BUZZ LOVE — Yang Jungwon (teaser)

heart to heart.

➞ pairing: best friend!jay x gn!reader.

➞ prompt/type of au: “should i stop talking? // don’t. your voice is very soothing to me.”

➞ genre: fluff. kinda bff2l implied,, again… smh ela.

➞ w.c: 0.6k words.

➞ tw: nothing that i can think of?? just jay being kind of whipped (tears were shed…) lmk if i missed smth tho.

ela says💬: wow, second day of consecutive posting, looks like you’re not getting rid of me!! *crowd boos her*/ feedback is always welcomed and deeply appreciated<3

DAY 2 OUT OF 7 — the season of love. ♡

Night has fallen, and the only thing that can be heard is the conversation you and the dark haired boy are whispering to each other, small giggles getting heard from time to time from your side, or feign annoyed groans coming out of your best friend’s mouth whenever you make a small, teasing remark to him.

You’re laying side to side in the comfiness of your bed, arms slightly touching while a soft blanket covers both of you.

Jay adds a comment to whatever you just said seconds ago, tone of voice sounding deep and a little drowsy due the tiring week he had by being drowned in projects and homework (thanks to college.) He wanted to sit up and shake himself awake because he wanted to spend more time talking to you, his heart ached all week for not being able to get a small glimpse of your lovely face, but he knew you’ve been so busy too.

Jay was really trying his best to stay up, but his body was betraying him, his eyes starting to slowly close against his own wishes as he felt the calm buzzing of his body at the sleepiness he was feeling.

He hoped you didn’t notice so he could try and play it off, but to his bad luck, you have always been such an observant person.

(Lowkey, that’s what he loved about you.)

Jay feels you shuffling around, so with a tired gaze, he sees out of the corner of his eye when you get on your left side so you can glance a better at him, your cheek now resting against the palm of your hand.

“Sorry, Seong,” your soft voice makes him melt on the inside. “I see you’re falling asleep, should I stop talking?”

“No. Don’t,” he’s quick to mutter his answer, raising from his position a little to mirror your pose. He felt a desperate need to kiss that pout out of your face. “Don’t stop talking, your voice is very soothing to me.”

Your heart does a weird thing at hearing his sweet wording.

“But you’re falling asleep,” you raise a hand to put away a small strand of hair out of his face, your fingers coming in contact with his skin and almost making him sigh at your small touch, “we can always keep talking tomorrow.”

“But—“

“No ‘but’s, Jongseong,” you interrupt him, laughing when you see his not-so-subtle eye rolling at hearing your small scold. “Stop acting up, and come here.”

Laying on your back again, you open your arms for him, and there’s no need for more words when he accepts your warmth so willingly, quickly encircling your waist while nuzzling his nose against your neck as he sighs in bliss.

“I missed this.” The boy says after some seconds in silence, your hand comes to start playing with his soft hair, feeling the vibration of your body against his when you hum.

Jay doesn’t know if it’s because of the intimate moment you’re sharing, or maybe because he’s feeling very sleep, or maybe… he felt like voicing out his hidden thoughts because of the sentiments he holds deeply for you, but he mutters a small, “I missed you so much” against your skin, sending shivers down your spine and an electrifying feeling shock through your heart.

It takes you some seconds to realize the weight of his words, but when you want to reply to his small, heartfelt sentence, you start hearing Jay’s soft snoring, his breathing becoming quiet and calm.

Kissing the crown of his head, you mutter your heartfelt confession against his soft hair, the moon being the only witness of the unspoken feelings of two friends that were too afraid to let their heart talk for them.

“I missed you too, Jay.”

PERMANENT TAGLIST (bold can’t get tagged): @pshchives @squiishymeow @hqrana @wonielvr @sunoksunny @chaerybombs @strwberrydinosaur @reinahwanggg @stepout-09-15 @ahnneyong @j-wyoung @yjjungwon @ghostiiess @boowoowho @taejays @ddenoudepression @peachenle @ja4hyvn @julyy07 @sunoosult @jaekiths (if you’re interested in joining, pls send an ask or fill this form)

wonyoung is so pretty

---

when the sun melts the ice — park sunghoon.

pairing. figure skater!sunghoon x figure skater f!reader

genre. childhood enemies to lovers, slowburn, angst, fluff.

warning(s). cursing, mentions of injuries and blood, both are very mean to each other at first.

summary. you hated park sunghoon, and it wasn't news that he hated you too, both of you were always at each other's necks, for you it all came down to who was better at ice skating and finding the slightest mistake to make fun of each other, but one day an accident and an injury make you change your view of him, proving that he really did have a heart after all.

note. this is my part for @emeraldenha's "unlikely" collab, please leave feedback, it's always appreciated !! teaser here.

wc. 12.6k

"okay, that's all for today guys! don't forget to come early tomorrow, we can't waste time!"

you let out a big sigh the second those words passed through your ears, you were tired, sleepy and the long practice was finally over, today you tried so much harder than usual and you could feel how your legs burned with every movement you made, all you wanted was to be in the comfort of your bed, even if it meant that when you got up your legs would shake.

from being relieved now you wanted to rip your ears off, you could hear how a small group of girls who were next to you didn't stop talking about how "beautiful" the boy who made your days a nightmare was. you just rolled your eyes in disgust, you didn't even know what they saw in him, he was arrogant, selfish, greedy, stupid and above all he had a bad temper, you weren't surprised to know that he had no friends when he treated everyone in an inferior way believing that he was better than the rest, who would want to be close to someone like him?

definitely not you, you couldn't even think of him as someone attractive when his personality already said everything about him as a person and didn't let you see beyond his frown that was furrowed 24 hours a day, the only times you could see him smile was when he beat you in some competition by making fun of you and you just wanted to erase any trace of happiness in him as if he were a picture of a fresh painting. not in a thousand years you could see yourself being friends with him, much less knowing all the things he said and did to you for the last 10 years.

while you were waiting for the rest of your teammates to leave the ice rink, your body almost ended up on the ground, you could feel someone bumping your shoulder sharply, causing you to almost lose your balance.

you turned to see who it was, and sure enough it was park sunghoon.

you cursed under your breath when you saw that arrogant smile of his peek over the edge of his lips, it was as if he had been listening to your thoughts all this time and wanted to take revenge, your friend yuna who was only a few meters from you watching everything could only laugh while covering her mouth. you had forgotten that you always had to be alert when you were around him.

you were about to say something to him but your coach's hand on your shoulder stopped you.

"hey i know you're tired but tomorrow you can stay up late training? i want to focus on you and sunghoon." if just the presence of him already put you in a bad mood, having to spend more time with him only made you want to drop off the earth.

"with sunghoon? is it really necessary?" you wanted him to be joking, you wanted to refuse, no matter what reasons mr. choi had for holding you back to share the same air as him.

"yes, you know that the olympics are close, i want to make sure that their routines are as perfect as possible," you let out another long sigh, turning your gaze towards yuna who was looking at you confused "i know that your relationship is not the best but you don't even have to speak, i will make you work until exhaustion and you know it. i only want the best for both and ensure that you win a medal, do not forget that you will be representing the republic of korea and that it is also one of your dreams, i'm doing this only for you."

and there was his speech again, you were tired of hearing it but as much as you hated the idea you knew he was right, besides for nothing in the world would you let someone like sunghoon ruin your chance to go to the olympics.

you will work hard, do better than him and win the gold medal. you wouldn't let him beat you.

"okay." your coach's smile lit up his face completely. when it came to skating he could be very tough but you knew he had a big heart, he was like your second father, after all you knew him since you were six years old.

"i'm happy to hear that, then i'll see you tomorrow." he gave a gentle squeeze on your shoulder and you just smiled back.

"what was that?" yuna was almost on top of your body waiting for an answer while you took off your skates.

"nothing, it's just that it seems that for the next few months i will have to spend more hours with sunghoon," you frowned "and every day, as if seeing him three times a week wasn't enough." you jerked your skates away but instantly regretted it, you didn't want them to be ruined.

yuna placed her finger between your eyebrows "you're going to get wrinkles," you couldn't help but giggle "and why are you so mad anyway? remember that this is not about sunghoon but about you and the olympics. i know that you will do great and win a medal."

"i guess you're right," you got up ready to go, with yuna walking by your side "and by medal you mean the gold one right?" you were joking but seeing that she was silent you hit her shoulder playfully "i can't believe that you are like my best friend and you are on his side." you put a hand on your chest pretending to be hurt.

she just laughed "i'm not! but you can't deny that he's pretty good too, you're not called the ice prince and princess for nothing. it's still hard to say who's better and anyone can win."

"yeah whatever you say, but i'm still better." you laughed but you couldn't help but feel some jealousy and insecurity.

you could see sunghoon talking to the coach in a corner, after all it wasn't the first time he beat you. you wrinkled your nose and went on your way, you didn't want to think about him anymore when you were more than sure that the following weeks would be insufferable, you had better things to do than think about him and his stupid face, just like how to improve your routine.

you were going to do your best, you just hoped you could beat him this time.

—

"just focus, try to do it one more time."

you bit your lip as you got up from the floor in frustration after falling for the fourth time trying to do a triple axel. you were angry, angry with yourself, with your coach, with sunghoon who kept sneering silently every time you made a mistake, you were angry with everything. and embarrassed too.

it was ridiculous that now you didn't get that jump when you had done it thousands of times before without problems, you didn't know what was wrong with you that day but you just wanted to do it right so you could stay calm, to stop tormenting your mind with the olympics and in the thousands of mistakes you could make when you were there.

you took a deep breath as you skated around the rink with your eyes closed trying to gain some confidence, muttering words of encouragement to yourself, preparing to do it one more time. you ignored everything around you, you forgot mr choi's expectant look and sunghoon's teasing one, you silenced the voices in your head and tried. it was only you

but you failed again.

"okay, that's enough." mr choi looked disappointed and couldn't even look you in the face but you didn't blame him, you couldn't do it either, the olympics were close and you were already doing everything wrong from day one. you weren't even able to show him your entire routine because you kept making silly mistakes.

you could hear sunghoon's bitter laugh in the distance "i don't even know why you focus so much on her and have so much faith when she can't even do a simple triple axel," you looked him in the eyes wanting to kill him and wishing he would shut his mouth "why is she going to the olympics with me anyway? she will never be good enough." his smirk just made you want to punch him in the face.

"sunghoon." the coach called his name with a frown, he was upset and he knew it but still didn't care, he just shrugged his shoulders pretending "stop talking, it's your turn."

tears threatened to come out of your eyes, you just sat waiting for sunghoon to finish so you could try a few more times, you closed your eyes and covered them with your hands, you didn't even want to see how he did everything perfectly, you tried to review in your mind everything you have prepared so far, but your plans are ruined when mr. choi sits next to you.

"you can go home for today," you could feel how the air left your lungs, you wanted to refuse but he kept talking "i know what you're going to tell me but the answer is no, it's clear that this is not your day, you aren't well and you have to rest because if you go there again," his finger pointed the ice rink "and you fall, you could hurt yourself and i'm sure you don't want that." he crossed his arms over his chest, waiting for you to say something but you just stayed silent looking down "look, we still have a lot of time to train, but i want you to be focused for next time, okay? we can't work like this, come tomorrow with a cool head." his cold expression changed to a softer one as soon as he caressed your hair "and don't pay attention to what sunghoon says."

your throat was closed due to the force you exerted to avoid crying preventing you from speaking, you wanted to thank him for everything but you couldn't, although you were sure he knew it.

you focused on the last thing he said to you, you were already used to sunghoon's words but that didn't mean they couldn't hurt you, they cut deep and stayed with you, you focused your gaze on him but it only made you feel worse, you hated the way he could do everything effortlessly, he aced every move, he didn't need to do much because his presence already lit up the whole place.

ever since you can remember sunghoon was like that, he had an innate talent and you were always jealous for that, he was born with a gift and you had to work hard every day to even be able to be at his level, you wanted to curse him for that.

you remembered his words from a few seconds ago, you couldn't even clearly remember why it all started.

but you hated park sunghoon.

and he hated you too.

it was nothing new for the people who knew you, it was already well known that the two of you were always competitive with each other and that you tried to be better than everyone else, all that rivalry had started when you were kids and after years it still wasn't over, it was ridiculous but it seemed to have no end.

how you wished sunghoon would fall or make some mistake so you could make fun of him the same way he made fun of you, but that didn't seem to happen anytime soon. it was stupid to deny how good he was, you could rarely see him do anything wrong and for that reason it only embarrassed you more that you couldn't get a jump you had been doing for years, sunghoon had improved a lot in a few months and you felt like you were still stuck in the same level since you are 17 years old.

you wanted to laugh when you remembered that time you tried to be friends with him at 9 years old because you had been put together for a routine, everything had started well, both were shy so you didn't talk much at first but you already admired him because you used to see him from afar.

but because of a bad move you started yelling at each other.

sunghoon was rubbing his elbow with a pained expression on his face "it's all your fault! you don't know how to skate" you already apologized and were waiting for him to do the same because you hurt your knee, but instead he just blamed you everything and stuck his tongue out at you, and that was something you couldn't tolerate.

"liar! you're the one who made us fall!" watching two little kids fight could be fun, but his coach was quick to join you to stop the yelling.

"hey, it's okay, don't fight, we're all friends and these mistakes can happen, right? now i want you to apologize." she held you both by the shoulder and brought you closer so you were face to face "come on, what are you waiting for?"

"i already apologized and he was rude." you couldn't get the frown off your face and for nothing in the world would you apologize again.

"that's a lie." sunghoon just stuck his tongue out at you again and by that time you were already crying. you hated when people were mean to you.

"dumb!" maybe you shouldn't have said that, but it was too late.

"stop crying, you look ugly!"

that afternoon, in fact, you couldn't stop crying and your parents had to pick you up to take you home, you didn't want to go for a few days but you decided you wouldn't let a silly kid ruin your fun. and since then sunghoon always made fun of you at every chance he got, he even gave you the nickname "cry baby" even though you never stood idly by and that was just another reason for things between you to get worse. you still remember like it was yesterday when he told you that you would never become good figure skater even if you practiced your whole life.

you didn't even remember how it had been or if it was really his fault that you fell, but the fact is that everything had started because he didn't want to apologize and was rude to you, you used to be a very sensitive kid so you still had a grudge against him.

you were very different, sunghoon was someone cold, selfish and very hard on himself too, while for your part you were very different from him you always found the bright side of things, you helped your teammates no matter what and you enjoyed what you did, you could never understand him no matter how hard you tried, you were more than sure that he was an insensitive and heartless boy.

yeah, you hated park sunghoon.

—

it's been 2 weeks and you're still staying up late with sunghoon to train, there were other competitions coming up but you two were the stars for the olympics.

you were doing better every time, and he was not far behind.

you hated to admit it but he was good. he was so freaking good.

the way he moves is captivating, you could spend hours just watching him move, he was delicate but precise and marked his movements well at the same time, the elegance and beauty of the sport is portrayed in every aspect of him when he's on the ice, he was definitely made for it.

but you didn't except less, after all he was your competition for a reason.

his routine was too good, but you had confidence in yourself and that yours was even better, you would not let something similar to happen a few years ago, when they chose him over you for almost all the competitions they had to represent to the republic of korea, that was your last straw. you still remember crying almost every night because of it.

"excuse me guys, i have a call and i have to answer." you just nodded and kept looking at sunghoon.

he took advantage of that moment to start practicing his quad axel, ever since he saw his biggest idol do it he became obsessed with the idea that he could do it too, mr. choi always scolded him because it was a very dangerous jump and he could get hurt by whatever mistake he made, but he was stubborn and kept trying anyway but you weren't surprised, knowing his personality you were sure he thought he was better than the rest and it wouldn't take him long to handle it perfectly.

you looked to the side for a second diverting your attention from him and a loud noise made you turn back to him almost instantly, sunghoon was on the floor and you just hissed because it was sure painful "better luck next time!" you yelled at him as you saw how he turned around floor.

you brushed him off and just got ready to enter the ice rink, but he wasn't moving an inch and had his face hidden in his arms.

"sunghoon what the hell are you doing? get out so i can practice, you're on the way." you snorted. you thought he was faking it but it took you a couple of seconds to realize he wasn't.

ignoring the voices in your head you quickly approach him, kneeling beside him, you see how his knuckles were white from squeezing his hands so much. you didn't know what to do, he hurted himself? should you tell him something? help him up? call mr choi? all thought left your head the moment sunghoon's eyes collided with yours, they were red and his cheeks were wet with traces of tears, his brow was furrowed and his lip had a small trace of blood from how strong he had been biting all that time.

and you didn't like the feeling of your stomach wanting to come out of your mouth.

"get the fuck off." you didn't realize your hand was so close to his body until he pushed it away. you tried to ignore him and want to help him but he didn't even let you speak "where's mr. choi?"

"i don't know." you walked away from him, not wanting to deal with his bad mood any longer and call mr. choi to take care of him instead.

you saw him struggle to get up, but as soon as he wanted to rest his body on his right leg it vanished almost instantly, he threw a curse into the air. the great park sunghoon, the ice prince, lying on the ground crying from a silly fall? you could only think how pathetic he looked at that moment.

"stop doing that, god you look so stupid, i will just call an ambulance or something." you didn't even really know what you were supposed to do.

the only reason you wanted to use your phone was so you could take a picture of him without him noticing and make fun of it for all eternity. you knew that he was embarrassed by his photos of when he was a child that still circulated on the internet, so this was the perfect opportunity to have a good laugh every time you entered any social media, seeing him so vulnerable just gave you infinite ideas. but you didn't do any of them, and you weren't sure if he would have done the same to you.

"just call mr. choi, i don't need you." he ran his hands over his face and pulled at his hair in frustration.

