Xliii. Unfinished Business

xxii. you and me and awkward silence

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CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO ─ you and me and awkward silence.

❛ don't you notice how i get quiet when there's no one else around? ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"Why are you all standing like that?" Taesung asked his friends who stood on the other side of the safety door of his house.

Taesung's birthday had arrived at last, and his friends' plan of throwing him a surprise party had fallen into place. Yumi stood at the front- against her will, for Inhyuk had pushed her ahead while everyone fumbled. The Eclipse members and Sunjae held balloons in their hands, and Yumi held the box containing the cake and a small paper bag.

All she could do was stare at his face as he repeated his question impatiently. Realising Yumi wasn't responding, Inhyuk jumped in and exclaimed, "Happy birthday! Did you think we'd forget?!"

A slow smile appeared on Taesung's face as he chuckled in disbelief. His hand reached for the doorknob, which he pushed open. The party was not a large one- the members of Eclipse, Sunjae and Yumi, but it was a meaningful one. They entered his house one by one, as Taesung stepped aside to make way. While everyone else dispersed, putting up the balloons, Yumi stood frozen before him, staring blankly, "Happy birthday," she uttered quietly.

Taesung stood motionless for a brief moment, admiring the girl in front of him. Her voice sounded like music in his ears. His eyes remained fixed on her, unable to pull away. She was dressed in a baby blue dress that hovered above her knees. The dress was sleeveless, drawing attention to her graceful arms, and it boasted a sweetheart neckline that framed her collarbone beautifully.

"Thanks," he smiled, "I'm glad you're here, piano girl."

There it was again. That nickname. Yumi thought to herself, clearing her throat. It took all the willpower in her not to misinterpret his words. What did he really mean? Plus it was really hard to focus with him standing right in front of her. She couldn't bring herself to look away from him. He was dressed in a simple monochromatic outfit- black jeans and a plain white t-shirt, and it was evident that he wasn't expecting company. Yet, there she was, staring. She moved past him, placing the cake on the coffee table in front of the couch.

"Is that for me?" he snapped her out of her thoughts, gesturing to the bag dangling from her wrist. 

"Huh?" she blurted out, "Oh, right! I got you a little something."

"What is it?" he asked as he peeked into the bag after she handed it to him. 

"Look at it later!" she spoke more urgently than she intended to. Taesung's face twisted into a confused frown, setting the bag aside for time being. His suspicion was evident through his expression, and Yumi realized that she had pretty much shot herself in the foot. A blush surfaced on her face from embarassment as she moved to where everyone else was standing.

Why am I even here? She wondered. She barely knew these people. Yet a part of her wanted to be there for him. How heartbreaking was it that his parents couldn't be there for their only son's birthday? Yumi wondered if what she felt for him was pity or something more? Yumi pushed the thought away, refusing to explore it further. It was too terrifying, too soon. She prayed she'd never have to confront those feelings.

Choi Yumi's Perspective

It was as if  I had zoned out for the entire duration of the party. I think this was my fatal flaw. I spent to much time thinking. I never took action. I just sat and thought. And thought. And thought some more until even I was afraid of my thoughts. Before I knew it, everyone had left, leaving me alone with Taesung. The thought made me want to dig a hole in the ground and bury my head in it. I told myself that since I was the only one there, I should help clean up the mess. Yet, in the back of my mind, I knew that every moment spent with him was special.

"You don't have to stay," he remarked, breaking the awkward silence that previously filled the room, "It's getting late."

"Are you kicking me out?" I asked with a hint of hostility in my voice, "I want to help."

"Who am I to argue with you?" asked to no one in particular.

We worked in silence, neither of us knowing how to start another conversation. I realised what a horrifying thing it was to be alone with my thoughts- especially with him around. Why was I behaving like this? It's not like I'm a teenage girl- I mean, I am, but I'm not at the same time. Half of me wished I could go back to my time and everything would be normal. I would be working at a miserable law firm, just like I studied for; But there was another part of me that kept stealing glances at Taesung as we picked up the trash from the wooden floors. 

What the hell is wrong with me?!

