Jhope Angst - Tumblr Posts

Hopelessly Romantic

summary - You used to say that a little romanticising never hurt anyone, turns out you were wrong. So wrong. (Unless...?)

pairing - Hoseok x reader

genre - university!au, fluff, a little angst, crushing & pining <3

word count - 7.4k

warnings - swearing :o, y/n goes through serious introspection, y/n goes through it

You always loved romance and love. You loved when your friend finally revealed his feelings to his crush after endless (and progressively annoying) pining for each other. You love when you see your regulars have their weekly Sunday date night at the restaurant you work at (you also love their tips). You love when couples share an umbrella when walking in the rain. Heck, you even love the socks with the tiny magnetic arms that when you stand next to someone with the same socks they hold hands! Like! Who cares if they are just inanimate socks? (They are holding hands!) You just love love!

Okay, so your friends/housemates might make fun of you for it. They might roll their eyes when you fawn over some minor interaction between two strangers in the street or when you dote on something slightly romantic that your professor said about his wife. Some of your friends may say you are overoptimistic. Or as Yoongi would call it: unrealistic.

But, you would argue that a little romanticising never hurt anyone! Can it be annoying sometimes? Yes! Do your friends have to mentally prepare themselves before confiding in you about anything to do with their romantic life? 100%! Can your romanticisation border on delusional? I mean, maybe sometimes? Or as Yoongi would say: all the time.

It's a little running joke in your friendship group that little Y/n is a little hopeless romantic who would even romanticise two street rats eating rotting food in a dumpster together (but also that is kind of cute, like they live in awful conditions but they still stay together?!).

So maybe that's why you keep your crush on a certain man in your class a secret. Or as you would say (then giggle and hide your face into your pillow), your secret.

You would admit that the sole reason that gets you out of bed for your Monday 9am lecture is the fact you can spend an hour glancing at the most perfect side profile to ever bless planet earth (oh, and sometimes the cute stories your professor reveals about his wife).

After 5 months of this class, you have perfected the routine to get the most out of this one hour experience. First, you (struggle to) get up at 7am. Then, do all your business and get clean. Then, you agonisingly choose your best outfit that is both (a) comfortable for an annoyingly early lecture and (b) also cute so that when he looks over to you, he thinks woah this hot babe knocks it out the park every time with their insanely cool yet effortless look like woah I need to propose or whatever. Then, you (maybe too excitedly) stroll to your lecture and get there with (and this is very important) exactly 4 minutes before the lecture begins. This is because exactly 5 minutes before the lecture begins, a certain someone (cue you giggling and hiding your face) finds a seat in the lecture hall. And that means you can choose the optimal seating position to be able to have sneaky glances at the most beautiful face you have ever laid your eyes upon (in a not creepy way). The said optimal seating position is around 1 or 2 rows behind and a good ten seats on either side of him. Both effective and not suspicious at all.

If they knew, your friends would call you crazy. Or as Yoongi would say: this would actually be great evidentiary support for a restraining order. But you swear if they have ever seen this man, they would be doing the exact same thing. You would also argue that you are not the only one who does this! Two weeks ago you noticed that a girl, who sat 5 rows in front of you (so 3 rows in front of him), spent most of the lecture staring at the man and it was very obvious. Clearly, someone needs to get an optimal seating position! And just a month ago, after the man answered one of the professor's questions, a group of people let out a very audible tee-hee at how unbelievably attractive his face was.

And, my God, what a face.

It's otherworldly and beautiful. And that side profile? His perfect nose? His heart-shaped lips? His amazing jawline? His somehow always sparkly eyes? And his kissable cheekbones that protrude a bit more when he bursts out into the most bright and breath-taking smile? Stunning.

It's even more stunning when it's directed at you. Tee-hee.

Plot twist! You aren't one to brag (you are going to fully brag). But there have been a few instances where your glances are requited.

Now it's time to replay them in excruciating detail!

The first time it happened, you were mid-sentence in typing some notes on the lecture slides when you habitually glanced over to Mr. Beautiful man. But when you look up, you find yourself already caught in the depths of his gaze. You nearly choked on the air at the realisation that this man was looking at you with his sparkling eyes that seemed to hold a playful glint within them and a soft smile tugged at the corner of his lips. For a heartbeat, time seemed to still as you held his gaze, and in that fleeting moment, you swear you felt a connection, a spark that made you bashfully look back to the lecture slides.

Another time this happened was when your professor was talking about the story of how he wooed his wife (every time he saw her, he pretended to trip over something so she would always remember him). You couldn't help but to accidentally let out a laugh louder than the rest of the class. But before you could cringe at yourself for the way your chuckle echoed around the room, you found yourself locking eyes with him, whose smile widened as your eyes met. You felt a warmth spread through you, as if his smile was meant for only you, and you couldn't help but smile back as he turned his head back around to the professor.

Not only that, but (not bragging at all) you have spoken to him a good two times.

Plot twist again!

He actually definitely knows who you are!

It's time to recount these events in even more excruciating detail!

1.

The first time he spoke to you was in the second week of the semester and it was also the first time you ever noticed him. As everyone stood up to pack their bags, you noticed that the person in front of you had left his water bottle behind on his desk. Noting the back of the man already half-way down the stairs, you grab the metal bottle and try to dash out of the lecture hall, scanning the corridor for any sign of him. Finally spotting him nearly walking out of the building, you hurried to catch up to him. As he opened the door, you shouted an 'excuse me' to the man.

As if it was in slow motion, he turned around and you don't know if you were hallucinating, but you swear you were nearly swept off your feet (it may have been the strong wind that the opening door let in). That was the first time you were graced with the most beautiful face you have ever seen, as he looked at you surprised and confused with his soft-looking hair flowing with the breeze.

You stutter at the sight of him, briefly forgetting why you even chased after him in the first place.

"O-oh, you forgot your bottle." You bashfully state, lifting the bottle towards him.

You look up at him (sigh he's tall) and you actually feel your heart stop when his lips curve into the most heart warming smile.

"Wow, thanks a lot", he gratefully says, taking back his bottle, "I'm Hoseok, by the way."

Hoseok.

You mirror his smile and try to not turn red as you reply "Y/n."

"Nice to meet you! Thanks again." He coolly says before continuing on his way.

He leaves you windswept and heart-stricken in the middle of the doorway.

(You quickly break out of it when annoyed students try to squeeze and push past you taking up the whole exit).

2.

The second time you converse with the man was 3 months after. And after a few exchanged glances, you're confident in saying that your attraction to this man has exponentially grown to unfathomable amounts.

You can safely say that you think you have a serious crush on this man.

This man being Hoseok. Because that's his name and he told you himself (tee-hee).

When you arrive at the lecture hall, you are greeted with an unfamiliar sight: people waiting outside of the room. When you walk up, you see the familiar faces you regularly see standing around and you deduce that the room must be locked (sometimes security forgets to unlock the lecture halls in the morning). As you lean against the wall and look down at your phone, you are surprised by the sudden voice next to you.

"This feels so weird standing around."

You look up and unconsciously let a smitten smile smother your face at Hoseok (tee-hee <3) next to you. You let yourself gaze at his breath-taking face for a moment. You feel your heart start racing again, as you stumble over what words to say.

"Yeah definitely, I'm so used to just sitting down before the professor gets here."

He glances at you, surprised you replied. In that moment you realise: he was talking to himself. That's awkward.

"No, yeah, I like to prep myself before a 9am lecture. I'm just wondering, who schedules 9am lectures on a Monday?" He light-heartedly comments, offering you one of his sweet smiles.

"You and me both, Hoseok. I'm wondering the same thing", you shyly respond, your smitten smile slightly burning your cheeks. Omg this is the longest conversation you have had with him!

You watch as his brows furrowed in confusion and his perfectly shaped head tilt to the side a bit. He lets out a bashful smile.

"Sorry, have we met before?" He lets out an embarrassed laugh and continues when you mirror his confusion, "You know my name?"

Oh...

You feel your heart sink a bit (a lot) and your lips move into a self-conscious smile. He doesn't remember you.

"Oh... Yeah we met briefly before." You look down, trying to cover your disappointment, "It was like at the beginning of the year so..."

You're surprised you can hear the sounds of people shuffling to move into the now unlocked lecture hall over the volume of how embarrassing this situation was. You both slowly trail behind the rest of the class into the room.

"Right, sorry, sometimes my memory is not the best!" Hoseok quickly reassures you, his tone devoid of any awkwardness, "What was your name again?"

It should be embarrassing at how quickly your mood elevated under his interest in knowing your name.

"I'm Y/n", you beam.

"Y/n", Hoseok says, more to himself, "I promise I won't forget next time".

He gives you another smile and a playful poke to your cheek, which makes you feel like the only one in the room, as he strides up to claim an empty seat. You feel yourself float up to your OSP (optimal seating position), unable to stop smiling from the brief exchange.

"I promise I won't forget next time"

Tee-hee, you have promises. And he touched your cheek! Tee-hee.

You spent the whole lecture divulging in the potential possibility that your crush might not be one-sided.

Tee-hee.

So here you are, five months deep in being the strongest trooper in your secret infatuation with this stunning man. You can’t help but give yourself a mental pat on the back for successfully keeping your mouth shut about it.

The pat on the back becomes even more vigorous when you manage to maintain your composure every time you spot him around campus, which has strangely been frequently lately. Surprisingly, this increase in sightings had nothing to do with you and everything to do with Yoongi.

You’ve been on high alert around Yoongi ever since he casually mentioned that he had a crush on someone in his classes. However, knowing you and your nature, he refused to divulge any details, nevermind the identity of the crush. It stung a little (okay, maybe more than a little) when he brushed you off, but you totally get it. After all, out of everyone, Yoongi was never the one to entertain your romanticising shit and especially not your meddling ways. Yet, there were instances where you could work out the object of Yoongi’s affections:

When Yoongi, out of nowhere, wanted to start sitting outside for lunch, near a particular group of friends (even though he hates sitting too long in the sun).

When Yoongi insisted you accompany him to watch the musical theatre society's dance practice (even though he was the conductor and didn’t really need to be there).

When Yoongi dragged you along to the dance society's performances, under the guise of "oh, I like the music" (not that you're complaining because Hoseok is also a part of that society tee-hee).

The common factor?: Jimin.

You couldn't blame Yoongi: Jimin was undeniably a sight to behold. And he is so lovely! One time your bag got stuck in the library’s revolving doors and you spent a good 5 minutes panickedly running in circles before Jimin stopped the whole crowd to come rescue you <3 (you never really talk about it because the situation actually made you want to curl up and never see the sun again). And every time Yoongi tries (emphasis on tries) to casually talk about Jimin, a cute little blush paints your friend's face, which makes you <3. And every time you see Jimin's smile it makes you, and the rest of the population just <3. And every time Yoongi sees Jimin from afar, you swear you can see the hearts jump out of his eyes <3.

The man wasn’t exactly subtle.

You also should thank Yoongi (and the gods) as Jimin is friends with Hoseok, meaning every lunch you could discreetly sneak glances at him, his perfect smile, his contagious laugh, the way his whole body would light up as he animatedly recounted a funny story to his friends and-

Anyways, since you were constantly looking that way, you, being the ever-vigilant detective, also noticed that someone else was also sneaking peeks at someone. That someone sneaking peeks being Jimin and the someone receiving said glances being Yoongi. Hee-hee. Jimin totally has a crush on Yoongi. And Yoongi totally has a crush on Jimin. They both totally have a crush on each other!

Even though you tried your best to not meddle, you just couldn’t resist. Much to Yoongi’s annoyance, you proceeded to bombard your friend with retellings of every single occurrence that Jimin so much breathed in his way in, of course, excruciating detail. You insisted for your friend to ask him on a date or confess or do anything, but only if he wanted to, of course.

You only seized your pestering when Yoongi finally grumbles a quiet “fine”. You also decided to seize any teasing of the growing excited smile on his face.

And so, it was on the fateful Thursday before Valentine’s Day week (which was just the heart-shaped cherry on top) Yoongi shyly asked Jimin on a date… And he said yes.

:) 

Apparently the date went really, really well :) So well that since they had known each other for a while, Jimin thought it only fitting to ask Yoongi if they could be boyfriends :) To which your friend broke out in his signature gummy smile and said yes :) Yoongi got a Valentine’s :) Yoongi, Mr. Stop-being-annoying-with-love-Y/n, was about to be annoying with love :)

-

The weekend anticipation for Monday was nearly unbearable. Not only did it promise the chance to catch up with Yoongi and extract every detail about the date - how did Jimin pop the question, Yoongi’s response to the question, Jimin’s response to Yoongi’s response to the question, etc. - but there was also the added excitement of Yoongi suggesting that the two friend groups sit together. One friend group including you and one friendship group including Hoseok. Tee-hee.

But when the clock struck 7am, you woke up with an odd feeling.

Something had felt off the previous day too, almost as if the world shifted its axis. Firstly, when your regular couple arrived at the restaurant, only half of them sat down at their usual table. The man sat alone, tears streaming down his face as he ordered his usual sirloin steak, nearly choking up as he had to stop himself from ordering his partner’s usual vegan burger. Or should you say, ex-partner… Turns out they weren’t the happy couple you saw them to be, they were actually going through a divorce. Instead of going home at closing time, you found yourself awkwardly comforting the man (i.e., stiffly patting his shoulder) as he worryingly wailed loudly into the table while you tried to find a way to ethically and morally make him pay the bill (though, he did leave his most generous tip ever, but you guess it's likely because the bill was half its usual price). Your heart couldn’t help to ache as you saw him braving the rain without an umbrella, all by himself.

You would be lying if you said that the couple’s breakup didn’t affect you in any way, you couldn’t shake off the weird feeling it gave you. You swore, every time you served them, they were a couple madly in-love, did you really misread the whole situation?

As you walked through campus on your way to the lecture, you tried to not think about the couple and you tried to distract yourself from the strange feeling, reminding yourself of the excitement of today. Today was the day you could finally talk to Hoseok (cue you giggling and hiding your face). You could finally get to know him beyond what you see in the lectures, beyond the brief mentions about him in passing conversations with Yoongi, beyond his dance performances, beyond your fleeting exchanged glances. You finally will know Hoseok as a friend, or maybe something more (tee-hee). 

Just before you start to daydream (or as Yoongi would say: delude) about the potential conversations with Hoseok. You feel yourself still at the shattering sound beneath your feet. When you look down, you feel that odd feeling creep throughout your body; you accidentally crushed a pair of glasses on the ground. You don’t know why you remain staring at the broken lens (you also realise they are one of those expensive Ray Bans - yikes sorry to the owner). After you stood there for what felt like an eternity, it hit you why they look odd: they were rose-tinted glasses. 

You just broke a pair of rose-tinted glasses.

Huh.

The distraction caused you to arrive 2 minutes late for the lecture, having to sit on one of the only available seats right at the front of the lecture hall (no OSP today guys). Much to your sadness, this meant you were not able to sneak any glances at the man and his beautiful side profile. :(

Maybe it was the fact you didn’t have Hoseok to distract you or maybe it was the strange feeling that made you really listen to your professor without your usual optimistic bias. But you finally realise how lowkey (highkey) misogynistic your professor was about his wife.

“Now, as an example of positive reinforcement, I can’t help but talk about a perfect one from my own experiences. I’ve talked about my endless efforts to win my lovely wife over, the gestures, the flowers, the compliments. But now that I’ve won her heart, she associates me with all that lovey-dovey stuff so I don't need to do any of that anymore! Like, why bother doing anything extra when she’s already fulfilling her role and doing all my laundry? This type of conditioning gets you an endless supply of clean underwear! Or is that too problematic to say these days? Am I going to get cancelled?” Your professor laughs.

You feel your mouth gape in pure shock (and cringe), as your ears pick up the awkward and fake laughs throughout the lecture hall.

Huh. That wasn’t very romantic.

The professor continues on and leaves you with a sour taste in your mouth. That strange feeling intensifies throughout you for the rest of the hour and carries on until lunch.

- 

As you joined the group of people, you took a seat and offered smiles in response to everyone’s greetings. You noticed Hoseok had not arrived yet, and you tried not to react when you heard Namjoon, one of Jimin’s friends, complaining about his professor holding Hoseok back. From the 15 minutes you spend sitting with them, you deduce that Jimin’s friends are really nice: Namjoon was particularly endearing and Taehyung was charmingly entertaining. If it weren’t for the strange feeling nagging at you, you’d be more talkative, but instead, you could only muster occasional contributions to the conversation.

Feeling a nudge from your friend Molly next to you, you turned to her as she quietly asked if you were okay, worried because of your unusual silence. You quickly offer an excuse about stress from your group presentation and she nods, not entirely convinced. You also feel a brief comforting squeeze from your other friend, Lia, beside you. However, they both know you well enough to know that they shouldn’t press anything further. You meekly look around the table and you notice Yoongi already looking at you, a hint of concern forming on his face. You tried to reassure him with a big smile to indicate you are perfectly fine, but you could tell he wasn’t convinced. Curse your friends and their perceptiveness. But before he could press further, Jimin, being the angel that he is, distracts him with something funny on his phone, and you find yourself zoning out of the conversation.

“Well, I thought the movie was very good!” Taehyung argues.

“Of course you would think that movie was good, Tae,” Namjoon scoffs, “It was right up your hipster alley, a failed attempt at a romance movie disguised by some weird, unconventional filming techniques.”

Your attention snapped back when Taehyung gasped loudly.

“Failed attempt?” Taehyung repeats with disbelief, “I’ll have you know, that movie was the epitome of romance!”

“Tae, the most romantic thing about that movie was that it was caring enough to only put us through 1 hour of it,” Namjoon deadpans.

Chuckling spread around the table, leaving you a bit confused. You don’t even know what movie they’re talking about.

“Don’t talk about romance in front of Y/n guys” Lia teases, “We won’t hear the end of it, especially so close to Valentine’s day.”

Suddenly, all the attention is on you, your friends fondly looking at you, ready for your usual response. Normally, you’d play along and potentially bond with Taehyung over whatever movie this is. But instead, you stutter, unsure on how to respond.

“Well-” You start, before being interrupted.

“Oh my god, hey guys”, you hear from behind you, the voice slightly out of breath.

As everyone greets him back, you feel Lia, who was sitting next to you, shuffling to her left, making space for Hoseok to sit down. Next to you.

Instantly, the strange mood seems to dissipate into thin air. Omg he’s sitting next to you! Being a bit shy, you stay frozen, not turning around to look at the man. You feel yourself start to smile at the feeling of him next to you, and you nearly unconsciously moan at how good this man smells. Have some dignity Y/n, you think to yourself.

“Sorry I’m late, my meeting was supposed to be only 30 minutes but the professor went over an hour,” he laughs out, then looks towards his friend and his boyfriend, “I hope the in-law’s meeting is going well.”

Everyone around the table, including you, laughs, assuring him that it’s going well. You can’t help but let out a dreamy sigh - he’s so hot. Hoseok proceeds to go around to learn the names of the new faces, saying a nice to meet you to Lia, jokingly reintroducing himself to Yoongi (apparently they’re actually friends), and then mentioning to Molly that he is pretty sure they are in the same assignment group for one of his classes. Your face breaks out in a smile with how well he gets on with everyone. He is just so bright and sociable, you can’t help but feel your heart warm at the thought.

Finally, you muster the courage to turn towards him, intending to break the ice with the weird comment your professor said in the morning lecture but Hoseok starts before you.

He starts with the same gut-wrenchingly gorgeous smile,

“And what’s your name?”

Oh…

You feel yourself speechless at the question, colour draining in your face. If this was any other day and if this was anyone else, you would tease saying you’ve met before, joke about him already asking that question, maybe even fake hurt and dramatically ask if you were really that forgettable. But it did hurt, and you don’t feel like you have it in you to embarrass yourself, so instead you introduce yourself again.

For the third time.

“I’m Y/n”, you reply with a tense smile.

“Well it’s really nice to meet you!” He beams.

Throughout the entire lunch, silence envelops you like a suffocating blanket, muffling the chatter around you. All your senses are surrounded by Hoseok, yet he doesn’t even seem to notice you. You watch him interact effortlessly with others, his eyes light up with warmth and his smiles so familiar, you once believed they were reserved solely for you. But now, you realise those looks and smiles are merely part of his default demeanour, unfairly extended to everyone without second thought. The realisation cuts straight through you.

It’s not that he intentionally excludes you; he offers small nods and fleeting smiles of acknowledgements when your eyes meet. He just doesn’t fully register your presence or, better put, is interested in your presence more than he’s interested in anyone else. You don’t know what’s worse. Either way, the pang of insignificance hurts you deep as you sit there feeling like an idiot.

Meanwhile, your friends are engrossed in getting to know everyone else, and for the first time, you don’t bother deciphering the subtle exchanges between Molly and Taehyung, or analyse how well they bounce off each other, jokingly debating about something. Instead, you feel a bit irked by the sight of Jimin and Yoongi being so shyly cute with each other.

And it’s when Lia’s friendly tease prompts Hoseok to playfully poke her cheek, just like he did with you, you quietly stand up, wanting nothing more but to leave. The table suddenly grows quiet, your feigned excuse about seeing your professor being the only thing that is heard. After giving your friends a pointed look that says ‘please don’t follow me’, you pack your uneaten lunch and make a hasty exit, ignoring the worried gazes of your friends.

The truth hits you like a bus - he didn’t even know who you were. He treats everyone with the same warmth and friendliness, all those supposed shared moments weren’t special at all. You just convinced yourself they were, romanticising all those supposed connections to mean something. Did your brain really deluded you into thinking your foolish crush on him was actually requited?

Perhaps Yoongi was right about you. Unrealistic. Delusional. Now that you think about it, probably needs to be served with a restraining order. You didn’t just imagine that Hoseok was interested in you too but you also imagined that he actually knew who you were.

You feel like a fool.

As you fight back tears from spilling from your eyes, you trudge home, neglecting your next lecture. You’ll catch up on it later.

As you quietly slip away, a concerned silence settles over the group. Your friends exchange glances, each wondering if anyone knows what might be troubling you.

“Is she okay?” Namjoon breaks the silence, his brows furrowing with genuine concern as the group’s gaze follows your retreating figure.

“I actually don’t know…” Molly answers, her voice laced with worry, “She was so quiet. She said something earlier about a presentation but I know she doesn’t have anything like that coming up, so…”

“Shit, I should’ve said something earlier”, Yoongi mumbles with a loud sigh, reaching for his phone to send a message in your group chat.

Are you okay? Are you going back to the house? We’ll come meet you - yoongi

“We should go check on her.” Lia suggests, already rising from her seat, with Molly and Yoongi following suit.

Just then, the group’s phones all ping. Yoongi instantly reads the notification

I’m fine! I just have a headache :( - y/n

Don’t you dare move away from that table, Yoongi. You guys better have fun for me! I’ll see you guys at the house! - y/n

With a small scoff, Yoongi is about to ignore your pleas and continue to pack his things but then the phone pings again.

Please don’t come meet me - y/n

As Yoongi reads your last message, he sits down with a dejected sigh, everyone watching him curiously. The other two pull their phones out to read the messages, also sitting back down.

“I think she just wants to be alone.” Yoongi clarifies.

“Are you guys sure?” Jimin cautiously asks, “We don’t mind if you guys have to go.” 

The other three men agree with Jimin, their concerns evident. Reluctantly, Yoongi shakes his head and assures the group that they don’t need to leave, mentioning that he’ll talk to you later at the house. Silence descends on the table once more.

“I hope everything’s alright,” Jimin voices, “maybe something happened during her classes?”

“No, she only had that intro to psych lecture this morning and she always mentions how that’s pretty chill,” Molly dismisses, looking down deep in thought.

“Oh, I’m in that class” Hoseok suddenly interjects, drawing everyone’s attention, “I didn’t notice anything unusual.”

“Yeah, I forgot you’re in that class” Yoongi remarks, “I’m surprised you haven’t run into her.”

Hoseok nods silently. Suddenly, realisation dawns on him. He knew you looked familiar - you’ve literally spoken before. He guesses he didn’t remember cause it was a long time ago, and he never sees you in the lecture hall. Perhaps you always sit in the back? Now guilt weighs on him, remembering your face earlier. Your eyes lit up in familiarity and a cute smile grew on your face, until he asked for your name. Then you looked embarrassed, your eyes slightly dimming. He didn’t recognise you. Hoseok falls silent, consumed by his thoughts.

“Well,” Jimin starts, trying to steer the conversation in a more positive direction, “I hope she’s okay! You always talk about Y/n so I can’t wait to get to know her.”

Yoongi smiles warmly at Jimin, appreciating the attempt to lighten the mood.

“Yeah, Yoongi talks about how endearing Y/n is,” Jimin continues, addressing his friends, “I actually met her once before! I think she got stuck in the library doors, and I helped her out. I was so surprised because most people would be really embarrassed but she was so grateful and optimistic. It really threw me off guard. No idea why she would be friends with you, Yoongi”

The conversation shifts and the table bursts out in laughter as Yoongi rolls his eyes playfully. 

“No, really, sometimes she’s the complete opposite of you, Yoons,” Lia adds with excitement, “I literally remember when Molly was ordering our drinks and started to argue with one of the guys at the bar, so we were gonna go over and help her. But, Y/n stopped us, insisting that they were clearly just flirting. Then, Yoongi and Y/n started bickering about whether or not they were about to fight or kiss. Then all of a sudden we heard a scream and realised Molly threw her drink on him and they started to fight.”

“I’ll never forget Y/n’s face,” Yoongi heartedly laughs, reminiscing the incident, “I’ve never seen her more mortified.”

Everyone joins in the laughter. Hoseok looks around, noting how just the thought of you brightens your friend’s faces.

“Oh my God, that day got us banned from that place!,” Molly added, “I swear, she can romanticise anything.”

“Sounds like Taehyung with that atrocious ‘romance’ movie”, Namjoon jokes, earning a playful jab from the man.

“That’s it, someone bring Y/n back. I need someone to back me up on this”, Taehyung jokingly whines, eliciting more laughter, “I’ll force her to be my new movie buddy.”

“As long as it’s a romance movie, she won’t need much convincing”, Lia adds.

“With the movies Tae enjoys, we can only pray for her”, Namjoon sarcastically comments, dodging another hit from Taehyung.

“Well, Y/n finds joy and beauty in most things,” Yoongi starts, his eyes softening as he reflects on your unique perspective “I’m jealous of her, she can find love in anything and everything.”

The table falls into momentary silences, Yoongi’s words hanging in the air. Hoseok’s gaze flickers with intrigue as he processes the sentiment. His perception of you subtly shifts when Lia, with a mischievous grin, adds,

"Well, she loves love".

So you have actually decided you hate love.

Upon arriving home, you collapse onto your bed, letting your tears flow freely. You found yourself unable to stop crying. You don’t know if it's from the sheer humbling experience or the sorrow of mourning your imagined relationship with Hoseok. You just couldn't believe that he would do that to you? After everything you’ve imagined been through?

For the remainder of the week, you choose to avoid your university commitments, wallowing in self-pity within the safe confinement of your bedroom. Despite sharing a house with your three friends, you surprisingly succeed in avoiding conversation with them. Occasionally, when you attempt to sneak out to use the toilet, you find sweet treats left at your bedroom door - a silent reminder that they’re there whenever you’re ready to talk. But three whole days pass without a word. You even miss Valentine’s day.

On Thursday, a knock interrupts your solitude, and you fully intend to ignore it, not yet ready to face the outside world.

“Y/n, I’m coming in whether you like it or not, so you have 30 seconds to not be naked before I open this door.” Yoongi announces from outside, anticipating your refusal.

“Come in.” he hears you mumble from inside.

He enters to find you cocooned in your blanket on the bed. You both share a silent gaze and Yoongi’s heart aches at the sight of your eyes slowly filling up with tears. As your lips start to quiver, about to burst out in tears, Yoongi rushes over and envelops you in his arms.

Yoongi isn’t known for giving hugs, but as you sob into his shirt, you realise he should do it more often; he’s a really good hugger. And in the second that you feel your friend give you a comforting kiss on the crown of your head, you let go completely.

Yoongi remains silent the whole time you reveal your crush on Hoseok. The only sign you know he is still listening is when he tightens his grasp on you whenever your story elicits harder sobs. Yoongi knows its best to not say or question anything, especially when you start blubbering about some acronym he’s never heard of (something about an OPM), which means 2 rows behind and 10 seats to the left? He decides to not probe further, understanding that right now you just need someone to listen.

"I’m so stupid, I should've known this would have happened, I always get carried away, I always do this,” You sob tiredly, messily wiping your snotty nose, “I need to stop being like this, I think there’s something actually wrong with me Yoongi. I feel like a complete idiot”

Through your swollen eyes, you see him shake his head.

“No, Y/n, stop it. You’re not stupid, you’re not an idiot, there’s nothing wrong with you, and you definitely don’t need to stop being you.” Yoongi scolds, pulling you in for another hug.

“B-but you even said it yourself, I’m unrealistic with these things,” You choke before bursting out into full-on wails, “I made myself believe that he actually liked me back and he didn’t even know I existed.”

You both remain hugging for a while, and with the feeling of Yoongi soothingly rubbing your back, your sobs gradually calm down.

"You know," Yoongi begins quietly, "I love you and I love that you love love because your love for love pushed me to try to be with someone I'm in love with. Only you could've done that.”

The room falls quiet as you digest his words..

“And I also hate how many times I said love in that sentence"

"You said it at least 6 times" you sniffle, smiling up at your friend, “Thank you, Yoons.”

He mirrors your smile.

“Don’t even mention it.” He says, pulling you in for a side hug, “And to hell with that man. Surely if he doesn’t even appreciate my best friend, he’s not worth it. What’s even so great about him?! Huh?” He shouts out, as you let out a small sniffing giggle.

"He's got really great cheekbones", you start, and a beat of silence passes as Yoongi meekly agrees.

"Yeah, he does.”

In an attempt to cheer you up, Yoongi invites you to join him and Jimin for lunch on Sunday before your shift, promising a rather unconventional third-wheel experience. Despite your initial hesitations, as you watch the undeniable cuteness between them, your temporary barriers crumble, and you watch their interactions with joy and just the faintest tinie-wine hint of bittersweetness. Perhaps it’s because Jimin’s genuine concern for your well-being radiates comfort or maybe it’s his angelic aura, you find yourself confiding in him about your crush on Hoseok.

As you share your sorrows with the two men in front of you, you release a sigh of relief as he takes in the information with nothing but open-mindedness and kindness. His reassurance and comfort that Hoseok’s forgetfulness is not a reflection of you, but rather a quirk of his character - or, as Jimin admits, an annoyance - brings you comfort, leaving you feeling better as you make your way to work. 

Throughout the rest of your shift, a sense of peace settles within you. Perhaps, deep down, there’s a part of you that just thrives on romance and love, a factor ingrained in your disposition. As you clean tables, you come to the realisation: who cares if romance seems a bit elusive to you right now? It undeniably exists in the world, evident all around you. In your friends, in love songs, and even in those silly magnet socks. And that brings you happiness - a fact made abundantly clear by the joy you feel knowing your friend is experiencing it. 

Maybe, just maybe, it’s just not your time, and you muster the courage to admit, with a shaky exhale, that perhaps Hoseok simply wasn’t meant to be that person for you.

But you don’t dwell on that thought for too long, getting distracted by your divorced regular walking in with a new woman.

- 

You stride to your Monday lecture actually feeling really great. I mean, you acquired a new friend (Jimin <3), you have a feeling Molly may have a little thing for Taehyung (which you’ll undoubtedly observe with unsolicited interest at lunch), and your Sunday regular (who strangely moved on from a whole marriage in just a week) still gives good tips. You feel ecstatic even.

On your way to your lecture, you pause briefly. Your eyebrows furrow at the sight of two rats sitting together on a bench, their tails somehow strangely interlocking. It was oddly and bizarrely romantic, prompting you to send a picture in the groupchat. For once, everyone actually agreed, even Yoongi.

So, who cares if you romanticise things? It got you this far, even through countless 9am lectures - a victory for someone with your habit of missing lectures. Perhaps you could still appreciate Hoseok's face, it's still a gorgeous face. And besides, when you really think about it, you don't actually know anything about him! He might actually be an awful person! You try to tell yourself that, but there’s still a small part of your heart that remains unconvinced.

You enter the lecture hall surprisingly 10 minutes early, say goodbye to OSP, hello to sitting wherever the fuck you want (which is kind of a relief considering Hoseok tended to sit really far behind and you really struggled to see the board sometimes).

Absorbed in Yoongi’s latest post of him and Jimin, you’re startled by a familiar voice beside you.

"Is this seat taken?"

Oh?

You look up to see the devastatingly handsome ray of sunshine himself, gesturing to the seat where your bag is on. You try not to inwardly scream at how good he looks. He’s wearing glasses you’ve never seen before and a really fluffy looking red jumper, which just makes him look so boyfriend and so, so gorgeous.

"No, it's not actually", you hesitantly move your bag and offer a polite smile.

You watch him sit down next to you and give you another earth-shaking smile, to which you offer a timid one back. You curse your heart for speeding up.

Don't get your hopes up, Y/n.

In order to distract yourself, you look down at your phone again and answer some messages from your family, unaware of Hoseok stealing glances at you. 

He notices just how cute your nose is, how sparkly your eyes are when you gleefully read whatever is on your screen. He is a bit embarrassed to admit how much he would love to know how to make the corners of your lips move upwards like that. He also notes his sudden urge to grab your attention away from your screen and onto something else. Or maybe someone else.

He also feels the need to giggle and scream into a pillow. Huh.

Before he opens his mouth to make conversation and apologise for what happened last week, the professor begins his lectures, interrupting his chance.

As the lecture progresses, your professor makes another weird ‘joke’ about his wife, which makes you halt your note taking to stare at him in disbelief.

"I’m so surprised his wife hasn’t left him yet" Hoseok whispers to you.

You giggle at the remark, your head instinctively dipping down to avoid drawing attention. Hoseok's eyes brighten at the sound of your laugh, completely captivated by the sound. If you looked at him at this moment, you would notice that his face lit up much more than usual, a glint of endearment painting his smile. Your eyes meet, and for a moment, time stands still. You’re struck with how breathtakingly pretty he looks up close, it’s almost unfair. Your eyes are drawn to details you never noticed before - like the charming mole on his lips that makes you <3 (also ignites the desire to kiss it).

Although you know the lesson from the past week was that you can sometimes be delusional in your romanticising, but this time you are 100% sure you see it objectively: Hoseok briefly looks down at your lips before meeting your gaze again. It’s clear you didn’t imagine it, as you catch a sudden look of embarrassment wash over his face as if he got caught out. That’s because he did just get caught out.

You both look away from each other’s eyes, the intensity of the moment becoming a bit too overwhelming. But you both continue to sit together in silence, your shoulders brushing, with wide, bashful smiles plastered on your faces. The same thoughts (or lack thereof) swirling in both of your minds:

Tee-hee.

a/n: tee-motherfucking-hee :) Thank you for reading!

he forgets your birthday

J-Hope x f!reader

Genre: fluff

WC: 1k

<series masterlist>

The morning sunlight streams through your window and you rub the sleep out of your eyes with a small smile when you remember what day it is. You move your hand to J-Hope’s side of the bed, and your eyes shoot open when you don’t feel him there.

When you find his side empty, you frown.

J-Hope dances from early in the morning to late at night. You know it’s his job as well as his passion, but you couldn’t help but feel a bit neglected. You only saw him when he came home from practice when he’d be too exhausted to do anything. 

You know dance will always be his first love, you just wish he would take a break once in a while, for his sake as well as yours.

Eventually, you force yourself out of bed to make breakfast, looking forward to at least having dinner with J-Hope.

Meanwhile, J-Hope was in the studio, practicing hard as always. He got into the studio super early this morning so he didn’t have time to check his phone. And once he activates dance teacher mode, he blocks everything else out of his mind. 

By the time he decides to take a break and check his phone, he realizes what day it is as he reads the reminder on his screen,

y/n’s birthday!!!

His eyes go wide as he covers his mouth. “I forgot today was y/n’s birthday!” he says as he looks at everyone else with wide eyes.

“J-Hope! How could you?!” Jin yells obnoxiously. 

J-Hope laughs at himself before looking to Namjoon, asking for permission to leave early. Namjoon nods at him before motioning to the door, “Hurry up, what are you still doing here?” he asks J-Hope.

J-Hope nods before quickly getting up to gather his stuff. “Tell y/n we say happy birthday!” they yell at him as he rushes out the door.

He had already bought your gift in advance, but he didn’t have the cake or decorations. ready He quickly rushed to the market to buy you a cake as well as some other snacks you two could enjoy together.

When he arrives outside the door to your house, he’s panting heavily, clutching a plastic bag in one of his hands. He takes a moment to catch his breath and smooth his hair down before he quietly unlocks the door.

He pokes his head into the house, and when he hears you humming in the kitchen, he takes his shoes off as quietly as he can. He silently makes his way into the house, and he can’t help but stare for a bit as he listens to you sing quietly while you cook dinner. Once he snaps out of your trance, he reveals himself.

“Happy birthday y/n!” he yells while running to hug you.

You drop whatever your holding, startled by his presence and letting out a yelp. He wraps his arms around your waist and lifts you off the ground, spinning you happily. When you realize it’s just J-Hope, you let out a laugh as he lets you down.

You lightly smack him on the chest, “You scared me!”

He just laughs. “Sorry babe,” he says before peppering your face with kisses.

You giggle as you pull away to get back to dinner. He reluctantly lets you go back to cooking as he moves to put the cake in the fridge.

“You know, I almost thought you forgot when I found out you left early this morning,” you say with a laugh as you get back to the stove.

J-Hope freezes as he stands in front of the fridge. “What? I would never forget your birthday!” he says with a nervous laugh.

He closes the fridge and faces you with a hand on his chest, faking an expression of hurt. “I can’t believe you thought I could forget your birthday,” he says with a pout. “I just wanted to surprise you,” he lies.

You approach him and place a quick kiss on his cheek. “Sorry Hobi,” you giggle, “but you definitely surprised me if that makes you feel better,” you say with a laugh.

He laughs along with you, but on the inside, he felt guilty for lying.

You and J-Hope enjoy the rest of the evening eating dinner and cake together before cuddling on the couch and watching a rom-com, eating the other snacks J-Hope bought from the market.

By the time you two finish the movie as well as cleaning up, it’s already late so you decide to get ready for bed. As you climb into bed, J-Hope looks at you with a serious look in his eyes.

“I have a confession to make,” he says as he stands up from the bed. 

“What is it Hobi?” you ask curiously. You know J-Hope’s an absolute angel and he wouldn’t have done anything terrible.

“I may or may not have actually forgot that today was your birthday,” he says so fast you almost don’t catch what he said.

While he waits for your reaction, you can’t help but think he looks like a child who feels guilty for taking an extra piece of candy from someone’s door for Halloween.

You start laughing at how adorable he is, and he smiles and starts laughing with you.

“That’s it? You scared me!” unable to contain your laughter, you fall back onto the bed.

He flops onto the bed next to you. “I thought you would be sad or mad that I forgot,” he whines.

“Aw Hobi, it’s okay. I know how busy you are,” you say as you ruffle his hair.

He pouts at you before wrapping his arms around your waist pulling you closer to him. “I promise I still love you even though I forgot your birthday,” he says as he smiles at you.

“I know,” you chuckle. “And I love you too.”

You place a kiss on his forehead as you say, “Go to sleep, you woke up super early today so you must be tired.”

He hums in agreement as he snuggles closer to you.

“Happy birthday y/n, I love you,” he mumbles, already falling asleep in your arms.

You can’t help but smile at how adorable he is as you play with his hair, lulling him to sleep.

dancing with a stranger

Summary: You’re introduced as Jimin’s duet partner for the school recital, and Hoseok already doesn’t like you. When he discovers that you were the same person he’s been dancing with underground, what happens when he realizes he’s been dancing with a stranger all along?

Hoseok x f!reader

Genre: fluff + angst

WC: 14.6k

Author’s note: for legal reasons reader is in her last year of high school but is already 18.

You nervously tap your foot on the ground as you watch the floor number slowly come to a stop above the elevator doors. The elevator opens with a ding before you step out into the hallway that leads to BTS’ practice room. You were a student at Seoul’s School of Performing Arts, specializing in ballet and contemporary dance. Your mother was a talented ballerina when she was younger, and your parents wanted you to follow in her footsteps. They raised you to be a professional, and it showed in your dance as well as your daily behaviour.

For the school’s annual recital, you were assigned a contemporary duet with your classmate, Park Jimin. While he was an excellent contemporary dancer, he was also a newly debuted idol, which is why you were currently at BigHit Entertainment after school to accommodate his busy schedule. You were actually quite lucky to get partnered with Jimin out of all people. You dedicated your whole life to dance, and as a result, you didn’t have much time for friends. Jimin and Taehyung were the only ones in your class who went out of their way to try and befriend you, and although you were still far from being friends, acquaintances at most, you were glad to be partners with Jimin.

Standing outside their practice room, you can hear muffled music through the door and you can feel the beats through the floor. Not wanting to interrupt their practice, you wait for the song to finish before knocking on the door. An out of breath Jimin answers the door as he welcomes you with a big smile. “Y/n!” he exclaims, “You’re here! Come in,” he says as he opens the door wider for you. You give him a stiff smile as you slightly bow your head and enter the room. There were six other boys in the room, one who you recognized was Taehyung, breathing heavily as they sat on the floor, recovering from their practice.

You look back at Jimin over your shoulder, “Am I interrupting something?” you ask. He shakes his head as he walks past you to grab a cup of water, “Not at all! We just finished,” he assures you, but you find it hard to believe as you look at the six other heavily panting boys. “You must be tired. I can come back another time-” you start, but Jimin quickly shuts you down. “No, no! It’s okay, I’m ready to go!” he says energetically. You give him a skeptical look, but he shows no signs of being tired. If anything, he seems eager to get started. Nodding, you give in, placing your bag on the floor. “Oh! I almost forgot, let me introduce you guys,” he says as he grabs your hand and pulls you towards the rest of the boys. Your cheeks flush slightly, not used to the contact. “You already know Tae, but these are my Hyungs and the maknae of our group,” he says as he motions to all the boys. Each one introduces themselves, giving you a smile or a wave as they tell you their names.

“Guys, this is y/n, she’s a classmate of mine and Tae’s and she’s the best dancer in our year!” Jimin introduces you proudly. You don’t acknowledge his compliment as you just bow towards them. “Do you mind if we watch you practice?” Taehyung asks, to which you respond with a shake of your head. Taehyung raises a small fist in victory, taking a seat in front of the mirror and leaning back to watch you and Jimin practice. The rest of the boys sit next to Taehyung, interested in watching your practice as well.

After hearing from Jimin and Taehyung about how amazing of a dancer you were, they were excited to meet you, and they couldn’t take their eyes off of you. You were just as they said: perfect. Your timing was exact and your technique was impeccable, but your face was blank and your eyes were empty as you went through the motions. Just from watching your expression, or rather your lack of expression while dancing, one would think that you hated dance. But your lack of emotions didn’t take away from your dance. It added a dark, almost sad beauty to your almost robotic but flawless performance.

“What do you think?” Jimin asks once the song ends, and all the boys clap for the two of you. “It was great,” Namjoon says as he smiles and nods approvingly. Hoseok stands with a huge smile, clapping excitedly before patting Jimin on the back, “Woah Jimin! Great job!” he says proudly. Jimin’s face lights up as he hugs Hoseok and turns to the boys. “Hobi Hyung said I did good!” he says with shining eyes. After all, Hoseok was their dance leader and all the boys admired him greatly. There was no better feeling than getting praise from him. “You did well too, y/n,” Namjoon compliments you, “It was perfect.” You simply nod in thanks before calling Jimin over, going over small details you wanted to change or correct. Hoseok frowns at how you brushed off Namjoon’s compliment. They all knew you were good, but you could’ve at least shown some gratitude, he thought. He didn’t know how much you despised the word “perfect,” or how much pressure it put on you because that was all that was expected from you.

After about two hours of practice, you notice Jimin’s movements were starting to grow sloppy due to fatigue, so you decide to call it a day. Taehyung hands you a cup of water with his boxy smile. “Thank you,” you mumble as you take the cup from his hands. “Are you going now?” Taehyung asks. You simply nod as you throw away the now empty paper cup. “Are your parents here to pick you up?” Namjoon asks. “I take the bus,” you answer shortly.

Jin grabs his keys before getting up from his spot on the floor, “I’ll drive you home. We can’t have you walking alone this late.” You shake your head as you thank him for the offer but politely decline. “I can manage,” you say. They frown as you step out into the hallway. They didn’t want you to walk alone when it was already dark, and they were worried for your safety. “Are you sure? It’s really no big deal,” Yoongi tries once more. “I’m sure,” you say with a nod, “Thank you for the offer, and thank you for having me,” you say politely. “Alright, good night y/n. Stay safe,” Namjoon waves you off with a small smile.

“At least let us walk you to the bus stop then,” Taehyung insists as he and Jimin follow you into the elevator. “Why couldn’t you just let Jin Hyung drive you? Then we wouldn’t have to worry about you getting home safely,” Jimin asks with a small pout. “I didn’t want to be a bother. It’s alright,” you say with a shrug as you brush off his concerns. “You’re not a bother!” Taehyung insists as they walk with you towards the bus stop. The corners of his lips were slightly downturned, upset that you thought of yourself that way. When you’re about to respond, you see the bus coming down the street. Following your gaze, Jimin spots the bus as well. “Text me when you get home, okay?” Jimin says as the bus comes to a stop in front of you. You nod before you climb into the bus, taking a seat by the window as you put your earphones in. They wave goodbye to you through the window and you wave back with a small smile. 

As the bus pulls away, they remain frozen on the sidewalk, staring at each other with wide eyes. They’ve never seen you smile before. With giddy smiles on their faces, they walk back to the company together, glad that you were starting to warm up to them even if it was just a little bit. And upon reaching home, you also find yourself smiling as you send a quick text to Jimin.

You: I’m home.

The older ones watch from the window of the practice room as Jimin and Taehyung walk you to the bus stop. Hoseok stares at the three of you with a small frown. “What’s wrong?” Yoongi asks him as it was unusual to see Hoseok without a smile plastered on his face. “I don’t like her,” he mumbles as he narrows his eyes, searching for anything off about you. The way you acted was forced and he could tell you weren’t who you pretended to be. He was wary of you because he didn’t know what your intentions were and he didn’t want the younger ones to get hurt by you.

You’re surprised when you find Jimin, Taehyung and Jungkook waiting for you by the school’s gates the next morning. “Good morning y/n!” they greet you brightly. “Good morning,” you wave back with a shy smile. Jimin and Taehyung walk with you to your classroom, telling you funny stories about them and their Hyungs. During your lunch break, they drag their chairs over to your desk. “Can we sit with you?” Jimin asks, holding his lunch in hand. You’re slightly surprised by their request, but you agree nonetheless. You nod as you clear your desk to create enough space for them. “Nice!” Taehyung says with a smile as he high fives Jimin before taking a seat around your desk.

You notice them staring at your lunch as you eat silently, and you raise an eyebrow at them. “Do you want some?” you ask as you point at your food. They both nod fervently as you take a piece and place one in each of their lunches. “Did you make this?” Taehyung asks you with wide eyes as you nod. “It’s good!” he compliments you. “Thank you,” you say with a giggle as you use your thumb to wipe away a few stray crumbs near the corner of his mouth. Jimin says something inaudible as his mouth was still full of food. You smile at how cute he looks with his cheeks puffed out with food. After chewing and swallowing, Jimin takes a piece from his lunch and places it in yours. “Here, try it. Jin Hyung made it for us, he’s a great cook too!” They stare at you, awaiting your reaction as you chew the food. “It’s good,” you say with an approving smile. They smile back at you, and you wordlessly place more of your food in their lunches as they do the same for you.

