My Daily Routine Consists Of Looking At Hoseok And Then Screaming A Little

wow. Echo is so freakin good. Every single song omg. I am especially in love with Loser and Background (this might be my favorite) and also Nothing without your love. Slskksk the whole album is a masterpiece!!

'Who let this kindergartener drive a race car' was my first impression of this Jungkook 😂. This was so enjoyable so far even tho I have no idea about motorsports and race cars lol. Waiting for the next update 💚💚

Drive to Survive • 2

pairing: f1 racer!Jungkook x f. race engineer!reader rating: +18, MDNI genre: Colleagues 2 Lovers, romcom, angst, fluff, smut warnings: mature themes and explicit content wc: ~3.7K

a/n: This work is purely fictional. All characters and events are entirely imaginary and do not reflect reality. Please do not use this story as your own. No translations are allowed without permission. 💕

1 • masterlist • 3

Thankfully Friday dawns clear and bright as you approach the gates of the Hockenheimring, the sky a brilliant blue with no clouds in sight, with the early morning sun casting beautiful, long shadows over the historic track. The Hockenheimring, with its rich history and legendary status in the world of Formula 1, is already alive as all the crews buzz around, setting up equipment, fine-tuning cars, and preparing for the race weekend ahead, the scent of freshly cut grass from the surrounding fields giving you a boost of energy.

Excitement vibrates through every fibre of your being as you hand over your badge to the security guard. The moment should be routine, but his stern expression immediately gives you pause. 

"I'm sorry, miss, but this badge appears to be fake," the guard says condescending, holding the badge up for closer inspection under the sunlight.

Your heart skips sinks to the floor immediately. Just yesterday, you spent the entire day here, moving freely through the paddock and crossing paths with this very guard multiple times. "There must be a mistake. I'm with the Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team," you insist, striving to keep your voice calm amid the rising panic in your throat.

"Sure you are. I’ve seen plenty of fakes. This one looks just like the rest."

Frustration wells up inside you, threatening to bubble over. From the corner of your eye, you spot Jungkook walking by, his confident swagger unmistakable even at a distance. "Jungkook!" you call out, waving at him frantically, hoping for a lifeline this early in the morning. But to your disappointment, he just glances your way but quickly looks away, continuing his stride without acknowledging you.

The guard shakes his head. "See? If you were really with the team, someone would have recognised you."

A wave of helplessness washes over you, and you mentally call Jungkook a few names. Before you can argue further, Joongki, George’s race engineer, walks by and notices the commotion, heading over without any delay.

"What's going on here?“

"This lady claims she's with the team, but her badge is fake," the guard explains, holding up your badge as if it were a piece of contraband.

Joongki looks at you, then back at the guard. "She's with us. Her name's on the team list. Let her through."

The guard reluctantly nods and hands your badge back. "Alright, you can go in."

"Thank you, Joongki," you sigh in relief as you take your very real badge back.

"No problem," he replies with a reassuring smile. "Come on, let's head to the meeting."

As you walk together through the busy paddocks, the roar of engines being tested and the chatter of mechanics and engineers create a symphony of sounds that even without all the fans is uniquely Formula 1, especially when you catch the scent of high-octane fuel mixed with the aroma of fresh coffee from the nearby hospitality tents. 

Joongki doesn’t take long to catch your attention back. "So, how are you finding the job so far?"

"It's been incredible," you reply, genuinely enthusiastic. "I watched the simulation of Jungkook yesterday. His precision is remarkable."

Joongki nods. "He’s talented, no doubt about it. But he can be a handful."

You chuckle. "I’ve noticed. How do you manage George?"

"George is a professional, but he has his moments too," Joongki says with a wink. "It's all about balance."

You can’t help but giggle and nod along, even when you arrive at the Mercedes team area and enter the meeting room. Jungkook is already there, frowning as he notices you walking in with Joongki, watching you with crossed arms.

Without a word, Joongki heads to George, standing behind him, and you follow suit, taking your place behind Jungkook. The room is quickly filling up, a sense of anticipation growing continuously inside your veins as everyone gathers around the large table, which is laden with various snacks and drinks. A Keynote presentation is projecting blueprints, data sheets and strategy plans onto the wall behind Toto, a large part of it coming from you.

Toto begins the meeting not shortly after, his authoritative voice silencing everyone without much trouble. "Alright, everyone, let's get started. We have a lot to cover before the training session."

Jungkook turns slightly your way, pushing you forward. "Stand in front, dwarf," he mutters under his breath.

You frown up at him as you pass, clearly displeased with the insult, but comply regardless, stepping in front of him. As Toto goes over the strategy, you feel a tug on your hair. Not turning, you swat Jungkook’s hand away, trying to stay focused on the meeting.