After we finished picking up the confetti and remains of the balloons (that had been popped by our small yet lively party), we stood in the living room, which had now become devoid of any evidence that it was full of liveliness a while ago.  My gaze wandered around the room and I stood completely still as if my feet were rooted to the ground. My eyes finally fixed on the green guitar placed against the wall. It was as if I was hypnotized by it as I took an unconscious step towards it.

"Do you like it?" he asked, as I tore my eyes away.

"What?"

"Do you like the guitar?" he repeated himself, the corners of his lips tugging at a smile. 

"Ummm," I stuttered, "I... I guess so? It's a nice guitar."

"Do you play?"

"No."

"Do you want to?"

I suddenly found myself unable to answer his seemingly simple question. I froze there, my stubborn voice refusing to speak. The truth is, that I felt drawn to the guitar. It was something new and exciting. I took another look at it; It was as if it had been calling my name this whole time.

"I can teach you if you like," he offered, and I thought he might have observed the manner in which I was staring at his guitar.

"Right now?" I said with too much enthusiasm. I bit my lip- was it too much?

"I mean, if you really want to," he stammered out, taken aback by my sudden display of eagerness.

I glanced at the clock, "It's already 9 o' clock," I observed.

"You're right. I should let you go home," he realized, "We can meet after music club practice tomorrow. If that's okay with you?"

"But it closes at 5," I frowned, "Where will we go?"

He thought about it for a brief moment, "How 'bout you come here?" I felt heat rise up my cheeks, "Here?" I asked, trying to figure out if I misheard him.

"My dad is usually not at home, so we won't have any disturbance," he explained.

"Sure," I agreed, trying my best to sound nonchalant.

It was almost as if I was breathless. What do I call this feeling?

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nana's notes: the tension between yumi and the guitar-

delphi's notes: something is brewing...

next chapter: friday (out now!) list of chapters here!

pretty bitches love me, and ugly hoes hate me !!

xxix. blackout

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CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE ─ blackout.

❛ life is emotionally abusive and time can't stop me quite like you did ❜

Choi Yumi's Perspective

My eyes scanned my surroundings. White walls, busy chattering, phones ringing everywhere and a sense of urgency and busyness in the air. A police station. I looked down at myself. I was back in my formal attire- trousers, white shirt, blazer, that kind of stuff. Although I may have looked normal on the outside, I felt weird. I had never felt this way since my first day of work, and I could scarcely describe the feeling. Everything seemed new, and foreign, even though it was the same work I had done for most of my adult life. Maybe it was nostalgia because of the strange ache and longing in my heart.

Being a lawyer wasn't something I enjoyed. In fact, the last thing I enjoyed... I don't even want to think about it. I would feel a rush of adrenaline after winning a case, then the sense of emptiness would soon return to engulf me. It was an endless cycle that I was stuck in. 

There are certain cases that I receive that require me to go to the police station. This was one of them. I fiddled my thumbs anxiously- as if it was my first day on the job. I felt like an idiot; Which usually means something out of the ordinary was about to happen, so I braced myself accordingly. I had previously met the police when they came to my law firm, but today I had to meet a detective because it was a case of murder.

All of a sudden, an extremely familiar fragrance hit my nose. It came so unexpectedly that I nearly convinced myself that I was imagining it; but the reality was so evident. Slightly woody notes, like sun-warmed cedarwood and a sudden freshness, as if I was standing on a beach at dawn. The air around me was left fresh and alive and the scent was intoxicating and my mind wandered back to the first time I smelled it. It was almost as if I was back in high school, standing in the perfume shop, carefully picking out the perfect present.

I stood up, and taking a second to steady myself, I turned around rapidly to find myself face to face with a face even more familiar than the fragrance. I was met with those same beady cat eyes, but they seemed to have lost their spark. Kim Taesung. A voice in my head whispered his name, trying to grasp the reality in front of me. His disheveled hair had become tamer, and his bright and colorful apparel was replaced with hues of grey and black with a splash of olive green. He looked dull and dejected, and the glint of mischief had disappeared from his eyes. I had recognized him instantly, because his face had been imprinted in my mind. The rapid beating of my heart sounded in my ears, just like it had fifteen years ago. Yet, he looked like a completely different person. It was like someone had switched off the lights inside him.