"can you shut up? i'm trying to be nice, you know i could just leave you lying here suffering because you're an idiot who doesn't know his limits and doesn't accept help, right?" maybe you should have done what he told you instead of continuing to embitter your existence with his presence.

"did i ever ask you to come help me? stop acting like you're good now, i don't need your stupid pity and much less your help, i'd rather break my ankle than be another second near you." you were more than grateful that those feelings were mutual, you were just wasting your time trying to be nice to him.

and so you confirmed once again that you hated him.

but that annoying sensation didn't leave your chest, you hated sunghoon but you hated even more that feeling that you never felt for him invade your body before. was it pity? you were sure it was, it must also be the nerves of the moment. and you couldn't sit idly by, you didn't even know where mr. choi had gone, if you just left him alone there you wouldn't be much better than him.

and you don't want to be someone like him.

"well the thing is you probably did break your ankle." the look he gave you almost made you back away from him, you've never seen so many emotions run through someone's orbs before and it was overwhelming.

you didn't want to keep looking at him because of how uncomfortable you were starting to feel so you turned around looking for mr. choi, you didn't want to be there anymore, but you couldn't even get 2 meters away from him when he finally appeared.

"what happened?" his voice sounded scared, terrified. he hurriedly approached sunghoon and wasted no time taking off his skate and seeing the state of his body, you walked away while listening to his moans of pain. this was none of your business "y/n i already called an ambulance, you go with him i will follow you with my car behind."

"what?" you opened your eyes wanting to believe that you heard wrong, but mr. choi repeated it to you loud and clear "but-"

"no excuses now."

you couldn't say another word. everything had happened very quickly, you didn't even remember if it was your body that moved on its own but you were already in the back of the ambulance next to sunghoon. you wanted to die.

both are wrapped in a silence that surpassed the uncomfortable, the tension could be counted with just a knife no matter how sharp it was, you keep looking everywhere avoiding his eyes.

"you need to tell your family." you didn't realize those words came out of your mouth instead of staying in your head.

"i don't have my phone." his eyes closed and you had barely heard him speak.

"i'll call them for you, i just need you to give me a number."

"no you won't, god stop being so annoying, just let mr. choi take care of everything." and there was his annoyed expression again, you were already surprised to see him calm for so long.

you wanted to say so many things at that time, but not a single sound left your lips just out of pity.

you made a little mental note to yourself that this would be the first and last time you would try to help park sunghoon.

—

the atmosphere was tense, you felt how simply the air from those four walls crushed your body and cut the air from your lungs, your head was heavy and the vision in your eyes became blurred over time because you had only been looking at the same spot in the floor for the last 10 minutes.

you never felt that time passed as slowly as it does now.

you just wanted mr. choi to finish talking to the doctor and finish all his calls so you could tell him that you would leave that place to go home, if you spent just one more second next to sunghoon you would feel how your lungs would become intoxicated.

and he felt the same as you, it was uncomfortable having your presence so close and that neither said anything knowing that a single comment would be like dropping a bomb, and both knew that the damage it would leave couldn't be repaired.

but there you were, opening your big, silly mouth, unable to contain yourself "how do you feel?"

"are you seriously asking me that?" you rolled your eyes for the sixth time that day at his response, at least you no longer felt your throat burn.

"yes, that's what i just did, are you deaf?" you spat out your words

sunghoon's mood wasn't the best, it never was, and with everything he was feeling at the time, your words and your mere presence were enough to make him explode.

"god, can you just leave me alone and get the fuck out of here!? why would i want someone as useless as you here? i'm sick of you, you're not good at skating or doing whatever it is you want to do now! we're not friends and never will be don't even try it, get that into that head of yours at least that's how you use it for something, i don't even know why you're still here when all you do is sulk me up and be a nuisance here." his finger was pointing at you, his body moving closer to yours with every word he spat hatefully in your face and neither of you broke eye contact.

it was pathetic how his words still had such an effect on you, he meant nothing to you so why did it hurt so much? why did you want to cry and yell in his face for him to shut up? why did your body feel so weak, as if your knees would lose strength if you kept looking into his eyes?

for almost all your life you had to put up with his insults and mistreatment, you were sick of it, you didn't want to keep quiet anymore, he even screwed up your mind making you believe thousands of times that you could never be a good skater knowing how much it affected you and how much it meant to you, you both shared the same passion so what was his problem? every day you wished you had never met him.

you would travel to the past a million times changing the timeline as much as necessary to avoid meeting him, to avoid knowing his name that consumed so much time and energy, to avoid feeling the way you did now.

"fuck you sunghoon, you've been acting like a fucking idiot when all i wanted to do was help you! you're a selfish bastard who just likes to suck the life out of people, you can't and don't have the right to treat me like shit just because you want to, i'm tired of you and you know what? i'm thankful that you injured your ankle and you can't go to the olympics now because it was your big dream, right? well that's a shame because you really deserved it and i really hope you never get to skate again!"

you would go back in time to avoid becoming someone heartless like him who didn't measure his words and only spoke with the intention of hurting all the people around him.

your heart was threatening to burst out of its cage in the rage of the moment. those words came from the depths of you, you knew that everything you said was wrong but you didn't regret it, at least you no longer felt that annoying weight on your chest.

"hey why are you guys yelling so much? we're in a hospital." the moment mr. choi's voice reached your ears was when you finally looked away from sunghoon's eyes.

"get out." his voice came out weaker than before, you couldn't see him in the face, you wanted to give him the pleasure of seeing you doing something he asked you after so long and you just walked out of there without saying anything.

you did it, you really made the effort to get along with him not just once but twice already but now you regret even thinking about it in the first place, so many years had passed and you didn't know why you thought maybe he had changed.

—

you closed your eyes tightly in the hope that it would help you become invisible to mr. choi.

you knew that when he approached you with that look it was to ask you for something you didn't like. and you knew that it only meant one thing; park sunghoon.

"you don't know anything about him?" you looked at him with tired eyes, although you could understand his concern, what happened to him had nothing to do with you.

"no, why should i know?" you wanted to hit yourself when you noticed how rude those words had come out, he didn't have to pay for your bad mood in the last few days.

the words of the famous ice prince wouldn't leave your head and they didn't seem to want to do it soon either, you couldn't skate in peace thinking that maybe you could fall like him or remembering all the times he told you that you would never be a good skater, or that all your routines were mediocre.

you hated that despite not seeing him these days you still felt his shadow behind you in everything you did once you entered the ice rink, as if he were saying those cruel words in your ear all the time.

"great, because i need you to take the stuff he left here when he got injured, i would but..." he didn't continue saying anything else, you sighed when you thought that maybe he was doing all that on purpose, after all it wasn't the first time he did something like this so that you two would get along.

your silence was an affirmative answer for him, so he went to look for the bags and the skates, which was probably what he left behind. you turned your head finding yuna, instantly begging her with your eyes to come with you.

"don't even think about it." she turned her back on you starting to walk in the opposite direction and you already had your arms holding her against your body.

"please, please, don't leave me alone in this," you said in a whimper, your words muffled against her back, you didn't want to get your face out of there until she said yes "did you forget all the things i did for you?"

you thought you could easily manipulate her but she knew you too well for your liking "as much as i love you, it's not in my plans to go to his house, much less with you knowing what happened the last time you saw each other" you didn't want that either, go to sunghoon's house and alone? not even in dreams.

and in a blink there you were, in front of the door of his house.

completely alone.

on the way there all you did was curse yuna for letting you go to that hell alone and you cursed sunghoon too by the way because there was never a bad time to do it. why didn't he go get his things? or his parents?

the neighbors probably thought you were a freak for standing there for more than 5 minutes without even moving a bit. you had to work up the strength to see him and not shoot him with the first thing in your hand.

you gathered your strength and lifting your chest like a dove, you rang the doorbell praying that anyone but him would open it.

but your prayers were in vain when his weary face with dark circles under his eyes and crutches on both sides of his body were the first thing you saw.

you didn't even know what to say or do, your eyes widened in surprise, ever since you met him there wasn't a single time you saw him in such a... unfortunate state, his face was always perfect and groomed, you were sure he would always took the necessary time to look good at any time and especially in his presentations that finding any imperfection on his face was like looking for a needle in a haystack. you couldn't help but feel bad for him, he looked as if he had spent the whole night crying and only now was getting up from his depressive nest. you knew it because you were like that before and you weren't proud of it.

the sudden breeze hitting your face snaps you out of your thoughts, sunghoon had slammed the door in your face without saying anything and didn't even give you a chance to speak. you couldn't believe it, he was acting like a capricious child, you opened your mouth to yell at him but you just threw his things on the floor in anger not caring what was inside and you were ready to walk away, but a soft voice at your back stopped all your movements.

"oh, i'm so sorry! please excuse my son, he never behaves like that." you wanted to laugh at that, if only she knew.

ignoring that, you focused on her, you couldn't deny that her eyes and her black hair hypnotized you for a few seconds, it wasn't the first time you saw sunghoon's mother but the first time you were so close to her. the two of them were almost the same in appearance but from a distance you could already tell that she was much sweeter than him.

"it's okay, i just came to drop off the bags that he left behind the other day." your cheeks turned red at how soft your voice became.

"thank you so much and i'm sorry for the inconvenience, we couldn't find time to go look for them ourselves." she took the bags in her hands and started to go into the house, you thought she was going to say goodbye to you "please come in!" and you were wrong.

"but mom-" all that time sunghoon was behind her and only now did you notice.

"you just go in and stay there, i'll talk to you later." although she said it as low as possible just for him to hear it also reached your ears and you couldn't help but giggle, not even sunghoon's gaze could shut you up, but his mother turning to see you again did "please join us, we were about to have dinner as a family."

"oh no! no need-"

"please! you took the trouble to come here and you need to eat something, take it as an apology," you wanted to say no again, make up some excuse, any would be fine but the look in her eyes won you over and now you were standing awkwardly inside their house while you waited for mrs. park to close the door behind you "sunghoon take this to your room."

the expression he put on seemed amused, he made you want to laugh again, probably because it seemed like his room was upstairs and he, well... had crutches.

his mother disappeared from your sight and if before you were uncomfortable now with sunghoon by your side it was much worse.

"can you- uh, can you help me?" him asking you for help was the last thing you expected.

you hesitated, you didn't want to do it you still couldn't forget everything he told you days ago and that still hurt your chest when you remembered it, you wanted to see him fight to be able to carry the bags by himself and if it was possible that his ankle would hurt even more, you wanted to be just as shitty as him and tell him to his face all the things you still had saved.

but you couldn't.

you couldn't afford to stoop that low just because you were hurt, he needed your help so you would just do it. in complete silence you grabbed the largest bag and started to climb the stairs, you had to wait at the top of them for him to come to your side and tell you where to leave it, on that small path you couldn't help but look around you, it was full of family pictures and you noticed that downstairs there was a special place with all the medals and trophies sunghoon had won since he was a kid, up here there were a lot of pictures of him since he was practically a baby, you weren't that surprised because after all you knew each other since you were 6 years old and you still remembered how he looked at that time and he hadn't changed that much since then.

but what did surprise you was seeing his smile in all the photos, when you saw him he rarely smiled and in that hallway all the happiness and love he felt for figure skating was captured, something you had never seen in all the time that you knew him, he was always a private person so he probably only showed himself that way to his family, but it was reassuring to see that he wasn't always the moody guy who seemed to hate everyone and life itself.

"you can leave it here." you had been so immersed looking at the photos that you didn't notice sunghoon in front of the door of his room. you were surprised again to see that he wasn't so… cold. there were posters of his favorite skaters and probably his favorite bands, plus there were a few stuffed animals lying around as well.

sunghoon's mother's voice calling both of you from downstairs made you remember that now you had to have dinner with his family, your hands were shaking and he noticed that "don't be nervous, they aren't going to bite you." you snorted, wanting to kick one of their crutches out of sight.

"just shut up, I shouldn't even be here right now."

"hey be more respectful, be grateful that my family wants to have someone like you in our house, if it were up to me I wouldn't even have opened the door for you." you just ignored him and left his room, but the moment you were downstairs again the nerves consumed your body.

"come on sweetie, dinner is ready." mrs. park caressed your shoulder affectionately and led you to the table where there were already two other people, you quickly bowed.

contrary to what you thought, the conversation with his family was really nice they made an effort to make you feel at home and you appreciated that, although at first it was a bit awkward and it seemed that they asked you questions as if you were sunghoon's partner, you were able to talk with them as if you had known them all your life, his mother and sister were some of the sweetest people you have met so far, his father didn't speak much but still congratulated you as if you were his own daughter when you started talking about your achievements on the ice rink.

sunghoon didn't even speak to you the whole night, although most of the conversation was focused on you he managed to act as if you didn't exist, when he talked to his family he seemed like a completely different person from the one you knew, the tone of his voice was much softer with them and he laughed more often, you were sure his giggles would stay in your mind for a long time because as much as you hated to admit it, he was adorable.

that night something in your head changed, your perception of him still hadn't changed that much, his family was still much nicer than him however ignoring that you always thought he was someone arrogant who didn't care if he was the best or not because just it came naturally to him and he was unable to empathize with or care for anyone other than himself.

but maybe you were wrong.

he was still a jerk to you, but you got to know a part of him you didn't know existed.

—

"thank you so much for everything." you lost count of the times you bowed and thanked for everything.

"you can always come back whenever you want darling, next time I can make you your favorite food," you smiled at her, ready to go "are you going alone? It's quite late already sunghoon can accompany you so you don't go alone."

you wanted to throw up at that thought, you tried to say different excuses but none had convinced mrs. park enough to let you walk alone late at night, so the three of you agreed that it would only be a few blocks.

you were convinced that the awkward atmosphere between you whenever you were alone would never leave, you wanted that moment to end quickly but considering that he can't even walk properly it was kind of hard.

you had been walking side by side for several minutes in complete silence, you bit your lip as you watched the stars in the sky to distract yourself.

"my doctor said that I can skate again without much effort," he spoke out of the blue and you just left him, at least he had broken the silence "I won't be able to go to the olympics but at least it's not so bad that it leaves me without skating for the rest of my life."

you knew he was saying that because of what you told him that time in the hospital, you hesitated to apologize, you remembered the moment from years ago but you were no longer children and you had to be responsible for your words, after all you couldn't hold a grudge all your life.

"I'm sorry."

he shook his head denying "you have nothing to apologize for, that should be me."

"what?" you couldn't believe that, park sunghoon apologizing? you wanted to pinch yourself to make sure you weren't imagining it "you're apologizing because your mother asked you to, right?" you wanted to make fun of him because you didn't think his attempted apology was sincere, but his words silenced you.

"look, I'm only going to say this once," you had both stopped walking and now you were looking into each other's eyes, you had never paid them as much attention as now, he swallowed before speaking "I'm really sorry."

you didn't know what to say, your body went still and the words disappeared from your head, you realized how hard it had been for him to blurt out those words and part of it was funny, but on the other hand you couldn't stop thinking about the fact that he apologized to you. after years—after having said so many horrible things, this was the first time that you both let your true feelings show and were vulnerable.

you were both sorry and you noticed it.

both look into each other's eyes for a while longer until he finally leaves greeting you with a slight nod, leaving you stunned in the middle of the night, with the stars as the only witness of that rare moment.

maybe your perception of him had changed that day after all.

—

it had been almost 3 weeks since that little conversation you had and you haven't heard from him since.

for some reason now your mind felt more relaxed and you were able to feel freer with your movements, now you did everything 10 times better than before.

except today you seemed to have a problem again, you had been trying to do a toe loop for several minutes but you always landed wrong or didn't complete all the laps, you were already starting to get frustrated and mr choi didn't seem to be around at the time.

"you're doing it wrong." a soft voice behind you makes you turn your body almost completely towards him.

"what are you doing here?" It was the first thing that came out of your mouth when you saw him enter the ice rink.

"skating" he left without bothering to look at you and you sighed once more, it would always be difficult trying to talk to him, especially knowing the kind of complicated relationship you still had. not that you had become the best of friends for an apology.

but at least you were relieved that his ankle was okay, you still felt bad about what you told him at the hospital. although you couldn't stop thinking about the idea that this would be a chance to win because it left your way clear.

you tried it one more time, with the small big difference that when you landed sunghoon's hands were on you, you shivered when you felt the contact of his skin on your waist.

"you keep doing it wrong." you saw his smirk, surely he was making fun of you.

"I know." you wanted to walk away from the uncomfortable feeling of your heart starting to beat faster but his grip only tightened.

"yeah but you're not doing anything to fix it, you keep making the same mistake over and over again." feeling his breath against your neck sent shivers down your spine.

"what do you want?" you pushed his hands away from you more roughly than you meant to. now you were seeing each other face to face.

sunghoon rolled his eyes "nothing, I just want to help you" you narrowed your eyes, not fully believing in his words "you have to lift your chest more, you're very hunched over and you're just going to end up hurting yourself." he showed with his body how you had been doing it, giving you a quizzical look for not knowing something so simple "try again now."

you snorted but you listened to what he said, you did the same as before only changing your posture a little. and to your surprise you were able to achieve it perfectly.

"see? I told you." today he was very smiling, it was rare to see him like that.

"thanks but what are you? are you trying to be my trainer now?"

"so what if I want to be?" your body stopped moving just to look at him incredulously and instantly a big laugh came out of his mouth.

"what is so funny?"

"your faces," it took him a couple of seconds to calm down, by the time he finished he was on his knee while the other held his stomach "I'm serious, after all I won't be able to compete and you're the only one good enough out of here that can win, I won't let you lose just because you can't do a dumb toe loop."

he just said you were good? even though you thought the idea of ​​him was a bit stupid, you could feel how all the heat of your body was concentrated in your cheeks dyeing them red, why was he being nice to you so suddenly? did he forget all the things you said to each other? surely the blow he took made him dumber than he already was.

you could hear him laugh again "shut up."

