૮ っ˕  𝆬 𝅄⠀if I Don't Take Care Of Myself, Nobody Will. ׅ ࣪ ᧔♡᧓

Megumi fushiguro x reader fluff!!

Drabble in the rain.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

v. sudden shower

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CHAPTER FIVE ─ sudden shower.

❛ she looks just like a dream, the prettiest girl i've ever seen ❜

Narrator's Perspective

"Thank you for your time," she expressed her gratitude to the Jagam High swimming team. Her smiling face reflected contentment with the outcome of their interview. The boys broke out in chatter on hearing a final note of conclusion and began biding their goodbyes to Eunyoung as well as to each other. Their coach gave Eunyoung a polite smile and a bow before taking his leave, his kind gesture returned by Eunyoung. She switched off her recorder, gathered her stuff and began her walk home.

Reaching the bus stop, she took a seat, a satisfied sigh leaving her mouth which seemed to say "It's over, and I did my best." Just as she looked out the window, she heard someone sit down beside her. Turning around, she couldn't believe whose face she saw. Eunyoung's eyes widened, her pupils constricting into tiny black beads. Her jaw slackens, and a breath hitches in her throat, momentarily stolen by surprise. She blinks rapidly, once, twice, willing herself not to be hallucinating.

"Choi Eunyoung?" Sunjae's voice fell on her ears, "So, you take this bus too?"

Pretending to look at his name tag, Eunyoung said, "Ryu Sunjae?"

"Hmm, that's me," he said rather cooly. His wandering gaze betrayed his faux composure, which went unnoticed by Eunyoung, who was too caught up in processing this new information.

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

Sunjae and I sat in silence for the first half of the bus ride. I had to fight my instinct to fidget with the hem of my skirt or press the buttons on my MP3 recorder, both of which would make me look like a nervous disaster, not to mention serve no purpose to calm my racing heartbeat. It took all the strength in my body not to look at Sunjae, as I knew that if I did, I doubt I would ever be able to look away. My favourite idol was sitting next to me on a bus, oblivious to his future that I was painfully aware of. After about ten minutes, I thought it was a good opportunity to talk to him privately, and I mustered up some courage to say something.

"The coach was telling me you recently came back from rehab after shoulder surgery," I started as he turned to face me, "How is it that you were able to bounce back so quickly?"

"It feels as if I'm still being interviewed," he said with a cheeky chuckle.

"Sorry to put you on the spot," I apologized quickly with an embarrassed smile, "You don't have to answer that unless you want to."

"I don't mind," he smiled politely, "I think my determination played a major role. During rehab, all I could think of was the day I could swim again. I wanted to start as soon as my doctor said it would be okay."

My lips curled into a smile, which surfaced despite my efforts to conceal it. I recalled the time he said that the day of his last swimming competition was the most heartbreaking moment of his life. He must have been so dejected. The realization hit me like a bulldozer, that Sunjae loved swimming with his whole heart.

"I might not be in the place to say this, but wouldn't it be better to rest a while longer, so you can return when you've regained your strength?" I suggested gently, "Taking time off might do you some good."

"I appreciate your concern, but I feel ready," he argued, "I've rested enough."

Just as I began to speak, the bus came to a screeching halt, the announcement of my stop breaking my train of thought. Sunjae rose to his feet before I could say anything, "I need to get off here."

I sat hesitantly in my seat, trying to comprehend his declaration. I snapped out of my trance and rushed out of the bus. Sunjae stood before me with his back to me.

"Sunjae!" I called out to him.

He was just as surprised to see me, "This is your stop too?"

"Yeah," I said through laughs. We could only chuckle at all the coincidences we realized within about thirty minutes. A fat, cold drop of water spattered on my face, missing my right eye by less than an inch. I flinched in surprise, looking up at the grey skies, darkened by the dense sea of clouds that floated around, threatening to unleash the rain at any moment. 

Another drop fell on my face, the water cool against my flushed face. The little droplets were followed by a whole downpour of them, startling me as well as Sunjae, who jumped back. It felt like the sky had opened up and decided to dump its entire bucket of rainwater on us. The wind whipped up instantly, yanking at my hair and sending loose flyers skittering across the sidewalk like startled pigeons.

