Skz I.n - Blog Posts

Fallen Flower

Pairing: Jeongin x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 611}

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Going to your grandparents for Christmas break was a nice breather from the chaos of college. Thankfully, you were able to avoid your parents and older brother over the break, saying goodbye to your grandparents was kind of hard to do. 

Finally getting on the bus back to college with your bags in the seat next to you, turning to the window you wave back at your grandparents. Your bunny ear drooped down as the bus took off and your grandparents get smaller and smaller before they finally fade off into the view. 

Resting your head against the window, your mind wanders off to thinking about seeing all the boys and Iseul. But you were especially excited to finally see Jeongin after not seeing each other for the past few weeks. However, your thoughts were disrupted when someone claimed the seat next to your things. Glancing up you noticed the man was already staring at you, making you a bit uncomfortable your bunny ears pinned back against your head while you tried to bury yourself into the seat. 

“Do you have a boyfriend?” he asked with a desired look in his eyes. 

A look of puzzlement took over your face, “Yes, why do you ask? You spoke softly while the bus stopped to let more passengers on. 

As he was getting ready to speak again, you heard someone clear their throat behind the man in the aisle. Looking up, you see Iseul looking at him with narrowed eyes, her cat ears down and her tail flicking annoyed behind her. 

He had a look of annoyance on his face before he turned to Iseul and flinched a little from the look on her face. 

Just as he was going to make a snarky remake to her, he glances over her shoulder and sees Minho glowering back at him causing him to pale, before getting up and scramming off to a different seat on the bus.  

Giving Iseul the chance to take the seat before anyone else can, after she sat down, she put her things next to yours in the middle seat in between you both.  

Getting your bags, you stepped off the bus with Iseul and Minho in toll but not before clumsily slipping on ice. Your ears drooped down as your face flustered bright red, straighten your clothes before heading to the primary office. 

A look of confusion past onto your face along with Iseul’s and Minho’s when you are met with the sight of Chris’s wolf tail wagging happily while draping himself onto the person in front of him while talking to the recipient. You tried to peek around him but could not see over his broad shoulders. 

You all watched as he walked away still draped across the person, unaware of you all watching him with curious eyes. You quickly move forward when the recipient said next with a hint of boredom in her voice. 

Getting your schedule for the semester, you headed towards the door when you were stopped in your tracks seeing a blonde-haired ferret hybrid before they turned around to reveal Hyunjin with his ears perked up when he saw you. 

A look of shock appeared on your face as you take in the sight of his buzzed cut hair, before you could react, you were lifted into the air while being hugged by Hyunjin a little too tightly causing you to let a small whine escape from your lips. Making your ears droop down before Minho lets out a low growl for him to put you down, after being gently put down by Hyunjin and him quickly apologizing for holding a little too tightly. 

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand

(A/n: Sorry for such a long wait and if this feels rushed, please let me know. Things irl got pretty busy with work, and I also wanted to get something out before 2024 ended. There is going to be a part 2 to this. Happy New Year's everyone!)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy. Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 17

Part 1

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 338}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

As you and Iseul got closer to the picnic table, you smiled when you saw Jeongin already seated across from Han and Minho with his back turned towards you.

You sat beside Jeongin, while Iseul sat beside Han. Instinctively Jeongin’s fennec tail automatically wrapped around your waist. Han had a look of confusion on his face when he saw you and Iseul walking together to the picnic table.

You let out a small gasp, when you realized Han, Minho, and Jeongin would need to leave for the afternoon classes.

“Don't you guys have to leave soon to go to class?,” you asked, questioning the boys curiously while taking a bite out of your fruit salad.

Iseul chuckles softly at your question, while Han’s eyes widen in surprise.

“I completely forgot about that,” Han stated, his cheek flustering a light tinted pink color.

When Han, Minho, and Iseul aren't looking, Jeongin quickly pecks your cheek before acting like nothing happened while your cheeks flustered a deep red when they look back at you two.

A few moments later the boys leave to go to their afternoon class, leaving you and Iseul to finish eating y'all's lunch.

After a few minutes later Iseul's phone pings notifying her of a new message, glancing down at it, a smile blooms onto her face before she speaks, “Do you want to come with me to the gathering, for my school? We are going to be getting a tour.”

You looked up at her, with a shocked face before you pointed at yourself, “Me?” You asked confused.

“Yes, now come on”, she stated before putting her things in her bag and getting up, leaving you to quickly grab your things and followed after her.

Getting to the gymnasium where the gathering was being held, your ears quickly drooped down when you realized how many people were in here.

You stay close behind Iseul as she leads you to an empty spot; you notice a faint bite mark on her neck while you followed her.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower. Sorry for such a long wait for this Chapter.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 16

Pairing: Jeongin

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 730}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

You waited for Han to speak as he anxiously fidgeted with his fingers.

After taking a few deep breaths, Han finally spoke;

“I.. didn't come for movie night yesterday because I was spending time with someone,” he mumbled before looking at you.

“So you weren't at Minho’s last night?” You asked puzzled, before Han quickly answered back.

“I was at Minho Hyung’s but me, and Minho spent time with someone there.”

“Was it the girl I saw you and Minho with yesterday after classes in the courtyard?”

Before you can register what came out of your mouth, the words just came out. Han choked some on his drink as a pink tinted shade covered his cheeks.

“Yes.. But when did you see me and Minho yesterday in the courtyard?” Han asked, his quokka ears drooped down puzzled.

“When I was leaving my last class of the day, and going to our meeting spot for movie night but I didn't see her face,” You spoke as you sipped your drink.

“Her name is Iseul Jang-mi, she's a cat hybrid,” Han stated as you both get a notification that your classes started in a hour.

You finished the last bit of your drink before giving Han a hug.

“See you later after lunch?,” you asked while Han nodded.

Before you both left the coffee shop, you gave Han your spare scarf kept in your bag, for instances like this.

“To cover your neck, so you don't get questioned by the guys and it's going to be a little bit chilly in the afternoon,” you mumble while your cheeks turn a pink tint when Han sends you a look.

Han wrapped the scarf around his neck while y'all both walked out of the coffee shop and bustling street and started your journey back to your college.

While the professor stepped out for a moment, the students started talking while you started reading. After a while, you could feel someone’s eyes on making your bunny ears and scut twitch nervously.

After releasing a few deep breaths, you finally got the courage to look behind you to see a female cat hybrid looking at you with narrowed eyes almost like she is trying to read you.

Your ears drooped down quickly as you turned back around. You got back into reading your book after a bit, you tensed up when you felt someone sit beside you.

“You smell a little like my mate but there's a strong more potent scent almost masking it” the girl stated as she looked at you. You looked puzzled before you quickly turned to her.

“Your Iseul Jang-mi?,” you look up at her, your eyes lit up with excitement.

She gave a strange look before you quickly explained.

“Han told me your name this morning when we met up at the coffee shop we normally go to.”

A look of realization crossed her before she spoke.

“Your the one Han calls Y/nie,”

Your face turned a deep red shade as you chuckled nervously, as the professor stepped back into class and started teaching again.

Once class ended, you started packing your things into your bag before your phone dinged.

Han(Sunshine twin#2✨)

{12:05} Han: Wanna meet up where the picnic tables are near the big cherry blossom tree for lunch?

{12:06} Y/n: Sure, I’ll text Jeongin to meet us there, also I'm going to bring someone with me.

{12:07} Han: I already texted Jeongin to meet us there along with Minho Hyung.

{12:08} Y/n: See you there Han!

{12:08} Han: okay y/nie.

You looked up from your phone as you put your bag’s strap over your shoulder and looked at Iseul.

“Wanna come eat lunch with me?” You asked timidly, fiddling nervously with your bag’s strap.

Iseul smiled softly and nodded, “Sure” she said while grabbing her bag and following you out of the class.

Walking alongside each other, Iseul said “I'm guessing the scent that almost makes Han’s scent is your mate's scent?”

Your cheeks turn pink as you blush before meekly nodding, “Yeah, His name is Jeongin,” you smiled brightly when you said Jeongin’s name.

While you walked a little further than Iseul, Iseul could see why Han and Minho liked you. She smiled when she noticed you stopped and waited for her to catch up with you.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand ,

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower. Thank you @turtledove824 for helping me come up with Iseul's name.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 15

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 587}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After movie night with Felix, you went back to your apartment instead of going to Jeongin's and spending the night there. Once you got to your apartment, you went ahead and did your nightly routine. As you got into bed, you tried to think of a reason why Han declined your call without checking it.

Hearing your phone ping a couple of times, you opened it up to see text messages from Han(sunshine twin #2)✨

{10:05 pm} Han(sunshine twin #2)✨: Y/nie! I didn't know it was you who was calling me.

{10:05} Han(sunshine twin #2)✨: I thought you were Chan Hyung 😭 because he said he was going to call me earlier.

After pondering what to text. You typed out:

{10:08} Y/n: That still doesn't explain why you didn't come to the movie night with me and Felix.

{10:08} Han: Oh… I forgot to text you to let you know I was going to be staying the night at Minho Hyung's place tonight. Tomorrow morning we can meet up for coffee to make up for me not being there for movie night, y/nie plz 🙏

{10:09} Y/n: Fine… We can meet at our usual coffee spot.

{10:09} Han: 👍

You chuckled when you saw the thumbs up from Han, but that still didn't ease your thoughts on trying to figure out who that girl was with Han and Minho as sleep overcame you.

You groaned, annoyed, as the blinding light from the morning sun shone through the curtains. Turning onto your side, you checked the clock on your bedside table.

Getting out of bed, you stumbled towards the bathroom, the morning sunlight peeking through the window and casting a warm glow on the tile floor. As you turned the faucet, the sound of running water filled the air, and you felt a sense of relief wash over you. Stepping under the warm showerhead, the water cascaded down your back, dissolving the residue of last night's stress and fatigue. It was as if a weight had been literally lifted off your shoulders, the warmth seeping into your pores and soothing your tired muscles. As you stood there, the water drumming against your skin, you felt your eyelids growing heavier, your breathing slowing, and your mind clearing. The warmth seemed to melt away the heavy fog of sleep, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Your mind started to wander back to the girl with Han and Minho. You wondered who she was and what her relationship was with them. After your shower, you got dressed and headed downstairs to grab a quick breakfast before meeting Han. As you ate, you couldn't help but think about the previous night again. The girl's face kept popping up in your mind. You pushed the thoughts aside and focused on your upcoming meeting with Han.

Arriving at the coffee shop, you ordered your usual and sat at the table near the window where you, Felix, and Han normally sit. A few moments later, you received a text from Han.

{8:05} Han(sunshine twin #2)✨: Hey y/nie, I'm going to be a little late.

About twenty minutes later, Han enters the coffee shop; after he gets his order, he sits down in front of you. While Han is looking out the window, fidgeting with his fingers, you take notice of his messy hair; your eyes travel a little further, catching sight of his hickey-covered neck that is poorly covered by his hoodie.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 14

Part 2

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 320}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After leaving your last class of the day, you took a little stroll through the courtyard. While you walked from afar, you noticed Han and Minho together; just as you were going to call out to them, you saw a girl kiss both of their cheeks.

Your eyes widen and your mouth is left jarred in shock. You let out a startled yelp when you miss a step, plummeting to the ground; you land behind a bush. You quickly peek through the leaves to see if they noticed you; thankfully, they didn't.

After pondering whether you should call Han, you called him from your spot behind the bush. Han took his phone out of his pocket to quickly decline the call, not even looking at the screen as he kept talking to Minho and the girl that you don't know.

When your phone makes a disconnect sound, notifying you that he declined the call. You saw them with your mouth jarred in shock. Your bunny ears stood up in belwildermemt when the girl hooked her arm with Han and Minho going in the completely opposite direction of the Sigma Kappa Zeta fraternity house.

You stay in your spot frozen in shock, as they get further into the distance before you can't see them anymore. A few moments afterward you started heading to the spot where you, Han, and Felix agreed to meet up for movie night.

While you walked, you tried to consider where you had seen that girl before, but your mind kept going blank. After walking for a few minutes, you finally got to your meeting spot; you breathed a sigh of relief when you saw Felix’s blonde hair.

You spotted Felix waiting for you, his blonde hair easy to spot. He gave you a casual smile, but your eyes kept scanning the area for Han. Your mind was preoccupied with the mysterious girl and Han's sudden dismissal.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 14

Part 1

Pairing: Jeongin x Reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 394}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

A few days passed since the announcement was made in the crowded gymnasium, and you were finally starting to shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled in. Having Jeongin and the rest of the guys by your side helped to calm your nerves.

You snuck on your shoes, trying not to make a sound, and leaned in to give Jeongin a gentle peck on the cheek. He was fast asleep on the couch, his fennec foxtail swishing lazily against the couch cushion, its big round eyes closed in a peaceful slumber. You smiled to yourself, feeling a warmth in your chest, before quietly slipping out the front door and shutting it behind you.

Once you left Jeongin's cozy apartment, you made your way towards the corner Cafe that you, Felix, and Han would often frequent during your free time. The cafe was a welcoming spot, filled with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the soft hum of lively chatter. You pushed open the door, and the bell above it rang out, signaling your arrival. As you entered, the warm light enveloped you, and you felt a sense of comfort wash over you, like slipping into a familiar routine.

As you scanned the café, your eyes landed on Han and Felix, already settled into your usual spot by the window. But what caught your attention was Changbin sitting with them, an unexpected addition to the group. You took a deep breath, placed your order, and waited for your hot chocolate and Bungeoppang to be prepared. With your treats in hand, you navigated through the crowded café and slid into the empty chair beside Changbin. The moment you sat down, Felix's face broke into a bright, beaming smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners as he greeted you.

As you savored the last morsel of your bungeoppang, your gaze wandered to Han's neck, where a faint mark caught your attention. You cocked your head to the side, curiosity piqued, wondering what could have caused the bruise. Unaware that your thoughts were drifting away, you were lost in speculation, considering various possibilities - a fall, a bump, or perhaps something more serious. Meanwhile, Han's eyes met yours, and he sensed the reason behind your stare. His face flushed a deep shade of red, a sign of embarrassment or nervousness, as he turned to face you.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

Happy Birthday @turtledove824 !🎂🎉

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to apart of the taglist. This chapter isn't as long as the other ones is because there is going to be another part to it.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 13

Part 2

Pairing: Jeongin x Reader

Genre: angst, fluff

Warning: a little bit of angst

{Word Count: 702}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After hastily exiting the gymnasium with Jeongin hot on your tail, you swiftly found an empty class before the tears that welled up in your eyes streamed down your face like a river dam had broken free. You leaned back against the desk at the front of the class as broken tears came from your trembling form. Sniffling as you wiped the tears off your face while you tried to calm down, you heard the door open and close before hearing footsteps heading toward you and two pairs of shoes came into view.

