you roll your hips forward. "I'll make it up to you," he promises softly — a completely different feeling from how hard he grips your flesh. "I'll be so good to you."

His name falls off your lips as you rock your hips on top of him, chasing the well needed friction. "That's it, baby. Take what you need," he coos, lowering his lips to your shoulder. Brushing one of the straps holding your dress off, he replaces the fabric with his lips, pressing kisses to your skin. He needs to focus on something else. But it's hard when you moan into his ear so prettily. If it continues like this, he might as well come in his pants from how you ride his clothed erection.

Your fingers tangle in his hair, pulling him away from your neck so you can look at him. His big eyes stare right into yours, nothing but want behind them. "So beautiful," he praises, pressing his lips to yours. He buckles your dress at your hips, sliding his hands under and gripping your ass again. His fingers toy with your thong, pulling on the fabric and making you moan. "Please tell me you wore this for me," he groans.

You nod frantically. Even though you didn't expect to end up here when you were getting ready, a part of you has been dressing in hopes of him getting to see for a while now. You'd like to convince yourself you wore it so no line would be shows on your dress, but that's not the only truth. If it were, you wouldn't have worn any panties at all.

Maybe that's what you should have went with actually. Right now, as your thong gets soaked in your wetness, definitely leaving a stain on his pants as well, you wish you would be bare.

His name leaves your lips in a desperate plea. You're not sure what exactly it is you are begging for, but you need him. In any way he gives you. He tilts his head, a teasing smirk on his lips. "What do you need, baby? Use your words."

"Need to come," you answer immediately, rocking your hips forward. It's not enough, though. You need more. "Can you please help me," you whine, your head falling to his shoulder, "Please, just this once."

He doesn't need to hear more, throwing you back onto the bed, a needy whine escaping you when you lose the friction entirely. He takes a second to take you in again, your dress bucked up at your hips and your lower half covered in only your soaked panties and stockings. He's going to lose his mind soon. Your messy hair sprawled all over his pillow, your cunt soaked because of him, your lips chanting his name, what could be better?

Settling himself between your legs, he spreads them apart, taking a good look at your pussy. It's embarrassing, your cheeks heating up. You feel hot all over, a shiver running down your spine as he rubs your clit with his thumb. "Just so we are clear," he tugs at the fabric of your stockings harshly, ripping it apart. "We aren't doing this 'just this once'," he states firmly. "I don't think I'll ever get you out of my system again."

You try to cover your pussy with your hands when he tugs at your thong, the fabric sliding between your folds. It's no use though, Mingyu simply shaking his head at your attempt before taking your hands away with his free one. He pins them above your head, taking the opportunity to kiss you again before lowering himself. "Be a good girl and hold them there, will you? I'll make you feel good in return." He waits for your agreement, watching as your nod eagerly.

Smirking, he hooks his fingers in your thong again, pulling it to the side this time. You can feel his breath on your throbbing clit, your hips thrusting forward on instincts. "Tell me what you like, Blue," he prompts as he gives a soft kiss to your clit. "How do you touch yourself?"

When he doesn't move again, waiting for your answer, you open your mouth. "Slow rubs at first," you mumble, raising your head to see him better. He presses two of his fingers to your clit, doing as you tell him. Fuck. It feels way better like this. You are convinced he can read your mind because he is doing exactly what you always do.

"How about here?" He circles your hole with his thumb, looking up to see your reaction. "Do you ever finger yourself?"

"Sometimes," you moan.

He hums back, replacing his fingers with his tongue, licking slow circles around it while his fingers nudge you open. He thrusts two digits inside, curving them in hopes to find your sweet spot. "God," you gasp instantly, clenching around his fingers at the pleasure.

"Not my name," he shakes his head slightly, his lips wrapping around the bundle of nerves and sucking, speeding his movements at the same time. Your head falls back, your back arching off the bed. It feels too good. Your orgasm quickly builds up, your moans filling the room. The sound is a pleasure to his ears, his cock twitching in his pants every time he feels you clench around his fingers or your hips thrust up against him. It's not an exaggeration when he says you're the best pussy he's ever eaten, every inch of his body craving more. If he could, he'd have you laid out on his bed like this forever, eating you as every course of the day.

Your hands shoot to his hair, keeping him close as you feel your orgasm approaching, needing to find that release. He let's you ride his face, his fingers still thrusting into you. It's only when you finish with a loud moan, your legs shaking around him, that he pulls them out, licking them clean while looking at you. "I was going to tell you how fucking good you taste, but where are your hands, baby?" You whine as you quickly pull them away, pinning them above your head, exactly like he put them before. "And to think I had plans with you," he shakes his head, trying to sound disappointed. "But girls who don't listen shouldn't get a reward, should they?"

You whine, shaking your head. You're not sure why, if you're trying to agree or argue with him. His voice makes you wet all over again, the fact you just came doing nothing to stop how much you want him. "Please, Mingyu," you beg, desperate to get more, just one more orgasm. "I'll be good. I'll be such a good girl for you."

Oh fuck me — is the only thing Mingyu can think about as he looks at you, his eyes rolling back as he listens to you. It's safe to say he is addicted. How could he not be? He seriously believes everyone who let you go before was an idiot, as much as he appreciates they did because now he gets to be the one seeing you like this. His Blue. Oh how he loves the sound of that. "How could I ever say no to you?"

Finally taking off your clothes fully, you lay in front of him naked, your eyes glued to him as he stands in front of the bed, undoing his tie. You've never seen anything more attractive. Dipping your hand between your legs, you rub your clit slowly. His eyes fall down to your hand instantly, enjoying the view as he takes off the rest of his clothes, peeling off layer by layer.

He takes his time, teasing you while you desperately finger yourself in a poor attempt to reach your orgasm again. It doesn't feel as good as when he did it, though. Your fingers don't feel like enough, sad whines leaving your lips. "Oh, baby," he coos, joining you on the bed. "Do you want one more that badly?" You nod, unable to answer with words.

You take your chance as soon as he is close enough, your free hand reaching for him, wrapping around his cock. You had no doubt he'll be big but getting to feel him for yourself makes it so much better. Rubbing your thumb over his tip, you blink up at him to see his reaction. "Blue, if you want me to fuck you tonight you need to stop or I'll come before learning how it feels like to have you on my cock."

Your eyes roll back at his words, your hand not doing anything to stop. You jerk him off slowly, your legs wrapping around his hips to bring him even closer. "My needy little girl," he shakes his head, leaning down to press his lips to yours. You stop moving your hand, only holding him now before he takes your hand in his and brings them up. "Play with your boobs for me."

Listening to him, you pinch your nipples with your fingers. "You're so beautiful," he praises, kissing your cheek before moving down. He presses a kiss to your neck, to your breast, to your arm, to your belly, even to your thigh. He doesn't kiss where you need him the most, though, only teasing your further. He wraps his hand around his length, slapping his tip against your clit a few times. His eyes flicker between your pussy, to your chest, and then your face, trying to remember everything about this moment as well as he can.

"Mingyu, please," you cry, squeezing your boobs while thrusting your hips forward. Chuckling, he reaches into his nightstand, pulling out a condom from the first drawer. Your quickly wrap your hand around his wrist, stopping him before he can open the wrap. "I'm, uh, I am clean. I haven't been with many people before. I'm not on birth control but I could," you avert your eyes from him, embarrassed now that you started talked. "I could get the after pill in the morning. If you want."

"Are you sure?" His eyes widen, his hand holding your chin instantly and making you look at him. "There is no pressure here," he assures you. "I'm perfectly fine with a condom."

You shake your head, biting your lower lip nervously. "I want to feel you."

"Fuck," he groans, throwing the condom somewhere on the floor as he steals a kiss from you again. "I've never fucked without one before," he whispers between kisses, absolutely drunk on you.

"But you would with me?"

"My love, you are the only girl I'd want to feel bare," he proclaims, aligning himself properly without breaking the kiss. You feel his tip slide into you, your mouth falling open at the sudden stretch. "I got you," he promises softly, brushing your sweaty hair out of your face while slowly thrusting into you.

He takes his time, not wanting to rush anywhere. You feel incredible.

You think the same way, your eyes rolling back as your walls wrap around his cock, feeling every one of his veins. You're starting to understand why people don't use condoms. You never imagined you'd go without one, considering you aren't on the pill, but you wouldn't change it for anything now that you know what it's like. If there is anyone you'd risk it for, it's Kim Mingyu either way.

His left hand slides down your sides, feeling every inch of your body. You are sweating, but so is he. "I love these curves," he tells you, squeezing any flesh he can find. "I love these lips," he kisses you to prove his point. "This brain of yours, these hands, this soul, this fucking pussy," he thrusts into you harshly, groaning at the same time. "God, I love you, Blue."

Your back arches from the bed, your moans growing louder. You don't think you can tell him now, not even sure if he means what he says at the moment, but it's exactly how you feel. You definitely love him, there is no questioning that. You'll tell him another time for sure. You'll tell him exactly how much he means to you once your mind isn't fully occupied by his dick.

You run your hands down his back, leaving your prints as you slide your hands down until you get to his ass, holding it as he thrusts into you. "I'm going to spill all over you," he groans between thrusts, his movements becoming sloppy as he gets close to his orgasm. "Fill you up so nicely, hm?"

"Yes," you gasp, nodding frantically. The idea itself makes your head spin, and while you are in no way ready to have a baby and definitely will get the pill in the morning, Mingyu filling you up with his cum just made it to the top of your to do list. Your heels dig into his lower back, making it impossible for him to pull away — which you both know he doesn't want to do anyway.

"Get you pregnant," he moans at the thought, caressing your belly with his hand, feeling himself thrust into you. "Fuck, you'd look so good with my baby."

"You want to put a baby in me?" You blink at him prettily, rolling your hips forward to reach your orgasm as well. He curses under his breath, claiming your lips in his. He doesn't need to say it because you can see it in his eyes that the answer is absolutely yes. God, how you'd love to have his kid in a few years. "So close," you moan as he pulls back, feeling your orgasm approaching.

"Me too, love," he tells you, running his hand down to your clit, rubbing circles around the sensitive bundle to help you.

It doesn't take much longer for the two of you to come together, Mingyu's cum covering your inside white just like he said he would. You're so fully, your breath heavy as you ride out your high. He lets you, holding you through it before pulling out, running his fingers through his hair to get the sweaty stands off his face.

"You did so well," he praises with a smile on his face, kissing you so lovingly you fall for him all over again. Wrapping your arms around his neck, you keep him close as you kiss him back, melting into his sheets. "Let's get you washed up, hm?" He nudges his nose with yours. You don't think words could ever express how he makes you feel. He makes sure all the doubts you could possibly have are gone, his gentle touch and words grounding you in the exact way you need.

You nod to him and he scoops you up with ease, one of his hands under your thighs and the other holding your back. Wrapping your arms around him, you hold onto him tightly while he carries you into his bathroom, sitting you on the edge while setting the temperature. "I'll get you some clothes. The water is warm enough so you can get in if you want. I'll be right back here." You nod, watching his naked butt as he leaves the bathroom, closing the door behind himself to prevent the warmth from escaping.

You take a look around his bathroom, around his products in the shower and the interior, smiling. It's exactly how you expected. No three-in-one shampoos or questionable laundry products but genuinely good stuff instead, fragrances and everything organized. You wonder if he realizes his towel is also blue. Chuckling, you turn around on the edge of his tub, slowly getting in. You let the water fill it up slowly, closing your eyes and letting yourself relax.

When the door opens again, Mingyu is still naked. Holding a shirt and a pair of his boxers in one hand, he loads the washer with his dirty sheets with the other one. You watch him from the comfort of his tub, leaning your chin on your arm. He's got an incredible body. Broad shoulders, pretty back, pretty ass and legs. He is absolutely perfect. He smiles at you, his grin full of genuine happiness. Returning his smile, you scoot forward to make space for him, waiting for him to join you.

He sits behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist and pulling you into him. You lean back against him, closing your eyes again. "Thank you for being so great," you whisper into the silence.

He shakes his head, pressing a tender kiss to the top of your head. "Thank you for not giving up on me."

Mingyu helps you wash your hair as well as clean your whole body off, his touch nothing but gentle. He kisses you all over, whispering praises from the bottom of his heart. He wraps you in one of his shirts as soon as you're dried off, not wanting you to get cold. It's big on you, enough for it to be the only thing you could wear, but you reach for his boxers as well either way. He looks like a little boy who just got his birthday present when he looks at you in his clothes, needing to hold back not to take you all over again in his bathroom. He has to remind himself he'll have more time for that later, helping you sit on his washer instead so he could dry your hair.

The sheets are already changed when you leave the bathroom again — the reason he took a while before joining you in the bathroom, you assume. There are still blue, though, and it makes you smile. Falling into his bed, you feel on cloud nine instantly. He joins your side, letting you lay on his arm while he hugs you with the other one, embracing you in a hug. His blanket is warm enough to make sure you don't get cold during the night, but you can't say you would complain about his way of keeping you warm. Resting your head against his chest, you fall asleep to the soft sound of his breath, already looking forward to the next days you'll be spending together.

You love your boyfriend. You haven't been able to tell him yet, but you absolutely do. And now, seeing the flowers in your hands, you are sure to tell him the next time you see him.

There weren't any questions or doubts about where the two of you stood the day after the ball, Mingyu apologizing all over again in the morning over breakfast before asking you if you'd be his girlfriend. You couldn't say no even if you wanted to. He got you flowers as he walked you home later that afternoon, forcing you to come up with a bunch of excuses when your dad saw you holding a bouquet of tulips.

It's been a month since then, and it's now the third bouquet you received. It's lilies this time around, and they are absolutely beautiful. He had them delivered to you shortly before his training, after your dad was already out of the house thankfully. You have not been able to stop smiling since then, rereading the messages he sent you before he needed to go.

Who knew a twenty-eight year old could be so sappy? He is adorable, acting like a teen in love for the first time at times. But those moments are often quickly suppressed by him reminding you he is older after all, taking care of you in any and every way before you can even realize you're in need of something. From checking on you all throughout the day and sending you food when you don't have the time to make something for yourself, to making as much free time as possible for you. You see each other often, but it still doesn't feel like enough.

You sometimes just lay in his bed, studying, while he does his work out, or the two of you go out together, taking a stroll around as a form of break. He always knows what you need, and you're incredibly grateful to him for that. You haven't been able to see each other in the past week at all due to your schedule crash, but it's okay. You can't possibly complain when he is so in love he just sent you flowers just because he could.

Replacing your old peonies with the lilies on your bedside table, you smile before resting in your bed with your study materials, ready to dive into work again.

It's shortly past eleven when your phone starts blowing up. Frowning, you almost kick your cat off your bed as you turn around to shut it down. You were just about to fall asleep, finally in the right position, but someone just needed to make your night worse.

Or in this case, actually, better.

You peek one eye open to see if it's anything important, blinking confusedly at the bunch of messages and missed calls from Mingyu. You sit up straight, rubbing your eyes with the back of your hands before looking at your phone again. You don't even read what he said, immediately dialing his number to see what's going on.

It rings twice before it stops and his voice comes through, "Come open the door so I don't have to climb through the window like some fucking teenager."

You blink confusedly, his words slowly turning around in your head until they clock together. "You're here?"

"Not reading my texts anymore? Is this the 'I hate my boyfriend' I've seen around?"

"No!" You quickly shake your head as if he could see you, quickly getting from your bed. You don't bother sliding on your slippers, rushing out of your room barefoot. Snowy looks up to see what you're doing but doesn't follow you downstairs, staying in your bed.

Mingyu laughs on the other side of the phone while you run down the stairs, doing your best to stay quiet and not wake up your dad. You open the door, finally exhaling as you look at your boyfriend standing outside. His eyes trail down your figure, his smile widening as he takes the sight of you in. He hangs up the call without averting his eyes from you, enjoying the view you provided him.

It's only then that you realize what you're wearing — a baby blue tank with lacy lines and matching shorts. You clear your throat, stepping aside so he could walk in. "What are you doing here?" You wonder, covering your chest by crossing your arms over it.

He raises a questioning brow at that. "You do remember the fact I saw you with less on, right?"

"That's different, though," you mumble and he shakes his head.

"Would you rather I take it off then?" He crosses the space between you, closing the door on his way. Not waiting for your answer, he cups your cheek and presses his lips to yours in a greeting. "Hi."

"Hi," you smile. "I was just about to fall asleep. I almost didn't even know you were here."

"It's eleven," he states, as if you weren't already aware of that.

You shrug, "I was tired."

"I'm sorry for keeping you up," he finds another excuse to kiss you. "I missed you."

"I missed you too," you kiss him back, your hands falling down to your sides again before lacing with his. "Are you going to stay with me?"

"Do you want me to?"

"Always," you assure him.

Leading him upstairs again, you keep your hands locked as you walk through the hall. You are quick to lock your bedroom door just in case, not taking any chances. It feels weird sneaking around like this when you are a grown adult, but it's the only option you see at the moment. You don't want to be explaining to your dad you are dating his player just yet.

"There's my little guy," Mingyu lets go of your hand as soon as his eyes land on your cat sprawled out on your bed. You watch him lovingly as he pets his head, rubbing the top of his head. Snowy isn't the biggest people loving cat, and often takes time to warm up to others, so seeing him lean into Mingyu's touch makes you smile. It may be because of how tired he is, but you like thinking it's because he knows Mingyu is a good guy. "Were you keeping my girl company while I was busy? Yeah?"

"He seems to like you," you whisper, wrapping your hands around his waist from behind.

"Your family seems to do that, yes," he grins.

"Don't ruin it for yourself."

"I couldn't." Turning around, he stands face to face with you again, sitting on the edge of your bed and resting his hands on your sides. You stand between his spread legs, cupping his face as you gaze into his eyes. "Hi," he smiles again.

"Hi," you smile back, leaning down to give him a kiss. It's tender and sweet, conveying exactly how you feel having him in your room.

Mingyu's hands slide under your tank, needing to feel your skin on his fingers. You let him, melting into his touch instantly. You seem to do that a lot. In return, you slide your hands under his shirt as well. Unlike him, though, you take the fabric off, dropping it to the ground. "Take your pants off."

His smile turns teasing, his hands dropping to the waistband of his pants without a second of hesitation. "Do I get to see you naked in return or is it only you having fun tonight?" He pushes the pants to the floor and you roll your eyes.

You don't answer him, walking around him to the other side of the bed. You can feel his eyes on your ass as you walk, your smile growing. You lift the covers, sliding under them without another word, ready to go to sleep. Snowy gets up at the same time, looking offended as he jumps down. You chuckle at his reaction. You barely brushed him as you got into the bed, but he seems to have taken that as a hint to get off either way.

"That was mean," Mingyu complains, and you're not sure if he's referring to your cat or the fact you left him sitting in just his boxers, expecting something more.

"You should get used to it," you tell him simply, closing your eyes. You can't suppress your smile as he slides under the covers with you, his hands finding you instantly. He pulls you flush against him, your legs tangling with his.

"Good night, baby," he whispers, kissing the top of your hair. You relax in his hold, resting your head against his bare chest.

"Hey, Mingyu?"

"Hm?" He hums back without moving an inch.

"I love you."

You don't need to look at him to know he is smiling, his hold tightening.

"Hey, Blue?" You hum in response, knowing where this is going. "I love you."

♡⸝⸝♡⸝⸝

You're the first one to wake up in the morning, which isn't a surprise to you. Mingyu likes to sleep in, just like he likes staying up late. You fell asleep almost instantly after, the last thing you remember being Mingyu's lips on your shoulder. You turned your back to him while trying to find the perfect position, and he immediately used that opportunity to brush aside your tank top stripe and kiss your skin all over. It was easy falling asleep like that. You couldn't guess when he fell asleep, but hopefully it didn't take him too long.

You slip from his hold, taking a minute to wake up properly as you sit on the edge of the bed. Mingyu is sleeping soundlessly, hugging the blanket. Snowy jumps up to join him as soon as you make the space for him, glancing at you briefly before cuddling up to Mingyu's side.

"You like him a lot, huh," you whisper, rubbing him behind his ears before standing up.

Your dad is already awake as well when you get downstairs. "Good morning!" You call to him, disappearing into the kitchen. You hear him greet you back from the living room, the sound of his favorite video game playing on the TV. You look through the cabinets and fridge, trying to figure out what you should make for breakfast. You have no idea when Mingyu will wake up, so it makes it harder to decide.

You eventually take out a few eggs and bacon from the fridge as well as the toast from the cabinet. You'll just wake him up when you come back up. Hopefully, he won't mind. You move around the kitchen while listening to your dad play his game, humming to yourself. There is still a huge problem waiting for you, but you're choosing to leave it up to your future self to somehow sneak Mingyu out of the house.

You finish planting everything, taking the two plates out of the kitchen with you. But because your luck apparently sucks, your dad is on his way to the bathroom at the same time, eyeing you confusedly upon seeing how much food you're taking upstairs.

"I'm really hungry," you blurt out quickly. "I didn't have dinner last night so I'm starving right now."

"Why didn't you put it all on one plate?" He questions, trying to understand your trail of thoughts.

You shrug, trying to stay as casual as possible. "I'll wash it later, don't worry." He simply shakes his head at you, brushing you off and going upstairs first. You feel the weight lift off your shoulders instantly, relief washing over you. That's one question out of the way. You jog up the stairs after him, disappearing in your room while your dad goes to the bathroom.

As if he could read your mind, Mingyu is already awake when you come in. He is sitting in your bed, his clothes still on the floor and Snowy still on his side. He has one hand on your cat, rubbing the spot behind his ears while scrolling on his phone with the other, his eyes lifting up when he hears the door closing. "Good morning," you greet him, crossing the room and handing him his breakfast.

"Good morning," he leans over to kiss you.

You sit between his opened legs, resting the plate in your lap. "I just had to explain to my dad how it totally makes sense I'm eating two portions," you sigh.

"Yeah? Did he believe you?" He wonders, taking a bite. "This is really good!" He signs.

You roll your eyes at his reaction. "Eggs," you remind him. "There is no way you just complimented the way I make eggs." Kim Mingyu, who is the greatest cook you know right after your dad. Yeah, right.

"What?" He shrugs. "I'm a simple man."

"You're an idiot," you shake your head, taking a bite yourself. "I don't think it even crossed his mind I might be hiding a boy in my room at my age, so I think we are good."

"At your age," he repeats with a laugh. "Do you feel old or something, baby?"

"I feel quite annoyed if you ask me," you nudge him with your feet, only for him to nudge you right back. Your morning is already filled with giggles and playful fighting as you eat your breakfast together, reminding you how much you love this man.

"I forgot to ask," the door of your rooms comes to an open, your dad's face falling into your vision. Right. "Did you get the message about Saturday's schedule—" he stops mid sentence as his eyes land on you and Mingyu in your bed, his bare chest on full display and his clothes on the floor. You close your eyes shut, regretting not locking the door after you came in.

You knew there was going to be a time he'd find out, you just didn't want it to be now. Truthfully, you liked having him just to yourself. Being able to live in this little bubble with just you and him without everyone knowing. Dae knows, of course. After covering for you the night of the ball, it was only natural for her to ask a bunch of questions, questions you didn't feel like lying about. Most of the guys probably have an idea as well, but that's all. Other than that, it was just you and Mingyu living in your own world, and you liked that.

"Yeah, Saturday, the, uh, men tournament. I got it. I said I'll be there," you answer as if nothing happened.

Mingyu clears his throat, glancing between you and your dad. "Good morning, coach." He sounds awkward, which you certainly don't blame him for. Closing your eyes shut, you run through all the possible worst case scenarios that could follow. You just hope he doesn't take it out on Mingyu and bench him for the rest of the season.

"Mingyu," he blinks, finally acknowledging his presence. "Do I want to know what you're doing shirtless at my house so early in the morning?"

"Having eggs?" He raises his plate to prove his point, looking at you for some sort of help when your dad's eyes stay locked on him. Mingyu sighs when your eyes tell him you have no idea what to do, deciding to take it into his own hands. "I came in last night because I missed my girlfriend, coach. I'm sure you know how busy her classes have been keeping her lately. I slept over, and I'm sorry for not saying hello earlier?" He offers a sheepish smile, one that might work on you but you're not sure will have the same effect on your dad.

"You looking to end your career anytime soon?"

"If I have any say then no, sir," Mingyu shakes his head instantly. "I want to keep playing."

"So no pregnancy leaves or anything like that?"

"Dad!" You yell immediately.

"What? I need to make sure one of my best players isn't looking to quit when we just gained him last year," your dad shrugs as if it was the most obvious thing.

"I'm not planning on doing that anytime soon," Mingyu assures him and your dad nods, his eyes briefly flickering between you and him before sighing. He turns on his heel, ready to leave the room again. You blink confusedly. That went a lot better than you expected.

"And Mingyu?"

"Yes, sir?"

"Wear your clothes, will you?"

It's cold today. The goose bumps on your arms only prove that. You regret not bringing something warmer with you as you stand in front of your shop, watching the game from the entrance before your snack bar. The only thing making it a little easier for you is the fact you catch Mingyu's eyes every once in a while, his smile widening every time he is reminded you are wearing his jersey number on your back.

Dae called you out on it as soon as you came in before the game started, teasing you the entire time. You couldn't even care. Not when you are this proud to be wearing his number on your back while he keeps winning all his games, getting closer to his goal.

The crowd is buzzing with excitement, cheering loudly for both teams on the court. You and Dae aren't far behind, screaming your lungs out as well. You were a little scared before when you saw the change in the core five, but Riki and Jake are doing perfect in the game so far.

People keep coming in and out, but Dae takes care of most of their orders, allowing you to keep watching the game. She excuses it with the fact you'll have more to do once the game is over, but you know deep down she's doing it because she simply wants to give you the opportunity to watch them.

"If it isn't the new Mrs. Kim." You glance at the customer beside you, offering an awkward smile. He used to play with your dad when you were little, but it's been so long you can't remember his name. "He is doing great today. I'm sure your dad is proud to have him in the family."

You clear your throat, glancing at Dae for some sort of help. She only gives you a look, one telling you she finds this just as weird. "We, uhm, definitely aren't at that stage yet," you shake your head, joining Dae behind the counter and taking your position. "I'll let him know you think he played well today, though. I'm sure he'll appreciate that."

He brushes you off, "No need. We are all waiting to tell the team ourselves how well they are doing once they win." There is no doubt in his voice about how today's game will turn out and it makes you smile. You know they'll take the win as well. Despite it being a tie right now, both teams at their best, you don't question them even for a second. "You should come with us later. I heard there is a ceremony drink ready for the team."

"I don't know if we'll be able to," you turn him down gently. As much as you'd love to go for a drink with the guys once the game is over, it's not like you can when you're behind the bar, being the provider of their alcohol. "Maybe next time."

You serve him a beer, waiting a bit after he leaves before going to watch the game with Dae again. 68:63 for the Knights. They scored four more points while you weren't looking, and it makes you so much prouder. They got this. Just five more minutes like this and they'll have their spot in the finale guaranteed. You cheer as loudly as before, if not louder.

Watching the game, you realize how much you truly missed the sport. You can't say you'd want to be in their spot again, but you love watching the game and cheering for the team, cheering for your boyfriend. It feels great.

The entire crowd erupts at the buzzer beater, all the guys running together to the center, huge grins and loud noises filling your ears. They won. 81:79. It was Seungcheol scoring the final two points, and you don't think you've ever seen Dae more excited about the game than at that moment. She's been learning the rules lately and understanding the principles more and more every time. And while she says it's because she realized it's more fun when you know what's going on, you know a certain captain has his hands in the sudden change.

You both clap as best as you can while the guys hug themselves, pulling your dad in as well. It makes you laugh seeing them practically drag him down. Your eyes flicker around all of them, trying to find the number 17 you're the most excited to see. You frown when you don't see his messy hair anywhere, standing on your tip toes in an attempt to see better.

Your vision is quickly clouded with the image of a red jersey though, your eyes trailing up his body until they finally lend on the chocolate eyes you love so much. "Hi," he smiles sweetly, all sweaty and his hair sticking to his forehead.

"Hi," you greet him back, unable to hide your smile.

"That's my number you're wearing," he points out, his grin as big as yours.

"Oh? This thing?" You turn around to show him your back with his name on it. He's seen the jersey many times already, but his reaction never changes. "I just threw something on."

"The prettiest shirt ever," he crosses the space between you, wrapping his arms around your waist as he pulls you in for a kiss. By the sounds around, there are already people coming in to order a drink, but he doesn't care at all, keeping you as close as he can. "My name looks perfect on you."

"I've been told," you giggle, your palms pressed against his chest. "Pretty sure someone told me just last night."

"Must have been a genius," he hums, his hands sliding down to your ass and giving it a tight squeeze as he kisses you again, just because he can.

"Celebrate on your own time." There is a slap coming to Mingyu's shoulder, one you know is encouraging as soon as your eyes land on Bora.

"I can't. I'm too impatient," Mingyu argues, offering Bora a soft smile. You tap his chest with your palm, bringing his eyes to yours again. He sighs when he realizes what you want, stealing one last kiss from you before taking a step back.

"Go celebrate with your team, this is big for all of you," you nod your head towards the rest of the guys still on the court.

He doesn't even glance their way, keeping his eyes on you. "I was celebrating with my team before I was interrupted." You roll your eyes at him despite finding him adorable.

"Ignore his corny ass," Bora shakes her head, but the smile on her face as she wraps her arm around your shoulders tells you just how much she loves this for you as well. "There is a line of people waiting for a drink, and I'd love to use my friend card and cut in line, so hurry."

You laugh with her as you walk to the bar, glancing over your shoulder at Mingyu once more. He is still watching you, so you take the opportunity and pull your head to the side, showcasing him the name on your jersey once more. He is right, you also think Kim looks great on you.

THE SMELL OF BEER AND HOT-DOG STEAM HITS YOU IN THE FACE AS SOON AS YOU STEP THROUGH THE GATES OF WRIGLEY FIELD. You raise your brows, shocked at the sheer crush of people underneath the grandstands. It’s loud, the booming voice of the public address announcer barely audible over the buzz of the crowd.

Seungkwan leads your group through the sea of blue, grey and pinstripes. There is no rhyme or reason to some of the outfits you see, people decked out in Cubs gear head to toe, some people dressed with giant faces of players and hats that are tall enough to tip over. You laugh, drifting closer to Junhui as someone dressed in a full Cubs-themed suit passes you.

Your seat is down the first base line, a wedge of green plastic seats packed tight against the brick wall that separates you from the field. The grass is absurdly green, bright against the stadium lights above. Above center field you spot the hand-turned scoreboard, the numbers flipping as workers update scores across the league.

Sitting between Seungkwan and Junhui, you crane your neck to drink in the sights and sounds of pregame. Wrigley Field is packed tight, the humidity of the July heat burning off as the sun sets in the distance. You’re still cataloging the scene when the player introductions boom through the speakers, making you flinch.

Both Junhui and Seungkwan stand, clapping and urging you to join them. You shoot to your feet, clapping along as players jog out to stand on the baselines in order, each one of their backs to you. Admittedly, you only recognize a few names. You don’t keep up with baseball enough to know the finite details, but you do know the big names that Chicago adores: Choi. Imanaga. Swanson. Kwon.

The public address announcer rolls through the final few names, the crowd swelling louder with each one until the last cheer fades before the anthem. The buzz of the evening hums under your veins and you find yourself turning to Seungkwan, excited for your first game.

Despite living in the city for years, you’ve never made your way to Wrigley to watch the Cubs play. Tonight, Seungkwan had insisted you come out and experience real summer baseball complete with hot dogs, beers, the cup snake and the ivy covered walls.

You haven’t figured out what a cup snake is yet, but by the time you’re sitting in your seat and Junhui is shoving popcorn at you, you’re excited to find out.

The players break away after the anthem, jogging to their positions. Right field is closer than you realized, your eyes snagging on Soonyoung Kwon as he breaks away from the baseline, trotting to his position only a few yards away.

From your seat, he’s barely a stone’s throw from the foul line. You crunch on a piece of popcorn, studying him. He looks just like he does in photos, a pretty face with intense eyes that burn under the brim of his hat. He snaps his glove as he adjusts it, bouncing a little as he settles in for the away team to start the top of the first inning.

The first three innings unfold, peppered with Seungkwan and Junhui’s commentary as they point out plays and explain terms when players are at bat that you don’t understand. You enjoy it, happy to learn something new. Each crack of the bat ricochets throughout the park, sharp and making you flinch on instinct, unable to keep your eye on the ball's trajectory.

Seungkwan leans on your shoulders, explaining the counts and signals, sitting up sharply when Soonyoung hammers a ball right to the bleachers. The entire stadium shoots to its feet, Junhui yanking you up as fans lose it. Soonyoung jogs the bases, pointing up at the fans as he brings in three runs.

By the fourth inning, the night air has cooled, a soft lake breeze threading through the stands. The Cubs are up by two thanks to Soonyoung, who is now pacing the outfield like a predator, eyes dialed in as the next batter for the away team comes up to the plate.

The crack of the ball makes you flinch again. Seungkwan starts laughing but suddenly the sound of the crowd changes. You glance up to see Soonyoung is already moving. He explodes off the grass, closing the distance between him and the wall in front of you with impossible speed, head turned up as he tracks the ball that’s popped up in the air along the foul line.

And he doesn’t stop running.

You only have a second to open your mouth - in warning, in exclamation you’re not sure - as he clears the warning track and launches himself, clearing the low brick wall in a blur of blue and white. For a heartbeat, everything is noise and weight as your breath punches from your lungs, Soonyoung’s shoulder crashing into you. The plastic seat bites into your back and Seungkwan’s beer goes flying.

“Holy shit!” Seungkwan yells, voice cutting off as the right fielder collapses into the two of you. Soonyoung’s hand is stretched upward, ball in glove. The crowd loses their minds, Seungkwan screaming and pointing at the ball. “He caught it! Out! He caught it!”

You're dazed, blinded by a moment of pain an impact as you and the right fielder tangle together. You feel the bear soaking your jeans, the popcorn wedged in your bra, and the bone-deep ache of being absolutely trucked.

Soonyoung hauls himself off of you, a tangle of limbs and spilled beer and the hint of leather, sweat and cologne. You blink, a little out of it from the collision. And then he’s leaning over you, one hand braced to the back of your seat, the necklace around his throat escaping the buttons of his jersey, swinging.

It takes you a long few seconds to realize his mouth is moving and that he's talking to you, but there's blood roading in your ears and the world is still spinning a little as the pain of the collision dies down into shock.

“What?” you ask dumbly.

“I’m so sorry,” he says again, mouth pinched with worry. “Are you okay? Did I hurt you? I can get an EMT-”

You rub your arms - you'll probably be bruised, but nothing is damaged. You're more dazed at the sudden proximity of his intense eyes and painfully handsome face a few inches off of yours than you are from injuries.

“Oh - no. Uh. Shocked?”

Your thighs are buzzing from the impact, but mostly you’re aware of the heat of him, the way his chest rises and falls inches from yours. He’s scanning you for signs of injury but you feel warm under his gaze, hyper aware of the way people are shouting his name and taking photos, but his gaze is pinned to you.

“You sure?” He asks, tilting his head. “Neck okay? Did I step on you? God I’m sorry.”

“I’m good,” you laugh, still breathless. “I promise.”

The tight crease in his brow softens, relief turning into a crooked smile. “Well. Guess I really fell for you, huh?” He tips his cap as he puts distance between you, eyes glinting. “Most people wait until after the first date for a lap dive, but I’m a little competitive.”

You laugh loudly, nerves sparking. “Pretty aggressive strategy.”

“Worth it, though. Best catch of the night, if you ask me.”

A few fans nearby - including Junhui - howl their approval. Soonyoung laughs and hops back over the wall, tossing the ball to the umpire. He hesitates one more time, flashing you a smile that has your heart flipping.

“You sure you’re okay?”

Someone shouts at him to marry you and you feel heat creep up your neck. “Yeah,” you tell him. “I’m okay.”

Soonyoung nods, finally stepping back. He wears that lopsided smile the entire way back to his position, turning to look at you again as he settles back in right field. The crowd around you whistles and throws a few comments your way, making you sink into your seat and hide your face as Seungkwan grabs your forearm and shakes you bath and forth.

“I cannot believe that just happened,” Junhui laughs, clapping his hands. “Seungkwan you’re soaked!”

“He didn’t ask if I was okay!” Seungkwan pouts, wiping himself with a beer soaked napkin. “He landed on me too!”

A ripple of laughter echoes through the fans around you, everyone buzzing from the moment. You take a few gulps of water, trying to cool yourself off from the embarrassment and heat of Soonyoung’s gaze.

Junhui claps you on the shoulder. “Sorry Seungkwan, I guess she’s his type.”

You sink lower in your seat, pretending to study the field, but your pulse is still sprinting. Out in right, Soonyoung adjusts his cap, settling back like nothing happened. You try to follow his lead, but when the next batter strikes out and he glances your away again, a smile lighting his face, you can’t help but feel your stomach flip again.

The next inning crawls. You keep catching him glancing your general direction. Every time he does, Seungkwan starts hitting your thigh, despite you hissing at him to shut up. You’d think it was just a coincidence, except when the inning ends, Soonyoung glances your direction and winks.

Junhui elbows you so hard you nearly punch him on reflex. “On my god.”

Seungkwan is less subtle. He cups his hands around his mouth and shouts, “WE SEE YOU, KWON!” Which earns him a groan from you and a laugh from half the section. “What? He’s winking at you and you want to glare at me?”

You pretend to watch the batter, but your mind keeps skipping like a scratched record, going back to the way he tumbled into your lap, the smell of leather and cologne, the way his necklace caught the light. The smirk and the glint in his eyes.

Soonyoung haunts you the rest of the game. You try to focus anywhere but him, but any time you peek at him, he’s already watching you. Grinning, even, like there’s an inside joke you haven’t been let in on yet. It makes you twitchy and giddy in equal parts, the fans around you teasing you through the end of the game.

Thankfully, the Cubs are able to hold the lead through nine innings. You stand and clap, trying to mutter the lyrics to Go Cubs Go alongside the rest of the fans, your eyes dragging to home plate where the team comes out to clap each other on the back before heading into the dugout.

People start to filter out of the rows, the clack of plastic seats snapping shut and empty cups cracking under feet backtracking the public address announcer. Seungkwan and Junhui help you gather your things as you start to side shuffle from your seats and head to the stairs, talking about where to go after the game.

Junhui pauses mid-sentence as your section starts to yell again, kids screaming and rushing down the steps toward you as ushers try to slow them down or stop them. “Uh, why is- oh shit!”

You turn around to follow his gaze to see Soonyoung sprinting - not toward the dugout, but toward your section. The field crew freezes as he vaults the low wall, cleats skidding on the concrete aisle. Phones whip into the air as people cheer, fans and kids asking for autographs as he moves up the row toward you, smiling and shaking fans hands as he goes.

Soonyoung stops in front of you, cheeks flushed and grin bright. “Hi,” he says, a little breathless. “So can I get a second date?”

The section around you erupts in catcalls and applause, someone yelling, “SAY YES!”

Your heart is pure static. You can feel every camera trained on you, but all you see is him, dark hair damp under his cap, eyes sharp and hopeful as he smiles at you. You lick your lips, opening and closing your mouth as your mind races to string together a response.

“Um,” you fumble for your phone. “Yes?”

He reaches for your phone and you let him, watching with a mind full of static as he types in his number and saves it to your phone. When he hands it back, you see he’s texted himself a ‘cutie from the stands :)’ and you blush.

“What’s your name?” He asks, biting his lower lip. If he’s aware there are dozens of people watching you, it doesn’t bother him. He seems used to the attention, unbothered by the fact there are people absolutely recording the moment for social media. You give him your name anyway and he grins. “Pretty. I like it.”

Soonyoung turns to sign a few balls and gloves before he hops back over the wall, where someone from the clubhouse is yelling for him. He looks up at you and winks again before jogging back toward the dugout, cheers following him as he does.

You stand frozen for a beat longer, phone still in your hand, the weight of what just happened settling over you. Your chest is buzzing as you turn to look at your friends, both who are watching with shit eating grins.

“You… you have Soonyoung Kwon’s phone number,” Junhui says, mouth still open. “Unreal.”

“He is very into you,” Seungkwan laughs, amazed. “What a night."

Your hand shakes a little as you slip your phone back into your bag, trying to shove your excitement and nerves down. “I don’t even know what’s happening right now.”

“Don’t question it.” Seungkwan smacks the back of your shoulder. “Live in the moment, diva.”

-

Living in the moment is the only option you have, it seems. The entire world is living in your moment, videos of the Cub's right fielder crashing into your lap going viral. Your friends can't stop watching it, their shrieks of laughter growing worse three rounds in.

The bar is tucked in a quiet pocket away from the ballpark, a random place Seungkwan's buddy mentioned being low key. From the outside it had looked closed but when Seungkwan stuck his head in, you all were delighted to find a warm, cozy bar with a decent crowd - full, but not. overwhelming.

Inside it's warm and low-lit, the boots filled with mismatched seating and dark wood. A single neon sign buzzes over the bar and the TVs above the bar show the game highlights - including you - over and over again. The mezcal makes it better, but Seungkwan and Junhui shoving TikTok in your face makes it worse - and a little better, their sense of humor making you grin despite everything.

"You're trending above the actual game highlights," Junhui snorts, downing the rest of his beer. "This is insane."

You drop your forehead to the sticky bar. "I'm going to have to fake my own death."

"Well don't do that. You did get his number."

You flush. You did. The memory of his easy smile and glittering eyes is enough to make you shiver and you straighten, sliding off the stool. "I'll be back. Please continue watching my greatest win and my greatest shame."

You head to the bathroom, weaving through the crow toward the narrow hallway that leads to the back. The floor is sticky as you go, sneakers suctioning lightly as you walk. You're halfway to the bathroom, eyes on your phone as Seungkwan sends you another clip when you collide with someone coming the opposite direction.

"Shit, sorry!" You squeak, looking up as someone steadies your elbow.

The air leaves your lungs. Soonyoung is standing there in a black hoodie and a hat pulled low, cheeks flushed. He smells like a fresh shower and something deeper like wood and leather, the same cologne you smelled earlier.

His grin is big and delighted, leaning back as he looks you up and down. "You've got to be kidding me."

"Are you stalking me?"

"For sure. I knew you would be at this very specific bar that my buddy owns and have chosen it for that specific purpose."

You laugh, breathless. "I mean you did jump the warning track for me."

"It was worth it." Your heart skips a beat as he steps back, eyes glinting. "If this isn't fate, I don't know what is. Can I buy you a drink? One I won't immediately spill on you, I promise."

Your heart trips over itself. He chews on his bottom lip like he's nervous - like he's not a star fucking athlete - and you feel yourself fall immediately. You glance over your shoulder where you can see Seungkwan and Junhui gaping - not even pretending to be looking elsewhere. Seungkwan gives you an exaggerated thumbs up and you nearly die on the spot.

You turn to face Soonyoung again. "Yes, you definitely can."

He grins, pleased and a little cocky. He gestures to two stools in the corner of the bar. "Meet me over there. What are you having?"

"Mezcal margarita."

"Woman after my own heart."

In the bathroom, you splash cold water on your neck. You feel your pulse pounding, a giddy energy buzzing through you alongside the alcohol. You have no idea why the fates have sent Soonyoung crashing into you twice tonight, but you're eager to let them string you along until they cut your cord.

Back out in the bar, you subtly point toward where Soonyoung is sitting when Junhui and Seungkwan look at you. You ignore their wild gestures and fist pumps as you snake through the crowd to find Soonyoung sitting at the far corner of the bar, his back to the brick wall.

You slide into the stool next to him and he looks up from his phone, grinning. He slides your drink over to you. "Thought you got lost."

Soonyoung looks good. He's relaxed in the corner, hoodie sleeves pushed up his forearms, hat shadowing his eyes. There's a smug little curve to his mouth that makes your stomach flip as you settle on the stool and he slides a drink over to you.

"Had to stop hyperventilating first," you tease, sipping the drink. It's strong like you like it. "Seeing my own face on the TV is kind of new. I nearly died." On cue, the TV above you has the highlight and you groan as he laughs. "Can they stop playing it?"

"I like it!"

"Somehow that doesn't shock me."

"Hey," he shrugs, sipping his drink. "Not every dag I get to make a solid defensive play and land into a pretty girl's lap in the same ten seconds. Kind of cool."

"Does that usually work for you? Calling people pretty?"

"No." He smirks. "But I'm having a weird night. Figure I'd roll with it."

"Weird how?"

"Weird as in I had a highlight reel night and all I could think about post game was the look on your face."

"That's because you almost severed my legs."

He rolls his eyes. "Yeah, but you laughed and didn't freak out. I honestly thought I ended you for a second."

"I'm tougher than that, I promise."

Something glints in Soonyoung's eyes, a little dark. Hungry, maybe. He tilts his drink toward you, mouth curving. "I'll toast to that."

For a minute, you just drink side by side. The noise of the bar fills in around you, the clinking glasses and laughter backtracking the comfortable silence. Soonyoung glances over at you and each time, his mouth twitches, fighting a smile. It makes your heart flutter and you try to keep your calm, ignoring the fact that your palms are sweating.

Soonyoung is beautiful up close. Somehow it doesn't surprise you that a star athlete is attractive, but he's the kind of pretty that draws the eye in: full lips that are a little red because he keeps biting the corner of his mouth, intense eyes that pin you to the spot, a carved jaw that offsets softer cheeks.

It's hard not to stare.

"So," he says, leaning his head back against the wall to look down at you. "What were you doing at the game tonight? You a baseball person?"

"Not at all. It was my first game."

"No shit? First game and I jump the warning track. "

"Yep. Seungkwan - that's the one trying not to stare at us - guilt tripped me into coming."

"Ah yes, my favorite demographic." He tilts his head. "Did you like it?"

"Yes, except I flinched every time someone hit the ball."

"Maybe I owe you an apology."

"No!" You laugh. "I just kept thinking the ball was going to hit me next."

"Nah, I'm good at catching balls." You raise your brows and he groans. "Badly worded, alright."

Soonyoung watches your mouth as you take a sip. You pretend not to notice, even though your stomach flutters. When you set the glass down, he shifts a little, knee knocking against yours briefly.

"So what about you," you ask. "Baseball since you were a kid or?"

"Yep. My cousin needed someone to pitch to when we were little. I started hitting and got good at it."

"Do you like it?"

"More than anything else in the world. It makes sense to me the way nothing else does." He hides his face in his hands, laughing. "That sounded so stupid."

"It didn't!"

He drops his hands, his cheeks red. You find it hard to believe someone like Soonyoung is reduced to blushing with you but it makes you feel confident. You nudge his knee with yours.