"Stop it," you whisper full of irritation.

But Jungkook doesn't stop. He continues to toy with your hair, and after the second time you push his hand away, he still doesn’t seem to get the message. You sigh in resignation, deciding to let him play with your hair, hoping it’ll keep him occupied enough to remain otherwise civil.

Toto continues, oblivious to the minor drama between you both. "Our strategy today is crucial. The Hockenheimring not only demands precision but teamwork as well. Each of you has a role to play in our success."

You try to listen intently, but the constant fiddling with your hair is too distracting to set your focus straight. Why has Jungkook's behaviour has to be infuriating and perplexing? Why does he have to act like this?

"And Jungkook," Toto addresses said man directly, which thankfully causes him to tense behind you, toying hands freezing mid-twirl, "your performance at the simulation yesterday was impressive. Keep that focus today."

Jungkook relaxes and finally stops playing with your hair to acknowledge Toto. "Will do, boss."

With a brief reprieve, you manage to take notes and pay closer attention. Toto outlines the key areas of focus for the day, emphasising the importance of communication and adaptability. You jot down every detail, determined to do your part flawlessly.

"Joongki and ___,“ Toto says, gesturing to you, "I need you to ensure all systems are optimised. We can’t afford any technical glitches."

"Understood," Joongki and you reply in unison, giving each other a small smile and giggle. But your giggle dies down immediately as Jungkook tugs on your hair again, making you turn around and give him a warning glare. He looks straight ahead, over your head, pretending not to notice.

"And for the rest of you," Toto continues, "stay alert and be ready for anything. This track has its challenges, but I know we can conquer them."

As the meeting draws to a close, Toto claps his hands together. "Alright, team. Let's make today count."

You gather your things, relieved that the meeting is over. Jungkook's antics have been exhausting, and you’re eager to get back to the professional tasks at hand.

"Remember what we discussed," Toto reminds everyone as the room gradually gains in volume. "Stay focused and give it your all."

With a final nod, you and the team disperse. As you exit the meeting room, Jungkook catches up to you.

"Nice work in there, by the way," he says, the smirk playing on his lips not matching the compliment he tries to deliver.

"Thanks," you reply, trying to keep your irritation in check.

"Let’s hope you can keep up during the training,“ he adds, and with his teasing tone you’re sure there never was a compliment to begin with.

"I’ll be just fine," you retort, determined not to let him get under your skin.

You quicken your pace, hurrying to the garage as you follow Joongki, who has gone ahead. Mentally, you prepare for the day's challenges, and despite the rocky start, you remain confident in your abilities and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.

Yesterday's training session was a resounding success. Out of the fourteen possible tyre options, you meticulously tested virtually all options and decided on the three best choices, again testing those at training under race conditions. The data gathered from these tests, once analysed and altered in the strategy, was approved by everyone, setting a solid foundation for today’s qualifying.

It’s Saturday midday by now, and the atmosphere at the Hockenheimring is just fantastic. The sun is high in the sky, glowing warmly over the bustling pit lane, and mirroring your spirit. Mechanics and engineers hustle about like never before, making last-minute adjustments to the cars, while the drivers, including Jungkook, focus on the task ahead. You had no problems entering the premises today, and Jungkook has remained professional, a welcome shift from his usual antics.

It’s hard to make out everyone in the garage, as everyone’s a flurry of passing figures as the team prepares for the qualifying session. Joongki, you and the other engineers are all hunched over your laptops, analysing last minute data streams, while mechanics double-check the car’s settings. Jungkook sits in the cockpit of his car, a picture of concentration as he listens to the final briefing over the team radio.

"Alright, everyone, let's stay focused," Toto's calm voice comes over the comms. "Jungkook, remember the plan. We’re aiming for a strong position."

"Got it, boss," Jungkook replies.

By now you’re standing by the side, tablet in hand, monitoring the data in close proximity. Despite the rocky start to the prior day, you feel confident in your abilities and the strategy you’ve helped develop. Jungkook and you exchange a brief, professional nod, acknowledging the importance of this day.

The qualifying session begins right after you and Joongki are seated at the pitwall, and cars take to the track one by one. When it's Jungkook's turn, you watch the monitors intently, tracking his every move. He launches off the line with his usual precision, navigating the curves and straights of the Hockenheimring with his usual finesse, his initial times promising.

But then, something starts to feel off. The data on your screen shows an anomaly, and a knot of anxiety forms in your stomach. You frantically try to diagnose the problem, but the more you look, the more the data blurs together into an incomprehensible mess, swimming in your vision no matter how hard you try to separate each line. The pressure mounts, and you can’t pinpoint the issue in time.