"What now?" Sunjae shouted over the drumming rain.

"Run!" I yelled back. An unknown instinct took over my body as I reached for Sunjae's hand, which felt twice the size of mine. Warmth filled my body as I clutched his hand tightly and looked up at his face, eyebrows raised in surprise, eyes wide and full of confusion. "Huh?"

I pulled him along as I broke off into a run. I felt his shock too, as his body couldn't react to my impulsive action soon enough. At first, it was as if I dragged him along, but then his feet began to pick up pace, our footsteps splashing against the wet street as we made our way through the narrow lanes leading me home.

For a moment, I looked back at Sunjae, his right hand still clutched mine and his other hand was risen in a desperate attempt to shield his head from the rain. A chuckle escaped my mouth on seeing him struggling. Since smiles are contagious, he began smiling, hesitantly at first, then flashing his dimples in a real laugh. Our voices muffled by the rain rang through the air, drowning out any thoughts I might have had then. His hair flopped atop his head like a puppy's ears, the creased corners of his eyes lighting up his entire face.

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

I watched in awe as Eunyoung pulled my hand through the streets of a series of familiar narrow, winding lanes. Our hands clutched each other tightly, not letting go for reasons to which we were oblivious. The rain had always felt bothersome; I hated being drenched after spending long hours swimming. It exhausted me, as I drowned in feelings of resentment for it.

Today, this moment, was nothing like anything I had felt before. Adrenaline rushed through my veins pulling me towards Eunyoung as our feet splashed against the wet streets. My gaze wandered to Eunyoung's face. Her long, black hair was getting soaked by the minute, little water droplets running down her face. She looked back at me, laughing heartily at my surprised face. Her lips extended into a bright smile, the creased corners of her eyes expressing happiness I hadn't felt in god knows how long. Unknowingly, I joined in the laughter, the melodies of our voices resounding in my ears, muffled by the rain.

Something about her aura pulled me in, refusing to let me go. It felt like we had become intertwined in a few fleeting moments. I didn't know how long we had been running when her surprisingly tight grip dragged me into a restaurant nearby.

Is this what they call love at first sight? 

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nayoung's notes: no matter what universe sunjae is in, he can't escape his loser identity. this scene plays in my head every time it rains 🤧 this is my probablly my favorite chapter(so far) hope you liked it!

delphi's notes: SONAKI BITCHESSS. Not the love at first sight tho. 

@the-one-and-only-delphi

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

( +🥐 ) ｡˚ ִ⋆｡˚ like we were in paris . . . >_< @the-one-and-only-delphi

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY FAVORITE DAZAI KINNIE

edit: LMAOOO IN ALL THE EXCITEMENT I FORGOT THAT IT'S DAZAI'S BDAY TOO ASJKSHFA HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO DAZAI LOL

i don't think @the-one-and-only-delphi being a dazai kinnie gets any realer than her sharing a birthday with him lmao what a flex

l. all because i liked a boy

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CHAPTER FIFTY ─ all because i liked a boy.

❛ i still know you as that kind-hearted guy, but i know the way we're talking can't be fine ❜

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

"Especially since Sunjae is going away today-"

"What?" I interrupted Yumi, feeling a pang in my chest the moment those words left her mouth, "What did you just say?"

Yumi's eyebrows furrowed. She had been spending a lot of time with the Taesung since they had started "dating"- which wasn't the best idea in my humble opinion, but I had more pressing matters on my mind now that college had started. As a result she would often hear things about Sunjae from him.

"Don't you know?" she asked, confused, "That Sunjae's going away?"

"What do you mean by going away?" I asked, feeling pathetic on hearing the panic in my voice, "Where is he going?"

"To America," she said slowly, "For rehab."

I felt my heart sink. I dug my fingernails into the palm of my hand, looking down, trying to blink away the tears forming in my eyes. It was incredibly foolish of me. I was tearing up thinking of the possibility of a guy going abroad. A guy who I had been hopelessly in love with for two years. I had never felt more pathetic.

"But, I'm not sure he's actually going because he-" Yumi tried consoling me, seemingly feeling guilty for speaking so carelessly.

