Ateez Fluff - Blog Posts
Cold Ice & Warm Hearts~
ꕥPosted: 12/24/20
ꕥGenre: College!au, Christmas Imagine, Fluff
ꕥPairing: FemReader! x Jongho
ꕥWord Count: 1.8k
ꕥWarnings: None
ꕥA/N: I’ve been watching a shit ton of ice skating videos lately so this is the result lol
Ice skating was my favorite part of the holiday season without a doubt. I was always able to skate more around December since I had a month off from college, which was fantastic. Not to mention that more people would skate than usual, meaning the more people I could teach to skate, feeling pride swell in my chest as I saw them improve.
I was recently gifted a pair of beautiful white ice skates by one of my friends as an early Christmas present. Although the holiday was right around the corner, she said she just couldn’t wait to give them to me, knowing how much I needed new skates.
“You’re completely wearing out your old ones,” She told me, “These will treat you much better.”
Although I very much loved my old pair, I had to admit she had a point. The laces were tearing and the soles were wearing down, making it very difficult to skate without having to stop and adjust them every few seconds.
Tonight I was walking to the outdoor skating rink only a few blocks from my apartment. I lived in a relatively busy city so I expected many people to be there, but I never minded that. It made me happy to see so many enjoying it.
As I walked with my ice skates, my mind wandered. It had been a few months since I last skated and I had been dying to get back. I was slightly nervous; however. I always was if I hadn’t skated in a while. Part of me worried that I would fall as often as I did when I began or forget how to skate all together.
I sat on the benches next to the rink to put my skates on when a deep, attractive laugh caught my attention. I turned my head to the right of the rink, observing the young man it came from. He was about average height and had one of the most endearing smiles I had ever seen. His dark brown hair swayed in the wind as he slightly picked up speed. His long, tan jacket looked warm and for a brief moment I had to refrain myself from thinking about how it would feel to cuddle up next to him.
He was surrounded by four other men, some obviously more skilled than others, but he, himself, wasn’t bad at all. He could skate relatively well and I wondered if he grew up skating like I did. Or maybe he was a natural talent?
His build was strong. I could tell that even with the several layers he was wearing. He certainly wasn’t hard on the eyes, to say the least.
One of the men near him stumbled and fell, the others laughing while the man wearing the tan jacket helped him up, a slight smile on his face but still expressing concern.
He seems kind.
I shook myself from my thoughts and tied the soft white laces of my skates. There were more people on the rink than I expected and it made me smile. Maybe some would find passion in it like I did.
I stepped out on the ice and made several strides, feeling silly for being nervous before. Ice skating was so ingrained in me that I had no reason to be. I moved to the rhythm of the Christmas music playing overhead and felt the world fading away. My worries, fears, stressors—all of it—melted from me as I made laps around the rink, occasionally adding a spin or two.
I was only slightly aware of the people looking in my direction and the gasps in awe being directed towards me. Because honestly, it didn’t matter. I never cared much for the compliments. Sure they were nice, but I skated for myself. To improve myself, not to impress others. Although, perhaps tonight I had a motive to impress a certain man. Only perhaps.
I slowed down to look at the sky above me. The lights surrounding the rink only a slight distraction from the twinkling stars.
How gorgeous.
Smiling to myself I leisurely spun around, eyes still locked on the sky. I didn’t need to constantly look at the ice to keep my balance. It took some practice, but it became second nature to keep my balance no matter where I was looking.
“Miss?”
The slight disappointment I had from being interrupted only lasted for a few seconds until I saw the man I had been admiring in front of me. I blinked a few times, his handsome features up close catching me off guard.
“Yes?”
“I hope you don’t mind me asking, but where did you learn to skate like that?”
A wide smile spread across my face at his question, “I grew up skating. I practiced nearly every weekend.”
He nodded, “That’s impressive. Think you could teach me?”
“Teach you what exactly? You seem to have a good grasp on skating already.”