Letting out another quiet sniffle as your ears trembled, you looked up to see Jeongin looking down at you. Jeongin looked concerned as he pulled you into a hug, enveloping you with warmth like on a warm summer day.

"It's okay; let it all out," he murmured into your hair, rubbing soothing circles on your back. His silky fox tail wrapped around your waist, offering solace.

As you snuggled deeper into his chest, a tiny hiccup escaped your lips, a sound that was both endearing and vulnerable. Jeongin's arms wrapped tighter around you, his promise to shield you from the tormentors who had made your life miserable unspoken but palpable. He remembered the way they sneered at you as soon as they had entered the gym, and his jaw clenched in determination. In that moment, he vowed to be your sanctuary, your safe haven, the one place where you could escape the cruelty of the world.

Your muffled cries slowly faded into an eerie silence, as if the sound had been swallowed by the darkness. Within a few brief moments, you attempted to pull away, desperate to break free from the suffocating grip. But Jeongin's arms refused to relinquish their hold, instead, they tightened, pulling you even closer, defying the laws of proximity. As you felt his warm breath on your skin, he nuzzled his face deeper into your hair, his gentle motion a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing inside you.

After leaving the main building of the college, you stayed close to Jeongin as you both headed towards his car. Once you got to his car, Jeongin held the door open before shutting it when you got inside, before he got into the driver's seat. Getting into the safety of Jeongin's car, you breathed in his scent before buckling your seatbelt. After Jeongin pulled out of the college parking lot, you watched out the window at the different scenery of buildings and lights while Jeongin drove down the road towards your apartment. Once Jeongin parked outside of your apartment, he got out before opening the door for you. Heading up the stairs to your apartment, you unlocked the door.

You let Jeongin in before you locked the door and took off your coat, hanging it on your coat rack by your door. "I'm going to take a shower," you mumbled with your ears drooped down; you made your way towards your bedroom, grabbing some fuzzy shorts and an oversized sweater from your dresser. Turning the shower on, you got it to the right temperature before stripping off your clothes, letting each piece hit the floor. While you started taking your shower, Jeongin started on making you some Oi Muchim. After getting the ingredients from the fridge, he chopped them up before putting them in a bowl and adding the seasonings.

After placing both bowls of Oi Muchim onto the coffee table in the living room, Jeongin's ears twitched when he heard your footsteps coming into the living room. His fox tail swayed sheepishly behind him when you looked and noticed the food on the coffee table, you tilted your head and looked at him puzzled.

"Oi Muchim, I thought you might be hungry," Jeongin stated as he held out a pair of chopsticks to you; you let a little smile grace your lips before you gently took the chopsticks out of Jeongin's hand and let a quiet "Thank you" escape your lips before you sat beside him on the couch. As you got comfortable next to Jeongin, he put on a Lovely Runner while his tail wrapped securely around your waist before you both started eating.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or Reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

Requests are open.

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 13

Part 1

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None.

{Word Count: 597}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

As the day drew to a close, you made a conscious effort to steer clear of Han and Hyunjin, but fate had other plans. Just as you spotted them engaged in a conversation with Jeongin near the college entrance, your heart skipped a beat.

You instinctively slumped your shoulders, fixing your gaze on the ground, hoping to slip by unnoticed. However, your attempt at anonymity was short-lived, as Jeongin's playful idea took an unexpected turn. The delicate plume of his foxtail, adorned with soft, silky strands, ensnared your waist with unexpected force, bringing you to an abrupt halt, as if an invisible hand had yanked you back from the edge of a precipice. The sudden stop was jarring, like a rude awakening from a dream, leaving you breathless and disoriented, with the tail's softness a stark contrast to the harsh reality of being restrained.

The sudden movement caught the attention of Han and Hyunjin, and Jeongin's mischievous grin only added fuel to the fire. Han's expression transformed from curiosity to confusion, his eyes narrowing slightly as he tried to make sense of the scene unfolding before him. You felt your face flush a soft shade of pink, a dead giveaway of your embarrassment.

Han's gaze lingered on you, his eyes darting back and forth as the pieces clicked into place. His jaw dropped in surprise, and he looked like he was about to utter something, but the words got stuck in his throat. Moments later, Hyunjin followed suit, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he shot Jeongin a playful glance.

"We need to head to the assembly now; catch you guys later," Hyunjin announced, gesturing to Han as they both took their leave. Before they walked away, Hyunjin leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper, "We'll discuss this later with Felix and Changbin."

After stowing your belongings in Jeongin's car, the two of you made your way to the gym, where the assembly was being held. As you stepped through the gym doors, you quickly pinpointed Han and the rest of the group. You and Jeongin swiftly took your seats, surrounded by the others – Chan to your left, Jeongin to your right, Changbin behind you, and the rest of the guys forming a circle around you.

When the assembly started, the principal stated that their will be a different college coming to visit for a few weeks. After the principal's speech, the students from the visiting college filed in, their presence sending a shiver down your spine. Your ears and tail stood on end, a visceral reaction to the familiar faces that had haunted his past. Two students in particular caught your attention: the ones who had tormented you during your time at that very college. Their smirks and snickers still echoed in your mind, and the memories of their relentless bullying made your heart race with anxiety. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as your eyes locked onto your former tormentors, your mind racing with the questions: What are they doing here? And why did they have to come now, of all times?

When Jeongin's piercing gaze fell upon you, his entire demeanor transformed, as if a sudden jolt of electricity had run through his body. Every hair on his ears and tail stood upright, quivering with tension, like the fine hairs on the back of a threatened cat. The air seemed to vibrate with an unspoken warning, as if he was poised to unleash a fierce growl or swift lunge at any moment if someone hostile or he didn't know came towards you.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

Requests are open.

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 12

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 647}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

As you stood in Jeongin's room, wrapping your scarf around your neck to ward off the crisp morning chill, his tail instinctively wrapped around your waist. You felt a shiver run down your spine, partly due to the sudden intimacy and partly because of the faint mark on your neck, a subtle reminder of the fox's attention the night before.

Jeongin's eyes narrowed, his ears drooping in a sulk as he watched you slip on your shoes. "Can't you just miss your morning class?" he asked, his voice laced with a hint of disappointment.

You flashed him a reassuring smile, knowing you couldn't afford to skip classes, unlike Jeongin. "No, I have a packed schedule this week," you explained, lightly pecking his cheek before making a swift exit. As you shut the door behind you, you caught Jeongin's low growl, a sound that sent a thrill through your veins.

With a deep breath, you made your way to college, hoping to avoid running into any of the guys. As you walked into your first class, you felt a temporary reprieve from the drama that had unfolded over the weekend.

Later that morning, you headed to the library to gather some materials for an assignment. Unbeknownst to you, three male hybrids – Felix, Han, and Hyunjin – trailed behind, their eyes fixed on you from a distance.

As you turned a corner, you collided with someone, letting out a startled yelp. Your eyes widened in alarm as you took in the sight of Han, his face etched with concern, flanked by Felix and Hyunjin. The sudden jolt sent your ears drooping in embarrassment.

"Ynnie! Where have you been?" Han demanded, his voice tinged with sadness. But before you could respond, Hyunjin and Han's faces contorted in confusion as they caught the scent of a male on you. Hyunjin's eyes went wide, and he let out a thunderous gasp.

"Jeongin!" he exclaimed, the pieces falling into place. You glanced up at Han, whose expression had darkened into betrayal, and your ears drooped further in shame.

Han's eyes sparkled with curiosity as he asked, "Y/nnie, why didn't you tell us you were going to be at Jeongin's all weekend?" His face scrunched up adorably, making him look like a mischievous kid trying to solve a puzzle. As he studied your reaction, his gaze intensified, and he couldn't help but notice the deep red flush spreading across your cheeks.

Suddenly, Hyunjin's presence beside Han seemed to amplify the tension, making you feel like you were under a microscope. Han's eyes locked onto yours, his eyebrows quirking upwards in anticipation. "Soo, how was it?" he probed, his ears perked up like a rabbit's, as if he was about to devour every juicy detail you were willing to share about your weekend escapades with Jeongin.

The bell's sudden ring pierced the air, signaling the end of the library session, and you felt a rush of relief wash over you. As you began to pack up your belongings, Han and Hyunjin's faces fell, their curiosity about your weekend getaway with Jeongin left unfulfilled. They reluctantly stood up, their eyes fixed on you with a hint of disappointment, and started heading towards the exit. That's when Felix caught your attention, sending you a sly wink that seemed to say, "I know your secret, and it's safe with me." His lips curled up into a knowing smile as he turned to leave the library with you, his pace casual, but his gesture speaking volumes about the unspoken bond between you two. Before falling into step beside you, and together you made your way out of the library, leaving Han and Hyunjin to wonder what they had missed. The sound of their disappointed sighs and murmurs followed you out into the bustling hallway, where the smell of freshly waxed floors and the chatter of students filled the air.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower.)

All rights go to © Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 11

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 745}

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As the morning sun peeks through the open window, its gentle breeze whispers through the curtains, rustling them softly. You shiver, the sudden rush of cool air jolting you awake. Groggily, you open your eyes, blinking away the remnants of sleep. The ceiling above comes into focus, a dull white that seems to swirl as your eyes adjust.

As the haze of sleepiness clears, you become aware of your surroundings. The first thing that catches your attention is the overwhelming scent of Jeongin's cologne. It's a smell that's both familiar and strange, triggering a memory that makes your heart skip a beat. You let out a nervous squeak as the events of the previous night come flooding back.

Sitting up, you wince slightly, the dull soreness in your lower region a gentle reminder of the night's activities. Your eyes drop, and you let out a high-pitched scream as you take in the sight of your body. Hickeys and bite marks cover your skin, a roadmap of passion and desire. The memories of the night before come rushing back, and your face flushes with a mix of embarrassment and excitement.

You stretched out your hand to grab your phone from Jeongin's nightstand, where it was charging. A faint smile crossed your face as you noticed it was plugged in, likely courtesy of Jeongin's thoughtful nature. However, your gentle expression quickly turned into a wince as you turned on the screen, blinded by the harsh brightness. Squinting, you checked the time and were taken aback to see it was already 2 pm in the afternoon. Your heart began to race as you scrolled through the plethora of missed calls. Han and Felix had called you a staggering 40 times, and Changbin had tried to reach out to you as well, leaving a few missed calls. The fact that you weren't at your apartment, where you were supposed to be, only added to the anxiety brewing inside you.

As you deliberated whether to respond to the text message, your stomach suddenly growled in protest, begging for attention. The sweet aroma of sizzling food wafted into your nostrils, making your mouth water in anticipation. But before you could focus on satisfying your hunger, you were jolted back to reality by the shocking sight of your torn clothes scattered across the floor. Your jaw dropped in disbelief as you took in the mess. Yet, your gaze was drawn to Jeongin's sweater, carelessly draped over the back of his chair at his desk. You clutched the sheet tightly around your body, feeling a surge of modesty as you waddled over to the chair. You hesitated for a moment, wincing as the cool air hit your skin, causing goosebumps to form. But you quickly shrugged on the sweater, savoring the comforting warmth and familiar scent of Jeongin that lingered on the fabric. With a sigh of relief, you made your way out of Jeongin's room, and shuffled towards the kitchen. There, you found Jeongin busy cooking up a storm, dressed in a laid-back outfit of black sweatpants and a white t-shirt.

Jeongin's oversized fennec ears, a distinguishing feature that accentuated his playful nature, twitched with excitement as he caught sight of you clad only in his sweater. The intimate atmosphere was palpable as he moved with purpose, his eyes locked on yours, and retrieved two bowls from the top cabinet. With a fluid motion, he expertly filled both bowls before holding one out to you, the steaming contents emitting a savory aroma that wafted up, tantalizing your senses. The way he paused, bowl extended, seemed to hold a silent invitation, as if asking you to share in a moment of warmth and closeness.

You accepted the bowl with a timid "thank you" before following him to the dining table, where you both sat down in a comfortable silence. As you began to eat, you couldn't help but smile slightly when you felt Jeongin's fennec tail wrap gently around your ankle. The soft, fluffy fur was a comforting sensation, and you felt a sense of relief wash over you as you realized Jeongin was making an effort to make you feel at ease. The silence between you wasn't awkward, but rather a calm, peaceful atmosphere that allowed you to enjoy your meal without distraction. As you took a bite of the food, the flavors danced on your tongue, and you savored the moment, feeling grateful for this small act of kindness from Jeongin.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of the taglist for Fallen Flower. Don't forget to like, comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.)

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy, Don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 10

Part 2

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: Minors do not interact.

{Word Count: 1.2k}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After the week-long break, the time had finally come to return to college. You slipped into your worn, faded blue jeans and a midriff-baring shirt, before layering one of Jeongin's oversized hoodies over it - a comfortable routine you'd grown accustomed to. Next, you headed to Changbin and Jeongin's room to collect the sundress and hot-pink bikini you'd left behind a few nights prior.

You methodically packed your belongings into your bag, double-checking to ensure everything was accounted for. With your bag securely stowed in the storage space above your seat at the back of the bus, courtesy of Changbin's help, you felt a sense of relief as you set off towards college.

As the months rolled by, March arrived, and Jeongin's behavior began to shift. At the start of the month, he was inseparable from you, tagging along everywhere. However, by mid-March, a noticeable distance had developed between you two. Unbeknownst to you, Jeongin had fallen into a rut, which explained his sudden absence. A week went by with no response to your texts or calls, or those of the other boys, leaving you increasingly worried that something was amiss.

After discussing the mysterious situation with Chan, you both attempted to piece together the reasons behind Jeongin's sudden radio silence. For days, Jeongin had been ignoring calls and texts from everyone, and the distance they had created between you was palpable. Determined to get to the bottom of things, you made your way to Jeongin's apartment, your heart racing with anticipation. You knocked on the door several times, but the silence that greeted you was deafening. Undeterred, you used your spare key to unlock the door, and as you pushed it open, you were immediately enveloped in Jeongin's unmistakable scent. But something was off - the aroma was intense, almost overpowering, like a strong perfume that hung heavy in the air, making your senses reel.