On the track, Jungkook's performance begins to falter rapidly. 

„Fucking hell! DO SOMETHING!“ His voice screams through the radio, his lap times aren’t meeting the expected benchmarks, and it's clear something is wrong with the car. Despite his best efforts, he can’t push the vehicle to its limits. The session ends with a disappointing result: Jungkook qualifies in P5.

The team is silent as Jungkook drives back into the garage, and you can see the frustration painted on his face as he removes his helmet and steps out of the car.

You’re too scared to say a word, especially as an emergency meeting is called immediately. You, Jungkook, Toto, the technical director James, Joongki, and George, who qualified P7, gather in the briefing room.

"I apologise," you begin, bowing your head in disappointment of yourself. "I should have caught the issue sooner. It's my fault we couldn't perform better."

Toto nods, and it’s surprising that his expression, while still stern, is not unkind. "We'll figure it out. For now, let’s focus on understanding what went wrong."

The meeting continues with technical discussions, but you can barely focus, the weight of your mistake clouding your mind and restricting your airways. Once everyone is dismissed, you remain seated, staring at the empty desk in front of you.

Jungkook, however, stays behind. He closes the door after you’re both alone, his steps echoing in the now silent room as he walks towards you. You can make out his angered face in your peripheral, though you refuse to look at it.

"How difficult can it be to choose the right tyres from fourteen?" he snaps with so much contempt it punches you in your gut. "Even a chimpanzee without a degree would have done a better job."

There’s nothing to do than to remain silent, as you still refuse to meet his gaze, eyes fixed on the white, empty desk before you. The insult stings a lot more than you ever thought, but you’re determined not to let him see how deeply it affects you. You have to.

"Look at me!" Jungkook barks so loud you can’t help but flinch.

You will your pupils to stop trembling and school your features back to neutral as you lift your head and lock eyes with him. The glare you’re met is is fierce, Jungkook’s anger barely contained. But still, you’re not able to get a word out.

"I knew it was nepotism," he continues, his words like a blade not only cutting into your pride, but your heart as well.

You watch as Jungkook turns and begins to walk towards the door, but just as he reaches for the handle, you find your voice and speak, your voice as freezing as the coldest winter, stopping him in his tracks.

"My position has nothing to do with nepotism," you muse, each word precisely shot like a bullet. "You should know that. Mr. Jeon Junior."

Jungkook tenses even more, his hand still hovering over the door handle. Slowly, he turns back to face you, and you’re not sure if his expression, full of shock and fury, satisfies your anger or not. The room stays silent, the tension between you crackling like static in the air, until Jungkook turns and leaves.

Race day at the Hockenheimring is a media frenzy, with reporters and cameras swarming the circuit and paddock like bees to honey. Bright lights flash and microphones are thrust into the faces of team members and drivers alike, each seeking a soundbite or a glimpse into the high-stakes world of Formula 1. You weave through the throng, keeping your head down and profile low, your focus solely on the race ahead. 

The screams of questions are distractions you can't afford, so your path has to be a series of calculated dodges and quick steps, easily slipping past eager journalists and sidestepping photographers, all thanks to your short height. This is not the time for interviews or media appearances; your mind is on the data, the strategy, and ensuring every detail is perfect for Jungkook's performance on the track.

As you dance through the last few meters of the paddock of Ferrari, a hairs breath away from your team one space further, a determined reporter manages to intercept you. His microphone is already poised, brushing your nose for a moment, as he boldly asks, "Excuse me, could you spare a moment? How is it to work for Jungkook?"

You offer a polite smile, keeping your tone professional without breathing too heavily from the exercise. "It's a blessing to work for the Mercedes AMG Petronas team. The entire team, including Jungkook, is dedicated and talented. It’s an honour to contribute to such a high-performing group."

The reporter, not missing a beat, probes further, "And are you single?"

Maintaining your composure, you reply diplomatically, "I believe our focus today should be on the race and the team’s performance. Personal matters are best kept private."

He glances at your attire, noting that it's different from the usual team uniform. "You're not wearing the usual uniform. Is this something new?"

You nod, indicating your outfit. "Yes, my dress is part of our new uniform collection, available in the merchandise store. We wanted to offer something stylish and feminine for the fans."

"Thank you for your time," the reporter says, slightly taken aback by your poised responses.

"Thank you," you respond, maintaining your smile as you quickly head towards your team, ready to immerse yourself back into the race preparations.

Stepping foot into Mercedes’ paddock the mechanics, engineers, and team members are already making their final preparations. The conflict from yesterday is still heavily on your mind, but you have to not let it affect your performance. You’re a professional, more than capable, and you will your confidence not to waver even more.