"Choi Yumi?" he said it like a question mark, his eyebrows raised slightly.

"Do you two know each other?" the police officer behind him asked, confused. For a moment, his words his words faded away and I stood entranced before Kim Taesung, staring blankly. I felt the same I had the first time I saw him. But now, there was a rift between us that was too evident. He seemed so far away even though he was right in front of me. Something that was once new, fresh and full of hope had withered like flowers during the winter. 

"It's been a while," I said, snapping out of my trance, my lips curling upwards ever so slightly. My hand reached up subconsciously to rub the back of my neck.

He simply nodded, shifting his gaze at the ground and his effort to keep it professional was evident, and I would have laughed if I could, but I kept my lips zipped shut when the sound disappeared on the tip of my tongue.

The police officer who I had previously met (who's name I had already forgotten) looked at me curiously, probably hoping I could answer his earlier question.

"We went to the same high school," I told him curtly, plastering a fake smile and turning to look at Taesung, but never meeting his gaze. My eyes glazed over the badge on his jacket. Violent Crimes Division. It felt surreal that he had become a detective- just like his dad. 

Then, suddenly, our eyes met, and time seemed to freeze that exact moment. They're so dull. I thought to myself. I couldn't get over how depressed his eyes looked, like the spark had disappeared. They looked like they were crying out for help. It pained me to look at him that way, and a small part of me pointed an accusing finger at me. Was it my fault? Another voice in my head said that it was unfair. And that he didn't deserve to feel sad. I watched as his eyes shifted to the scar on my face, then shifted back to my eyes, as if he couldn't bear to look at my eyes. The look of pity on his face made me want to cry and scream.

I tore my eyes away, looking at the other police officer. I stole a quick glance at his badge, then said with my best professional smile, "Shall we begin?"

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nana's notes: not yumi forgetting the other police officer's name 😭✋

delphi's notes: and this kids is why adulthood fucking suuuucks.(this pair of adults are not the best example though)

next chapter: saturday (out now!) list of chapters here!

(つ﹏<。) . . . everybody said "don't rush into things," then you flashed your green eyes at me ﹢ヾ𓈒⁀➷

the fanart is by gus__pa on instagram! i found it on pinterest, so dm me if you want it removed!

I WANT RANPOE TO ADOPT ME THEY ARE ADORABLE

xiii. pieces of my shattered heart

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CHAPTER THIRTEEN ─ pieces of my shattered heart.

❛ even in my worst times, you saw the best in me ❜

Narrator's Perspective

Taesung found himself lingering around the music club after the rest of his bandmates had left. He tried his best to explain to himself why he was waiting there. He had nothing to do after going home anyway. May as well hang around there for a while; But at the back of his mind, he knew he was waiting in hopes of seeing her.

As if she was listening to his thoughts, Yumi emerged from her usual practice room. Trying to act nonchalant, he pretended to look around.

"You're still here?" she asked. He turned to look at her, "Yeah, I'm just passing time."

"Oh."

The awkwardness in the air was painfully obvious.

"Why are you standing there like that?" he asked her.

"Like what?"

"Don't you have to go home?"

"Why are you trying to get rid of me?" she questioned suspiciously, "Are you in trouble? Doing something wrong?"

"Why do you assume the worst of me?" he demanded of her.

"Can you blame me?" she shrugged, "You're the spitting image of a delinquent. You look like the kind of guy who would beat up kids in a dark alleyway."

"Thanks for telling me what you really think of me."

"You're welcome," she answered with a sarcastic smile.

He scoffed, getting up and making his way towards the exit. Yumi was left confused at his strange behaviour, but still followed him out, realizing she needed to go home.

She saw Taesung standing sighing on the pavement. In a split second, before she could comprehend what was happening, he turned around rapidly, grabbing her by the waist and looking into her eyes with an unblinking gaze. The thumping of Yumi's heart sounded in her ears. The touch ignited a spark inside her as her eyes widened. She could hardly make sense of what she felt at that moment.

"Is she gone?" he asked.

"Huh?" Yumi squeaked out, conscious of the warmth on her face.

"The girl standing across the streets; Is she gone?"

"There's no one there."