Your bunny ears perked up alertly, twitching with every faint sound, when you heard whimpering and whining coming from the direction of Jeongin's room. The melancholy cries pierced the silence, evoking a sense of concern and curiosity within you. You couldn't help but wonder what was troubling Jeongin, who always wore a bright smile on his face. Suddenly, your imagination ran wild with possibilities - was he having a nightmare, or was something more serious amiss? Your ears remained glued to the subtle sounds, as if trying to tune in to a distant frequency, eager to uncover the source of the distress.

You took a few cautious steps forward, your heart pounding in your chest. The air was thick with tension, and you felt like you were navigating a minefield. Your eyes scanned the room, searching for any sign of Jeongin, but he was nowhere to be seen. The whimpering grew louder, and you knew you had to act fast. You took a deep breath and pushed open the door to Jeongin's room, bracing yourself for what you might find.

When you gaze upon Jeongin's bed, you're met with a sight that's both captivating and intimidating. He's submerged under the very blankets you had left behind during your last visit, as if he's been waiting for your return. As he slowly emerges from his cozy cocoon, his fennec fox ears, typically perked up and alert, are now pinned against his head, giving him a peculiar, almost vulnerable appearance. But don't be fooled – his eyes, like two bright yellow lanterns, gleam with an inner intensity, locking onto you with an unnerving gaze that makes you feel like his next meal, ready to be devoured at a moment's notice. The air seems to vibrate with an unspoken connection, as if he's been lying in wait, patiently anticipating your return, and now that you're here, he's ready to pounce.

You ventured a hesitant "J-Jeongin? You okay?" as your body screamed at you to flee, every fiber of your being sensing danger. Yet, you remained frozen in place at the edge of his bed, despite the primal urge to escape. You stayed put because you knew Jeongin wouldn't intentionally cause you harm; he wasn't one to lash out without a reason.

You felt a sudden jolt of surprise when the soft, fluffy fur of his fennec foxtail snaked its way around your waist, coming to rest at the delicate hem of your dress. As the foxtail's silky strands brushed against your bunny snut, it twitched with a mix of excitement and nervousness, the tactile sensation sending a shiver down your spine. The gentle pressure of the foxtail's wrap was like a soothing caress, yet it also left you feeling slightly vulnerable, as if you were being drawn into his orbit. The subtle rustle of the fur as it settled into place only added to the sense of intimacy, making you acutely aware of the proximity of his body to yours.

As the night wore on, the atmosphere in the room began to intensify, much like a simmering pot about to boil over. The moment of truth arrived when you were pulled onto Jeongin's bed, slipping under the covers as if being enveloped by an unseen force. It was as if Jeongin's fennec foxtail, with its soft, fluffy texture, had become an extension of his own gentle yet insistent touch, drawing you in. The air was electric, and the tension was palpable as the encounter became increasingly steamy, like a thick mist that refused to lift.

Jeongin's eyes locked onto yours, their piercing gaze sending a shiver down your spine. His hand brushed against yours, the touch sparking a flurry of emotions. The foxtail's soft fur tickled your palm, as if seeking permission to proceed. His gentle grasp tightened ever so slightly, pulling you deeper into the encounter.

Jeongin's face drew near, his eyes burning with intensity. The air was thick with expectation, heavy with the promise of what was to come. His hand wrapped around yours, the gentle pressure sending ripples of excitement through your body. The foxtail's softness brushed against your skin, a subtle reminder of the bond growing between you.

As the kiss intensified, the passion burning between you was palpable. His claws, a subtle reminder of his true nature, sunk gently into your sides, sending shivers down your spine. With a gentle yet firm pressure, he guided you against the soft mattress, the sensation of his tail wrapping tightly around one of your thighs electrifying. The coils of his tail seemed to hold you in place, as if ensuring you wouldn't escape the fervor of the moment. The mattress creaked softly beneath you, a subtle witness to the unfolding intimacy. Every fiber of your being was attuned to his, the connection between you crackling with energy.

When his hands stopped at the hem of your dress, causing to let out a meek let little whine when he pulled away from the kiss and looked at you again for permission because he didn't want to make you uncomfortable even if he's in his rut and the only thing he can think about right now is mating with you.

Jeongin saw you nod your head timidly before he slip his hands further up your dress causing it to bundle up around your waist as he trailed kisses down your neck and collarbone stopping just above the valley of your breasts.

As the morning sun's warm rays gently push past the curtains, the night's fiery spirit slowly yields, surrendering to the gentle calm of a new day. The morning light, soft and serene, brings a sense of peace, extinguishing the embers of passion that once burned so brightly.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be a part of the taglist for Fallen Flower. Sorry if any of this doesn't make any sense, i haven't write anything like this before so sorry in advanced.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower: Chapter 9

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: A little bit of spiciness is in it.

{Word Count: 829}

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After receiving a text from Jeongin, asking to meet at the beach in the afternoon, you spent hours preparing for the perfect casual-chic look. You braided your hair and slipped into a sundress, carefully selecting a hot pink bikini to wear underneath. Adding a pair of black flats to complete the outfit, you felt confident and excited for the afternoon ahead.

As you walked towards the beach, your anxiety grew. You fidgeted with your rose-gold bracelet, a nervous habit you'd developed over time. The creaky stairs of the pier seemed to echo your footsteps, making you feel like everyone was watching you. Finally, you arrived at the designated meeting spot, scanning the area for Jeongin's familiar face. When you heard your name being called, you looked up to see him standing before you, wearing a sleek black tank top and matching swim trunks.

Your face flushed a deep red as you stared at him, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. You shifted your gaze, struggling to regain control. Jeongin's gentle chuckle only added to your embarrassment. "You're cute when you're flustered like that," he teased as he led you to a nearby ice cream stall.

You chose a refreshing mint chocolate ice cream, while Jeongin opted for strawberry. As you strolled along the shoreline, the foxtail attached to Jeongin's backpack fluttered anxiously, its usually lively motion now conveying distress. He steered you to a hidden beach alcove, sheltered from observers. The alcove, sheltered by towering palm trees and weathered rocks, created a sense of intimacy, as if the outside world had melted away. You felt a sense of curiosity wash over you, wondering what had prompted Jeongin to seek out this hidden refuge.

His normally bold movements faltered with a subtle nervous tremble. His glances darted sideways, evoking a wary animal's cautious vigilance.

The surprise waiting for you was breathtaking—a beautiful candlelit picnic, adorned with rose petals. You were awestruck, yet confused, wondering why Jeongin would go to such great lengths.

As you tried to process the romantic gesture, you realized that the nervous desert fox was watching your every reaction. When you finally looked up at him, you saw the words "Will you be my one?" formed from white rose petals, framed by warm, steady candlelight. Your heart skipped a beat as you struggled to find the right words to respond.

You bumped into Jeongin's chest, releasing a high-pitched gasp. His sudden proximity left you flustered, your face burning with embarrassment. You hadn't expected him to be standing so close.

With a nervous smile, you consented to be Jeongin's partner, trying to hide your anxiety as you sat beside him on the picnic blanket. Jeongin produced a concealed basket, retrieving food and arranging it before you with a gentle touch.

After finishing the meal, you couldn't resist the urge to slip off your sundress, revealing your hot-pink bikini underneath. You made a break for the ocean, laughing as Jeongin's eyes snapped toward the water, his face frozen in surprise. Before he could react, you started running into the waves, feeling the cool water envelop you.

Jeongin soon followed, and you let out a playful squeal as he chased you into the ocean. As you turned to face him, you sent a mock glare his way before dunking his head into the water. His resurfacing laughter was music to your ears. But before you could react, he wrapped his strong arms around your waist, dunking you underwater once again. The cold enveloped you, and you surfaced with a startled squeak, only to find Jeongin's beaming smile greeting you.

As you gazed up at Jeongin, a radiant smile spread across your face, reflecting the joy that filled your heart. The warm moonlight danced across his features, highlighting the gentle curve of his lips, which were now descending towards yours. The anticipation was palpable, and you could almost taste the salty tang of the ocean water that lingered on his skin. Then, his soft lips made contact with yours, sending shivers down your spine as the sweetness of the moment mingled with the hint of saltiness from their adventure in the waves.

As the darkness of night enveloped the beach, you and Jeongin strolled back onto the shore, the sound of the waves crashing against the rocks a gentle accompaniment to your footsteps. You both settled down on the picnic blanket, the soft fabric rustling beneath you as you got comfortable. The sweet scent of blooming flowers filled the air, and the only light came from the twinkling stars above. It was as if the world had slowed down, and all that mattered was the two of you, lost in the magic of the moment. As you gazed up at the starry sky, Jeongin's eyes locked onto yours, and the atmosphere began to simmer with a palpable tension. It was clear that the night was about to take a romantic turn, and you could hardly contain your nervous excitement.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything and leave a comment if you want to be a part of the taglist.) Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 8

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 479}

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After you had woken up in your hotel room, not knowing or remembering how you got there because the last thing you remembered was falling asleep on Jeongin.

You started turning beet red when you realized you had fallen asleep on Jeongin.

“That's so embarrassing” you mumble to yourself as you hide your face behind your bunny ears.

When you received a text from Hyunjin, asking if you wanted to join him and Changbin out to go to a clothing shop that caught his eye. After you had put on a pink-colored sundress with a floral print on it and a pair of black sandals, you started heading towards the clothing shop not knowing that Jeongin was also going to be there.

As you got closer to the shop, you could see three silhouettes in the distance. You nervously send Hyunjin a quick text.

{10:56}Y/n - Hyunjin, who is coming to the clothing with us again?

A few seconds later your phone pings notifying you that you have a new message. You opened your phone and checked it.

[10:57] Hyunjin- It's just going to me, you, Changbin, and Jeongin.

As you finished reading the text message you had already gotten you the shop, as you glanced up you caught Jeongin already staring at you not noticing the look Hyunjin and Changbin were giving each other.

You looked at Hyunjin you asked “Where are we going to first?,” as you walked with them.

“To that shop there,” Hyunjin stated as he pointed at a cute beach clothing shop.

As y'all walked into to clothing shop you had already saw some shirts and pants you like, without realizing it you started looking at all the different articles of clothes that you liked, with your bunny scut twitching curiously.

Not noticing the guys smiling at you as you looked. When Hyunjin glanced at Jeongin because he saw his desert fox tail wagging happily as you looked at you with a big smile on his face.

Hyunjin gasped quietly as you not catch your attention as he and Changbin at Jeongin teasingly, before they got closer to him.

“So, you like y/n,” Changbin hummed with alittle smile on his face.

Jeongin’s fox ears twitch and as a bright pink tint started to cover his face and some of his neck.

“Aaaw, our baby fox has a crush,” Hyunjin chuckled as he starts teasing him more.

Going unnoticed by you the conversation going on between Jeongin, Changbin, and Hyunjin while you looked at some cute bikini tops and bottoms.

After picking out a few of the cute bikini tops and matching bottoms including a hot pink matching. You and the rest of the guys start heading back to the hotel with your bags in hand. As you walked you didn't notice the desert fox’s tail staying closely behind.

[Next]

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything or if you want to be apart of my taglist for Fallen Flower. You can become a SKZ Extra to see sneak peeks on my ko-fi.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to ©Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 6

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 940}

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After you had finished your breakfast, y'all went to the lobby to meet up with the teachers to get into your groups of two for going out. You got paired up with Jeongin for the rest of the week, you all will be at the beach. When you walked down the corridor of the hotel to your room you grabbed a beach towel, one of your gray jackets, and your two-piece bathing suit with the top being like a tank top with netting mesh under the bust and bottoms before putting them in your beach bag, before heading out of your room where Jeongin was waiting.

Once you left your hotel room, you texted the Three Besties GC to let Han and Felix know where you were going with Jeongin since you didn't want them to worry about where you were like they did this morning while you were with Hyunjin getting breakfast. You and Jeongin walked the short stroll to the beach from the hotel.

Jeongin picked a spot that wasn't too crowded before putting our beach towels and things down with you before you headed to the restroom to change into your bathing suit in one of the changing stalls. Once you are finished putting your two piece bathing suit on, you glance at the mirror in the changing stall with your bunny ears down timidly to make sure everything is on correctly and in the right place before grabbing your gray jacket and putting it on over your bathing suit but you didn't zip it up.

As you head out of the restroom towards where you and Jeongin’s is on the beach, you start to overthink a little bit as people stare at you. When you finally got to the spot you noticed that Jeongin had also changed into his swimwear that was a white shirt and swimming truck. You timidly sat next to Jeongin, looking out at the waves as the crashed into shore not noticing Jeongin staring lovingly and admiring you with his desert fox ears and tail twitching for the last few minutes before he nervously suggests going into the water after you both had put your sunscreen on.

You took off your jacket before you tread towards the ocean timidly with Jeongin accompanying you. When you were partially immersed into the water, while still close to the shore you felt water splash onto your back hitting you ear, you let out a high pitched squeal before you quickly turned around only to see Jeongin with a little smile on his face and his tail flickering excitedly causing the water to ripple around you.

After the next few hours of just splashing and playing in the water, you both head back to the shore, you shiver slightly when the cold breeze hits your wet skin. Jeongin stayed close enough to you where you could feel his body heat, without touching you. When you got back to your spot, you had put your jacket back on to try and block out the cool breeze blowing by.

As you grabbed your water bottle out of your you could feel someone staring, you turned to see Jeongin looking at you before he quickly looked away with his ears down and a light pink tint to his cheeks while you let out a little chuckle. After a while of you reading and not noticing the desert fox hybrid staring at you for the past 30 minutes, you put your bookmark into your book before glancing up at Jeongin and blushing a little when you finally noticed him already staring at you, you softly asked “Do you want to go to the ice cream shack that we pasted when we were heading here?,” as you glance up at him.

“Yea, sure,” Jeongin nodded as y'all dust your feet off of sand and put your shoes on,and head to the ice cream shack down the road from the beach with Jeongin closely behind you. When you got to the ice cream shack, Jeongin placed his order and your order of strawberry and mint chocolate chip ice cream, while you waited at one of the tables. After your ice cream was done being made Jeongin handed it to you but just as y'all were leaving you paled and froze when you looked out the window to see the group of people that used to bully you at your old college heading toward the ice cream shack.