You sit down at your workstation, double-checking the data, ensuring that every detail is perfect. The screens in front of you display telemetry, tyre pressures, and fuel loads and you don’t waste time in letting your fingers fly across the keyboard, typing last-minute adjustments.

You haven’t yet spoken to Jungkook today, only briefly seen him with his physical therapist, Trish, who looked at you strangely for no apparent reason since day one of you working with Jungkook. It doesn’t help that his words from yesterday still echo in your mind, but you push them aside as good as you can. There’s no room for doubt now and so you finish your checks and head further into the paddock to fetch a drink, hoping the cool liquid will steady your nerves.

As you approach the vending machine, you hear voices coming from a nearby room. You recognise them immediately: George, Toto, and Jungkook. Curiosity gets the better of you, and as your name falls, you can’t help but secretly listen in.

“I don’t know what your problem is with her, and it’s none of our business,” George says.

Toto’s voice follows. “But remember that the radio is public during the race, so school your words and don’t pull a media stunt.”

Your heart races as you hear footsteps approaching the door. You quickly walk past, pretending to be engrossed in your notes. The three of them emerge, their expressions serious, but thankfully they don’t notice you.

The team gathers for the final preparations and the drivers slip into their suits. While George’s and Jungkook’s cars are the same, it’s Jungkook’s car that looks a bit more sleek, a silver beast that’s gleaming under the midday sun. Or maybe it’s because of him, as he climbs into the cockpit, his face steeled by concentration.

You take your place at the side, headset on, ready to relay information. The tension in your veins mutes your surroundings as the minutes tick down to the start of the race. The spell is broken as the engines roar to life, filling the paddock and your ears with a deafening sound, making the crowd’s energy skyrocket, their contagious cheers breathing new determination into you.

And as Jungkook and all the other drivers complete their warm up round, he takes his position on the starting grid in P5, two positions before George. 

"Alright, Jungkook, stay focused. Remember our strategy," you say over the team radio. "We've got this."

The scent of burning rubber and the electrifying screams of the crowd fill the air, amplifying the intensity of the moment. That’s it, that’s what you’re here for. You watch intently, a collective breath is being held, as the lights go out.

Jungkook launches off the line, his reflexes razor-sharp. He surpasses the initial chaos with precision, the roar of engines and screeching tyres a symphony of speed. The first few corners are tight, but he manoeuvres deftly, maintaining a solid position within the top five.

"Great start, Jungkook. Keep pushing. We're right where we need to be," you encourage, your eyes glued to the live feed and telemetry data.

“Got it,” Jungkook’s voice crackles through the radio, letting goosebumps rise on your skin like his accelerating speed.

As Jungkook approaches the notorious Turn 6 hairpin, the tension mounts even more. He brakes hard, the car almost dancing on the edge of control, and executes a near-perfect turn that allows him to overtake two competitors. The crowd gasps in awe, witnessing his skill firsthand.

"Fantastic move! You're now P3. Keep the pressure on the leaders," you inform him, a note of excitement creeping into your voice you can’t contain.

“Copy that.”

The race progresses, each lap a testament to Jungkook's prowess and the team's meticulous planning. He expertly navigates the Hockenheimring's combination of high-speed straights and technical corners, inching closer to the front with each lap. His focus never wavers, his communication with the pit crew and you seamless.

“Box this lap, box this lap. Confirm, please,” you call out as he approaches the pit entry, the strategic change crucial for maintaining his edge.

“Understood. Box this lap.” Jungkook executes a flawless pit stop, the team working with military precision. Tyres are changed from medium to soft, designed to gain more speed for the remaining laps and in no time, he’s back on track, maintaining his momentum as if nothing happened.

"Excellent stop. You're P2 now. Just some more laps to go," you say, your excitement mirroring the intensity of the race.

Lap after lap, Jungkook closes the gap to the leader. The final laps of the race are a thrilling cat-and-mouse chase and with just two laps to go, he sees his opportunity. On the Parabolika, the long straight, he activates the DRS, gaining a significant speed advantage.

"Go for it, Jungkook! Now's your chance!" you urge him, adjusting the DRS to give him the most push.

He makes his move, slipping past the leader with a breathtaking overtake. 

The moment is pure magic.

“GOTCHA!” he screams into the receiver, making you and the rest of the team burst into laughter and cheers.

The crowd erupts, and Jungkook holds his position through the final turns, expertly defending against any counterattacks. The finish line is in sight, and he crosses it first, triumphant.

"You did it, Jungkook! You won!" you shout over the radio, unable to contain your elation. You punch the air and bump fists with Joongki sitting beside you.

As Jungkook slows down on his victory lap, Jungkook waves to the adoring fans. Today, with the support of your team and Jungkook’s talent, he has conquered the Hockenheimring.