—

"what, are you two a couple now?" you thought that that day would be quiet, but yuna had other plans for you.

"what are you talking about?" you complained, still sleepy on your body.

"don't look at me like that, a few weeks ago I could have sworn you guys were about to kill each other but now you're close together, what with the "you're doing it wrong, let me help you" bullshit just to hold your waist? because you were doing it perfect." she couldn't believe it.

"stop saying nonsense, i guess he just feel bad cause he can't skate at the olympics now, he's just helping me."

yuna rolled her eyes "if you say so."

she walks away leaving you alone with your thoughts, and you didn't like the feeling in your stomach.

despite having refused his proposal about 10 times, sunghoon ended up convincing you and whenever he could he helped you although it wasn't much since you were good enough at what you did, you had been spending time together at the ice rink for several days and surprisingly you didn't insult each other even once. or well, he hadn't insulted you because you had already lost count of the things you said to him for purposely tripping you up a couple of times. and now you find yourself enjoying his company, something you never thought was possible before, you two were still very different but you had found a way to be together without bumping into each other so much and it was through skating, both of you loved it so much that you began to get along little by little just because of that.

"you're fine, I know you'll be able to do it perfectly there, just try not to do the quad axel." If you had been told a few months ago that you would be laughing with sunghoon today while sharing a drink he bought for you, you would have laughed on their faces as loud as ever.

leaving that aside, you noticed him a little more discouraged than usual today, there were times when you saw him totally immersed in his thoughts or you had to repeat things twice when you spoke to him "is something wrong? I notice that you're distracted."

"I'm just thinking about you." you almost choked on the bottle of soda you were drinking, your stomach started to feel weird and your breathing was ragged.

"what?" you turned your face while touching your cheeks, noticing that they were hot, it was embarrassing and he just laughs.

"I'm sorry, what I mean is that- I'm really sorry" he looks into your eyes intensely and your whole body trembles at that, you've never seen so much shine in them "I'm really, really sorry... for everything. especially the day i got injured, this means everything to me and i was terrified that i would never be able to skate again because of my own stupidity, for being so stubborn and not listening to others, also because i had never hurt myself before and at that moment I could feel how my ankle was separating from my whole body, this injury scared the hell out of me." the crack in his voice reaches in and squeezes your heart so tight you can feel your eyes tearing up "you were right in all things what did you say, that I'm a heartless egoist who never thinks about what he says and I'm hurting the people around me-"

it was the second time you saw him cry.

"I didn't mean that." you blink the tears away as fast as they appeared, seeing sunghoon in that state and remembering all bothered you more than you liked to admit. before you might have enjoyed it but now it was different.

and it was the first time you cried in front of him.

"okay, I know I deserved it anyway," his eyes were now focused on the floor "I was just- I was trying to be the best but I realized quite late that that wasn't the way and everything I told you during years was really horrible and I'm sorry you had to endure all that, if I were you I would have hit myself several times already." he chuckled.

"i really wanted to," you hit him with your shoulder playfully "but I'm sorry too, I said horrible things to you."

"don't worry about me, I don't even know why I behaved like this for so long and I wish I could have seen how stupid I was much earlier." he moved his hand close to yours, wanting to take it in his but finally he ended up putting it in his pocket "I realized that skating means a lot to you too. maybe we're not so different after all." he looked at your face again with a smile on his face.

"maybe you're right, I mean, look at us now talking normally as if nothing happened."

"yeah but I don't want this to come to nothing, I really want you to forgive me." your heart jumped out of your chest "I was scared that you were so much better than me because I really think you could easily defeat me because of how much you try every day, even much more than me, the things I did and said to make you feel bad so that you stop skating are unjustified, but now I want to do things right and I hope we can start again." he sounded so sorry that he was really making it hard for you to hold a grudge.

"there were many years that we argued for nothing and you're not the only one to blame, you were ten times worse with me but I cannot hold a grudge or hate you all my life," he lifted his head with hope in his eyes waiting for you to keep talking "I think we're fine."

"thank you." his smile was accomplishing things inside of you, and you didn't like it "also, uh- I could see what a wonderful person you are and I was surprised that you treated me well after all, I was waiting for you to spit on me when you saw me or something like that," you raised your eyebrow wanting to really hit him this time "and I saw this as my chance to make things right."

"don't lie to me now, it was your mom that changed your mind so suddenly, right?" he burst out laughing, only to end up leaning his head against the wall staring up at the ceiling.

"maybe she played a big role in that." you couldn't take your eyes off his profile "you're a really good skater and i'll tell you all the time if need be in order to erase the bad things i said before and that probably are still in your head."

"what do you mean?"

"you don't need to pretend with me now, I can tell those little insecurities you have when you're on the ice." you wanted to get out of that place as fast as possible, you didn't think you were so obvious about it and sunghoon noticing made things worse.

he noticed that but he couldn't do anything else besides give you a smile, you simply remained silent with your eyes closed enjoying the silence and thanking that it wasn't uncomfortable like previous times, now both were a little more comfortable with each other's presence.

you needed to hear those words, you needed to feel that relief, as if the weight you had been feeling on your back all this time stopped squeezing your wounds, letting them heal.

if it wasn't for mr. choi who burst in, you both would have fallen asleep.

—

it was finally the day.

and there you were, at the winter olympics with your suit on waiting for your turn which was at any moment. you felt like throwing up since you took the plane to here and days had passed since that, your body was shaking—you could feel your blood flow through your veins and you were sure that at any moment you would pass out before entering the ice rink, mr. choi had been by your side the whole time trying to calm you down but your heart seemed to want to explode and you just wanted to dig your nails into your skin like a cat.

you kept going around and you were already making everyone around you nervous. you were so focused fixing your suit making sure there was no mistake that you almost didn't hear the sound of your phone, it was a call. and it was from sunghoon.

you pick it up quickly "hey." his voice sounded so calm in your ears that he helped you let out a sigh you didn't even know you were holding.

"hey." you noticed how even your voice trembled.

"I can feel from here how nervous you are," his laugh cleared your thoughts "relax, I know you can handle this and it will be great."

you bit your lip, not knowing very well what to say "thank you sunghoon, but if you were with me right now I would have already pulled your hair out to calm myself." his loud laugh forced you to move the phone away from your ear.

"you're so lucky, you're there with my biggest idol and you're wasting your time being nervous," you let out a sigh, silently thanked him for calling you and speaking to you so normally, maybe you'd even ask for an autograph to thank him properly. you talked for a while about a butterfly that had entered sunghoon's room the other day until mr. choi called you to get ready "I don't want to take up any more of your time but i want you to know that you don't have to prove anything to anyone, everything will be fine considering that you had the best coach," you smiled at that "you have the strength and talent to win all the medals in the world, good luck."

he hung up without letting you say anything and you could swear that a second before you heard him blow a kiss. but maybe it was just your imagination.

but sunghoon was right, you had worked hard day and night for this moment and would do your best. you were fulfilling your dream, and you were going to win that medal.

"what did sunghoon say to you to make you blush like this?" mr. choi teased you, you hadn't noticed how hot your cheeks felt until he pointed it out.

he had been very sweet to you and you couldn't help it. but quickly any thoughts left your head, you were ready to compete.

—

"congratulations! I knew you would make it."

arms around your waist were the first thing you felt when you opened your door in the middle of the night, sunghoon's hug was already leaving you breathless, besides you felt dizzy from the sudden warmth of his body against yours, which was still cold and tired, then he lifts you off the ground causing you to hold on tight to him as he spun you around in the air.

his laughter had lit up the night along with the stars and the sound of crickets in the background, when he left you on the ground and walked away from your body you couldn't help but watch him carefully, you had spent several days without seeing him after spending practically 24 hours together and only now did you realize how beautiful he was.

"thank you sunghoon," his smile really made your day so much better "why are you here?"

"well, you just arrived and I definitely had to be the first to congratulate you in person when I already sent you thousands of messages" his hand never let go of his waist "besides mr. choi obviously."

so pretty.

you never got to see his features as closely as now, but he really looked like a dream, now you could understand those girls on your team who never stopped talking about him, it had only been you who was clouded by the hatred that you felt that you never saw beyond his attitudes with you.

"my parents really wanted to see you today," his voice was full of emotion and you could feel how some tears wanted to come out of your eyes, not even your parents were there with you but you had all the support of his "but it's too late, they still want you to know that you did amazing and that you deserve it."

"that's so sweet," you ran your hand over his arm that was still holding you "tell them thanks for me, maybe I'll visit them again one of these days."

"they would love that."

you were both silent for a while, it wasn't annoying but you really wanted to talk to him more but nothing wanted to come out of your mouth.

"i think i should-"

"hey." he stopped any movement tightening his grip, he had been scared to see how you wanted to go back into your house.

"what's the matter?"

"uh, nothing, I..." he fills his other hand up to his neck scratching it "I'm really proud of you."

you giggled seeing him so nervous, giving compliments was still a bit difficult for him "thank you sunghoon, to be honest I never thought I'd hear that from you."

"but I'm serious, all those times I told you that you didn't know how to skate or that you did it wrong were a complete lie, you did it perfectly and I-"

"hey, it's okay," you caressed his arm looking for him to look you in the eye "you already apologized before, you don't need to do it again."

"okay," now he was so restless that with his movements he hit your shoulder lightly "I can't believe we spent years doing this stupid thing for nothing."

you both laugh and remain silent looking at each other under the moonlight. you felt the change in the air and now there was a different sparkle in his eyes that told you so many things you were terrified to take in.

sunghoon never knew when it happened but your existence began to weigh less and less on his head, you were still on his mind but now it was very different, he began to feel different every time he was with you and he was surprised to know that you weren't someone else completely different and you were the same girl he spent "hating" for years. was it really hate? he never believed that but he could never close his mouth when he saw you do something wrong, maybe he liked seeing you angry or seeing how you failed because after all you were the only competition he had.

his heart didn't lie but he was scared as hell of how things could turn out, he even talked to his mother about it but now he was questioning if it had been a good idea. he never fell in love, hell he hadn't even been as interested in a person as he does with you, the constant need he felt to want to help you improve and be with you all the time was beginning to be annoying for him. so many years alone and now his foolish heart wants to merge with yours? it was ridiculous.

but he liked it.

all these new sensations made him feel like a totally new person who was just discovering the world despite having lived 19 years. everything had been so gray for him that he was overwhelmed to see that there were millions of colors out there that he had refused to see.

suddenly sunghoon gets closer to your body, his fingers caress your cheek and your body begins to fail "what are you doing?"

"actually I have something else to tell you," you were scared by your heartbeat that didn't seem to want to control itself "I can't keep it anymore but I think- I think I like you."

time stops for a few seconds, your eyes open wide not believing what you just heard, you don't move or say anything and sunghoon thinks maybe he made a mistake, he wanted to speak again to apologize but you walk away from him, as if his touch burned you.

"I'm sorry I have to go." you closed the door in his face.

and sunghoon thought that he did everything wrong, that after all your wounds were still open and he had no right to have done that, that contrary to your words maybe your heart hadn't completely forgiven him. he wished he had cleaned his mouth with soap.

the overwhelming wave of feelings that hit you felt like a tsunami, and you were drowning.

—

you haven't seen sunghoon since then and your mind was a complete mess.

it was absurd that no matter what the reason was, he was always circulating your thoughts without letting you rest even for a single day.

"who are you waiting for?" yuna touched your shoulder surprising you.

"no one, why?"

"well you've been looking at the door for like ten minutes." you turned your whole body only to be in front of her with a marked expression of confusion on your face.

"no I wasn't."

"yeah you were," she just laughs "never mind, i guess you must have a lot on your mind right now." her raised eyebrows made you suspicious of her words.

"what do you mean?"

"don't play dumb, you know perfectly well what I'm talking about," you just looked to the side avoiding her face, you didn't want to think about it "did something happen between you two? you used to be together all the time and now I haven't seen him for several days around here although his ankle was already good enough to return his training."

you played with your fingers, scared to answer, scared of your feelings "I don't know."

she was silent looking at you with her eyes narrowed "you know that with that answer you already told me everything I needed to know, right?" your cheeks burned in an instant "it always bothered you that sunghoon was someone so stubborn, but you don't realize that you're almost the same." her finger lightly tapped your forehead for you to see and stop hiding.

"we are not the same." you wrinkled your nose, wanting to end that conversation.

"oh of course not dear, I've known you both for years and I could even say that you are opposite. but ones that attract each other." she smiled seeing your expression "and both are equally oblivion with your feelings."

she got up grabbing her things, you looked quickly and everyone was ready to go to her house "yuna!"

"bye!" she quickly advanced her steps to the exit, it was impossible to stop her.

what was she referring to? you let out a groan, you already had too much on your mind for her to confuse you even more.

could you really like him? you kept thinking that, just a few months ago you hated each other to death, was it possible to have those feelings now? It was ridiculous whichever way you looked at it.

"haven't you left yet? great," mr. choi sat next to you, preventing you from thinking "i need you to practice with sunghoon, it's just to help him and control him with his ankle, I don't want him to do anything risky."

you frowned visibly annoyed "what am I now? his babysitter?" seeing his expression made you regret your words "I'm sorry but everyone is already leaving and besides, shouldn't you be the one to help him with that?"

"oh come on, don't act like you never stayed up late practicing, it won't take long." he really didn't need to tell you anything else because you would do it anyway.

—

the air is sharp to breathe and there you were, again wrapped in that awkward silence.

which you had not missed at all.

"are you ready?" he doesn't even look you in the eye, but neither can you.

he entered the ice rink without saying anything, the music began to play and as soon as his body moved you couldn't take your eyes off him at any time, he became one with the music, he paid attention and dedication to every little thing detail and that was what made his presentations truly unique.

"try to slow down." still he was pushing himself too hard, and you didn't want his ankle to heal badly or worst case he hurt again.

when he finished he moved closer to your body, scared that he wanted to talk about that night, but also afraid that he would ignore you. but not a single word left his mouth, he just stood there in front of you looking at your face and then opened his arms, waiting for you to do something.

you shifted your gaze from his arms to his face a few times and your body turned on its own, enveloping him in a warm embrace. your arms find their place in him and your face seeks comfort in the space of his neck, you feel in heaven when he tries to wrap you around his whole body leaving not a single inch between you "can we skate together? it feels lonely."

both weren't even skating like you should, just spinning around nonstop while your arms constantly searched for your bodies not wanting to be even a second apart, it was as if you needed each other's warmth to live or else the ice below would consume you.

your body was at peace but at the same time full of nerves and doubts, had it been a mistake not to say anything at that moment and close the door in his face? why didn't he push you away after you behaved that way? you didn't know but you don't want the answer either, you didn't want to think about what would become of you if he just disappeared from your life, he was always there no matter if you couldn't stand each other before. he will always be a part of your life.

"actually I asked mr. choi to do this," you moved your head away from his chest, looking at him confused "I almost had to beg him to tell you to stay a little longer and let us be alone."

"why did you do it?"

his face came closer to yours "because I missed you." his breathing mixed with yours and you no longer thought you would be able to stay calm "besides because the last time I saw you you seemed to hate me again."

you hid your face again only to hit his chest, he didn't make a sound and the rage you had inside you made you hit him again and again and again. but he never pushed you away, his hands were still firm on your body, he knew he deserved it.

"you can't do this to me," you tried not to shed a single tear "saying that to me after everything you've put me through? it's not fair."

"I'm sorry."

"I know. I know you are and I hate you for it." when you stopped beating him sunghoon could only hug you tightly letting you sob into his shirt "I hate you for making me forgive you so easily despite everything."

"I'm really sorry." hearing sunghoon apologize had already become normal "it was my fault for saying that to you so out of the blue and thinking that you would reciprocate my feelings after everything I did to you, I-"

you cut him off with a kiss.

a shiver ran through your whole body, you had never felt your heart beat so fast to the point that it was the only thing you could feel, but the touch of his lips made you feel more alive than ever.

his lips were soft as winter, like snow that melted under your warm touch.

it was just like when the sun melts the ice.

"but above all I hate myself for reciprocating your feelings." sunghoon's soul returned to his body upon hearing those words, you can't help but smile as you see how the panic in his eyes fades.

"god you scared the hell out of me," his fingers wiped your tears gently "my crybaby," you laughed at that old nickname "since I started being with you more I could feel my heart beating faster whenever I was near you, look." he holds your hand to put it on his chest so you can feel his heartbeat "I feel so stupid for everything I did before."

you realize that back then you were drowning because you didn't swim far enough, but now you could breathe.

maybe liking him wasn't such a bad thing.

"as you should." you were silent for a while just feeling each other's heartbeat "i shouldn't have closed the door on you that day." he couldn't stop looking at your face fondly, his gaze drifting to your lips most of the time.

sunghoon took a deep breath "don't worry about it," he practically whispered on your lips, wanting another kiss "I like you a lot. I was so scared of losing you."

he closed his eyes letting his forehead rest against yours "I like you a lot too, I think I just needed time to think, I'm sorry."

"stop apologizing, just please let me kiss you again and again and again."