He chuckled and looked down, confidence faltering for only a moment, his gummy smile emerging, “Okay if I’m being honest, that was my best attempt to ask if you’d like to skate with me.”
I raised a brow and looked over to his friends who were giggling in our direction until they were caught off guard by my gaze, quickly averting their eyes.
“Do your friends have anything to do with this?”
“I mean, I suppose a little. I wanted to approach you so they encouraged me. It wasn’t a dare or anything like that if you were wondering.”
“That’s cute of them.” I cocked my head for a moment, “I don’t mind, but are you sure you can keep up? I can’t promise I’ll slow down for you.”
“I can certainly try.”
I nodded and skated off, not waiting for him to join by my side, but knowing he would, and he eventually did.
“So,” I began, “May I have your name?”
“That would probably be useful information, yes.” He laughed, “I’m Jongho. What’s yours?”
I introduced myself and he nodded, a slight smile still on his face.
“You’re really attractive, you know that?”
He flushed, “Wow. Are you always this blunt?”
“Usually,” I shrugged.
“I admire that. I am too, most of the time.”
“Yeah?” I skated slightly ahead of him, turning around and skating backwards, still facing him, “You give off the vibe that you would be.”
His eyes became playful, “What other vibes do I give off?”
“Hmm. You look strong, so maybe you work in construction? Or some other profession that requires physical strength,” I raised my hand to my chin, “Also, I feel like you play an instrument. Maybe you sing? Either way I think you’re musically inclined.”
“You’re wrong with the profession. I’m a college student but I’m on a dance team so it requires strength. Plus I just like working out. You were right about the singing, though. It’s a hobby of mine.”
Jongho once again smiled, but it quickly disappeared and his eyes widened. He reached out towards me grabbing my arms and pulling me close.
“What are you-”
A little girl skated past us at a fast speed, right where I had been before.
My heart was racing, almost to the point of not being able to form words, but I had to thank him, “Oh my gosh thank you.”
“Hey it’s no problem.”
I noticed how close we were, my hands placed on his chest with his arms locked on my back. All at once I felt as if my breath had been taken from me as I looked into his dark eyes. I felt myself being drawn to him, unknowingly leaning in closer.
And then he let me go, skating away from me, “Are you gonna catch up?”
I brought my hands to my cheeks, feeling their heat before shaking it off and skating next to him.
Jongho looked in my direction when I reached his side, “Your cheeks are awfully pink, darling. Are you feeling cold?”
His cocky voice and the pet name caught me off guard and I looked anywhere but him, trying to avoid eye contact.
“Oh don’t get shy now. What happened to the blunt and confident girl I met earlier?”
“She’s blushing right now. And feeling nervous because she thought you were going to kiss her.”
He titled his head, “Did she want that happen?”
“She might have...” I bit my bottom lip and nodded, “She did.”
“Well you’ve gotta take me out to dinner first.” He laughed, “But, I might make an exception for you. On one condition.”
“Which is?”
I noticed he stopped skating and I stopped as well, curious as to what he might want.
“I want to go on a date with you.”
I narrowed my eyes, “You aren’t a player, are you?”
“No, not at all!” Jongho raised his hands in defense, “I just think you’re really beautiful and I’d like to get to know you better.”
I giggled at the compliment, feeling shy, “In that case, I agree to all terms and conditions.”
“Come here, then.”
I skated slightly closer to him, placing my hands on his warm cheeks as I felt his hands rest on my hips.
“I haven’t kissed anyone in a hot minute.” I confessed.
“That makes two of us,” Were his last words as he placed his lips on mine. His lips felt so warm and inviting and only until that moment did I realize how badly I had wanted to kiss him. I pulled him closer to me and kissed him harder, leaving me breathless. Too soon we pulled apart, eyes finding the other’s.
Jongho’s gummy smile appeared and I felt my heart skip. The cheer of several men brought me back to my surroundings.
“Yeah,” Jongho rubbed his neck, looking in their direction, “They’re a bit crazy but you get used to them.”
“I’d like to.”