"He should go," I said with a shaky voice, "That way, he'll never run into my dad. He'll be able to swim again. He'll be happier there. It all works out perfectly. America is safer for Sunjae than Seoul."

There was a long period of silence between us after I said that. The campus cafeteria was buzzing with gleeful chatter and the sound of steel utensils clanking against each other. I couldn't cry there. Not where so many people were watching.

"But he'll come back!" Yumi exclaimed, putting on a fake smile, but her furrowed brows gave her away, "He's not going forever. You'll see him again-"

"Oh, gosh, Yumi don't be so naive!" I said, my voice unbelievably high-pitched and defensive, "People who go abroad don't come back. You know that."

"But he-"

I stood up, picking up my plate before she could speak any further, "I'm not hungry," I muttered softly, not being able to speak normally, feeling a lump in my throat, "I'll see you at home."

I began walking back, my eyes fixed on the marble tiles. My vision blurred with tears and my heart felt as if it was being pricked by a million needles. Yet I kept walking, quickening my pace in desperation to go somewhere I could be alone. I kept my plate with half-eaten food near the counter and continued on my way out of the cafeteria, tears cascading down my cheeks I was almost out when I stopped in my tracks on seeing a pair of white shoes in front of me.

I looked up sharply, only to find none other than Sunjae staring down at me. His eyes went wide, probably confused on seeing my tear-stained face. Our eyes locked for a split second and I didn't dare open my mouth for fear of saying something impulsive again. In that fleeting moment, the world around melted away, muffling all other sounds except the sound of our breathing. I observed his eyes, how they focused on mine. I scanned his features, as if trying to memorize them for one last time. The perfect slope of his nose; I could still feel his pillowy lips when I decided to look away, and walk past him without a word.

Goodbye, Sunjae.

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

On my way to the cafeteria, I found myself running into Eunyoung. Her demeanor confused me to no end. Her head was hung low, with her eyes fixed on the ground and her hasty pace coming to a sudden halt on seeing me. And then when she looked up, the tears in her eyes that spilled down to her cheeks seemed to twist my heart in pain. Why did she look so heartbroken? Every part of me wanted to pull her in my embrace, but I held back. Her gaze met mine for a split second. Her eyes seemed to scan my face while I frowned in confusion. Then she looked in my eyes once again, as if for the last time, and then she proceeded to walk away all without uttering a single word.

All my hunger I felt previously seemed to melt away like snow on a sunny day and I went after her, breaking into a sprint. While I had stood there hesitating, she had disappeared into the crowd of college students. But my determination to find her and talk to her remained undeterred.

Stumbling out onto the pavement near the bus stop, I found her dragging her feet along the path, walking slowly, her steps short and slow. I ran to her and took a hold of her wrist, "Eunyoung!" She turned with hesitation, cautious and wary. Her eyes and nose had gone red and my heart ached to see her tear-stained face. Her lower lip trembled and her brows furrowed when she looked at me. When the bus made a great hissing sound she turned her attention to watch it drive away.

"I'm busy," she said with a eerie chill in her voice. Turning away, she walked off once more while I was left powerless, watching her disappear into the sea of people. Unwillingly, I began walking back to the school campus while a heartbreaking realization dawned upon me. I had lost Eunyoung, perhaps forever.

While this depressing monologue went on in my head, I heard someone call out my name. 

"Sunjae! God, I'm so-" Yumi exclaimed through shaky breath, and it seemed like she had been running, "I'm so glad I found you! Have you seen- have you seen Eunyoung?"

"Yeah, she was right here-" I pointed to the bus stop. But it was too late. Eunyoung was already getting onto the bus.

"You have to go after her!" Yumi urged, "I accidently told her that you were going-"

"Going where?" I asked impatiently, my voice laced with fear.

"America," she stated plainly, "Aren't you going today?"

"What?! No!"

"Shit," she cursed, "Anyways, you have to go! I don't know what crap it is that's stopping you from cutting the bullshit and being together, but I've had it! I'm not going to stand here and watch her cry like that for the rest of her life, so you better go and find her before I-"

I was already running towards home before she could finish what she was saying.

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nana's notes: they're getting their shit together in the next chapter i promise

delphi's notes: yumi has had enough lmfao

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

xvi. my fragile heart

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CHAPTER SIXTEEN ─ my fragile heart.