Jimin and Taehyung stay at your desk even after you’ve all finished eating as they wait for the next period to start. Jimin places his elbow on your desk as he leans his chin on his hand. “You don’t talk much, do you?” he asks, studying you closely. You shrug as you move your gaze to your desk, feeling a little self conscious under his intense gaze. “You should talk more. Namjoon Hyung always tells us how important it is to speak yourself. Jungkook used to be super shy too, but Tae helped him break out of his shell,” he tells you as he wraps an arm around Taehyung’s shoulder. “Don’t worry, I’ll get you to talk more too!” Taehyung promises with a smile. You nod, trying to follow their advice as you mumble a small, “Okay.”

At the end of the day, you part ways with the three maknaes by the school gate. “See you later y/n!” Jimin waves to you as they start walking towards Big Hit. You wave back before walking in the opposite direction towards your home. Unlocking the door, you drop your bag onto the floor as you head into the kitchen to grab a snack. As you munch on your snack, you think about the last time you went to practice with Jimin at his company building. All the boys had just finished their own practice and they stayed hours later to practice again once you left. With that in mind, you start preparing some snacks for them as well, placing them in the fridge for later. Around 5 pm, you put your homework away, changing into some loose and comfortable clothing to dance in. Packing the snacks into your bag, you lock the door and make your way to the bus stop. 

“Hey y/n!” Jimin greets you with a smile as he opens the door for you. You let out a small, almost inaudible, “Hey,” as you step into the practice room. Just like before, they had just finished their own practice. Offering everyone a wave and a small smile, you place your bag down to take out all the snacks. “I brought some snacks for you guys,” you say as you reach into your bag. As soon as you mention snacks, they all seem to suddenly regain energy, shooting up from their spots on the floor and surrounding you. “Aw, y/n, you’re so sweet!” Jimin says, causing your cheeks to flush slightly. You act nonchalant, telling them you just had a lot of extra snacks at home that you needed to get rid of, but they know that’s far from the truth. They were still a long way from getting you to open up to them, but Jimin and Taehyung could tell that you were already starting to warm up to them. They didn’t know what you had been through to build your walls up so high, but they would be patient with you and take it one step at a time.

You didn’t want to admit it, but they had already wormed their way into your heart a lot faster than you expected, and your resolve was slowly starting to crumble as you let them in more. You give Jimin some time to eat and take a break while you stretch and loosen up. As you diligently warm up in the corner, Namjoon leans over to Jimin. “Is she always like this?” he asks, referring to your silent but caring ways. “She’s like Yoongi Hyung!” Taehyung says with a laugh. “Yah, what’s that supposed to mean,” Yoongi asks accusingly, but everyone knew what Taehyung meant. You acted cold and nonchalant, but you worried for them and took care of them. “It’s okay,” Jimin says as he finishes his last bite, standing from his spot on the floor. “We’ll get her to open up soon,” he says confidently before walking over to you and playfully pulling you to the centre of the practice room. 

“Bye y/n! Get home safe!” the boys bid you goodbye as you head home for the weekend. It was finally Friday, and that meant you would be going out tonight. For the past three years, you’ve been frequenting Hope World, an underground dance club in your area, every Friday night. You loved how wild and free underground dancing was, and despite the risk of getting caught, you found yourself returning to Hope World again and again. It was quite easy to sneak out, as your parents worked until the late hours of the night. As long as you were back before they got home, you would never get caught.

Putting on your bucket hat and a surgical mask, you get on the bus heading to Hope World. You chose to keep your identity hidden, as your parents surely wouldn’t approve if they knew of your whereabouts. But in the underground, no one cared about your background as long as you loved to dance. Arriving at the club, it was loud and energetic as usual, but that was what you loved about the place. The walls were brick, giving a rustic feeling of the underground, and the room was dark with flashing lights, reminding you of a party. A large crowd was formed in the middle of the room, surrounding a pair of dancers who were currently battling it out. You quickly make your way into the crowd, eager to find an opponent and jump into a battle yourself. A while after you leave, Hoseok starts gathering his things as well. “I heard about an underground dance club nearby, I’m going to check it out,” he informs Namjoon. “Alright, have fun,” Namjoon says with a wave. 

As soon as Hoseok steps foot into the club, he’s blown back by the loud music and the wild atmosphere. It was everything you’d expect of an underground dance club and more, and he didn’t realize how much he missed this until now. Spotting the big group of people gathered near the centre of the room, Hoseok moves to the edge of the crowd. He spots two people battling it out, although it wasn’t much of a battle because the two dancers weren’t anywhere near the same level. He couldn’t take his eyes off of the girl with a bucket hat. She was definitely great at hip hop and her popping was good enough to rival his own, but the way she moved was graceful and elegant, the exact opposite of what you expect to find in a place like this.

When the music ends and the crowd cheers, you bow before pulling your opponent in for a hug, patting them on the back and praising their dance. They do the same to you before you step out of the circle and into the crowd, receiving many pats on the shoulder or praises and congratulations. It was your third battle of the night and you had to get back before your parents got home. Your path towards the door is suddenly blocked when a boy around your age stands in front of you. You peer at him from under the rim of your bucket hat, but you can’t see his face as he’s wearing a hat and mask similar to yours. Your interest is already peaked by the mysterious boy, and you pause and wait for him to speak.

“You’re really good at dancing,” he suddenly blurts out. He approached you so confidently, you were surprised by how nervous he sounded. “Thank you,” you say with a laugh. “Are you new here?” you ask him curiously. “Yeah, it’s actually my first time here,” he tells you, nervously rubbing the back of his neck. “I’m y/n,” you introduce yourself, holding your hand out for him to shake. “I’m Hope,” he says as he shakes your hand. “Well Hope, I’m sure you’ll fit in fine judging by your name,” you say with a chuckle. “Unfortunately, I have somewhere to be, but I’d love to see what you’ve got. Will you be here next week?” you ask him. He hadn’t decided whether he would be returning or not, but now that you were asking him to, there was no way he wasn’t coming back. “Yeah, of course. I’ll see you next week then?” he asks. “Yup! See you!” you say cheerfully as you wave at him over your shoulder. He raises his hand to wave back, but he doesn’t even get the chance to say goodbye as you’re already out the door.

Your mind wanders back to Hope as you lean your head on the bus window, staring at the passing scenery. You didn’t know much about him, actually, you only knew his name and you didn’t even see him dance, yet there was something familiar about him. You brush it off, thinking it must just be the fact that you two could relate to having to hide your face and identity.

“How was it?” Namjoon asks as Hoseok walks in through the door. “It was cool,” he says as he places his bag down. “Just cool?” Namjoon asks with a raised eyebrow, giving him a knowing look. “Actually,” Hoseok says while running a hand through his hair, “there was this girl. Her name’s y/n, and she’s an amazing dancer. I’ve never seen someone dance like her before,” he tells him. “Y/n?” Namjoon repeats, his mind immediately going to you. Hoseok nods in confirmation. The possibility of you being the same y/n he met at Hope World flashed through his mind for a second, but he simply brushed it off as a coincidence. There was no way the bright, bubbly girl he met at Hope World was the same cold, stoic girl who was Jimin’s duet partner, even your style of dance was completely different. It was impossible, right?

A week ago, they would have never even thought of patting your head or hugging you in fear that they would make you uncomfortable, but you were already starting to warp up to the seven boys. Sometimes you would playfully shove Jungkook’s shoulder, and you didn’t tense up whenever Jimin or Taehyung would randomly hug you or cling to you. You were starting to open up to them, and they couldn’t be more proud of the progress you made.

After practice, you would often stay to do your homework with Jimin and Taehyung. As Jimin was explaining something to Taehyung, your eyes wandered to the mirror. You watch as Hoseok dances freestyle, popping smoothly to the beat and doing a few cool b-boying moves. You were so mesmerized by his dancing that you didn’t notice him staring back at you through the mirror. When your eyes meet his in the mirror, he gives you a cold stare. Intimidated and embarrassed from getting caught staring, you look back down at your papers on the floor.

Ever since you were young, you always yearned for people’s approval, your parents, your teachers, even your peers. Hoseok’s obvious distaste for you bothered you more than you let on. You didn’t know him well, but the way all the members talked about him showed how much they admired him. And it was deserved. From the little dancing you’ve seen from him, during and after your practice with Jimin, you could tell he was a very detailed and seasoned dancer. The more respected a person was, the more you wanted their approval and praise, and the more respected a person was, the more it wounded your confidence when they seemed repulsed by you and only you.

After a long week of school, practicing with Jimin and enduring Hoseok’s glares, you finally made it to Friday once again. You subconsciously find yourself picking out a nice outfit since you know Hope will be there. You mentally scold yourself for trying to impress a boy you just met, but that doesn’t stop you from putting on your best outfit. You see no sign of Hope when you arrive at the club, causing you to deflate slightly. You know that you shouldn’t be this affected by him, but you can’t help the disappointment that sets in.  

Stepping out of the circle after your second battle, you move away from the crowd to catch your breath. A cup of water is suddenly shoved into your hands as you look up to find Hope smiling down at you apologetically. “Sorry I’m late. I got a little caught up with my brothers,” he says sheepishly. You can’t find it in yourself to be upset with him, the disappointment in your chest suddenly replaced by joy and excitement. “No problem, I’m glad you’re here now,” you tell him as you accept the water.

You notice him watching the battle going on within the circle, and you look at him curiously. “Will I get to see you dance today?” you ask him. He was a little nervous to dance in front of you because of how much he admired you, but he was also excited to show you what he’s got. Confidently stepping into the circle, you watch as he battles. He was light on his feet and his isolations were out of this world, and you could tell he was very comfortable with freestyle. Squinting at him, you furrow your brows as you watch him dance. You were sure you’ve seen someone else who danced just like him, but you couldn’t place your finger on it. Before you know it, his battle was over with Hope announced as the winner. Stepping out of the circle, he approaches you proudly, and even though you can’t see his face under his mask you can tell how big his smile is by the way his eyes crinkle at the sides.

Noticing the unimpressed look on your face, his smile drops and his steps falter as he approaches you. “Was it that bad?” he asks jokingly to cover up how nervous you make him. Snapping out of your thoughts, you stare back at him with wide eyes, trying to remember where you’ve seen him before. “Oh, no!” you wave your hands in front of you frantically at the misunderstanding. “You were great, really. I was just thinking,” you explain. He nods, but you can tell he doesn’t really believe you. “You’re amazing at freestyling, I can tell you practice a lot. How long have you been dancing?” you ask curiously. 

Poking his cheek with his finger, he tilts his head to the side as he looks up to the ceiling, trying to remember. “Maybe eight years now?” he says. “How about you?” he asks. “Almost three years,” you lie. It wasn’t a complete lie, you started street dancing three years ago, but you’ve been dancing for nearly all your life. “Wow only three? I would’ve thought you’ve been dancing for longer,” he says, amazed, “Where did you learn to dance like that? I’ve never seen someone who dances like you.” You feel guilty for not telling him the complete truth, but you want to keep your personal life separate from your life here. “I just learned from watching the people here dance and picking up a few things from my opponents,” you say with a shrug. “You’re incredible,” he breathes out. You’re glad your mask covers your blushing face as you look away from his eyes, “T-thanks, you’re really great too.”

Your relationship with Hope was still fresh, but it progressed a lot faster than you would’ve expected in just two hours. You both respected each other as dancers and admired each other greatly, but you still teased and poked at each other playfully to push the other to their limits. You two also had a deeper, unspoken connection from keeping hidden your identities hidden. It didn’t matter whether you knew each other’s names or faces because you got to know each other for who you really were inside. You didn’t feel like you had to put up a wall around him, and he didn’t feel like he had to act happy around you all the time because he was truly happy whenever he was with you.

You didn’t want the night to end, but alas, your parents were going to be home soon and you didn’t want to get caught. Especially when being caught meant you wouldn’t be able to see Hope anymore. With the promise to meet next week, you leave the club with a smile on your face as you wave to Hope, wishing him good night.

Back in BTS’ practice room Monday evening, you let out a yawn as you lean back, stretching your arms out. You had tuned out the music as background noise while you were doing homework with the three maknaes, but you could hear it clearly now that you were done. Turning around, you find Hoseok freestyling near the back of the room once again. You watch him pop, doing his signature move of dropping to the floor, only to smoothly rise back up. Your eyes widen when you realize you’ve seen that move before. Watching him more closely, he looks exactly like Hope, and their moves were way too similar to be a coincidence. You connect the dots in your mind: Hoseok, J-Hope, was Hope.

You break out into a nervous sweat at the realization. Did he already know who you were? Did he tell the rest of the boys? Surely they would hate you for lying to all of them. Abruptly, you stand from your spot on the floor with a panicked look on your face. “Y/n? What’s wrong?” Jimin asks in concern. You shake your head as you quickly gather your things, “N-nothing, I have to get home.” All the boys, except Hoseok, give you a worried look. “Is everything okay?” Namjoon asks. “Yeah, I just,” you pause as you try to think of a believable excuse. “I forgot to feed my fish! See you tomorrow!” you say hurriedly as you rush out the door, wanting to be anywhere but here. 

“Y/n doesn’t have a fish,” Taehyung mumbles with a frown. Why were you lying to them? And what seemed to have you so frazzled? During the whole bus ride home, your thoughts were running wild. Hoseok must not know you are, or else why would he be so cold to you here but so friendly at Hope World? And why the fuck did you ever think it would be a good idea to tell anyone at the club your real name? Taking deep breathes to calm yourself down, you come to a conclusion that Hoseok doesn’t know, and you just have to keep it that way. 

The next day, you sheepishly apologize for your odd behaviour last night. “Sorry, I forgot that my parents would be home early yesterday. They would’ve grounded me if they knew I was out this late,” you lie, but they’re quick to believe you and reassure you it’s okay. “Next time, you don’t have to lie,” Namjoon says gently, “We were worried about you, you know.” You felt guilty for lying to them when they were so understanding, but you thought it was for the best. You were glad they didn’t seem suspicious at all, but Hoseok was. From the first day they met you, he sensed something off about you and now you were acting even more strange.

“I’ll see you guys next week!” you say as you wave goodbye to them. It’s been a couple of weeks since you first started practicing at Big Hit with Jimin, and the recital was only two weeks away. You and Jimin had been practicing hard and the duet was going well. Despite your initial cold attitude, you guys had good chemistry, and your colourless dancing mixed well with Jimin’s ability to emote through his faces and movements.

Walking towards the elevator, you flinch when the door to their practice rooms suddenly bursts open. Turning around, you find Hoseok stomping down the hall towards you. You stare at him nervously, wracking your brain to try and remember what you did to anger him. You didn’t know why he didn’t like you, but you never thought to ask. You thought you could just keep your distance, but it seemed that was no longer good enough for Hoseok. He gets closer until he’s standing right in front of you, and you could feel his hot breath fan over your face as he stares down at you with angry eyes. You shrink under his gaze, taking a step back to try and create some distance between you two. “Listen. I don’t know what the hell you’re trying to do, but you won’t get away with it,” he says, pointing an accusing finger at you. “You think they’re your friends?” he asks mockingly, “They don’t like you, they’re just acting nice to you for Jimin. And as soon as your duet is done, I want you out.”

Your whole world seems to freeze as Hoseok’s words sink in. They don’t like you. You were wary of letting people close because you were afraid of depending on people and getting hurt, but you thought they were different. Of course you were wrong, you should’ve expected this. But that didn’t make it hurt any less. Your eyes start to burn as tears start to form in your eyes but you hold them back. Acting as if you don’t care, you let a blank expression settle over your features because after all, it was what you do best. “I understand,” you say with a nod before entering the elevator, bidding Hoseok goodbye with an empty “goodnight.”

Hoseok didn’t like you, but for some reason, your reaction was unsettling to him. Maybe it was because he was expecting you to lash out or at least try to deny that you had other intentions, but instead, you seemed defeated. That night, you didn’t show up at Hope World like you usually would every Friday night. Hoseok was worried for you because, in the short span of time that he’s known you, neither of you have ever missed Friday night until now. He can’t shake this feeling in his chest that something was terribly wrong, but he had no way of contacting you outside of Hope World. Leaving the club with a heavy heart, he hopes that you’re okay and that you’ll be back next week.

Laying in bed, you stare up at the ceiling as a tear streams down your face and falls onto your pillow. You press the palms of your hands to your eyes, unable to stop the flow of tears. Hoseok’s words constantly echo through your mind as a picture of each boy’s smile appears behind your eyelids. You tried so hard to push them away, but they were so patient and understanding, slowly breaking down your walls until you let them in. Why were they so persistent if they didn’t like you anyway? Why did they have to make it harder for you? You cry over all your regrets, wishing you could go back in time and build your walls up ten times stronger than they were before. Maybe then, you wouldn’t have let them in. And maybe you wouldn’t be lying in bed, crying yourself to sleep with a broken heart.

The next day, you spend more than half the day moping around the house. It was strange for you to waste so much of your day doing nothing. You were always a hard worker, just like your parents raised you to be, but you no longer had any motivation to do anything. You were almost always home alone, but you got used to the boys’ company as they became part of your daily routine, and you started to rely on them. But you couldn’t even bear to think about them anymore, not after Hoseok told you the truth. You realize that it was Saturday, and you didn’t go to Hope World last night. It was the first Friday you’ve ever missed in your three years of going to Hope World. Your mind wanders to Hope, or Hoseok, you should say. How could you face him at the club now that you knew how much he hated your guts?

Not wanting to think about it anymore, you resort to the only thing you’ve ever been able to rely on: dance. A short bus ride later, you enter the school’s studio, which is empty because it’s the weekend. Placing your bag down, you start the music before you head straight into dancing. You were always diligent with your warm up to prevent injury, and it was reckless of you to jump in without stretching but you couldn’t care less. All you wanted to do was dance so that you could get seven certain boys off of your mind. You could deal with the pain of a pulled or sore muscle later, but you weren’t sure how much longer you could endure the aching pain in your chest. You dance until you collapse, and until your body and mind are so exhausted you can’t think of them anymore. You knew that this was in no way healthy, but you needed these few peaceful moments where your mind was just empty and you could breathe if only for a moment.

For the rest of the week, you avoid the boys at all costs. You text Jimin, coming up with various excuses as to why you can’t make it to practice, and during lunchtime, you would leave your bag at your desk and spend the whole lunch period on the roof to avoid him and Taehyung. You felt guilty every time you walked by their desk and saw the sadness and confusion in their eyes. They wanted to reach out to you and demand answers for your distant behaviour, but they respected you and gave you your space. You wanted so badly to go back to them, explain everything to them and apologize, but every time, Hoseok’s words echo in your mind and keep you from going back to them. They don’t like you.

Watching you walk out of the classroom for the fifth day in a row this week, Jimin looks at Taehyung. “I think y/n’s avoiding us,” he says defeatedly. They made so much progress in getting you to open up to them, but now you were going back to your old ways, maybe even a little more distant than before. “I don’t understand why though. Did something happen?” Taehyung asks, completely at a loss. Jimin just shrugs as he looks back at your desk sadly. Your seat was empty besides your bag that you left on your chair. “I haven’t seen her eat lunch at all this week,” Jimin mumbles, “I’m worried about her.”

When Jimin and Taehyung come back from school alone for the fifth time this week, everyone knows something’s up. “Where’s y/n?” Jin worriedly asks, “Is she sick or something?” They had all gotten used to your presence and they missed your seemingly nonchalant but actually caring personality. You always made sure they were taking care of themselves, and if their health wasn’t up to your standards, you would bring them snacks and force them to rest. They wanted to do the same for you, but they couldn’t do that if you didn’t allow them to even see you.

“I think she’s mad at us Hyung,” Jimin says as he looks at Namjoon like a lost puppy, “Did we do something wrong?” Namjoon’s brows furrow as he tries to recall the last time they saw you. “Y/n seemed fine when we saw her last Friday, and we haven’t seen her since. Maybe something else is going on in her life right now,” he says as he tries to ease Jimin’s worries. They all truly loved and cared for you, but the 95′s were the closest to you. And it was harder for them to see you every day at school knowing that you needed them, but they couldn’t, or rather you wouldn’t let them help you.

Hoseok didn’t understand why they were all so upset by your absence. You clearly weren’t who you pretended to be, didn’t they notice? Maybe only he saw it because he was used to having to act a certain way all the time. It takes one to know one, I guess. “I’m going to Hope World. I’ll see you guys later,” Hoseok says as he makes his way out. The boys wave goodbye to him, staring at the door as it closes behind him. “Is it just me or does Hobi Hyung always seem to get in a bitter mood whenever we talk about y/n?” Jimin asks. “I don’t know, he says there’s something off about her and he doesn’t trust her,” Yoongi mumbles. “Did something happen between them?” Jimin wonders with furrowed brows.

Although you didn’t show up for practice with Jimin, you were still practicing on your own. You stayed late after school, practicing the duet for hours and making sure everything was perfect. One time, the janitor had to ask you to leave because of how late it was. And because your parents were never home, no one was there to tell you to rest when you started growing sick, and no one was there to take care of you when you couldn’t take care of yourself.

Even though you were starting to develop a fever, you still went to Hope World on Friday night. Dancing helped you relieve stress and pent up emotions, but your duet practice wasn’t giving you that satisfaction. If anything, it was only adding more stress because it was your duet with Jimin, and it made you think about all the boys. As soon as you arrived at the club, you jumped into the circle, eager to dance and distract yourself from all your worries. You were already on your fourth battle of the night when you started to feel the fatigue from all the battles as well as your worsening fever. As soon as Hoseok arrived at the club, he was immediately searching for you. He found you in the circle during your second battle, but he never got to talk to you since you jumped into battle after battle. He could already tell something was off from the moment he saw you. Your dancing was sloppy which was extremely usual for you and you never danced four battles in one night, three at most.

You were starting to feel lightheaded from the combination of all the dancing, your fever and the loud, hot room. You emerge from the circle, hiding in one of the empty storage closets to get away from all the noise and take a moment to find your bearings. Collapsing onto the floor of the closet, you pull your hat and mask off as your whole body felt like it was on fire and it was getting hard to breathe. You close your eyes as you lean your head against the wall, trying to fight off your fever.

Worried eyes followed your form as you crossed the room to get to the back, and without a moment’s hesitation, Hoseok followed you to the storage closet. He forgoes knocking, his need to make sure you’re okay taking first priority over privacy. Barging into the closet, he finds you sitting against the back wall, breathing heavily as you try to catch your breath. You didn’t have enough time to cover your face as you didn’t receive much of a warning before he burst into the room. It felt like someone threw a bucket of ice water at him as soon as he laid his eyes on your face. It was you.

Opening your eyes at the sound of the door opening, you look up to find Hoseok staring at you. Ah shit, you think as you look down at your hat and mask in your hand. A heavy silence settles over the both of you as he stares at you, trying to process everything. When he doesn’t move or say a word, you take the opportunity to escape. You rush past him, hurriedly putting your hat and mask back on as you cross the club, making a beeline for the door. Hoseok remains frozen as you walk by him, leaving him standing all alone in the storage room.

All this time, you, y/n, the girl that was Jimin’s contemporary duet partner, was the same y/n that he met at Hope World. He couldn’t recognize you by your dance because he’s only ever seen you dance contemporary with Jimin, but you must have known it was him all this time. How long were you going to act like you didn’t know him as Hope? Comparing the y/n he knew as Jimin’s duet partner and the y/n he met at Hope World, he starts to see the similarities. Deep down you were a sweet and caring girl. From the first night he came to Hope World, you’re bright and bubbly personality never failed to brighten his day. And even though you tried to act cold and distant around the boys, you still took care of them by bringing them snacks and making sure they got enough rest. The reason he got weird vibes from you was because you were acting like somebody else. But it wasn’t because you had ulterior motives to hurt or use the boys, it was because you were forced to be someone else.

Fuck. He thinks as he remembers the way he treated you and the things he said to you. He remembers how confused he was when you didn’t show up at Hope World last Friday, how you’ve been avoiding all the members like the plague, and that you were sick. He curses as he runs out of the storage closet, bursting out the front doors. He frantically looks around for you, but he can’t find you anywhere. It’s too late. He was worried that you were walking home alone at night, especially since you were sick.

Dialling Jin’s number, he climbs into his car as the phone rings in his ear. On the third ring, Jin picks up. “Hello?” he answers. “Hyung!” Hoseok says urgently, “What’s y/n’s address?” He knew Jin knew where you lived because he would often drive you home whenever you stayed late at Big Hit to practice or just hang out with the boys. Jin was confused as to why Hoseok was suddenly asking for your address, especially after you’ve been absent for a week, but he could tell by the urgency in Hoseok’s voice that whatever the reason was, it was important. “I’ll send it to you,” Jin says, already typing your address to him. As soon as he receives a text notification from Jin, Hoseok starts the car up. “Thanks,” he breathes out, tightly gripping and releasing the steering wheel. “You owe us an explanation when you get back,” Jin says finally before hanging up the phone.

Pulling up your address on his phone, Hoseok starts driving to your house. He runs a frustrated hand through his hair as he keeps on the lookout for you. Turning onto your street, he still hasn’t seen any sign of you and he hopes that you’ve already arrived home safely. Parking on the side of the road, he quickly climbs out of his car and rings your doorbell. He didn’t think about the possibility of your parents or someone else answering the door, all he could think about was seeing you, making sure you were okay, and sorting this mess out. You answer the door and attempt to shut it as soon as you see Hoseok’s face, but he stops you as he sticks his foot between the door before you can close it. “Y/n, please,” he desperately pleads, “We need to talk.” Too weak and exhausted to fight him, you turn around, retreating into your home. He quickly follows you inside, closing the door behind him as he keeps his eyes on your back.

He grabs your wrist to stop you from walking away from him, turning you back around to face him. “What do you want?” you ask as you stare at the floor instead of his eyes. Hoseok’s heart breaks a little when he hears how weak you sound. You never let yourself be vulnerable in front of them, always putting up a strong front and speaking and presenting yourself confidently. The fact that you had completely given up caused a sharp pain in his chest, especially when he knows he caused this. He keeps a firm hold on your wrist as he stares at you, silently begging for you to look up at him. When you show no signs of moving, he sighs in defeat.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks quietly, just above a whisper. You probably wouldn’t have heard him if it wasn’t for your close proximity. You look up at him in disbelief. From the beginning, he made it very clear that he didn’t like you. Why would you have told someone who hated you one of your biggest secrets? The image of Hoseok’s face starts to blur as tears form in your eyes. “I-” you try to speak but a sob comes out instead. As soon as the first tear falls from your eyes, Hoseok pulls you into a hug. You hate that you were crying in front of him, but you can’t help but bury your face in his chest. “I thought you hated me,” you manage to choke out. 

“I could never hate you-” he starts but you cut him off. “But you did. They all do,” you say with a sniffle. “That’s not true. I...” he pauses, sighing as he deeply regrets what he did, “I lied. I told you they didn’t like you because I wanted you gone.” You try to pull away but he doesn’t let you, holding you tight until he finishes. “I thought you were acting strange and I was worried you had other intentions. I was trying to protect them and I just-I’m so sorry y/n” he says sounding absolutely heartbroken. You feel relieved now that you know the truth behind Hoseok’s cold words and actions, and you allow yourself to melt into him further. When you move closer to him, he takes it as a sign of forgiveness, gently combing a hand through your hair to comfort you.

”Why...” he hesitates, not sure if this was a sensitive topic. “Why do you act so differently at school and with the boys? Why do you hold yourself back?” he asks. “My parents,” you answer shortly as you pull away. He lets you pull back, but he takes your hands in his, giving them a comforting squeeze. “You shouldn’t have to live this way, y/n,” he says with a frown, “Let us help you.” His heart feels heavy as he sees your eyes reddened from crying. Even though he apologized now, he couldn’t take away all the pain you’ve been through, the pain caused by him.

His eyes widen in surprise when you smile at him as you wipe at your runny nose. “Thank you, Hoseok,” you tell him with a closed eye smile. “T-Thank you?” he repeats, confused. You nod, laughing slightly at his confusion. “Even if you didn’t know it was me, you were a good friend to me at Hope World. If it wasn’t for you, I probably never would have allowed myself to get that close with all of you.” He smiles softly at your confession, but he feels undeserving of your thanks. “Are your parents home?” he asks a bit belatedly, peaking down the hallway behind you. You shake your head no as you tell him, “They work from early in the morning until late at night. I’m usually home alone.” He nods in understanding, starting to see where you get your work ethic from. “They’ll be home soon though,” you mention. He nods as he brings his hand up to place it on your forehead, checking your temperature. “Your fever’s gone down. I’ll come check on you tomorrow morning,” he tells you. “You don’t have to,” you’re about to protest but he gives you a look that says otherwise. “Of course I do. Clearly you can’t take care of yourself, and if your parents aren’t home, who’s going to look after you?” he says with a raised eyebrow. You simply shrug. 

He wonders how you’ve gotten this far living the way you were. You had no one to take care of you, yet you were so caring towards the boys. It must be lonely, but he was determined to be the one to care for you. “You always worried about us and took care of us. Let us worry about you for once,” he says as he opens the door. “Good night y/n,” he says before walking out. “Good night,” you say as he walks towards his car. Once he drives off, you close the front, heading straight to bed.

The next morning, you’re woken up by the sound of your doorbell being rung. When you answer the door, Hoseok greets you with a smile as bright as the sun. “Good morning,” you say to him with a small smile, opening the door wider for him to come in. He brings a hand up to your forehead, checking your temperature again. He nods in silent approval when he feels your temperature is back to normal. “Have you eaten anything?” he asks. You shake your head no, having just gotten out of bed. “Great, Jin Hyung made some soup for you,” he says with a smile as he gestures to the plastic bag in his hand. You lead him to the kitchen, taking a seat at the table as he warms up the soup in the microwave.

He places a bowl in front of you as he sits across from you with a bowl for himself. Once you two finish eating breakfast, he takes both of your bowls to wash them in the sink. You insist that you could do it and that you should be doing it because he was your guest, but he tells you to sit back down because you were sick and should be resting. “I’m not sick anymore,” you whine, but he simply ignores you. You pout as you lay your head on the table, staring at him as he puts a pair of gloves on. But your frown soon disappears as the corners of your lips lift at the sight of Hoseok humming and dancing as he washes the dishes.

Drying his hands on a towel, he turns to you with a serious look on his face. “Let’s go see the boys,” he suggests suddenly. He can see the fear and insecurity in your eyes as soon as he mentions them, and even though he told you it was all a lie, the damage has already been done. “They’re worried about you y/n. And they miss you,” he tells you, remembering how sad and quiet the practice room was without you. You were afraid of facing the boys after you ran away because things were getting hard. But one look at Hoseok’s pleading eyes was enough to convince you. You knew he still felt guilty for lying to you, but you also knew that he was trying his best to make it up to you and you didn’t want him to feel guilty over a misunderstanding when you’ve already forgiven him.

You quickly head upstairs to wash up and change out of your pajamas, changing into comfy dancewear since that was what most of your closet consisted of. Sitting in the passenger seat of Hoseok’s car, you stare out the window as you get closer to Big Hit. You missed the boys too, but how could you face them after you abandoned them because you were a coward? You’re pulled out of your thoughts when Hoseok moves one hand from the wheel and places it over your knee. No words are needed as his touch comforts you, and he reassures you that the boys will be just as understanding as he was.

While they were all sitting around in the practice room waiting for their dance leader to arrive, Jin tells them about how Hobi asked him to make soup for you and that he went to your house because you were sick. “Wait, how did Hobi Hyung know she was sick?” Jimin asks since you didn’t answer anyone’s texts or calls. Jin just shrugs, acting as if that phone call with Hobi on Friday night didn’t happen. He was sure Hobi would explain himself once he was ready, and it was easier if he could explain it to everyone just once.

Parking at the company building, Hoseok waits for you to get out of the car before holding your hand and leading you into the building. He gives your hand a reassuring squeeze as you take the elevator up to the floor of their practice room. Hearing the ding of the elevator, all of the boys rush out of the practice room, demanding an explanation from Hoseok. “Hobi how the hell did you-” 

“Y/n!” Yoongi is suddenly cut off as Jimin spots you standing next to Hoseok. Taehyung and Jungkook tumble out the door as soon as they hear your name, and all three of the maknaes engulf you in a hug as soon as you step out of the elevator. Hoseok lets go of your hand, letting them have their moment with you. “We missed you!” Jungkook says as he stares up at you with his big, doe eyes. “I missed you guys too,” you say as you pat his head. “Why did you leave us?” Jimin asks sadly. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Hoseok visibly stiffen at the mention of your reason for leaving. “I’m sorry,” you apologize, although you know an apology is not what they want. “I was just scared. But I promise I’m here to stay now if you want me to-”

“Of course we want you to!” Taehyung affirms, not letting you think for a second that you were anything but wanted here. Hoseok was grateful that you didn’t tell them about what he did, but he still feels guilty for causing this whole mess. He opens his mouth, about to confess but you give him a look saying that he doesn’t have to tell them if he doesn’t want to. You’ve already forgiven him and all that was left now was to move forward. He looks at you with a small smile and a shake of his head, reassuring you that he wanted to. “You guys know how I felt about y/n,” Hoseok says as he awkwardly clears his throat before continuing. “I said some things to her that I shouldn’t have and I scared her away,” he admits, head hanging in shame. You reach for his hand, giving him a comforting squeeze to which he gives you a grateful smile. “But it turns out that y/n was the same y/n that I met at Hope World, so we were able to sort things out,” he says with a sheepish smile. He keeps his eyes on the floor as he waits for their reactions. He wouldn’t blame them if they weren’t so quick to forgive him. What he did to you was terrible and unfair, and he was the reason you were gone for so long. 

“As long as everything’s okay now and y/n’s forgiven you, we forgive you too,” Namjoon says with a smile, patting his on the shoulder. Jimin separates from you and moves to hug Hoseok. He was always so hard on himself, and he was always the last to forgive himself even if he was already forgiven by the one who he wronged. Hoseok lets out a breath of relief, although he wasn’t surprised. His brothers were always so understanding and forgiving, and they were always there to help him get back on his feet. They clearly weren’t happy that he didn’t talk to them about how he felt about you and what was going on, but they understood where he was coming from. “Next time, you don’t have to handle everything on your own. Don’t forget that we’re here for you no matter what,” Yoongi tells him. 

Hoseok nods and gives them all a look of thanks for understanding. “You owe me ten bucks,” Namjoon says as he holds his hand out expectantly to Yoongi. Yoongi rolls his eyes as he pulls out his wallet and digs through it, slapping a few bills into Namjoon’s palm. “Ten bucks for what?” Jin asks curiously. “I bet that the y/n Hobi met at Hope World was the same y/n we knew,” Namjoon says smugly. “You bet on that?” Hoseok asks in disbelief. “You get ten bucks for believing in fate and shit, I lose ten bucks for being realistic,” Yoongi complains as he stalks back into the practice room. “Come on y/n!” Jimin says as he starts dragging you to the practice room after his Hyungs, “We need to practice, the recital is in less than a week!” You quickly agree, feeling a little guilty about the stress you must have caused him from missing out on a whole week of practice. But despite a whole week of not practicing together, the condition of your duet was still good. If anything, you felt closer and more connected with Jimin than before.

As you dance with Jimin, you can feel Hoseok’s concentrated gaze on you, watching intently. His eyes were nowhere near as cold as they used to be, but they were still sharp and intimidating, paying attention to every little detail. Breathing heavily, you turn to him with a raised eyebrow. “Well?” you ask expectantly. “What?” he asks, suddenly snapping out of his strict dance teacher mode and turning back into the carefree Hoseok you knew. “I know you have something to say,” you tell him, crossing your arms. He shakes his head as he holds his hands up in defence, “I’m not a contemporary dancer. It was great as far as I know.” 

You deadpan at him, knowing full well he was lying. He sighs when you give him an unimpressed look. “Fine,” he says defeatedly, “I wasn’t lying when I said I have nothing to correct you on, you’re dancing really is perfect,” you raise your eyebrow at him, confused at what he was getting at, “But it’s almost too perfect. I think that you could sacrifice a little bit of technique or a be half a beat late so you could emote more and get the story across to the audience.”

You take in Hoseok’s advice, trying to think of how you can emote with your face or body. You nod determinedly before turning to Jimin, asking if you can go over the dance once again. He agrees immediately, standing up to start the music once again. Hoseok continues to watch you two as you go through the dance with Jimin, this time, applying his advice. Your faces and movements weren’t perfect yet, but he could see the improvement. You were already a force to be reckoned with, with your absolute technique and perfect timing. Once you learned how to emote through your face and body, you would be unstoppable.

You and Jimin hold the ending pose for a few seconds, both your chests rising and falling harshly from the many times you went over the dance. It was Thursday night, and it was your last practice before the recital. Turning to Hoseok, you give him a closed eye smile as you laugh breathily. You could feel how much better the dance was now that you were more in tune with your emotions while dancing, and it was much more enjoyable now. He smiles back as he claps for the both of you, proud of your rapid improvement.

Normally, you would be a nervous wreck the day before a performance, going through the dance over and over again and stressing over each little detail. But now, you were excited to do it well and show everyone how you’ve grown as a dancer. You didn’t want to impress them with your perfect technique anymore, you wanted to impress them with your ability to tell a story and show your passion through your dance. “The duet looks great, now you just need to rest,” Hoseok says as he hands both of your a cup of water, “You guys are going to do great tomorrow!” You and Jimin just smile proudly at each other, giddy at getting praise from Hoseok.

It was finally the night of the concert, and you were standing with all the boys in the hall while waiting for the recital to start. You didn’t seem nervous yesterday, you seemed excited even, but now you had a terrified look on your face as you nervously chewed on your bottom lip. “You okay?” Hoseok asks as he rubs your back to relax your tense muscles. “My parents are here,” you tell him quietly. “Do they make you that nervous?” he asks with furrowed brows. They were your parents, they were supposed to make you feel loved and supported, not nervous and afraid. “They just have such high expectations. I don’t want to let them down,” you admit, your voice a little watery. 

Hearing the slight waver in your voice, Hoseok holds his arms out to offer you a hug, which you gladly take. He pats your back as he exhales slowly to help you calm down. You take a few deep breaths, following his breathing and trying to stop yourself from getting too emotional. “You won’t let them down. I’ve watched you guys rehearse all week, you guys look amazing. You’re amazing,” he promises you. “Just have fun,” he tells you with a bright smile and a slight ruffle of your hair. It felt like all your worries were washed away whenever you saw Hoseok’s smile. 

You nod and return his smile, silently thanking him before you and Jimin head backstage while the rest of the boys head to their seats. Peeking out of the wings, you scan the audience while the number before you performs. As soon as you find Hoseok in the audience, it feels like you can breathe again. You can picture his bright smile as his words ring in your head. Just have fun. And that’s exactly what you did. You didn’t try to impress your parents or try to make everything so perfect to the point where it was more stressful than enjoyable. You just let the music take over and danced freely to your heart’s content. You danced like it was only you and Jimin, and the boys were the only ones watching. Bowing in front of the audience as your hand was intertwined with Jimin’s, you smiled proudly. Not because you didn’t mess up or because you danced up to your parent’s expectations, but because you truly enjoyed it. Your light was back.

The boys were the first ones backstage to congratulate you two as soon as the recital was over. Even though Jimin was like his little brother, Hoseok’s first instinct was to run to you. He’s the first one to reach you, pulling you into a hug and whispering into your hair, “I’m so proud of you.” You wrap your arms tightly around his waist as you whisper back, “It’s all thanks to you.” Everyone smiles at the two of you fondly before the Taehyung and Jungkook start fooling around, trying to recreate your duet with Jimin.

“Y/n l/n!” you suddenly hear your name being called by your mother. You visibly stiffen, standing upright as you turn to face your parents. “What was that sorry excuse of a performance?” your fuming mother asks as they approach you. “That was the sloppiest technique I’ve ever seen,” your father says disappointedly with the shake of his head. Suddenly feeling ashamed, you keep your head down and stare at your feet as you get scolded by your parents. Everyone else stands behind you, unsure what to do as they watch the exchange between you and your parents.

Hoseok felt guilty knowing that you were getting scolded because you followed his advice, but he didn’t regret it at all. For once, you looked happy on stage, and that’s what mattered the most to him. He’s pulled out of his thoughts when he hears your mother’s raised voice directed towards them. “It’s because all you do is waste your time with these boys!” she says as she points towards them. “Mother!” you exclaim, in disbelief that she would say such as thing, especially right in front of their faces. Your parents believed in strict ballet training and prestigious dance academies, and they looked down on hip hop and idol dance. You didn’t share their beliefs though, you thought the exact opposite despite the way they raised you. “Look what they’ve done to you!” Your mother cries out, not caring about how rude she sounded. 

The boys just keep their mouths shut, not wanting to get you into any more trouble, but Hoseok could no longer stand down and watch as your parents looked down on them as well as the dance that you loved to do. “With all due respect, Mr. and Mrs. l/n, I think you’re wrong,” he says through gritted teeth. “Surely not, young man. Hip hop is absolutely disgraceful,” your father reiterates, although he was surprised that Hoseok was brave enough to stand up to them. “Well your daughter is a well known and respected hip hop dancer in the underground. She’s anything but disgraceful,” Hoseok argues, refusing to back down.

Your eyes widen as you weren’t expecting Hoseok to tell your parents, but you feel Hoseok’s hand snake into yours, grounding you and providing you with a sense of comfort. Your father was speechless, turning away from Hoseok and to you. “Y/n,” your father says in a warning tone, “Is this true?” You remain frozen, afraid to answer your parents but Hoseok squeezes your hand as he gives you a reassuring smile, encouraging you to tell your parents the truth. You nod as you stare at the ground, unable to meet your parents’ eyes. “Young lady we have a lot to talk about when we get home,” your mother says sternly, not wanting to cause any more of a scene than they already have.

But the boys wouldn’t let you face your parents’ wrath alone, not when you didn’t deserve it. Namjoon steps up, placing a hand on Hoseok’s shoulder to tell him he’s got his back. “I understand how you feel about hip hop and underground dance,” Namjoon starts respectfully, “But I think if you saw y/n dance in the underground, she would change your mind.” Your mother scoffs at Namjoon’s suggestion. “I would never even think of setting foot in such a place,” your mother says distastefully. 

“You’ll like hip hop if you watch without prejudice,” Yoongi insists, albeit a bit less respectfully as he moves to stand on Hoseok’s other side. Hoseok gives a grateful nod to both his fellow rappers before turning back to your parents. “Y/n belongs on that stage. You’ll regret it if you don’t come to see her,” Hoseok says adamantly. More than proving himself and the rest of BTS to your parents, he wants them to see and appreciate all you are as a dancer and as a person.

Your parents were stubborn and stuck in their old ways, but there was a fire in the boys’ eyes as they spoke about you that intrigued your parents. It was obvious how much they cared for you, and your parents wanted to see exactly what these boys saw in you. “Fine. This is your only chance,” your mother threatens before turning to leave. “Thank you, you won’t be disappointed,” Namjoon says, bowing politely to your parents as they walk away. As soon as your parents disappear through the doors, everyone lets out a breath of relief while Hoseok immediately moves in front of you. “Are you okay?” he asks, gently cradling your face in his hands. 

You let out a shaky breath, nodding at him. “Thank you guys. I’m so sorry about what they said, they’re wrong about you. They just-” Yoongi raises his hand to stop you, reassuring you that you don’t have to apologize on behalf of your parents. “It’s fine, we know you’re not like them. I guess we’ll just have to prove them wrong next comeback,” he says with a cocky grin. You feel relieved knowing that they weren’t offended by your parents, although it saddens you to know that this sort of thing is something they have to deal with often. 

“If you don’t want to dance for them you don’t have to. I don’t know why I said that, it just...” Hoseok pauses and takes a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. You pull him in for a hug, trying to soothe his anger and show him that it’s okay. “It just makes me so mad that they don’t appreciate your passion and talent for hip hop. It’s not fair that they get to decide what you can and can’t do,” he admits as he rests his chin on your shoulder. “It’s okay Hobi,” you tell him as you pull away enough to look him in the eye. “No matter how they react, I’m glad I have the chance to show them what I love to do at least once,” you tell him with a smile.

Hoseok could see through your facade though. You tried to be positive and optimistic, but he could see the uncertainty swimming around in your eyes. He pulls you back into his chest knowing you were the one who needed to be comforted right now, not him. Staring over your shoulder, he nods at Namjoon and Yoongi in thanks. Yoongi didn’t feel the need to be thanked, he just hated when people were prejudiced, and Namjoon just smiles back, knowing full well you won’t fail to prove your parents wrong for all of them.

To try and take your mind off of your parents, Jin suggests going out for dinner. They didn’t want your parents to ruin your day, especially after your duet with Jimin. All those hours of practice paid off, and you both deserved to celebrate a very successful performance.

After dinner, you went back with them to their dorm because Hoseok wanted to help you pick an outfit. He insisted that the colour of clothes you wear while popping is important if you want your movements to be seen. Borrowing a few pieces of clothing from him, you look at yourself in the mirror. They were oversized, but not too oversized that it was suffocating or would hide your movements. It was street style oversized and it was comfy, you loved it. You abandoned your hat and mask since it was no longer necessary to hide your identity now that your parents knew. Walking into their living room, everyone else was dressed casually while Hoseok was also dressed like he was ready to dance. He still had his hat and mask like everyone else because they still had to hide their identities. “Y/n! You look so cool!” Jungkook says from the couch. You just smile at him, thanking Hoseok for the clothes he picked out. 

Climbing into the car, Hoseok sits down next to you. “You look great! Maybe you should wear my clothes more often!” he says playfully, but there’s truth behind his words. He thought you looked great. His clothes fit you better than they fit him, and there was a warm feeling blooming in his chest when he saw you in his clothes. Your cheeks flush as you smile and mumble a small “thank you.” His clothes smelled like him, and it comforted you despite how nervous you were. You bounce your leg anxiously as you stare out the window, getting closer and closer to the club. “You okay?” Hoseok asks, placing a comforting hand on your knee. “Yeah,” you say with a small smile even though you know it isn’t very convincing. You stay silent for about five seconds, building up the courage to finally ask, “Can you dance with me?”

His eyes widen at your request, and you’re about to apologize for asking when he breaks out into an even bigger smile, “Of course!” It was his fault that you had to dance in front of your parents in the first place and he admired you greatly. He feels honoured to dance beside you and he missed those Friday nights where you two would dance together at Hope World without a care in the world. “Thank you,” you breathe out, leaning your head on his shoulder for the rest of the ride. He would never know how much it meant to you, but you truly appreciated his presence. Just having him by your side was comforting, and you felt like you could face the world as long as you had Hoseok by your side.

You walk into Hope World hand in hand with Hoseok as the rest of the boys trail behind you two. Looking around the room, It’s not hard to spot your formally dressed parents in a club full of dancers wearing streetwear and casual clothes. They were keeping their distance from the circle as they watch the dancers with an obvious distaste. Without even greeting your parents, Hoseok starts dragging you towards the circle. “Let’s go!” he says excitedly as if today was just an ordinary Friday night. Even though you were surrounded by a cheering crowd and you knew your parents were watching, all you could focus on was Hoseok. Letting the beat take over, you dance as if you and Hoseok are the only ones in the room. Although it was supposed to be a dance battle, it was anything but. If you thought you had good chemistry with Jimin, your chemistry with Hoseok was on another level. He brought out the best in you, and you couldn’t help the warm feeling that spread through your whole body as you two flowed together.