She stumbled backwards as he let go with no word of warning. There was no way to calm the rapid beating of her heart. All she could think of was that she wanted to run away. She wasn't ready to face whatever the hell she was feeling.

"I have to study for a test," she yelped, breaking into a run.

She ran all the way home.

💿

Eunyoung stood waiting at the bus stop. She distinctly remembers going home alone every day in the past, but somehow, today Sunjae's absence affected her greatly. She missed his company, his sweet gestures and the way he made her laugh. The bus doors opened in front of her. There was no queue as per usual, but she couldn't get onto the bus. It felt as if a supernatural force was holding her back. In her hesitation, the automatic bus doors closed and the bus went on without her.

Her feet led her straight to the swimming pool. It was almost an unconscious decision. When it came to Sunjae, she seemed to act without thinking. She felt it was strange as she had always been a rational person, so why was she acting like this now?

On spotting one of the swim team members she interviewed, she went up to him and asked, "Hey, I was wondering if you've seen Sunjae?"

"You're looking for Sunjae?" he repeated, his voice laced with hesitation to answer her question, "It might not be my place to tell you this, but he was rushed to the hospital this morning."

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

My breathing had become heavy, my vision blurred with tears and my entire body trembled in shock as I stumbled up the hospital stairs to see where Sunjae was. I could hardly believe it; I thought I averted his injury. How could this happen? How could I let this happen?

The lady at the reception told me that he had just come for a check-up and consultation and that she couldn't reveal anything more. After that, they practically kicked me out of the place and I was left sitting on the bench outside the hospital, my eyes spilling out buckets of tears.

The familiar pang of self-doubt twisted in my gut. A wave of nausea washed over me – a crushing failure to safeguard him. My mind spun, questioning my very presence in this past. Was I just a fabricated hope, a delusion of control? Was Sunjae's fate an immovable monolith, destined to crush him regardless of my intervention? The questions echoed in the hollowness of my chest, a chilling mirror to the grief that shattered me upon learning of his death. It felt as if my heart, once a fragile hope, had shattered into a million, irreparable pieces, each shard piercing through my skin as an unwelcome revelation dawned upon me.

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

The palm of my father's hand crashed against my cheek, pain erupting on my face. Tears began to form in my eyes as I avoided his gaze. I had no desire to look at the disappointment in his eyes, which I already felt from within. The meagre physical pain couldn't compare to the storm of self-hatred that raged within me. Years of gruelling training, the sting of chlorine in my eyes, the ache in my muscles─ all replayed in my mind as if I needed to be reminded of everything I went through during my time as a swimmer that had now come to an abrupt halt. 

"You dare talk about quitting in front of me! If you ever say such nonsense again, don't you ever think of coming home!"

That was the last straw for Sunjae.  He ran blindly, the sting of tears mixing with the salty remnants of the pool on his face. He didn't care where his feet were taking him, just as long as they were taking him away from the crushing weight of his father's disappointment and the prison of his own unfulfilled dreams. His vision blurred to the point where he could no longer see the road in front of him.

Just then, he felt the touch of a familiar, delicate hand grab hold of his wrist and he came to a stop. As he wiped his tears, the sight of Eunyoung standing before him became increasingly clear. He was stunned, momentarily forgetting his sorrow that came crashing back in an instant. That was when he noticed the tears flowing from Eunyoung's eyes as she embraced him in a despairing hug. He could feel her sobbing against his shoulder, breathing heavily.

"Eunyoung, I─"

"I know," she cried as her grip around his shoulders tightened. 

Sunjae too began to sob uncontrollably, wrapping his arms around Eunyoung's waist. Words were unnecessary. In that embrace, Sunjae found a solace he hadn't known he craved. The weight of his father's disappointment, the crushing burden of his secret – it all seemed a little less unbearable with her arms wrapped around him. He clung to her silently in the middle of that dark narrow lane as the world around them seemed to dissolve.

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nayoung's notes: i just want to be hugged by sunjae. that is my new goal in life. this chapter was such a rollercoaster ride. hope you enjoyed!

delphi's notes: yumi's accusations are too funny istg. sunjae and eunyoung must be protected o((>ω< ))o

next chapter: saturday list of chapters here!

Megumi fushiguro x reader fluff!!