“Couldn’t have done it without you,” Jungkook says through the radio. Though his gratitude is clear, your mind drifts back to the conversation you overheard just earlier and its implications. Your smile falls a bit as you contemplate his honesty.

a/n2: reupload of 2024 Version

All Rights Reserved © runariya 2025

parkitrighthere asked:

Iki, my love!! Aaaaaahhhhh!!! I love you so much, like SO MUCH!! Okay, okay, focus—soooo, you’re finally taking requests, huh? Well, guess what? Here’s mine!! Prompt 15 (because it's horoscope and soulmate, and for me, it is EVERYTHING) and, of course, Jimin (because, duh, it’s Jimin, who else??). Take your time with it, no rush! I’m just so excited and happy and aaahhhh!! Love ya!!

Title: Bubblegum Pairing: JiminxReader Prompt: 15. “My horoscope told me I would meet the love of my life next year.” “Then let’s meet up again after midnight.”

Word Count: 1,035 Genre: flufffff Warnings: none except for tooth rotting fluff

Note: This is a repost from my previous blog. It was written for a drabble ask game.

"Hold the door!" You paused at the yell, turning to look back at the source. You were greeted by the sight of a mountain of boxes and a pink head of hair poking from the top. The person carrying it barely keeping from stumbling.

Hurriedly you placed your foot against the glass door at the entrance to your building just as the person reached you on wobbly legs.

The pink haired man, thinking he had made it safely, started to walk a little straighter and failed to notice the box at the top sliding. It fell, but your reflexes were fast and you reached out just in time to catch it.

"Oh thank god-"

"Are you alright Jimin?"

Jimin, not having his vision blocked by the box anymore, look up at your voice, staring with his eyes wide.

"Y/n! Oh, hey! Didn't realise it was you," He squeaked, then released a breathy chuckle.

You gave him a smile in response, "what is all this? Was there a sale or something?" Releasing the door the both of you started walking together towards the lift, you carrying the box in your hand for him.

"Oh, I wish there was," He chuckled again, "These are for the new year party I'm having at my place."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. My friends, we have this tradition. We do the whole eating grapes and making toasts, ending with the countdown, so we may be little loud. Apologies in advance," He finished as you both reached the elevator, you went ahead and pressed the call button since Jimin was clearly occupied.

"Oh I don't mind but I can't say the same about that man who lives next door to you. The one with four cats?" You gave him a grin with your brows wiggling up and down.

He gave you a smug one in return, "you're late on the news, he moved out a month ago."

The elevator doors opened and you both moved to enter, "no way! How did I not know?" You huffed.

"Maybe because you were too busy stressing about your finals?" He gave a shrug and adjusted the boxes, holding them more securely.

In that time you leaned and pressed your floor number and the one below it for Jimin. You straightened and narrowed your eyes at him.

He rolled his eyes, "you walk at midnight when you're stressed. A lot. With heavy steps." He finished.

You snorted, "well guess you can get even with me by being loud then."

He grinned, "that's the plan," You could only stare as his crooked tooth made an appearance. Mouth stretched wide and his eyes squished close as pink strands fell in front of his face poking him in the eye. You almost reached out and fixed them for him. Almost.

He shook his head, blowing the locks back. You cleared your throat, "this tradition, you must've had it somewhere else last year." You blurted out in an attempt to stay at the topic.

"Yeah we shuffle every year, choosing the place most convenient, which happened to be mine this time. Last year we went to Joon's, but how did you know?" He tilted his head slightly.

"Oh, um, I just. Well I had made cupcakes so I thought I would share them with you, but nobody answered your door so I assumed you were out," You cheeks burned and you could feel embarrassment washing over your being.

"You came at midnight?" He asked with eyes wide.

"No no, in the evening," You reassured him, internally praying that he had been out at the time you stated.

"Oh makes sense. Damn I missed some cupcakes then, we're they delicious?"

You winked at him, "you bet," And giggled.

Jimin watched as your face brightened. He noticed over time how your cheeks always turn pink whenever you laugh. It is very you. You eyed the numbers going up, almost at his floor now and he glimpsed your side profile.

Coughing slightly he grabbed your attention, "so, any plans for new years?"

"Eating a large pizza and watching year end shows counts right?"

He laughed, "of course it does. Sounds like a luxury to me."

You grinned.

"Anything you're excited about the next year?" He asked one last question as the elevator came to a stop at his floor but he was looking at you, waiting for an answer. Always so polite.

"Well there was one thing I saw this morning," You began, “My horoscope told me I would meet the love of my life next year." You let out a giggle.

He just stared at you, the doors opened, it was time for him to get off, “Then let’s meet up again after midnight.” he said breathless.