You were only snapped out of Hoseok’s trance when the music ended and you were slowly brought back by the sound of the crowd screaming loudly for you two. You were well known in the club, but today, you showed a whole new side of you. Along with finally showing your face after nearly three years of keeping your identity hidden, you danced like you never danced before. A new fire was ignited in you, and it was burning brighter than ever. Stepping out of the circle, the boys engulf you two in a big group hug. You all jump around in a big circle, celebrating as if you were all in your own little world.

“You guys looked so cool!” Jimin says with sparkling eyes. You and Hoseok just smiled and laughed as the maknaes tried to imitate your moves. You feel Yoongi tap you on the shoulder, motioning to something behind you. Everyone suddenly goes silent as you turn to find your parents approaching your group. Taking a deep breath, you look back to find all the boys giving you encouraging and supportive smiles. You knew that whatever happened, they would have your back. You return their smiles before turning to face your parents proudly. Whether they liked it or not, this is what you loved to do and these are the people who you loved. No matter what they say, you’re proud of what you’ve done and who you are, and nothing could change that. 

When your parents stop in front of you, you waver slightly under their intense gazes, but you step up confidently. Your strong front shatters as soon as they do the unexpected: they pull you into a hug. You were prepared for them to yell at you, to scold you or give you disapproving looks. But you didn’t expect them to accept you. Having missed your parents’ affection, you melt into their arms as your eyes start to burn with unshed tears. “We’re so proud of you,” your mother whispers. You longed for nothing more than your parents’ approval, and a choked sob makes its way out of your throat at your mother’s words. Your parents were also getting emotional, regretting all the suffering you must have gone through because of them, but they were so proud of you. Proud of how talented you were and proud of how strong you were. 

The boys smile happily, watching the little reunion between your family. Jungkook even shed a tear, but he’s quick to wipe it away. “Are you crying Jungkook?” Jin asks with his windshield wiper laugh. Jungkook stubbornly tries to deny it, but his runny nose says otherwise. Your father lifts his head, meeting eyes with Hoseok. “Thank you,” he says with watery eyes, “Thank you for bringing back my little girl. I haven’t seen her smile like that in ages.” Hoseok wasn’t expecting his thanks, but he quickly overcomes the shock, bowing respectfully to your father.

Your mother’s hand suddenly shoots out, pulling Hoseok into the hug. His eyes widen as he feels your parents wrap their arms around him, but he soon relaxes into the hug. A few tears shed later, you finally pull away, although Hoseok doesn’t let go of you. Your parents bow deeply to all the boys as they apologize. “We were so wrong about you boys. I sincerely apologize for everything we said about you,” your mother says. The boys stiffen when your parents bow down to them. “It’s alright,” Namjoon says slightly panicked, “Please lift your heads up.” Your father smiles at all of them as he stands up straight. “Thank you all for taking care of our daughter. I’m glad she has such wonderful friends like you,” he tells all of them. They simply smile back at your parents, happy to have a friend like you as well.

Standing outside the entrance of Hope World, you all say goodbye to your parents. “Don’t break my daughter’s heart, got it?” your father points to Hoseok. Hoseok suddenly sputters, choking on air as your face turns bright red. “Dad! It’s not like that!” you say a bit too quickly. Everyone laughs at your reactions, both of your faces burning bright red. Even if nothing was official yet, everyone could tell there was something going on between you and Hoseok. “I’m kidding son,” your father says as he pats Hoseok on the shoulder, “I’m sure you won’t.” 

Regaining his composure, Hoseok gives your father a knowing look. He made the mistake of hurting you once, and he never wanted to see you sad ever again. He suddenly puffs his chest out and salutes your father jokingly. Your father gives a hearty chuckle at Hoseok’s goofiness before turning to head home with your mother. “You guys are welcome to come over for dinner anytime!” your mother yells across the parking lot as she climbs into the car. The boys all smile and thank her as they watch your parents’ car drive away and disappear down the road.

“1, 2, 3!” you all smile brightly as your mother counts down to take a group photo of all of you. It’s been a couple of months since that night at Hope World, and you were finally graduating alongside Jimin and Taehyung. Your parents took all of you out for a celebratory dinner, and you were all chatting away happily as you ate. You’ve never seen your parents talk so animately before, but the boys managed to win them over, especially Hoseok. Ever since he stood up to your parents that night of the concert, your father had a certain respect for him, and your mother couldn’t get enough of his bright and bubbly personality. She’s made it clear on several occasions that she thinks he’s a keeper and she’s already started calling him her son-in-law. But your parents cared for all of them like their own, and they were forever grateful for everything the boys did for you.

“So what are you boys going to be doing now that you’ve graduated?” your father asks the two 95′s. “We’re probably going to enroll in Global Cyber University so we can balance school and our work schedule,” Jimin answers your dad as Taehyung nods in agreement. “What about you y/n?” Hoseok asks you curiously. You grow a bit nervous as everyone turns to you expectantly. “I’m not sure yet,” you say with an awkward laugh. To be honest, you didn’t want to think about life after high school. You went through most of high school alone until you were assigned a duet with Jimin, and now that they were in your life, you didn’t want to let them go. You wanted to stay in high school forever if it meant you could stay with them. “No worries,” Namjoon reassures you with a smile, sensing your unease, “We actually have an offer for you.” You raise an eyebrow at him, looking around the table in confusion when everyone seems to be trying to hide their smiles. “An offer?” you repeat. Namjoon nods as he gestures to Hoseok to reveal the surprise.

You turn to Hoseok, asking for answers as to why everyone seemed to know what was going on except for you, even your parents seemed to be in on it. “I talked to our choreographer and I showed him some of our dance videos,” you stare at Hoseok dumbly, confused at what he was getting at. “And if you want, Big Hit would like to offer you a job as assistant choreographer,” he reveals excitedly. You stare at him with wide eyes, trying to process the information. You look around the table to find everyone staring at you, on the edge of their seats as they wait for your answer. “Are you for real?” you ask in disbelief. He just nods at you with a bright smile. It took a bit of convincing since you were still young, but with Hoseok vouching for you, they decided to give you a chance.

“Can I?” you ask your parents, desperately hoping they say yes. They smile happily as they nod their heads, “The boys brought it up with us a few days ago. If you’d like to, you’re more than welcome to go work for these boys.” You turn back to Hoseok, and before he even gets the chance to ask what your answer is, you jump into his arms and engulf him in a hug. He laughs as he wraps his arms around you, patting you on the back as he asks, “So I guess that’s a yes?” You pull away just enough to flash him a bright smile, nodding excitedly. 

Everyone cheers loudly, glad to have you as part of their team. They all get up, piling onto you and Hoseok as they give you a big welcome hug. “Why are you crying?” Hoseok laughs as he gently wipes at the tears that you didn’t even know were falling from your eyes. “I’m just so happy,” you sob loudly, which only causes him to laugh harder. Your parents take a picture of all of you, capturing your crying face while all the boys surrounding you are laughing. It was a moment you wanted to remember forever, and it would be a great picture to laugh at when you’re old. “Thank you,” you say as you try to wrap your arms around all of them, “I love you guys so much.”

To say you loved your job at Big Hit was an understatement. It didn’t even feel like a job. You got to spend time with the people you loved while doing what you loved. You were assistant choreographer, working alongside Son Sung Deuk and Hoseok, but you also worked on their dance breaks since you could do both contemporary and hip hop. You specialized in both styles of the two main dancers, so you knew how to let each member shine. And at this point you could also be their manager because of the amount of time you spend with them, always making sure they were taking care of themselves.

You and Hoseok still went to Hope World whenever your schedules allowed it, and sometimes the three maknaes would tag along to watch or improve their freestyle and popping. You were also a regular guest on Hope on the Street, often having freestyle battles or dancing small combos with Hoseok. All this time, you felt so far away and Hoseok didn’t know how to reach you, but he was no longer dancing with a stranger. Even when you weren’t at Hope World, you two were in your own little world, dancing in the studio where your bodies were in sync and your hearts beat together.

you flinch during an argument

Hoseok x f!reader

Genre: angst to fluff, hurt/comfort

WC: 1.2k

<series masterlist>

tag list: @awixxx

You sigh as you stare at Hoseok’s door from the couch, some television show that you weren’t paying attention to playing on the screen to fill in the silence of the house. He’s been working in his home studio for the past few days and you were getting worried about him.

Because of the pandemic, he was spending a lot more time at home. But he was a workaholic and even while at home, he had to be working on something. He wasn’t taking the situation very well, putting him in a standoffish mood.

He was always so bright and positive, cheering you up when you needed him the most and you wanted to do the same for him. Standing from the couch, you stretch your muscles out before approaching his studio. “Hobi!” you sing cheerfully as you burst into his home studio, wrapping your arms around his shoulders as you hug him from behind, leaning over the back of his office chair.

“How’s everything going?” you ask curiously as you stare at the screen in front of him, not understanding what anything meant. “It’s going okay,” he says dryly as he lightly pushes you off him. You’re slightly hurt by his cold behaviour but you understand. He was a performer and it wasn’t easy for him to be away from the stage.

Instead, you just try to be patient and be there for him. “Is there anything you need? Are you hungry?” you ask as he hasn’t come out for the whole day. A shake of his head is the only sign of acknowledgement you get that he heard you before he starts clicking away, continuing to work as if you weren’t there at all. 

You didn’t want to be annoying or overbearing, you know he’s a grown man and can take care of himself but you still worried about him. “Are you sure? You haven’t eaten all day,” you mention. “Y/n I’m busy right now,” he mumbles, eyes still glued to the screen. “But-” you try to argue but he quickly shuts you down. “I’m not hungry, okay?” he says exasperatedly. 

Swallowing thickly, you nod before quietly exiting his studio and closing the door behind you. He was busy and clearly not in the mood to talk so you would give him some space. But you couldn’t stand seeing him so upset even though he didn’t want your help. You wanted to do something for him, just as he’s always been there for you. 

Looking around the house, you try to think of something you can do to cheer him up. A lightbulb goes off in your head as your eyes land on the kitchen. I’ll bake him some treats! you think as you walk into the kitchen. It was a great idea since he hasn’t eaten all day, plus, who doesn’t love food? Tying an apron around your waist, you try to decide what to make him. 

Many desserts come to mind as Hoseok and the boys will eat about anything, but after a few minutes of thinking and contemplating, you finally decide on macarons. You nod determinedly at yourself before you get started, pulling out all the necessary equipment and ingredients. You couldn’t wait to see the bright smile on Hoseok’s face when he sees the macarons you baked for him, and a little over an hour later, they were finally done and all that was left was assembling and decorating. 

You beam at the little cookie shells cooling on the tray, proud of how they came out.“What the hell?” you whip your head around as soon as you hear Hoseok’s voice, finding him standing in the doorway of the kitchen with an empty glass in his hand. You were too busy smiling and humming to yourself to notice when he got there. Hoseok froze as soon as he stepped foot into the kitchen to refill his water, the empty glass in his hand almost slipping from the shock of how messy it was. 

“Oh Hobi!” you say, excited to see him out of his room. You follow his gaze when you notice him looking around the kitchen with a displeased look on his face. Your mouth turns into an “o” shape as you look around the kitchen. You were so excited to surprise him you didn’t realize how much of a mess you were making. “I was going to surprise you, I guess I got a little carried away,” you explain with a sheepish laugh as you rub the back of your neck.

“Are you trying to make me mad? I’m already stressed as it is and then you have to go and make a huge mess in the kitchen!” he yells at you angrily, nostrils flaring as he lets ragged breaths out. Your face falls as you shrink under his intense glare, breaking out into a sweat when you see just how mad he is. “I-I’m sorry,” you stutter out, “I just wanted to cheer you up since-” you try to explain yourself but he cuts you off. 

“Cheer me up?” he repeats. “You’re just making it worse!” he yells loudly, causing you to flinch and knock the tray over behind you. As soon as you flinch back, Hoseok tries to reach out for you and catch the falling tray but he doesn’t make it in time. It clatters to the floor loudly, all the cookies and your hard work falling with it. 

His anger suddenly fades away when he sees you sadly looking down at the cookies on the floor, sniffling sadly. All the guilt hits him at once for treating you so coldly over the past few days, yelling at you, and now destroying something nice that you were doing for him.

“Oh y/n,” he coos softly. “Come here,” he says as he places his cup on the counter and opens his arms for you. You run into his arms, burying your face in his chest as you apologize. “I’m sorry, I just wanted to surprise you because you seemed so down,” you say with a watery voice. He shakes his head as he strokes your hair gently and places a light kiss on your head.

“Don’t apologize, you did nothing wrong. I’m sorry for yelling at you, you were just trying to do something for me and I ruined it,” he says sadly as he looks at the cracked cookies on the floor. You pull away and wipe at your eyes with your sleeves, staring sadly at your broken creations. 

Hoseok crouches down in front of them when he notices your heartbroken gaze. “I’m sorry about these ones,” he says as he starts picking them up. “Why don’t we make a new batch?” he suggests hopefully, trying to cheer you up, “Nothing makes me happier than spending time with you and I need to get out of the studio for a bit.” 

You smile brightly at him, nodding eagerly before you’re already grabbing an apron and tying it for him. All the stress and tension was gone from Hoseok’s body and mind as soon as he started baking with you. Swiping a bit of icing onto the tip of your nose, he can’t help but laugh at how adorable you look going cross-eyed as you try to look at the spot on your nose. When he’s stressed or frustrated and you want to make him smile, all Hoseok needs is you.

you sleep on the couch because of an argument

Hoseok x f!reader

Genre: angst to fluff, hurt/comfort

WC: 1.6k

<series masterlist>

tag list: @yzkyzkuniverse @awinkies @wedarkacademia @yiyi4657

Sitting on your side of the bed, you scroll through your phone as you wait for Hoseok to come home. You knew your time with him was limited because of how busy he was as an idol so you tried to fight the sleepiness taking over you, wanting to make the most of the little moments like eating breakfast together or those few minutes before bed.

You’re snapped out of your thoughts when you hear the front door opening and closing and the sound of keys dangling. You hear Hoseok’s approaching footsteps and moments later, the door to your bedroom opens. “Hey,” Hoseok greets you tiredly as he walks into the room, dropping his bag on the floor. 

“Hey,” you say back, frowning at how tired and dishevelled he looks, the complete opposite of the Hoseok you know. Unfortunately, it had become a regular thing as of this week. Hoseok has been working from early in the morning until late at night, resulting in him coming home absolutely exhausted every night.

But luckily, you had convinced him to take a break, sleep in and go out for a relaxing breakfast the next morning. “How was work?” you ask him as he moves around the room, getting ready for bed. “It was fine. Busy as usual,” he answers from the connected bathroom. Coming out of the bathroom now dressed in his pajamas, Hoseok sighs as he finally climbs into bed.

“I actually have to go to work early tomorrow morning, so I won’t be able to make breakfast,” he informs you with an apologetic look. “Oh, it’s alright,” you say, trying to mask your disappointment and worry. “Why do you have to go early?” you ask him as you put your phone down on the nightstand and lay down next to him. Turning on your side to face him, you listen as he explains to you that he has to learn the choreography beforehand so he can help teach the other members later. 

“But Hobi,” you protest with a frown, “You need to rest too.” You knew it was his responsibility as their dance leader but you were sure they would be upset if they knew Hoseok was exhausting himself for them. Yes, they may learn a little slower without him, but their health always came first. “Yeah right,” he scoffs at you, turning his head the other way as he lays on his back. 

“What do you mean ‘yeah right?’” you ask, sitting up in confusion as you try to catch a glimpse of his face. Hoseok turns his head back to look at you, eyes narrowing at you accusingly. “It has nothing to do with me resting, does it?” he asks coldly, “You’re just upset we can’t go out like we planned.” Your eyes widen in shock at his accusations as you stare at him with your jaw dropped.

You would be lying if you said you weren’t a little disappointed that you two couldn’t go, but Hoseok’s health was always your top priority and you couldn’t believe that he would think otherwise. “You really think that of me?” you ask in disbelief. When he does nothing but stare at you and remain silent, that’s all the confirmation you need.

Throwing the blankets off yourself, you quickly climb out of bed. Ignoring the tears stinging in your eyes, you make a beeline for the door, making sure to slam it closed on the way out as you storm into the living room. Collapsing onto the couch, you bury your face into the nearest pillow, clutching it tightly to your chest as tears of frustration prick at your eyes.

You were frustrated that he wasn’t listening to you about taking care of himself, instead leaving for work early when he should be resting. But what bothered you more was the fact that he didn’t even believe you truly cared about his wellbeing when that was your concern all along.

Staring at the now closed bedroom door, Hoseok lets out a heavy sigh. Deep down he knows that you were only ever concerned about his health and his health only. He was tired and stressed and said some things he didn’t mean. The past week has been super hard on him, but even then he knows it’s not fair for him to take all his anger and frustrations out on you. If anything, this week has been super hard on you too with you constantly worrying about him. Hoseok rarely ever loses his cool and the fact that he did only proves your point: he really did need to rest. 

Tiptoeing into the living room, he makes sure you’re asleep before carefully lifting you from the couch and carrying you back to the bedroom. Gently laying you in bed and tucking you in, he notices the still wet trail of tears on your cheeks. With a frown, Hoseok gently wipes away your tears before he leans down to place a kiss on your forehead, whispering an apology into your hair before he pulls away.

No matter how much he wants to climb in next to you and cuddle you, he knows he offended you and you need your space. Instead, he grabs a blanket from the closet and takes the couch for himself. Making himself comfortable, Hoseok makes a quick call before putting his phone away and settling in for the night.

Waking up the next morning in your bedroom, you don’t even realize that this isn’t the same place you fell asleep last night. The only thing your brain registers is the empty space beside you, meaning Hoseok really did leave early for work once again. With a defeated sigh, you climb out of bed and brush your teeth before exiting the bedroom.

As you near the bottom of the staircase, you freeze when you hear humming coming from the kitchen. Last time you checked, the only other person living here was Hoseok and he was supposed to be at work. But the more closely you listen, the more the humming starts to sound like him. Peeking around the corner, you find Hoseok in the kitchen with an apron tied around his waist, flipping pancakes over the stove while he hums happily to himself.

“Hoseok?” you ask confused, revealing yourself as you move from behind the corner. “OH!” he practically jumps ten feet in the air, the spatula falling from his hand as he turns around in surprise. Bringing a hand up to his heart pounding in his chest, he lets out a breath of relief when he sees it’s only you. “You scared me!” he laughs as he turns the stove off.

“Sorry,” you mumble as you shuffle into the kitchen, still confused as to why he was here when he was supposed to be at work. “Why are you here?” you cringe when the question comes out more harshly than you intended. “Aren’t you supposed to be at work?” you ask a bit more softly. Hoseok isn’t phased at all by your cold tone, completely understanding where it’s coming from. “I decided not to go in early today,” he tells you as he bends down to pick up the spatula. 

Standing up, he flashes you his sunshine smile, “So I’m all yours until noon!” Glancing at the clock above the stove, it reads 10:30. “But that’s less than two hours! Why didn’t you wake me up? We could’ve gone out like we planned,” you pout at him. You didn’t really care whether you two go out or not as long as you got to spend time with him, but you wanted to make sure he was happy. 

“I didn’t want to wake you. I know you stay up worrying about me. You deserved the rest,” he tells you as he smiles at you fondly. “Plus, I don’t mind staying in as long if I’m with you,” he says as he wraps an arm around your shoulder, pulling you into his chest as he rests his chin on your head. You automatically return the hug, wrapping your arms around his waist as you lean your head on his chest. 

“I’m sorry about what I said last night,” he mumbles, “I didn’t mean what I said, I know you’re not like that.” You shake your head at his apology, moving your head from under his chin so you can smile up at him. You were more upset that he wasn’t taking care of himself but you were glad he was listening to you now. 

“Enough about all that, the pancakes are waiting!” you say as you break away from him and bounce happily towards the pancakes. He chuckles as he trails after you, bringing the stack to the table along with two cups of coffee. 

After eating breakfast with you, Hoseok can’t deny that he feels noticeably lighter and less stressed. Tugging his shoes on by the door, he turns around to kiss you goodbye. “I expect tons of cuddles when I come home!” he announces as he opens the door. “Why?” you ask in confusion. “Because I slept on the couch last night,” he says as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world.

“But you chose to do that! Why is it my fault-” you reason but he playfully cuts you off. “Ah, no ‘buts’” he waves his finger at you. “Cuddles when I get home,” he says adamantly before he’s out the door, leaving no room for argument. Shaking your head at him as you close the door, you can’t help the smile that creeps on your face. As much as you teasingly protested, you weren’t complaining and for the rest of the day, you find yourself awaiting Hoseok’s arrival home and your promised cuddles.

he calls you clingy

Hoseok x f!reader

Genre: angst to fluff, hurt/comfort

WC: 1.7k

<series masterlist>

tag list: @awinkies @yzkyzkuniverse @wedarkacademia @yiyi4657 @scuzmunkie @astralandcosmos @mooonlitstars

Staring deep into the pot of stew you’re currently cooking for you and Hoseok, you let out a sigh as you mindlessly stir it. Being busy with practicing dance, working on new music as well as preparing for their upcoming concert, Hoseok’s been coming home late recently.

And although you see him in the morning when you two eat breakfast together and at night if he comes home before you’ve fallen asleep (albeit that rarely happens), you still find yourself missing him and wanting to spend more time together. You guys don’t have to do anything special. You would be content doing simple things like cooking and eating dinner together and watching a movie or cuddling before bed.

But tonight is the night before the concert and they’re all being sent home early to prepare and so they can be well-rested for tomorrow. You know he must be tired and he needs a lot of rest so you started making dinner earlier so it would be ready when he comes home.

You perk up when you hear the sound of the lock turning followed by the sound of the front door opening, immediately abandoning your stew and bounding towards the front door. “Hobi!” you exclaim happily as you run into him, knocking him back a few steps as you engulf him in a hug, “You’re home!”

He thinks you’re absolutely adorable, your excitement reminding him of a puppy as he wraps his arms around your waist, returning the hug. “I missed you too,” he chuckles as he leans down to press a kiss on your forehead. Barely giving him time to take off his shoes, you drag him over to the table, pushing him down into a chair by his shoulders before rushing into the kitchen.

You serve him a big bowl of hot stew along with a bowl of rice, grabbing some for yourself before sitting across from him. “Wah,” he lets out in amazement, “It’s so good y/n!” You beam at him proudly, watching with a fond smile as he quickly finishes his food and even gets up for seconds. After making sure that he’s eaten well, you pull him towards the couch to cuddle for a bit before going to bed.

You refuse to let go of him, hanging onto his arm and anchoring him down on the couch because you know that if you let him, he would go off to work on his music some more before going to bed, never giving himself a break. He chuckles at the way you clutch onto his sleeve, tightly gripping the material of his hoodie as you lean your head on his shoulder. “Why are you being so clingy?” he asks jokingly but you pull away from him, clearly taken aback.

You unlatch yourself from him as he gets up from the couch, unsure what to say as he turns the television off. “C’mon, let’s go to bed,” he turns back to you before heading back to the bedroom. You didn’t even realize the movie had finished. Trailing behind him, you two get ready to sleep before climbing into your respective sides of the bed.

You both initiate affection equally in your relationship so he doesn’t find it strange when you don’t immediately snuggle into his side. He simply wraps his arm around you, pulling you into his side like it’s second nature. He’s so tired that he falls asleep right away and as soon as you hear his light snoring, you take the chance to roll away, turning your back to him as you curl into yourself.

Are you too clingy? You two are both very affectionate people so you thought it was fine, but maybe you were too much for him. Having fallen asleep spiralling down into all of your negative thoughts, you wake up still feeling fatigued. You run on auto-pilot the whole morning and it’s clear to Hoseok that something’s on your mind by your blank stare and the way you’re staying quiet, only responding when he asks you a question like where his socks are.

The car ride to the concert venue is silent as Hoseok sends you concerned glances from time to time. He knows something is bothering you but he tries to give you space, hoping that you would talk to him when you were ready. Once you arrive, you stand backstage, watching from the wings as they go through soundcheck. And when the time for the concert finally comes, they all gather backstage one last time. 

Hoseok pouts when you don’t give him his usual good luck kiss yet you still give all the other members their usual hugs to wish them luck. He waits patiently, thinking that maybe you were just saving him for last. He instantly perks up when you do approach him lastly, but you simply wish him good luck with a smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes before going back to your spot to watch.

He blinks up at you in confusion, staring at your retreating figure with a look of disbelief on his face. Now he knows something is really wrong. You never, ever forget his good luck kiss. He contemplates confronting you about it but he’s forced to push it to the back of his mind when they’re all called on stage. Forcing a smile on his face, Hoseok can’t stop thinking about you throughout the whole duration of the concert although he doesn’t let it show, putting on yet another perfect performance.

When the concert is over and they say their final goodbyes to ARMY, Hoseok expects you to run into his arms like usual when they arrive backstage but you simply congratulate everyone with a smile as you hand them water bottles.

He tries to enjoy the post-concert high with the rest of the boys during their v-live but in the back of his mind, he’s still trying to figure out what’s bothering you. He lets out a sigh of relief when he finally gets back to your shared hotel room and even though he’s absolutely exhausted, he refuses to rest until he sorts everything out with you.

Sitting on the bed, waiting for Hoseok to return, you welcome him back with a smile, congratulating him and telling him how well he performed. “Are you hungry? Do you want me to make ramyeon?” You ask, already throwing the blankets off you’re body but he shakes his head at you.

“Is something bothering you? Did I do something wrong?” He gets right to the point, no longer able to handle not knowing. You bite your lip as you look down at your hands in your lap, avoiding his intense gaze. You don’t want to tell him because you’re afraid you’re just being petty and insecure but when you look up and see the guilt in his eyes, you can tell it’s been bothering him all day and you owe him an explanation.

You turn your body to face him with a sigh, patting the spot next to you, signalling him to sit down. He quickly complies, taking a seat next to you and placing one of his hands on your thigh. “I just thought you wanted some space,” you admit with a slight pout. You weren’t mad or trying to be petty, you just wanted to make him happy, giving him space when he asked for it. But it seemed as though you did the exact opposite from the small crease in his brow and the slight downturn of his lips. 

“Space? Why would you think that?” he tilts his head at you, genuinely confused as to why you would ever think that when all he’s ever wanted was someone to be as openly affectionate as he was. “It’s stupid,” you mumble as you look down at your lap but he gently takes your chin between his thumb and pointer finger, tilting your head back up. “Please tell me why?” he gives you his best puppy dog eyes and your resolve breaks. “I just-” you trail off, nervously playing with your hands in your lap.

But Hoseok takes your hand in his, rubbing comforting circles into your skin and nodding, encouraging you and letting you know he’s listening. “You called me clingy,” you finally breathe out, “So I just thought you wanted me to give you some space.” Hoseok doesn’t even give you a chance to fall back into your negative thoughts or assume that he thinks you’re petty or overdramatic, immediately engulfing you in a hug. You fall back onto the bed as he knocks you over, refusing to move as he lays on top of you.

You whine, complaining that he was squishing you to death and that he was still sweaty from the concert. But despite your protests, he laughs as he teases you, nuzzling his nose into your neck as you screech because it tickles and he needs to take a shower. He hasn’t really heard you laugh today so he basks in the moment, drawing it out for as long as possible until your sides hurt from laughing so much.

“Promise you’ll talk to me next time? I don’t want any misunderstandings that’ll cause you to stay away from me ever again,” he finally gives you a chance to breathe, pouting as he holds his pinky finger out to you. Still catching your breath, you nod your head fervently, wordlessly locking pinkies with him and sealing the promise. Satisfied with your newly-formed promise, Hoseok pushes himself off of you, finally going to take a shower much to your relief.

Once he’s done showering, he quickly comes back to you, practically jumping into the bed and reaching out for you, pulling you into his warm chest. He then cuddles you to sleep, refusing to let you go to make sure he gets his message across; he loves clingy.

silent treatment

Hoseok x f!reader

Genre: angst to fluff, hurt/comfort

WC: 2.9k

<series masterlist>

taglist: @awinkies @wedarkacademia @yiyi4657 @astralandcosmos @scuzmunkie @mooonlitstars @manchuria @mistyaphelion @ygimsgw @kookiwu @yoongititss​

an: I haven’t proof read yet but I rlly wanted to get this out so plz ignore any mistakes!

Sitting in the back of their temporary studio in the U.S, you gaze out of the window longingly, watching the city life below you. “Hobi?” you call out once the music stops. “Hm?” he hums in acknowledgement, his eyes meeting yours through the mirror. “Are you guys gonna be done soon? I wanna go explore,” you ask him, your eyes sparkling with excitement.

Hoseok gives you a regretful look as he shakes his head at you. The concert was tomorrow and they had to make sure they were prepared. “We still have a lot of practicing to do,” he tells you solemnly. You pout at him but you don’t complain, understanding that every second in the studio was valuable. He watches you as you look out the window longingly, your chest rising and falling with a disappointed sigh.

He feels bad for keeping you here. He knows that you know you’re not forced to stay here and you can go out whenever you want. But he also knows it’s something you wanted to do with them. “I wanna explore too!” Jungkook interrupts Hoseok’s thoughts. “Me too!” Jimin and Taehyung echo him. “Can we go? Please Hobi Hyung?” Jimin begs the dance leader. Taehyung quickly joins Jimin’s side, giving his best tata mic face.

“It’ll just be a short break, we’ll be back soon,” Taehyung tries to convince him. Hoseok’s eyes move from the three maknaes to you, seemingly holding your breath as you wait for his answer. Everyone has been working hard and it’s been a while since they took a break. “Fine,” he breathes out, not having the heart to crush the hope in your eyes. “But be back in two hours,” he adds on, looking at you as he says it. 

He knows the younger three have a tendency to not listen so he was trusting you to bring them back in time. It was about 6:00 pm so you were to be back by 8:00 pm. You playfully salute him as you give him a determined nod, promising to be back in two hours. Hoseok chuckles, finding you absolutely adorable. “Anyone else want to come?” you ask. “I need a nap,” Yoongi answers, flopping on the couch at the back of the room. “And I need a break from those three,” Jin says, nudging his head towards the maknaes.

You look to Hoseok but he’s already starting the music up again, focused on perfecting his craft. “We’re okay, Y/n,” Namjoon reassures you with a smile, “Go have some fun.” The maknaes don’t give you a moment to dwell on it, dragging you out of the studio. The four of you walk around the city, familiarizing yourselves with the area but when you come across an arcade, you can’t resist, excitedly running inside like a bunch of children.

You constantly check your phone for the time, not wanting to disappoint Hoseok by being late. And around 7:30 pm, you tell the maknaes to pick one last game so that you have more than enough time to head back. But when you’re about halfway back to the studio, Jimin suddenly lets out a loud gasp. You all turn to find him patting down his pockets with a panicked look on his face, “I forgot my phone at the arcade!”

Your eyes widen as you pull out your own phone, looking at the time. 7:45 pm. You know that if you guys head back to the arcade, you won’t make it back in time. But Jimin’s phone is valuable and it would be really bad if his phone got into the hands of the wrong person. “You guys go back to the studio and I’ll go get Jimin’s phone,” you tell them, quickly devising a plan. It was more important they get back on time than you do.

“But it’s not safe for you to go alone,” Jungkook frowns. The sun had already started to set and it would be dark by the time you reached the arcade. Conflicted, you all decide to just run back to the arcade to find Jimin’s phone and then run back to the studio as fast as possible.

Bursting into the studio, you place your hands on your knees, doubling over as you pant harshly. Your harsh breathing fills the room as the four of you try to catch your breaths. “You’re late,” Hoseok says simply, but it sends shivers down your spine. “I’m sorry Hobi, we-” you struggle to speak between breaths but Jimin takes over for you. “It’s my fault, Hyung, we were on our way back when-”

“Enough,” Hoseok’s voice silences everyone immediately, “We’ve wasted enough time and you guys were supposed to be taking a break but you’re out of breath.” They immediately straighten up, Jungkook speaking up, “We’re okay to practice!” The maknaes immediately jump back in while you make your way to the back of the room, watching quietly. Guilt washes over you as you watch the younger ones practice diligently despite being exhausted from running.

As soon as they get a water break, you hurry to hand the three of them a bottle of water, smiling apologetically before you take a bottle over to Hoseok. He accepts it without even looking at you, taking a sip as you nervously play with your hands. “I’m really sorry we were late, Hobi. We had to go back because...” you trail off when he closes the bottle and places it on the floor before walking away, completely ignoring you. 

Your eyes burn with unshed tears when he brushes you off, not even giving you a chance to explain why you were late. But what hurts more is that you disappointed him. He trusted you to bring them back in time because he knew that you knew how important it was, but you couldn’t even do that for him. Everyone says that getting praise from Hoseok is the best feeling in the world. But no one ever talks about how disappointing him is the absolute worst feeling one could ever experience.

When they finally end practice for the night, you quietly follow Hoseok back to the hotel. When you two enter your shared hotel room, Hoseok immediately heads for the bedroom. You hear the sound of the connected bathroom door shutting as you take off your shoes, the sound of running water soon following. You’re sure that Hoseok doesn’t really want to see you right now so you grab your clothes from the bedroom while he’s showering.

Rubbing his hair with a towel as he walks out of the bathroom, Hoseok looks over to the bed, frowning when he sees it’s completely untouched. Hoseok peeks outside, finding you asleep on the couch. He calls room service, asking for an extra blanket before going into the kitchen to make himself a quick dinner. When room service arrives, he thanks them for the blanket before laying it on top of you, carefully tucking you in before turning in for the night.

When you finally hear the gentle click of the bedroom door closing, you finally let your tears spill over as sobs wrack your body, tightly clutching the blanket in your hands as you bury your face in your pillow.

The next morning, Hoseok is immediately hit with the delicious smell of pancakes when he walks out of the bedroom. “Good morning!” you greet him cheerfully, “Come have breakfast, I made pancakes!” Although the smell of your pancakes was practically making his salivate, he walks straight past them, grabbing a water bottle from the fridge before he’s out the door. You had hoped that maybe he wouldn’t be upset anymore but clearly, you were wrong.

You stare sadly at the stack of pancakes you woke up so early to make, having to wake up extra early just to go out and buy the ingredients. Having suddenly lost your appetite, you start packing them up before taking them to the maknaes’ rooms. You leave for the concert venue a little later, needing some time to get yourself together.

Nervously standing backstage, you watch as they get last-minute touch-ups, mere seconds away from getting on stage. You never doubted any of their abilities to give a perfect performance but you can’t help but feel at fault when you can see Hoseok’s noticeable nerves. He wasn’t one to usually be nervous as he always makes sure they’re all as prepared as possible, but time simply didn’t allow that this time.

As they all hit their last ending pose, you let out a huge sigh of relief. Everyone performed perfectly and you couldn’t be more proud. Seeing as they were saying their last goodbye to ARMY, you take the chance to slip away. You don’t know if Hoseok is still upset with you but in case he is, you don’t want to ruin tonight for him. 

As soon as they get off stage, Hoseok’s eyes search for you. One of the staff members notices the confusion on his face when he can’t find you and they can guess who he’s looking for. “Y/n left a few minutes ago,” the staff member informs him. “She left?” Hoseok asks in confusion, “Why? Is she not feeling well?” As soon as they finished performing the last song, it was like a huge weight was lifted from his shoulders. He had just been so stressed and he took it out on you, but now that he can think clearly, he realizes he was much too harsh.

“I’m not sure,” the staff member answers honestly. Although they found it a bit strange since you always leave with Hoseok, it wasn’t their place to ask. Hoseok was concerned but he’s forced to push it to the back of his mind as they’re rushed back to the hotel to get on v-live.

On your way back to the hotel, you ask the driver to make a quick stop at a Korean grocery store you noticed when you went out with the maknaes. You were sure the boys must miss it so you decided to cook them a nice, hot, homemade meal to remind them of home.

About halfway through the v-live, the staff wheel in a cart of steaming hot bowls and plates of food. “We ordered some food from a local Korean restaurant,” the staff tell them as they place the food around the table. You were afraid that Hoseok wouldn’t eat it if he knew you made it so you requested the staff to tell them it was from a restaurant. “Wah!” “It smells good!” The boys finish the food at record speed, scraping the plates clean.

“What’s the name of the restaurant you got this from?” Jin asks curiously when they end the v-live, wanting to know in case they ever visit again. It’s only then that the staff reveal the food was actually made by you but you asked them not to tell. “Why didn’t she want us to know?” Jimin asks, confused. The staff assumed it was just to protect your identity on the live but even they weren’t sure. But Hoseok has an inkling as to why you tried to hide it and it only makes him want to see you more. Dismissing himself to go find you, the boys all wish Hoseok goodnight. 

Unlocking the door to your hotel room, Hoseok calls out into the darkness, “Y/n?” He searches everywhere for you, the living room, the bedroom, even the bathroom but there’s no sign of you. Walking into the kitchen, he finds a note from you on the little notepad every hotel room has.

Hey Hobi! You guys performed so well tonight! Perfect as always :) I’m sure you’re tired and probably want some space so I booked a separate hotel room. So don’t worry about me! 

Rest well  y/n<3

Hoseok can’t help but frown as he reads your letter again. Had he pushed you that far that you couldn’t even stay in the same room as him? Dialling the staff, he asks if any of them know what your room number is. “Y/n’s room number? Isn’t she staying with you?” Hoseok tells them that you said you had booked another one. “I’m sorry Hoseok-ssi, she didn’t tell us anything about booking another room. But there’s no way she could’ve found an empty hotel room tonight. The whole city is booked with ARMYs coming to see you.”

Quickly thanking the staff, Hoseok hangs up before calling the other members. He asks them if you’re staying with any of them or if they know where you are but when they all answer “no” Hoseok starts to get worried. He rushes out of the hotel room, impatiently tapping his foot against the floor as the elevator makes its descent to the ground floor. Dialling your number, he holds his phone up to his ear, listening to the ringing sound as he makes his way through the lobby.

Taking a quick glance around, he freezes when he spots a familiar bucket hat over the back of a couch. Not wanting anyone to recognize you and worry about you, you had taken one of Hoseok’s bucket hats to cover your face. He had so many that none of the staff or other members would immediately recognize you, but of course Hoseok would know a piece of his own wardrobe.

Hoseok quickly rounds the couch to find you curled up, asleep on the couch. Your knees were pulled up to your chest as you lay your cheek on top of your knees. Slightly lifting the bucket hat to make sure it’s you, he notices the dried tear stains on your cheeks upon closer inspection. Frowning, Hoseok unwraps your arms from your legs, wrapping them around his neck instead before he wraps your legs around his waist, carrying you like a baby koala.

Bringing you back to the hotel room, he gently lays you in bed, taking the bucket hat off of you before climbing in behind you. He pulls you closer until your back is pressed against his chest, whispering apologies into your hair before he eventually lets sleep take over.

Waking up, you slowly peel your eyes open, immediately panicking when you realize this isn’t the same place you fell asleep. But then you feel a familiar pair of arms tighten around your waist as Hoseok nuzzles into your hair. “Good morning,” he mumbles. Not ready to confront him yet, you try to act like you’re still asleep but Hoseok had felt your breathing suddenly increase. “I know you’re awake,” he says simply. He then gently gathers your hair to one side and starts placing kisses on the back of your neck. 

“Is your neck sore from yesterday?” he asks, referring to the uncomfortable position he found you sleeping in. You shake your head but then you immediately feel the tightness in your muscles. Hoseok gently massages it for you, placing one last kiss on your neck before turning you in his arms to face him. Afraid to meet his eyes, you bring your hands to play with the necklace hanging from his neck. “I’m sorry,” he apologizes as he leans down to place another kiss on your forehead, causing your hands to stop playing with his necklace.

“I shouldn’t have been so hard on you. I was just stressed and I took it out on you. I’m really sorry for that,” he tells you and when you finally look up at him, you can see the guilt swimming in his eyes. “It’s okay Hobi, I’m sorry too. I should’ve made sure we were back on time,” you apologize but he shakes his head at you. “I asked the impossible of you, those three are really out of control,” he says, making you giggle. 

“The food you made last night was delicious. All the boys wanted me to tell you how good it was,” he smiles down at you, “And you don’t know how much I was regretting not eating the pancakes you made when I was eating the breakfast the hotel offers. They smelled so good.” You laugh at how he starts to drool at the thought of your pancakes. “It’s okay, they didn’t go to waste. I gave them to the maknaes since they always sleep in late and they practically devoured them,” you tell him.

He lets out a groan at that. “They’re stealing you away from me,” he whines adorably. “We still have a lot of ingredients left over, do you want to make more pancakes for breakfast today?” you suggest. His eyes light up at your offer, nodding enthusiastically. You move to climb out of bed but he’s quick to pull you back, “But I’m making them today. You’ve done too much for me, it’s my turn to take care of you.” You pout at him, about to protest when he starts peppering your face with kisses.

You giggle, playfully shouting at him to stop before he finally places one last kiss on your lips. Leaning his forehead against yours, he closes his eyes as he whispers, “Thank you for always taking care of me.”

THE WAITER'S FRIEND

💕Pairing: Hoseok x Reader

📝Summary:

Having just left her boyfriend after seeing his true character, Sofie didn't expect to come across someone like Hoseok; the perfect gentleman.

Fate and karma, however, will have Hoseok balancing on a thin line between good and bad when his previous life bleeds into the present.

✏️Genre/au: Angst, Romance, Slice of life with some action, Smut, Mafia AU

✏️Rating: PG 18+, explicit

⚠️Warnings: Might contain smut, explicit smut, might contain gore and blood (+ warnings on each part), mentions of infidelity

Hii! Did you stumble across this work? Glad you're here 😊 Please, let me know your thoughts once you are finished. Feedback keeps me motivated to write 😁

Note that English is not my first language, so please if you find grammar mistakes, let me know. :)

Thank you @moonleeai for helping me with the summary 💜

Chapter 1: IT ALL BEGAN WITH A DRESS

Chapter 2:

Chapter 3:

Chapter 4:

Chapter 5:

Chapter 6:

Chapter 7:

Chapter 8:

Chapter 9:

Chapter 10:

Chapter 11:

Chapter 12:

Chapter 13:

Chapter 14:

Chapter 15:

Chapter 16:

EPILOGUE

Looking for some good BTS angst? You should definitely check out @jiminrings .

I've been reading their writings since yesterday and I'm in love. So excited for their future works♥️

Since it’s Jhope’s birthday, just something I’ve been writing for a while

Genre: Angst, Best Friends to Lovers (?)

Warning: Overthinking, Self-doubt, Reader always thinks it’s their fault whenever something happens, Hobi and reader's relationship is completely platonic (as of yet)

A/n: I haven't really decided yet if this should be simply platonic or I'll just make them end up together lol. Opinions are always welcome!

You and Hobi have been friends since the start of University and it had been going really well. You were a bit introverted but always felt comfortable enough to be a little outgoing with him since he never judged you and was always ready to join you in the madness. He shared all of his secrets with you calling you his best friend and even though you were a bit closed off, you considered him yours as well. It was after a few months when Hobi started having feelings for another girl that everything changed. 

As usual you guys were hanging out in the cafeteria during your break when he revealed that he has a crush on a girl who shared common classes with you both. "I've seen her looking at me but I've never gotten the confidence to talk to her." He blushed, keeping his eyes on the ground biting his lips. You felt genuinely happy for him and encouraged him to talk to her to which he promised he will as soon as he can. 

It was a week later that you got a call from him saying that he got her number from a common friend, Jimin who was in the same group as the girl and was more than happy to help him in getting to know her. You did feel a pang of jealousy in your heart knowing that they have been talking for a while without you knowing but buried it deep down congratulating Hoseok on getting her number and teasing him about how she'll be his number one priority now. "Don't worry babe, you're not going to get rid of me that easily" He chuckled, making you wish he'd stick to his promise. 

-------

You weren't sad about the fact that Hoseok has a girlfriend now, but a bit jealous of the fact that Hoseok now roamed most of his time these days with Jimin and his large group who shared the same personality as him and were always laughing at his jokes. You were jealous of the fact that he fit right in the group and hung out with them even when his girlfriend wasn't around. It bothered you a bit that he never introduced you to them, always preferring to just wave at you whenever you walked past them. You guys still talked though, as he preferred to sit next to you in classes you shared and always had stories to tell about how he spent his days and what dates he's been deciding for the upcoming weekend asking you for advice and places where he could take her. It did hurt when he stopped talking to you outside of campus, never calling you just occasionally texting you asking about stuff that's happening in classes when he wasn't present. You were at a state where the only thing you thought was "maybe you were the one who did something wrong. Maybe you didn't support him enough or maybe you stuck to him so much that his girlfriend didn't want him hanging out with you anymore." Though you felt like the last point was irrelevant as she always greeted you in class, carrying on conversations as if you have been friends for a long time and had a genuine smile whenever you would greet her back. It made you not dislike her, even though you felt that it might be fake and that she actually hates you. You knew you were spiralling and that it was unhealthy for you. But you couldn't stop.

-------

It took a while but you finally went to a place where you were accepting that maybe yours and hobi's friendship wasn't meant to be. You used to call him randomly when your overthinking hit you at full speed, wanting to feel validated and that he might still consider you as his friend. Conversations still flowed normal and he would always give you gossip and spill out his secrets as he used to before, but the only thing that changed was you were the one who always initiated the conversation and the secrets which used to come daily (as he always used to call you whenever he needed to tell you something) would come only when you called. He had found his group of friends and it was time that you should too.

It did take you a bit of time, but you managed to make friends with people who you could be comfortable with. (Not as comfortable as you were with him, but it was much better than being a loner). You still sat beside each other, but would only sit when the professor would enter, choosing to come 5 mins before to avoid having conversations with him which would only take you back to a place where thoughts about not being a good enough friend would consume you. He would still whisper during lectures trying to make conversations but you would just nod your head or give vague, one word answers paying attention to the board. You tried not to show that you were upset with him, always giving him a smile at the end before walking out of the class with your friends. 

But one thing was sure, how much you tried, it would still sting your heart knowing that he might not even be affected as much as you were. Little did you know, it was hurting him a lot more than you think.

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

Drop in your opinions here if they should be just friends or more!

Since it’s Jhope’s birthday, just something I’ve been writing for a while

Genre: Angst, Best Friends to Lovers (?)

Warning: Overthinking, Self-doubt, Reader always thinks it’s their fault whenever something happens, Hobi and reader's relationship is completely platonic (as of yet)

A/n: I haven't really decided yet if this should be simply platonic or I'll just make them end up together lol. Opinions are always welcome!

You and Hobi have been friends since the start of University and it had been going really well. You were a bit introverted but always felt comfortable enough to be a little outgoing with him since he never judged you and was always ready to join you in the madness. He shared all of his secrets with you calling you his best friend and even though you were a bit closed off, you considered him yours as well. It was after a few months when Hobi started having feelings for another girl that everything changed. 

As usual you guys were hanging out in the cafeteria during your break when he revealed that he has a crush on a girl who shared common classes with you both. "I've seen her looking at me but I've never gotten the confidence to talk to her." He blushed, keeping his eyes on the ground biting his lips. You felt genuinely happy for him and encouraged him to talk to her to which he promised he will as soon as he can. 