You only snapped out of the little trans when Jeongin called out your name, making you jump slightly causing your bunny ears to droop down. You move to the other side of Jeongin as y'all headed out, hoping they didn't notice you. Just as y'all were almost completely out the door you hear someone shout “Y/n?,” making you tense up and causing Jeongin’s ears to go back against his head as you both turned towards the voice, only to see Layla one of the girls of the group in a T-shirt and short jean shorts, scoff lightly when she sees your swimsuit making you feel like you want to cover up completely and not be there before she turned her gaze to Jeongin looking him up and down, check him out since y'all were still a bit wet and him wearing a white shirt didn't help. When you saw her checking Jeongin out it made you feel a bit angry, and when you glanced up at Jeongin he had stepped closer to you slightly behind you as he looked at Layla and the rest of her group with disgust.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything. And thank you @turtledove824 for helping me with some things in this chapter. I also got a little carried away writing this chapter😅.)

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All rights go to © Lelestarmy don't copy, translate, or repost any of my works onto other sites or apps.

Fallen Flower Chapter 5

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None

{Word Count: 367}

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

When you woke up, you got ready and grabbed your bag with your wallet and other essentials and locked your door before leaving your room, almost running into Hyunjin when you got out of the door.

“Wow! Y/n watch out there,” Hyunjin said as his ferret tail swayed nervously behind him as y'all began to head to the breakfast lounge walking past the group of boys Hyunjin gave them the stink eye the whole way to the breakfast lounge.

After you and Hyunjin got y'all breakfast you both sat at one of the tables in the corner near the window. “Hyunjin, do you who is all paired up for the hotel room?”, you ask softly as you take a sip of your drink.

After Hyunjin finished taking a bite of his waffles he spoke “Changbin and Jeongin, Me and Felix, Chris and Seungmin, and Han and Lee Know”.

“Oh, so Rabbit and Desert Fox, Ferret and Cat, Grey Wolf and Dog, and Quokka and Tiger.” You stated as you took a sip of your orange juice before glancing towards the TV, “Yep,” Hyunjin said before a worried Han came running into the breakfast lounge, scanning the area franticly before he looked at you and Hyunjin before he sighed in relief and sat with y'all.

“You had us all worried Y/nnie!,” Han said worriedly before you looked at him puzzled “What do you mean?,” you questioned as you looked at him with his ears down, “ We all went to your room so we could all have breakfast together but when me, Lee Know, Chris, Seungmin, Felix, Changbin, and Jeongin went to your room and knock you didn't reply, and when I and Felix tried and called you, you didn't answer,” Han stated as he sulked a little before he sent a quick text to the rest of the boys saying where you are.

A couple of minutes later the rest of the boys came into the breakfast lounge and sat with y'all. “You had us worried Y/n,” Felix signed in relief, “Sorry, I didn't mean to make y’all worried,” mumbles as you look at the table, feeling bad that you make them worry over you.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything.)

If you liked this consider becoming an SKZ Extra on my ko-fi for sneak peeks or reblogging.

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All right go to © lelestarmy don't copy, repost, or translate my work onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 4

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warning: None

{Word Count: 471}

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

Once the weekend was over, you headed out of your apartment with your bag filled with clothes and a bathing suit for the week since the college is going to the beach out of town for the week.

After getting to the bus you were assigned to get on, you sighed in relief when you got onto the bus and saw Changbin lol bunny ears down and Jeongin looking out the window in the very back of the bus.

After timidly walking down the bus aisle between the other students seated and you sat on the left of Changbin, next to Jeongin.

After awhile Han stepped on the bus and came to the back where y'all are and sat next to Changbin. You peeked past Changbin and asked Han, “Are the rest of the boys on one of the other buses?”.

Han nodded as other students began to pile up onto the bus, including the group of boys from last friday.

Jeongin scoffs lightly when he sees them get into y’all's bus. Once Jeongin had seen that they sat down at the front of the bus, he looked back out of the window while you and Changbin talked.

After a few hours the bus parked with the other buses lined up in the hotel's parking lot.

Once the students got paired up and given their hotel room keys, you started heading to your hotel room with Jeongin and Changbin behind you. Thankfully they had the room next to yours, When you got to your room you unlocked the door and went in before you started setting your stuff down.

After settling into your hotel room and taking a shower, you changed into your pajamas. You plugged in your charger before getting onto the bed and texting Han and Felix in the Three Besties GC.

After a while Han started a video call, you quickly answered it.

“Y/nine!,” Han calls out with a smile before you see Lee Know peek into Han’s camera frame.

You let out a little chuckle when you saw that before you heard a ping sound letting you know that Felix also joined the video call.

Before Felix could say his greetings, you hear Hyunjin dramatically say “Y/n, we haven't seen you all day,” while he flops down onto Felix’s bed. You let out a small chuckle before you said “I had my classes to attend before I got onto the bus, and Jeongin and Changbin were up there with me.”

You grab your charger and plug it into your phone when it gives you the notification for low battery.

After talking with Han and Felix a few more hours with the occasional input from Lee Know and Hyunjin, you told them good night before ending the call and going to bed.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything.)

If you liked this consider becoming an SKZ Extra on my ko-fi for sneak peeks or reblogging.

Don't forget to Like, Comment, or reblog if you enjoyed reading this.

All right go to © lelestarmy don't copy, repost, or translate my work onto other sites without my permission.

Fallen Flower Chapter 3

Pairing: Jeongin x reader

Genre: Fluff

Warnings: None.

Taglist: @turtledove824 , @jeonginplsholdmyhand , @theodorenottgf

{Word Count: 1,010 }

(Author Note: Let me know if I missed anything.)

[Previous] [Masterlist] [Next]

After hanging out and watching Sweet Home with Han and Felix, you strolled through campus heading towards your off-campus apartment with your ears up high in alert after hearing a girl's scream when you were halfway across campus and away from the boys' house.

You tensed up when you heard a group of boys coming from the direction of where the girl's scream came from. You froze up when one of them shouted out at you, stopping you in your tracks.

“Hey! Can't you hear!” one of them shouted while letting their pheromones out, releasing a nauseousating scent of cigarette smoke.

After taking a few deep breaths to try and calm your racing nerves you meekly turned around, but let out a little squeal of fear when you realized how close he was to you.

“Are you deaf or something” the one in front of you asked annoyed, your nose twitches when the ratchet smell of alcohol fanned into your face from his breath causing you to take a few steps before he grabbed your arm roughly, your ears droop down against your head in fear when you tried to pull you arm free.

When his group of friends slowly started to surround you, you let out a scream yelling for him to let you go while trying to get his grip off your arm. When suddenly he let go and his friends quickly went behind him when you heard Chan call out angrily “What do you y'all think y'all are doing?,” with his grey wolf ears pinned back against his head and his tail flicking angrily behind him as he approaches you, gently pull you behind him with Changbin and Lee Know closely behind him act as an barrier between you and the group of boys.

“Just trying to have some fun” one of them said as they looked at the ground like they were bowing their heads down to their alpha.

Hearing that only made Chan even more mad, letting out a low growl as he went to step forward before you timidly grab his wrist while looking at the ground giving the group of boys enough time to scurrying away.

“Bunch of jerks,” Lee Know stated as he scoffs before glancing at you to make sure you were alright. “You're staying the night at the house,” Chan stated leaving no room for disagreement as he started heading back to the house with you, Lee Know, and Changing followed closely behind him.

Once y'all got back to the house, Changbin held the door open for you as you went in while the rest of the boys looked puzzled as to why you were there. “ Y/nnie I thought you were going home?” Han asked before you could reply Chan spoke “ She is going to be staying the night,”. Han and Felix's ear perked up when they heard that and quickly said “Y/n can stay in our room with us for the night,” unknowingly to them of the desert fox hybrid tail flicking annoyed sitting not too far from them when he caught scent of your distressed pheromoans coming off you in little waves.

While Han and Felix lead you to their room, Chan glanced at Jeongin, noticing his annoyed expression before Hyunjin spoke up and asked “What Happened?,”. Chan explained what had happened and when he was done speaking everyone in the living room was pissed. Hyunjin scoffed before heading to Han and Felix's room annoyed.

Once Hyunjin got to the room, he dramatically flopped down onto the bed next to you and Felix up against the headboard with Han at the foot of the bed. A few minutes later Jeongin comes into the room with a few pillows and blankets, you look up at him puzzled before he says “ Spare pillows and blankets from the closet…” before he quickly drops them into the bed and leaving the room with light pink tinted cheeks but not before catching knowingly looks from Felix, Han, and Hyunjin because they know that the blankets and pillows are actually Jeongins.

After a few hours of talking with Han, Hyunjin, and Felix, Hyunjin leaves because it's getting late but not before saying a quick goodnight.

After setting the pillows up against the headboard of the bed how you wanted you wrap up into the blankets like a blanketed burrito.

Han got off of the bed and onto Felix's. After putting on Taxi Driver and turning the light, Han and Felix shouted “Goodnight,” followed by muffled Goodnights coming from all the boys' different rooms.

The next morning you wake up to Han peeking up at you from the floor, letting out a startled yelp. “What are you doing Han!?” you asked puzzled, as you looked at him on the floor.

“I was getting ready to wake you up because you were mumbling in your sleep.,” Han admitted with his ears down. After going to the kitchen and eating breakfast that Lee Know made, Jeongin accompanied you as you walked to your apartment. Once you got to your apartment you unlocked the door before letting Jeongin and you went to take a shower and get into a change of clothes.

After your shower and getting into a different change of clothes you grab your library card off your desk and locked your apartment door heading towards the library with Jeongin not too far behind you with his tail flicking closely to you. When you got to the library you checked in with Jeongin before getting a few books on different plants and herbs and sitting at an empty table not noticing Jeongin looked up at you from his book, watching you from his table.

After studying different plants and herbs for a few hours you started to get hungry, you quickly put a bookmark on the page you were reading before putting the books in to back and checking the books out.

You left with Jeongin after he had suggested going to a cafe close to the library at college.

[Next]

(A/n: Let me know if I missed anything.)

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ꐦ •᷅ࡇ•᷄) 🗯️ .. ☆ カード

‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Jeongin!! I always get him for this kind of stuff, and I think we would click best if I met in real life. Also, at the end, it asks for you bias, and I forgot it was a skz quiz, so I said my nct biases 😬😬

yo i made this funky fresh quiz about your govt assigned skz boyfriend, please take it and validate me <3

──── * ˚ ✦ ECHOES OF US ( stray kids )

❛ After a painful breakup, you and Jeongin struggle to maintain a civil front for your mutual friends, but when he accidentally calls you by your old pet name, unresolved emotions resurface, forcing you both to confront the lingering feelings between you.

𝐲𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐣𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧 + gender neutral reader ೯ ( 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 )

𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭: 12.6k 𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞: 50 mins

꒰ 💌 ꒱ ミ Say hello to my very first long-fic! It took me an eternity to get this done, but I'm actually very proud of how it turned out! Also, my very rough draft for this was accidentally posted a few days ago, so if you saw that...no you didn't! This was anonymously requested! (Anon, I'm sorry it took me a hot minute to finally finish this, but I hope I made up for it with how long it ended up being 🫠) Reblogs for this teaser are always appreciated! Requests are currently open! ── ( 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 )

𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬: Mentions of sibling death and grief, very brief mention of a dysfunctional home, use of they-them pronouns for Y/N, brief explanation of sibling death, Y/N's sibling has their own name, mentions of being abandoned, heartbreak, awkward re-encounter after almost a year, discussions on mental health, a whole lot of angst, comforting ending, let me know if I missed anything!

( 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 ) ( 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 & 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ) ( 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ) ( 𝐭𝐢𝐩 𝐣𝐚𝐫 )

When Jeongin stepped through the door he had once shared with you, a sense of dread already coiled tightly around his heart, squeezing with every breath. He knew you'd kept your promise to move out by the end of the week, but the reality of it hit harder than he could have imagined. The front hallway, once cluttered with a chaotic jumble of shoes that you always left haphazardly by the entrance, now stood painfully bare, save for his own neatly aligned row of frequently worn sneakers. The absence of your presence echoed louder than any argument ever had, and suddenly he found himself longing for those moments of trivial annoyance—wishing, with a deep, aching desire, that he could quarrel with you about it just once more.

He kicked off his sneakers, setting them carefully amongst the rest of his now lonely footwear. For a moment, he stood there, hesitant, almost willing to call out your name, hoping against hope that you might answer from the bedroom or kitchen, your voice cutting through the oppressive silence that now smothered the apartment. But he knew better. He moved forward with heavy steps, not even bothering to put on his house slippers. The silence that greeted him as he wandered further inside was a deafening reminder of what he had lost. You were gone, and with you, the vibrant energy that had once filled these walls had vanished too.

The living room—once a collage of your combined tastes—was now stripped of the personal touches that made it home. The furniture remained, the couch where you both had laughed and argued, the coffee table marked with rings from careless mugs of tea during lazy mornings. Yet, all the little decorations, the framed art you insisted on hanging, the plants you’d tried so hard to keep alive—they had all disappeared with you. The emptiness was jarring, like a canvas half-painted and abruptly abandoned, leaving every wall and surface barren, the once warm and cozy atmosphere now reduced to a cold, unfamiliar space.

By the time Jeongin reached the bedroom, the last thread of his fragile composure snapped. The bed—where countless memories had been woven—was stripped down to its bare mattress, the sheets gone. The framed photographs of the two of you were turned face down on the bedside table, as if you couldn’t bear to look at them one last time. His eyes moved to the corner where your ridiculously large collection of stuffed animals had once spilled over, crowding half of the bed. That too was empty now. An overwhelming wave of loss washed over him, dragging him to his knees. 

Jeongin's breath came out in shaky gasps as he looked around the hollow shell of what had been your shared sanctuary. You were truly gone. Though he had been the one to end things between you, a decision made in a moment of confusion and pride, he was still hopelessly, painfully in love with you. The realization of his own foolishness crashed over him with unbearable weight, suffocating him in the silence that was once filled with your laughter, your presence, and your love.