You were confused for a moment, before it clicked. Your mouth fell open a little. You couldn't form any words, too shocked.

He stood there, eyes locked with yours and opened his mouth but the metal doors started closing and in a panic he did the first thing he could think of—step out in a hurry.

He turned back, breathing heavy as if he ran a marathon and stared as the door shut in your face, your eyes just as wide, not leaving his. He let out a shuddering breath and closed his eyes leaning against the wall before entering his apartment.

Inside the elevator you were a confused mess, had he really meant what you thought he did? The elevator stopped at your floor and just as the doors opened your phone dinged. Still in a daze you walked out and opened the text without seeing the sender and saw it was from Jimin—an invitation for the new year party at his home, complete with doodles that you knew were drawn by him.

As you were checking the message you realised that the box you were carrying for him was still in your other hand, you had forgotten to give it back.

Shoving the phone you turned and pressed the call button again, the door opening immediately, and got in. Head thumping back against the metal you let a silly smile slip on your face.

Guess you wouldn't have to wait for the next year to meet him.

𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠💚

Clichés and Canapés (Teaser)

Genre: best friends to lovers; fake dating; billionaire au

Pairing: Seokjin x Reader (f)

Rating/Genre: M (18+); smut

Summary: After twenty years of friendship, you’d think you were used to Seokjin’s proposals by now. In the past he’s forced you to participate in skydiving, skinny dipping, and even staging a rescue from the local shelter. Seokjin has always had big ideas but this time, even he may have gone too far. Granted, break-ups are stressful, and Seokjin’s latest one up was bad. Really bad. As in, they-ended-things-in-December-and-now-she’s-dating-his-brother bad.

It almost makes sense then, when Seokjin asks you to come home with him for his parents' party. Almost makes sense when he says his family assumed you were dating, and he didn't correct them. What doesn’t make sense is the longer you fake things, the more you find yourself wondering if this was real all along.

[ Part of the In Bloom Collaboration ]

Estimated WC: 37K

Teaser WC: 2K

Content Creator: thank you @kithtaehyung for the BEST BANNER!

[ Author's Note: this scene is not the first scene in the story; for sake of brevity, I thought this would be best for a teaser. I hope you enjoy, and am so excited to post again! ]

Your heart pounds in the silence, unnaturally loud. Placing your phone on the table, you stare at the wallpaper – a photo of the city skyline you took last fall. Before that it was a photo of you and Seokjin. Your screensaver has always been you and Seokjin, something you never questioned until last year. Last summer, to be precise.

“Get ahold of yourself,” you mutter.

Taking a deep breath, your fingers hover over his name. You press call before you can second-guess yourself, Seokjin’s name filling the screen. He answers almost immediately.

“Hello?”

You squeeze your eyes shut. Seokjin sounds out of breath, deeper than you remember. How unfair would it be for him to experience a second puberty burst. The first was torture enough for you as a teenager. Overnight, Seokjin transformed from your nerdy best friend to a soft-spoken, hilarious man the entire school wanted.

“… Y/N?”

Opening your eyes, you scoop up your phone and take it off speaker. “Oh, hey – yeah, it’s me.”

He chuckles. “I figured when I saw your name calling.”

“You never know.” Aimless, you pick at the lint of your apron. “Maybe I was in a tragic accident, and someone found my phone at the scene of the crime.”

“Does that mean I’m your emergency contact, Y/N? I’m touched.”

Your cheeks heat since yes, you’re not sure you ever changed that. What you say though, is, “Don’t get cocky. I have all my phone contacts listed as emergency contacts. I like to hedge my bets.”

He laughs, louder this time. “Hey, no judgement here. Pretty sure you’re still mine.”

Your fingers still on your apron. You shouldn’t be his contact – not after everything. Harshly, you stamp out the hope rising within you. Seokjin’s lack of foresight and planning shouldn’t be taken as anything but.

“Right.” You pause. “Sorry – is this a bad time? I should have texted back, but I’m at work, and thought it’d be easier to call…”

“You’re at work? Y/N, I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to –”

“I’m on a break, don’t worry about it.”

A long pause. At last, Seokjin sighs and the knot in your chest tightens. You can count on one hand the number of times you’ve seen him upset. Once when your parents were getting divorced and you ignored his texts for a week. Another, when he and his high school girlfriend broke up their first semester of college. Another when his mom was diagnosed with breast cancer (currently in remission). And then once more, when your ex cheated on you with your supposed best friend. Seokjin drove across state lines all night to be on your campus by morning.

This might be the fifth time.

“Yeah.” Seokjin exhales. “You thought this conversation would be better in person, and as always, you were right, Y/N.”