It was a week later that you got a call from him saying that he got her number from a common friend, Jimin who was in the same group as the girl and was more than happy to help him in getting to know her. You did feel a pang of jealousy in your heart knowing that they have been talking for a while without you knowing but buried it deep down congratulating Hoseok on getting her number and teasing him about how she'll be his number one priority now. "Don't worry babe, you're not going to get rid of me that easily" He chuckled, making you wish he'd stick to his promise. 

-------

You weren't sad about the fact that Hoseok has a girlfriend now, but a bit jealous of the fact that Hoseok now roamed most of his time these days with Jimin and his large group who shared the same personality as him and were always laughing at his jokes. You were jealous of the fact that he fit right in the group and hung out with them even when his girlfriend wasn't around. It bothered you a bit that he never introduced you to them, always preferring to just wave at you whenever you walked past them. You guys still talked though, as he preferred to sit next to you in classes you shared and always had stories to tell about how he spent his days and what dates he's been deciding for the upcoming weekend asking you for advice and places where he could take her. It did hurt when he stopped talking to you outside of campus, never calling you just occasionally texting you asking about stuff that's happening in classes when he wasn't present. You were at a state where the only thing you thought was "maybe you were the one who did something wrong. Maybe you didn't support him enough or maybe you stuck to him so much that his girlfriend didn't want him hanging out with you anymore." Though you felt like the last point was irrelevant as she always greeted you in class, carrying on conversations as if you have been friends for a long time and had a genuine smile whenever you would greet her back. It made you not dislike her, even though you felt that it might be fake and that she actually hates you. You knew you were spiralling and that it was unhealthy for you. But you couldn't stop.

-------

It took a while but you finally went to a place where you were accepting that maybe yours and hobi's friendship wasn't meant to be. You used to call him randomly when your overthinking hit you at full speed, wanting to feel validated and that he might still consider you as his friend. Conversations still flowed normal and he would always give you gossip and spill out his secrets as he used to before, but the only thing that changed was you were the one who always initiated the conversation and the secrets which used to come daily (as he always used to call you whenever he needed to tell you something) would come only when you called. He had found his group of friends and it was time that you should too.

It did take you a bit of time, but you managed to make friends with people who you could be comfortable with. (Not as comfortable as you were with him, but it was much better than being a loner). You still sat beside each other, but would only sit when the professor would enter, choosing to come 5 mins before to avoid having conversations with him which would only take you back to a place where thoughts about not being a good enough friend would consume you. He would still whisper during lectures trying to make conversations but you would just nod your head or give vague, one word answers paying attention to the board. You tried not to show that you were upset with him, always giving him a smile at the end before walking out of the class with your friends. 

But one thing was sure, how much you tried, it would still sting your heart knowing that he might not even be affected as much as you were. Little did you know, it was hurting him a lot more than you think.

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

Drop in your opinions here if they should be just friends or more!

OMG! YASSSS! IM READY! BRING IT ON BIGHIT!

masterlist

contains and mentions: female reader x jung hoseok/ female reader x kim taehyung.

>language, break ups, angst, anxiety, brief mention of a loved one’s passing, alcohol, children. exes to strangers au, (please let me know if i missed anything)

Word count: 2k

an: i had the sad music playing, its one of those moments.. this came to mind and hopefully you all enjoy! angsty hobi? tragic but sign me up! (◠‿◠)

listened to while writting: 2 soon - keshi

A weary sigh left your lips as you toed off your shoes, a soft nudge to close off the door as your hair fell down your back from having been up all day. A late night at work and you finally had the weekend to look forward to, it dawned that your energy wasn’t the same as before. You worked from home most of the time unless it was a big project or a mistake had been made, then you’d spend hours away from home. Rare but dreaded. 

The small apartment was quiet as the soft patting of your tired feet on the wooden floors brought back life. Bag set on the dining table, you looked over into the kitchen as the under cabinet stove hood glowed into the dark home, leftovers waiting. You opted to eat it at room temperature, trying to keep the silence aside from the soft drags of cutlery.  Washing dishes could wait until the morning as you made sure the windows were properly locked around your home. 

The soft thuds of clothes hit the floor before you let out another sigh. Arms around yourself, massaging your sore neck before changing and letting the soft, cool material of your pajamas welcome you even further. Doors and wooden floor panels softly creaked before you slid into bed, another sigh as you stared at the ceiling, dinner finally settling. You reached over to your phone on the nightstand, mindlessly scrolling through your social media. Looks like a high school acquaintance got married, double-tap, and type out a quick congratulations with excessive emojis. Your cousin posted a selfie and she looks breathtaking, double-tap, and comment that you miss her. You continued for a few more posts, catching up on the people around you. A tired yawn and you were giving in to sleep. A small stretch and click of the phone, you turned over, a small smile on your lips. 

Only a couple minutes in before your eyes shot right open. Your phone was on low volume but the vibrations had it motoring across the small table. Probably a late-night telemarketer as you couldn’t quite recognize the phone number. A spam risk? You pressed the accept button, whispers ready. 

“Hello?” There was a small gasp.

“[Y/n]” and then a small sigh of relief.

You sat up in bed immediately, shock and confusion written all over your face.

“Hoseok?” You whispered, questioning whether or not it was really the voice. 

“Yes!” He sighed, “It’s me..” He bit his bottom lip as his index finger mindlessly circles the finish of the glass bottle. To him, it felt so good to hear your voice again and he thanked his angels above for remembering your number. 

You sat up in bed, wide awake with a sudden pang in your heart. Silence followed as you tried to find the words to say. There wasn’t any- so serious yet awkward as it used to be so easy to talk to one another.

“Long time huh?” Hoseok let out a nervous chuckle as he adjusted his phone. “How have you been?”

“I’ve been..” You paused, and quickly pulled away to glance at the time, what was going on? “It’s two a.m, why?” 

“It’s late I know. But I just had to call. I had to just hear your voice again.” He pleaded. You rolled your eyes, he wouldn’t know that though. 

“But why?”

“Can’t I just call to catch up?” He played casually.

“No.” You snapped at his attempt as your mind began to wander at his intentions. 

“I couldn’t sleep. I thought I should call you.” He confessed.

“It’s been-”

“I know how long it’s been.” He cut you off. “But you were always the best remedy.” 

You sighed, his words sending another chill down your spine.

“I tried to hard to find your number, I thought you would’ve changed it.” Silence. “Relieved that I’m not blocked.” He tried to chuckle but failed awkwardly. You don’t tell him that you just unblocked his number about a year ago because the missing contact name confused you. 

“Let’s just talk.” He licked his lips, adjusting in his seat. “How are you? How’s your dad?” He tried, hands shaky. 

“He passed last November.” You deadpanned.

“Oh…” Hoseok felt a wave of guilt. “I’m sorry.”

“I am too.” You’ve missed a lot Jung Hoseok.

Another moment of silence followed. 

“...Cut to the chase Hoseok” You ran your free hand through your hair again, looking over your shoulder, “Why’d you call?”

“I think you know why [Y/n]..”

“ I don’t know anymore.” You paused. “You don’t call someone up at two am after you haven’t been able to do so for over three years.” 

“I’ve missed you. And I’ve realized how much of an idiot I am.” He played with the bottle some more.

“You had three years Hoseok.” You stared off into the distance of your dimly lit room, the moon shining in through a small crack in the curtains. 

“And I regret not calling sooner.” He let his head fall, tears burning his eyes.

“Have you been drinking Hoseok?” 

“Would that matter?” He cocked a brow.

“Considering you could never be honest with me when sober, yes.” For a moment you felt like you had gone back in time, a younger you picking up the phone because she had yet another fight with her boyfriend and he called to apologize like always. At three am as his lips slurred the truths he wished he would say while sober, but you knew that already.

You’d believe every word and then he would stumble to your place, pebbles at your window before you let him in, embracing each other as you sat on your roof, looking at the sky.

“I’ve changed.” He rubbed his eyes, drunk sincerity in every word he spoke. “So much.” He sighed. “And I’ll never be sorry enough on that it took me so long to do so.”

“It shouldn’t have taken years.” You shook your head. “I’m sorry but I don’t see the point in tonight’s-”

“Can I come see you?” His voice was shaky. “Just this once, please? I have so much I want to say.” Another desperate sigh, “And I want to do this face to face.”

“Hobi-” You shuttered from letting his old nickname slip.

“You still stay in the same place right? I’ll be there in 15.” He downed a prepared shot, eyes wandering for his jacket- ready to head out. You took a deep breath, a soft cry could be heard across the hall.

“Hoseok stop.” You swung your legs off the edge of the bed, the anxiety making you fidget. 

“Let me stay the night. I’ll leave in the morning, I swear.”  He tried to convince you and himself, his mind blocking out sounds that weren’t you. “Just let me be in the same space as you. Please?”

“You had time Hoseok.” Pity in your tone, you continued, “You won’t remember this in the morning.” Too distracted to feel the movement on the other side.

“I can come by in the morning if I can’t right now... How does nine am sound?” He bit the inside of his cheek, avoiding your pleads. “Would that be fine?’

“Listen-” 

 “I can pick up your favorite muffins and we can talk over some coffee-” Hoseok tried.

“Hoseok.” You repeated, tears ready to slip at any moment as he heard the crack in your voice, his heart breaking with it. 

“I haven’t stopped thinking about you. Trust me I tried so hard to forget. To move on. But I couldn’t. I can’t.” Another heavy sigh. 

“Stop it.”

“Just a bit of time, please. I know it isn’t fair of me to ask this of you. I’ll always be that selfish but I can’t help it. I have to ask for more. I’m sorry.”

“You missed so much. I’ve-”

“Please. At least let me see you for the last time.”

“Three years.” You reminded him, it hurt so bad. 

“I know.”

Another silence. Memories of you two flashed in your mind. Moments of joy and love now hurt so much, pushed away to the depths of your mind, buried underneath new ones.

“I have to go.” 

“Please don’t hang up.” His voice broke.

“I have to. Please don’t call again.”

“I’ll call every day. I’m serious.” He spoke, his free hand rubbing at his burning eyes. “I want another try at us. I’m tired of the games I played. I’ve changed and I’ll prove that [Y/n].”

“Don’t do this.”

“Don’t you love me anymore?” Hoseok’s vision went blurry. “It doesn’t matter how long it’s been, true love will always come back to one another.” He tried to reason as the grip on his phone tightened.

“I don’t love you anymore.” You jumped right in, cutting him off from rambling any further, teeth clenched. “Don’t start spewing your bullshit when you’re the one who walked out on me Hoseok. We could’ve had it all but you fucked up. I got tired of waiting and hoping. Obviously this isn’t true love if it took you this long to realize. I found my happiness Hoseok.” 

You were bitter. Fed up. You sat, heavy breathing, the man who once gave you butterflies was now asking for pity and forgiveness as if that wasn’t a constant in your time together.

“You don’t mean that.” Hoseok pleaded. “Please.”

“I do and you’re drunk Hoseok. Bye.”

“[Y/n]-” 

“You’ll find someone one day, and you’ll thank me for this.” Your eyes fluttered shut as you pulled the phone away. 

Hoseok’s lip started to quiver, his calls were always enough and now you were here ready to hang it up for good. 

“Baby?” 

Hoseok raised his brows, eyes wide with confusion. Was there someone with you? Should he hang up? 

“Sorry love, I tried my best to put them back down to bed but I think someone misses their mommy.” Your lover pouted as he made his way over to you. He avoided mentioning he’s been awake since he heard you come home, the muffles of the other line peaking his interest.

Hoseok let his tears fall like an overflowing sink. He recognized that voice. The voice of someone he once considered an old friend, now calling you baby. Did you have a child?

“It’s fine.” You took your head with a slight grin, taking the infant in your arms as he sat down next to you. The smalls cries halted as they recognized your motherly scent. “Why hello little one.” You coo’ed, finger softly stroking the tiny plump cheek.

“Did you miss me?” Your face lit up with joy as the tiny infant stared back at you, mouth round as they let out soft coos.

“Wow that’s so interesting, tell me more!’ You smiled as Taehyung sat right next to you stretching to see the interaction between you and his child, heart bursting.

Hoseok listened to the entire conversation, a pain in his chest. Your voice full of love and excitement. You meant what you said. You had found your happiness. 

Taehyung looked over to your phone, forgotten on the bed, the screen lighting up momentarily- Hoseok hung up. He sighed, relief washing over him. Hopefully- he heard everything. “I’m so proud of you.” He softly spoke against your temple, inhaling your perfume and leaving a small kiss. 

“For what?” You knitted your brows before looking back at the child in your arms.

“Everything you do.” He smiled, not ready to admit to his eavesdropping. “You amaze me every day. You’re so strong and such an excellent friend, lover, mother, human being. I love you and our little family.” His eyes now teary as he looked down at your ring finger- the diamond still shining even in the dark. “I just think I should remind you any chance I get.” He shyly smiled before looking away. 

Heat spread across your cheeks as you stared at him for a good moment, taking in his appearance. His honey toned skin looked absolutely mesmerizing in the moonlight as his dark waves bounced with every movement. His hand came up to stoke your child’s hair before they enveloped his thumb in their small hand. The small interaction had you bursting at the seams. 

“I love you too.” You smiled before giving him a soft kiss, a smile on your face  now focused on the child before you. A very heavy sigh you didn’t even know you were holding escaped, happiness was this very moment.

“She...” [name] stared off into space, struggling for word, bringing the bottle to his lips. “How could he do this? ” He threw his head back, taking a swig. His best friend and the love of his life. The word ‘mommy’ rang through his head. 

She was right, a lot can happen in three years and he had just realized how long that time really was. He bit down on his lip, drawing blood. He hated himself completely as the bottle rested on his lips, another swig as it burned the fresh punctures. 

Silence filled the messy room, bottles and cigarette buds littered the floor as he looked through his photo gallery, fresh tears landing on an old photo he took of you. You both changed and this time the roads didn't cross. His phone calls always set everything right. He promised himself to call again one day. 

 “I may hate this now but I hope I find what you have [y/n]. Then maybe I’ll thank you.”

heartbeat (심장박동) — jung hoseok (정호석)

✧.* 18+

the dawn broke with a gentle caress across the landscape, casting a golden hue over the rolling hills and lush valleys. the sun, a celestial artist, painted the sky in strokes of pink and orange, reflecting its light upon the dew-kissed leaves of ancient trees. the air was crisp, carrying the scent of blooming cherry blossoms that danced in the soft breeze, their delicate petals fluttering like whispers of spring’s embrace. birds sang a symphony of melodies, their harmonious notes merging with the rustling of leaves, creating an orchestra of natural beauty that celebrated the beginning of a new day.

yet, this serene tableau of nature stood in stark contrast to the scene of devastation that unfolded in its wake. the earth had groaned and heaved, unleashing its wrath upon the serene landscape. an earthquake, a violent tremor of nature’s own making, had shattered the tranquility. the ground had buckled and cracked, splitting roads into jagged scars and toppling buildings that once stood as symbols of human achievement. streets were strewn with debris—broken glass, twisted metal, and splintered wood—forming a chaotic mosaic of destruction. the once-proud skyline was now marred by the skeletal remains of what had been homes and businesses. in the aftermath, smoke and dust hung in the air like a mournful shroud, obscuring the sun’s light and turning the beautiful morning into a somber canvas of ruin.

you had graduated from medical school that day. it was meant to be a day of celebration, a milestone achieved after years of relentless study and sacrifice. the ceremony had been a blur of proud smiles, academic robes, and congratulatory embraces. but the elation of that moment was short-lived, overshadowed by the impending catastrophe. you had planned to share the joy with your sister, who had been your pillar of strength through the trials and tribulations of medical school. she was your everything—the constant in your life, the one who had stood by you with unwavering support.

as you made your way home, your heart swelled with excitement at the thought of celebrating your achievement together. but when you arrived, the sight that greeted you was one of utter devastation. your home, once a haven of comfort and warmth, was now reduced to a heap of rubble. the realization struck you like a physical blow. there was no home. there was no sister. the world, which had seemed so vibrant and full of promise, was now an unrecognizable wasteland.

desperation drove you to search through the debris, your hands tearing through the wreckage with frantic determination. hours felt like an eternity as you sifted through the shattered remnants of your life. and then, amidst the ruins, you found her. she lay among the debris, her face pale and her breaths shallow. she was barely alive, her fragile form a haunting reminder of the day’s cruel turn of events. you rushed her to the nearest hospital, a frantic and disheveled figure, the gravity of the situation weighing heavily upon you. the hospital, too, bore the scars of the earthquake. the once orderly hallways were now chaotic, filled with the injured and the desperate. nurses and doctors moved with frantic efficiency, their faces marked by exhaustion and determination. you clung to the hope that she would recover, that the skilled hands of the medical professionals could restore her to health.

days passed in a haze of worry and sleepless nights. you watched and waited, your heartache mingling with hope. and then, the blow came. you were informed that your sister had passed away. the news struck you like a dagger, but the explanation that followed shattered you further. she had not died from her wounds or the effects of the earthquake but from a medical error. The very system you had dedicated your life to had failed her.

the gravity of the situation was almost too much to bear. the room seemed to close in on you, the walls pressing in as the weight of your grief and anger grew heavier. you felt a profound sense of betrayal, the very institution meant to save lives had failed you and your sister. it was a cruel irony, the culmination of your dream to be the best doctor, only to be faced with the harsh reality of its imperfections. in the midst of your overwhelming sorrow, a fire ignited within you—a resolve born of pain and loss. you vowed to honor your sister’s memory by dedicating yourself to medicine with an unyielding commitment to prevent such errors. it was a promise made in the darkest of times, a beacon of hope amidst the wreckage of your dreams.

the operating room was a sanctuary of focused intensity. the sterile, clinical environment buzzed with a sense of urgency as doctor jung hoseok, one of the best surgeons in the hospital, prepared for yet another high-stakes surgery. the cacophony of beeping monitors, the rhythmic whoosh of ventilators, and the murmur of medical staff created a symphony of controlled chaos.

you stood by hoseok’s side, your heart racing with a mixture of anxiety and determination. your hands were steady but your mind was a whirlwind, knowing the weight of responsibility that rested on everyone’s shoulders. the patient on the table, a young man in his early twenties, had sustained severe internal injuries from a collapsing building. Hoseok’s calm, authoritative presence was a beacon of reassurance amidst the turmoil.

“scalpel,” his voice cut through the tension, his tone clipped and precise. you handed him the instrument with practiced ease, watching as his skilled fingers moved with a deftness born of years of experience.

the surgery was a dance of precision and skill. he navigated through the intricate web of damaged organs with an expertise that left you in awe. his movements were a blend of grace and efficiency, every incision, every stitch, a testament to his dedication and mastery.

“clamps,” he called out, his gaze never leaving the patient. you quickly provided the tools, your own focus unwavering despite the mounting exhaustion. the room was hot, the smell of antiseptic mingling with the acrid tang of blood. as the surgery reached its climax, his expression remained a mask of concentration. the minutes stretched into hours as he worked tirelessly to stabilize the patient. you wiped sweat from your brow, your heart pounding as you held your breath, praying for a successful outcome.

finally, after what felt like an eternity, hoseok lifted his gaze, a weary but triumphant smile playing at the corners of his lips. “we did it,” he said, his voice carrying a note of relief. the patient’s vital signs stabilized, a small but significant victory amidst the overwhelming despair of the day.

but the triumph was short-lived. as you and hoseok stepped out of the operating room, you were greeted by the grim reality of the hospital’s waiting area. the scene was chaotic, filled with an overwhelming number of patients, their faces etched with pain and fear. the earthquake’s aftermath had left a trail of devastation, and the hospital was a crucible of suffering. you let out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation pressing down on you. hoseok placed a reassuring hand on your shoulder. “we need to work as efficiently as we can,” he said, his tone steady and encouraging. “every moment counts.”

nodding, you moved swiftly through the maze of makeshift beds and emergency stations. the injured and the ill were everywhere—some lying on stretchers, others sitting in the narrow aisles, waiting for care. the sight was heart-wrenching, and you fought to keep your composure.

then, you spotted her—a young girl, no more than eight or nine, her face streaked with tears. she was clinging desperately to her coat, her small frame shaking with sobs. her wide, frightened eyes and the way she clutched at her coat stirred a profound sense of deja vu within you. she reminded you so much of your sister, and the resemblance was almost unbearable. you approached her gently, crouching down to her level. “hey, sweetheart,” you said softly, trying to mask the lump in your throat. “what’s your name?”

“jiwoo,” she sniffled, her voice trembling. “i want my mommy.” your heart ached as you lifted her into your arms, her tiny body trembling against you. “it’s gonna be okay,” you murmured, holding her close. “we’re gonna find your mommy, alright?” her cries were muffled against your coat as you walked with her through the bustling corridors. the sights and sounds of the injured—wounded soldiers, distressed families, and patients in various states of trauma—flashed by in a blur. each face you passed seemed to tell a story of suffering and hope, and the intensity of the scene made your stomach churn.

you guided jiwoo to the examination room, where a nurse greeted you with a warm but tired smile. “thank you,” you said, your voice filled with gratitude. “please, take good care of her.” the nurse nodded, taking her into her care, and you watched as the little girl’s gaze followed you with a mixture of hope and uncertainty. as you turned to leave, you felt a deep pang of sorrow and a renewed sense of purpose. each patient you saw, each story of survival and pain, was a reminder of why you had chosen this path.

the chaos of the hospital continued unabated as the hours dragged on, each moment marked by the relentless tide of patients streaming in from the aftermath of the earthquake. the corridors were a cacophony of urgent voices, desperate cries, and the clatter of medical equipment. hoseok moved among the chaos with a calm determination, his eyes scanning the scene with a mixture of resolve and weariness.

he paused briefly, his gaze taking in the grim reality of the situation. “we need to help everyone,” he said, his voice tinged with a fierce, unwavering conviction. “i want to, no, i need to help everyone.” his words were not just a declaration but a deep-seated promise that seemed to radiate from his very core. you understood the gravity of his statement all too well. the hospital, with its limited space and resources, was barely able to keep up with the flood of casualties. but his commitment was palpable, a beacon of hope amidst the stark limitations of the facilities. his eyes, usually so bright and cheerful, were now shadowed with a mixture of exhaustion and unyielding resolve.

“i promise you,” you said, matching his fervor with your own. “we will find a way to help as many people as we can.” your words were a pledge, born of the same fierce determination that drove him. his tired eyes softened with gratitude as he offered you a fleeting smile. “thank you,” he said quietly, his voice carrying a hint of warmth despite the fatigue that marked his features.

the moment of camaraderie was abruptly shattered by the anguished screams of a man. your head snapped towards the sound, your heart racing. a middle-aged man was crawling on the floor, his leg grotesquely open and bleeding profusely. his face was contorted with pain, and his cries cut through the din of the hospital like a knife. without a second thought, you and hoseok sprang into action. he barked orders with a commanding authority that drew the attention of nearby staff, and you quickly moved to assist. together, you helped load the man onto a stretcher, your hands working with a practiced urgency.

as the stretcher was wheeled away, you couldn't help but be struck by the sight. the man’s injury, so raw and brutal, mirrored the vision of your sister in the hospital’s aftermath. it was a harsh reminder of the fragility of life and the brutal reality of trauma. the sight made your knees buckle, a wave of nausea and grief crashing over you. before you could fully react, hoseok’s firm grip was on your arms. his touch was grounding, a lifeline amidst the storm of emotions that threatened to overwhelm you. “pull yourself together,” he said, his voice steady and reassuring. “everything will be fine. we’re here to help.”

his words were a balm to your frayed nerves, and you blinked away the tears that had begun to well up in your eyes. you took a deep breath, drawing strength from his presence and the urgency of the situation. “i’m okay,” you said, nodding with determination. “i’ll be okay.”

his gaze remained fixed on you for a moment longer, his expression a blend of concern and encouragement. then, with a decisive nod, he turned back to the chaos of the hospital, his focus unshaken. you followed him, your resolve steeled. the sight of the injured and the suffering no longer overwhelmed you but fueled your determination. each patient, each cry for help, was a call to action—a reminder of why you had chosen this path and why you would continue to fight against the odds.

the hospital’s corridors were a maze of urgent activity, and you moved through them with a focused intensity, guided by the steady presence of hoseok. the once immaculate walls were now splattered with the harsh realities of an earthquake’s aftermath, the floors slick with spilled fluids and the air thick with the acrid scent of antiseptic and exhaustion.

the first patient you approached was an elderly woman with a fractured arm and a deep gash on her forehead. her eyes, though tired and pained, reflected a resilience that touched you deeply. you carefully cleaned her wounds, speaking in soothing tones as you worked. “you’re going to be okay,” you assured her, your voice gentle. “we’re going to make sure you’re comfortable and taken care of.”

hoseok stood nearby, his eyes attentive as he watched you work. he occasionally offered guidance, his voice calm and authoritative. “apply a sterile dressing over the wound,” he instructed, his tone carrying the weight of his expertise. “we need to monitor her for signs of infection.”

as you followed his directions, you couldn’t help but notice the way his gaze softened with approval. “you’re very gentle,” he remarked, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “you have a way of calming people with your touch.” you offered him a small smile, the compliment a balm to your tired spirit. “thank you,” you replied. “among the staff, it seems like no one else is as driven to help everyone as we are. it’s not just about doing our job—it’s about making a difference.”

he nodded thoughtfully, his expression thoughtful. “you’re right,” he said. “in times like these, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of patients. but it’s our dedication and compassion that make the difference.” you moved on to your next patient, a young boy with a deep cut on his leg. his face was streaked with tears, and he clung to his father, who looked equally distraught.

you knelt beside him, your hands gentle as you cleaned the wound. “i know it hurts,” you said softly, trying to comfort him. “but we’re gonna fix you up, and you’ll be running around again in no time.”

hoseok joined you, examining the boy’s injury with a practiced eye. “we’ll need to stitch this up,” he said, his voice reassuring. “but first, let’s make sure he’s numb so he doesn’t feel any pain.”

as you administered the local anesthetic, he watched with a critical but approving gaze. “you’re doing well,” he said. “Yyur patience with the children is remarkable. it’s important to keep their fears at bay.” you nodded, grateful for his guidance. “it’s easy to be patient when you’re reminded of what’s at stake,” you replied. “when you see their families, you understand just how crucial every moment is.”

next, you tended to a woman in her thirties who had sustained multiple fractures. Her eyes were filled with a mix of pain and fear, and her breaths came in sharp, shallow gasps. you worked swiftly but carefully, applying splints and checking her vital signs. hoseok stood beside you, offering occasional words of advice and encouragement. “she’s in a lot of pain,” you said, your voice tight with concern. “we need to manage her pain effectively to prevent shock.”

hoseok nodded, his eyes sharp as he assessed the situation. “administer a dose of morphine,” he instructed. “we need to ensure she’s stable before we can move her to the operating room.” you administered the medication, watching as the woman’s breathing slowly eased. hoseok placed a hand on your shoulder, a gesture of solidarity. “you’re handling this exceptionally well,” he said. “your attention to detail and compassion are exactly what we need.”

as the hours wore on, you continued to work tirelessly under hoseok’s watchful eye. each patient presented a new challenge, and you tackled each with a blend of skill and empathy. from applying dressings to performing initial assessments, every action was a step toward healing and hope. despite the exhaustion that gnawed at you, his praise and the knowledge that you were making a difference kept you going. the hospital’s once chaotic atmosphere began to feel more manageable, and your sense of purpose grew stronger with each patient you helped.

at one point, as you paused to take a brief break, hoseok joined you, his expression a mix of admiration and weariness. “you’ve been incredible today,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity. “your dedication is inspiring. it’s not often that you find someone with such a genuine drive to help.”

you smiled, the compliment a bright spot in the midst of the chaos. “i just want to make sure we’re doing everything we can,” you said. “in times like these, it’s about more than just medical care. it’s about being there for people when they need it the most.” hoseok’s eyes softened with a mixture of respect and gratitude. “and you’ve done just that,” he said. “it’s an honor to work alongside someone who shares the same commitment to helping others.”

the atmosphere in the hospital was charged with a tense energy as the chief of administrators confronted hoseok in the bustling hallway. the chief, a stout man with a stern expression, gestured sharply with a stack of papers. his voice, though not loud, was laden with authority and frustration. “hoseok,” the chief said, his tone clipped. “you’re being rash. you can’t seriously expect us to take care of every patient with the resources we have. this hospital is far too small to handle this influx. we’re stretched beyond our limits.”

hoseok’s face darkened with a mix of anger and resolve. “it is possible,” he snapped, his voice rising in frustration. “it’s possible if we put in the work and don’t just accept the limitations as insurmountable obstacles. we have to try.”

the chief’s eyes narrowed, his patience wearing thin. “i understand your dedication, but you’re pushing the boundaries of reason. if you were anyone else, you’d be reprimanded severely, perhaps even fired. you’re only being tolerated because of your skills.” the words were a cold slap, but hoseok’s reaction was fierce. “if my commitment to my patients is a problem,” he said, his voice sharp and defiant, “then maybe it’s this system that needs to change. i won’t be dissuaded by bureaucracy.”

with that, he turned on his heel, his stride purposeful and quick as he stormed off down the corridor. the chief’s frustrated mutterings followed him, but hoseok was already lost in his own storm of emotions. you watched him go, torn between the need to respect his space and the desire to offer support. without a second thought, you followed him, your footsteps echoing in the emptying corridor. you found him standing by a large window in an empty lounge area, his back to you as he gazed out at the darkening sky. the setting sun cast a warm, golden hue over the scene, but it did little to ease the storm brewing within him.

you hesitated, feeling the weight of the moment. the silence between you was thick with unspoken words, and the gravity of the situation pressed heavily on your shoulders. finally, you approached him, your voice soft but resolute.

“hoseok,” you began, gently. “i know the situation is overwhelming. I know what the chief said—he’s right about the limitations we’re facing. but i want you to know something.” he turned to face you, his expression a blend of exhaustion and a flicker of vulnerability. “what is it?” he asked, his voice strained but curious.

“i understand your determination,” you continued, your gaze steady. “i understand it more than you might think. i’ve faced loss and pain, and it drives me to do everything i can to help others. i’d do anything in my power to make sure your idea succeeds. because while i can’t bring my sister back, this is the least I can do. i’ll have your back, no matter what.”

his eyes softened with gratitude, the harsh lines of frustration easing as he listened to you. “thank you,” he said, his voice quiet but filled with sincere appreciation. “your support means more than i can express. it’s hard to keep going when it feels like the world is against us.”

you smiled, the gesture a small comfort in the midst of the storm. “we’ll make it happen,” you assured him. “we’ll find a way. we have to.” he nodded, the resolute spark returning to his eyes. “yes,” he agreed. “we will. together, we can make a difference. thank you for standing by me.” you shared a moment of silent understanding, the bond between you strengthened by shared determination and mutual respect. as you both prepared to return to the fray, the sense of unity and purpose was a powerful reminder of why you were here—to fight for every patient, to push through the limits, and to make a difference in the face of overwhelming odds.

you stepped outside into the cool night air, desperately seeking a reprieve from the ceaseless pressure of the hospital. the city, bathed in the soft glow of streetlights, bore the marks of the earthquake’s fury. the streets were littered with debris, and the remnants of collapsed buildings loomed like broken skeletons against the skyline. the sky, a deep indigo, seemed too vast and indifferent to the suffering below.

the air was sharp and carried with it the distant sounds of sirens and the hushed murmurs of survivors. you inhaled deeply, trying to steady your racing heart. yet, the sight of the devastation—once familiar landmarks now in ruins—overwhelmed you. every corner, every shattered window, was a reminder of the chaos that had turned lives upside down. it felt as though the world had been upended, just as your own had been.

returning to the hospital was no easier. the interior was a frenetic blur of activity, the waiting room packed with patients, each one bearing their own story of agony and loss. the sight struck you like a physical blow. It was as if each face held a mirror to your own pain, reflecting the loss of your sister and the desperation you felt to make things right. you forced yourself to focus, to push past the wave of memories that threatened to engulf you. your next patient, an elderly man with a deep laceration on his abdomen, needed immediate attention. you moved with practiced efficiency, cleaning and stitching his wound with hands that trembled despite your best efforts to keep them steady.

the elderly man winced occasionally, his eyes cloudy with pain but also trust. You spoke to him softly, trying to offer some comfort. “you’re doing great,” you reassured him. “we’re almost done, and soon you’ll be on the road to recovery.” his breathing was labored, but he nodded in acknowledgment, his fingers grasping the edge of the examination table. you worked meticulously, careful to ensure each stitch was placed correctly. the procedure was intense, but you found solace in the rhythm of your actions, the repetition allowing you to block out the chaotic thoughts that threatened to invade.

finally, the wound was closed, and the elderly man’s breathing began to even out as the pain eased. you cleaned up, your movements automatic, your exhaustion palpable. as you finished, you collapsed into a chair beside the bed, your head falling into your hands. the weight of the day seemed to press down on you, and you could no longer remember the last time you had slept or even rested properly.

the door creaked open, and you barely registered hoseok’s entrance. he walked in with the calm assurance that had become a hallmark of his presence. his eyes scanned the room, taking in the patient’s steady, restful state. he then turned his gaze to you, noting your worn-out appearance. with a gentle step, he approached and took a seat in the chair next to yours. his presence was a comforting anchor amidst the storm of exhaustion and emotions. you could feel the warmth of his body close by, and despite the chaos, it offered a rare moment of tranquility.

you could feel your eyes growing heavy, the fatigue finally overtaking you. as you drifted into sleep, his gaze remained fixed on you. he watched as the strain on your face eased, replaced by a serene expression. it was a stark contrast to the tumultuous day, a brief moment of peace in the midst of a whirlwind.

his smile was soft, a mix of admiration and affection. he leaned back in the chair, letting his gaze linger on you. the sight of you, so vulnerable and yet so resolute, stirred something deep within him. he whispered to the quiet room, “what are you, indeed? peaceful at all times. what are you?” his question hung in the air, a contemplative murmur to the stillness of the night. as you slept, your breaths steady and even, hoseok remained by your side, his thoughts a tangled web of admiration and concern. the hospital’s relentless pace continued outside, but within this small, quiet corner, there was a rare moment of stillness—a respite from the storm, where two souls found solace in each other’s presence amidst the chaos.

as you slept fitfully, a small, folded photograph slipped from your pocket and fluttered to the floor. hoseok’s keen eyes caught the movement, and he picked up the photo with a gentle curiosity. he unfolded it carefully, revealing a picture of a little girl—her bright eyes and infectious smile captured in a moment of pure joy.

hia heart sank as he studied the photograph, the resemblance to the patient you had treated earlier unmistakable. the realization struck him hard. this was the sister you had spoken of, the one whose loss had driven your unyielding determination. the weight of the truth settled heavily in his chest, and he felt a pang of sorrow for your loss. with a tender, sad smile, hoseok tucked the photograph back into your pocket, his fingers brushing softly against the fabric. he watched you, the burden of your pain and the drive that had fueled your tireless work now deeply understood.

as the night wore on, you stirred in your sleep, caught in the midst of a vivid dream. In your dream, you were in a beautiful meadow, bathed in the soft, golden light of dawn. the air was filled with the delicate fragrance of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustle of leaves created a serene melody. amidst this tranquil setting, you saw her—your sister. she was there, as clear and radiant as the sun itself, her smile warming the entire scene. you reached out, your heart leaping at the sight of her, but she remained just out of your grasp. every step you took towards her seemed to distance her further away, and your pleas for her to come closer went unanswered. you could feel the overwhelming love and longing that had been bottled up inside you, a potent mix of joy and heartache.

but as you stretched out your arms, the dream began to dissolve. the colors bled together, the image of your sister fading into the indistinct blur of waking reality. you jolted awake, tears streaming down your face as you realized it had been nothing but a fleeting dream. the emptiness and loss that had filled your heart so vividly in the dream now echoed painfully in the real world. you sobbed quietly, the grief of the dream and the reality of your sister’s absence crashing together in a wave of sorrow. hoseok, sensing your distress, immediately moved to your side. he wrapped his arms around you with a comforting embrace, his presence a steady anchor in the midst of your emotional storm.

“it was her,” you choked out between sobs. “she was right there, how could it be just a dream?” his voice was soothing, filled with a deep, empathetic understanding. “i know it hurts,” he murmured, his hand gently rubbing your back. “it’s hard when dreams feel so real. but she’s with you in your heart. i promise you, we’ll get through this.”

he held you close, his warmth a balm to your aching soul. “everything will be okay,” he continued, his voice steady and reassuring. “you’re not alone in this. i’m here, and we’ll face it together.” as you leaned into his embrace, the comfort of his words and the strength of his support began to soothe the raw edges of your grief. the reality of the hospital and the endless stream of patients loomed in the background, but in that moment, all that mattered was the connection between you and hoseok. his presence was a testament to the solidarity and hope that could still be found amidst the overwhelming challenges.

the following morning, the hospital buzzed with its usual rhythm of controlled chaos. you had barely begun your rounds when the loudspeaker crackled to life, calling out an emergency in the er. hoseok’s eyes met yours, concern etched into his features as the announcement detailed the situation.

without a word, you both sprinted towards the room, hearts pounding. as you rounded the corner, the sight that greeted you made your breath catch in your throat. there, on a gurney, was jiwon, the little girl you had previously encountered. her condition had deteriorated drastically. the deep wounds on her small body had festered, turning into something far more ominous. her big, frightened eyes locked onto yours, and in that instant, the world seemed to slow. her face blurred and morphed, and for a horrifying moment, it wasn’t jiwon you saw but your sister—her eyes pleading, her body frail and helpless. the room seemed to close in on you, the sounds around you muffling as memories of your sister surged to the forefront of your mind.

you couldn’t move. you stood there, rooted to the spot, the enormity of your grief and shock rendering you immobile. your heart pounded in your ears, your vision tunneled. all you could see was the image of your sister, her final moments replaying in your mind like a cruel, endless loop. you had failed her, and now, there was jiwon, looking at you with the same desperate hope. hoseok, seeing your distress, moved quickly to your side. “hey, pull it together,” he said, his voice firm but laced with worry. you barely registered his words, your mind trapped in the past.

he shook you gently but urgently. “it’s what your sister would have wanted. she would want you to save this girl.” his words cut through the fog of your panic, grounding you. your sister. she had always admired your strength, your dedication. she wouldn’t want you to falter now. with a deep, shaky breath, you forced yourself to focus. you nodded, though the motion felt heavy and slow. together, you and hoseok ushered jiwon into the room, the weight of the moment pressing down on you but not breaking you.

inside the operating room, the atmosphere was tense, the air thick with urgency. hoseok scrubbed in, his movements precise and practiced. you followed suit, your hands steadying as you slipped into the familiar routine. “scalpel,” he requested, his voice steady. you handed it to him, your fingers brushing against his in a brief moment of silent solidarity. the incision was made, and the surgery began.

blood oozed from the wound, and you worked swiftly to suction it away, giving hoseok a clear view. the injury was worse than you had feared. necrotic tissue had to be removed, the infection threatening to spread further if not contained. “hemostat,” he ordered, and you placed the instrument in his hand, your eyes never leaving the surgical site. the room was filled with the sounds of monitors beeping, the soft swish of the ventilator, and the occasional murmur of instructions.

his focus was unyielding as he navigated through the intricate web of tissue and blood vessels. “clamp here,” he directed, and you followed, the metal tool snapping shut with a decisive click. time seemed to blur, the minutes stretching into an eternity as you worked in unison, battling to save jiwon’s life. the infection was stubborn, but hoseok’s skill was unparalleled. together, you cut away the dead tissue, flushing the wound with antibiotics, suturing each layer with meticulous care. every stitch, every cut, was a step towards hope, a fight against despair. finally, the last suture was placed, and the wound was closed. you exhaled a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. the surgery had been a success, but the emotional toll was heavy.

you pulled off your gloves and mask, your gaze drifting to jiwon’s still form on the operating table. the anesthesia kept her unconscious, her small chest rising and falling with each breath. you moved to her side, pulling up a stool and sitting next to her. her tiny hand lay limp on the bed, and you gently took it in yours, your heart aching. tears welled up in your eyes as you watched her, the image of your sister still haunting you. you squeezed her hand softly, a tear slipping down your cheek. “everything will be okay,” you whispered, your voice breaking. “i promise you.”

more tears followed, a silent stream of grief and hope mingling. hoseok approached from behind, his presence a comforting warmth. he wrapped his arms around you, his chin resting gently on your shoulder. “she’ll pull through,” he murmured, his voice soft and reassuring. “you did great.” you leaned back into him, drawing strength from his embrace. the weight of the past and the uncertainty of the future seemed a little more bearable with him by your side.

as you and hoseok stood vigil over her, a muffled commotion echoed through the walls, drawing your attention. exchanging a worried glance with him, you both hurried to the waiting room, the sound growing louder with each step. the scene that greeted you was chaotic. a man stood at the center of the room, his face contorted in rage. he was shouting, his voice a furious torrent of accusations and frustration. the other patients and staff looked on, too stunned or afraid to intervene.

you stepped forward, your voice steady despite the pounding of your heart. “sir, i understand you’re upset, but we’re doing everything we can. we’re short on equipment, but we haven’t stopped working to help everyone.”

his eyes, wild with anger, locked onto yours. “everything you can?” he spat. “my wife is bleeding out and you’re telling me you’re doing everything you can?” he took a menacing step towards you, and before you could react, his hands shot out, wrapping around your throat. the world tilted as his grip tightened, cutting off your air. your hands flew to his, desperately trying to pry them off. your vision blurred, dark spots dancing at the edges. you could hear the frantic shouts of the staff and the gasps of the patients, but they seemed distant, muffled.

hoseok’s voice cut through the haze, sharp and commanding. “let go of her,” he was by your side in an instant, his hands tearing the man’s grip from your throat with a force you didn’t know he possessed. he pushed you behind him, shielding you with his body. he grabbed the man by the collar, pulling him close. his voice was low, dangerous. listen to me,” he growled. “we’re doing everything we can with what we have. everyone here is waiting for treatment, and so will you. if you ever lay a hand on her again, you’ll be waiting for a casket, not treatment. do you understand?”

the man’s eyes widened, fear replacing the anger as he nodded, hoseok’s grip still firm on his collar. he released the man, who stumbled back, cowed and silent.

you stood there, shaken, your hand pressed to your throat where the man’s fingers had dug in. hoseok turned to you, his expression softening with concern. he pulled you close, his fingers tracing the bruises forming on your neck. “are you alright?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. you nodded, your voice hoarse. “i’m fine, really. but hoseok, you can’t risk your position like that. what if something happened to you?”

he cupped your face in his hands, his eyes intense. “nothing is more important than you. do you understand? not my position, not this hospital. nothing.” tears welled up in your eyes at the sincerity in his voice. you leaned into his touch, the world around you fading away as you found solace in his presence. “thank you,” you whispered. “for everything.”

as the tension in the waiting room began to settle, the hospital’s chief appeared, his stern expression cutting through the residual chaos. he made his way directly to hoseok, his eyes narrowing. “dr. jung,” he said, his voice calm but carrying an undeniable weight of authority. “my office. now.” hoseok nodded, giving your hand a reassuring squeeze before following the chief down the sterile, fluorescent-lit corridor. you watched him go, anxiety twisting in your stomach.

in the chief’s office, the atmosphere was heavy with unspoken reprimands. hoseok took a seat, his back straight, his eyes fixed on the older man who stood behind the large wooden desk.

“what the hell was that out there?” the chief began, his voice hard and unyielding. “do you realize the scene you made? this is a hospital, not a boxing ring.” hoseok’s jaw tightened, but he kept his tone even. “that man was choking her. no one else did anything. i had to step in.”

the chief sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. “i know the toll the earthquake has taken on everyone, including you. we’re all under immense pressure, and tempers are frayed. but you need to understand that your position here is already on thin ice.” hoseok’s heart dropped, a cold wave of dread washing over him. the room seemed to shrink, the walls pressing in as the chief continued.

“you’re a good doctor, hoseok,” the chief said, his voice softer now. “but i can’t ignore the incident. that medical error—the one that led to the failed surgery and the death of that little girl—it’s not something we can afford to forget. you need to be more careful. one more mistake, and your career could be over.”

the words hit him like a physical blow. he felt a chill run through his veins, the memory of that night flashing before his eyes. the sterile operating room, the smell of antiseptic, the panicked beeping of the monitors. and then the silence. the deafening silence after the little girl’s heart had stopped. he forced himself to nod, his voice tight. “i understand. i’ll be careful.”

the chief’s eyes softened slightly, but the severity of his words remained. “i’m not saying this to punish you, hoseok. i’m saying it because you’re a talented doctor. don’t let your emotions jeopardize everything you’ve worked for.” he stood, the weight of the conversation settling heavily on his shoulders. “thank you, sir. i’ll keep that in mind.”

as he left the office, the gravity of the chief’s warning pressed down on him. the memory of your little girl’s lifeless body haunted him, a constant reminder of his fallibility. the stakes had never felt higher.

returning to the waiting room, he found you standing there, worry etched into your features. you rushed to him, your eyes scanning his face for any sign of what had transpired.

“what happened?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. he gave you a reassuring smile, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “just a reminder to keep my cool,” he said, his voice steady but carrying the weight of the chief’s warning. “we need to be careful. both of us.” you nodded, understanding the unspoken implications. the hospital was a place of healing but also a place where mistakes could cost lives and careers. together, you would navigate these treacherous waters, leaning on each other for strength.

the minutes turned into hours as the hospital faced an onslaught of patients, each with their own urgent needs. the air was thick with the sounds of pain and desperation, interspersed with the beeping of monitors and the hurried footsteps of medical staff. a young man was wheeled in, clutching his abdomen, his face contorted in agony. “it’s appendicitis,” hoseok diagnosed quickly. “we need to operate immediately.” you assisted in prepping him for surgery, your hands steady as you administered anesthesia, feeling the weight of the man's trust in your hands.

next came an elderly woman, her breathing labored and her skin pallid. hoseok listened to her chest, his brow furrowing in concentration. “pulmonary edema,” he said, his voice decisive. “we need to get her stabilized.” you moved swiftly, setting up an iv and administering medication, feeling the tension ease slightly as her breathing became more regular.

throughout the chaos, hoseok’s praise for your work was a steady undercurrent. “you’re doing great,” he’d say, his eyes meeting yours with a reassuring smile. “i couldn’t do this without you.” each word of encouragement sent a flutter through your heart, grounding you amid the storm of activity.

a little boy was brought in next, his leg twisted at an unnatural angle. “fracture,” hoseok noted, his expression softening as he knelt beside the boy. “we’ll fix you up, champ.” you held the boy’s hand, distracting him with stories as hoseok expertly set the bone and applied a cast. the boy’s tears turned to a tentative smile, and you felt a surge of warmth at the sight.

an older man with a deep gash on his thigh was next. “this is going to need stitches,” hoseok said, his tone gentle as he cleaned the wound. you handed him the sutures, your fingers brushing briefly, a jolt of electricity passing between you. as he stitched the wound with precision, he glanced up at you. “we make a good team, don’t we?” you smiled, feeling a blush creep up your cheeks. “we do,” you agreed, your voice soft.

as the day wore on, the stream of patients seemed endless. you and hoseok moved in sync, your actions a well-rehearsed dance of medical efficiency and compassionate care. every now and then, his hand would find yours, a silent gesture of support that spoke volumes. by the time the sun began to set, the exhaustion was palpable. your muscles ached, and your mind buzzed with the day’s events. hoseok finished treating the last patient, a woman with a sprained ankle, and turned to you with a weary but proud smile. “you were amazing today,” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.