Jeongin couldn’t summon a shred of resentment toward you, even if he tried. He understood, all too painfully, that everything that had unraveled between you over the past year was nothing but a sorrowful consequence of your grief. You had once been a soul overflowing with light, always searching for the silver lining amidst the clouds, a spirit who could find a glimmer of hope even in the darkest of times. You, who would often conspire with his mischievous best friend, Seungmin, forming a relentless duo to tease him until he’d feign a pout, forcing you to shower him with kisses until he laughed again. You, who came home every evening brimming with stories about the children you counseled at the school, your eyes alight with passion and care for each of them. All that Jeongin had loved so deeply about you seemed to have been buried alongside your sister, Nari, and this loss was a truth he still grappled with, even now.

As he crawled onto the empty, cold bed that had once been a warm sanctuary for both of you, Jeongin curled into himself, his body folding inward as if trying to shield himself from the harsh reality. His sobs came in ragged waves, tearing through him so violently that he trembled, his breath hitching with each shaky inhale. He missed you more than words could convey—he missed everything about you. The sound of your laughter echoed in his mind like a haunting melody, its tones shifting with your moods: soft and lyrical when merely amused, and loud, unrestrained when joy truly overwhelmed you. He missed those sounds, the ones that used to fill this now desolate space with life and love.

He missed the lazy afternoons you'd spend together, brainstorming new exercises for his music therapy sessions. Those moments would often devolve into impromptu concerts, filled with your carefree, barefoot dancing across the living room floor and his voice following your lead, blending into a harmony of shared happiness. It was in those moments that everything felt right in the world, where nothing existed but the two of you, lost in your own little universe of melodies and movements. He missed those afternoons like one misses the warmth of the sun after too many days of rain.

He missed teasing you in those quiet moments when you were deeply focused, often catching you sticking your tongue out ever so slightly—a quirk of concentration that never failed to endear him. He’d gently pinch it between his fingers, earning himself a mildly exasperated huff as you’d swat his hand away. But he knew that a smile would inevitably creep up on your lips, and you’d turn away to hide it, cheeks flushing with a mix of amusement and affection. It was the kind of simple, tender moment that spoke volumes about the depth of your bond, a bond that now felt irreparably severed.

Every corner of this home whispered memories of you, and he was haunted by them all—the good, the bad, the ones that made him laugh, and especially those that made him cry. Your absence left a void that nothing could fill, a hollow silence where there had once been laughter and love. And even though he knew it was your grief that had driven a wedge between you, he couldn’t help but wish he could find a way back to you, to the person you used to be, and to the love that once made him feel whole.

The night that shattered your world was meant to be a day of celebration: your younger sister Nari’s high school graduation. Jeongin could still see you in his mind's eye that morning, almost vibrating with pure, uncontainable joy. Your eyes were bright, brimming with excitement, and your smile—so wide and beautiful—tugged at his heart each time it graced your lips. Nari was the center of your universe, your pride, your joy, your true soulmate in a world that often felt uncertain and cold. You had been more than just a sister to her; you had been her guardian, her comforter, her everything. You were the one who took on the weight of raising her through the chaotic turmoil of your parents' messy divorce, providing stability where there was none. 

Jeongin could recall countless times Nari would recount how you shielded her from the constant, venomous arguments that echoed through your childhood home. Despite your own young age, you found ways to distract her, to pull her out of the chaos—whether it was with whispered jokes or made-up games that filled her mind with something brighter than the screaming. To Nari, you were a star, someone who had hung the moon just for her. She often spoke with a mix of awe and adoration about the afternoons you both spent sneaking into the little ice cream shop on the way home from school, spending hours laughing over melting cones until you were sure your mother had left for work. 

Jeongin also remembered the quiet, tender moments he would witness after you had graduated and moved out. Nights when Nari would sleep over, curled up beside you, as if you were her very own safe haven in a world that could be so unforgiving. There was a beauty in how you held her close, how you seemed to provide her with an anchor when everything else felt adrift. Yet, no relationship, no matter how deeply cherished, is without its storms. For as vividly as Jeongin could remember the soft, loving moments, he could just as clearly recall the bitter weeks leading up to Nari's graduation—weeks marked by harsh words and heated arguments.

You and Nari shared many things—your fierce loyalty, your protective instincts—but perhaps most notably, the sharp edge of your words. When tempers flared, both of you possessed a mercilessly cutting tongue that could lash out with a force that left deep, stinging wounds. Jeongin hated those fights, hated the cruel things you would shout at each other in the heat of the moment, words that cut so deeply and yet meant nothing once the anger faded. The conflict had started when Nari began dating an older guy who had already graduated. Neither you nor Jeongin liked him, sensing the danger in his recklessness, his penchant for illegal activities that threatened to drag your sister down a path she wasn't prepared for. But Nari, stubborn and convinced she had found the love of her life, refused to listen. The tension between you both grew unbearable, each argument driving another wedge between you and your beloved sister, and Jeongin could do nothing but stand helplessly on the sidelines, watching as she slowly pushed you away.

The real fracture came on what should have been a night of celebration. Nari was supposed to have dinner with you and Jeongin to celebrate her graduation. She promised to meet you both, to share in the joy of her achievement, but instead, she turned off her phone and ran off with her boyfriend to a party that everyone knew would be dangerous. For hours, you and Jeongin called and texted, reaching out to everyone who might have known where she was, each unanswered ring heightening the tension, every minute stretching into a painful eternity. 

And then, the call came—the one that brought your entire world crashing down. Nari had been found dead inside her boyfriend’s car. Both were intoxicated when he decided to drive, his recklessness steering them straight into a tree. The impact killed them both instantly. 

Jeongin would never forget the sound that tore through you in that moment, a wail of agony so deep and raw it seemed to shatter the very air around you. It was a sound that would forever echo in his heart, a haunting melody of a love lost too soon and a pain that could never be soothed.

The piercing sound of Jeongin's phone ringing in his back pocket cut through the thick, oppressive fog of memories that had been drowning him ever since he stepped into the cold, empty apartment that was once alive with the warmth of your shared moments. His body still trembled with the aftershocks of his own heartbreak, his face still wet with a cascade of tears that seemed endless. For a moment, he considered ignoring it, letting it fade away into the void of everything else that felt lost to him. But something compelled him to move, to reach into his pocket and pull out his phone. The screen flashed with a name: Chan. 

Jeongin’s first instinct was to let it ring out. He wasn’t sure he could bear the gentle, pity-laden concern he knew he would hear in Chan’s voice. The idea of facing someone else’s worry, of being forced to articulate the emptiness clawing at his chest, felt like too much. But he also knew that Chan wasn’t just calling for the sake of it—he was worried. Maybe that thought, the notion that someone still cared enough to reach out, was what finally convinced Jeongin to answer. With a shaky breath, he pressed the phone to his ear.

“Yes?” His voice came out rough and broken, as if he’d swallowed shards of glass, a hoarse rasp that even he barely recognized. On the other end, there was a sharp intake of breath, a small hitch that spoke volumes, followed by the sound of Chan clearing his throat in that awkward, nervous way he had when he didn’t know how to approach a delicate subject.

“Hey, how are you holding up?” Chan’s voice was gentle, tentative, as if afraid that anything more might cause Jeongin to shatter completely. The simple question, so innocuous yet loaded with care, brought fresh tears to Jeongin’s eyes. He swallowed thickly, trying to keep his composure, not wanting to add more weight to Chan’s worry.

“As well as I can be...everything is gone.” The words felt heavy on his tongue, sinking like stones into the silence that followed. There was a sigh on the other end, deep and empathetic, filled with an understanding that was both comforting and unbearable.

“I’ll stop by later, yeah?” Chan’s offer came with a note of encouragement, trying to lift the heavy blanket of despair. “I can bring Minho so he can cook you some food, and we can figure out what comes next.” There was kindness in his words, an attempt to pull Jeongin from the pit he’d found himself in, but the weight pressing on Jeongin’s chest didn’t budge, didn’t ease in the slightest.

“Maybe another time, Channie, thank you,” Jeongin murmured, his voice carrying the exhaustion of someone who had been running a losing race against his own emotions. “I think I just need a few days alone.” The silence that stretched between them after was telling, thick with Chan’s unspoken disapproval. Jeongin could almost see the frown on his friend’s face, the way he’d be chewing on his lip, holding back what he really wanted to say.

Eventually, Chan spoke again, his tone carefully measured, almost as if he were walking on eggshells. “Right. Um, hey...Felix wanted to pay Y/N a visit to make sure everything’s alright and to help with the moving. The problem is, none of us really know where they moved, and we thought that maybe they might’ve told you or something?”

The mention of your name was like a punch to the gut, a sharp twist of the knife that had already been embedded in his heart. Jeongin’s breath caught, and he could feel his throat tightening, the sting of tears threatening to spill over once more. He squeezed his eyes shut, willing himself to stay composed, to not break apart all over again.

“No,” he sighed after a moment, rolling onto his back and staring up at the empty, featureless ceiling that seemed to stretch on like an abyss. “I thought you guys would’ve known... but maybe Y/N needs some time alone for a while too. I’m sure they’ll call when they’re ready.”

The words felt hollow, a brittle hope that tasted more like ash on his tongue, but it was all he could offer. And in the silence that followed, Jeongin could only listen to the faint sound of Chan’s breathing, the weight of their shared helplessness settling in like a cold, unwelcome presence in the room.

Jeongin had clung to a fragile hope that, in time, you would reach out to the circle of friends who had once been your shared lifeline. He never imagined that you would confide in him directly—he knew all too well that the pain of his departure still festered like an open wound. You had made it painfully clear how much you resented him for breaking things off when you needed him most. He could still hear your voice, raw with anger and hurt, echoing in his mind as you stormed out of the apartment for the last time.

But never in his darkest nightmares had he expected you to vanish completely, as if swallowed by the earth itself. There wasn't even a whisper of your whereabouts, not the faintest trace left behind to hint at where you might have gone. It was as if you had been erased from existence. When you left, you didn't just walk out of Jeongin's life—you walked away from everything that had tied you to this place. You resigned from your job as a school counselor, the one located just a short distance from Jeongin’s apartment where you had once found solace in guiding young lives through their own turmoil. Your phone number had changed, your social media accounts lay abandoned and untouched, gathering digital dust like forgotten relics of a past life.

For what felt like an eternity, each member of your once tightly-knit group of friends wore the weight of worry like a second skin, tirelessly searching for any sign of you, some confirmation that you were still out there, somewhere, still breathing. Nights were spent in hushed conversations and whispered theories, each one more desperate than the last, wondering if you were even alive. The silence you left in your wake was deafening, a void that consumed every bit of hope they tried to hold onto.

Yet, as the months dragged on and there was still no word—no signal, no letter, not even a single fleeting message—Jeongin and the others were forced to confront a harsh new reality. The absence of your presence became a palpable thing, a hollow emptiness that settled in their chests. Slowly, reluctantly, they began to understand that they might never see you again. And in that painful understanding, they had no choice but to piece together their broken hearts and try, however feebly, to move forward. 

But even as they moved on, a part of Jeongin remained anchored in that lingering silence, waiting for the day it would finally break.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Eight months had passed since you vanished without a word, leaving behind a void that swallowed everything and everyone you once knew. Jeongin found himself seated on a low stool in the center of his sunlit office, a space designed to cradle broken spirits. The room was filled with warmth, the soft, earth-toned walls bathed in a gentle, golden glow that made it feel like a sanctuary amidst the chaos. Around him, cushions were scattered like islands of comfort, and the soft hum of a guitar rested against his body, its strings vibrating gently with each subtle shift of his calloused fingers.

In front of him, a small group sat in a circle, each person a vessel of silent sorrow. Some had their eyes shut tight, trying to shut out the world, while others stared ahead, their gazes distant, lost in the labyrinth of their own pain. Today’s session was centered around grief—a familiar theme that Jeongin had come to understand all too well. His eyes swept over the group, his expression soft and understanding, a silent invitation for them to share their burdens. Directly across from him, a young woman who had recently lost her mother sat rigid, her shoulders taut as bowstrings, her fingers anxiously picking at the frayed edge of her sleeve. Beside her, an elderly man kept his gaze fixed on his wrinkled hands, folded so tightly in his lap it seemed as if he was afraid he might fall apart if he let go.

Jeongin's fingers began to dance over the guitar strings, coaxing out a few gentle notes that floated through the room like a soft breeze on a warm day. The melody was simple, almost like a lullaby—tender and soothing, a soft hand reaching out in the enveloping darkness. It was a song he had crafted with your help, your voice whispering in his mind, guiding the melody with your mesmerizing ideas and gentle critiques. He tried not to think of you now, of the countless hours you'd spent together creating this very piece, but the memory lingered like a ghost.

“Let’s take a deep breath,” he murmured, his voice a low hum that barely rose above the delicate strumming. “Breathe in... and out. Feel the music as it moves through you.” His voice was smooth and warm as he began to sing, threading through the air like a comforting embrace. The lyrics were a balm for weary souls, speaking of finding peace amid the storm, of a quiet place where one could lay down their burdens. He watched the room with quiet intent, observing as the music began to weave its subtle magic.

The young woman’s shoulders, once so tense, began to loosen ever so slightly, her breath easing into a more natural rhythm. The elderly man’s grip on his hands softened, his fingers unclenching as if the melody had given him permission to let go, if only for a moment. Jeongin’s heart ached as he shifted the melody into a new key, a hint of melancholy now woven into the notes. His voice leaned into the emotion, allowing it to crack and falter in just the right places, like a mirror reflecting the fractures of a breaking heart.

He knew the power of those small imperfections—the way a slight fracture in the music could resonate with the cracks in a person’s soul, giving them the courage to confront their own pain. The room felt heavy with unspoken sorrow, yet somehow lighter, too, as if each note was drawing out a little of the darkness from within. And as he continued to sing, Jeongin allowed himself to feel the weight of his own grief, letting it pour into the song, knowing that sometimes, in the quiet beauty of shared pain, there was a kind of healing.

Moments later, a soft sob broke the fragile silence. The young woman's face crumpled as she brought a trembling hand to her mouth, tears spilling down her cheeks in rivulets that caught the light. Jeongin’s heart ached for her, a deep, familiar pain unfurling in his chest. His mind flashed back to countless moments where he had seen that same expression etched across your own face—the anguish, the vulnerability. But he didn’t stop playing. Instead, he allowed the melody to swell, his fingers coaxing the guitar strings through the dark waters of sorrow and guiding them back toward a glimmer of hope, like a lighthouse in a storm.