Drabble in the rain.

The rain had only been a faint drizzle when you and Megumi left campus, hardly worth noticing let alone taking out your umbrella. But as you both continued walking, the sky darkened, clouds rolling in like a heavy blanket over the city, and the drizzle transformed into a full on  downpour. Droplets  of water struck the pavement with rhythmic taps, filling the air with a fresh, earthy scent that followed every storm. Luckily, Megumi had remembered an umbrella, even though it was barely large enough to keep you both fully dry.

Megumi walked with his head slightly down, his shoulder brushing against yours as you both attempted to stay under the small umbrella. He seemed quiet, even more so than usual, with a hint of tension in his shoulders. You glanced at him, half-wondering what was going through his mind, but he avoided your gaze, focusing intently on the ground.

For Megumi, rainy days have always been an annoyance. Not only did the downpour dampen his mood, but it also affected his shikigami. Summoning them under rain-soaked skies always felt like a gamble. His demon dogs especially were nearly useless in the rain not because they couldn’t perform, but because they were constantly distracted by it. The moment he summoned them, they’d perk up at the raindrops, sniffing the damp air before running around at insane speeds.

No matter how focused Megumi tried to be, the dogs would inevitably start jumping in puddles or chasing the steady drips from overhanging branches. He’d have to shout at them, trying to pull their attention back on the task at hand, but it was like yelling at a pair of stubborn kids who couldn’t resist the temptation of splashing around in the rain. And in battles, it was even worse iif there was the slightest break in the action, his demon dogs would forget about the fight entirely, diving back into whatever small pools of rainwater they could find.

Every so often, your hand would brush against his as you both adjusted yourselves under the umbrella. Each touch made his heart skip a beat, and he felt flustered, uncharacteristically nervous.

When he glanced sideways at you, you were gazing up at the rain falling around you, and he could tell by the faint smile on your face that you were enjoying the cool drizzle on the arm that was slightly exposed to the end of the umbrella and he found himself focusing on every detail how the raindrops glistened on your skin, how your expression seemed so peaceful.

 You suddenly turned your head, almost as if you knew he was watching you. As you caught his gaze, you gave him a mischievous grin. “Megumi… will you summon your demon dogs? Just for a bit?”

He blinked, taken aback. “You want me to… in the rain?”

“Yeah!” you replied, the excitement in your voice quite obvious. “You might not like getting wet but they’d probably have fun, right?”

The both of you stopped in your tracks. He looked at you for a moment, his mouth opened ready to argue about the dogs’ tendency to get sidetracked in the rain. But then he gave a small, resigned sigh, realizing he couldn’t deny you.

With his hands clasped together and a murmur, the shadowy forms of his demon dogs appeared beside you, ears perked and eyes bright .Quickly recognizing that there was no threat in sight and it was just you and Megumi, they quickly started circling the two of you,

They quickly looked around, a little hesitant at first, sniffing the air with caution, but the second they felt the rain on their fur, their demeanor changed. They jumped excitedly, darting off into nearby puddles, kicking up tiny strings of water as they splashed around.

You laughed in delight, immediately crouching down and calling to them. They padded over, tails wagging, allowing you to pet them, Megumi watched you, feeling strange. You were so gentle with them, stroking their damp fur, laughing as they nudged your hand, soaking up every bit of attention you offered.

“You’re so cute!” you cooed, scratching one of them behind the ears. They leaned into your touch, clearly enjoying themselves, even if they’d typically rather be dry. The joy was infectious, and before he knew it, Megumi found himself slightly  smiling, too. The dogs barked happily, shuffling around you, and it felt like all the worries of the world had been washed away with the rain.

As you looked up at him, still crouched next to one of the dogs, your smile was so bright, so full of warmth, that it struck him. For a moment, he forgot where he was, forgot the rain, forgot the chill in the air.

Without thinking, he stepped closer,his fists drawing crescent shapes on his palm and he clutched them in the pockets of his hoodie, his voice soft and steady, though his heart was racing. “I think… I’m in love with you.”

Your eyes widened, and the rain continued to fall around you, the world growing even quieter as if to hold this moment still. The dogs were still scurrying around your feet, but your attention wasnt on them this time.