It was such an intimate moment, as if you were in your own bubble away from everyone and just showing each other affection.

none of you stopped until you were forced to pull away from lack of air "you made me see a lot of things differently." he brushed your hair behind your ear, caressing your cheek with the tip of his thumb.

you really noticed, sunghoon had changed a lot in such a short time to how he was just a few months ago, but you always thought it was because of his injury that had restricted many things, you never thought it was because of you. before he was cold and rarely smiled, he was alone most of the time and seemed not to want to make friends, he just concentrated on skating. but now it was as if he were a different person although deep down he was still him. the same sunghoon who pouted, didn't speak, and turned away from everyone when he was upset, the introverted but noisy boy who always made mr. choi laugh with his jokes, who worked hard everyday to be the best, the same sunghoon who always loved dearly. you laughed at yourself, you used to think he had no heart when in fact he has the biggest of all.

who would have thought that sunghoon was this loving? all the time wanting to be glued to you.

"you know, maybe I've won a lot of medals in the past, and all of them being better than you," you wanted to hit him for making fun of you at that moment "but nothing compares to you." he gives you a little peak "you are the most precious thing I've ever gained in all my life."

you laugh, running your hands over his neck "gained?" you gently tugged at his hair as you brought your face close to his lips, teasing him.

"just kiss me already."

and you did, enjoying the moment wishing it would never end and wishing your heart felt like this forever, more alive than ever.

"can i ask you out on a date?" god, you would never get tired of looking at his eyes and his moles.

"only if you don't slam doors in my face." he laughs, only for you to shut him up with another kiss, and another, and another.

"deal."

🐼 🧘🏻‍♀️ 🤺

[10:46pm] jay x afab reader

"stop fucking bending over, the whole party can see your panties," jay spat, pressing himself up behind you to protect your modesty.

you rolled your eyes at his protective tone, he had always been like this growing up. you were jake's sister, only a few months younger than jay himself. you'd spent all these years together, but only recently had you noticed just how protective over you he was.

tonight was no exception. jake had thrown a party since your parents were away, and of course jay was there. you'd dressed up pretty, albeit your skirt was uncomfortably short but you were not about to go and pick out a whole new outfit so you just went along with it, tugging the material down over your ass hoping no one would notice.

but they did, and jay noticed them noticing you.

"get off me," you whined, shaking him away as you stood up straight, a can of beer in your hand from the cooler you were digging in. "stop acting like you own me, jay."

"i'm not, but someone has to stop your from acting like a whore all night," his mouth pressed into a sharp frown whilst he stared you down. you stood in front of him, feeling small under his gaze.

"a whore yeah? I'll show you a fucking whor-"

jay cut you off, pressing a palm over your mouth to stop you running on. you protested against his hand but he stayed put until you stopped, rolling his eyes a little. after a minute or two he pulled away, wiping his hand on his jeans.

"are you done now?" he asked, one eyebrow raised at you. you huffed out in annoyance but nodded nevertheless.

jay smiled slightly, glancing around the crowded living room quickly before leaning in and pressing a quick kiss to your lips. you barely had time to process it before you were tugging him forward and kissing him back with fever.

he groaned into the kiss, leaning into you and pressing you against the wall behind where you were stood. his hips pinned against yours, causing a gasp to leave your lips for long enough that jay could slip his tongue into your mouth.

you'd be lying if you said you hadn't thought about this before, imagining how jay would taste when you were along at night. not only had he grown more protective over the years, he'd also grown more attractive, and you could now fully see the man he'd grown up to be.

"y/n," he breathed as he pulled back, "we can't do this."

it was your turn to roll your eyes now, holding his jacket tight as you kept his body flush against yours before rolling your hips up gently. jay crumbled, letting his body go pliant against your touch. you could feel how hard he was through his jeans, maybe that skirt was a good idea.

"why not jay," you said quietly, pressing a soft kiss on to his neck, moving down to his collarbones. "what's stopping us?"

"your brother-" he whined when you bit down gently, soothing the spot with your tongue. jay pulled his head up a bit to look at you, glancing down at your glossy and red lips.

he dipped his own head down to your neck, returning the favour by pressing a few open mouthed kisses to the sensitive skin there. you begged him to just bite down, leave a mark, but you knew he wouldn't.

"jake doesn't have to know," you whispered into his ear. "it's our little secret, yeah?"

fuck it, jay was a weak man when it came to you. he tugged you up the stairs to your room, praying on his life that jake would never find out.

four looks. four major houses. one weekend. (L-R:) ZENDAYA in Versace, Valentino, Prada and Armani thank you for keeping us fed, queen!

CHESHIRE ! — Nishimura Riki (TEASER)

SYNOPSIS. Y/N Cheshire lived her life carefree. Being the daughter of the Cheshire Cat made her more inclined to not take anything seriously and to just have a little bit of fun in everything she does. Whether it was pulling pranks, sneaking up on people, or making jabs at her friends- Y/N kept a Cheshire’s smile on her face. Because of that, she just couldn’t take Chaehyun Cupid seriously when she claimed that Y/N had a crush on Riki Wonderland.

PAIRING. Kitty Cheshire! Y/N x Alistair Wonderland! Riki

(btw im not shipping kitty and alistair i just based them off the characters)

GENRE. Ever After High AU, High school AU, Fluff, Slight Angst

WARNINGS. bad parental relationship, ooc riki umm, expected word count is like 15k yea ik. long fic.

RELEASING. sometime in november

NOTES. if u haven’t seen ever after high it’s ok u can still read this all u rly need to know is that the students of eah r the children of fairy tale ppl like snow white or cinderella and they have to follow the paths of their parents and stuff Yassssss

After sometime, Riki opened his mouth. “I know I already asked this earlier, but why did you come here? You know, to stargaze.” As if he wasn’t satisfied with her answer.

He was right in thinking that her answer wasn’t what she truly wanted to say, but it just felt awkward to give an exact reason. Her relationship with her mom was something she could barely tell her only 3 friends about, let alone someone she barely considered an acquaintance.

But Y/N knew Riki was a reliable guy; she had heard it often from Soul, Rei, and Giselle. And maybe for once she would let herself put faith into another person.

“I’ll only tell if you tell me why you like stargazing.”

Riki blew out a breath in thought. “Hm… I don’t know if I can give an exact reason for that. I was just bored one day and ended up coming across this place. That’s what made me stargaze, but something about it just felt so comforting to me that I wanted to do it more often.” He answered, a soft smile gracing his lips. “But that’s not exactly a good reason.”

“I think it suits you.” Y/N whispered out. “I’m sure you have your own stresses with being the son of Alice in Wonderland. It would make sense that having a hobby like this to come back to is something you enjoy.”

He pondered on it for a moment. Maybe she was right. He then chuckled at this side of her he had never seen before. “You’re a lot more poetic than you let on. Anyways I answered your question, can you answer mine?”

Y/N considered answering it, she truly did, but as much as she wanted to open up there was the side of her that wanted to keep everything inside. Her mother had always told her that vocalizing your feelings does nothing good and only makes people pity you.

One thing Y/N despised was being pitied. It only reminded her of how her mother referred to her as a ‘pitiful girl’ and how she would amount to nothing.

So she slowly shook her head. “No, I don’t think I can.”

Riki felt himself beginning to sit up to look at the girl. There was something off about her. The way she spoke to him and the way that she carried herself… she wasn’t acting as she always had. Normal Y/N would be more playful and even mischievous. But now, there was a certain sadness in her entire being that seemed to be throwing her off her rhythm. And it only made Riki more and more curious about her.

“Okay, I get it. You don’t have to tell me.” Riki smiled, before continuing. “I just hope it doesn’t take away your chaotic spirit. You know, I kind of like that about you.”

A sigh left Y/N’s lips at his words. “You don’t mean that, Wonderland.”

“I mean every word, Cheshire.”

Y/N could only roll her eyes before slowly evaporating into the night, using her invisibility and teleportation to finally go back home.

Left lingering in the air was her Cheshire’s smile, which disappeared last and left Riki staring at the wisps of where she had sat only moments prior.

Maybe it made sense that Riki enjoyed stargazing. In a way, there was something about him that was made of the stars. No matter what he did, he always seemed to shine brighter than all the others. There was something about Riki that felt that he belonged up in the sky, giving life to the night and adding a certain glimmer to the auras.

Riki had his own place amongst the sky, and she wished she could be like that too. But after speaking to him, maybe there was nowhere she could have her own place in. Y/N could only wait for the day that she could contribute to a bigger picture, and take a larger part in his story. After all, she had always wanted her own place within the stars.

But for now, all she could do was hope she would become more than just the Cheshire Cat’s daughter.

authors note. postinf this after jay noticed me on his weverse live i am not well. anyways it’s coming 🤓🤓 those 10k words sitting in my drafts r waiting to be released don’t worry babies mommys almost done

permanent taglist. @muhwaa @hoori @yizhoutv @ja4hyvn @carayat @one16core @enhacolor @haerinz @soobin-chois @en-boyz @ohmy-fandoms @yjwonz @yunki4evr @strwberrydinosaur @duolingofanaccount @iichaeyj @eundiarys @ineedaherosavemeenow @chaerybae @bubblytaetae @w3bqrl @xiaoderrrr @jaeyunnsworld @rikizm @teddywonss @gweoriz @dimplewonie @jennaissantes (if u requested to be on my permanent taglist and u didn’t get tagged it’s bc i cant see ur acc, but pls dm me if u want to be in it !)

TANGLED DESIRES- p.sh

PAIRING: enemy!sunghoon x f!reader

SYNOPSIS: At a prestigious private school, you and Park Sunghoon are locked in a constant rivalry. During a party at your friend Karina’s, a heated argument between you two escalates into an unexpected, passionate encounter. The next morning, you wake up in his arms, forcing both of you to confront the new, complicated tension between you. As you navigate the fallout and shifting feelings, you start to question if your biggest enemy might actually be something much more.

GENRE: enemies to lovers, rich kids au

WARNINGS: smut (unprotected sex, oral sex) rivalry, hurt feelings, angst. ALL ARE OF AGE

wc: 15.4k

You attend the most prestigious school in Korea, where the sky-high tuition fees are only accessible to those born into pure wealth. This elite institution is a playground for the richest families, and your name is synonymous with success. Your family, being the owners of one of Korea’s top corporations, you seem to have everything at your fingertips—a glamorous life of luxury, an enviable social circle, and endless opportunities.

To the outside world, you’re the quintessential rich girl: impeccably stylish, effortlessly popular, and seemingly flawless. Yet beneath this polished veneer lies a different reality. Despite your privileged upbringing, you’re kind-hearted, fiercely intelligent, and deeply dedicated to everything you do. Your friend group, including Jake, Jay, Heeseung, Sunoo, Niki, Jungwon, Yuna, and Karina, forms a close-knit circle that navigates the pressures of their world together.

But there’s always been one glaring exception: Park Sunghoon. The feud between the two of you is infamous, an unspoken tension that pulses beneath the surface of your otherwise harmonious friendships. No one really knows how it started, and no one seems to care enough to unravel it. Instead, everyone just tolerates your constant bickering.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The lunch table is alive with conversation, the usual chatter amplified by the excitement of the latest gossip. Karina sits comfortably beside Heeseung, leaning into him with an easy confidence that only she can pull off. She’s in the middle of talking about her parents’ latest venture—something about opening another resort somewhere exotic—when she casually drops the bomb.

“So, they’re gone for the whole weekend,” she says, her voice loud enough to catch everyone’s attention. “And you know what that means…”

Jake perks up immediately, his eyes bright. “Party?”

Karina grins. “Obviously. Saturday night, my place. No theme this time, just show up and bring your best energy.”

Yuna claps her hands in excitement. “Finally! It’s been forever since the last one. I was starting to forget what a real party looks like.”

Jay laughs. “As if you’d ever forget. You practically live for these things.”

Yuna sticks her tongue out at him, but her smile doesn’t waver. “Guilty as charged.”

Heeseung wraps an arm around Karina’s shoulders, looking amused. “You’re not worried about your parents finding out?”

She rolls her eyes. “Please, they won’t even notice. And even if they do, what’s the worst that could happen? They’ll just buy me something to make up for being gone.”

“Must be nice,” Niki mutters, leaning back in his chair.

Sunoo nudges him with a grin. “Oh, come on, don’t act like you’re not excited. You were the first one to ask about the music last time.”

Niki shrugs, but he can’t hide his smile. “Yeah, well, only if it’s not Sunghoon’s terrible playlist again.”

You glance across the table, catching Sunghoon’s eye. He’s lounging back in his chair, looking entirely too pleased with himself. “My playlist was fine, thank you very much,” he retorts. “It’s not my fault you have no taste.”

You snort. “Please, Sunghoon, your taste in music is as bad as your taste in everything else.”

He looks over at you, eyebrow raised. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

You shrug, feigning innocence. “Nothing, just that your definition of ‘good’ is highly questionable.”

He chuckles, the sound low and irritatingly smug. “Coming from you, I’ll take that as a compliment.”

Karina cuts in, sensing the rising tension. “Alright, let’s not turn this into another one of your little spats. Save it for the party, okay?”

Sunghoon smirks, still looking at you. “Looking forward to it already.”

You roll your eyes but can’t resist shooting back, “Don’t get too excited, I might just ignore you all night.”

“Oh, the horror,” he replies, his voice dripping with mock terror. “How will I ever survive?”

Jay laughs, nudging Jake. “You know, one day they might actually get along.”

Jake shakes his head, grinning. “Nah, where’s the fun in that?”

Karina steers the conversation back to the party details, running through a list of essentials while Heeseung nods along, offering suggestions. “Invite whoever you want,” she says, “oh except luci, last time I caught her giving mark head in my parents bedroom, I haven’t been able to go in there since.”

You laugh and nod in agreement, trying not to notice how Sunghoon is still watching you, his expression unreadable. For a moment, you wonder what’s going through his head, but then you push the thought away. Whatever it is, it’s probably nothing you need to worry about.

Karina claps her hands, bringing the attention back to her. “So, everyone’s in?”

There’s a chorus of agreement, and the table erupts into a mix of laughter and excited chatter as plans start to form. You glance over at Sunghoon one more time, catching his eye for a brief second before looking away. This party is already shaping up to be interesting… and you have a feeling that’s an understatement.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The lunch buzz still lingers in your ears as the group makes its way back across the pristine campus grounds. The sunlight reflects off the sleek, modern architecture of the school’s main building, and you can’t help but admire the way everything here seems to sparkle—like even the bricks and mortar are aware of the school's prestige.

You find yourself walking beside Karina, who’s still chatting excitedly about the party, while Heeseung stays close, throwing in a comment or two. Yuna and Sunoo are a few steps ahead, their heads bent together as they giggle over something on Sunoo’s phone. You catch Jake and Jay trailing behind, still debating something about sports cars or the best summer destinations.

Just as you’re about to reach the entrance, you feel a presence beside you. You don’t need to turn your head to know who it is; Sunghoon always manages to sidle up to you when you least expect it.

“What, are you following me now?” you ask, not breaking your stride.

He chuckles. “Oh, please. Don’t flatter yourself. It just so happens our lockers are in the same direction.”

“Right,” you drawl, rolling your eyes. “Like you don’t go out of your way to annoy me.”

He glances at you, smirk still firmly in place. “Maybe I just like seeing you get all riled up. It’s entertaining.”

You shoot him a glare, but before you can fire back a retort, the group reaches the main hallway. The chatter from the student body fills the air, a mix of excitement and post-lunch drowsiness. The smell of expensive cologne and designer perfumes lingers in the air, an unmistakable signature of the school’s elite.

Karina stops at her locker, Heeseung leaning against it with a casual arm draped over her shoulder. She turns to you, her voice dropping conspiratorially. “So, you’re coming early on Saturday, right? I need a hand setting things up.”

You nod, grateful for the distraction from Sunghoon. “Of course. I’ll be there.”

“Great!” She beams. “And maybe you can help me make sure everything stays under control. You know how things can get with this crowd.”

Heeseung laughs softly. “Good luck with that. I don’t think anyone’s ever managed to keep Sunoo and Niki under control for more than five minutes.”

As if on cue, Sunoo pops up beside you with a grin. “I heard that, Heeseung! I’m an angel, thank you very much.”

Niki appears at his side, raising an eyebrow. “An angel of chaos, maybe.”

The group laughs, and you feel the tension in your shoulders ease. It’s moments like these that make all the bickering and drama feel worth it.

But then, just as you’re about to make another comment, Sunghoon’s voice cuts through the noise. “So, Y/N,” he says casually, “what are you going to wear to the party? Let me guess… something that screams ‘trying too hard’?”

You whip your head around, narrowing your eyes at him. “And what are you planning on wearing, Sunghoon? Something that screams ‘I own everything but a personality’?”

There’s a collective gasp from your friends, followed by a chorus of laughter. Sunghoon raises his eyebrows, feigning a look of hurt. “Ouch, that one actually stung a little. Didn’t know you had it in you.”

You cross your arms, feeling a triumphant smile tug at your lips. “I’ve got plenty more where that came from. Try me.”

He leans in slightly, lowering his voice just enough that only you can hear. “Maybe I will,” he says, his eyes flicking over you in a way that makes your pulse quicken. “But you’re going to have to do better than that if you want to get under my skin.”

You’re about to retort when a voice interrupts. “Can we get through one day without you two turning everything into a competition?” Jay sighs, looking exasperated. “Seriously, it’s exhausting just watching you.”

Jake nods in agreement, though he’s grinning. “You guys need to find a new hobby. Preferably one that doesn’t involve verbal sparring in the middle of the hallway.”

You shrug, unable to resist the urge to keep poking at Sunghoon. “I’m open to suggestions, but I doubt Sunghoon has any better ideas.”

Sunghoon leans back, crossing his arms with a playful smile. “Oh, I’ve got plenty of ideas. But I think you’d be too scared to try them.”

Before you can respond, the bell rings, signaling the end of lunch. Karina groans. “Ugh, saved by the bell. I guess we’ll have to pick this up later.”