❛ and i'm highly suspicious that everyone who sees you wants you. ❜

Narrator's Perspective

Yumi and Eunyoung stood on the sidewalk, awaiting the arrival of the bus. It seemed like a regular weekday morning to the naked eye, but there was something about them that seemed odd. Eunyoung's face appeared swollen─ especially her eyes; They had a faint red tint and traces of dried tears lingered on her cheeks.

"I heard you last night," said Yumi quietly, "Crying in your room?"

"You must have misheard," Eunyoung's gaze fixed on the ground, "Because I wasn't crying."

Yumi reached for Eunyoung's hand, gripping it tightly. Her sudden action surprised Eunyoung as she looked up at Yumi. "It's going to be okay," Yumi whispered, letting go of her hand gently.

💿

"Here," Taesung mumbled, his voice barely above a whisper. He thrust his hand towards Yumi, the ice cream carton almost falling from his sweaty grip.

Yumi's brow furrowed in confusion. "What's this?"

"Ice cream," he blurted out, forcing a casual tone that sounded more like a croak. His heart hammered a frantic rhythm against his ribs, a stark contrast to the coolness of the ice cream carton. Every fibre of his being screamed "awkward," yet he persevered.

Yumi's gaze flicked between the proffered carton and his face, a flicker of amusement dancing in her eyes. Hesitantly, she reached out and took the ice cream, her fingers brushing against his briefly. "Thanks," she said, a hint of a smile playing on her lips.

A wave of relief washed over Taesung, so suddenly that it almost left him breathless. "You're welcome," he managed, his voice a little steadier now. He fumbled in his pocket, the crinkling sound echoing in the sudden silence, before pulling out another carton.

Yumi stared at his face unblinkingly as he took a bite of the ice cream. 

"You know, you look like a cat."

Taesung's heart lurched in his chest, a sudden skip that made him catch his breath. Her words echoed in his ears, instantly transporting him back to a conversation just a few days ago. The memory flickered to life─ He asked her if she liked cats, and Yumi's smile, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners, the casualness of her words: "I love them."

At that moment, it had seemed like a harmless comment, a shared interest. But now, with the way she spoke it again, a different meaning seemed to shimmer just beneath the surface. Was it just his imagination, or was there a hint of vulnerability, a subtle invitation in her voice? His pulse quickened, a knot of anticipation tightening in his stomach. Could she be hinting at something more? Or was he reading too much into it all?

Ryu Sunjae's Perspective

"Eunyoung, I like you."

My initial smile on seeing Eunyoung at the bus stop faded away as those words in someone's voice─ not his own, fell upon my ears. My eyebrows shot up in a moment of surprise, feeling an ache in my heart while I anticipated her reply.

Eunyoung stood staring at Jihoon's face in shock, too stunned to speak. "Why aren't you saying anything?" he inquired impatiently. My fists clenched, my fingernails digging into my palms as I resisted his urge to step in and intervene.

"Jihoon─" he interrupted her, "I really like you, Eunyoung. Ever since we first met. Will you be my girlfriend?"

A crowd of students had gathered around them, gasping and hooting at his bold confession while i stood watching them from afar, becoming increasingly irritable by the second. Eunyoung's eyebrows furrowed, "I can't go out with you."

There was a murmur of disappointment from the crowd. "Why not?" Jihoon demanded.

I took a step forward, unable to control myself any longer. However, I found myself stopping in my tracks upon hearing Eunyoung's reply, "Because I don't want to." her tone sounded calm, yet cold and firm.

"I don't get it!"

"Listen!" Eunyoung snapped, taking a menacing step towards Jihoon, "I've told you countless times to keep your distance and stay in your lane. I'm going to say this once and for all─ I would rather gauge my eyes out with a spatula than date you. If you come near me one more time, I'm going to file a restraining order against you, I swear to god!"

A smile surfaced on my face. Jihoon took a step back, his ego hurt by her harsh comments. He scoffed arrogantly, shooing the crowd away as he glared at her angrily.

The bus arrived, hissing to a stop. "I didn't expect this from you," Jihoon grumbled.