His eyes warmed and he took my by the hand, “So when are you free? I know a great restaurant that just opened up a week ago. We’ll have to hurry though, Christmas is right around the corner and I’m sure we won’t be able to get in for the next few days.”
“Oh yeah? How about this Friday?”
“Perfect.”
“What’s your favorite flower?”
I furrowed my brows, “Why?”
“Well if you think that I’m going to show up at your place without bringing you flowers, you’re sadly mistaken.”
I bit my lip again and looked down at the ice, “I tend to like peonys.”
“Noted.”
We exchanged numbers and said goodbye far too early for my liking, but his friends began to complain about being hungry, and he caved.
Watching Jongho walk away I decided to head back home. Originally I planned on skating for a while after, but I couldn't seem to concentrate with all the butterflies in my stomach.
Not even halfway back to my apartment I received a text from Jongho, making me smile.
‘Don’t forget our date!’ He wrote.
‘I’ll be looking forward to it :)’
The butterflies in my stomach returned. Feeling childish with these new emotions, I skipped the rest of the way home with a smile on my face. All but holding my breath for the next time I would see him.
Ice Cream Pt. 3~
ꕥPosted: 11/6/20
ꕥGenre: Fluff
ꕥPairing: FemReader! x Seonghwa
ꕥWord Count: 2.7k
ꕥWarnings: Slight language
ꕥA/N: This is honestly one of my favorite fics I’ve written and I really hope you all like it too! Let me know if you’ve got any suggestions! Also! I changed up my pics at the top of my fics! Whatcha think?
Your POV
The warm, gentle breeze rustled my hair as I sat beneath what quickly became my favorite tree in this park. Its tall Oak branches provided plenty of shade and the grass beneath it always felt so soft to the touch. In the middle of summer, it was the perfect place to be.
Flipping another page of my book, I yawned loudly, awaking the warm body that laid beside me. Seonghwa’s sleepy eyes met mine as I gave him a sorry smile.
“I didn’t mean to wake you. You can go back to sleep if you’d like.”
He brushed a strand of hair out of my face, tucking it behind my ear, “Don’t worry, I’ve slept enough anyhow.”
It had been roughly two months since we first met. In the first month alone we went on five dates, still unable to get enough each other. It was faster than I had moved in previous relationships, and at first a part of me was afraid I would lose interest, but I hadn’t. Not even in the slightest.
Seonghwa’s eyebrows crinkled, “Whatcha reading, babe?”
I gave a slight smile. “The Outsiders. Last time I read it I was about fourteen. I remember loving it so much. I’m really glad I picked it up again.”
Seonghwa nodded. “That’s a good one.”
A comfortable silence fell between us as I attempted to resume my reading, but the dark orbs I felt on me led my attention elsewhere.
I spoke without bringing my eyes from the book. “You know I’m having an awfully difficult time reading when you look at me like that.”
A sly smile appeared on Seonghwa’s face as he moved closer, “And why might that be?”
“Because staring at someone like they’re your next meal isn’t necessary the most relaxing feeling.”
He responded with a soft chuckle and placed his head on my shoulder. My stomach fluttered and I did my best to ignore it as I stared at the pages before me, but it wasn’t working.
I’m getting too distracted. There’s no way I’ll be able to continue where I left off. Not with Seonghwa being so close to me, anyway.
Placing a bookmark inbetween the pages, I closed the book and placed it in my small backpack.
Turning to my boyfriend, an idea formed. “Have you ever made pottery before?”
Seonghwa blinked a few times, looking off into space. “No, I don’t believe I have.”
A large, toothy smile lit up my face. Grabbing his hand I pulled him off the ground and started leading him in the direction of my second favorite place in the world. The first? Wherever Seonghwa was.
Seonghwa’s POV
I grasped her soft hand harder in an attempt to keep ahold of her. She quickly skipped in what I could only assume was the direction of the closest pottery store, stringing me along.
“You walk awfully quick given your short legs little legs, you know that?”