“thank you,” you replied, feeling a sense of accomplishment despite your fatigue. “you too.” as you walked out of the hospital, the cool evening air was a welcome relief. the makeshift shower stations set up outside beckoned, promising a brief respite from the day’s grime and stress. uou grabbed a towel and stepped under the water, letting the cool droplets wash away the dirt and blood, a small sigh escaping your lips.

the evening had settled into a quiet lull, the chaos of the day finally giving way to a rare moment of peace. you stood beneath the shower, the water cascading over your tired body, washing away the grime and stress that had accumulated throughout the day. each droplet felt like a small blessing, providing a fleeting sense of relief. as you stood there, eyes closed, lost in the sensation of the water, you heard the soft swish of the shower curtain. you didn’t tense up; you knew who it was even before his arms wrapped around your bare waist, pulling you back against his solid chest. hoseok's touch was gentle yet firm, his breath warm against your neck as he held you close.

“you did a good job today,” he murmured, his voice a soothing balm to your weary soul. “thank you,” you replied, your voice soft, filled with a mix of gratitude and exhaustion.

his lips brushed against your neck, sending a shiver down your spine. you turned around to face him, your eyes meeting his. despite the exhaustion etched into his features, he looked as gorgeous as ever. the soft spray of water from the shower highlighted the contours of his face, making him seem almost ethereal in the dim light. his hand cupped your cheek, his thumb gently brushing away the water that clung to your skin. his touch was tender, filled with an unspoken promise of comfort and affection. slowly, he leaned in, his lips meeting yours in a gentle kiss. it was a kiss filled with unspoken words, a desperate need for connection and relief from the day’s turmoil.

you kissed back, your hands finding their way to his shoulders, gripping them as if he were your lifeline. the kiss grew more heated, a sense of urgency taking over as the weight of the day’s events melted away in the intensity of the moment. his hands roamed your back, pulling you even closer, as if he couldn’t bear to let you go. the water continued to cascade around you, mingling with the heat of your embrace. each kiss, each touch, seemed to erase a little more of the day’s exhaustion, replacing it with a fervent need for each other. hoseok’s lips moved from your mouth to your jaw, trailing down your neck, leaving a trail of burning desire in their wake.

you arched into him, your breath hitching as his hands explored, finding the places that made you shiver with need. “hoseok,” you breathed, your voice a mix of longing and relief. he pulled back slightly, his eyes dark with desire as they met yours. “i need you,” he whispered, his voice hoarse with emotion. “right now, more than ever.”

without another word, he picked you up, your legs wrapping around his waist, the coldness of the hospital towel forgotten as you clung to him. his mouth returned to yours, the kisses deepening, growing more desperate with each passing second. the water pounded against your skin, the rhythm matching the beat of your racing heart. his hands slid down to your thighs, his fingers digging in as he held you tightly. you could feel his arousal pressing against you, and the realization sent a jolt of excitement through your body.

his mouth left your lips, his teeth grazing your earlobe as he whispered, “you’re so beautiful, so so beautiful.” his words were a potent aphrodisiac, sending a warm flush through your body. you moaned in response, your hands tangling in his hair. his kisses grew more insistent, his tongue tracing the line of your jaw before dipping down to your collarbone. you gasped as he sucked on the sensitive skin, his teeth lightly grazing the surface. the sensation was overwhelming, a delicious mix of pleasure and pain that had you squirming against him.

his hands found your tits, kneading them gently as his thumbs flicked over your nipples. you moaned again, louder this time, the sound echoing off the tiles of the shower. your hips rocked against him, seeking more contact, more friction. the need to be closer was overwhelming, the ache between your legs demanding attention. hoseok’s movements grew more urgent, his kisses more demanding. you could feel the tension coiling in his body, a mirror to the desire coursing through your own. you knew that this wasn’t just about sex; it was about connecting, about reaffirming the bond that had grown stronger with each passing day in the chaotic world.

his hands slid down, reaching between your legs, and you shuddered as his fingers found you, already wet and ready. “so good, baby,” he murmured, his voice thick with lust. you bit your lip, trying to hold back the whimpers that threatened to spill forth as he touched you, stoked the fire within you. your body begged for more, and hoseok, ever attentive, was more than happy to oblige.

his thumb circled your clit, sending waves of pleasure through your body, while his other hand supported you, holding you firmly against the wall of the shower. the cool tiles provided a stark contrast to the heat that was building within you. hoseok’s eyes never left yours, his gaze locked on you as if he could see straight into your soul. the intimacy of the moment was almost too much to handle, your love for him growing with each touch, each caress.

his fingers slipped inside you, and you threw your head back, the water now a backdrop to the symphony of sensations that were playing out between you. your hips bucked against his hand, seeking the release that was just out of reach. his strokes grew quicker, more insistent, as he whispered filthy, loving words into your ear. the shower was now a cocoon of passion, the sounds of the water mixing with your moans and gasps.

his other hand moved to the base of your spine, pressing you even closer to him, and you could feel the tip of his erection nudging against you. you were both trembling with need, the world outside the shower fading away until there was only the two of you, lost in a haze of desire. hoseok’s eyes searched yours, looking for permission, and you gave it willingly, nodding your head. without hesitation, he entered you, filling you up with one smooth, powerful thrust.

you cried out, your body stretching to accommodate him, the sensation almost too intense. he stilled for a moment, giving you time to adjust, before he began to move, his hips rolling into yours with a slow, steady rhythm that had you seeing stars. the water continued to cascade around you, a gentle reminder of the world outside, but in this moment, there was only the two of you, the heat of your bodies melding together, the sound of your breaths mingling with the patter of the rain.

his movements grew more urgent, his strokes deepening as he claimed you, his gentle doctor’s hands now possessive and firm. you matched his pace, your legs tightening around him, your nails digging into his back. the water rained down on you both, turning the steamy air into a sensual embrace that only heightened the passion of the moment. hoseok’s lips found yours again, his tongue delving deep as if trying to devour you whole. your kisses grew sloppy and desperate, your breaths mingling in a symphony of need.

his hand left your thigh, sliding up to grip your neck, holding you in place as he ravished your mouth. you felt the tip of his tongue trace the seam of your lips before pushing inside, and you responded eagerly, your own tongue dancing with his. the taste of mint toothpaste and the faint metallic hint of hospital air was intoxicating, a stark reminder of the reality that surrounded your clandestine escape into the steamy oasis.

you reached down to wrap your hand around his length, stroking him in time with his thrusts, feeling him pulse and throb in your grip. his eyes closed briefly, a look of pure ecstasy crossing his face, before snapping open to meet yours again. the intensity of his gaze was almost too much, but you held it, never breaking contact, as you pushed him closer to the edge. hoseok’s breathing grew ragged, his movements becoming more erratic as he approached climax.

his hand moved to cover yours, guiding your strokes, showing you just how he liked it. your other hand slid down to cup his back, pulling him into you with each thrust. the friction was exquisite, each movement bringing you closer to the precipice of pleasure. the sound of the shower was now a cacophony of splashing water, wet skin slapping against wet skin, and the grunts and moans of two lovers lost in the throes of passion.

hoseok’s eyes went wide, and he let out a guttural groan, his body stiffening as he came inside you. the warmth of his release sent you over the edge, your orgasm crashing over you like a wave. your legs tightened around him, your body shuddering with the force of it. he held you through it all, his arms strong and steady, whispering sweet nothings into your ear as you both rode the waves of pleasure.

as your climax subsided, he slowly pulled out, his eyes never leaving yours. you could see the love and adoration shining in them, a stark contrast to the raw lust that had been there moments before. hoseok kissed you gently, his touch tender as he set you down on unsteady legs. the water continued to fall around you, washing away the last remnants of the day’s tension as you stood there, wrapped in each other’s arms, hearts racing and bodies spent. the steam cleared, and reality began to seep back in, but for now, you didn’t care about the world outside. all that mattered was the warmth of hoseok’s embrace, the feel of his skin against yours, and the quiet reassurance that, amidst the chaos, you had found something beautiful and true. you stepped out of the shower, grabbing a towel and wrapping it around your body, the soft fabric a gentle caress against your sensitive skin. hoseok followed, pulling you close once more, and you knew that, no matter what tomorrow brought, you would face it together.

the morning sun filtered through the cracks in the hospital blinds, casting a soft glow over the bustling emergency room. you stood at a patient’s bedside, your hands steady as you carefully adjusted an iv drip. the patient, an elderly woman with kind eyes, smiled weakly at you.

“thank you, dear,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. you returned her smile, your heart warmed by her gratitude. “just doing my job,” you replied gently, checking her vitals one last time before moving on to the next patient. the night had been long, and you felt the weight of exhaustion in your bones, but the memory of hoseok’s arms around you, his whispered reassurances, kept you going.

as you made your way down the corridor, you caught snippets of conversation from two nurses passing by. their voices were hushed, but not enough to prevent you from hearing their words.

“did you hear about (y/n) and doctor jung? i heard she seduced him for a better position and pay,” one of them whispered, a note of disdain in her voice. “typical,” the other replied, her tone equally scornful. “some people will do anything to get ahead.”

the words hit you like a punch to the gut. your heart churned, and for a moment, you felt a wave of nausea. you clenched your fists, fighting to keep your composure as the nurses’ voices faded away. at the same time, you heard a familiar voice by the door. “ignore them.”

you turned to see hoseok standing there, his eyes filled with a mixture of concern and determination. his presence was a balm to your wounded spirit. he crossed the room, his hand finding yours, giving it a reassuring squeeze. you took a deep breath, nodding. “thank you,” you whispered, the words barely audible. he smiled softly, his thumb brushing over your knuckles. “we’ve got more important things to focus on.”

with renewed determination, you continued your rounds, treating patients with the same care and dedication that had always driven you. you sutured wounds, administered medication, and offered comforting words to those in pain. each task was a reminder of why you had chosen this path, and why you wouldn’t let the cruel words of others deter you. one patient, a young boy with a broken arm, clung to his mother as you gently examined the injury. “it’s gonna be okay,” you told him, your voice soothing. “we’ll get you all fixed up.” the boy looked at you with wide, trusting eyes. “promise?”

“i promise,” you said, your heart aching at his vulnerability. you worked quickly and efficiently, setting the bone and applying a cast while his mother watched with tears in her eyes. “thank you, doctor,” she said, her voice trembling with relief. “it’s my pleasure,” you replied, giving her a reassuring smile. as you finished up, you felt a hand on your shoulder. you turned to see hoseok standing beside you, his eyes filled with admiration.

“can we talk?” he asked softly. you nodded, following him to a quiet corner of the room. he turned to face you, his expression serious yet tender. “do you regret what happened last night?” he asked, his voice barely above a whisper. you shook your head, reaching up to cup his cheek. “no, i don’t. not for a second.”

his face softened with relief, a smile breaking through his serious demeanor. he leaned in, pressing a gentle kiss to your cheek. “i’m glad,” he murmured. “because i don’t regret it either.” in that moment, surrounded by the relentless noise of the hospital, the weight of your responsibilities, and the harsh whispers of gossip, you felt a sense of clarity. you and hoseok were in it together, facing the challenges side by side. and no matter what the day would bring, you knew that as long as you had each other, you could endure anything.

the hours flew by in a whirlwind of activity. the emergency room was flooded with patients, and you and hoseok barely had a moment to breathe. each case demanded your full attention, and you threw yourself into your work, determined to make a difference. one of your patients was a middle-aged man with severe lacerations from a car accident. his face was pale, and he winced with every movement. “stay still for me,” you instructed gently as you cleaned the wound. his wife hovered nearby, wringing her hands in worry.

“will he be okay?” she asked, her voice trembling. “we’re doing everything we can,” you reassured her, glancing at hoseok, who was prepping the sutures. “he’s in good hands.” the man’s grip tightened on his wife’s hand as you worked together with hoseok to close the deep gashes. every stitch you made felt like a small victory, a reminder of the importance of your work.

“thank you, doctor,” the man said weakly as you finished, his voice filled with gratitude. “rest now,” hoseok added, his tone calm and authoritative. “you’re going to be fine.”

you moved on to the next patient, a young woman with a high fever and respiratory distress. you monitored her vitals, administered medication, and did everything you could to stabilize her. the relentless pace continued, and with each patient you treated, you felt the weight of responsibility grow heavier. finally, as the sun began to set, the flow of new patients slowed down. the exhaustion hit you like a wave, and you found yourself leaning against a wall, closing your eyes for a moment’s respite. hoseok appeared at your side, his expression mirroring your fatigue.

“let’s take a break,” he suggested softly. “we’ve done enough for now.” you nodded, too tired to argue. together, you walked outside, the cool night air a welcome relief from the stifling atmosphere of the emergency room. a small bonfire crackled nearby, providing warmth and light in the growing darkness. you both sat down, the flames casting flickering shadows on your faces.

he handed you a can of cheap soda, and you accepted it gratefully. you popped the tab and took a sip, the sweetness refreshing after the long day. he watched the fire for a moment before turning his gaze to you, the firelight illuminating his features. “what made you so determined?” you asked, breaking the silence. “i know why i’m here, but i’ve never asked about you.” hoseok sighed, his eyes distant as he stared into the flames. “at first, it was about the money. i wanted a stable career, something that paid well. but everything changed when the earthquake hit.”

you listened intently as he continued, his voice tinged with a mixture of sorrow and resolve. “there was a little girl who was rushed in during the chaos. she was so small, so fragile. i did everything i could to save her, but i made a mistake. a medical error. and she didn’t make it.” your heart ached at his words, a deep empathy stirring within you. “i understand,” you said softly, placing a hand on his arm. “i know that feeling all too well.”

hoseok looked at you, his eyes filled with a pain that mirrored your own. “i know you understand,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “because that little girl was your sister.” the world seemed to tilt on its axis. you stared at him, your mind struggling to process his words. “what? are you joking?”

“i wish i were,” he replied, his eyes glistening with unshed tears. “when i saw the photo of her slip out of your pocket, i knew. i recognized her immediately.”

a torrent of emotions surged through you—shock, betrayal, anger. you pulled away from him, standing up abruptly. “you knew all this time and didn’t tell me?” hoseok stood up as well, his expression desperate. “i’m sorry. i didn’t know how to tell you. I thought—”

“you thought what?” you snapped, your voice rising. “that i wouldn’t find out? that it wouldn’t matter?”

he took a step towards you, his hands outstretched in a pleading gesture. “i did everything i could to save her. i swear. i’ve lived with that guilt every day.” you shook your head, tears streaming down your face. “i can’t believe this. i trusted you, hoseok.”

“please,” he whispered, his voice breaking. “i’m so sorry. i didn’t want to hurt you.” but you couldn’t hear his apologies over the roar of your own anguish. you turned and walked back into the hospital, each step heavy with the weight of betrayal. the familiar corridors felt alien now, and the faces of your colleagues blurred in your vision.

inside, you found a quiet corner and sank to the floor, your heart shattering with each passing second. the realization that hoseok, the man you had come to trust and care for, was connected to the most painful moment of your life was too much to bear. you wrapped your arms around yourself, trying to hold together the pieces of your broken heart. the hospital, once a place of solace and purpose, now felt like a labyrinth of pain and deceit. and as you sat there, alone and overwhelmed, you wondered if you would ever find a way to heal.

the night had already been filled with too much pain, but the worst was yet to come. the dull hum of the hospital was suddenly pierced by the shrill cry of an alarm. the emergency broadcast system crackled to life, filling the room with a foreboding announcement: “attention. a new earthquake is imminent. please proceed to the designated safety areas immediately.”

the sound of the alert was quickly followed by the frantic ringing of alarms. panic spread through the corridors like wildfire. the television screens mounted on the walls flickered with images of shaking buildings and terrified faces. staff members sprinted through the halls, urging patients and visitors to head for the basement. you were still reeling from the revelation of hoseok’s connection to your sister’s death, but the urgency of the situation snapped you into action. the chaos around you was overwhelming, but you focused on the immediate task at hand. the job you had taken on had always been about helping people, and in that moment, you had to live up to the commitment.

you grabbed a nearby nurse, her face ashen with fear. “we need to get everyone to the basement!” you shouted over the cacophony. “we’ll start with the patients in critical condition. follow me!” the nurse nodded, her expression resolute despite her trembling hands. together, you moved swiftly from room to room, helping patients to their feet and guiding them towards the emergency exits. the corridors were a maze of frantic movement and terrified faces.

“please, stay calm!” you yelled as you assisted an elderly woman in a wheelchair. “we’re getting you to safety.” as the ground began to rumble beneath you, a low, ominous growl filled the air. the hospital’s structure groaned as if protesting the force of the impending quake. your heart pounded in your chest as you ushered more patients into the basement, each tremor sending vibrations through the floor and walls.

with each passing moment, the intensity of the shaking increased. the walls swayed, and the ceiling tiles rattled loose, falling to the floor with a deafening crash. the alarms blared incessantly, adding to the din of panicked voices. in the basement, the scene was no less chaotic. people huddled together, their faces pale and eyes wide with terror. you made sure everyone was settled as best as they could be, then pushed your way through the throng of people, desperately searching for hoseok. his absence was an increasing source of dread.

“has anybody seen doctor jung?” you asked, your voice trembling despite your efforts to remain calm. no one answered, and your anxiety only grew.

the tremors beneath your feet grew stronger, and the ground shook violently. the basement walls trembled, and the ceiling seemed to ripple as if in a nightmarish dance. the sobs and cries of frightened families echoed through the confined space. “no, no!” you heard someone scream. “not again!”

the tremors were relentless, a relentless assault on your senses. you clung to a nearby support beam, your knuckles white with the strain. the shaking went on for what felt like hours, an endless barrage of terror and uncertainty. when the shaking finally ceased, a heavy silence settled over the basement. the air was thick with the scent of dust and fear. you looked around, your heart racing, searching for hoseok amid the sea of frightened faces.

“hoseok!” you shouted, but the name was swallowed by the silence. your eyes scanned the room frantically, but there was no sign of him. you approached one of the staff members, her face pale with exhaustion. “have you seen doctor jung? he was supposed to be here, helping—”

“i haven’t seen him since the earthquake started,” she said, her voice trembling. “he must still be upstairs.” a cold dread washed over you as the realization set in. if he was still up there, he was in grave danger. you moved towards the stairwell, but before you could take more than a few steps, a pair of strong hands grabbed your shoulders, pulling you back.

“it’s too dangerous!” a voice shouted. it was one of the security personnel. “we need to stay down here until we’re sure the building is stable!” you struggled against their hold, desperation making your voice raw. “i have to find him, he could be hurt.”

“we’ll send a search team once it’s safe,” the security guard said firmly. “you need to stay put.” you watched helplessly as the staff continued to reassure and comfort the frightened patients. your heart ached with each passing minute, knowing that hoseok was up there, alone and in danger. you couldn’t shake the image of him, his face filled with anguish and regret.

as the hours dragged on, the basement’s tension slowly dissipated. the quake had left the hospital in a state of disarray, but the immediate danger had passed. emergency lights flickered on, casting a harsh, eerie glow over the faces of those huddled together. you sat down on a bench, your body trembling from exhaustion and stress. the fear and sorrow were overwhelming, and the knowledge that he was still missing gnawed at you with relentless intensity. the events of the past days seemed to blur into one long, unending nightmare.

with each passing moment, you clung to the hope that hoseok would return, that somehow he would come back to you, alive and safe. but as the minutes ticked by and the search continued, you couldn’t shake the feeling that you were losing him for good. the basement was a sea of tears and whispered fears, and you were adrift in the middle of it all, waiting for news that felt like it might never come.

the basement, once a haven of safety, now felt like an eerie waiting room, filled with the weight of anxiety and the suffocating hush of fear. the tension was palpable as everyone waited for news, the soft sobs of frightened families creating a haunting backdrop to the dimly lit space. you sat on the edge of a bench, your hands trembling, eyes darting towards the stairwell as if willing hoseok to appear.

the sound of hurried footsteps and the clamor of metal brought a sudden rush of urgency. a safety team burst into the basement, carrying a stretcher between them. the sight of their grim expressions only heightened your anxiety. as they made their way through the crowd, a small figure trailed behind them, her face streaked with tears. you recognized her immediately—jiwon, the little girl you had been so concerned about. your heart leaped at the sight of her. “jiwon!” you cried out, rushing towards her.

she ran into your arms, her sobs shaking her small frame. “i’m so glad to see you,” you said, tears streaming down your face. “i was so worried.” her tear-streaked face looked up at you, her eyes filled with both gratitude and sorrow. “i wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t rescued me,” she said between hiccupping breaths.

you frowned, confusion clouding your thoughts. “who are you talking about?”

she pointed to the stretcher being wheeled in. your heart dropped as you took in the sight of the man lying on it. it was hoseok. his once-immaculate white coat was now a tattered mess, stained with blood and grime. his face was marred by scratches, and his skin was torn and bruised from splinters. a gash in his leg bled profusely, and his breathing was shallow and labored.

panic surged through you as you pushed past the safety team and knelt beside him. “hoseok!” you cried, gently placing your fingers against his neck. the pulse beneath your fingertips was weak but present. relief mingled with the gnawing regret that had taken root in your heart. “hoseok!” you pleaded, your voice breaking as you examined his wounds. “please, stay with me.”

jiwon, her face still wet with tears, watched you with a look of deep concern. “he saved me,” she repeated, her voice quivering. “he kept me safe.”

you took a deep breath, fighting the wave of despair threatening to overwhelm you. “i need medical supplies!” you shouted to the team, your voice urgent. “now!” as the team scrambled to fetch the equipment, you turned your attention back to him. memories of his teachings flashed through your mind—everything he had shared about treating injuries, his instructions on how to handle severe trauma. with trembling hands, you began to clean the gash on his leg, your movements both desperate and precise.

the blood flowed freely, and you struggled to staunch the flow. you focused on each step, trying to push aside the guilt gnawing at you. “i’m sorry,” you whispered as you worked. “i’m so sorry.” the minutes stretched into what felt like an eternity. your hands worked methodically, applying pressure, cleaning the wound, and bandaging it with the skill you had learned from him. every time you looked at his face, every time you saw the pain and the sacrifice etched into his features, the regret and sorrow became nearly unbearable.

finally, after what felt like hours, you finished with his leg. you moved to his other injuries, performing basic first aid to stabilize him as best you could. each movement was a battle against the rising tide of emotion and the weight of your fears. with hoseok now stabilized, you stepped back, your heart aching as you looked at his battered form. you took his hand in yours, your tears falling onto his still face. “please,” you begged, your voice cracking with emotion. “please wake up. you have to stay alive. i need you. i forgive you—whatever happened, it doesn’t matter. i can’t lose you too.”

the silence of the basement was deafening as you continued to hold his hand, the enormity of what had happened crashing down on you. the walls seemed to close in, and the oppressive weight of the situation bore heavily on your shoulders. as you sat beside him, your pleas became more desperate. “hoseok, you have to come back to me. i know i’ve been angry, and i know there’s so much we haven’t said. but you’re the only one who understands, the only one who has been there for me. please, don’t leave me.”

jiwon, watching from a few steps away, seemed to sense your pain and stepped closer. “he saved me,” she said softly, her voice full of quiet conviction. “he’s a hero. he’ll be okay.” your heart swelled with gratitude for the little girl’s words, but it did little to ease the crushing weight of guilt and grief. he had put his life on the line just to save the girl that reminded you so much of your sister. the faint sound of the alarms in the background was a stark reminder of the chaos outside, but there, in the small, dimly lit corner of the basement, it was just you and him.

the basement was still, save for the occasional shuffling of feet and the distant murmurs of anxious voices. the weight of the entire ordeal hung heavy in the air as you sat by hoseok’s side, your hands stained with blood and your body numb from exhaustion. the darkness of the night seemed endless, a constant reminder of the fragile line between hope and despair.

you hadn't closed your eyes for what felt like an eternity, your gaze fixed on his still form. every labored breath he took was a reminder of the dire situation, and you clung to the hope that he would pull through. the flickering light from the emergency lamps cast long, wavering shadows across his face, highlighting the bruises and cuts that marred his once-charming features.

finally, after what seemed like an infinite stretch of time, you saw a slight movement. his eyes fluttered open, and your heart leaped into your throat. “hoseok!” you cried out, your voice trembling with a mix of relief and disbelief.

his eyes, though heavy with exhaustion, met yours. his breathing was still labored, each inhale coming in shallow, ragged gasps. but there was a flicker of recognition, a glimmer of the warm, familiar presence you had feared you might never see again. tears streamed down your face as you reached for him, your fingers brushing against his cheek with a gentleness born of desperation and love.

he gave a weak smile, his lips curving up despite the pain etched into every line of his face. “well,” he rasped, his voice barely more than a whisper, “i always thought you’d be the one in this position, not me.” a shaky laugh escaped you as you held him closer, your tears mingling with the blood on his clothes. “i’m so glad you’re awake,” you whispered through your sobs. “i was so scared I’d lost you. i'm so sorry.”

his fingers, though trembling, reached up to brush your hair away from your face. the touch was tender, and it made your heart ache with the depth of your relief. “i’m the one who should be sorry,” he murmured, his voice hoarse but earnest. “i never wanted to put you through this.”

you shook your head, pressing your forehead against his. “no,” you said firmly, your voice breaking with emotion. “you did your best. you saved jiwon. you saved her, and you saved me.”

as you held him, his lips brushed gently against your hair, a tender gesture that conveyed more than words ever could. you could feel his heartbeat, faint but steady, and it was a rhythm that filled you with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. his gaze wandered to where jiwon stood a few feet away. her face was slick with tears, but she was smiling, her small frame trembling with the weight of the relief and gratitude she felt. the sight of her, so reminiscent of your own lost sister, brought a fresh wave of tears to your eyes.

her presence was a poignant reminder of everything you had lost and everything you had fought so hard to protect. she was a symbol of innocence and hope, a small, fragile life that had been preserved through the sacrifices made by hoseok and yourself. the resemblance to your sister was uncanny, and it was as though the universe had given you a bittersweet gift—a reflection of the child you had mourned, now standing before you as a living testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

you looked at her, then back at hoseok, who was watching her with a faint smile on his lips. his eyes were filled with a mix of pain and satisfaction, a silent acknowledgment of the bond that had formed through their shared ordeal. “she reminds me so much of her,” you said softly, more to yourself than to him.

he nodded, his gaze still fixed on jiwon. “i know,” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “she’s a brave little girl.”

the basement, once filled with dread and uncertainty, now seemed to resonate with a quiet, profound sense of relief. despite the chaos and the trauma that had unfolded, the small victories and the lives saved were a testament to the strength and courage that had carried you through.

you continued to hold hoseok close, your heart swelling with a mix of emotions. the night had been long and harrowing, but as you sat there, enveloped in the warmth of his presence and the sight of jiwon’s tearful smile, you felt a flicker of hope and redemption.

✧.*

a/n: this was so fun to write omg

l’espoir (희망) – jung hoseok (정호석)

✧.* 18+

cooking had always been more than just a necessity; it was an art form, an expression of emotion, culture, and memory. each dish was a canvas, and the ingredients were the paints, their vibrant colors and textures inviting the imagination to run wild. the kitchen, with its warm, ambient light and the comforting hum of the stove, became a sanctuary where creativity flowed freely.

the process began with the careful selection of ingredients, each one chosen with purpose and care. the rich, earthy scent of freshly picked herbs mingled with the sweet aroma of ripe tomatoes, their skins still glistening with the morning dew. the produce, with its natural imperfections, held a rustic beauty that promised authenticity. the meats, marbled and tender, were selected with an understanding of their unique qualities, each cut a potential masterpiece waiting to be realized.

as the knife danced across the cutting board, there was a rhythm to the motion, a graceful precision that came with years of practice. the crisp snap of a carrot giving way under the blade, the soft thud of a tomato being sliced, and the aromatic release of a garlic clove being crushed—each sound was a note in the symphony of preparation. the senses were fully engaged; the eyes, tracing the vibrant colors that slowly melded together; the nose, inhaling the complex layers of scents that hinted at the flavors to come; the ears, catching the subtle sizzles and crackles as the heat worked its magic.

the heat of the stove brought everything to life, transforming raw ingredients into something greater than the sum of their parts. the onions caramelized slowly, their sharpness mellowing into a deep, golden sweetness. the meats seared to perfection, a satisfying sizzle filling the air as the juices locked in, creating a rich, savory crust. sauces reduced in a patient dance of evaporation and intensification, their once separate flavors now blending into a harmonious whole.

every movement in the kitchen was deliberate, yet there was room for spontaneity, a sudden dash of spice, a last-minute decision to add a touch of lemon zest. cooking was an intuitive dance between tradition and innovation, where recipes handed down through generations met the creative impulses of the moment. It was in this balance that true culinary artistry was born, where the cook's soul was infused into each dish. plating the food was the final act, a chance to present the creation as a visual feast before it was consumed. the vibrant colors of the vegetables, the artful arrangement of proteins, and the careful drizzle of sauces—all were carefully considered to make the dish as pleasing to the eyes as it was to the palate. the plate was the frame, and the food, the artwork, each detail telling a story, each bite an experience.

cooking was more than a task to be completed; it was a journey, a way to communicate without words, to share a part of oneself with others. it was an act of love, a gesture of care, and a celebration of the simple yet profound joy of nourishment. in the kitchen, every dish was a story waiting to be told, a story crafted with the hands, guided by the heart, and shared with those who gathered around the table.

you had never thought much about cooking. it seemed like a mundane task, something that simply had to be done to keep hunger at bay. eggs and instant noodles had always sufficed, their simplicity mirroring your indifference. you often wondered why anyone would spend hours in the kitchen when a meal could be whipped up in minutes. the aroma of a slowly simmering stew or the sight of a beautifully arranged plate held little meaning for you. but that was before everything changed, before your mother fell ill.

her illness crept up slowly, stealing her strength bit by bit until the vibrant woman who had always filled your home with the scent of home-cooked meals could no longer stand for more than a few minutes. the kitchen, once her domain, grew silent, the once lively space now cold and empty. it was then that you realized how much you had taken those meals for granted, how much they had been a part of your life without you even noticing.

with your mother unable to cook for herself, you were thrust into a role you had never imagined. you could have continued with the instant noodles, could have resigned yourself to the blandness of quick and easy meals. but something inside you resisted. you saw the way your mother looked at the untouched pots and pans, the sadness in her eyes as she realized she could no longer provide for you in the way she always had. it was then that you decided to try, to step into the kitchen and see if you could recreate even a fraction of what she used to make.

at first, it was a struggle. you were clumsy, your hands unfamiliar with the rhythm of chopping, stirring, and seasoning. the internet became your guide, recipes your lifeline as you navigated this new world. you searched for dishes she loved, simple at first—soups, stews, anything that might bring her comfort. the first few attempts were far from perfect. you burnt the rice, overcooked the vegetables, and the seasoning was always slightly off. but your mother never complained. she would smile as she tasted each dish, her eyes softening with pride, even when you knew it wasn’t quite right.

as the days turned into weeks, you began to notice a change in yourself. the kitchen, once an alien landscape, started to feel familiar. you learned to savor the process, to enjoy the way ingredients came together to form something new, something that brought a smile to your mother’s face. the care you put into each meal became a form of expression, a way to show her how much you loved her, how much you wanted to take care of her as she had taken care of you.

with time, your confidence grew. you experimented more, tried new techniques, and even began to create your own dishes. your mother’s reactions fueled your passion; the way she closed her eyes and sighed contentedly after the first bite, the way she would eagerly ask what was on the menu for the day. cooking became more than just a duty—it became a way to connect with her, to bring her joy in a time when there was so little of it left.

when she passed, the loss was unbearable. the kitchen, once filled with purpose, became a place of grief. But instead of abandoning it, you found yourself drawn to it, almost as if by instinct. cooking became a way to keep her memory alive, a way to honor the woman who had taught you to love food, even if she hadn’t done so intentionally. each meal was a tribute to her, a way to thank her for introducing you to something that brought you peace, something that made you feel closer to her even though she was gone.

it wasn’t long before you decided to take your passion further. culinary school was an intimidating prospect, but you felt ready. you entered with the same trepidation you had felt when you first stepped into the kitchen, but also with the same determination. the instructors taught you the finer points of the craft, but you always added a piece of yourself into each dish, just as you had done when cooking for your mother. your ideas were met with curiosity and admiration. you presented dishes that reflected your journey, from the humble grilled squid stew that reminded you of your early experiments to the bold korean barbecue sandwiches that showcased your creativity and confidence. each dish was crafted with care, infused with the love and respect you had for the process. you passed the program not just because of your skill, but because of the heart you put into every plate.

cooking had become more than just a way to feed yourself or others; it had become a way to tell your story, to express who you were and where you came from. every time you stood in the kitchen, you felt her presence, guiding your hands as you chopped, stirred, and seasoned. and as you watched others enjoy the food you prepared, their smiles reminded you of her, of the way she had once smiled at you, and you knew that you had found something truly special.

when the opportunity for an internship at l’espoir presented itself, you felt a mix of anticipation and curiosity. you had been through so much already, from your first fumbling steps in the kitchen to the rigorous challenges of culinary school. and now, here you were, standing on the brink of something new. the name of the restaurant itself resonated with you in a way that felt almost fated. l’espoir. hope. it was a simple word, yet it carried such profound meaning, especially for someone like you, who had found in cooking the one thing that kept you grounded, the one thing that still made you happy.

you had nothing against the idea of working there—on the contrary, you were drawn to it. there was something poetic about the name, something that spoke to your soul. cooking had always been more than just a means of sustenance; it was your connection to your past, your way of honoring your mother, and the very essence of hope. so when you accepted the offer, it wasn’t with trepidation or reluctance, but with a quiet, simmering excitement. this, you thought, could be your fresh start.

the day you walked through the doors of l’espoir for the first time, the air was thick with the mingling aromas of herbs, garlic, and roasting meats. the kitchen was a hive of activity, yet it was orchestrated with the precision of a symphony. there was a rhythm to the place, a kind of dance that the chefs performed with their knives, pans, and ladles. the hiss of oil in a hot pan, the clatter of plates being set down, the low hum of focused conversation—all of it combined to create a world that was at once chaotic and harmonious.

the chef in charge was a figure of quiet authority. you had heard of chef jung before, his reputation preceding him like the fragrant bouquet of a well-seasoned broth. he was not known for being flamboyant or loud, but rather for his meticulous attention to detail, his ability to coax the most delicate flavors from even the simplest ingredients. his presence commanded respect, not through fear, but through the sheer weight of his expertise and the dedication he inspired in those who worked under him.

when you were introduced, he looked at you with eyes that seemed to assess everything in a single glance. he was attractive, with brown threads running through his dark hair, and his chef’s whites were as crisp and clean as the linens in the dining room. there was a calmness about him, a confidence that came from years of experience, but also a warmth that hinted at a genuine love for his craft. he extended a hand, his grip firm but not crushing, and welcomed you to his kitchen.

“bienvenue à l’espoir,” he said, his voice steady and rich. “i trust you’re ready to work.” you nodded, feeling the weight of the moment. it was the start of something new, something that could shape the course of your life. the kitchen was no longer just a place to cook; it was a stage, and you were about to step into a role that would challenge you in ways you couldn’t yet imagine.

you learned quickly that chef jung hoseok was not the warm, encouraging figure you had once imagined. there was an air of severity about him, a sharpness that seemed to permeate every corner of the kitchen. from the moment you set foot in l’espoir, you were acutely aware that this place was not a haven of creativity and shared passion but rather a crucible, designed to burn away anything that wasn’t absolute perfection. hoseok was at the center of it all, a man whose entire being seemed devoted to the pursuit of culinary excellence, and nothing else.

his presence was commanding, but not in the way that inspires admiration or loyalty. Instead, it instilled a sense of dread, a fear of making even the smallest mistake. he had a way of watching you, his gaze sharp and unyielding, that made you question every movement, every decision you made. there was no room for error in his kitchen, no margin for anything less than flawless execution. his standards were exacting, his expectations clear in the curt, precise way he delivered instructions. any hope you might have had for guidance or mentorship was quickly dashed—there, you were expected to perform, and to perform perfectly.

as you followed his directives, each task assigned with a precision that bordered on obsession, you felt the weight of his scrutiny. the kitchen, once a place of solace and creativity for you, had become a place of tension, where every clatter of a pan or slip of a knife carried the potential for rebuke. there was no room for error, no space for growth; only the relentless pursuit of perfection under hoseok’s watchful eye.

you were immersed in your work, the steady rhythm of chopping vegetables the only thing keeping your nerves at bay, when you felt a presence beside you. a girl had approached, her demeanor bright and friendly, a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere that hoseok cultivated. she leaned in slightly, peering over your shoulder with a curious expression that quickly melted into a warm smile. “your knife skills are really impressive,” she remarked, her voice light and genuine, a welcome relief in the otherwise tense environment.

you glanced up, meeting her gaze with a slight smile of your own. it was the first bit of kindness you had encountered since stepping into this kitchen, and it was enough to ease some of the tension that had been building in your chest. “thank you,” you replied, your voice tinged with gratitude. as you spoke, you noticed the meticulously arranged assortment of seasonings at her station. wach jar and container was perfectly aligned, the spices within organized by color and texture, a testament to her own care and precision. “your seasonings are beautifully arranged,” you added, genuinely impressed by her attention to detail.

she beamed at the compliment, a touch of pride in her expression. “i like to keep them organized. it makes experimenting with flavors a lot easier when everything’s in its place.” there was something infectious about her enthusiasm, a brightness that seemed to push back the shadows that hoseok’s presence cast over the kitchen. it was a small comfort, but in that place, even the smallest comfort felt like a lifeline.

“i’m park chaeyoung, by the way,” she said, extending a hand to you in a gesture that felt almost old-fashioned in its sincerity. you took her hand, finding her grip warm and reassuring. “it’s nice to meet you. i’m—”

before you could finish your introduction, she cut you off with a knowing look. “have you met chef jung yet?” she asked, her tone more serious now, as if she was preparing you for something you hadn’t yet understood. you nodded, the memory of your brief, formal introduction still fresh in your mind. “yeah, he welcomed me and then put me straight to work.”

chaeyoung let out a soft, almost derisive laugh, shaking her head slightly. “rhat sounds like him. work is all he cares about.” her voice held a hint of bitterness, the kind that comes from experience, from seeing too much and saying too little. she hesitated for a moment, as if weighing her words carefully, before leaning in slightly closer. “you need to be careful around him.”

The warning was subtle, almost whispered, but it struck you with an unexpected force. there was something in her tone, a depth of concern that went beyond the usual advice given to new interns. you could feel the weight of her words, the implication that there was more to hoseok than just his stern demeanor and strict standards. “what do you mean?” you began, your curiosity piqued, but before she could respond, the sound of a door opening interrupted the moment.

you turned just in time to see hoseok emerge from his office, his presence immediately commanding the attention of everyone in the room. his expression was as unreadable as ever, his eyes scanning the kitchen with the precision of a hawk. every movement, every sound seemed to be registered, cataloged in his mind as he took stock of the ongoing work. there was a moment of stillness, the kitchen holding its collective breath as he surveyed the scene.

then his gaze locked onto one of the other cooks, a young woman named kim dahyun. she looked up at him, her face lighting up with a smile that was almost childlike in its adoration. it was as if his very presence was enough to make her day, her entire being focused on him as if nothing else mattered. “dahyun,” he said, his voice cutting through the air with the same precision as one of his knives. “come to my office.”

she practically leapt to her feet, her eagerness visible as she hurried over to him. there was something unsettling about the way she reacted to him, a kind of blind devotion that seemed out of place in a professional kitchen. she followed him into his office without a moment’s hesitation, the door closing behind them with a quiet finality. you couldn’t help but feel a chill run down your spine as you watched them go. there was something about the exchange that felt wrong, but you couldn’t quite place what it was. it wasn’t just the power dynamic at play—though that was certainly part of it—it was something more, something unspoken that lingered in the air long after they had disappeared from view.

chaeyoung’s voice broke through your thoughts, drawing your attention back to her. “do you see what i mean now?” she asked, her tone a mix of concern and resignation. there was a sadness in her eyes, a look that told you she had seen this play out before, that she knew where it would lead. but you shook your head, still unsure of what she was trying to convey. the confusion must have been evident on your face, because she sighed softly, her expression softening as she looked at you with a mixture of pity and understanding.

“you’ll find out soon enough,” she said quietly, her voice laced with a sorrow that made your heart sink. “just be careful. that’s all i’m saying.” with that, she turned back to her station, leaving you to grapple with the unease that had settled in your chest. the warmth and friendliness that had initially put you at ease were now overshadowed by a sense of foreboding, a feeling that there were things in this kitchen you had yet to understand, and that understanding them might cost you more than you were prepared to give.

the day had worn on relentlessly, each task blurring into the next until you lost track of time. the kitchen was a relentless machine, and you had been one of its many moving parts, a cog in the grand design orchestrated by chef jung. the relentless pace of service had demanded every ounce of your focus, leaving no room for distractions or second thoughts. each dish you plated, each garnish you placed, was an offering, a testament to the skill you had fought so hard to hone.

as the evening crept into night, the rush of orders began to slow, the once frantic energy in the kitchen tapering off into something quieter, more subdued. you found yourself still working, your hands moving on autopilot as you plated the last few dishes with the same care and precision you had started with. it wasn’t until you placed the final plate on the pass that you realized the noise had died down entirely.

you glanced around, noticing for the first time that the other chefs had finished their shifts and were long gone. the kitchen, once bustling with life, was now eerily silent, the only sounds the soft hum of the overhead lights and the faint clatter of pots and pans as you began to clear your station. you hadn’t even noticed that you were the last one standing, too absorbed in the rhythm of the work to register the passage of time.

with a quiet sigh, you began to return the ingredients to their proper places, meticulously ensuring that everything was as it should be. your movements were slow, almost practiced, as the exhaustion of the day finally began to catch up with you. every muscle in your body ached, but there was a certain satisfaction in knowing that you had made it through your first day unscathed—or so you thought.

as you turned around to grab the plates from the counter, your heart nearly leapt out of your chest. there, standing in the dim light of the kitchen, was hoseok. he was so still, so silent, that you hadn’t noticed him at all, and the shock of his sudden presence nearly made the plates slip from your hands. you caught them just in time, fumbling slightly as you tried to regain your composure. his expression was unreadable, the same stoic mask he had worn all day. there was a heaviness in the air, a palpable tension that made your breath hitch in your throat. “chef jung,” you managed to say, your voice betraying the nervousness that you had tried so hard to keep at bay. “did you need anything?”

for a moment, he said nothing, simply observing you with that intense, unwavering gaze that you were beginning to find so unsettling. then, after what felt like an eternity, he spoke. “you did a good job today,” he said, his tone flat, almost devoid of emotion. it was the closest thing to praise you had received all day, and yet it felt strangely hollow. you nodded, a nervous laugh escaping you as you turned back to put away the plates and tidy up what was left on the counter. your hands moved quickly, more out of a desire to escape the uncomfortable silence than anything else. but no matter how fast you worked, you could still feel his eyes on you, that penetrating stare that seemed to see through every facade you tried to put up.

it wasn’t until you heard the soft, almost imperceptible sound of footsteps that you realized he was moving closer. slowly, deliberately, he approached, each step measured and precise, like a predator closing in on its prey. the hairs on the back of your neck stood on end, a sense of dread settling over you as you continued to work, pretending not to notice how close he was getting. but then, before you knew it, he was right in front of you, his presence overwhelming in the confined space of the kitchen. you froze, your hands stilling as the tension between you reached a boiling point. the counter behind you pressed into your lower back as you instinctively backed away, trying to put some distance between you and the chef who now towered over you.

your breath caught in your throat, your heart hammering in your chest as you looked up at him, your mind racing to make sense of the situation. there was something different in his eyes now, something dark and unreadable, a flicker of something that made your skin prickle with unease. you couldn’t look away, trapped by his gaze, unable to move as the air seemed to thicken around you.

“i take good care of my employees,” hoseok said, his voice low, almost a whisper. the words hung in the air, heavy with implication. “especially the ones that know what they’re doing.”

he paused, letting the weight of his statement sink in. the smirk that followed was small, barely noticeable, but it sent a shiver down your spine nonetheless. there was a calculated cruelty in it, a reminder that you were playing a game whose rules you didn’t fully understand. the look of shock on your face must have amused him, because the smirk deepened, the corners of his mouth curling upward in a way that was anything but friendly. he held your gaze for a moment longer, letting the silence stretch out until it became unbearable, before finally turning on his heel and walking away, leaving you alone in the kitchen.

you stood there, rooted to the spot, your mind reeling from the encounter. the exhaustion that had weighed you down only moments ago was now replaced by a new kind of fatigue, one born of fear and uncertainty. his words echoed in your mind, a reminder that you had only just begun to scratch the surface of what it meant to work under a man like him. and as the silence of the kitchen closed in around you, you couldn’t shake the feeling that the real challenge lay ahead, hidden behind the inscrutable mask of the man who had just left you standing there in astonishment.

the next morning at l’espoir was a blur of activity, the kitchen bustling with the early rush of orders and the frenetic energy that came with the start of a new day. as you worked, your thoughts kept drifting back to the unnerving encounter with hoseok the night before. the more you thought about it, the more the details seemed to gnaw at you, leaving you with a gnawing sense of unease.

in a brief lull between the chaos, you seized the opportunity to speak with chaeyoung, hoping for some clarity. she was at her station, her focus entirely on the task at hand as she expertly wielded her knife. you approached her, the question weighing heavily on your mind. “chaeyoung,” you began, trying to keep your tone casual despite the anxiety bubbling beneath the surface. “last night, hoseok—chef jung—he said something that really threw me off. he said he takes good care of his employees, especially the ones who know what they’re doing. what did he mean by that?”

her eyes widened in surprise, and she set her knife down with a decisive thud. her gaze was fixed on you, a mixture of shock and concern crossing her features. “that was faster than i thought,” she said, her voice laced with a gravity that made your stomach churn. desperation tinged your voice as you pleaded with her for an explanation. “what do you mean? please, just tell me what’s going on.”

she opened her mouth to respond, but before she could utter a single word, the same voice that had cut through the atmosphere the previous day filled the kitchen once more. chef hoseok’s presence was unmistakable, his authority evident even from a distance. he appeared in the doorway, his stance casual but his expression unreadable. “seo soojin,” he called out, his tone commanding and precise. the moment the name left his lips, the kitchen seemed to hold its breath.

you turned to see soojin, another fellow cook, visibly excited as she looked up at hoseok. her face lit up with a smile that was almost childlike, a contrast to the stern expression you had come to associate with him. without a moment’s hesitation, she followed him out of the kitchen, her steps light and eager. dahyun, who had been bustling around earlier with a beaming expression, now stood with a look of disappointed resignation. her eyes followed soojin and hoseok as they disappeared through the door, her shoulders slumping slightly as if she had expected something different.

as you watched the scene unfold, hoseok’s gaze met yours for a brief, unsettling moment. there was that smirk again, a fleeting expression that seemed to carry a weight of its own. he held your gaze just long enough to make you feel uncomfortable before turning back toward soojin, leaving you standing there with a knot of confusion in your chest. you turned back to chaeyoung, your confusion evident. “what’s going on? why does he keep doing this?”

chaeyoung let out a heavy sigh, turning to face you fully. her expression was one of resignation, her eyes filled with an emotion that was hard to decipher. “you will never be special no matter how good you are,” she said, her voice calm but carrying a weight that made your heart sink. there was no malice in her tone, but the words were stark and cold, cutting through the air with an unspoken finality. she paused, letting her words sink in before continuing. “don’t let him make you think you’re special. he has a way of making you believe you’re important, but it’s all a part of the game he plays. you’re just another cog in the machine.”

without waiting for a response, she turned back to her station, picking up her knife and resuming her work with a practiced efficiency. the clatter of the knife against the cutting board was the only sound that filled the silence that followed, the atmosphere in the kitchen heavy with the weight of her words. you stood there, rooted to the spot, your mind spinning with the implications of what she had said. the confusion that had settled over you was now compounded by a growing sense of foreboding.

the kitchen was a symphony of clattering pans, the hiss of flames, and the murmur of orders being called out and fulfilled with practiced precision. you moved through it all with a growing sense of unease, still rattled by the strange dynamics you had witnessed earlier. the incident with soojin played over in your mind, intertwining with chaeyoung's cryptic warnings, leaving you with a gnawing sense of dread.

hours passed in a blur of activity, the rhythm of the kitchen demanding your full attention, but even as you focused on your tasks, a part of you remained on edge. And then, just as you were beginning to lose yourself in the routine, the atmosphere in the kitchen shifted. the familiar presence of chef hoseok filled the room, his energy commanding and intense. you were used to him surveying the kitchen with a critical eye, but this time, he wasn’t simply observing.

to everyone’s astonishment, including your own, hoseok called out your name. the room seemed to freeze as he paused for a moment, letting the weight of his words hang in the air before continuing. “come to my office.”

a shiver ran down your spine, your blood running cold as chaeyoung’s eyes widened in shock. she turned to you with a look of apprehension, and you could see the fear reflected in her gaze, as though she had been waiting for this very moment and dreading it all the same. you nodded weakly, the motion almost imperceptible, as you tried to steady your breathing. with leaden feet, you followed him out of the kitchen, feeling the envious glares from many of the female cooks boring into your back. the intensity of their stares made your skin prickle with discomfort, but you swallowed your fear, forcing yourself to maintain some semblance of composure.

the walk to his office felt interminable, every step echoing in your mind with a sense of finality. when you finally reached his door, it creaked open with an ominous slowness, revealing the space within. the office was stark and minimalistic, a sharp contrast to the chaos of the kitchen. the walls were a cold, muted gray, devoid of any decoration save for a single, large window that overlooked the city. the desk was made of dark, polished wood, a few neatly stacked papers and a sleek laptop the only items adorning its surface. a single chair sat opposite his, the leather worn but comfortable, a place where countless others had sat before you.

hoseok moved behind his desk with a certain predatory grace, settling into his chair and fixing you with a smirk that sent another shiver down your spine. the silence in the room was heavy, charged with an unspoken tension that made your heart race. you stood there, feeling out of place, as though you were trespassing in a space where you didn’t belong. his eyes remained on you, studying your every move as you finally gathered the courage to speak. “why did you need to see me, chef jung?”

he was silent for a moment, his gaze unwavering, and then, with a calculated slowness, he leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled beneath his chin. “you’ve got a special gift, don’t you?” the question took you off guard, and you furrowed your brow in confusion. “what do you mean?”