"It wasn't stupid," you promise. "It sounds nice."

"What about you then?" His knee stays pressed against yours. "What makes sense to you?"

"Most days? Nothing. I like to write though. I write books. So depending on the day everything makes sense or nothing makes sense."

"What about right now? Does right now make sense?"

Right now does make sense. It makes sense the same way gravity does, the inevitable pull to Soonyoung there. You think about how he crashed into you not once but twice tonight, and you can't think of a better word than right to describe it.

You give him a small shrug. "Right now feels easy."

Soonyoung smiles at that. He tilts his glass and taps it lightly against yours. "Good. To easy."

"To easy."

The conversation drifts then, lazy and unhurried. It slides from baseball to hometowns to work to absolutely everything important and nothing important at all. The bar hums around you but you lose yourself to the sound of Soonyoung's voice, leaning against the bar as he orders another round mid-story from his childhood.

Somewhere along the way, both of your knees stay pressed together. Neither one of you moves, facing each other as you talk. Another round appears, the neon sign buzzing above your heads faintly. You notice Soonyoung watching your hands, your mouth, your eyes - not aggressive, just interested.

It makes the room spin. You've dated enough people to know what want looks like and you see it in Soonyoung. It's subtle but its there simmering beneath the surface, like he's trying to keep it at bay. To be polite. You wish he wouldn't, too afraid to make a move yourself, waiting for him to do it.

Your phone buzzes at some point. You pull it out, the screen bright and blinding.

[SEUNGKWAN]: you good if we leave?

[SEUNGKWAN]: you can say no but we dont want to intrude

[YOU]: I think I'm good

[JUN]: UGH makeout already!!!!

[JUN]: Stay safe queen! Text us when you're home

You choke out a laugh and flip your phone facedown. Soonyoung is leaning on his palm, watching you with half-lidded eyes.

"Hmm?" He asks, nudging your knee. "All good?"

"Definitely."

The night starts to wind down but you stay talking. You feel the tension winding tighter and tighter, and by the time last call echoes faintly from the other end of the bar, you're buzzing. You slide off the stool and sway a little. Soonyoung's hand darts out to catch you.

"You good?" He asks.

"Yes," you laugh, breathless. "Sorry, I'm actually not drunk. My leg is a little numb from sitting."

And it's true. The only thing you're a little drunk on is the baseball player who smirks and pays your tab despite your multiple protests, and drops his hand low to the small of your back, barely touching. It ignites a fire in you all the same, your heart racing.

"Let me. walk you out."

The night air hits cool and sharp the moment you step outside. It's uncharacteristically cool for summer, but you don't mind. The bar turns to muffled noise behind you as Soonyoung leads you out onto the sidewalk, side stepping groups of people. He tucks his hands into the pocket of his hoodie, head tipping toward you.

For a moment, you both just stand there. He shifts his weight, eyes darting away as he says, "I had a good time, I'm glad fate made us collide twice."

"Me too."

He glances back at you again. His eyes dip to your lips then back up like he knows he shouldn't have looked. He swallows, suddenly nervous. "I want to um-" he breaks off for a second and laughs. "Oh my god, I can't even get it out."

"What?"

"I want to ask you something kind of forward but I don't want to come off as a dick. He thinks about it. "It's gonna come out awful."

You smirk. "How forward?"

"Like hey, do you want to come over forward?"

The words hit you below the belt, low and warm. You take half a step closer to him, smelling his cologne. You can feel the heat radiating from him, a shiver sliding down your spine.

"You already launched yourself into my lap," you point out. He groans and you grin. "And that didn't scare me away. So I think it's safe to say I like forward."

He looks down at you, eyes dark. "Yeah?"

"Yeah."

There's a heartbeat where neither of you moves. His eyes trace your face and his mouth slides into a smirk. "Alright. Come over."

"Okay."

Grinning, Soonyoung lifts and hand to cup your jaw, gentle but sure. You suck in a breath as he leans in to kiss you, mouth warm and careful. He pauses like he's waiting to see if you'll pull away, but when you don't, he deepens it slightly, lips parting against yours.

The streetlamp hums overhead as you lean into him, hands finding his arms. He kisses you slow and lazy like he has all the time in the world, mouth tasting faintly of lime.

He pulls back a fraction, breath unsteady. "Let's go."

The Uber arrives in under two minutes. Soonyoung opens the door for you, hand brushing the small of your back as you slide in. He gets in on the other side, pulling the door shut and shuffling toward you as he greets the driver.

The city is beautiful at night. The street lamps wash the sidewalks in pockets of gold, reflecting in the metal shutters of storefronts. It's a week day so the world outside is slower, only stray people staggering down sidewalks and riding bikes.

Inside the car it's quiet save for the soft buzz of the radio and the low thrum of the engine. You sit close but not touching, your knees angled toward each other. Your pulse is still hammering, the electricity from the kiss humming along your skin.

Soonyoung shifts slightly, his thigh brushing yours. He rests his hand on your leg - light and hesitant. He looks at you for reassurance and when you grin, he smiles back, his hand turning to a warm, relaxing weight above your knee. His thumb draws slow, thoughtless circles against the fabric of your jeans and it takes everything in you not to shiver at the touch.

He leans back in the seat, turning his head just enough to look at you. The passing lights skim across his face, catching the edge of his jaw, the line of his mouth, the faint flush on his face. You think of the kiss, your eyes darting to his mouth again.

"You okay?" he murmurs.

"Definitely."

He smiles, squeezing your leg slightly.

You look out the window, watching the city pass by in blurs of lights. You pretend to be appreciating the view, but you're hyper aware of every breath he takes and every sweep of his thumb. You're nearly shaking, your nerves frayed.

Ten minutes feel like thirty. Or three. It's hard to tell when your heart is beating in your throat. You hadn't planned for your night to go like this but you can't help but feel right - like everything makes sense.

When the car slows in front of his building, you're surprised. It's a modest mid-rise building tucked into a discreet neighborhood. It's not flashy like you thought it would be.

Soonyoung thanks the driver and gets out, rounding the car to meet you as you slide out. He reaches for your hand, curling his fingers around yours, giving your hand a squeeze. You feel drunk off of him as he leads you inside, steps sure and easy.

The lobby smells faintly of cedar and cleaner, empty save for a single security guard who waves at Soonyoung with familiarity. You have a single moment of wondering how many girls Soonyoung has brought back here before you shove it away while climbing into the elevator.

Soonyoung keeps you close but says nothing. It's not awkward, but it's warm. His fingers stay linked with yours until he's fishing keys out of his hoodie and shouldering open his apartment, letting you in.

His apartment isn't at all what you expected.

It's tidy but lived-in. The entryway opens into a wide living room with deep wooden floors and tall windows overlooking the city. A low couch sis angled toward a TV mounted on the wall, a throw blanket tossed over the back. The walls are linked with framed game photographs and family photos. You grin at young Soonyoung in little league posing in the dugout.

"Sorry it's a little messy," he says. He kicks off his shoes. "I don't really bring people over so I don't clean much and I kind of live out of a suitcase during season."

"It's actually nice." You toe off shoes like he gestures for you too. "Smells like you."

And it does. There's a woody smell in the air, immediately familiar.

"Water?" he asks, trailing toward the kitchen.

"Definitely."

You follow him into a kitchen that is bright with pale cabinets. A bowl of fruit sits on the counter next to an ungodly amount of sports drinks and protein powders. He tells you to ignore them and opens the fridge with a grin, grabbing two bottles of water to hand you one.

It's cold in your palm and as you lean against the counter and gulp it down, he steps a little closer. He has the same look on his face he's had all night, like he's trying to hold back.

"What is it?" You ask, twisting the cap back on the water. "You look like you want to say something."

"I'm usually not so bad at this."

"At what?"

"Talking to girls." You grin, brows raised and he groans, head dropping back. "Sorry, that was lame."

"It's cute." He sighs dramatically and you laugh, nudging him with the end of your water bottle. "It is. Out with it. You can say what you want."

"I wanted to say I don't expect you to like…" He licks his lips. "We can just have a drink. Or chat. Or whatever. That would be fine. I didn't bring you here to do anything you don't want to do. That's all."

You look up at him, pulse hammering, and for the first time all night he looks… nervous. Not visibly, but there’s a flicker in his eyes, like he’s bracing for you to pull away.

"I think," you say slowly, heart hammering. "It's my turn to be forward. I wanted you to make a move like… all night. I was too nervous to. Cause you're you and… yeah."

The sound Soonyoung makes is a helpless groan. He steps into your space then, reaching a hand up to cradle your jaw. You let him tilt your face up to his as he crowds you against the counter, pressing his mouth to yours again.

The kiss he gives you is different this time. It's heavier and needier, no hesitation. Finally. Finally. His other hand finds your waist, fingers spreading against your hip, a little greedy. You smile into the kiss leaning up to press into him further.

Your water bottle drops to the floor with a thud, forgotten. You don't care. His thumb strokes the planes of your jaw, slow and deliberate as he parts your mouth with his tongue. You make a little sound in the back of your throat and he pulls away, breathing heavily.

"You're killing me," he whispers.

"Good."

His laugh is throaty. He kisses you again, softer and lingering before he straightens and steps away from you, pulling you with him.

"Come."

He threads his fingers through yours and leads you out of the kitchen and down a softly lit hallway. The smell of him gets stronger when he toes open the door to his bedroom.

The room is bathed in the gentle flow of a beside lamp he left on. There's a massive bed in the center of the room, the bedding a mess of white sheets and a rumpled comforter. It smells faintly of laundry and his woody cologne, the windows cracked to let in the breeze.

He pauses in the doorway, his hand still intertwined with yours, giving you a moment to back out. "You good?"

You nod, stepping closer, the heat from his body drawing you in. "More than."

He smiles, that lopsided grin that's been your undoing all evening, and leans down to capture your lips again. This kiss is slower than the one in the kitchen, more exploratory, like he's savoring the taste of you now that there's no rush.

His lips move against yours with a gentle insistence, parting slightly to deepen it, his tongue brushing yours. You sigh into his mouth, your fingers curling into his hoodie, pulling him closer.

Soonyoung's hands find your waist, sliding under the hem of your shirt just enough to graze the bare skin there. His touch is warm and calloused. He walks you backward slowly, guiding you toward the bed without breaking the kiss. The backs of your knees hit the edge of the mattress and you both go down in a tangle of limbs, noses bumping. He laughs against your lips but stays pressed to you.

He props himself up on one elbow, hovering over you. You reach up and knock his hat off backward, earning a grin followed by a throaty moan as you card your fingers through his hair, the inky strands soft.

"You're fucking beautiful," he murmurs. There's no smirky or cocky athlete now. There's just raw honesty that makes you light headed. He dips his head down to kiss your jaw, lips trailing toward your ne ck. "Tell me if anything is too much or you don't like it, yeah?"

"Mhmmm."

You arch into his touch, your hands roaming his back. The muscles shift underneath his hoodie and you tug at the fabric, wanting it gone.

Soonyoung sits back on his heels, pulling the hoodie up and over his head in one motion, revealing a toned chest and arms. He's lean and strong, with a faint constellation of freckles splashed across his shoulders. He tosses his hoodie while you map them with your fingers, inquisitive.

He shivers. "That tickles."

"You're pretty."

He flushes. "Why is it that you turn me into a teenage boy again?"

"You already spilled in my lap, the worst is over."

Soonyoung groans at the double meaning to your words. He shakes his head and kisses you again, deeper this time. His hand slides up your side to push your shirt higher and you let him, only breaking the kiss to help him peel it off.

It's cool in his room, your newly expose skin pebbling. Soonyoung's gaze darkens as he takes you in, his hands roaming across your ribs and stomach, brushing up to cup your breasts through you're bra.

"Fuck you're perfect," he murmurs.

He brushes his thumbs back and forth over your hardening nipples and you gasp, wiggling in his hold. It's not nearly enough friction but the barest hint of it has you thrumming. He smile at the sound, leaning down to kiss the swell of your chest, tongue darting out to taste your skin.

Soonyoung unhooks your bra with ease - a far cry from the nervous boy he was a second ago - and tosses it aside. His mouth descends, his tongue eagerly circling one nipple while his fingers tease the other. It feels so good, your breaths turning sharp and shallow as you thread your fingers through his hair, holding him close. He switches sides, sucking gently, and the sensation shoots right to your core, making you squirm.

"So responsive," he mutters against your skin, laughing. "I love the sounds you make."

He kisses his way back up to your mouth, claiming it while he settles between your legs. You can feel how hard he is, his cock pressing up against your thigh through his jeans. It sends a thrill through you knowing you affect someone like him this much.

Your hands explore too, tracing the lines of his chest and abs, skimming down to. the waistband of his jeans. He groans into your mouth when your fingers brush over the seam of his jeans, hip buckling slightly. "Fuck. Don't tease."

He doesn't have to worry about that - you're impatient, the ache between your legs growing worse. You wrap your legs around his waist, pulling him closer to grind up against him. He breaks the kiss, burying his face in your neck as he pants.

"Message received," he grinds out.

Soonyoung shifts his weight, one thigh pressed firmly between your legs. You don't hesitate, seeking friction as you grind against him, even through layers of clothes. He watches your face intently, eyes dark as he rocks his thigh against you, mouth curving.

"Like that?" he asks, voice low. "Feels good?"

"Uh-huh."

You clutch at his shoulders, grinding down onto his thigh, the denim rough against you. The seam of your pants hits just right and you tense. He senses it and grins, hands going to your waist to guide your hips against his thigh.

"Fuck," he hisses. "You're so wet I can feel it through your jeans, baby." He leans down to nip your ear and you let out a pitiful sound. "So hot for me already."

Soonyoung works the buttons of your jeans, popping them open with a flick. You lift your hips to help him slide them down with your underwear in one go. The cool air hits your pussy and you whine but Soonyoung's gaze scorches you as he takes in the sight of you underneath him.

"Fucking hell," he breathes, sliding his hands up your thighs. "So pretty."

He slides down to settle between your legs, his breath ghosting over your aching cunt, and you whimper at the feeling. He ignores you, taking his time to kiss the inside of your thighs, nipping lightly.

When his fingers finally brush against you to part your folds, you're dying. He circles your twitching entrance teasingly before sliding one finger inside, slow and deliberate.

"Shit," you breath out, sagging on the bed.

He grins and takes it as a good sign, adding a second finger when you moan. He curls his fingers perfectly, pressing up against your front wall to make you see starts. He starts to pump them, pace lazy, while his thumb circles your clit.

"Tell me what feels good," he murmurs, pressing a wet kiss to your thigh.

"Right there," you gasp, his fingers hitting the perfect spot. "Shit, right there please."

He smiles, repeating the motion, his free hand holding your thigh steady. The wet sounds of his fingers is obscene but you don't care, your hips grinding to meet his fingers. He kisses your stomach, your hips, your thighs - anywhere he can reach, fingers working you expertly.

Soonyoung's vocal, murmuring how good you feel, how he loves the way you clench around him. When you come undone, it's with his name on your lips, your body arching off the bed as you squeeze down on his fingers hard.

He withdraws his fingers slowly, bringing them to his mouth to taste you, his eyes never leaving yours. "Sweet," he says with a grin, before shifting up to kiss you, letting you taste yourself on his tongue.

You tug at his jeans then, desperate to feel him. "Off," you demand breathlessly, and he chuckles, standing to shuck them off along with his boxers. He's hard and leaking, the sight making your mouth water, but before you can reach for him, he's grabbing a condom from the nightstand drawer.

"No little league Kwon's today," he jokes, ripping the foil open with his teeth.

He settles back between your legs pressing his chest to yours. His skin is warm and you lean up to kiss him, messy and needy. He grins into the kiss, breaking it only to murmur, "I like you."

"Good."

Soonyoung presses in slowly, giving you time to adust. The stretch is a lot but good, filling you completely. You groan when he's fully seated, pressing his forehead to yours as he takes a breath to compose himself.

"I'm going to die if I come right now," he laughs. "Fuck my life."

You clench around him, pussy squeezing and he growls. "Yeah?"

"Don't do that," he whines.

Before you can do it again, he starts moving, slow thrusts that drag against your walls. You melt into the bed, fingers resting on his biceps as he fucks you gently against the mattress. He brings up one hand to cup your breast, thumb flicking over your nipple to make you twitch.

"So fucking good," he whispers. "You take me so well."

Soonyoung's weight presses you into the mattress, his eyes eyes locked on your as he fucks you slow and deep. Your breath stutters as you wrap your legs around his waist, pulling him deeper. He picks up his pace slightly, sweat beading on his brow, muscles flexing under your fingers.

Your hand scratch down his back, urging him on. He responds to your touch, thrusting harder, the mattress creaking beneath you. He works you up to another orgasm and you feel it low in your belly, hanging right over the precipice. He notices and grins, grinding his hips into yours just right to send you over the edge, seizing up under him as you come.

"Fuck," he gasps. "Sound so fucking pretty when you come. Fuck."

Soonyoung doesn't hesitate. He pulls out out of you and slides down your body, surprising you. You lift your head, a question on your lips but it dies the second his tongue presses against your pussy.

"Oh fuck," you gasp, fingers twisting in the sheets. "Fucking Christ - Soonyoung."

He hums, pleased as he sucks your clit gently into his mouth. His fingers press you open and you whimper, his tongue gently but sparking your oversensitivity as he tastes you leisurely.

"Tastes so good," he mumbles, words muffled by your slick folds. His tongue circles your clit gently, chasing another orgasm. "Come for me again, baby. I want it."

You let out a pitiful sound as you do exactly as he asks, coming for him again. You feel your cunt pulse, your thighs closing around his head as he sucks at you greedily.

By the time he kisses back up to your mouth, you're barely alive, panting and sweaty and a mess. He brushes the hair from your face delicately. "You okay?"

"Yes," you rasp. "I think I met god."

"Was he the right fielder for the Cubs?"

You smack him and he laughs. He bends down to kiss you but you dodge him, rolling over under neath him to get on your knees, pressing back toward him. "Like this," you say, looking over your shoulder at him."

His eyes darken. "Yeah? This how you want it baby?"

"Uh-huh."

"Say less."

His hands grip your hips as he slides in, the angle deeper than before. You cry out and he bites into your shoulder lightly, playful. His tongue soothes the bite, sweeping against your salty skin as he fucks you slowly, his chest flush against your back.

He wraps an arm around your waist, pressing his hand between your legs to press his fingers against your clit. He doesn't do anything - just keeps the pressure there, the slide from his thrusts enough to stimulate you until you're seeing white.

"Feel good?" He whispers into your ear, breath hot.

"Fuck," you answer, voice cracking. "So good Soonyoung, holy shit."

His pace builds, the hand on your waist pulling you back to meet him. He kisses your neck, your shoulders - anywhere he can press his mouth, murmuring how amazing you feel, how much he loves the way you come for him. It drives you fucking crazy and before long, you think you're going to come again.

"Come with me," he whispers, hips snapping. "You can do another."

Turns out, he's right. You come together, teeth clenched as you do. He growls out your name, hips slowly before he stops, the two of you panting together. You can feel his heartbeat hammering through where your back is pressed to his chest, beating in time with yours.

"Fuck," he rasps. "I'll move in a minute, I need a second." He kisses your shoulder, soft and delicate. "It's an off day tomorrow. We can sleep in."

"Wow, inviting me to sleep over, huh?"

He laughs. "I went off the warning track for you. We're definitely into sleep over territory."

"So you admit it was on purpose."

"I admit it was fate," he murmurs. He nuzzles your neck, sighing. "The benefits happened to be entirely circumstantial."

Spent, you stay in his arms until he finals falls to the side, the two of you exhausted an drifting toward sleep.

-

The August sun is low in the sky, slanting cold across the ivy walls. Seungkwan is still droning about the ice cream machine nearest to your seats being broken, and you're pretty sure Junhui is too preoccupied checking his 50/50 raffle ticket numbers to be paying attention to Seungkwan's complaints.

It's a breezy summer evening and the Cubs are up by one in the top of the seventh with the bases loaded, two outs, full count. The batter fouls one straight back, making everyone - including you - duck as the ball hits the net before coming back down. The next time the bat connects, it sends the ball straight down the right-field line, high and slicing.

Soonyoung is already moving. He explodes toward the warning track exactly like he did that night, cleats chewing up grass. For a split second you think he's going to repeat that first night and leap up into the stands, but this time he jumps and snatches the ball, landing with a skid on the warning track.

The ballpark detonates. Seungkwan is screaming and Junhui is shaking you by the shoulders. Somewhere, a kid is crying because he dropped his hot dog. But you're only looking at a single person.

The Cubs' right fielder straightens slowly as he starts heading toward the dugout. He turns briefly, looking over his shoulder - not at where he caught the ball - but right at you. He gives you the same lopsided grin he always does before tapping two fingers to his lips and flicking them outward toward you.

From behind, someone screams "GET A ROOM!"

Seungkwan turns around in his seat, red in the face. "THEY ALREADY HAVE ONE DIP SHIT!"

Soonyoung laughs. You can see the crinkle in his eyes from where you sink down in your seat, covering your face. He taps the brim of his cap in a tiny salute only meant for you before jogging into the dugout to switch to the bottom of the seventh.

The scoreboard flips to the bottom of the seventh, and the organist starts Sweet Caroline, urging thousands of voices to sing off-key. All you can hear is the sound of your own heartbeat though, glancing at the left over footprints from Soonyoung on the warning track.

If you didn’t already exceed at the ‘Loser check list’, you’re currently occupied at your cluttered desk. Head buried in textbooks, knee anxiously bouncing, hands taut in your ‘day two’ hair. 

There was an assignment that was due yesterday, and you’ve been constantly thinking about it since. To be honest, you don’t even know why you put it off, you swear you only did that to make yourself go insane.

You thought that you'll live a little but you're always stuck studying and finishing presentations. Or when you do socialize, all your friends talk about the cute boy on campus, or how dinner went with their boyfriend of two months, or their sneaky link ghosting them. 

Those were also gentle reminders why you should stay single. You had your fair share; some blowjobs, as in one, then making out, and the list kind of stopped there. You prioritized homework and studying, over boys that are Mr. Minute Man.

As if college couldn’t get any worse, you're also stuck with a sucky ass roommate. You didn't want to pay for on campus dorms, so you decided on a nicer place, but having to commute to school every day.

The thing about your roommate, is that they're full of shit, obnoxious, always, and when I mean always, it's constant, they're constantly fucking someone. You thought your libido was high? Oh no, you've truly been out-freaked by your roommate, Choi, freaking, Seungcheol.

Practically half of the campus girls had walked in and out of your flat. The real reason why, is because of Choi Seungcheol's fucking dick. His cock is a living and walking legend. Him as a whole is already a package: strong arms, deep voice, tall, and broad. Then, his dick was just the ribbon on the entire present. 

Truly his greed sickens you, and yet the fact he's fucking a sorority sister, maybe every other week, agitates you. It made you wonder, is it really that good?

—

It was another quiet day in your shared flat, you're brewing coffee absently. Seungcheol had left the house for some activity in his fraternity. He said it was some team bonding shit and then slammed the door. Perfect, you thought, the house was finally silent. 

The awfully thin walls reverberated the moans from the squealiest girl he fucked last night. You needed this coffee and silence more than anything right now. 

Your brain buzzed busily as you recalled the homework and upcoming tests you needed to finish and study for.

The electric kettle clicked with the bubbling of boiling water, signifying you to get out of your head. You poured the boiling water into a thick, glass mug. Stirring up the syrup concoction you just made.

It was your natural routine, the sound of your metal spoon clinking against your ceramic mug, with the rumbling and humming of cars outside your flat. It was comforting to say the least, when it was quiet.

Although many days like this, your brain wasn't. The loud noises from last night always sink into your stomach, coiling like a boa constrictor ready to eat their prey. You don’t know when this sexual fixation started, or how you were so sensitive to… well that stuff.

Maybe it started when you began to read stupid smut books where they don't even execute sex properly. Then when you were older, watching stupid pornos where they go at an ungodly speed, and somehow you couldn’t live without thinking about sex. Wishing to experience, like all those girls who said they lost their virginity in stupid highschool. 

What got to your head was the fact you were so inexperienced, yet so experienced at the same time.

You let out a sharp exhale as you checked your phone with sudden urgency you didn't have five minutes ago. Your friends had decided you didn't come outside your house enough this month, so they invited you to eat some brunch with them.

It always went the same way, small talk, boyfriend talk, then to 'are-you-seeing-anyone' talk. Like, they’ve managed to ask the same thing in the span of a week. 

Perhaps your relationship status might have changed, but for you, no way in heaven would it. 

It's okay, they were good friends nonetheless. Always pushing you to do new things, and keeping that spark of social skills alive in you, despite your refusal.

There's not much they can do when you've set your standards higher than your grades, which your grades are pretty high. Or modestly high. Or is it average? You don't know anymore, with the ghost of expectations haunting you. A strict set of rules no one ever asked you to meet, managed to keep you in line.

—

You quickly tidied up your hair as you caught a glance of yourself in the mirror. Your lips tugged up into a staged smile, then into a smirk of pure shock. You haven't seen yourself so put together in maybe, months? Usually these small dates with your friends motivated you to doll yourself up.

It's almost addictive how good you look when you put effort into your looks. You don't care how you look most of the time, because literally no one else cares. Plus, Seungcheol brings over these goddess-like girls, and you don't even dare try to compete with them. Not like you… not like you ever thought about appealing to Seungcheol. 

As you exited the house, Seungcheol was making his way back home, glancing at you like a stranger.

"Where are you going?" He pressed, making you shoot him an incredulous glare. He’s acting like you don’t have a social life, which is partially correct.

"Brunch. With my friends." You stated it like it was obvious, like he could have guessed. Which he couldn't. 

He doesn't believe in 'brunch'. It's either late breakfast or early lunch, no such thing as 'brunch', he proclaimed the last time you uttered such words.

"Oh, okay." He cocked an accusing eyebrow, and walked into the house without another word. You let out a scoff, rolling your eyes at how stupid that conversation was.

That summed up your relationship, a few words, a glare, and then thick silence. Recently though, he’s been ignoring you, or avoiding you? You can’t tell because you’ve been avoiding home as of late.

An uncharacteristic thing that’s been happening is the lack of girls flooding into your shared place. Last night was kind of a surprise though, he would have told you before… but he didn’t. Honestly, you’re kind of thankful that he told you— excluding last night— because you couldn’t manage any more sleepless nights.

You sighed slamming your car door to silence the endless spill of thoughts in your head. Your eyes tried to keep focus on the route as your knuckles clenched to white. He's so utterly stupid, you can't believe people would flock over to suck his dick—

Your GPS yelled at you that you had missed your left turn. A long sigh dragged from your lips as you followed the prompted directions. You’re shooting glances at your phone whilst making sure another driver doesn’t decide to play footsies with their brake.

Something that’s a mystery to you is how Seungcheol inhabited a chunk of your brain. The ratio being 95% school and 5% Seungcheol, and that’s pretty extreme for you. 

He’s your roommate, you shouldn’t be imagining wanting to run your hands along his back muscles, tracing the tattoo of an olive tree down the column of his spine. Or even how his face feels when he buries it into the crook of your neck, his calloused hands gripping onto your thighs.

Whenever he occupied your thoughts, you couldn’t figure out why. Even if you were to stop and think, it’d strain your big, beautiful brain. You wouldn’t dare date him, he sleeps around, he’s an asshole, he’s not as driven in school as you are. He’s just… just someone you shouldn’t date or be affiliated with. 

Your pride held you back mostly, and you knew that. It’s just if you were to date him, you feel like this perfect world you had built so deliberately, will shatter. Your friends will be disappointed, the past girls he dated and slept with will lash out at you, and maybe even your parents will be disappointed. You don’t want that. You don’t want to disappoint anyone, and most importantly, you don’t want to disappoint Seungcheol.

-

The cafe was cozy, with welcoming colors and flourishing plants. In the window, you can see an older guy with a newspaper who sat alone in a booth. A family of four eating at a table while talking animatedly to each other. Then an awfully chatty dude talking to the guy working behind the bar, adjusting the cakes on the display. 

After you begrudgingly parallel parked, the door chimed as you pushed it open. A chipper, brunette hostess greeted you, but your friends are already hooting and hollering in a booth that you can only see in your peripheral.

"I'm... with them." You motioned with your thumb, and the hostess just nodded with an understanding smile on her lips.

"Oh my god! It's a miracle!" Erika exclaimed, her dyed dirty blonde hair tied neatly up into a bun. A gummy, warm smile graced her already beautiful face.

"Is it really one? We had to beg her to come out." Jennifer retorted, snorting before she drank a sip out of her chai latte. She tucked her silky black hair behind her ear, her dainty silver piercings glimmering in the morning light.

You let out a scoff as you playfully shoved Jennifer, who gasped in offense. "Listen now, I just didn't want to bail on your guy's beautiful faces." 

"Please, we all know you need relationship advice." Jennifer murmured slyly, making Erika laugh. She always laughed at anything, and which you're thankful for, because you'd actually fight Jennifer if it wasn't for Erika's sweet laughter.

"Me? How's you and that mysterious campus boy you kissed at the last sorority party?" You prodded, Jennifer returned your comment with a lazy eye roll.

"Hey, that was just a one time thing. He's kind of weird." She admitted, stirring her drink absently.

Erika hummed noncommittally, seemingly deep in thought or just spacing out. "Wasn't he like a stoner? I'm pretty sure Jiwon got in trouble last time for being with a guy who did drugs."

"Erika what the actual hell are you talking about?" Jennifer laughed, looking at Erika's already dumbfounded face.

"Oh my god, are you guys talking about Chris? Seungcheol said he got kicked out." You whispered in a conspirative manner. Seungcheol didn't actually tell you this directly, you just happened to overhear.

"You kissed Chris?" Erika's face visibly repulsed, plucking up her menu.

"No! I don't know what this idiot is talking about—" Jennifer sighed loudly as she cut herself off, playfully glaring back at you.

"Speaking of Seungcheol, you should go to his party this weekend." Jennifer suggested to you, in order to change the topic, her manicured nails clinking against her drink.

"Girl, if I went to a party, something seriously wrong must have happened." You plainly responded, closing your menu. "Are you guys ready to order?"

Erika hummed in response as she stirred the straw around in her drink. Jennifer called over the waiter who happened to be placing out cups of water for a nearby table. 

Jennifer was always the strong-headed, blunt beauty in this trio. With her dark hair and monochromatic clothing, even you would date her.

Erika on the other hand... was different. Her bubbly, giggly attitude was a stark difference to Jennifer. To the pastel and warm toned clothing and delicate, you can say those two were polar opposites.

With you, you were the perfect mix of them both. That's why you guys get along so well. Even though they nag you about your absent dating life. 

-

Your meal arrived in a speedy manner, you’re already stuffing your face because just coffee wouldn't cut it for you. 

Erika and Jennifer rambled about the drama between sororities right now. How girls are constantly getting caught being indecent literally anywhere now. They turn their attention to your crumb dusted face.

"Say, has Seungcheol been bringing anyone to your place recently?" Erika poked, pointing her fork at you.

"No? Well, usually he's been doing it when I'm out of the house, in the library." You chewed on your right side of your mouth, washing your meal down with water.

"Of course... the library." Jennifer mused, giving you a teasing glare.

"Well excuse me… Mr. Wagner assigned a freaking essay right before break. I don't wanna hear moaning when I'm writing about some... stupid bullshit he always pulls out of his ass." You retorted, no more food in your mouth.

Jennifer raised her hands in defense. "Okay chill, I was just making an observation. Also, how have you been keeping up with Seungcheol? You haven’t been bitching and moaning about him recently.”

“Hey! I’ve never bitched and moaned about Seungcheol.” You pointed your fork at Jennifer. You haven’t actually, it was a keen observation. Recently he’s been nicer to you, if avoiding you is being nice.

Erika glanced at you like you were crazy. “Excuse me??? That’s all you did for about maybe a month.”

You sighed in defeat, poking at your food absently. “...Okay maybe.”

“‘Okay maybe’ isn’t an answer, something has to be going on.” Jennifer nagged, and she was kind of right. Just kind of.

“Fine… if you want to hear it so badly, I guess I’ll just admit it.” A long sigh dragged from your lips; the heavy weight of your thoughts fleeting as you prepared to announce it.

You annoyingly drawled out the thick silence, nails tapping insistently on the dining table. “It's like… I can’t stop thinking about him.” You mumbled out, eyes glued on your food.

They both groaned, like they saw this coming.

“Dude, what… What the hell?” Erika sighed, pinching her nose bridge.

“I freaking knew it!” Jennifer scoffed, smashing her fork against the table, creating an awfully loud metallic clank.

“Guys— just hear me out.” You started, but both of them look unimpressed, easily shutting you up. A ball of guilt started stirring in your stomach as you looked at them in panic. Unease rushed through your body, as anxious thoughts flooded your mind.

“You’re coming to this party if you like it or not. You need to realize that Seungcheol is actually evil.” Jennifer reprimanded, she immediately yanked out her phone. “Sending you the details, right now.”

Shortly, your phone buzzed with Jennifer’s contact dropping down on the notification bar. Telling them and understanding your feelings, was already a sign you’re too far gone. It's their duty to refrain you from falling victim to Choi Seungcheol. Even if they’re already failing.

two: 

Pathetically, you've retreated to the library to take your mind off things. Taking a quiet corner you've always claimed. The familiar musty smell of yellowed paper and the outside rain truly healed your heart. You neatly set up your folders, pushing up your slipping bluelight glasses.

It was perfect actually, the clouds blocking the shining sun with fat drops of rain. An unexpected heavy sigh escaped your lips, as you stared at your blank document. You came here to distract yourself, but you spot a touchy couple a few tables away to your right. 

You can see his hand squeeze her thigh in broad fluorescent lighting. How her leg is thrown over his knee, and how their shoulders rubbed against each other. 

Your nails dugged into your knees unconsciously at the sight. The tension in your jaw snapped you back to reality.

God, get a room, you thought. 

As your knee bounced anxiously, you can't help your drifting mind. 

Imagining the warmth and pressure of someone else's hands. Their own personal scent fogging your mind, their voice soft and reserved for you. His strong arms draped over your shoulder like it belonged there as he played with your hair. A gummy smile growing, making his dimples cave in his cute cheeks. His full, pouty lips distract you from his attentive eyes…

You shook your head to snap yourself out of this perverted daze. You can't believe you just thought about Seungcheol. Wait. Was that Seungcheol you were thinking about? 

An annoyed sigh escaped your bitten lips, your eyes snapping back down to the bare document. 

-

Ten minutes went by. Then fifteen. Then thirty.

Your nail tapped insistenly against the metal of your laptop while your bouncing knee practically shook the whole table. The downpour of the rain was getting louder and more intense, some people fleeing into the library to just wait it out.

Your mind returned to those past imaginations, absolutely wrecking your concentration. You feel too immersed in your thoughts, even to the point where your heart started racing at the idea.

It’s almost like you can feel his breath mingling with yours and stealing the air out of your lungs. A phantom brush of his nose against your pulse point, that familiar charming smile haunting against your neck. His annoyingly addicting scent that is tailored to him and him only. Just the mere thought of him has you wrecked.

Suddenly, you take a moment, sniffing the air like a weirdo. You could have sworn you smelt his signature scent. A whiff of the gut wrenching cedary citrus hit you, a chill running straight up your spine. There’s no doubt that it's Seungcheol's cologne. 

An annoyed and pent up sigh left your mouth. Your head falling into your palms as you groaned, trying to clear your head just in case he’s actually lurking around.

His cologne got stronger, the scent haunting you, or maybe you were thinking about him too much. It was like you manifested him into existence. 

Suddenly, you feel the warmth of someone elses body radiating onto yours.

“Can I sit here?” A smug voice asked, already pulling the chair out to sit besides you.

A wave of his cologne smacked you awake, and you finally peeked through your fingers.

Seungcheol was sitting there, close enough for you to see the droplets of rain on his hair. How his damp shirt accentuated his firm chest, and beads of rain dripping down his defined biceps.

Oh my god. This is truly a sight of sore eyes, you must admit.

“What?” A sputtered laugh escaped him, his hand running through his damp hair. The mussed hair made him look even more sexier, making your teeth gritting in annoyance.

“What do you want?” You softly groaned out, peeking at him again. You’re trying to avoid his eyes, especially the fact you’ve been thinking about him for the past hour.

“Woah, chill.” Seungcheol breathed out, looking you up and down, almost like he was savoring the sight in front of him. That’s weird. He’s being weird. You feel weird.

You looked around the library, catching his friends goofing off. They’re mishandling books, getting their wet clothes on the carpet, and making an awfully loud ruckus in a library. You cringe at the sight of them.

“Why don’t you just go with them?” You asked pointedly, but you completely understand that you wouldn’t wanna be seen with idiots like them.

“Because.” Seungcheol murmured, you could feel his eyes burning holes into you. 

“Okay, whatever.” You grumbled, resting your chin in the palm of your hand. Your fingers pushed up absently at your bluelight glasses, using this as an excuse to hide your flushing face.

What does he even mean, ‘because’? Did he want to hang out with you? Did he see you and decided he wanted your company instead of his close friends? Does he enjoy being around you?

No– you’re overthinking all of this. Your friends are right, he’s evil. He’s just playing games with you right now. He’s eager to watch how you play the next move. 

You sighed loudly as you opened up the blank document again, which is a weak attempt to distract yourself.

“Hey, at least talk to me.” The pout is so strong in his tone, you couldn’t help but laugh in shock.

“Excuse me?” You shamelessly smiled toward him, skeptical at his sulking. Seungcheol did this from time to time with you, but him being sad over not getting your attention? This is a new reaction.

“I wanted to see what you were doing here so late, at least talk to me.” He admitted quietly.

One blink. Two blinks. 

“Oh.” You mumbled out stupidly, like you suddenly forgot how to use your mouth. The soft admission made you burn red like a fool, and just like that, he’s taken a pawn. Seungcheol has you in a vulnerable spot.

“What?” A sly smirk curled on the corner of his lips.

Fucking asshole. He knew what he was doing to you, and it seemed to egg him on even more, wanting to elicit more reactions out of you.

“Nothing… I’m just finishing up homework.” You murmured, hoping that’ll suffice. You turned your body away again, trying to tell him you’re done playing verbal chess.

“Finishing? You’ve been staring at the same empty doc for the past… I don’t know, since I’ve been here.” Seungcheol mentioned, his fingers drumming too close to your arms. Your brain immediately rolled in thoughts you should not be thinking about right now.

“Hey. Are you even listening?” He sulked again.

“Sorry, I’m so focused, I don’t ever hear annoying people talking.” You explained, briefly turning your head to glance at him.

“I’m so not annoying, what are you even talking about?” Seungcheol inched closer. It’s almost like he knew what his proximity was doing.

He must be doing such bullshit on purpose. He moved his hand besides yours, your forearms parallel. You can feel a tingling sensation as his eyes dragged down your body. It’s driving you insane, what are his intentions? 

“Yeah? That’s the first stage, denial.” You smiled, proud at your effortless and witty comeback.

Seungcheol let out a weak laugh, an audible sign of defeat. Your heart launched into your throat as he leaned in even more, his cologne a familiar punch to your gut, his breath fanning over your exposed arm. Seungcheol is evil– conniving and evil and so utterly handsome– your friends were more than right.

“Har-har, you really got me there.” Seungcheol murmured lowly, his voice sending pathetic shivers up your spine. He was resting his chin on his palm, which brought his face impeccably closer to yours.

He pulled back slowly, keeping his eyes on you. Your stomach launched into your throat, praying that it didn’t show on your face. 

But the way the smirk curled up on those plush lips of his, he clearly saw right through you. He saw how your eyes diverted like skidding mice, the way your knee stopped bouncing for a mere second, he knew you too well to not see it. 

For a moment you couldn’t breathe in the air of tension, you couldn’t fathom the thought of his eyes peeling back the layers you spent years putting up. When you’re with him, it’s like a fog-dense maze that never ends. Everytime though, he always found a way to end before you, and won your little mind games.

Thankfully, Seungcheol doesn’t comment on it, and you tore your eyes away before they could wander further. You finally occupied yourself with the very much blank document in front of you.

As you typed away, you can’t help but feel that he’s closer than before. His body heat made your arm hairs prick up at the sudden warmth.

If this couldn’t get any worse, you curiously glance back at him. 

He’s already staring. Eyes calculating you before he checkmated your king: your dignity and pride.

A whole body chill struck you, making you snap your head away in urgency. You bit your inner lip to distract you from hysterically screaming, whilst bouncing your knee anxiously once again. 

He leaned in closer now, his arm near your laptop. 

“Did I finally get your attention?” Seungcheol hummed, his voice husky and so awfully warm. The tone running you up straight into a spiral.

“Fuck off, I came here to study by myself.” You managed to mumble back, it came out more meek than you expected.

“Am I not an exception?” Seungcheol frowned, leaning in impeccably closer, like he wanted you to look at him again. His eyes followed your avoidant ones as his breath mingled with the air you breathe, his whole presence beckoning you.

You weren’t stupid, you wouldn’t fall for his manipulating acts. 

“You’re less than an exception, you’re not even an option.” You bitterly comment as you turn your attention back to your laptop.

He let out a low whistle. “Struck a nerve there, didn’t I?”

“I just wanted to be with you.” Seungcheol mumbled, like he was worried the words would land differently.

Okay, you are kind of stupid. You let your eyes reach him again, peeking at him off your right shoulder.

You feel even more stupid, as your heart physically ached when you see him get up. His pointer finger brushing over your knuckle on accident, you hope on accident. 

“I’ll just go if this is the case. See you at home then.” He held your eyes for a beat longer than you expected. It was like he wanted to say more, but was too hesitant.

You didn’t notice how your hand bunched up the fabric of your sweats in that weirdly tense moment. His eyes searched yours, desperately almost; it felt like he was trying to read you, but you were a complicated riddle. He walked off with his back towards you and his friends following him like dogs.

“Fuck.” You muttered once he was out of earshot, burying your face in your hands.

There goes your hour of concentration. Thanks a lot, Choi Seungcheol.

–

Besides Seungcheol bombarding your mind, your friends, Erika and Jennifer, are blowing up your phone. 

They keep on sending inspo pictures of group photos they want to take on their digital cameras. They even have your outfit planned out to the tea. They’re assigning each other roles to make sure any guy, besides Seungcheol, will talk to you.

A nervous flutter rose to your chest as you thought about the party.

So much for studying, you thought. You packed up, stuffing your laptop with the still empty document. You were heading to Erika’s house, which was close to the library.

Erika thoroughly explained how she’s going to do your makeup, and the clothes that she had prepared for you. Pinterest photo after another, you’ve realized there’s no way you can back out now.

Jennifer and Erika ended up arguing on the vibe. Jennifer said chic and simple, nothing too showy or ‘slutty’, but that would be hypocritical… as Jennifer’s best friend is a lethal v-cut neckline. 

Erika strongly pushed for a cowl neckline, with the backless feature. With complimenting tight bootcut jeans that show off the curvature of your ass perfectly. Of course only she would think about what your butt would look like in jeans. 

Though, they came to a conclusion: a micro skirt, that you’re hundred percent sure your butt will be hanging out of. For the top, they managed to battle it out and decided on a simple black tank, with a lacy bra that is not debatable. 

—

Your heart beat thrummed through your skin, your fingers anxiously tapped on the vanity. Erika hovered around you like a humming bird with her hands all over your hair. Jennifer is constantly skipping through songs, trying to find the right vibe. 

An unsettling feeling dwelled in your stomach. 

You’re really doing this, you thought. You’re seriously going to waltz in and flaunt your stuff just to spite Seungcheol. Maybe even kiss another guy, just to show Seungcheol that you don’t want him. Your brain is going down a steep spiral about Seungcheol, and you need a way to get out.

“To be honest guys, I don’t even like Seungcheol like that.” You murmured pathetically, hoping that’ll deter the fire burning in their eyes.

“Like, he always sleeps around and… you know? It's just I don't like… guys like that.” You poorly explained your alibi. It was a futile attempt, sadly earning skeptical looks from them. 

They all know— so do you— that you can't resist the temptations of Choi Seungcheol. Especially being so sexually frustrated, he is a living wet dream for you.

“Excuses, excuses. At least see this as an opportunity to network and have fun, who knows you might be able to network yourself some dick because you’re such a smooth talker.” Jennifer retorted, smudging her eyeliner. 

She sat on the floor, hunched over the mirror and still pressing the skip button. How did she even have any skips left? Erika was still busy running around you with a curling iron. She had meticulously done your makeup, enhancing your features and making you look completely brand new.

You had insisted you can do it yourself, but Erika proclaimed she’s a pro, and she knows what she’s doing. Which she 100% is a pro, as you can barely recognize yourself, in a good way at least.

“Yeah, Jen’s right. Just have fun, don’t think about Seungcheol. Plus he’ll probably be sucking off someone’s face anyways, it’ll ruin your good vibes.” Erika added as she scrunched the cooling curl. 

Erika wasn’t the best at delivering advice, like Jennifer’s blunt demeanor, but hearing that sentence: “sucking off someone’s face”, made your heart sink. You knew it was granted to happen for him, but hearing it aloud hurt even more. It bubbled in your stomach, just to rise and puncture your aching heart.

It was almost like they sensed it, and on cue Jennifer pulled a big ass bottle of Tito’s vodka out of nowhere.

“We should pregame, if you don’t want to, you don’t have to…” Jennifer singed-songed, already pouring herself a shot.

Erika rejected it, and so did you. You rejected because you didn’t want to end up wailing about your feelings, and half because you’d end up way drunk before you even arrived. 

three:

You arrived at the party, the night air nipping at your ankles as you got out. Erika and Jennifer are a couple of steps ahead of you, talking about how they’re not going to drink too much.

Every step you took was met with a sharp pain in your heels. Your hands constantly tugged down your riding skirt. The awful push up bra you have on is digging straight into your ribs, and you feel too vulnerable with your cleavage out. Your friends keep on urging you to take pictures, but your hair keeps on flying into your lip gloss. 

You don't fit here, you feel like a shell of your body. Guys are smoking on the front lawn, girls are already stumbling out even though the party has barely started. You can feel the music before hearing it, thrumming quickly through your pulse. You're met with a conglomerate smell of cologne, weed, and alcohol.

What's worse is as soon as you get eaten by the swarm of people, it's like the lights dim and flash on him.

Seungcheol.

He's talking to the girl you remember who he said gave him sloppy head, or was it another girl? Who knows. Though, he doesn't seem too upset about that. His hand automatically found the small of her back, his thumb brushing over the divot right before the curve of her ass.

Your stomach churned uncomfortably as bile bubbled in the back of your throat. 