She turned around and squinted at me, clicking her tongue, “Rude.”
I did my best to hide a smile. Her flowy jean overalls and large, pale blue shirt practically swallowed her which already made her the cutest thing I have ever seen. The feigned annoyance on her face just added another layer of cute. Not that I’d tell her outright.
Or hell, maybe I would. I’d love to see her cheeks flush again.
We approached a quaint store front that displayed the most intricate pottery in the windows, alternating with floral arrangements.
I read the store name aloud, “Soul Glaze?”
She gave a hum. “I’ve spent most all of my summers here. This place means a lot to me.”
Wiggling her fingers that were intertwined with mine, she reached for the door and opened it, revealing a group of children running about, laughing, and attempting to make pottery.
“Birthday party?” My girlfriend asked a young woman with bright red hair who appeared to be working there. She spun around, noticing us for the first time. The woman’s eyes lit up as they made eye contact.
“Oh my god! It’s so good to see you!” The woman yelled, promptly giving a bear hug to the woman I was holding hands with. She let go of my hand and hugged the redhead back.
“You look so good! How have you been?”
“I’ve been great! Actually...there’s someone I want to introduce you to.” Both women looked at me.
“This is my boyfriend, Seonghwa. Seonghwa this is Kim. She was my best friend in high school.”
“Very nice to meet you, Kim.”
She smiled in response, “You as well! I’m glad to see my bestie found someone. She certainly deserves it.”
My girlfriend flushed slightly. “So we were actually hoping we could maybe make some pottery. Do you have any space left?”
“Of course! Always for you!”
Kim lead us to a room separate from the children, thankfully. Not that I didn’t like children, but I was looking forward to spending some time alone with my girl.
“Alright I’ve got everything here that you need and I know you won’t need any help but if you need any more supplies just let me know. Have fun you two.” Kim gave a friendly wink to her best friend and left, presumably to help the children with their pottery.
My girlfriend squealed, bouncing up and down like a child. “It’s been so long since I’ve been here!”
As she walked around the room examining everything, the glint in her eye which I’ve come to love so deeply returned. But it wasn’t just that look in her eyes I loved. I loved all of her. Every smile, every laugh that she gave me made me feel like a lovesick teenager. Every flip of her hair, every sultry gaze made me forget to breathe. I loved every witty and sarcastic comment that she made towards me, how she challenged me in every way. In a good way. She made me want to be a better man for her. I needed to be a good man for her.
Wait.
I froze, afraid of my own thoughts.
I love this girl. It’s literally only been two months how can I already be in love with her? Oh god. Maybe it’s just a fleeting thought?
But as much as I tried to push down my feelings, the words kept repeating over and over in my head.
I love her.
Your POV
“You okay Seonghwa? You look a bit pale.” I could hear my voice laced with concern.
He shook his head slightly and laughed. “It’s just cute to see you so happy.”
I didn’t even have to see my face to know that it was gradually heating up and I closed my eyes as if that would prevent him from seeing it. Before Seonghwa could tease me about it I heard the loud voice of a young boy yelling my name. I turned and saw him running towards me.
“Stevie!” I smiled as he approached me and gave him a tight hug.
“How’ve you been? Gosh you’ve grown up so much since I’ve last seen you! You’ll be a grandpa in no time!”
The boy giggled, “No I’m only four! You’re the grandpa!”
“I’m the grandpa? Oh you’re gonna get it now!” I laughed as I picked him up and held him above my head.
Stevie squealed and laughed loudly as I lifted him higher. I set him down after a moment or two and he pointed at the man beside me.
“Who’s that guy?”
I let out a soft laugh. “This is my boyfriend, Seonghwa.”
Stevie looked at Seonghwa. “I won’t remember that so I’m calling you number two.”
“Why number two?” I inquired.
“Because I’m your first man!” He pouted and puffed out his chest.
Laughing, I squatted down to his height and ruffled his thick brunette hair, “You sure are, bub.”
I made eye contact with my boyfriend. “This is Stevie, Kim’s son.”