“Let it out,” he murmured, his voice a soft, comforting undertone to the music. “There’s no need to hold back here.” His words were a gentle invitation, a permission to release the emotions that had been held back for far too long. And as if on cue, the room filled with the raw sounds of grief—soft, stifled sobs, muffled cries, the quiet sniffles of those who had long forgotten how to weep openly. Jeongin continued to play, his music becoming a vessel for their pain, a safe harbor where tears could flow without shame or judgment. 

Across the circle, he caught a glimpse of the elderly man, his head bowed low, his lips quivering as he mouthed the words of the song. His eyes were squeezed shut, as if trying to ward off a memory too painful to face. Jeongin’s gaze softened, and he let the melody shift, his fingers moving with practiced ease into something softer, gentler—like a lull after the fury of a storm. Each note was deliberate, a quiet caress to soothe the raw edges of the room's collective sorrow. He watched as the weight of grief began to lift, ever so slightly, and the room took a deep breath, exhaling the heaviness that had clung to them like a shadow.

When the final note faded into the stillness, Jeongin let the silence settle, heavy but not suffocating. He set his guitar down gently, his eyes meeting each person’s in turn, offering a silent acknowledgment of their pain. “Thank you for sharing this space with me,” he said, his voice a soft balm even as his own heart bore the scars of past regrets. Too often did Jeongin lose sleep over how he, despite his profession, had failed to help you through your own grief. “Grief is heavy, but together, we can carry it, even if just for a moment.”

The young woman wiped at her tears, her face still etched with the rawness of her emotions, but in her eyes, there was a faint spark—a glimmer of relief, as if, for the first time in a long while, she felt a little less alone. The elderly man’s shoulders sagged, a heavy breath escaping his lips, as though a burden had been lifted, if only for a moment. Jeongin offered a small, gentle smile, a subtle curve of his lips that spoke of understanding and quiet encouragement. He picked up his guitar again, fingers brushing against the strings with a familiar, comforting touch.

“How about we end with something light?” he suggested, strumming a few upbeat chords, his eyes brightening with a hint of mischief. “Maybe a song that reminds us of hope. Even when it’s hard to see, it’s always there… waiting for us.” His words hung in the air like a promise, a tender reminder that there was light even in the darkest of places.

And so, with his voice soft but steady, Jeongin led them into another song—one that spoke of healing, of finding strength in the most shattered places, and of a quiet, enduring joy that could bloom even in the darkest seasons of life. This was a song Jeongin had written and composed in the wake of your absence, in the silence that followed your sudden departure. It was a song born of hope, crafted in those long months of not knowing, a song he had always dreamed of sharing with you. And as he sang, he let that hope fill the room, weaving through the notes, a quiet, resilient thread that held the promise of brighter days.

Nearly thirty minutes had passed since the group therapy session had officially ended, but Jeongin's office was still filled with the quiet shuffling of his patients gradually making their way out. This wasn't unusual; some of them often lingered, seeking a few more moments to connect or share their thoughts, and Jeongin never minded. He found these moments invaluable—an opportunity to touch base, to offer a final bit of encouragement or reassurance. 

As Jeongin turned to watch the last patient leave, he was surprised to find his friend Changbin leaning against the doorframe. Changbin’s muscular arms were crossed over his broad chest, his eyes twinkling with a mix of admiration and amusement. A soft smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and it only grew wider when Jeongin’s gaze finally met his. "Bin," Jeongin greeted with a slight bow, his dimples appearing as he returned his friend's smile. He moved toward his desk on the opposite end of the room, a space that served as both his office and a therapy room within the clinic.

Without waiting for an invitation, Changbin followed him, settling himself comfortably into the leather chair meant for Jeongin. With a roll of his eyes and a shake of his head, Jeongin let out a small huff of amusement at his friend's antics. He took a seat in one of the smaller chairs intended for his patients, his gaze fixed on Changbin. "What are you doing here?" Jeongin finally asked, watching his friend lounging back in the chair, hands interlocked casually behind his head.

Changbin's playful demeanor slowly shifted, his eyes losing their mischievous spark as they settled into something more serious. He sighed, leaning forward to rest his forearms on Jeongin's desk, the sudden shift in atmosphere making Jeongin's heart pick up a little in pace. He tried to keep his expression soft, maintaining a small smile even as he braced himself for whatever Changbin had come to say.

For a moment, the room was filled with a heavy silence as Changbin seemed to struggle with his words, his brows furrowing in thought. Finally, he cleared his throat and spoke, "You know how Yongbok and Hannie wanted to have a joint celebration for their birthdays this Friday, right?" Jeongin's brows knit together in confusion; he hadn’t expected such a mundane topic. Still, he nodded, waiting for the real reason behind Changbin's visit.

"Well, everything will be pretty much the same... but we wanted to tell you this before you showed up." Changbin paused, his worried eyes meeting Jeongin's increasingly anxious gaze. After a deep breath, he continued, "Y/N moved back here a little over a week ago and reached out to us almost immediately. We helped them settle back down, and we've been spending some time with them, catching up on everything. Yongbok and Hannie wanted them to be included in their birthday celebration, but we also wanted to check in with you. Make sure you're okay with that first."

Jeongin felt his entire world tilt on its axis, Changbin's words crashing into him like a wave he hadn’t braced for. A million questions stormed through his mind, so fast and furious that he couldn’t quite grasp a single one. "Wait." His hand shot up, signaling his need for a pause as he shifted forward, perching on the edge of his chair. His voice, tinged with betrayal and hurt, spilled out in a rushed breath, "What do you mean Y/N moved back here a week ago? Why am I just learning about this now?"

A look of guilt shadowed Changbin's face, his expression softening with regret. "Y/N asked us not to tell you for a little bit because they weren't ready to handle it yet... but now that everything's settled, they have a new job and everything—Y/N is ready to meet with you if you'd like." He hesitated, and a flicker of panic widened his eyes as he quickly added, "But you didn't hear that last part from me. Y/N wanted to be the one to reach out at some point today or tomorrow."

The silence that followed was heavy, all-consuming, wrapping around Jeongin like a thick fog. He struggled to wrap his mind around the news of your return, the idea of seeing you again so unexpectedly unsettling. The weight of your absence, the questions left unanswered, all resurfaced in that single moment, leaving him adrift in a sea of emotions he wasn’t prepared to face.

Jeongin didn't quite know how to feel about you moving back into town after leaving him without so much as a goodbye. The news of your return stirred a storm of emotions within him, each one more complicated than the last. On one hand, he understood your reasons for leaving—the desperate need to escape from everything that reminded you of your younger sister, Nari, and the weight of your relationship with him, which had grown heavy with grief and unresolved pain. He could see why you had to flee, to distance yourself from the memories that clung to every corner of the town like shadows that wouldn't let you breathe. 

But understanding didn't erase the sting of abandonment. Jeongin couldn't ignore the countless sleepless nights he’d endured, his mind spiraling into an abyss of what-ifs and could-have-beens. He thought back to the moments when your relationship had still felt beautiful and safe, long before it had quietly begun to crumble beneath the weight of tragedy. In truth, he realized, the love between you had started to fray the very moment you received the devastating news of Nari’s fatal accident. It had unraveled slowly, painfully, until there was nothing left but a hollow shell of what once was. By the time he officially ended things, the love you shared had already been gone, replaced by a haunting emptiness.

For months after you left, Jeongin had nearly driven himself to madness, caught in a vicious cycle of regret and self-blame. Every waking moment was spent agonizing over all the different ways he might have pulled you out of your grief. Could he have said something different, done something more? Could he have been more patient, more understanding? He had replayed these thoughts over and over, like a broken record stuck on a painful refrain. There was a time when he couldn’t even look at his own reflection without being reminded of his failure—his inability to be the anchor you needed in the storm of your sorrow. He blamed himself for your sudden departure, believing that if he had fought for you a little harder, if he had held on just a bit longer, maybe things would have turned out differently.

Slowly, though, Jeongin had begun to emerge from the shadows of his own grief. He had started to come to terms with the loss—not just of Nari, whom he had loved deeply through you, but also the loss of the future he had imagined with you by his side. He’d begun to accept that his own heartbreak, mixed with the suffocating weight of guilt, was something he needed to release in order to move forward. Jeongin had finally allowed himself to realize that in the grand scheme of things, staying by your side would have meant losing himself in the process, trying to bring back a version of you that had vanished the day Nari did. He’d come to understand that you were never going to be the same person again, and neither was he.

And now, just when he was starting to find a semblance of peace, you chose this moment to step back into his life. It felt like the ground he had just managed to steady himself on was beginning to shake once more. Jeongin wasn’t sure if he was ready to face you again, to reopen wounds that were only just beginning to scar over. Yet, there was also a flicker of something else—a hope, perhaps, or maybe just curiosity—about what this new chapter could bring. But whatever it was, it left him feeling unsettled, standing on the precipice of a past he had tried so hard to leave behind.

As his mind continued to swirl with a torrent of thoughts, Jeongin was startled by the bitterness that began to simmer beneath the surface of his heart. The resentment was unexpected, an emotion so potent that it almost frightened him. It clawed at him, leaving a sour taste in his mouth, a stark contrast to the calm demeanor he usually carried. But as his gaze lifted, his eyes locked with Changbin's, and he saw the concern etched in his friend's face. The anxiety in Changbin's sincere eyes was unmistakable, quietly tracking the cascade of emotions that flickered across Jeongin's vulnerable features like a storm passing through. 

Despite the sharp sting of betrayal—the feeling of being kept in the dark by his closest friends, who had not only hidden your return from him but also lied to him so they could spend time with you—Jeongin found a small measure of solace in Changbin’s quiet empathy. It was as if Changbin's presence anchored him, a silent reassurance that he wasn’t navigating these turbulent waters alone. In that brief moment, Jeongin’s chaotic thoughts cleared enough for him to take a deep, steadying breath. He slumped back into his chair, his eyes dropping to his sneakers, suddenly feeling the weight of his own exhaustion. His shoulders sagged, heavy with the burden of emotions he could no longer ignore.

"I don’t know if I’ll be ready to meet with Y/N before the party," Jeongin confessed in a low murmur meant only for Changbin’s ears. The sadness in his voice was unmistakable, a raw and tender ache that clung to every word. He took a moment, trying to gather his thoughts that seemed to scatter like leaves in the wind. "But I’m not going to stand in the way of Y/N joining the birthday party—especially since it’s not my place to decide that. I’ll still be there, and I want to be as civil as possible. So, please, don’t let anyone make it more awkward than it needs to be, or I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it."

His voice trembled by the end, his courage wavering as he finally lifted his eyes to meet Changbin's once more. There was a flicker of something fragile there, something almost hopeful, despite the tangled mess of his emotions. Changbin nodded, a soft smile pulling at his lips, a small gesture of gratitude and understanding. He stood up, moving closer to lay a firm, reassuring hand on Jeongin’s shoulder—a rare show of affection, knowing how Jeongin tended to shy away from touch, especially when his emotions were laid bare like this.

"I’ll talk to the boys," Changbin promised, his voice steady, grounding. It was the most he could offer in that moment, aware of how delicate the situation was. 

With that, Changbin turned and quietly exited Jeongin's office, leaving the younger man alone with his thoughts. The room seemed to close in around him, heavy with the weight of everything he was yet to fully comprehend. Jeongin remained seated, lost in the labyrinth of his own complicated emotions—anger, sadness, regret, and something else, something almost like a glimmer of hope—all swirling together in a chaotic dance that he had no idea how to untangle.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

In the three days leading up to the eagerly awaited joint birthday party on Friday—an event hosted by Chan for Felix and Jisung—Jeongin found himself ensnared in a relentless spiral of anxiety and anticipation. The looming prospect of encountering you after nearly a year of absence gnawed at him with a persistence that bordered on torment. He grappled with a thousand imagined scenarios, each one an intricate tapestry of potential outcomes and emotional landmines. The uncertainty was a constant, unsettling presence in his life.

Jeongin’s small apartment, once shared with you, had become a labyrinth of memories and regrets. He often wandered its confines, the soft thud of his footsteps a mournful echo of the unease that had taken residence in his chest. The apartment seemed to sigh with each step he took, as if mourning the lost echoes of a time when you had been there. Despite his efforts to bury himself in work, the thought of you lingered like an unwelcome shadow, a constant undercurrent that refused to be ignored. He would catch himself staring at his phone, repeatedly re-reading the message you had sent him just hours after Changbin’s visit—a message that had become both a lifeline and a tormentor.

Your text, which read: 

Hey, Jeongin. It’s been a while. I know I left without much of an explanation and cut off contact... I’m sorry for how I handled things. I’m sorry for a lot of things, actually. But I wasn’t in the best place back then, and I needed time to figure things out on my own. I’m back in town now, and I’d like to talk sometime if you’re open to it. No pressure—I just feel like there are a lot of things that were left unsaid between us. Take care!

Every time Jeongin read these words, a storm of emotions would churn within him. The initial formality of your greeting felt like a cold draft from a distant past, a stark contrast to the warmth that had once existed between you. The passage of time loomed large, a reminder of the endless stretch of days that had passed since your sudden disappearance. He was struck by a poignant blend of nostalgia and pain, the abruptness of your departure a constant reminder of how unfinished your story had been.

Your apology, though a balm of sorts, stirred a complicated mix of relief and frustration within him. On one hand, it acknowledged the hurt you had caused, but on the other, it left a multitude of unresolved questions hanging in the air. Why did you leave so suddenly? Why did you sever all contact? Jeongin understood that you were not in a good place and needed space, but that understanding did little to soothe the sting of abandonment he felt. The sense of being left in the dark, coupled with a profound sadness over his inability to help you, left him grappling with a blend of guilt and anger.

The mention of wanting to talk now jolted him, a surge of conflicting emotions rushing to the surface. He was torn between the desire to reconnect and the fear of reopening old wounds. The prospect of addressing the myriad of things left unsaid between you brought with it a flood of memories—regrets, unresolved issues, and a yearning for closure. Each re-reading of your message plunged him deeper into a whirlpool of complicated thoughts and emotions, the turbulence of his feelings both paralyzing and consuming.