His hands are traveling, feeling her, memorizing each dip with the tips of his fingers. A ghost of fingers repeated it on your own frame, your arms wrapped around you sheepishly. Get out of your head, you spoke to yourself.

You involuntarily swallowed as you finally pried your eyes away, you didn't notice how dry your mouth had gotten at the sight of them. Erika looked at you weirdly, tugging on your arm to snap you out of this hypnotized daze.

"Hey, what are you looking at? Hurry, let's get drinks before they all just start tasting like fruit punch and not vodka!" She laughed, her shrill tone dumping the ice cold reality back onto you.

Fuck. You couldn't shake off this gnawing feeling in your stomach. The burning ache in your heart. The indescribable brain fog prevented you from even trying to comprehend how you feel. This isn't jealousy, you painfully remind yourself, you're not even interested in him. He doesn't even want you.

Jennifer placed a drink in your hand, and as she looked away, you've already downed it. The liquid burning down your throat as the alcohol taste sticked on your tongue. You carelessly tossed the cup, groaning at the taste.

"Dude! Are you fucking stupid?" She gaped at you as you wiped the alcohol off your lips.

"I think so." You grumbled back. You get another cup, to occupy your hands for the most part.

Erika and Jennifer keep a wary eye on you, their mouths still ajar in shock. 

—

To your demise, the alcohol hit you hard. You make up an excuse to leave the jungle of dancing people and flying arms. Finding yourself in the dimly lit kitchen, you take this chance to rest against the counter.

Even with all the heaps of alcohol clouding your brain beyond consciousness, the image of Seungcheol standing so intimately with that girl is etched into your brain. You shivered as a phantom finger traced the curve of your waist. It traveled up slowly, like it was memorizing the exact slope of it.

"Why are you here?" The hand wasn't a ghost. It was Seungcheol’s. He was leaning in, scanning your face intently like you were outlandish. Which wasn’t entirely wrong.

A sharp gasp yanked from your chest, the sight of him immediately sobered you up. He has the evil audacity to laugh in your face. His fingers brushed against yours deliberately on the edge of the counter, his left hand holding his cup as he brought it to his lips.

You try not to stare, really, but the way he held eye contact with you as he drank, you couldn't help but watch. You swallow, eyes finally yanking away as soon as you have some decorum.

Seungcheol leaned in again, his cologne making your knees feel like jelly. "Why are you here? This isn't your type of crowd." He asked again while his fingers creeped up onto your tense knuckles, delicately brushing them like he was scared you'll pull away.

"'Cause, I wanted to." You muttered lamely, shamelessly following his touch with your eyes. You watched his fingers brush up your forearms, but you did it mostly to avoid his stare.

"Just 'cause?" Seungcheol teased softly, leaning his head against the cabinets as he looked at you carefully. Almost tenderly. Almost.

"Yeah." The singular word sounded stupidier than you thought. 

Although, you could care less because you’ve already made yourself a fool, for falling in love with someone out of your league. 

When you look back up at Seungcheol, he’s already staring with an intensity you can’t quite put a finger to. Whether it was hunger or perceptive, your skin feels staticky with heat with his eyes on you.

"Whose attention are you trying to get here?" Seungcheol murmured, inching closer, and you pathetically sucked up a breath.

You forget to answer the question, too distracted on how his lips parted when he talked. His words are muddled in the cloud of his cologne and proximity. Your stomach fluttered childishly, and you can’t tell if it’s the alcohol, or simply him. He nudged your knee with his as he inched closer, and your eyes snapped back up to his eyes.

"I said, who are you trying to attract? You look too good tonight." You hated how his voice resonated deep in your gut. How you wished he spoke to you more, and spoke only sweet nothings.

You immediately gave him a cold shoulder, because it didn’t matter if you looked good or bad, he clearly wasn’t interested in you. 

“Nobody in particular.” You admited, but your brain kept on flashing images of Seungcheol with his ‘girlfriends’, reminding why you’re here.

“Oh really? So your skirt is short enough to see your ass just for fun? Hm?” Seungcheol pressed further, his fingertips brushing against yours.

“Hm? Clearly it’s paying off.” You retorted, unsure why it sounded so bitter.

“Oh?” Seungcheol cocked an eyebrow that made your knees almost buckle in. He manuevered to stand in front of you, caging you in against the counter. 

You bite back the gasp that threatened to escape, but he heard your breath hitching. His cologne jumped into your lungs, and infiltrated your mind. His fingers gripped onto the counter beside you, and you didn’t notice how white his knuckles are. Seungcheol held your eyes with an intensity you’ve never seen before, and fuck, you wanted to see it more often.

“I saw when you arrived. Way before you even looked at me. Way before I even– even talked to that girl.” Seungcheol admitted quietly, intimately.

“I saw the way you looked at us.” He murmured, leaning in closer making his voice rumbling in your chest.

“So? You know I hate public display of affection.” You grumbled back, leaning away by the slightest.

“I know.” He stated simply and clearly.

“Okay, if you know, then that’s your answer to my reaction.” You blatantly excuse.

A beat passed, making anxiety bubble in your chest. 

“You’re jealous.” 

Your facade faded immediately like shattered glass. Those two simple words that escaped his lips dug right into your gut. Seungcheol saw the truth flash in your eyes, and like an instant, his face softened.

“Am I right?” Seungcheol said with a slight smile.

“You wish.” You scoffed in retort, turning your head away.

“You’re lying, plus it doesn’t suit you anyways.” He leaned in, tilting your head up with his pointer finger.

“Don’t lie to me.” He whispered over your lips, your hands jumping at your sides.

“Seungcheol—” you attempted to protest, confused and exactly where you wanted to be.

“Why? Why do you do this all the time? Do you think I’m shallow?” Seungcheol held your face with his fingers, stroking your lower lip gently with his thumb. Your breathing picked up at his words, and his implications. You thought you hid your emotions well, that you didn’t care if Seungcheol slept around. Clearly, he saw right through you.

“Well,” you started, but your throat dried up, and you can’t bring yourself to admit it.

Admit that you’ve been daydreaming about him doing things to you, you’d rather die than say such words.

“Well, whatever you're thinking about, stop it.” Seungcheol sighed, pressing his forehead against yours. He dropped his hand from your face, and moved them to your sides. 

Ever so briefly squeezing your hips before wrapping his arms around your waist. You see him shut his eyes, his lashes brushing over the soft skin.

Your brain short circuited at the touch, your hands jumping to his chest. His breath is mingling with yours, his arms feel heavier than you imagined, and god… you love it.

“I’ve been walking on eggshells around you.” Seungcheol confessed gently, his body leaning into yours like he’s seeking your comfort. His admission explained why he’s been ignoring you recently.

“I don’t know how else to approach you… but to do this…” He gestured by squeezing you flush against the firm wall of his chest.

“To at least show you that I like you.” Seungcheol whispered, his eyes fluttered open to catch your widened ones.

“Me?” You stupidly asked.

“You,” Seungcheol answered tenderly, “of course you. You’re so admirable. You…” He sighed, squeezing his arms around you tighter. 

Seungcheol groaned as he buried his face into your neck, making you shiver at the sensation of his breath. It’s ticklish at first, but melded into a soft reminder of his presence.

“You’re so smart, determined, and so perfect in so many ways.” Seungcheol professed, pulling his head out from your neck.

“But you pull away so often– I’m worried if I come off too strong, or you think I’m a horrible person. But I can understand why.” He stated clearly, holding your eyes with unspoken desire.

You’re at a loss for words with a lump in your throat. All Seungcheol did was smile, and it painfully made your heart lurch at how bad you want him. Forget what your friends said, forget disappointment, you want Seungcheol so bad every nerve in your body is jumping to his touch.

“What? You have this look, like you’re seeing a ghost.” Seungcheol’s lips hovered dangerously over yours, his hands cupping your soft cheeks. His thumb stroked over your cheekbone, feeling your skin burn hot under his touch.

“Just… I’m just shocked.” You sputtered out, to at least speak a coherent sentence. Your eyes darted between his lips and eyes, and he smirked at the small gesture. 

“About what?” A cheeky smile grew on his lips, like he knew this was going to be your reaction. 

“That a guy like me is into a girl like you?” Seungcheol leaned in, and with the motion he removed his arms from your waist. They traveled to the counter behind you, caging you in and pressing his hips against yours.

It ellicted a gasp from your lips, with a jolt of arousal blooming between your legs. He mentally took note of your reaction, his teeth sinking down in his lower lip to restrain himself.

“Is it that?” Your eyes snapped up to meet his. Seungcheol’s head is tilted down to meet yours. 

You look down at his lips, hoping he didn’t notice. In which, he very much did. Another smug smirk grew on his face as his hand came to tilt your chin up.

“Tell me, what’s so shocking about me liking you?” His words swirled in your gut, especially the way his eyes held yours with desire. 

“I– It’s not… as simple as you think.” You managed to speak. Your brain and heart were a puddle; your morals are gone, as you just follow this feeling of warmth you’ve dreamt about.

“It isn’t?” Seungcheol mused. Those simple words have your knees shaky, and you swear your heart is beating so fast it’s visible against your chest.

He pressed a finger right in the middle of your forehead. “Your big, beautiful brain must be complicating it, huh?” Seungcheol smiled all knowingly, and somehow you found yourself laughing.

An even bigger smile grew on his lips at the sweet noise. Seungcheol’s heart swelled with an unfamiliar fondness at the sight. He wanted to memorize the way your eyes crinkled and your smile lines deepened with your laugh. Most importantly, he wanted to be the one making you laugh.

“What? Am I right for once?” He wrapped his arm around your waist again, bringing your chest flush against his. The smile didn’t fade from his lips, almost like he was trying to bask in the bubbly mood you were in.

“Maybe.” You shook your head in disbelief, finally meeting his eyes with confidence.

Silence fell over the both of you. Either in agreement or understanding, but a mutual feeling floated between you two.

“I wanna hear more.” Seungcheol admitted, stroking your cheekbone with unexpected tenderness.

“M…more about what?” Your cheeks burn under his touch, his other hand squeezing your hip.

“About what’s going on in that head of yours.” Seungcheol’s hand slid up your spine, wracking a shiver out of you. He pressed your body taut against his, trying to dissapate the space. It worked increasingly well, as the room felt small, that it was just you and him.

“God no, it’d be so embarrassing to admit aloud. To you.” You laugh weakly, your hands deciding to travel on his chest. Firm muscle is all you can feel under your palms, and he’s clearly enjoying the attention. 

“Really? What is it? You think about me in a certain way?” Seungcheol asked while raising a knowing eyebrow.

Your eyes blinked wider, and an immediate blush grew on your cheeks. Your hands froze their travel on his chest and landed on his shoulders to ground yourself.

All he does is laugh, burying his face in the crook of your neck. Seungcheol found you so unbearably cute, pulling back out to look at you with a gummy smile.

“I’m right again, aren’t I?” 

“Fuck off, seriously.” You groaned out, maneuvering out of his arms to escape Seungcheol’s teasing scrutiny. He almost let you, grabbing onto your wrist once you're an arms length away.

“Why?” He whined, tugging you back. “Let's go back home. Leave this stupid party.”

You know what his intentions are, you know damn well. 

And of course you're going to say yes.

—

You’re sheepishly toeing off your kitten heels, feeling shy with his eyes on you for what felt like ages. You’re unsure why he’s staring, but it made your skin flush from your cheeks to your neck.

“What?” You mumbled out, feeling out of place.

“Nothing.” Seungcheol smiled, walking towards you once your heels are finally off.

His hands are back on your body, your heart leaping into your throat. Your eyes expectantly darted over the expanse of his face. He cupped your cheeks, grounding you with the warmth of his palm.

“Can I kiss you?” Seungcheol quietly asked, tilting your head up to meet his lips.

A shaky exhale left your lips as you nod mutely, your hands sliding up his chest. A silent gesture that you want him as bad as he wants you.

Without a second word his lips surged and chased after yours. 

You struggled to keep up with his pace, his hands and mouth all over you. Seungcheol walked you back towards his bedroom, his hands sneaking under your skirt to grab a handful of your ass. In response, you yelped at the sudden sensation of Seungcheol’s hands kneading at your globes, and clamped your thighs around his hand once his ring finger rubbed the hem of your wet panties. 

Seungcheol pried your legs open and wrapped them around his waist, and you easily complied, tightening your legs as he carried you. His hands shoving your shirt under your bra, feeling the slope of your waist and the warmth you're burning.

“God, you don’t wanna know the things I wanted to do when I first saw you.” Seungcheol groaned into your lips. 

You gasped for air, and he easily took it away. Each kiss was going breath for breath, and you couldn’t complain. His teeth dragging down your lower lip, his tongue sliding against yours languidly. You curl into his touch, utterly wrecked and dying for more. You can barely respond with his tongue in your mouth. The way he worked it made you feel all fluttery and lightheaded. 

His hands roamed the expanse of your skin, feeling how your pulse jumped whenever he deepened the kiss. Seungcheol gripped onto you like this was a dream, and he was just trying to ground himself.

A shiver wracked your body as his lips found their way to your neck. His breath tickling your neck just as you imagined, your hands clutching onto his shirt helplessly in response.

"Seungcheol-" you pant out at the sensation. He placed soft, wet kisses along your neck and collarbone.

He hummed against your skin, relishing how your voice vibrated against his lips. He dragged his tongue up the slope of your neck, savoring your perfume and the salty taste of your skin. Seungcheol’s nose nuzzled against your pulse point before nipping and sucking at it. Your breath hitched, your hands gripping on his shoulders to ground yourself.

"I need you to say my name more often." He mouthed into your skin, nipping and sucking a blooming hickey. “It sounds good from your lips.” He mused, pulling back to look at your flushed face.

Your kiss-bitten lips make you even more irresistible. The reddening hickey on your collar was deepening, and a rush of pride flooded through Seungcheol’s system.

He sat down on the edge of the bed and pulled you into his lap, pressing his hips up shamelessly. A hot rush flooded your body, your hips jumping in shock, but still dragged along his cock in response. Your eyes blew open in shock, but he just groaned into your neck. He bucked the bulge of his dick right against your clit with a desirable precision, yanking out a sharp gasp from you. A jolt of pleasure made your body shiver, and writhe against his movements. 

"Gonna make you feel so good. So fucking good." His voice was husky and strained. Unable to stop his rutting like a horny teenager, but the way you gasped and rolled your hips when he did, he couldn't hold back. The rough material of his jeans dug into the thin fabric of your panties has you mewling. You’re too distracted to cover your noises, and fuck, he rolled his hips harder to ellict a sharp gasp from your lips.

"Ah- fuck, Seungcheol." You stammered out, trying to ignore the blossoming heat and ache when he rubbed his hips up. He did it slowly and deliberately, dragging it against your needy clit. Your brain already was blanking with the coiling pleasure in your stomach.

"Do you feel how bad I want you?" Seungcheol removed his head away from your neck, his hands gliding on your sides. He played with the bunched up fabric of your tank, admiring how disheveled you looked from his simple ministrations.

You nod, your lips in a tight line of restraint. He can see the way your teeth sink into your lower lip, and you noticed Seungcheol hasn't even looked you in the eye once.

His attention was fully on your mouth, how your lips have a wet sheen of spit, and have that red look after kissing you so intensely, how he pulled out moans after moans.

"I can’t fucking hold back anymore…" He breathed out, his lips on your skin, rolling his hips again. You can't help but chase after that feeling, grinding back onto him. He groaned in response, his eyes glinting with something dark. His hands squeezed  your hips to stop you, or well, to stop himself.

"Let me be inside you. Mouth, finger, dick, whatever you want baby." Seungcheol’s breathing labored, like he's holding back his true power.

The way he’s looking at you like a goddess, like a deity, has you melting into his lap. Your hips weakly squirming on his lap, missing the friction. He weakly laughed, kissing your cheek, and easily rolled his hips back up in a slow movement.

"Should I just take my time with you? Find what you like, since it's your first, hm?" Seungcheol nipped at your jaw, kissing your cheek.

Your stomach flipped as his words were an awful reminder. Yes, this was your first, but it wouldn't be the first time you wished Seungcheol would fuck you so dumb, you would forget your own name. His hands squeezed your hips, as his sneaky fingers dipped into your waistband hesitantly as he waited for you to answer. 

"Yeah- yeah... whatever you... wanna do to me." You mumbled out embarrassingly, and you can see the groan being yanked from his chest. Seungcheol’s eyes fell shut as he buried his face into your chest. He took a deep breath of your scent, nipping at your skin to hide the second groan.

"Fuck..." He practically moaned, his brain working overtime to even process a sane thought.

"Why would you say that?" He whispered, his breath hot against your prickled skin.

"I want that." You murmured, cupping his face to look at you again. That does it. His eyes are glinting with pure adrenaline and desire. He kissed you hard, breathless and hungry.

This wasn't like any kiss you had before, they were always tentative and timid. This kiss is fueled with desire and pure lust as his teeth crash against yours carelessly. There was practically no air between you two, with his nose smashed against your cheek. His hands gripping you with a tightness that'll leave you with bruises, that you are more than thankful for.

He flipped you in his lap so easily, it made your brain spin at his sheer strength. His breath tickled your ear as you pressed your back against his chest.

"If you want it so bad, baby, then watch me do it." He whispered into your ear, and fuck, your thighs clamped immediately. 

He let out a laugh, “Not so confident now, are you?” 

He nipped at the shell of your ear as he cooed sweet nothings, not helping the already soaked part in your panties. He pried your legs back open like he owned them, his fingers rubbing circles into your clammy inner thighs.

His fingertips alone on your skin have you already squirming and feeling hot. You've spent too many nights dragging your fingers along your body, wishing it was Seungcheol's instead.

"Baby, watch." He whined gently, prodding his nose against your cheekbone. 

Your eyes shoot up to the floor length mirror in front of you. It's dim in his room, but the bedside lamp illuminated the room more than enough. 

You can see how much bigger Seungcheol is than you, how he has his whole body draped over you. The light showed each shadow of his muscle on his biceps, making his jaw sharp as he whispered praises. And most importantly the bulge of his thick cock tucked in his pants. You simply shake your head, swallowing your dry mouth at the thought of his dick.

"Are you watching?" Seungcheol murmured, his hands trailing your body slowly, giving you no idea where he'll put them.

He took his time, kissing your neck while memorizing each crook, each shiver, each gasp he took out when he touched a sensitive part. Seungcheol pulled your shirt off, tossing it away like it was covered in acid. His hand stroked your stomach, and went to take off your bra. He unclasped it with a familiar precision that made your heart twist. He must have done it regularly to do it with such ease. His actions immediately shut up your thoughts, as he circled your aerola with his pointer finger.

The soft, ghost-like sensation has you squirming pathetically. He smiled wickedly, kissing and licking the shell of your ear.

His breath fanned cold against your damp skin, your hands balling up into fists at the feeling. 

“Feel good?” He murmured, his voice rumbling in your chest.

You helplessly nod, your hips flexing for any pressure on your weepy cunt. He took note of it, but did nothing to help you, enjoying the way you withered under his touch so easily. Seungcheol continued to drag his pointer finger languidly around your hardening nipple, never really touching it.

Heat pooled in between your legs, everything feeling fuzzy from the alcohol and adrenaline. It enhanced the way the rough pad of his thumb brushed over your nipple at a torturous pace. That simple gesture made you writhe under his touch so easily. His other hand ran down your stomach, making it flex in anticipation. 

He stopped right at the waistband of your skirt, his breathing surprisingly even against your cheek.

“You see how beautiful you are?” Seungcheol practically purred, admiring how wrecked you already look. 

Seungcheol brushed your stomach with his thumb, playfully dipping his nail into your navel before toying with the band of your skirt. He eventually took it off, leaving you in only your panties.

“Say yes.” He murmured, nipping at your jaw. At first, your throat seemingly didn’t work. But when he returned his fingers to roll and tug at your hardened nub between his pointer and thumb, a sharp gasp yanked from your lips. 

“Y-yes.” You breathed out shakily, still lust-clouded. He noted how your stomach caved in the mirror at the touch, a sly grin growing on his lips.

“Such a good girl. You listen so well.” He praised quietly.

His hand dipped past your waistband, making you tense in anticipation. His fingers applied pressure past your bladder, down to your mons pubis, massaging down there for a moment. You whined impatiently, making Seungcheol’s smirk ghost on your cheek. The sudden pressure on your clit made your thighs twitch, his lips kissing your neck to distract you. 

Slowly, he coaxed out moans from your lips. The pad of his finger rubbed the sensitive nub in circles. His hand returned back to toy with your hardened nipple, flicking it lightly compared to the pressure on your clit. The touch on your puffy clit has you withering so easily. The noises of pleasure push at your bitten lips, and it just pet Seungcheol’s ego. 

He’s the one doing this to you, he’s the one watching you unravel, he’s the one.

His finger left your chest and tapped your jaw, returning your attention back to your face in the mirror. He’s already watching you squirm in his lap with heavy lidded eyes.

“Don’t take your eyes off.” Seungcheol commanded, pressing harder on your clit and making you jump. “I’ll show you who knows this pussy the best.”

His words of promise made you pathetically whimper. Seungcheol smirked at your reaction, keeping his cheek pressed against your, making sure you watched him. Seungcheol ran two fingers down your weepy folds, smearing your arousal around. 

“God– so wet already.” He kissed your temple, a stark tender gesture.

You can only whimper in response, already flooded with pleasure that buzzed under your skin. Seungcheol pressed a digit against your entrance, spreading your slick onto your puffy folds. His thumb worked on your achy, needy clit; watching you with hungry eyes through the mirror. 

Your hands balled up the material of his jeans to steady yourself in the pool of pleasure. You can’t help but shut your eyes, and relish the feeling. He already has you gasping and mewling at the sensation like a needy little thing.

His finger tapped on your jaw again, your eyes snapping back to the mirror. You were so lost in the sensation, you forgot to abide by his rule.

Suddenly, Seungheol’s hand goes still, making your hips twitch needily. An upset whine fell from your lips, and he just tapped on your jaw again, a silent reminder.

“W-what? What happened…” You helplessly pant out, confused and so utterly horny. Your core aches at the loss of him, a throbbing ghost-like sensations on your clit.

“Baby, I said watch.” There’s a demanding grit to his tone that sent a shiver up your spine. So scarily so, it made you swallow thickly in panic, and nod.

“Y-yes. Okay, I- I will.” You responded back, so eager to please and to get pleased.

“Say it.” Seungcheol stated bluntly, earning a dumbfounded look from you.

“Say… say what?”

“Say what you want from me.” He rephrased, his thumb rubbing lazily on your clit. The touch made you whimper, and he immediately pulled back, wanting to hear you plead.

You flushed a deep pink, and he simply smiled. Those annoyingly charming dimples deepened, making you whine in protest.

“Beg you mean?” You groaned at the thought.

“Should I have said that in the first place? Did you want me to say: beg for how badly you want my fingers inside this wet pussy?” He mused, that shit eating grin never leaving his lips. Seungcheol’s clearly enjoying the way you squirm and blush at the sight of him touching you with your panties on.

You tensed up at his words, your pussy aching so desperately now. You could have sworn he felt the hot trickle of arousal drip down your thighs, making him smirk all knowingly.

“No– no… I understood.” You scrambled to say, trying to grapple back your dignity.

“Then beg.” He sternly commented, his voice was low against your ear. Your body shivering at the thought of his touch.

“Please… please I need your fingers.” You pathetically attempted, your eyes stuck on him in the mirror. 

“Where, baby?” Seungcheol tugged down your panties and tossed them carelessly, baring your hot folds to the air.

“In… inside me.” You answered meekly, hoping that’ll be enough.

“Good job, beautiful.” Seungcheol murmured, not needing another word as his fingers were already working again. His pointer finger left your jaw, hoping you’ll behave this time.

His lips returned to the sensitive spot he found earlier, Seungcheol’s hands trailed down your stomach which made you twitch in anticipation. Your weepy cunt is getting his jeans all wet, so Seungcheol manuevered your legs, hooking them over his forearms. Your glossy folds are exposed in the mirror, the light glinting against your arousal.

“Aren’t you so fucking gorgeous? Spread open just for me, huh?” Seungcheol remarked as his pointer figner traveled down to spread your folds open. 

He rubbed his middle finger along your slit, and went back up to draw circles around your clit. A shaky exhale escaped your lips at the gentle, tentative touch. He hummed, pressing his lips against your cheek, nipping at the skin for your attention. You understood what he wanted, and turned your head to meet his lips. 

The pad of his finger rubbed on your entrance, and you couldn’t take it anymore, rutting against it helplessly. He finally slid it inside, curling upwards and immediately finding the sweet spot. A sharp gasp left your lips, and he swallowed it hungrily in the kiss.

Pleasure coiled tightly in your stomach, as he relentlessly rubbed his finger against that spongy point. His thumb pressed rhythmically against your clit, making you squirm and writhe in his grip.

He pulled away from the kiss, “Watch baby.” Seungcheol painstakingly reminded you, but continued thrusting and curling his finger against that spot. 

It felt impossible to focus on anything else but the delicious pleasure he’s giving you. But you didn’t want him to stop, so your eyes dragged back to the mirror.

The sight of his digit, knuckle deep inside you, has you dripping even more. You watch how his digit slid into your slicked cunt with no resistance. With a second finger in, you didn’t last long. The way they curled against your slick walls and pressed incessantly against a spot has you seeing stars. Your stomach already grew taut with pleasure ready to snap.

The sound of his fingers moving in and out your dripping entrance were matching up with each gasp and whine that escaped you. Your hips bucked and twitched everytime Seungcheol deliberately pressed on that spongy spot inside you.

“Close?” He asked, but he knew the damn answer. He just wanted you to admit it, that he’s the one making you come.

You nod sharply, “Yes– ngh– coming-” you pathetically rasped out.

Seungcheol doubled his efforts, his lips attacking your neck, as his digits thrusted and pressed harder against your sweet spot. The sensation is overwhelming as pleasure hit you in waves. He worked harder to pull out gasps and whines, relentlessly abusing your g-spot with attention.

Your moans died on your tongue as you clamped around him tightly. A rush of pleasure wracking your body as you tensed up on his lap. Your release spilled onto his jeans, leaving an even bigger wet spot than before. He watched you come undone with a hungry glint, rubbing your clit as you came down. 

He whispered sweet nothings into your ear, making your orgasm feel all fluttery and warm. 

“Such a good job, you came so beautifully.” He cooed and dropped your limp legs, tilting your head to meet his lips.

The kiss was slow and rewarding, your pants being swallowed by his groans. 

Once you two pulled away, he lifted you up effortlessly, and laid you on your back. 

It was his turn to take off his clothes. As he tugged off his shirt, your wandering hands fumbled to pull off his jeans.

He laughed at how cute you were, with that face of determination but yet frustration. Eventually, he kicked off his jeans and boxer in one smooth motion. 

Now that he was fully naked, something wasn’t adding up. His dick laid against a patch of trimmed hair, way smaller than you imagined. Your brain was straining, and replaying the shrill moans the girls he was fucking.

“You’re smaller than I thought.” The words fell off your tongue before you could register. 

He raised an eyebrow up, and settled between your thighs. He scanned your face one more time, to find any sarcasm, but your confusion was genuine. Maybe you had too high of expectations, but he’s standing tall at around four or five inches.

Noting that you were very serious, Seungcheol laughed. A proud smile on his lips, “It won’t feel that small.” 

Your stomach fluttered at his retort. He leaned in close enough his breath was fanning over your ear.

“See for yourself.” Seungcheol reached out for your hand, guiding it to his cock. 

You tenatively stroked your hand around his length, squeezing before you dragged it back up. He groaned in response, urging you to do more.

Before you know it, his cock laid fully erect, and… looked like a fucking weapon. The puzzle pieces finally clicked in your head, he was a fucking grower.

Your lips part in shock, and all he does is smile. He slides his cock against your sticky folds, gathering up your arousal to coat his length.

“Why are you so quiet now? Hm?” He prodded, pressing his tip against your entrance. Seungcheol continued the action, sliding his cock through your slick folds, making sure it caught at your puckered entrance.

“Ah– didn’t– I didn’t expect that.” You mumbled out, squirming as he continued to rub his tip on your entrance.

“You didn’t? Seungcheol hummed, tilting his head as he dragged his cock through your folds, purposefully tapping the tip on your clit. 

You gasp, your legs squeezing his sides from the direct pressure on your sensitive clit. Seungcheol does it again, and again until you finally sputter out helplessly.

“No– no I didn’t.” You scrambled to say, your mind already stirring with pleasure. You helplessly pushed your hips up, and he stopped the attention on your clit.

He tutted, spreading your legs wider with his thighs, and used his thumbs to expose your dripping pussy.

“Look at this greedy thing… Soaking wet and I haven’t even put my cock in you yet.” He mused, his thumb rubbing next to where you really need him. 

You bite your lower lip, trying to restrain yourself from saying or doing anything crazy. You wanted to be good for him.

“Does your pussy want my dick?” Seungcheol pushed his thumb inside, pressing on your walls. 

A sharp moan escaped your lips, your thighs twitching at the sudden touch. Seungcheol used his thumb to open you wider, holding the head of his cock against your fluttering hole.

“Answer me.” Seungcheol said firmly, his thumb insistently rubbing on a spot that makes your words catch in your throat.

“Yes– god- please. Seungcheol, I want it.” You gasped out.

“Want what? Use your words, I know you’re a smart girl.” 

A dark blush grew on your cheeks, still squirming as his thumb rubbed against your gummy walls. 

“I want… your cock, please.” You begged pliantly.

He groaned at your words, kissing you deeply before removing his thumb.

He broke the kiss to press his forehead against yours, and slowly pushed himself in. The stretch burned, making you clamp around him, a strangled gasp escaping your lips. He kissed your noises away, trying to distract you.

He pulled away to latch his lips against your nipple, making your arch unexpectedly into his mouth. His free hand pinched the other hardened peak, and took the chance to slide a couple inches deeper.

“Relax for me, promise, I’ll make you feel good.” He murmured, capturing your lips once again in a hazy tangle.

Every small thrust Seungcheol made, created your body to go rigid, your lips parting in a ghost of a moan.

“Doing okay?” Seungcheol asked with attentive eyes, his hands sliding along your body appreciatively.

You managed to nod, flushing under his stare.

His control was slipping slightly, from the way you were gripping onto him so tightly whenever he moved, Seungcheol couldn’t take it anymore.

With a bit of his cock left, he filled you up to the hilt, a gasp yanking from your lips. You felt so full, the wind was knocked out of you, and you can feel each vein throbbing against your velvet walls.

Seungcheol rolled his hips, eliciting a sharp gasp from you. He kissed your neck, his hands stroking along your frame. The pleasure is already building up in your stomach, and your skin burned hot when he started whispering sweet praises into your ear.

“Fuck- you feel so good.” Seungcheol groaned, slowly dragging his cock along your fluttering walls.

His hands roamed on your body, his lips met your jaw as he continued the relentless grinding. With his experimental rolls, he found a spot that made you gasp and clench around him. An immediate smirk grew on his face as he deliberately rolled his hips into that spot. 

“Right here? Does it feel good?” Seungcheol pulled back, continuing to rut his hips into that spot. He watched your face contort blissfully with pleasure.

“Ah- yes– fuck, Seungcheol!” You sobbed out as he dragged his cock back before slamming back in, hitting even deeper.

Your pussy gushed with arousal around his length, his hands holding you by your hips and his thumbs dug into your bladder. Your back arched as the pleasure struck you like a lightning bolt, your vision going bleak.

You immediately clamped around him at the pressure, making him groan lowly. He pounded into you a bit faster, pulling you down on his cock quicker.

“Fuck, your pussy is sucking on my cock so greedily.” Seungcheol grimaced, trying to hold himself back. 

 “Do you need more, hm? Can you take more, baby?” He pulled back before slamming in deeper, and grinding the head of his cock against your g-spot.

A sharp cry yanked from your lips, his thumbs returning the pressure on your bladder. He simply rolled his hips against that spot incessantly.

“Poor baby can’t even speak, can you?” He leaned down, his lips hovering over yours. Seungcheol massaged your stomach again, feeling you clamp down on his cock desperately.

He smirked, crashing his lips against yours as he picked up the pace. Fucking you with renewed energy that has you shifting up the bed. 

Pleasure struck your body hard, your clit throbbing painfully as he pressed on your bladder harder.

“C-close-” Is all you can croak out, your brain long gone due to the sheer pleasure fogging your senses.

That one word is the only thing Seungcheol needs before he fucked you precisely into the same spot, making you shout and moan his name. His free hand pinching your clit, making you clamp even tighter around his girthy cock. His other hand stayed flat, applying pressure on your bladder.

“Y’ gonna squirt for me? Show me, baby, show how good I’m making you feel.” Seungcheol punctuated his words with his thrusts, the heel of his palm digging straight into your bladder, making you sob out.

That was all it took, and you squirted with a shout. Your juices flooding down your thighs and jumping to your stomach. Seungcheol’s thrusts were getting sloppy at how tight you were sucking onto him, wet squelching noises filling the room. Tears of pleasure streaking down your perfect makeup as you arching into his chest. Seungcheol grunted as you desperately milked his cock, but he held back, trying to lengthen your orgasm. 

Once you were shaking and squealing after every shallow thrust, he pulled out and crashed his lips against yours. His tongue felt hot as it dragged along yours, you helplessly stuck your tongue back to reciprocate, still floating from the post orgasm.

Your brain was lightheaded as Seungcheol took away your breath with the kiss, and as he swallowed each pant and plea from your plush lips. Seungcheol manhandled your limp body and flipped you onto all fours with ease. 

“Tell me if it's too much, ‘kay? Gonna fuck you stupid. Gonna show you who really owns this pussy. Sounds good?” Seungcheol spread your legs with his knees, and tugged your ass cheeks apart to reveal your puffy, swollen pussy.

He spanked your clit with his fingers. You jolt at the sensation, a shaky cry escaping your lips. The pain made your core drip at the sting, the rush of adrenaline made your skin feel staticky. You dreamt of this, his roughness and experience, making you tip over the edge, feeling absolutely wrecked. 

“Ngh- please-” You pant, burying your face into the pillows that smell like his cologne and scalp. You helplessly pushed up your hips and he groaned, harshly rubbing on your clit.

“You want that, huh?” He smirked, continuing to press cruelly on your clit. You're too orgasm-dazed, but you know you need him inside again. You weakly can imagine the way his cock dragged against your fluttery walls, your cunt dripping and gaping around nothing.

You nod erratically into the pillows with incoherent mumbles, pushing up your hips desperately. He groped the round of your ass, rutting his cock into your folds and gathered slick once again. After whining impatiently and rolling your hips back, he laughed and complied.

He aligned his cock back with your entrance, and pushed back in with one full thrust.

A sharp sob yanked out from your chest, your body arching to accommodate his length. 

“Fuck… look at you, so greedy still. Even made you come twice and you're still as fucking tight.” He pulled back, thrusting in an inch each time. He pulled out further, and harshly thrusted back in, earning a whine from you.

“Trust me, baby, I’ll make you beg me to stop.” Those words made you groan, nodding absently at that promise.

All he does is chuckle, gripping onto your hips so tight, you’re sure it’ll bruise. At first he moved slowly, searching for a spot that’ll make you gasp. He leaned over, kissing your exposed neck, down the column of your spine. When he rutted his hips deeper, a sharp, guttural moan escaped you, your body arching back onto his desperately. 

“Ngh– fuck– there, Seungcheol.” You rasped out, hands digging into the bedsheets.

“I got you, baby.” He placed open-mouthed kisses down your back. He started picking up the pace, and he pulled out to slam straight into the spot that makes you see stars. 

At some point, each thrust was straight at that toe-curling spot. Your vision went bleak from the pleasure, then a sharp cry coming from your lips as he spanked your right cheek. 

The tingling sensation amplifying the way his hips slapped against your ass with each thrust. His hand soothed over the blooming red spot, “Too much?” He checked in.

You shook your head, babbling something incoherent afterwards, too lost in the pleasure. He groaned, kneading your plush ass before fucking you faster. 

“Too fucked out to respond, you’re so cute.” Seungcheol mumbled, more to himself, as his hands glided along your body appreciatively.

A sharp whine escaped your lips, your body arching like a cat as you buried your face into his pillows. 

Your sobs are muffled against the pillow, but he can make out: “‘m coming- ‘m close–!”

He wrapped his arm around your neck, lifting you up slightly in a chokehold. His bicep flexed around your head, holding you up right and higher to pound into you deeper.

He grunted behind his bitten lip, giving you more. 

“Come on baby, come for me.” He huffed, pounding into you harder, deeper.

Your lips part, in a ghost of a moan, your body going taut before your legs slightly give up. 

You start shaking when he doesn’t pull out, instead his free hand wrapped around your torso, pulling you flush against his chest. He tightens his chokehold around your head, your cheeks being squished by his muscles.

You swear you see heaven when he briefly adjusted the pressure to your throat. Your pussy spasming, and dripping like a fucking faucet.

“Shit– baby, you’re so fucking messy.” He grimaced, using his other free hand to hook under your knee.

Stars prick your vision at how deep he’s going, the overstimulation bringing you close to another impending orgasm. Your sloppy cunt took his cock like it was meant for him, the wet squelching noises filling the room along with the rhythmic sound of skin meeting skin. You clamped around his cock helplessly, gasping his name like a prayer and clutching onto his bicep.

Tears brink your glazed over eyes, his teeth sinking down onto your shoulder, insinuating his upcoming orgasm. 

“Don’t hold back baby,” He rasped out, fucking into deep spots, you never knew could be reached in sex, in this new position.

You let out a pitiful sob, throwing your head back against his shoulder and he groaned as your tight heat gushed around him. He continued to thrust deeper, chasing his orgasm with intensity.

Your body shook, your head blank as all you can think about is how his cock is destroying you in half. 

He finally came with a grunt, his teeth digging into your shoulder hard enough to break the skin. His release painted your walls white with the ropes of cum, as he filled you to the brim. 

He let you down slowly and carefully, pulling out once he finished coming.

Your brain was foggy, but you felt how he kissed your cheek tenderly before leaving the bed, making the mattress shift under the loss of his weight.

Seungcheol came back with a warm, wet towel, and adjusted you on your back. He comfortably set a pillow under your head and lower back.

“Hey, are you doing okay? Was I too rough?” He cupped your face, wiping away the tears on his cheek.

All you did was nod, your throat felt stripped after screaming from pure pleasure. You can see a smile growing on his lips, and he settled between your legs, wiping away the mixture of liquids.

“Just you wait– gonna do something.” He murmured, more to himself because you’re already dozing off.

—

You wake up in new sheets, new clothes, and… a new warmth that doesn’t come from the blanket.

It’s Seungcheol.

The weight of his arm draped over you is comforting, and it’s something you could get used to. Your eyes fluttered back shut, relishing the morning sun on your face. 

Seungcheol shifted beside you, his arm on your waist moved up, and he pulled you in closer.

“Sore?” He asked, his voice heavy with sleep.

“Yeah… really sore.” You let out a weak laugh, and when you flutter your eyes open again, you’re met with a sulking Seungcheol.

“I’m sorry.” He mumbled, showering kisses all over your face in compensation.

“No– I… I really liked it. Like feeling… spent.” You admitted, and he wished you didn’t. 

“Baby, why…” He whined as he buried his face into the crook of your neck.

You kind of wondered what Seungcheol would be like after sex, and you're more than thankful he’s clingy.

“It’s the truth.” You mumbled, stroking his brown locks.

“Okay, as long as you don’t lie to me.” He pulled back to look you in your eyes.

You smiled automatically at the sight of him, and he physically softened, returning you with a gummy smile.

He pressed a chaste kiss to your lips, “Hey, thanks for letting… me be your first.” 

The admission was quiet, hesitant almost, but he looked shy more than anything.

“Oh. That…” The same smile stuck on your face, and you cupped his puffed up cheeks with a tenderness he didn’t expect. His eyes slightly widening when he met your sweet, crinkled at the corner, eyes. 

“I wouldn’t want anyone else to be my first.” You murmured, brushing your finger over his eyebrow.

“Well, I’m honored.” He grinned, kissing the corner of your lips, then the corner of your eye.

You can now admit, that sex with Seungcheol is fucking heavenly, but only you can say that the morning after, is even better.

a/n2: thank you for finishing this fic!!! hopefully you can taste my blood sweat and tears in it.... i'm also so thankful to the positive feedback i got on my teaser, it really motivated me to write. so thank you guys for being so supportive! sorry if i missed anyone in the taglist!! its not a personal thing... this was all stressful for me lmfao so please... cut me some slack.

“His Majesty’s condition is stable at the moment, but the chance of getting better is slim, Your Royal Highness,” Wonwoo, the King’s best Doctor, explains, and Cheol hums.

“What shall we do then, William?” He asks, turning to face the Head Advisor again. He clears his throat, briefly glancing at the Queen in the corner before looking at the three Princes in front of him again.

“It’d probably be for the best if a new King takes over. So that in the eyes of people, the change looks like His Majesty’s retirement instead of a sign of weakness.”

“Everyone agreed on this?” Cheol raises an eyebrow and William nods, making him sigh.

“This is the best we can do for our kingdom and its people,” Kaito assures him. There’s not much he can do if the council deemed this the right move. He’s been raised for this exact moment, trained in etiquette, strategy, and politics just so he could take over the throne and lead the people one day.

He just hasn’t expected for the day to come so soon.

“I assume coronation shall be as soon as possible?” Joshua, the second born, questions, finally letting the room know of his presence. The council representative exchanges a glance with the Doctor, agreeing.

“When?” Cheol asks, his mind clouded with what this change might bring. No more sneaking around the palace and drinking in the kitchens with his lords, no more sword fights with his friends just because they were bored, and no more fooling around.

“Yesterday preferably, Your Royal Highness.”

“Let me change my question,” Seungcheol tilts his head, his irritation building up at all the stalling. He just wants to get this over with. “When is the earliest you can arrange a coronation? And make my father as presentable as possible so he doesn’t faint while placing the crown on my head?”

“His Majesty is in the best care. We’re trying hard to make sure he feels better,” Wonwoo proclaims, making the Prince grit his teeth.

“When?”

“A month,” Kaito interrupts. “Give us a month to prepare everything, Your Royal Highness.” The Prince runs his hand through his black hair, nodding.

“Is that all for today? I feel rather tired.”

“Of course, sire.”

He wants to speak up again, admonish the council member for his mistake because he isn’t the King, thou should not be called a sire, but he bites the words back. Because that’s what he is now, isn’t he? The King. And this is something he’ll have to get used to.

“Everyone leave,” he dismisses them, stopping Joshua and Chan when they try to step away. “You two stay.” The two younger exchange a glance, watching everyone else leave the throne room after the Prince’s command. The new role suits him more than he realizes.

“Your Majesty,” Chan mocks a bow as soon as everyone is gone, making Cheol scoff.

“Don’t call me that. It’s weird.”

“It’s what you’re going to be,” Joshua reminds him. “The King. Our King.”

“I hope you’ll leave me some land when you start ruling,” the youngest mumbles, making his way to the throne and plopping down as if it’d belong to him. “I guess I won’t get the chance to sit here in front of our people.”

“Do you want to?” Cheol raises his eyebrow. “I’ll gladly get the burden off my back and leave the kingdom to you.”

Joshua shakes his head, “for that we’d both have to fall dead and so far, I’m still enjoying my life. So no, thank you.”

“He could also fight me for the crown,” he shrugs, meeting the youngest’s eyes. “If that’s what he feels like doing, of course.” Chan quickly stands up and walks from the throne, his eyes flashing with the realization of what they are talking about. If he wasn’t so lucky, and his brother wasn’t so understanding, he might as well drop dead for treason.

It’s quiet for a beat before Joshua speaks again. “Who’s going to inform our sister?”

The oldest immediately shakes his head, shutting down the conversation before it can start. “She doesn’t need to bother herself with such things. Politics shall not burden her, she’s too young.”

“She’s my twin,” Chan reminds him.

“And she is also a Princess,” Cheol argues. The two younger Princes exchange a look, saying everything with their eyes. As much as they love Seungcheol and everything he does for them, sometimes his best interest doesn’t align with their sister’s, and they know it bothers her. But as the soon-to-be King of Veloria, there is nothing they can say to him.

“She shall know her father is slowly dying.”

“I’m sure William has that covered. One of her ladies-in-waiting might tell her.”

Joshua raises his eyebrow, “and you think that’s how she shall find out? From one of her gossip-loving ladies?”

“If you want to take it upon yourself to tell her, feel free to,” Cheol brushes him off. “But don’t let her think we need her help. She might want to jump into a marriage just to help with alliances and help people think about other things while our father goes. You know her.”

Joshua nods. That’s the best he can do at the moment anyway. Arguing would be pointless. He is right. He can never predict what their sister will do at times of crisis. Because no matter how far away the oldest Prince wants to keep her from politics, she was raised by her mother, a woman who always believed Princesses were good for more than just standing beside a King and giving him an heir.

♡⸝⸝

It’s safe to say the following days are hectic.

Seungcheol moves around the palace with William behind him, pointing out everyone he should know and greet so as to not make any enemies for the kingdom. It surprises him how many lords and ladies from different kingdoms are currently paying a visit to them. The word of a new King coming on the throne spread fast, and lords from all around the world came to show their faces and remind him of their places, while their mothers showed off their daughters, hoping for the future King to choose them as his future wife.

“It is true you shall find a Queen to stand by your side and show the people you’re as strong a ruler as the previous King, Your Royal Highness.”

“Why is a Queen necessary for this?” He raises his eyebrow, smiling as he walks past servants in the halls.

“You need an heir. And when the people see they’re led by a pair of people who love each other, it always helps.”

“But you don’t want me to marry for love,” he thinks out loud, making William blink a few times at his sudden boldness before he regains his calm demeanor.

“Love comes in many forms, Your Highness. Some people never fall in love, and some die from loving too hard.”

“Which one is your case?” Cheol wonders, never looking back to meet his eyes.

“I don’t have time for love, Your Highness.”

“That’s unfortunate,” he mumbles. It’s the last thing he says for a while after, simply nodding as William helps him grasp everything.

But if he is honest, his help feels more like nagging. Nothing Cheol says or does seems like enough, and William gives him a disapproving look on his every step. Eventually, he gives up, shutting down completely and just listening. He bites his tongue, pushing back all the insults and arguments that build in the back of his throat every time the Head Advisor treats him like a child, a little, naive Prince who shouldn’t come to power just yet.

It’s clear he doesn’t like the idea of Seungcheol taking over but there is nothing he can do about it, not when the King has barely moved in the past month, resting in his bed with maids running around him, making sure he has everything he needs.