Seonghwa squatted down, holding out his hand to shake his hand. “It’s very nice to meet you, young man.”
Stevie gave a skeptical look as he shook Seonghwa’s hand and pointed at him. “Treat her good! If you don’t I’ll take your place, number two.”
My boyfriend raised a hand to his head in a salute. “Yes, sir!”
I did my best to hold my laughs but it didn’t work in the slightest.
“You two are cute.”
“But I’m cuter, right?” Stevie asked with wide eyes.
I glanced at Seonghwa and leaned down to whisper in Stevie’s ear, “Definitely.”
The young boy cheered and told us he had to go back to his friend’s birthday party. I waved goodbye as he ran out of the room.
“He’s just the cutest kid. I-”
Seonghwa swept me up and kissed me, gently resting his arms on my hips as he deepened the kiss.
“What was that for?” I asked, breathless.
“Just being you.”
I bit my lip and looked down, smiling slightly. He always said such cute things so easily and it flustered me every time.
“When Kim got pregnant with Stevie she was so nervous. We were still relatively young and she didn’t think she’d be a good mom.” I shook my head, “She was worried for nothing. She’s the best mom anyone could ask for.”
Seonghwa smiled, “You’d make a fantastic mom yourself.”
“Maybe one day.” I smiled back. I honestly never wanted kids. I was always more content with being an honorary aunt.
But I don’t think I would mind them with Seonghwa.
I set down my little backpack on a nearby chair and took some clay, placing it on the pottery wheel in front of me.
“Alright babe. Let’s get started.”
Seonghwa’s POV
My heart swelled the instant she pulled Stevie into her arms. I never knew that she was so good with children. We never really talked about it, but in that moment I could picture a life with her.
I could picture myself proposing to her, how sweaty my palms would get beforehand, how I’d likely forget half of what I wanted to say, how she’d look at me when I get on one knee, how afterwards she’d kiss me and I’d gently place the ring on her finger.
I could picture our wedding, watching my soon-to-be wife walk towards me, her favorite colored flowers in her hand, the dazzling smile on her face that makes my stomach do somersaults.
I could picture our first dance as husband and wife, tears in both of our eyes from the overwhelming happiness that we’d feel, the world seeming as though it disappeared in that moment.
I could picture how beautiful she would look pregnant, the tears in my eyes when she’d tell me, the unbelievable excitement for the next stage in our lives we would feel.
I could picture going clothes shopping for our unborn baby, my wife fawning over how cute the small clothes looked, probably buying every outfit possible.
I could picture lazy mornings in bed with our children, showering them with love and warmth, making sure they’d feel nothing but safety and comfort for all of their years.
I could picture sunny days in the park, pushing our children on the swings and listening to their joyous laughs as they’d ask us to push them higher.
I could picture growing old with her, watching our children graduate and having a life of their own, the grey in our hair that would slowly show, our kids teasing us about our age.
I could picture always protecting her and being there for her. I didn’t try to fight it anymore. I knew: she’s the one.
I was forced to push my thoughts aside as she began to teach me the basics. She was impressively good and I was embarrassingly bad, even with her instructions.
“No you’re doing great!” She told me when I voiced my thoughts.
I gave her a deadpan look and she giggled. “What? I was terrible my first time too, but you’re trying and that’s all that matters.” The kiss on the cheek she presented me with sent my heart flying, yet I tried to suppress it.
Time flew by and before I knew it our pottery had been made to our satisfaction and placed in a kiln. My girlfriend explained that it would take awhile for the pottery to be fully ready so we’d have to come back in a few days.
“Fine with me. That’s just more time I get to spend with you, doll.”
She bit her bottom lip and rolled her eyes, playfulness in her voice, “Yeah I guess so.”
After paying and bidding adieu to Kim, we left and wandered back to the park, my girlfriend slightly teasing me about my attempt at making a bowl.
“So when did Yeosang say he was gonna meet us?” She asked, wrapping her arm around mine.