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

As everyone starts to disperse to their respective classes, Sunghoon gives you one last look, a challenge in his eyes. “Don’t worry, Y/N,” he says smoothly. “I’ll be looking forward to it.”

You roll your eyes, but your heart is beating just a little faster. You can’t help but wonder what exactly he’s planning… and why a part of you is actually looking forward to finding out.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The day of the party arrives with a crisp, clear sky and a hint of excitement that seems to permeate every corner of the city. You wake up early, feeling a mix of anticipation and nervous energy. Karina had texted you the night before, reminding you to come over in the afternoon to help set up for the party. You agreed eagerly, knowing that any opportunity to help would give you something to focus on and take your mind off the strange tension building between you and Sunghoon.

When you arrive at Karina’s mansion, the house is buzzing with activity. Karina’s housekeeper greets you at the door with a warm smile, directing you to the large, open-plan living area where Karina is already busy coordinating the decorations with a small army of helpers. The space is being transformed into a glamorous party venue with twinkling lights, elegant table settings, and a dance floor that looks like it’s straight out of a high-end club.

Karina spots you as soon as you walk in, her face lighting up with relief and excitement. “Y/N! Perfect timing. I’m so glad you’re here. We could use an extra pair of hands.”

You smile, rolling up your sleeves. “What can I do to help?”

Karina hands you a stack of neatly folded napkins and points towards a table covered with party favors. “Start by setting these up on the tables. I want everything to look perfect tonight.”

You get to work, organizing napkins and arranging snack trays, chatting with Karina about the last-minute details. The hours fly by as you work alongside her, the room gradually coming together into a setting that is unmistakably Karina’s style—classy, sophisticated, and just a bit over the top.

As the afternoon drifts into evening, Karina claps her hands and gathers you for a brief break. “Alright, it’s time for a quick change. You’ve been working so hard, and I want you to look as fabulous as the rest of the evening.”

You raise an eyebrow, half-teasing. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

Karina waves her hand dismissively. “you don’t want me to answer that. cmon you’re hot, why not show off a little?”

Before you can protest, Karina ushers you into her bedroom and pulls out a sleek, little black dress from her closet. The dress is short and simple with a cut that accentuates your figure without being too revealing.

“Put this on,” Karina insists, handing you the dress. “Trust me, you’ll look amazing. And don’t worry about the hair and makeup; I’ve got that covered too.”

You change quickly, admiring the way the dress fits and the way it makes you feel more confident and glamorous. When you step out of the room, Karina is waiting with a professional-looking makeup kit and a few hair tools.

As she works on your hair and makeup, she chatters away, filling the room with her usual upbeat energy. “you look sexy”

You smile at her reflection in the mirror. “Thanks, Karina. You don’t think it’s a bit much? It’s definitely more out there than I usually go for”.

Karina beams, finishing up with a final touch of lipstick. “babe there’s no such thing as too much. And who knows, maybe you’ll catch someone eye tonight,” she tells you with a wink.

With a laugh and a final look at yourself in the mirror, you feel a surge of excitement. The dress feels perfect, and the makeup and hair make you look polished and ready for the night. As you head back downstairs, you catch sight of Karina’s smile of approval, and you can’t help but feel a bit more confident about the evening ahead.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The music starts pumping through the walls as you and Karina make your way back downstairs. The final touches have been set, and the room looks like a scene straight out of a teen movie: fairy lights strung up in every corner, a couple of disco balls catching the light just right, and a dance floor that practically begs people to let loose. Karina surveys everything with a grin that stretches from ear to ear.

“See?” she says, nudging you with her elbow. “This is why I always go all out.”

You chuckle, glancing around. “Okay, okay, you were right. This does look kind of amazing.”

The doorbell rings, and Karina practically bounces on her toes. “That must be the first guests! Come on, we have to greet everyone in style.”

The two of you rush to the front door, and soon enough, your friends start streaming in. Sunoo is the first to arrive, with Niki and Jungwon right behind him. They all look ready to have the best night ever, and Sunoo immediately zeroes in on you, his eyes going wide.

“Oh. My. God. Y/N!” Sunoo exclaims dramatically, clutching his chest. “Look at you in that little black dress! Who is she?!”

You roll your eyes, fighting back a grin. “Alright, Sunoo, calm down. It’s just a dress.”

“It’s not just a dress,” Niki interjects with a grin. “It’s the dress. Who are you trying to impress tonight?”

Jungwon nudges Niki. “Yeah, spill. Is there someone you’re hoping to catch the eye of?”

You smirk, crossing your arms. “Oh, please, like I’d tell you guys even if there was.”

More of your friends arrive, and soon the room is buzzing with chatter and laughter. Jake and Jay show up not long after, both of them effortlessly cool as always. Jay immediately gets to work DJ-ing from his phone, while Jake heads to the makeshift bar, already concocting a round of mixed drinks.

Then, just as you start to relax, you see him—Park Sunghoon. He steps in, looking annoyingly good in a casual black button-down and jeans. His eyes scan the room until they find you. For a split second, he looks almost surprised, but then his trademark smirk appears.

“Well, well,” Sunghoon says as he strolls over to you, hands casually shoved into his pockets. “Look who decided to play dress-up. You got a hot date tonight or something?”

You scoff, giving him a look. “Oh, please, Sunghoon. Unlike you, I don’t have to try so hard to impress everyone.”

Sunghoon chuckles, leaning in just slightly. “Right. Because you just show up looking like that for fun?”

Before you can shoot back a retort, Karina swoops in, looping her arm through yours. “Hey, Sunghoon, quit being a troll. Y/N looks amazing, and you know it. Now go get a drink and try to be nice for once!”

He holds up his hands, his grin widening. “Alright, alright, I’ll behave... for now.”

You watch as he saunters off to join Jake at the bar, and Karina gives you a knowing look. “Don’t let him get under your skin tonight, okay?”

You nod, trying to brush it off, even though you’re still buzzing from his teasing. “Yeah, yeah, I’m good.”

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The party is in full swing now—music thumping, people laughing, and the lights twinkling overhead like stars. You find yourself swept up in the fun, moving from one conversation to the next, the earlier tension with Sunghoon momentarily forgotten. You’re by the snack table, popping a few chips into your mouth when Haechan sidles up next to you with his signature grin.

“Hey, Y/N,” he says smoothly, leaning in a little closer than necessary. “Looking good tonight. That dress is seriously working for you.”

You smile at him, amused by his blatant flirting. “Thanks, Haechan. You’re not looking too bad yourself,” you reply, playing along. He’s always been a harmless flirt, and you don’t mind the attention tonight.

He grins wider, clearly pleased. “I try. But seriously, I can’t believe I’m just now noticing how stunning you are. Were you hiding this whole time or just waiting for the perfect moment to make your grand entrance?”

You laugh, shaking your head. “Oh, you know me. Always dramatic,” you joke, and he chuckles, leaning in a bit more.

“You’re full of surprises, Y/N. Makes me want to know you better,” he says, his voice dropping slightly, and you can’t help but laugh at his over-the-top delivery.

What you don’t notice is that from across the room, Sunghoon has been watching the entire interaction with a growing frown. He’s leaning against a wall, a drink in hand, his eyes narrowing as he watches Haechan lean closer to you, flashing that charming smile. His jaw tightens, and his grip on the cup becomes visibly tighter.

Heeseung, who’s been standing beside him, follows his line of sight and notices the tense look on his friend’s face. A knowing grin spreads across Heeseung’s lips as he leans over to Sunghoon, nudging him with his elbow.

“Someone looks like they’ve got their feathers ruffled,” Heeseung teases, keeping his voice low so only Sunghoon can hear.

Sunghoon scoffs, rolling his eyes. “I’m fine.”

“Sure,” Heeseung laughs. “That’s why you’ve been glaring at Haechan like you’re ready to knock that grin off his face.”

Sunghoon doesn’t respond right away, but his eyes remain fixed on you and Haechan. Heeseung watches with amusement, clearly enjoying the show.

“Just admit it, man,” Heeseung continues, his tone light. “You’re jealous.”

Sunghoon finally looks away from you, giving Heeseung a dismissive look. “I’m not jealous. I just don’t like seeing him act like a fool.”

Heeseung snorts. “Right. Because you’re so worried about Haechan embarrassing himself.” He claps a hand on Sunghoon’s shoulder. “Come on, dude, just go talk to her. Or are you afraid she’ll turn you down?”

Sunghoon shoots him a glare. “Shut up, Heeseung.”

Heeseung just laughs harder, clearly unbothered by Sunghoon’s mood. “Alright, whatever you say. But just so you know, glaring at Haechan isn’t going to do anything except make you look more obvious.”

Sunghoon doesn’t answer, but Heeseung’s words seem to hit a nerve. He turns his attention back to you, his expression unreadable, though there’s still a flicker of something in his eyes—something more than just casual interest.

Meanwhile, you’re still chatting with Haechan, completely unaware of the little drama unfolding across the room. But you can’t shake the feeling that someone’s watching you, and when you finally glance up, your eyes meet Sunghoon’s for just a second. He quickly looks away, and you can’t help but wonder what that was all about.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The party continues to buzz around you, but after a while, the noise and energy start to feel a bit overwhelming. You decide you need a break, a moment to yourself away from the chaos. Without saying anything, you slip out of the crowded living room and head toward the balcony, where the air is cooler and the music is just a muffled hum in the background.

You push open the glass doors and step outside, letting the crisp night air hit your face. It’s a welcome change from the warmth inside. You lean against the railing, taking a deep breath, trying to clear your mind. The stars are faint above the city lights, and you can hear distant sounds of traffic, a reminder of the world continuing outside this little bubble of a party.

You close your eyes for a moment, just enjoying the quiet. But then, you hear the soft sound of footsteps behind you. You turn, half-expecting to see Karina or maybe Sunoo, but your heart skips a beat when you see Sunghoon stepping out onto the balcony.

“What do you want, Sunghoon?” you sigh, not bothering to hide your annoyance.

“I could ask you the same thing” he replies, his voice closer than you expected. You feel the warmth of his body behind you, jus inches away. “Running away from the party?”

”Hardly.” You glance over your shoulder at him. “Just needed a break from all the fakes and liars inside.”

His lips curl into that familiar, infuriating smirk. “And here I thought you thrived on that type of thing. Who knew Y/N had limits?”

You roll tour eyes, turning back to the view. “Yeah, well, believe it or not I do. But you wouldn’t know anything, would you?”

Sunghoon steps closer, his breath brushing against your ear, sending an unwanted shiver down your spine. You feel a rush of heat flood your cheeks and something else you refuse to acknowledge. “You don’t know anything about me, Sunghoon. And id keep it that way if I were you.”

He laughs, a deep, rich sound that makes your skin prickle. “I think you like it when I get under your skin. Why else do you always react like this?” You scoff, turning to face him, only then realizing how close he actually was. “Maybe i’m just tired of you acting like you’re gods gift to the world. newsflash: you’re not.”

His grin widens, and he takes another step closer, invading you’re space entirely as if he wasn’t already to begin with. “Admit it.” he says, his voice dropping lower. “You like our little games. You like the way I push your buttons.”

Your heart is pounding now, and you hate that he’s right, that there’s something about him that gets to you in a way no one else does.But you refuse to five him the satisfaction of knowing it. “In your dreams,” you snap, though the breathlessness in your voice betrays you.

He reaches out, his fingers brushing your arm, and you feel a jolt of heat at the contact. “Is that so?” he whispers, his lips dangerously close to yours now, his eyes dark with challenge. “Because I think you’re lying. I think you want this as much as I do.”

Your breath hitches, and for a moment, you’re frozen, caught in his gaze. The intensity in his eyes makes your pulse race, a mix of anger and undeniable attraction. He’s so close now that you can feel his breath your lips, and before you can stop yourself, you grab his shirt, pulling him the last few inches towards you.

“Maybe I just want to shut you up,” you mutter, your voice barely above a whisper. “Then do it,” he taunts, his lips brushing against yours, almost but not quite a kiss. It’s all the encouragement you need. You close the distance, your mouth crashing against his. His hands grip your waist, pulling you closer, and you press against him, fueled by a mix of anger and desire.

The kiss is intense, a battle of wills as much as it is anything else. His lips are firm, demanding, and you meet him with equal force, neither of you willing to give an inch. Your hands move up to his hair, tugging slightly and he groans against your mouth, deepening the kiss.

You’re lost in it. Lost in him, every nerve in your body alight with sensation. His hands slide up your back, his touch sending sparks through you, and you hate how much you crave it, hate how much you want him despite everything.

You’re breathless when you finally pull back, your heart hammering against your ribs. Sunghoon’s lips are parted, his breaths coming in ragged, and his eyes are dark with something dangerous—something you know you shouldn’t be entertaining.

His hand is still on your waist, his thumb brushing the exposed skin just beneath the hem of your shirt, and you swear every nerve in your body is on fire. He leans in close, his lips grazing your ear, and his voice comes out in a low, almost pleading murmur. “Come back to my place.”

It isn’t a question, but there’s something in his tone that sends a shiver down your spine, a combination of hunger and desperation that mirrors what’s coursing through your veins. For a moment, you’re tempted—so, so tempted to just say yes and give in to whatever this is. But logic fights its way to the surface, and you pull back just enough to meet his gaze.

“Are you serious?” you ask, your voice wavering more than you’d like.

His expression doesn’t falter, his eyes locked onto yours. “Dead serious.” He swallows, his grip on your waist tightening, as if he’s afraid you’ll slip away. “I don’t want this to end here.”

You hesitate, your mind racing. This is Sunghoon—Park Sunghoon—the guy you’ve spent so long arguing with, glaring at across rooms, doing everything in your power to avoid. But there’s something different about the way he’s looking at you now, something raw and real that makes it hard to think clearly.

“I don’t know,” you say, trying to sound firm, though your resolve is crumbling by the second. “I mean… this is crazy.”

“Maybe,” he agrees, his voice still low, still laced with that edge of desperation. “But I think you like crazy.” His lips curl into a half-smile, that familiar cockiness tempered with something else, something softer.

You bite your lip, weighing your options, feeling the tension between you both—hot, magnetic, impossible to ignore. “This is a bad idea,” you whisper, though even you can hear the lack of conviction in your words.

Sunghoon steps closer, closing the distance again, his forehead almost touching yours. “Probably the worst,” he says, his breath hot against your skin. “But if you don’t say yes, I’m going to lose my mind.”

You can feel his heartbeat through his shirt, can feel how fast it’s racing, and you know he means it. Part of you is screaming to walk away, to leave now before you make a mistake, but there’s another part—a louder, more reckless part—that’s screaming for you to stay, to see where this goes.

“Just one night,” he murmurs, his lips brushing yours again, barely a kiss, just enough to make you shiver. “No strings, no expectations. Just… us.”

You close your eyes, fighting against every instinct telling you to run. But when you open them again, his gaze is still locked onto yours, and you can’t deny the heat pooling in your stomach, the way your skin tingles with every touch.

“Fine,” you breathe, barely louder than a whisper. “One night.”

His grin is immediate, but there’s relief in it too, and he closes the distance, pressing his lips to yours again, this time harder, more insistent. “Let’s get out of here,” he says against your mouth, his hand sliding to intertwine with yours, and you know there’s no going back now.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

You manage to sneak past your friends to leave Karina’s mansion, the partygoers and scattered distractions making it all that more simple.

The drive is quiet, both of you caught in your own thoughts. The city passes by in a blur of neon signs and headlights, the streets quieter than they were earlier. You steal a glance at him, watching the way his jaw clenches, the way his fingers tap against the wheel like he’s counting down the seconds.

Sunghoon pulls up to his mansion, its sprawling, modern architecture framed by towering trees and high walls that ensure absolute privacy. The wide driveway curves up to the grand entrance, where soft lights cast a warm glow over the marble steps and tall double doors. You glance around, taking in the sheer size of the place—not because it surprises you, but because you’ve never been here before.

Your own family’s estate is nothing to scoff at, but there’s a distinct style to his home—something sleek and almost understated, despite its size. You tilt your head slightly, noticing the details: the way the garden is meticulously maintained, the sharp lines of the building softened by the greenery that surrounds it. It’s impressive, in a way that’s different from what you’re used to.

He takes your hand to lead you inside, you follow him down the dimly lit corridor, decorated with family pictures and modern art that costs a fortune. He pauses at his bedroom door, his hand still holding yours, and turns to look at you one more time. “Last chance to change your mind,” he murmurs, though his thumb strokes the back of your hand, a comforting gesture.

You take a deep breath, then shake your head. “I’m not changing my mind.”

A small smile tugs at his lips. “Good,” he whispers, unlocking the door and pushing it open.

You step inside, and he follows, closing the door behind you. The space is dimly lit, warm, and there’s an unexpected coziness to it—minimalistic but comfortable. The air feels thick with everything unspoken between you.

Sunghoon turns to you, his gaze intense, and he steps closer, his hand moving up to your face, brushing a strand of hair behind your ear. “I’ve been thinking about this all night,” he admits quietly, his voice almost a growl.

Your breath catches, and you feel the heat rush to your face. “Then stop talking,” you murmur, your own voice breathless.

His lips are on yours in an instant, capturing your mouth in a kiss that’s all-consuming, filled with all the tension, the want, the frustration that’s been building for so long. You kiss him back just as fiercely, hands sliding up his chest, feeling his heartbeat pounding beneath your palms.

Sunghoon's hands roamed over your body, squeezing your tits. You let out a small involuntary moan, a grunt leaving him immediately after. His lips move down to your next, trailing up and down before reaching that sweet spot right behind your ear.