You rose slowly, the surprise on your face melting into something warmer, something softer. “You mean that, Megumi?”

He nodded, feeling more vulnerable than he ever had. “Yeah. I do.”

A small laugh escaped you, and without another word, you closed the distance between you, wrapping him in a gentle hug. He hugged back the umbrella now tilted sideways, His demon dogs barked excitedly, as if they, too, sensed the significance of the moment.

For the first time, Megumi didn’t mind the rain.

࣪𓇻 ݁ㅤׂ if a man talks sh!t then i owe him nothing . . .

ྀི ⁺ ͙۪ 🥀 i don't regret it one bit cause he had it coming

like the moodboard? it's a teaser for an upcoming fanfic! make sure u follow me and stay tuned! thank you, bye!! <33

oc by: @the-one-and-only-delphi

( 🥂. ) let the only flashing lights be the tower at midnight . . .

xlv. break free

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CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE ─ break free.

❛ have you ever had someone kiss you in a crowded room? ❜

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

I leaned on the railing at the edge of the mountain, looking onto the scenery. Bright, blue skies with scanty clouds above, and a lush, green valley below. The air around me seemed to be cool and still, as if it was holding it's breath, waiting for something to happen. It tingled against my bare legs, stinging ever so slightly, making me reconsider my decision to wear a skirt. 

My feet remained rooted to the ground, but my mind wandered back to the future in 2023. It was a painful picture painted before my eyes, which I could see with a hurtful clarity in my mind. My warm hands holding Sunjae's hands, that had gone cold. How my heart ached to even think of it. And the doctor's formal sympathy while telling me he passed away...

"Eunyoung?" asked a soft, gentle voice behind me. I turned around, my face melting into a smile on seeing Sunjae looking at me with his earnest, beady eyes, "What're you doing out here? Everyone's sitting near that stage thing and chatting."

"I was just looking around," I told him. My silly heart begun beating faster as he came to stand beside me, looking at the scenery, admiring the miracle of nature. I turned to do the same, and strangely enough, it all looked much more beautiful with Sunjae by my side. My shivering had ceased, replaced with a comforting warmth. I felt the blood rushing into my cheeks when I realized he stood with his elbows resting on the fence, just like mine, just close enough to touch.

"It's so beautiful," I breathed out.

"It is," I heard him say. My heart nearly jumped out of my chest when I turned to see him looking right at me. I could hear the thumping of my heart in my head like a steady drum beat. Goosebumps erupted on my skin. 

Can I really let myself believe this? After all that has happened? It all felt like a dream.

"Aren't you cold?"

"I am, but it's o-"

Before I could finish talking, he began taking off the jacket draped around his shoulders. I went completely, silent, watching him in awe. Had he always been this thoughtful? Nothing felt real. He leaned towards me, ever so slowly, maintaining minimal distance while he gently tied his jacket around my waist. His face nearly touched mine, and I could feel his breath on my cheeks. That was the closest I had ever come to exploding on the spot.

"You're going to feel cold," I said, my voice barely a whisper.

"I'll be fine," he assured me with his dimpled smile.

How was I supposed to say no to that?

Narrator's Perspective

A few hours after arriving at the field trip destination, the entire area was buzzing with excitement. The sunset was as early as half past five; Once the place was enveloped in the darkness of the night, no one had felt so alive. There was a joyful chatter in every tent, students talking, getting to know each other, playing drinking games. Some had promptly gotten drunk already, making fools out of themselves while it entertained those around them.

Meanwhile, Yumi had finally had just about enough of Minjun's antics. He was definitely a stubborn fellow. "Doesn't he have anyone else to bother?!" she yelled out to no one in particular. To her surprise, her prayers were answered.

"What's the matter?" asked Taesung, who had overheard her desperate pleas.

Yumi stared at him blankly for a few moments. Unable to hold herself back in frustration, she blurted out, "Oh, you have no idea! Minjun sunbaenim won't leave me alone. Doesn't he have the brains to understand that I'm not interested?! Is he retarded or what? Can't he just leave me alone?! It's driving me insane!"