“for cooking,” he clarified, though his tone carried an edge of something more. “you’re an outstanding chef.” you forced a nervous laugh, trying to downplay the compliment that felt more like a trap. “thank you, chef jung.”

his eyes narrowed slightly, as though he were measuring your reaction, and then he continued, his voice smooth and deliberate. “performance means everything to me. in the kitchen, maybe even in the office.” the sound of his words hung in the air, and a sense of unease tightened your chest. you frowned, trying to keep your voice steady as you asked, “what do you mean by that?”

instead of answering, hoseok stood up from his chair with a fluid motion, his eyes never leaving yours. as he approached, you instinctively backed away, your heels hitting the wall behind you. the cold surface pressed into your back, trapping you as he moved closer, his presence overwhelming and suffocating. he was mere inches away from you now, his breath warm against your skin as he leaned in, his voice dropping to a low purr. “you’re a pretty girl,” he murmured, his tone almost mocking. “a shy one too, it seems.”

your breath caught in your throat, your mind scrambling for a way out of this situation. his gaze was piercing, intense, and when you turned your head to avoid it, he quirked an eyebrow in amusement. “what’s this?” he asked, his voice laced with a cruel curiosity. “you really don’t want to sleep with me?”

his question hit you like a slap to the face, your eyes widening in shock as the reality of the situation clicked into place. the pieces of the puzzle—the office visits, the strange behavior of the female cooks, chaeyoung’s warnings—all fell together with a sickening clarity. a scoff escaped your lips, more out of disbelief than anything else. “why would i want to sleep with you?”

hoseok’s expression faltered, surprise flickering in his eyes as though he hadn’t expected such a response. you could see the gears turning in his mind, trying to reconcile your reaction with whatever twisted game he was playing. you pressed on, the anger rising in your chest as you confronted him. “do you bring all of your female cooks in here just to sleep with them? what kind of restaurant is this?”

the question hung in the air like a challenge, and for a moment, the power dynamic between you shifted. his gaze hardened, the smirk fading as his expression turned cold. “watch what you say,” he warned, his tone icy. but the fear that had gripped you before was gone, replaced by a fiery determination. “or what?” you shot back, your voice steady despite the pounding of your heart. “you’ll fire me?”

he seemed genuinely taken aback, as if no one had ever dared to stand up to him before. his eyes searched yours, trying to find a crack in your resolve, but you didn’t give him the satisfaction. “no need to fire me,” you continued, your voice firm. “because i quit.”

the words were final, a declaration of your independence from whatever twisted game he had been playing. you could see the shock in his eyes, the disbelief that someone had dared to defy him. “you have some balls to think i’d sleep with you,” you added, your voice dripping with contempt. “and for what? you’re an asshole who takes advantage of women for the price of an overcooked steak.” his eyes were wide, his face a mask of astonishment as you slipped off your uniform coat jacket, the fabric heavy in your hands. with a final, defiant glare, you slammed it down on his desk, the sound reverberating through the silent office. without another word, you turned on your heel and walked out, leaving the door ajar behind you.

the night air was cool as you walked home, the city lights a blur of distant halos against the encroaching darkness. each step felt heavier than the last, your thoughts a tumultuous whirl of emotions as the gravity of what you had just done began to settle in. the confrontation with hoseok replayed in your mind on an endless loop—his smirk, his words, your defiance. In the moment, it had felt powerful, even righteous, but now, with the adrenaline fading, a different sensation began to take hold.

by the time you reached the front door of your small apartment, the realization of your actions had fully sunk in. you paused, your hand trembling slightly as you reached for the keys in your pocket. the quiet creak of the door as it swung open felt like the final sound before the storm. you stepped inside, the familiar scent of home offering a fleeting sense of comfort, but it wasn’t enough to quell the rising tide of emotions that threatened to overwhelm you.

the door closed behind you with a soft click, and suddenly, the weight of the evening pressed down on you like a suffocating blanket. you stood there, motionless, in the middle of your living room, the silence around you amplifying the chaos in your mind. the tears came slowly at first, a single drop trailing down your cheek as the full impact of what you had done crashed over you like a wave. you had just walked out on your internship, on the one opportunity that was supposed to be your stepping stone into the culinary world. hoseok was an asshole, yes, a man who clearly enjoyed taking advantage of his position, using his authority to charm his way into the beds of his female employees. but he hadn’t forced anyone—everything he did was consensual. so why had you been so angry, so furious that you had thrown away everything you had worked for?

you sank down onto the couch, your body trembling as the tears began to flow more freely. it wasn’t just about hoseok’s arrogance, his assumption that you would be willing to trade your dignity for his approval, though that stung deeply. it was the way he had discredited your culinary abilities entirely, reducing you to nothing more than a pretty face in his kitchen. the care and passion you had poured into your cooking, the countless hours spent honing your craft, all of it had been dismissed with a casual smirk and a lecherous comment.

you pressed your hands to your face, trying to stifle the sobs that wracked your body. it felt as though the ground beneath you had crumbled, leaving you adrift in a sea of doubt and regret. you had been so proud to land this internship, so eager to prove yourself, and now it was all slipping away. the memories of your mother flooded your mind—her gentle smile as she tasted your first attempts at cooking, the way she had encouraged you to follow your passion, the pride in her eyes when you were accepted into culinary school. all of it, you feared, was being tossed into the abyss along with your future.

your sobs grew louder, your chest heaving with the force of your despair. you had wanted so badly to succeed, to make your mother proud, and now it felt like you had failed her, failed yourself. you couldn’t imagine what would happen next—whether you would be blacklisted, your reputation tarnished, or if this was the end of your dreams altogether. the sound of your phone buzzing broke through your sobs, the sudden noise startling you. you wiped your tears with the back of your hand, your vision blurry as you fumbled to pull your phone from your pocket.

the screen glowed in the dim light, an unknown number displayed across it. for a moment, you hesitated, your heart pounding in your chest as a flood of possibilities rushed through your mind. slowly, you unlocked the phone and opened the message. the words on the screen made your breath catch in your throat: “this is hoseok. be ready for work tomorrow. come on time.”

your eyes widened in shock, the tears still clinging to your lashes as you stared at the message in disbelief. you read it over and over, each time hoping that you hadn’t misread it, that it wasn’t some cruel joke. but the message remained the same, clear and concise, with no hint of the malice or arrogance you had come to expect from him. a fresh wave of tears welled up in your eyes, but this time they weren’t tears of despair. you cried out in a mixture of relief and gratitude, your voice breaking as you whispered, “thank you.” the words felt inadequate, too small to convey the whirlwind of emotions that surged through you—relief, disbelief, hope. you had been certain that you were finished, that you had burned the bridge beyond repair, but now, against all odds, hoseok was giving you another chance.

you clutched the phone to your chest, your tears flowing freely as you continued to murmur your thanks, as if by doing so you could somehow ensure that this second chance was real, that it wouldn’t slip away from you. the room around you was a blur, your thoughts a tangled mess of confusion and gratitude, but one thing was clear—you had been given an unexpected opportunity to prove yourself once more.

the early morning light filtered through the tall windows of the restaurant, casting a soft glow across the kitchen as you stepped inside. the space was quiet, the usual bustle of the day not yet begun, and the stillness allowed you a moment to steady yourself. the memory of last night was still fresh, the relief of hoseok’s message warring with the anxiety that had built up since then. you had come in early, determined to prove yourself, to show that you deserved the second chance he had inexplicably given you.

as you made your way through the kitchen, the faint sounds of someone already at work reached your ears—soft chopping, the gentle sizzle of something on the stove. you hesitated at the doorway, your eyes falling on hoseok, who stood alone at one of the stations. he moved with a kind of graceful precision, each action deliberate and practiced, as though he were conducting a symphony of flavors. his focus was entirely on the task before him, but even from this distance, you could see the ease with which he worked, the confidence in his every movement.

for a moment, you just watched him, awed by the skill that had made him such a formidable figure in the culinary world. he was the man whose name alone commanded respect, whose kitchen you had been so eager to join. and here he was, caramelizing onions with a level of care that spoke to a deep understanding of his craft. the rich, sweet scent filled the air, mingling with the subtle heat of the kitchen, and you found yourself momentarily entranced by the simplicity of the process.

it was then that you noticed something—he was stirring the onions more than you thought necessary. the instinctive urge to offer advice welled up inside you, but you fought it, knowing that you were in no position to critique a chef of his caliber. but before you could stop yourself, the words slipped out, almost without your permission. “chef, you shouldn’t stir so much,” you said softly, your voice barely above a whisper, but the sound carried in the quiet kitchen.

the moment the words left your lips, regret hit you like a wave. how could you be so foolish? he was the same man who had just given you a chance to redeem yourself, and here you were, criticizing his technique. your heart raced as you waited for the inevitable rebuke, the sharp reprimand that you were sure was coming. you had spoken out of turn, overstepping boundaries, and now you were certain that your second chance was about to be snatched away as quickly as it had been given.

but instead of anger, instead of the cold dismissal you had expected, hoseok paused. he stood still for a moment, as if considering your words, before he slowly turned to face you. his eyes met yours, and you felt a jolt of fear mixed with confusion at the look he gave you—calm, measured, and without a hint of the scorn you had braced yourself for. “you’re right,” he said, his voice carrying a tone of acknowledgment rather than irritation. “they’ll brown faster if i don’t stir so much.”

the surprise that washed over you was almost as strong as the initial fear. your eyes widened in disbelief, and you barely managed to stammer out a response. but before you could say anything, he smiled—a small, almost imperceptible curve of his lips that softened the usually stern lines of his face. the expression was brief, gone as quickly as it had appeared, but it left you reeling. hoseok had not only accepted your advice but had done so with a humility that you hadn’t expected from someone of his stature.

he said nothing about the incident the previous day, and you knew better than to bring it up. the tension that had gripped you since last night eased slightly, but you still felt a lingering sense of unease. was it his way of testing you? or had he genuinely respected your input? the uncertainty gnawed at you, but you forced yourself to focus, reminding yourself that you were here to work, to prove yourself worthy of the opportunity he had extended.

his voice broke through your thoughts as he turned back to the onions, resuming his work with a quiet confidence. “i have an assignment for you,” he said, his tone suggesting that this was more than just a simple task. “since you seem to know so much.”

your heart skipped a beat at the words, a mix of anxiety and determination surging through you. you nodded, keeping your expression as neutral as possible, though inside you were mentally cursing yourself for speaking up earlier. you didn’t want him to think you were arrogant, or worse, insubordinate. but there was no turning back now. you had opened your mouth, and now you would have to see this through.

“i want a new product made to represent the restaurant,” he continued, his focus still on the onions but his words clearly meant for you. “something that embodies what we stand for here at l’espoir. you seem like you have some ideas, so i expect you’ll get right on it.”

the weight of the task settled over you like a heavy mantle, but you nodded again, your mind already racing with possibilities. it was no small request—creating a signature dish was a challenge that could define your place in the kitchen, perhaps even your future as a chef. you swallowed your nerves and replied with a quiet, “yes, chef,” your voice steady despite the turmoil inside. hoseok gave a small nod of acknowledgment, his attention once again on the stove as he continued to work. you stood there for a moment longer, watching as he moved with that same effortless grace, turning the now perfectly caramelized onions in the pan.

the kitchen became your safe spot as the hours slipped away, the clang of pots and the rhythmic sound of chopping filling the air. you were deep in the creative process, each movement purposeful, each decision calculated. the pressure of hoseok’s challenge weighed on you, but it was that very pressure that drove you, igniting the fire that had once fueled your passion for cooking. the thoughts of the previous day, the tension and confrontation, were pushed to the back of your mind as you focused on the task at hand.

you moved with an ease that came only from years of practice, your hands guiding the knife with precision as you sliced through vegetables and herbs. the familiar scent of garlic and onions filled the air as you sautéed them in a pan, the sizzling sound offering a comforting rhythm to your work. you experimented with various combinations, each one designed to evoke the flavors and essence that would truly represent the restaurant. the process was meticulous, each trial a step closer to finding the perfect dish that would encapsulate what l’espoir stood for.

but it wasn’t until your eyes landed on the jar of white kimchi that inspiration truly struck. the jar sat on the counter, seemingly forgotten amidst the array of ingredients scattered before you. the sight of it sparked a memory—an understanding of what this dish needed to be. kimchi was more than just a food; it was a symbol of resilience, diversity, and unity. the way it brought together a myriad of ingredients, each with its own distinct flavor, to create something harmonious and whole—it was the essence of what you wanted to capture.

qu'il y ait de l'espoir, let there be hope. the connection was undeniable, and suddenly, everything clicked into place. you worked quickly now, the energy flowing through you as you gathered ingredients. the white kimchi would be the star of the dish, its subtle flavors a delicate balance of sweetness and tang, with just the right amount of heat. it was different from the traditional red kimchi, yet it carried the same spirit. the idea of turning it into a ravioli—a fusion of korean and italian influences—felt like the perfect way to represent the blending of cultures, the melding of ideas that l’espoir sought to achieve.

unbeknownst to you, hoseok had entered the kitchen, his presence unnoticed as you became completely absorbed in your work. he lingered by the entrance, watching you with a mix of curiosity and something else—a hint of admiration, perhaps? he was drawn to the way you moved, the way your focus never wavered as you diced, sliced, and sautéed with unwavering determination. there was something about your dedication, the way you poured your heart into every step of the process, that intrigued him. a small smile played at the corner of his lips as he observed you in your element.

you began by preparing the filling for the ravioli, finely chopping the white kimchi and mixing it with sautéed garlic, onions, and a touch of ginger to enhance the flavors. the kimchi’s subtle acidity needed to be balanced, so you added a hint of honey to mellow the sharpness, allowing the natural sweetness of the fermented cabbage to shine through. the mixture was then combined with a smooth ricotta cheese, adding a creamy texture that would complement the crispness of the kimchi. you carefully tasted the filling, adjusting the seasoning with a pinch of salt and a sprinkle of black pepper, ensuring that each bite would carry the complexity of flavors you intended.

you moved on to making the pasta dough, your hands working methodically as you combined flour and eggs, kneading the mixture until it was smooth and elastic. the dough needed to rest, so you covered it with a damp cloth and set it aside, using the time to clean your station and prepare the rest of the components. hoseok watched as you moved around the kitchen, noting the way your brow furrowed in concentration, the way your fingers deftly handled the ingredients. there was a quiet confidence in the way you worked, a confidence that had been absent when you first started. he saw it in the way you now approached the tasks before you, with a sense of purpose and an understanding of what you wanted to achieve.

once the dough was ready, you rolled it out into thin sheets, the smooth surface gliding beneath your fingers. you carefully spooned the kimchi filling onto the dough, leaving enough space between each dollop to fold the dough over and seal the edges. your movements were precise as you pressed the edges together, forming delicate ravioli that held the promise of something unique. you then moved to the stove, bringing a pot of salted water to a gentle boil. the ravioli was carefully lowered into the water, and you watched as they floated to the surface, the dough turning tender and translucent as they cooked. the anticipation built within you, your mind racing with thoughts of how this dish would come together.

in a separate pan, you melted butter, allowing it to brown slightly to bring out a nutty aroma. you added sage leaves, their earthy scent mingling with the butter, creating a sauce that would coat the ravioli in a layer of rich flavor. as the ravioli finished cooking, you transferred them into the pan, gently tossing them in the butter sauce, ensuring that each piece was evenly coated. hoseok’s eyes never left you as you worked, his curiosity deepening as he saw the dish take shape. there was something different about you, something that set you apart from the others he had worked with. it wasn’t just your skill—it was the passion, the thoughtfulness that you put into each step of the process. he found himself drawn to it, intrigued by the way you had approached the challenge he had set for you.

you plated the ravioli with care, arranging them in a way that was both visually appealing and respectful of the dish’s simplicity. you finished with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for texture and a light drizzle of the remaining butter sauce, the golden liquid pooling around the edges of the plate. the dish was a delicate balance of flavors and textures, each element working in harmony to create something that was more than just food—it was a reflection of your creativity, your understanding of what it meant to cook with heart.

the air in the kitchen had been filled with a sense of anticipation. after your creation had come to life, it was impossible to keep the secret contained. other chefs and cooks, sensing the undercurrent of something new, began to trickle into the kitchen, their curiosity piqued. the atmosphere shifted as more and more of your colleagues gathered around the counter where your dish sat, its delicate aroma mingling with the scents of the day’s preparations. hoseok approached you first, his expression unreadable yet calm, his eyes glinting with a hint of interest. “tell me about this dish,” he asked, his tone firm but not unkind. it was a command wrapped in curiosity, one that invited you to share the thought process behind the creation that now held the attention of the entire kitchen.

taking a deep breath, you began to explain, your voice steady as you described the inspiration behind the dish. “i wanted to create something that reflects both the tradition and the innovation that this restaurant represents. white kimchi is often overshadowed by its red counterpart, but it’s just as rich in flavor, just as versatile. i thought, why not use it in a way that brings together different culinary worlds? the idea of combining it with something as classic as ravioli felt like the perfect way to bridge that gap. the tang of the kimchi, balanced with the creaminess of the ricotta, and then brought together by the sage butter—it’s a fusion that represents the diversity of our kitchen.”

as you spoke, you could sense the room’s mood shift. some of the chefs exchanged glances, their brows furrowed in skepticism. the idea of blending such distinct culinary traditions was, to many, a daring move. you could hear a few murmurs of disbelief—mixing korean and otalian cuisine in such an intimate way was almost sacrilegious to the purists. a chef from the back muttered something about the integrity of traditional dishes, and a few others nodded in agreement. but you stood your ground, explaining how the fusion wasn’t meant to diminish either culture, but rather to highlight the beauty in their union.

hoseok remained silent as you spoke, his eyes never leaving yours. when you finished, the room fell into an uneasy silence, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. he didn’t seem to notice—or perhaps he didn’t care about—the unease among the other chefs. instead, his gaze dropped to the dish before him, and without a word, he picked up a fork, cutting through one of the ravioli with precision before bringing it to his mouth.

the room seemed to hold its breath as he chewed, his face a mask of concentration. you felt your heart pounding in your chest, the doubt from your peers weighing heavily on you, despite your best efforts to stay confident. the seconds stretched on, each one filled with an unbearable silence, until finally, hoseok’s expression shifted. a glint of something—was it surprise?—sparked in his eyes. slowly, he looked back at you, and to your utter astonishment, his lips curved into a smile. “this is amazing,” he said, his voice low but full of admiration. the tension in the room seemed to dissipate as his words sank in, and you could see the other chefs exchanging looks of surprise. “the balance of flavors, the creativity in combining these two culinary worlds—it’s exactly what i was hoping for. congratulations.”

a wave of relief washed over you, so powerful it almost brought tears to your eyes. the disbelief from your colleagues gave way to murmurs of approval as they began to gather closer, each one eager to taste the dish that had earned such high praise from chef jung. hoseok stepped back, allowing the others to try the ravioli, his smile lingering as he watched their reactions. he didn’t need to say more—his approval was enough to turn the tide of skepticism. as the chefs began to taste your creation, you could see their initial doubt melt away, replaced with genuine appreciation for the flavors you had brought together. it wasn’t long before the dish became the talk of the kitchen, its success spreading quickly through the restaurant’s staff. praise followed from all corners, each compliment fueling your sense of accomplishment. it was as though the entire kitchen had been given a new burst of energy, your dish acting as a catalyst for inspiration.

the next few days were a whirlwind of activity. news of the dish reached the restaurant’s management, and before you knew it, there was talk of adding it to the menu as the restaurant’s special. hoseok worked with you to fine-tune the presentation, ensuring that every detail was perfect. the dish quickly gained popularity among the patrons, its unique fusion of flavors creating a buzz that spread beyond the restaurant’s walls.

the recognition came swiftly. a local food critic wrote a glowing review, praising the dish for its innovative approach and its seamless blending of cultures. soon after, a food magazine reached out, requesting an interview with you and hoseok to discuss the inspiration behind the creation. but the pinnacle of the dish’s success came when the restaurant received a request to film a commercial, showcasing the process of creating the now-famous white kimchi ravioli.

the day of the shoot arrived, and the kitchen was abuzz with excitement. you felt a mix of nerves and exhilaration as you prepared for the filming, knowing that this was a rare opportunity to showcase your skills on such a large platform. hoseok introduced you to one of the chefs who would be working with you for the shoot—kim seokjin. he was tall and handsome, with an easy smile that instantly put you at ease. there was something about his demeanor that was both professional and friendly, a balance that made working with him feel natural.

“nice to meet you,” seokjin said with a grin, his hand outstretched. “i’ve heard a lot about your dish.” you shook his hand, smiling back. “likewise. i’m looking forward to working with you.”

hoseok, standing off to the side with the director, watched the exchange with a calm expression, but you could sense the subtle shift in his demeanor. there was a tension in the way he stood, his eyes narrowing slightly as he observed the interaction between you and seokjin. it was as though something about the easy camaraderie between you and the other chef rubbed him the wrong way, but he said nothing, his face a mask of professionalism.

the filming began, and you and seokjin worked together seamlessly, preparing the ingredients for the dish. the cameras rolled as you sliced through vegetables, your hands moving with the precision that had been honed through years of practice. he was skilled, his movements confident as he worked alongside you, but there was a moment when he began to cut the kimchi in a way that you knew could be improved.

“seokjin, let me show you something,” you said gently, stepping closer to him. you took his hands in yours, guiding the knife through the kimchi with a more efficient motion. your fingers brushed against his as you adjusted his grip, your eyes meeting his as you explained the technique. “of you cut it this way, it’ll keep the pieces more uniform and release the flavors more evenly.”

his gaze locked with yours, his smile widening as he nodded. “thanks, that’s really helpful,” he replied, his tone warm and appreciative. the moment was brief, but the connection between you and him was undeniable. it was a simple act of collaboration, but to hoseok, who stood watching from the sidelines, it seemed to be something more. his jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides as he tried to suppress the surge of irritation that welled up within him. it was irrational, he knew that, but the sight of you working so closely with seokjin, the way your hands had lingered on his, sparked a jealousy that he struggled to control.

as the scene wrapped up, you turned to hoseok, eager to know if he was pleased with how the shoot had gone. “chef, how was it?” you asked, your voice laced with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. his response was clipped, his tone betraying the frustration he was trying to hide. “it was fine,” he said shortly, his eyes avoiding yours. without waiting for your reply, he turned on his heel and retreated back into the kitchen, leaving you standing there with a sense of unease.

seokjin, noticing the tension, turned to you with a soft smile. “it was nice meeting you,” he said, his voice sincere. “you did great today.”

“thanks, seokjin,” you replied, forcing a smile. “you too.” as he made his way back to his station, you couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. hoseok’s sudden coldness lingered in your mind, but you pushed it aside, reminding yourself that you had done your best. still, the uncertainty gnawed at you as you followed him back into the kitchen, the familiar scents and sounds offering little comfort.

you hesitated at the entrance, unsure whether to approach him, but before you could decide, hoseok’s voice cut through the silence, cold and commanding. “kim yerim,” he called, the sound of the name causing your heart to skip a beat. “come to my office.”

the girl peered over, a smile gracing her face as she obliged, following hoseok out of the kitchen and toward his office. the sight made your stomach churn, as did the sound of silence. you didn't miss it, the look he gave you before slipping out of the station. it was a look that you couldn't quite define, but it was enough to make your blood run cold. no matter how supportive he was, old habits died hard. at the end of the day, he was still the same man who did as he pleased with the women willing to give him a piece of their dignity.

chaeyoung approached you not long after the tension-filled exchange in the kitchen. her eyes were bright with excitement, a wide grin spreading across her face. “you were amazing today!” she exclaimed, her voice full of genuine admiration. “the way you handled everything, from the dish to the filming, it was perfect.” you smiled at her praise, feeling a warmth spread through you. “thank you, chae,” you replied, your voice soft but appreciative. the validation from your peers meant as much as the recognition from hoseok.

she wasn’t done, though. she leaned in slightly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “and you and seokjin,” she began, her voice lowering as if sharing a secret, “seemed to have something going on there. the way he was looking at you—” you laughed, shaking your head at the implication. “no, no, there’s nothing going on,” you denied, though you couldn’t stop the slight blush that crept into your cheeks at the memory of seokjin’s warm smile.

she raised an eyebrow, clearly unconvinced, but she didn’t press further. Instead, she continued, “the team is going out for celebratory drinks tonight. it’s all on your behalf, so you have to come.” you hesitated, the idea of joining everyone for drinks sounding appealing yet a little daunting. “i’ll think about it,” you said, not committing but leaving the door open.

before you could say more, another voice chimed in, the tone playful yet insistent. “you’ll be there.” you turned to see seokjin, a knowing smile on his lips as he looked at you expectantly. his presence was both reassuring and slightly unnerving, given how easily he seemed to be able to read your thoughts. you found yourself nodding, caught up in his easy charm. “okay, i’ll be there,” you agreed, pausing before adding with a bit of uncertainty, “are you coming too?”

he shrugged, his expression teasing. “only if you want me to,” he said, his tone light but laced with something more. chaeyoung couldn’t hold back her giggles, her support for the budding camaraderie between you two evident in the way she swooned slightly. “drinks at nine,” she reminded, her voice full of enthusiasm.

but before you could fully relax into the idea of a fun night out, another voice cut through the conversation, this one colder and more authoritative. “what drinks?”

the three of you turned to see hoseok standing a few feet away, his expression stoic, his eyes focused intently on the three of you. chaeyoung, caught off guard, fumbled over her words, her earlier confidence evaporating under Hoseok’s intense gaze. “uh, we were just, um, planning to go out for drinks to celebrate, and we were wondering if you’d like to come too?” she managed to get out, her voice faltering slightly with each word.

you inwardly winced at the thought of hoseok joining. the situation already felt complicated enough without adding his presence to the mix, especially after the way he’d been watching you and seokjin earlier. but to your dismay, his expression didn’t change as he responded, “of course, i’ll be coming.” there was a finality in his tone that left no room for argument. you avoided looking at him, unsure of how to navigate the sudden shift in the atmosphere. instead, you turned back to seokjin, who was still standing beside you. his warm smile hadn’t faltered, and the ease in his demeanor seemed unaffected by hoseok’s looming presence.

hoseok, however, seemed to notice the silent exchange between you and seokjin. his eyes narrowed slightly, and his voice took on an edge as he asked, “and seokjin, will you be coming too?” he met his gaze calmly, his smile never wavering. “yes, i’ll be there.”

a smirk played on hoseok’s lips, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “great,” he said, the word carrying a weight that seemed to linger in the air long after it was spoken.

the conversation ended as quickly as it had begun, leaving an awkward silence in its wake. chaeyoung glanced between you, seokjin, and hoseok, clearly sensing the undercurrent of tension but unsure how to address it. after a moment, she cleared her throat, forcing a cheerful tone as she said, “well, i’ll see you guys tonight, then!”

she quickly excused herself, leaving you alone with seokjin and hoseok. the latter’s eyes remained on you for a moment longer before he turned on his heel and walked away, heading back toward his office. aeokjin turned to you, his voice gentle as he said, “don’t worry about it. tonight will be fun, i promise.” you nodded, though the knot in your stomach didn’t entirely loosen.

getting ready for the evening felt different than it had for other nights out. the tension that had brewed all day still lingered, and as you stood before the mirror in your room, smoothing the floral dress you’d chosen, a part of you wondered if going was even a good idea. but you’d made a commitment, and besides, after everything that had happened, a part of you wanted to celebrate. you had achieved something noteworthy, and despite the awkwardness with hoseok, there was a sense of pride that you couldn’t ignore.

your hair, which you had usually kept tied up or tucked away beneath a chef’s hat, cascaded freely over your shoulders. the soft waves framed your face, and you had taken extra care with your makeup, applying just enough to enhance your features without overdoing it. you hardly recognized yourself as you gave one last glance in the mirror, but the reflection was a pleasant surprise. tonight, you weren’t just the diligent chef striving to prove herself—you were someone who could allow herself to feel beautiful.

when you finally walked into the barbecue bar, the warm, smoky scent of grilled meat filled the air, mingling with the laughter and chatter of your peers. you were greeted enthusiastically by your colleagues, their smiles wide and their voices carrying over the lively buzz of the place. chaeyoung, already a bit tipsy, threw her arms around you, her eyes sparkling with delight. “you made it!” she cheered, pulling you into a tight hug. “and look at you, so pretty tonight!”

you smiled, trying to soak in the compliments, but your gaze drifted instinctively toward hoseok, who was seated at the end of the table. his eyes met yours, and for a moment, there was a flicker of something in his expression—something stern, something unreadable. you looked away quickly, the knot in your stomach tightening, only to catch seokjin’s gaze instead.

to your surprise, his face lit up when he saw you, and before you could react, he was closing the distance between you and pulling you into a warm hug. “you look prettier than usual,” he said, his tone playful but sincere. his eyes scanned your floral dress, taking in the way it flowed around you, your hair loose and soft, the faint makeup you had applied. your cheeks warmed under his gaze, and you smiled, feeling a bit shy at his directness. “thank you,” you managed, the words coming out softer than you intended. “you don’t look so bad yourself.”

he grinned, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and released you from the hug. from the corner of your eye, you noticed the way hoseok’s hand tightened around his shot glass, his knuckles going white. a moment later, he downed the entire shot in one go, the glass hitting the table with a bit too much force.

you took a seat, finding yourself in the center of the group, seokjin to your left, chaeyoung to your right, with hoseok directly across from you. the conversation flowed easily, the drinks making everyone more relaxed, more willing to laugh and share stories. chaeyoung, her cheeks flushed from the alcohol, leaned in closer to you at one point, her voice a bit louder than usual. “you and seokjin are so adorable together,” she teased, her words slightly slurred. you felt your face heat up, and you laughed nervously, waving a hand dismissively. “we’re not together,” you said, trying to keep your tone light, though you could feel the curious stares of your colleagues.

seokjin leaned in closer, a mischievous glint in his eye. “for now,” he added, his voice low enough that only those closest to you could hear. the whole table erupted in laughter, everyone except hoseok. he didn’t laugh. Instead, his face hardened, and he slammed his glass on the table with enough force to silence the room. without a word, he pushed back his chair and stood, heading toward the bathroom, leaving the table in an uncomfortable silence.

seokjin was the first to break the awkwardness, his voice a bit softer this time as he leaned in toward you. “don’t worry about him,” he said, his tone reassuring. “he’s just—” he paused, searching for the right words, but ultimately shook his head. “it’s not your fault.” you nodded, but the uneasy feeling in your chest didn’t dissipate. the rest of the group tried to continue the conversation, but it was clear that hoseok’s sudden departure had put a damper on the mood.

when he finally returned, it was obvious he had been drinking too much. his steps were slightly unsteady, and there was a glazed look in his eyes that hadn’t been there before. you watched him carefully, noticing how his hand shook slightly as he poured himself another drink. concerned, you leaned in closer to him, your voice low. “are you going to be able to make it home?” you asked, trying to keep your tone neutral.

he looked at you, his expression hard to read, his eyes clouded by the alcohol. “what’s it to you?” he slurred, his words coming out a bit harsher than he probably intended. you bit back a sigh, your patience starting to wear thin. turning away from him, you addressed the others at the table. “i’m sorry, but i think i’m going to have to call it a night,” you said, pausing to glance at hoseok, who was swaying slightly in his seat. “i’ll need to drive hoseok home.”

the group erupted in protests, insisting that you didn’t need to take responsibility, but seokjin, who had been quietly observing, stood up and hugged you. “if you need anything, call me,” he said softly, his voice filled with concern. you nodded, appreciating his support, and helped hoseok to his feet. he was surprisingly heavy, leaning against you more than you expected as you guided him out of the bar. the night air was cool against your skin, a contrast to the warmth inside the bar. hoseok mumbled something under his breath, something you couldn’t quite make out, but you were too focused on getting him to his car to ask him to repeat it.

when you finally reached his car, he fumbled for his keys, dropping them once before managing to hand them to you. “you’re mean,” he muttered, his voice petulant, catching you off guard. the change in his demeanor was startling—gone was the stern, composed chef you were used to, replaced by someone far more vulnerable and childlike. taken aback, you looked at him, your brow furrowed. “put your seatbelt on if you’re sober enough to know how,” you said, your voice firm but not unkind.

he scoffed, his expression challenging as he tried and failed to buckle his seatbelt. the buckle slipped from his grasp twice before you finally sighed and leaned over him to secure it yourself. as you clicked the seatbelt into place, you glanced up and found his eyes fixed on you. his gaze was softer now, the earlier harshness replaced with something else, something that made your heart skip a beat.

flustered, you quickly looked away, securing him in before retreating to the driver’s seat. you started the car, the engine purring softly as you pulled out of the parking lot. “where do you live?” you asked, glancing over at him. but there was no response. when you looked over, you saw that he had already fallen asleep, his head resting against the window. you couldn’t help but scoff quietly, a small, amused smile tugging at your lips. “lightweight,” you muttered under your breath.

with no other choice, you decided to drive him to your place. the drive was quiet, the only sound the soft hum of the engine and the occasional sigh from hoseok as he shifted in his sleep. by the time you pulled up to your apartment, you were exhausted, both physically and emotionally. but as you looked over at hoseok, still fast asleep in the passenger seat, you knew that this night wasn’t over yet. there was still the matter of getting him inside, of figuring out what to do next. and as much as you wanted to just let him sleep it off in the car, you knew you couldn’t leave him out there.

the night air was crisp as you pulled into your driveway, the headlights of your car slicing through the darkness. your heart pounded with an anxious rhythm, still reeling from the night’s events. hoseok was fast asleep in the passenger seat, his head slumped against the window, oblivious to the world around him. you killed the engine, the sudden silence in the car amplifying the sound of your breath as you gathered the courage to wake him.

“hoseok,” you murmured softly, reaching out to nudge his shoulder. he stirred slightly, but his eyes remained closed. you shook him a bit harder, and this time, his eyelids fluttered open, groggy and unfocused. “we’re here,” you added gently. he blinked up at you, disoriented. “where?” his voice was thick with sleep, the usual sharpness of his tone dulled by the alcohol.

you sighed, stepping out of the car and walking around to his side. opening the door, you leaned in, unbuckling his seatbelt. “you fell asleep before you could tell me where you live,” you explained, your voice laced with mild frustration as you hoisted him out of the car, his body heavy and uncooperative. as you helped him into the house, his steps were sluggish, his arm slung over your shoulders for support. he stumbled slightly as you led him to the couch, guiding him down as he collapsed onto the cushions with a weary sigh. the warmth of your home enveloped you both, a stark contrast to the cool night air outside.

“always been a lightweight?” you teased lightly, attempting to lighten the mood as you watched him sprawl out on the couch, his long limbs taking up most of the space. hoseok groaned, his hand coming up to rub his face. “i don’t drink,” he muttered, his voice muffled by his hand. he paused, glancing up at you with an expression that was oddly vulnerable. “it was my first time.”

your eyebrows shot up in surprise. “your first time? why on earth did you decide to drink tonight then?” the question slipped out before you could stop it, your curiosity piqued. he shifted on the couch, rolling onto his back so he could look at you directly. his gaze was intense, almost too much to bear. “because of you,” he said simply, his voice carrying an undercurrent of something that made your stomach twist with unease.

you blinked, caught off guard by the admission. “what do you mean by that?” you asked, your voice barely above a whisper. hoseok’s eyes darkened, a scowl tugging at his lips. “maybe you should ask seokjin,” he retorted, the mocking edge to his voice making you flinch.

the implication behind his words was clear, and it stung. you scoffed, shaking your head as you tried to dismiss it. “he’s just a friend,” you argued, but the pause before you added, “and even if he wasn’t, so what?” made the words feel hollow. you turned away, intending to retreat and give yourself some distance from the tension that had thickened the air. but before you could take a step, hoseok’s hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around your wrist in a firm grip. you gasped as he pulled you back, your body stumbling and falling against his, your back pressing into his chest as his arms encircled your waist.

“don’t,” he murmured into your shoulder, his voice low and almost pleading. you could feel his breath warm against your skin, the closeness of him making your heart race. “i don’t like you being so close to him.” his words sent a shiver down your spine, a mix of shock and confusion rendering you silent. this was hoseok—strict, professional, always in control—yet here he was, holding onto you as if you might slip away.

he tightened his grip on your waist, pulling you closer as he buried his face into the crook of your neck. “i only want you to be like this with me,” he confessed, the raw honesty in his voice making your breath hitch. you swallowed hard, your mind racing to catch up with what was happening. “you’re drunk,” you protested weakly, trying to convince yourself as much as him. “you don’t know what you’re saying.”

but he shook his head, the movement causing his hair to brush against your skin. “i know exactly what I’m talking about,” he insisted, his voice steady despite the alcohol in his system. he hesitated for a moment before continuing, his next words sending a jolt through you. “you brought the hope back to l’espoir.”

you didn’t know how to respond, your mind a whirlwind of emotions as you tried to process the weight of his confession. but before you could form a coherent thought, hoseok’s grip on you loosened, his body going slack as sleep claimed him once more. you were left there, sitting in stunned silence, your heart pounding in your chest as the reality of the situation settled over you. he had just bared his soul to you, and you didn’t know what to do with that.

when you woke up, the first thing you noticed was the warm, enticing aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. it was a comforting scent, one that slowly coaxed you out of the remnants of sleep. you stretched lazily, the morning light filtering softly through the curtains, casting a golden hue across the room. for a brief moment, you allowed yourself to revel in the peace, before the memories of last night came rushing back—hoseok’s confession, the unexpected closeness, the weight of his words still lingering in your mind.

you rose from the bed, the soft padding of your feet on the cool floor the only sound in the quiet house. the scent of coffee grew stronger as you made your way to the kitchen, your heart fluttering with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. as you rounded the corner, you found him standing at the counter, his back to you as he poured steaming coffee into two mugs. he was dressed in the same clothes as yesterday, though slightly rumpled from sleep, his hair tousled in a way that made him look more approachable than usual.

he turned at the sound of your footsteps, his eyes locking onto yours with an expression that was surprisingly gentle. “morning,” he greeted, his voice still carrying that low, warm timbre that had made your heart race the night before. “you want some coffee?”

you nodded, feeling a bit awkward in the face of his casual demeanor after everything that had happened. “yes, please,” you managed to reply, your voice coming out a bit softer than you intended. you moved to sit at the small kitchen table, the wooden chair creaking slightly as you settled into it. hoseok handed you a mug, and you took it with a quiet word of thanks. the rich, earthy scent of the coffee was even more intoxicating up close, and you noticed that it had been made using a french press—a sign of care and attention. you took a tentative sip, the warmth spreading through you like a comforting embrace. “thank you for this,” you said, gesturing to the coffee, trying to keep your thoughts from spiraling back to the events of last night.

he leaned against the counter, cradling his own mug between his hands as he regarded you with a calm gaze. “it’s me who should be thanking you,” he replied, a hint of sincerity in his tone that you weren’t used to hearing from him. “for taking care of me when I was, well, not at my best.” you hesitated, swirling the coffee in your cup as you tried to find the right words. “are you feeling better? did you sober up?”

he nodded, taking a slow sip from his mug before setting it down on the counter. “yeah. i’m good now.” there was a moment of silence, the two of you just sipping your coffee, the unspoken tension between you almost palpable. your thoughts drifted back to the way he had pulled you close last night, the confession that had left you reeling. the memory of it made your cheeks flush, and you couldn’t stop your mind from wandering to the implications of his words.

as if sensing the direction of your thoughts, hoseok’s lips curved into a smirk. he tilted his head slightly, his eyes sparkling with something that made your pulse quicken. “you’re thinking about what i said last night, aren’t you?” you nearly choked on your coffee, your eyes widening as you looked up at him, caught off guard by his straightforwardness. “i, well,” you stammered, trying to compose yourself as you fumbled for a response. the memory of him holding you, his breath warm against your skin as he confessed his feelings, was too vivid to ignore.

his smirk softened into a more serious expression, his gaze unwavering as he continued. “i meant every word of it.” his tone was resolute, leaving no room for doubt, and the intensity of his gaze made it clear that he was being completely honest. your heart skipped a beat, the weight of his words settling over you like a blanket. you opened your mouth to respond, but found yourself at a loss, your thoughts a jumble of confusion and emotions. “i, um, i have to get to work,” you finally managed to say, your voice a bit shaky as you clung to the one thing you could focus on—the need to be on time.

hoseok studied you for a moment, as if contemplating whether to press the matter further, before raising his hand in a gesture of understanding. “i’ll drive you,” he offered, the corners of his mouth lifting in a small, reassuring smile. you shook your head, trying to regain some semblance of control over the situation. “you don’t have to, i can—”

but he cut you off with a gentle insistence. “i want to,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. realizing there was no point in protesting, you simply nodded, your thoughts still in a whirlwind as you finished your coffee in silence. the ride to work was quiet, but not uncomfortable. hoseok seemed to be in a much better mood, the tension from the previous night having dissipated, leaving behind a sense of calm. he hummed softly to the music playing on the radio, his fingers tapping lightly on the steering wheel as he drove.

when you arrived at the restaurant, you turned to him, offering a small smile of gratitude. “thanks for the ride.” he smiled back, a genuine warmth in his eyes that made you feel a bit more at ease. “anytime.” you watched as he walked into the restaurant ahead of you, his posture relaxed, a stark contrast to the way he had been behaving recently. it didn’t take long for you to notice that his good mood seemed to linger throughout the day, a lightness in his steps that was unusual for him. he didn’t snap at anyone, didn’t call any of the girls into his office like he usually did. it was as if something had shifted within him, and the change left you stunned, unable to shake the feeling that something significant had occurred between the two of you.

the buzz of the kitchen hummed around you as you settled into your routine, the familiar clatter of pots and pans mingling with the sharp sizzle of ingredients hitting hot oil. there was an unspoken rhythm to the place, a steady flow of movement and sound that kept the energy high, but today, there was an undercurrent of tension. whispers had already started to circulate, the staff exchanging wary glances as they awaited the inevitable—hoseok’s arrival. it was almost a ritual by now, the way he’d sweep in with that cold, calculating gaze, ready to single out yet another unfortunate girl to pull into his office. the atmosphere would shift, voices would lower, and everyone would brace themselves for whatever mood he was in that day.

but when he finally stepped into the kitchen, something was different. the usual noise faded into an expectant silence, all eyes turning towards him as he made his way through the bustling space. you watched as he paused, his gaze sweeping over the room, and for a moment, you thought you caught a glimpse of the stern, unyielding expression that had become all too familiar. but then, to everyone’s shock, his lips curled into a smile—an actual, genuine smile—and he offered a simple, “thank you, everyone, for working hard today.”

the reaction was immediate and palpable. people exchanged stunned glances, the tension in the room dissolving into an almost disbelieving murmur. no one quite knew how to react, the abrupt change in his demeanor leaving everyone off-balance. it was as if they were waiting for the punchline to some elaborate joke, but instead, hoseok simply continued walking, his steps light, his mood shockingly bright.

your heart skipped a beat when he started moving in your direction, his gaze locked onto you with a strange mix of determination and something else you couldn’t quite place. you quickly turned back to your station, trying to steady your breathing as you busied yourself with your tasks, hoping he’d pass by without another word. but then he stopped right beside you, his presence looming, and you felt a prickle of anticipation at the base of your spine. “drop your shift,” he said, his voice low enough that only you could hear.

you froze, your hands stilling over the cutting board as his words registered. Slowly, you turned to face him, confusion knitting your brows together. “what do you mean?” you asked, your voice laced with uncertainty. hoseok met your gaze, his eyes glinting with that same determined look. “you have the rest of the day off,” he clarified, his tone leaving no room for argument.

the words hit you like a sudden breeze, your heart leaping at the unexpected reprieve. it was a rare gift, one that filled you with a rush of excitement. your mind immediately started racing with all the possibilities of what you could do with the extra time, a smile beginning to spread across your face as you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding. but just as quickly as the excitement rose, it was tempered by his next words. “on one condition,” he added, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

you blinked, the smile faltering slightly as you processed his words. “what condition?” you asked, your tone cautious, though the curiosity was already beginning to seep in. he leaned in a little closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. “you spend the rest of the day with me,” he said, the request both unexpected and strangely intimate.

your heart skipped again, this time with a mix of surprise and something that felt suspiciously like anticipation. you hesitated, your mind running through the implications of his request, but there was something in the way he looked at you—something earnest and sincere—that made it hard to refuse. and truthfully, part of you didn’t want to. “all right,” you found yourself saying, the word slipping out before you could overthink it.

hoseok’s smile widened, his expression softening with something that looked a lot like relief. “good,” he replied, his tone light, but there was an undercurrent of something deeper, something that hinted at how much this meant to him. “i’ll meet you outside in ten minutes.” with that, he turned and walked away, leaving you standing there with your heart racing and your mind buzzing with questions. the kitchen slowly returned to its usual rhythm, but the earlier tension was replaced by a new kind of energy—one that left you both excited and apprehensive about what the rest of the day might hold.

as you quickly wrapped up your station and informed your supervisor of your unexpected early departure, you couldn’t help but feel the weight of anticipation settle over you. there was no telling what hoseok had in mind, but as you stepped out of the kitchen and made your way to the front of the restaurant, you knew one thing for certain—today was going to be different.

the day stretched out before you like a blank canvas, one that you never imagined would be spent alongside hoseok. as you stepped out of the restaurant, the warmth of the sun embraced your skin, the bustling sounds of the city creating a lively backdrop to your unexpected adventure. hoseok guided you toward the bus stop, the two of you walking in comfortable silence, the earlier events in the kitchen still buzzing in your mind.

when the bus arrived, packed with the usual weekday crowd, you hesitated at the door. he stepped in first, his eyes scanning the interior for an empty seat. finding none, you both prepared to stand, but then, just as you were about to grab hold of the nearest rail, he gently nudged a young man sitting close by. there was something firm yet polite in his tone as he asked the man to stand and let you sit. the young man, caught off guard, quickly obliged, and you found yourself looking up at hoseok in surprise. “take the seat,” he said, his voice soft but insistent.

you blinked, not used to such gestures from him—usually, his demeanor was all business, but today, he seemed different, more considerate, almost caring. you muttered a quiet “thank you” as you sat down, the unexpected kindness making your heart skip a beat. hoseok stood beside you, holding onto the overhead rail, his posture relaxed as he looked out of the window. the bus rumbled forward, carrying the two of you through the city streets, the vibrant blur of people and places passing by. you couldn’t help but glance up at him every now and then, curious about the change in his behavior, about what had prompted him to be so attentive. it wasn’t long before curiosity got the better of you.