It really doesn’t feel great. It’s not like he asked for the power. If he could, he’d leave the crown to his father for another hundred years. But that’s impossible, and William has to accept that just like he did. He is the crown Prince, the first born of the Veloria King, and as much freedom it gave him, as much responsibility it brings.

“Let’s call it a night,” Cheol interrupts William’s rambling about the coronation. He’s barely comprehending any of the information, too tired to register the words as they leave William’s lips. It’d be better for both of them if they just leave this for a different day.

William squeezes his eyes shut, waving off the maid that just came inside so they’re left alone in the throne room again. “Your Highness, this can’t wait any longer. Your coronation is near and people are whispering about it. It needs to be perfect. Based on how it goes, your reign will follow,” the words rot on his lips, making it more than obvious he isn’t happy with the amount of things he has to explain and teach the new King.

“How fancy you make my coronation has nothing to do with how I’ll rule my kingdom,” the Prince disagrees, waving at the knights guarding the door to open them because he is leaving. “I’ll see you tomorrow, William. Hopefully we are both in a better mood, otherwise our conversation will be far from pleasant.”

The door shuts behind him again, leaving the Head Advisor standing there, frustration building up. He needs the King to get back on his feet. And he needs it now. “Call for Doctor Wonwoo. I need to speak to him.” One of the guards nods, excusing himself before leaving the room to fetch the Doctor.

Seungcheol drops on his bed, allowing his eyes to close for a short second and his mind relax. It’s been a long day, and all he wants to do is turn it off and let others deal with everything. It might have worked had he still only had the responsibilities of a Prince, but right now, he has more things on his plate. He needs to think of the coronation, his sick father, protecting his people, and finding a Queen.

He needs to sit down tomorrow and listen to all of William’s suggestions. If he’s lucky, by the end of his speech, he’ll be able to pick a wife.

It feels wrong to think about it like this. He knows why it’s important to marry, why it’s expected of him, but the thought of trapping an innocent woman in order to make a new ally is ridiculous. He saw what marriage has done with his father. For eight years, he looked miserable, putting on a fake act every time he was asked to pose with Joshua’s mother for a portrait. They were even less than business partners.

On the other hand, he also saw the way his father’s eyes lit up every time his third wife walked into the room. The way he showered her in love and did his best to raise Chan and his twin sister right. Whenever he spoke of his wife, it was like a story from a fairy tale. A man truly loving a woman. It was a rare sight in this society, but not non-existent.

Cheol always knew that wasn’t written in his stars. His sibling might have a shot, they might be able to walk the Earth and take their time choosing a partner whom they love, but it wasn’t meant for him. His role was clear. He is meant to marry the Princess who brings the most for his kingdom and produce an heir with her. It’s expected for them to be business partners and treat each other as so while searching for love and pleasure elsewhere.

A loud knock on the door interrupts his thoughts, making him raise his head. “Yes?” He calls out and the door opens, his eyes meeting with Joshua’s. He’s not alone, though — three other men stand by his side with grins on their faces and alcohol bottles in hands. He smirks, nodding at the guards outside his door to let them in.

He stands up from his bed, watching his two brothers, one of his closest friends Mingyu, and Joshua’s lord-in-waiting — Choi Yeonjun — step inside. “Taehyun, get us more bottles from the kitchen and don’t let anyone else in. If William wants to speak to me, tell him to wait till the morning, no matter how important he says it is.” The guard at the Prince’s door nods, bowing slightly before closing the room and leaving to fulfill his task.

“We heard it was a hard day, King,” Mingyu teases, getting Cheol to roll his eyes. They all take a seat on the bed, kicking their boots off and settling the champagne and beer bottles in front of them.

“So we thought we could cheer you up,” Chan grins, already opening one of the bottles.

“William makes me sick every time I’m around him,” Cheol admits, taking another sip of his beer. He’s not sure how much he had until now, but he knows he’s getting tipsy.

“You can name a new Head Advisor after your coronation,” Lord Choi speaks up, sharing a champagne bottle with Chan.

Cheol’s eyes widen, the realization he doesn’t have to spend his ruling with William behind his back settling it. “Who would I name, though?”

“How about Seungkwan?” Mingyu suggests with a shrug. The moment all eyes land on him he wishes he hasn’t said anything after all. It’s been years since he’s gotten close to the Princes, and it still feels like he is doing something wrong when he is around them. He doesn’t address them by their titles when they are alone or holds his tongue like other guards, always worried they might change their opinion on him and send him away for disrespecting the royal family.

But the truth is far from it, and Seungcheol feels grateful to him every time he is around. He can’t remember a time of his life where he’s been able to laugh freely and forget about his title. With Mingyu, he can do so. And even just this one person, one person who doesn’t care about his rank or if he’ll make a good impression, is enough.

“The scholar?” Joshua questions. “I’ve heard about him.”

“Is he good?” Cheol blinks, trying to match the name with a face.

“The best,” he agrees. “I heard he’s the best student the academy has had in years.”

“He knows politics and finds interest in other royal families. He might even know your weaknesses,” Mingyu explains, catching the Prince’s interest.

“Do you guys think William will get mad if I ask him about naming a new Head Advisor tomorrow?” The guys laugh, their voices filling the room as they drink into the night, leaving their responsibilities behind for now. It can wait. Ruling can wait.

“Tomorrow, I’ll find myself a wife,” Cheol proclaims, raising his beer bottle high above his head as if he was celebrating.

“A wife?”

He nods, taking a sip. “A Queen. We need one, right? It’s what society wants from me, it’s what you all want from me,” he points at every single one of them, making them raise their brows.

“You’re drunk,” Joshua points out. “You should sleep.”

“I think not,” he argues. The thought of going to sleep just for tomorrow to arrive isn’t pleasant. If he’s lucky, he’ll last until the morning and convince his guards not to let anyone in because he is sick. Even though he wouldn’t be surprised if William bothered him despite it.

Rather than looking like a fool who can’t hold his alcohol in the morning, maybe he should go to sleep. He needs to look his best and prove to everyone he can be the person they need him to be. The King. A strong leader who knows what to do and how to present himself.

Alright, he can do so.

He waves his hand in the air, sending the four men out. “If you need anything, feel free to call for us, Your Royal Highness,” Yeonjun proclaims, staying in the right mind even with alcohol staining his breath.

“Yes,” he nods, just to show he comprehends what he is saying. Even though he’s not sure if he truly does. The alcohol is making its way to his head.

“Good night, brother,” Chan smiles, patting his shoulder lightly. “May the alcohol leave your body before William finds you.” Mingyu beside him snickers and Joshua nudges him, shaking his head.

“Good night, our future King of Veloria,” Mingyu bows, his lips curved into a teasing smile. But Seungcheol can’t find it in himself to care enough, the only thing on his mind right now being the great sleep he is going to get.

Everything is happening too fast.

You’re not ready, you realize as you look outside of your chamber window, taking in the sight of the beautiful garden. Your grip on the edge tightens as you steady yourself, your head spinning. It feels like you can’t breathe. You close your eyes, taking a deep breath with your mouth and counting down numbers.

Ten, nine, eight…

When that doesn’t work, you open your eyes again, focusing on the garden in front of you. Lilies, roses, daisies, foxgloves, anemones… You take a deep breath again, calming yourself as your eyes scan every flower in the garden.

“My lady, are you okay?” You turn around with a smile when you hear Daniela’s voice, putting on the best show you can.

“Never been better,” you lie, glancing out of the window once more before paying her your full attention. “What is it?” You wonder, hoping your smile is convincing enough and she won’t ask any more questions.

“The carriage is ready. Your family is waiting for you,” she informs you, and you feel like throwing up.

It’s too fast.

You nod either way, following her through the hallway as you go over the flowers in your garden again. When you get outside and the cold air hits your face, you feel better immediately. Daniela, your lady-in-waiting, tells you about how excited she is to step her feet into the Veloria kingdom, and how lucky your family is to be asked to join the coronation of the future King Seungcheol. You tune out her words, focusing on the laughter of kids running around the gardens and your mother's voice as she admonishes your brother to stop jumping around.

You’ve heard it many times in the past week. It’s always the same story too. You’re being constantly reminded of how grateful you should be for being the one the future King of Veloria noticed because it means you don’t have to worry about your future anymore and can live at ease that you won’t end up a spinster. But you feel everything but ease.

You never counted on getting married for love, it was always obvious your father would find you and your sisters the right lover that could help your kingdom grow. You can’t even blame him for it, because it is the right thing to do in his situation. A part of you just wishes it wouldn’t be so soon, and that you could at least have some say in who you’re marrying.

“Darling,” your mother, the Queen, welcomes you with a smile. It’s way cleaner compared to your half-assed one.

“Mother,” you drop into a curtsy, your head down as you bend your knees.

“We are late.”

“Then we shall get inside,” you interrupt her before she can continue, glancing back at Daniela so she can join you in the carriage with your siblings.

She simply shakes her head with an apology, making you frown. “Darling, join our carriage so we can enjoy your company while it lasts,” your mother’s voice is sweet and for a second, you forget why you’re so scared of this change. She makes you feel like there’s nothing to worry about, that courting and marrying a complete stranger is alright. You nod, smiling at your younger siblings as you walk past them before sliding into the carriage where your father is already waiting.

You sit opposite him while your mother joins his side, wrapping her arm around his with a smile on her face. You’re not sure if they’ve ever been in love. If they got to experience the feeling you’ve read so much about. Even a simple moment where their heart would race faster, their head spinning, or the physical pain in their chest from not being near each other.

You’d like to believe your mother knows the feeling. That she does love your father in her own way and all her smiles are genuine, but you’d be a liar if you said you think your father feels the same. But their marriage works, and that’s what matters, right? They’ve had four beautiful children and even though they might not be in love in the same way you read about, they’re good together and understand each other.

Maybe you can find that when you marry as well. It might not be love, but understatement is just as good, isn’t it? You’ve heard many great things about Prince Seungcheol. Apparently his education is excellent, his face more than worthy of his title, and his kindness overwhelming. If he’s even half as good as people say, there shouldn’t be any problems with coming to an agreement that suits both parties.

“Father, have you thought about how long you’ll stay with us yet?” You ask as the carriage starts and the sound of the horses in front moving reaches your ears.

“We’ll see after the coronation of the new Veloria King,” he says and you nod, knowing that’s the most you’ll get out of him. If you could have a say, you’d ask for them to stay until the day of your wedding, but you doubt they’d even as much as consider asking for your opinion on the matter. You’ll be lucky if they even find the time to visit you on your wedding day.

“Darling, how are you feeling?”

You glance at your mother, offering her another one of your smiles. “I’m great,” you lie. “I’ve been talking about Prince Seungcheol with my ladies-in-waiting and can’t wait to meet him.”

“Can’t wait to see if the gossips are true?” Your father interrupts and your eyes widen.

You quickly shake it off, disagreeing. “I haven’t heard any gossip, father. My ladies-in-waiting only assured me of the Prince’s kind heart and academic achievements.” He hums, and you wonder what’s on his mind. Is there anything else you should know about the Prince? Should you feel worried?

You brush the thoughts aside before they overtake you, glancing outside the carriage and watching the nature pass you by. If you’re looking forward to something, it’s the large garden of Veloria Kingdom you’ve read about in your childhood. You want to see the new scenery, much more than the Prince if you’re honest.

There’s a number of servants waiting for you and your family when you arrive. You step out of the carriage with the help of one of the knights, immediately looking around and taking in the sight.

“My lady.” You snap out of your thoughts and look at the knight beside you. “Let me take you to your chamber so you can settle in.” You nod, briefly glancing at your siblings before following the knight’s lead.

“What is your name?” You wonder, looking around as you walk through the halls.

“Kang Taehyun,” the knight answers without sparing you as much as a glance. He doesn’t say much but you expected that. Some might consider it rude if he decided to start a chat. No one can say anything if it’s you asking him questions, though.

“What’s the shortest way to get to the gardens, Taehyun?”

You listen carefully as he explains the floor plan of the palace to you, picturing the way you’ll go in your head. “There’s no need for you to worry about that, Your Highness. There shall always be a knight ready to assist you when you want to go on a stroll.”

You hum back. It’s no surprise, but that doesn’t mean you weren’t hoping for more freedom. “How about my lady-in-waiting? Can’t she accompany me instead?”

“We’ve been asked to look after you at any time, Your Highness,” he answers simply, stopping when he reaches your chamber. “Dinner will be in an hour. Until then, if you need anything, I’ll be here.” You shake your head, walking past him and closing the door behind you. It’s only then that you feel like you can breathe properly. You take a moment to relax before looking around the large room, appreciating the work they did for you. Everything is perfect, neat.

You walk around your new room for a while, picking out a new dress for the dinner and laying it down on your bed. You could probably fit three more dresses there. It makes you wonder just how large the King’s bed must be if this is what you get. Even your room is much bigger than the one back home. It doesn’t surprise you that it’s Prince Seungcheol whom your father deemed appropriate for you. Alliance with a kingdom like this could help your homeland a lot.

You open the door again, finding Taehyun already waiting for you. It catches you off guard, making you flinch. He clears his throat, not a single sign of emotion on his face as he looks at you. You shake your head slightly, reminding yourself why you came out. “Hi,” you smile. “Could you please get me a maid or my lady-in-waiting? I need help changing into my dress for dinner.” You watch his eyes trail behind you, noticing the light pink dress on your bed. He nods, not questioning anything as he turns on his heel.

You watch him leave the hallway, closing the door behind you as you wander through the chamber, following his guide and getting outside again, straight into the gardens.

They are as beautiful as the books painted them to be. You can’t get enough as you take in the sight of the flowers around you, breathing in the fresh air. While everything about your situation feels fast, making your heart race, it all slows down when you walk through the Veloria gardens, taking your time with exploring them. You know you should hurry, that Taehyun is most certainly looking for you by now, but you’d rather risk not being able to look at everything today — which you know you won’t be able to do either way if you want to be on time for the dinner — than rushing it and making the one place that calms you do the opposite.

“Your Highness.”

You stop in your walk, a smile on your face. It came later than you expected. You don’t turn completely, letting Taehyun wait for a moment longer as you take in the sight of the lilies in front of you. He comes closer to you, stopping right beside you and looking at the same flowers. It’s only then that you look up, blinking confusedly when it’s not Taehyun on your side.

“I’m sorry,” you apologize even though you’re not truly sure what for. Getting here without an escort? Not recognizing him? Stepping here uninvited? Maybe all of the above, actually.

“What for?” He tilts his head, taking in the sight of you. You hesitate, opening your mouth before closing it again. He smiles, resting his right hand over his heart and bowing, “Seungcheol,” is all he says.

But it’s enough to make your eyes widen, realization hitting in. “Your Royal Highness,” you quickly drop into a courtesy, closing your eyes in regret. You should have realized. This was stupid of you, so, so stupid—

“Please, Seungcheol is fine,” he holds your hand in his, helping you straighten again. You gaze into his eyes, swallowing nervously. He looks around again, encouraging you to walk with him. You do, of course you do, glancing at him every now and then, worried you just ruined your first impression.

Despite your nervousness, he doesn’t seem to be bothered by your slip up at all. His dark eyes stay focused on the path ahead, black strands falling in front of them. His eyebrows are thick, his white shirt unbuttoned at the top, exposing bits of his skin. The longer you look at him, the more you understand everything you’ve heard about him. He is handsome. You can see why Princesses from other kingdoms were so eager to meet him, hoping it’d be them he’d pick as his future wife. It also makes you wonder a lot more what led him to choosing you. Out of all the young Princesses looking for a spouse, why was it you he decided to pay attention to?

“Was your ride here okay?” He breaks the silence after a moment.

“Perfect, Your Royal Highness.”

He chuckles, shaking his head slightly. Looks like he’ll have to earn his way for you to call him by his name instead of his title. “And you? How are you feeling, my lady?”

You put on the same fake smile you showed everyone back home as you look at him and lie again. “Peachy, Your Royal Highness. It’s an honor to be here.”

He hums at your response, noticing the light drop of your eyes when you talk. It’s clear you’re lying, but it’s also clear you won’t tell him the truth even if he asks. So instead, he settles for the more sensible approach, changing the topic of conversation. “I’ve heard about your interest in our gardens, is that why you ran away from your guard?”

“My apologies, I didn’t mean to,” you quickly shake your head. “It won’t happen again.”

“That wasn’t my question,” his voice is gentle as he talks to you, much gentler than you expected. The Princes you’ve had the honor of meeting weren’t exactly welcoming, always making you feel like they were above you, like you were theirs to play with. But Prince Seungcheol doesn’t make you feel that way. You feel almost equal.

You nod slightly, looking at the path ahead of you. “I’ve read about your gardens my whole life, about everything they have to offer. And I must tell you, none of the books I’ve read grasp the feeling of being here enough. What you have here is truly special.”

“I’m glad they are to your liking,” he glances at you, meeting your eyes. You offer him a smile, this time a real one. “You are free to visit anytime. And if you have any questions, or suggestions, one of our gardeners will love to listen,” his eyes trail off, finding one of the men keeping the Veloria gardens in their beauty across the bushes lining your right, pointing him out. “But I’d appreciate it if you visited with one of our guards from now on.”

You part your lips just to push them together again, nodding. He’s not asking for much, the least you can do for him is take a guard with you when you’re going somewhere. Maybe you can get closer to Taehyun this way too and make your time here less lonely. Sure, you have Daniela but she can’t be with you at all times. A royal guard meant to protect you surely can though.

“Of course, Your Royal Highness.”

He stops in his track, turning to face you. “How about Prince?” He offers and you blink confusedly. “If I can’t get you to drop the full title, then how about you just address me as Prince? Prince Seungcheol?”

If your mother saw this, she would have called for your teacher immediately, insisting on having to learn your manners from scratch. You know your place, that no matter the fact you are to be married he is still above you, but it’s hard to think of him that way when he offers you his warm smile, your eyes getting lost in his. Prince Seungcheol makes you want to be close with him, to the point you can drop all your titles and just be comfortable with each other.

But it’s too soon for that.

“Okay,” you nod, “Prince Seungcheol.” His smile grows wider, your cheeks flushed red at the sight of him. He makes you feel warm and for some reason, that feels like more than the love you’ve been reading and dreaming about your whole life. Maybe getting married won’t be that bad, maybe you and the Prince can find more than just an understanding like you thought at first.

Taehyun is waiting in front of your room when you and the Prince come back and you give him an apologetic smile. “There are two maids waiting for you inside as well as your lady-in-waiting,” he informs you, stepping aside so you can walk inside.

“Thank you.” You turn around once more before opening the door, looking at Seungcheol once more.

He bows with a smile, “I’ll see you in a bit, my lady.” You drop into a courtesy as well, not saying anything as you watch him turn on his heel and walk down the hall, probably to his own chamber. As handsome as he might have looked earlier, a plain shirt certainly isn’t what he wants to be seen in at a formal dinner with both of your families.

“I’m sorry for running off on you,” you turn to Taehyun. “It won’t happen again.”

“Please, don’t be mistaken. Hadn’t it been for Prince’s eagerness to meet you as soon as possible, I would have found you as soon as you stepped out of your chamber,” he assures you and you blink confusedly. But before you can ask what he means, the door behind you opens, and Daniela is tugging you inside.

“We’re late, Princess, hurry.” That’s all Taehyun hears before the door shuts closed again right in his face, a heavy sigh leaving his lips as he turns his back to your door again, looking ahead while listening to your muffled laughs.

Seungcheol sits at the head of the table, his brothers and sister on his right. Your parents, The King and The Queen of Elowen sit on his left, indulging in a conversation with Joshua about the coronation. He watches them quietly, but the words start blending together. He can’t focus on them fully, his leg bouncing under the table as he waits for your arrival while thinking about how your youngest sister looks exactly like you when she laughs at something your brother said.

William stands behind him in the corner of the dining room alongside a few guards as well, watching the entire scene. Seungcheol doesn’t need to look at him to know he is impatient, probably already forming a speech in his head that he’ll have to hear later. He chuckles at the thought, clearing his throat and straightening his back again when he sees your parents glancing his way.

Truth is, the longer you take to get here the more he regrets keeping you out for so long. William has been against the idea of inviting you out of all the Princesses from start, and every imperfection he can find about you or your behavior only adds to the list of complaints he’ll have towards the council, hoping to send you back to Elowen before you can even settle in.

It’s his fault that you’re late right now, but how is he supposed to explain to the council that he’s kept you out with him without an escort or a lady-in-waiting to rush you back just because he wanted to get to know you better? Despite it being an open setting, he can already imagine the rumors that would start. Even though you’re to be his wife, the Queen of Veloria, it’d still look bad, and starting his ruling with people looking at him weird right off the bat isn’t something he wants to do.

The door finally comes open and Cheol snaps out of his thoughts, meeting eyes with you. A smile spreads on his lips as he takes in the sight of you, doing his best to calm you when he sees how your eyes flicker around the room. Your lady-in-waiting walks right behind you, stopping at the entrance which seems to only freak you out more as you look back at her.

“Why don’t you come eat with us, lady…” he trails off, waiting for her to introduce herself. She does, dropping into a courtesy as her name slips past her lips. “Lady Avanzini,” he repeats after her, motioning with his hand towards an empty seat beside his sister.

“Your Royal Highness,” William admonishes him, but he ignores it entirely, assuring her it’s okay. Once she sits down at the table, your shoulders visibly relax and you take a seat on the other side of the table, right opposed to Seungcheol.

“You look beautiful tonight, my lady,” he smiles at you, watching as you look down at your pink dress. His comment seems to please not only you but also your mother, a smile spreading on her face as she takes in the sight of you.

Seungcheol clears his throat, standing up from his place and raising his glass of champagne. “If I could have your attention for a moment.” All eyes land on him without hesitation and he makes the mistake of looking at his brothers, regretting it as soon as he meets eyes with Chan. How is he supposed to be serious when he looks like he’ll laugh at him the second he opens his mouth again?

“It is an honor to welcome the royal family of Elowen to Veloria as not just guests but kin,” he shares a smile with your parents, avoiding looking to his right where his family sits. “Coronation is near and it makes me pleased to know I won’t be standing there alone but with a beautiful woman that will soon be my Queen,” his gaze softens when he meets your eyes, letting you reassure him as much as he reassures you.

“May this union strengthen our land, our people, and our bonds,” he raises his glass slightly higher. “To peace, and to Her Royal Highness.” Everyone raises their glasses, smiles on their faces as they cheer to the starting connection, your younger sibling slightly out of place as they debate if it’s appropriate to raise their glasses with juice. He watches your sister hiss at them to keep quiet and just follow your parents’ lead, a soft laugh leaving his lips.

The food is served shortly after, the room busy as people come and leave again with trails full of drinks and food, the cutlery clinking against the utensils, conversations filling their surroundings. Seungcheol keeps his eyes on his siblings this time, listening to his sister’s speech about the importance of first impressions and how he’s aced them while his brothers tease him. But despite keeping his eyes on them, he can feel your stare on him from across the table, guilt creeping in as he thinks about what might be going through your head.

There were plenty of women William offered to him, pointing out the strengths of each of them. But the only thing that stuck with him was the information about you. It was far from love at first sight, quite the opposite if he’s honest.

He thought you were a safe option. Smart, beautiful, the oldest of the four Elowen heirs. He thought that, maybe, since you’ve been taught love wasn’t in your cards since the start just like him, marrying you could save you from being trapped in a marriage with a different noble far worse than him. Being with him was never supposed to be love. But understanding? Freedom? He could give you those. But as he thinks back to your flushed cheeks earlier and the way your eyes are looking at him in this crowded room, he’s worried again about trapping a woman who loves him when he can’t do the same.

He swallows his worries, focusing on his sibling as best as he can. The only thing left for him now is hope. Hope that he is wrong about you.

♡⸝⸝

Your mother’s eyes are welcoming, much more than he expected. He can’t imagine having the same warm smile on his face if it were his sister’s marriage they had been talking about. Maybe Joshua and Chan aren’t that far from the truth, maybe he is too protective of her. But what is he supposed to do? He knows how dangerous the world can be, how dangerous the men — despite calling themselves gentlemen — can be. He’d give anything to keep her safe.

“I’m seriously honored for being able to sit with you tonight,” Cheol smiles at both of your parents, glancing at William standing impatiently on the other side of the room. “Duties call but I hope you’ll feel at home during your stay. I’ll try to make myself available to accompany you to dinner again but I’m sure you know how preparations like this can get,” he excuses himself and your mother gives his forearm a light squeeze, saying her farewell with a smile.

“Dinner was supposed to last only until you were done eating,” William complains but Seungcheol doesn’t pay him any attention, leaving the dining room with his brothers right behind him.

He thinks back to the look in your eyes as he walks through the palace, tuning out his brothers’ chatters. He feels bad, far worse than he hoped he would. But the thought of his upcoming wedding, and what it’d mean for the two of you scares him. He wishes his father would magically get better every day more and more.

“We’re sorry for the delay,” he mutters an apology as he takes a seat on his father’s throne — soon to be his throne, he has to remind himself. Kaito stands on his side alongside Seungkwan as per his request, shaking his head.

“We’re simply glad you could join us, Your Royal Highness. As well as your brothers,” Kaito bows his head towards them, glancing at William. “I understand this is a matter of the future of Veloria.”

“Yes, precisely,” William agrees, his eyes locking to an awkward Seungkwan who has no idea why he was invited to join such a meeting. “I’m sorry, who are you?”

The young scholar clears his throat, glancing at Seungcheol for reassurance before speaking. “Boo Seungkwan, sir. I’m here per His Highness request.”

“His Highness?” The words rot on his tongue as he looks to face the future King comfortable sprawled on the throne. “This is an inner matter. Nothing the nescient outsiders shall know of.”

“And that is precisely why I asked him to join us today,” Seungcheol interrupts. “Seungkwan is no outsider. He is important to me and I'd like for him to join us today,” Seungcheol takes great pleasure in disagreeing with his Head Advisor and being the only one who truly knows why Seungkwan is here today — so he can test his abilities.

“Your Royal Highness—”

“It’s been decided,” Seungcheol brushes him off. “Seungkwan shall keep us company as we talk. Who knows, maybe I'll like an opinion of a fresh blood.”

“Of course, Your Highness,” William mutters through gritted teeth. If he feels anything, it's anger, though. He is well aware of the way the council has been trying to get rid of him ever since they got power but until today, he could have done something with it. It didn’t matter what the council thought as long as he had the King’s support, and King Choi had never even thought about replacing him.

“Excellent. Then we shall get to business. You wanted to complain about my future wife I assume?” He tilts his head, the power he feels as he looks down at him from the throne unbeatable. He wonders if his father felt the same way sitting here, if looking down on his people made him the King he was. He’s not sure if that’s what he wants, if his father’s footsteps are the best example he should follow. That is also a part of the reason he wishes for a Head Advisor change, ignoring the fact he certainly isn’t William’s biggest fan.

“Before we start talking about the coronation — Yes, I’d like to inform you of Princess’ messiness, and lack of responsibility,” William starts and Cheol already feels annoyed, locking eyes with Joshua, hoping he’ll somehow come and save him. “She doesn’t care of time and rather spends her time gossiping with her lady-in-waiting than focusing on things that matter.”

“Is that true?” Kaito asks, his eyes flickering between Seungcheol and William.

“Far from it,” Cheol disagrees. “She’s knowledgeable, she carries great responsibility and what might interest you the most — alliance with her father’s kingdom will be a great advantage for us at times of war. She is of four children, it is also expected for her to be quite fertile so we won’t have to worry about the future of Veloria,” he assures him, hoping it might ease his worries. Though, if he is honest, your fertility is far from his main concerns.

“If I may add,” Chan clears his throat. “She is well studied in politics, much more than all the other Princesses I’ve heard of. Her Royal Highness will only be a positive addition to the kingdom.”

Seungcheol smiles at his brother, giving him a small nod of approval before looking at Kaito and Seungkwan again. “What do you think?”

Seungkwan opens his mouth and closes it again, caught off guard. “I haven’t met Her Highness just yet,” he says, panicked. Seungcheol tilts his head, not very pleased with his response. He is studied, from what he heard he was always on top of his classes, but yet he can’t give his own opinion on a situation? “But from what I know of the Elowen family,” he continues quickly, noting the disappointment on Prince’s face. “Everything the Princes said is true. An alliance in the form of marriage would be great for us.”

That’s more to his liking. Seungcheol smiles, “I don’t think there’s more we need to discuss regarding our future Queen then. The coronation, shall we talk about it?”

William grits his teeth again, knowing this is a lost battle for him. He’s always been the powerful, the one controlling the King, it’s not right that he now gets tossed aside as if he wasn’t the reason the Veloria kingdom has been doing so good in the past few years. “Everything is up to speed,” he proclaims. “Lords and Ladies are coming together to see you on the throne.”

“Doctor Jeon has assured us His Majesty shall be ready to crown you,” Kaito adds. “We’ve been trying to help him get better but the truth is, once you become the new King, it’s most likely he will spend the rest of his time in bed.” The three Princes exchange a look, a silent understanding of what it means for them. Their people might be losing a King, but a King can be replaced. They are losing a father. And no matter how many flaws he’s had, it doesn’t change the fact that a family is dying.

But even then, the three of them can’t understand the great pain his wife has been feeling ever since he first got sick. She’s been by his side through it all, her soft cries filling the room every time the King sleeps. She believes they don’t know, that they don’t notice the pain she bears, but it’s hard not to. And every time Seungcheol sees her, he wants nothing more than to be there for her, be a shoulder to lean on in this wicked time. She might not be his biological mother, but she’s always treated him equal to her children, now he just wants to do the same for her.

“Has Her Majesty eaten anything today?” He blurts out instead of acknowledging what was said.

Kaito clears his throat, apology written all over his face as he looks back at the Prince. “She’s refusing to eat anything unless we find medicine for His Majesty. She stopped speaking to us, too, barely noticing anyone other than the King.” Seungcheol’s knuckles turn white as he grips his hand into a fist, controlling himself not to punch anything. At this point, she’ll die with the King.

“Ask the kitchen to make Her Majesty’s favorite. I’ll pay her a visit.”

The Princes are the only ones left in the room shortly after, their smiles fallen as they look at each other. They’ve studied plenty of things at the academy, but none of their subjects included how to behave when the Queen decides to go down with the King.

“I shall go with you,” Chan mumbles, his confidence low as he keeps his eyes down on his feet. Seungcheol hesitates. He has no right to refuse him. It is his mother after all, but a part of him feels like it’s something he should do on his own. The weight of the eldest son lays heavy on his shoulders, the urge to take all the pain from everyone he knows and bear it instead strong.

“Mind if I go alone this time?” It’s then that their eyes meet, the pain behind the younger’s eyes obvious. “I want to do this. Please, let me.”

“Lord Choi has been wanting to introduce us to some of his friends, he wants to go out to the pub in town tonight,” Joshua wraps his arm around the youngest’s shoulder, sending a reassuring smile towards his older brother. “I could definitely use a distraction, hm?” Chan sighs, a heavy breath that shows just how tired he is. Still, he nods, sending one more glance Cheol’s way before leaving.

The Prince’s back hits the cold throne, his head tilted to the ceiling as he collects his thoughts. He understands the Queen, the urge to be by her loved one when he is in pain. He’d do the same for all three of his siblings, sit with them through it all and try to convince himself it’ll all be okay.

The thought of being in his father’s position stings. When Joshua’s mother had gotten sick, his father didn’t even bat an eye. He sent for the best Doctors, but that was the limit of his care. Would it be the same for him? Would he find himself on his deathbed with no one by his side that would care if he gets better or not, all because he is marrying for power instead of love?

The walk to the King’s chamber is filled with dark thoughts as he makes his way through the halls. This is certainly not the mood he wants to be in before dealing with things but there’s nothing he can do to help it. He’ll have to deal with situations like this later on anyway. It’s only in his favor if he can get used to it before facing his people.

He doesn’t wait for an answer after knocking, coming in. His eyes immediately fall to the Queen, sitting on a damaged chair beside the bed, holding the King’s hand while he sleeps. She doesn’t notice him right away, her hair covering most of her face, her eyes glued to the sleeping man. She’s not even dressed properly, and hadn’t he known better, he wouldn’t have guessed it was the Queen of Veloria in front of him.

Cheol clears his throat, waiting at the door until she looks up and meets his eyes. She quickly wipes away her tears and fixes her hair, putting on her best smile. “Seungcheol,” she greets him, her voice welcoming despite everything.

He smiles at her as well but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “Kyong,” he greets her back, stepping forward until he reaches her and placing the trail with her favorite meal between her and the King, hoping his father doesn’t wake up all of a sudden and throw the food to the ground as he turns.

“I’ve already eaten but I’ve heard you haven’t had anything.”

“Oh,” even the little breath she lets out sounds guilty. It truly pains him to see her like this. It’s as if she were just as sick as his father. “I’ll eat later, son.”

“Then I’ll keep you company in the meantime,” he nods, his voice quiet. She averts her eyes from him, glancing briefly at the food before looking at her husband again.

“He’s been sleeping all day,” she informs him and Seungcheol hums. “It’s been like this a lot lately.”

“I’ve been told he is getting better? That he will be okay for the coronation?” She doesn’t answer, biting her bottom lip. He doesn’t push her for an answer either, knowing how hard it must be on her. The Queen looks up again, meeting his eyes.

“Tell me, how is the Elowen family?”

He leans against one of the dressers on the side to be more comfortable, “They all seem nice,” he says simply and she rolls her eyes.

“Your future Queen. How is she?” There is a hopeful smile on her face as she speaks and it hits him more than anything today.

“She’s smart,” he assures her. “Pretty, and she loves our gardens.”

“Then your mother would have approved of her,” she nods. It’s rather rare that people in the kingdom talk about his mother. A lot of the things he’d heard throughout his childhood weren’t painting her in the best light, but Kyong has never spoken ill of her. She always did her best so Cheol could meet her through her stories, since he didn’t have the chance to do so before she died.

“It’s a political marriage, don’t think too much into it,” he shakes his head.

“There are different levels to a political marriage, Seungcheol. Not all of them have to stay strictly professional.”

“I hope love will be in the cards for your son,” he answers simply with a smile as genuine as it can be.

“It is in your cards as much as it is in your siblings,” she assures him. “You are deserving of love, as much as anyone else is.” It’s his turn to stay quiet, unsure what to say to that. It’d be nice if that was true but honestly, it’s hard to believe when he thinks about the situation he is in.

“Look at your father,” she glances at the sleeping man, finally taking the trail of food from the bed. “He always thought the same, that he was meant for politics and was doomed to live through his people only. Now, look at us.”

“You are the exception, not the rule,” he reminds her but she simply shrugs, slowly digging into her food.

“Darling, you could easily make it into a rule.”

The words ring in his ears as he watches her eat, thinking about what she said. Deep down, he wishes he could be that lucky, that he could find someone to love, but he just can’t see it. Not now at least. Right now, he’ll be happy if he makes sure the Queen will eat her food well and stay with them for many more years, even if his father doesn’t stand by her side anymore.

Time seems to pass by faster than you can comprehend. It feels like you only blinked once and everything around changed. The palace is a mess, people coming in and out before you can properly learn their names, lords who don’t know why you’re here in the first place trying their chances to see if they could find their future wife, and all the servants panicking that nothing will be ready on time. Coronation is in two days.

One would think everything would be in place by now, all perfect for the future King of Veloria, but it’s far from it. If the palace is one thing, it’s disorganized. You had to learn that the hard way. You know you can’t blame Seungcheol, not when he’s barely gotten a taste of ruling yet. And not when you haven’t even gotten a chance to speak with him since the dinner with your families passed.

You understand that he is busy, deep down you know it has nothing to do with you, but you wish you could see your future husband more.

You’ve met once in the last two weeks. It had been over breakfast, when your father asked him to join your family so they could discuss the plans for forthcoming events together. You only managed to exchange two words with him before your mother took you and your siblings outside so the men could decide over your future. You can’t say you’d be surprised. It’s been like this your entire life. If anything, you’re pleased they let you finish eating before having you leave.

In a way, it’s nice not having to worry about anything. You spent the last two weeks in the gardens, accompanied by Taehyun or Mingyu. Unlike Taehyun, Mingyu fell into a comfortable rhythm with you much quicker. While Taehyun has always wanted to keep boundaries, making sure he wouldn't overstep, Mingyu had engaged in a chat with you as soon as you met him.

You later learned it was because he doesn’t have many worries about losing his position. His family has been working for the royal family for centuries, and it turns out, he and your future husband are quite close. Ever since you found out, you had to bite back your tongue not to ask him about Prince Seungcheol. About how he really is like outside of all the duties, without the (soon not so much) imaginary crown on his head, about his hobbies and biggest dreams.

You doubt he’d even tell you if you did ask.

Mingyu isn’t the only friend you’ve made during your stay, though. You’ve met plenty of interesting people like the royal teacher, a few of Veloria’s best scholars, and incredible ladies-in-waiting that had sworn to you their honesty and pure heart — even though you’re unsure if it wasn’t all for them to get closer to the Prince. You heard about ladies-in-waiting that had later become the King’s company back home, but you never wanted to believe it to be true. Why marry if you want to keep meeting new women?

But the most interesting of them weren’t the ladies or lords, it was the young gardener you found yourself spending every day with. You’ve seen the look on Taehyun’s face when you first got into a chat with Soobin, but it wasn’t like that. You’d be foolish to look at the gardener as anything more than a friend who shares the same interest in flowers as you. Especially when you already have a Prince courting you.

“Have you heard of the new flower the Amberielle kingdom has in their gardens?” You ask, watching as he waters the lilies around you.

“I have not, Your Highness,” he admits, barely sparing you a glance. Every morning, when he sees you coming down to the gardens, he feels like throwing up.

Not because your presence might bother him, in fact he is well aware he should be grateful for a Princess sharing her free time with him, but the look your guards give him every time he chats with you scares him. As aware as he is of his luck, he is also aware how easy it’d be for the King to get him killed if he does something he doesn’t like. And Soobin would be a fool to let his head be cut off for something he never meant to do.

“Really? I’ve read about it in the books Taehyun brought for me from the library,” you look at the guard beside you, giving him one of your thankful smiles. His lips don’t even twitch though, making you scoff. You thought he might have cracked after all this time but it seems like you’re still where you were when you first arrived.

“I see,” Soobin mumbles, locking eyes with the guard before looking down at the ground again. “If you’ll excuse me, I need to go take care of… things,” he blurts out and you frown, sensing the lie on his lips. It’s weird. Some days, he has no problem spending all afternoon talking to you about the gardens or hobbies, and then others he shuts down like this, refusing to talk to you about anything. You want to ask him about it, question his behavior, but before you can do so, he is off, leaving you alone with Taehyun.

You sigh, turning to face the guard. “What shall we do then?” He opens his mouth to answer — probably to tell you to go back to your chambers and not step a foot out, you assume — but before he can do so, another guard interrupts him.

“Your Highness, His Royal Highness is looking to speak to you.”

You recognize Mingyu’s voice, taking a step to the side so you can see both of them. You narrow your eyes as you watch him, blinking a few times before nodding, telling him to lead the way. You haven’t spoken to him in days and now he wishes to bless you with his presence? You don’t see a reason why. But then again, coronation is in two days. And you are to be the Queen of Veloria.

Mingyu doesn’t tell you what it’s about as he leads you through the chambers to the crown room, Taehyun right behind you. You walk in silence, silence that you don’t like. It makes you feel weird, like you are in some sort of trouble. It makes you feel like a little girl all over again, walking the path of shame as the guards lead you to your parents to humiliate you and complain how irresponsible you are.

The memory makes you straighten your back, reminding yourself of everything your teacher taught you, remembering all the lessons you took so you wouldn’t feel like that little girl again. You’re a grown woman now, you tell yourself as you look ahead.

“Thank you, Mingyu,” Seungcheol smiles at the guard before looking your way. He sits on the King’s throne, confidence shining right through him. His hair is neat and so are his clothes. When you look at him, he truly looks like a King. “You can leave. I’d like to talk to the Princess alone.” Despite keeping his smile on and his calm demeanor, it’s a command, his voice ringing in your ears as the two guards leave, followed by another two guards who were looking after the Prince until now.

“You wanted to see me?”

He nods, standing up from the throne and walking over to the large window in the room. You tilt your head confusedly before deciding to join his side, standing awkwardly beside him and looking down at the people. “I’ve heard you’ve been in our gardens more often.”

“Oh,” you snap out of your thoughts and glance up at him. “I have,” you agree. “As you know, I find them beautiful. The flowers calm my mind.”

“Are you sure it’s the flowers that calm your mind?” He asks, turning his head towards you. The moment your eyes lock, you feel something hit you. A wave, spark maybe. You’re not sure. But you feel it, you swear you do. You stumble over your words, your cheeks heating up as you gaze into his eyes.

“Uhm— Excuse me?”

He sighs, breaking eye contact again and looking out towards the gardens. “I’ve also heard you’ve been talking to the gardener,” he admits. “Soobin?”

Now you’re even more confused. What does he have to do with anything? “Are you accusing me of something, my Prince?”

He doesn’t answer immediately, avoiding your eyes. You eye him confusedly, frowning. This is definitely not a topic of conversation your parents or teacher would approve of, but what are you supposed to do when he started it?

“I mean it’s understandable,” he clears his throat. What is? He makes no sense to you. “It makes sense to look for another in your position, I know that, but my lady,” he faces you again, his eyes stern. “You need to be careful with things like these. It’d be a great betrayal to both of our kingdoms if anyone saw you two together. Not to mention that due to his rank, it’d do him no favor. We would have to call off the wedding and it’d be especially hard for your father to arrange another one for you.”

“I don’t–” you shake your head. “What are you talking about, Prince?” He tilts his head, trying to read you with his eyes.

“What I’m meaning to say, you shall not be seen with him in public.”

“Why shall I not?” You push further, trying to make sense of this conversation. It’s confusing, Prince Seungcheol is confusing. It feels like he is talking in riddles, making you guess every word of his. And so far, you’re in no luck at solving the code.

“Have you not heard a word I just said?”

“I have, my Prince. I simply don’t understand.”

You’re not entirely sure if he is annoyed or confused as he takes the sight of you in. You can tell that he is thinking about something, going over what he is going to say next in his head. You tilt your head to the side, looking up at him. “Soobin, the gardener, aren’t you sharing a bed with him?”

Your eyes widen, realization from what he is accusing you of hitting you. You stumble back, your ears red from embarrassment and anger. How could he think so little of you? You’re a noble woman, a Princess, raised by the best teachers in the Elowen kingdom. How dare he even think you weren’t taught what even just being alone with a man would do to your reputation. And share a bed with someone you’re not married to? Heaven forbid.

Your name slips past his lips without any titles and you just shake your head, stepping away from the window. “It was nice chatting with you, Your Royal Highness, but I shall get back to my chamber. My ladies-in-waiting are waiting for me so we can have our afternoon tea.”

You try to leave the room but as soon as you open the large door Seungcheol’s hand wraps around your wrist, stopping you from leaving. You swallow hard, trying to pay as little attention to it as possible. You lock eyes with Taehyun and he shifts uncomfortably, his eyes flickering between you and the Prince. You don’t even want to know what he is thinking, worried he’d accuse you of the same thing the Prince did. How could you be so foolish? You know what rumors like this could do to you and your family.

“Give us another moment, we aren’t done talking yet,” Seungcheol says towards the guards, his eyes softening when he looks at you again, begging you to stay. You avert your eyes from him, thinking about all your options. You need to take care of this problem, and you need to do it fast. Daniela will know what to do. You need to go see her.

“I think we are done,” you argue but he doesn’t let go of your hand.

“Just two more minutes, Princess.” You bite back everything you wanted to say next. You are a weak, weak girl, you realize.

“I no longer shall be talking with you alone,” you say instead, doing the next best thing you can think of. He hesitates, finally dropping his hand to his side.

“Of course,” he mumbles. “Mingyu, may you?”

You find yourself behind closed doors again, this time not only with Seungcheol but his friend as well. You’d prefer it a lot more if the door stayed open but you know you’d be asking for too much then. Thankfully, you can blame this conversation on discussing important political matters not even the guards can hear of if anyone asks you why you were alone with the Prince.

“Your Highness?” You question awkwardly, looking at your feet.

“I didn’t mean to imply,” he apologizes, stepping closer to you. You let him, for now. “I’m well aware of your status, and what those accusations mean to you. I just—” he hesitates, waiting for you to look at him again. You do, doing your best to stay calm. “I just wanted to make sure you knew seeking pleasure was normal in situations like ours.”

“Pleasure?” You question, offended. “How am I supposed to find any pleasure in this, Your Highness? Pleasure in this chaos? In worries of what other people might think of me and my family? How is there any kind of pleasure in that?” You snap, deciding to forget about his title and the manners you should respect towards him.

Mingyu clears his throat but doesn’t get involved in your conversation any further, and honestly, you forget he’s even standing there. “I meant– different kind of pleasure,” he sighs, the longer he stares into your eyes the more realizing how wrong he’s got this. You watch the embarrassment settle on his face, but you’re certain it’s not as bad as the one you feel. “Forget it,” he blurts out. “I didn’t realize you don’t—”

“I don’t, what?”

“Understand.”

Your frown deepens, and for the first time since you closed the door behind you you look at the guard standing a few steps behind the Prince. He is clearly avoiding your eyes, making it clear he doesn’t wish to be a part of this conversation or help you in any way.

“Then help me understand,” you say, trying not to get mad when he shakes his head. Seriously? He wants to blame you for losing your dignity and then not even explain himself?

“We shall not be talking about this,” he says almost like an apology, taking a step back again. “I’m sorry, my lady.”

You scoff, tapping your feet against the wooden floor lightly as you watch him. “Alright,” you finally speak again. “Can you at least tell me why you thought so of me? What led you to the impression?”

“I read the situation wrong,” he says instead of answering your question. You want to argue further, tell him that that’s not what you’re asking him and demand explanation, but Mingyu joins your side before you can do any of that, giving you one of his smiles, pointing towards the door with his hand.

“Shall we, Your Highness? Your ladies must be impatient waiting for you.” You hum, glancing at Seungcheol one last time before walking away with the guard.

“My Prince, you wound me.”

Seungcheol turns on his bed, frowning even in his sleep.

“You could have made it a rule.”

The image he sees isn’t to his liking. The Queen, sitting beside his dead father, holding his hand as tears run down her face. She’s devastated. But it’s not her husband’s death that puts her in such depression. It’s when she looks at him, the oldest son of the Veloria kingdom, that it all comes crashing down — the disappointment, the anger, the regret.

No. He can’t bear seeing her like that. If she feels disappointed in him as well, then what is he supposed to do? He can’t rule, he can’t lead his people. He’ll only make them miserable. As miserable as he’s made the Queen. Bad things have always followed him, how else is he supposed to explain his mother dying during birth? It was always his fault, and he was now going to lead his people into failure as well.