Ultimately, Jeongin found himself unable to craft a suitable response, and so he chose silence. His decision not to reply was one shrouded in uncertainty, a choice that left him questioning whether it was the right one. The silence that followed was both a refuge and a torment, a delicate balance between preserving his own peace and the unresolved echo of your return.

The night of the party arrived under a canopy of crisp, clear sky, the stars shimmering with an almost mocking brilliance. Jeongin drifted through the evening like a specter, his senses overwhelmed by a world that seemed too bright, too noisy, and far too indifferent to his turmoil. His apartment, once a sanctuary, had become a chaotic jumble of discarded outfits—each one cast aside with a frustrated sigh and a sense of resignation. The fabric of his clothes lay strewn about like the remnants of a battle fought and lost against his own anxiety. Nothing felt right, and the more he tried, the more he was convinced that nothing ever would.

Eventually, he settled on a modest ensemble—simple, unobtrusive, and devoid of any hint of personal flair. As he dressed, he glanced at his reflection in the mirror, and what he saw was a stranger staring back—an image of confusion and trepidation. He attempted a smile, one that was supposed to be confident and reassuring, but it fell flat, a mere shadow of what he hoped to project. By the time he arrived at Chan's place, his nerves were a live wire, sparking and fizzing with every heartbeat.

The apartment, already abuzz with the lively hum of music and the warm murmur of laughter, was suffused with the rich, inviting aroma of a feast. Jeongin took a deep breath, steeling himself before stepping into the vibrant chaos. Felix, ever the beacon of warmth, was the first to greet him. His smile was a radiant crescent, eyes sparkling with the playful twinkle of a galaxy etched upon his cheeks and nose. Felix enveloped Jeongin in a tight, enthusiastic hug, and Jeongin could almost gauge the number of drinks Felix had indulged in by the exuberance of the embrace. As he disentangled himself from the fervent welcome, he was met with a slew of half-hidden concern and reassuring smiles that nearly suffocated him with their well-meaning pity.

He made his way to the kitchen, where the counter was a tableau of gifts—boxes and bags for Felix and Han piled high in cheerful disarray. Jeongin added his own contribution to the heap and then sought refuge in the cool solace of the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water to soothe his parched throat. But then, as if fate itself had conspired to make this night even more unbearable, you appeared in the kitchen doorway.

You had been laughing lightly, a melodic sound that seemed to dance on the air, but upon spotting Jeongin, you froze mid-step. The sight of you was like a flash of brilliance in an otherwise dim landscape. You looked as radiant as ever, with a glimmer of the light that had once illuminated your eyes returning to them—a light Jeongin had once lost himself in with reckless abandon. At that moment, the gravity of his own emotions hit him with a brutal clarity. Despite having ended the relationship, he realized with a heavy heart that he was still desperately, achingly in love with you. Even after nearly a year of separation, the feelings remain undiminished.

You slowly composed yourself, though your body remained taut with the remnants of surprise. The smile you gave him was both disarming and electrifying, sending a shiver through him. With a polite bow, you greeted him, your voice soft and warm as you said, “I’m really glad to see you again, Jeongin.” The way you spoke his name made his knees feel weak, the sheer depth of his longing crystallizing in that single, familiar sound. He had not fully grasped how much he had yearned to hear his name on your lips again until that very moment.

Unable to find words, Jeongin merely bowed in return, his smile shy and tremulous. He watched you turn and leave the kitchen with a hurried pace, your earlier purpose forgotten. The realization dawned on him that he might need more than just water to navigate the emotional maelstrom of the evening.

Chan's party was a sanctuary of familiarity, a gathering of a close-knit circle of friends who had weathered years together. The night had unfolded in a haze of laughter and lively banter, and now, as Jeongin found himself pleasantly intoxicated from the endless rounds of drinking games, he couldn't help but revel in the camaraderie that had once again enveloped the room. It felt undeniably comforting to have everyone gathered under one roof again, especially you.

The past year had cast a shadow over the group's dynamic, your absence an unspoken void that lingered between them, palpable despite the silence. Yet now, with your return, the room seemed to breathe with a renewed vitality. It was as though the very air had shifted, carrying with it a sense of ease that had been sorely missed. Jeongin observed you from a distance, his gaze drawn to you as you reengaged with the group. He noted with quiet awe how you moved through conversations with an effortless grace, the same grace that had once been your hallmark.

It was apparent that you had emerged from the clutches of your grief, a revelation that stirred a profound admiration within Jeongin. The way you laughed, genuinely and freely, was a testament to your resilience. Though you had left without a word, seeking solace far away, you had returned with a newfound lightness. The laughter that now danced from your lips was a melody Jeongin had missed, a balm for the aching absence that had haunted him throughout the past year.

Jeongin watched with a bittersweet smile as you engaged with everyone—how your eyes crinkled at the corners when joy sparked within you, how they would occasionally meet his gaze with a fleeting, shy acknowledgment before darting away, leaving behind a gentle blush. Each moment was a delicate brush stroke on the canvas of your reunion, painting a picture of someone who had found a way to heal and reconnect.

The sight of you dancing playfully with Han to a song you both claimed had been crafted just for you was particularly poignant. Your movements were a symphony of carefree delight, a stark contrast to the somber image Jeongin had harbored of you. In these shared, joyful moments, as you reintegrated into the tapestry of old friendships, Jeongin felt his heart tugged with an intensity that defied explanation.

Though the effects of alcohol swirled around him, amplifying emotions and blurring the edges of reality, Jeongin knew that the depth of his feelings for you transcended any inebriation. The love he harbored was as real and potent as ever, a force that no amount of alcohol could replicate or diminish. He was falling for you once more, each glance and shared laugh reaffirming the connection that had never truly faded, only waiting for the right moment to reawaken.

Despite the undeniable truth of his lingering affection for you, Jeongin remained uncertain of how to navigate these turbulent emotions. For now, he chose to keep his feelings veiled in silence, retreating into the solitude of his thoughts. The haze of confusion was abruptly dispelled by the firm, reassuring weight of Minho’s hand settling on his shoulder, grounding him in the present moment.

Minho, his eyes glazed with the soft blur of alcohol—though not nearly as intoxicated as Felix and Han—clapped his hands together, a signal for attention. His voice, amplified by cupped hands, cut through the ambient noise of music and conversation. "Guys! Guys!" he bellowed, drawing the attention of the increasingly inebriated crowd. The room fell into a collective hush, eager eyes fixed on Minho as he continued with a grin that spoke of mischief. "As per Yongbok’s request, we’re about to kick off a game of UNO! But there’s a twist: every time someone lands a Plus Four card, we all take a shot. And the loser—well, they get a revolting concoction of mixed alcohols and juices!"

The announcement ignited a burst of enthusiastic cheers, the crowd’s energy crackling with anticipation. Laughter and playful shoves accompanied the clumsy shuffle to the circular coffee table at the heart of the living room. Jeongin, with a flicker of hope in his heart, watched as you navigated the sea of friends. His wish to have you beside him was met with a hint of disappointment as you chose a seat directly across from him, nestled between Hyunjin and Seungmin.

The seating arrangement became a familiar circle of camaraderie and chaos: You directly across from Jeongin, Seungmin to your right, Chan to Seungmin’s right, Felix to Chan’s right, Jeongin to Felix’s right, Minho to Jeongin’s right, Han to Minho’s right, Changbin to Hyunjin’s right, and Hyunjin bridging the gap between you and Changbin. The table soon overflowed with the raucous sound of drunken laughter, mischievous plotting, and playful bickering.

Jeongin found himself in an unexpected streak of triumph, his luck seemingly endless as he conquered each round of UNO. The others began to whisper suspicions of cheating, their playful accusations accompanied by slurred speech and tipsy frustration. Chan’s voice, tinged with exasperation, rose above the din. "How is it even possible that you’ve been winning non-stop?" he demanded, his words distorted by a chorus of drinks and Seungmin’s relentless strategy.

Jeongin rolled his eyes, a gesture that had become almost automatic in the face of such claims. Han, who had just suffered the fate of the foul concoction, gagged dramatically as he placed the empty cup down with a groan. The room’s attention shifted to you as you slammed your palm onto the table, a spark of mischief lighting up your eyes. The gesture was a beacon of playful challenge, and it made Jeongin’s heart flutter unexpectedly.

"Stand up then, if you’re not cheating," you teased, your voice laced with both suspicion and amusement. The room buzzed with agreement, and Jeongin could not suppress the smile that tugged at his lips as he rose to his feet. He had sobered somewhat since the game began, the action feeling less consequential for him than for the others.

Throughout the night, the games were interspersed with moments of easy banter between you and Jeongin, a reminder of the lighthearted days before the heartache had set in. Each playful remark, every shared glance, and the way you laughed at his jokes tugged at him, rekindling memories of warmth and affection. The realization of how deeply he missed the feeling of being in love with you clenched his heart painfully.

As Jeongin turned around slowly to prove his hands were empty, he couldn’t resist a smirk. "You didn’t empty out your pockets," you persisted, your stubbornness both charming and exasperating.

He met your gaze with a playful smirk of his own, the words slipping out before he could fully process their impact. "Come on, baby, don’t be like that," he said, his tone teasing.

The room fell silent in stunned unison, the playful atmosphere abruptly shifting to one of surprise and second-hand embarrassment. The weight of Jeongin’s unintended endearment hung in the air, leaving everyone, including him, to grapple with the sudden shift in the night’s delicate balance.

Jeongin’s heart sank as he watched the color drain from your face, a pallor of shock and disbelief that spoke volumes in the charged silence that followed. The name he had unintentionally let slip—a relic of a time when you were together—seemed to strike a chord deep within you. For a fleeting moment, your eyes revealed a heartache that cut through the pretense of composure you so desperately tried to maintain. The expression of hurt was almost palpable, like a silent scream against the fabric of the night.

You managed to reassemble yourself with a stubborn facade of mischief, your smile a delicate mask that barely concealed the storm within. Your words, though laced with playful banter, seemed to cut through the tension with a sharp edge. "I just think it's unnatural how many times you’ve won," you remarked with a smirk that didn’t quite reach your eyes.

Jeongin’s slip-up hung in the air, a tangible weight that seemed to sour the atmosphere of the gathering. Despite your attempt to downplay the incident with a light-hearted quip, the sting of the old nickname echoed like a ghost of past intimacy, making the room feel suddenly foreign and strained. The previously buoyant mood had shifted, leaving behind an undercurrent of unease that neither the laughter nor the playful jabs could dispel.

Jeongin could feel the churning turmoil within him, his heart pounding relentlessly in his chest. The game continued around him, but he found himself withdrawing, purposefully avoiding your gaze. Each stolen glance, each forced smile, was a reminder of the painful reminder of how things had changed. The night, which had started with such promise, now felt heavy and laden with unresolved emotions.

As the hour grew late and the laughter waned, the group, sensing the shift in energy, collectively decided it was time to call it a night. The revelry that had marked the evening dissolved into a subdued murmur as everyone prepared to leave. For Jeongin, the end of the night came as a relief, though it was tinged with a sense of lingering regret and an unspoken wish for things to be different.

As Jeongin made his way through the dimly lit apartment, exchanging farewells with the departing guests, he caught a fleeting glimpse of you darting out of the building. His heart, already heavy with a tumultuous mix of emotions, quickened its pace as he instinctively sought to follow. With an urgency driven by both concern and an aching need to make things right, Jeongin scrambled to retrieve his jacket and pull on his shoes, the night air already beginning to bite at his skin as he hurried after you.

He managed to intercept you just as you stepped out onto the cold street. Your name slipped from his lips before he could catch it, a desperate utterance that hung in the frosty air between you. You paused, your breath visible in the night’s chill, and both of you stood there for a moment, hearts racing in unison. Jeongin's breath came in ragged bursts as he caught up with you, the weight of his impulsive actions settling heavily on his shoulders.

“Let me walk you home,” Jeongin implored, his voice trembling slightly with a mixture of anxiety and hope. The words, simple yet laden with his longing, seemed to hang in the air, as though the night itself held its breath in anticipation of your response. Your eyes softened, reflecting a tempest of emotions as they met his, and your lips parted slightly as if struggling to find the right words.

Instead of speaking, you turned and began walking forward, your steps deliberate yet hesitant. Jeongin, interpreting your silence as tacit consent, fell into step beside you. The street stretched out before you, unfamiliar and shadowed, and the air between you was charged with unspoken sentiments and lingering regrets. Walking side by side felt oddly reminiscent of days gone by, a bittersweet echo of times shared with friends, now tinged with the ache of what had been lost.

In the week since Jeongin learned of your return, he had been trapped in a cycle of conflicting emotions. The pangs of missing you, of realizing the depth of his feelings that still burned despite everything, battled with the frustration of your unexplained departure. Each time anger threatened to overwhelm him, guilt swiftly followed, a reminder of the suffering you must have endured. His internal struggle was a storm of longing and resentment, a turbulent sea he had yet to navigate.

As he stole glances at your profile in the dim streetlight, the familiar contours of your face brought an unexpected rush of grief. Memories of your younger sister, Nari, flooded his mind—her laughter, a joyful sound that once filled the air, her enthusiastic embraces that had always greeted him with warmth. Your eyes, once so bright with shared mirth, now seemed dimmed by her absence.

The realization that Nari would never again tackle him in playful greeting, that her laughter would never again ring out, was a heavy burden. It pressed down on Jeongin’s heart, a reminder of the irreplaceable void left behind. The twinkle that once danced in your eyes when you laughed at Nari's jokes was now a distant memory, a reminder of how deeply her loss had affected both of you. As you walked together through the unfamiliar streets, the weight of these lost joys seemed to bear down on Jeongin, making each step feel heavier than the last.

Engulfed in the whirlpool of his own somber reflections, Jeongin barely noticed when you came to a halt before an old, weathered apartment building. Absorbed in his tumultuous thoughts, he continued forward for a few steps, his mind adrift in a sea of regret and longing. It was only when the melodic sound of your giggle reached his ears, a playful echo that cut through the fog of his melancholy, that he realized he was walking alone. With a start, he turned, his face flushing with a sheepish smile as he moved to stand before you.

You were standing there, your knuckles clenched tightly around the strap of your bag, a telltale sign of the anxiety simmering beneath the surface. Your lips were caught between your teeth, a nervous habit that Jeongin had come to know all too well. The sight of your distress mirrored his own internal turmoil, causing his foot to tap restlessly on the pavement as he waited for you to speak. The tension in the air was palpable, a heavy shroud that seemed to settle between you.