“In about an hour. He’s bringing Aurora, by the way.”
I could sense her nerves, “You’ll like her, I promise. Your personalities are pretty similar so you’ll get along fine.”
“I sure hope so.”
Your POV
Aurora, Yeosang’s girlfriend, was someone I felt I’d become indebted to. Without her, I never would have met Seonghwa. This was my first time meeting her and I was nervous to say the least. I’d met Yeosang several times before so I wasn’t necessarily nervous about seeing him again. I just hoped I would get along with Aurora.
“Hey.” Seonghwa turned to look at me, “Don’t overthink it. It’ll all be okay. Even if she doesn’t like you—which she will—that’s not gonna change things between us, alright?”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me for that. You’re my girl. I’ve gotta stand by your side.”
I was quiet for a moment or two. His words meant so much to me. I wasn’t sure how to express it so I kept it simple. “That makes me happy.”
“You make me happy.”
I gave him a playful shove and giggled, “Get outta here.”
Seonghwa scoffed. “How dare you. I confess my true feelings and this is how I’m treated? Heartless.”
I moved in front of him, forcing him to stop walking. I looked deep into his eyes and I could feel the heat return to my cheeks at his gaze alone.
“Then let me confess mine.” Standing on my tippy-toes, I cupped his face and whispered into his ear, “I’m falling for you.”
I didn’t get a chance to see his reaction as I poked him in the cheek and began to run away from him, “Tag! You’re it!”
The wind once again flew through my hair, although this time it was more chilly, making me wish I had brought a jacket. The sun had begun to set and the cotton candy clouds meshed with the pinkish-yellow sunset. I slowed down unintentionally to take in its beauty, and that’s when I felt a pair of arms wrap around me and drag me to the ground.
I yelped and Seonghwa nuzzled my neck, pressing kisses to my most sensitive spots. “That’s what you get for challenging me.”
Although I wish I could say I had a clever comeback, I didn’t. I was too in awe of how truly handsome he was. I ran my fingers through his dark locks and played with the hair at the nape of his neck as he looked a me. His smile slowly faded as he broke eye contact.
I gave him a questioning look. “What’s wrong babe?”
Seonghwa opened and closed his mouth a few times as though he was trying to find the words to say or maybe work up the confidence to say something. Perhaps both.
His voice came out in a whisper, “Did you mean it?”
I tilted his head so that I could reach his lips. I kissed him lightly and smiled against the kiss. I pulled back and made sure he looked me in the eyes.
“Every word.”
He kissed me with more fervor than he ever had before. His hands wondered to my own, pinning them down.
“I. Am. So. Far. Beyond. Falling.” Seonghwa said between heated kisses.
The cold of the wind was long forgotten as the warmth inside me started to spread. I didn’t have the words to communicate how I was feeling so I resorted to kissing him back with even more passion. Until something occurred to me.
“Wait. We’re supposed to meet Yeosang soon.”
Seonghwa hurriedly checked his watch. “Shit, we gotta go.” Standing up and helping me off the ground, we both began to run to our usual meeting spot with Yeosang.
“It’ll be okay if we’re late, right?”
“Oh yeah totally, it’s fine.” He smiled. “We should probably run a bit faster though.”
Superman Jongho~
ꕥPosted: 11/20/20
ꕥGenre: Fluff & Angst (It ends happy I promise)
ꕥPairing: FemReader! x Superman Jongho
ꕥWord Count: 1.6k
ꕥWarnings: Slight language
ꕥA/N: Happy Halloween everyone! I know I haven’t posted in a hot minute but in all fairness college has been kicking my ass so it’s been awhile since I’ve been able to actually sit down and write. I’ll be posting Ice Cream Pt.3 later this week so look out for that!
“Nice costume, babe.” I giggled as I observed the navy blue tailored suit my boyfriend was wearing.
“Thanks, cutie. Any guesses?”
“Hmm.” I tapped my chin, “Michael Scott?”
“Damn. My James Bond outfit is lacking.”