He turns around on his bed again, trying to chase the image away. The last thing he should be thinking about is how big of a failure he is the night of his coronation. But the picture isn’t any better on the other side.

He dreams of you, in the same pink dress you wore to the dinner with your parents. You look crushed, your eyes watery as you look up at him, hiding an incredible amount of pain behind them. It hits him harder than he thought it could, his eyes widening as he quickly tries to cup your cheeks and brush your tears away. But he can’t. His hands go right through you. He can’t hold you. He can’t help. All he can do is watch you suffer because of him, watch you cry and yell at him, regret ever meeting him.

“I thought we could have an understanding, my Prince.”

It’s not truly you talking to him, it’s his own conscience, he knows that — or maybe he just hopes that’s the case — but it doesn’t change the fact your words hit him hard. It feels like you just pulled his heart out of his chest and twisted it between your fingers. He opens his mouth to assure you it will be okay, that he can make this okay again, but no words come out.

His eyes snap open, his breathing heavy as he stares at the dark wall in front of him. A dream, he reminds himself. That’s all this was. He closes his eyes again, hiding his face in his hands with a groan. Taking a deep breath, he drops his hands down, stepping out from under his blanket.

It’s still dark outside but he doesn’t feel like going back to sleep anytime soon. Taking down his pajama pants, he changes into his outdoor garments, leaving his room before anyone can notice. It’s not like he wouldn’t be able to leave whenever he wants, but he is sure any good servant would report it to the first guard they’d find and they would insist on staying with him. And honestly, he doesn’t feel like sharing the place with anyone else at the moment.

For the first time in what feels like ages, it’s quiet as he walks through the palace. The night sky is filled with stars shining above his head, his steps light as he walks through the gardens, taking his time with taking in the sight until he finally reaches his destination — the same place he first met you.

He stares ahead, unsure why he came here in the first place. It’s not like his dreams mean anything, and this place definitely doesn’t either. Yet, he can’t seem to move and walk away now that he is here. He turns around, enjoying the peace as looking at his surroundings. He can see your chamber from here, he realizes. It’s dark in your room, as it should be this early in the morning. The only light in the palace is coming from the kitchen, everyone busy preparing for the coronation, he assumes.

The coronation.

He should get back to his room, sleep as much as he can before the maid comes to wake him up, and pray everything goes well today. He still hesitates, his eyes glued to your window. It’s hard to hide his worries but he does his best, burying the memory of his dream deep inside. For now, that should be enough. How he’ll react when he sees you again later today is a different story, though.

♡⸝⸝

Despite the earlier panic all throughout the palace, everything is ready and set on time. Seungcheol smiles as he greets lords and ladies, engaging in a small talk with them. The walls are lined with guards everywhere, all of them focused on their job and nothing else. Which is likely also why he didn’t have a chance to speak with Mingyu yet. He was hoping for some reassurance from his best friend before it all comes crashing down, but for now, Joshua’s words will have to do.

“Look at you,” Kyong’s voice interrupts him, his eyes softening as he apologizes to lord Kim before glancing at the Queen. “You look beautiful,” she tells him, her hand wrapping around his biceps, giving a reassuring squeeze.

“I could say the same about you,” he takes in the sight of her, her dress deep purple and her hair falling in soft waves. This is the Queen he remembers raising him. The woman who stood by him and showed him manners as well as fun.

He feels proud. He is well aware how foolish that might sound. He is the one gaining power over the kingdom, it is his day, and yet, it’s not himself he is proud of. It’s the woman who has pulled through her spouse’s illness so she could be present for his big day.

“Father is coming in,” Joshua jumps into the conversation, fixing his uniform. He wears the same navy blue as the crown Prince, minus all the gold that lines him. Seungcheol clears his throat, nodding.

“I should go then, wait for the council to welcome everyone so we can begin.” They both nod to him and Joshua offers his arm to the Queen, walking with her to their designated place.

Seungcheol watches as the Queen takes a seat on her own throne besides the King, her smile wide but her eyes bearing the pain she’s hiding all day. The ceremonial robe the council made him wear looks heavy on him, and every part of the Prince worries if his father will be okay. It’s only once he sees him hold the Queen’s hand in his, looking at her like it’ll all be okay, that he leaves the throne room.

The noises all calm down and he is certain he’ll hear every one of his steps when he comes back to the room. It’s weird, standing here, with everyone even slightly important waiting for him inside so they could watch the King put a crown on his head. A lot of Princes his age have been married off for years, but it feels too soon for him.

Trumpets ring through his ears and before he can properly prepare himself, the door opens in front of him, a guard on each side. He takes a deep breath, straightening his back as he walks through the empty aisle his people created for him. He keeps his eyes laser focused on his father, not trusting himself enough to look at his siblings.

He kneels in front of the King, his head down. He recognizes Kaito’s voice as he recites a few words on the side where everyone can see him. Seungcheol doesn’t look, though. He barely even registers his words, everything that’s said until his father starts speaking a blur.

He glances up, just for a moment to make sure he is okay before his eyes burn holes into the ground beneath him again. The King clears his throat before reciting an Oath, encouraging the crown Prince to look ahead. He does, meeting eyes with his father as he repeats his words. A few people whisper behind him but he can’t hear anything, anxiety creeping up his back that he might mess up or something might go wrong at the last minute. It’s almost as if he had some sort of a protection device on his head, everything tuned out. His ears buzz which is not amazing but he pushes through, watching the King raise from his seat.

“Today, in the name of the crown, it is a great honor to proclaim my son, Seungcheol, a rightful heir to the throne. May strength follow your every step, wisdom guide you through the rough times of a war, and mercy lead your people. Rule in times of sickness, rule in the honor of the great Kings who carried this crown before you.” He steps down from his throne, slow, controlled steps like the Doctor advised him before.

The golden crown is heavy on his head but it doesn’t stop him from rising up, towering over his father as he walks up, taking his rightful place on the throne. It’s only then that he properly looks into the crowd. Mingyu stands on the very right, a proud grin on his face unlike the other guards who keep a stern face. It makes him smile as well, the realization of how much this means finally settling in.

Lord Choi stands on the left side, close to the royal family, a pretty lady on his arm. It makes him think of you, of you in his dream, of your pretty eyes and lips he’s thought about more times throughout the day than he’d like to admit. He scans the room once more until his eyes finally land on your figure, standing at the front with your family, a smile on your face as you bow down along with the rest of his people. His people.

Your pastel purple dress shines in the room. It might not be to everyone else, but it does to him. He isn’t sure why, why your presence in the midst of strangers feels like a soft light that peeks through the blinds in the morning, or why he sees your smile even as he closes his eyes, but it matters to him.

“Long live the King!” Someone in the crowd yells, making his serious demeanor crack, a laugh escaping his lips.

“Please,” he interrupts before the crowd can start celebrating, his eyes meeting Mingyu’s from across the room, a quiet thank you in his smile as it is his voice he recognized. “Before celebrations begin and all our doors open for you, I’d like to make a statement.”

As if the atmosphere wasn’t serious enough until now, everyone quiets down, nervously glancing around. He sees you do the same, trying to ask your father what’s going on. “My father was a great leader, one that got us through important battles and made sure his people would be taken care of,” Seungcheol looks at him, noticing his struggle as he tries to hold a cough in. Alright, quicker it is.

“It wasn’t just his work, though, which is also why I’d like to thank William,” he turns to the Head Advisor standing beside the throne. William smiles at the people, awkward as he has no idea what the new King of Veloria plans to say. “You did an amazing job helping my father. And I, as your King, grant you the honor of retirement.” He watches as his eyes widen, panic rushing through his entire face. “Instead,” he looks at the crowd below him again. “I’d like to name a new Head Advisor for the crown. Seungkwan, could you take William’s place?”

Whispers run through the room, filling his ears as he watches the scholar nervously step in front of him, a quiet thank you on his lips before he joins William’s side. “I trust his judgment to the fullest. And I can assure you, our kingdom will only grow with us.” It’s only then that he decides to step down, his shoulders tense as he joins the lords and ladies below. It creates a smile on Seungcheol’s face. Finally, finally, he’s got him right where he’s wanted him for what feels like ages — under him, with no power to rule over him.

He looks to his side, taking in the approving smiles of his brothers before everyone cheers, the room much louder than before. The throne room slowly clears out, everyone rushing to get to the great hall where the banquet for celebrations is hosted. Seungcheol stays in place, watching others leave before he allows a heavy sign to leave his lips.

It’s also then that his father grabs onto the first thing he can — which happens to be Chan’s arm as he rushes to help him — the coughs he kept in this entire time finally leaving his lips. “Let’s get you back to bed,” the former Queen coos, trying to remain calm.

“Will you be at the banquet?” her daughter asks, hope in her voice. It hurts, seeing the most important people in his life this low. He can read his sister perfectly, the way she misses her mother and simply wishes to spend some time with her. But he can read Kyong just as well, all the pain she bears, the tears she hides from her children in order not to worry them.

“We’ll see, darling,” she smiles, unable to tell her no right away. Seungcheol sees right through it but doesn’t say anything, calling Mingyu over instead to help them get back to their chamber without anyone noticing.

“Will he be okay?” His sister asks as they leave the room, looking up at her three older brothers. Seungcheol meets her eyes, his heart breaking in pieces. He’s never wanted anything other than happiness for her. He’d fight for her to get anything she wants, just a word and he’d do it. But what he cannot do for her is lie, look her in the eyes and promise her it will all go back to how it was, with everyone healthy and smiley.

Learning about his father’s illness hasn’t fully hit him until today. It all seemed like something impossible. How could his father, the same man who was always the strongest leader he knew, fail the bottle with sickness?

“The Doctors’ got him,” Joshua assures her when no one speaks, squeezing her shoulder. She smiles up at him, placing her hand on top of his. She believes him, of course she does. Why wouldn’t she believe it when her big brother tells her it will be okay? Seungcheol closes his eyes, unable to watch it any longer. Taking a deep breath, he turns around to the guards left near the walls.

“Can someone accompany my sister to the banquet?”

Two guards step forward without saying anything and the King nods, motioning for them to walk out with her. “You’ll all attend though, right? I won’t be there alone?”

“It’s to celebrate my coronation, you seriously think I could miss it?” Seungcheol turns to her again with a smile. She nods, visibly less tense now. The room stays quiet, all three of the Princes watching her leave the room.

Seungcheol sighs, plopping down on his throne as soon as the door closes behind her, finally relaxing. It feels like the first time he can breathe since he stepped into the room. “Are you alright?” Joshua worries, taking in the sight of his new King. It’s safe to say he looks exhausted. “Are you sure you can attend a banquet right now?”

“Do I have a choice?” It’s a rhetorical question. They all know what kinds of things would be said if he didn’t show up. He would lose his people before even gaining their trust. “Plus, not only do I need to speak with the council and entertain people, I should also speak with the Elowen family. I owe it to them after not being with them at all during their stay.”

“How’s the Princess?” Chan wonders, shifting uncomfortably in his uniform. It’s understandable, the robe they made him wear looks much heavier than what he’s used to.

“Good,” Cheol shrugs, but his mind drifts off to your standing in the crowd earlier. To your bow, to your pretty eyes focused on him as he named his new Head Advisor. He hopes you liked the ceremony. The thought makes him pause, confusing obvious on his face. His younger brothers raise their eyebrows, both of them having the same question looks on their faces. “We haven’t spoken much. But as we all know, she’ll be a great addition to the kingdom,” he assures them, the same words he said days prior to the council.

“Why not get to know her better?”

“We are not to be lovers,” he reminds them. But as soon as the words leave his mouth, it feels wrong. “She’s a political addition to the kingdom,” he continues, quickly pushing aside all the thoughts about you that appear in his head. “Unlike you two, I don’t have much of a choice.”

A hint of resentment appears behind Joshua’s eyes as the words leave his mouth but he doesn’t pay it any attention, figuring he’s just imagining things. “I don’t know, I think I’d like not having to worry if I find a wife on my own or not,” Chan comments with a shrug. “Doesn’t it make it all easier?”

Seungcheol hesitates as he looks at his brothers. “I guess it does,” he finally says, trying to read the look behind Joshua’s eyes. The longer he looks at him, the more he begins believing what he saw wasn’t just a figment of his imagination. Maybe a part of Joshua actually resents him. Which only leads him to another question — why?

“Shall we go?” Joshua brings the eldest out of his thoughts. There’s a smile on his lips as he asks, making Cheol’s eyes narrow. He doesn’t say anything though, nodding as he stands up again, following his brothers and the rest of the guards into the great hall.

“Wasn’t that beautiful?” Your mother asks as she sits in her seat. You smile immediately, the memory of Seungcheol finally getting his crown clear in your head. You feel proud, the smile you carry as genuine as it can be. You might have only spoken to him on a few occasions, but you know he is deserving of his role, despite the disagreement you had a few days ago.

“It was nice,” your father hums back.

“I think the coronation was amazing,” you proclaim, not noticing you’re interrupting your father. Thankfully, he doesn’t say anything, letting you talk freely.

“What about you, Nari? What did you think?” Your mother glances over at your younger sister.

She straightens her back as soon as all eyes are on her, clearing her throat before speaking. “The ceremony was beautiful, mother,” she nods, her politeness ringing in your ears. You wouldn’t say you were a bad student, but she’s certainly always cared more about growing into the beautiful, diligent, humble ladies you were raised to be. In a sense, you admire her for it. You’re confident she won’t have any trouble finding her future husband on her own, hopefully one who loves her dearly. “Brother and sister told me the same before the nanny took them back to our chamber,” she adds and your parents nod.

“And what did you think of the Princes? Aren’t they good looking?”

“Mama!” You whisper-yell. “Nari is seventeen.”

“Maybe it was our fault we didn’t look for a husband for you earlier. If we had, you could have been long married with children running around,” your father comments, sipping on the prepared champagne in front of him.

You open your mouth to argue, tell them it wasn’t a mistake that they waited until you were twenty five as you still had a lot of developing to do and things to wrap your head around, but before you can say any of it, your sister speaks again, “Looks certainly run in the Veloria family.”

“You shall ask your future husband if his brothers aren’t looking for a wife,” your mother encourages you.

“Of course,” you smile back at her, knowing you definitely won’t. You’d rather lose your parents’ trust than set up your seventeen year old sister with a man older than you.

You sit quietly after, listening to your parents talk about how pleased they are with the Veloria kingdom and the new King, reminding you how lucky you are to be chosen by him. Nari sometimes joins the conversation when asked to, but for most of it, she sits just as quietly as you.

That is, until a lord approaches your table. He bows with his right hand pressed to his heart, introducing himself as Lord Nishimura. He isn’t from around here, that much you can tell. “I hope I’m not intruding on an important conversation,” he apologizes, eyes locked onto your parents. He quickly glances at you and your sister before continuing. “I’d like to ask your daughter for a dance, if you allow.”

Narrowing your eyes, you scan his figure. He can’t be over the age of twenty, his eyes full of the same young energy you see in your eight year old brother. He extends his hand to your sister and you watch as her eyes flicker to your parents, waiting for their approval. Your mother nods with a smile and Nari’s eyes fill with excitement, placing her hand in his and leaving with him to join the other lords and ladies dancing in the center of the room.

You bite back everything you wish to say, knowing you can’t go against your parents’ methods. You’d be a fool to start a disagreement with them, especially when you are in public. You’ll just have to hope they won’t decide to go down the path of wedding their undeveloped daughter.

Your mother clears her throat after sharing a glance with her husband, causing you to look at her. “Don’t you feel like dancing tonight, darling? It’s a big day for us just as much as for the Veloria family after all,” she mentions and you know exactly where she’d be heading with it.

“You’re right,” you agree, forcing a smile. “I shall join the others.”

Your parents watch you with a smile as you leave the table but you know it’s as forced as your own. It makes you feel weird, something in your stomach makes you uneasy. You always loved your parents and believed the relationship you had with them was strong, but ever since you learned they arranged a marriage for you, it was as if it all shifted. All of a sudden, your afternoon tea conversations with your mother weren’t about the books you got your hands on lately or your interests but about preparations for the wedding and questions about your future husband.

Frankly, it all made you feel small, like you were stuck between four walls with no doors or windows. It began to be harder to breathe freely around them, everything crashing down on you. The bond you thought you always had with your mother was weakening with each day spent together, and you found yourself in the Veloria gardens more than not.

It was easy to escape from everything and focus on the nice things. You don’t have the heart to face the fact that your and your mother’s relationship might not be as great as you thought it was, if you’re honest.

You decide to stay near one of the tables, this one decorated with a chocolate fountain and all kinds of fruits you could think of. Most of the nobles are dancing in the center or chatting at their respective tables, keeping your surroundings quiet. Which is exactly what you needed, a quiet peace of mind to let you forget about your parents and their meddling.

Scanning the room, a part of you feels disappointed when you can’t find a certain King who you’ve been wanting to talk to ever since leaving the throne room two days ago. You understand he has other things to take care of before joining the banquet but that doesn’t stop you from wondering when he’ll turn up. He is your future husband after all, you can wonder about his whereabouts.

Your mind drifts to your conversation two days ago, to the memory of his dark eyes gazing into yours. Biting the inside of your cheek, you do your best not to think about the possibilities of where he might be, what he might be doing. If the roles were reversed, and you’d be the one who still hasn’t shown, the rumors would start before you could blink.

Being a woman is lovely, and with every inch of your body, you appreciate everything you have, but the difference between women and men in this society is far too obvious. You watched your youngest sister’s interest in weaponry fade away as she was pushed into afternoon tea she never liked and dressing up to her age while your brother got to be taught in said area despite being only eight years old.

“My lady.” You turn to the side upon hearing a man’s voice, smiling out of politeness.

“My lord,” you drop into a small courtesy. “Have you tried the mango yet? It’s delicious,” you motion towards the fruit besides you, his eyes following yours.

“Not yet,” he shakes his head. “The fruits do look great,” he agrees before meeting your eyes again. “But I came over because someone else looks much more beautiful.”

Your cheeks catch a hint of pink as you thank him, averting your eyes to the floor beneath you. “Thank you, lord…” you pause, realizing you didn’t quite catch his name.

“Lord Song,” he finishes for you with a small bow. “My apologies for not introducing myself sooner.” You shake your head, introducing yourself as well.

“Elowen?” He questions and you watch him mentally place your kingdom on a map. “What brings you here from so far away?” You hesitate, knowing you can’t just proclaim you’re marrying the King of Veloria all of a sudden. He only became the King an hour ago, it’s too early to announce a marriage for the throne.

“What else? The beautiful coronation we watched earlier. My family came to show our support to the future King, just like everyone else in this room.”

He hums back, watching you with a smile. You feel his eyes all over you, taking in the sight of you. You do look gorgeous tonight, the maids and Daniela made sure you would, and you feel extremely thankful to them. But you’re just as thankful when you hear Lady Avanzini’s voice as she joins your side. “Your Highness, could I steal you for a moment?”

You glance between her and the lord in front of you, nodding. You drop into a small courtesy again as you excuse yourself before following Daniela away. “Where are we heading?” You ask, taking your chance and looking around the room for the King.

“You looked like you needed some saving, my lady,” she says simply, making a soft laugh bubble out of you as you shake your head at her.

“Our conversation wasn’t as bad as it might have looked like.”

She stops in her tracks, turning around to face you. “Would you have rather I left you alone?” Your eyes soften as you shake your head again in a silent no. She smiles, “see, Princess? I know what you need at all times.” She looks proud of herself as she leads you into another quiet corner of the room, staying by your side and watching the banquet unfold.

“Have you happened to see the King?” You whisper towards her without taking your eyes from the nobles dancing, hoping that by some miracle you might find him in the midst of them.

“I did,” she nods. “He was speaking with a few gentlemen at their table. His brother was with him.” The mention of the younger Prince brings back memories of your earlier conversation with your parents, a heavy sigh leaving your lips.

“Don’t remind me of any of the Princes. My mother is hoping one of them might be interested in our Nari,” you tell her, voice low enough for only her to hear. Her eyes widen and she turns to you, looking for any sign of it being a joke. When she doesn’t find any, she laughs either way.

“I saw the youngest Prince eyeing at least five different ladies already, and the second born is nowhere to be found. I think we both know what that means.”

You tilt your head to the side, blinking confusedly. What does that mean? “A lady?” Your eyes widen, realization settling in. Of course. You were worried about the King seeing another woman just moments earlier when you couldn’t find him but it didn’t even occur to you his brothers could be doing the same. But why hide his relationship when there isn’t a different lady waiting to marry him?

Maybe you’re too used to the love stories you read about. It seems easy to you. He’s a Prince, he could have anyone in the country he wishes to, so why not just ask the King for a blessing to a marriage?

“Oh how I wish I could sneak away from this ball with someone as well,” Daniela sighs, bringing you out of your thoughts.

“Why?”

“Because, my lady, I’m dying to feel a man’s hands on me.” Your eyes widen as the words reach your ears, panic rushing through you. You quickly look around to make sure no one else heard her, that no one could spread something so scandalous about your closest friend. “What?” She laughs, as if she couldn’t understand your worries. She should have, she should know just how much it means for a woman to say or do something that could ruin her reputation. “Don’t tell me you can’t relate, Princess.”

You quickly shake your head, refusing anything even slightly close to what she’s implying. “I have not, and shall never, agree to anything this incriminating.” You watch as something flickers behind her eyes, understanding maybe. You’re not quite sure, frankly.

With a simple smile, she straightens her back again and looks into the crowd, leaving you to think about the interaction on your own. “Look, His Majesty is…in the middle of the crowd of ladies there,” she points out and you take a second to even register what she said before following her eyes.

Finally, after what feels like forever, you see the man you’ve been looking for for so long. Only, he happens to be surrounded by ladies from all around and their mothers, chatting. You can only assume it has something to do with the fact Veloria now has a single King, who by all the rules you both grew up with, should be looking for a wife to consume an heir for him. If it wasn’t for your already existing arrangement, you’re certain your mother would be standing in the crowd as well, trying to list all the good qualities you have.

There's a smile on his face as he speaks, and you can't figure out if it's simply a politeness or if he's enjoying himself. Despite knowing how selfish it sounds, you hope it's simply politeness. You wish you could look at him and not feel any sign of anxiety and sadness when you see him like this, but the truth is, you ended up caring about him more than you thought would coming here. And with every one of the glances you share together, you feel your heart aching.

He doesn't notice you, his eyes kept on the group around him. You catch the sight of Chan behind him, but he doesn't get as much attention as his older brother. You find yourself wishing they'd pay more attention to the single one of the brother's. Even though you can't say Seungcheol would be yours to claim, he don't want him exploring his opinions either.

“Anything on your mind, my lady?” Daniela teases, making you take your eyes off him. You shake your head no, but you're lying. There's a lot on your mind, and the new King of Veloria happens to be the center of every one of your thoughts. “Really? Because I think His Majesty is on his way to dance.” Your eyes snap back to him as soon as her words reach you, jealousy rushing through your veins. You know you shouldn't feel like this, you made peace with love not being in your cards a long time ago, but you can't help it. You can't help the way you feel, and when you see Seungcheol's hand hold another lady, it feels like your entire world breaks into pieces right in front of your eyes.

“I see,” you mumble, your voice barely above a whisper. “Do you know her? Who she is?”

“I'll have to disappoint you, my lady,” she apologizes. “I haven't seen her before. There is many foreign faces tonight.” You hum in response, unable to take your eyes off him. Daniela seems to notice your distress, taking your hand in hers and forcing you to avert your eyes. “Look over there, there's your little sister,” she points to the other side of the crowd, your eyes landing on a different beautiful lady this time. Nari's greed dress makes her eyes stand out, and you understand why lord Nishimura can't take his eyes away. Now that you look at them from afar, they do look nice.

But as gorgeous as your sister is, it only reminds you of the girl Seungcheol is dancing with more. She's in a beautiful pink dress, decorated with gold details, her hair is up, styled into a bun. A few brown strands line her cheeks, and without needing to look their way again, you know she has a beautiful smile as well.

A song goes by, maybe two, you're not sure. You keep your eyes on your sister, her laugh bubbling in your ears despite her being on the other side of the room. It's pleasing, seeing her have so much fun. Maybe she'll join you on other balls as well, and your only company won't be Daniela — despite the fact you love her with your whole heart — anymore.

You focus on the music and chatters around instead, slowly calming down again. You don't think about the King, the laddies dancing with him, or your earlier chat with Daniela. You just shut it all out, enjoying the moment as much as you can.

At least until you catch Lord Song approaching you again. Daniela tries stepping forward quickly, but you hold her hand, smiling as you wait for the lord to approach. There isn't any need for her to save you again. If Seungcheol can dance with other ladies while you stand in the corner and watch, why wouldn't you be able to have a little fun as well? There is no harm in a dance. And despite only thinking about Seungcheol as Lord Song asks you for a dance, you are determined to enjoy yourself.

You hold his hand, imagining it's someone else' gloved hand leading you through the crowd, someone else' deep eyes watching you as you stand opposite each other, and someone else reminding you how incredible you look tonight. You feel bad, using Lord Song so you could get your mind off your future husband dancing with different women — even though it's not working well.

“Have you heard anything worth mentioning tonight, Princess?” He asks, his eyes locked onto yours as you dance side by side, your hands facing each other but not quite touching.

“I don't pay much attention to gossip, my lord,” you answer, pushing aside the memory of Daniela's earlier words. You still can't believe she'd say something like that, in a public place on top of it all. You don't understand, no matter how much you ponder over it, you can't seem to find a reason, a meaning, for her need.

“What do you pay attention to, then?” He tilts his head slightly. It's a cute motion. And he seems genuinely interested, so you allow yourself to talk.

“There's many — flowers, literature, especially poetry,” you speak with a smile, letting yourself daydream for a while.

“What about your favorites, Princess?”

You open your mouth, ready to tell him all about your favorite flowers and books, when the dance comes to an sudden end, Lord Song stopping mid step and dropping into a bow. You blink confusedly, glancing behind you to see what startled him so much. His Majesty. Your eyes widen and you quickly drop into a courtesy, wondering what he's doing here, beside you, knowing well just a minute ago, he was still in the middle of the dance.

Despite your attempts to ignore his presence and keep your eyes on the lord dancing with you, every now and then, when you got the chance, your eyes would wander to him, checking where he is and who he is with. He was with a different lady than the one you saw him first with the last time you checked. Her dress was red, and her hair blond. You wonder which one of them he found more attractive.

“What brings you here, Your Majesty?” You dare to speak first, his eyes moving from the man next to you when he hears your voice. A chuckle tugs on his lips and it doesn't take you long to figure out it's because of the title you are using. He asked you to not be so formal with him before, but can you do that now that he is the King?

“I'd like a dance,” he states simply, pinning Lord Song down with his eyes. You feel awkward watching it, knowing every part of you hoped for this, for a dance with him tonight. You didn't think it'd be like this. That he'd interrupt your dance, making everyone around look your way to check what's happening.

“Of course,” Lord Song answers without further questions, stepping aside to create more space for the King. Before leaving completely, he takes his chance and smiles at you once more, motion which you reciprocate.

Seungcheol takes his place, his hand moving with yours as a mirror, his eyes solely on you. Your cheeks turn red as you hold his eye contact, nervousness building up as you feel your heart beating faster. You worry he might hear, that just by the look in your eyes, he'll know it all. You move in the rhythm without saying another word, too scared that if you even as breathe too loudly, he'll disappear, and it'll turn out you dreamed it all.

He steps closer to you, closer than a King should be to a lady he is simply dancing with, but not close enough for anyone to mention it. You look up at him, gazing into his chocolate brown eyes with yours. He stands out in the crowd, and it's not just because everyone's eyes are on the new King. His presence draws people in, and you know they can't get enough of his looks. You are no better than them.

“You were saying?” He asks, his face unreadable.

You tilt your head slightly before shaking it. “I didn't say anything, Your Majesty.”

“Drop the Majesty,” he stops you before explaining what he meant.

“And call you Your?” Your lips curve into a smile, proud of the joke you made. You know what he means, of course you do. But speaking to him without a title in such public place just doesn't seem right.

“You can call me yours,” he agrees, leaning closer to you so only you can hear. A shiver runs down your spine, his voice ringing in your ears.

He pulls back, an equally proud smile as you had on his lips. But you're not amused, your eyes wide and cheeks red. Everything about the situation making you feel hotter. You need to get away right after the dance, get some fresh air and hopefully a fresh mind. “Sire,” you blurt out quickly. It's supposed to be a warning for him, reminder that you are surrounded by nobles from all over the country, but your anxiety makes it seem like anything but. Seungcheol rolls his eyes, obviously not satisfied. But he leaves it, for now at least.

“Your conversation with Lord Song, what was it about?” He asks again and this time, you actually know what he wants you to talk about.

“He asked about my interests.”

“And?” He encourages, “what did you say?”

“That I love flowers, and literature,” you tell him, even though you have a feeling he already knows that. You never directly spoken to him about the things you like or what sparks your interest, however, the first time you met, you were surrounded by flowers you couldn't take your eyes off. You told him how much you loved their gardens and he must have seen you visiting them every day.

“Tell me more about it.”

“Maybe another time,” you smile, knowing the song is coming to an end. As much as you wanted to dance with him, look him in the eyes and enjoy his proximity, it all feels suffocating. You can feel multiple pairs of eyes on you, making you feel small. You wonder what they think when they look at you and the King, if they like the scene or would prefer someone else to take your place. Everyone has their own opinion on what the next Queen of Veloria should look like, what she should wear and how she should present herself. Deep down, you know it's impossible to meet everyone's standards, that one way or another you'll end up disappointing someone no matter how much you try, but it doesn't change the fact you don't like the way they are looking at you at the moment.

“Why not now?” He presses, needing to hear more from you, have another excuse not to dance with any of the other ladies looking to seek their change at becoming the Queen. “We have the whole night to ourselves.”

“I shall not stay long,” you shake your head in a small excuse. “My feet hurt and I promised my brother I'll read with him before he goes to sleep.” Seungcheol can't argue with that, nodding as if he approved. Despite knowing you don't need his approval, that you can leave whenever you want, you're glad to have it.

The song comes to an end, both of your stopping your movements and bowing. You drop into a courtesy, your legs bend much more than when you were greeting Lord Song and your head down. “We shall see each other another day, then.” You hum, not giving him a clear yes or no answer before pushing past the crowd, not bothering with finding Daniela again or saying good night to your parents, heading straight for the exit.

You don't go find your brother to read with him like you promised, you can't. Instead, you find yourself at the palace entrance, closing your eyes as you breath in the fresh air. You learned that Veloria is beautiful no matter the time of the day, but there's something captivating about the night sky and stars. The moon is clear as day from where you stand, casting soft light in the darkness of the night. The only people around are the two guards standing at the door, but they don't pay you any attention. You try to place their face to a name but no matter how you try, you don't recognize them.

However, a guard you do recognize is Taehyun, his voice pulling you out of your thoughts about how attractive King Seungcheol looks tonight. “My lady, it's cold here.” You turn around, giving him a smile. You don't need to ask why he is here, it's obvious he came to take you back to your chambers. So you simply nod, stepping forward to reach him.

You don't say anything for a while, letting him lead you through the hallways you know as well as the ones back home by now. It's only when he stops in front of your door that you hesitate, eyeing him curiously. He doesn't react, ignoring the fact your eyes are gazing into his soul. It's something he got used to since becoming your guard. “How did you find me so quickly? I didn't tell anyone where I was going.”

He looks at you, finally meeting your eyes. “His Majesty told me you were leaving the banquet, it is my job to be with you at all times and protect you. I was going to come to your chamber, but he told me I'll find you in the gardens by the lilies at the very back. It was luck I reached you before you could wander further into the dark.”

Seungcheol knew where to find you. For some reason, it makes you smile. You shake your head slightly, not saying anything back as you disappear into your room with a grin on your face. Changing into your sleeping gown, you think of the new King as you slowly fall asleep in the comfort of your bed.

The following week after coronation was filled with celebrations, alcohol, and cheers to the new Veloria King. In those seven days, Seungcheol didn't show his face on any of the events happening in his honor. Stuck in a conference room with the entire council, he had to study more than ever before. When they found him after the coronation, he thought the time they stole from the banquet would be enough to agree on everything. But turns out, all the information they dumped at him there wasn't even half of it.

It was tiring, to say the least, but thanks to the people around him, it began to feel less like a duty and more like a friendly hang out. Of course, there was still all the papers he needed to sign, letters he needed to send, and events to approve of, but knowing it no longer remains William standing by his side but is now joined with a much younger scholar who has the same opinion on many things certainly made it all worth it.

Still, there is something he hates missing out on. You.

The only time he stood by your side since the banquet was the first Sunday of his ruling, when you joined him to announce to the people you were to be the next Veloria Queen. Many cheers filled the palace shortly after, celebrations of his coronations turning into celebrations of the upcoming royal wedding. The more he thought about it, it seemed like his people will take any chance they can to celebrate something as long as it involves dancing and drinking. Not that he could blame them.

Your parents left the kingdom shortly after, leaving you alone in here. Maybe that's why he hates being busy even more, knowing you have no one else here to hang out with. Sure, your ladies-in-waiting are here to accompany you, and from what he heard, Lady Avanzini stayed, but that's different. He is to be your family, your husband, he should be able to spend time with you as well.

Instead, all he can do is watch your from the palace as you walk through the gardens, just like you have many times before. Taehyun follows you on every step, and he's never been more grateful for the knight's devotion to the royal family. Knowing you always have someone by your side to look out for you when he can't helps him ease his mind.

He's noticed you spending more and more time outside, seeking the comfort of the gardens more than before. Every part of his body wants to come down and join you, ask you what's on your mind and if he can help anyhow, but each time he is close to leaving the room and chasing after you, a member of the council or Seungkwan show up, needing him for something that apparently can't wait.

It's been too long. Too long since he last got to look you in the eyes and read every emotion behind them, since he danced with you, and since he allowed himself to think about how gorgeous you look. And as much as he wants to break the cycle and see you, with each passing day, as the wedding nears, he reminds himself he'll get to see you and spend his ruling by your side for the rest of his days from now.

“Is everything ready for tomorrow?” He asks, averting his eyes from the beauty wandering through his gardens and turning to face Kaito and Seungkwan. The two of them exchange a quick glance before agreeing.

“Everything should be set. We have every flower the Princess requested, most of our guests have confirmed their attendance, and the servants are preparing the room as we speak,” Kaito proclaims, making the King hum. “We've got everything under control, so you can just relax for the night and spend your last day before the wedding however you wish,” there is a slight implication behind those words but Seungcheol decides to ignore them, focusing on the important part — he can relax tonight.

There is many things he could do, sleep the entire night, visit his father and see if his condition got any better — despite knowing it hadn't, and it's only a matter of time before he leaves them for good — but the first thought that comes to mind is he could spend time with you. He could join you on your walks, take you from your ladies and have dinner with you, or simply replace Taehyun and follow you like a lost puppy for the rest of the day. Neither of the options sound bad.

“Your brother asked me to tell you to meet him in front of the palace in…” Seungkwan's eyes trail to the sun outside, guessing the hour by the shadow it sets. “In about an hour, Your Majesty.” And there go his plans of spending time with you. A sigh escapes his lips, wondering which one of his brothers just got on his bad side. “Or I could tell Prince you are busy?” He asks upon seeing the look on King's face.

Seungcheol shakes his head, coming to peace with the face he'll have to wait one more day to spend time with you. “No need. I'll meet him. Has he said why he wants to see me?” Seungkwan apologizes, nervous as he tells his king he hasn't asked as far. Kaito gives him a dirty glance, almost as if he was judging him for his lack of knowledge, but truthfully, Seungcheol doesn't care.

♡⸝⸝

“We are going out together,” Joshua announces with a grin, Mingyu right beside him. Now as he stands face to face with his brother, he hates not yelling at Seungkwan before for not knowing why his brother wanted to see him. Had he knew it was just about going out, he would have never came down here. “Oh come on, don't get all you now.”

“What does that mean?” He narrows his eyes, his brows furrowing together.

“That,” Joshua says simply. “That face, the sulkiness. You can't be mad we want to take you out on your last night as a single lord.”

“Not a lord.”

“Same thing,” Mingyu brushes him off. “You can let go of your responsibilities for the night, so take the chance. Let's go out and have fun. Last night before everything becomes heir, wife, duties, hm?” The two of them stare at each other for a second before Seungcheol finally sighs, agreeing. The two younger men silently cheer, grinning at each other as if they just got the greatest news of their life delivered on silver plate. He shakes his head at them, finding them ridiculous.

“I need to change then,” he mumbles, looking down at his clothes. It's too royally. If they are going out, joining the common, far from the responsibilities and duties he holds, he should dress accordingly. “Put on something…less.” Mingyu laughs at him, telling him to hurry.

He does, almost stumbling over his own feet and knocking down half of his wardrobe as he changes into a simple shirt and a dark vest, something much more casual than the clothes he's forced to wear to the council meetings. He passes by your lady-in-waiting on his way outside again, sharing a brief smile with her. He can only hope she is on her way to see you, and spend some time with you while he can't.

It scares him how much he wishes he could.

The pub is filled with laughter that fills his ears right after stepping inside, everyone holding a glass of beer. A few people in the corner yell at the entire place, and it takes him a second to realize they're singing. It's completely different from the events and celebrations he is used to, but if he's honest, the atmosphere in this place is much more to his liking. Everything feels a lot more casual, no one caring if they leave a good impression or what others think about them.

It's filled with men, which is another thing he isn't used to. The lack of femininity could turn a lot different ways. “Don't just stand here,” Mingyu pats him on the back as he walks past him, saying his greetings to the guy behind a bar. They laugh at something Mingyu says, the two of them obviously friends. Seungcheol hesitates for a second before following Joshua to one of the tables, taking in the sight of everyone once more as he sits down. No one is paying attention to him, everyone busy with their conversations to notice him. And frankly, he loves that.

In the palace, everyone's eyes are on him at all times, giving him little to no privacy. But here, it looks like as if no one knows who he is. Mingyu comes back with three beers, setting them down on the table and spilling some of it out. No one points it out, all three of them raising their glasses and clinking them together on top of the table. “To our King,” Mingyu grins, his teeth showing.

“To the Queen,” Joshua adds with a smile.

“To our kingdom,” Seungcheol finishes, bringing the glass to his lips and gulping down the bitter liquid.

The three of them chat away about the past few weeks, and Mingyu answers every question about you and your safety Seungcheol throws his way. Joshua watches it in awe, slowly piecing one and one together. But it'd have to take a lot more for the King to admit how much space you take of his mind, brushing Joshua off every time he tries to tease him about how smitten he apparently is with you. He wouldn't say he is smitten or anything, he is simply worried about the well-being of the woman supposed to rule the kingdom by his side. Nothing weird about that, right?

He's only halfway through his second beer of the night when a conversation catches his ears, his eyes focused on whatever Mingyu and Joshua are talking about while his true attention rests on a table a few feet away.

“The coronation was so weird,” one of the guys says, alcohol reeking even from the tone of his voice. It makes Seungcheol frown, glad he isn't the one sitting opposite him, smelling the drinks he had tonight. He shakes his head, redirecting his focus back on his two close friends. He knows people have different opinions on the coronation, the process and reasoning behind it. And honestly, he doesn't really care. As long as his closest enjoyed it, there is no need for him to dwell on it. But their conversation continues, taking a much more interesting turn.

“I mean, it was fast, out of nowhere, right. But you know what was weirder — the wedding announcement. Don't you think that was extremely fast?”

“She must be pregnant!”

“The King really didn't waste any time,” a laugh leaves his lips and Seungcheol finds himself glancing their way. There is just the two of them, both of them drunk and neither of them paying attention to their surroundings. If they had, maybe they'd notice the topic of their conversation is right beside them.

“Honestly, can't blame him for fucking her and wanting her baby. Have you seen her? I'd pay to see her bouncing on my cock,” the same guy who started the conversation laughs loudly, taking another sip of his beer. Seungcheol's eyes widen immediately, his knuckles turning white from the way he grips his glass. “We should visit the brothel after our drinks,” he suggests, nodding rapidly, obviously liking his own idea. “What do we know, maybe she works there too, with a body like that.”

His friend laughs, agreeing.

“Hey,” Cheol calls out, deciding enough is enough. The two drunks raise their heads, meeting his eyes. It takes a second for them to register who they're talking to, but he loves watching their eyes widen as realization sets in. The less of an idiot one — as Seungcheol decides to call them — opens his mouth to say something, but closes it again, knowing there really isn't anything he could say to fix this.

“What's going on?” Joshua wonders, both him and Mingyu watching their friend curiously.

Seungcheol doesn't pay them any attention, though, his eyes locked on the two idiots. “My wife,” he states, anger beaming through his voice. “Is far too busy ruling the kingdom to look your way. So if I were you, I'd shut my fucking mouth and get out of my sight before I have your heads cut for disrespect and conspiracy against the Crown.”

“We didn't—”

“Now,” he rasps, too irritated to bother even pretending to hear them out.

The two guys quickly jump from their chairs, almost tripping over their own feet and falling down as their vision blurs, their head spinning. Their glasses are still halfway full, but that's not the main subject of their worries at the moment. Neither of them looks him in the eyes again, quietly cursing each other out for not keeping their mouth shut before hurrying out of the pub, ignoring the owners call after them not to come back again.

“What was that about?” A disbelieving chuckle leaves Joshua's lips as he brings his beer to his mouth, keeping his eyes on his brother.

“I rule over brainless animals,” Seungcheol grumbles an answer before gulping down the rest of his beer at once. The bitter taste soon turns rich, the liquid sliding down his throat with ease.

“Whoa, slow down,” Mingyu shakes his head. “No need to drink your ass off because of them.”

“Didn't you two take me out so I could do exactly that?” He waves at the over to pour him another one and he nods. When he looks around the pub again, there is a lot more eyes on him, everyone whispering about what just happened. Great. Truly amazing. His annoyance only grows, and he wants nothing more than to join you in your little corner of his gardens and look with you at the flowers they have to offer.

The two share a look before looking at their King again, telling each other everything they need with their eyes. “I didn't know you care of the Princess so much,” Joshua comments casually, testing the waters.

“I don't, that's why,” he refuses, not meeting either of the guys' eyes as he waits for the owner to bring him another beer. As soon as he does, he takes another long sip, not caring what it might look like to the people around. He needs to wash his anger away and if this is how he does it, then so be it. He'll never be able to please all of his people, so what's the big deal in making a few more lose their believes in him?

Mingyu hums, not trusting him in the slightest. “You're just passionate about what the others think of you, right?”

“Something like that,” he brushes him off, refusing to discuss this further. “Now, can we focus on why we came here? Aren't we supposed to celebrate my last day before becoming a husband?”

“Right,” Joshua nods, deciding to follow his brother's lead for now. If he doesn't want to talk about it, then so be it.

If the palace was chaotic at the day of the coronation, you don't want to put a name on today. You barely got to eat breakfast in peace before Daniela and two maids on her side came rushing for you, claiming they need you immediately. You didn't question it, assuming you'll be able to finish your breakfast later after you'd be done with them, but you were dragged through the palace ever since then, everyone needing your opinion or style a part of you you didn't even know needed it.

You can't blame them, you know it's their job to make sure everything — including you — is perfect. You just wish they'd give you a time to breathe in between. You've tried all your clothes a week prior and yet, they need you to do it all over again. You need to get dressed just to take it all off again and wait for after lunch to put it back on. It's time you wish you could spend in the comfort of nature and clear your mind before the big day.

“When will this be done?” You wonder, holding in your breath as Daniela ties your corset the tightest she can. You can't breathe well but that is likely exactly what she was going for. All of your undergarments are in some sort of beige shade, making you feel bland. You know it's a wedding, and that there isn't much color you could add, but you miss your every day dress either way.

You wonder what clothes the King will be wearing. If he'll have the same royal blue you can't help but gaze at every time, if his eyes will stand out, or if they'll force him into black just so he can prove some authority. As much as you're certain black will suit him just as much, you hope he'll get to wear something else, and showcase some color for the both of you.

“Patience, Your highness,” one of the maids smiles at you, hoping to ease your mind. You sigh, looking around the room. With everything going on, you won't be surprised if they take hours until allowing you to go relax again. You'd much rather stand by and check if the place is all prepared or stay locked in the council chamber like your soon to be husband, away from all this.

“May I at least get something to drink?”

“I'll send your guard,” Daniela speaks up, trying not to pity you too much as her eyes meet yours. You nod, and before you can add anything else, a maid is calling you over, asking you to take a few steps forward on the dais. Listening, you follow their directions, watching them finish dressing you up and start fixing things. You're in for a long rest of the day.

♡⸝⸝

Standing in front of the cathedral, you feel more nervous than ever. Knowing everyone is waiting for you inside, expectations high, every part of you wishes you could turn around and run away. But you know you can't, you can't even think about what kind of trouble you'd get into if you did.

Your ladies-in-waiting went in just a few seconds ago, right after the flower girl, leaving you all alone. You never wished your parents would have stayed for the wedding more than now. You want to walk down the aisle with your father, just like you read of other ladies doing. You want to know your mother and siblings are sitting in the very front, excited to see you in your white dress. But you can't have either. The King's parents aren't here either from what you heard, but you can't imagine anyone questioning him as much as they'll question you after seeing you all alone.

God, you want to go back to your chambers.

“My lady.”

Your eyes widen, making you turn around immediately. You've never felt more grateful for hearing his voice. “What are you doing here?” You ask, eyeing Taehyun up and down. His usual uniform is switched into a ceremonial one, matching with the rest of the guards inside you can only assume. He shrugs, like it's not a big deal. “Shouldn't you be in position with the rest of the knights? What if they discipline you for disobeying orders?” You panic, despite every part of your body wanting to ask him to stay, beg him not to leave you alone.

You wonder if he'd find you pathetic if he learned what's going on through your head. You wonder if the King would, if he'd decide you're not a suitable match for him anymore because he doesn't want to rule with someone too scared of what others think of her.

“I doubt they would,” he shakes his head. He doesn't say anything for a moment, letting you relax in his presence before offering you his arm. “I'm here to walk with you. His Majesty asked me.”

“He did?”

Taehyun nods, “He thought you should walk with someone. And since I've been doing well protecting you over the past few weeks, he asked me to protect you today during the ceremony as well.”

You bite the inside of your cheek, thinking about the man waiting for you inside, the same one you've dreamed of many times before, the one who's made you nervous without even being around, the one who apparently thought through every single part of this ceremonial, even who'd walk you to him. A part of you just wants to rush inside, wrap your arms around him and thank him for everything as you let tears run down your cheeks.

Instead, you wrap your hand around your knight's arm, smiling up at him as he steps forward with you.