After a few moments of strained silence, you released a shaky breath and offered him a small, timid smile. "It was good to see you again," you said softly, the words tinged with a trace of the anxiety that laced your voice. It was the same sentiment you had voiced earlier in the night, when you had first reappeared in Chan's kitchen after an eight-month absence.

This time, Jeongin’s response came with a gravity that reflected the depth of your absence. "I’m glad you came back," he said, his voice carrying the weight of the months spent apart, yet softened by a flicker of genuine contentment.

Your smile, though hesitant, shone brightly against the backdrop of the night. It was a beacon that pierced through the haze of Jeongin’s heartache, and despite the unresolved tension, he couldn’t help but return it with a warm, albeit uncertain, smile of his own. The air between you crackled with the weight of unspoken words and unresolved feelings, a delicate balance between the urge to bridge the gap and the inability to articulate the depth of your emotions.

As you cast an awkward glance back at the entrance of your apartment, Jeongin understood that you were grappling with the same indecision that plagued him. "This is me," you said, your voice betraying a trace of nervousness as you cleared your throat. "My place is a bit of a distance from our—sorry, your apartment. If you’re comfortable, I can offer you my couch for the night."

Despite the initial reluctance that had gripped him, the prospect of spending more time with you, however fleeting, was too inviting to resist. Jeongin found himself smiling softly, a gesture of acceptance that was both hesitant and heartfelt. Your genuine, wide smile in response seemed to illuminate the night, lifting the veil of uncertainty that had surrounded him. With a renewed sense of hope and a lingering trace of longing, Jeongin followed you inside, each step towards your apartment a tentative step towards mending the fragile thread that connected your hearts.

✦•······················•✦•······················•✦

Your new apartment, though modest in size, exudes a quiet charm, nestled in a serene part of town far removed from the familiar streets you once traversed with Jeongin. The moment he crosses the threshold, he is enveloped by a dissonance of emotions—a strange fusion of comfort and estrangement. The space is distinctly different from the apartment you once shared, yet your presence lingers in every corner, making Jeongin feel both intimately connected and like an outsider peering into a world that has shifted just out of reach.

The living room, modestly furnished, reflects a minimalist elegance. A soft, neutral-colored couch rests against the wall, draped with a knitted throw blanket that adds a touch of warmth. This room is a far cry from the eclectic mix of your past home—a space once filled with a vibrant blend of your belongings and his—but it still bears the subtle imprint of your personality. A small shelf brims with books, many titles familiar from your old collection, but new ones have also appeared, whispering of the changes and growth you’ve experienced in your absence. The windowsill cradles a few houseplants, their greenery a delicate contrast to the sprawling flora that once filled your old living space. They are smaller, more contained, reflecting a more subdued chapter of your life.

Jeongin’s gaze drifts to the walls, bare and unadorned, stark in their emptiness. Gone are the framed photos and art prints that once animated every corner of your shared apartment. The absence of pictures—particularly those of the two of you—leaves an unexpected sting, a painful reminder of what has been left behind. Instead, there is a single framed photograph of your younger sister on a side table by the window, surrounded by a cluster of candles. It stands as a quiet tribute, a poignant memorial that tugs at Jeongin’s heartstrings, reminding him of the grief that ultimately drove a wedge between you both.

The apartment is imbued with a subdued quietness, a stark contrast to the lively energy of your former home, where laughter and soft music once intertwined to create a vibrant ambiance. Here, the atmosphere is more solitary, introspective, as if the space has been intentionally crafted as a sanctuary for healing—a refuge from the chaos of the past. A small kitchen table, cluttered with a few empty glasses and a half-read book, suggests many solitary evenings spent with your thoughts, lost in the pages or gazing into the distance, ensnared by memories.

The kitchen itself bears no evidence of the late-night culinary adventures you used to drag him into, those joyous moments of laughter and flour-covered countertops. As Jeongin takes in the scene, he is overwhelmed by a complex weave of emotions—nostalgia for what was, sorrow for what has been lost, and a poignant ache for the version of you who now stands before him. The differences are striking, revealing a careful, deliberate solitude you’ve constructed around yourself in this new space. It feels as though you’ve created a bubble of tranquility, a place where you can breathe freely from the weight of the past, and he wonders if there is still a place for him within it or if you have moved on to a new chapter without him.

The emptiness of your new apartment weighs heavily on him. It’s not merely the physical void but the absence of the vibrant, unfiltered you that he used to know. Standing there, a guest in what might have been his world, Jeongin is acutely aware of how much has changed and how deeply he still yearns for the comfort of what once was, now replaced by the stark reality of what is.

As Jeongin steps into your new apartment, he takes in its subtle details with a blend of curiosity and nostalgia. You move about with a quiet, almost anxious energy, as if the mere act of tidying is a way to manage the fluttering tension between you. Your hands, unsure of their purpose, engage in small, inconsequential tasks: smoothing the corner of the knitted blanket draped over the couch, adjusting the book that rests on the kitchen table, and shifting a houseplant slightly to the left. It is evident that you are aware of his gaze, but you strive to give him space to absorb his surroundings.

The silence stretches until you break it, your voice soft yet resolute. "It's not much, but... it's mine." There’s a delicate balance in your tone, a mixture of pride laced with vulnerability. You glance at him, seeking to gauge his reaction, your eyes reflecting a world of untold emotions. As you move towards the small kitchen area, you open a cabinet and retrieve two glasses. "Do you want some water? Tea? I think I have some wine if you'd prefer that." Your words tumble out in a gentle stream, an attempt to fill the quiet with something tangible, yet they carry an earnestness that reveals your underlying uncertainty about where you both stand.

Jeongin watches you, his gaze softening as he observes the careful grace of your movements—each gesture imbued with a quiet protectiveness, as if you're safeguarding something tender within yourself. The silence deepens for a moment before he responds, his voice subdued and tentative. "Water's fine." It is clear that he is navigating this new terrain with caution, his tone reflective of the delicate balance between past familiarity and present distance. You nod and move towards the fridge, your back turned to him as you pour the water.

Jeongin’s eyes wander around the apartment once more, deliberately avoiding the back of your head as you focus on the task at hand. When you hand him the glass, your fingers brush against his, sending a shiver through him. It’s a sensation he’s not quite accustomed to after all this time apart. He accepts the glass with a quiet "thanks," savoring the cool water as it soothes his dry throat. 

"Let’s sit," you suggest, motioning towards the couch. There is a steadiness in your voice that carries a quiet confidence, reminiscent of the times you had managed to ground him amidst the chaos. Jeongin follows you and settles beside you on the couch. The cushions feel foreign and different from those he remembers, amplifying his sense of longing for the comfort of the home you once shared. 

For a brief moment, Jeongin is at a loss for words, overwhelmed by the tangled emotions in his chest. He is unsure where to begin, but you gently ease the tension. "How’s work been?" you inquire, your voice a soothing balm to the heaviness in the room. "Are you still at the same clinic?" 

Grateful for the opening, Jeongin nods. "Yeah, still there. We started a new program recently... working with kids who've been through some really tough stuff. It’s been challenging, but rewarding." He watches as your eyes soften, a sign of the empathy and kindness he’s always admired in you. The sight of your genuine smile, the one he’s missed so dearly, is like a balm on a wound that has long ached. 

"That sounds so nice. You've always been so good with children." Your compliment is heartfelt, and Jeongin feels a pang of longing.

He responds with a light-hearted joke, "That’s more your area of expertise," referring to your work as a school counselor. You chuckle softly, taking a sip of water, and Jeongin senses there’s more you wish to share.

"And... what about everything else? How have you been holding up?" Your question is gentle but probing, and Jeongin’s grip tightens around his glass.

"It’s been... different," he admits. "The apartment feels empty without you there. Like something’s missing."

Jeongin hadn't intended for his words to emerge with such raw intensity, but they tumble out before he can rein them in. He watches as they land upon you, the way your gaze falls and a shadow of sorrow flits across your face. "I'm sorry," you murmur, the words almost lost in the quiet of the room. "For leaving like that. I didn’t know what else to do."

Your apology strikes a chord deep within him, a resonance of shared pain and regret. "I know," he replies softly, his voice carrying the weight of understanding. "I don’t really blame you. We both had to figure things out." The atmosphere between you shifts, the earlier tension giving way to something more tender—like an old wound beginning to mend. 

Jeongin sits beside you on the couch, his nerves stretched taut, a wire humming with unspoken words. His hands are clenched in his lap, a desperate attempt to hold himself together as the silence stretches, thick and heavy. His gaze is drawn to you, to the way you hold your glass of water—fingers wrapped around it as if it were a lifeline, anchoring you to some semblance of normalcy. 

He recognizes that look in your eyes—the one that signals you are about to reveal something profound, something that has been weighing on you. "When I left," you start, your voice so faint it nearly dissolves into the air. Jeongin’s breath catches in his throat. He had no clear expectations for the evening, but he can feel that whatever is coming will be laced with pain.

"I didn’t really have a plan," you continue, your voice trembling with the weight of your confession. "I just... needed to get away." He watches as your eyes drift to the water in your glass, your reflection shimmering and distorted. The impulse to reach out and offer comfort is almost overwhelming, but he remains still, his focus entirely on you.

"I ended up halfway across the country," you say, your voice gaining a faint thread of strength. "I reached out to Lily. You remember her, right? From college?" Jeongin nods, a wistful smile tugging at his lips despite the ache in his chest. He recalls Lily’s vivacious spirit, her constant care for you, and feels a pang of gratitude that she was there for you in a way he couldn't be.

"She didn’t ask questions; she just told me to come," you add. Jeongin’s heart clenches at the image of you in a strange, distant place, the weight of your grief looming like an oppressive storm. He loathes the thought of you feeling so alone and adrift, needing to travel so far for solace.

"She lives in this tiny coastal town," you continue, your voice lightening slightly as you recall the memory. "For a while, I thought maybe that was what I needed—being somewhere far away from everything." Jeongin can almost visualize it—a serene seaside town where the waves gently erase footprints, a place where time seems to stretch indefinitely, offering a balm for the wounded soul.

Yet, beneath the surface of your words, Jeongin senses an undercurrent of dissatisfaction. The coastal retreat, while soothing, evidently fell short of the healing you sought. His heart aches, burdened by the realization that he wasn’t able to provide the support you needed, even as he too was grappling with his own struggles. The distance between your shared past and the present feels vast, and he yearns for a way to bridge that gap, to be the anchor you needed, even though he was floundering himself.

You pause, and Jeongin watches as you swallow hard, the movement of your throat a testament to the weight of your words. "I eventually realized that it wasn't enough," you say, your voice trembling with the effort to hold back tears. "I needed more help. So, I checked myself into a grief recovery program..." The words falter, and Jeongin feels a tightening in his chest, the emotion reflected in your wavering tone. "A place where people go when they've lost someone and don't know how to keep living."

He stares at you, his vision blurring as he grapples with the magnitude of your suffering. He's known grief, but seeing it through your eyes—so raw, so utterly consuming—is a new experience for him. Guilt crashes over him like a relentless wave. He wasn't there for you. He couldn't help. He didn't even know how to begin.

Jeongin opens his mouth, an apology poised on his lips, but you continue, your voice cutting through the silence with a quiet determination. "There were days I wanted to leave, but I stayed. I wrote a lot. I planted a small garden there, just to feel like I was nurturing something again, you know? And slowly, I started to remember things without feeling like they were completely breaking me."

His hands tremble in his lap, the truth of your words stirring a deep regret within him. He should be happy that you found a way forward, relieved that you began to heal, but instead, he is overwhelmed by the ache of not being there for you—by the realization that he had abandoned you when you needed him most. His eyes search yours, desperate for some sign that you don’t harbor hatred towards him.

"I can't imagine what that must've been like," he finally manages, his voice thick with emotion. "I'm sorry... I'm sorry I ended things when you needed me. I didn’t know how to help you through it, and I—"

You shake your head, a wistful smile curving your lips. "I didn’t know how to let you help me, either. And I wasn’t ready to accept Nari’s death and move on yet. That’s why I left." Your words settle into the spaces between his ribs, a cold weight pressing heavily on his chest. He wants to explain, to tell you that he was lost too, that he struggled to keep his own head above water while watching you drown. But he stays silent, knowing that this moment belongs to you, just as much as it does to him.

"I needed to find a way to live with the grief," you say softly, "to not let it define every part of me. And maybe I needed to see if I could come back and face everything, including you."

Jeongin’s heart skips at that, a flicker of hope igniting within him. There is a softness in your eyes that he hasn't seen in so long, a hint of something that almost resembles hope. He takes a breath, feeling a slight loosening of the weight of his own regrets. "I'm glad you did," he murmurs, his voice barely above a whisper. "I missed you—missed this, even if it wasn’t always easy."

You nod, and he sees a myriad of emotions dance across your face—relief, uncertainty, and perhaps the faintest trace of affection. There is much to unpack, many layers to explore, but for now, this moment of quiet honesty, of shared pain and cautious hope, feels like a tentative step towards understanding.

Jeongin notices his hand is closer to yours than he had realized, and for a fleeting moment, he wonders what it would be like to reach out, to touch your skin once more. But he doesn’t. Not yet. For now, he is content to sit beside you, to listen, and to cherish the hope that this—whatever it is—might be the beginning of finding each other again.

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🍉 FROM THE RIVER TO THE SEA, PALESTINE WILL BE FREE! DAILY CLICKS!

hey! can i request you and ot8 skz kissing in front of the other members?

Hey Anon! Thank you so much for this very sweet request! It was so much fun to write it, and I hope I delivered well! You're more than welcome to make more requests if you wish to 🫶── ( 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐲 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 )

────* ˚ ✦ CAUGHT IN THE ACT (HYUNG LINE | MAKNAE LINE)

( 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬 ) ( 𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 & 𝐚𝐧𝐨𝐧𝐬 ) ( 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 ) ( 𝐥𝐢𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐲 ) 15.6K

I leave this website for a couple of hours and come back to my dashboard FILLED with shirtless Chan, Jungkook and Jimin 🫠 And Jeongin’s solo performance with all the body rolls???

WHEN DID THIS BECOME SUCH A WHOREHOUSE????