Taesung stared at her, blinking his eyes rapidly as if to process all that she had said at record speed. The truth was, that avoiding her all these weeks had been absolute torture for him. Yumi had been such a significant part of his life, and then suddenly, she wasn't. At this point, he was willing to do anything to be around her. And seeing her uncomfortable and distressed because of some guy made his insides burn with rage.

"I'll help you," he declared decisively.

"Help? Not even god can help me," she sighed, "How do you plan on doing it?"

"I'll be your boyfriend."

Those four words were immediately effective in snapping Yumi out of her frustrated and angry state to a state of awe. She stared at him agape, trying to figure out the meaning behind those words. Boyfriend; the word echoed over and over in her mind.

"What?!" she blurted out a bit too loudly. Some people turned to stare at them. Taesung held her wrist with a surprisingly soft and gentle touch and took her behind a tent where they could talk in peace.

"I didn't mean it like that," he said in a hopeless attempt to defend himself. He did, in fact mean exactly what he said. It was just that he chickened out and now was trying to cover up, "I meant I'll pretend to be your boyfriend till the crackpot leaves you alone."

The offer was too tempting. "Deal," Yumi breathed out.

💿

"Can't I take a shot as a punishment instead?" Yumi pleaded.

"Nope!" said the game organizer, "You have to!"

"I'll take two shots," Yumi made him a counteroffer, "Please!"

"Not at all," he said, refusing to settle, "Don't be a spoil sport!"

Yumi heaved a sigh of annoyance. Not only had she gotten dragged into a drinking game by one of the girls from her department, but the game also happened to be spin the bottle. Yumi wondered why, out of all the weird Korean drinking games, they decided on spin the bottle? And now she had to kiss Minjun. It felt so terribly unfair that she was about to lose her first kiss to him. 

As they both stood up, Yumi with hesitation and Minjun with eagerness that was uncomfortable, everyone began clapping and jeering with excitement. Why did they like watching people suffer?

Looking into Minjun's eyes with all the hatred in her body, she took a deep breath. "It doesn't even matter," she told herself, "Let's just get this over with."

Just as their lips were about to meet, sealing the moment forever, Yumi felt someone's grip on her wrist that made her stop immediately. Her wrist was caught mid-motion, the unexpected hold halting her in her tracks. The grip was firm, commanding her attention, yet impossibly gentle, as if afraid to harm her. She turned sharply, startled, and her breath caught as her gaze met Taesung's. His eyes held hers for a brief, electrifying moment—dark and intense, a silent storm brewing in their depths.

Before she could speak, before she could even fully process, she felt his lips crash onto hers, silencing every thought and scattering every word she might have said. The kiss was bold and unyielding, yet it carried an undercurrent of tenderness that left her breathless.

Her entire body ignited, a wave of warmth sweeping over her as if she were standing too close to the sun. It was a sensation unlike anything she had ever known—a perfect collision of chaos and calm. Instinctively, she leaned into him, surrendering to the moment, letting herself be swept away. His hand slid up to cradle the back of her neck, his fingers threading gently through her hair, grounding her amidst the whirlwind. His other hand rested lightly on her waist, the touch feather-soft yet searing, as if it left an imprint on her very soul.

Her heart pounded wildly, a frenzied rhythm that echoed in her ears, and she wondered if he could feel it, too. His lips were impossibly soft, softer than she had dared to imagine, their every movement deliberate, intoxicating, as though he were memorizing her with each kiss.

The world around them seemed to dissolve, its sounds and sights fading into oblivion until all that remained was the two of them, locked in this timeless moment. The press of his body against hers, the heat of his touch, the magnetic pull between them—it was everything, consuming her entirely.

Every fear, every doubt, every restraint she had ever held onto melted away. In his arms, she felt weightless, free, as though nothing else mattered but this—their shared breath, their entwined hands, and the unspoken emotions that passed between them like a secret only they could understand.

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: bet you didn't see that coming

delphi's notes: FINALLYYYYYYYYY

next chapter: saturday list of chapters here!

﹒ ʬʬ ﹒₊﹒✶﹑kissin' and hope they caught us﹏ ﹪

like the moodboard? it's a teaser for an upcoming fanfic! make sure u follow me and stay tuned! thank you, bye!! <33

oc by: @the-one-and-only-delphi