“Maybe carry around a martini glass?”
“Oh I bet you want me to go around saying ‘shaken not stirred’ too, huh?”
“I mean, if the shoe fits.”
He wrapped an arm around my waist, raising a brow.
“I’m quite curious about your costume, actually. Why the change in style?”
Although my skin-tight, light pink dress didn’t align with my usual scary Halloween costumes, I wanted to try something different this year. So why not go as Hello Kitty?
I adjusted the white cat ears on my head, “I do scary stuff every year. I wanted to try something cute for a change.”
“Well, you certainly look it.”
I could feel my face tinting pink.
“Oh shush.”
“We’ve got about five minutes until we need to leave, do you wanna grab a jacket? It’s a bit chilly outside.”
“Hello Kitty doesn’t wear a jacket.”
“Okay but you do, and it’s cold.”
I squinted, wanting to refuse but knowing how easily the cold could make me shiver.
“Fine.”
After quickly grabbing a fluffy, white teddie jacket, I intertwined an arm with Jongho and we left our shared house for the late-night party.
-
Arriving at the party I looked around, surprised at how nice it appeared. Halloween decorations were carefully placed and every person in sight was wearing a different costume.
Jongho left to meet one of his friends, the host of the party, but not before placing a kiss on my cheek. I blushed at the simple action, still getting butterflies even after all this time of dating.
Approaching the punch bowl to get a drink, I quickly caught the eye of a certain pin-up girl. After a moment she turned to me and squealed, running towards me with an impressive speed. I chucked at my best friend’s actions. I was quickly engulfed in a hug I was half convinced would suffocate me if she squeezed any harder.
“Girl! Come ‘ere! How are you?”
“I’m pretty good, Hanna. And you? You seem excited.”
“I am! The party is gorgeous! And guess what?” She lowered her voice, looking around, “I saw him.”
“Oh my god you did not!”
“I did! A man was trying to rob the store I was shopping at earlier this week and I saw him stop the guy!”
“Are you serious?”
“Totally!”
I was surprised to hear a familiar deep laugh by my side, and as I turned I was met with Jongho’s mischievous eyes.
Placing an arm around my waist he spoke, “Are you two still obsessed with Superman?”
“No-”
“YES!”
Jongho tightened his lips into a small smile.
“Listen.” My best friend began, “I just think that he’s admirable, and strong, and his arms just look great-”
“Don’t you have a boyfriend?” My own questioned.
Hanna waved a hand in the air, “I mean yeah but he knows I think Superman’s cute. I can appreciate an attractive man and still be in love with my boyfriend.”
“Does he think Wonder Woman is cute, too?”
“Yeah well...maybe. But I don’t mind. We’re soulmates and I wouldn’t leave him for anyone. He feels the same.” A dreamy look flashed in her eyes and I couldn’t help but awe at how strongly she clearly felt about him.
Our conversation continued for a while until Hanna noticed the host’s cat trying to drink out of a cup of liquor and quickly ran after him.
We shook our heads in tandem, smiling at her feeble attempt to catch the cat before delighting in the rest of the evening.
-
After the party had come to an end we made our way back home and wandered to our balcony, admiring the beautiful night view.
Jongho tucked a strand of hair behind my ear before placing a few fingers under my chin, lifting it slightly and gently placing his lips on my own.
“I think I’m going to change out of this suit. Care to join me?”
“Actually, I think I’m going to enjoy the night sky for a while.”
He nodded and gave me another quick kiss, heading back inside and leaving me to admire the thousands of shining stars.
I rubbed at my eyes, feeling a wave of exhaustion hit me. Deciding to change into more comfortable clothes, I took one last look at the stars. In my tired state I misjudged where the edge of our balcony was and leaned a bit too far over the edge, causing me to fall. I could barely let out a scream before I felt warm arms around me. I met eyes with my boyfriend and smiled, so, so relived that I was safe. I opened my mouth to thank him as I noticed that we seemed to be hovering mid-air.