"I have to go," she said sharply, stepping onto the bus.

I approached the bus, stealing a quick glance at the boy nearby. With a deliberate nudge of my shoulder against his, I trailed behind Eunyoung as we boarded the bus.

I took a seat next to Eunyoung, who was staring out the window, the annoyance still evident on her face. She whipped around to look at me. Her irritation seemed to melt away on seeing me, the corners of her eyes crinkling and her lips stretching into a smile, "Sunjae!" she exclaimed, "How are you doing? I spoke to Inhyuk yesterday, he said you weren't feeling too well."

"I'm much better now," I assured her, my heart skipping a beat on hearing the worry in her voice, "My dad and I have patched things up, and we discussed a date for the surgery with the doctor."

"That's great to hear," she said, relieved, "When's your surgery? I'll make sure to visit you."

"This Saturday," I answered, feeling my face getting warmer, "It's kind of soon, but the doctor thought it was a good idea."

Her lips stretched into a sympathetic smile and I could feel her sincerity as her gaze softened. 

"Good luck, Sunjae. I'm praying the surgery goes well."

There it was again; The melody of her voice, as soft as the summer breeze, echoing in my mind as soon as the sound hit my ears. I had forgotten how to breathe, mesmerized by the girl in front of me. All she had to do was exist, and I would fall for her a little harder every passing second. I could feel myself beaming from ear to ear, mumbling a thank you that could never express my feelings for her. I suddenly became conscious of my behaviours. Was I being too forward? A fake cough, a terrible attempt at concealing my elation escaped my lips. 

"By the way," I sloppily attempted to change the subject, "Who's that guy who asked you out? Do you know him well?"

"You saw that, huh?" she said, smiling in embarrassment, "Not exactly; He used to follow me around. I told him to back off, but he just wouldn't listen. I kind of exploded at him earlier."

"That was a pretty strong insult," I said, chuckling. My happiness knew no bounds on knowing that she didn't like him. 

"You think I was too harsh?" she asked doubtfully.

"I think you put him in his place," I smiled wider, "What type of guys do you like? Do you not like it when they're clingy?"

"Him being clingy wasn't the issue. He was a total douchebag and flirts with everyone. He wasn't exactly the best person you want to be with," said Eunyoung, then looking up at me, "I think I would like someone who's warm-hearted─ someone who doesn't see me as a status symbol. Someone who makes me feel loved."

Sunjae was lost for words. A tiny glimmer of hope bloomed in his heart─ that maybe, just maybe, he stood a chance.

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nayoung's notes: it's been sixteen chapters and the only one who can accept the fact that they're in love is sunjae lmfao. hope you liked the chapter!

delphi's notes: gauge your eyes out with a spatula is crazyy. pop off ig.

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

˚. ♩ i'm the wind in our free-flowing sails ⁺ . and the liquor in our cocktails ⭒ ֗

xlix. drifting away

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

CHAPTER FORTY-NINE ─ drifting away.

❛ still want you all the time, still in a corner of my heart ❜

Choi Eunyoung's Perspective

A couple weeks after college lectures began, I felt as miserable as ever. It was as if I was living the same day over and over again. From the moment I opened my eyes, there was a throbbing pain in my head that weighed me down. As I went about my routine, I felt like a machine, soulless and mechanical. The feeling of regret had become increasingly oppressive, leaving my brain feeling foggy. I could feel a constant ache in my heart and my brain dwelled on my stupid, drunken actions.

Not only had I gone and confessed to Sunjae like an idiot, but I had also kissed him? I couldn't believe I had been so impulsive. Thinking about how uncomfortable he must have been made me want to bury my head in a hole in the ground. At the same time, I couldn't stop reminiscing on how magical the moment felt back then. His soft lips against mine, and the silent whisper of the crickets chirping on that chilly night; I could vividly remember the warmth of his body, and how it was like every inch of our bodies were meant to hold each other.

I had told myself a million times not to get worked up over a drunken kiss. I reminded myself several times that he hadn't said a word to me since I told him to forget about it. The logical part of me said that I did the right thing by apologizing, because in what universe would Ryu Sunjae like me? Yet, there was another voice in my head that said that he would have pushed me away of he didn't like me. There was something in the way he kissed me that I couldn't quite explain. Or maybe, I knew what it was, but admitting it meant that everything became real, and I don't think I was the least bit ready for it.