It all feels to fucking good, your panties sticking to your core. He moves to sit on the edge of his bed, pulling you into his lap before catching your lips once again. His growing hardness is poking at you. “You look so fucking sexy in this little dress,” He tells you in a low tone that makes you clench around nothing, the ache between your legs growing. You start grinding on him, his hands grabbing your ass, encouraging you to keep grinding against his clothed length. “That’s it baby, grind on me, keep rubbing that pretty pussy over my cock.”

Your head is thrown back, lip in between your teeth, his words encouraging your quickening movements. “Need you so bad, Hoon,” you manage to get out.

“Yeah baby? tell me what you need.” He tells you. It’s almost embarrassing how much you wanted him. “Need your cock.” Without another word you feel his hands back on your ass, lifting you up and throwing you down on his bed. He looks up at you with mischievious eyes, hovering over you as his hands roam down the sides of your thighs to them hem of your dress. “Can i take this off?” he asks, caressing the soft, exposed skin there.

Eagerly, you nod quickly, reaching for the hem to help him pull it up and over your head. Luckily you opted for a pair of black lacy panties and opposed to your more comfortable ones. He audibly sighs and your exposed figure, “You’re so beautiful,” He tells you, his fingers working to slide your panties down your legs and tossing them to the side, revealing just how much you wanted him.

“Shit baby you’re so wet.” He leans down, placing soft, wet kisses just below your navel, dangerously close to where you wanted him most. “Hoon please,” you murmur out. He straightens out, unbuckling his belt to pull down his pants and boxers all in one go. While he wasn’t remarkably long, he made up for it in girth. You lick your lips at the sight, anticipation and heat pooling.

He pumps himself a couple times before he’s lining himself up with your entrance. He takes his time, making sure to smear your slick between your clit and his length. You feel his tip parting your folds, your breath hitching in your throat. “You ready?” his eyes meet yours for assurance. No words come out your mouth, all you do is nod.

He enters you carefully, a strong contrast from his words earlier in the night. The last thing he wants is to rush, just because of how unpatient and horny he is. You close your eyes, holding in the gasp that threatens to escape your lips. “Relax baby, I got you.”

“I know,” you breathe out. The sudden stretch has your eyes rolling to the back of your head. The burn quickly turning into a delicious one. “That’s it,” he praises you continuing to slide in until he’s nestled completely between your walls. “You take me so well,” he grunts, his length twitching inside of you.

“Fuck me, Hoon” you murmur, your walls clench around him, throwing his head back at the feeling. Before you know it he’s pulling out of you, only to smack his hips back against yours. It knocks all the oxygen out your lungs, leaving you breathless as he repeats the same action over and over again. “Fuck,” you breathe out, focusing on how good he looks above you.

You’re in a complete feeling of euphoria. Sunghoon’s skills topping those of the few guys you’ve slept with before. In that moment, all the bickering and years of back and forth leave your mind completely. The only thing closing your mind is how good him of all people is making you feel.

“Hoon… faster,” you let out, his hips snapping in a faster pace on command. Your back arches off the bed, hands grasping the sheets in small fists. He notices and reaches for them to thread his fingers through yours, pinning them above your head. “You like that baby? love how good you feel… fuck you’re so tight. Gonna make you cum so hard.”

“I’m so c-close, fuck,” you breathe out. His thrusts become messier and you know he’s close. “Cum on my cock pretty,” he grunts, hands letting go of yours to grip your hips. Clenching around him, it takes a few for pumps before you’re both coming undone. His cock twitching inside you as he fucks his cum into you.

He drops his sweaty forehead against your shoulder, quick, deep breaths meeting your skin and he comes down from his high. It takes you both a while before your breathing steadys. “You good?,” he asks you, settling on the bed beside you. “mhm,” is all you say in response, unsure as to where this leaves your relationship. It all felt to good to ignore. “Are you good?” you ask him after a moment of silence. “Better than I have in a long time.”

You’re not sure when you fall asleep. The exhaustion taking over you all at once.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The morning light filters softly through the heavy curtains, casting a gentle glow across the room. You wake to the sound of birds chirping outside, their songs a peaceful contrast to the intensity of the night before. The bed is warm, and you’re nestled comfortably under the covers, Sunghoon’s arm draped over you.

You shift slightly, the movement causing Sunghoon to stir beside you. He mumbles something incoherent, tightening his hold on you before settling back into a deeper sleep. You take a moment to just lie there, letting yourself absorb the strange, surreal comfort of the situation. There’s an odd serenity in the room, a calm that feels almost unreal given the whirlwind of emotions that led you here.

As you slowly become more aware, you gently untangle yourself from his embrace, careful not to wake him. You sit up and stretch, glancing around at the elegant room that’s now your temporary sanctuary. The soft morning light highlights the sleek lines and modern decor, giving the space an almost ethereal quality.

You slide out of bed and make your way to the bathroom, feeling a little self-conscious but determined to gather yourself. You glance at yourself in the mirror, trying to process the whirlwind of the past night. The evidence of sleep lingers in your eyes, and you smooth your hair, mentally preparing yourself for whatever comes next.

When you return to the bedroom, Sunghoon is still asleep, his chest rising and falling in a steady rhythm. You take a moment to just watch him, the vulnerability in his expression softened by sleep. There’s a part of you that feels a pang of something—softness, maybe even affection—though you’re still trying to fully understand what it all means.

Deciding not to linger too long, you quietly gather your things and start to get dressed. You’re pulling on your clothes when you hear a rustling behind you. You turn to find Sunghoon blinking awake, his gaze immediately locking on you with a sleepy, yet intense look.

“Good morning,” he murmurs, his voice rough with sleep.

You smile softly, trying to keep things light despite the previous night's intensity. “Morning. I didn’t want to wake you.”

He stretches lazily, a smirk forming on his lips. “And here I was thinking you’d sneak out before I even woke up. Not very considerate of you, you know.”

You raise an eyebrow, crossing your arms. “Oh, sorry. I didn’t realize I was supposed to tiptoe around your mansion.”

He chuckles, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Yeah, well, you should be lucky you’re not being kicked out for your unexpected visit.”

You roll your eyes, pulling on your shirt. “Oh, please. It’s not like I forced my way in. You made it pretty clear you wanted me here.”

His smirk widens. “True. And now I’m faced with the charming aftermath of our little escapade. How do you intend to handle that?”

You shrug, trying to keep your tone casual. “I think we both know this doesn’t exactly change things. We still don’t like each other. This was… a one-off.”

Sunghoon raises an eyebrow, clearly amused. “A one-off? That’s what we’re calling it now? What happened to all that intense ‘hate’ from last night?”

You narrow your eyes at him, feeling a bit defensive. “It’s complicated. We both know that. I’m just here to sort myself out.”

He stands up, stretching with a yawn. “Well, I suppose if you’re done with the morning-after drama, I should at least make you breakfast.”

You look at him skeptically. “Breakfast? You’re really pulling out the stops now?”

He gives you a mockingly hurt look. “Don’t sound so surprised. Even enemies deserve to be fed after a night like that.”

You smirk, shaking your head. “Fine. Breakfast it is. But don’t think this means I’m sticking around for a whole lot of chit-chat.”

He grins, clearly pleased with your response. “Wouldn’t dream of it. Just a quick meal and then you can be on your way.”

As he leads you to the kitchen, you both fall into a familiar rhythm, trading barbs and jabs that feel almost comfortable in their own way. The awkwardness of the night before is still there, but it’s tempered by the humor and banter that defines your relationship.

In the kitchen, Sunghoon starts pulling out ingredients, his movements confident and efficient. You watch him, feeling a strange mix of irritation and appreciation. Despite everything, there’s something almost endearing about the way he’s trying to play the gracious host.

“So, what’s the plan after breakfast?” you ask, grabbing a coffee cup and filling it. “Are we going to pretend like nothing happened, or do you have some other grand gesture in mind?”

He looks over at you with a smirk. “Maybe I’ll just enjoy the novelty of seeing you eat my food. Consider it a small victory.”

You roll your eyes, but there’s a genuine smile on your lips. “Enjoy it while it lasts. I’m not here for long.”

He chuckles, placing a plate of food in front of you. “Don’t worry, I won’t be offended if you leave right after. I’m sure we’ll find new ways to annoy each other soon enough.”

You take a bite of the breakfast, shaking your head in mock exasperation. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As you eat, the tension from the night before begins to ease, replaced by the familiar dynamic of your interactions. It’s not exactly comfortable, but it’s familiar—a small reminder that despite everything, some things never really change.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The bell rings, signaling the end of the period, you gather your things and stand up, eager to leave the classroom and escape the strange tension that’s been hanging between you and Sunghoon all day. You’re heading toward the door when you feel a light tap on your shoulder. You turn around to find Sunghoon standing close, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

“Can I help you?” you ask, trying to keep your tone neutral.

Sunghoon leans in, his face just inches from yours. His breath is warm against your ear, and you can feel his proximity even though you try to back away slightly. “You look cute today,” he whispers, his voice low and deliberately teasing.

You freeze for a moment, your heart skipping a beat as his words sink in. You’re taken aback by the unexpected comment, feeling a rush of irritation mixed with something you can’t quite define. You quickly compose yourself, narrowing your eyes at him.

“Seriously?” you hiss, trying to keep your voice low so that no one else hears. “Now you’re trying to play nice? How pathetic.”

Sunghoon pulls back slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips. “I’m just making an observation,” he says innocently, though the amusement in his eyes betrays him.

You roll your eyes, your frustration evident. “Yeah, well, save it for someone who actually cares. I’m not in the mood for your games.”

As you turn and walk toward the door, you hear Sunghoon’s laughter behind you, light and mocking. You try to ignore the heat rising in your cheeks as you make your way out of the classroom, determined not to let him get under your skin. Despite your efforts to stay composed, his words linger in your mind, adding to the awkwardness and confusion of the day.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Lunch at school is a lively affair, with the cafeteria buzzing with the chatter of students and the clatter of trays. You and your friends—Yuna, Karina, and the rest—settle into your usual spot at the table. Sunghoon and his group are seated across from you, and you can feel his gaze lingering on you, even as you try to focus on the conversation with your friends.

Karina is mid-sentence, animatedly discussing the latest school gossip when Sunghoon's voice cuts through. “Oh, come on, Y/N. You can't actually believe that nonsense.”

You glance up, catching Sunghoon’s eyes. He’s smirking, clearly enjoying the opportunity to poke at you. “And what’s so ridiculous about it?” you retort, trying to keep your voice steady despite the irritation brewing inside you.

“Seriously?” Sunghoon’s grin widens. “It’s just a bunch of exaggerated stories. You’ve always had a knack for falling for that kind of thing.”

You roll your eyes, feeling a familiar annoyance bubbling up. “Says the guy who’s always spouting off about how everything’s ‘not worth his time.’”

Sunghoon leans back in his chair, folding his arms. “At least I don’t get caught up in every little bit of drama that comes my way.”

You scoff, crossing your arms. “I’m not the one who spends half his day looking for ways to pick fights. Maybe if you weren’t so obsessed with making everything a competition, you’d see things more clearly.”

Yuna and Karina exchange glances, trying to stifle their laughter as the two of you go back and forth. Karina nudges you playfully. “Looks like you two are back to your old routine.”

You shoot her a sidelong glance, annoyed but unable to hide a small smile. “Oh, you have no idea.”

Meanwhile, Sunghoon’s eyes are fixed on you, his smirk never fading. Every time you catch him looking, you feel a mix of frustration and unease. His gaze is unrelenting, and despite your best efforts to ignore it, you can’t help but feel self-conscious.

“What are you staring at?” you snap, catching him in the act.

Sunghoon raises an eyebrow, his expression innocent. “Just observing. Is that a problem?”

You narrow your eyes, crossing your arms. “Maybe if you had something better to do than harass me, you wouldn’t have to be so nosy.”

He chuckles, leaning forward with a teasing glint in his eyes. “Maybe I just enjoy watching you get all riled up. It’s entertaining.”

You glare at him, feeling your irritation spike. “Yeah, well, it’s not exactly a compliment.”

Sunghoon shrugs, still smirking. “Suit yourself.”

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

After lunch, you head to your next class with a sense of relief, hoping to escape the tension of the cafeteria. As you settle into your seat, the classroom buzzes with the usual pre-class chatter. You glance around, hoping to avoid any more interactions with Sunghoon, but he’s in the same class, sitting a few rows behind you.

The teacher arrives, and the room quiets down as the lesson begins. You try to focus on the lecture, but the lingering effects of the lunchtime bickering keep your thoughts scattered. Every now and then, you can feel Sunghoon’s eyes on you, though you avoid turning around to confirm it.

Halfway through the class, you feel a small piece of paper land softly on your desk. You glance down to find a note with neat handwriting:

*“Can we at least pretend to be civil? I promise I’m not plotting your demise.”*

You roll your eyes, a small smile tugging at your lips despite yourself. You scribble a quick reply:

“Why start now? It’s more fun to keep you on your toes.”

You fold the note and toss it back over your shoulder, hoping it will reach him without drawing too much attention. A few moments later, you see Sunghoon’s hand reach forward to grab it, his expression unreadable.

The rest of the class proceeds in a blur of lectures and notes. The occasional glances you and Sunghoon exchange are filled with unspoken tension, but you both manage to keep your interactions to a minimum.

At the end of your lecture, you pack up your things and make your way out of the classroom. You’re heading down the hall when you hear Sunghoon’s voice behind you.

“Hey, wait up.”

You stop, turning to see him catching up with you. He’s wearing a casual expression, though there’s a hint of seriousness in his eyes.

“Seriously? What now?” you ask, trying to keep your tone even.

Sunghoon’s gaze lingers on you, and he seems to consider his next words carefully. “So, I was thinking… why don’t you come over to my place later?”

You raise an eyebrow, puzzled. “For what? We already had our… whatever that was.”

Sunghoon gives you a knowing look, his smirk widening. “Come on, you know you’re curious. Besides, you know you want me.”

You feel a rush of heat at his words, and you try to maintain your composure. “And what happened to it being a one-night thing? Are you trying to make this a regular thing now?”

Sunghoon’s eyes twinkle with mischief. “Maybe I am. Or maybe I just want to spend more time with you. Either way, I think you’re interested.”

You hesitate, feeling the pull of his words. The desire that was ignited the night before is still burning strong, and you find yourself tempted despite your better judgment.

With a sigh, you give in, unable to resist the allure of what he’s offering. “Alright, fine. I’ll come over. But just to see what you have in mind.” Sunghoon’s smile broadens, clearly pleased with your decision. “Great. see you later.”

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Later that night, you stand outside Sunghoon’s, house, or rather mansion. With a deep breath, you ring the doorbelll, and a moment later, Sunghoon opens the door. His eyes rake over you, and there’s that cocky familiar smirk on his face. “Youre here,” he says, stepping aside to let you in. There’s no hint of surprise, just a kind of smug statisfaction, like he knew you’d come.

“Yeah,” you reply, stepping inside “so what’s this all about?” Sunghoon doesn’t answer immediately. He just walks past you, heading into the foyer. You follow, your curiosity piqued, but you don’t miss the way his eyes flicker back to you with that same intent look. He turns around suddenly, before you can even process what’s happening, he’s closing the distance between you, leaning in like he’s about to kiss you.

“Woah wait,” you say quickly, pressing a hand against him firm chest to stop him. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Sunghoon pauses, eyebrows raised, but there’s no real apology in his expression. “What do you think in doing?” he counters, his voice low, almost daring him to challenge you. You roll your eyes, trying to ignore the way your heart is racing. “I didn’t come here just to… you know.”

He smirks, leaning in just enough that you feel the warmth of his breath. “Then why did you come here?”

You hesitate, caught between wanting to play it cool and the undeniable pull you feel toward him. “Maybe I was curious.” Sunghoon chuckles, “You’re here because you want this, sweetheart,” he murmurs, his hand grazing your hip lightly, testing your boundaries.

You swallow hard, trying to keep your composure. “You think you know everything, don’t you?”

His smirk widens. “I know enough.” He leans in again, and this time, his lips brush against your neck, a bold move that sends a jolt of heat through you. You bite your lip, figuring the urge to melt into his touch. “I didn’t say you could—“

“Then stop me,” he challenges, his voice a whisper against your skin. Your mind races every logical thought battling against the desire that’s been simmering between you since the other night. You hate how easily he gets under your skin, how is arrogance is both infuriating and strangely alluring. But instead of pushing him away, you find yourself lingering, testing the r limits just like he is.

“You’re infuriating,” you mutter, half annoyed, half breathless. He pulls back just enough to look you in the eye, his expression smug but hungry. “Yet I don’t see you walking away.”

You hate that he’s right. Instead of anything else, you meet his gaze head on, feeling that dangerous spark between you flicker into something more. “Just shut up and kiss me,” you say, finally giving in, if only to wipe that smug look off his face. And he does—without hesitation, with the kind of intensity that makes your head spin. It’s heated, unrestrained, and nothing like you imagined, and yet somehow it’s exactly what you wanted.

With a frustrated sigh, you put a hand on his chest and push him back a step. “Okay, seriously, what is this?” you demand, trying to keep your tone steady. “We can’t just keep… doing this whenever we feel like it. It’s stupid.”

He raises an eyebrow, looking way too amused for your liking. “Why not? You look like you’re enjoying yourself.”

You shoot him a glare. “Don’t flatter yourself. I just… I don’t want this to get messy.”

He smirks, clearly entertained by your struggle. “Messy? You mean you don’t want people to know you like kissing me?”

You scoff, crossing your arms. “I don’t like anything about you, Sunghoon. But if we’re being honest, there’s… something here, and I don’t see it going away anytime soon.”

His grin widens, and you want to slap it right off his face. “So, what? You’re proposing a deal?”

You roll your eyes. “Maybe. Friends with benefits. No strings attached, no drama, no catching feelings.”