“so, where are we going?” you asked, tilting your head to look up at him. hoseok smiled, a playful glint in his eyes. “it’s a surprise,” he said, leaving no room for further questions. you sighed in mock frustration, but the smile tugging at your lips betrayed your growing excitement. there was something thrilling about not knowing where the day would take you, something about being in the moment, just the two of you, that made you feel more alive than you had in a long time.

eventually, the bus came to a stop, and hoseok gestured for you to follow him. you stepped off the bus together, the cool breeze ruffling your hair as he led you through a series of winding streets. the further you walked, the more the hustle and bustle of the main roads faded away, replaced by quieter, narrower lanes lined with small shops and cozy cafés. finally, he slowed down, and you looked up to see a small, unassuming restaurant tucked between two taller buildings. the sign above the door was simple, the name “seong’s bistro” written in elegant script. It wasn’t anything grand, but there was a charm to it, a warmth that made you feel like you were about to step into someone’s home rather than a restaurant.

“this is it,” he said, turning to you with a smile. “come on, let’s go in.” he held the door open for you, and as you walked inside, you were greeted by the welcoming scent of home-cooked meals. the interior was just as cozy as the exterior, with wooden tables, soft lighting, and walls adorned with framed photographs of what appeared to be family gatherings and happy customers. there was a sense of history there, of stories shared over meals, and it made you feel instantly at ease.

a man in his late thirties, with a friendly smile and an apron tied around his waist, approached you both. his features bore a striking resemblance to hoseok’s, though his face was softer, more rounded, and his demeanor exuded warmth. “my cousin,” the man exclaimed, pulling hoseok into a quick hug before turning to you. “and you must be the famous chef I’ve heard so much about.” you blinked in surprise, taken aback by his words. “famous?” you repeated, a bit flustered.

the man nodded enthusiastically. “of course! i’ve heard all about your kimchi ravioli. it’s an honor to finally meet you in person.” you felt your cheeks flush at the compliment, not quite used to such praise. “thank you,” you said, smiling shyly. “but i’m not sure if i’m as famous as you think.”

“nonsense,” hoseok’s cousin replied, waving off your modesty. “your dish is incredible. in fact, i have a little surprise for both of you.” he exchanged a knowing glance with hoseok, who grinned and placed a hand on your back, gently guiding you toward a corner table. you sat down, your curiosity piqued, and watched as hoseok’s cousin disappeared into the kitchen. the restaurant was quiet, only a few other customers scattered about, their soft conversations blending with the faint music playing overhead.

after a few moments, the kitchen doors swung open, and two chefs emerged, each carrying a plate. as they approached, your breath caught in your throat. on each plate was a perfectly presented serving of your kimchi ravioli, the dish that had won over so many palates. the sight of it here, in this small, family-run restaurant, filled you with a sense of pride and disbelief.

“how did you—?” you began, turning to hoseok in astonishment. he simply smiled, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes. “i made sure to spread the word about your dish,” he said, his voice filled with genuine pride. “you’re a national hit now.”

your heart swelled with emotion, a mix of gratitude and disbelief washing over you. The fact that he had gone out of his way to do this for you, to share your creation with others, touched you deeply. “thank you,” you murmured, your voice thick with sincerity. “i can’t believe you did this.” hoseok’s smile softened, his eyes holding yours for a moment longer than usual. “you deserve it,” he said simply.

the meal that followed was nothing short of perfect. the ravioli was just as you had imagined it would be, the flavors dancing on your tongue with each bite. it was a strange but wonderful experience, tasting your own creation in a setting like this, surrounded by people who appreciated it just as much as you did. every now and then, you would glance over at hoseok, and each time, he was watching you with a contented smile, as if seeing you enjoy the meal was satisfaction enough for him.

when the plates were finally empty, he paid the bill despite your protests, and the two of you stepped out into the cool afternoon air. the sun was beginning its descent, casting a golden glow over the city, and as you walked, the conversation flowed easily between you. you found yourself laughing more, the usual walls between you and hoseok slowly crumbling as the day went on.

at one point, you passed by a quaint little chocolate shop with a beautifully arranged display in the window. you stopped in your tracks, drawn to the sight of the delicately crafted chocolates, each one a tiny masterpiece. he noticed your interest and leaned in to peer at the display with you. “which one catches your eye?” he asked, his tone light. you pointed to a small box of chocolates dusted with cocoa powder, their rich, velvety appearance almost too tempting to resist. “those,” you said, a note of longing in your voice. “they look so soft and chewy.”

without another word, he pushed open the door to the shop and stepped inside. you watched from the window as he spoke to the shopkeeper, gesturing toward the chocolates you had pointed out. a few moments later, he emerged with a small box in hand, his smile wide as he extended it to you. “for you,” he said simply.

you took the box from him, your fingers brushing against his in the process. the gesture, though small, warmed your heart. “thank you,” you said, smiling up at him. you opened the box and took out a small pick, ready to try one of the chocolates. but instead of popping it into your own mouth, you surprised hoseok by holding it up to his lips, silently offering him the first taste. he looked at you, momentarily taken aback, before his lips parted slightly, allowing you to place the chocolate on his tongue.

his eyes widened as he savored the taste, a look of pure delight crossing his face. “wow,” he murmured, swallowing. “that’s really good.” you grinned, pleased by his reaction, and finally took a piece for yourself. the chocolate melted in your mouth, rich and smooth, the cocoa powder adding a subtle bitterness that balanced perfectly with the sweetness. it was a moment of shared indulgence, a small but meaningful exchange that seemed to bring the two of you even closer.

as you continued your walk, the conversation shifted to more personal topics. you asked him about his restaurant, about how he had come up with the name “l’espoir.” for a moment, hoseok hesitated, his usual confidence wavering. but then he sighed, his gaze softening as he looked at you. “i’ve always been the one to bring joy to the people close to me,” he began, his voice quieter now. “but when my father was dying, i had to get serious. i had to take on responsibilities I wasn’t ready for, and after he passed, it was like i lost a part of myself. i lost hope.”

you felt a pang of sympathy, the memory of your own loss surfacing in your mind. “i know how that feels,” you said softly. “when my mother passed, i felt like i lost a part of myself too. everything seemed to lose its color, its meaning. cooking was the only thing that kept me going, the only way i could hold on to the memories i had with her.” hoseok’s eyes softened even more at your words, the weight of shared grief settling between you like a silent understanding. he nodded, as if acknowledging the invisible thread that now connected the two of you—one woven from loss, but also from the strength you both found in your passion for cooking.

“i started the restaurant because i wanted to bring that hope back,” he continued, his voice tinged with a quiet resolve. “for myself, and for others. i wanted to create a place where people could feel joy, where they could find comfort in food the way i did. that’s why I named it ‘l’espoir’—hope.” you walked in silence for a moment, absorbing the depth of his words, the sincerity behind them. there was a new layer to hoseok that you hadn’t seen before, a vulnerability that he had hidden behind his confident, sometimes stern exterior. it made you see him in a different light, not just as your superior or the chef who could command a kitchen with ease, but as someone who had faced the same kind of pain you had, someone who had chosen to turn that pain into something beautiful.

“i’m glad you did,” you finally said, your voice gentle but firm. “it’s a place where people can find more than just a meal. it’s a place where they can find a part of themselves, a piece of happiness, even if just for a moment.” he looked at you, his expression one of quiet gratitude. “thank you,” he said, his voice soft but full of emotion. “it means a lot to hear that from you.”

the rest of the walk to your house was filled with a comfortable silence, the kind that didn’t need to be filled with words. the bond between you felt stronger now, deeper, as if you had crossed an invisible line from mere colleagues to something more—friends, perhaps, or something that had the potential to grow even further. when you finally reached your door, you turned to him with a smile. “thank you for today, hoseok. it was unexpected, but in the best way.”

he returned your smile, but there was something more in his eyes now, a warmth that made your heart skip a beat. “i should be the one thanking you,” he said, taking a step closer. “you gave me hope today.” his words sent a flutter through your chest, but before you could respond, he leaned in, his lips brushing gently against your forehead. the kiss was soft, barely more than a whisper of a touch, but it sent a wave of warmth through you, leaving you momentarily stunned. your breath caught in your throat, your heart pounding as you looked up at him.

when he pulled back, there was a softness in his eyes that you hadn’t seen before, something tender and unspoken. “i’ll see you tomorrow,” he said, his voice low, as if not to break the fragile moment between you. you nodded, unable to find the words to respond. your mind was still reeling from the feel of his lips on your skin, the unexpected intimacy of it. as you watched him walk away, your heart fluttered in your chest, a mix of emotions swirling within you—confusion, excitement, but most of all, a sense of anticipation for what might come next.

once he was out of sight, you let out a breath you hadn’t realized you were holding, your fingers lightly brushing the spot where he had kissed you. the warmth lingered, a reminder of the day’s unexpected turns, and as you stepped inside your home, you couldn’t help but wonder what tomorrow would bring. the rest of the evening passed in a blur. You replayed the events of the day in your mind, each memory filled with vivid detail—the way hoseok had stood up for you on the bus, the pride in his voice when he introduced you to his cousin, the taste of the kimchi ravioli you had created, and finally, the soft, tender kiss he had left on your forehead. each moment felt significant, like pieces of a puzzle slowly coming together, forming a picture you had yet to fully understand.

the next few days with hoseok were like a dream, a soft, hazy blur of moments that felt too good to be true. he was always there—smiling, friendly, attentive in ways that made your heart skip a beat. whether it was a simple greeting in the morning or the way he’d casually ask if you needed anything during the day, his presence was a constant source of warmth and comfort. he had a way of making even the most mundane tasks feel special. if you were chopping vegetables, he’d find a reason to stand beside you, sometimes offering a quick tip on technique, other times just making light conversation that left you smiling. his laughter was infectious, filling the kitchen with a bright, cheerful energy that everyone seemed to notice.

it didn’t take long for the other chefs to start talking. chaeyoung, in particular, couldn’t help but ask you about it one day, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. “hey, have you noticed anything different about chef jung lately?” she asked, her voice low as she leaned in closer. you felt your cheeks warm, but you played it cool, feigning innocence with a smile. “no, why do you ask?”

chaeyoung’s eyes narrowed playfully. “oh, come on! don’t tell me you haven’t noticed how he’s been around you lately. it’s like you’re his favorite or something.” your heart fluttered at the thought, but you shook your head, still maintaining the pretense. “i really haven’t noticed anything out of the ordinary,” you replied, keeping your tone light. “maybe he’s just in a good mood lately.”

she gave you a knowing look, but before she could press further, hoseok entered the kitchen. as usual, his presence had an immediate effect on everyone—conversations stopped, eyes turned to him. there was an unspoken respect for him that filled the air whenever he walked in, a mix of admiration and a bit of fear. you had grown used to this silence, no longer feeling the same tension as before. Instead, you found yourself feeling at ease, knowing that his attention was likely to land on you with a smile or a kind word. but today was different.

“choi yongsun,” he called out, his voice cutting through the silence. the name took a moment to register. you were in the middle of organizing the ingredients for the day, your mind still half-focused on the conversation with chaeyoung. but when you finally registered the name, your heart stuttered in your chest. a pause followed. the kind of pause that feels like an eternity, stretching the moment out until it’s almost unbearable. you looked up, confusion washing over you as you turned to see another girl—choi yongsun—standing frozen, her eyes wide as she stared at hoseok. “come to my office,” he finished

your entire world stopped spinning. it felt as if the ground had shifted beneath your feet, the air suddenly too thick to breathe. the warmth and comfort you had felt all week vanished, replaced by a cold, gnawing sensation in the pit of your stomach. you couldn’t move, couldn’t think, as the reality of what was happening slowly dawned on you. you were invisible again. hoseok’s attention, his kindness, the gentle smiles and lingering looks—they hadn’t meant what you thought they did. all of it had been a cruel illusion, a fleeting moment that had now passed, leaving you behind like a forgotten afterthought.

your heart shattered in your chest, the pieces scattering in a thousand directions. a dull, numbing pain spread through you, making it hard to focus, hard to keep your composure. you watched as yongsun hesitated, glancing around the room as if seeking reassurance. hoseok’s gaze softened as he met hers, and in that moment, it became clear—she was the one he was focused on now. not you.

blood rushed to your head, the heat of embarrassment and hurt rising until it felt like your skin was on fire. the kitchen, once a place of warmth and comfort, now felt like a cage, trapping you in a nightmare you hadn’t seen coming. you needed to get out. before anyone could notice the tears threatening to spill from your eyes, you spun on your heel and bolted from the kitchen. your breath came in shallow gasps as you fled down the hallway, the sound of your heartbeat pounding in your ears. the walls blurred as you ran, the sting of tears clouding your vision.

you pushed open the door to the street outside, the cool air hitting your face like a slap. you didn’t stop. you couldn’t. not until you found a cab, your hands shaking as you flagged one down. the ride home was a blur of motion and suppressed sobs. the reality of what had just happened hit you in waves, each one more painful than the last. how had you been so naive? how had you let yourself believe, even for a second, that he saw you as more than just another chef in his kitchen?

the thoughts spiraled, tearing at your already fragile heart. by the time you reached your door, the dam broke. tears flowed freely now, your body shaking with the force of your sobs as you fumbled with your keys, the metal slipping in your trembling hands. finally inside, you collapsed against the door, the sobs wracking your body as you sank to the floor. the realization of how deeply you had let yourself fall, of how thoroughly you had been misled, was crushing. it wasn’t just about hoseok’s attention—it was about the hope you had allowed to bloom, the fragile seed of something more that you had nurtured, only to have it ripped away in an instant.

you had been so foolish to think that he could see you, truly see you, as anything more than just another girl in his life. all the moments you had shared, the laughter, the smiles, the tender words—they were nothing more than fleeting distractions to him, easily replaced the moment someone else caught his eye. and then, as you sat alone on your cold floor, the weight of your own heartbreak settling over you, the tears wouldn’t stop. they flowed endlessly, a river of pain that seemed to have no end, each sob tearing through you with a force that left you breathless.

your thoughts were a tangled mess of hurt, anger, and a deep, aching sadness that hollowed you out from the inside. you had wanted to believe in something more, something real, but now all you were left with was the bitter taste of disappointment. it was over. whatever connection you thought you had with him was nothing more than a cruel joke, a figment of your imagination that had shattered into a million pieces.

the sobs wracked your body, each one tearing through you with a force that left you trembling on the floor. you clutched at your chest as if trying to hold the pieces of your shattered heart together, but it was no use. the pain was too much, the disappointment too deep. tears blurred your vision, and the world around you became a distorted mess of shadows and light.

you didn’t hear the door open. you were too lost in your own anguish, too consumed by the despair that had wrapped itself around your heart like a vise. it wasn’t until you sensed a presence beside you that you looked up, your breath catching in your throat. hoseok stood in the doorway, his expression stricken, eyes filled with a mix of grief and concern. his usually confident stance was gone, replaced by something softer, more vulnerable. he took a tentative step toward you, his voice gentle, almost pleading.

“why did you go home?” he asked, his tone filled with an aching sorrow that matched the hurt in your chest. you felt something snap inside you at his words, a flood of emotions rushing to the surface. anger, hurt, betrayal—all of it came pouring out in a torrent as you stared at him through tear-streaked eyes.

“why did i go home?” you repeated, your voice cracking as you tried to keep the sobs at bay. “i thought—i thought you had really changed, hoseok. i thought you were different, that you were finally done with the games. i opened my heart to you, and you just, you went back to the girls in your office like it meant nothing.” your voice broke, the words trembling with the force of your emotions. you didn’t care how vulnerable you sounded, didn’t care that your tears were still falling, staining your cheeks as you looked up at him. all you could think about was the pain of realizing you had been wrong, so very wrong, about him.

hoseok’s face twisted with grief, his eyes darkening with regret as he closed the distance between you. “you’ve got it all wrong,” he said softly, his voice pained as he reached out to you. but you shook your head, pulling away from him as fresh tears welled up in your eyes. “no, i don’t,” you cried, your voice thick with emotion. “you’re an asshole, hoseok. you made me believe in something that wasn’t real. you made me believe that you could be more, that we could be more, and then you just—threw it all away.”

your words hung in the air, heavy with the weight of your heartache. hoseok stopped in his tracks, his expression filled with a kind of desperation you hadn’t seen in him before. his hands clenched into fists at his sides, as if he was trying to hold himself together. then, slowly, he crouched down in front of you, his eyes never leaving yours. he reached out again, his movements slow, deliberate, as if he was afraid you might shatter if he moved too quickly. his fingers gently wrapped around your hands, warm and comforting, even as your body trembled with the aftershocks of your sobs.

“listen to me,” he murmured, his voice low, soothing. “i did call yongsun into my office. but it wasn’t what you think.” you tried to pull your hands away, the pain in your chest still raw, but he held on, his grip firm yet gentle. he leaned in closer, his gaze searching yours, his voice tender as he continued.

“she was quitting,” he said softly, his breath brushing against your skin. “that’s why i called her in. to talk about her leaving. that’s all.” you froze, your breath catching in your throat as his words registered. the hurt, the anger—everything you had been feeling—wavered, uncertainty creeping in. you searched his eyes, looking for any sign that he might be lying, but all you saw was sincerity, a raw honesty that made your heart stutter in your chest.

“you—you really didn’t sleep with her?” you whispered, your voice barely audible, as if you were afraid to even ask. a small, sad smile tugged at the corners of hoseok’s lips. he shook his head, his thumb brushing gently across the back of your hand. “of course, i didn’t,” he murmured. “i could never do that to you.”

relief washed over you, a wave of emotion so strong it left you breathless. the tears that had been born of heartbreak now turned to something else—something softer, warmer. they slipped down your cheeks in quiet streams, and hoseok reached up, brushing them away with his fingertips. “it’s okay,” he whispered, pulling you closer. “i’m here. i’m not going anywhere.” you didn’t resist as he gathered you into his arms, his warmth seeping into you, chasing away the cold that had settled in your heart. he held you like you were something precious, something fragile, and the care in his touch only made the tears fall faster.

you buried your face in his shoulder, the scent of him—familiar, comforting—wrapping around you like a balm for your wounded heart. his hands moved up and down your back in slow, soothing strokes, his presence grounding you, anchoring you in a moment that felt too real, too tender to be anything but the truth. for a long time, neither of you said anything. there were no words needed, no explanations to be given. all that mattered was the way he held you, the way he made you feel safe, cherished, loved.

and then, slowly, gently, hoseok pulled back just enough to look at you, his eyes soft as they searched your face. his hand came up to cradle your cheek, his thumb brushing away the last of your tears as he leaned in. the kiss was soft, tentative, a whisper of a touch that sent a shiver down your spine. his lips were warm against yours, his breath mingling with yours in a way that felt like coming home. there was no rush, no urgency—just a quiet, tender moment that spoke of all the things neither of you could put into words.

you leaned into him, your arms wrapping around his neck as the kiss grew deeper, more passionate. you could feel his heart racing against yours, the beat a frantic echo of the need that was building inside you. the taste of him was like a drug, something you hadn’t realized you’d been craving until now. your body responded, your nipples tightening against the fabric of your shirt, your pussy growing wet with desire.

his hands slipped down to your waist, his fingers tracing the curve of your hips before sliding around to the small of your back. he pulled you closer, aligning your bodies so that you could feel the hard length of him pressing against your stomach. you moaned into his mouth, the heat between you growing with every passing second. his touch grew bolder, more insistent, as he cupped your breasts, his thumbs playing with your nipples through the fabric. the sensation sent sparks of pleasure shooting through you, making you arch into his touch.

you broke the kiss, panting, to look up at him. his eyes were dark with need, his pupils blown wide as he stared down at you. “i’m sorry,” he murmured, his voice thick with want. “i’m sorry for hurting you. for making you doubt me. i’ll do anything to make it up to you, to show you how much you mean to me.” his words were like a balm to your soul, soothing the last of the raw edges of your heartache. you reached up, placing your hand on his cheek, your thumb tracing the line of his jaw. “make love to me, hoseok,” you whispered, your voice shaky. “show me that we’re okay.”

his eyes searched yours for a moment, looking for confirmation, for permission. and when you nodded, a soft smile curved his lips. he stood, pulling you to your feet, and then he was leading you to the bedroom, his hand warm and firm in yours. the room was bathed in soft, golden light from the setting sun, casting shadows across the bed that was already calling to you. you could feel your heart racing, your body thrumming with anticipation as he began to undress you, his eyes never leaving yours.

once you were naked, he took a moment to just look at you, his gaze roving over your body with a kind of reverence that made you feel beautiful, desired. his hands followed, tracing the lines of your collarbone, your ribs, the swell of your hips. he leaned down, his mouth following the path his hands had taken, placing kisses along the way. you shivered, your skin coming alive under his touch. when he finally reached your breasts, he took one nipple into his mouth, suckling gently, his tongue flicking over the sensitive peak. the sensation sent a jolt of pleasure straight to your core, making you moan.

his hand moved between your legs, his fingers finding your clit, stroking it lightly, teasing it until you were begging for more. but hoseok was in no hurry. he took his time, exploring every inch of you, building the tension until you were on the edge, your body quivering with need. and when he finally slid into you, it was with a slow, deliberate movement that made you gasp. his cock was huge, stretching you in a way that was both painful and beautiful. you felt so full, so complete, as he filled you completely.

his strokes were gentle at first, almost tender, as if he was afraid of hurting you. but as you grew more and more desperate, he picked up the pace, his hips moving in a steady rhythm that had you clinging to the edge of climax. he whispered dirty, filthy words in your ear, praising your body, your tightness, your beauty, and each one sent a fresh wave of heat through you. his attentiveness was intoxicating, his sensitivity to your needs surprising and arousing.

his thumb found your clit again, pressing down firmly as he fucked you harder, his breath coming in ragged gasps. you could feel your orgasm building, a storm rising inside you, threatening to break. and when it did, it was like nothing you’d ever felt before—a white-hot explosion of pleasure that had you crying out his name, your body convulsing around his cock.

hoseok’s eyes never left yours, watching you intently as you rode out the waves of your climax. his own release followed closely, his hips jerking as he came deep inside you, his warmth filling you up. he collapsed against you, his chest heaving with the exertion. for a moment, you just lay there, tangled in the sheets, your bodies slick with sweat, hearts beating in sync.

you wrapped your legs around his waist, holding him close, feeling the aftershocks of your orgasm ripple through you. he kissed you again, deep and slow, his tongue stroking yours in a gentle dance that spoke of a connection that went beyond the physical. it was a promise, a declaration of love and devotion, and it made you feel like the luckiest person in the world.

once you’d both caught your breath, hoseok pulled out of you, his cock still hard and glistening. without a word, he reached for the box of condoms on the nightstand, his eyes never leaving yours. you watched as he rolled one on, his movements sure and practiced, and then he was back, pushing into you again. the feeling of him bare inside you was different this time, a thrill that sent shivers down your spine. you knew it was risky, but with hoseok, it felt like the most natural thing in the world.

his strokes grew slower, more deliberate, his eyes never leaving yours as he made love to you with a kind of tenderness that was almost overwhelming. every thrust was a silent promise, every kiss a vow to never hurt you again. and as you came apart in his arms, your bodies melding together in a symphony of passion, you knew that that was where you were meant to be—right there, with hoseok, forever.

✧.*

a/n: this one was lowk ass

Jung Hoseok Drabble Masterlist 📝

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Genre: Fluff 💜, Angst ☔️, Crack 💀, Horror 👻

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Consequences ☔️

[4:42 PM]

pairing: jung hoseok x gn!reader

category: fluff

word count: 205

rating: g

warning(s): none

With a heavy sigh, Hoseok enters his large apartment, one he shares with you, his loving girlfriend. While he wants you to interact with his members on a daily basis, he wants you all to himself, to spoil with affection and love without his six brothers mocking or teasing them. Hoseok shucks off his shoes and drops his bag by the door, shutting it with his foot.

He lifts his eyes, only to spot you standing a few feet away from him with a smile on your face and a cake in your hands. It's decorated with frosting and strawberries, a single candle on top of it. Hoseok meets your gaze, his shoulders slumping slightly with relief.

"Happy birthday, Hobi," you coo, giggling as he approaches and lands a passionate kiss on your lips. "I hope you're ready to be relaxed."

"Oh, most definitely," Hoseok mumbles, resting his head on your shoulder.

"Good! I have a movie with snacks prepared, and afterwards, you can take a warm bath, then a massage afterwards." He hums at the delightful ideas you've planned for him, for his birthday. "How does that sound?"

"Perfect," Hoseok whispers, lifting his head and kissing you again. "Absolutely perfect."

© thekaykery 2021

daydream

pairing: jung hoseok x fem!reader

category: soulmate au, smut, angst, fluff(?)

word count: 12.9k

warning(s): soft dom!hoseok, sub?reader, unprotected sex (wrap before you tap), consensual sex, cursing, masturbation (f), multiple orgasms, praise, light degrading, hair pulling, voyeurism(?), dirty talk, oral (m and f), handjob, spanking, choking, face riding, creampie

rating: 18+

notes: the indented words and the chat words are supposed to be text messages. anyway, i struggled a lot with writing this. anyways, enjoy reading!

“Remind me why we’re doing this again?” you hiss as you follow your best friend through a cramped hallway, littered with cobwebs and dust. You wave away the webs that threaten to cling to your clothing and hair, shivering a little at the ghostly sensation. “In a fucking haunted house, no less?”

Jimin, your best friend, wildly hushes you. “Shut up! You’re gonna wake the spirits!”

Scowling, you reach forward to smack your hand against the back of his head. He yelps in reply to your retaliation, pouting at you while rubbing the spot you hit. You just shake your head at him as the two of you venture further into the eerie house. This house has a bad reputation; many people have disappeared here. Some were killed, some went in and never came out. You always avoided this place since it creeps you out to no end, but somehow, Jimin convinced you to join him, to discover what secrets lay inside.

As you step deeper into the house, both of you stay on your toes, just in case if some psycho or murderer decides to jump out and off you. You pass an array of doors, some closed tight, some open, some ripped off their hinges. Here and there you’ll see a marking etched into the wall, and every time you see one, your skin crawls.

You suddenly pause in front of one of the doors off its hinges, your eyes glued to the strange scenery inside the room.

“Hey, Jimin-ah,” you quietly say, motioning him to come with a hand, “come look at this.”

Your best friend joins you. You both peer into the room. The dusty, webby shelves are filled with random objects and full jars, and there are some candles where their melted dried wax sticks to the wood. Accompanying the weird objects are books, tons and tons of books, some new and some well-worn. Your eyes fall to the painted pentagram on the floor, a red, yellow, blue, purple, and white candle sitting on each of the five points. Markings like the ones you saw in the hallways are inside the star. The moonlight shining in through the shattered window beams perfectly on the pentagram, and to you, it seems like it’s glowing, but…not.

“Holy fuck,” Jimin murmurs with a wide, mischievous grin. He rushes into the room, eagerly examining everything with bright eyes. “We’ve got a witch in the neighborhood!”

“I-I don’t think you should be in there,” you whisper, your brave, cocky attitude from earlier now gone. You nervously search the room for any signs of danger. “We need to leave. I’m getting some serious bad vibes from this place!”

Jimin, who’s investigating a jar of what appears to be beetle shells, rolls his eyes at you. “Stop being a chicken and get your ass in here!”

Gulping, you reluctantly step inside the creepy room. Jimin places the jar of beetle shells down and goes over to the books, gazing at the spines. You cautiously approach the shelf littered with the jars and satisfyingly melted candles, hesitantly scanning the contents in the jar in front of you. It contains some kind of liquid, and something’s in it. It suddenly moves, and you squeak, scrambling away from the shelf, holding your hands to your chest.

You see Jimin whirl around in the corner of your eye, and his face is written with panic. "Uh, I think you need to get out of there!"

You glance down, screeching at the glowing pentagram, shining a brilliant gold. Erratically, you attempt to leave, but you hit an invisible wall. A lump of dread forms in your stomach.

“Jimin!” you scream.

That’s the last thing you say before darkness envelops you, and the last thing you see if your best friend sprinting towards you and yelling your name, reaching out to you.

Then there’s silence.

Absolute silence.

When you open your eyes, you notice you’re falling rather slowly. Twinkles of light sparkle all around you, and every time each one glimmers, an image appears for a fraction of a second before disappearing. You furrow your brows. Where are you? You obviously know how you got here, but you don’t know where you ended up. You twist your body slightly, realizing you appear to be floating in some kind of bubble.

A bright light suddenly appears beneath you, and once you glance down, you see it rapidly approaching it. Gasping, you throw up your arms to protect your face as the light engulfs you. Once again, darkness, but when you manage to open your eyes, you notice you’re in the same house as before, lying on the floor inside the pentagram. You scramble to your feet, anxious.

The room around you, similar to the one you were just in, is clean, void of dust and webs, and the door is set right on its hinges. The shelves are absent of the jars, candles, and books, and the pentagram you should be in is nowhere to be found. Also, it isn't nighttime anymore. Sunshine beams in through the not-broken window.

Where the fuck are you?

You gasp, suddenly scanning the room for your best friend. “Jimin?” you weakly call, hoping he’s here somewhere in the house, searching for you.

But you receive no answer.

Quietly sighing, you wearily examine the floor beneath you, waiting to see if some kind of pentagram will suddenly appear. Carefully raising a foot, you step out of where the circle should be. You stop as if you'll be smitten with some sort of repercussion, but there isn't any. A breath of relief escapes you, and you rush out of the house. You grimace after you emerge outside, holding a hand up to block the sun from your eyes.

This is when you notice the strange mark on your wrist.

Frowning, you lower your hand to examine it more closely. The realistically shaded crescent moon is part of the blank circle that creates the rest of a radiant sun, lined rays radiating outwards from it. Strangely, the sun isn’t filled in like your moon. It's blank, empty of any color or shade. This confuses you greatly.

“What?” You lick your thumb and rub at the mark, only to realize it’s not going away. “What the fu-!?”

“Y/N!”

You whip around and find Jimin, who's smiling so wide his eyes are nearly gone and waving at you. He's still your Jimin, his hair is more of a light brown than black, and he's currently wearing a black-and-white striped shirt and black jeans. Your Jimin, the one you know and love, was wearing a black leather jacket with a white shirt and black jeans.

The man beside Jimin is unfamiliar, but he's extremely handsome. His dark brown, curly hair sways gently in the breeze and hangs in his serious eyes. His face is sculpted like a Greek statue, so much your thighs unconsciously squeeze together, wishing you could ride it. A black coat sits on his shoulders, his hands in the pockets, and a gray turtleneck sits beneath it. Black jeans cover his long legs.

Despite the strange guy next to Jimin, seeing your best friend gives you some form of relief.

"Jimin," you say, running to him and throwing your arms around his neck. He softly chuckles and pats your back. "You're okay, thank goodness."

"What do you mean?" he asks. "I'm completely fine."

You pause, remembering this isn't necessarily your Jimin. "N-Nevermind." You break away and cross your eyes, eyeing the stranger beside him, and you unconsciously size him up. "Who's this guy?"

"Oh, this?" Jimin widely grins. "This is Taehyung. Turns out he's my best friend soulmate!"

You frown a little. He...replaced you. Well, kind of. "Soulmate?" you echo.

"Yeah, my soulmate!" He giggles. He slings an arm over your shoulder and brings you close, affectionately smooching your temple. "But that doesn't mean I care about you any less, Y/N. I still adore you the same as I did before, don't you worry!"

You don't reply as you walk with Jimin and his newfound best friend Taehyung. Unconsciously, you rub the spot where the moon/sun mark is, suddenly feeling anxious and alone. Where are you? You're not in your world, you know this, but you seem to have ended up in a place where soulmates actually exist. You've only read such concepts in fanfictions or books or seen them in movies, but you never thought you'd end up being the main character in such a story.

Do you have a soulmate too? Or is this mark a hoax, just to trick you into thinking you have one when you really don't?

God, this feels like a daydream.

"Hey, Jimin?" you say, biting your lip. He hums. "Do you know what this means?"

You raise your arm to show Jimin the sun and moon on your forearm. He stops and gazes at it for a moment. Taehyung stands beside him, examining it too. Silence falls between you, the only sound the gentle breeze until Jimin speaks.

"That's weird," he mumbles, grasping your arm to look at it more closely. "You didn't have this the last time I saw you."

You freeze. Have you been caught? Does this Jimin know you're from a completely different world than his, that you don't belong here? You glance at Taehyung, who emotionlessly stares at you. "W-What do you mean?" you stutter, looking back at Jimin.

"I mean what I said." He raises his eyes to yours. "The last time I saw you, you didn't have this tattoo. You told me you were born without a soulmate, but..." He glances at the mark again. "It seems you lied. Why did you lie to me, Y/N?"

What are you supposed to say now? "I-I don't know," you mumble, looking away, hoping your panic isn't blatantly written all over your face. "I guess I never really believed in soulmates."

"Why the sudden change of heart, then?" he presses. "How did you manage to hide this?" You grimace as his grip tightens on your wrist.

"Makeup, I guess?"

"Jimin-ah." Taehyung's voice is deep, smooth and rich like honey. He reaches out and removes Jimin's hand, gazing down at him with a serious expression. "Let it go. She's obviously uncomfortable.

You peek at Taehyung, noticing his dark eyes on you for a second before they flicker back to Jimin. Jimin sighs. "Come on, it's getting dark out."

He reaches out to you, twining your fingers together, silently apologizing for his actions. You stick close to him and Taehyung as they walk you home, knowing they'll protect you. You soon arrive at your apartment; it's still the same building, the same layout. Everything is where it should be. Except for you. You're the only thing out of place in this strange world.

"Thank you for walking me home," you say to Jimin and Taehyung, bowing in thanks.

Jimin smiles and embraces you for a moment. "Sleep well, okay?" he tells you, tenderly patting your cheek before leaving with Taehyung.

You wave, watching them descend the stairs until they're out of sight. Closing the door, you venture into your apartment. You find your bedroom and flick on the light, raking a moment to examine it. It's the same as you left it. Where did this version of you go? Did you switch places? Or did you ultimately replace yourself, and the you that lived here is gone?

Sighing and dismissing your troubling thoughts, you change into a sweatshirt and some leggings, brushing your hair out of your face. You then lie on your bed, staring up at the ceiling, wondering why you ended up here in this universe where soulmates exist. What is Jimin doing back home? Is he trying to bring you back? Or has your existence been entirely wiped clean in that universe?

Deciding laying in bed and thinking isn't going to do much, you leave your room to explore your apartment. You discover everything is the same just like your own apartment; pots and pans are in the same place and organized the same way, including the plates, cups and silverware. It seems the you here had the same exact mannerisms and habits as you do.

Your heart suddenly jumps, and you find yourself racing back to your room, falling to your knees beside your bed and lowering your face to the ground, frantically searching the darkness underneath for something. Your shoulders slump with relief, glad to see the box containing all your toys is in the place where you left it. Nibbling on your lip, you slide it out and remove the top. All your toys - dildos, vibrators, anal plugs, cuffs - beam up at you, like they're saying they're happy to see you again.

You remember the day you bought your first toy. It was a dildo, realistically flesh-colored and shaped, ridged with veins and topped with a perfect tip. Excluding the fake balls, it's five inches long. You still have it, but you rarely use it now, opting for your longer and thicker dildos. You remember how to tried to keep yourself quiet while you drilled and rode your toys to completion, your thighs sticky with your own sweat and cum.

Gazing at them brings your attention to your aching center. You bite your lip. Well, you are alone, and no one is going to see you riding your dildo like a maniac, crying and bouncing away mindlessly. Sighing, you grab your eight-inch clear and thick dildo and a white handheld vibrator, closing the box and sliding it back under your bed. You stand and lie down, placing your toys beside you.

Sucking in a breath, you lift your hands to your chest, tenderly kneading and squeezing your breasts through your sweatshirt. You softly exhale, your nipples tingling from the simple stimulation. You drift a hand down to your thigh, then slowly snake it between your legs to cup your center through your leggings. You quietly whine, rubbing yourself through your bottoms and panties, your clit beginning to throb.

Too eagerly, you peel off your clothes and abandon them on the floor. You spread your legs, shivering as the cool air of you room rushes against your soaked pussy. Your hands return to your bare breasts, squeezing them a bit more harshly. You focus on your nipples, lightly pinching and circling the buds with your fingertips. You whine, abusing the nubs a bit more roughly, the sting transforming into pleasure that shoots straight down your spine to your cunt. You bring a digit to your mouth and suckle on it, then rub your nipples, hissing softly as they buzz.

Your hands ghost back to your thighs, and you gaze at the spot between your legs, feeling your cunt ache for some kind of stimulation. Teasingly, you locate your clit with your fingertip. You gently whimper when waves of pleasure roll over you each time to draw a circle. You curse, your eyes flickering to your dildo and vibrator beside you.

"Not yet," you whisper, rubbing harder at your clit, moaning, your other hand squeezing one of your breasts. "Fuck..."

Your juices flow out of you like a river, your cunt aching to be stuffed full. Panting, you snatch the dildo beside you and drag it through your soaked folds, gently moaning. You align the tip with your entrance, and your head falls back on the pillow in bliss while the long, thick cock fills you up, sliding in with no difficulty. Once it's sheathed to the hilt, you clench around it for a few moments before slowly thrusting it in and out of you, shivering as the dildo perfectly rubs along your needy walls.

This tempo is quickly replaced by your desperation. "Ngh!" you whine, arching your back while you drill the dildo in and out of you, your innocent noises leaving you, mixing with the squelching of your pussy echoing through your room. Furrowing your brows in concentration, ignoring the ache in your wrist, you slam the toy deep inside you, so fucking needy to cum. Your eyes momentarily catch the mysterious tattoo on your wrist, and you pause. What's your soulmate doing right now? You blush. You'd die of embarrassment if your soulmate caught you fucking yourself like this.

But strangely, the thought turns you on.

You resume your pace, whimpering and mewling. "Fuck, I wanna cum!" you squeak. Now unable to ignore the building cramp in your wrist, you hurriedly suction the dildo to your hardwood floor, sliding it back inside you. Your eyes roll to the back of your head as you easily adopt a good pace. You use the space in front of you for support, your moans streaming out of you uncontrollably. Fuck, you love riding your dildos so much. It feels better than manually thrusting it in and out of you, plus you feel extremely sexy.

Mewling, you furiously bounce, your mind subconsciously imagining one of your crushes beneath you, his long, thick cock buried deep inside you, his face twitching and morphing with bliss at your warmth around him. You whine, the naughty image causing your cunt to spasm around the fake dick. You don't know how long you're there, mindlessly riding your toy nice and fast. Your high is approaching, you can feel it. Your clit throbs for attention, and you're unable to contain yourself. You snatch your vibrator, powering it in and firmly holding it to your sensitive bud of nerves, gasping, your hips violently trembling.

In a few short seconds, you cum, and a high-pitched moan leaves your lips. You jolt and twitch on top of your dildo, your pussy uncontrollably clamping around it, your clit screaming with relief and oversensitivity. You can't take the vibrations anymore, tearing the vibrator away and shutting it off. You slump on the floor, a high expression on your face, a dreamy smile on your lips.

You love cumming so much, love the addicting sensation it gives you, and how delicious it is to cum more than once.

The thought makes you become wet again, and you sigh. Cautiously, you lift yourself on and off the faux cock again, your lips parting, clenching around it each time you slide up. You clutch the vibrator as you speed up, whimpering and panting like a bitch in heat. Fuck, you can't get enough of this, can't get enough of the numbing pleasure, the sensation of dildo deliciously gliding through your greedy cunt.

"Fuck," you mewl, lying your forehead on the furrowing your brows as you focus on the blissful feeling between your legs. "Fuck, need to cum again-"

Your phone blares, and you whine in frustration. Huffing, you pop off the dildo to grab your phone, checking the ID. It's Jimin. Rolling your eyes, you answer. "Yes?"

"Hi!" he chimes as you align the toy with your entrance, biting your lip when you sink down on it once more. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out drinking with me and Tae tonight!"

Of course he fucking calls to ask if you want to drink with him as you're fucking yourself, searching for the second high you desperately need. You circle your hips slightly, softly exhaling, completely forgetting to reply until he asks if you're there.

"O-Oh. yeah, um," you stammer, your cheeks flushing, "uh, sure, I'll join you guys later. What time are you picking me up?"

Jimin hums. "Around seven?"

"Sure, sure." You glance at the clock. It's almost two. You have five hours. "See you later."

He repeats your phrase, and you hang up and chuck your phone on the bed. You bring your vibrator to your clit after you power it on, resuming sliding on and off your dildo, your noises escaping you once more. Your second orgasm swiftly hits you, sweat beading on your brow as you slump on the floor again. You lie there for a few minutes, debating if you should stop or continue for a third high, but the former wins, supported by your aching thighs and sensitive clit.

You shakily lift yourself off your fake cock, shivering when your pussy is emptied and no longer stuffed full. You rise to your feet and shuffle to your bathroom, rinsing your toys with a warm, damp cloth, gently cleaning them and your center. Afterwards, you tug on a fresh pair of panties, then your leggings and your sweatshirt. Sniffing, you safely place the dildo and the vibrator back in the box before leaving your room, your phone in hand. You plop down on the couch, your sleeve coincidentally riding up and revealing your mark. You take this chance to examine it more closely.

The crescent moon is realistically shaded, shadowed craters and highlighted, cracked surfaces, resembling its physical counterpart. It's part of the lined sun, which is blank and not detailed, no texture at all. Lines radiate outwards from it to symbolize it's shining. You wonder if your soulmate's tattoo is like yours, but instead of the moon, the sun is beautifully drawn with its highlights and shadows, and their moon is blank like your sun. You lift a finger to trace the mark, and as you do so, your skin feels warm.

Almost too much.

You hiss and jerk your hand away, now staring at your glowing tattoo, the lineart of your sun shining brightly. It burns a bit, but the sensation is replaced with something else. Something like... You shudder, unable to pinpoint this exact emotion. What is it? It's so warm and fuzzy, which is something you're not used to. You're more of a night person, so you get along well with the darkness and the cold.

Is your soulmate experiencing this too? Are they thinking of you? What about you? What you're like? How you look?

Wait, why do you care about what your soulmate is thinking right now? They aren't even rightfully yours. They belong to the version of you who was born and raised in this universe where soulmates exist. You furiously shake your head and hug yourself to hide your tattoo, your face flushed. You gaze at the space in front of you, your mind completely blank of thought.

When you check the clock, only an hour has passed. Inwardly groaning, you lie on your back to stare up at the ceiling, your hands on your stomach. You stay there for a few moments, debating if you should do something productive until you need to get ready. You stand with a sigh and shuffle to the kitchen, scanning, noticing how this version of you is also lazy with the dishes. Shrugging, you get to work, washing them by hand instead of stacking them in the dishwasher.

Afterwards, you enter a cleaning frenzy. It's a good way to spend time, especially when you're impatient and can't do one task for too long. Occasionally you take a break and drink water, not wanting to exhaust yourself, and before you know it, it's five thirty. You're sweaty and tired, but you refresh yourself with a shower.

You slip on a form-fitting silver dress, sliding on a pair of white sandals with it. You despise heels because you can't walk worth a shit in them. You sit in front of your vanity and meticulously apply makeup to your face, being sure to apply moisturizer and some serum beneath your primer and foundation. You apply it lightly so it looks natural, dotting some concealer and padding some powder on your face. You do your eyes while you bake, going with gentle pink shadow and mascara.

It's soon a quarter to seven. You anxiously pace in your living room, messing with your clutch. Why are you so nervous? You jolt when the doorbell rings, and you scurry over and swing the door open.

Jimin stands in front of you with a large smile on his face. He's dressed handsome in a black button-up and slate dress pants. The sleeves are rolled up to his elbows, revealing the watch on his right wrist. Your attention us drawn to the rings on his fingers, and for the first time, you feel yourself slightly attracted towards your best friend. Behind him, Taehyung is entirely in black; black turtleneck, black sweater, black jeans and shoes. His hair is the same from earlier, and from what you can tell, it's a little curly.

"You ready?" Jimin asks. "Oh, I hope you don't mind that I invited some other friends as well. They're already there."

You shake your head, stepping out of your apartment and locking it. "No, that's fine. Where are we going? Restaurant? Bar?"

"A bar," he replies. He holds his arm out to you, and you place your hand in the crook of his elbow. He briefly glances at your mark, which is somewhat covered by foundation and concealer, but he doesn't say anything. He walks with you and Taehyung out to his car, which is the exact same one as your Jimin's car.

Everything of this Jimin reminds you of your own. You hope he's doing alright.

Jimin kicks Taehyung to the backseat so you can sit beside him, and he doesn't complain. Jimin drives the three of you to a bar, a popular one amongst young adults. The loud music vibrates through the ground as you step out, shivering a bit at how chilly it is. With both men on either side of you, you enter, and the scent of alcohol and tobacco instantly slams into you. You cough a bit, not used to smelling such a strong smell. You go to the VIP section, and your heart beats as you approach a booth with five guys and two girls.

You know all five men: Namjoon, Seokjin, Yoongi, Jeongguk, and...Hoseok. All eight of you were friends back in your world, and being with them like this hurts you a little. Has Jimin told them what happened to you? Are they all trying to bring you back to them? Or are they doing nothing or have completely forgotten about you?

"Jimin-ssi!" Jeongguk greets with a smile, cradling a pretty girl in his arms. You've never seen her before, but she's young, younger than you. Eighteen, maybe, and definitely American. "About time you got here!"

"Hey, thanks for inviting us," Namjoon says with a smile, holding a bottle of beer in his hand, lifting it to Jimin.

Jimin waves them off, sitting beside Yoongi, who's tapping away on his phone. You join Jimin, and Taehyung finds his place on your right.

Discreetly, you scan the faces around you. Everyone's the same, but a few of them have different hair colors. Jeongguk is brunette while your Jeongguk is blonde, and Yoongi is blonde while your Yoongi has black hair.