You walk on the red carpet beneath you, focusing forward instead of on the quiet whispers of nobles around you. You can feel their eyes on you, a lot of them with smiles on their faces, while some reek of jealousy. But there is only one pair of eyes in this room that matters to you, one pair of eyes that makes all of this easier.

You tighten your grip on the bouquet of flowers in your hands, sharing a small smile with the King waiting for you. He stands tall, intimidating, yet as welcoming as the first time you saw him in the gardens. Even from afar, his eyes stand out thanks to the navy blue gown he is wearing, lined with gold details matching yours. You can't imagine him anyhow else. This is perfect.

Keeping your eyes on him, you step on the ceremonial platform, joining his side. Taehyun quickly moves out of the way, sharing a brief smile with your lady-in-waiting before falling into space with the knights on the side. Seungcheol gives you one last reassuring smile before facing the priest. You feel your heart aching at the small motion, unsure if you want to love or hate how well he can read you.

“Dearly beloved,” You keep your eyes forward, allowing the priest your full attention. “We are gathered to join together this man and this woman in holy matrimony. It is said that marriage hath in it less beauty but more of safety than the single life.”

Does it? Is marriage less beautiful than the life you were living until now? You'd hope otherwise. And as you turn to the King of Veloria, ready to exchange your vows, your hope only grows.

You briefly meet eyes with Seungcheol's brothers standing behind him before looking at him. “I, the Princess of Elowen, take thee, Choi Seungcheol, to honor our duties and fulfill our legacies. I shall honor our kingdom and our family. In sickness and in health, in times of war and peace, I promise to stand by your side.” Unable to avert your eyes, you find yourself getting lost in his orbs as you speak, the chocolate brown bringing you the same comfort you once thought only nature could provide. But ever since coming here and meeting him, you're learning a lot new things. This might just as well be one of them.

“I, the King of Veloria,” he starts, his eyes softening. You feel your cheeks turning red, everything around you becoming blurry. It's just you and him at the moment, despite the cathedral being full of nobles. He repeats your words, your name falling of his lips with so much ease and grace your head spins. “I promise to stand by your side,” he whispers, the words holding more meaning to you than he probably realizes.

“In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.” The priest brings you out of your thoughts, but before you can properly look at him, and focus on anything else other than the man beside you, he holds your hand in his, his fingertips cold against your bare skin. Your breath catches in your throat, but he is there to hold you, giving your hand a light squeeze. You nod, more of a reassurance to you than to him, and he slowly slides the diamond to your ring finger.

It's only then than you manage to avert your eyes from him, watching your connected hands. “I now pronounce you man and wife.” The priest finishes and your hand slowly falls to your side. It feels like the first time you actually register what's happening around you when you face the crowd, the soft melody played by the royal band reaching your ears.

This is it.

You shall be the Queen of Veloria now.

It is as scary as it was the first time you heard the news.

♡⸝⸝

The wedding celebrations feel a lot more like celebrations for your people than you and your husband. You haven't seen Seungcheol in hours, but that's something you've gotten used to. He is busy, it makes sense. You've had your company despite his absence, anyway. You were greeted with nobles you once read about for their great achievements, getting their blessings and praises on your looks tonight. A part of you knows they are approaching you simply to get on the King's good side but you don't mind. As long as you can focus on anything other than the fact your handsome husband is missing at the moment, you feel okay.

“Your Majesty.” You smile as you watch lord Song bow in front of you, his smile nothing if not sincere. “I didn't realize I had the pleasure of dancing with my Queen.” You allow him to kiss the back of your hand as a greeting.

“Back then, I was no Queen,” you remind him, urging him to stand straight again. You will take a moment getting used to the honor everyone pays you.

“You look beautiful tonight, Your Majesty,” he says instead of acknowledging your previous comment.

You give lord Song a bit of your time, engaging in a chat with him as he accompanies you to get you a drink. It's then that you finally catch a glimpse of your husband, his brows furrowed together and eyes tired as he dismissed his Head Advisor, obviously not in the mood to talk with him. Your smile falls as well when you see him, wishing to change directions and meet with him instead, to ask him what's bothering him and help.

You wonder if it's the first born curse, wanting to take care of other people. Because every single bone in your body itches for you to drop everything and help him.

“Mingi!” Lord Song turns around upon hearing his name, meeting eyes with his older brother. “That is my cue,” he says gently, giving you one last of his smiles. “I shall bother you no longer, Your Majesty. My sincere congratulations,” he bows with his right hand over his heart, leaving you alone. For the first time since the King's coronation when your parents left Veloria, you are happy to be on your own.

There's no hesitation as you walk past your people, offering them all your best smile. But honestly, you don't care about the impression you leave on them, you just want to get to him. “Seungcheol,” you breathe out as soon as you reach him, catching his attention immediately. He turns to face you, his eyes softening when they meet yours. Your cheeks flush at the sudden attention. You didn't think this through enough. “May I ask you for a dance?”

His hand reaches forward, palm up. “Of course,” he smiles and you hold his hand in yours. Guiding you through the nobles surrounding you, he finds the center of the hall, eyeing the people around. They don't need to be told twice, stepping back to give you the much needed space. It's just you and him, everyone else standing aside, watching you. The soft melody reaches your ears as you put your left hand on his shoulder, your right still holding his. His palm rests on your back, sending shivers down your spine. Your eyes stay locked together as you begin dancing, the world around blurring — just like it happens to do every time you allow yourself to get lost in his eyes.

“You look quite upset,” you mumble when you know no one else can hear you.

“Do I?” He blink confusedly, doing his best not to mess up his steps. “Please, don't think it has anything to do with you.” You hesitate, unsure of your place. You are the Queen of Veloria, his wife, but does he think of you highly enough to let you in, and tell you what you want to hear?

“What happened?” You ask after a brief pause.

Shaking his head, his thumb brushes slow, barely noticeable, circles on your back. “Nothing of importance,” he assures you. “I'm simply not pleased with the council wanting to keep me busy on my wedding night.”

“Will you work tonight?”

“I don't know yet,” he admits, trying to find any sign of disappointment in your eyes. He doesn't find it though, not since the only thing your eyes are filled with is the need to be closer to him than you already are.

A few nobles join you, dancing along with you, but you don't pay them attention. You don't know half of them, anyway. The song slowly comes to an end and you drop your hands to your sides despite wishing to do the opposite. “I shall find Lady Avanzini and ask her to accompany me back to my chambers, I've grown quite tired,” you excuse yourself, but before you can leave, he stops you.

“Our chambers,” he corrects you, watching you blink confusedly. “With today, our honeymoon begins. We shall share a room, for a week at least. The honeymoon,” he hesitates, biting back the words resting on his tongue. “It is a tradition. You can return to your chambers next week.” You nod, letting him know you understand.

“Then I shall see you again later,” you stop yourself from dropping into a courtesy out of habit, simply saying your goodbye with your eyes before walking away.

It doesn't take you long to find your lady-in-waiting, interrupting her chat with Taehyun. “Lady Avanzini,” you smile at her before directing your attention to your knight.

“Yes, Your Majesty?” She asks while dropping into a courtesy. This feels much more odd than you thought it would. If getting used to the respect other nobles pay you will take you a while, you can't even imagine how long before you get used to Daniela doing so. “Can I help you with anything?”

“I'd like to go back to my chambers— the King's chambers,” you correct yourself. Her smile turns into a smirk, one you could recognize from miles away. She's planning something, something you probably won't like.

“Shall I join?” Taehyun asks, glancing between you and your lady.

“Next time,” Daniela turns to him, sending him a wink. “Her Majesty won't be needing your protection tonight, I'm certain the King will take care of her well enough.”

You tilt your head confusedly but before you get a chance to ask what she means, she's leading you out of the Great Hall, finding the nearest maid to tell her she needs to bring your night gowns to the King's chambers.

“Are you excited for your honeymoon?” Daniela asks as you walk through the halls, everything quiet with everyone at the Great Hall, celebrating your marriage.

“Is there anything to be excited for?” You question, causing a soft laugh to bubble out of her.

“Of course there is, Your Majesty,” she proclaims. “Staying in bed with your husband all week, I can't imagine anything as exciting.”

“Staying in bed?”

“Yes. How else do you believe you shall spend your honeymoon? It is given for the newly weds to produce an heir and enjoy each others' company.” An heir. You are supposed to produce an heir with the King this week? In bed? Every chat you share with your lady, you question just how little you know about ruling and the duties it brings you. “I mean, I am well aware you and His Majesty didn't marry out of love, but that doesn't stop you from fulfilling your duties.”

“Of course,” you nod, even though you aren't quite sure what she means. You'll have to ask your husband when he arrives. You are sure he knows much more than you, so maybe he'll be able to help you understand.

Daniela helps you change before going back to the banquet. You take your time exploring the King's chamber, admiring his view, wardrobe, and even the washing room connected to it. Everything is double the size of your own chamber, which you understand. But as soon as your eyes land on the large bed he owns, you wish this was your room.

“Can we talk about this tomorrow?” You recognize the voice, closing the wardrobe and turning around to face the door. Seungcheol walk in right after, dropping his ceremonial coat to the floor. Your eyes widen when you see him, unsure what to do. He seems to have forgotten about you. “But, Your Majesty!” There's another male voice coming from behind the door but he decides to ignore it, shutting the door closed after himself. “A moment of relaxation is all I asked,” he mumbles under his breath, annoyed.

“Seungcheol,” you call our carefully not to scare him. He raises his head, finding your eyes in an instance. Your name slips past him lips, realization settling in as he remembers your earlier conversation.

“I apologize, I—” he curses quietly, quickly gathering his clothes from the floor and bringing them to the closet you are standing beside. “I am truly sorry for my ill manners.”

“Seungcheol,” you repeat, your voice soft, trying to get his attention back to you. “It is perfectly fine. I have three younger siblings, remember? I am used to being messy behind closed door and allowing to speak freely with my closest ones.” He gives you a smile, nodding. “That is, of course, if you don't mind me speaking so casually to you?” You question nervously. Despite his effort to get you to drop his title since your first meet, you still worry about being too forward with him.

“I am happy you do,” he assures you, closing his wardrobe and facing you again, his body only inches from yours. You feel hot, standing so close to him. He reaches forward, brushing a messy hair behind your ear before meeting your eyes again. “I haven't had the chance to tell you yet, but you looked beautiful tonight. You look beautiful every day, actually.”

Your cheeks only redden more and your eyes fall to the floor, unable to look at him at the moment. “If you give me a moment to wash up, we can go to sleep. Or talk, anything you wish.”

You nod, standing frozen in place as he walks around you to get into his wash room. “Wait,” you blurt out, facing him again. “Can I have a question now?” He nods, waiting for you to speak. “I have…” you think over your words carefully, trying to find the right thing to say. “I was told the honeymoon is supposed to be used to produce an heir.” You watch his eyes widen at your words, realization of how this conversation is going to go washing over him. “I am not sure how that works.”

“Your mother didn't teach you?” You shake your head. He keeps his eyes on you, also hesitating. He seems nervous, and it makes you wonder how you are meant to understand anything if it's so difficult to talk about. “There is enough time for us to produce an heir,” he settles on instead, deciding it is safer to run away from this conversation for now.

“Is it that difficult?”

“No, no,” he shakes his head with a sigh, taking a few steps forward to reach you again. “It isn't difficult. But I do not believe it is something you'd want me to teach you about now. We can wait.”

“Seungcheol,” you try again, your big eyes gazing into his chocolate ones. “Please. I wish to know.” He is nervous, that much you can tell from the way he looks at you, as if he is scared to break you, to harm you. It only confuses you further. Your heart beats faster because of his look, but your head tells you it's wrong, almost as if it wanted to warn you him being so secretive isn't right. “Please.”

You watch his eyes drop to your lips, the inner fight behind his eyes obvious. He can't decide whether to step closer to you, close the gap between you and give you what you want, or if he should step back, turn around and run away from you, guard himself like he thought he would do back when he first told William you are the one he wishes to marry.

“When an heir is produced,” he whispers, not wanting to break the moment. Tugging your hair behind your ear, he keeps his thumb on your cheek, his eyes flickering between yours and your lips. “You must be naked. Here,” his free hand gently brushes between your legs, barely touching, “is where it all happens.” Your breath catches, his nervousness moving onto you as you feel your body begging you to press against his, be even closer than you already are.

“You… Are you naked as well?” You whisper, knowing your voice would break if you tried speaking normally.

“I will be,” he nods. “If that's what you want.” Your body moves on its own, nodding to him. You watch his eyes flash with need, something in him snapping. He leans closer, no hesitance left as he presses his lips to yours, one of his hands still on the side of your neck while the other squeezes your waist, fingers digging into your flesh.

Your mouth moves against his on instinct, your eyes closed as you tilt your head slightly. Your entire body burns as your hands find his shoulders, holding onto him as he kisses you. You've read about this many times before, about how it feels for people to kiss their loved ones, but none of the books has been able to capture the feeling enough. You feel every one of his touches in your entire self, your head clouded with him — his smell, the way he grips your waist, the softness of his lips, and the way he presses into you.

If this is what every kiss feels like, you understand why lovers do it so often. You don't want this moment to end, you want to stay in his touch till your end.

But that's not how it works, and you have to pull back to breathe. But just as you are leaning for more, he steps back, his hands falling to his sides. Your brows furrow confusedly, confused as he averts his eyes from you. This is nothing like the kisses you have read about, you realize. Stories don't capture the feeling of your lips pressed against his well enough, just as they don't capture the feeling of your heart shattering into pieces when you are forced to watch him walk away from you right after.

“I shall go meet with Seungkwan and the council, they said it was important,” he blurts out, not meeting your eyes again as he rushes out of the room as fast as he can, not caring that his hair is messed up or that he is breaking you into pieces with this simple action.

There are many ways Seungcheol thought his honeymoon would go, but in none of the scenarios he imagine has he kissed you like you were his entire world just to run away right after in a foolish attempt to guard himself from what it means.

Love has never been in his cards, he has reminded himself of that many times since you've arrived. But every time he sees you looking up at him, your big eyes sparkling with what he could only call pure interest, he believes his words less and less. There is simply something about the way you look at him and speak to him — that has him believing, believing he could be so lucky and rule by the side of someone he loves.

Last night was the breaking point. With you in his room, in just your sleep wear and your innocent eyes asking him how you could make a child with him, it was impossible to resist you. You were always beautiful, he has never denied that, but nothing compares to how incredibly gorgeous you are with your cheeks flushed and your lips swollen.

The image of you right after he's pulled away from the kiss will stay in his head forever.

But so might the sadness in your eyes when you watched him step away.

To this hour, he isn't sure why he did what he did. He had a chance to be with you, do what everyone has been wishing him and fall in love with you, but honestly, the thought of that is scary.

He's studied the principles of politics, social manners and sword fighting. No one has taught him how to love, though. No one has ever told him how scared he'll be every day, how much he'll want to protect you and wrap his arms around you, guard you from the ugly of this world. Jumping into something like this, something he was never meant to have, is much scarier than ruling the kingdom.

He hasn't stopped thinking about you, about how much you must hate him at the moment. Not when he sat in his study with Seungkwan, not when he rested his head on the table and closed his eyes for a brief nap, or when he ate breakfast all alone, because you have gone to the gardens before anyone else could wake up.

“Your Majesty, do you wish to leave?” Kaito brings him out of his thoughts. Seungcheol blinks quickly, reminding himself where he is and that he is in no place to be daydreaming about the way your lips felt against his. “We can move this conversation to later,” he offers, well aware of the fact the King isn't paying him the attention he wishes to have.

“Please,” Seungcheol nods. “I need to go for some fresh air. We can come back to this after lunch.”

“Perfect,” he nods, hesitating before leaving. His eyes flicker between his King and the window behind him, well aware of the reason he wishes to go outside.

“If you excuse me then,” His Majesty mumbles, not meeting Kaito's eyes again as he rushes out of the study, his destination clear. There is a lot going in his head at the moment, and as much as he wants to guard himself and go through with the way he knows, the unknown calls to him just as much.

He doesn't need to look for you for long, finding you right where he thought he would, crouched down near the lilies with your hands resting over your knees, your eyes glued to the flowers in front of you. Taehyun stands a few feet away from you, close enough to be able to help if anything happened, but far enough to give you personal space.

Your name slips past his lips, making you look up at him. He watches as sadness flashes in your eyes, feeling his heart clench in his chest. He drops down beside you, hugging his knees the same way you do. “Are you okay?”

“Yes,” you lie. He can see right through you, a sigh leaving his lips as he shakes his head. “I'll be fine,” you correct yourself but it's still not an answer he'd like.

“What is it?” He asks, his voice soft. “Can I help?” You shake your head as quickly as you can, refusing. Standing up, you fix your dress and take a few steps away from him, pretending to admire the other flowers. He can tell you just want to get away from him, though. He stands up as well but respects your space, staying in place.

“I miss my family,” you mumble quietly, not sure if he can even hear you. But when he calls out your name, you know he did. He waits for you to turn around, his eyes finding yours immediately. “I know I am the Queen now and it is silly. I am well aware how this makes me look, but I can't help how I feel.” Your words hold a much deeper meaning and you both know it. There is only as much emotions you can hide from each other. “I don't like feeling alone”

“You aren't alone,” he interrupts you, carefully taking a step towards you. You don't move back, which he takes as a good sign. “You have me,” he reminds you. “I am right here.”

“Don't,” you shake your head, your lips trembling slightly — a movement so small he doubts anyone else would notice. You probably don't notice it either. Your eyes are hollow when he looks at you, like you can't decide if you feel empty or too much as you speak to him. It hurts him just as much as it hurts you. “Don't do that.”

“Do what?” The words come out a lot more desperate than he intended for them to, the silent plea in them on full display. He hopes with everything in him Taehyun isn't listening, and he can somehow keep this conversation between just you and him.

“This,” is all you say, biting your lower lip as you look at him. “Giving me home— acting like we are beyond just a partnership on a paper.”

Oh.

He'd lie if he said that didn't sting. But it is what he deserves, it is what he made you believe last night after all. But no matter how much he wants to hide from the fact, you are more than that. You are more than a stranger who came to power thanks to him. You are a dream, beautiful, brilliant, caring dream he wishes to see every time he goes to sleep.

He opens his mouth to argue, to apologize for last night and promise he never meant to hurt your feelings, but the words don't get a chance to leave his lips as Taehyun's voice rings in his ears, a quiet curse leaving his lips as he glances around to see what he needs. If it's stupid, he'll make sure to let him know just how much he doesn't appreciate his interruptions.

“You've received a letter,” he explains, holding the piece of paper in his hands. Seungcheol's eyes flicker between the knight and the boy behind him still trying to catch his breath. “What does it say?” He asks, crossing the space between him and Taehyun and taking the letter from him when he can't give him an answer.

“I was told to give you this message as quickly as possible,” the boy breathes out when Seungcheol eyes him up and down. He can't be over the age of twenty, his brown hair messy and eyes nervously snapping from one person to another, scared he might get in trouble.

Nodding to reassure him it is okay, he opens the letter, scanning the words with his eyes. “Fuck,” he blurts out before he can stop himself, his hand dropping to his side again as he turns to face you, meeting your curious eyes. He hesitates, only scaring you further as you rush to him to read the letter yourself. He doesn't allow you, hiding it behind his back, his eyes pleading for you to leave it to him.

“Seungcheol,” you demand. “What is it?”

“There is…” he stops, unsure how to say it. “Your parents were attacked. No one is hurt,” he assures you before you can panic. “Everyone is okay, and they have moved to their winter residence, but we can't know how long that will be safe for them.”

“We have to help! Who attacked them? What—” He wraps his hand around your shoulders, pulling you onto him and letting you rest your head on his chest. “You have to help, please,” you whisper, the worst case scenarios running through your mind.

“I will,” he whispers back, pressing his lips to the top of your head. He is truly a fool. A fool who thought pushing you away would somehow help him be a better ruler, a fool who can't bear seeing you upset like this. “I'll get them.”

♡⸝⸝

A letter to your parents along with a carriage and a few of the best knights Veloria has to offer was sent as soon as you made it back inside.

Seungcheol's hands rest on the back of your chair — his chair — as you sit in his study, both of you carefully listening to what the council has to say. He speaks for the both of you, not because he'd doubt your abilities but because he knows you can't do it at the moment, too busy pretending to be okay in a room full of men talking about a possible war.

“How did it even happen? It's not like their security is small.”

“It could be an insider. Someone stole the guards' attention, allowing for them to get inside.”

“They got inside?” Your eyes widen as you finally speak as well. They redirect their attention to you, a pitiful look on their faces. Cheol's hand moves from the chair to your shoulder, giving you a tight squeeze. Your body moves on its own, your hand resting on top of his, holding onto him as you steady yourself. There is only as much bad news you can bear at the moment, and he is well aware of that.

“Can someone get Lady Avanzini in here as well as Kang Taehyun?” Seungcheol speaks up, interrupting them before they can even answer. “And give us a moment alone.” The council members exchange a look before slowly stepping out, the door slamming clothes echoing through the study room. “Hey,” his voice is soft unlike when he speaks to the others, walking over to your side and kneeling beside you.

Your eyes find his and you quickly shake your head. “I'm not going anywhere with Daniela and Taehyun,” you read his mind completely, making him sigh. Holding your hand in his, his eyes plead, plead for you to do as he asks. “I'm staying here with you,” you proclaim, shaking your head again. “I don't care what your plan is, but if you want me anywhere other than the room it all happens, you will have to carry me out with your bare hands.”

He tilts his head, his eyebrows raised as if he was question your words. “You do know I could do that with ease, right?” He watches your cheeks turn pink, like they have many times before, always messing with his head. He didn't mean for it to sound like this, he's better than to flirt with you when you are scared for your parents' well being, but gosh does he wish to keep talking just to see what reactions you'll give him.

“You should get your mind off things,” he says instead, giving your hand a tight squeeze. “Sleep, and hang out with your friend. And once this is all over, you can come to your family and tell them just how much you love them.”

“I am not leaving,” you repeat, leaning closer to prove your point. If you prove anything, though, it's that Seungcheol's heart can beat way faster than he thought. “I'd much rather go with your knights to pick them up than go to sleep.”

“Our knights,” he corrects you without hesitation, making your eyes flutter slightly. “And I'd much rather know you are safe so please, don't do anything reckless. I promise I'll get your parents here safely.” He keeps his eyes on you, unable to avert his eyes. You lean back, a heavy sigh escaping your lips as you give in.

“Okay,” you nod. He sighs as well, relief washing over him. “Now, get off the floor,” you shake your head, a smile decorating your face. Seungcheol is convinced he could look at your smile for the rest of his life if you let him. Only if you'd let him. “It's not a good look for the King to be kneeling on the floor.”

“People might argue with you on that,” the words leave his lips before he can think properly about them, his eyes widening when he realizes what he said. “Forget that, you are right,” he quickly blurts out, letting go of your hand and pushing himself up on his feet.

Fixing his coat quickly, he looks ahead at the door, clearing his throat. His head clouds with thoughts he should certainly not be thinking about at the moment, the image of him on his knees in front of you making his head spin. He's in a need of some fresh air, and preferably a cold shower if he can excuse himself.

Thankfully, before he can do anything reckless, a knock on the door rings in his ears and he is greeted with Taehyun and Daniela. That was rather quick. “Your Majesty,” they both bow before stepping into the room. He gives them a brief nod, acknowledging their presence. He watches them walk forward, his eyebrow raising slightly at the sight of Taehyun's fingers brushing against hers. His eyes fall to you on their own, partly to check if you noticed as well, if you know anything, but mostly simply because something like this — a light brush of fingers in secret — makes him think of you, hope for you.

“Could you accompany Her Majesty back to her room?” Your eyes shoot to him but he decides to ignore it. “Keep her safe until we get her family to us. And, Lady Avanzini,” his eyes meet hers. “Please help her think about other things.”

“I thought I could stay with you,” you complain as you glance over your shoulder at him. Seungcheol's eyes soften when he allows himself to look down at you, hoping for you to understand. “Will you come to me at least? Be with me?” You whisper, causing his eyes to wince. He doesn't need to be asked twice, though, knowing his answer before the words even left your mouth. He'll do his best to be with you, to be the one bringing you on different thoughts as you wait impatiently.

“Of course,” he whispers back. Your shoulders are visibly less tense now, and you give him a gentle nod. His eyes stay glued to your figure as you stand up and walk around him, joining your friend. He knows this is no time for it, that his priority should be helping your family and thinking about his next moves, but he can't help but think about how beautiful you look, your dress hugging your body in the perfect way, and every part of him wonders just how more gorgeous you'd look if the dress came off.

“Shall I ask another guard to join my side?” Taehyun asks but it takes a second for the King's eyes to pry away from you and focus on him instead.

“No need,” he refuses. “We don't have more knights to spare at the moment and I trust you, Taehyun.” The knight quickly nods, and despite Seungcheol's intentions never being to put pressure on his back, it surely looks like it as he walks out of the study room with the two women.

“May we continue now, Your Majesty?” Kaito steps inside, the rest of the council right behind him. “Not yet,” he shakes his head. “I need to find Mingyu and talk to him.”

“May we know what for?”

“I need to assign him to my sister. Or do any of you wish to put your Princess in any danger?” Their response is immediate, all of them shaking their heads as they step aside to make space for the King, letting him walk away.

Your feet move faster than your mind does, rushing through the palace hallways with Daniela and Taehyun trying to catch up behind you. “You need slow down, they aren't going to run anywhere,” Seungcheol tells you but you went his words out, not even glancing his way. You'll pay your attention to him once you know everyone is safe again. You'll give him all your attention then, no questions asked.

Thanks to only looking ahead, you don't notice the stares you get from staff around you, or the way your lady and knight get lost behind you, only stopping once Seungcheol grabs your hand and forces you to. His tug makes you spin around, crashing against his chest. You don't step back, simply looking up at his chocolate eyes. “Slow down,” he breathes out. Your cheeks heat up, and you aren't sure if it is because of how close you are standing or embarrassment. Possibly both.

“I'm sorry,” you blurt out, gently pressing your palm against his chest as you push yourself back. His grip on your hand only tightens, keeping you close.

“Don't apologize, don't distance yourself from me. Stay with me.” Your eyes wince, lips falling apart but no words come out. So instead, you nod, glancing at your connected hands as you slowly lace your fingers with his. You catch his eyes falling to them as well, his fingers carefully closing around yours. “Let's have dinner tonight,” he says softly, and even though it's not a question, his gaze is uncertain, as if trying to read your thoughts.

“I'd like that,” you agree and his eyes soften, the nervousness you saw washing off. “Just the two of us,” you add for him, a small smile tugging on your lips.

“Just the two of us.”

You don't let go of his hand as you walk trough the halls, this time actually carrying yourself as the Queen you are supposed to be. You are well aware how it must have looked like, what your servants must be saying about you now, but it cannot be changed. Somehow though, with Seungcheol by your side, it doesn't feel as bad as it probably should. It doesn't scare you as much.

As soon as you step outside, you are greeted with your mother's smile as she takes in the sight of you and your husband holding hands. You excuse yourself from him, rushing to your family. “Darling,” your mother's hands rest on your arms, in what seems like a reassuring gesture. “You shine with happiness.”

“You looks beautiful,” Nari joins in and your eyes trail to your younger siblings. Does it look like you shine with happiness? You find yourself thinking about the King a few feet away from you, talking with the knights about something you can't make out. You wouldn't say happiness is the right words, you aren't sure if you can even put a name to what you feel when it comes to him. There are many emotions you could think off — joy, trust, adoration, crave, but also pain, fear, defeat — and together they all mix into confusion.

“Is everyone okay?” You scan them as carefully as you can, deciding not to acknowledge any of their comments at you. You aren't who's important right now, they are. “Everyone is fine,” your father's attention redirects to you, but his words don't reassure you as much as you'd hope. Something simply feels off, like this isn't over just yet.

“How about you take your sisters to the guest chambers and we'll meet you later, darling? We shall greet His Majesty and congratulate him to the wedding.” She doesn't congratulate you to the wedding but you don't mention it, watching her approach your husband.

“It's not fair, I want to go with you,” your brother complains, crossing his arms over his chest. It makes you chuckle as you softly pat his head, promising him you'll steal him later and you'll be able to spend time just the two of you. That seems to work, his eyes sparkling as he runs off to join your mother with a giggle.

“He acts like such a child,” your youngest sister shakes her head and you raise an eyebrow at her, eyeing her up and down.

“And you are so much better?”

“No, she isn't,” Nari scoffs, pushing her younger sister forward and telling her to mind herself before she gets in trouble with the Queen. You shake your head at them. You missed this, honestly. You missed your family and having them everywhere you go. In a sense, it made Veloria feel empty. Nowhere you'd go would you find your siblings running around and making a mess, which just feels odd. Thankfully, that can now change.

“Dinner,” Seungcheol mouths to you as you pass him to assure himself your plan is still on your mind. You nod, your lips seeled together as you try to contain your smile. It's silly, it is just dinner, nothing big. But you feel excited, looking forward to your night. You know you shouldn't get your hopes up considering what happened last night but something tells you he won't run from you again, that this time you might actually sleep in the same bed as your husband.

You lead your youngest sister into her chamber, asking the knight already waiting in front of her room to keep an eye on her. He simply nods, just like you expected him to. “Where to next?” Nari asks, wondering where her chamber will be.

“How would you like to check the Queen's chambers?”

“What?” Her eyes widen and she stops in her tracks. “Wait, no. You cannot.”

“I can,” you assure her. “I'm on my honeymoon,” you grin proudly. “I share a room with my husband now, which leaves my chamber empty. It deserves your love so it doesn't age badly.” You both know it won't, that there are maids taking care of your place even while you are out, but that doesn't stop you from wanting Nari to take it.

“Do you not mind?”

“Not at all,” you shake your head. “In fact, please stay there.” You watch as she bites back her smile, her eyes betraying her and telling you everything you need to know — she wants to stay there.

Leading her into her new chamber, you let her tell you about their trip to Elowen and back. You listen closely, trying to find anything that would explain the attack, anything that would give you a clue. It all just leads to the middle of nowhere, and you are stuck wondering what could have possibly went wrong.

Your family has always had enemies, of course, but it was never like this. Your father made some bad choices, made alliances with the wrong people in the past, but when you were leaving your home, everything was well.

Your name leaves Nari's lips, snapping you out of your thoughts. You glance at her, questioning her with her eyes. “How is it like?”

“How is what like?” You tilt your head in confusion, opening the door for her and following her inside her new chamber. Her eyes immediately scan the room, taking in the beautiful sight. You remember standing in the same place she does when you arrived for the first time, your eyes just as wide.

“How is it like being married?” Her eyes find yours again. You freeze, the spark of want in her eyes catching you off guard. It's this exact moment that makes you miss your family even more, knowing that something happened when you weren't there for her. It's only been a few weeks since you last saw your sister but it feels like ages. You wish you could have been there when thoughts like these started occurring in her mind, when someone who made her want to know of this stuff showed up.

“It's…” you hesitate, rethinking your words. “Thrilling,” you breathe out when the memory of last night appears in your head, the softness of Seungcheol's lips on yours still vivid. You can see him in front of you, in his shirt and messy hair, with his eyes full of hesitance before he closed the space between you, his lips crashing with yours. “And beautiful.” The memory of Seungcheol running away after kissing you flashes in front of your eyes but you push it aside, deciding to ignore it. “But at the same time, I don't feel like much changed.”

Nari hums. “Do you like being married to him?”

“I do,” you answer without hesitation. “I like him, I cannot imagine not liking being married to him.”

“I'm glad,” she mumbles, taking a seat on the bed. “I was worried when we were leaving,” she admits. “About how you were going to do here on your own, if you'll be fine. I even debated asking our parents to stay longer, to stay here as long as possible, but I'm happy to see you happy.”

You smile at her. It's nice to know now that you are gone, your family still has someone looking out for them. “I am,” you assure her. “I do feel happy.”

“Do you think I'd be happy in a marriage?”

“I think you will always have a place in here if anyone makes you question if you are happy or not, even if it's for just a brief second.” She grins, and you take a seat beside her. “Is there a specific someone you are asking this for?”

She looks down into her lap, debating if she should tell you or not. “Me and Lord Nishimura have been exchanging letters ever since the banquet, and I look forward to hearing from him every day,” she finally says, not looking up from her lap. Oh? Every part of you wishes you would have gotten to know him better when he was here for the coronation, that you would have asked him a bunch of different things about him and his place of origin. Maybe you still can. Someone surely knows of him here.

“Does he make you happy?” Is all you need to ask for now, though. All your other questions can wait for later, for someone else. What matters now is how your sister feels.

“Yes,” she nods, meeting your eyes to prove her point. “I think he does.” You hum, a soft smile spreading across your lips as you reach for her hand.

“In that case, just keep doing what are were until now. What's important, is how you feel.”

“What if…” she averts her eyes, gazing at your connected hands. It's been long since you held her hand, since you had the opportunity to be her big sister. You can't remember the last time you sat with just her, talking about whatever that has been bothering her. You need to fix that. You need to find time to spend with all your siblings now that they are here again. “What if they pick someone else for me, though? You haven't married for love either.”

You squeeze her hand. “You are still so young, Nari. You have yet to learn about the world and yourself. You shouldn't have to worry about marriage.” She nods, but you can see how much she hesitates. “I'll talk with our parents,” you proclaim, settling your mind on it. “Yeah? I'll tell them you still have a lot of time and they shouldn't rush you into anything. Trust me, they don't want to go against the Queen of Veloria.” A laugh bubbles out of her and you feel relief washing over you at the same time.

“Not to disrespect you, but I think they won't care as long as they have the King's reassurance of their alliance.”

“Well, then it's a good thing I'm having dinner with him and can ask him to stand by me instead of them,” you grin, standing up from the bed. “Which brings me, I shall prepare. I will see you again, though.” She nods, her smile now much more comfortable.

“Have fun tonight.”

“I will,” you smile back at her.

♡⸝⸝

“This one is it, trust me,” Dani nods proudly as she brings a dress from the rack in the very corner of the room that one of your maids brought when you asked them to prepare you for a dinner with His Majesty. You eye it up and down, your lips seeled together. Her smile falls immediately, a heavy sigh leaving her lips. “No?” You shake your head, apology written all over your face. “Alright, just pick which ever one you like. But if it's ugly, we will seriously need to talk.”

You chuckle, nodding as you make your way towards her, gently running your fingers over the dresses you posses. It's only a small portion of what you actually own, most of your dresses still in the wardrobe in your chambers. It's only for a week that you are supposed to stay in this room, and apparently for those reasons it's not needed for them to bring all your clothes here. You'd like to argue, but you're not even sure if Seungcheol would appreciate you taking over his space. So for now, this will have to do.

“This one,” a smile tugs in the corner of your lips as you take down the same pink dress you wore to your first dinner here, your love for them still the same as that day.

“You have worn that one already,” Daniela points out and you agree. “It is rather plain, Your Majesty,” she adds but despite her dislike, you want to go out in this one. “Okay,” she nods when she notices the plea in your eyes, motioning towards one of the maids to help you out with it. “You have this beige undergarments, I think it'll go perfectly with it.”

“Actually,” you tilt your head sheepishly. “I don't think this dress needs one, right?” Glancing at the maid taking your dress off your hands, you catch her off guard.

“Whatever Her Majesty deems appropriate,” she blurts out quickly and you smile, meeting Dani's eyes again.

“What do you think?”

“I think you are finally speaking my language,” she breathes out a soft laugh, shaking her head at you. “And I'm sure His Majesty will love it too,” she assures you, hurrying you into the washroom. “Now, let's make sure you are fresh and clean as well.”

It's dark outside when you make it into the dinning room. Taehyun excuses himself in front of the door, letting you walk in on your own and taking his position. You smile at him, telling him to relax a bit. He doesn't listen though, keeping his eyes ahead without acknowledging what you just said. Of course he does, he is an amazing knight.

“My apologizes for being late, Your Majesty,” you smile, the door closing behind you. Seungcheol raises his head from the table, his eyes widening immediately upon laying on you. You watch as his expression softens and he motions for one of the guards behind him to pull your chair.

“You are as gorgeous tonight as always, Your Majesty,” he smiles back at you, taking in the sight of you. It honestly feels like a dream. He is unable to take his eyes off you, every inch of his body itching to hold you, to be able to touch your curves and press his lips to yours again. He watches you as you walk to take a seat on the opposite side of the table, quickly stopping you. “Bring Her Majesty a chair besides me. What is with the stupid tradition of man and wife sitting so far away.”

You bite back your smile as you walk over to him, taking a seat on his left. You glance around the room, acknowledging the two knights keeping you company as Seungcheol's knee brushes with yours under the table. It only takes one look from him for the two of them to leave the room, leaving you all alone.

“I love this dress,” Seungcheol breaks the quiet, your smile only widening. “It might be a close second to the one you wore to my coronation.”

“You remember the dress I wore to the coronation?” Your eyes widen. He shrugs like it's no big deal, reaching for your hand on top of the table. You gladly let him wrap his fingers around yours, your eyes flickering between his hand and face.

“I'm confident I could point out every dress you wore around me since you arrived.” You realize you don't need much to feel happy. As long as you are with him, everything he does makes you excited and your cheeks flush.

“I doubt that,” you shake your head, averting your eyes. He squeezes your hand, trying to get you to look at him again. You don't though, too embarrassed to meet his eyes.

Your name leaves his lips, soft and elegant. His voice rings in your ears, making your heart beat faster. You are absolutely gone for him, so terribly gone. You are convinced none of the authors you read up until now were actually in love. The way you feel when you are with him can't compare to anything you have read, the emotions simply too strong to be put into words on paper.

“You consume so much of me I'd have to be blind not to notice and remember everything about you.” And there he goes again, messing with your head. It'd take a miracle for you not to feel like the luckiest person for being able to share these moments with him.

“Stop talking,” you mumble, your voice barely above a whisper. Your head is a mess, the image of him splattered everywhere, the memory of your kiss in the back of your mind and his words repeating in your head. You consume so much of me. How are you supposed to just go on about your dinner? Choi Seungcheol is insane. Absolutely insane. There is no other explanation.

“Baby, look at me.” His words bring you back to earth, your eyes shooting up to his immediately. There is a sheepish smile on his lips, his cheeks catching a hint of pink as well — even though he has yet to match your color. “I mean it.”

You open your mouth to answer, to tell him just how much he means to you, that you love spending time with him, that you love being his wife, that you'd love to kiss him, that you love him, but you don't get the chance to, closing your mouth again when a bunch of servants comes in, carrying your dinner.

You straighten your back, pulling your hand away from his as they set plates in front of you. You can feel his eyes on you as you do, but you don't have the courage to meet them, a part of you too scared he'll tell you he takes it back, or that maybe this isn't what he wants. Clearing your throat, you do your best to focus on the food instead of the man beside you and his knee that is still pressed against yours.

“May I have a question?” You whisper when everyone leaves and you are alone again.

“Always,” he encourages you, taking a bite of his steak.

“Do you know Lord Nishimura?” He tilts his head confusedly, obviously not a question he expected. And if he is honest, it doesn't feel the greatest having you ask him about a different man after he has opened himself to you without getting an answer. He feels vulnerable — a feeling he is starting to despise.

“Not much,” he shrugs, as if it didn't bother him at all. He knows it's probably stupid, that he is thinking about stuff that might have not even crossed your mind, but he can't help it. He is starting to realize he cares more than he'd want to admit.

“He's been sending letters to my sister,” you explain, as if you could read his mind, riding him off all his worries.

“Which one?” His eyes narrow and you roll your eyes, a bit worried he'd even consider you are talking of your thirteen year old sister.

“Nari. She said they've been writing letters to each other since they met at the banquet. He seemed fine but, I don't know, I think I just wanted to make sure you didn't know of anything I shall look out for.”

Seungcheol smiles again, assuring you that even thought he doesn't know him much, he hasn't heard of anything that should make you overthink this. “But if it'll make you calmer, we could ask Seungkwan tomorrow. It is a part of his job to know everyone, so I am sure he will be able to answer your questions better.”

“Thank you,” you whisper with a smile, the way he talks of you as a duo, a pair, only making you happier.

A comfortable silence settles over you as you eat your food, stealing glances at your husband every once in a while. He catches you each time, his eyes meeting yours with a smile. You return his smile, finding yourself only falling for him more and more.

He places his cutlery down on his plate, tilting his head slightly as his eyes rest on you. You pretend like you don't see it, but you are pretty sure your flushed cheeks give you away. “Tell me about flowers,” he says and you almost choke on your own saliva. His eyes widen, his hand on your back in an instance, panic rushing through his veins. You shake your head in the air, bringing a glass of water to your lips to prevent any more coughing.

“You want me to tell you about flowers?” You ask, gazing into his worried eyes. They soften when he sees you are okay, and he relaxes again, nodding. Choi Seungcheol, possibly the greatest man you have met in your entire life, wants you to talk about flowers, your favorite thing in the world. The universe really took his time with this one, building him to an absolute perfection. “What do you want to know?”

“Anything. Why do you love them so much? All of your favorites, and if I should ask the gardeners to plant any of your favorites or if we have them all already.”

You find yourself melting slowly, your adoration for him only growing. Setting down your cutlery as well, you bite back your smile, thinking about your answer to all of them. “There is many kinds, it is incredibly hard to pick just one favorite. Lilies are beautiful, and seemingly many people's favorite, but so are tulips and orchids.”

“Which one is your favorite?” He prompts.

You hesitate, thinking about all the beauties the Veloria gardens have to offer. “Freesias, I suppose. They are the first flowers I took into my room after arriving here.”

“But those can't be the first flowers you loved.”

“They aren't,” you agree. “But they became my favorite the moment I set them in my chamber. I took them after our first dinner, when I was wearing this very dress.” His eyes scan your body again at the mention of your clothes, taking his sweet time craving the image into his head. “When I first became interested in nature, it was lilies that spoke to me the most,” you admit. “But I was six then, and all I knew were the few kinds we grew in our gardens.”

He listens closely without interruptions. The interest in his eyes would be obvious from miles away, and it only makes you keep going. “Ours were nothing like yours, so I only knew a small portion of them. Then, when I was twelve, I started reading about flowers, what they mean, what colors they can have and which ones are used for what. They were always my escape, a home, if you know what I mean?” You meet his eyes, blushing.

“I think I do,” he nods, reaching for your hand. You hold his hand in yours, watching as he laces your fingers together. “A comfort, a place where you could be yourself. I was told that is the same reason my mother had our gardens build — so she could have a place to run to.” He hesitates for a second, scanning your face. “Is that why you've been in our gardens so much? Were you looking for a safe space?”

“In a way,” you nod. “I think I was. But I learned to find comfort somewhere else as well since I arrived, in someone else,” you admit. “But then after our kiss, when you ran away—” your voice breaks, the memory right in front of your eyes. “The gardens were the only comfort I trusted.”

“I'm sorry,” his voice sounds just as broken, everything about his expression making you believe he truly means it. “I was scared. And I know it's stupid.” You squeeze his hand, hoping to give him the reassurance he so desperately needs. “But I was scared of you. Of what it might mean if I let myself fall, if I allowed myself to be vulnerable.”

“I was raised to be strong, forced to believe a King must have everything under control, including his emotions for the prettiest girl he's ever seen. So I ran, I ran away and buried myself in work so I wouldn't be able to think about how much I just wanted to go back to you and kiss you again, sleep in the same bed with you and wrap myself around you.”

“Do all that today then,” you whisper, your eyes pleading as you gaze into his. “Don't run away again and stay with me.”

He doesn't need to be told twice, reaching with his free hand for your chair and pulling you closer. You yelp, caught off guard. But as soon as your legs rest between his and he leans closer, your eyes soften again. His lips press against yours and you can instantly feel sparks in your stomach. This is one thing they got right in the books — it truly feels like fireworks. His right hand cups your cheek, tilting your head as he deepens the kiss, his left hand squeezing your waist.

You push your plate aside as you rest your hand on the table, trying to steady yourself. But it's hard, your body not listening to you and melting into his touch. You don't even register him picking you up and pulling you into his lap, but when you open your eyes again you find yourself exactly there. His eyes search your face for any sign of discomfort but he doesn't find any. Cupping his cheeks, you take your time just admiring him. “I love you,” you whisper, the words spilling from your lips before you can stop them.

You watch as his eyes widen and something in him stops, a groan leaving his lips as his hand moves from your cheek to your neck, slightly pressing on the sides, his lips on yours again. Your eyes roll back, your legs weak. Everything about him — the way he looks at you, the way he holds you — makes your head spin, his presence consuming you.

Your hands wrap behind his neck, fingers tangling in his hair as you moan into his mouth, pleasure taking over you. You're not sure what is happening, why you get a sudden itch between your legs or why there is so many butterflies in your stomach, but you know you don't want him to stop kissing you.

“Seungcheol,” his name leaves your lips, a quiet, broken, plea. He seems to understand your needs much more than you do, nodding into the kiss.

“I got you,” he promises, his voice ringing in your ears.

Seungcheol scoops you up in his arms, erupting a laugh out of you, a sound he is learning to be obsessed with. You hold tightly onto him, your arms wrapped around his neck. “I should have carried you like this to bed on our wedding night,” he shakes his head, regretting all his choices.

“You are doing it now,” you remind him, a smile decorating your already beautiful face. He is unable to take his eyes off you, knocking onto the door with his feet so someone would open them for him. Without waiting for the door, his mouth presses against yours again, similar smile you carry on his lips.

“Your Majesty—” Taehyun stops mid sentence, stepping aside to create more space for the two of you. Seungcheol pulls away from you for a moment, only so he can speak to him. “We won't be needing an escort,” he proclaims. “You can send guards to our door in,” he glances at you, taking in the sight of your innocent eyes batting your eyelashes at him. “Just take your time,” he finishes, not looking at him again as he claims your lips, carrying you into his chambers.

The moment your feet hit the ground again, his hands are on your waist, squeezing as much flesh as he can gather in his hands, pushing you back until your back is flat against the door. “Cheol,” you moan, your head falling back. Your lips are swollen at this point but it only makes him want to kiss you more, knowing he is the one who has turned you into such mess. Your entire body burns, needing to be closer to him.

“You asked about children,” he mumbles, his lips tracing wet kissing down your neck, paying attention to every bit of skin he can reach. “How they are made.” A soft, barely audible, whimper escapes you, sending a shiver down his spine. He'll need to hear another one, one much louder preferably. “Let me show you.”

“Seungcheol,” you beg him, unsure what it even is you are asking for, tugging on his hair. His hand slowly moves onto your back, harshly tugging on the laces holding your dress in place. He moves with a plan in his head, not wasting any time at taking the awfully gorgeous dress off your body.