“Holy shit. Jongho what’s happening?”
Jongho swallowed and placed me on the safe ground of the balcony, walking towards me.
“I...”
“You’re...him aren’t you?” I stared in disbelief as he gave a small nod.
“Why did you hide this from me?” His eyes lowered, pain evident in them.
“I-I didn’t want to keep it from you. I was just...afraid.”
I tilted my head, trying to understand. In the year that we had dated, Jongho had never shown fear of anything. Not spiders or snakes, scary movies, heights, the deep ocean, anything. And now apparently he’s Superman, too.
What does he have to fear?
Jongho finally looked at me, tears welling in his eyes. There was a sadness and longing in them that I had never seen before.
“I was scared that I would lose you.” He barely spoke above a whisper.
I fought back the hot tears stinging my eyes.
Did he really think I’d leave him that easily?
“Honey, you could never lose me.” I reached out to caress his cheek and sighed when he unconsciously leaned into my touch. Noticing his own actions, Jongho shook his head and pulled away.
“You don’t understand. It’s not just the possibility of you leaving me for who I am, but the danger that you could be put in if you knew. It was just better that you didn’t know.”
“How long were you planning on keeping this from me?”
Even though our words were calm, there was such tangible underlying emotion that we might as well have been screaming.
“As long as possible.”
“Jongho we’re supposed to be a team. How can we be a team when you’re keeping this from me?” I blinked as tears streamed down my face.
I had never seen Jongho cry. The only time he had ever come close was early in our relationship when I was hospitalized for the flu. I couldn’t eat or drink because of how awful I felt. Jongho later confessed that he, for a brief moment, thought he would lose me. Days following my recovery he first told me he loved me. The thought tore my heart everytime I recalled the memory.
And so I thought my eyes were lying to me as I saw Jongho quietly sob.
“I love you. So, so much. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened to you. I can’t—I can’t—lose you.”
I threw my arms around him, clinging to him as if I let go he’d be gone forever.
“You’re so stupid, Jongho Choi. You could never lose me. I love only you.”
“I can’t guarantee that. And besides, are you even sure you still want to be with me? I’m in danger often and I can’t have you chase after me.” My heart broke in two when I heard his voice crack as he spoke his next words, “You could be with a man who would treat you well, one who isn’t putting himself in danger and-”
I pulled back and rested my hands on his face, pulling him into a soft kiss.
“This doesn’t change who you are. You’re still the same man I fell in love with. If it makes you feel better, I won’t chase after you. As long as it means I can stay with you.”
He gave me a heart-eyed smile, letting out a small laugh and holding me tight.
“I was so scared you’d leave me.” He confessed.
“Never.”
He lifted a hand up to my check, wiping away a tear I didn’t realize fell down my face.
“Please don’t cry. It hurts me to see you sad.”
“It hurts me to see you being stupid and thinking I’d ever leave you.”
“Touché.”
“God I probably look like a mess.” I cursed myself for not wearing water-proof mascara.
“You always look beautiful to me.”
I shook my head at how cheesy he was suddenly being.
“So...” I began, “You can fly, right?”
Jongho lifted a brow, a crooked smile lighting up his features.
“Perhaps. Why do you ask?”
“Can I fly with you? I’ve always wanted to fly.”
Without warning he picked me up, letting my legs wrap around his waist.
“Hold on tight, babe.”
We lifted off the ground and my grip around his shoulders tightened unintentionally.
“Hey, it’s alright. I’ve got you.”
“I know,” I smiled at him, “I trust you. It’s just...my first time flying like this.”
Jongho chuckled. “You get used to it.”
“Oh? Is that an invitation for me to fly with you again?”
“If that’s what you want, then of course.”
I chuckled and noticed that he had stopped flying up. We were a decent height from the ground, but not too terribly high.
Jongho nuzzled my neck and leaned his forehead against mine.
“You are the love of my life, darling.”
Smiling back at the handsome man I was fortunate enough to call my own, I kissed him sweetly.
“And you are mine.”