Sunghoon chuckles, but there’s an edge to it. “Friends? I don’t think we’re even close to that.”

“Fine,” you snap, annoyed that he’s right. “Enemies with benefits then. Just… an arrangement. To get this out of our systems.”

His gaze darkens, and for a second, you think you see something flicker there, something unreadable. But then he leans in closer, his breath hot against your ear. “And what makes you think I’d agree to that?”

You raise your chin, meeting his challenge head-on. “Because you want this just as much as I do. Maybe more.”

He pauses, his lips curling into a slow, wicked smile. “Okay, I’ll bite,” he says, his voice low. “But here’s the deal: we do this my way. No whining, no complaining, and you definitely don’t get to pretend you don’t want it.”

You scowl, hating how cocky he looks, how certain he is that you’ll cave. “Fine,” you bite back. “But don’t think for a second that this means I like you.”

He laughs, the sound rich and mocking. “Trust me, I’d hate it if you did.”

You feel your blood boil at his arrogance, but there’s a thrill in it too, in the way you both seem to enjoy this game. “Deal,” you snap, holding out your hand.

He takes it, but instead of shaking, he pulls you in closer, his lips just inches from yours. “Just remember,” he murmurs, his eyes locked on yours, “this doesn’t change anything. I still can’t stand you.”

You smirk, matching his intensity. “Right back at you.”

And before you know it, his lips are crashing against yours again, and all that frustration and anger blurs into something reckless and wild. For now, you’ll play his game, but you know this is far from over.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Over the next few weeks, the “arrangement” with Sunghoon becomes a twisted game of secrecy and tension. You find yourself sneaking glances in class, meeting him in darkened hallways between periods, and exchanging heated looks across crowded lunch tables. The two of you are constantly dancing on the edge of discovery, and it’s becoming harder to hide the intensity simmering between you.

It starts small. The accidental brush of fingers when passing by in the hallway, the way his eyes linger a little too long when you’re speaking. But then, it escalates. The stolen moments between classes turn into late-night texts and spontaneous meetings wherever you can find some privacy. Empty classrooms, deserted stairwells, even the back of the library—places where no one would think to find the two of you together. The more time passes, the harder it gets to keep up the charade.

You’re starting to notice the way his friends glance between you two, confused by the sudden silences or the shared looks you forget to hide. Jay catches you one morning when you’re walking out of the library with Sunghoon following a few steps behind, your hair slightly mussed, your lips redder than usual.

“What’s going on there?” he asks, a teasing grin spreading across his face. “You and Sunghoon plotting world domination or something?”

You laugh it off, rolling your eyes. “Please. He’s too much of an idiot for that.”

But Jay looks unconvinced, his gaze flicking back to where Sunghoon is standing, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed, watching you with a smirk that’s all too knowing. “Sure,” Jay says, dragging out the word like he’s not buying it.

At lunch, it’s even worse. Sunghoon sits across from you, his foot nudging yours under the table. It’s subtle, but it’s enough to send a jolt up your spine. You kick him back, hard, and he just chuckles, leaning back in his chair like he’s thoroughly enjoying the game.

“What are you two whispering about?” Yuna asks, narrowing her eyes in suspicion. You’re both quick to cover it up, but it’s obvious that your friends are starting to catch on.

“Nothing,” Sunghoon says smoothly, his voice annoyingly casual. “Just telling Y/N that she looks like she needs more sleep. Those dark circles are really showing.”

Your jaw clenches, but you force a sweet smile, playing along. “Oh, don’t worry about me. I’ll sleep just fine once I stop seeing your face every day.”

He grins, but there’s a flicker of something more heated in his eyes, something you recognize all too well. “Yeah, right.”

Karina frowns, sensing the tension that seems to hang in the air whenever you two are in the same room. “Seriously, what is up with you guys?” she asks, tilting her head.

You wave it off, laughing a little too loudly. “We’re just being our usual selves. You know how it is—can’t stand each other.”

But your friends are starting to notice the little things. The way Sunghoon’s gaze always seems to drift in your direction, the way you keep sneaking out of group study sessions with flimsy excuses, only to return looking flustered and breathless. Sunoo even catches you and Sunghoon exchanging hushed words in the corner of the hallway, too close for comfort, and he raises an eyebrow, a mischievous grin forming on his lips.

“Are you two planning a secret mission, or is there something else we should know?” he asks, his tone playful but probing.

Sunghoon just shrugs, but you can feel his eyes on you, daring you to say something. “No mission,” he replies coolly, “unless it’s trying to survive Y/N’s terrible attitude.”

You force a laugh, but the heat in your cheeks gives you away. “Yeah, well, some of us have better things to do than deal with you, Sunghoon.”

But it’s getting harder to pretend, harder to keep the fire between you from spilling over in front of everyone else. Every time he’s near, it feels like the world narrows down to just the two of you, a constant push and pull that’s impossible to ignore. The stolen kisses, the midnight texts, the moments of heated bickering that seem to blur into something more—it’s becoming too much to hide.

And it’s only a matter of time before someone figures it out.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

You grip the sheets of your bed, lip caught between your teeth as sunghoon is under your duvet, tonguing your wet entrance, heat pooling in your belly, felling the intensity of your orgasm creeping up on you.

It’s all cut short when your door bursts open without warning, and Karina barges in, her voice already raised. “Y/N, I swear I’m going to lose my mind—!”

You freeze, your heart stopping in your chest. “Karina!” you squeak, quickly yanking the sheets up to your chin. “What happened to knocking?”

Karina stops mid-rant, blinking at you. “Oh, come on, like I ever knock?” she scoffs, throwing her hands up in frustration. “Anyway, you will not believe what Heeseung just did—”

She’s moving closer to the bed, and you panic, shifting slightly to keep Sunghoon hidden beneath the covers. You can feel him tense up, and his hand slips to your thigh under the sheets, pinching you playfully. You bite your lip to stifle a gasp, kneeing him as a warning.

Karina continues her rant, oblivious. “I mean, he had the nerve to ditch me for practice again, and I’m just—ugh, I needed to vent to someone who understands!”

Your mind races, desperately trying to keep her attention away from the suspicious lump between your legs. “That sounds… really frustrating,” you say, a bit too brightly. “But maybe just, you know, talk to him?”

Karina flops down on the edge of your bed, dangerously close to Sunghoon’s concealed figure. “Oh, I’ll talk to him, alright. I’m just so sick of his stupid excuses—”

Sunghoon’s fingers press into your clit under the sheets. He’s grinning, enjoying the situation far too much. You jab him again, your heart racing.

Karina glances at you, finally noticing your tense posture. “Are you okay? You’re acting weird,” she says, her brows furrowing.

You force a laugh, your voice too high. “I’m fine! Just… woke up. Didn’t expect you to burst in like that.”

She raises an eyebrow. “Since when do you care if I burst in? And why are you so… red?”

You feel the heat creeping up your neck. “Uh, just… hot in here,” you stammer, shifting to keep Sunghoon completely out of sight.

Karina looks like she’s about to press further, but then she sighs, clearly more focused on her Heeseung drama. “Whatever, I just needed to get that off my chest. He drives me insane!”

You nod quickly. “Yeah, I get it. He’s… Heeseung, you know?” Karina gives you a small smile, her frustration easing. “Thanks for listening. And seriously, you look so weird right now.”

You laugh nervously. “Yeah, just tired.”

Finally, she stands up, heading toward the door. “Alright, I’ll leave you to… whatever you were doing. I’m gonna go call him and give him a piece of my mind.”

You nod eagerly. “Good luck with that!”

As soon as she leaves, you exhale in relief, lifting the cover to eye Sunghoon, who’s still grinning like an idiot. “What?” he whispers, amused.

“What?” you repeat, incredulous. “You almost got us caught, that’s what!”

He chuckles, pulling you back down under the sheets. “Relax. She didn’t notice a thing.”

You roll your eyes, but your heart is still racing from the close call. “You’re lucky,” you mutter.

Sunghoon just leans in closer, his lips brushing your cheek. “You love the thrill,” he murmurs.

And damn it, you hate that he’s right.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

It's late, the night air cool against your skin as you lean against the wall outside the school building, waiting for Sunghoon. You don't even know why you agreed to meet him here. Maybe because he seemed so insistent, or maybe because a part of you wanted to see him, even though you’d never admit it.

He arrives moments later, his footsteps heavy as he approaches. There’s a different energy about him tonight—something serious, something intense. His usual smirk is nowhere to be found, and his hands are shoved deep into his pockets. He stops in front of you, a little too close, and you have to tilt your head up to meet his eyes.

“What’s this about?” you ask, trying to sound casual, though your heart is pounding in your chest.

He doesn’t answer right away, his gaze boring into yours like he’s searching for something, something he can’t quite find. You shift on your feet, uncomfortable under his scrutiny.

“Sunghoon?” you prompt, your voice wavering just slightly.

He finally speaks, his tone lower than usual. “I’ve been thinking… about us,” he says, the words almost hesitant, like he’s testing them out.

You blink, caught off guard. “Us?”

He nods, his expression serious. “Yeah, Y/N, us. You and me… whatever this is.”

You swallow hard, trying to keep your face neutral. “I thought we agreed it’s nothing,” you reply, but your voice comes out softer than you intended.

Sunghoon’s eyes narrow, frustration flashing in his gaze. “Yeah, that’s what we said,” he agrees, “but it doesn’t feel like nothing to me anymore.”

Your heart skips a beat, and you feel a lump forming in your throat. You’ve never seen him like this—so open, so exposed. “Sunghoon, I don’t know what you’re getting at,” you say carefully.

He takes a step closer, his expression more intense. “I’m saying that I’ve caught myself… thinking about you. A lot. When you’re not around, I’m wondering what you’re doing, who you’re with. I hate that it bothers me when I see you talking to other guys, and I can’t stand the idea of you being with anyone else.”

You feel a wave of panic rising in your chest. This is too much, too fast. You press your back harder against the wall as if trying to create more distance between you. “Sunghoon, this was never supposed to be serious,” you whisper, your voice barely audible.

He exhales sharply, running a hand through his hair. “I know, and I tried to keep it that way. But every time I see you, every time we’re together… I can’t help it. I don’t want to help it.”

You shake your head, refusing to let his words sink in. “You don’t mean that,” you insist, more to yourself than to him. “You’re just saying this because it’s… new or whatever. It’ll pass.”

Sunghoon’s jaw clenches, and he moves even closer, leaving barely any space between you. “No, Y/N, it won’t. I’ve tried to stop feeling this way, but I can’t. And I know you feel something too, even if you won’t admit it.”

Your pulse quickens, and you feel your resolve starting to crumble. “I don’t—” you begin, but he cuts you off.

“Stop lying,” he says firmly, his voice carrying a hint of desperation. “You’re scared, I get it. But don’t pretend like this is all just a game to you.”

You feel a flash of anger, your defenses rising. “What if it is, Sunghoon? What if I don’t want anything more than what we already have?”

His expression falters for a moment, a flicker of hurt crossing his face. “Then I guess I’ve made a mistake,” he murmurs, taking a step back.

You feel a pang in your chest, a sharp, unexpected ache. “Sunghoon…”

He shakes his head, cutting you off. “Forget it. I shouldn’t have said anything.”

For a second, you want to reach out, to say something, anything, to make that look on his face go away. But the fear of letting your guard down, of admitting that he might be right, keeps you silent.

He takes another step back, his expression hardening. “I won’t bother you about it again,” he says, his voice cold. “Let’s just go back to pretending like none of this ever happened.”

You nod, though you feel a tightness in your throat. “Yeah, let’s do that,” you say quietly, even though your chest aches with a feeling you don’t want to name.

Sunghoon turns and walks away, and you’re left standing there, the cool night air biting at your skin. You watch him go, feeling something inside you break just a little, and you wonder if maybe you’ve made a mistake too.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The next morning at school, everything feels heavier. The halls are crowded, but it’s like there’s a spotlight following you, and you can’t shake the feeling that everyone knows. You make your way to your locker, avoiding eye contact with anyone, especially Sunghoon.

You don’t see him at first, but you feel him—his presence looming in the periphery. It’s like he’s everywhere, watching you, and it makes your skin prickle with nerves. You busy yourself with rearranging your textbooks, trying to calm the storm inside your head.

“Hey, Y/N,” Karina chirps, appearing beside you. Her usual bright smile is there, but her eyes are curious, searching your face. “Are you okay? You seemed a little… off yesterday.”

You force a smile, gripping your locker door tighter than necessary. “Yeah, just tired, I guess.”

She studies you for a second longer, then nods. “Well, you should have come to dinner with us last night. It was a total mess, as always, but fun.”

You nod absently, not really listening. Your eyes flick over Karina’s shoulder and catch Sunghoon’s gaze across the hallway. He’s leaning against the wall, arms crossed, watching you with an unreadable expression.

“Y/N?” Karina prompts, bringing your attention back to her. “You’re zoning out again.”

“Sorry,” you mumble. “Just a lot on my mind.”

Karina glances over her shoulder, following your line of sight. Her brow furrows slightly. “You’ve been weird around Sunghoon lately,” she remarks. “Did something happen?”

Your heart skips a beat, and you quickly shake your head. “No, nothing. Why would you think that?”

She shrugs, unconvinced. “I don’t know… Just a feeling.”

You’re saved from having to respond when the bell rings. You grab your books and make a beeline for your next class, trying to ignore the heat of Sunghoon’s stare burning into your back.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Class drags on painfully. You can’t focus. Your mind is a whirlwind of confusion and annoyance. You thought sneaking around with Sunghoon would be fun, a game—a way to blow off steam. But now it’s getting messy, and you’re starting to feel the consequences.

When the bell finally rings, you bolt out of the classroom, desperate for fresh air. But as soon as you turn the corner, you’re yanked into an empty hallway.

Sunghoon.

His grip on your arm is firm, and his eyes are intense, searching yours. “We need to talk,” he says, his voice low.

You pull your arm free, glaring at him. “What’s there to talk about, Sunghoon? We agreed this was supposed to be casual. No strings, remember?”

He frowns, clearly irritated by your tone. “Yeah, but it doesn’t feel like that anymore, does it?”

You cross your arms over your chest, trying to steady your breathing. “That’s because you’re making it weird. Just… back off a little, okay?”

Sunghoon’s jaw clenches, and he takes a step closer. “Back off? You’re the one acting all paranoid, Y/N.”

“Maybe because you won’t stop staring at me like everyone else can’t see it!” you snap back, your voice rising. “This was supposed to be simple. But you’re turning it into something… complicated.”

He scoffs, a humorless smile tugging at his lips. “Maybe because it is complicated. Or have you not noticed?”

You hate the way your chest tightens at his words, the way his closeness makes your heart race. “Don’t do this, Sunghoon,” you warn, your voice quieter, more vulnerable than you’d like.

He pauses, his gaze softening just for a second. “Do what?”

“Make this more than it is,” you whisper, feeling a knot form in your throat. “Because I can’t… I won’t.”

Sunghoon’s expression hardens again, and he leans back, crossing his arms defensively. “Fine,” he mutters. “If that’s how you want it.”

You swallow, forcing yourself to stay composed. “Yeah. It is.”

He nods curtly, stepping away, his face unreadable. “Good. See you around, then,” he says before turning on his heel and walking away, leaving you standing in the empty hallway with your heart in your throat.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The next few days are torture. Sunghoon keeps his distance, and you tell yourself it’s for the best. But every time you see him, every time you catch his eyes across the cafeteria or in class, there’s a hollow ache in your chest that you can’t ignore.

Your friends notice the tension. They ask questions, but you shrug it off, pretending everything’s fine. But you can’t stop replaying your last conversation with Sunghoon, the way his face looked when you told him to back off. You hate how much you miss him, even if you’d never admit it to anyone, especially not to him.

One afternoon, as you’re walking to your car after school, you spot him leaning against a tree nearby, talking to some girl you don’t recognize. He’s smiling, that same smile that used to be reserved for your private moments. Something sharp twists in your chest, and you quickly look away, anger flaring up.

He catches your glance and, for a moment, his smile falters. But then he leans in closer to the girl, laughing at something she says, and your stomach churns with a mix of jealousy and frustration.

You grip your bag tighter, feeling a sting behind your eyes. This is exactly why you didn’t want things to get complicated. You turn away, refusing to look back.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Sunghoon avoids you. He’s usually the first one to shoot a teasing remark your way, but he’s silent. The hallways feel strangely empty without his usual jabs, and your friends are starting to notice the shift between you two.

“Are you guys fighting again?” Karina asks, as the two of you walk to lunch. Her tone is half-exasperated, half-amused, but you know she’s genuinely curious. “You and Sunghoon, I mean. There’s definitely more tension than usual.”

You shrug, trying to seem indifferent, but your stomach twists with anxiety. “When aren’t we fighting?” you mutter.

She gives you a knowing look, but thankfully doesn’t push it further. You’re not sure how much more of this you can take without your feelings bubbling over. You’re determined to get through lunch without letting Sunghoon get under your skin, but when you enter the cafeteria, you spot him immediately.

He’s at your usual table, talking to Heeseung, but his gaze is elsewhere. The second you walk in, his eyes find yours, and there’s a fleeting moment of something unreadable in his expression. A flash of frustration? Longing? You can’t be sure.

You take a deep breath and head over, sliding into your usual seat. Karina sits next to you, and for a moment, everything feels normal. But then Sunghoon starts talking.

“So,” he says, his tone casual but his eyes locked on you, “Heeseung, heard you and Karina had another spat. What was it this time? You didn’t say ‘I love you’ enough?”

Heeseung rolls his eyes, but Karina just laughs, lightly smacking Heeseung’s arm. “Don’t listen to him, babe. He’s just deflecting from his own issues,” she teases.