“Is this okay?” His eyes find yours, waiting for your approval before letting your dress drop to the floor. A loud groan slips from his lips at the sight of your bare skin, breast on full display. “You aren't wearing any undergarments,” he mumbles, the realization making his head spin. You hum, your cheeks flushed as you watch his reaction, your nerves obvious. But if there is one thing he wants to show you it's how you have no reason to feel nervous around him. “You are so beautiful,” he reminds you, cupping your breast with his hands. They fit perfectly, his cock twitching inside his pants.

“Do you want my baby, love?” He asks, his mouth a mere inch from yours. “Do you want me to show you how we could make one?” You nod, desperate to feel him closer, to have his body press against yours.

“Please,” you beg. He doesn't need to be told twice, squeezing your breast in his hands before slowly kissing his way down your body until he is kneeling in front of you. Your fingers tangle in his hair in an instance, the sight of him on his knees, with his eyes glued to yours, making you moan again. His lips press to your bare thighs, taking his time showing love to all of you. Leaving a few marks behind, he faces your glistening pussy, all wet and ready for him.

“Have you ever…touched yourself?” You quickly shake your head at his question, your cheeks only turning more and more red. “There is this place,” he starts, carefully sliding his fingers between your folds. “That brings you pleasure, that makes you feel good,” his thumb presses against your clit, his eyes staying on your face to watch for your reactions. Your eyebrows furrow together, lips tightly pressing together as you try to contain the lewd sounds building in your throat in.

Your hips buck forwards on instincts, creating a smirk on his lips. “Do you trust me, my love?” He asks and you nod without hesitation, giving him all of you. Collecting your wetness on his fingers, he slowly thrusts his middle finger into your hole, slowly testing the waters. Your mouth falls open, your moans filling his ears as he wraps his lips around your bud.

If Seungcheol is anything, it's talented. Both of your hands find his hair as soon as his tongue slides over your clit, adding second finger. A part of you wants to pull him away, get rid of the intense pleasure he makes you feel, but a bigger part of you wants to pull him even closer. Glancing up at you, he continues working you with his mouth. Pulling his fingers out and making you whimper, he moves his hand to the back of your thigh, pulling your leg over his shoulder and telling you to hold onto him. You do, listening to his every word.

His tongue slides between your folds, his nose rubbing against your clit. His hums against your wet pussy make you shiver, back arching onto him. Your desperate cries only drive him crazier, precum leaking through his undergarments as he laps on your pussy.

There have been women he fucked before, women he went home with to relieve the build up tension — but never like this. He's never wished to have anyone as close as you are, and he's certainly never wanted anyone to come on his tongue so badly. Usually, he'd just quickly get it over with, chasing his own pleasure and then out, but not with you. He wants to take his time with you, devour every inch of you and take care of you. He'd be damned if he doesn't make you come multiple times tonight.

“Cheol!” You gasp, making him wince as you pull on his hair. He might end up with a bald spot at this point but he doesn't care enough, convinced this is all worth it. Your release comes crashing down on you, your eyes rolling back and hips rocking forward as he licks you clean, not letting a single bit go to waste.

He pushes back, ignoring the painfully hard cock in his pants and letting his eyes trail your body. Your legs shake, the orgasm obviously much stronger than he thought it was. It makes sense, he supposes. This is the first orgasm you felt after all. The realization hits him like lighting, his eyes widening and his cock twitching again. He is the first person to make you come. He is the first person to make you feel this good. God, he has a problem.

“Come here,” he whispers and you allow yourself to fall into his arms, your body visibly exhausted. “Can I continue?” He asks, his voice nothing if not gentle as he brushes your sweaty hair behind your ears.

“Continue?” You blink, causing a low chuckle to escape his lips.

“Babies don't come from this alone,” he explains, rubbing his fingers between your folds again. “You need to get my sperm into this pretty cunt of yours,” he thrusts two fingers inside, stretching you out. “But we don't have to do anything today,” he assures you, pressing a kiss to your temple. “We can go to bed and sleep. We have our entire lives ahead together for that.” As soon as the words leave his lips his cheeks flush, the idea of spending the rest of his live together making him much more excited than he'd want to admit.

You shake your head, cupping his cheeks. His eyes gaze into yours, finding himself falling even deeper for you. “Give me a baby, Seungcheol. I wanna carry your baby.” If he was feeling feral before, he can't quite put a name to the desire that takes over him now, his entire body moving quicker than he can comprehend. A giggle bubbles out of you as he carries you to the bed, his lips glued to yours as he cups your breast again, rolling your nipples between his fingers. Your hands lock on the back of his neck, pulling him as close as possible.

“You make me lose my mind,” he mumbles between kisses, never staying away for too long. “Did you cast a spell on me?” You laugh, the sound echoing in his ears.

“Obviously,” you smile, watching as he pushes back and fights with the buttons on his shirt, hating being apart for so long. You sit up, helping him get his clothes off.

Everything is gone in seconds, all of his clothes splattered over the floor. It is certainly an ego boost, watching as your eyes trail down his body, gawking at his naked skin. Your pretty hand wraps around his cock, your eyes flickering to his. It's barely anything, just a brush of your fingers, but it makes him twitch nonetheless, every inch of him itching to see you jerk him off. The image of your lips wrapped around him flashes in front of his eyes, making him groan. There will be another time for that, he has to remind himself.

“Lay down, pretty. I'll take care of you, hm?” You look up at him through your lashes, the big puppy eyes you give him making him adore you even more. He watches you as you follow his words, your lips slightly parted and eyes sparkling with expectation. Settling between your legs, his lips find yours again, allowing you to focus on the kiss as he collects your wetness on his tip, rubbing his cock on your heat.

“Just focus on me, okay?” You nod, trusting him fully. Your lips fall apart, a soft gasp escaping when he pushes the tip in, giving you all the time you need to adjust. He doesn't rush, doesn't force you into anything. His thrusts are slow and controlled, the urge to chase his own orgasm as quickly as possible pushed aside when he is with you. He might have been with other women before you, but this is the first time it feels like this — like it actually matters.

Praises slip off his lips without him thinking much about what he is saying, one of his hands resting beside your head and keeping him up while the other plays with your breast, unable to get enough of how well they fit in his palm. The longer he looks at you, the more convinced he is he won in life. There is no one more incredible than you he'd want to spend his life with.

“Does this feel good?” You don't answer, broken whines leaving your lips instead. It makes him chuckle, loving how good he makes you feel. Your moans fill his ears as he slowly picks up his speed, feeling your walls squeeze around him. Your eyes are filled with lust as you look at him, his name falling off your lips like a prayer. With your hips rocking forward, your orgasm comes crashing down onto you faster than he thought it would. He wanted to come with you, but this will have to do as well.

Your name falls off his lips as he chases his own orgasm, only needing a few more thrusts after you. You gummy walls clench around him, driving him over the edge. Seungcheol's groan rings in your ears as he finishes inside you, thrusting a few more times just to make sure nothing leaves your body. As soon as he pulls back, he misses the feeling of your warmth. His eyes trail down your body, taking in the sight. He'll have to look at your every night to be satisfied. He doubts he'll ever get enough of looking at you.

“That was amazing,” you breathe out and his eyes find yours. A smile spreads on his lips, his eyes soft.

“You were amazing,” he proclaims, brushing the messy strands of your hair aside. “Do you feel okay?” You nod, because the truth is, you feel better than ever before.

“Is this what people do to make children?”

He nods, “It doesn't always have to be just to expect children. We can do this as much as you'd like. Just because. Just because we are married and love each other.” Your flushed cheeks and fucked out eyes make you absolutely stunning, the messy side of you attracting him as much as the put together one he saw earlier at dinner.

“Good,” you laugh. “It feels good.”

Seungcheol leans down, kissing your lips again. He falls down beside you, his arms wrapping around your waist before pulling you into his chest, closing his eyes. Tonight is going to be a great night. It might be the first night he gets to sleep beside you at night, but he certainly doesn't intend for it to be the last one. This is only the beginning.

You feel different when you wake up. It might be because of the man you wake up next to, or maybe it's because of the warm shower you take as soon as you get out of bed.

Who are you kidding, it's definitely because of Seungcheol.

His arms stayed wrapped around you throughout the entire night, his touch keeping you warm. You thought their pillows were incredible when you arrived, but now you know nothing compares to the feeling of sleeping on your lover's chest.

Or the feeling of his cock sliding between your folds as soon as you are both awake while he presses kisses all over your shoulders and back. You definitely don't mind getting used to this. You learned about love from books, about how such emotion was supposed to look and feel like, but you are starting to realize pages don't show you everything you need to know. If they told you about this part of love — the lewd noises and messy kisses — you are sure you would have wanted a husband much sooner. If you only knew about what it truly meant to be married, you wouldn't be so opposed to the idea.

When you shared your thoughts with your husband his smile fell off, muttering under his breath how he is glad you didn't in fact get married before he was looking for a wife. It made you laugh. It only took a few kisses and secret promises of forever to get his mood back up, both of you smiling as you left the chamber to do your own things.

“You have sparks in your eyes, Your Majesty,” Daniela's voice is teasing as she looks at you, a knowing smile on her face. “Did you have fun with His Majesty last night? On the dinner, of course.” You roll your eyes but a smile spreads on your lips. You meet her eyes, shrugging as if you had no idea what she's talking about. You are starting to understand her. The comments she's made before about men, comments you were certain would ruin her reputation if anyone caught her — it makes sense now. You don't blame her. In fact, you are quite certain you'll be craving your husband's touch a lot from now on, itching to be with him whenever you are apart.

“Are you certain you want to spend you honeymoon with me instead of your husband, Your Majesty?” Seungkwan asks you, his eyes nervously flickering between you and your lady. You don't have to turn around to know Daniela is giving him a look.

“I shall know what is best for me, don't you think?” He quickly agrees with you, blurting out apologies. “Besides, my husband is busy trying to find out who attacked my family. I couldn't be with him either way,” you glance at your lady, explaining it to her rather than the Head Advisor in front of you. She simply smiles at you, acting all innocent. Shaking your head at her, you walk forwards, taking a seat at the head of the table where you breakfast already lays. Taking a sip of your morning tea, you find Seungkwan with your eyes again. “I wanted to ask you about Lord Nishimura.”

“Nishimura?” He repeats, tilting his head slightly. You see the exact moment the name clicks and he connects it to a face. “Oh, yes,” he nods. “What would you like to know?”

“Do you think he is a nice man?”

“That isn't as easy to say as you'd like it to be, Your Majesty.” You hum, knowing he is right. The world isn't just black and white, there isn't just good or bad, but it'd still ease your mind if he could tell you yes. “I can tell you I haven't heard of anything that would make me think otherwise. As far as I know, he is a great swordsman and even though his studies weren't the greatest, he is growing into a well trained man.”

“My sister might hold an interest in him,” you explain, taking a bite. “And I'm simply worried if she isn't going to get hurt.”

“Did you have any certainty you wouldn't get hurt coming here, Your Majesty?” He asks back. Some might take it as a form of disrespect, but you simply smile, knowing what he means. Of course you didn't. You had no idea what to expect of Veloria and after arriving, you spent every free minute hiding in the gardens looking for an escape. He is right, there is no way to know without risking it.

“Thank you,” you smile at him, a quiet understanding passing between you. He smiles back, looking down at the table. “You should eat with me before you go.”

“Oh, no, Your Majesty,” he quickly shakes his head. “I shouldn't. In fact, I should get back to work soon. His Majesty only allowed me to miss the meeting because it was you who wanted to speak with me.”

“I insist. If you get into any trouble, I will talk to my husband about it and make sure he understands,” you smile, trying to focus on the man ahead of you and not the scene with Seungcheol beneath you that paints in your head. A part of you wishes for Seungkwan to get into trouble, simply so you could have a chat about it with your husband. Preferably one that involves less talking and more of your new favorite activity.

Seungkwan opens his mouth, probably to convince you otherwise, you assume, but he is interrupted by the door opening, two knights rushing into the room. “Mr. Boo,” he blurts out without acknowledging you. It sparks your interest, your head tilting to the side to see better. “We are here to escort you into the study room.”

“Why shall that be?” You interrupt, having all three men turn to you.

“Your Majesty,” the knights bow quickly, realizing their mistake. “My apologies for interrupting your breakfast. We have a direct command to bring Mr. Boo to His Majesty as soon as possible.” He doesn't tell you more, doesn't explain what is so urgent that they have to take him away from you. You don't question it further either, glancing at Daniela instead. She understands exactly what you want to say without any words needed, nodding to you.

Quickly standing up from the table, you follow the knights and Seungkwan out of the room, only to be met with a knight much more familiar to you. “Your Majesty, wait here,” he stands in your way and you are forced to watch the knights leave without you.

“Taehyun, don't stand in our way right now. What if something happened?” Daniela speaks up and his gaze shifts to her immediately, apology written all over his eyes. It only makes you more worried. What could have possibly happened for them to be acting like this? “Taehyun,” she tilts her head, worries written all over her face. “What is going on?”

He mimics her movement, his head tilting as he whispers an apology towards her. It's your turn to push at him, demanding to know what is going on and if anything happened to your husband. “There is a lead,” he finally admits. “And I have an order from His Majesty to keep you far away from there, no matter how much you ask me to take you to him or if you give me an order.” Your eyebrows furrow together in confusion. How can he think you'll leave it all to him again? God damn it, he has a wife now to stand by his side, so why does he keep trying to take care of everything on his own?

“It is for your safety, Your Majesty,” he assures you. His eyes fall to your lady again, hesitating. “My order only applies to Her Majesty, so I cannot stop you if you want to follow them, but I beg you.” Your eyes flicker between the two of them, realization settling in. Oh. Oh god. Were you so focused on your new relationship with Seungcheol you didn't notice one of your closest people falling in love? “Stay here. Let me protect you both for once.”

She sighs, nodding in defeat. You watch as relief washes over him, deciding not to make it any harder on him today. Turning around, you walk back into the dinning room with Dani and Taehyun right behind you, settling back in your chair. “Can you at least explain to me what's happening out there? What lead do they have?”

His hesitation is clear as day, fighting with himself about if he should tell you or not. “I don't know everything. Actually, I'm sure I don't know even half of it. But I caught a bit of their conversation, saying it might be someone from the palace.”

“From the palace? My parents' palace?” You question, all kinds of possibilities running through your head. You can't imagine anyone you grew up alone being behind this. It doesn't make sense. Your father has made enemies, but surely not with anyone on the inside, right?

“Your palace, Your Majesty,” he corrects you, making your eyes widen. This place. This very place you are ruling. That makes even less sense. Why would anyone from your people attack your family? You haven't had a proper chance to introduce yourself to them, thou you couldn't have angered anyone. Right?

“Taehyun, take me to my husband,” you ask but it's really a command. He shakes his head, refusing. “Taehyun. I mean it when I say I will convince him to fire you if you don't take me to him right now. Your job is to protect me, so protect me while I run towards danger.” His eyes flicker from you to Daniela, trying to see her reaction. You can almost see the internal fight he is having and you hate being the one forcing him into this situation. There is nothing you can do, though. You need to be a part of this.

“Okay, fine,” he sighs. “But try not to make my job any harder, could you?” You grin, jumping up from your chair again. “Your Majesty, please,” you can hear the regret in his voice but you don't acknowledge it, simply walking out of the dinning room, heading straight for the study room.

As soon as you push the door wide open you feel all the eyes in the room on you. You do your best not to show your anxiety, clearing your throat and straightening your back. “What are you doing here?” Seungcheol's eyes narrow at you before glancing at your knight. “Weren't you supposed to keep her safe away from all of this?”

You hear Taehyun gulp beside you unsure of what to say, and decide to jump in before he can. “Why do you keep doing this?” You question, everything about your tone giving away that you are upset. “Why do you keep trying to push me away instead of asking for my help? I thought we were done with this!”

A few whispers from the side catch your attention but you keep your eyes on your husband, watching as his shield slowly falls apart, his fight mode turning into something much calmer — something you love much more. There is an apology written all over his eyes, making you sigh. He motions with his head for you to join and you do, giving him one last disappointed look before taking his side. His arm wraps around your waist within seconds. “I didn't mean it like that,” he whispers so only you can hear. You only hum back, eying the council members in front of you.

“Who will explain to me what is going on?”

You watch the men exchange a look, debating what to do. It is only when Seungcheol prompts them to continue that they do, and you hate how even though you are their Queen just as much as he is their King, you still need his approval for people to listen to you. “As I was saying,” Kaito clears his throat. “Our next move should be finding William and arresting him as quickly as we can.”

“William?” Your eyes widen. There is only one William from the palace you've heard of, and it is hard to believe someone like him would be behind an attack on your family. “The previous Head Advisor?”

“We think it's his response to how I treated him on the coronation day. He wasn't aware I was replacing him, and probably wasn't happy with how I announced it either,” Seungcheol explains, his grip on your waist tightening — a possessive movement that makes your head spin. You know it's no time for that right now but he makes you weak in the knees. “He never liked the idea of us getting married either, so I think it all just pilled up. I'm sorry it is my fault your family got attacked,” the last sentence stays a secret between just the two of you, a whisper he hates saying out loud. It eats him alive, knowing he is causing you pain even after everything.

♡⸝⸝

You aren't sure how long you stand here for. Time blurs together as you listen to all the men talking, only some of their words sticking with you. You know the important — they have a plan how to get William. Taehyun and the rest of the knights leave the room, going to collect as many people as possible. The council and Seungkwan follow right after, leaving you alone with your husband.

Seungcheol takes a seat on his chair, spreading his legs apart and pulling you between them. You look down at him, holding his hands as he takes the sight of you in. “I'm sorry,” he apologizes without hesitation, squeezing your hands in his. You don't say anything, keeping your eyes on his. “I don't mean to push you away — I never want to push you away. Protecting my people is what I know the best, and my first instinct was to keep you save far away from this, with someone I know would protect you when I cannot.”

“It is the thought of you hurt that makes me act like a fool, because the truth is, I am a fool. I turn into a fool when it comes to you. I am sorry you felt like I was pushing you away. Those were never my intentions,” he assures you and a heavy sigh leaves your lips.

You sit in his lap, looking down at your connected hands. “I know. I know, love.”

“And I am also sorry for bringing all this onto your family. I should have never replaced him, none of this would have happened if I just learned to rule with him by my side.”

You shake your head, letting go of his hands so you could cup his face. “It is not your fault. You did everything right,” you proclaim. “I would hate to see you miserable and we both know ruling with William on your side would make you feel that way. And who knows, maybe he would have found a different reason, maybe he would have targeted you instead. You can't blame yourself for what happened.”

“You are the definition of perfection,” a soft laugh bubbles from his lips as he shakes his head in disbelieve — disbelieve that he gets to be here with you, share moments with you, and call you his. Closing the space between you, his lips press onto yours, letting you forget for a moment where you are and why you are here. You let him pull you closer and tug your hair behind your ear, allowing yourself to enjoy the moment instead of thinking about what is happening outside of these four walls.

But you have to get back into reality no matter how much you wish otherwise, pulling away with a soft smile. “When this is all over,” you promise him, your palm resting on his chest. “Once everything is behind us and we can focus on just us.” He smiles back, agreeing.

“Once this is over,” he nods. “Lets have dinner together.” You roll your eyes, remembering where your dinner night lead to last time. Not that you would be complaining. “So you can tell me how it's possible Taehyun brought you here despite my direct order not to listen to any of your orders,” a smile tugs at his lips, one you absolutely adore.

You shrug, acting all innocent. “What can I say, I have that effect on people,” you smile, trying to stand up. He only tugs you back, pulling you onto him. His eyes are narrowed, trying to read your face. He is jealous, that much would be clear to anyone. If he gets like this when he is jealous, you might have to make him feel that way more. “Relax, I have threatened to fire him if he didn't listen to me. I convinced him I have you wrapped around my finger and if I said I want him gone you would do it.”

“You weren't lying,” he says without hesitation, making your grin widen.

“I know,” your smile is impossible to hide as you escape his hold, glancing over your shoulder as you walk to the door. “You should do your best to take care of this. I'll be waiting for you in our chambers.” You disappear from the room before he can say anything, giggling as you think about the look on his face — his eyes wide, excited.

Being married is thrilling and beautiful, you explained that to Nari perfectly.

If there is one thing Seungcheol appreciates, it's having you by his side.

You stood by him through it all, holding his hand when he announced to his people a betrayal happened within the palace walls, and you were there to explain to them he has been arrested by your best knights when he couldn't do so, feeling like it was all his fault.

William was brought in front of the council shortly after Taehyun and others left the study. When Seungcheol heard they found him in a local pub, taking with the common about secrets he's learned during his stay and bad mounting his ill father, his anger only grew. Taking revenge at him was one thing, holding it against him for humiliating him during his coronation was understandable too, but everything else was making his blood boil. How dared he? Attacking your family already crossed the line, but talking ill of his father who has done nothing but trusted William's judgment was only adding salt into the wound.

There was nothing he wanted to do more than wipe the awfully annoying smirk off William's face when he saw him. But you were there again, with your arms wrapped around his and reminding him where he stands.

It didn't take long to decide of his future, his punishment. The entire council agreed on a form worthy of his betrayals within minutes. But it was your opinion that mattered to him the most. If you agreed with the rest of his men, he wouldn't hesitate executing him in the center of the town for everyone to see. But deep down he knew that wasn't something you'd agree with, which was also why he waited for your comment.

And despite the council's arguments, trying to convince him such actions shall never be forgiven, he decided for exile. William might still be able to walk around, but far, far away from you or your family. And if he even dared to come close or conspire against the kingdom, he would make it his personal mission to get rid of him.

He was send away the following day along with the people conspiring with him. Turns out, his experience in the palace didn't teach him well enough who to have as a friend and who as an enemy. He's made many mistakes on his way, mistakes that helped the knight discover his plans and contacts.

Ever since, he'd like to say the palace became quite calm. Quiet even.

Well, except for the rather loud sounds he finds himself making every time he is with you alone. With his head thrown back and his hand in your hair, he has to bite back his groans. Despite knowing the throne room is empty, the thoughts of one of the knights passing by and hearing him through the closed door makes him do everything in his power to keep his voice down.

He's never thought of himself as someone loud. But then again, he also never thought of himself as someone worth finding love, someone who deserved all this attention you are giving him. Meeting you turned his entire world upside down in the best way, and he now finds himself learning something new about himself every day. For example, how desperately he wishes to have children, especially if it is with you.

“Fuck—” he curses, looking down at your lips wrapped around his cock. The simple scene has him twitching in your mouth and he has to fight himself not to come already. “Darling, you are going to make me lose my mind,” he groans, his free hand gripping the throne armrest. He watches you smirk, your tongue swirling over his tip. God dammit. He should have never taught you any of this. He should have just lived his life with eating you out instead of telling you there is a way for you to do the same. This is on him.

Even though he must say, you are doing an incredible job. You bat your eyelashes at him as you bob your head forward, making his eyes roll back. He didn't think becoming a King would mean having his cock sucked as he sits on the throne, but truth is, he cannot complain.

“I haven't bled yet,” you mumble when you pull back and the words echo in his ears. It is crazy just how much power you hold over him, how much your words can mess with his head. Because it is then, when he realizes what you mean that he finishes, covering your lips white. He watches your eyes widen, cursing under his breath again. That is far from how and where he wanted to cum.

“Can you repeat that?”

You laugh, licking your lips clean. Standing up from the floor and fixing your dress, you watch him with a sheepish smile. “It has been over a month since I bled last,” you repeat, your eyes falling to his cock to see if it does anything with him again. “I can't be sure, though.”

Your last words barely reach his ears as he reaches for your hand and pulls you onto him, his lips crashing with yours. You gasp from shock before melting into his touch, tilting your head as he kisses you. Seungcheol is convinced he will never get over how it feels to kiss you, how his head spins when he feels his lips on yours.

“I'll be a father,” a soft laugh full of disbelieve leaves his lips, making you smile. “And you'll be the mother of our kids. Our kids.” You nod, unable to control the excitement you feel when you look at him. Pressing your lips to his once again, you let him pull you onto his lap.

“Our kids,” you agree, loving how it sounds on your tongue. You share the same shock as he does, the realization just how far you have come settling in. It is unbelievable you get to spend the rest of your live with Seungcheol — the greatest man you have ever met — by your side. He makes everything better, easier. If it's with him, you truly believe fulfilling your duties isn't as unbearable as you once thought of them to be.

Jungkook’s apartment was always clean. Obsessively so. Even after a night out, he’d stumble in and still fold his clothes before bed. No dishes in the sink, no clutter, no shoes by the couch.

This morning, though, the floor was a warzone of formalwear. His dress shirt. Slacks. Your black dress, crumpled in a corner like a casualty.

And for once, Jungkook couldn’t care less.

Because this morning, he woke up with his arms wrapped around you- his girlfriend.

He smiled into your hair, breathing you in as your chest rose and fell against his. The events from the night before blurred into something warm and glowing. The music. The lights. Your lips on his. The way you’d kissed him in front of everyone like he was yours.

Because he was.

No more sneaking kisses. No more trying to hide feelings behind sarcasm or fake fights. No more maybe-this, maybe-that. You were his. And he was yours.

Last night, the second you walked through his front door, it was like gravity took over. Words could wait. Clothes couldn’t either.

But now this…

The morning after, wrapped in his arms with sunlight peeking through his curtains and the echo of your laughter still playing in his mind. This was what he really wanted.

He leaned in, placing light kisses along your jaw and cheek, grinning as he tried to wake you gently.

It backfired almost immediately when you swatted at his head.

“Ow, baby,” he groaned dramatically.

You blinked your eyes open, still half-asleep. “What are you doing?”

“Trying to kiss my girlfriend awake,” he grinned, rubbing his forehead. “You know… romantic shit.”

You rolled over, pressing your back to his chest again. “Next time kiss my mouth. I thought you were a fly.”

He gasped. “Do flies exclusively avoid your mouth?”

“No,” you said, hiding your smile, “but I wanted a kiss.”

He chuckled, already leaning in. “That can definitely be arranged.”

His hand gently guided your chin toward him and he kissed you, slow and sweet, like he could live in this moment forever. When he pulled away, he rested his forehead against your temple.

“Hi,” you whispered.

“Hi,” he echoed, smiling into your skin.

“Guess what?” he said in a mock-dramatic voice.

“What?”

“We’re dating.” He pulled you impossibly closer with a smug grin. “Officially. I have the receipts.”

You smirked. “Mmm… did you actually say the words ‘Will you be my girlfriend,’ though?”

He blinked. “Seriously, babe?”

You burst out laughing, shaking your head. “Nope, we’re absolutely dating. I’m dating the hell out of you, actually.”

His eyebrows quirked, one hand sliding down to your hip. “Is that so?”

“Very much so.”

He squinted, mock-serious. “I seem to remember someone saying I don’t date cops. Ring any bells?”

You poked his side, making him scrunch his nose. “Some rules were made to be broken, Jeon Jungkook.”

His heart kicked in his chest at the way you said his name.

He leaned forward, kissing you again, softer this time. “It’s too early for me to be this into you.”

You just smile, feeling completely at peace in his arms.

You’re not really sure how long you’ve been lying there, tangled up in Jungkook. All you know is that it’s Saturday, the precinct is someone else’s problem today, and your very clingy, very shirtless boyfriend is wrapped around you like a koala.

“I still can’t believe you wore the dress Jimin said I liked,” he mumbles into your neck, pressing a lazy kiss to your jaw.

“It was just a black dress, Jungkook,” you yawn, smiling. “That’s like half my wardrobe.”

“Not the point. I loved that one,” he says, now trailing kisses along your shoulder. “It made your butt look insane.”

You roll your eyes, but he just tightens his grip like a human weighted blanket.

“I’m serious,” he mutters, “My girlfriend looked so hot.”

“You’ve said that like seven times this morning.”

“Not enough.” He kisses your cheek. “Girlfriend.”

“You’re going to get tired of calling me that.”

“Never,” he says instantly. “It feels so good saying it. Like… mine.”

His fingers draw lazy circles on your waist, and you melt a little.

“Anyway,” he continues, peeking at you through half-lidded eyes. “You still owe me an answer.”

“What?”

“You said I never asked you to be my girlfriend. That was cold, by the way.”

“I was joking!”

He pouts dramatically. “Still. You broke my little heart.”

You smirk, reaching over to cup his face. “Fine. Make it official, detective.”

Jungkook blinks, like you just asked him to propose.

“Wait. For real?”

“Dead serious.”

He clears his throat, trying not to grin too big.

“Okay. Y/N…” he says, clasping your hands like he’s about to recite his vows, “Will you do me the great honor of being my girlfriend?”

You gasp, pressing a hand to your chest. “Jungkook! This is so sudden! But… yes. A thousand times yes.”

He immediately rolls on top of you, showering your face with kisses like a starved man. “My girlfriend, my girlfriend, my girlfriend-”

“Alright, relax.”

“I won’t. You’re mine now and I need to make it very clear to the world. Starting Monday. Promise me we’ll tell the squad?”

You wrinkle your nose. “Must we?”

“Yes. I need full legal acknowledgement of my boyfriend status. I want Jin to cry. I want Taehyung to owe someone in the betting pool.”

You giggle. “Fine, I promise.”

“Say it.”

You sigh dramatically. “I, Y/N L/N, solemnly swear to tell the nosy, ridiculous, and gossip-fueled 7th Precinct that I’m officially dating Jeon Jungkook—our very own Golden detective.”

He beams. “Close enough.”

A moment passes. Then…

“You never call me anything cute,” he whines, nuzzling against your shoulder again. “I want a nickname.”

“You already have one. Jungkook.”

“That’s my government name. Babe me. Do it.”

You snort, clearly not taking this seriously. “Okay, fine. Baby star candy.”

“...What?”

“Honey bunches of oats.”

“Babe.”

“My little ghost pepper.”

“Babe.”

“Okay, okay. Babe.”

He exhales, pleased. “I like that one.”

You kiss his nose. “Of course you do, babe.”

He tightens his hold on you again, completely smug.

“I could stay in bed with you forever,” he murmurs.

“You just might,” you smile. “I don’t think you’re letting me go.”

“I’m not,” he says easily. “You’re stuck with me now.”

And honestly? You wouldn’t want it any other way.

The morning sun had long since risen, but you and Jungkook didn’t move from bed until close to noon. Between the cuddling, kisses, and the very serious discussion about how early was too early to make pancakes, it had taken a while.

Jungkook’s hand found yours as he dragged you into the kitchen, both of you still in sleepwear, his t-shirt hanging off your frame, his sweats hanging dangerously low on his hips. He was humming some random song under his breath, swaying you around like you were dancing in a rom-com. And honestly? It felt like one.

“Chef Jeon at your service,” he says, flipping a pancake with flair. “I’ve made exactly three breakfasts in my entire life. You’re witnessing greatness.”

You’re sitting on the counter, sipping coffee and watching him with a dreamy smile.

“You’re so cocky,” you say.

He turns to wink. “And yet so talented.”

You laugh, hopping down. It’s all easy. Everything flows like you’ve been doing this together for years.

While the pancakes are cooking, Jungkook slides behind you, wrapping his arms around your waist, kissing your neck softly. “I love this,” he mumbles. “Us. Like this.”

You reach back and run your fingers through his hair, your heart swelling. “Me too.”

And then… the first ping.

GROUPCHAT: 7TH PRECINCT (PLUS THE LOVEBIRDS)

Yoongi: are you alive?

Taehyung: did you elope??

Jin: I need visual confirmation or I’m assuming murder-suicide.

Jungkook snorts as he scrolls through his phone, holding it up so you can read the squad group chat. The texts just keep coming.

Jimin: omg are you guys still in bed rn 😭

Yoongi: I will PAY for silence. pls. shut up.

Hoseok: as long as you’re both still breathing and dating, I’m satisfied. Carry on, lovebirds.

You’re cackling against Jungkook’s chest, both of you clinging to each other like teenagers. “They’re so annoying.”

“They’re obsessed with us,” he says proudly, pressing a kiss to your temple. “Can’t blame them.”

You end up finishing breakfast slowly, feeding each other pieces of fruit, arguing about which team is gonna win on Singles Inferno, because yes, Jungkook was now fully invested.

Later that day, you’re curled up on the couch together. Your legs draped over his lap, his fingers tracing lazy circles on your calves as the TV flickers with dramatic love triangle footage.

“This show is wild,” Jungkook mutters, eyes narrowed. “Why would she pick him after that pool party incident? Like- hello??”

You burst out laughing, tossing a popcorn kernel at him. “I can’t believe you’re this invested.”

“I’m a detective, babe. I follow patterns and clues.”

“Patterns and clues,” you echo, giggling. “You’re just mad he kissed someone else.”

“I am,” he says indignantly. “He was trash.”

You’re still laughing when you mention casually, “You know what would make this better? Those peach gummies from that one brand.. what’s it called-”

Before you can finish the sentence, Jungkook’s already standing.

You blink. “Wait, what are you doing?”

He disappears into the kitchen and comes back thirty seconds later, holding the exact peach gummies you were talking about.

You gape. “You have them?”

Jungkook shrugs, like it’s no big deal. “Heard you mention them once. Thought I’d have ‘em here for you.”

“Babe…” you say, heart clenched with affection as you practically launch yourself at him.

You kiss him all over his face, cheeks, nose, forehead, until he’s laughing and catching you in his arms.

“You’re so thoughtful,” you murmur, kissing him sweetly.

He grins. “I know I’m the world’s best detective. But how about… boyfriend?”

You pretend to consider. “Hmm. You have only been doing it for like 24 hours…”

He narrows his eyes.

“But,” you continue, pressing a kiss to his jaw, “you’re doing a pretty damn good job so far.”

“Damn right I am.”

He pulls you back onto the couch, gummies in one hand, your waist in the other. The episode plays on, but you’re not paying attention anymore. You’re far too busy being wrapped up in Jeon Jungkook, who, after everything, you finally get to love out loud.

The moment you walk in, everything feels different. Last week, the air was tense, heavy, full of things left unsaid. But today? Today it’s buzzing.

They saw the kiss. They saw you leave together. And now you’re holding hands with Jeon Jungkook. Openly.

Game over.

You try to play it cool, sipping your coffee and pretending like you don’t hear Taehyung gasp dramatically from his desk.

“A-HA!” he shouts, pointing an accusatory finger. “I knew it wasn’t just the spiked punch! You two were TONGUING. In public.”

Across the bullpen, Jimin raises his hand with a solemn expression. “I have a blurry photo. I also made it the wallpaper on Hoseok’s computer.”

Yoongi doesn’t even look up from his mug. “They’ve been kissing. You can tell.”

“HR packet printed,” Hoseok says, not missing a beat as he walks by. “I’ve also ordered heart-shaped donuts for our morning meeting. To celebrate love. And the complete collapse of workplace professionalism.”

Namjoon, who is actually holding an HR form, raises a brow. “Just sign the dating disclosure. I’ll be mad if this ends and one of you files a complaint.”

Jin strolls in dramatically with a paper Burger King crown in each hand. “In honor of their heinously public display of affection, I hereby retroactively crown you… PROM KING AND QUEEN.”

You cover your face as Jungkook beams next to you, completely unbothered, as if being publicly humiliated in a workplace isn’t new territory for him.

“Do we… do we have to wear them?” you ask.

“Yes,” Jin says. “Forever.”

Taehyung leans over his desk. “Okay but real question, origin story? Like how do you go from fighting over arrest stats to full-on making out at a department-sanctioned function?”

“I’ve been wondering the same thing,” Jimin chimes in. “Was it the bet? The date? The evidence locker make out?”

“Detective privilege,” Jungkook says smugly, one hand still wrapped firmly around your waist. “Classified information.”

You, flustered, duck your head- but not before sneaking a look at him. He’s glowing. You’re glowing. And yeah, it’s obnoxious. But it also feels so damn good to finally be able to smile like this.

“Y’all are so annoying,” Yoongi says, sipping his coffee. “I give it a week before you’re bickering about grocery lists.”

“And then kissing again,” Jimin adds.

Jungkook, clearly enjoying himself, presses a kiss to your temple right in front of everyone. “Guess that’s my girlfriend.”

You squint up at him. “You’re gonna keep saying that all day, huh?”

“Oh absolutely,” he whispers, grinning. “Get ready.”

You just sigh, eyes catching the way the rest of the squad is still watching like it’s the hottest new drama on Netflix.

And maybe it is.

You slip into the break room for a moment of peace, HR packet in hand, heart still pounding from the onslaught of commentary, jokes, and surprise photo evidence. You swear even the vending machine judged you when it ate your dollar.The paper in your hand crinkles slightly as you reread the line for the third time:

“Should a direct supervisory relationship form between employees in a disclosed romantic relationship, one party must request a transfer to another division or precinct.”

You swallow. The thought of not working with Jungkook, of not seeing him at his desk every morning or bickering over paperwork, physically hurts. You're not even his supervisor or him yours, but someday… you know you're both going places.

Your fingers tighten slightly on the edge of the form.

You barely register Jungkook entering until he’s behind you, arms looping around your waist as he rests his chin on your shoulder.

“Hi girlfriend,” he murmurs, smug and syrup-sweet.

You tilt your head toward him but don’t smile right away. “Did you read this?” you ask, holding up the form.

He glances down and shrugs playfully. “I skimmed it. It’s a relationship disclosure form, not a novel.”

You exhale slowly. “It says if one of us becomes the other’s supervisor, we’d have to transfer out.”

He freezes behind you.

“That means… if I got promoted, or you did… we couldn’t work together anymore.”

He rests his cheek on your shoulder. “That’s a bridge we’ll cross when we get there.”

“But-” you start, spinning to face him. “It would mean one of us leaving. I don’t know if I could do that.”

“Hey.” He cups your cheek gently, thumb stroking the soft skin under your eye. “You’re going to be a badass supervisor someday. And when that happens, I’ll cheer for you. I’ll salute you. I’ll even call you boss lady if you’re into that-”

You scrunch your nose. “Not at all.”

“-but I’m not worried about what’ll happen then. Because right now…” He leans in until your foreheads touch. “Right now, you’re mine. And I’m yours. And we finally get to do this.”

“But Jungkook-”

“Babe.” He cuts you off gently, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “You really think I care about a hypothetical promotion years from now when I just got you?”

You blink up at him.

“You’re right though,” he adds, grinning. “If you ever become my supervisor, you’ll totally abuse your power.”

You snort. “Excuse me?”

“You’d write me up for sleeping with my boss. And I do that a lot.”

You roll your eyes, the tension in your chest easing.

He leans in, pressing a kiss to your forehead, then your cheek. “And hey, if you end up in charge, that just makes you even hotter.”

“Jeon.”

“I mean it. You being the boss? Kind of a dream. I’ll transfer if I have to, hell, I’ll become a mall cop if it means we get to keep doing this.”

You bite your lip, touched. “You’d hate mall cop life.”

“True. But I’d still sneak into the precinct just to see you. Probably get arrested for trespassing.” He shrugs. “Worth it.”

You finally smile and wrap your arms around his waist, melting into his chest.

“I don’t want to lose what we have here,” you whisper. “With the squad. With you.”

He kisses the top of your head. “Then we won’t. We’ll make it work. Together.”

You stay like that for a minute, just swaying slightly, soaking in the quiet away from all the teasing voices outside.

“…You still wanna fill out the form?” he asks, voice low in your ear.

You melt a little under his touch. “You really think we’ll figure it out?”

He kisses your nose. “I know we will. Besides, you’d be in charge of me no matter what.”

You narrow your eyes. “Because I’m bossy?”

“Because I’d follow you anywhere.”

That earns him a soft kiss, right there next to the microwave that probably hasn’t been cleaned since 2018.

You tuck your head against his chest. “I love that you’re obnoxiously romantic now.”

“I’ve been holding back for months. Just wait.”

You laugh, letting him sway you gently side to side like a slow dance no one else sees.

It’s just you and him and a piece of paper.

“You know,” Jungkook murmurs into your hair, swaying with you like there’s music only he can hear, “this is my favorite part of the day now.”

“What? The break room?” you tease.

“Nope. The part where you let me be with you.”

You’re about to respond with something sarcastic, when the door swings open with a loud thud.

“Ah-HA!” Taehyung points dramatically from the doorway, eyebrows damn near in his hairline. “Caught red-handed! Again!”

Jungkook doesn’t even flinch. He just groans and buries his face in your shoulder. “Why is it always him?”

“Because,” Yoongi says, following right behind with a coffee in hand, “you two have the subtlety of a flashbang.”

You straighten slightly but don’t move away from Jungkook’s chest, your hands still lazily linked behind his back.

Hoseok pops his head in with a grin. “Am I interrupting? Wait- don’t answer that, I know I am. But great news! I printed out the prom photo of the kiss and had it laminated. For HR.”

Namjoon steps in, “And I brought a pen. Just in case you forgot the part where you sign.”

Jungkook rests his chin on your head. “I literally just said this was my favorite part of the day. You’re all ruining it.”

“Hey, are they kissing yet?” Jin adds as he strolls in.

You bury your face in Jungkook’s hoodie as everyone crowds into the small room like it’s a clown car, laughing and chirping and fully immune to personal space.

“I told you,” Jungkook mutters in your ear. “Not inconspicuous.”

You sigh, grinning despite yourself as you look up at him.

“Well,” you say with mock resignation, “guess we should just keep kissing. No point hiding now.”

“You heard her!” Jin announces. “Now kiss again. For morale.”

Taehyung whistles. Jimin claps like it’s the season finale of a show he’s been emotionally invested in for months.

And despite all the chaos, Jungkook doesn’t hesitate. He kisses you, soft, smiling, proud.

It’s no longer a secret. It’s just… you and him. In a precinct full of people who always knew.

Jungkook hadn’t even taken a full sip of his coffee before he was ambushed as soon as you walked away.

“Okay,” Jin started, dragging a chair backward until it squeaked dramatically. “Spill.”

“Spill what?” Jungkook blinked, immediately suspicious.

“Oh don’t play dumb,” Taehyung said, arms crossed, looking far too smug for 9:12 AM. “You two disappeared after prom. Again.”

Jimin leaned over the desk, chin on his fist. “We just want to confirm the timeline. For posterity.”

“You guys are ridiculous,” Jungkook said, trying to hide his smile behind his mug.

“And yet you are the one who kissed her in front of the vending machine like a man possessed,” Jin said, slapping a piece of paper down labeled '7th Precinct Prom: Official Timeline of Events (Verified by CCTV)' in Comic Sans.

Jungkook shook his head, grinning. “You guys have too much time on your hands.”

Taehyung raised a brow. “And you have glitter in your hair. Coincidence? I think not.”

Jimin sits on the edge of the desk, legs swinging. Jin stands with a legal pad titled ‘Operation Spill The Tea’, ready to jot notes. Taehyung is half-perched on Jungkook’s chair arm, too close for OSHA comfort.

“Start from the top,” Jin announces. “Was it the glitter bomb? The range record? The mannequin fiasco? When did you realize she was ‘the one’?”

Jungkook drags a hand through his hair. “Guys-”

Jimin leans forward, eyes sparkling. “Don’t you dare deprive us of the romance arc we’ve been streaming in 4K for months.”

Taehyung adds, “Yoongi’s off on ‘secret business’ again, so we’re collecting intel for him.”

“Okay fine,” Jungkook leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers behind his head. “You really want to know?”

Three detectives leaned in, fully synchronized.

“I bagged the baddest, hottest, sharpest woman to ever set foot in this precinct. And she still lets me kiss her before she brushes her teeth. Somewhere between her telling me off about evidence logging and wiping frosting on my nose, I figured I’d marry her.”

Jin’s pen freezes mid-scribble. “We’re… already at marriage?”

“Working title, it’s only been a day to be fair.” Jungkook amends, cheeks pink. “But when you know you know.” He flashes a cocky grin. “Feel free to applaud.”

Jin made a fake gagging noise.

Jimin clapped a hand over his heart. “You’re in love. That’s disgusting.”

“Now your turn,” Jungkook says. “When did you all realize?”

“Day one,” Taehyung deadpans. “Yoongi said she said you were cute. And you were being a big baby.”

Jin pats Jungkook’s shoulder. “In conclusion: congratulations on rom-com completion. You did it!”

Jungkook rolls his eyes, but he’s glowing.

“I did,” Jungkook grinned, smug and proud. “And she’s mine. Officially. No more sneaking. No more bets. She even filled out the HR form.”

“You better laminate that thing,” Taehyung said. “Frame it. Make it your lock screen.”

“You think I haven’t?”

Meanwhile, in the break room, you sat across from Hoseok with your tea in hand. He smiled knowingly as you stirred your sugar packet in silence.

“Something on your mind, detective?” he asked, gently.

You sighed, but couldn’t help the grin spreading on your lips. “Just… thinking about how far things have come.”

Hoseok nodded slowly. “You mean between you and Detective Heart Eyes?”

You laughed softly. “Yeah. Him.”

He leaned back in his chair, arms crossed with that easy, encouraging posture he always had when you needed grounding. “You know,” he said, “months ago you came in here, all flustered and fussy, talking about how you’d never fall for someone on the force.”

“I stand by it,” you teased.

“You are the force,” he smiled. “But look at you now. Happy.”

“I am,” you admitted. “Terrified. But… happy.”

“You should be. That man looks at you like you personally invented air.” He nudged your mug closer to you. “And you? You look softer these days. But not smaller. Never smaller.”

You swallowed the emotion rising in your throat. “I didn’t mean to fall for someone in here.”

“Maybe not,” Hoseok said. “But we’re glad you did.”

You leaned your head on your hand, smiling. “You knew it was him the whole time, didn’t you?”

“Of course,” he smirked. “I'm Sarge. I know everything.”

You exit the break-room hallway just as Jungkook escapes his fan club. Your eyes meet; the noise of the bullpen fades.

“Survived?” you ask, smiling.

“Barely,” he says, fingers lacing with yours. “They demand a director’s-cut commentary.”

You lean into him, lowering your voice. “I just got a dad joke pep-talk from Hoseok.”

“Sounds about right.” He squeezes your hand. “We’re really doing this, huh?”

“We are doing this.”

He steals a quick kiss, nothing hidden, no one gasps this time.

Across the room, Taehyung snaps a photo. Jin cheers. Jimin wipes a fake tear.

Jungkook doesn’t even break the kiss to say, “Get used to it, guys. We’re annoyingly out loud.” against your lips.

You laugh pressed to his mouth, happiness filling every corner of you.

Somewhere, probably napping in a supply closet, Yoongi smiles in his sleep.

And the 7th Precinct carries on louder, brighter, and with an official power couple nobody can ignore.

You’re curled up on Jungkook’s couch, still in your work clothes. He’s in grey sweatpants and a black tee, barefoot, holding two mugs of chamomile tea like he’s a 90s romcom husband.