The truth was that in the fear of losing him, I had ended up pushing him further away from me. Maybe that was how it was meant to turn out all along. Maybe it was better this way. The further he stayed from me, the safer it was for him. My attention turned to the clock, and my movements became immediately hasty and panicked as I grabbed my bag and rushed out the door.

 Choi Yumi's Perspective

I dragged my feet along the pavement, my head hung and a yawn escaping my mouth. It wasn't even that early, yet I could already feel a strange sort of fatigue weighing me down. Ever since the field trip, I had spent several sleepless nights, contemplating everything that had happened. This third time travel had been the most eventful one by far, I realized. I would stare up that the ceiling in the middle of the night, millions of thoughts racing through my tangled head. 

I wondered what it all meant; Taesung offering to be my boyfriend to help me get rid of Minjun. Even after Minjun had given up on harassing me, Taesung and I were still "dating." Everyone knew about our "relationship" and the both of us agreed that it was best to put up a show for a while longer. But I couldn't help but wonder whether he had any ulterior motive in suggesting that?

Another thing that I couldn't stop thinking about was the way he had kissed me in front of the whole department. His touch, that felt demanding yet gentle at the same time, the sweet aftertaste of the kiss, and the distance between us that had finally disappeared for a few short, fleeting seconds, were all so vivid in front of my eyes. Every time the thought crossed my mind, I could practically feel his soft grip on my wrist, and the warmth in his touch that quieted all my fears. It was just for show, I told myself. But it all felt so real...

A high-pitched meow from somewhere in the  nearby bushes perked my attention as I followed the sound. I bent down when I saw a tiny, black kitten between the branches of a wild scrub that grew on the sidewalk. A smile surfaced on my face as I reached out a cautious hand to stroke it's little head. While I continued to pet it, I let out a chuckle as the kitten kept pushing it's head towards my hand every time I paused.

"Looks like you're having a good time."

I stood up abruptly on hearing Taesung's oh-so-familiar voice sound in my ears. For a good few seconds, I found myself staring at his face blankly. Somehow, I was always in awe of how good he looked, without trying at all. There hadn't been many moments him and I had spent alone since the field trip, and seeing him like this, outside school, with no one around made me feel oddly vulnerable and nervous.

"Where'd you come from?"

"That's not how you greet your boyfriend, now, is it?" he said cocking his head to a side, smirking. I scoffed at him.

"You're not really my boyfriend."

"For now I am," he argued.

"Only in front of others," I countered.

He went quiet for a couple moments, staring blankly at my face. I felt my cheeks heat up as the seconds passed by. I tried to distract myself by looking at the telephone pole behind him.

"How's your scar?" he asked suddenly, meeting my eyes, "Does it hurt anymore?"

I was definitely flustered, and muttered out some incoherent nonsense. He had never brought it up since we were in the hospital.

"What?"

"I said umm..." I said, trying to muster up some courage to answer him, "It doesn't hurt now, it's just there," I went quiet for a second and them asked, concerned, "How's your shoulder? Does it hurt anymore?"

"Nope," he said, putting on a fake brave face. But I could see the hurt behind his eyes, "It healed pretty quickly."

Seeing him trying to hide his pain made my heart ache like never before. Will things ever go back to the way they were?

☾⋆｡𖦹 °✩⋆｡° ✮

nana's notes: eunyoung you blind fool get yourself some glasses-

delphi's notes: taesung in the header TT

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♡　　⁺　as long as i'm here, no one can hurt you ˖　 (´-﹏-`) 🍊

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

i am free at long last

my exam is finally over!!!! *intense clapping* you know what that means? TOWARDS YOU is back!! chapter fifty-three will be out on 4th april (friday) in the meantime, i'm working on the following chapters as well :)

@the-one-and-only-delphi and i are working on other things to put out as well, so stay tuned as always <3 remember to interact with my stories so i can get to know the wonderful people who read and like my work ❤️

oh my god your acc is so pretty !! 💌

omg this made my day!! thank you so much <33 i love your theme sm it's so angelic 🤍