The way he says your name sparks wistful familiarity. It also reminds you of a darkened hallway, whiskey on Seokjin’s breath and – you stop the memory from continuing.

“What happened?” you press. “I just… damn, Seokjin. The last time I saw you and Emilia, the two of you seemed so, um… so…”

“Coupled?”

“I was going to say nauseating, but yeah.”

Seokjin barks out a laugh. “Way to kick a guy when he’s down, Y/N.”

“Sorry,” you say, but your lips twitch. “Although… I don’t mean to be rude, but… you don’t sound down? You sound… surprisingly chipper for a man who was cuckolded.”

The truth of this statement resonates within you. Seokjin sounded tired when he answered, but everything since then has felt almost normal. Almost – because the elephant in the room has not gotten smaller.

The last time you spoke face-to-face was December.

“Whoa, whoa – hang on,” he sputters. “Who said anything about cuckolding?”

“Were you not? Le cuckold, as the French say?”

“Wait.” Seokjin sounds amused. “To be clear, which party is the cuckold? The guy who cheats or the guy who gets cheated on? Also – why is there no name for the woman in this scenario?”

“Oh, there are plenty of names for the woman. They’re just not as fun, and heavily drenched in misogyny.”

“Right, right. The patriarchy, etc. – but seriously, Emilia didn’t cheat on me. Or she says she didn’t, and I’m inclined to agree.” He pauses. “I think.”

“You think?”

“I do believe her. But… well, even if she didn’t technically cheat… even if we broke up in December, then they waited a respectable period of time and then they started dating – it still feels weird. Like, was she into him the entire time we dated? Was my brother into her?”

“No good answers come from that line of questioning,” you say grimly.

“I know.” Seokjin groans, and you imagine him dragging a hand down his face. “You’re right, but I can’t stop picturing it. And they didn’t.”

“They didn’t what?”

“Wait a respectable amount of time,” he mutters. “Emilia and I broke up in December, and they told me at the end of March they were dating. Meaning they started dating before and only deemed it serious enough to tell me in March.”

“Oh.”

“Yeah. Hence the thinking.”

“About the timeframe, or the general weirdness?” you prompt.

In the back of your mind, you can't help wondering what made Seokjin reach out. According to what he just said, Seokjin has known about Jaesuk and Emilia since March. Granted, everything about this is strange and it's valid to vent, but you haven't spoken to Seokjin in months. And even before the break-up, it's been months since you spoke about anything real.

“Both,” Seokjin says in answer to your question.

“Not… anything else?”

“What else would I be thinking about, Y/N?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” you huff, twisting the thread of your apron. “Are you still in love with Emilia? It’s hard to be around an ex normally, but this…” Trailing off, you shake your head.

“What? No. I mean, yeah – it’s not fun to be around them. But no,” Seokjin says, decisive. “I’m not in love with her.”

Your lips tighten, unsure what to believe. Still, you decide not to push him. Years of experience have taught you if Seokjin isn’t ready to talk about something, you won’t get a peep out of him. If it were you, though, five months isn’t enough to fall out of love.

“Okay,” is all you say. Glancing at the staff door, you watch Jimin hand the customer their drink. Your break will be over soon, one way or another.

“I’m… actually glad you called me, Y/N.”

The hesitancy in his voice draws you back. “You are?”

“Yeah.” Seokjin clears his throat, a nervous tic. “Jaesuk called me yesterday. You know how my parents’ anniversary is in May?”

“Of course.”

Obviously, you know. Seokjin’s parents are strange for many reasons, not least of which is their genuine love for one another. They are also – you can say this after many years working in consulting – the most normal rich people you’ve ever encountered. Most of their wealth is donated each year, with a small stipend (still an insane amount) granted to each family member.

The weekend of their anniversary is the exception to this rule. Seokjin’s parents go all out, spending an entire week at their lake house, hosting lavish parties cumulating in the main event on the weekend. Growing up, you attended as Seokjin’s plus one. This all changed when Seokjin got his first girlfriend, although you still attended for a few years as the date of his sister, Seohyun.

“Yeah.” Seokjin again clears his throat. “So, uh, my brother called and… at first, he and Emilia weren’t going to come. They decided to skip this year because of the obvious.”

“The cuckoldom, yes.”

“I said the obvious,” Seokjin says drily. “But anyways. Well.” He exhales, and you remember again that between the two of you, Seokjin is more mild-mannered. “Jaesuk called and wanted to know if it would be okay with me if they came together. Emilia’s parents were invited, and they thought it might be weird for them to attend without her…”

Your jaw has dropped again. “How would that be weirder than Emilia attending with your brother?”

“I don’t know,” he groans, and from the way his voice muffles, you imagine him laying his head on his desk. Seokjin usually grades papers in the afternoon.