“We survived day one as an official couple,” he says, handing you a mug.

You raise yours. “Cheers to hand-holding and HR threats.”

He chuckles, then sets both mugs down, reaching behind the couch to grab something. When he turns back, he’s holding the hoodie.

“Still like this one?” he asks, raising a brow.

You hum. “I do recall it being excellent nap material.”

“Legendary hoodie,” he agrees, tugging it over your head gently. It swallows you instantly soft cotton, familiar scent, faint traces of his cologne.

You fist the front of it as he settles beside you. “Jungkook?”

“Yeah?”

You look up. “This is real, right?”

His eyes soften, hand coming to cup your jaw. “As real as you in my hoodie, in my home, as my girlfriend.”

Your heart stutters. You don’t know who leans in first but the kiss that follows is warm and sweet and unhurried. Your bodies melt together like magnets, months of tension dissolving in the closeness.

“Bedroom?” you whisper.

He stands immediately, hand out. “Only if you promise not to ditch me for reality TV halfway through.”

“No promises,” you tease, and he groans dramatically, pulling you toward the bedroom anyway.

The door barely closes before your lips find his again, more urgent now, though still tender. He lifts you easily, setting you down on the edge of the bed and dropping to his knees.

You blink. “What are you-”

“You wore my hoodie. Let me worship you for it.”

You roll your eyes, laughing, but the sound catches when his hands slide up your thighs, pushing your skirt higher.

“Hey, Jungkook?”

“Yeah, baby?”

“I don’t want breadcrumbs anymore.”

He pauses, glancing up.

“I want the whole meal,” you say. “All of you.”

His jaw tightens just a little, emotion swirling behind his dark eyes. He leans in, kissing your inner thigh. “Then take me. I’m yours.”

He undresses you gently, pausing to kiss every new inch of exposed skin. You pull off his shirt and trace the outline of his shoulder tattoo with reverence.

“You’re so beautiful,” you murmur.

“You always say that like you don’t know you ruin me,” he whispers, tugging you into his lap once you're both bare.

You straddle him, hoodie still on, and the way his fingers flex into your hips like he might fall apart from just this.

“This okay?” you ask softly, remembering that first night. The way he hesitated. The way you both held back.

Now, he nods with certainty. “Always. Especially when it’s you.”

You start to move slowly, deliberately. Hands pressed to his chest, hips rolling in sync like muscle memory.

“You’ve gotten cocky,” you tease breathlessly.

He kisses your neck. “No. Just… comfortable.”

You lean back slightly, watching his face as you ride him. His jaw slack, pupils blown, cheeks pink. He looks wrecked. And worshipful.

“Proud of you, Detective,” he murmurs, and you clench at the praise.

“Don’t say that unless you’re trying to make me- fuck, Jungkook”

His arms wrap around your waist, guiding your pace, grounding you. “Always so good to me,” he whispers. “Take what you need, baby.”

You do.

And when you come, it’s with your face buried in his neck.

He follows soon after, eyes locked on you like you’re the only thing that’s ever made sense.

You collapse beside him, bodies tangled and warm and blissfully spent.

“I’m never letting you go,” he says, breath still shaky.

“You better not,” you whisper, dragging your fingers through his damp hair.

He kisses your knuckles. “You’ve ruined me for normal love, you know that?”

“Good.”

You lay there in silence for a while. Just breathing. Just being.

Then, as he pulls the blanket over both of you, you hear him say, barely audible:

“I think this is what it means to be home.”

Your heart aches in the best way possible.

You shift closer, placing your head on his chest. “Then don’t ever leave it.”

He tightens his grip around you. “Not a chance.”

You’re still tangled in each other when the world settles. The only light comes from the bathroom door, casting a warm glow over his sleepy face.

Your fingers trace patterns on his chest. He’s quiet, serene in a way only you get to see.

“Hey,” you murmur, voice soft.

“Hm?” he hums, lips pressing to your forehead.

“You remember the bet?”

He chuckles, chest vibrating beneath you. “A bet’s a bet.”

You grin. “Guess that means I win.”

“Bullshit,” he mutters, rolling you onto your back gently. “I got you. I win forever.”

You laugh, swatting his arm. “That’s not how bets work.”

He props himself up on one elbow, studying your face.

“Rules were made to be broken,” he says. “Isn’t that what you told me?”

Your breath catches. He remembers.

You nod, curling your hand around the back of his neck. “I’m glad I broke that one.”

He kisses you slowly and sure. When you settle back into the sheets, hoodie still half-pulled over your frame, his arms wrap around you like they were made to.

You don’t date cops

except the one who became home.

GROUPCHAT: 7TH PRECINCT

Tae :OKAY SO who do I send my Venmo to? Because someone owes me $50 for "official in under 6 months."

Jimin :Not you meta-commenting. Also, pls confirm: y’all DID do it right? Y’all looked sinful at morning briefing.

Hobi :Guys. HR. (But also 👀)

Jin :Let’s not forget I called it. Retroactive Prom King and Queen. You’re welcome.

Namjoon :Don’t go crazy at work, but I am pleased to see the two of you happy.

Yoongi :congrats on the sex.

JK :We can read this, you know.

Y/N :Yeah. And we’re still not telling you anything.

Tae :YOU OWE US A STORYYYYY 😭 C’MON GIVE US THE ORIGIN TALE

Jimin :At least tell us who made the first move.

JK :She did.

Y/N :Lies.

Jin :Both of you are under interrogation tomorrow morning. 

Jungkook throws his head back laughing, phone resting on his chest.

You lean against his side, scrolling through the thread with a smirk. “They’re never going to let us live this down.”

He nudges you with his shoulder. “Good. Means they’ll remember it.”

You meet his eyes.

“Partner?” he says.

“Always,” you answer.

Friday mornings at the precinct were usually groggy and slow. But today?

Jungkook strolled in like he’d just mainlined sunshine.

You followed behind him minutes later, hair loose and cheeks still faintly pink from the brisk walk in, coffee in one hand, phone in the other. You barely glanced up when you entered the bullpen, but you did smile the second Jungkook looked at you.

It was a tiny thing. Barely noticeable. But not to Taehyung.

“Oh my god,” he gasped from across the room, dropping the case file he was holding like he’d just witnessed a murder. “AH-HA!”

Jungkook startled so hard he nearly dropped his pen. “What?!”

Taehyung pointed at you both with wild eyes. “I knew it. I KNEW IT. Y’all are together.”

Jungkook blinked. “What are you talking about?”

“You were about to hold hands,” Taehyung said dramatically, like he was dropping a bombshell. “In public. At work. Like criminals.”

“We weren’t holding hands,” you said quickly, sipping your coffee with suspicious calm.

“But you almost were,” he accused.

“Nope,” you replied.

“Yes you were,” he insisted, lunging over to Yoongi. “Tell them.”

Yoongi didn’t look up from his coffee. “They’ve been kissing.”

Your head snapped toward him. “Excuse me?!”

“Your lips are too soft today,” he replied flatly. “It’s suspicious.”

“Yoongi,” you hissed.

“I’m just saying,” he shrugged. “Takes one to know one.”

“That doesn’t even—what?”

But it was too late. Taehyung was already circling the two of you like a shark.

“This changes everything,” he declared. “I need to reorganize the betting pool. Jimin owes me five bucks.”

Jungkook was grinning. A little smug. A little sheepish. And very much not denying anything.

Which didn’t help.

“Look,” you said, putting your coffee down and trying not to glance at the way Jungkook’s fingers had just brushed yours as he passed you a file. “We are not—”

“Dating?” Yoongi finished, raising an eyebrow.

You nodded.

“Okay,” he said, tone neutral.

“But we are going on a date tonight,” Jungkook added with a smile that made your stomach flip. “So maybe don’t speak too soon.”

Taehyung shrieked.

You groaned and slumped into your chair, heart hammering against your ribs even as Jungkook casually leaned over and whispered in your ear, “You look really cute when you lie to yourself.”

You swatted him with the file.

Yoongi sipped his coffee again. “You two are exhausting.”

“Good exhausting?” Jungkook asked.

“Like tequila at a wedding,” Yoongi replied. “You regret it the next day but somehow still love it.”

Jimin walked in five seconds later and immediately said, “What did I miss?”

“Your boyfriend finally cracked,” Yoongi told him, nodding at Jungkook.

Jimin looked between you and Jungkook, then slowly raised his hands to his face like a movie villain. “Yessssssss. My power grows.”

You and Jungkook shared a glance — amused, exasperated, and… okay, maybe a little too in sync for two people who weren’t “together.”

Despite the teasing and yelling earlier that morning, the precinct eventually settled into a typical Friday rhythm. Paperwork, light field reports, case debriefs, and lunch orders being argued over via a very passive-aggressive whiteboard list.

You were halfway through filling out an arrest report when Jin walked by and casually dropped, “So what are you gonna wear tonight?”

You looked up slowly. “Excuse me?”

“For your date,” he sing-songed, wiggling his brows. “With our favorite muscle man.”

You blinked at him. “How do you even know?”

“I’m a detective,” he said smugly. “I detect.”

Before you could respond, Jimin walked over from the desk beside you.

“I vote a black dress,” he said. “Jungkook nearly chokes when he sees you looking dark and mysterious, he told me himself.”

You threw your pen down. “This is ridiculous.”

“You haven’t even heard Yoongi’s input,” Jin added with a grin.

“Please don’t bring him into this.”

But Yoongi, sitting just within earshot, didn’t even look up as he muttered, “Wear the leather jacket. He likes when you look like you could arrest him.”

You stood up, hands on your hips. “Is this a precinct or an episode of The Bachelor?”

“That depends,” Taehyung called from the copy machine, “will there be a rose ceremony after the date?”

You groaned and marched toward the break room before someone else could make a comment. You needed caffeine, peace, and approximately five minutes without anyone trying to dress you like Jungkook’s paper doll.

You barely had time to pour your coffee before you felt a strong arm slide around your waist.

“Hi,” Jungkook murmured behind you, voice soft and boyish, the way it always got when he was happy.

You didn’t lean into him. You didn’t pull away either.

“Hi,” you said flatly, taking a sip.

He turned you gently to face him, grinning like he hadn’t just been in a two-hour meeting with Namjoon.

“Miss me?”

You raised an eyebrow. “Did you tell everyone in this building about our date?”

He blinked. “No? I told Jimin. And Yoongi. But just casually and you were there!”

You sighed and stepped back, placing your mug on the counter. “I’ve been ambushed by everyone from Jin to Yoongi about what I’m wearing tonight. I can’t even file a report without someone suggesting lipstick shades.”

Jungkook winced. “Okay, that’s fair. I’m sorry.”

He stepped forward again, hands reaching for your waist but more hesitant this time. “I didn’t think it would blow up like that. You’re right. The precinct is annoying. We should get to have something that’s just ours.”

Your gaze softened a little, even though you didn’t show it. You weren’t mad at him. Just overwhelmed. And maybe a little anxious about being seen as “that girl.”

“I just don’t want them to think I’m—”

“A badge bunny?” he supplied gently, reading your mind.

You frowned. “Basically.”

Jungkook shook his head, brushing a thumb across your wrist. “Anyone who knows you would never think that. You’re the best damn cop here.”

You didn’t respond at first, staring at him like you couldn’t believe how easy it was for him to say things like that. Things that meant so much to you.

His eyes searched yours, and then he ducked his head slightly, pressing a quick kiss to your temple, his voice low. “But seriously… if Yoongi picked out your outfit, I will be filing a restraining order.”

You laughed despite yourself, tension finally dissolving. “Okay, fine. You’re forgiven. But no more whispering about dresses to Jimin. Or anyone.”

“I solemnly swear,” he said, raising his hand like a scout.

You leaned against the counter and watched as he grabbed a water bottle from the fridge, still looking at you like he couldn’t believe you were real.

You weren’t ready to be his girlfriend, not out loud. But maybe… maybe you were ready to start letting people see what was there.

Maybe you were ready for tonight.

When you opened the door, Jungkook nearly dropped the bouquet.

“Holy sh—” he blinked rapidly, taking in the sight of you in that red dress — the one he’d offhandedly suggested with a joking “You should wear red, just so I can suffer.”

He was, in fact, suffering.

“Hi,” you said softly, a little shy despite the way he was looking at you like you were the sun and he’d just stepped out of a cave.

He held out the flowers, deep red and pale pink with little sprigs of baby’s breath, with a smile that didn’t even try to hide how smitten he was. “These aren’t as pretty as you, but they’ll do.”

You rolled your eyes, hiding your blush as you took them. “Chessy much?”

He grinned. “Only for you.”

You shook your head with a quiet laugh and turned to find a vase. When you came back, he was still at the door, holding it open for you like a total gentleman.

“Car’s ready, my lady.”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“Ridiculously lucky,” he said under his breath, holding out his hand.

You took it.

The drive was filled with soft music and softer smiles. He kept stealing glances at you at every red light, his fingers brushing over yours like he couldn’t stop reminding himself that you were really here. That you chose to be here.

“You look beautiful tonight,” he murmured as he parked. “Have I said that yet?”

“Four times.”

“Make it five then. You look beautiful.”

Inside the restaurant, a dim, ambient bistro with hanging lights and soft music, he kept at it. Pulling out your chair. Calling you sweetheart, baby, honey… like he’d waited years to say them without flinching.

You were floating.

Until halfway through the main course.

“…So my girlfriend here—” he began, reaching for his wine glass.

You blinked. “Your what?”

Jungkook froze, glass halfway to his mouth. “Uh. My girlfriend?” He chuckled awkwardly, setting it down. “You’re… you, right? You’re my,”

“We never said that,” you cut in, trying to laugh it off, but your voice sounded strained, even to you.

He tilted his head, confused. “What do you mean?”

“I mean—Jungkook, we never had the conversation. We’ve just been, I don’t know, doing things.”

He stared at you. “We’ve been seeing each other. Every day. Talking all night. Sleeping in the same bed. You know my coffee order. I have your toothpaste in my bathroom now.”

You lowered your eyes. “I just… I don’t want people thinking I’m some girl who fell for her partner. That I let a guy distract me. It makes me look—weak.”

His chair shifted. “Is that how you see this? Weak?”

“No!” you said quickly, panic rushing in. “I just, it matters what people think.”

He went quiet.

And then, quieter still: “More than what I feel?”

Your stomach dropped.

You opened your mouth. Closed it again. You didn’t know how to explain the swirl of fear and pride and logic and emotion tangling in your chest.

So you didn’t say anything at all.

The silence between you thickened like concrete as the waiter passed by with a refill. Jungkook leaned back, gaze flicking toward the window now instead of you. His hand slid from the table, no longer reaching for yours.

Dinner ended, technically. The meal was finished. But the night didn’t recover.

The ride back to your place was quiet.

When he pulled up to your curb, he didn’t ask to come up. He just sat, keys still in the ignition, hands at ten and two, like he was gripping the only steady thing left.

“I had a really good time tonight,” he said, finally, quietly.

“I did too,” you said, even though your chest felt hollow.

He nodded once. “I’ll see you Monday.”

You nodded, not trusting yourself to speak.

And then you stepped out into the night, leaving the car and whatever the hell this almost-thing was 

behind.

You hadn’t slept.

Not really. A few hours of tossing and turning before dawn, face sticky from dried tears and a pillow that still smelled faintly like him.

The worst part? The only person who could’ve made you feel better… was the one you’d hurt.

You had replayed the conversation a hundred times — every blink, every sigh, the way his face fell when you didn’t answer. When you didn’t fight for him.

And the worst part was: you knew why you said what you did. You meant it. You’d spent her whole career trying to prove you were serious. Respected. Tough enough to hold your own in a room full of egos and badges.

But somewhere along the way, in the mess of logic and fear and reputation… you’d trampled over the one thing that had made you feel soft again. Loved.

All weekend, you’d wanted to text him. To show up at his door. To say you were sorry and stupid and scared and still his.

But you hadn’t. Because this was your fault. And he deserved to have space to hate you a little if he wanted to.

Monday morning came cruelly, indifferent to your heartbreak. 

Your bun was messier than usual, mascara barely present, and you looked, if you were being honest, like the human version of “It’s fine, I’m fine.”

You slid into her usual seat at the conference table, arms folded tightly over your chest. Early, like always. Habit. Nerves.

You hadn’t even noticed you were holding your breath until the bullpen doors opened and into the briefing room,

Jungkook walked in.

Your heart lurched at the sight of him. Something in your stomach unclenched just knowing he was there, real, safe, whole.

He looked good, of course he did. But not in a showy way. His usual dark jeans, leather jacket, hair perfectly messy like he hadn’t even tried. The sight of him made you want to cry again.

You gave the tiniest, instinctual smile — the kind you give to the person you’re used to loving without thinking.

But he didn’t see it. Or he pretended not to.

He walked right past you without a word.

And then he sat.

In the back.

Next to Yoongi.

Not next to you.

The room didn’t miss it.

Taehyung blinked. Jin did a slow double-take. Jimin literally looked between the two of you like it was a tennis match. Even Namjoon paused with the morning file in his hands.

“…Okay,” Hoseok said slowly, breaking the silence. “Anyway. Let’s start.”

But your ears were ringing. And your throat was tight.

He hadn’t even looked at you.

And you were pretty sure that hurt more than anything he could have said.

Hoseok clapped his hands once as he took the front of the room. “Alright, team. Quick debrief before case assignments, but first — exciting news.”

Everyone looked up. Even Yoongi raised an eyebrow.

Hoseok grinned. “We’re throwing a precinct prom.”

Silence.

Namjoon didn’t even blink. “We can never just be a police precinct, can we?”

“Nope!” Hoseok beamed. “Listen, I saw the 12th Precinct do it last month, and apparently it boosted morale, camaraderie, and community presence. Plus, we haven’t had a real social event since the holiday party where Jimin got wine drunk and tried to do the worm.”

“That’s called team bonding,” Jimin said proudly.

“Morale has been low,” Jin added thoughtfully. “And I never got to be prom king in high school, so I support this.”

Taehyung perked up. “Wait, is it just us? Like the eight of us? That sounds depressing.”

“It’s not just us,” Hoseok said, already pulling out a color-coded flyer. “We’re inviting neighboring precincts, off-duty dispatchers, a few local fire departments…”

“I’ll go if there’s a chocolate fountain,” Yoongi muttered.

“There will be,” Hoseok said, deadly serious. “And a DJ. And slow dances. And I’m putting Jin in charge of the crown ceremony.”

“Oh I knew I was getting a tiara,” Jin whispered, smug.

But before anyone could ride the serotonin train for too long, Taehyung tilted his head dramatically between Jungkook and you — still seated apart, both stiff and silent.

“Soooo… not to be messy,” Taehyung said, swirling his pen, “but is anyone else clocking the full rom-com breakup tension in the room?”

Everyone was tense.

Jungkook stood up without a word.

And walked out.

Straight down the hall, out of sight.

You exhaled slowly through your nose, then stood too — calmer, but no less affected. You quietly excused yourself and walked out the opposite direction toward the restroom.

The silence left behind was deafening.

Yoongi sipped his coffee and leaned back. “Jesus.”

Jin leaned in. “Okay but like… did they break up?”

“Were they even together?” Jimin whispered.

“I swore I saw them sharing a protein bar on Friday,” Taehyung added.

“I saw them come in holding hands once,” Jin stage-whispered. “They let go fast but I saw.”

“Wait, that was real?” Jimin gasped.

Namjoon pinched the bridge of his nose.

“I’m gonna need noise-canceling headphones to survive the rest of the week,” he muttered.

Yoongi hummed thoughtfully. “They’re lovers in crisis.”

“Don’t say that like it’s poetic,” Jin hissed.

“I think I liked it better when they were just sexually frustrated,” Jimin said.

“Same,” Taehyung nodded. “At least then the tension had hope. Now it just smells like heartbreak.”

Yoongi raised his mug. “To pain.”

“Can we focus?” Namjoon barked. “People. Prom. Assignments.”

But no one was listening.

Because now everyone wanted to know what the hell was going on with you and Jeon Jungkook.

Jungkook wasn’t sure how long he’d been sitting on the bench next to the vending machine. It was the one by the back hallway, technically out of order, but he liked it because it was quiet. And because no one ever came back here.

Except, of course, for Kim Seokjin — human bloodhound for emotional instability.

“Found you,” Jin said, rounding the corner like he was entering a final boss battle. “I followed the trail of tragic silence and excessive cologne.”

Jungkook didn’t look up. He was slouched over, elbows on his knees, staring at the floor.

“She said she’s not my girlfriend.”

Jin blinked. “Okay, I’m gonna need more context.”

“She said it at our date,” Jungkook continued, voice low, almost dazed. “I took her on an actual date, not some bet bullshit. Told her she looked beautiful. Kissed her like I do every morning. We left in the same car. And then I said something dumb calling her, ‘My girlfriend,’ and she—she just blinked at me.”

He finally looked up at Jin, eyes red-rimmed. “Like it shocked her. Like I’d said something wrong.”

“Oh, Jungkook,” Jin said softly, already sitting beside him.

“I wasn’t trying to label her. I mean, I was, but like softly! I didn’t even say it at work or anything, it was just us. And she acted like it meant she was failing at something. Like liking me was some kind of weakness.”

Jin winced. “Yikes.”

“And I get it,” Jungkook said quickly. “She’s careful. She’s proud of what she does and doesn’t want anyone thinking she got here because of me or something stupid. But I didn’t expect her to be… embarrassed?”

“She’s not embarrassed of you,” Jin said gently.

“She didn’t even try to explain!” Jungkook’s voice cracked. “She just sat there like she couldn’t breathe. And I didn’t want to push, so I dropped it. I paid the bill and drove her home and didn’t say anything. I haven’t texted her, Jin. It’s been three days and I’ve never gone that long without talking to her.”

Jin watched him for a second. “You love her.”

Jungkook gave a pained laugh, looking away.

“I didn’t mean to. Not like this. I was fine before. I liked my life. I liked me. But then she showed up and made everything fun and beautiful and loud in the best way. She set six alarms and dragged me to taco trucks at midnight and left her earrings in my bathroom and none of it was on purpose but I just…”

He inhaled sharply.

“I want to be hers. Officially. I want to call her mine and not feel like I’m gonna ruin her whole career just because I’m proud to love her.”

Silence stretched between them for a beat.

Then Jin clapped him on the back, not hard, but firm.

“You’re a dumbass,” he said.

Jungkook gave a watery laugh. “I know.”

“But you’re a dumbass who’s trying. And she’s scared. That’s not your fault.”

“I just want her to choose me.”

“She did,” Jin said. “Every morning she lets you in. Every night she lets you stay. You just caught her at a bad moment.”

Jungkook exhaled through his nose. “I don’t want to let her go.”

“Then don’t,” Jin shrugged. “But don’t wallow here, either. You’re not a tragic poet. You’re Jeon Jungkook, love-sick cop with too many biceps. Go work on your case. Let her breathe. She’ll come back.”

Jungkook looked at him. “You really think so?”

Jin smiled. “Bro. She saw you in those tactical goggles and still wants to hang out with you. She’s yours. She’s just figuring it out.”

And for the first time all weekend, Jungkook let himself believe it.

You stare at yourself in the mirror, fists pressed against the edge of the sink, eyes rimmed red and glassy.

God, you look like a mess.

Your mascara’s smudged. Your nose is pink. And your chest is tight like your ribs forgot how to expand. You take a shaky breath, but it catches halfway up your throat. That tight, awful burn of unshed tears claws behind your eyes again. You blink fast. Swallow hard.

You promised yourself you wouldn’t cry at work.

But the truth is… you haven’t stopped since Friday night.

Because it’s not just the fight. It’s not even the label. It’s the fact that you miss him. And he looked at you like you broke something inside of him.

Stupid. You were so stupid.

You grip the sink tighter. The cold porcelain digs into your skin, grounding you.

“Get it together,” you whisper to yourself. “You’re a detective. Not a damn teenage girl.”

You’ve worked too hard for this. You’ve built a reputation of being sharp, unshakeable, steady. You cannot fall apart over a boy. Not even one who makes you coffee and kisses your neck and tells you he wanted to make room for you in his life.

You shut your eyes. Exhale.

Then you force yourself upright, reach into your pocket for a tissue, and dab the worst of the smudge away. You don’t look perfect but you look like you can breathe again.

You straighten your shoulders.

You’re fine.

But when you open the bathroom door, Jimin’s standing there waiting.

You blink at him. “Were you-”

“Posted up like a concerned parent,” he says quickly, shrugging one shoulder. “Just checking on you.”

You hesitate. “I’m fine.”

He frowns, not buying it for a second. “Look, I’m sorry about Tae earlier. He’s a lovable idiot, but still an idiot.”

You nod. “It’s okay. I just… needed a minute.”

Jimin softens. “I know I joke a lot. Tease you and Jungkook all the time, it’s like half my personality at this point. But I want you to know I actually care. About both of you.”

That nearly cracks you again. You manage a small nod, eyes glancing down at your shoes.

“I like him,” you say quietly. “I really, really like him.”

“I know,” Jimin says, voice gentle.

You look up, startled.

He smiles. “We all know. And he does too. Trust me, he’s been insufferable about it.”

You huff a breath, half-laugh, half-sob. “I don’t know what I’m doing, Jimin. I just… I don’t want to ruin anything. I don’t want to look weak.”

Jimin steps forward, resting a hand lightly on your arm.

“Liking someone who makes you better isn’t weak,” he says. “It’s brave.”

You nod, biting your lip, heart swelling with gratitude.

“Come on,” he says, nodding back toward the bullpen. “Let’s go act like nothing’s wrong while everyone definitely suspects everything is.”

You smile faintly. “Business as usual, huh?”

“Exactly. And hey you look good, even when you cry.”

You roll your eyes, and he grins.

You and Jimin step into the bullpen, and it’s like all the oxygen leaves the room.

Yoongi glances up from his paperwork, blinking slowly like he can smell the drama. Taehyung’s perched on the edge of a desk like a middle schooler in detention, waiting for someone to crack. Jin’s pretending to be very invested in whatever’s on his monitor except it’s upside down.

And Jungkook?

He doesn’t even look up.

Your stomach does an annoying little twist.

He’s sitting at his usual desk, lips pressed tight, eyes on a folder he’s not really reading. You can tell. His thumb’s been brushing the same corner of the page for a full minute.

You almost don’t take your seat. It feels weird sitting so near him but so far away. But you do. And you pretend not to notice the way his leg bounces under the desk.

The room is dead silent.

Until Hoseok bursts in.

“Okay, so I’ve finalized a theme, and—why is the vibe in here so... tension-y?” His smile falters as he looks around at everyone staring at their desks like their lives depend on it. “What is going on?”

No one answers. Yoongi sips his coffee and raises a brow.

“Did someone die?” Hoseok asks. “Did I miss a group text?”

“No one died,” Jin mutters. “But love might’ve.”

You want to crawl under the floor.

Taehyung raises his hand like he’s in school. “Is the prom still happening, or…?”

“Yes!” Hoseok claps his hands together like a preschool teacher trying to refocus the class. “Prom is still on, thank you, Taehyung. We will not let emotional turmoil ruin themed events. Not on my watch.”

Namjoon pokes his head out of his office. “What emotional turmoil?”

Hoseok waves him off. “Nothing! Everything’s fine!”

You glance sideways at Jungkook, and for a fraction of a second, his eyes flick to yours. It’s enough to make your breath hitch, but then he looks away again, jaw clenched.

You hate this. This weird silence. This fake normal. It’s like everyone knows something went wrong, but no one’s allowed to mention it directly. Like a minefield of feelings.

“Anyway,” Hoseok continues, clearly trying to distract, “the theme is: One Night Only. Which is cheesy but also accurate. So dust off your formal wear and prepare for snacks, music, and Jin’s unsolicited prom king campaign.”

“I already made buttons,” Jin says seriously.

You almost smile. Almost.

But your heart’s still heavy, and your hands feel cold, and Jungkook still won’t look at you.

And all you can think is: I miss you.

You find him in the hallway outside the evidence locker, alone for once.

He’s fiddling with the vending machine like it personally wronged him. You watch as he hits the Cheetos button three times with unnecessary force before sighing and just leaning his forehead against the glass.

It’s pathetic. You love him.

You step forward before you can talk yourself out of it.

“Hey.”

He doesn’t turn around. “Hey.”

You wait, hope bubbling stupidly in your throat. He doesn’t look at you, just straightens up and grabs the chips when they finally fall with a thud.

“I-I just wanted to say I’m sorry,” you begin, voice gentle, quiet, breaking around the edges. “I didn’t mean to make you feel like what we have isn’t real. I just… panicked. And I said things I didn’t mean and,”

“Don’t.” He says it sharp, clipped. Finally turns to face you, but his eyes don’t soften. “You said what you meant.”

Your stomach twists. “That’s not fair.”

He shrugs, tearing the bag open like it’s your heart.

“You made it pretty clear. You’re not my girlfriend. I got it.”

“Jungkook-”

“I just needed to hear you say it, I guess.” He shakes his head, not angry, just… tired. “So thanks for the clarity.”

Your breath catches in your throat. The hallway feels smaller than usual.

“I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

He finally looks at you.

And it’s the worst part.

Because his expression is unreadable. Because you’ve seen every version of Jungkook, flirty, smug, giddy, loving but this one is blank. Careful.

“You didn’t hurt me,” he says, too evenly. “You just helped me understand what this was.”

You want to scream. You want to throw yourself at him and say no, no, that’s not what I meant. But the words get caught somewhere in your chest, tangled up in fear and guilt and the leftover ache from watching him smile at you like you were everything.

Now he just walks past you.

And you stand there, jaw clenched, staring at the floor.

This is what it feels like to lose him in slow motion.

You spend the entire day thinking about how stupid it was to say what you said. How it came out all wrong. You didn’t sleep the night after the date. You cried into your pillow like a teenager with a crush and no happy ending. You wanted to text him—desperately—but what could you say?

Everyday after that Monday followed a similar pattern, but it was getting harder and harder for you to pretend like you didn’t want to be with Jungkook.

You stare at him across the bullpen. He doesn’t even glance at you.

You bring him a coffee during break like you used to. Set it beside his desk with a quiet, “Hey.” He gives a nod. Doesn’t even say thanks. It stings.

Jin passes by you a few minutes later and mumbles, “He drank the whole thing though. That has to mean something.”

You’d hold onto the little things your other coworkers would say. The vibe in the precinct had definitely taken a hit. Everyone trying to lessen Jungkook's and your pain.

You’re grabbing files when Taehyung shows up beside you. “He’s not mad,” he says quietly on Tuesday. “He’s hurt.”

You don’t reply. You just hand him the folder and walk off.

Jungkook doesn’t say a word to you.

That night, you stay late just to finish case notes alone. You’re afraid if you go home, you’ll start crying again. Hoseok sees you and says gently, “You know, healing isn’t just about forgiveness. It’s about being brave enough to make things right too.”

You nod, swallowing down the lump in your throat. You’ve never felt this small in your entire life.

But on Wednesday you try again. You leave a file on his desk, purposefully choosing one he needs, placing a post-it note with a little smiley face. Nothing too much. Just familiar. Safe.

Jungkook takes the file and closes it silently. Doesn’t even look your way.

Jimin watches this from across the bullpen and comes to you later. “He listens to Love Songs That Hurt playlists every night. I know because he made me listen to one called ‘Heartbroken in Handcuffs.’”

You give a weak laugh. “I messed up.”

“You were scared,” Jimin shrugs. “You’re only human.”

Finally by Thursday he spoke to you but part of you wishes he hadn’t.

The fluorescent lights in the evidence room buzz overhead, matching the static in your chest. You shuffle files across the table, pretending you’re focused, even though the only thing you’re really doing is stealing glances at Jungkook from across the room.

“Remember the time we found Yoongi asleep in here?” you offer lightly, forcing a chuckle. “I think he claimed he was meditating.”

Jungkook doesn’t even crack a smile. Doesn’t even look up.

You try again. “And then remember when you—”

“Maybe we just shouldn’t talk,” he says, cold and clipped.

You freeze. “Seriously?” you breathe, lips parting. “That’s how we’re doing this now?”

He stays silent, and something in you snaps.

“I’m not the only one who messed this up,” you mutter, arms crossed tightly.

That gets his attention. His eyes snap to yours, wounded and sharp. “What did I do wrong?”

“There’s not always a right or wrong, Jungkook,” you argue, voice rising, “but come on. If this didn’t work out, I’d be the one who lost everything.”

“That’s not true.”

“It is,” you insist, stepping forward. “You have seniority. People respect you. But me? I’d be the girl who fell for her partner and made it messy.”

He stares at you, chest rising and falling. “Who the hell goes into something already planning how it’s going to end?”

“I do!” you shout. “I have to! People have been whispering about us since day one, and maybe that doesn’t matter to you, maybe no one here cares, but other precincts, higher ups? I’d be the one labeled unprofessional. Emotional. A liability.”

Jungkook presses his lips together. Says nothing.

You soften, stepping even closer. “I’m sorry,” you whisper, voice cracking. “I know I messed up. I just,” You choke. “I can’t stand not talking to you.”

His voice is strained when he finally answers, “It’s hard on me too.”

“You chose not to talk to me.”

He scoffs under his breath, like the words physically hit him. “Are you serious right now?”

His tone sharpens, frustration bubbling up like a geyser.

“What do you want me to do, Y/n?” he bursts out. “Ignore how I feel about you? Go back to pretending I’m okay with breadcrumbs when I’m starving for you?”

Your heart stumbles.

“I meant everything I said to you,” he goes on, chest heaving. “I let you in. I showed you sides of me no one’s ever seen. I don’t take relationships seriously, but I take you seriously. And now? I can’t even look at you without feeling like I’m about to break.”

You whisper his name, “Jungkook—”

But he cuts you off, louder now, hurt tearing through every word.

“No! Do you know how awful it is to feel like you’re never going to be enough for someone?” His voice cracks. “I get it. I’ll never understand what it’s like to be you, to be a female cop. I know that. But that doesn’t mean I don’t get to feel, doesn’t mean I don’t get to be angry and heartbroken and so fucking tired of this.”

You blink through tears, voice trembling. “What do you want me to do?”

He stares at you for a long moment, and when he speaks, it’s barely above a whisper. But it hits harder than anything else.

“If you ever cared about me… but don’t want to be with me… then leave me alone.”

You don’t chase him this time. You can’t.

You just stand there, in the middle of dusty files and fluorescent lights, crying into your hands like a rookie again.

It doesn’t even startle you when you feel arms wrap around your shoulders, already knowing who it is the second you’re pulled gently into the embrace.

Yoongi doesn’t say anything at first. Just stands there, holding you close, letting your body shake in his arms while your tears soak into the sleeve of his shirt. His touch is steady, grounding.

“I’m sorry,” you whisper, unsure if it’s to him or to yourself.

Yoongi just sighs softly. “You’re smart. You’re tough. You’re good at your job,” he says, pulling back to look you in the eyes. “But you’re being stupid.”

You blink up at him, raw and defenseless.

“I’ve seen it all,” he adds. “Since the beginning. Since you called him cute when you thought no one was listening. Since you sat here giggling about your matching bracelets after that stupid bet-date. You act like no one noticed—but we did.”

Your heart twists painfully in your chest.

“I saw the way he looked at you when you didn’t know he was watching,” Yoongi goes on, voice calm but steady. “I saw the way you looked at him when he wasn’t. You two have been circling each other like idiots for months. Hell, he glows when you’re in the room.”

He gives a small, crooked smile. “It’s gross, honestly. But also kind of sweet.”

You sniffle, managing the tiniest laugh through the ache.

“You’re scared,” he says. “I get it. But you can’t let fear stop you from going after what you want. Not when it’s this real.”

You press your lips together, feeling the weight of his words.

“You two are already in it,” he finishes, squeezing your shoulder. “Might as well say it out loud.”

You swallow hard, throat still tight. “What if I already messed it up?”

Yoongi shrugs. “Then fix it. You’re a cop, not a coward.”

You laugh again, a little more real this time, even through the tears.

“Thanks, Yoongi.”

He starts walking away, calling over his shoulder with a dry tone, “I’m too old for this.”

You didn’t pick the black dress just because it was sleek and made you feel like you might actually survive this night without crumbling.

You picked it because Jimin said Jungkook liked you in black.

Your heels click against the floor of the decorated common room, a budget prom miracle of fairy lights, mismatched streamers, and Jin’s glitter-cursed DIY photo booth.

Everyone's dressed just a little nicer than usual, drinks in hand, music playing low under the buzz of chatter. Hoseok’s beaming like a proud pageant mom, flitting around in a sequin blazer, and Jin is already holding a clipboard, muttering something about ballots for King and Queen.

You smile at them all. It feels easy. Until it doesn’t.

Because the one person you’re here for hasn’t shown up yet.

“You look amazing, by the way,” Taehyung says, walking by with two cupcakes and a knowing look. “If he doesn’t say it, I will.”

“Say what?” you ask, even though you know.

“That he’s an idiot. But also, that he’s obsessed with you.”

You shake your head with a laugh and keep scanning the crowd.

Namjoon finds you before you spot Jungkook, dressed in his usual pressed slacks and a relaxed blazer, a paper plate of chips in hand like the captain of vibes that he is.

“So… dating in the workplace?” you ask casually.

“Can’t say I didn’t see this coming.” he answers, biting back a smile.

Your stomach flips. “Gonna reprimand me?”

He hums thoughtfully. “I might print out some HR paperwork to be safe. But other than that? No.”

You glance down, tucking a piece of hair behind your ear. “I was scared. He was brave first. I owe it to him to try now.”

Namjoon nods, sincere. “You two are good together. Doesn’t take a precinct full of detectives to see that.”

Before you can respond, a hush of recognition settles over the room—and then you see him.

Jungkook.

All black from head to toe, tailored jacket, silver chain peeking out, hair tousled just enough to be intentional. He looks like sin dressed in heartbreak. His hands are stuffed into his pockets and he’s scanning the room like he’d rather be anywhere else. The moment his eyes land on you, he stops.

But then someone calls his name—Hoseok, maybe—and he breaks the contact.

It takes the whole damn party for you to get close to him.

He avoids you like you’re a cold case. Slipping past conversations. Smiling politely. Never looking directly at you. Like if he stares too long he’ll break again.

You’re done.

You follow him toward the hallway, slipping out of the main room, and when you finally corner him, he turns around sharply.

“I’m leaving,” he mutters, voice low and guarded.

“The hell you are.”

“How’re you gonna stop me?” he asks, frustrated.

You open your purse and pull out your cuffs. Let them dangle in front of him. “Try me, Jeon. I will handcuff you to a filing cabinet if I have to.”

Despite himself, his brow twitches in amusement. “You would.”

“I absolutely would.”

You take a breath. “But I’d rather just talk. Please.”

He doesn’t move. Doesn’t look at you yet.

So you step closer, voice softer.

“Jungkook, I’m sorry for being so difficult. I like you, I’ve known that for so long but I kept making excuses because I was scared.” You take a deep breath looking at him as he stares at his shoes.

“I want this. And I don’t care who knows. I’ll be your partner, your girlfriend, your damn precinct prom date, whatever the hell you wanna call me. I just know that I want to be with you.”

He finally looks up.

And god, he looks wrecked.

But hopeful.

“You mean that?” he asks, barely above a whisper.

You nod. “I mean it.”

In one smooth motion, Jungkook closes the distance, pulling you into a kiss so slow and full of relief it knocks the air from your lungs.

It’s not desperate like the others.

It’s not about needing to prove anything.

It’s soft. It's real.

The second you pull back, the squad cheers from the hallway behind you. You turn around to see Hoseok tearing up, Jimin holding out a fake bouquet, and Jin shouting, “AND THAT’S OUR PROM KING AND QUEEN, EVERYONE.”

Jungkook just laughs, forehead against yours. “I guess we’re official now.”

You grin. “We’re annoyingly out loud.”

The cheering dies down eventually. Hoseok wipes his eyes dramatically. Taehyung mutters something about losing a bet. Jin yells “CORONATION!” and waves a plastic crown in the air.

But you barely hear any of it. Not with Jungkook’s arms around you.

Not when his forehead is still pressed to yours, both of you slightly breathless, blinking in the weight of what just happened.

You smile. “Told you I’d make a scene.”

Jungkook chuckles softly. “You always do.”

Then the music shifts, something slow, something hazy and nostalgic , and he pulls back just enough to look at you. His eyes scan your face like he’s memorizing it, thumb brushing over your cheek.

“Dance with me?”

You don’t say yes. You just step into him.

His hands find your waist as yours loop behind his neck. You sway together, slow and gentle in the glowing hallway of a fake prom thrown by real people who care too much. He rests his chin against your temple for a moment, the weight of him grounding you. You inhale. He smells like soap and cologne.

It’s peaceful.

It’s warm.

It’s everything.

And then he speaks, voice quiet and reverent like a confession in a church.

“I didn’t think you’d come.”

You pull back just enough to look at him, your brows pinching. “I didn’t think you’d want me to.”

He shakes his head, jaw tense. “I always want you. Even when I tell you to leave me alone.”

Your heart lurches.

“I was so scared,” you whisper, the words heavy with truth. “Not of you. Just… of how real this got. Of how much I need you. I’ve worked so hard to prove I can do this job, that I belong here. I didn’t want anyone to think I was just-”

“A weak girl,” he finishes gently, without judgment.

You nod.

Jungkook’s hands squeeze your waist. “You’re the best detective I know. You’re smart and brave and relentless. If anyone thinks less of you because you care about me? That’s on them. But you… you never have to prove anything to me.”

Your eyes sting.

“You made me feel like I was yours,” he adds, softer now. “And then suddenly I wasn’t.”

“I know,” you say, voice shaking. “And I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to push you away. I just didn't know how to be brave and scared at the same time.”

His eyes soften. “Then let’s be both. Together.”

You stare at him for a second. Then nod, just once.

His lips find your forehead. Your cheek. And then your lips again, gentle and sure.

In the corner of your eye, you see the squad watching from the hallway entrance.

But you don’t care.

Because you’re dancing.

You’re in his arms.

To Jungkook you were practically perfect. You were extremely intelligent, capable, determined, beautiful, and courageous. All of the characteristics that made up his ideal woman. The only thing that Jungkook would consider your worst trait… the way you set 5 alarms and ignored 4 of them until the last one at 7:30am.

There was the 6:30am, followed by the 6:50am, 7:05am, and his personal favorite the 7:08am. Because why the hell not would you have an alarm ring three minutes after you ignored the last one.

For the last two months every morning that he spent in your bed, he would suffer through the blaring of the alarms until it was finally 7:30am and you would wake up.

He tried to just turn them off but you very grumpily explained that you liked to gradually wake up. You needed to hear the alarm and know you could go back to sleep for even three minutes if you wanted to. It made zero sense to Jungkook but he figured if that was the only habit of yours that irked him then he could do this for the rest of his life. 

This morning it was the 6:50am alarm that woke you up as you stretched in his arms. Usually Jungkook woke up at the first alarm, so he would get to lay in bed, enjoying cuddling you, while the horrendous ringer played in the background,

As he felt you stir awake, you reached to turn off the alarm. Jungkook mentally doing a backflip. 

He pulls you closer to his chest as you put your phone down on the nightstand again. “Good morning” he says, voice still raspy from sleep which was your favorite flavor of Jungkook to hear.

“Morning handsome” you reply, hands coming to hold his arms over your waist.

He snuggles into your neck, leaving a kiss there and grinning against your skin. “Mmm, you smell like sleep and sugar.”

“Sugar?”

“Yeah,” he hums, tightening his grip, “Sweet. And impossible to let go of.”

You giggle, still not fully awake but loving the way his voice wraps around you like a second blanket.

“We have to get up,” you mumble, though you make no effort to move.

“Five more minutes of cuddles” he groans, but you hear the pout in his voice.

“You said that yesterday.” you sigh turning to face him laughing slightly as you see him glare at the loss of your body pressed against his.

“And we were only late by… ten minutes.”

“Twenty.”

“…Tomato, tomato.”

Eventually, you untangle yourself from his arms with a dramatic sigh and roll out of bed. 

Jungkook groans like you’ve just broken his heart. “Where are you going?”

“To brush my teeth, you menace.”

“Hey! Rude,” he calls after you. “This menace rubbed your feet during Love Island. I deserve kisses!”

“I deserve five more minutes without your morning breath. C’mon grumpy baby.” You nod your head as he stands to join you in the bathroom.

The two of you move with an almost practiced ease. You grab his toothbrush, putting toothpaste on it before handing it and repeating the same to yours. Brushing your teeth in tandem, he rinses first, grabbing the hand towel to pat your mouth dry before giving your first ‘clean kiss’ of the day as you liked to call them.

He heads to the kitchen when you decide to shower, wanting to get a head start on breakfast after changing for work, more of his clothes magically taking up space in a drawer that so happened to be empty waiting for him to fill it up.

When you walk out of your room in your robe, finding him standing at the stove, already making coffee and scrambling eggs like he lives here. Which, well… he kinda does.

You slip behind him, wrapping your arms around his waist and resting your cheek between his shoulder blades.

“Hi again,” you murmur.

He turns just enough to kiss your forehead. “Hi, my sleepy angel.”

“That’s a new one.” you laugh lightly at the pet name.

“I’m workshopping it.”

You watch him plate breakfast like it’s a high-end brunch — one egg each, toast, fruit, and exactly three strawberries on yours, the way you like it. “You spoil me.”

“You let me.” he smirks, placing your plates down and grabbing the coffee mugs.

“You’d still do it if I didn’t.”

“Correct.”

You both eat at the counter, trading bites of fruit and soft “mmmm” noises. He keeps brushing crumbs from your lips with his thumb, and you keep catching his hand and kissing his fingers.

At one point, he checks the time and stands. “Okay, Detective Sweet Cheeks. Go change. We’re still on the clock.”

You arch a brow. “Sweet Cheeks?”

“You wore those silk shorts last night,” he says matter-of-factly, “and the nickname felt spiritually accurate.”

You lightly smack his arm, laughing, but you still press a kiss to his cheek before heading to your room.

As you change, Jungkook straightens the living room a bit, grabs his badge, then flops dramatically onto the couch when you walk back out in your work outfit.

He whistles. “Damn. My girlfriend’s hotter than everyone else at the precinct.”

You pause. “Girlfriend?”

He freezes for half a second, then recovers with a cocky grin. “Detective Partner-With-Benefits-Who-Also-Wears-My-Hoodies-And-Kisses-Me-On-The-Mouth,” he clarifies.

You toss a pillow at him. “Dork.”

“Your dork.”

You both laugh, tension averted… for now.

He slings an arm around your shoulders as you grab your bags, and the two of you head out the door together—early this time.

By one whole minute.