Sunghoon smirks, but there’s no real humor in it. “I don’t have issues, Karina. Just people who like to make things complicated,” he says, glancing at you.

You feel your face heat up, irritation boiling over. “Oh, please,” you snap back. “Like you’re the picture of simplicity.”

He leans back in his chair, his eyes glinting with challenge. “Never said I was. But at least I’m honest about it.”

Your chest tightens. “Honest?” you scoff. “You’ve been playing games from the start, Sunghoon.”

He shrugs, feigning indifference. “Maybe I have. But at least I know what I want.”

His words send a jolt of electricity through you, and you clench your jaw, trying to keep your composure. “And what’s that, exactly?”

He leans forward, his voice dropping low so only you can hear. “You. But you already knew that.”

Your heart skips a beat. For a second, you’re frozen, caught between wanting to slap him and… something else. Something you’re not ready to face.

“You’re such a—” you start, but before you can finish, Sunghoon’s foot nudges yours under the table, and your breath hitches.

You’re hyper-aware of the table between you, the curious glances from your friends, and the heat creeping up your neck. Sunghoon’s gaze is still on you, challenging, waiting for your response.

You can’t help the retort that slips out. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

He shrugs with a small grin. “More than you know.”

Before you can shoot back another insult, heeseung cuts in, oblivious to the tension. “Okay, what is happening between you two? I feel like I missed an entire chapter here.”

Sunghoon doesn’t even glance at Heeseung. “Nothing’s happening. Right, Y/N?”

“Right,” you reply, forcing a smile, but your voice sounds strained, even to your own ears.

Heeseung and Karina exchange a look, clearly unconvinced. “Sure, whatever you say,” Karina murmurs with a smirk. “Just remember, denial isn’t just a river in Egypt.”

Sunghoon’s lips twitch in amusement, and he finally looks away, leaning back in his chair as if nothing happened. But under the table, his foot is still lightly brushing against yours, sending sparks up your leg.

You bite the inside of your cheek, determined not to let him see how much he’s getting to you.

But you can’t help it—the sensation, the frustration, and the undeniable attraction between you are all mixing into one chaotic storm.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

The bell rings, signaling the end of lunch, and everyone begins to gather their things. You stand, trying to shake off the tension still lingering between you and Sunghoon, but Karina has other ideas.

“Hey, Y/N,” she calls, grabbing your arm just as you’re about to head out. “Can I talk to you for a second?”

You nod, feeling a knot form in your stomach. She leads you to a quieter corner of the hallway, away from the crowd. You can tell by the look on her face that she’s not letting this go.

Karina crosses her arms, tilting her head slightly. “Okay, seriously,” she starts, her voice low but pointed. “What the fuck was that back there?”

You blink, trying to feign ignorance. “What was what?”

She rolls her eyes. “Don’t play dumb with me. You and Sunghoon… there was some serious tension at lunch. It was like watching a live soap opera, and I feel like I’ve missed a few episodes.”

You sigh, glancing around to make sure no one is listening in. “It’s nothing, Karina,” you insist, but even to your own ears, it sounds unconvincing.

Karina raises an eyebrow. “Nothing? Really? Because from where I was sitting, it looked like something. A big something.”

You bite your lip, unsure of how much to tell her. “Look, we… we just don’t get along. You know that.”

“Yeah, but this felt different,” she replies, not letting up. “Like, I don’t know, it almost seemed like… there was something more there.”

Her words hit a little too close to home, and you feel your cheeks heat up. “You’re imagining things,” you say quickly, but Karina’s not buying it.

She leans in closer, her expression turning more serious. “Y/N, I’m your best friend. I know when something’s up. And that? That was definitely something.”

You hesitate, torn between the urge to confide in her and the fear of admitting the truth. “It’s complicated,” you finally admit, your voice barely a whisper.

Karina’s eyes widen with intrigue. “Complicated how?”

You swallow hard, looking away. “I don’t even know how to explain it. We’ve just… been hanging out a little more lately. And things got… weird.”

“Weird how?” she presses, clearly not letting this go.

You take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. “We’ve been… hooking up,” you confess, your voice almost inaudible.

Karina’s mouth falls open in shock. “Wait, what? You and Sunghoon?” She looks like she doesn’t know whether to laugh or gasp. “Since when?”

“A few weeks,” you admit, feeling a strange mix of relief and anxiety now that the secret is out.

Karina blinks, taking a moment to process. “And you didn’t think to tell me?”

“I didn’t think it would last this long,” you say defensively. “I thought it was just going to be a one-time thing, but then… it wasn’t.”

Karina’s expression softens slightly. “And how do you feel about it? About him?”

You shrug, trying to appear nonchalant. “I don’t know. It’s confusing. Half the time, I can’t stand him. The other half… well, you saw how lunch went.”

Karina lets out a small laugh. “Yeah, I did. It’s like you two can’t decide whether you want to kill each other or… not.”

You groan, leaning back against the wall. “That’s exactly how it feels.”

Karina nudges you with her elbow. “Just be careful, okay? Sunghoon’s not exactly known for being straightforward with his feelings.”

You nod, appreciating her concern. “I know. Trust me, I’m not expecting anything… much. It’s just… whatever it is.”

Karina gives you a knowing smile. “Alright, but just remember, I’m here if you need to talk. Or, you know, if you need me to kick his ass.”

You laugh, feeling some of the tension ease. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

As you walk back to class, you feel a little lighter, but also more uncertain than ever. Because now that Karina knows, it feels more real. And that scares you more than you’d like to admit.

You pause for a moment, letting your thoughts catch up to your racing heart. Sunghoon had admitted it first, hadn't he? In his own cryptic way, he’d confessed he wanted more than just the back-and-forth, more than just the thrill of the chase. You remember the way he looked at you that day, his eyes full of frustration and something else — something softer, something you weren’t ready to face.

He’d said he wanted you. He’d practically dared you to deny that you wanted him, too. And ever since, you’ve been trying to convince yourself that it didn't matter — that it was just some passing thing, some fling to fill the boredom. But it wasn't. It never was.

You sigh deeply, leaning back against the wall of the building. The memory of his words still lingers like a brand on your skin: "I want you." It had sounded so simple when he said it, so sure. Like he wasn’t afraid of the mess that came with it.

You’ve been too afraid to admit it to yourself, but now… now it feels like you’ve been fighting a battle that’s already lost.

He confessed his feelings first, but you’ve been holding back, afraid to let yourself feel the same. Afraid of what it might mean, of how it could change things between you. You thought you could control it, could manage the situation and keep your distance, but all you’ve managed to do is dig yourself deeper into this mess.

You’re tired. Tired of fighting your own heart, tired of pretending you’re unaffected. Tired of feeling like you're caught in this tug-of-war between desire and denial.

*He’s already put himself out there,* you remind yourself. *He made the first move.* And that thought alone is enough to push you forward, to make you realize that maybe it’s your turn now. Your turn to decide if you want to keep running or if you’re brave enough to let yourself fall.

Pushing off the wall, you feel a wave of determination settle over you. If you’re going to do this, you need to find him and be honest. Not just with him, but with yourself.

Because you don’t want to keep this back-and-forth going, this constant dance of pushing and pulling. You want to know where you stand — with him, and with whatever this thing between you is becoming.

You take a deep breath and start walking, knowing exactly where to find him. And this time, you’re not going to let him get away without an answer.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

You find Sunghoon by the lockers, leaning against the metal with that typical nonchalant pose he seems to have perfected. His head is tilted down, focused on his phone, but he looks up as you approach, sensing your presence. His eyes flicker with surprise for just a moment before his usual guarded expression returns.

“What do you want?” he asks, his voice laced with that familiar arrogance, but there’s something else there, too—an undercurrent of curiosity, maybe even hope.

You don’t bother with pleasantries. “We need to talk,” you say, crossing your arms over your chest. You try to sound firm, but even you can hear the slight waver in your voice. Sunghoon raises an eyebrow, clearly intrigued.

“Oh, so now you want to talk?” he retorts, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. “After avoiding me all day?”

You roll your eyes, feeling the tension bubble up again. “I wasn’t avoiding you,” you snap, even though you both know it’s a lie. “I just needed… time to think.”

He straightens up, slipping his phone into his pocket. “Think about what?” he asks, and his tone is a little softer now, less mocking.

You take a deep breath, feeling the weight of your next words pressing down on you. “About this. About us,” you say, your voice steadier now. “I’m tired of all this back and forth, Sunghoon. I’m tired of pretending like there’s nothing between us when we both know there is.”

His eyes search yours, and for a moment, his guard slips. “I told you how I felt,” he says quietly, his voice barely above a whisper. “You’re the one who kept pretending it was just… nothing.”

You feel a pang of guilt twist in your stomach. “I know,” you admit, meeting his gaze head-on. “And I was wrong. I thought I could just… push it away, ignore it. But I can’t. Not anymore.”

Sunghoon’s expression softens, just a little. “So what are you saying?” he asks, his voice careful, as if he’s trying not to hope too much.

You swallow hard, forcing yourself to stay honest. “I’m saying… I want to figure this out. I want to try… whatever this is between us. But I need you to be real with me, Sunghoon. No more games.”

He takes a step closer, closing the distance between you, and you can feel your heart pounding in your chest. “I’ve been real,” he says, his voice low and intense. “I’ve been real since that night at Karina’s party, and I’ve been waiting for you to catch up.”

You’re taken aback by the sincerity in his words, by the way his eyes seem to bore into yours like he’s trying to see into your very soul. “I’m here now,” you reply, your voice barely a whisper.

Sunghoon takes another step closer, and now he’s right in front of you, his breath warm on your skin. “So what do you want?” he murmurs, his hand reaching up to brush a strand of hair from your face. “Do you want me, or are you still trying to convince yourself you don’t?”

Your breath catches in your throat, and for a moment, you’re not sure what to say. But then you realize you’ve known the answer all along. “I want you,” you admit, your voice steady, finally letting the truth slip past your lips. “But I don’t want to keep pretending like it’s nothing. I want to try… something real. But I don’t want it to be this constant push and pull, Sunghoon. I can’t keep doing that.”

Sunghoon’s lips curl into a small, almost relieved smile. “Then let’s stop playing games,” he says softly, leaning in closer. “Let’s see where this goes, no more pretending. Just you and me.”

You feel a strange sense of relief wash over you at his words, a weight lifting from your chest. “Okay,” you whisper, and it feels like the most honest thing you’ve said in a long time.

His smile widens just a fraction, and he closes the final distance between you, his lips brushing against yours in a way that feels both familiar and new. It’s not the frantic, heated kisses you’ve shared before—it’s slower, deeper, filled with a promise of something more.

And for the first time, you feel like you’re finally on the same page. Finally moving in the same direction.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Over the next few weeks, things between you and Sunghoon change in ways you never could have anticipated. At first, it’s subtle — small shifts that only the two of you notice. You spend more time together between classes, sitting closer at lunch, and texting late into the night. The playful bickering is still there, but it’s softened somehow, more like an inside joke than a battle.

Your friends don’t notice at first. They’re used to seeing you and Sunghoon together, arguing about this or that, so the extra time you spend with him doesn't raise any immediate red flags. But eventually, the signs become too obvious to ignore.

One day at lunch, you’re sitting next to Sunghoon, your legs brushing under the table. His hand casually rests on the back of your chair, his thumb occasionally grazing your shoulder. Jay, seated across from you, narrows his eyes, a slow smile spreading across his face. “Okay, what’s going on?” he asks, his tone teasing but his eyes curious.

You glance over at Sunghoon, who just smirks. “What do you mean?” you reply, trying to sound nonchalant, but you can feel the flush creeping up your neck.

Jay gestures between the two of you. “This,” he says, waving his hand. “You two. You’re being weird. Weird even for you two.”

Karina, who’s been listening in, gasps. “Oh my god,” she says, her eyes widening with realization. “Are you guys… together?”

The table goes silent for a second, everyone turning to look at you. Sunoo’s eyebrows shoot up, and Jake leans forward, looking like he’s trying to solve a particularly complicated math problem.

Sunghoon leans back, crossing his arms over his chest with a grin. “Depends,” he says casually. “What do you think?”

You elbow him in the side, rolling your eyes at his vague answer. “Yes,” you say, looking at your friends. “We’re… together. Kind of.”

“Kind of?” Sunghoon echoes, feigning offense, and you shoot him a playful glare.

“Yes, kind of!” you insist, turning back to your friends, who are now staring at you like you’ve just revealed you’re secretly an alien. “It’s… new.”

Heeseung chuckles. “I mean, I’m not totally surprised,” he says, leaning back in his chair. “You two have been like a powder keg waiting to explode for years.”

Yuna nods eagerly. “Honestly, it was about time,” she adds, and you can’t help but laugh at her bluntness.

Jungwon, however, looks mildly concerned. “So, you’re serious?” he asks, glancing between you and Sunghoon. “Like, actually serious?”

Sunghoon looks at you, his smile softening just a bit, and he nods. “Yeah,” he says, and there’s a sincerity in his voice that makes your heart skip a beat. “We’re serious.”

Your friends take a moment to process this. Then Jake grins. “Alright,” he says, raising his glass of soda. “To Y/N and Sunghoon. The enemies-to-lovers arc we didn’t know we needed.”

You laugh, and everyone joins in, raising their glasses. It’s strange, in a way, seeing everyone so quickly accept what feels like a massive shift in your life. But it also feels… right.

˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆

Over the next few days, things become more obvious. You and Sunghoon are no longer trying to hide. He reaches for your hand in the hallways, and you let him. He kisses you on the cheek in front of the others, and they pretend to gag but smile knowingly when they think you’re not looking.

You catch Karina’s eye one afternoon, and she gives you a grin that’s part smug, part excited. She leans over, whispering, “So… you finally admitted you like him, huh?”

You smile, shrugging a bit. “Guess so,” you say, and she laughs, nudging you with her elbow.

The hardest part, strangely enough, is getting used to the change yourself. It’s still weird to not have to hide how you feel, to be able to smile at Sunghoon without wondering if anyone is watching. But with each passing day, it gets a little easier.

And it’s not like everything is perfect. You and Sunghoon still argue — of course, you do. That’s just how you are. But there’s something different now, something that feels less like anger and more like… passion. Like you’re both on the same side, even when you’re bickering.

There are moments when you catch him looking at you from across the room, a small smile on his lips, and you feel a warmth spread through your chest. And in those moments, you know — this is real. This is right.

Your friends have stopped asking questions. They’ve accepted that this is your new normal, and honestly, so have you. The only thing left to do is see where it takes you.

taglist: @awqken @hollyoongs @enhastolemyheart @wonnienyang @skzenhalove @slvrnm @lovesangyeon @velvetkisscs @soobieboo @jakeflvrz @woorcve @moonpri @blockbusterhee @yjwsgf @doublebunv @moon4moony @woniebae @moon368 @jakeswifewithtwokids @love4hee @ikeryn @univershoon @indigoez @ramenoil @iilwji @riribell @ilabjungwon @tunafishyfishylike @psh23xie @toodeloosoo @leov3rse @onlyhyunjin @nyxtwixx @mnxnii @whateverhoon @jayrelics @laurradoesloveu @heeswif3y @enhalxvr @yunhoswrldddd @nikiswifiee @aiiselle90210 @lixiebokie @lelsforlino @eneiyri @punchbug9-blog @babystrlla @hee-yunie @hoonics @notevenheretbh1

[7:04pm] jake x afab!reader

"shut up, everyone can fucking hear you," jake snapped into your ear, his fingers at a relentless pace inside you.

you bit your lip hard, glancing around the table as the rest of your friends engaged in conversation. jake had been talking to sunghoon before he turned his attention to you, pushing a third finger alongside his others as he fucked you onto his hand.

heeseung caught your eye across the table, raising one eyebrow at you. you tried to smile back, letting out a gentle gasp as jake pushed harder against you with each thrust.

"stop looking at heeseung," he whispered. "should only be focusing on me."

you nodded weakly, breaking eye contact with heeseung to look up at jake. his eyes were harsh, fingers not once slowing as you leaked arousal all over them and onto the fabric of the seat below you.

if the restaurant wasn't so noisy then everyone would've heard the whine you let out, turning your body towards jake and winding your own fingers into his shirt. you felt eyes on you but you couldn't find it in you to care, all you could think about was how close you were to coming all over your best friends hand.

"you ok y/n?" heeseung called from across the table, gathering the attention of a few others, "you look a little flushed."

you didn't release your grip on jake's shirt, instead you pushed your forehead against his chest and held him closer as he pressed a thumb to your clit, bringing you right to the edge and holding you there.

jake bought his free hand up, stroking your hair gently as you tried to hide your flushed cheeks against him, "I think she's feeling a little unwell, right y/n?"

you nodded, squeezing your eyes tight as your orgasm started to wash over you. you didn't even think about the others in the room, instead mumbling jake's name over and over as he coaxed you through your high, small praises leaving his lips.

"good girl y/n, cum all over my fingers baby," you were really fucking glad no one could hear the words leaving your friends mouth as he slowed down the pace of his fingers, letting your orgasm fade away before fully removing his hand from your cunt.

you took a deep breathe, spending a few seconds to collect yourself before you removed your face from his chest. you looked up at him, catching his gaze as he gave you a soft smile, a completely different person to the one who ripped an orgasm from you moments before. jake leant down, kissing your forehead softly and placing his hand on your thigh, you tried to ignore the feel of your release coating his fingers.

looking around at the rest of the table, you noticed heeseung still staring at you, eyes wide and curious. you blushed under his gaze, a wink being thrown your way and the sound of jake laughing next to you told you that heeseung was well aware of what had just happened right in front of him. not that he was mad about it or anything, he enjoyed the show.