His apartment is gigantic, a three-story brownstone located in Hyde Park with a view of Lake Michigan. His study (yes, he has a study) always reminded you of the library in Beauty and the Beast. Perhaps a bit smaller, with less fiction on the walls.

Dimly, it registers that Seokjin’s parents invited the Astors. Granted, Emilia’s parents run in the same circle, but the invitation feels odd. Odd – and cruel, to invite Seokjin’s ex-slash-Jaesuk’s-current girlfriend.

What a mess.

Numbly, you shake your head. “They want you to spend an entire week together? Alone? In the middle of the wilderness?”

“Michigan isn’t exactly Siberia, Y/N.”

“But… you, your brother, and the woman you’ve both slept with – in one house?”

“I probably wouldn’t put it like that, but sure.”

“You… said no, right?”

A long, awkward pause follows.

Your voice rises. “Right?” you demand, gripping the phone tighter.

“No.” Seokjin’s voice muffles again. “I told them I wasn’t sure, but I’d let them know.”

“Seokjin! You absolutely cannot spend an entire week with them alone.”

“Aha!”

“What?” you ask, blinking at his note of triumph.

“You’re absolutely right. I can’t spend the week with them… alone.”

Your brows furrow. “So… you agree with me?”

“No, Y/N,” Seokjin repeats. “I can’t spend the week with them alone. But… with someone else…”

A beat passes.

“Are you dating someone new?” you ask, bewildered. “Is that it? You’re going to bring some poor, unsuspecting person to your Shakespearean family drama?”

“Not a poor, unsuspecting person, no…”

Suspicion slowly dawns. “Seokjin…”

“Yes?”

“You can’t be serious.”

His throat clears. “I was thinking… maybe... you could join.”

The silence stretches for so long, Seokjin seems to grow concerned. “Y/N?” His voice dims, like he's checking the call hadn’t dropped. “Are you still there?”

“Yeah,” you croak. “Physically, here. Mentally, I think something has cracked, because I just heard you ask me something insane.”

“See!” Seokjin exclaims. “This is why I need you there. You’re so good at making things less awkward. And my family loves you – their attention would all be on you, and not on how weird and insane my life is.”

Groaning out loud, you sink further into the chair. This is a bad idea. Truly abysmal, but…

You already know you’ll say yes. Saying no to Seokjin has never really been an option.

Back in college, you joined his family trips all the time. In those days, your dad wasn’t taking care of himself, your mom had run off with her new boyfriend, and you had nowhere to go during summer holidays. Frequently, the Kim’s referred to you as their second daughter – but that was ages ago.

Seokjin didn’t even call you when he and Emilia broke up.

“Seokjin,” you sigh. “Why are you asking me this?”

A long pause. “I just told you why.”

“No. I mean… I didn’t even know you were single.” You hesitate, then barrel on. “This is the first time we’ve talked on the phone since – god, I don’t even know. Last year?”

Seokjin’s ensuing silence is damning. An unspoken question hovers between you: Has anything changed since the last time we saw each other?

"I’m… sorry, Y/N." He hesitates. "I know… I should have reached out to you sooner. I just… just couldn’t.”

Your lips purse, staring at the door. Your break must be done, but luckily, Jimin has given you space to process. As much as he pretends to be needy, his ability to read the room is remarkable.

“Ugh,” you groan, head tipping back. Your eyes close. “Let me think about it.”

“Wait – really?” Seokjin blurts. “Thank you, Y/N! You won’t regret this – I swear.”

“I haven’t agreed to it yet!”

“Right, sure. Of course,” he hastens, attempting to sound mollified.

Your lips twitch. “I have to get back to my shift.”

“Yes. Make that money.”

“Eh.”

“Make… that minimum wage plus tips?”

“Closer,” you sigh, pushing yourself to stand. “I’ll text you later, okay?”

“Okay. And Y/N?”

You hover near the door. “Yeah?”

Seokjin pauses. “There are a lot of logical reasons why it’d be great if you came, but honestly?” His voice thickens slightly. “I just… want you there.”

There’s an ache in your chest you wish could say was a stranger. In truth though, the feeling is exactly why you should say no.

You never had a great sense of self-preservation, though. Instead, find yourself saying–

“Yes.”

[ TO BE CONTINUED ] © kpopfanfictrash, 2025. Do not copy or repost without permission.

classes for new semester start tomorrow ugh

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bring buffgi back 🤞

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Hiiii, Ikiiiiii!!!! (Miss you 😔)

Hiiiii Massi!! I miss you too🥺 and being more active here too but I promise I'll be back soon💚💚 thank you for dropping by, seeing you in my inbox made my day!!