Your eyes find Hoseok, and the instant you do, time slows or almost stops completely. It's just the two of you in this moment, gazing at each other. He's exactly like the Hoseok back in your universe, exuding his cheery and powerful aura, and your heart thunders in your chest. Your attention drops to his wrist, but you discover both of them are covered by the sleeves of his red jacket. Why you instinctively looked there, you don't know.

Because he's your soulmate, a voice says in the back of your head, but you deny it. There's no way.

No way...Right?

Back in your dimension, you suppose you should say, you harbored a crush on Hoseok. He's perfect, so adorable and such a great guy. You adored how fluffy his hair was, and how his eyes sparkled whenever he was excited, and the bright grin that always had butterflies erupt in your stomach. He danced, too, and the way he did so captivated you. You envied him a little too, wishing you could dance like that, but you never thought your crush would bleed into this universe. Did this you like Hoseok too? Or is it only just you?

"Hi, Y/N." His voice snaps you out of your trance. It's just as melodious too. You weakly smile and reply with the same thing.

"What are you craving tonight, Y/N?" Jimin asks you, slinging an arm on your shoulders and bringing you into his side. You linger on Hoseok before you look at Jimin.

"Beer," you answer, "or maybe some strong tequila or whiskey."

Jimin nods and goes to the bar to order your drinks. You feel the weight of someone's gaze on you, and when you check, it's just Taehyung, but the look in his eyes... It's a little scary.

"You're not from here, are you?" he quietly questions.

You frown. "I was born and raised here," you mumble, shaking your head and looking away.

"That's not what I meant," he murmurs. "You're not from this dimension, are you?"

Your eyes widen, and your pulse quickens. How...? You glance at him again, noticing his features haven't changed at all. "H-How do you know?"

"I'm from your dimension, too," he quietly explains, watching the rest of his friends laugh over a dumb joke. "The pentagram in the haunted house. That's how you got here too, right? And how my existence was entirely wiped? Like I was never even born?"

You stare at him. Your mind is unable to comprehend what you're hearing, but memories are being stirred up. You try to imagine Taehyung, the one back in your dimension, but he disappeared a few months ago, in the fucking haunted house no less. He came here the exact same way you did. Your eyes sting with tears. This is the missing Taehyung.

"T-Tae," you whisper weakly.

Taehyung's serious facade drops for a moment, and he tenderly smiles at you. "Hi, Y/N," he says softly, reaching out and tapping your nose. You breathlessly laugh at his action. Yeah, it's definitely him.

You sniff and wipe your nose, carefully dabbing your eyes with a finger. "Does anyone else know?"

He shakes his head. "No, just you, but I have a feeling there are others from our dimension here as well."

You frown again. "That's not good... Have you figured out a way to get back home yet?"

Taehyung purses his lips. "There isn't a way. We're stuck here."

Your heart nearly shatters right then and there at this news. You'll never see Jimin and the rest of the boys again. It'll just be you and Taehyung from now on. He knows what you're feeling, and you know the same. You both miss your home. You reach out and tightly clutch his hand, and he squeezes it to comfort you.

"What are we talkin' about?" Jimin chimes, plopping back down beside you, handing you your beer and Taehyung a cola. You don't question it. Taehyung never liked alcohol.

"Nothing," you mumble, swallowing your sorrow with your beer. "Nothing at all."

You faceplant on your bed, inwardly groaning while your soft mattress engulfs you and swaddles you with its cloudlike embrace. Your head pounds like someone's beating it with a sledgehammer, and your stomach is twisting. Sluggishly, you roll on your back and sit up, bending down and shucking off your sandals. Your dress soon joins them, and the cool air of your room surrounds your naked body. You lie down again, raising your arms above your head and pointing your toes, stretching.

After a few moments, you shuffle to the bathroom, wiping your face free of makeup. You brush your teeth and pad back to your bed, slipping in beneath the covers and curling up in a small ball. It doesn't take you long to fall asleep.

When you wake the next morning, you can't recall your dream, but you know it must've been a heated one, since your cunt is wet. You briefly squeeze your thighs together, wondering if you should touch yourself or ignore it. The former wins. You reach down between your legs to drag a digit through your folds, and you bite your lip to contain a whine at how soaked you are.

Must've been a really good dream.

You toss off the sheets and bend over the edge of the bed, sliding out your box of toys, removing the top and grabbing your favorite dildo. You twist on your stomach and position your ass high up in the air, exposing your sopping pussy to the chilly air of your room. You glide the fake cock along your lower lips, and you’re quick to align the tip with your entrance, and once more, it enters you with no difficulty.

Dazedly, you pump the dildo in and out of you, soft whimpers and moans slipping out of you. Fuck, it always feels good, so damn good. You quicken your pace, the sound of your slick ringing through the room, harmonizing with your noises. Suddenly, your brain conjures Hoseok, looking the exact same as he did last night, his gorgeous body on display for you to see, his long, delicate fingers clutching your hips like a vice while his hips piston in and out of you like a beautifully oiled machine.

A high-pitched mewl leaves you at this naughty fantasy, and your hand goes the fastest it can, the dirty thought of Hoseok absolutely fucking the shit out of you extremely hot. Your other hand joins the fray, furiously rubbing circles on your aching clit. “Feels good, doesn’t it?” you can almost hear him say in your ear. “Me fucking you like the filthy whore you are, hm?”

“Fuck, yes!” you cry out, your moans strained as your orgasm hits you. “Fuck, Hoseok!”

You squeal and rip out the cock out of you, a waterfall of juices swiftly following, spraying your thighs and your bedsheets in wetness. Your eyes roll to the back of your head. You’re in heaven. You’ve never cum so quickly before, or this hard, and it’s slightly scary how your crush made you do so.

You slump on your bed for a moment, ignoring the growing uncomfortable sensation of your damp sheets to simply lie there and enjoy the aftershocks of your high. After a few minutes, you sluggishly leave your bed to go to your bathroom, briefly showering and leaving with a towel wrapped around your body. You dry off and dress into a shirt and sweatpants, tucking your phone into your pocket. You strip your bed and place on fresh sheets, neatly setting your pillows near your headboard. You decide to straighten your room too, opening the curtains and blinds and letting the sunshine in.

You stand there for a moment, letting the sun kiss you. You close your eyes, enjoying the warmth and heat. Although you like the night, you love the day, love how happy you feel in the sun.

Then you leave your bedroom to go to your kitchen, preparing yourself a cup of coffee and sitting on your couch. You turn on Netflix and search through the shows and movies, trying to decide on one. You eventually choose Avatar: The Last Airbender, sipping on your coffee as the first episode starts.

Before you know it, you’ve blown through almost twenty episodes, and when you glance at the clock, it’s almost five in the evening. “Fuck,” you grumble, checking your mug and seeing it’s been empty this entire time. Mumbling to yourself, you go back to the kitchen and place the mug in the sink, opening the fridge. After deciding nothing looks delectable, you plop back on the couch and order some takeout. It arrives in about twenty minutes, and you munch on your food. In the middle of a bite, your phone dings.

From: Chim

Yo, you eating?

You roll your eyes at his question, quickly typing back yes.

From: Chim

Damn, I wanted to eat some takeout with you

To: Chim

That's what I ordered dumbass

From: Chim

I'm coming over!

Shaking your head, you keep eating your food, munching on some kimchi when your front door opens and closes. You check to see Jimin joining you, grabbing the second pair of chopsticks and breaking them.

"Looks yummy," he chimes, slurping a bit of tteokbokki. "So, did you have fun last night?"

"I barely remember shit other than drinking until I threw up," you mumble.

You lied. You do remember everything: the chat you had with Taehyung and how you discovered he's your missing Tae, and how your stomach twisted into knots at the sight of Hoseok, but that's probably because you have a crush on him. Not because he's your soulmate.

Yet you still remember the way Hoseok stared at you last night, like he wanted to talk to you about something but was too afraid to say it. So were you, since you were worried you'd say something stupid and he'll realize you'll never be in his league and embarrass you to no end, but you know Hoseok isn't like that at all.

"Yeah, you threw up on the sidewalk the instant we left," Jimin teases, shoving a triangle kimbap into his mouth.

You wince at his words. What did Hoseok think of you when it happened? You stiffen. Wait, why are you so concerned of what his opinion about you? He's just a friend!

"You laughed, didn't you?" you ask him, eating some beef tartare as he nods. You roll your eyes. "Of course you did."

"Hoseok walked you home, though." This makes you pause. You glance at him. "He texted me after he dropped you off, saying he left after you were inside. What? Why do you look so surprised?"

"I-I didn't think he'd walk me home," you mumble, now picking at your food. "I thought he'd let you or Taehyung drive me home."

"No, Taehyung told me I was too wasted, and he didn't want to drive you back since it was too far away even though you live, like, five minutes from that bar."

You purse your lips. You internally curse Taehyung but also thank him for giving Hoseok the opportunity of walking you home. You momentarily wonder if you said anything you shouldn't have, if it wasn't too gruesome or vulgar, like how you wished he could fuck you nice and hard. Heat fills your cheeks.

"Well, next time you see Hoseok, thank him for me," you say.

Jimin quirks a brow at you. "Don't you have his number?"

You think for a moment, then shyly nod. After Jimin leaves, you clean up your mess and return to the couch. You enter your messages, seeing you already have a conversation with him. You tap it, then stop, wondering what the fuck you're supposed to write. Sucking in a breath, you slowly conjure your text.

To: Hobi

Hey...

Thank you for walking me home last night. That was nice of you.

You reread your message, and you shake your head, deleting and retyping it.

To: Hobi

Thanks for walking me home last night

I appreciate it

You press send, then you wait, staring at the screen for his reply like a creep. Your heart pounds in your chest, and you jump the instant you see the bubble with three dots appear. He's responding to you.

From: Hobi

No need to thank me, I didn't want you going home by yourself

Also... do you remember anything you said last night?

Fuck, you did say something incredibly stupid, didn't you? You momentarily chuck your phone away from you to contain your composure and sanity before you text back.

To: Hobi

No I don't...

What did I say?

From: Hobi

It's nothing. Dw about it ok?

You bite your lip.

To: Hobi

No srsly what did I say?

It wasn't stupid right? And it didn't make you uncomfortable?

You're waiting for his reply again, but a minute passes. Then a second, and a third. Ten minutes fly by, and you receive no message. You heavily sigh. You lock your phone and toss it beside you, bringing your knees to your chest. You try to remember last night, remember the sensation of Hoseok's arms around you while he escorts you home. Did he laugh at any stupid shit you said?

But what did you say to make him like this?

You blush. You sincerely hope you hadn't confessed your feelings to him because that would certainly make the air between you awkward as fuck, but from what you can tell, that wasn't it. Did you make a remark on a sensitive topic? Did you insult him? Did you say something so blasphemous he doesn't even want to speak to you?

Your phone chimes. It's from Hoseok. Your heart thumps as you tap on the message.

From: Hobi

It's nothing alright? Dw about it

Your shoulders slump. You expected an actual answer. You frown a little, wondering if what you said is bothering him.

To: Hobi

Ok...

Sighing, you continue watching your show, joining Aang, Katara, and Sokka on their adventures, and when you go to bed, it's almost one in the morning. This time, you do remember your dream. The sensation of Hoseok's hands gripping your hips as he ferociously bucks into you, his toned body shining with perspiration, his brows knitted together. You submitted to him, allowing him to use your body however he pleased.

You wake up late for work, so you don't have time to fix the problem between your legs. You rush to the cafe, breaking almost every law possible, and you're surprised you weren't pulled over by the time you burst inside, your cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

"I'm so sorry!" you say, bowing repeatedly to your coworker behind the counter, feeling incredibly guilty for leaving her alone for so long.

"It's okay!" Yunah waves you off with a smile. She's a nice girl, almost nineteen with the most beautiful black hair and shining brown eyes. "It's been pretty slow this morning. You can start warming up the donuts and muffins if you want!"

Glad your coworker isn't infuriated with you, you nod and shove your things inside a locker before going to the display case. You search it for items to warm up in the oven. You choose two blueberry muffins, two chocolate-chip muffins, two poppy seed muffins, two cinnamon rolls, four glazed donuts, four croissants, and two chocolate long johns. You bring them to the oven and warm them up according to the written times, placing the heated treats on the hot rack near the register.

You turn to go grab the cinnamon rolls from the oven, but you nearly run into Hoseok, nearly smashing your face in his chest. You squeak and scramble away, your cheeks red as a rose. You instantly bow and apologize for being so clumsy. Then you reluctantly look up at him.

His eyes are the first thing you notice, two smoldering embers hiding his emotions. His pleasant grin fades a little, and his grip on his things tighten. You swallow, thinking of yesterday, remembering how guarded he was while he texted you. It looks like it'll be like that too whenever you see him in person now.

Seriously, what did you say?

"Good morning," you mumble, bowing your head and stepping around him, shuffling to the oven out of sight. You gaze at the food warming up inside while Yunah assists Hoseok with his items. He laughs brightly at something your coworker says, and you bite you lip. You wish he acted like that around you instead of being so awkward.

You blush deepens, and you lightly smack yourself for thinking such things. You shouldn't care how Hoseok acts with other people versus how he is with you. You're just friends, and friends occasionally have differences they need to settle. This is nothing to overthink about, but this problem will be bugging you until you finally talk it out.

"Bye!" Yunah chimes, waving to Hoseok as he leaves. He doesn't spare you a glance. He almost seemed eager to get out. Your heart aches while you place the cinnamon rolls on the hot rack. "Are you okay, Y/N?"

You glance at Yunah to see her gazing at you with concern. You silently nod your head and continue working. The entire day passes quicker than you'd like, and as your shift ends, you swiftly create a list for the evening shift, wanting to make sure they get the requirements done before closing the shop later. You place the list on the counter, clock out, then leave. The drive home is slow, unfortunately, but you're not in any hurry.

When you're at home, you shuck off your shoes and drop your keys and wallet on the small table near the door. You shuffle over to your couch and lie down on it with a grunt. Aftering staring at the ceiling for a few minutes, you unlock your phone to text Hoseok, biting your lip.

To: Hobi

We need to talk...

Ik things are really awkward between us rn but I can't stop thinking about what I said to you when I was wasted

Can we meet up and talk?

Please?

You press send and reread your messages, wondering if you sound too desperate. You really want to mend things between you. Even though he's your crush, he's also your friend, and friends come first. Your breath hitches when you see him typing, anxiously awaiting his response.

Your heart falls once you receive it.

From: Hobi

Sorry but I don't have time to talk to you rn

My friends and I are setting up our mini festival for the eclipse later this week

Nibbling on the inside of your lip, you type out a response before you even think about it.

To: Hobi

I can come and help set up?

You wait, your leg bouncing, your heart racing as the three little dots appear again.

From: Hobi

Sure

You can ask Jimin for a ride, he's helping us too

To: Hobi

Ok

See you then

From: Hobi

Yeah

A breath of relief leaves you. Thank goodness, you'll finally be able to talk and clear things up between you. You take a few minutes to reread your conversation, frowning a little at the mention of the festival later this week. Do eclipses happen in the spring? Maybe they do in this universe, but definitely not yours. Well, maybe.

You dismiss those thoughts for now. There's not enough time to completely go over the existence of universal events and when they take place in different dimensions, right?

No, definitely not.

Three days later, Jimin's driving you to Hoseok's house, and you stare out the window while he laughs and jokes with the rest of your friends. You don't recognize many of them, the exceptions being Taehyung and Jeongguk. You stay quiet, trying to keep the butterflies in your stomach from leaking to your face. This is the first time you'll be seeing and speaking to Hoseok in almost three days. Has he been worrying about your meeting too? Or is it just you?

Even though the festival starts in four hours, there are still lots of people here at Hoseok's house. You can only describe it as a mansion. It's huge, but charming and rustic, large, beautiful trees and bushes surrounding the building. You're sure the inside is just as gorgeous as the outside. You step out of Jimin's car with a plastic bag in hand, containing your party dress and shoes for later. You follow Jimin and his friends inside the gate. You stop. The yard has transformed into a fair, excluding the rides. Oh, wait, nevermind, you can see a carousel nearby.

"Jiminie!"

Hoseok approaches your group, his smile bright. You watch him casually hug everyone, and when he's in front of you, his excitement dims a little, but you still grin at him a bit.

"Hi," you softly say.

"Hi," he murmurs in reply, his eyes momentarily flickering over your face. Then, reluctantly, Hoseok hugs you, holding you for a few seconds before letting go.

Holy fuck, those were the best few seconds of your life.

He must be wearing a cologne because he smells so sweet and masculine at the same time, and feeling his lean, muscular body close to yours for just those few seconds fuels your fluffy and your naughty fantasies at the same time. You attempt to calm your racing heart while you follow him, Jimin, and the rest of his friends to the booths you'll be operating. One is a bottle-toss game - one you're absolutely horrible at since you can't get a fucking ring around the neck of a bottle. The second is a pop a certain number of balloons for a certain prize, and the next is a snack booth.

"Hey, Y/N?" Hoseok places a hand on your shoulder, and you face him, wondering what he wants or needs. "Can you come with me for a second?"

Your heart forms a lump in your throat, and you wordlessly nod. You trail behind Hoseok as he leads you away from Jimin and his friends towards his house. He opens the door and gestures for you to enter, and you do, pausing to marvel at how beautiful his home is. Everything is so elegant and...expensive, but your favorite thing is the chandelier hanging in the family room. Yet you unconsciously keep your hands to yourself, not wishing to taint anything with your middle-class touch.

"I need you to carry these trays of food and drinks out to the food stands," Hoseok instructs while he guides you to the kitchen. Dread settles in your stomach. He must've seen your worried expression, laughing. "Don't worry, I'll be helping you. You aren't doing this by yourself!"

You blink at his surprising words, gazing up at Hoseok with wide eyes. He sweetly grins down at you. All you can see is kindness. You nod, and with trembling hands, you lift a tray full of food, using the written number on the sticky note to bring it to the correct booth. You're unsure how long you do this for, but when you're done, it's almost an hour before the festival. Apparently handing out food is very time-consuming.

"Thank you again," Hoseok says. "Nobody else wanted to help me, and I certainly didn't want to do it by myself." He awkwardly chuckles.

You frown. "Why not?"

He shrugs. "No clue, to be honest. Everyone thinks I'm scary since I'm friends with Namjoon, Jimin, Taehyung, Yoongi, Seokjin, and Jeongguk. They think we're some sort of secret underground organization, but that's a lie. We're just a ragtag group of friends who are really close and can't be separated."

You know. All seven of them were just as close back in your universe, and you were part of it. You endlessly laughed and joked around with them, doing stupid shit and living life to the fullest. You suddenly find you miss them, miss the group of friends you loved and adored, the one that made you laugh and cry over nothing. Now...

Now they seem like some far off dream, like they never existed.

You hadn't realized you were crying until Hoseok's thumb wipes your cheek. You lean into his touch slightly, sniffling and rubbing your eyes. You're crying in front of your crush. Damn it.

"Why are you crying?" he asks, frowning. "Did I say something wrong?"

You shake your head. "No, I just thought of something sad, that's all."

You meet his gaze, seeing his concern in his eyes, but he nods, promptly dropping the subject. You're thankful for it. After a moment, you go find a bathroom and change into your outfit: a long-sleeved golden dress, the hem falling to your mid-thigh, and a pair of matching sandals. You apply some mascara and some lipstick, then tuck your things into an empty drawer, hoping they'll be safe. You exit Hoseok's home and back into the yard, seeing more people flooding in through the gates.

Suddenly, the mark on your arm burns, just like last time, and you hiss, clapping a hand on top of it. You quietly curse and lift your sleeve to see what's wrong. You pause, noticing the blank sun has begun filling with a golden color, the same as your dress. You frown, really confused. What the fuck is happening?

You spot Hoseok in the crowd, and he too rubs his arm, strangely in the same spot as your mark. Your frown deepens, and you shake your head. No, he can't. There's no way Hoseok is your soulmate.

But maybe...just maybe... 

You shake your head again, replacing your sleeve and begin walking around, exploring the booths and games, trying your hand at a few of them, since none of the booths require some sort of ticket or token. You lose at all of them because you're extremely unlucky, but you don't walk away sour. You stop at a food booth to buy some takoyaki on a stick before continuing. You munch away while people scream and shout in answer when they miss their chance at winning a prize.

It's rather hilarious, to be honest.

"Having fun?"

Hoseok has joined you, and he looks exquisite in his white button-up and black dress jeans. You blush and nod, nibbling on your takoyaki.

"That's good." An awkward pause settles between you for a moment. "Do you want to talk now?"

You nod again. He leads you back inside his mansion, guiding you up the stairs and to the left down the hallway. He stops for a moment to open a door, and he steps in first, leaving it open for you. You enter. Everything inside reminds him of you; the shoes, the clothing, the figurines, the music tracks and posters on the walls, his computer desk and his bed. Everything is him, and you love it.

Hoseok sits on the foot of his bed, patting the space beside him. You join him, keeping a respectable distance, your fingers fidgeting with your dress. You awkwardly sit there for a moment before he speaks.

"So," he says, clearing his throat, "about the night I took you home..."

"Yeah," you murmur, biting your lip. You suck in a breath before looking at Hoseok. "Listen, I...I want to apologize for whatever I said to you that made you..." You hesitate, searching for the right words.

"Avoid you?" Hoseok finishes with a little smile.

You reluctantly nod. "Yeah."

Silence falls again, but it isn't so awkward this time. The air between you is strangely tense. You can almost feel the electricity crackling between you, begging to be released, pleasing for you to caress each other until dawn. You glance at Hoseok, finding him staring at his feet.

"What did I say?" you quietly ask. "Please tell me."

Hoseok doesn't reply for a moment. "We were about halfway to your apartment," he starts, his voice low. "You were stumbling and leaning against me while I kept you upright, smiling and giggling at nothing. You occasionally mumbled nonsense, but..." He pauses. "But then you started talking. You asked if I'm attracted to you, and if I've ever thought about fucking the shit out of you because that's one of your deepest desires. To be fucked silly by me until all you can think of is me and my cock."

You balk at his words. You had a gut feeling whatever you said would be absolutely horrendous, but this is worse than you imagined.

"I-I'm so sorry!" you squeak, your cheeks flushed red with shame and embarrassment, your eyes shining in the dim glow of the lights from outside. "I-I didn't mean any of it. I-I was really drunk, wasted actually, s-so don't take it-!"

You shut up when Hoseok's eyes meet yours. They're dark with lust, his desire for you very evident in the deep, brown eyes you could get lost in forever. You sit there, staring at each other, the spark between you buzzing powerfully like lightning. You swallow what you were going to say, your hands bunching the skirt of your dress.

"Tell me, Y/N," he murmurs, slowly shifting closer to you. Your heart thunders in your chest when his succulent scent surrounds you again. "Do you think of me like that when you're sober?"

You don't reply.

"Do you think of me like that whenever you can?"

You stay silent.

As if disappointed by your lack of response, Hoseok clicks his tongue. Your breath catches in your throat as he leans in close, his face now centimeters from yours, his lips a hair away from your own. You tremble at the close proximity between you, your pulse quickening like crazy, your cunt throbbing at the way he's acting. God, it's hot, so fucking hot, and he's hot. Everything in here is hot.

"Do you like to imagine me fucking you while you touch yourself?" Hoseok whispers. You softly gasp. "Do you imagine your dildos as my cock, rocking in and out of you until you're cumming like the naughty slut you are?"

You stare at him, your wide eyes flickering between his. Before you answer, his hand finds your neck and gently squeezes it, and you bite your lip to contain a tiny whimper.

"Answer me," he orders lowly.

"Y-Yes," you shakily murmur, slowly succumbing to his touch and power. "Y-Yes, I do, Hoseok."

An attractive, smug smirk appears on his lips, and your stomach sings. "So I assume you don't mind if I..." He rises and steps in front of you, parting your knees with his own. His hands grasp your wrists as he forces you to lie back on his bed, his body perfectly nestled between your thighs, your knees at his hips. You gasp again. "...do this, then?"

You furiously shake your head, not daring to challenge his hold on your wrists. His chuckle rings in your ears.

"Such a cute girl," Hoseok coos adoringly, tracing a finger along your jaw. You shiver and close your eyes. "I've barely done anything and you're already melting for me."

Lowly laughing, he dips down and ghosts his plump lips over your neck, and you softly whine, curling your fingers into fists. He kisses up and down and your skin, blessing you with his affection, his tongue occasionally darting out and licking you, his teeth occasionally nibbling you. His mouth trails up to your jaw, then to your chin until he hovers right on top of yours. You gaze at him with wide, innocent eyes, your chest heaving a little with labored breaths.

"How badly do you want this? Want me?" he coaxes. He releases your wrists to caress your thighs. His hands slowly move upwards, riding your dress up further than it already is. You pant, wishing he would hurry up and touch you. "How much have you thought about this? Me between your legs, about to touch you in the most sinful way possible, letting you feel my fingers, tongue, and cock? Hm?" He tilts his head. "Tell me, Y/N."

"W-Want it so bad," you croak, shuddering when he drags a hand over your pelvis. You instinctively buck your hips. "W-Want you so bad, Hoseok."

He coos again, rewarding you with a kiss. You mewl at his tender, soft lips, loving how they feel against yours and how they expertly move with your own. While he passionately kisses you, Hoseok's hands sneak behind you to slowly drag the zipper of your dress down your back, steadily undressing you. This is when you jolt with panic, realizing he'll see your soulmate mark.

"W-Wait," you mumble, your hands finding his shoulders. He parts from you with a patient expression, his lips coated with your lipstick. "Before we do this, I need to ask you something..."

He raises a brow at you.

You nibble on your lip. "Do you know who your soulmate is?"

Hoseok shakes his head. "No, I don't," he answers, brushing some of your hair out of your face, "but the only thing that matters to me right now is you, here in my bed."

You hesitate. "M-May I see your mark?"

Sighing, Hoseok sits back on his heels and unbuttons his right sleeve, tugging it up to his elbow, revealing his tattoo on the inside of his forearm. Your heart nearly skips a beat. It's a mirror image of your own, but his sun is beautifully shaded like your moon, and his outlined moon is halfway filled with black, like your sun is with gold.

"What?" he asks, confused.

Realizing he sees your surprised expression, you gulp and shakily remove your right arm from your dress. You reveal your tattoo to him with red cheeks and a bowed head, biting your lip at his sharp intake of air. You peek up at him, but his eyes are glued straight on your mark.

"We're soulmates?" he whispers, clearly shocked. He keeps staring before he slowly reaches out and touches it with a finger.

This action conjures a burning sensation right where he touched you, and you hiss, covering your mark, trying not to cry at how painful it is. You notice he does the same, his veins bulging beneath his skin. After a moment, you remove your hands. Your sun is fully filled with gold, like his moon is with black. You glance at each other, then bashfully smile.

"I guess that means we found each other," you quietly say.

"Guess so," he says in agreement. Silence consumes you again, but it isn't awkward at all this time. It's comfortable, and the flames between you grow brighter than ever. "Well, I assume I should make love to you instead of fucking the shit out of you."

You snort and peel off your dress, chucking it over Hoseok's shoulder, along with your sandals. You lie back in front of him in your beige lingerie with your arms above your head, widely grinning at his hungry gaze. "Who said you should?"

Humming in reply, Hoseok unbuttons his shirt and tosses it in the same direction as your dress and sandals, revealing his chiseled torso sculpted by God himself. You almost drool at the sight, admiring how his skin stretches over his trained muscles from years of dancing. You can't resist reaching out and touching him, licking your lips at how hard he is beneath your palms. He crawls back on top of you, lips landing on yours again, his hips rightfully slotting between your thighs. He tenderly and affectionately kisses you, his tongue tracing the seam of your lips while his hands fall to your breasts, squeezing them through your bra.

"I think you deserve to be punished for making me wait so long, Y/N," he murmurs, unclasping your bra and disposing it. He breaks away from you to gaze at your supple breasts, your nipples rosy and peaked with arousal. "Such a naughty girl, hiding from me."

You blush at his words and gasps when Hoseok spanks one of your tits rather harshly. The sting lingers in your sensitive bud, but you don't stop him. It feels too good. You whine as he repeats this with your other breast, arching your back up towards him. He chuckles and kisses you again, his hand sneaking between your legs and deftly locating your clit through your soaked panties. You whimper when he draws little circles, your legs trembling from the stimulation. 

"H-Hoseok, please," you plead, gazing up at him while he smirks down at you, intently watching your every expression. "P-Please, do something."

"But I am doing something," he says, his eyes sparkling with mischief as he quickens his digit.

You moan and kick your feet a little. "Do something else?"

"Like what?" He removes his touch from your sensitive bud of nerves, and you cry out at the loss. "Be more specific, baby."

You shiver at the name. "F-Finger me."

"Any more requests?" Hoseok drags your panties down your legs. A string of your arousal connects it to your pussy, and he softly hisses at this. He glides a long finger through your soaked folds, and you mewl, widening your legs to fully bare your cunt to him.

"E-Eat me out," you whisper, eyes shiny with tears, "p-please, Hoseok." 

"Good girl," he lowly praises. He descends down between your thighs, his talented mouth torturously close to the place you need him the most. "Fuck, you're so pretty and wet..."

"Please!"

Hoseok hushes you and teases your entrance with a fingertip. You softly moan and arch your back, your walls eagerly clenching around nothing, and you gasp when he slides his long, elegant digit inside you. You whimper as he slowly pumps it in and out of you, caressing your throbbing walls wonderfully. You hear him choke on a groan, and he's quick to add a second finger, stretching you. He quickens his pace, thrusting in and out of you at a brutal pace. You whine, bucking your hips, but he pins them with his other arm to his bed, keeping you still. You thrash a little in protest, then his tongue glides through your folds. Your head falls back on the pillow as he captures your clit with his lips, lightly suckling on it.

"Fuck, Hoseok," you croak, tangling your hands in his hair while he alternates between lapping at your center and abusing your bud of nerves. You're in heaven, the combination of his mouth and his digits bringing you closer and closer to your orgasm. "Fuck, right there!"

His fingertips ghost over that perfect spot inside you, and you noisily mewl. He ferociously drills his fingers in and out of you, his tongue repeatedly stroking your clit, sending bolts of pleasure over you each time. You unconsciously tug his hair when he lightly nibbles on your bud of nerves. You whine at the growl he releases, seeing him glaring up at you, punishing you by biting your clit. You squeak and jump, yanking on it again, but he shakes his head this time, pinching your ass.

Hoseok continues assaulting your poor cunt, the obnoxious squelching echoing through his bedroom. You whimper and mewl, your walls greedily fluctuating around his fingers, wishing they were his cock instead, stuffing you full and endlessly unloading his cum deep inside you until it affects your brain. You gasp when he shoves his digits inside you before moving them in a scissoring motion, making your thighs twitch.

"Think I'm cumming!" you warn, squeaking while Hoseok continues thrusting his digits in and out of you, his tongue ferociously licking your clit. This brings your orgasm closer and closer until you're right on the precipice, so fucking close to falling over the edge. "P-Please, I need to cum!"

"Cum then, pretty girl," he coos, gazing up at you with dark eyes. "Cum all over my tongue like the good girl you are."

You obey, clapping a hand over your mouth to muffle your screech as you finally cum, your eyes rolling to the back of your head, your toes curling, your legs jolting from the force of your orgasm. Bliss washes over you and ascends you to cloud nine, touching you with its pleasurable hands. Hoseok assists you through your hair, gently suckling on your clit and slowing his fingers.

"Fuck," you murmur once he slides them out of you, cleaning them with his tongue. "You're magical."

Chuckling, he rises from between your legs, brushing your hair out of your face. "Thank you, babe," he says, briefly kissing your forehead. "Now, as much as I love eating you out, I need a bit of a favor in return."

You blush as he brings your hand to his erection, placing your palm right on top of it. You swallow, feeling his hard cock through his pants. Fuck, he's long and thick, hot and heavy, but you love it. You salivate a little, wishing to feel it on your tongue and deep in your throat, gagging on it and hearing Hoseok moan, tasting his cum.

You both rise to your knees, giggling while you help him remove his dress pants and his boxers. His cock slaps against his stomach, and you almost drool. He lies down, and his dick stands tall and glorious. When you go to make yourself comfortable between his legs, he stops you, a mischievous smirk on his lips.

"Come ride my face while you suck me off, yeah?" he says.

Blushing, you carefully straddle Hoseok, shuffling backwards until your face is level with his gorgeous cock. His hot breath fans over your pussy, and you shiver, taking a moment to admire him; long, deliciously thick, hard, hot and heavy. Veins twist and climb all around him, pulsing angrily with arousal. His bulbous head is perfect, flushed pink and round, and some precum already leaks from his slit. You lick your lips. You love it. You're going to enjoy choking on him, you know it. His tongue glides through your folds again, and you silence your moan by taking half of him, his tip nudging the back of your throat.

He groans in response to this, his arms twining around your thighs. He spanks you, and the sting spreads through your body, mainly focusing on your clit. While he slurps and laps away at your cunt with abandon, you start bobbing your head, your eyes falling shut at the weight of him on your tongue. Each time you lift up, you hollow your cheeks like you're nursing a popsicle, your hand pumping the rest of him. You unconsciously synchronize, matching your paces. You quicken a bit, and Hoseok does the same. Both of you moan and whine, especially you, since you're being eaten like a buffet and a heavenly cock is stuffed in your mouth.

"Shit, Y/N," Hoseok groans, spanking your other cheek, and you grunt around him, grinding your pussy on his tongue. "Such a good girl, sucking me off like the greedy, little bitch you are, aren't you?"

You keen at his derogatory praise, removing your hand and swiftly bobbing your head, your suckling being heard a bit. Furrowing your brows, you inhale all of him, doing your best to ignore your gag reflex. Hoseok gasps, and one of his hands flies to your head, forcing you to stay there for a few moments. Your eyes sting with tears. He lets you lift off to catch your breath before doing it again, and he lowly groans, his hips bucking up a little.

"Fuck..." 

You shimmy your hips to remind him to keep pleasing you while you continue bobbing your head, whimpering like a bitch in heat there and there. His cock eventually twitches on your tongue, and you assume he's going to cum soon. You're nearly there as well, his tongue working its magic. Growing desperate, you pop off his cock and furiously pump him, fondling his balls. You want to taste his cum, swallow it like the good girl you are.

"Cum for me, Hobi," you purr. "Come on, I wanna taste you..."

"Let's cum together," he moans, slurping your juices and suckling on your clit. You whine and return to sucking him off, matching the pace of his ministrations. The edge approaches closer and closer, your body trembling on top of his as you teeter on the cliff, ready to fall into the ocean of pleasure waiting for you below.

"Cum, baby," Hoseok grunts, roughly spanking you. "Cum for me - Shit!"

He cums, and you delighted hum as his bittersweet load lands on your tongue, and you follow shortly after, whimpering and whining around his cock, rolling your hips. You nurse each other through your orgasms, and once you're calm, you pop off Hoseok and slump against him, his thigh your pillow.

"Damn," he murmurs, massaging your ass, "you have a fantastic mouth."

You drowsily smile at his praise, and you shift to lie down beside him, snuggling into his side to regain some energy before he properly fucks you. He kisses your forehead while you nap, and in what feels like forever, Hoseok climbs between your legs, his hips slotted between your thighs once again, his cock resting on your pelvis. He peppers your neck with kisses, and his lips drift up to yours, sweetly, passionately kissing you.

"Wake up, baby," he whispers, tenderly caressing your breasts in his palms and lightly pinching your nipples with his thumbs and forefingers. "I'll let you sleep after I fuck you, okay?"

You peel your eyes open, softly sighing at the sight of Hoseok above you like this, so close yet so far. Nodding, you widen your thighs and bend your knees, twining your arms around his neck. Soon, his tip nudges your entrance, and you suck in a breath, but you slowly exhale, gazing up at Hoseok. "Go ahead," you whisper.

Hoseok rests his forehead on yours, steadying himself before slowly sliding inside you. A shaky moan leaves while he perfectly stretches you, perfectly rubbing against your walls. He lowly groans in your ear, sinking deeper and deeper, his ridged veins blessing you with the best kind of sensation until he's fully sheathed inside you. His tip is nuzzled in a part of you you hadn't known existed, and he feels so damn good. You both pant, your desire for each other a whirlwind of lust and arousal.

"You're so fucking tight, baby," Hoseok grunts with a little smirk, "so wet and warm. You were made just for me, weren't you?"

You frantically nod, your pussy fluttering around him. He hisses. "Fuck, can I start moving?" he asks you, panting, trying to anchor himself instead of fucking you like no tomorrow like you know he wants to.

"Yes," you whisper, "yes, please fuck me."

Sucking in a breath, Hoseok slowly withdraws himself until just his tip remains inside you, then plunges back in at the same pace. Your head falls back on the pillow with a whimper, trembling each time he does this. You gasp when he quickens his tempo, digging your nails into his shoulders. He groans, holding you close as his thighs repeatedly smack against your ass, the clapping mixing. with the harmony of your breathing and moans. You try your best to maintain eye contact with him, but you fail, screwing your eyes shut with pleasure.

You whimper with every thrust while Hoseok bucks into you, his arms shuddering from trying to keep himself above you. Whining, you dig your nails a bit harder into his skin, going as far as dragging them down his back, scratching him. You squeak when he eagerly pistons out of you, grunting and groan as your tight, soaked cunt clenches around him. You bring an arm on top of your face, hiding in it to cope with the immense pleasure. Your body jolts with each of his thrusts, your tits bouncing in unison.

"Fuck!" you mewl. "You feel so fucking good, so big - Ah!"

"So fucking tight," Hoseok groans, furrowing his brows together, reaching above you to tightly grasp the headboard. "God, you feel so good around me, squeezing so tightly, never wanting to let go." Grunting, he dips down and smashes his lips against yours, swallowing all your noises.

His kiss distracts you from the brainwashing pleasure occurring between your legs, but only slightly. You cling to Hoseok for dear life as he ferociously fucks you, expertly rolling his hips. The bed creaks from the force of his thrusts, so much you think it's going to break, but your moans spill out of you, successfully drawing your attention away from it. Your chest is mashed against his, your legs around his waist. He holds you close with his other arm, smacking kisses along your neck.

Since your pussy is incredibly sensitive from your previous orgasms, your third and final one is swiftly approaching you. You try to warn him, but you're too late. You squeal as you finally cum, kicking your feet and arching your back, a high-pitched moan leaving you when the euphoria washes over you. Hoseok snarls at this sensation, and he slams his cock deep inside you, unloading his hot, thick cum in your cunt. You whimper at this, adoring how you're being filled up, your head falling on the pillow again.

"Fuck, Hoseok," you whisper, and he hushes you, lying down beside you. You feel him slip out of you, the flood of your mixed cum soon following. You shiver while it trickles down your thighs. Just before you close your eyes to sleep, you hear Hoseok go, "Oh..."

"What?"

"Come look at this," he murmurs. He cradles you in his arms as he brings you to the window, moving the blinds out of the way. Outside, the moon positions itself in front of the sun. The eclipse shines in all its glory, and you tiredly smile. "Beautiful, isn't it?"

"Yes," you say quietly in agreement. "Yes, it's very beautiful."

"Not as beautiful as you, though," he tells you softly, twisting his head to gently kiss your temple. You hum, lying your head on his shoulder. He chuckles and brings you back to bed, crawling in beside you and embracing you, kissing your forehead. "Goodnight, baby. Sweet dreams."

You don't respond. You're already out, your breathing deep and even, and when you wake up in the morning, you realize you're still here: in Hoseok's arms, in his bed, in his mansion. His right arm is perfectly aligned beside yours, displaying your soulmate tattoos side by side, simple yet so intricate.

So this wasn't a daydream, you think to yourself, lovingly gazing at your marks. You trace his with a finger.

In the end, he really was meant for you. You were just too stupid in the beginning to see it.

© thekaykery 2021

daydream

member: jung hoseok

category: soulmate au, smut, angst, fluff(?)

word count: 12.9k

warning(s): soft dom!hoseok, sub?reader, unprotected sex (wrap before you tap), consensual sex, cursing, masturbation (f), multiple orgasms, praise, light degrading, hair pulling, voyeurism(?), dirty talk, oral (m and f), handjob, spanking, choking, face riding, creampie

note(s): the orange words are text messages. i didn’t know how else to differentiate them from the rest of the story. i struggled a lot with writing this. anyways, enjoy reading!

❂ amortentia in spring

⁂ hosted by: professor amora through @bangtansorciere

⤐ au type: cherry blossoms (soulmate au)

⤐ themes: spring, festival

⤐ kinks: multiple orgasms, praise, spanking, cunnilingus, fingering, handjob, blowjob, hair pulling, face riding, choking, creampie

An exploration gone wrong leads to a rather…strange phenomenon. You find yourself in a weird world where soulmates exist, and strangely, you discover you have your own, and it’s not who you thought it was.

“Remind me why we’re doing this again?” you hiss as you follow your best friend through a cramped hallway, littered with cobwebs and dust. You wave away the webs that threaten to cling to your clothing and hair, shivering a little at the ghostly sensation. “In a fucking haunted house, no less?”

Jimin, your best friend, wildly hushes you. “Shut up! You’re gonna wake the spirits!”

Scowling, you reach forward to smack your hand against the back of his head. He yelps in reply to your retaliation, pouting at you while rubbing the spot you hit. You just shake your head at him as the two of you venture further into the eerie house. This house has a bad reputation; many people have disappeared here. Some were killed, some went in and never came out. You always avoided this place since it creeps you out to no end, but somehow, Jimin convinced you to join him, to discover what secrets lay inside.

Keep reading

Where there's Sunshine, there's Midnight Rain

Pairing: Idol!Hoseok x Reader

Warnings: angst, mentions of struggle, fluff, established relationship, no mentions of reader's gender.

Summary: J-hope is sunshine in human form, but that makes him the midnight rain too. A short imagine of the reader helping Hoseok understand this.

masterlist

Another night, tossing and turning alone in a big bed. Waiting.. hoping, for the one who is the hope for a million people around the world. Another night spent reaching the cold side of the empty bed, staring at the sky counting down the minutes till daylight, sighing endlessly. Another night hoping hobi would return to you.

He's been home for a week since the tour but he hasn't been home since then. Even the bags were dropped off by his manager, who has visited three times since to collect the things he needed. As far as you knew there was no comeback anytime soon. There was effectively no requirement for him to stay over at the dorms at least for the next two weeks. Especially when he has a home studio set up in the house you both had bought together and decorated.

His not being home has become a routine, a habit even- albeit an excruciating one. What hurts more is the silence, even when on tour he texts or calls at least once a day. Sighing you open the same old chat to see the latest message from a week ago, the same text you have seen a million times till now.

Boarding the plan home. See you soon.

You scroll up the familiar chat screen and see that the messages become less expressive as the tour progresses. You also remember how the news articles and fan tweets raved more about J-hope the idol’s brilliance on stage at the exact same time. Another pattern you are used to, for every emoji his messages as j-hope had, Hoseok's messages became curt and to the point.

Once again, this isn’t new to you or him. In fact, you both met at the peak of j-hope and the absolute low of Hoseok. You might not have been a die-hard fan of the group but you knew enough to know j-hope was not the same shy, anxious and silent Hosoek you’d met by chance in that café. The contrast between who he has on stage and the person you grew to love were stark opposites. Not that you never saw the sunshine hobi, but he was present almost in equal parts as the Hoseok who walks around with a cloud on his head.

But Hoseok never went silent on you in this way. He might be verbally silent for days or weeks together but expressed his feelings in other ways. This time he was completely absent and that simply wouldn’t do. You gave him a week to himself and he still hasn’t returned home. This will simply not do.

And that’s how you find yourself at the door of his studio, at 2 AM, covered in layers of jackets and holding a bag of the dinner you’d made him today- just like you have done every day the past week.

You hesitate outside the studio, looking intently at the door as you contemplate knocking. You know he’s there, instinctively and also because you asked his manager. Huffing out another deep breath you knock on the door.

Silence.

That’s all there is for a minute before you try to open the door yourself, surprised to find it unlocked. You enter the room which reeks of the familiar scent that screams everything hobi- sunshine, flowers and carefree happiness, only to find your boyfriend curled up on the couch hugging his knees with his head down. You close the door slowly and go near him, he's shivering. The sight of him shatters your heavy heart and you reach out to caress him.

"hobi...", your voice comes out as a meek plea.

He shudders for a second and lifts his head up to look at you. His eyes are bloodshot, his usually plump cheeks stained with tears and his heart-shaped mouth in a frown. You drop to your knees and hold his face in your hands, helping him look at you eye to eye. His eyes immediately dart down and he lowers his knees. Just as he can try to push you away you sit next to him on the couch and turn him towards you. You hold his hand with a grip that tells him that he cannot run anymore.

"Please leave me alone." He begs, more tears streaming down his exhausted and ashamed face. You offer him a smile, not one of pity or empathy, just a smile of love.

"You had enough time. I won't let you hurt on your own."

Your voice comes out harsher than you intended but it works as he looks up, eyes now curious. In that second of pure vulnerability, he looks like a child. You reach out and wipe those damned tears away from his face and he leans into your touch.

When he talks again his voice cracks, "I knew I would end up hurting you eventually."

"You didn't hurt me hoba." He looks at me pointedly, "Of course, I did... look at us. I spent a week in the studio because I am too fucked in the head to be with you. All the other guys went home and are happily resting with their partners and I left you alone after months of being away... all because I feel like a fraud. Because I can't figure out why I am this way and why I never have any of me to give you. When I should be giving all of me to the one I love with my whole heart."

By this time he is on your lap, your fingers running through his hair, his hands holding your other hand for dear life.

"Everyone is a little messed up in the head. But it is even harder for someone like you who spends all his time giving every bit of happiness and kindness to everyone around you." You hear him sigh and he starts drawing patterns on your palm as you do the same with his scalp. "I don't really do all that you know..", he sounds unsure and you sense the venom of self-hate dripping in his tone.

"They call you human sunshine for a reason hobi."

He freezes in place for a second and nods slightly. You pause for a minute to look at him, really look at this exhausted, loving human who does so much for everyone around him and so little for himself. He notices the long pause and starts with his patterns again on your palm and settles on your lap. You realise that he needs to see himself for all he is and accept all that as it comes. And you hope he will let you stand with him the whole way.

"Hobi, you are human sunshine. I know it makes you happy to make everyone smile, to take care of your brothers and friends. I know you love being the reason to light up someone's day and being their hope. I also know that you do that because it's what gives you hope for yourself. But...". You pause to gauge his reactions but he shows none and taking that as a good sign you continue.

"But the thing is you are not sunshine... you are human. To be human is to understand that where there is sunshine there is also midnight rain. The more you give, the more you need to. To be sunshine is to burn yourself for others and that is not good for you. So it is okay for you to take your time. To soak in your rain, to be silent and just receive. It's okay for you to rest and pause... Hobi, it's okay for you to receive my love and happiness so that you can give it back tenfolds. You are human and you need your own dose of sunshine too."

He looks up at me with wet big eyes, this time the heart-shaped mouth turned upwards. He slowly gets up, never letting your hand go and moves closer and pulls you in a hug. He holds on to you until there is no space between both of you and rests his head on your shoulder. You reach out one hand to caress the back of his head and hold him by the waist in the other hand.

Time ceases to move as you both sit there, him slightly whimpering into your shoulders and you trying to ease all the pain from him. Hoping that the personification of hope himself will learn to accept himself- one deep breath and a tear at a time. Hoping that he can learn to embrace the rain that follows Hoseok by being the sunshine that j-hope is.